The Girly Peplum! :)

Last night, I finally caught up on the first episode of Mr Selfridge and I love it (and him). For those of you who aren't aware, Selfridges is a major department store in the UK. The ITV drama tells the story of how a very charming and clever American man, Mr Selfridge came to the UK to build and open what he envisioned to be the grandest and most exciting store in the world, right here on Oxford Street. The first episode seemed to move quickly and I'm already quite intrigued about a few different parts of the plot. Obviously the drama takes place about a century ago and the detail in setting and costume seems extraordinary as well as all those extras (Am I the only one in the UK who didn't get a part?!).

All those frills and floaty numbers reminded me that I still haven't shown you one of my favourite Christmas gifts this year. Yes, the ASOS Petite Peplum Top in Cream. I adore this chiffon top. I first noticed it when Laura (Buy Now, Blog Later) featured it. It looked so pretty on her. Admittedly everything does but what got me was that this top is petite and therefore, might actually fit me well too. I do like a good fashion blog but so often, when I go to try the goods in store, the fitting is rubbish on my strange body and it looks all wrong and as far from the gorgeous, stylish fashion bloggers as you can get. What can I say, stunning garments seem to morph in to something else on me!

Anyway, deep breath, rant over.

I was saying how I wondered if this pretty little top might be different as it is from the ASOS petite collection and in theory, should fit me like a glove and yes, it did! Woo.

Yes, I will be cleaning my mirror today!

I love this top. I've been a fan of the peplum since they hit the fashion radar last year but I have to be careful as sometimes, the peplum can be temperamental. I would say that the peplum is more a savvy, stylish fashion trend (which can also add a couple pounds if you're not careful) rather then a pretty, feminine one.

Until now, my peplum tops have not been the first things that I've turned to in my wardrobe when I've wanted to be girly or alluring but this little cream number is the embodiment of such things.

The double layered peplum which actually starts higher then most, is actually very light and floats and swirls as I move making me feel very girly and skippy (Is skippy an adjective?). And that is not all, this top has 3/4 length sleeves. Bingo wings, be gone!!! The material is sheer but wearable with the right underwear and just hints at the skin underneath. While the pleating detail on the front and back just adds a slightly more modern and contemporary edge to the top keeping it on the right side of feminine and classy and making me feel like a 'nice girl!'

I really like this top and am seriously now considering getting it in the black as both the cream and black have been reduced by about £12 in the ASOS sale. That is unless you all beat me to it. This is the link.

In the meantime, I'm also very tempted to get this Top Shop vest in electric blue. You regular readers will know I have quite a collection of Top Shop vests (this post, this post) they are so easy to wear and very flattering. Well, this is the latest spin on the versatile number. The same vest with lace panelling down the back, prrrreettyyyyy. The only thing that is stopping me, is the price, another £28 on a Top Shop vest top. I must have spent hundreds on these by now.

What garment are you loving at the moment? Did you catch Mr Selfridge? Happy weekend everybody and just in case, the weather forecasters are right, happy snow days!!!
 

Another shoutout for New Look!

Yet again, I want to mention New Look. This is for one reason, this Penzima Print Bodycon dress!

There seems to be an abundance of Aztec and tribal related items in New Look at the moment and until now, such collections would have being of little interest to me. You see such designs seem to involve print and/or colour, two design features rarely invited in to my wardrobe. However, there are a number of reasons why this little number is an exception and has, now found a home in my wardrobe.

1/ The Princess!



Picture from Google Image Search

OK, there is no point trying to deny it. This piece initially caught my eye because at a distance, it reminded me of a garment that was splashed all over the papers about a month ago, the black and white Zara  Tulip dress adorned by Kate Middleton (or should that be, Windsor?!). Sidenote: This dress sold out very quickly but here is a link to the Zara Tulip skirt though, which is still available online!

Kate Middleton's groomed and polished style has really grown on me over the last six months or so and this dress seems quite Kate (high street style) to me. Although not lace and with a different neckline, the New Look offering is of a similar pattern and length. You could certainly create a similar vibe wearing the New Look number!

2/ The design and its versatility!

The shape of the New Look dress is very flattering. It is short with a low cut rounded neckline (on both the front and the back) but the long sleeves balances the flesh out and keeps the final look quite decent. It is an easy number to wear alone, throw it on and you are done. On the other hand if you want to cover up a little more, there are plenty of styling options available. Just add in some thick tights/leggings or a jacket, Kate style. On the other hand with a couple of long necklaces and some knee high boots, this dress could easily be 'funked' up.

3/ The hat!
I'm even thinking this could be the dress that gives me an excuse to buy a floppy wide brimmed hat, an accessory on my wishlist for no other reason then I want it even if it is only to prance around in front of the mirror in. As this dress is quite low cut on the front and the back, a bit of accessorising and a new hat could be justified. I quite like this ASOS one!

3/ The print!
I haven't got much print in my wardrobe (just the New Look beautiful sparkling, sequin kimono that I posted here) and certainly, none of this Aztec nature. Surely that in itself, justifies the purchase. One of the things that scares me about print, is that often the garment will appear busy. With this dress, I don't feel as overwhelmed. The monochrome (black and cream) colour scheme makes it a little easier on the eye and of course, a print consisting of two such neutral colours, is for me, that bit more wearable.

4/ The price!
My little find is just £16.99! I wish, I could link you to it but I can't find it online :( However, it might be worth trying to seek it out in store and trying it on.

What do you think? Do you like this dress? Do you like Kate's style? Do you have day dresses or do you save dresses for special occasions?

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Jacket love and a bit of babble!

What a contrast, weather-wise, this weekend is to last. Looking out the window earlier, it was all so grey and dull. Yep, there seems no doubt that the season is on the turn and autumn is in the air which means I can finally do a little ode to my leather jacket, one of my best buys ever!

I spotted the jacket about this time last year in Oasis and I think it was well in to the £130 price range. Woah, quite a price. Since I was on the ball last year and had already secured myself a couple of winter jackets, I couldn't justify it. Boo.

Never mind, it went straight on to the Christmas list but I didn't get it. Boo times two :(

I had just about all lost all hope and was wandering around the shops with the January blues when I spotted two of these jackets left in Oasis with a massive reduction. I can't remember exactly how much but I'm sure it was around half price.

Yay. We were meant to be, after all. Within seconds one of the beauties became mine and I have no regrets.

I absolutely adore it. I actually think I can pull off any outfit wearing this jacket. It gives everything that "cool" factor.
Of course, it is a leather jacket so is bound to be "cool" but "cool" isn't always very me and can make me look quite try hard. Leather can be quite a harsh material to wear and on me can come across unforgiving.
However, that is not the case with this one. There are a number of design details that just makes this THE leather jacket for me.

I love the way this jacket is allowed to fulfil its potential with the attention to composition and cut in design. The focus seems to have being on this sort of design detail rather then lots of added on metal embellishments, buckles and tassels etc which again you often see on a leather jacket. I feel too many embellishments can look a bit busy and almost reinforces the harshness of the leather. The three zips (one in the middle and one for each side pocket) is as far as the metal goes with this number and I love the fact that the detail in this Oasis number is so simple and subtle but make no mistake, there is great detail in the design.

For example, it is not a solid leather jacket. The harshness of leather has been broken down by the composition of the sleeves. The top side is leather and the underside of the arm is made up of cotton rib which softens the whole look and seems to warm the black up a little.

There is also has an aviator collar. The aviator collar was on trend last year and it also makes the leather jacket a bit different from the traditional biker style ones you often see around.

And of course, I love the fact that the fact that this leather jacket is quite short and that the shoulders are glossed over because of the aviator collar. This stops the leather jacket, being like many other jackets, of this type, too boxy.

In conclusion, I think I may have made an investment for life with this little number.

I see Oasis actually have a section on their site for leather products in the same way they do dresses, shoes etc. The copy for this section is 'Quality Cuts Beautiful Investment Pieces'.

I wholeheartedly believe my little jacket is the embodiment of such copy and wouldn't hesitate to recommend that you look at the Oasis website if you are looking for a leather jacket. This one with quilting and stitching detail seems to be this years version of mine.
I also like this cropped leather blazer from ASOS.

I actually really am considering on adding the tan (which is £40 cheaper then the black) to my Christmas wish list.

To the ramble . . .

- I'm finding it hard to find the motivation to stick the frownies on each night. They just don't seem to be doing much for that horrible line, I've got. To be honest, I have never really seriously considered botox et al before but after reading here about the great experience Amelia has had (fab blog, also check out her colour blocked nails ), I've got something to think about.

- My reading has gone slowly this last week, I've being crazy busy but hoping to catch up a bit with After You'd Gone over the next few days. I'm just past part one and have gotten to grips with who is who and the toing and throeing between the past and present. It reminds me a little of a couple of Dorothy Koomson's because right from the start, it is obvious there is whole a lot of mystery and emotion in the air.
I'm also hoping to watch Amelie this weekend. Can you believe, I don't think I've ever watched the whole thing?!

- I may also pop back online for a little shopping. I'm lending my sister some clothes this weekend so I think that's earnt me enough brownie points for a little splurge. I've got my eye on this bag

  and these two dresses from ASOS.

This is the link.

This is the link.

I'm also lusting after the Lorissa shoe featured by Tali.
What do you think? Do you have a leather jacket, do you think it is an essential in all wardrobes? Would you do the botox thing now or in the future? Any frownie tips? Also, I'm craving all things wool-like so has anybody seen any nice scarves around. I want a signature one to wear with anything inc. my lovely leather jacket.

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Coat dreaming!

Wow, it is quite windy today.

I guess, there is no hope of a summer (2011 style) in England. Surprisingly I'm quite looking forward to the cooler months and the inevitable new purchases the cold weather will demand. Oh yes, a new season, what a great excuse to shop!

I've already got my beady eyes peeled for a new winter coat. Or two.

I'm usually inspired by something that I've seen on the celebrities when it comes to winter coats. However, quite often, these celebrities are of a very different build to myself and what looks good on Mrs Beckham et al won't necessarily work on me. More often then not, coats often end up looking a bit boxy or swamping me.

One celebrity I do like to keep an eye on is Kylie Minogue because like me, she is quite short!

Here are some of my favourite jackets and coats as worn by Kylie:

Image from Google search

I have never found a full length coat that works for me. Instead something like this that is mid length or shorter and swings with a bit of movement seems quite flattering. I love the fact that this coat is quite 'conventional' in shape and fabric but then there is the animal print detailing on the collar and the buttons to give it that edge.

 Image from Google search

 I love this cropped hoodie coat as it fits so well. There seems to be nil swamping action and the tomboy style coat seems to pull in, in all the right places to give quite a feminine silhoutte. It actually looks like it would be quite warm too. Fur (fake) on the hood is just so seasonal.

Image from Google Search

This one is a bit more dressy (and not exactly a coat) but again it is the length and the fabric that makes all the difference. I really want to find a jacket like this, for Christmas parties etc.

Image from Google Search

 

I do find leather a little heavy so tend to prefer a more cropped version. My favourite buy of the last twelve months was a cropped Oasis leather jacket, one which I just adore.

Image from Marie Claire

This is the coat that Kylie has recently been spotted in. This design is getting a lot of hype (Pippa Middleton was spotted in one too) and it is expected to be copied widely on the high street but to be honest, I'm not sure if it is one, I'd buy just like that.

I like the "romance" of a proper winter coat. I just don't get trench coats. To me, they equal drizzle and function. Yes, they're perfect for the weather that us Ukers are so familar with but I usually find the material and shape of trenches unforgiving and not particularly feminine plus whenever I've had a coat with a tie waist, I've been very consious of my 'derriere'!

Of course, if I spot a copy of this particular trench then I will have to try it. After all, Kylie looks great and one of my favourite colour combos is black and gold/metallic type shades.

At the very least, I'm thinking this year I may try to pull off a longer length of coat, it just looks so sophisticated and I've got to say I like the look of this mac from ASOS.

It is longer but has cropped sleeves which could counteract any swamping. It has no belt or anything to mock my figure. Also, the whole striped thing is kind of Parisian and adds some interest. What do you think?

What is your coat style? Are you lusting after a particularly gorgeous one yet? If so, link me.

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