Wish List

Hey guys

It has been forever and a day since we last blogged - please accept out apologies we have been really bogged down with uni work, but I decided to take a little break from my work and write a blog post!

I am stepping outside of our themed day structure to share with you what I am lusting after at the moment! I can accept (with struggle) that until I get a job or unless santa really exists and really loves me it is unlikely that these items will be mine, but I think it will help to talk about them.

So first up is the Mulberry Effie Satchel 

I have been longing for a satchel/across the body bag for agessss and I absolutely love this new mulberry design. With a detachable strap it is like two bags in one! They have it in all different colours, but I really like this 'Bark Brown Velvet Suede'

Secondly I can't seem to get over this Return to Tiffany Bead Bracelet. I have a larger Return to Tiffany bracelet but don't wear it anymore as I find it too in your face, so I really like this tiny one!

Next up is a Zara Coat with Quilted Faux Leather Sleeves

As I had to give up my desire for a puffa I have kept my eyes peeled for a winter jacket.  Does anyone else feel like winter has been kinder to us this year? I know the leather sleeves are a bit overdone this year, but I like that isn't the entire sleeve. 72% wool too, so will keep me warm when the snow arrives.

Somedays I wish my existing 2008 MacBook will give up so I can have an excuse to buy the MacBook Air, but it's still going strong and for this reason, Macs are definitely the way. This is just beautiful...

Back to fashion related items, I want these River Island Ankle Boots. I never ever ever buy black boots because I always prefer the tan/brown version so I really need to just buy some black boots! These ones have taken my fancy.

Last, but not least I want a bob like this...

I have been growing my hair for four years and it is practically at the length I have always dreamed of, and now I want a bob... Why does this happen? I have the slowest growing hair in the history of mankind so this is a massive decision to make, but i recently bought Babyliss big hair and unfortunately on my long massive hair it didn't really work very well, but on my mum's bob it was absolutely amazing and I think this is what has swayed me! Most people are advising against because they have heard my woes over the last four years of hair growth and probably cant take much more. What are your thoughts? To bob or not to bob? Have any of you bobbed and regretted?

Obviously there are a million other things I want right now but these are top of my list! What are you lusting after at the moment?

Naomi

Ps I will be reviewing lots of new beauty items (By Terry Touche Veloutee, Lancome Hypnose Drama, Rimmel by Kate Lipstick, Dior skin care, Babyliss wave wand etc etc) in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned! 

Friday Focus: Alexa Chung

This week Friday Focus is focusing on one of Britain's hottest fashion icons - Alexa Chung. With the success of her collaboration with Madewell and news that she will soon be designing her own line (and she really does input into the designing) we thought she was more than qualified to feature on Friday Focus.

We first loved Alexa's style back in the days where she was taunting celebrities with her quick wit on Popworld. Her skinny jeans, checked shirts and pretty flats made her the epitomy of laidback chic.

With Alex Zane on the Popworld set

As she's grown up, so has her style; she now channels a timeless look - girly yet tailored, hot yet cute and the perfect mix of high street and designer. Now when we think of Alexa, you can't help but think Mulberry, Chanel, ballet pumps and killer accessories. Alexa says she dresses for herself, and sometimes other girls, but never for guys. We think whoever she's dressing for - she's doing something right!

Here we take a look at some of our favourite Alexa looks and attempt to re-create them in a budget friendly way (apart from the Mulberry but you can hardly create an Alexa look without THE Alexa!)

Comfy and casual

One look Alexa carries off to a tee is the casual style. Short shorts or a short skirt can easily look dressy but Alexa manages to make the most of one her best features, her legs, without looking tarty by keeping the look simple with cute flats and a casual top.

You too can imitate Alexa's casual look by teaming a short skirt with ballet flats and a loose fitting t-shirt or shirt:

1. Loud Clothing Sonic Youth (Goo) T-shirt (£13)
For an authentic Alexa look, buy a boy's t-shirt and keep it loose with rolled up sleeves.

2. Oasis pleated faux leather mini skirt (£45)
I think this Oasis faux leather skirt is very Alexa - short and flaired!

3. Levi's Western Shirt (£80)
 Worn buttoned up and tucked in or undone over a printed t-shirt, this classic denim shirt is so Alexa!

4. River Island Black Cage Toe Ballerina Pumps (£25)
Get the Chanel look for a fraction of the price with these pumps with a toe detail.

Red Carpet Glam

Whilst Alexa may be better known for her every day style, it doesn't mean that she doesn't know how to do all out glam on the red carpet - whilst staying true to her quirky style. Here are some of our favourite Alexa evening looks:

If you love the look of Alexa's red carpet dress, why not try to recreate it with one of these high street versions?

1. New Look Gold Lace Brocade Skater Dress (£27.99)
This gold dress combines Alexa's short fit and flare style with the golden glamour of her 2009 Bafta dress. Team with opaque tights, shoe boots and even a long sleeve t-shirt underneath for true Alexa style.

2. ASOS Nude Quilted Lock Across Body Bag (£16)
At just £16 this ASOS quilted bag is a bargain version of Alexa's Chanel favourite. Plus, nude goes with everything!

3. Topshop Textured Pleat Tunic (£26)
This coral skater dress is a more casual version of Alexa's red-carpet puff ball number. If you're creative, you could add your own neckline embellishments or just dress up with heels and some red lips!

4. Dune @ John Lewis Leather Accrington Monkstrap Shoe Boots (£85)
Style like Alexa and add a quirky touch to the red carpet glam by toughening up a pretty dress with these black shoe boots.

Out and About

My faviourite of Alexa's looks is when she is wrapped up for the British winter (or sometimes even Summer) in a stand out coat.

You can steal Alexa's street style here:

1. Johnstons @ ASOS Merino Wool Check Scarf (£39)
This colourful scarf is bound to brighten up a winter's day and we bet the merino wool is super soft too. Wear outside your coat to show it off.

2. Zara Trench Coat with Sleeve Detail (£69.99)
Alexa is known for her trenches and whilst her's may be Burberry, we think this Zara one is just as stylish and great value too.

3. Topshop MOTO grey supersoft skinny leigh jeans (£38.00)
It's not often you see Alexa in jeans but when you do, you can guarantee they'll be skinnies. We love Topshop's supersoft (and stetchy) range.

4. ASOS fur trim duffle coat (£75)
Channel your inner Paddington with this navy duffle coat from ASOS - if navy is not your thing it comes in three other colours too!

5. Mulberry Alexa in Oak Soft Buffalo (£795)
We couldn't very well cover Alexa's style without including the bag that was named in her honour! We are lusting after the Alexa in every colour - we better get saving!

So there you have it - style queen Alexa Chung's style well and truly stolen!

Lots of imitable love

Chelsea xx

Wednesday Winners

Hey Everyone

It hardly seems a week since we were last picking out our Wednesday Winners - where does the time go?! We hope you've all been enjoying our picks and that you aren't suffering too much from the same fate as we have: RSS - Repetitive Shopping Syndrome, from all the clicking and inputting of card details online!!

Chelsea's Picks

This week I've picked out some more wintry items - ironic since I am picking these on what is actually a really sunny day (but unfortunately, the sceptic in me knows this won't last and so it's best to be prepared!)

1. Zara Cable Knit Sweater with Zip (£38.99)
I love this jumper. I really like knitwear, especially cable knit and I love the traditional colour of this Aaron-like jumper. The zip at the back adds a modern twist too.

2. Sam Edelman Kendrix Buckle High Ankle Boots @ mywardrobe (£180)
For a pair of designer boots, £180 isn't too bad (who am I trying to convince?) I think this pair have a Mulberry look about them with all of the straps. I like the tough look and would definitely wear these with a pair of skinny jeans and the Zara jumper!

3. Miss Selfridge Green Lace Insert Tee (£28)
I was really trying my best not to mention collars this week on the blog as I know Naomi will mock my obsession! However, I am willing to sacrafice Naomi having a laugh at my expense to bring you this super cute t-shirt. I love the pale green (although it is equally cute in the cream) and the lace inserts make it slightly more pretty and dressy.

4. George High Waisted Denim Spot Shorts (£14)
Whilst saving for my wedding I got a little bit addicted to finding supermarket bargains! George is my favourite supermarket range and I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't mind picking up a pair of cute shorts with my bread and apples! I think this polka dot high-waisted pair are very Jess from New Girl.

5. Oasis Parka with Leopard Fur Lining at ASOS (£88)
This coat is my favourite of this week's picks. I love a good parka and this traditional khaki one looks so cosy with the leopard lining and hood. It's definitely on the top of my birthday purchases list!

Naomi's Picks:

Zara has absolutely floated my boat this week.  I could have picked all five winners from Zara alone, but I didn't want to look like I hadn't put any effort in! 

Please note: You need to click on the links for all five of the winners to get a good zoom and appreciate their design and beauty.

1. Zara Jacquard Loom Trousers £39.99
I like the tailored and cropped style of these trousers, but most of all I like the Jacquard design and colours. They are perfect for a smart casual evening look, but could also be dressed down with a chunky knit. 

2. Next Check Dress £55
Tartan is sweeping the stores at the moment but the colours of this dress offer you a glam not in-your-face tartan.  For taller girls it can be hard to find knee-length dresses and skirts but this one looks like it will keep you work appropriate.  The rouched side and capped sleeves turn this dress into a designer look-a-like.

3. Zara Three Quarter Length Puffer Jacket £89.99
I feel guilty announcing this... but I absolutely love puffer jackets. I know that they are not the most fashionable of items but wearing a puffer is like being wrapped in a duvet and quite frankly there is nothing I want more than to be wrapped in a duvet whilst standing on a train platform in winter. I was delighted to see this Zara puffer as I feel it has taken the puffer to a new level of fashionable. The navy and gold colours add sophistication and the zipped collar, gold edged tassels and two sprung belt add style. These features, combined with 30% feather and 70% grey duck down (aka a duvet), scream "buy me now".  I really need this in my life. 

4. River Island @ ASOS Chelsea Girl Dobby Spot Blouse £25
I think subconsciously I have chosen this blouse in homage of Chelsea - her name and her love for collars, and not to mention my love for lace. I also really love the keyhole detailing at the back of the shirt.  Again, I think this could be worn with a pair of jeans or a pair of smart trousers - take your pick!  

5. Zara Embroidered Fantasy Skirt £79.99
I must admit I wasn't initially taken aback by this skirt but then I clicked on the zoomed-in image and thought 'wow!'.  The pearls and quilted embroidered pattern are unique but also reminded me of a Chanel design. I think this skirt is totally classic chic.  


That's it for another Wednesday Winners, thank you for reading! Are there any of these items that you will be purchasing this week? Or do you have your eye on any other items out there? Also, what do you think about purchasing a winter coat already?! We love to hear from you - so please add a comment or send us a tweet!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Wednesday Winners

It's Wednesday again already and that means another round of Wednesday Winners to share with you all. With all the A/W lines arriving in stores it's been a bit all over the place - much like the weather the stores can't seem to make up their minds whether it's summer or winter and so the picks this week are a mixture of both!

Chelsea's Picks:

1. American Apparel Chiffon Double Layered Shirred Waist Skirt (£40)

Whilst I do think that American Apparal prices seemed to have soared over the last year, I couldn't help but be drawn to this skirt. I love the colour (but it wouldn't be a problem if I didn't since it's available in over 20 difference shades). I also love the length and the optional belt. I'd pair it with cute flats for a casual but cool daytime look.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Big Bang crystal necklace (£200)

I love costume jewellery - although this is pretty expensive for costume jewellery. The burgundy coloured jewels play up to my love of this season's hit colour and I really love the little bow effect. A matching bracelet is also available.

3. H&M cable knit jumper (£14.99)

Naomi actually sent me a link to this jumper as she knows I am obsessed with burgundy and I stole it for my picks! Sorry Nams! I really like cable knit too so this is ideal! If you're not as into burgundy as me, then fret not - it's also available in coral, navy, yellow, red and a light 'glitter' brown that I'm very tempted by!

4. Topshop Smudge Print Shorts (£30)

I bought a new top from Topshop not long ago and it was soooo creased that I had to iron it right away. As soon as I touched it with the iron it frazzled (even though the iron was on low!) Anyway, Topshop wouldn't exchange it as they clearly thought my ironing was to blame (deffo not the case!) so I have been looking for some cute shorts to tuck the top into and hide the burn. So, in conclusion, these cute shorts would be ideal with the burnt top!

5. Oasis Lace Mix Dip Hem Dress @ ASOS (£75)

I honestly think I may be even more obsessed with collars than burgundy and I really love this collared dress. Flower detail, pleats and hi-low hem - music to my ears!

Last week, my husband noted I liked collars after reading the blog and bought me a cute collared shirt from Topshop. If he's reading now - go for the necklace ;-)



Naomi's Picks:

1. Dorothy Perkins Black/White Lace Circle Dress £39.50

I love the lace and ombre effect to this dress along with the capped sleeves and cute little bow. Dress with some nude heels I recks!

2. Miss Selfridge Mink Fishtail Lace Top £29.00

I love everything about this top: the lace, the colour, the fishtail, the peplum, the sheer back and the price. I will definitely be purchasing this as a dress down or dress up little number! 

3. Hobbs NW3 Vintage Cable Cardigan £99.00

I used to shrug Hobbs off as a 'mum's shop' but I love their NW3 range! This vintage cable knit cardigan in 'porridge' can be worn with jeans, dresses, shorts, skirts, leggings - basically anything. It is totes grandad chic!   

4.Urban Outfitters Vintage Renewal Five Pocket Leather Shorts £45.00

I have been looking for a leather skirt, but when I saw these shorts I loved them. I like the high waist and vintage-renewal look. These will look good with chunky knitwear (i.e. the above cardigan) and some biker boots. PS delivery only £1 if you enter code 'shweet' at checkout!

5. H&M Collar £14.99

This collar took my breathe away! I absolutely love the pearls and diamantes. This could be worn with any top or dress to add instant cuteness - espesh the mink lace top and black/white lace dress in my picks!