Houndstooth aka Dogtooth

'Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.'

- Donna Karan

Today I decided to keep things pretty simple and laid back... no fuss. I love monochrome, especially monochrome prints like stripes, Aztec and thanks to Balmain now more than ever... houndstooth. I wanted my skirt to be the focal point of this ensemble so teamed it with a low key black round neck knit and opaque tights. I decided to add a splash of colour with my lime green handbag and kept my jewellery to a minimal with a gold bangle, watch and large but thin hoops.

Inspired by Balmain Spring Summer 2014 collection... I prefer the large print houndstooth as oppose to small. 

Top - H&M
Skirt - Sheinside
Earrings - Topshop
Boots - Dorothy Perkins
Bag - Michael Kors
Watch - DKNY
Bangle - Michael Kors

Photography - Gerrod Charles
Styling - Rita Okpuru
Hair - The Hair Shack

Vodafone London Fashion Weekend - February 2014

My sister and I visited Vodafone London Fashion Weekend on Sunday 23 February and I must stress how much of a great time we had - in actual fact we always have a great time there. This year I particularly enjoyed the Trends catwalk, which has given me a lot of inspiration for future post. I'm totally in love with all things floral at the moment and have always been a fan of the sports luxe style (especially the varsity look), so was thrilled when I saw models strutting down the catwalk in these two trends. Another trend I've got my eye on is Metallics - so the showcase of Percious Metals was also enjoyed. I guess I've now got enough style inspiration to last me for the next month or so, hey, maybe even longer - who knows?! 

As well as attending the catwalk, I had a nose around at some of the discounted items - yes, that's another reason why I like to attend, because many designers give special discount to attendees - which is great for a shopaholic like me. Though,I would advise going on the Thursday, as the first attendees always get the best picks. 

Free Maybelline nail polish for Vodafone customers - I'm a happy lady!

My sister and I had a fun time in Sunglass Hut, trying on all different pairs of sunglasses. I instantly fell in love with a pair by Dolce & Gabbana, but could not justify spending so much, especially when London hardly ever gets any sunshine. However, I guess I've got enough time until Summer to reconsider buying it. 

There were quite a few industry talks in the Vodafone Lounge. We were able to attend a talk by Grace Woodward who spoke about becoming a fashion stylist - she was very inspirational and gave a lot of good advice. There was also a talk on becoming a fashion photographer - which has encouraged me to hunt for a new canon camera. Though I get decent enough photos done with my simple handy camera, I know it's definitely worth investing in something a little more professional - especially if you're a fashion or beauty blogger - image quality is everything.

Check out some of my pics from the event, hopefully it inspires you to go to the Autumn Winter event. 

My Outfit:

Necklace - Zara

Blazer - Forever 21

Top - H&M

Jeggings - H&M

Sandals - Boohoo.com

Bag - Michael Kors

Watch - DKNY 

 

Photography by Rita Okpuru, Marcella Okpuru & Gerrod Charles. 

Black Organza: Inspired by KTZ & Helmut Lang

'No matter what a woman looks like, if she's confident, she's sexy.'

- Paris Hilton

So I thought I switch things up a bit; in past posts I've been quite conservative with my attire so today I thought I'd try something a little more daring. To me no colour is sexier than black so I opted for black and took inspiration from KTZ Autumn Winter 2014 collection - with the black organza/mesh and the gold accessories and Helmut Lang Spring Summer 2014 collection - with the mesh. I polished the outfit with black and gold jewellery and my favourite gold metal clutch bag. This outfit is definitely for the bold lady, I guess one that doesn't care of the opinions of others and isn't afraid to show a little skin. Conservative it is not!

KTZ and Helmut Lang

Top - Boohoo.com (see here) 

Skirt - eBay
Belt - Primark

Shoes - ASOS (see here)

Bag - Vintage (from Portugal)

Photography - Gerrod Charles
Styling - Rita Okpuru
Hair - The Hair Shack

Trendy & Affordable: Footwear

As a shoe lover and hoarder (I must admit), I'm always on the look out for some hot shoes, whether they be funky heels or cute pumps. During a recent online search I came across quite a few amazing buys and thought it's only right that I do a post, giving you all the heads up on the bargain buys available on the high street and online. My favourite footwear trends at the moment are Perspex heels (check out my previous post of Perspex heels here), Pointed Courts, Chunky Monochrome, Mules, All Blue, Pastel and of course my staple Animal Print (every season I add more leopard print to my shoe collection) -I've picked three for each from some of my favourite stores.

STRAPPY PERSPEX

Ellie Perspex Wedge Strappy Sandals - Boohoo.com (see here)

Shirley Strappy Perspex Shoe Boots - Boohoo.com (see here)

Sarah Peeptoe Strappy Perspex Heels - Boohoo.com (see here)

TOP POINTS

Slingback Point - Office (see here)

Jaguar Dorsay Point - Office (see here)

On Top - Office (see here)

CHUNKY MONOCHROME

Monochrome Strappy Wedges - New Look (see here)

Monochrome Caged Chunky Block Heel Sandals - New look (see here)

Monochrome Chunky Platform Slingback Heels - New Look (see here)

TRUE BLUE

Hampstead Heeled Sandal - ASOS (see here)

Arizona Woven Chelsea Boot - ASOS (see here)

Prism High Heels - ASOS (see here)

MULES

Shiny Leather High Heel Mules - Zara (see here)
Square Cut Wide Heel Mules - Zara (see here)
Leather High Heel Mules - Zara (see here)

PASTEL & SORBET

Clara Leather Strappy Sandals - Missguided (see here)
Natalie Court Shoes - Misguided (see here)
Gemma Caged Heel Sandals (see here)

ANIMAL PRINT PUMPS

Snakeskin Pumps - H&M (see here)
Black Pony - H&M (see here)
Zebra Print - H&M (see here)

I purchased the black pony pumps from H&M and the Sarah Perspex Heels (in white) from Booohoo.com.

Happy Shopping!