SHOPPING: Great Gifts = Not on the High Street

I love giving gifts to people that I know (fingers crossed!) they'll love. Something that I know for sure they'll be happy to receive, or that means something to them on a personal level. It's too easy these days to just dash off the high street and grab a generic gift voucher (although I have to admit under time pressure I'm guilty of the odd voucher now and then!) so if I can, I like to put a bit more thought into it.

That's why I love the website Not on the High Street, because it does exactly what it does on the tin! 

It's a great place to find unique and personalised gifts for birthdays, wedding presents etc, and after spending hours surfing their site the other day for wedding decor inspiration for myself, I was so delighted to be contact by them to trial some of their products. 

The first thing I chose is just absolutely delightful. 

SS13: The New Denim Edit

Today I'm delighted to have my friends over at FarFetch.com  guest post for the day! 

If you've never seen their website, check it out - they collate amazing things from boutiques across the world, with over 1,000 fashion labels to choose from. (I've recently been scouring their website for my wedding shoes....finding it hard to pick just one pair!)

Today the lovely Lucinda Bounsall has some fab tips on how to rock denim this season.

Enjoy :-) 

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It’s one of those items that will never loose its place in your wardrobe; we’ve all probably had over a dozen of them and the hunt for the perfect pair is never ending. I’m talking about jeans, the perennially stylish absolute wardrobe essential that no girl can do without. There hasn’t really been a time where jeans were out of fashion they’re either fashionable or totally on trend and SS13 seems to be the latter.

Denim has had a bit of an overhaul of late, a total modern makeover and we’re loving the results; with everything from casual boyfriend styles to retro throwbacks and bold beautiful prints this season is really reminding us why we love denim so much!

We take a look at some of this season’s most sought after styles and take you through the essential rules to keeping your denim looking fresh just in time for the summer months.

1    The Boyfriend Jean

Never has it been more fashionable to steel your boyfriend’s jeans, and luckily if you don’t have a boyfriend to steal from then there are a number amazing styles you can grab from the high street. Boyfriend jeans are absolutely huge this season and we’re not just talking metaphorically; you can wave farewell you stifling skinny jeans and lounge in comfort in these stylish numbers. They come in a number of varying shades and levels of distress so make sure you do a little research into which is the perfect style for you. Boyfriend jeans are the ultimate word in laid back cool, dress them down with an oversized marl tee and trainers or alternatively for a super stylish evening look pair your boyfriend jeans with ankle strap heels, a crisp white shirt, relaxed blazer and statement necklace.

2   Back in Black

Black, like denim, is never out of style, this season’s take on the classic black jeans sees a darker aesthetic with a real rock chick vibe; think glossed denim, high shine, studs and multiple zips. These bad boys are the perfect wardrobe option to help avoid changing dilemmas; they’re the ideal item to take you seamlessly from day to evening. Team black skinny jeans with an all-black ensemble for an ultra-chic outfit or alternatively a crisp white Alexander Mcqueen shirt will transform a classic look and bring it up to date.

3   Print Power

Prints are always big for spring / summer but usually on summer dresses and floaty shirts, this season sees denim getting a printed overhaul, with everything from animal prints to floral numbers and cool geometric styles - what easier way to add pattern into your wardrobe. Keep your outfit simple by teaming minimalist accessories with a pair of printed jeans or alternatively if you’re feeling bold try print matching for one of this season’s hottest trends. We love teaming printed jeans with a printed top or jacket for a chic print clash ensemble.

4    Flare it Up

Give your style a nod to the seventies with a stunning pair of flares; we’re not talking Saturday Night Fever style we’re talking seriously cool. The perfect addition to your wardrobe a pair of flattering flares will see you through almost any occasion. Team flares with a floaty silk shirt and stacks of bangles for a spot on bohemian style.

5    Colour Play

Winter seems to be the season reserved for chic blacks and greys, if you want to add a touch of colour into your wardrobe as we step into spring then why not get your hands on a pair of coloured jeans. The perfect addition to any wardrobe and an easy way to change up an outfit in no time, for a high impact look try matching coloured trousers with a jacket of the same colour!

6    The New Blue

We’re not going to try and tell you that blue jeans are a new thing; they have literally been around for as long as we can remember. Blue jeans are back taking centre stage this season and they’re looking better than ever; think faded blue hues, inky indigoes and sky blue shades that are flattering on almost any legs. You can team blue jeans with almost anything so try playing around with your style and try a new designer; Tory Burch’s collection is amazing!

The Denim Bible:

Once you’ve got your perfect pair of jeans bought that’s half the battle won, the only thing that you need to remember is to care for them properly to get the most out of them! There’s no point splashing out of a new pair of trousers only for them to fade or shrink beyond recognition. So we’ve put together a little denim Bible to help you get the best results from your denim!

11.    Wear the right style: Boyfriend jeans look fantastic on slim ladies but can look a little unflattering if you’ve got a chunkier thigh, make sure you choose the right style for your body type. If you are a curvier lady then a pair of high waisted skinny jeans will flatter your fantastic shape and avoid unsightly muffin tops. Long legged ladies will rock flares but try to avoid flared styles if you’re short and stout.

22.    The higher the rise of the jean the more sophisticated the look will be; don’t make the mistake of wearing super distressed low rise jeans to a job interview, they might not think you care.

33.    Jeans are treated in hundreds of different ways these days with everything from stonewashed to acid wash, whatever they are always make sure you read the label for the washing instructions, jeans are hardy but the better you treat them the longer they’ll last!

44.    Wash your denim at least every six months and if you have a full on job where you’re likely to get dirty then wash them more often, no one likes stinky jeans – don’t be that person.

55.    Hang your jeans out to dry, this will keep them as fresh as a daisy and avoid them shrinking in the dryer, not to mention all the creases!

So there you have it, the ultimate SS guide to denim, how will you be wearing it this season?

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This blog post was written by Lucinda Bounsall who works at farfetch.com

                                                                                                            

SHOPPING: Spring Basics from Zara

Now that the UK has FINALLY emerged from this god awful  winter eclipse, I'm starting to think about Spring and the new season, and what basics I need to update my wardrobe.

I keep a running list in my iphone of stuff I'd like to buy (I use Awesome Note and am so anal I have lists for EVERYTHING), so the other day when I had a Saturday morning to myself in Zara, I referred back to this list to try and save myself from impulse buys, and invest in things that would be solid additions to my wardrobe.

LIFE LATELY: March

I'm in the middle of another set of busy weeks at work, which typically means falling off the blogging radar for a bit. I think if I was a bit younger I'd be able to keep it more consistent, but being 31 with 3 jobs and a wedding to plan, sometimes there's not much time for anything else. (not that I'm complaining; sometimes if I don't have something to do I'll just make something up to do to feel busy. Loser!)

I'm still addicted to Instagram - any decent phone app that's all about the visual gets a thumbs up in my books - so if you're on there too, please leave a comment with your Instagram name!! 
(I'm @vanessaeves) 
It's the best way I can keep up with my blog friends when I'm on the road, and I love checking out your outfits/food snaps/shopping hauls/cute pics of cats.

Here's a few of mine from the past few weeks - 

Gordon being supercute

OUTFITS: Pinterest Inspirations

I've noticed over the past few months that my dressing habits have changed; where I used to spend hours playing dress up in my wardrobe and enjoyed creating new outfits from scratch, (with a cheeky wine or two) I now search for a bit of inspiration before putting them together, so I have a key piece or 2 in mind to start with. I then adapt it to suit my day (Is it raining? Do I need a flat shoe?) and voila. Outfits planned.

Cue confession: my first waking moments and last few minutes of consciousness before sleep are consumed by Pinterest. I feel compelled to scroll through the Womens Fashion section, and I won't stop untill I find an outfit I can take inspiration from.

ESPECIALLY during Fashion Month - street style photographers in their masses are bringing the inspiration to us, and my Get Dressed Pinterest board has grown so big I've created it's sister board Get Dressed Again.

Here's a few of my favourite looks from the last few weeks that have helped to inspire my wardrobe -

Thinking about bright colours for Spring

I tried a winter version of grey, white and camel

The fabulous Allergic to Vanilla (hi girl!) with an equally fabulous outfit

Pop a long sleeved blouse under a sleeveless dress to make it winter-acceptable

Garance and her red coat (and white stilettos are back in! Did you know?)

Wendy glamming up camo with red heels and a blazer

Layer up your chunky jewellery. Who said one piece was enough?

How to wear a hot pink beenie

The gorgeous ladies getting me out of my skinnies

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Where do you get your outfit inspiration from?

FLOWERS: A Family Affair

These flowers are from a lovely little wedding I did a few months ago for a couple both marrying for the second time. As they've been together a while and have a few children, they just wanted something low key and intimate, to celebrate with their close family and friends.

Moira knew immediately that she wanted to mix soft yellows and creams, and the combination of the freesia with the roses was just so pretty.

GUEST POST - Shopping for Vintage: Getting Started

I'm so pleased to have my lovely blog friend Debra from over at Stylewise be my guest blogger today - she is an absolute expert on vintage fashion (as well as being a fabulous person all round!) and she's kindly given us her top tips for shopping for vintage - enjoy!

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If you are reading this, you obviously have some interest in either wearing or collecting vintage clothing and/or accessories. I enjoy vintage because I find it endearing. What was the first owner like? Did she painstakingly hand stitch the item or purchase it from an upscale store? Visions of yesteryear fill my head.

I shop for vintage for a few reasons: 1) to preserve the rich history of our past, 2) to own something truly unique, and 3)  recycling vintage goods helps keep the earth cleaner and greener. 

You may be wondering where to start when shopping for vintage. First of all, do your research. Know WHAT you like and know your body type. Study the silhouette from the era you find most appealing. Remember that each era had it's own unique silhouette. We no longer wear corsets and girdles to have an 18 inch waist. Also, be aware of the proportions of that era. Vintage sizes do not mimic today's standard sizes. For example: Misses were sized by even numbers; juniors odd numbers; and mature figures were given in 1/2 size increments.

Know your own measurements. This is vital for a good fit. Carry a cloth measuring tape with you as well as your measurements when you visit vintage shops. 

To find the perfect fit of a garment always stand straight. As I mentioned above, previous eras made use of restraints we no longer find necessary in today's garments. Do not be swayed by a garment that looks less than flattering on a hanger. Bias cuts, shift dresses, and full skirts all look shapeless until worn. So try lots of styles on. You never know what you just may fall in love with. 

Vintage clothing is not perfect in MOST cases so please be aware that you will be purchasing a piece with some flaws. Some obvious imperfections to look for are musty spots or stains; shattering (the splitting of fibers such as silk. Avoid these unless you plan to upcycle the piece); sticky or broken zippers; smashed fabrics such as velvets;dry rotting caused by storing a garment in a warm, dry place; moth holes; or loose buttons. Most of these things require only minor repairs by either you or a good tailor. Learn to sew a button, fix a sticky zip with beeswax, and steam crushed fabrics yourself. You can also spot wash some stains, but I'd rather place a brooch over said stain. 

Vintage clothing can be purchased via the internet, or at vintage shops and fairs. Personally I would rather buy from a shop where I can try on rather than through the internet. Another fantastic place to shop for vintage is at multi family yard sales. and flea markets. You never know what great Aunt Margaret will be willing to part with and she may just bless you with a remarkable story about how she met her dear husband wearing just the very piece you are inquiring about. 

When shopping on line be sure to ask the dealer questions. Reputable dealers will happily provide you with the answers. Most dealers will provide measurements of the garment being sold. Match them with your own. NEVER buy a piece that is smaller than your own measurements as this results in disaster. Be sure you know if a hem can be added or let out. If let out, will the original seam show? Is there enough fabric to alter the garment? 

As a novice, I made lots of bad buying decisions. Knowledge is power. Arm yourself with knowledge before shopping.

Accessories such as handbags, gloves and hats can also be fun to shop for. The variety of these items are endless! Again, you may not find a perfect piece and that's okay. I believe a little scuff can actually add personality to a piece. Look for items that you can easily wipe clean with a damp cloth. Be sure clasps are tight. Missing buttons can be replaced. Stains again are not our friends, but perhaps you may just want to display the item. I like using my handbags and gloves. I've not had much luck removing stains on cloth gloves. 

There are many terrific web sites devoted to vintage fashions. And countless books on the subject as well as blogs. So use them as tools and enjoy the adventure. 

Happy Hunting!!

SHOPPING: A Bargainistic Sensible Heel

After years of tottering about in 6 inch stilettos I'm finally feeling the need for a more sensible heel; I don't know if it's how busy my work is now, or if it's something that naturally happens at age 31, but I'm embracing it wholeheartedly.

That doesn't however, mean I'm going to buy a BORING sensible heel, so when I recently visited a London Department store and stumbled across their shoe department in full force end of season clearance sale, I couldn't resist buying a pair of sensible heels with a little som'thin som'thin. 

(ok, 3 pairs)

These glitter babies were reduced from £55 to £12. Bargain.

And who could pass up a 2-for-1? 

These black and snake print wedges had gone from £65 to £19.50, and although the burgundy chelsea boots were reduced from £55 to £15, they were thrown in for free.  WHAT???

Now that's what I call a bargain!

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Did you pick up any mega-bargains in the end of season sales?

LIFE: January Round Up

I love blogging, I really do. 

It's great to have another creative outlet and being able to share it with the world, and it's great to meet so many like-minded people (virtually) and being part of an online community.

But every now and then life gets in the way. January has forced me to prioritise my life and blogging has become the first casualty - not only writing my own, but reading all of your lovely blogs as well....although I hope to catch up again very soon!

The major reason for my absence is a happy one - I got a promotion at work, which means I now look after 19 concession spaces across the UK for 2 ladieswear brands, and to top it all off we're expanding into menswear as well. Exciting, but very busy! I've also done 3 lots of wedding flowers the past month (which I'll share more of with you later) and I'm finally realising my dream to study footwear design at the London College of Fashion at night school. Basically I'm making life a bit difficult for myself! 

Here's a snapshot of life lately - 

Visiting Germany to learn about Menswear

Getting my head around collar size, shirt size, German to English translations....

Romantic hurricane lamp arrangements for a winter wedding

Delivering the bridal flowers

Learning proportion  

Creating moodboards for footwear design

Classic red roses for another winter wedding

Scottish thistles for the men

Setting up our stand at a wholesale menswear exhibition

Cadbury purple and lime green for last weeks bride

The groom waits 

Doing the buying for my concessions

Deep discussions about shape, colour and print

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Have you had a busy January? 

Anyone attempted a detox?

I'd love to know what you've been up to as well!

SHOPPING: The BEST Sheepskin Boots for 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and a break over the New Year! If you're anything like me you will have put on a few pounds eating every chocolate in sight; if I'm honest I'm a bit relieved the silly season is over - back to normality & healthy eating, some exciting things to look forward to in 2013, and finally some time to catch up on all of your blogs! Looking forward to seeing what you've all been up to...

I wanted my first blog of 2013 to be about a fantastic new find (and of course it HAS to be shoes!!) - right now I'm completely obsessed with my new Cloggs Signature Collection Sheepskin Boots.

The great thing about Cloggs is they offer free deliver, free exchanges AND free returns, meaning you're never out of pocket for choosing to buy online. They have a fab selection of brands alongside their own well priced collection, and (for my international blog friends!) for a small fee they can delivery worldwide.

 Now being a Kiwi I'm well versed in the world of sheepskin boots; the original Uggs came from Australia (and Uggs is a brand name, NOT the actual name of the boots people!) so I've owned a pair of some description all my life. In New Zealand though they were always seen more as indoor shoes or slippers, so I was mildly amused when I moved to the UK and saw they'd become the latest fashion statement to wear out shopping. 

(I mean, come on, what's next? Silk pajamas out for dinner?? Oh wait....)

But I'm happy to report these are the first pair of sheepskin boots that have actually got me out of the house wearing them! I work from home a few days of the week, so when I do they don't really come off - I've given them a good dose of suede protector, so can now wear them at my desk, to the Post Office, out shopping, wherever!

The best thing about them is by far the lining - it's real merino wool, so will keep your toes so toasty through winter and on chilly summer nights. Looks plush, doesn't it? 

And the back plate is stamped with a cute little crown to add something special

The soles not only look pretty with the fabulous snowflake design, but it's also anti slip, meaning you won't go head over heels on any ice or slippery roads.

So if you've got some battered old Uggs and you've been thinking about upgrading, I would recommend giving these a bash. In my (well-versed Southern Hemisphere) opinion, these boots by Cloggs are the best I've come across. To have a real merino wool lining, anti slip soles and such a solid construction all for under £70, I think they're proper value for money. And what better way to spend that money you got from Grandma for Christmas?

I chose the Victoria tall boot option in Chesnut which also comes in black, and there's a shorter version called the Catherine which comes in both colours as well. I've just now seen a couple of new additions to their collection, the Cleopatra and Sophia in tall and short, which have these really cute little button details on the side. (SANTA! Wait come back!! I want to add the Sophia in black to my list PLEASE...)

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Which style is your favourite?