H&M Conscious Fashion Collection

There have been many debates about the cycle of fashion and the fast-pace consumerism that leads to waste. There has also been criticism towards fashion over the impact on the environment, traders and moral, social and ethical issues. There have been many attempts to oppose this; vintage shopping, ethical designing and more sustainable sources.

The highs-street store H&M have recently launched the Conscious Collection in stores. Being conscious the collection; featuring a mix of lace shorts, full-length maxi’s and tops in neon and prints for 2012 trends, are all made from sustainable sources.

And even though its eco-friendly the fashion is not sacrificed. I was quite surprised when I found a cute pair of pastel pink shorts with a crochet lace covering and ties that have skulls detail on them. Keeping H&M’s ethos of low prices the range is a bargain.

The campaign shoots photographed by Terry Richardson with models Constance Jablonski, Edita Vilkeviciute and Karmen Pedaru.

Above the campaign shoot, image courtesy of fashionologie.com

You can now shop the collection in stores and online.

Perfect petites

5ft2. That's me yes I am short. To be honest I really don't mind I can still wear heels and never worry about being taller than anyone.

The only time it annoyed me was when the long chiffon shirts and dipped hem dresses came in. I think being short maxi dresses would drown me but I have had a change of heart and ordered a dress from Asos' petite range with a dipped hem (linked in a previous post: Birthday dresses... Present for moi).

One thing I do really like being short is that I can fit in normal ranges and if I like something can just grab the petite version. Lately, I think the petite ranges have been much nicer and in many store favourites I have preferred the petite clothing over the normal main lines.

So for you petite ladies I have posted a few favourites:

·         For a wedding or dressy night out this Asos dipped hem dress with knicker shorts is only £40.

·         To achieve the pastel trend with smartness this little, summery shirt in peach with button detail is perfect from Dorothy Perkins at just £26.

·         For that amazing festival outfit, Topshop have a summer favourite. The only thing is its so nice its probably going to be the must-have highstreet item and therefore the dreaded same outfit may occur; but Topshop's petite range has a lovely little bra top with 'PEACE' prmted on it.

·         Miss selfridge have secured many fashion points with a pretty amazing printed slogan tee; how could you go wrong jeans if chilly or in the hot, hot, hot summer a pair of little shorts.

Bright mint jeans... Yum

Coloured jeans add a pop of colour to the classic casual look. With celebrities and even royalty stepping out in bright denim; the high-street has heaps of them. I had a pair of reddy-pink ones in the winter to add a twist to the winter wardrobe; but wanted a more summery pair. For me, Dorothy Perkins had the perfect pair they hit the pastel trend of mint green but kept the vibrant pop of colour the jeans were intended too. I love the pastel trend but personally I like I bit of the brights. I love the colour mint so these jeans being a bright mint green were ideal. My favourite style jean being skinny I love them; as they are bright I will wear with a plain white top with accessories or to go super on trend I may go for a pastel patterned tee. One thing is for sure though, with these bright babies you will see me coming!

High-street tacky 'Well Jel' bracelet

The popular reality TV programme TOWIE has brought phrases like ‘reem’ and ‘well jel’ into public language. I was actually quite disgusted when I found a bracelet today in high-street store beaded with the words ‘Well Jel’. Although seen in an Essex store where fake eyelashes and the little flurry of TOWIE stars pop in to where it was found, I think it’s ridiculous a fashion conscious high-street store would stock this.

Apart from looking cheap in its materials; it also has those words to it which just makes it tack for your wrists. I cannot believe anyone will buy this and hope sincerely no one does; I literally want to cringe for anyone who does and help the person who designed it; perhaps they need it. For me, that is not fashion; it is definitely not unique or fashionable.

Addicted to shopping

Payday only means one thing. New clothes of course! Obviously on my latest splurge I was in a summery mood. I brought a couple of little tee’s ready for the summer sun.

The first being white cropped tea from Topshop’s ‘Tea and Cake’ range. Taking printed tops to a different angle the literature slant suits me plus I am still looking for that Romeo!!!

Also, having just brought festival tickets for later this summer and the thought of booking up a holiday very soon, I couldn’t resist another summer bargain. Only £16 from Topshop is quite hard to believe. The loose style and rough edge with an unfinished hem and loose arm sleeves the vest is perfect for the summer. Printed with glitter and a colourful design I think it will definitely be a festival favourite this year.

Recycling Kate Middleton style

You may have seen it; you may not. Britain’s national treasure Kate Middleton is constantly in the public eye and her recent outfit choice has caused a bit of a stir in the press.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a Reiss dress to her first public speech at a children’s hospice in Suffolk. No surprises there, Kate loves a bit of high-street with her favourites being Zara and Reiss. The surprise however comes from the fact that her Mum wore it first, way back in 2010.

The future Queen is not immune to a spot of recycling; wearing outfits again to oppose the usual lifecycle if high-end fashion. But this form of recycling takes it to new heights.

Who wore it best? Kate Middleton last week at her first public speech at a Suffolk Children’s Hospice or Carole Middleton at the Ascots in 2010.

Many have criticised or found it shocking that she has chosen to wear her Mother Carole Middleton’s dress and styled it very similar to how she wore it the Ascots in 2010. The very fact I am blogging about it shows how much it has caused a storm but should it really? I can’t help but think a dress like that for both occasions worn by Mother and daughter were styled appropriately and really there was many other ways to do it. Also with a country in recession, if she wore a new dress people could hardly complain yet we all know people would find a way to criticise. I think it shows a lot about Kate Middleton. Despite having the Crown Jewels of Monarchy in her close future she stays grounded to her roots. And that connection between Mother and daughter is strong which I think is brilliant to see.

If I’m honest I love a lot of pieces in my own Mum’s wardrobe. I often wear her jackets she seems to have another wardrobe of coats and I have been know to completely wear my Mum’s clothes on a night-out.

So I think we should all applaud her for being proud enough to wear clothes again that her Mum was first snapped in and secondly the very fact that I have blogged about it shows maybe we should wake up fashion should be about the clothes and not so shocking that a Princess has worn her Mother’s dress.

Minnies boutique, Brentwood

Brentwood’s most famous sisters Sam and Billie Faiers were the first of the ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ (TOWIE) cast to open off their own boutique- it seems now it has turned into somewhat of a fashion.

Minnie’s; a small boutique along the cobbled Brentwood streets is a family run business.

Walking down Brentwood high-street you are more than likely to see a few people clutching the brown paper bags with the Minnie’s logo on them; often having been signed by Billie or Sam.

But what is it really like?

The shop is only small and cosy, but that gives you the chance to talk to them and see all the stock in the shop. There is the personal touch about the shop with Billie, Sam or their Mum and Aunt offering friendly advice. The personal theme is continued through how the shop named after Sam’s childhood nickname due to her love for Minnie Mouse- hence why their range of jewellery is Minnie Mouse themed.

There are some lovely little bits to have in Minnie’s. Of course there are the glitzy, sequin, jewelled, Essex- style short, tight dresses but there are t-shirts and dressing gowns too. And mixing vintage with some cute little new items, Minnie’s keeps high-street stylish and personal.

What I really like is that the personal touch continues in their website with Sam and Billie actually modelling the majority of their clothing.

With consumerism overload in our society it is nice to see the rise of boutiques in Brentwood; lets just hope these aren’t short-lived and survive against the army of chain stores. So if you haven’t already check out Minnie’s boutique there are some lovely bits I have my eye on.

http://minnies-boutique.co.uk/

Festival fever... The summer festival guide

Now we are in March, I know where has the time gone? The summer seems also nearer and so I think that is it actually ok to start thinking summer plans. Well I have just brought festival tickets so why not? Buying festival tickets for a fashion student means another thing… festival wardrobe! If you didn’t need an excuse to buy more clothes here is it.

First of all wellies, mud is a given at festivals. Some classic Hunter wellies are perfect for the fashion conscious or a bright, printed pair go well with the other festival favourite a pair of shorts. May a Primark stop first a buy a cheap pair of plimsoles to wear aswell if you don’t fancy you wellies if you ruin them (which at most festivals you are highly likely to) just throw them away!

For the day think fashionable, but sensible it may be hot and you may be dancing a lot so you will still need to be comfortable. This little striped number below that nips in at the waist and flairs out is from New Look and a bargain at £22.99. If it rains chuck on a little light rain jack and if you get a chilly a chunky knit both are handy to have (prepare for all weathers).

Another classic outfit is shorts and a little top. I have worn playsuits in the past which are lovely until it comes to needing the toilet where they become a bit of a pain. However I love this pair of mint hotpants from Topshop. Pastels are the key trend of 2012’s summer and mixed with a loose white top with a black bandeau bra underneath it and a great summer tan to emphasis the light colours will look amazing. You could take sweet to the max if you wanted with the Miss Selfridge top (image below the shorts) that had the cartoon character Mickey Mouse on the front and a tie-up detail to the vest.

As I’ve already said at nights and late into the evenings it may be summer but the temperature really drops so take a chunky knitwear cardigan with you. One like this Topshop one is perfect as it is neutral colours it will go with all your festival outfits which means less for you to carry in.

Don’t forget lots of baby wipes, hand gel, dry shampoo, a distinctive tent (the amount of times you will get lost looking for your tent is unbelievable) and maybe a little UV paint; it’s always fun! Also a big bag for your stuff but remember what you pack you have to carry in and plus a tent and sleeping bag it may be a heavy trek to camp. Enjoy!!!

Images courtesy of newlook.com, topshop.com and missselfridge.com.

10th Feb... Don't judge a book by its cover

So I may be a proud Essex girl but I am proud that I don’t believe I particularly fit the associated stereotype. Don’t just judge a book by its cover. In fact on a recent night out where I was only the born and bred Essex lady I was told I didn’t even sound very Essex.

So on the 10^th February my good friend from university came for a taste of Essex; originally from Warwick she came to see the famous taunt of TOWIE: the Sugarhut nightclub. Now, as I only thought I would be in Essex for two nights one of which I would spend as a night-in with Mum and the TV and the other at Olly Murs I didn’t bring many clothes or shoes back with me, As it turns out the shock snowfall meant I actually stayed in Essex for a whole week and two weekends. This however did give me the perfect excuse in my desperate time of need to treat myself to so much needed items: a pair of jeans, top, jumper’s tights and of course what a girl needs most a good pair of heels. Well I am short and couldn’t go to the Sugarhut in flat, little pumps now could I?

I loved the heels because they were a little different; with a suede black heel and platform but contrasting cream and grey patent areas. The cream stood out on the shoe and matched well with my cream Topshop , Chiffon blouse. I wore this with a leotard underneath as it’s so see-through and sometimes that little motto less is more is not always best and my Aztec print I have previously blogged about.

My friend Toni; who actually moved from London a number of years ago but has since lived in Essex wore a simple black dress of a fitted bodice style and full, pleated skirt. The current trend of tights is the mock suspenders and Toni wore her version with bows on them with a pair of killer leopard print shoes; giving a pop of print to her look.

Taking a girly sexiness to a new level Sophy mixed leather leggings from Topshop, grey chiffon, long-sleeved blouse and mega-high platform red courts. She looked amazing and also just shows you don’t just have to stick to dresses. In many ways that just highlights the change to society that women’s fashion has much more freedom.

 

Above:  Left to right- me in river Island and Topshop, Toni in Topshop with Dorthy Perkins tights and Sophy in Topshop.

Henry Holland mock suspender tights

The new trend of suspender style tights I really like. I’ve just ordered a pair from House of Holland (Henry Holland) and cannot wait for them to come. They have to line that mocks the suspenders on a nude colour pair of tights but the line spells the words ‘I’m laddered’ on the lower calf.

For someone who always manages to put a hole in her tights, these are brilliant. It achieves the trend in more of an unusual way. I really like them and cannot wait to wear them with a cute, girly dress and some super high courts.

They are available online on numerous websites; retailed at £12.

Printed leggings #disgusting

I have to admit I do like a bit of Topshop and most of the time Miss Selfridge but both have got a line of printed pattern leggings that I think are just disgusting.

Miss Selfridge’s new chain print leggings seem to have sold out very fast with the online store only having sizes 4, 12 and 16 available. Yet I think they are awful. They do not look like they would flatter any figure and I just think the print is too much.

Topshop has transformed the classic scarf print into its £20 legging. Again, I think they are the most disgusting leggings. With a gold colour scheme and tiger pattern they are very in your face. 

Now, I know pattern is very in fashion but these bold leggings are just not my cup of tea I would rather stick to simple, plain black leggings. But to achieve the look of pattern go for a skirt or printed top; not so over the top but keeps it fashionable and still nice.

Miss Notorious

This May, Miss Selfridge will launch a new collection: ‘Miss Notorious’. Working with the Saturdays; who often wear Miss Selfridge’s slogan tees, Miss Selfridge will launch the range mixing the brands name and one of the Saturdays songs. The collection expected to feature many slogan t-shirts that the Saturdays favour with tiny denim shorts will be available in stores and online from May 2012.

But you can still buy the current T-shirt with the lyrics ‘Whatcha doing Saturday girl?’ from Miss Selfridge for just £22.

Dorothy Perkins heeled boots...

My most recent little buy is the above boots from Dorothy Perkins and I am so in love with them!!! These gorgeous suede tan boots have a fur lined collar and lace up at the front. The cone style heel is easy to walk despite being a fair size. But I absolutely love them and they go so well with so much…. Teamed with jeans they give casual a sense of glamour or with a cute little dress a different edge.



Brightening the winter days (or nights)

When Jones and Jones first started working with Topshop I got so excited; although I don’t think my bank balance was too impressed! I love both brands- just going into Topshop can make me a happy girl!

If you’re a fan of the mini skirt and want to be on trend with full skirts then you’ll like these little numbers from Jones and Jones.

19 year-old Toni Leader from Essex loves these too.

 

Combining both my favourites of Topshop and Jones and Jones in this sexy look she not only poses on trend but also brightens the wintery days.

Here she wears underwear as outerwear with this gorgeous corseted top from Topshop tucked into the Jones and Jones orange double sunray pleated skirt with a bow belt decoration. This lovely little skirt with a pretty little petticoat also comes in black and is a bargain at just £45 but I love it in this bright colour.

With the brightness of the skirt doing the talking, Toni has kept her accessories subtle; wearing New Look T-bar sandals with a high chunky heel and finishing the outfit with a little bit of sparkle with her Christmas present bracelet!

Bright colours really suit Toni and pink being one of her favourite colours this dress for sure had ‘Toni’ written all over.

 

The flower lace-covered bodice is fitted with a higher neck and cute little T-shirt style sleeves makes the skirt look even fuller. The skirt which is gathered and pleated at the waist and has a netted petticoat to add to the prettiness. Teamed with wedges laced up with a flowery ribbon I think she looks gorgeous once again.

Green with envy... Satchel bag and matching purse

 

This gorgeous River Island bag is now mine!!!!

On trend with satchels River Island have created this perfect size bag ideal for daily use and just right for when I’m back at university.

The bright green colour means the bag doesn’t get lost in the dreariness of winter clothing.

And the quilted purse from Dorothy Perkins matches perfectly with gold studded detail that matches the good studs and buckles on the bag.

New shoes for the New Year!!!!

In work (Dorothy Perkins) I have had my eye on a killer pair of red heels for some time and with the approach of the New Year I decided to treat myself.

There are lovely with a chunky heel and huge platform in a patent red colour to contrast the rest of the shoe made of red suede.  

Most of my heels are stiletto and such a thin heel so I love these comfortable ones. The red shoes make a statement to any outfit; whether it is to brighten up a pair of skinnies or as I wore on New Year’s Eve with a little black dress.

And at the bargain price of £25; reduced from £40, I really couldn’t say no!

Christmas favourites...

Father Christmas knows me all to well- getting me lots of clothes and jewellery to wear!!
 
I was a very lucky girl to get a rusty, red colour pair of thick leggings; which I absolutely love. I will dress them up with heels and a black, lace top or for a more casual day a white, slogan tee-shirt and boots.

I recently brought myself a black, lacey bandeau bra and I got a couple of tops to wear with this. A navy chiffon shirt with a white collar and button front. A new party favourite for the days where I decide I’m too cold to brave bare legs and opt for my navy, shiny leggings.

My luck didn't stop there either.... I got tickets to see Olly Murs in February 2012.... I cannot wait!!!

Dorothy Perkins

The newest collection in Dorothy Perkins reflects classic Chanel looks. I work as a part-time sales assistant in Dorothy Perkins and as soon as I saw the latest lines there I could see the Chanel resemblance in it.

The inspiration for the formal trend named ‘China Doll’ is clear. The short, knitted, tailored cardigans look like the staple item of all Chanel collections the suit jacket. The cardigans come into two colour variations- one black trimmed with cream and with the pockets outlined with cream and then a cream one (the opposite to the black). They are a cute little cardi to keep you a little warm when its snowing outside without sacrificing the style and smartness.