Vintage Black Dress

A couple of post's ago I mentioned that I'd found a garment in a chest at my Grandma's house. And here it is! A beautiful vintage dress of hers, with lace top, empire line with a silk ribbon and layered skirt. I love the gothic vibe it has, and I think it'd look great with a studded belt and a pair of statement spiked earrings.. How would you accessories this dress?

I have my graduation ball coming up soon, which is a 007 James Bond theme, and I thought this might be perfect for it. However, I do feel it my be a bit nighty-ish? What do you think?

Holly x

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Get Their Style: The Olsen Twins

I know it's kind of cliche to say as a fashion blogger, that the Olsen twins are up in my top 5 style icons. But really, they are. Without blowing my own trumpet, I don't purposefully copy their style, I just really like the same garments the garments they wear, in terms of fabrics, silhouettes and colours. With a very much monochromatic wardrobe (both them and myself) along with a love for studs and leather, it's probably no surprise to many of you that this blog post has eventually appeared.

Definitely not reaching the 'edginess' level of the Olsens myself, we can all but try. And many of us do. I don't tend to focus on designer garments, because let's face it, most of us blogging about fashion can't afford them, and aren't sent them for free. So here's my alternative to creating the Oslen look, without the bank balance that comes with it...

My key Highstreet buys, that will help you on your way to creating the Olsen Edge:

1. Grey Long Sleeve Top, H&M, £7.99. Buy it Here

2. Imitation Leather Trouser, H&M, £24.99. Buy it Here

3. Felt Bowler Hat, ASOS, £20. Buy it Here

4. Felicity Soft Structured 3pc Shopper With Wallet, Boohoo.Com, £20. Buy It Here

5. Celestina Platform Ankle Boots In Black, Missguided.Co.Uk, £37.99. Buy Them Here

6. Black long faux fur gilet, Dorothy Perkins, £55. Buy it Here

7. Frankie Jacket by Goldie, Topshop, £68. Buy it Here

8. Simple Double Bar Ring, ASOS, £8. Buy it Here

9. Libet Bracelet, ALDO, £12. Buy it Here

All of the items i've chosen are from online and highstreet affordable stores, and some of you may (or may not) agree that these pieces represent the Olsens fashion sense. Let me know what you think, and if you know of any Oslen inspired garments - do let me know!

Holly x

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Today's Outfit

I'm up in manchester for the weekend visiting family. It's chilly up here so layering is a must. Here are my recent purchases from ZARA. As stated in a previous post, I'm obsessed with Leather this season!

As many of you know, Grandparents houses are treasure troves! And gosh did I find a treasure! A beautiful vintage garment, that I could possibly wear to my graduation ball. I will post my finding very very soon, and would LOVE your opinions on it.. so keep a look out!

Jacket, £69.99. Leather Waterfall Cardigan, £32. Leather Panel Leggings, £25. White Dip Hem Tank, £8, H&M. Leopard Shoes, TOPSHOP, £25.

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Review: Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray

See my previous outfit post Here to see what it looks like on my hair!

My favourite Hair Product: Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray. Buy it Here
I have been using this as my go-to product for the last two years (especially whilst at uni!). Anyone that loves the effortless messy hair look (think the Olsen Twins and Blake Lively) will instantly love this product. The Sea Salt Spray is a brilliant fix for when you are rushed off your feet to get ready and don't have time to do your hair.
It's a really versatile styling product, able to be sprayed onto wet or dry hair, whilst achieving the same look. It's brilliant for thin hair as it creates volume, but can also been used on thick hair, although more product is needed.

This look is sultry and edgy and slighty 'give a shit?!' (which I love) on any shade of hair.

Pros: Quick and easy to use. The bottle lasts ages!
Cons: Can make your head itchy. Does make your hair knotty (but I guess that's part of the look?)

Why I personally use this product:
I have very thin hair, and it's also ultra straight. As stated before this product gives the hair more volume. I tend to curl my hair once it's dry and then put the product on so my locks have some wave to them. See my previous outfit post Here to see what it looks like on my hair!
Tip: Don't spray onto your roots! Itchy head alert!


Autumn/Winter 2012 Designers that sported this look:

Images from vogue.com

Spray on and tie your hair up in a top knot like Thakoon Addition, use on short hair for that 'bedhead' look like Rodarte, or spray and then twist long locks like Alexander Wang and John Rocha.

Let me know if you use a different brand, or what you think of the spray (good or bad)!

Holly x

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Today's Outfit

This week I had probably the highlight of my year! I got a call from Sir Terry Mansfield (CEO of Hearst Magazines), to congratulate me on my magazine and on graduating. He gave me some sound advise about getting a job within the fashion industry, and it really did make my year so far. 

So great to know that the magazine I worked so hard on creating is appreciated by such an established figure within the magazine industry. Hopefully I will be meeting with him in the new year!

Anyway, thought i'd just share with you all! Here's what I am wearing today whilst working at JAKE Design Studio! Black Black Black - My usual!

 Dress, H&M (This Season). Boots, H&M, £24.99 (This Season). Cuff Bracelet, H&M, £8 (set of two). Tights, Topshop. Cross Earring, Topman, £8. Spike Bracelet, Aldo £12 (set of two)

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The Liebster Blog Award!

The Liebster blog award is an award for blog with under 200 followers. It's awarded to bloggers by bloggers; therefore I would like to give a massive thank you to Megan from A British Muse & Annalise from Pastel Bokeh for both nominating me, it's a great feeling to know people do follow your blog and appreciate what your'e doing!

"When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person(s) who nominated you. You pass the award onto 11 other blogs (make sure you tell them you nominated them!) and ask them 11 questions. You are not allowed to nominate the blog(s) who nominated you!

So Here it goes!

11 Random Facts About Me...

1) I have a weird accent, a mix of south east london with northen hints.
2) I love house & electro music
3) I can't bend the toes on my left foot
4) On average I drink 10 cups of tea a day
5) I have to listen to meditation app on my phone to sleep
6) I detest Flo Rida
7) I haven't grown since I was 14
8) I have a grumpy little dog called Alfie
9) I'm afraid of the dark
10) If I can wear any kind of heel on a daily basis, I will.
11) I got my nose pierced because I was too scared to get a tattoo.



Questions from Megan:
1) What's your favourite A/W12 trend? Definitely Leather! I have a stupid amount of faux leather garments, and am continuously collecting more!
2) What's your least favourite A/W12 trend?  Baroque
3) What's your favourite high street store? At the moment Zara, purely for the amount of leather garments I have purchased from there this season. My latest buy was similar to THIS faux leather top.
4) Who is your favourite designer? Acne, Balmain, Marios Schwab, Jil Sander to name a few...
5) What was your favourite A/W12 show? My favourite show was probably 3.1 Phillip Lim
6) What is your wildest dream? To do all of the worlds Creamfields Festivals in one year.
7) If you could travel anywhere where would you go? I am actually hoping to go travelling at the end of next year to south east asia! So excited!
8) If you could live anywhere where would it be? Anywhere sunny. Probably a Greek island. Obsessed with the food!
9) Who is your style crush? Swedish Female blogger Victoria Tornegren. Love her simple style so much.
10) Who is most important to you? Cliche, but my family. Best friends and Boyfriend.
11) What's your dream career? Oh gosh! working for i-D, Wonderland, AnOther, Dazed+Confused, the list goes on. Love to work in the fashion/art department creating content for the magazine.

Questions from Annalise

1) If you could do any job in the world, what would it be? Run my own fashion magazine! Or present on Top Gear!

2) Are you right handed or left handed? Right

3) Winter clothes or Summer clothes? Summer

4) Which is your favourite type of music? House & Electro

5) Who is your celebrity crush? Justin Timberlake

6) Cats or Dogs? Dogs

7) Which countries have you travelled to? America (new york), Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Antigua, next year i'm going travelling to south east asia!

8) If you were given one million in cash, how would you spend them? Half I would give to my parents. Then travelling, then a house with my boyfriend!

9) What is your must have beauty item? Mascara!

10) Name the 3 most important things/people in your life: Family, Boyfriend, Laptop!

11) Which is your favourite clothing brand? Designers are 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lanvin, Acne, Jill Sander, Maris Schwab, Balmain to name a few... Highstreet is Zara and H&M

I have nominated: flairmavens // fashion emcee // Fashion'Fanatique // Ha[u]te Me Not  // Hooting Miss Owl // Naomi Sian // Oh Seven Days // P-ashion // Style Crescent // Boots and Birds // http://living-in-a-fashion-world.blogspot.co.uk/

Questions to the blogs I nominate:

1) What is your favourite Print Magazine?

2) What is your favourite Online Fashion Website?

3) What is your all time favourite fashion blog?

4) Who is your favourite designer?

5) What is your favourite highstreet brand?

6) Who is you female style icon?

7) Who is your male style icon?

8) Monochrome or Colourful Outfits?

9) Shoes or Bags?

10) Matching or Clashing Outfits?

11) Most worn garment/accessory?

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Today's Outfit

This Cross Belt I created myself. For anyone wanting to re-create it, check out my tutorial on how to Here. Let me know what you think!

Skirt, Forever 21, £16. Leather Jacket, Primark, £12. Wedged Desert Boots, New Look, £24. DIY Cross Belt.


I'm loving my new skirt. Although I feel the 'Dip Hem' or 'Mullet' skirts and dresses have been completely worn out and over done by the highstreet, I love this pleated style and neutral colour as it fits in with the rest of my wardrobe perfectly. I couldn't resist this purchase as these skirts are easy to dress up or dress down, also this style can take you from this A/W right into S/S 2013.

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This Month's Online Store: Romwe.com

Sick of the same highstreet styles? I know I am. If you haven't already, you MUST visit Romwe.com.

An amazing online store based on all of the latest world wide street style looks, here you can buy garments and a range of styles as seen on the hottest bloggers around!

Here are my top A/W 2012 Romwe.com Style Picks:

1. All Over Spike Cap, £21.08.
The accessory of the moment, seen on all of the top bloggers. Get it Here

2. Batwing Puff Sleeve, £24.84.
Perfect for pairing with leather trousers, and keeping warm as the weather is cooling. Get it Here

3. Oversized Eagle Print Pullover, £30.55. 
With the animal motif jumpers being a must have highstreet trend this season, this is an edgy alternative to the trend. Get it Here

4. Black Tassel Bag, £58.41. 
I've been wanting one of these for ages now. A brilliant buy as this style of bag comes back year after year. Get it Here

5. Anomalous Large Lapel Coat, £49.68. 
A brilliant versatile item for A/W, perfect for layering. Get it Here

6. Chunk Heel Boots, £68.48. 
My personal favourite, these boots are great for taking you from day into night. Get them Here


I'm looking forward to payday, purely for the reasons above. It isn't the cheapest online store, but you're certain to find garments to suit your style. What I love the most about ROMWE, they ship to a lot of countries, and even better, you're less likely to see other people wearing the pieces you've brought, as they're NOT from the highstreet. Definite Plus!

Holly x

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DIY Tutorial: Ombre Nails

This is my first picture tutorial post, on how to recreate my Grey to Glitter Ombre Nail Art.

There are lots of these tutorials out there, but this is my interpretation. Please do let me know if you find it helpful, and I'm always open to advice on how to improve!

Oh and definitely send me links to pictures if anyone tries this, or has done this before!

Holly x

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Today's Outfit

Today i'm doing freelance work for JAKE Design Studio. I'm NOT a fan of black tights at all, but it's honestly a horrid day in London - and as i'm small I don't produce much body heat - being warm is a must for me!
Anyway, here's my take on a 'smart office outfit'. I cannot be doing with polyester suits, (which noone wears at JAKE anyway, but you have to be reasonably smart) so I opted for my peplum leather skirt, baggy boyfriend tank and skull scarf. Smart enough...?
Shock horror i'm wearing flats AND I have my hair up. Unusual for me!

Holly x

 

Boyfriend Tank, Topshop, £12. Peplum Leather Skirt, Lipsy, £45. Skull Scarf, Primark, £6. Studded Bow, Matalan, £2.50.

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