Jewellery Trend: The Statement Necklace

One popular jewellery trend of 2012 has definitely been the statement necklace. Chic and bold; statement necklaces are extremely popular because they can transform any simple outfit into something more special. Statement necklaces can be beaded, embellished, layered, twisted, feathered or geometric. The trend has featured in designer shops to the high street, all in different shapes, sizes and styles. You can wear a statement necklace with several different outfits to create many eye-catching looks. For example a statement necklace can instantly transform a LBD for a party while a casual t-shirt can be accessorised with a dramatic piece to add some flair to your day look.

Being a fan of this trend, a few weeks back this little beauty from Zara definitely caught my eye!

ZARA Cobalt blue stone with metal & ribbon woven statement necklace. Now sold out but you can still buy it on eBay it seems! (link)

The blue, green and orange in the necklace really brighten up any simple outfit! What do you think of the statement necklace trend, is this something you have been wearing? If you are worried about how to pull this trend of then just remember to keep rest of your outfit simple and and let the necklace make a statement all of its own!

Zara shopping spree purchases!

Zara is dangerous teritory for me at the moment. I can't seem to go into their stores without wanting to buy absolutely everything in there! Loving their recent collections. Saturday was another classic example of this problem. I was out trying to do some Christmas shopping and I thought I'd just take a quick peek in Zara. Big, big, BIG mistake! I ended up buying quite a few things and have realised that on top of my already out of control stripe addiction I am currently having similar symptoms for anything burgundy or checked.

Sigh...want to see the damage?

TRF Draped bird print dress with gathered waist - £29.99 (link)

TRF Dress with combination shoulders - £29.99 (link)

TRF Combined leather look front dress - £29.99 (link)

Zara Woman green and black checked shirt - £29.99 (link)

I personally would not wear this all buttoned up btw so not a fan of this Zara promo picture.

Zara Basic burgundy knitted scarf - £9.99 (link). Perfect for winter!

This is me wearing my new scarf and green checked shirt on Sunday.

And then there was this black and burgundy striped dress...

Zara Woman Burgandy and black striped dress - £49.99 (link)

I'd spotted it on their web store and seen it in the shop a few times and I just loved everything about it. So I finally tried it on this time and I wasn't 100% convinced on the fit but I still got it haha...

...BUT then after my shopping spree at Zara I walked past French Connection and they managed to lure me into the store with their 50% sale signs all plastered over the windows! In the sales rack I then spotted yet another burgundy and black striped dress, oh oh!

French Connection bands of colour bandage knit dress - £97 but at the moment 50% off so only £48.50! (link) So I tried it on and loved it, dilemma much?! I knew it would actually be a bit mental to keep both dresses so I decided to also buy the French Connection dress and then decide later which one to keep. At home I tried both on again and together with the flatmate we decided that the French Connection was the keeper! I think the fit was just more flattering and think I will get more use out of it because it is a bit longer which means I can wear it to work and easily dress it up or dress it down! Do you think I made the right choice? :)

And last but not least, I couldn't help myself when I saw this cute cotton blue/white cap sleeved block dress at French Connection. It's more of a summers dress but while on sale for only £21 and it being a classic 'me' dress, that I know i'll get plenty of wear out of....it was just a bargain couldn't pass on!

Soooo yeah, I didn't get much Christmas shopping done but love my new clothes haha! 

What do you think of my new purchases?

How to wear: Tartan Mini Skirt Outfit

This was my outfit of the day when out for lunch in my local hood, Notting Hill, yesterday. It was such a gorgeous crisp sunny autumn Sunday in London so after I managed to drag myself out of bed with a wee hangover (sunglasses luckily hide the dark circles...) it was time for some food and laughter with friends at Granger & Co.

 I got a lot of compliments on my tartan mini skirt that I picked up at Gina Tricot in Sweden a few weeks back (read here). The skirt is right on trend with the 2012 fall/winter fashion as part of the popular English Heritage style. I continued the navy/black look by pairing it with black tights, boots and a navy knit jumper.

Tartan mini skirt by GinaTricot

Black boots by Country Road

Navy Jumper with elbow patches by ZARA 

Sunglasses RayBan

Watch Michael Kors

I think a tartan mini skirt is a timeless investment for any fall/winter wardrobe. A lot of people might be scared of looking too 'school girl' in this kind of skirt but I think when styled correctly it can look very chic and fun. Here a few little tips for when wearing tartan (or plaid, as more commonly called in America):

• Pair your tartan skirt with stylish tights and over-the-knee boots or ankle-boots. This look will help you make yourlegs look longer. If the skirt is quite mini then make sure you wear it over opaque tights or leggings to remain looking classy. Knee-length pencil tartan skirts also work, as long as you downsize your top half with a form-fitting blazer/jacket or shirt. Don’t go longer than a knee-length tartan skirt unless you want to look like you stole the kitchen tablecloth.

• Stay in the same color family. Tartan usually has at least three or four different hues interwoven in the design, giving you a wide palette of color choices. The only time you should not match is when you are coupling a black and white tartan with, say, a red silk shirt. 

• Also pay attention to the fabric and colour before buying tartan for your wardrobe. Neutral and earth colours look good on all those who are short and are not comfortable with their body proportions. Whereas tall people can go for the bright coloured checks to add a fun colourful streak to their look.


• Fit plays a vital role with this print. A perfect tartan or plaid print must be well fitted on the body part for which it is intended. Baggy tartan skirts or shirts can look very unflattering to most body shapes.

• Tartan is a bold pattern, so avoid going overboard when accessorising. For starters stick with one prominent tartan piece or several small plaid accessories.

• Keep the top in solids, a subtle design or a print in one or two basic colors. You do not want to top a tartan skirt with a loud tartan blouse, even if they do have the same hues. Usually tartan pairs well with neutral tones like black, white, navy, grey or tan for a chic look.

What do you think of my tartan look, is this something you would wear this winter? xoxo

For the autumn wardrobe: Burgundy & Tartan

When I am in Scandinavia I always try to at least make a quick shopping stop at Gina Tricot! Gina Tricot is a very popular Swedish fashion highstreet chain that is now rapidly expanding into the rest of Europe. It is one of those low-cost shops where you can find some fab fashionable items for a really affordable price. Their clothing and accessories tend to be very simple, on-trend and have that Scandinavian ‘cool’ factor! So when I was in Sweden the other weekend I made a quick pit-stop at Gina Tricot and ended up buying these great two pieces for my autumn/winter wardrobe.

 Elly coated zip jeans in port royal shade - 599 SEK/€59.84 (link)

Simone woven skirt (blue/green) - 199 SEK/€19.95 (link)

 

I’ve been lusting after a pair of burgundy waxed/leather-like finished jeans for a while now and really liked these ones because of the zippers on the front and legs. Also as soon as I spotted the tartan skirt I knew it had to be mine for my winter wardrobe! I can’t wait to wear it with cable knit jumpers, black tights and boots. Both tartan and burgundy are hot trends for A/W 2012. You can read more about how to wear the biggest autumn trends here. 

Both these new purchases can easily be dressed up or down. Think burgundy jeans with heels and a blazer or matched comfy jumpers and converse sneakers. Here a quick collage on how I'd style these items..

Burgundy & Tartan Looks by dutchessroz 

(Click on image above to view this collage in Polyvore with all item links)

Like my new purchases? Will you add some burgundy or tartan to your autumn wardrobe this season?

How to wear: A/W Trend - English Heritage

One trend that featured a heavily on the 2012 Autumn/Winter catwalks was English Heritage. Many designers like Burberry, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors included tweed, dog tooth and tartan as part of their fall collections for this year. The English Heritage trend is all about country living meets city dressing...

I'm definitely loving this A/W trend and luckily we don't have to spend big bucks at the designer stores to get this English Heritage look. The high street stores are filled at the moment with great items that you can mix and match to incorporate country cool into your wardrobe. Here are some looks from the high street that I am loving and I thought I'd show you how I would make this big autumn trend wearable:

How lovely are both these trench coats & I adore the pearl collar peplum blouse!

(You can click on the image above to to view all the individual item links)

(You can click on the image above for the individual items links)

I've always loved the tartan/plaid look so this trend is right up my alley plus I think a classic tweed jacket is a classic wardrobe staple must-have!

(You can click on the image to to view all the individual items links)

One item that has been on my lust list for a while now that fits right into the town & field trend this autumn is a wax Barbour jacket. However after all my recent holidays, I really can't afford to splurge on a Barbour coat. So I couldn't believe my luck when I spotted this awesome wax jacket at Dorothy Perkins last week. And at only £59 it wasn't going to break my bank; ka-ching!! Today was a typical English rainy day so this was the perfect day to show off my new purchase :)

Navy waxed hooded jacket - Dorothy Perkins (link)

Red cable knit jumper by Abercrombie & Fitch (as seen here)

Denim jeggings from ZARA (link)

Hunter Regent Savoy Wellies (link)

A pair of Hunter boots are a must-have for those rainy London days; no need to avoid the puddles ;)

The jacket did well in the rain today and kept me warm and dry. Plus I love the checked detailing in the hood and the patch stitching on the arms! What do you think of my new wax jacket and the English Heritage trend? Have you seen anything that you'd like to add to your wardrobe to look countryside cool this autumn?

 

This 'How to Wear' post is part of a bigger research project I took part in with Most Wanted to find out to how to take the A/W 12 top trends from the catwalk to your wardrobe, via the high street stores to create the hottest looks. You can read the all the articles here including other big season trends like mixed patterns & prints, berries, unexpected leather and military!

Diane Kruger front row at Calvin Klein NYFW

I love Fashion Weeks; not only to spot the trends on the actual catwalk but also to see what the front row celebs and ‘it’ people in the world of fashion are wearing. For example I loved Diane Kruger edgy front row look at the Calvin Klein's New York Fashion Week show last week.

The stunning actress showed off her toned stomach in a form-fitting white long-sleeved top, teamed with a high-waisted black leather miniskirt by the designer.

Diane Kruger is known to be a big fan of Calvin Klein. The actress said “The Calvin Klein woman is something I really identify with because I feel she is very understated. There is a sexiness to her, but it is not obvious, and that’s something that I prefer for myself.” Francisco Costa, for Calvin Klein, creates one-off red-carpet dresses for Kruger, who added, “I don’t like to show off too much cleavage; I want it to be mysterious. I am not one of those girls who is like, ‘It’s all there!’ ”



Diane was joined on the front row by fellow Hollywood stars Emma Stone and Amy Adams. Emma looked colourful in a coral shift dress which she teamed with bright yellow heels. Adore her wavy haired look here! And Amy also looked chic and sophisticated in a below-the-knee white dress which featured a high neckline and ruching around the waist area.

Diane is definitely one of my style icons! 

What do you think of Diane's black and white front row fashion forward look?

L.K. Bennett Blogger Must Haves

L.K. Bennett is one of my favourite UK fashion brands. The luxury brand and has been around since 1990 and was established in London, but is now quickly establishing a wider international presence. It being one of the Duchess Kate Middleton's favourite shops may have helped with that I think ;) If the Duchess Kate loves it...how can we not love it; that girl has got class and style!

So when the lovely people from L.K. Bennett approached me to feature on their latest newsletter (link) and website I felt so very honoured! They asked me to pick my favourite five items from their current collection which turned out to be a harder task then I'd thought, I mean how to pick only five when I loved pretty much everything?!  

In the end these items stood out most to me and are my L.K. Bennett must-haves at the moment!

That stunning Aqua Crocus Tote just HAD to be on there; it is very high on my shopping LUST list!

www.lkbennett.com/blogger-must-haves-roz

The feature also shows the must-have picks by three other fabulous bloggers!

Check their L.K. Bennett favourites below:Amanda from the Online Stylist

A great, fun to read blog by this lovely UK stylist that aims to put 'fashion at your fingertips'!

 Briony Whitehouse aka Miss B from A girl, A style

Miss B is an Australian lady that now spends her days between London and Cambridge and blogs about fashion, food, London and everything else fabulous! Love her writing style and beautiful photos.

Jen Inglis from The Style Crusader

There is no doubt that Jen has got a fabulous sense of style!
I could spend hours getting lost reading her blog and admiring all her gorgeous outfit and fashion posts.  Plus she's a great photographer which is very inspirational for me. 

So what do you think of my (or the other bloggers) L.K. Bennet must-have picks?

Check out the full feature online now and click here to sign up to the L.K.Bennett newsletter!

Spring/Summer Floral Print Trend +

Flowers are blooming all around us, including in our closets :) Roses, daffodils, daisies and orchids are a big fashion trend for Spring/Summer 2012. Floral prints have been all over the runways by designers from Prada to Dolce & Gabbana to Valentino. The floral trend is feminine and fresh, and a great look to ensure you stand out from the crowd this summer. 

You can mix up the colours to suit your mood, whether you feel like wearing bold colours such as red and blue, or more subtle colours, such as white and black. The floral trend is completely versatile, so you can adapt it to suit your personality; so don't think floral is only for girly girls or grandma's; it can also be an edgy bold look!

From the runways the floral trend has also hit the high street and I just couldn't resist picking up this floral print floaty top from ZARA a little while ago. I am not normally one for girly prints but I seem to received lots of lovely comments from people when I wear this top so I am glad I added this cute top to my summer wardrobe. Here a recent outfit of the day:

Silk sheer floral ruffle long sleeve top by ZARA

Light blue jeggings from H&M (as seen here)

I love the added shoulder ruffles on this top!

♥ My arm candy:
Watch by Michael Kors (find online at ASOS here)
Silver lucky clover bracelet (as seen here)
white crocodile bone ball bracelet (my parents bought it for me on their recent holiday to Cuba)
Gold cable bracelet with heart by Regina Pierallini (link)
Heart charm chain bracelet by Tiffany & Go
Turquoise and pink bracelets by H&M

Beige leather pump wedges by Invito (on sale now for €49.99 here)

I honestly can't enter a ZARA store at the moment without buying something!

These are some other florals items from ZARA that I have my little eye on....

♥ I absolutely ADORE the white floral blazer.......

What do you think of the floral trend; will you be adding some blossom to your wardrobe this summer?

How to wear neon this summer #

One of the trends for spring/summer 2012 is neon! Now this trend is definitely not for wall-flowers because you are bound to stand out in such bold colours. Neon can be tricky to pull off and I can understand you might be a little nervous about looking too teenybopper or feeling like an '80s train wreck! However I think by adding some sophisticated neon numbers to your spring/summer wardrobe, it can give just the right kind of 'shock value' to your look. 

I recently got this neon jumper from ZARA and every time I wear it I just feel so happy :)

ZARA Jumper with front cable ribbon in neon green/yellow (link)

White t-shirt by H&M

Blue skinny jeans by ZARA basics

Michael Kors watch

RayBan aviator sunglasses (as seen here)

I'm also loving my new Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars in white with double navy tongue (link)

They are super comfortable and white trainers are the perfect accessory with jeans for summer time.

Here are some neon/brights items I am loving that I think would add the right amount of POP to any look!

La Mer Neon wrap watch (link)

ZARA Denim shorts with neon detailing (link)

Cooperative Neon Open Weave Scarf (link)

ASOS skinny belt (link)

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Neon Pump

ZARA Neon shorts (link)

Cambridge Satchel Company Neon Coral Satchel (link)

ZARA Neon shorts (link)

ESSIE Neon nail polishes 

ZARA Yellow Blazer (link)

ZARA Lace dress with crossover back (link)

I recommend only wearing one or two neon items at a time. Neons pair well with neutrals like white, tan or black. Neons are not for the faint hearted, but by trying one or two pieces, you can wear the neon trend with confidence! Do you think you will give the neon trend a go this summer? xoxo