STYLE: Get The Pinterest Look

Long gone are the days that I spending pouring over the latest fashion monthly, drawing inspiration and wishing they would find their way into my wardrobe. My style preferences are much catered for across the pond, with most of my book-marked reads being American bloggers. 

Sharing their effortless and laid back luxe approach to fashion, is there any wonder my Pinterest is filled with inspiring outfits just asking to be recreated? With denim topping the trend board, we may be a little behind on playing catch up with the weather, but the promise of sunshine filled days ahead -these outfits are certainly putting a spring in my step... 

Grey t-shirt - Warehouse ∙ Sunglasses - Warehouse ∙ Necklace - J.Crew ∙ Bag - Zara ∙ Heels - New Look ∙ Jeans - M&S

There's nothing quite as glam as pairing a pair of slick white skinnies and a loose grey fitting t-shirt. Paired with tan and metallic accessories, it's match made in heaven. Whilst I pluck up the courage to embark on the white jean front (bring on the fake tan) - the Zara bag, Warehouse sunnies and J.Crew necklace are versatile investment for any look. 

Necklace - J.Crew ∙ Jeans - Topshop ∙ Pointed Flats - ASOS ∙ T-shirt - H&M

It's all in the detail with this relaxed yet oh-so-chic look. Who knew ripped jeans could look so glamorous? Dressing up denim in an instant, statement bejewelled necklaces and bright flats like these ASOS offerings are so on point (excuse the pun). 

Chambray Shirt - H&M ∙ Clutch - Zara ∙ Heels - H&M ∙ Bracelet - Accessorize ∙ Jeans - River Island

How fitting for the season ahead, double denim is so fash-un right now. Whilst I'm not quite ready to don my dungarees, I'll be playing it safe with a light chambray shirt and nude accessories. However, add a little print into the mix courtesy of the above Zara clutch to notch it up to the next style level.

T-shirt - H&M ∙ Flats - Warehouse ∙ Bag - Topshop ∙ Jeans - Zara 

Breton stripes have always been one of my fashion loves, mainly as I like to prance around like a sophisticated Parisian. More like her chubby cousin. None the less, stripes and leopard print? A statement worth making - especially with girlfriend jeans. 

Shirt - Topshop ∙ Bag - Zara ∙ Heels - Zara ∙ Ring - Accessorize ∙ Jeans - Zara 

Why hello there Olivia. Miss Palmero is quite the regular guest on my Pinterest. She just nails it every single time. With this outfit being no exception. A tailored crisp shirt? Tick. Colour popping heels? Tick. Perfectly blow-dryed hair? Tick. Me, smitten? Tick.

Which outfit do you wish you would transport into your wardrobe? Being greedy, I'll take them all thank you.

Keep up to date with my stylish pins on my Pinterest here. Please leave your links below, I love a good pinning sesh! 

BEAUTY NOTES: Maybelline Lip Elixirs

Colour Sensational Elixirs - Maybelline 

Now before we begin, one must admit that these swoon worthy lip offerings from Maybelline made their way into my stash all the way from my New York hauling last year. Taking a fair old while to grace us across the pond, I thought it was high-time I showed you the beautiful delights of the Maybelline Elixirs.

A classic take on the lipstick / gloss hybrids that have taken over our makeup bags, the Maybelline Lip Exilir certainly packs an almighty pigment punch offering a burst of colour, with a moisturising formula. Serving up fabulous high-shine gloss, both the colour pay off and smooth, soft texture is mightily impressive. So much so, that after I snapped up the rose pink shade - the others quickly followed suite. 

Rather long-lasting on the lip (which I dare is somewhat tricky for a gloss), I would say these are occasionally sticky with the occasional hair migrating the lip area. Of course, this only is small gripe when wearing a bright shade, but one I barely notice. Applying evenly across the lip, the heart-shaped wand works well to cover the lip with one smooth application. 

Hand-picking a few of their wide shade range, I pumped for a pretty baby pink, a flirty coral shade and their signature bright red of the collection.

Petal Push ∙ The classic in any lipstick line-up, the perfectly pretty pink. Offering a sheer wash of your lips but better shade, I can apply this sweet shade without a mirror it is that fool proof.

Breathtaking Apricot ∙ A pop of fun and flirty coral that simply calls for summer days (and a tan). I'm not sure I can quite pull this off just yet, come the summer this apricot hue will complement any sun-kissed complexion. 

Signature Scarlet ∙ A true heroine red, I'm forever in awe of the high-shine gloss that this shade has to offer. Taking my matte red lipsticks to another level, Signature Scarlet equally works just as beautifully alone - just make sure you have the q-tips at the ready. 

Stay tuned for my full American beauty pieces coming soon - now, in the mean time who will be treating themselves to the Maybelline Colour Elixirs? 

WISH LIST | Weekly Style Wants

Stripe Skirt - Gap ∙ Nude Heels - New Look ∙ Grecian Hair Band - Warehouse ∙ Floral Dress - Topshop ∙ Star Earrings - J.Crew ∙ Stripe Dress - Warehouse

Hitting high on my fashion agenda this week is an line up of perfect pretty must-haves. Taking preppy to the next level, the timeless stripe skirt from Gap may look like your ordinary wardrobe staple, but take a closer look and you'll never guess that this scuba material gem was from the high-street. Strutting along the same path, the classic nude strap heels from New Look are certainly punching high in the style stakes - and quite the steal indeed!

Next up, the floral fancy dress offering from Topshop is simply calling out for an elegant garden party invite, naturally pairing perfectly with the golden leaf hair band from Warehouse. Last but certainly not least, the J Crew star studs are hastily being added to my American wish-list, whilst the Warehouse stripe dress may be taking up residence a little closer to home (in my wardrobe!).

Tell me, have these caught your fancy just as they took mine?

STYLE: Spring Blossom

Coat - Warehouse ∙ Scarf - Warehouse ∙ Jeans - Gap ∙ Loafers - c/o Oasis ∙ Lily bag - Mulberry

It's certainly been a long time coming - hello spring!

Like the change in seasons, I've slowly but surely began to switch up my wardrobe. Long gone are the heavy knits and winter boots (that have quite honestly out welcomed their stay) for spring is all about the lighter layers and pastel hues. 

Wrapping up in my Warehouse powder blue coat, a worthy sale snip from a few months back that has almost become my new uniform. Throwing on a new style staple, the leopard print scarf. Taking a leap into to spring with the beautiful griege leather loafers from Oasis, that are honestly so comfy. All bought together with my classic Mulberry Lily, who really has been tucked away for so long.

Making the most of the darling pink spring blossom on my last few days of annual leave, Matthew and I even had a picnic. And if that ain't half keen, I don't know what is!  

Tell me, what are your style staples for spring? 

When on earth did my hair get so long? 

CURRENTLY COVETING: Urban Outfitters Homeware

Where Urban Outfitters doesn't exactly rock my boat with their style offerings, their homeware range on the hand has totally captured my full attention. Serving up a mishmash of novelty bits and pretty pieces to adorn your dressing table, over the last year or so they've pushed the boat out to include other quirky home pieces, with even furniture and rugs being thrown into the mix.

After spying that Elle magazine have a 20% off discount code in their April issue for UO, it was only fitting that I finally rounded up my must-have pieces.

Tweedmill Fishbone Blanket ∙ Accent Side Table ∙ Rose Gold Bath Caddy ∙ Pineapple Jewellery Box 

Rifle Paper Co Card ∙ Milner Glass Vessel ∙  Hexagon Side Table ∙ Chevron Grey Rug

Pyramid Mirror Jewellery Box 

Impressive huh?

A Beginners Guide To Modern Calligraphy With Quill London

Since discovering Quill - the online stationery boutique that you definitely need to bookmark - and stumbling across their range of impressive workshops, I knew I needed to get in on the action. After getting into the slog of the daily 9-5, I think I speak for all of us when I say we rarely push ourselves to try a new skill (unless of course I am wrong, then well done to you my friend) but their beginners modern calligraphy course really struck a chord with me.

A beautiful talent to behold. Putting pen to paper and effortlessly creating a stunning letter or invitation to a loved one or friend. In ink, penned by your very own hand. Completely smitten with the idea, it took no persuasion to bully Lily and Elle to join me, so a few weekends back on a Saturday afternoon off we went to dip our toes in the beautiful art of calligraphy.

Setting up shop in the quirky Blacksmith pub in Angel, we each found our place in the back room equipped with our calligraphy essentials. A  clipboard with an easy-to-follow guide complete with a pen, nib, ink and paper. Settling down, the class gathered around the wonderful Chiara (from Lamplight London) who explained the how to work the swift motions of each letter and how to add flourishes. Entranced by her sweeping and almost magical movements, her phrases were so fluid and romantic, is it any wonder why the room of ladies (and one gent) were swooning in awe?

Dipping our own fountain pen in the ink pot, the whole notion of using a normal pen or pencil comes to a stand-still. Using a light touch with swift movements of the hand, we firstly practiced getting to grips with the nib on paper. A simple task of tracing over the different shapes and curls, we soon began to pick up the pace and moved on to trying our hand at Chiara's personal calligraphy alphabet. 

Sipping on tea and demolishing the endless (and delicious) array of cakes, the room filled with chatter as we eagerly put pen to paper. With some letters easier than others - my 'l's and 'i's looked rather similar -  we then went on to practice joining and looping letters with our own phrases. From applying pressure to the nib to create a dramatic curve to a letter or finishing a prose with a flourish, the three hours whizzed by as we each practiced our own take on the calligraphy alphabet.

As we carefully packed away our freshly inked work and newly acquired calligraphy kit, I really couldn't recommend the class enough. Perfect for beginners, each task was designed to make you feel at ease, enabling you to have fun and be creative as you desired! Whether you fancy penning your own wedding invitations or like me, simply looking to kick-start a new hobby, modern calligraphy is truly a treat (and rather therapeutic). 

 

Spaces sell out quickly, so be prepared to perhaps wait a month or two (you can also sign up to their mailing list here for dates). A class will set you back £45, but coupled with endless tea and cake, not to mention a full kit to take home - it really works out as bang for your buck. Especially when you admire your own handwork after three hours and eagerly await any excuse to send a hand-written letter! 

Now excuse me, I'm off to practice random phrases before I book in for the next class instalment of Level Two calligraphy. 

SPRING PART 2: Style's Most Wanted

Following the first instalment of my most coveted pieces for the season ahead, I've sussed out the pastel hues and vibrant floral prints that are rocketing me into spring. Intent on bringing more colour into my wardrobe, I've sure picked a bevy of bright shades from fresh minty tones to hot corals, let's dive in!

Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan - Boden ∙ Yellow Pencil Skirt - River Island ∙ Yellow Coat - M&S ∙ Daisy Blouse - Warehouse ∙ Keira Dress - Boden ∙ Floral Skirt - River Island ∙ Bow Flats - Topshop 

Embellished Dress - Miss Selfridge ∙ Floral Jacquard Dress - Warehouse ∙ Jessica Dress - Miss Selfridge 

Cami - River Island ∙ Coral Lace Mini - River Island ∙ Trench - M&S ∙ Crew Neck Cardigan - Boden ∙ Pink Print Heel - River Island ∙ Pleated Skirt - Zara

T-bar Flat - Boden ∙ Scallop Tee - Topshop ∙ Cream Coat - Zara ∙ Nude Heels - Zara ∙ Floral Cigarette Pants - River Island ∙ Pink Boxy Jacket - River Island ∙ Brogues - M&S ∙ Pleated Dress - H&M  

Suede Biker - Warehouse ∙ Mini City Bag - Zara ∙ Double Layer Cami - Topshop ∙ City Bag - Zara ∙ Boucle Skirt - Topshop ∙ Sweatshirt - John Lewis     

And whilst this all seems wonderful, sadly living on a shoe string budget of late has severely put a dampener on any new wardrobe additions. Apart from dutifully stashing away the majority of my wages for my house savings (can I get a hell to the yeah for not crumbling!) I'm also frantically saving pennies for a trip to the states later in the year. With this in mind, I'm learning to fall in love with pieces in my wardrobe all over again and being really selective when it comes to spending my budget. I refuse to be frivolous. 

Tell me, how do you balance saving whilst splashing out on treats?