NE_StyleSmart: July 2013

Tuesday 30 July 2013

My new buys Part 2

So I've gone a bit crazy on buying clothes this month thanks to left over money from Honeymoon, so thank you very much to everyone who contributed, not only did I get to visit Italy but I got to update my wardrobe, you have made me a very happy girl! This is why I decided to do this post as a two parter.

Sheer Floral Jumper.
For those of you that read my blog and have seen my twitter pictures you will know that I am a bit obsessed by floral; I'm starting to think that some sort of floral therapy may be in order but I had to feed my addiction once more and my hit came in the shape of this sheer floral jumper from Primark. Primark have some amazing floral designs but this sheer jumper really stood out for me, clearly this had nothing to do with it being at the entrance of the shop. I've had so many compliments on it and people can't believe it's from Primark. What's great about the top is how versatile it is; I can dress up a pair of rolled up boyfriend jeans with kitten heels, but dress down my Zara colottes.

Floral Midi Dress
Ok you've got me, I have already blogged about this dress in my ASOS sale post, but it really is that special. I was true to my word, I bought it, wore it for my girls night out and loved it.
End of!

White Cigarette Pants
I'm always a bit wary white trousers and white clothing in general, even though I absolutely I adore it; mostly because I am such a clutz, but also because white isn't the most flattering of colours, however I could not resist these. I usually wear these trousers with a feminine blouse and stiletto heels, but I think that a statement t-shirt would look great with them and add a certain edge to them. I'm considering buying the matching jacket next month to make it a white trouser suit, what are your thoughts?

I think I might have enough floral clothes now; it was only as I was adding these pictures that I realised that every outfit has floral in it. Off to floral rehab I go!

Sunday 21 July 2013

My recent buys Part 1

Black and White Striped Tee
For me there is nothing more stylish than Parisian chic and this was confirmed on my honeymoon. No I was not actually in Paris, as many of you already know, but for those of you who don't I was in Florence. My head was well and truly turned by a girl on a bike wearing a black and white striped tee with a black puff ball skirt; fair play to the girl, I can barely manage to ride a bike well in gym gear, never mind looking stylish whilst doing it. I instantly had to have her top; yes a little bit copycatish but this is now a wardrobe staple of mine.
The tee is from Zara and I love the fine detail that they have added, with a black neckline and the zip at the back. It works with so much; my mates would happily confirm this. I've worn this with a black leather skirt, white jeans, and most recently with my Zara shorts and not surprisingly my Fedora Hat.

Zara Shorts
I've toyed with the idea of shorts for many years and I've finally found a pair that suit me; this has taken quite a lot of effort as I was not blessed with thin legs. I surprised myself that Zara became my shorts saviour as I sometimes find that their sizes can be somewhat unforgiving, but they are so flattering; I think the wide leg helps. I love the colour, perfect for the heatwave that we are having and I intend to wear them in the winter too, with a nice pair of thick tights and a over sized jumper. They go great with my black and white striped tee but also my floral sleeveless vest from Primark.

Black Loafers
I was utterly inspired by my visit to the Gucci Museum in Florence, and yes there were many historical monuments but Gucci is my place of worship. The dresses on display were out of this world and were screaming to be touched much to the anger of the security guards, but it was with the horse bit loafers that I fell in love. Unfortunately my purse does not quite stretch to the £365 required for the anniversary special but Primark never lets me down. I picked these up for a bargain £10. I wear these with everything, dark jeans and a blazer, white trousers, maxi skirts and shorts. The best £10 I have ever spent!

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Liebster Nomination.

I have been a very lucky girl this week. I received not just one, but two Liebster nominations and I cant thank Kristie at http://www.kristieblogsbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/ and Becky at http://bexandthecity2013.blogspot.co.uk/ enough. You must definitely check out their blogs.

The Liebster nomination is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. It is a great way to meet other bloggers, find great new blogs and a way to recognise the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining a blog.

The rules:

Nominees must answer 11 questions asked by the blogger that nominated them.

You need to choose 11 blogs with under 200 followers to pass the award onto and let them know you've nominated them by commenting on their blog.

Come up with 11 new questions for them to answer.

Check out my Q&A below

1.Who is your celebrity style crush?

Millie Mackintosh from Made in Chelsea. I love the way that she mixes designer and high street, and classic Chelsea with a vintage vibe. Check out my celeb style post.

2. What season style do you prefer (i.e. winter or summer styles)

You all might gasp in horror here but I have to say winter. I love layering clothes and you can’t beat an investment coat. I bought my recent winter coat from Topshop three years ago and it was £190, proving that sometimes it does pay to spend a little extra (only sometimes!) I love the bell sleeves and if you twirl round it puffs out, so girly.

3. If you could only wear 1 colour for the rest of your life what would it be?

White. Simple, sophisticated and elegant. I love my cigarette trousers from Next and nothing says summer like a white summer dress.

4. What style or trend do you wish you could wear but doesn't work for you?

Easy one; Sports luxe. I think this look oozes effortless style but unfortunately if I wear loose fitting tops without a belt, I resemble a pregnant woman at 10 weeks who still hasn’t told everyone and is trying to hide the bump.

5. 1 beauty product you can not live without?

This may sound obvious but concealer. I have an extremely busy life; a full time job with an hour long commute each way, a husband, family and friends and now my blog so unfortunately I sometimes resemble a panda, thank God for Benefit's Erase Paste.

6. (stealing a question from above) Why did you start your blog?

I’ve always loved fashion and writing; when I was younger I wanted to be the editor of Vogue, a 'realistic' goal but as I’ve got older I decided that I wanted to write purely for my own enjoyment, so when I looked back on my life I had no regrets, and that it was something that I was proud of.

7. What do you want to achieve with your blog/career in the next 10 years?

I think I answered this question in answer number 6; editor of Vogue...ONLY KIDDING! I would love to be a fashion writer or a features writer. Although I will nearly be 40 by then (scary).

8. What's been your biggest fashion disaster?

A red dress with a lace mesh over the top. I wore this when I was 15, going underage clubbing (hang my head in shame). It was hideous; it resembled a curtain, sadly for you, my lovely readers, there is no photographic evidence, phew!

9. Real, spray or sun bed tanning?

My answer to this question depends on how lazy I am feeling. If I can be bothered and if I am going out with my friends that tan I use Rimmel Instant tan. I hate sun beds, I feel like I’m standing in a coffin and I find £25 minimum a bit extortionate for a spray tan. £5.99 all the way.