The Friday Girl's Picks; Backpacks of the 90s rejoice!

Happy Friday gorgeous people!

It seems to me, that there is an epidemic that is sweeping the nation. Again. The 90s seems to never want to go away. Now this is not a problem for me, I love the 90s! Takes me back to being oh, a baby, but it doesn't stop me loving the fashions. One of my favourites throwbacks is the backpack. Here are my picks for the 90s backback going into the A/W season. I love how they're taking on the 90s trend but in colours that are so wearable for the Autumnal weather. Pair with a checked shirt, jeans and some little boots for laid back cool.

1. Tangiers Medium Backpack - Radley £179.00
2. Colourblock Backpack - Accessorize  £37.00
3. Crocco Backpack & Shoulder Bag - Boticca.com £122.00
4. Rocha John Rocha -Debenhams £35.00

My favourite has to be the colourblock one by Accessorize, I love the cute top handle and the drawstrings and the colours are perfect for the chilly months.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post this week!
Let me know what you think by commenting or tweeting me @alliemaay.

xx

Trend Alert: Contrast Sleeves

As we begin to approach the end of the summer months, brands will now begin to drop their AW look books and collections. Giving us the first glimpse as to how the seasonal trends set out by high fashion shows have been modified and made accessible to the high street consumer. 

One trend that has appeared throughout many of these collections is contrast leather sleeves, particularly on jackets and other transitional pieces. With so many to choose from, remember that versatility and practicality is key. You want this piece to work well with the majority of your wardrobe, as well as keeping you fit against the elements!

Here are three fab pieces that you may want to consider for your winter wardrobe. 

This statement coat from River Island is classic in design but made modern with its contrast sleeves and use of colour. Ideal to see you through the entire season. 

This vintage inspired varsity jacket from ASOS will add instant youth and a casual edge to any look, and will work well with jeans and your favourite Converse. 

This safari jacket delivers a more directional look that intelligently mixes fabrics and styles. With a crisp white shirt and charcoal trousers this piece will appear both trendy and wearable. 

Look out for more of this seasons hottest trends throughout the high street. Or if you need a little guidance why not get in touch with one of our stylists?

Until next time...

Matt x

Creative Converse

For all the Converse wearing fashionistas out there. 

Get creative with your daps. 

Did you know, you can create your own style of Converse pumps with your name stitched on and delivered in 2-3 weeks! 

Select from a wide range of styles, including the classics such as this All Star Chuck Taylor Ox Canvas and start styling your shoes. Doesn't cost the earth either. 

I've already designed a pair for the TiCC team!

Get designing yours now...

www.converse.co.uk

The Power of the Pastels!!

Every year the pretty pastel trend adorns our high street and this season is no exception. However, the pastel shades have set to transform our luscious locks!

Filtered down from the extreme, artistic examples from the catwalk you can achieve the look from simply dip dying the ends of your hair, subtly run different colours through various strands or dare to dye your weave entirely in a lavender or dusky pink!

The trend looks spectacular when captured in a braid or plait showing a variety of vivid colours. Which example would you try out?

Sophisticated and Subtle

Pretty Plaits

Stylish and Chic

Pink and Turquoise

Lavender Vintage Rolls

Vivid Braid

Catwalk Inspiration

The Friday Girl's Picks; Hair of the Season

 Happy Friday, Ladies!

This week I thought I'd chat about hair care as we've had a bit of beauty in with the fashion recently. One of the big hair trends at the moment is the 'rebel short' choppy bob style that seems to be popping up all over the catwalk. We're so used to models with gorgeous long locks like Miranda Kerr or Cara Delevingne. Now, the new crop of models such as Agyness Deyn, Karlie Kloss and Arizona Muse show us how the new hair trend is done.

This great hair trend goes really well with the laid back Punk trend that's coming back in for A/W 13. 

Hair care is also big on my personal to do list as my hair's been through everything I could ever put it thr0ugh! I've also recently gone for the 'rebel short' choppy bob style as I needed to chop off my split ends! One of my favourite products for adding texture to day old hair is Dry Shampoo, this Limited Edition Hersheson & Batiste one is great. My favourite brush is the Denman Paddle Brush, I've been using it for years, a great investment.

I also thought I'd share a few other products that help to get this great choppy textured look mixed in with some personal hair care faves for looks after those ends.

1. Phil Smith Argan Oil Cream 
This is my holy grail for keeping hair smooth and split end free!
2. Tigi Bed Head Superstar Blow Dry Lotion
Perfect for if you like a little volume in your bob, like me!
3. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum
For the sleekest hair in town, like Agyness Deyn!


Have you got any favourite hair products that help keep your hair looking model healthy?

Until next week! Allie x

Picture Perfect

So with graphic printed tops having reigned supreme for several seasons now. Menswear designers have given prints an edge this season. Having taken a more artistic direction, they have become a lot more illustrative with a particular focus on portraits, nature and animals. Seen both in high end designs and all over the high street, the choice is yours as to how bold you go. Below are a few of my favourites for you to consider...

Joseph Turvey

Zara 

HM

Use a focus point to your outfit and style accordingly with jeans and boots or a leather jacket. 

For help in finding your own style. Get in touch with a stylist today for a personal consultation. 

Until next time,

Matt x

From Sketch to Store : French Connection

French Connection's From Sketch to Store Campaign is a very literal concept with a unique final outcome. The idea demonstrates how all clothing is designed in a simple sketch and then transformed into a beautiful garment that reflects the initial drawing.

Personally, I think this a unique campaign that oozes originality and edge for a high street store. What do you think?

Click the link to watch the quirky campaign video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvtv8T8lQ9c

The Friday Girl's Picks; How I'd Wear... The Statement Paisley Shirt

Happy Friday Everyone!
It's that time of the week again! This week I thought I'd put an outfit together that would be great for Friday or Saturday night drinks with your friends. Casual with jeans and statement blouse but vamped up by the stunning shoes and bag. I love this shirt because I think it's really versatile, definitely a dress up or down type of piece which would be a great addition to your wardrobe. I hope you like it. 

1. Jeans - Very.co.uk
2. Shirt - Monsoon (now on sale! go go go!)
3. Bag - River Island
4. River Island


I seem to have a bit of an obsession with River Island accessories at the moment. I definitely appreciate their accessory and jewellery lines way more than they're actual garments. I think they always get the shoes and bags right but the clothes can sometimes be a bit hit and miss... Does anyone agree?

xo.

Super Summer Sandals.

So with the sun rearing its wonderful head once again, you may be considering a trip to the coast this weekend. With your swim shorts at the ready you may however find that your choice of footwear has been overlooked. Fear not. Below I have listed my top three footwear favourites that are both beach ready and fit for any summery soiree. 

From Zara. A slim black leather style that is both versatile and trendy. 

From Topman. Colourful Havaianas that will add a pop to any seasonal look. 

From Next. A more statement tan style that are both classic and appealing in shape. 

For help in finding your perfect summer wardrobe get in touch with a stylist! Tailor made services will ensure you receive the best for you. 

Until next time. Stay smiley:)

Matt x

Fashion Bloohound Event

Yesterday Allie and myself attended the Fashion Bloodhound Summer Showcase at the gorgeous Francis hotel in Bath.

I've always dreamed of going into the hotel and last night was the night! The event was held in a beautiful basement room which was incredibly decorated. 

But of course the best thing was the fashion. Especially the shoes!!!

Prada

 These 1960's inspired  hot pink velvet Prada platforms with an ankle strap where my favourite thing I saw the whole evening . The relationship between velvet and the fashion industry is really a love or hate relationship. But I feel for those who love injecting a bit of jazz into any outfit these shoes would be perfect. Velvet shoes are one thing that are always in trend, they are a classic style with modern twist of the bright colour.Paired with a little black dress or a pair of flairs, you can't go wrong.  a As heart broken as I was when I found out they weren't my size I was happy enough stood there stroking them.

Nicholas Kirkwood

Another pair of shoes which caught my eye were the clashing contrast  Nicholas Kirkwood shoes. Something that always catches my eye is bold bright colours and something that you will always see in an outfit I wear. Worn by Emma Watson in GQ magazine, these spring summer 2012 shoes have a pink lace print over yellow leather and have sold out everywhere. The T-bar strap will add a timeless twist to these shoes whilst being fresh and very stylish and on trend this summer. 

Sergio Rossi

Right on trend this season and a constant must have the pointed shoe. The bright yellow, black and purple in these shoes have a very theatrical effect yet look like they have came straight off the runway. Easy to wear, to dress up and dress down they can be worn with a pair of jeans or paired a pencil skirt. I Love pointed shoes but find they are always the same, block colour or metal tipped, so when I saw these I melted abit.

Shoes really are my guilty pleasure.

Love Lbl