Cropped Flares

Cropped flares are my new culottes. For those of you who follow me, you will know my obsession with culottes. I have every single colour, material and length and I will NEVER stop wearing them (ok unless I get reallly cold ankles...). Anyway, this season it's all about the cropped flare. Now I need to warn you straight off, they are not the most flattering of trousers, but stick with me here and I'll give you a few ideas of how you can pull them off.

The pair that I am wearing here were in the asos sale, and still available today (may sell out, so get em quick!). They come in this beautiful, and may I add very on trend, rust colour, which is so beautiful for AW. The crop flare does cut your leg in half. I look about 4ft in these pictures (I'm 5"8) so as with my beloved culottes, it's best to team them with a pair of heels. I chose to pair them with my new River Island dream sock boots (more about those later!)

Cropped flares are very 70s, but you can make them look ultra modern with sleek and simple silhouettes. I chose this black polo neck and all black accessories. Black and rust are massive colours for AW15. It's always nice to stick to a simple colour palette, even though I struggle to do that most days!

As I mentioned before, I finished the look with my River Island booties. Absolutely love at first sight. I got them with 20% off so they were just £36! I really struggle in heels, so these are a perfect height and enables me to actually wear them for longer than an hour!

I hope you like the look, I'm buying much more sensibly now, with lots of mix and match pieces. Finally acting like a grown up!

Lauren x

Cropped Flares: Asos // Top: M&S (similar) // Boots: River Island // Bag: Catwalk Killa

Seventies Decadence is Back

My article for Eight Magazine 

The decade of disco and decadence is back. Seventies influences have been filtering down through to the high street since the SS15 shows, where we saw floaty midi skirts, star prints and flares. The trend has stepped upped it’s game for AW with super cool faux furs, platforms and an array of rock star textures; with velvet, shearling and metallics being popular with the designers. The catwalks were filled with loud prints and contrasting colours. Pieces you think wouldn’t work, but do, such as the return of corduroy culottes and tank tops mean that this season, there is definitely a way for everyone to embrace seventies chic. 

However there is another, more understated side to the trend; the feminine boho look. Chloe and Emilio Pucci showcased hippy vibes, with billowing shirts and a neutral palette. Long line silhouettes styled from maxi dresses and loose oversized materials made for a stunning relaxed look. 

There is definitely a line between rocking the trend, and looking like you’re going to a fancy dress party. You can also prepare for parents and other older relatives telling you about the day they bought their first pair of flares (Ok, dad, you were on trend once!). You don’t have to go full on flamboyant, to embrace the feel of the seventies. Ralph Lauren embraced simple, elegant and neutral faux furs, for more of a Bond Girl glamour.

Adding an updated version of something you wear often, such a swapping your work shirt for a pussy bow blouse, will immediately brings your outfit up to date. Accessories can also update your look. Snakeskin and tassels were a hit with the designers, both of which you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe. There are some fabulous snake skin ankle boots out there, and tassels on bags are another major hit. Love it or hate it, it will be hard not to embrace the seventies vibes. 

Collabortaion With Wood Watches by Jord

In my last post I mentioned blogger mail and the amazing things I get gifted by great brands. When I received an email from the lovely Dan from Jord asking if I'd like to work with them, I literally didn't believe it! I'd followed the Wood Watches Instagram page for over a year, always admiring the stunning time pieces. The watches are crafted from beautiful natural wood, all unique and designed by people with a passion for creativity and life!

After a lot of deliberation, I chose the Cora Purpleheart and Mother of Pearl Wood Watch. It was a hard choice to make, as I genuinely could have chosen them all! The deep colour of the Purpleheart wood, was what eventually led to my decision. I'd never seen a colour like it, and I knew it would be perfect for autumn.

After a few days, my watch arrived all the way from St.Louis, USA. It felt like Christmas! Before you even open the box you can immediately see the quality, as the box the watch arrives in is beautifully carved and a work of art itself. It was safe to say it was love at first sight. From someone who to be honest, has always seen a watch as an accessory, I suddenly understood the beauty of having something crafted and working that is with you through the day and part of your experiences. I love this quote from the website;

"The value of a watch is not in being able to tell how much time has passed, but in being aware of the need to make that time count. Moments are bigger than minutes and your watch should tell more than time" - Wood Watches

It was only after the first day of wearing it that I noticed the back of the watch. It is so beautiful that I had to take a picture. It is transparent and allows you to see the intricate workings of the watch. It is self winding and automatic which means it requires no battery at all. This totally amazed me, as a watch novice, I didn't know this was possible. Again, just showing the complete quality that runs through the entire product.

The photos I took were on the Wood Watch's first outing. I teamed it with my shearling coat and winter boots. We went to a local National Trust Park and it was the perfect setting for some impromptu photos. My watch looked at home in the park, blending in with the forest and fallen leaves. I got quite arty, and (very carefully!) lay it down amongst the pine cones and grass. 

As I've mentioned before, I've been gifted beautiful things in my blogging 'career', but this is a piece that will last a life time. I have worn it every day since it arrived, and it's something that I get compliments on every day. Its simple elegance compliments every outfit, dressed up or down. A heartfelt thank you to the lovely people at Jord, you have converted me into a watch enthusiast, I can not be without it! 

Watch: Cora - Purpleheart & Mother of Pearl 

Wood Wrist Watch

Collaboration with ARK Clothing

Being a fashion blogger, is not just fun, it also comes with lots of great perks. Blogger mail started arriving at my door around 6 months ago, just as my blog was picking up pace and I was gaining followers. No matter what is sent, or who it's from, I will never stop feeling grateful for the pieces I receive. To be honest, I still can't believe people want me to wear their clothes! A few weeks ago, one of the best blogger mail deliveries arrived...denim culottes (now just £15!) from the amazing ARK Clothing, as part of their #ArkHero campaign.

When I was asked to chose my #ArkHero piece from their fantastic collection (not just saying that, check it out here!) I obviously went straight to the culottes. Believe it or not, I don't own a pair of denim culottes! I know I know, culotte addict here not owning one of the key trends of the season...So when they arrived I couldn't wait to style them up! They are ultra seventies chic, but felt really modern on. I teamed them with my Primark lace detail blouse, and kept the look quite simple. The culottes themselves are incredibly comfortable, and they have an elasticated waist, which made them gather at the back, for a really flattering look.

I added another seventies twist with my good old mules, and finally added my new Marks and Spencer's colour block bag.

What would your #ArkHero piece be, I'd love to know!

See you soon,

Lauren

Culottes: Ark // Top: Primark (similar) // Mules: M&S (similar) // Bag: M&S

Hugo Boss Event

A few weeks ago, I was very lucky to be invited by Emma at Sarcasm and Style, to be her plus one at an exclusive Hugo Boss fragrance launch. Needless to say, I was super excited! It was held at the very quirky, yet amazing Hotel Gotham in Manchester. I'd heard lots of great things about the hotel, which just added to the excitement. Choosing an outfit was actually quite easy. I say easy, what I mean to say, is that I had about 2 hours to get ready, so I threw on whatever was washed and ironed! I think it turned out relatively okay for such a rush!

Obvs, I went straight to my amazing £12 Primark culottes. They have quite a dressy feel as they are black, which I thought would just about be posh enough for Hugo Boss darrrling. I paired it with quite a casual denim blouse from M&S with the best sleeves EVER. I thought I'd go for minimalistic, classy, yet bold look. I finished the look with my F&F lace up shoes and over sized clutch.

I was actually in awe of the hotel itself. How I have not noticed the building before, I'll never know. I immediately got the Gotham reference, it looked like the set of a Batman movie! So cool! After meeting Emma, we were instructed (by a man in a traditional bell boy outfit, and the most amazing moustache I've ever seen!) to go to the bar on the sixth floor. Well, what can I say. I felt like I had been transported to NYC, everything about it screamed Manhattan! We met the lovely girls from the PR team, and were offered any drink on the menu (some AHHH-mazing cocktails!). 

It was then on to the presentation. The event itself was to launch 'Hugo Boss - The Fragrance' (for men). We had an introduction to the science behind the scent, which was actually fascinating. People who put together fragrances are geniuses! The smells you wouldn't think go together, but do and the smells you don't like but when mixed with something else, turns into the most amazing scent ever, I just don't have a clue how they do it!

We had some lovely food, followed by mingling with the other guests. We also had the chance to go and take in the breath taking views from the roof top balcony, which was just stunning. 

Before we left we were given a gift bag with a full size bottle of the fragrance and after shave too, worth a massive £90, totally spoilt! Sorted out my hubby's Christmas present then...

A massive thank you to Emma for letting me tag along, it was such a great night with great company!

Lauren x

Culottes: Primark (similar) // Blouse: M&S (similar-ish) // Shoes: F&F (similar) 

Manchester's Student Night Out

Last week, I was invited by lovely Hannah from Echo PR, to join a few other bloggers on a tour of  Manchester's student night. I can totally pass for a student right?! The tour consisted of 4 hours of fun and shopping, organised by Manchester's Arndale Centre and Manchester's business improvement district, the Heart of Manchester BID, how could I resist! Unfortunately, I missed the first hour due to work, but Gail from The Equinox Fashion filled me in on what had been happening. She'd had a fab time at the Arndale Centre, and had just had the most amazing braids put in at the Braid Bar in Selfridges!

I met up with the exclusive tour on the Menswear floor in Selfridges, just before we met the adorable mascot for the Manchester brand, Private White VC, a gorgeous English Bull Dog. 

Next stop was Harvey Nichols, where we were welcomed with a glass of prosecco and lead up to the women's fashion where we were introduced to the very dapper Hugo Taylor (from Made in Chelsea). He was there with his business partner showcasing his AW collection of their sunglasses brand Taylor-Morris. The sunglasses were fabulous as you can imagine, and I fell for the round retro pair, whilst Gail went for some very cool mirrored ones. Hugo was lovely and very  to earth. He has a great passion for the fashion industry and was great to chat to.

We then had the opportunity to style a model in some incredible clothes, with the chance of winning £250 to spend in store (okay, would probably buy one shoe...but it was worth a try!)! It was a dream to style such beautiful clothes, Gail and I worked together and chose a Kenzo dress, a gorgeous faux fur gillet and the dream pair of Valentino studded heels. 

Cath Kidston was next on the tour; one of my favourite stores in Manchester! It's such a beautiful store, so girly and pretty. I could have stayed there all night. We sampled some beautiful pink lemonade and got a fab goody bag. 

Last stop was House Of Fraser. This has to be my favourite part of the night as I fulfilled a childhood dream...going in one of those machines from quiz shows where all the money blows around you and you have to catch it (yes, I'm a loser!). Unfortunately I didn't get a picture (too excited), but just imagine a see-through tube which you get locked in for 10 seconds whilst money circles around you. SO MUCH FUN! Luckily for us, we all managed to grab a golden ticket and collected our prize; a cute little bag of some great samples!

I had such a good night! It was so much fun to tour the shops of Manchester. I have lived in the city (well 20mins away) all of my life, but still enjoyed going to stores I wouldn't necessarily go to, and meeting the lovely people who work there. It was such a great way to introduce freshers and other new residents, to our wonderful city. 

Thank you to the girls at Echo PR for inviting me and to all the stores that participated, it was a really successful night and made me very proud to be a Mancunian!

Lauren x

Eight Magazine - Burberry Prorsum SS16 Show

My article for Eight Magazine, loved this show!

You can see the article here 

Synonymous with all things great about Britain, the Burberry Prorsum  show always attracts the biggest celebs. The SS16 show was no different. From Kate Moss, to Benedict Cumberbatch, the stars filed into Hyde Park to see what Christopher Bailey had in store.

As usual, Burberry was ahead of many other fashion houses and was the first to live snapchat the entire show! Totally ahead of the game, this meant everyone could enjoy something that is usually exclusive to fashion editors and VIPs. It also reaches out to a younger generation of fashionistas, the typical age of a snap chat user is under 25.

With Alison Moyet serenading the show (along with a 32 piece orchestra of course!)  the collection could have easily have been for autumn/winter, with emphasis on transitional pieces, including bold black coats and trenches. The traditional trench was given a lace infusion for SS16, which made for a stunning composition. Lace ran through the collection, with delicate dresses and camisoles paired with chunky wedges and caged heels.

The juxtaposition between the delicate pieces mixed with hard lines and dark colours made for looks that felt modern, but with the Burberry twist. It’s all about mixing textures, colours and styles.

We also saw the new ‘it’ bag, when it came to the accessories. Forgot the personalised capes, so last season! Spring/summer 2016 is all about the monogrammed back pack. Yes, that’s right backpack, they’re back big time, and personalised is the way to go. The rather masculine looking bags were thrown together with the fragile lace dresses and flat chain adorned chunky wedges. 

Christopher Bailey has created distinctly wearable looks, with flat shoes, backpacks and simple, structured coats, no doubt bringing new followers to Burberry, as well as keeping the traditional, pieces we know and love at the heart of the show. 

Oversized Knits

So it's no secret that I like a good pair of culottes. Nearly every outfit post for the past year has involved a pair. I can't help it! They've probably been around for over 2 years now, but this year I discovered the miracle worker that is, the heel. Oh yes, put me in a pair without heels, and I look like a 12 year old school boy. Not great. But whack a pair of heels (any height works!) and I just can't get enough!

This particular look was for the Puffa event. It had been freezing all day and I had a cold, I needed comfort! After searching through my wardrobe for what seemed like hours, I finally found this orange dream knit. It's three years old (blasphemy!) and I have worn it nearly to the point of destruction. But it's cosy and warm, and paired with my Primark culottes, it actually looked okay!

Oversized, androgyny looks are a massive hit with the street style girls. It's a look which is wearable! The jumper is cropped, but very oversized in width which I think made a good silhouette against the slightly baggy culottes. Add the mules and my MK and I was ready! 

This outfit can be replicated so easily by items of clothes that you already own. One pair of black culottes will see you so many occasions and seasons. If you only want to buy one key piece this season, make it a pair. They will take you through AW with some snazzy anlkle boots, or even worn over over the knee boots (very 70s!).

I have a lot of writing up to do now. Such a busy blogging week! I have also been writing a few articles for some online magazines, which I will publish on here too.

Have a great week!

Lauren x

Jumper: River Island (similar) // Culottes: Primark (similar) 

 Mules: New Look (similar) // Bag: Michael Kors