Outfit Of The Day: Purple If You Please

I should probably preface this by saying there is nothing to see here, lol. 

After all this is a super casual outfit, I am sure anyone reading this could pull a similar outfit from their own closets. Alas this is what I am wearing today. 

I had to complete a few errands today, including returning library books, sampling perfume and scoping out the deals/offers/sales in Boots and Superdrug.  

 (The Simple hydrating mist is a great dupe for the MAC fix plus travel mini #justsaying #saving #budget #cheapncheerful)

The Garments 

Shoes - Zara

Trousers - Mango

Belt - Oasis

T shirt - Primark 

Cardigan - Forever 21

There you go, 

my outfit of today.

xx

Investment Piece: Classic Trench

Front

Undeniably one of the classic wardrobe pieces is the trench coat. Ladies we must give it up for the boys, because this is one item we have hijacked from them. The invention of the trench coat is in dispute by two of the great British fashion houses. Aquascutum's claim dates back to 1850, while Burberry's claim is founded in 1901. This is when Thomas Burberry submitted a design for an Army officers raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office. The trench coat was designed  to be incorporated as a form of military dress (as if the double breasted front and epaulets didn't give this away) an alternative to the heavy Serge greatcoats worn by soldiers at the time.  

Traditionally the trench-coat is double breasted, incorporating 10 buttons, wide lapels, a storm flap, removable insulated lining, raglan sleeves and pockets which button close. It is usually made of a weatherproof heavy duty cotton such as gabardine, or leather.  The classic Lengths come in lengths from above the knee to mid calf. 

 The classic color of a trench coat is khaki. 

Back 

 Now while I sincerely thank Acquascutum and Burberry for their efforts, I do not have the resources to purchase one of their trench coats. My first "trench" like coat was not made in the traditional sense. It was a poly/cotton mix and had no lining,  in essence it was more like a shell than a coat. However last November I stumbled upon the GAP's trench coat offerings for Autumn/Winter 13. Let's just say GAP hit the nail not only on the head but all the way through the board. 

Inner lining

First of all these coats possessed ALL the traditional "Trench Coat" elements. the GAP A/W 13 trench coats are made from 100% cotton. The outer shell is definitely a heavy gabardine, the inner lining is also made from 100% cotton twill. Other elements include a 6 button double breasted front, buttoned epaulettes, buttoned wrists, storm flap and belt. 

Lining pattern - upclose

collar - with hook and eye fastening 

buttoned epaulettes

6 button double breasted front

buttoned wrists / buttoned pockets

GAP Classic Trench A/W 13 (still being sold) 59.99

This trench coat is a contender in the trench coat stakes. The coat itself is heavy, which signifies the quality of the materials used. It keeps out the cold/ snow/ and is suitable for light to mid range rain showers.  After washing it dries well and the material keeps it's shape. 

It is a great unisex gift seasonal/birthday/anniversary/graduation (my brother keeps trying to steal mine to wear out) and it is firmly in the affordable price category. What I like about this coat is he fact there isn't a compromise,. Yes this coat might be cheaper than a Burberry Trench, but apart from the label, this coat offers everything I expect from a traditional  military inspired trench coat. 

I would urge you to go and have a look/feel/try it on of this coat 

if there is a GAP store nearby in your local town.

As for now this has the Graduate Fashionista stamp of approval.

GAP Trench - £59.99 

(I bought both of mine 30% off)

Spring/ Summer Haul: GAP

The GAP is one of those stores, where I never quibble about paying for clothing. 

It is not the most trendy/fashionable place to shop, I will be the FIRST to admit. 

However, one thing about clothing from the GAP is that once you take care of it, it will last. I have fond memories of saving up  weeks of my paper round money and going to the GAP to buy clothes in the sale. Some of those items I still wear them today. All of my work trousers are from the GAP, and you have seen them several times in various posts. 

Trends come and go, a basic item can be stylish forever. Less is more and all that, moving onto the haul. 

Modern Boot - Irish Cream Green

Linen Shirt - White

Slim Cropped Double Weave Pants - Mulberry

Slim Cropped  double Weave Pants - Deluxe Green

Bowery Supersoft Boatneck T-Shirt - White

Pleated Print Skirt - Red/Navy

I will be putting a few looks together with clothing from this haul, along with other items from my wardrobe. Some of the clothing you might have seen before in previous posts, other items I might have never posted on the blog. 

I purchased 2 classic trench coats  from the GAP last November, they will be featured in their own W. W. W. posts soon. 

*whispers* Barack Obama was spotted shopping at the GAP in Manhattan earlier this month. What other reason do I need to love this store? lol lol 

Be Stylish my lovelies.

xx

The Look for Less: The Monochrome Dress

Hello my lovelies, wherever you are I hope that you are enjoying some fabulous weather. 

With spring currently approaching / arrived (depending on where in the world you are, reading this blog entry)  the monochrome dress as a wardrobe staple steps up to the plate as our social calenders pick up speed. 

A monochrome dress is a flexible item which can be dressed up or down to suit a variety of occasions, and it is this flexibility which makes it a great piece. 

The title of this post is called "The Look For Less" Here I have two dresses in the same style but with different price points. There is nothing wrong with looking great, while you are saving money. 

OASIS Graduated Stripe Dress £58

Dorothy Perkins Black and White Stripe Dress  £25

both of these are easy wearing dresses, which can be styled up or down to suit a variety of occasions. 

Outfit suggestions for various occasions:

Work - black pump, pearl earrings/small studs, classic blazer black (or red to give it a bit of pop, that way you are keeping it professional yet cute)

Lunch with friends - Statement jewelry, coloured clutch (for colour blocking effect) jewel toned flats

Ladies Day at the races - facinator/ hat (in a complementary or contrasting colour) heels, clutch

Travel - trench coat, leather bag (tan to get a bit of contrast in there, but still keeping the palette neutral), flats

There you are my lovelies, 

the first "Look for for Less" of 2014.

BlogMas #10 - Fashion

A Tuxedo blazer is great for a different take on party dressing, great for glam looks.

Cosmopolitan Magazine

Joules Hampton Womens Quilted Jacket

Since purchasing my Joules Wellies last year. I have made it a habit to stop by the Joules website here and there to have a look at their products. Though I have been familiar with the brand since my college days, I have never purchased anything before my wellies. If you follow me on twitter you would have seen a few tweets from me inquiring about the fit of the Joules coats/clothing. I ordered the Joules Hampton Womens Quilted Jacket in Marine Navy from the Joules website. Then trooped to John Lewis in Leicester Highcross Shopping Centre to Joules on Monday evening, with the intention of trying on some jackets to get a feel of the fit. From the website it appeared that the Hampton Quilted jacket was shorter in length than the Oakwood Quilted jacket. 

Lightweight quilted blazer - Front 

Lightweight quilted blazer - Back

It was just my luck that there was a Joules Hampton Womens Quilted Jacket in size 8 on the rack and the fit when I tried it on was not too bad. It was long enough to come down a few inches on my hips which for me is adequate coverage. The only thing I am not 100% sold on is the blazer like lapels. This means that since it is a 2 button jacket, there is not as much coverage as I would ideally like in the upper chest area. Joules describes this jacket as being full of small town charm and big city style. The funky floral lining, and blazer like details are distinctive town elements,  whereas the quilting and corduroy bring the country. 

Printed contrast lining 

Decorative assorted  buttons 

Corduroy pocket detail

Single back vent

Button fastening 

Assorted buttons on sleeve and branding embroidery

This jacket would be a great gift for the autumn/winter weather, as a birthday or Christmas present. Plus let us not forget the super bargain price  £39.95 vs the RRP of £79.95.

Here's to winter warmth and super savings, 

my lovelies.

xx

   

Haul: Zara Twill Bermuda Shorts

Fresh out the plastic.

Opening the box

About to rip it

Yayyyyyy 

White 

Beige

Navy 

Shorts!!!!

My lovelies,

 I bought the Zara Twill Bermuda shorts in all three colours, much to the raised eyebrow of my financial adviser. She doesn't think I needed to purchase all three pairs.  We have been having some cracking good weather over here in the UK and I believe these will be put to use quite soon. Also when I go on vacation to hotter climates I need to be prepared. 

 I am a UK 8/US 4, in terms of fit on my body these shorts sit low on the hip, cover my entire butt and end on my upper thigh.  They fit flat against my stomach with no paunching, or gapping. The ZARA Twill Bermuda shorts fit well against the bum, are not tight or restrictive and I can easily move about in them. They do not ride up while I am wearing them neither.

Twill is a type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. A twill weave is the second basic weave that can be constructed on a simple loom. Twill is a durable fabric commonly used for work clothing, uniforms and upholstery  it is made to endure numerous washing's and still remain intact. Examples of twill fabrics are chino, tweed, gabardine  serge, denim, and drill.

 (If you are purchasing in store I would recommend walking  up and down the entire length of ZARA dressing room, and doing a few squats.) 

The ZARA Twill Bermuda shorts are made from 100% cotton 
and so far I have been very happy with my purchase.

xx

What to Wear to Work - Green Structured Dress

 Last week we had to Blue draped dress, this week it is  the Green structured dress. A simple design with small pockets on the sides. This dress can be easily styled this with a cardigan (white/yellow), a blazer or short jacket with rolled back sleeves, a necklace if wearing the dress on its own or a wide belt to accentuate the waist. 

 The fit of the dress is neither tight, nor clingy. so no worries about it splitting or bursting seams if you have to make a mad dash or two across town on your lunch hour. 

look at me now

stand up straight, shoulders back

"Fashion fades by Style remains eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Shoes - Dune

caio ma bellas

xx

Style File - Bershka Coloured Shorts

While browsing the Bershka website I came across these beauties. I decided to share them with you my lovelies. No they are not the same as the shorts from last week. These shorts have a higher waist, the shorts from Zara sit low on the waist. These shorts are made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, not 100% cotton but I can let them slide. They are not badly priced either, coming in at £14.99.  

Beige

Strawberry

Navy

Black

Photos - Bershka

The sales have started this week, 
so there are some great bits to be snapped up.
Peace my lovelies.

xx

Style File - H&M Cotton Shorts

Another shorts post, I did tell you guys that I love shorts.  While I was telling all my friends about the very, very, very affordable Zara Twill shorts. One of my girls put me onto this chic number from H&M, 97% cotton and again attractively priced at £7.99. This pair is more suitable for dressing up, could be paired with a blouse or with a white vest and blazer. At the moment I can easily Think of 4 pairs of black shorts in my wardrobe so these ones are safe from my clutches. 

Black 

Photo - H&M

My black shorts 

happy shopping my lovelies.

xx

Style File - Zara Twill Bermuda Shorts

As an Island girl born and bred, I believe that it is my human/constitutional right to wear shorts. It is in an amendment somewhere, right next to the one that allows me to just be this fabulous all of the time. Shorts prices are a sore spot with me though. I find it very hard to pay these house and land price retailers charge for them. If I pay 30 - 40 for a pair of full length trousers, then WHY so do I have to pay the SAME amount or there about for shorts which in fact use 1/5 less material? 

Then material comes into play, I am not one for the sisters poly&ester. I am down with Cotton, Silk, Wool, I will pay for. These poly/cotton blends are not the one, yet they are very prevalent in mainstream clothing at the moment.

  I digress back to the shorts. I love a short, Zara has these 100% Cotton Twill Bermuda shorts on sale at the moment at the grand price of  wait for it £9.99. Can you say BARGAIN!!! They are available in 3 colours listed below. I have seen similar shorts available from Jack Wills and Hollister carrying hefty price tags of £39.50 - £40.

Twill is a type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. A twill weave is the second basic weave that can be constructed on a simple loom. By nature twill is a durable fabric commonly used for work clothing, uniforms and upholstery  it is made to endure numerous washing's and still remain intact. Examples of twill fabrics are chino, tweed, gabardine  serge, denim, and drill.

Navy 

White 

Beige 

Photo credit: Zara 

I need to start counting my sheckles so that I can purchase a few of these for myself. 

Ta Ta my lovelies.

xx

Summer Summer Summer time Mango Haul

Just a few tops that I bought to wear now that the sun is fighting to come out. I have enough White and Navy blue vest tops.  I needed some colour in my life. These vest tops are great with jeans, shorts,  & chinos. They can also be used for layering under blazers and cardigans. 

Yellow, Coral, Red and Cobalt

Yellow 

Coral 

Red

Cobalt

Happy shopping my lovelies. 

xx