[Craving] Urban Outfitters' Breton Tee

Long standing readers of South Molton St Style will know about my obsession with forming the perfect capsule wardrobe.  My Essentials Series is not only a load of posts, but a guide which I have promised myself I want to try and stick to.  

I was recently browsing through the Urban Outfitters site and stumbled upon an absolute steal... This gorgeous breton shirt is only £10.  Ten pounds. 1000 pence.  I think you can see where I am going with this... you need it in your life... (and someone give the model some eye cream and a sandwich... please).

urban outfitters breton shirt £25 now £10

Breton shirts are probably one of my favourite things to wear.  You can jazz them up, play them down - they look fab with patterned skirts as they do with simple jeans and flats for the weekend.  I've created a pin board of all my favourite breton shirt looks here and my essentials post on why you need one is here.  Here are a couple of my fave Breton looks...

Finally, this is one last pretty please to ask you to nominate South Molton St Style in the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards.  Never been nominated before and am slightly touched people have done so, so thank you to all - and to anyone who hasn't I will send you virtual kisses if you do so.  Click here to enter (I'm going for Established Blog of the Year as mine is 18 months old...)

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Craving] Topshop's Dropped Waist Dress

Hope you guys are all well - sorry to be smug but today I am off to the Henley Regatta courtesy of Lexus and Emerald St (Stylist Magazine's cooler, younger digital sister) - hopefully the rain will hold off, am wearing a gorgeous new dress from Tegan - see here (French Connection's more formal, reserved sister).

One of my favourite bloggers is Krystal from This Time Tomorrow.  She's a girl after my own heart as she has a full time crazy job with Google yet manages to keep the blog going, posting several times a week.  Amen to that.  This week she wore a dress by Topshop and it immediately reminded me of a designer's work and I couldn't remember who!

Krystal's Topshop Dropped Waist Dress - £42

So I was delighted when I got my answer over at another blog called Dressing Miss Dolly, it's Victoria Beckham's newest venture; Victoria.  There is an uncanny resemblance here to the style of the dress, and the colour is pretty much there too.  

Victoria has sleeveless versions in her collections too - this baby pink dress is gorgeous at Net A Porter, although the Topshop one is an absolute steal!  What do you think?!

Victoria by Victoria Beckham dress £730

[Craving] Oasis Dress Sale Edit

I've never really done a store edit before, but from browsing the Oasis shop recently I was really impressed by not only the prices, but by some of the styles.  Their trend team clearly have an ear to the ground and interpret designer looks so well.  Here are some of the best pieces I found, and the designers they remind me of:

love the detail on this Jonathan Saunders' paisley print / love this fab interpretation by Oasis for £42

call me mad, but Kate's Orla Kiely has very similar themes to this Tear Drop Shift Dress now £35

you really cannot ignore the similarities between Mary Katrantzou and this gorgeous tea dress now £55

I loved Holly Fulton's powerful black and white prints, and this Tribal Dress ticks the same boxes for £48

Overall, I just cannot tell you how impressed I was with their stuff!  I hadn't shopped in Oasis that much this summer, but given the order I've just done that is set to change for a long, long time.  Check out their entire sale range here.

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Craving] Zara dress takes on Christopher Kane SS11

Back in March of this year I wrote a post on a gorgeous dress that Alexa Chung wore from the 'collection that made people cry' - Christopher Kane's SS11 runway show.  I fell in love with it straight away; the colour, the sparkle, the shape... And the high quickly made their own versions.  Some were pretty good, some really, really weren't.  Either way, I was left unsatisfied (how melodramatic am I being right now!).

However, at the weekend I decided to pay a little visit to Zara.  I hadn't caught up with her for a while and I felt like a bit of a rubbish friend.  She definitely pulled all the stops out to ensure I never neglect her again.  Amongst the gorgeous new pieces was this dress (below).  I think you can see where I am going with this...

The similarities between this dress and the Christopher Kane are a little uncanny - I love it.  Ok, so it's not embellished with crystals and diamonds - but it is only £80 (actually it's £79.99...) so what can you expect.  The shape and cut of the dress is amazing for the price, and it looks absolutely gorgeous on.  I managed to restrain myself, but I already know I'm going to end up buying it...

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Craving] 3.1 Phillip Lim Silver Sandals

Hope you guys had lovely weekends, I certainly did.  I spent Friday catching up with one of my best friend who I really don't get to see enough.  Saturday was fab too; took Lopez on a very long walk (to get him over the trauma of eating my hairbrush - not cool) and then had an incredibly long lunch with blogger friends Dearne and Briony - you probably already know of them, but if not I strongly recommend that you check out their blogs...

3.1 phillip lim silver sandals

Anyway... it's that kind of weather, finally... almost!  We can wear sandals!  It may not quite be proper summer weather yet (as least not in London) but we are getting there.  I got sick of the weather and booked a week away in Italy at the end of July, cannot wait!  It's during the Olympics too so I won't have to stress out about getting to work... regardless: I now have a firm excuse to invest in some summer sandals.  I want the Phillip Lim (they're £310) ones above, thoughts?

HandM silver sandals

I bought the below versions from H&M, and as much as I love them I'm getting a massive urge to splurge (which is ridiculous, as I am broke).  The H&M pair are fab, there is nothing wrong with them (buy them here for £12.99, oh no wait £6.49 now in the sale) in fact they are super comfortable - but they just aren't Mr Lims... Do I or don't I?  Save me from my myself...

Finally, if you enjoy reading my little blog I would be unbelievably grateful if you could vote for me in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards.   I've never tried for an award before, so it all feels a bit weird asking you to vote - but if you could do so here (in the Established Blogger category) I would love you forever for it.

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Essential] Little Black Dress

I've been going a little Pinterest mad over the last week, realising it is far more worthwhile storing my images on there than cramping up hard drive.  So I've created boards for each of my essential pieces, have a peek.  My favourite so far is the one for my little black dresses.  

I wouldn't take much style advice from my father, my sister would concur.  However, one thing he has taught me is the importance of a little black dress.  I can remember being about 17, frantically searching for the perfect prom dress for my school ball.  Dad kept on telling me 'just get the simple black one' and me being the textbook rebelling teenager took no notice at all.  

So I wore a floral number, and looked like a badly arranged bush.  The photos are quite literally hilarious.  The fringe didn't help matters.  Same again with numerous black tie events, until I eventually gave in and succumbed to the LBD.  And I've never had more compliments - and it never looks bad.  Dad was right (I am guessing I can say this freely, as he never reads the blog - he looks at me quite confused whenever I mention it).

I've gradually been storing up images of LBDs to remind me of quite how useful they are to own.  They speak for themselves, you can always find a style to suit you - and the most you need with it is a good blazer or biker jacket.

You can go 'all black' or use the dress to show off a pair of statement shoes (leopard print ones par example).  I love that the same dress can be paired with a pair of flat boots (above) and then rocked up for the evening with some 4 inchers and some red lippy...

My favourite LBD is a classic shift dress from Zara, it seems to be brought out every autumn so I'm clearly not the only one who recognises the greatness!  But basically what I'm saying is, every girl should have one - it's the go to feel-good item.  They obviously come in all shapes and sizes, it's if it's all black it's all right. I've had a snoop around and found the following places have awesome LBD selections at the moment:

Whistles - these guys excel at staples and the LBD is no exception.  Have a browse here at their overall collection, and take a particular peek at this gorgeous Clarabell dress (Givenchy AW12 eat your heart out)

Zara - this dress is fab, quite similar to mine but with the added cross detail at the back. Love it.

Aloe - new name in the UK market, Claire Judge's capsule pieces are amazing. Love this simple black number.

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Craving] River Island Floral Peplum

Last weekend was my first at home for a while and I really enjoyed catching up with myself a bit, and also on the blog - posts have been rather quickly thrown together for the last couple of weeks - apologies!  I do have a good excuse though, I've been frantically busy with some friends organising an event called Flannels 4 Heroes - where we raise money for three vital armed forces charities (Combat Stress, Walking with the Wounded and Help the Heroes) by throwing a cricket tournament in Chelsea.  It was last Friday and went brilliantly - we raised around £25,000!

Floral Peplum Top - River Island - £25

Any way, I spotted a fab little purchase from River Island and have been thinking about it ever since.  I've been loving the peplum trend ever since it first appeared, and I'm so happy that the look is carrying through the high summer.  It's so flattering, I wear my peplum tops with everything at the moment: maxi skirts, jeans, denim shorts... The list is endless.  This floral top is £25 which won't break the bank, and the floral print is fab but not too in your face like some other ones around!  Buy it here.

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Review] Speedy Bag / The Borrowers Club

The main point of me starting up this blog was to help me channel my spending obsession - rein in my ever growing wardrobe and help me decide on what really to spend my money on (hence The Essentials Series).  So when I was approached by The Borrowers Club, their concept literally made me squeal with delight.  In my opinion, the one thing you cannot scrimp on is a handbag - I do judge people on their arm candy - sorry to admit it.  If it ain't designer, it ain't cool.

I'm lucky enough to own a few (thank you boyfriend, thank you sample sales), but the one bag I've never been quite sure on is the Louis Vuitton Speedy - Is it cool?  Is it a bit WAG?  I couldn't decide so I decided to trial it out.  Here is the method behind the genius:  Simply sign up to their website and rent a chosen bag for 5 days - it is delivered to you, and you post it back.  Rentals start at £30.

photo source / photo source

In short, I couldn't have been more impressed with The Borrowers Club.  They kept in touch and let me know exactly when to expect my parcel, which arrived perfectly on time.  It was in a dust bag and with full 'instructions' on how to post it back etc (which is easy, pop it back in the envelope provided and pop it to a post office for free).

Anyway, I 'wore' the bag to an all day charity event me and some friends ran in Chelsea.  I got several comments from people about it - much more than I do when I wear my others, even my Hermes (which really, really surprised me).  The size was perfect for something like that - though it was starting to grate on me that I had to carry it the whole time as there isn't a shoulder strap and the handles are too short to go up your arm.

By the end of the weekend (the rental lasts 5 days) me and Speedy had gone on famously - I realised that owning an LV is a real statement.  Everyone looks at you - and immediately scans the bag for signs of it being a counterfeit.  In truth, I was surprised how thin the leather was for a genuine article. It looked great with more casual outfits, like the one above.  I loved the Speedy for quick trips out, but it's annoying for parties or all-day sessions as you need to keep it in your hand the whole time. Saying that, the bag worked well with my wardrobe as the colour goes brilliantly with my denim, greys, greens and creams.

Lopez got a bit jealous, so had a cheeky shot...

Overall renting this bag couldn't have been more perfect for me; I got to test run something I otherwise would have bankrupted myself through purchasing.  And the result?  As much as I love the Speedy, I don't it's for me - need something a little bigger and something a little less... Louis Vuitton.  Absolutely recommend The Borrowers Club, have a look at their site here.

Also... if you enjoy reading South Molton St Style it would mean the world to me if you could vote for me in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards here - I'm going for the Established Blogger Award. Thank you MILLIONS in advance  means a LOT. xxx

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Craving] Rare London Mint Maxi

Some of you might follow a blog by Blair Eadie called Atlantic Pacific?  If so, you've no doubt seen some of her Tibi dresses that she features on her blog.  My favourite so far, without a doubt, is this mint green one she wore a couple of weeks ago.  I spotted a model in it on pinterest a few days later and have been lusting after the look ever since...

I have been a huge fan of the peppermint trend ever since it first appeared last season - so fresh and clean in comparison to the other busy, patterned trends of Spring 2012.  I was lucky enough to go to a Topshop Personal Shopping event on Tuesday evening and spotted this Rare London dress on the basement floor on Oxford Street (where they have all their concessions).  At £48, it ticks all of the same boxes as the Tibi - but is £400 cheaper... What you can't see from this awful pic of the website is the floatiness of the dress - it really is gorgeous.  You can thank me later :)

Also... if you enjoy reading South Molton St Style it would mean the world to me if you could vote for me in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards here - I'm going for the Established Blogger Award. Thank you MILLIONS in advance  means a LOT. xxx

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo

[Trend for SS12] Broderie Anglaise

Celine / Dolce and Gabbana

You may have noticed a slight bombardment of a theme across our high streets recently: Broderie Anglaise (not going to even try pretending I didn't have to google that).  I guess Louis Vuitton prompted it first, with their amazing fairground themed show all that time ago.  But what Marc stands, the rest finish - everyone from Dolce and Gabbana to Vivienne Tam quickly produced similarly designed pieces.

Akira (Australia Fashion Week) / Louis Vuitton

To explain, and to repeat my learnings; Broderie Anglaise is a form of needlework on white cloth incorporating cutwork, lace and embroidery.  It's a very old method, and was used back in time to juice-up basic clothing at a fairly low cost.  Often sits well with Western/Cowboy themes as they did the same thing.  I have found tonnes of pieces recently, and here are my favourites.

ASOS Broderie Anglaise Dress, £100

Hobbs Broderie Anglaise Skirt, £99 / Mango Broderie Anglaise Dress, £42

Jack Wills Rossmore Dress, £98 / Three Floor Fashion Poesy Lace Dress £118

I love how crazily intricate some of them are, and for that reason I'd pair them up with basic shorts, denim chambray shirts and black leather trousers.  The Hobbs skirt would look fab with a grey tee and pumps.  There seems to be something a bit nautical about the look, so Breton tees would be great with the theme - can't work how though - any tips!?  I walked past someone today wearing a fab broderie-peplum top, blue skinny jeans and black heels. Perfect mix of classic and trend = love.

Whistles - Silk Millie Blouse - £135

Lastly... I was just emailed by the lovely Whistles team about their new pieces and this gorgeous Millie blouse dropped into my inbox.  Fits the trend perfectly - I NEED it! Also... if you enjoy reading South Molton St Style it would mean the world to me if you could vote for me in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards here. Thank you MILLIONS in advance.

 

South Molton St Style 

xoxo