Spotted: Dune Shoes

I realised the other day that I don’t write much about shoes or handbags, and whilst I’m more of a fan of the latter, the former is infinitely more accessible. When it comes to bags, I make only 1 or maybe 2 purchases a year at a much higher price point, but with shoes (sorry Mr Louboutin, you know I love you really,) I just can’t mentally justify paying so much for something so impractical and less wearable. I mean, you wouldn’t buy a Mulberry handbag and then drag its beautiful bottom along the streets after you would you?

I digress. Whilst in Leeds a couple of weekends ago, I popped into Dune because the window looked so appealing and was pleasantly surprised. After what I would call a dry couple of seasons (I just can’t get on with the current trend for platforms so high they resemble stripper shoes) Dune has come up trumps again with some beauties for work and play. Even better there is 20% off everything at Dune from 4pm today, through until 12pm Friday 16th March. So it’s worth checking them out.

Here are Florence’s picks.

I think Dune have done particularly well with the neutrals this year but I included my favourite bright and bold pair for when nothing but a bright heel will do (and you’re feeling brave enough for that fierce platform.) It might seem out of character for me, but I find if you’re a fan of brights then neutral shoes make getting dressed a whole lot easier and they work beautifully with this seasons pastels too.

There is also a good selection of heels that aren’t hideously unattractive in the mid-heel range, perfect for those of you who are heel shy – both day and occasion appropriate pairs like the grey ones above, which would work well for a wedding.

My favourite are the brogues, preferably in the nude patent and the also nude patent bow fronted ballet flats. I can see those working with a lot of outfits this year.

Have you spotted any favourites amongst my selection? Don’t forget to go and peek at the Dune website and if there’s anything you have your eye on, make the most of the 20% off for the next 3 days with the code VIP15 from 4pm. That’s 2 hours of browsing time… ;)

Happy Shopping!
Rebecca
xo

Spotted: Topshop SS12 Trends

I don’t know about you guys, but I am over the sales. Emailing with Gemma between Christmas and New Year, she said it first and I was so relieved. I could hardly face the thought of post after post of same-old same-old sales bargains. We want to look forward at the new season right?

Right. So here it is.

Topshop have released a little summary of the looks they will be championing for Topshop Spring/Summer 2012 and although it might be a shop you overlook if you prefer your fashion a little more sophisticated, Topshop certainly knows how to pick and then produce a trend.

Something you’ll hear me say over and over this month is how I like to prepare for the new season. I’m no fashionista but I am a list maker, so my favourite pastime is to sit with all the mags, identifying trends and working out which ones are going to work for me. Select a few key pieces to merge seamlessly into your existing wardrobe and you’ll feel right on top of the trends without shelling out much cash, or doing too much hard shopping ;)

First up, my favourite and what Topshop is calling ‘under the sea’.

Remember Florence emerging from the stunning sea-bed set at Chanel’s marine fantasy catwalk production last Autumn? Well if that wasn’t proof enough that this was going to be a massive trend then I don’t know what is. But how does it translate to you? Think little mermaid style pastel metallics, marine shades and beaded sparkles like the light catching on the sea bed. It’s your ticket to summer glitz.

Next up? Wandering hemlines and faded neons. I’ve been saying brights will be big still for a while now, but to be really cutting edge think of the faded neon of your childhood. Sorbet shades with a bit of sass. It doesn’t matter what the garment is (tops are equally popular for this trend as bottoms) but purchasing an item with a wandering hemline will score you style credentials too.

It’s a print party. According to Topshop we’ll be wearing all of our prints at once. Little mix-esque leggings hit the mark – just look for kaleidoscopic patterns. Jungle florals mix with animal prints and for good measure, top it off with this season’s must have bomber jacket, (below left).

Not sure if I’ll be brave enough to try that one at home?!

Lastly, space age sheers. Another difficult trend but it’s all about layering chiffons, with metallic sheen and modern streamlined cuts.

Want extra brownie points? Mix the trends in your own unique way. It’s not as hard as you think – look at the pictures above, the wandering hemline under the space age sheer dress. The clashing prints with the bomber jacket. The sorbet palette in nearly every trend.

It sure looks like Spring is going to be fun and what else is fashion for?

Do let me know if you love any of these looks, or if they’re the last thing you’ll be trying and I’ll keep bringing you the trends to ponder before they hit the shops :)

Love,

Rebecca

xo

Christmas Inspiration #4 – Modern Style

This morning it’s the last of our Christmas inspiration posts and I thought I’d go full on and fabulous with modern Christmas decor. I love bright colours and even though it’s not traditional, I love seeing bright colours, piles of baubles and a fun take on the festivities. I’ve also included some other modern takes on Christmas styling, metallics and clean shapes and forms with fuss free lines. There’s plenty of inspiration here if that’s your thing, and don’t miss the last of the reader photos below.

Real Christmas Decor – Modern Metallics
So what do you do for Christmas decor when you’re a florist? Work your behind off is the answer to that one and so I was curious as to what Becky from Blossom would come up with, given her super stylish taste.


Image Credit: Becky Hay at Blossom

A flower-free Christmas is the result, with a low key tree, lots of lights and mercuried decor (including my favourite toadstools if you look closely) and it all looks just as magical a a real tree I think.

Equally stylish is the lovely Rachie from A chi Chi Affair who sent in her metallic decor featuring oversized baubles from Next which lend a modern look with their simple shape.


Image Credit: A Chi Chi Affair

I hope you have enjoyed the Christmas inspiration series and maybe if it was too late for you, you can come back to it next year for some ideas :)

Love,
Rebecca
xo

The Fash Flash… Glitter Girl

It’s no secret, I’m a huge fan of glitter. Sequins, beading or lurex, I love adding a bit of glitter to every day style.

This season, there has been a huge trend to include sparkle into everyday outfits and that suits me just fine. I’m a particular fan of the trend when paired with super casual items like a chunky knit or jeans and there’s plenty of ways to accessorise with sparkle too if you like to keep it subtle.

So this week’s Fash Flash, in time for your Christmas lists and parties, is the glitter edition. I’m going to have a seriously hard time not spending a fortune after putting this one together!

So, are you a glitter girl?

Love,
Rebecca
xo