HAIRBANDS, THE NEW HANDBAGS?

Blair Waldorf would be so proud.  Hair bands, hair crowns, hair clips, silk hair scarves.  They've all dominated the fashion world this year and they're still on the rise.  Even Selfridges have increased their hair accessories products by an amazing 700 percent!  From Gucci to Topshop, everyone is stocking them.

But why has this trend suddenly blown up?  One possibility could be that as we become more aware of fast fashion and the affect it's having on our environment, we are making more sustainable fashion choices.

Unless you're buying designer, hair accessories are relatively cheaper than buying a new outfit, especially if you feel under constant pressure to buy new for the 'gram.  Hairbands are an easy way to hide unruly hair, a great alternative the "mum bun" and scrunchies are cool again so whip that hair in a pony girl!

I just find that a glam hair clip, or head crown can jazz up even the most boring of outfits.  A subtle pony tail can look just that little bit more chic if you add a scarf.  So many ways to wear them and so many styles.  There are hundreds of tutorials on You Tube teaching you how to wear a head scarf, or ways to style your hair and then add accessories.

If a full on embellished head band on the school run isn't your thing, just switch up your usual hair grips for one with a little sparkle or simple ribbon or scrunchie.

Always ask yourself, what would Blair Waldorf do?

Love

Victoria
x

THE JEANS I CAN'T TAKE OFF

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be obsessed with the jeans your mum had in the 80's and 90's I would have laughed at you. Fast forward to 2017/18 and I'm obsessed.

So what is a pair of "mom" jeans? Typically they have a higher waist, sitting around the same height as your natural waist.  The leg is tapered and the crotch area is more relaxed.

Personally, I find these teamed with a heel make the leg appear slimmer. I like to roll mine up slightly and show a bit of ankle (risqué I know!!). You can dress them up or down and they just... work.

I'm not a massive fan of low slung jeans anymore. Back in my early twenties I wore them as low as they could possibly be and teamed them with a cropped, crop top (think Aguilera style). But now I'm all about the mom jeans. The waist is flattering and comfortable (how old do I sound?!?!) but it means I can tuck blouses in, or wear a bodysuit or layer a sweater. Perfect waist height!  My favourites are H&M as I'm quite petite and some brands are too baggy for me and I look like I'm drowning in denim.

My top tip for mom jeans; try not to wear a baggy shirt or top or you will look "vintage" and if that's the look you're going for then great, but for a lot of people it will be too much and you'll lose your shape completely.

My favourite on the high street right now:

These are the pair I never take off!  A slightly slimmer, mom jean fit with pearl embellishment.

 H & M Slim Mom Jeans

Another slightly slimmer leg pair, in washed denim.  Amazing with a skinny knit and white boots!

H & M Light Blue Mom Jeans

Slim fit again, in a classic mid wash denim.  I would pop a Tee and mules with this look.

Asos Slim Fit Mid Blue Mom Jeans

Classic Mom Jean.  Straight outta the 80's and 90's.  Love these!

Pretty Little Thing Classic Mom Jean

These work well with a heel or trainers.  Add a classic cult sweater or a slogan Tee.

Boohoo Sports Stripe Mom Jeans

I would definitely say give them a try, but shop around. The style slightly varies from store to store.  So don't be put off if the first shop you visit, you hate them.  When you find the right colour and style for you, you'll definitely be pleasantly surprised.  They instantly transform an outfit from normal to cool.  You only have to search on Instagram to see any fashionista worth her Gucci belt rocking these bad boys!

Happy shopping

Victoria
Xx

High Street Buys

It's taken me nearly two days to write this post, I've had a very clingy little girl not wanting me out of her sight or giving anything else my attention. The minute I sit down, 'mummy, mummy, mummy' and the tugging of whatever clothing I'm wearing ensues until I abandon whatever it was I was trying to do. She's normally on the go constantly and will amuse herself quite happily whilst I potter around or sit at the computer so I fear another cold may be around the corner, we shall wait and see....  but anyway, how can you say no to this face?!

I always find this time of year difficult. We are slowly moving out of Winter and into Spring, hurray!  But most days are still quite dull and dismal and it's usually still cold. So before I start buying my key pieces for spring I want to find a few transitional pieces. Something that can brighten a dull day but also classics that I can team with lots of other items and get use out of.  Since being a mummy, as much as I love fashion, somethings just aren't practical.  Whilst hitting my local shopping centre yesterday, here are my favourite finds for this week that I think suit any age group.

The white shirt.  How can you go wrong with a classic? They are staple for any wardrobe. My two favourite in store right now are from Topshop. Statement sleeves dominated the runway for SS17 and we are starting to see them all over the high street. I love this trend because you can stick to a small fluted sleeve or stand right out with oversized bell sleeves, it entirely up to you. 

"Imputed with glamour and poetry.  Freedom and impetuousness.  The prim white shirt turns out to have a thousand identities".
Gianfranco Ferre

This first shirt is quite boxy, I love the bow tie detail at the back and the puff sleeve. I would add a statement necklace or chocker as the shirt is minimal but it is easy team with anything from jeans to a pleated midi.  It can definitely elevate your wardrobe, adding a fresh trendy vibe.

The second is a crisp white poplin shirt with embroidery detail. I would team this with a high waisted jean or skirt but you could go all out with the western theme and team it with a midi skirt.  Edgy cowgirls and country belles are back again this Spring/Summer so don't be afraid to release your inner cowgirl!

If you're looking for a Spring coat then for me this Marks & Spencer city long coat is perfection. Made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, the length looks great with trousers or a dress. The yellow just pops, I can't wait to wear this over grey city shorts, a white shirt and tan wedges.

So that's my favourite buys for this week. If you're not sure what to wear with what just comment below and I'll help and advise. 

Mothers Day isn't far away, next week I'll be reviewing my perfect gift ideas for every budget.

Happy shopping all!


Victoria
xx

All item were available in store this week.  Click links below to Oder online.

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/tops-443/embroidered-scallop-shirt-6214475?bi=20&ps=20

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/tops-443/puff-sleeve-top-6231978?bi=0&ps=20

http://www.marksandspencer.com/eyelet-city-long-coat/p/p22491571?image=SD_01_T49_3400U_R0_X_EC_90&color=YELLOW&prevPage=plp&pdpredirect