Best of Glasto

I am in no way whatsoever jealous of those at Glastonbury who are spending the next few days frolicking in fields, having a legitimate excuse to drink strawberry cider all day whilst listening to the likes of Lana Del Rey and Kaiser Chiefs. It's cool- I'm happy to be in the office.

And to show just how not envious I am, I have been trawling through old celebrity Glastonbury looks and have compiled a list of my favourite 10. First off, I should point out that I think Sienna Miller could well be the Queen of Festivals; I'm not sure anyone else embodies the 'bohemian festival vibez' quite as much as she does. Regardless, it seems that if you're preparing for a festival this summer, the combination of tassels, floral and denim are a timeless classic. 

Alexa Chung, 2010

Alexa creates the perfect 'i just threw this on' festival look with this outfit. So grab one of your grandad's old shirts, your denim shirts and a statement bag to create this look!

For an interesting twist, why not try this River Island leopard print bum bag?

Cressida Bonas, 2013

Is that a scrunchie I spy? This outfit brings back the best of the 90s without going overboard. Probably a bit biased, as I'm a huge lover of dungarees (sparked by a rather snazzy lime green pair I had when I was 5).

Sienna Miller, 2010

No need to explain this choice. The canvas bag and trilby are excellent additions.

Emma Watson, 2010

Classic yet stylish. Emma Watson, top marks as usual.

Millie Mackintosh, 2013

Love the contrast between the military jacket and the floral headpiece, whilst the Hunter boots are a classic that any Chelsea girl would admire.

And that's it!

What are your favourite festival looks?

Dress for Success

Living in London has meant that I've become accustomed to a certain type of female: The City Girl. You know what I'm talking about; whilst everyone else is battling to get to work after oversleeping, she's practically gliding along the street after an early morning run and has still had time to blow-dry her hair to perfection.Without exception, these girls are immaculately dressed and their outfits are well-planned, from their crease-free shift dresses to their pristine Mulberry bag.

Now, I don't think I'm going to get that effortlessly chic aura any time soon but I can definitely try and get their work wardrobe!

So, my top picks?

The pale pink Warehouse drape coat is an ideal investment piece as it just oozes sophistication and will make even the laziest outfit look polished. Plus the shade means that it should suit most months- British weather means that it's likely to make an appearance for at least a few weeks of Summer! As for the H&M dress; the light fabric and interesting details make it the ideal dress for those days when you want to go straight from the office to a night out! Bring a red lipstick and you'll be set.

However it's accessories that are (as ever, in my book) the true game-changers in office styler. Whilst it is important to have a variety of clothing items, you may want to avoid spending too much on work pieces and keep a balance between home and the office. The solution? Handbags and shoes! As if I need an excuse to buy more.

I'm practically salivating at my desk over this light blue Zara offering which is guaranteed to add the perfect Spring/Summer touch to any outfit. You could pretty much wear a bin bag and still look Parisian chic with this on your arm! The same goes for the Warehouse black handbag which although simple, would be idea for those who need to cart their laptop around.

The black court shoes from New Look add an unusual twist to a classic but maintain an elegant vibe, plus the heel is substantial enough to not be a kitten heel but not so high that you'll be teetering along the corridors. The H&M loafers are an essential if heels aren't your thing- the chain detail spruces up an otherwise simple item and would work with a dress or suit. If you're not keen on the metal details, I am in love with these classic leather loafers that add an expensive (/slightly old man) feel to any outfit.

And those are my top picks! If you're looking to splurge a little bit more, then Whistles is the ideal pit-stop. The items are sophisticated and simple, whilst also being on-trend- ideal!

What are your favourite pieces from your work wardrobe?

The Close Up: Accessories

Spring has finally sprung! And while I'm definitely appreciative of the blue skies and daffodils, it does pose a bit of a problem in terms of wardrobe. Too cold for sandals and summer dresses but too warm for thick knits and scarves. The solution? Subtle layering + stand-out accessories.

Here's a selection of accessories from the high street which would enhance any Spring outfit...

Top Left Top Centre Top Right Middle Left Middle Centre Middle Right Bottom Left Bottom Centre Bottom Right

Hope you're all enjoying this beautiful weather!

Roses are red, violets are blue....

And the prize for most cliché title goes to...?

Thought I won't apologise, I think a good dose of cheesiness is pretty appropriate for this time of year.

Source

Picking the perfect outfit for Valentine's Day can be pretty stressful; too casual and you look like you don't care, but equally, there's a risk of wearing an outfit that can seem a bit too 'GET-DOWN-ON-ONE-KNEE'. In order to help you through this tricky task, I have gathered a few items from across the Internet which I think could serve as inspiration for the day

Dolled Up for Dinner

Left: H&M Lace Dress  Centre:ASOS Embellished Shift Dress Right:ASOS Floral Skater Dress

If you're lucky enough to be going out for a fancy dinner on this Valentine's Day, then definitely consider using it as an excuse to dress up. Whether it's Wagamama's or Nobu, a dinner date gives you the opportunity to dress a little more glamorously than you normally would. I'm obsessed with lace cut outs and embellishment so the H&M dress and first ASOS dresses are b-e-a-utiful! On the other hand, the floral skater dress just screams out 'Mad Men chic' and manages to look both demure and sexy (quite the feat!)


Daytime Dating

River Island White Jeans  New Look Heart Blouse  River Island Mint Blouse

If your plans are a little bit more chilled, here's an offering or two. White jeans aren't to everyone's taste but I think that they make a nice change from dark denim and make outfits look that little bit more sophisticated! The embellished mint blouse would be ideal for a variety of dates; whether it's a visit to an art gallery or a quick trip to the cinema. The New Look heart blouse gives a subtle (or not so subtle) nod to the theme of the day and also manages to make the outfit seem a little bit more casual.

Now for all my fellow singletons, don't worry- I haven't forgotten you! To counter the tide of heart-shaped chocolates and rose bouquets that will no doubt flood our Instagrams, my next post will be dedicated to 'Girls' Night Out' outfits! 

And remember, 'Those who fly solo, have the strongest wings'. Okay... maybe let's forget the inspirational quotes, eh. 

Work It, Baby!

In the true spirit of the New Year, I have promised to (amongst many other resolutions) try and do a little bit more exercise. Easier said than done, and so far I have managed one feeble run and a single gym session.

So to motivate my ever widening behind, I've invested in a few pieces of workout gear which I hope will encourage me to venture away from watching marathons of Scandal and get fit!

The sports bra/crop top was a bargain find from H&M at £9.99! It's more of a purple hue in real life but they have a selection of really great, inexpensive pieces which will make you look like a pro without having to part with serious cash. For people who aren't confident enough to wear it by itself (*raises hand*), it could definitely be layered underneath a loose grey tank top. 

The shorts are from Sports Direct and were also pretty cheap. I'd always dismissed Sports Direct but since taking a bit more of an interest in working out, I have discovered that it is a goldmine of inexpensive but attractive sportswear! Also useful for cheap tracksuit bottoms to slob around the house in (I have no shame whatsoever)

The Nike trainers are by far my favourite item and were also a find from Sports Direct! They were only £32 and there were plenty of other cheaper trainers which were just as attractive. Unfortunately the sheep in me was instantly drawn to the little Nike tick on the side and before I knew what I was doing, I was at the counter! But I definitely think that trainers are worth investing in and these are undoubtedly the comfiest shoes I own. The coral details also make my outfits look vibrant and are just a touch more interesting than my usual plain white ones.

Alongside H&M and Sports Direct; Forever21, TK Maxx and Primark are also great options for those who are interested in updating their workout wardrobe without spending a small fortune!

The colourful Forever21 Jacket may pose a challenge to some but for those who are always looking for a little extra colour in their wardrobe, it's an excellent choice. The H&M 'GO' T-shirt could provide that crucial extra boost you need when you catch sight of it in the mirror! Whilst somewhat simpler, these TK Maxx Nike Shorts would be a staple that would see you through years of use and the same goes for the  coral Forever21 tank top which has pretty detailing in the racerback.

Hopefully that's given you some workout inspiration and I'll let you know how I get along with my resolution!

Where do you get your favourite workout pieces from? 

How To: Perfect Hair Styling

Now I know you're probably saying, 'Hair Styling? I want bargain fashion, not hair tips' but what is the point in investing in a chic wardrobe if you don't have the hairstyle to match? Whether it's dishevelled a la Sienna Miller or blowdried Middleton-esque locks, I have you covered!

Although this product list could go on for all eternity, I have shortlisted four products which can create groomed and glossy hair or a more surfer chick vibe. Did I really just use the word 'chick'? (Sorry)

In terms of shampoo and conditioner, I use Frizz Ease by John Frieda though obviously use whatever is best for your hair type. Regardless of hair style, I use a Tangle Teezer which is genuinely a life changing product. I'd heard all the hype about it but had dismissed it as overpriced and pointless. But one weekend I was away and had left my comb at home so decided to buy this as a replacement and give it a whirl! This is the holy grail of hair products and I'm not exaggerating. As a girl with wavy hair, it detangles and brushes hair easily, without causing my hair to frizz.

Look 1: Tousled and Beach Babe Hair

Although we want the hair to be wavy, we DON'T want frizz so rather than towel-drying, use an old cotton T-shirt to dry hair whilst also minimising frizziness. To ensure hair remains volumised and retains it's style, apply a liberal spritz of Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray at the roots and follow it up with an all-over misting of Umberto Giannini Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray. Although you want the spray to cover your hair, don't be too heavy-handed as it can cause a slight crispiness. Now scrunch your hair and twist pieces to boost the wavy-ness of the hair.

Either leave the hair to air dry (whilst occasionally scrunching) or tilt your head upside down and dry it with a hairdryer that has a diffuser attachment. If you have a diffuser, definitely use it as it maximises the tousled look and also adds a lot of volume.

Finally, put a small amount of Moroccan Argan Oil on the ends of your locks as salt sprays can be quite drying and it can help to tame flyaways.

And perfecto! Bedhead hair is achieved. I always find that to keep it looking fresh for the next few days, spritz a little water on your hair and scrunch it again which boosts the curl. Also feel free to use a dry shampoo as this will add lift at the roots.

Look 2: Chic Blowdry

This look may require a little extra work but the satisfaction of having perfectly groomed hair far outweighs the effort. As with the first look, apply the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray but this time skip the tousling spray. Next apply a little Moroccan Argan Oil and comb it all through with the Tangle Teezer. 

For the actual blowdrying, part your hair into small sections and work systematically through them. This time use the beak-shaped (professional or what?) attachment and point it downwards to flatten the hair shaft. Wrap each section around a medium-sized barrel brush and take time to ensure that hair is fully dry before moving on. Finish up with a blast of ice cold air to set the style and add some hairspray to ensure that it stays in place.

And that's it! Your hair should swish like a princess' (or Duchess'?) now! 

What's your favourite hair styling products? 

Put a Spring in your step...

Happy 2014! January is the perfect time for starting afresh. It's the opportunity for re-invention, improvement and most importantly, new clothes! Personally I find January sales shopping to be an experience comparable only to the Hunger Games; even if I survive it, I'll be scarred for life (and there are bound to be a few injuries).

Fortunately online shopping is the answer to my phobia of sales and so this time of year tends to be   when I spruce up my wardrobe. Okay, who am I kidding, the sprucing is pretty much a non-stop activity. Is it just me that always believe that a particular skirt or handbag will suddenly make my life instagram-worthy? 

In order to ensure maximum shopping efficiency, here is a small selection of items that are set to be bang on trend in Spring....

Pride and Pastel

I know, I know- pastels for Spring is hardly a ground-breaking trend. Despite this, they were spotted all over the runway, from Calvin Klein to Oscar de la Renta, with models being styled in hues which are more often spotted in a bridal bouquet. 

My first offering is a beautiful mint coat from Topshop which has more than a hint of Kate Middleton to it, no? If you're looking for a coat that will make any outfit look chic and sophisticated, this is it! Whereas for those who want to try the trend but sway towards more bright choices, look no further than this geometric pink tote bag from River Island. The geometric print gives it a more modern twist and it's bound to match most outfits (though try to keep the outfit to one colour to avoid looking like a walking rainbow).

Ready, Steady, Go!

Yep, you guessed it- there was a definite sporting influence in many of the shows,ranging from Rag and Bone to Alexander Wang. Whilst this trend may not be my favourite, the high street has provided some items which could even tempt a complete gym-phobe like myself! Think varsity jackets, jerseys and baggy tracksuits...

Okay so I know that they're not necessarily hardcore sportswear but I can't say no to a bit of floral! This  floral bomber jacket from Pull and Bear combines both trends effortlessly and also manages to be a subtle nod to the 90's. Also thought I'd mention that Pull and Bear have a pretty nifty selection of baseball jackets on sale at the moment, which could be an excellent budget-friendly option. Finally, this floral baseball tee from New look which manages to bring together baseball (or basketball? who knows) and painted florals in a surprisingly effective way. I think this would be excellent for those who are looking for a slightly edgy update to their wardrobe without the hefty vintage store prices! 

You've been Tangoed (in a good way)

Whilst I'm happy to dodge some of the more outrageous runway trends (blue eyeshadow, I'm looking at you), tangerine lips are something that we can all get behind! Although it may seem intimidating at first, just think of it as a slightly brighter coral and pair it with a subtle winged eye. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in shade 12 is an ideal choice and Sleek's Tangerine Scream couldn't be more aptly named!

What spring trends have you got your eye on?

WHW xoxo