Category Archives: Fash Flash

The Fash Flash: Your Holiday Wardrobe

Posted on by
17

Before my recent holiday to South Africa I found I needed to stock up on a few things and although I was looking for a few treats and a few necessary items, I realised a lot of them formed the backbone of the holiday essentials everyone needs, so I thought I’d share them here. This trip was varied with fancy restaurants and hiking in one, had the possibility of unpredictable weather, and of course, I wanted to look half decent without buying things I would never wear again. Here are my solutions…

The Bikini: Not having splashed out last year due to poor weather it was high time I picked up some new swimwear. I bought a Florence Oversize Frill Bandeau bikini in this neon coral and blue flower print, with frilled bottoms, but Accessorize have a great range of Missoni or J.Crew-esque zig zag prints or stripes too.

The pick-me-up lipstick: Remember me saying I wanted an orange-red lipstick? This one appealed because it was more of a sheen, lighter for sunny days on holiday, but also non-staining so I wouldn’t look odd after it wore off or even the next day.

The go-everywhere dress: I wore it belted, loose, with and without heels. Great investment. Second Female, Guess Dress, Atterley Road. Expect a wear-it-two-ways coming soon.

The seasonal flats: Another thing I didn’t update last year as they simply didn’t wear out. I went for on-trend metallic look silver for a change from my usual gold styles, from Topshop.

The perfect Orange-Red nail polish: Essie Meet Me at Sunset.

The travelling bag: A cross body bag in the softest grey leather, which took me from plane (roomy enough for all my essentials,) to beach, to town and beyond. I didnt worry about it being slung in the overhead locker, or by my feet in the car and it was comfortable. Although not cheap, It was simple and perfectly my style so worth the investment as my summer go-everywhere tote.

The showerproof jacket: Knowing the weather would be temperamental and I may well get wet, I bought this sunny and cheap Coated Cotton Parka from ASOS. I found out it wasn’t ‘waterproof’ in a downpour, but to be honest I don’t think much is without buying all-weather gear and I wanted something that would work in spring showers at home too. It did the job and kept me warm enough on many an evening trip out to restaurants etc when cooler weather descended.

The essential scarf: I have never invested in a quality scarf and ordered this thinking I would choose a cheaper alternative I had sen. When it came to it, the print and wool/silk mix made the quality well worth the price and I wore it non-stop for the first 4-5 days of our holiday when the weather was cooler as well as on the plane to sleep and wrap up, then later on safari. Mynuka Peacock Printed Scarf (in blue/grey), Atterley Road

Things I didn’t buy but always take with me.
1. A pair of casual trainers. I dislike planning activities ahead but like to be prepared so I always take a pair of lace ups for comfort and safety when walking up waterfalls, hiking through forests, or walking Cheetah’s ;)
2. A Hat. I forgot mine, but sorely missed my foldable straw number to keep the sun off my face on the beach and around.

So readers, will you be making any pre-holiday investments this year and do you have any must have’s for travelling?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Spring Series: Wardrobe Transitions

Posted on by
9

One of the hardest things about this time of year is trying to dress appropriately. I always find myself desperate to try new trends and don spring-like shades, but when the weather is unpredictable there’s nothing worse than being caught in a hailstorm wearing pastels with drenched feet in impractical ballet flats.

Nonetheless, I have figured out a few ways to keep me happy by buying a few key items that merge seamlessly with my winter staples but blend into spring. Here are my must-haves and tips to wear them now and later.

It’s no coincidence the majority of these picks are from GAP, they play a blinder every spring with brights and stripes – perfect for your spring wardrobe and the price is always right with sales and spring discounts. I also used navy as my key basic neutral as I have tons of it, but you can switch for your preferred neutral, just make sure to adjust the colours you choose too.


Jumper, jeans, tee and scarf, all GAP // Bertie Aztec ballet flat. // Gold Brogues, ALDO

  • My key spring wardrobe update is a pair of coloured skinny jeans. I chose coral (this pair is rather fabulously named ‘neon flamingo’,) because it’s pretty and bright and works really well with winter neutrals. Team it with a grey or navy winter woolly now and a breton striped tee later.
  • Everybody needs stripes in their spring wardrobe, but they’re often of the t-shirt variety and when there’s a nip in the air they might not be sufficient to keep you warm. If the budget stretches buy a tee and look out for a knit too. Wear a tee under your parka while it’s cold and switch for your jumper as it warms up a little. You can layer this one up now with your regular jeans (I bought the coral stripe to wear with my usual dark wash jeans, but the navy works brilliantly with these coral skinnies,) and later on the beach with a pair of denim cut off shorts.


Scarves, Zara

  • Pick up a bright scarf or belt. The best investment you can make, you can wear a scarf in new season colours or prints with everything from a big coat now that you’re tired of your winter scarf, right through to layered with a light jacket or vest in warmer weather. Choose brights or tribal and ikat inspired patterns to stay on trend.
  • Lastly, pick out some fun shoes. I snapped up these gold brogues (in the Aldo sale now) for when it’s colder and I want to keep my toes covered up, and also a pair of pointed suede effect ballet flats in the Dorothy Perkins mid-season sale with 30% off for a smarter look on warmer days and work.

Have you picked up any transitional pieces yet this spring?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Triple Temptation: Tribal Accents

Posted on by
4


DAY Birger Et Mikkelsen at My Wardrobe £310 // PENTRA – Western Style Fabric Ankle Boot, Bertie £83 // Maison Scotch Navajo print sleeved Mac coat at Atterley Road £185

I’ve noticed tribal inspired embroidered panel details cropping up everywhere recently and although at first glance it seems to be more of an autumnal feel, I’m imagining it channelling South Western America with Native American Indian details against a desert backdrop and teamed with faded t-shirts, skinny jeans and tasselled bags. I totally fell in love with this Mac but in actual fact, I can see the boots having massive longevity worn all through summer with cotton sun dresses, at festivals and the like, and then with warm toned knits through to autumn. (There’s also a great navy jacket at a lower price point right now in M&S with shoulder panel detail like the first one here.)

Do you like it?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS. It’s a two post day :)

Triple Temptation: Yellow Coats

Posted on by
14


Head turned: Coated Cotton Parka, ASOS £55 // Second Glance: Tutorat coat, Petit Bateau at Atterley Road £126 // Love at first sight: Boat Jacket, Superdry £99

I’m debuting a little mini-feature today, Triple Temptation. I often spot similar items that I love, at different price points and often with small distinguishing features that make one so much more covetable than another. So I have decided to group them and share the love as they crop up.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a yellow coat, specifically for spring showers. It just seems so suited to the cheerful mood that a bit of spring sunshine brings and of course retains its cheer when the sun goes in and rain inevitably takes over. Rainproofing would be an added bonus. ;)

Do you wear a rain coat?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS Thanks to Jessie at Sweet Thing for the post inspiration.

The Fash Flash: Green with Envy

Posted on by
15

There’s something about emerald that for me just makes me think of couture… there’s something so elegant about a vivid emerald green gown. Yet when done top to toe with a car coat, printed pants and a striped knit, it looks clean and modern.


Lace back dress // Emerald gown (Zac Posen) // velvet burn out gown // J.Crew modern green outfit

It’s all very well day dreaming about couture, (wouldn’t you just die to wear that Zac Posen gown?) but when I’m planning outfits I always look for inspiration in how people are wearing certain styles or themes on the streets. Colour used in an unexpected way… interesting shapes and patterns.


Ski knit and green coat // Modern green dress // J.Crew printed pants // Jade jacket // British racing green jacket

Despite my love affair with emerald, the fashion world doesn’t seem to be sharing in my passion for the shade. However I have sought out a few pieces in green (of many shades,) that are spring appropriate for you.



Printed pants and sequinned skirt, J.Crew* // Skinnies // Light knit // Scarf // Cable knit jumper* // weekend stripe dress // Oxfords* // Puma classics* // Lace dress*// Trophy Wife nail colour //  Body Warmer // Hunter boots

The thing about green is that it’s so fresh and springy. I’m just getting to the stage of wanting to invite spring into my wardrobe but nobody wants to look like a fashion queen in season inappropriate attire. The rich tones of these teals, emerald, grass, jade and apple greens make them perfect for the promise of warmer weather but not out of place in the wet and blustery gales we’re having. I’m particularly loving the J.Crew take on shades of green in sequin metallic skirts and exotic patterns teamed with chambray and casual neutrals.

Have you found any green items to take your fancy lately? Do share them in the comments box!

Love,
Rebecca
xo

*Florence’s favourites ;)

The Fash Flash: Christmas Jumpers

Posted on by
10

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bad Christmas jumper, and some things are just so bad they’re good. The traditional Christmas jumper might be Fair Isle, embellished or comedy. Regardless of your taste in knitwear, here are some of the best…


R-L top to bottom: Cat knit and multi-coloured Fair Isle, both ASOS // Mint green owl jumper, Topshop
Neutral Fair Isle, Marks and Spencer Autograph // Kiss Me, River Island // Cornflower blue Fair Isle, Marks and Spencer
Red and cream Fair Isle, Ted Baker // Embellished Chevron jumper, Marks and Spencer Limited // Navy with white snowflakes, Dorothy Perkins

Have you seen any good Christmas jumpers this year?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Fash Flash: Ankle Biters

Posted on by
11

As we are firmly into boot territory and the weather continues to deteriorate I thought it would be a good idea to make some flat boot suggestions. Maybe I’m getting old, but the idea of tottering around in heeled boots in the winter seems like a terrible idea. I’m more than prepared to invest in a pair of lovely boots that I know I’ll be wearing day in day out for the next 5 months or more. When you put it like that, it’s worth forking out for a really good pair (my money’s on the All Saints pair here) that cost-per-wear will practically make money for you ;)

  • Bordeaux suede ankle boots with studded heels – TOPSHOP
  • Shore Tan boot - Carvela Kurt Keiger
  • Stefani grey wedge heel boot - KG Kurt Geiger
  • Jules shearling boot – All Saints
  • Ankle Boot with Studded toe - Zara
  • Flat ankle boot with buckles - Zara
  • Studded Cowboy ankle boot – Zara
  • Lace up ankle boot – GAP (instore only)
Have you bought any boots this year yet? Leave a link and share the love readers :)

Love,
rebecca
xo

The Fash Flash: Oxblood

Posted on by
19

Well, we’re mid-way through October now, what say we start getting back into the Fash Flash. Maybe I was a bit premature in assessing the trends, or perhaps it has just taken me longer this year to embrace Autumn fashions but it has taken me a while to sort the wheat from the chaff. Todays ‘trend’ is definitely the wheat.

It’s not burgundy, it’s not wine, or berry. This year we’re calling it Oxblood and I am LOVING it.


Velvet Slipper shoe, Zara // Tube skirt, Topshop // A list, Essie // Afghan Red, Nars // Dropped Waist Dress, Warehouse // Peplum top, Oasis // Red Tweed Biker jacket, Warehouse // Autograph collection leather paneled matinee clutch – Marks and Spencer // Heeled court shoe, Warehouse // Blouse, Florence and Fred // Chanel Rouge Noir // Slammer Sandal, Whistles //

I was pleasantly surprised to see oxblood back in the shops, whatever the name, as not only is it a lovely colour for Autumn but I happen to already have several pieces of it sitting waiting to be worn. It’s surprisingly versatile too, working with most of your wardrobe neutrals, leathers, navy, black, grey, electric blue, red. The only colour I don’t like it with is green, particularly bottle green, as the pair together seem to have ‘school uniform’ written all over them. The pieces in oxblood this season are all about texture and simple clean lines – you’ll see a lot of lace and vamped up combo’s with leather accents, but it’s just as wearable in modern dresses, tube skirts, coated jeans and oversized jumpers. (I bought just such a jumper from the Warehouse Definitives collection last weekend and haven’t stopped wearing it.) It looks particularly good in shoes and accessories, particularly like the Autograph bag above in calf hair, suede and snakeskin-like leather. I’m going to struggle to resist…

The coolest way to wear it? Head-to-toe, of course.

So, have you got any oxblood in your wardrobe and will you be splashing out?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

The Fash Flash: AW12 Coats (first look)

Posted on by
6

It’s still too warm to be giving even a passing thought to coats but my head has been turned already so I thought I’d start the blog ball rolling and hear your thoughts on coats this year.

I’m honestly not a ‘coat’ person. I know some people really look forward to a winter coat purchase but for years I have struggled to find the right ones, or perhaps to justify the cost of a coat as there never seems to truly be a one-style fits all solution. Maybe I’ve let go of the quest for a does-it-all garment and embraced the joy of choosing a coat for every situation, either way, I’ve identified 3 key styles that I’m ‘desperately’ in need of this year and lusting after already. Co-incidentally, all of todays selections come from Zara, who are literally on fire in the outerwear department this season, but aren’t they always?

Remember this post and my wear-everywhere GAP lightweight parka? It has remained as useful as I claimed it was and I’ve worn it non-stop this summer, particularly in the constant showers. Now I can’t imagine being without one so I’m on a quest for a warm winter version to keep wrapped up in at the weekend or on the run around town.

Now I have a properly grown-up job, I want a properly grown up coat (I have been known to do home visits in my leather jacket which causes the occasional raised eyebrow!) The minimal slim car-coat styles with collar embellishment and detailed sleeves are calling out to me, along with voluminous cocoons for a striking silhouette.

I can’t deny, I’m a city girl, yet at the weekends I’m often found tramping around the local water park and nature reserve in less than clement weather. I’d love a Barbour but for occasional weekend wear I can’t justify the cost, so thought I’d buy a cheaper version and see how much wear I get out of it. This one is just as chic for the girl-about-town as getting out of town.

So what have you got in mind this winter for your outerwear? Don’t worry, this isn’t the last post you’ll be seeing, merely a teaser. Look out for more detailed fash flashes coming soon ;)

Love,
Rebecca
xo

The Fash Flash: Breton Basics

Posted on by
15

It seems to me that in the current changeable weather conditions, rain then sun then humidity then chilling temperatures, there’s an item of clothing that works no matter what the weather throws at us. The Breton top.


Red Breton, dressed up with black // Breton with turquoise necklace // Olivia // Breton with khaki

For a while now, convinced of its versatility (just look at the examples above) I’ve been looking for a new addition to my portfolio of stripes. I already have a coral and cream wide striped loose tee, but now I’d really like a navy version. Finding a quality fabric however that isn’t paper thin and see through is another matter.


L-R:Petite Bateau marinière // Autumn Breton Boden // Baukjen Pippa striped top

After looking a little further than the high street and at more ‘grown up’ brands however, I think I might be onto a few winners. I’m particularly loving the unusual neckline and combination of colours in the Petite Bateau version and the heavier weight jersey from Boden.

Have you found the perfect Breton yet and have you (like me) been wearing yours none stop?

Love,
Rebecca
xo