You make me Blush

You know I love a little colour feature, even though the majority of my wardrobe is most definitely black, white or grey!  At the start of each season there are always a handful of key colours that we know will be huge, this summer we have bold reds, vivd yellows and fresh whites.  I’ve already blogged about all of these so have a peruse if you’ve the chance, but there is an outsider racing up the pantone chart that’s got everyone gushing over blush.

You may be thinking, blush, that’s not much of a colour, but I promise to show you otherwise.  Personally I think it’s beautiful, sophisticated and very complimentary to pretty much every other colour going, not to mention fantastic when we get to that weird transitional period, you know not quite summer but not quite autumn. …Take a peak below.

(All images via Pinterest)

What gets me blushing about blush is it’s timelessness, if you buy well cut, good fitting pieces of clothing you’ll get maxim wear season after season. The colour range is vast too, meaning it looks great on everyone, but especially in the summer, accessorised with sun-kissed skin!

If you like to invest in your wardrobe knowing that you’ve not bought a one hit wonder opt for the deeper, warmer tones and you’ll be blushing all the way into AW17.  Here’s my High Street hot list.

Summer Strides

It’s no secret that I live in jeans, my Insta feed is practically ripped jeans upon ripped jeans! But when the heat of the summer sun reaches boiling point (like it has recently) and you’re forced to replace your skinnies for something a little less sweat inducing what do you do?

Other than opt for a baggy fit jean (which is cheating) I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of summer strides.  Print or plain, wide leg, culotte or awkward length the summer trouser is a must-find!  They’ll see you through school runs, holiday travels and much, much more.  Take a look at the what the SS17 catwalks and super stylish, street stylers are favouring.

(All images via Pinterest)

Now the summer sales are in full swing it’s worth taking advantage and bagging a pair of baggies.  There are some big ways to wear your trousers this summer, stripes are huge and can be extremely flattering, feminine florals are still floating around and lastly the ever impractical but dazzling beautiful, bright white!

Whatever cut, style or colour you go for, carefully consider the material for two reasons.  First up, we’re looking for a cooler alternative to add to our summer wardrobe, secondly nothing ruins a fancy pants look more than creases!  Of course some creasing is inevitable, but a lot will spoil your sophisticated summer look!

Here are some of my current favs, sale and full priced.

Going for Gold

When it comes to a little bit of bling I’m top to toe (or ear to ankle) in silver, but there is something about sun kissed skin that just cries out for a drenching in gold.

People tend to sit in one camp or the other when it comes to a favourite metallic hue, that might be because of the watch you wear or the colour of your wedding rings, but it’s always good to switch things up a little, hell even mixing our metals.

Here’s some gold star worthy street styling, courtesy of the style set.

(All images via Pinterest)

The choice is yours, multi layered, big and bold or simple and sleek there are lots of ways to go for gold this summer, so will you be budgeting for a big money splurge or a wallet friendly injection of fast fashion?  Whatever your selection here are a few of my favs to bag you gold medal status in the style stakes.

Maxed Out

When it comes to bottoms, and I mean the kind you put on over your legs to cover your actual bottom, you’re either a trousers or a skirt kinda girl.  I definitely have both legs firmly in the trouser camp, but when it comes to summer styling and the warmer weather I relent of course (as long as I’ve remembered to shave my legs)!

My skirt of choice has to be swishy and floor sweeping, and when mumma duties call, a maxi skirt is the only way forward.  I love that boho vibe I get from wearing something floaty, it gives me a lovely feeling of freedom (and desire to twirl), but if your more of a rock chick or want to play at being Princess for the day there is a maxi for every mood….See below

(All images via Pinterest)

I guarantee you have a maxi skirt hanging around your wardrobe somewhere, take inspiration from above and maybe wear it in a way you’ve not tried before, that could be with a rock tee and trainers or smart shirt and stilettos.  But, if you want an update on this look for SS17 look out for wrap front, waterfall styles – also great for flashing that tanned flash if you’re off on hols.

As always, here are a few of my favs whether it’s tulle, chiffon or denim, floral prints to thigh-high splits you’re after in a must-have maxi.

 

Summer Jacket Styles

I don’t know about you but this constant chop and change in the ‘summer’ weather throws me and my wardrobe into a sweaty spin.  Since having kids I seem to heat up faster than a heat seeking missile if I have too many layers on.   So, when the warmer weather finally arrives I love not having to wear a big jacket, but as we all know, you can’t trust the good old British weather, so having a little summer jacket you can throw on in a down poor is a must!

There are a few ways to wear a light weight jacket this season, here are my top four.

The Trophy Jacket – Big, bold, embroidered or embellished.  It’s nothing new, but they just seem to get better and better. Buy wisely and you’ll have a gorgeous little number that will see you through season after season.

The Denim Jacket – Denim is just keeps going from strength to strength.  A staple that you can layer up or down, keep clean and simple or use it to tap into more of the seasons’ big trends.

The Shaket –  Yep, you know, the hybrid of a jacket and shirt and what’s not to love about a little bit of khaki.  One of the easiest and chicest ways to wear a summer jacket with a subtle nod to military styling.

The Leather Biker – No jacket round up is complete without the leather biker.  If you normally keep yours to the confines of your winter wardrobe DON’T, or if you’re feeling brave, now is the time branch out into brights or pastel colours.

(All images via Pinterest)

Looking at that gorgeous lot I think I’ll now be adding more than one to my summer wardrobe!  If you have a bit of cash to splash it’s definitely worth investing in a leather. I’m loving the lighter, brighter hues hitting the high street at the mo, but whatever your budget here are some of my favs from all four styles, just waiting to be swung over your shoulders.

B-Ball Style

So my obsession of all things sports luxe is nothing new, I’ve blogged about it on various occasions and I’m always happy to see sporty styles appear on the catwalk season after season.

Edging on the urban side of sports luxe there is something I love so much about a basketball vest.  Maybe it’s that iconic ‘Carrie’ look from SATC, so good I’ve had to include it twice in my inspo images (just so you can get the full effect), or maybe it’s because when you want to do a dressed down look that still runs high in the style stakes it’s a great grab-and-go top (or dress if you’re brave enough).  It seems to be fav outfit option for the off-duty model and who’s going to argue with Cara or Jourdan?!

(All images via Pinterest)

It might be worth a rummage in your other half’s gym kit draw to see if he has a jersey you can ‘borrow’, then you get to try before you buy and what’s not to love about the over-sized look.  But, you do run the risk of his vest swamping you, especially if you’re similar in stature to mini mouse and your man is built like the Hulk, so I’ve pulled together a few of my favs that are a little friendly on the female form.

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Sports Bra Chic

I’ve recently fallen back in love with running.  I was invited to take part in the Salomon Sunset Series but I’ll be running around after the mini me as it’s her 1st Birthday the weekend it takes place in London.  In the past I have pounded my way though a handful of runs, including a half marathon, which was more than enough for me –  big up you full on marathon runners!  But one thing I’m not in love with is that constant bounce you get up top and I’m not talking about my curly hair!

Keeping your chest under control whilst talking part in any activity is not only very import for your body, if you don’t we’re talking saggy boobs, possibly stretch marks and general back pain, there is also the obvious discomfort and distraction (for you and other’s, if you get what I mean) whilst working out.

There is really no excuse not to give ‘the girls’ a little lift in this department now.  Back in the day sports bras were utterly gross, just plain and functional, but now they are super stylish and funky, so much so the fash pack have been spotted flashing their’s whilst pounding the pavements instead of the treadmill – take a peak.

(All images via Pinterest)

Of course we’re all different shapes, sizes and workout in different ways.  I look longingly at girls who can wear the cool multi strap sports bras, which are great for yoga but if I’m going hell for leather on the cross trainer I know I need something with a little more material, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be comprising on style.  Don’t get me wrong I’m not prancing round the gym in just a pair of leggings and a bra, I wouldn’t want to put anyone off their workout, but wearing your sports bra as more obvious item of your gym kit is easier than ever and when they look this good why wouldn’t you?!

 

Jump to It

Some mornings you open your wardrobe starring at your clothes wishing for an outfit to jump out and onto your body, when that obviously doesn’t happen you need to have some go-to items that you can always fall back on.  My trusty faithfuls are either a pair of ripped jeans or a jumpsuit, I lean more towards a jumpsuit in these (finally) hotter summer months whether it’s for school run fun or drinks with the girls in the sun.

Jumpsuits are nothing new on the fashion front, but lots of people still find them a scary outfit option, especially if you’re wanting to try a more casual look.  The most crucial thing to get right when buying a jumpsuit is the fit…the camel toe is not an accessory on anyone’s must-have list!

Take a peak at how the street style superstars jump to it.

(All images via Pinterest)

Fancy giving the jumpsuit a go, or maybe changing up the way you usually wear yours? Take a peak below, and believe me when I write I could have gone on FOREVER listing with my favourites, so here is a small edit of my edit…JUMP AROUND!

 

Kimono Queen

If there is one item in my holiday wardrobe I hate packing away once the holiday is over it’s my beach kimono.  It’s only a cheap one from Boohoo , but it’s been a fantastic buy and now there is more than one way to wear this bit of beach attire when you’re not frolicking in the sand.

You may have spotted a handful of fashionistas wafting around the city streets in what looks very similar to (and is more than likely) a beach kimono.  Of course they’re not teaming it with their must-have one or two piece, no, you’re more likely to see it worn over jeans and tee….See below

(All images via Pinterest)

The maxi kimono has long been a firm favourite on the summer festival scene, but if you’ve out grown that part of your life and still want to get more wear out of this lovely piece of fabric, now is most definitely the time to give this look a go.

Hopefully you already own a lovely beach cover up that will work well for this trend, but if you don’t, are off on hols shortly and fancy giving this trend a go here are a few of my favs.  I think it makes the perfect airport outfit over a little vest, with jeans and sandals…And if you stick your swimwear in your hand luggage at least you’ll have one beautiful thing to wear poolside if your suitcase take a completely different kind of holiday!

Wondrous White Tee

What’s not to love about a wickedly understated white tee?  Having just purchased myself a little beauty from Maison Labiche on ASOS last week, I’ve been reminded just how wondrous the white t-shirt can be for reinvigorating your wardrobe.

Hunting out this pristine perfection (and keeping it that way for the matter, especially if you have mini sticky fingers who need picking up every 30 seconds) can be a mission and almost as elusive as the right pair of jeans, but track down a tee that offers the perfect cut in the right fabric and you’ll never have to search again.

Basics, such as a good t-shirt, will make the rest of your wardrobe work harder for you.  You’ll also be able to wear it year round, season after season, always looking on point and allowing you to tap into whatever the next big trend is.

See how the style set wow in their white tees whatever the occasion.

(All images via Pinterest)

From feather maxi skirts to distressed denim, hopefully now you’ll see how a white tee can compliment every aspect of your wardrobe.  I teamed mine with leather look Zara trousers and Stan Smiths on Friday night, I just had to steer clear of anyone with a glass of red in hand.

There are a lot of slogan tees about at the mo if you don’t fancy the full on white out, but for the purists reading I’ve narrowed down your search with a few of my favs.