Summer Trends 2016

SUMMER IS HERE! Okay I know it doesn't really look like it outside, but we did have a two-day heat wave last week, its England, how much sun were you expecting?! This post is to share my top 5 wearable Summer 2016 trends from the catwalk to the highstreet...

1. Pleats 

Catwalk

Adam Lippes, Balenciaga, Céline

Highstreet

Boohoo, Asos, Topshop

2. Off-the-Shoulder 

Catwalk

Simone Rocha, Adam Lippes, Alexander McQueen

Highstreet

New Look, Asos, Urban Outfitters

3. Net/Mesh

Catwalk

Acne Studios, Simone Rocha, Alexander McQueen 

Highstreet

Urban Outfitters, Asos, River Island

4. Victoriana 

Catwalk

Erdem, Rodarte, Philosophy de Lorenzo Serafini

Highstreet

Warehouse, Topshop, Asos

5. Nightwear as Daywear 

Catwalk

Calvin Klein Collection, Burberry, Balenziaga 

Highstreet

Urban Outfitters, Asos, Topshop

Hope this give you inspo from this seasons catwalk trends, and helps you to rock the looks in day-to-day life!

K.

Socks and Sandals: Do's and Don'ts

So after much deliberation I have come to the conclusion that yes, socks and sandals are now acceptable in day to day fashion. BUT, there are still many rules that you must follow for it to be fashion forward thinking rather than old grandpa chic.

1- These sandals must be either, A- Sliders or B- Dollys

2- These can't be any plain jane socks. These socks can either be sports wear, those that accompany your typical Nike/Addidas sliders, crazy design socks e.g those with chips or cosmos covering them, frilly socks- yes those socks you used to wear when you were 5 are back in fashion and even I, a 19 year old girl have been wearing them, and it's acceptable ! I tend to pair these pastel frilly socks with my white dolly sandals, but can often be paired with plain coloured trainers.

3- Please DO NOT WEAR SOCKS WITH FLIP FLOPS, this is definitely not a good look. Whilst commuting into London every day for my internship there was one lady who continued to ignore this rule and without fail wore socks with flip flops every day. Hats off to her in that she honestly didn't care, but it was not a favourite outfit choice of mine.

4- Wear your socks sandals look with confidence. One thing that nobody can deny is that when you look confident in an outfit, others accept and appreciate your fashion choice a lot more than if they have seen a shy person who is questioning their outfit choice.

K.

The Glamour Of Italian Fashion

If you read my previous post on 'Wedding Dresses 1774-2014', you'll know that I was sent out to research exhibitions at the V&A for my fashion internship. I was lucky enough to be sent to the amazing 'The Glamour Of Italian Fashion. I had such an amazing day, walking round the beautiful museum and viewing some of the most stunning fashion in the industry.

The exhibition observes the development of Italian fashion from World War II through to the present day. It displays a long line up of designers from Sorelle Fontana and Giovanni Battista Giorgini to Giorgio Armani and Moschino. When walking around you really begin to appreciate the great quality of italian fashion, although this is seen as a typical cliche, it is one thing that particularly stands out.

The exhibit was set out into 5 rooms, each in chronological order of time period. The first from 1774, this displayed women’s wartime day suits. The government used this fashion to help them through the hard time and construct a sense of nationhood. 

The second showing the garments made after the war, the 'Return to luxury', specifically showing beautiful and colourful ball gowns.

 The third focused on the 1950s and 60s. It showed the influence from Hollywood, lots of glitz and glam, and displayed actors and actresses outfits from the period, such as Audrey Hepburn’s gown from ‘Love in the Afternoon’. 

The fourth room was the 'now', exhibiting modern designers and some of their current seasonal garments. 

And finally, the fifth room, 'The Future'. This room projected video interviews with known names of Italian fashion, discussing what they believe makes Italian fashion unique and what is in store for the future.

The  exhibition makes you appreciate the influence of Italian fashion worldwide and the beauty and quality of their garments.

K. 

'Wedding Dresses 1774 - 2014' at the V&A

When being sent to the Victoria and Albert Museum for research for my internship, I took the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Not only was it lovely to go to the V&A on such a warm summer's day, admire the museum and its surroundings, but I also got to go view an exhibition which i'd been wanting to visit for quite a while now: 'Wedding Dresses 1774-2014'. 

Upon entering the two floor exhibition you are presented with an explanation of what it intends to do. This was one thing that remained in my head whilst walking round the showing, that it was not merely a display of wedding dresses, but that it aims to capture the magical experience of each individual bride's wedding day. It showcased a variety of dresses expanding over culture and time to demonstrate that each bride is different, not only displaying dresses of celebrities but also those of every-day women. The entire experience enkindles the essence of which each bride's personality is echoed through their wedding dress. 

Here are a few of my favourites....

One of my favourites had to be this gown. Ian Stuart's 'Flower Bomb', due to its creativity and craftsmanship.

Another is Vivienne Westwood's dress, designed specifically for Deeta Von Teese. Although it's not your typical coloured wedding dress, it visually displays her personality.

This Dress was neither designed nor worn by anyone famous but is a classic example of asian culture, and how it is still present in festivities in today's society. This gown was worn by Anjali Bulley, an employee at the V&A.

Finally, my absolute favourite. Kate Moss's dress which was designed by John Galliano. This dress is stunning, no photo could do it justice. It took 701 hours to embroider the dress and 253 for the veil. 270,000 gold sequins were hand sewn onto the gown along with 120,000 paillons and 2800 pearl beads. It shimmered with each touch of the light. 

I would recommend this exhibition to anyone interested in fashion, looking for wedding inspiration or even those intrigued by the historical aspect.

K.

Skincare In The Sun

Ahhh Rome - Pizza, Pasta, Gelato, Ruins, Romance and most importantly SUN. There's no chance of me experiencing this on off weather that is a contestant bother here in England. Therefore, i am packing for hot weather, sun and sightseeing. 

As i'm off on Sunday I thought it would be nice to share a sneak peak into my holiday essentials.  

As well as packing all my clothes, shoes and bags I took a few quick tips off S for what creams and oils are best for keeping my skin protected and moisturised. Here are my top three skin essentials... 

1. Soap and Glory Heel Genius: This cream is amazing for using after a long days walking as well as after a day at the beach, protecting your heels from cracking and dry skin.

2. Neal's Yard Frankensense Hydrating Cream: I use this on my legs, as this is the one place on my body where I suffer from dry skin. It helps reduce the dry and keep my legs silky smooth. 

3. Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration Sun Screen: This sun cream not only protects your skin from burning but also contains hydrating ribbons to prevent your skin from drying out, unlike other sun cream which often leave your skin dry and damaged. 

4. Hawaiin Tropic After Sun: This is a perfect moisturiser after your skin has been out in the sun. The sweet smell of coconut accompanied with a smooth and soft skin coverage rehydrates and nourishes.

Keep a look out on our Instagram page for frequent updates on what I'm getting up to on my trip - SANDKSBLOG 

K.

Summer 2014, A First Glimpse At Summers Top Trends

As Summer is only a stone’s throw away, it was thought that it would be suitable to provide a post that features some of my favourite apparel items that have been hyped up for this years summer season essentials. 2014 has seen the return of many timeless fashion trends; from old school athletic, florals and tartans to off the shoulder pieces, amongst many. This Summer we will see the revival of long skirts, the new avant-garde dark looks, sandals and once again pretty pastels.

  

My personal favourite of this years Summer essentials has to be the great comeback of sandals. Whether they are flat-form, heeled or standard flats they are a top buy for this summer. They are great to wear for various occasions; festivals, holidays, BBQs and everyday wear.

Nobody can deny the great impact the Kimono has had on this years Spring/Summer wardrobe. This item can be worn to every occasion whether it being out for drinks or a day out in town. A brilliant cool layer for those warm summer days.

The Skort. An item that until this year was long forgotten, and only okay for tennis players to wear. This piece is able to be dressed up with heels and jewellery for a night out on the town, or dressed down with a pair of converse trainers and a vest top.

These short length baggy thigh trousers are back on my top buy list. Due to their tight waist and ankles they show off your figure by hugging you in the places you want ,and being loose in those other places where you don’t always feel comfortable. Great for every-day attire with sandals, trainers and a crop top.

Here are some examples of outfits, using my top essential items
K.