#NextGuestBlogger - My Second Outfit Post - Monochrome & Camo Posted by Unknown |

For my second #nextguestblogger post I decided to work two Spring Summer 2013 trends – first off, monochrome proper (my last post was a softened version). Probably one of the biggest trends doing the rounds at the moment, you'll have seen monochrome on practically every top blogger during fashion week. And second, a trend I've seen bubbling up on quite a few blogs, especially in the US – camouflage, or camo. Christopher Kane breathed fresh life into camo with his blue shades take for AW13, so this is definitely a trend that will have a long life. So, the outfit – I chose some pretty classic pieces, black skinnies (rolled up to show a bit of ankle), a perfect pair of pointy-toed courts (I realised my wardrobe was severely lacking without a pair) and a long white collarless shirt (ideal for dressing up trouser and top outfits). The exciting pieces of this outfit are, of course, the cute camo jacket, which, you may have noticed, I chose to shoulder-robe in homage to the fashion week peacocks (actually shoulder-robing is something I've seen Italians – I'm half Italian btw! – do for many years) and the quite fabulous laser-cut iPad clutch. I really like how the clutch and heels turn what could be a very casual outfit into something verging on the glamorous. Teaming monochrome with a carefully chosen print or bright colour is a easy way to make a statement this spring and one I'm going to be doing again and again. What do you think? Do you like the outfit? Have you been wearing monochrome? And how do you feel about camo?

ps. All these pieces also come in Petite, which is what I'm wearing. I sized the shirt up to give a bigger shape and brightened up with a dash of red lippy.

pps. You can see my first #nextguestblogger post on the Next blog here and this one here.

The Laser Cut iPad Clutch Posted by Unknown |

I am completely in love with this iPad clutch that has just arrived from Next (as part of my second outfit for my #nextguestblogger posts). The laser cut flowers just pop right out, it's oh-so-perfectly monochrome and just £22. A perfect piece that little fingers just can't keep away from. :) I can't wait to get out into the real world and brandish this about. Is bag and clutch too much??

 

My Key SS13 Trends For The #NextGuestBlogger Competition Posted by Unknown |

Spring/Summer '13 is looking like a whole lotta fun and I think I can already feel it in the air. Trendwise there's a lot to choose from – print-clashing, sports luxe, the 60s, blue, voluminous silhouettes, lace and graphic florals to name a few. Where to start? Fear not, as part of the #NextGuestBlogger competition I bring you my SS13 trends edit taking inspiration from Next's Spring/Summer '13 collections. Take a look, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!  

Shop the monochrome trend

Monochrome
You just can't go wrong with a black and white combo – it's an amazing mix of laidback cool and statement, both at the same time. So striking in its appearance, with monochrome you have a number of options – channel a 60s vibe (a strong SS13 trend) with scallops and polka dots, go wild with snow leopard print, cover your iPad with a floral laser-cut case (bottom left) or get all sophisticated with printed trousers (middle left & right) and a boucle jacket (middle top) – this jacket is so amazing, I've already featured it once before.

Shop the graphics trend

Graphics
The world's your oyster here, and you can build your outfit around your chosen graphic piece. I adore the forest blouse (top middle), the green is so fresh and perfect for spring. Camo is another great choice for spring – it's doing the rounds on the fashion blogs right now and is failsafe when teamed with denim. The giraffe print on the heels (top middle) is perfectly club 80s and also ties into the monochrome trend. And every girl should have a NY-London–Paris cityscape tee (left middle) to her name.

Shop the leather trend

Leather
Leather is everywhere this spring and so the biker jacket will reign supreme. Though the biker is cropping up in all sorts of brights (coral, acid green, pink) I can't help but think the best option – style and sensible shopping-wise – is to stick with black, that way keeping your outfit options much wider. Next has some fantastic bags right now; I love the tan bucket (right middle), definitely a forever piece  and for something structured but not black, the navy tote (left middle) is perfect – a fashion blogger friend had such great success with this, everyone thought it was designer.

Boohoo Press Day SS13 - Boutique, Botanical, Nineties Neon & Harlequin Posted by Unknown |

I was really impressed by all the fun-loving colours, prints and designs on display at the Boohoo SS13 press day this week. The second Boutique collection was pretty adventurous with pastel brocades, studded white leather, bold reds and net skirt dresses (could easily double up as a bridesmaid dress – if you're into that kind of thing). The main line featured crazy floral botanical prints, nineties neon, harlequin monochrome, studs and stones detailing and Aztec prints. Plus some kick-ass studded high heeled ankle boots. Bring on the spring!

boohoo.com