Summer sensations

Topshop slip dress// Dahlia hat//Chelsea Doll necklace//Urban Outfitters shoes//Fashion Union t-shirt

Long time no see lovelies! I don't even have an excuse for my extended absence apart from life being busy busy! I've just been made fashion ed of Lancaster's student newspaper SCAN, so I've been preparing for that role (which formally begins in October) and getting ready for my work placement at Next's Head Office at the end of July! Also, as we all know, time flies when you're having fun, so the last few weeks of second year, although a blur, were spent enjoying myself (can you blame me after seven exams?!)

Anyhow, on to my latest summer wishlist. According to the ever-reliable weathermen, us Brits are going to be soaking up the sun next week in a two week heatwave. Although most of next week will be dedicated to preparing for the Next Summer sale, I'm hoping to catch a few rays. With sunny weather comes a change in wardrobe (naturally) and, as I'm know for my love of all garments granite-coloured, I thought I'd be daring and add a splash of colour to my wardrobe.

This gorgeous green dress would look fabulous with a tan for those of us graced with olive skin and would also suit those classed as 'pale and interesting.' Effectively, this dress is what the UN aims to be: appealing to all and easy to work with. Political giggles aside (cringe) this slip is so Calvin Klein it hurts, making it bang on trend for summer and a sure thing for SS14.

I've always been a fan of Chelsea Doll and their newest collections have been gracing the covers of Look Magazine left, right and center. This fabulous chain/collar ticks the cobalt trend, the beads give a nod to the exotic traveller looks which always appear over the summer holiday season and at £15 it's waaaay cheaper than less detailed pieces you'd find on the high street. Paired with these gorgeous sandals from Urban Outfitters, this look would be perfect for an evening in a local taverna, or a stroll along the beach after dinner.

At £25, Urban Outfitters have done us proud with this versatile beauties, which can be worn from day to night. The hints of neon genius on these shoes will keep the fashionistas happy, whilst the traditional leather strappy look help you channel the local look. Instead of opting for a pair of havaianas, pop these in your case - you'll keep your feet cosy and not look like you've just hopped off a plane from Heathrow.

Plain white tees (the item, not the band) are something everyone presumes to have in their wardrobes. If you're like me and own a cavern filled with clothes which haven't seen the light of day since 2003, I promise you, those 'basics' which you never have to hand don't exist. They've probably been eaten by the giant moth which has taken up residence in your closet. Therefore, it's only sensible to invest in some staples whilst their on the catwalk and therefore in every high street store. This over-sized t-shirt from Fashion Union ticks all the boxes and appears to be better quality than some of its see-through relatives on offer in the shops. At £12 you really can't grumble, especially when, paired with some leggings and your favourite Nike blazers, it becomes the main event of a casual outfit.

The straw bowler is pretty statement, not something that I'd normally pick, however it'd be one of those items I'd leave on the shelf and forever yearn after. The hat itself is unusual, add the ears and ribbon and in theory it's downright crazy, but reality always seems to bite back and sometimes the ridiculous becomes the most stylish. If you do buy this beauty, wear it with pride, people will either not understand you or envy you, and let's face it, in fashion, which other outcome could you possibly want?

Have a lovely week in the sun and remember the sun cream,

TTFN

Wish...

So as many of you have probably seen on twitter, due to the total love-in between my best friend and I, next week we're popping to Edinburgh for the weekend. There's been lots of stuff going on in my life recently and although everything's hunky dory now, any excuse to buy more clothes is fine with me; therefore, a whole new wardrobe is needed for said trip and I thought I'd take the opportunity to share my 'most-wanted' (clothes, not serial killers) with you. 

Yep, although it's -2 outside and snowing, I want a bikini. Don't ask me why this toppers beauty caught my eye, probably to do with some deep longing for the sun and its general all-round fabulousness. Although it's £32.00, it would be a gorgeous addition to anyone's wardrobe and, if I keep telling myself that I'll definitely learn to surf on my next hot holiday, it's a totally sensible purchase...

I really want some hold-ups, not just because they'd be a corny link with my blog (yes I'm admitting that is one of the reasons) but also because they daymmmm sexy, meaning you can keep your little calves warm without looking like a granny. These fishnet beauts from American Apparel are not cheap but look pretty good quality and paired with flats for the day or boots for night, they will definitely attract interest. 

These white doc-style shoes from Fashion Union, seem to be a pretty sensible buy. The style is pretty androgynous, but fits well with the sports lux and basics trend and I'm sure Fashion Union's well-priced stock won't hang around! 

Denim, sheer material and A line cuts make this little beauty from Motel Rocks a strong contender for best day dress EVER EVER. Although nearing the £40 price mark, one must remember that you get  20% off 

with my code (listed on the right-hand navigation on the bar.) Motel's tomato-coloured pencil skirt is another little lovely that I'd like in my wardrobe and at £20, it's something I'm going to probably end up buying. I'd team it with the gorgeous corset-style bra above, add an oversized shirt and some chain jewellery and my outfit would be complete. I'm really into the new underwear as outerwear trend and although this piece is lacy, it's conservative enough to wear without heads turning for the wrong reasons!

Finally, the Zara collar is pretty reasonably priced but simple enough to wear with so many things. I've got a collar necklace which I don't seem to take off, so this would be great to add to the collection!

What are you pining for this season? 

Playing the deck above, it's always different...

Top: Fashion Union*// Trousers: H&M// Shoes: River Island//
Necklace: Topshop//

Thank god it's Saturday. Honestly, I don't know think I've left the library this week. As it's nearing essay deadlines I've had my head down trying to get the four monsters that I've been assigned done and dusted. It's got to the point now where I've become a 'library regular' and get the occasional nod off people I've never spoken to yet could describe in detail due to the fact we're ALWAYS in there! 

Now normally it's a pretty casual affair, rock up at Lanc's library around ten, stroll on over to a free computer, or peruse the bookshelves at leisure, even sneaking a cheeky sandwich in if you can get it passed the librarians. However, as the end of term looms the rest of the (sane) student body goes into panic mode, invading "the regulars'" territory and forcing us to skip/jog round the library in search of computers. Due to this slight change in tack, I've ended up wearing pretty practical clothes this week; you can't wear heels when you're pegging it up and down stairs. So I thought I'd treat myself one evening and dress up in my finest attire. 

The gorgeous mesh top is another of my little Fashion Union treats and, at a tenner, you really can't complain. Paired with a leather skirt, black tights and boots this look is killer. However, as you can probably see from these pics, I've got my belly out therefore totally ignoring the French 'less is more' approach - I just couldn't resist trying out my dalmatian-print trousers with this lovely little number and I think, if I'm feeling confident, they'll look fabulous on a night out! The necklace cost a hefty £1.50 in the Topper's sale, it's an unusual, good quality piece which adds a little bit of interest to the look and I'm sure you've seen the shoes in a number of my posts (apologies)! 

Anyhoo, rather a long one tonight lovelies, but thought I'd best update you on my current (mind-numbingly boring) situation. Hopefully things will start to perk up - I've been home this weekend and bought a few dazzlers which I'll share with you soon!

One day we're gonna live in Paris...

Dress: Fashion Union*// Shoes: Urban Outfitters//Bag: Fashion Union*

I've been such a busy bee this week that blogging has had to take a back seat. I started my new job on Tuesday as a campus brand manager and have had lots of bits and bobs that I've been busy with - juggling all that with work has meant I've been on the go alllll week. It's been pretty crazy, but has resulted in me having to post late in the day!

Anyhow, exciting news, the lovely people at Fashion Union contacted me this week and asked me to choose some items from their site to blog about. I jumped at the chance as Fashion Union's collections really seem to fit with my style, so over the next week or so you'll be getting a little taste of some of their lovely new pieces, starting right now!

Now, as you've probably worked out, I'm not the most girly of girls or bloggers for that matter and my dresses are mainly body-con rather than cutesy. Well, choosing some pieces from Fashion Union made me think about my outfit choices and, as a little experiment, I decided to ask my male flatmates about the items on offer. 

One of my flatmates persuaded me to choose this little number, something very floaty and not my usual style, however I've got to admit that I am IN LOVE with it. (So much so, I wore it out on Valentines; I paid more attention to the dress than my lovely boyf!) 

The quality of this gorgeous collared dress is to die for, the material is so thick and durable, which makes it look so expensive (without the ridiculous price tag!) and paired with this gorgeous oversized clutch, I think the look is pretty perfect for a meal. 

I've used the bag and worn the dress since Valentines (at different times!) and they're such versatile pieces, I honestly couldn't recommend them more!

I've got a few more bits to share with you from the Fashion Union team, so keep your eyes peeled for more updates. 

Have a great week!