London haul.

Bonjour mes chers, from sunny Paris! I am attempting to keep up with blogging a bit and have pre-written this before I left England...

Brace yourseves, this is gonna be a long one.. So go grab a cuppa and settle in for a little parade of my latest buys from the Shangri-La of high street shopping - Oxford Street. I keep on saying that I need to save money, and that I have a lot of clothes and could probably get by without many more, but when confronted with that surreal level of shopping heaven, I cave. And I cave big time..

FOREVER 21

There is no Forever 21 near me, so I hit this one hard! I love the 1920s feel of the first top, it will be ideal for going out, and the other pieces were picked up in the sale for my upcoming summer holiday.

H&M

This top was just so Mary Katrantzou, I couldn't resist!

 NEW LOOK

Gonna get my retro on in this dress from Kelly Brook for New Look. Hello, Marilyn.

TOPSHOP

Me at the Topshop sale is like a kid in a sweet shop.. restraint was impossible. I ended up unable to resist a new cute sweatshirt, yet another gorgeous print, some sweet detailing and with a bit more 1920s fever.

JEWELLERY

Here's a motley collection of my jewellery buys.. All gorgeous, all irresistible. Stud Earrings & Shell Earrings - Forever 21. Bracelet & Ring - Topshop. Ear Cuff - H&M.

SELFRIDGES

I was in heaven in the Food Hall, and ended up treating myself to something naughty but nice - Pink Vodka. Gorgeous. And anywhere that gives you free tasters of vodka at 12.30pm is alright by me.

Finally, the end of my London haul.. I have got some gorgeous pieces.. and not much money! Any favourites among my picks? I can't choose - I love them all.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Step back in time.

Last night was another one of my friend's 18ths - yes, they're all turning into adults before me, it's quite annoying actually... But not to worry, only a few little days until my birthday. It was a really good party last night, age-related jealousy aside, as we all rocked up in our costumes, then talked, danced and drank the night away (over-18s only, I was on the Diet Coke all night). Since the birthday girl is called Briannie, we had been told to come dressed as things beginning with B. I love a good costume party because I love dressing up, and themes like this force me to get creative.

At the party there were costumes such as burglars, bumblebees, black swan, burlesque (this was a guy, by the way), Barbie and Beyonce (the birthday girl), and everyone looked awesome. I love it when people make effort for costume parties! As for my costume, of course I didn't pick something easy or obvious to dress up as.. Thanks to my extensive wardrobe, an obsession with old movies and google images I found my B - Barbara Stanwyck. No? Me neither, until I watched one of her films on youtube. She was a film actress from the 1920s-1940s and was full of glamour. And I just happened to own a flapper dress..

Dress - River Island; Shoes - New Look; Faux Fur Stole - Ebay; Earrings - Roam at New Look; Bracelet - Accessorize.

I don't do things by halves, so when it comes to costumes I go for it! I have actually been waiting for months for a chance to wear this River Island flapper-esque dress - it is just too extravagant for everyday wear, and there had been no appropriate parties previously.. So when the opportunity came, I went for it. The only thing I actually had to buy for this costume was the faux fur stole, which was an ebay bargain. I actually got a little attached to it during the night, and am hoping I can re-use it soon. I also really love the embellishment on this dress - it almost looks vintage! Especially when paired with the stole, gorgeous gold heels and some authentic, 1920s style hair and makeup...

As I said, I go all out for costumes so of course I could never be content with leaving my hair and makeup in the 21st century.. I had to go for it. Originally I was just planning on some 1920s style finger waves, but after much messing around with straighteners and hairspray I didn't look gorgeous and glamorous like a  1920s film star, I looked like I'd been dragged through a hedge backwards. So I abandoned that plan and went for a faux bob with some faux finger waves at the front, all held up with a few hundred pins. I actually used this tutorial on youtube and adapted it a little for my hair - if you want a quick, easy 1920s hairstyle, this is perfect.

Kudos to vasgarcia for creating this video, it really is super-easy and stays in place all night!

One last little thing to say.. I hit 100 followers! This made me so happy when I signed in to start posting today - thankyou to all of my followers for reading, commenting and finding me interesting enough that you want to be informed of my latest fashion escapades and musings! I really love posting my outfits and general fashion obsessions, and I am so glad other people like them too. Again, thankyou so much, and I am even more inspired to keep posting now. 

Love and kisses, Tara xox

My bank balance takes another hit.

My bank account must be feeling abused by now, as I keep splashing the cash on gorgeous new clothes.. It feels like every other post on here contains new I have bought - maybe a little restraint is in order? And yes, I say that every time. And then go and spend more money. Someone, call Shopaholics Anonymous.. 

This lovely little (or rather large) haul comes as a result of my shopping trip with a friend yesterday, which was a brilliant way to spend the afternoon. I think I went shopping originally in search of shoes, and she needed an outfit for some event or other in our buzzing social lives.. The mission was partially successful - her outfit is sorted. But take a look at what I bought.. not a shoe in sight.

Vest - Topshop

The first place we went was a dangerous one to start with - Topshop is probably my favourite shop on the high street. And then there was a sale. I got more than a little excited and got a few gorgeous things, beginning with this shimmery, opalescent vest top. I had seen it in the store before, but it was a little pricey for me. On sale however I couldn't resist this - it is perfect for the under-the-sea trend that is a big hit this spring/summer. I love the pale, shimmering, iridescent hue on such a simple shape, which means it makes an impact but will still be easy to style.

Jumper - Topshop

Another sale find that I couldn't resist. This is the perfect, lightweight jumper for now - all my chunky ones are being banished from my wardrobe because I am optimistically believing that summer is just around the corner. This is such a fine, light knit that it will be ideal for the transitional weather, and the dove-grey hue means it will go with pretty much every item of clothing I own.

Jacket - Topshop

I have resolutely packed away my coats for this year, and the suddenly wintry weather has taken my remaining jackets and cover-ups by shock, so I was really excited when I found this jacket. Number one, it was a complete steal in the sale. Number two, it is cute, light and cropped enough that I won't feel depressed wearing it in April/May. Number three, it is so Chanel-esque that it hurts a little.

Bralet - Topshop

This is my final Topshop find, and I know what you're thinking. Yes, it's a slightly strange, retro-style bra. Well technically yes, this is probably meant to be underwear. But I intend to wear it as a very cute, vintage style bralet for a bit of a 1950s vibe. It looks enough like a top that you won't be able to tell it is underwear, especially by the time I am finished styling it. I just couldn't not buy it, I totally fell in love with the structured, vintage corset shape and those quirky giant polka dots.

Skirt - River Island

River Island has also become very dangerous territory for my debit card - I am literally in love with about 70% of their stock right now. My friend walked in and started pointing out all the things she could see me in and it took a lot of restraint not to go on a complete spending spree. I did however pick up this insanely cute 1950s style skirt. I just couldn't resist the kitsch cherry print and the gorgeous shape of this skirt - it's the ultimate curve creator on someone as curve-less as me! 

Shorts - Primark.

Okay, okay, maybe I am getting a little too obsessed with the 1950s Americana trend that is going on. But come on, just how Prada are these shorts? I have wanted some car print in my life for months now and procrastinated over the River Island car print pieces, always finding a reason not to buy them. These however were such a bargain that I couldn't find a reason! The print is so cute and fun that I just want to go running around on a beach in blazing sunshine, so I am hoping the weather picks itself up soon..

Skirt - New Look

I may have gone a little skirt-crazy here - but at least I am all set for mixing and matching my wardrobe now with the variety of prints! This gorgeous floral skirt caught my eye straight away with its bold blooms and rich blue background hue.. you know what I am like with florals. This will be so versatile for summer with its light fabric and flippy shape, and easy to pair with most of the tops I have.

Bracelet - Accessorize

Finally, something that isn't 1950s inspired! This harks back to a slightly earlier time still since it is reminiscent of the 1920s/30s costume jewellery worn by the screen sirens that are my idols. I just loved the slightly over the top feel of this bracelet and couldn't resist buying it to add a bit of glamour to my outfits.

Skirt - H&M

This is the last skirt, and the last item - I ordered it a week or so from H&M and it arrived on the same day as my haul.. Fate? Definitely. Especially since it will work so well with pretty much all of the tops I bought! This is another retro-inspired piece, a sweet-yet-chic lace pencil skirt. With its sharp, vintage cut I will have a gorgeously retro silhouette, and the candy-pink lace is the perfect pretty colour to wear in summer. This is an uber-feminine skirt, and will be so versatile. I love it!

And that is my haul! It is all deliciously summery - I am eagerly anticipating the warm days when I can wear the skirts and shorts without tights, and when the tops won't need to be covered with a jacket unless I specifically want them to be. For now, I am looking forward to layering them up for the transitional weather, and making good use of that Chanel-esque jacket. I am seeing a bit of a theme in my purchases though.. I am definitely being drawn towards retro glamour, from the 1920s to the 1950s. And why not? It was an undeniably stylish era, full of high octane fashion and screen icons. I am fast becoming obsessed with old black and white movies, so maybe my fashion sense is just reflecting my general interests. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that pretty much the entire fashion world is loving that era too..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Unexpected mini-haul.

I wasn't really supposed to be going shopping yesterday, or at least not actually buying much. That's because as college draws to an end I need to be saving up to fund my time jetting around Asia (aka my gap year) and putting some money away for university - neither of which are happening now. At the moment I seem to be investing heavily in my wardrobe. I am honestly going to try cutting back the spending a little, and yesterday doesn't count. I didn't actually spend that much, and I got some gorgeous stuff.

The first thing I was drawn to was the new Maybelline Spring/Summer collection, after seeing a video on youtube from one of my favourite bloggers, Anna Saccone. She got to experiment with loads of items from the new collection and her positive review really made me keen to buy some things. Check out her blog annasaccone.com and watch her vlogs on youtube under the name TheStyleDiet.

First of all I picked up some gorgeous new nail polishes. On the left is Maybelline Express Finish in Turquoise Green which fits in really well with the 'Under The Sea' trend with that stunning iridescent colour. On the right is Maybelline Forever Strong Pro in Ceramic Blue, perfect for the pastel hues trend that I am in love with right now. These are both new shades and I can't wait to get them on my nails.

Next up is one of their new Popsticks lipsticks in Cherry Pop. By now you must have noticed that I am a sucker for a good lipstick, and after seeing how cute these Popsticks were I just had to have one. I tested them all out in the shop, but I found the others a little too light - I am a fan of really bright, pigmented lipsticks personally, and Cherry Pop came out the brightest.

The last of the makeup haul is the Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in Eternal Gold. This one came highly recommended by Anna Saccone and in the store it was the one that caught my eye the most. I am really keen to see if this stunning colour really will last for 24 hours, because if it does this will become one of my favourite beauty products.

After stocking up my beauty bag I went into New Look, which is always dangerous territory for my bank card, and ended up being caught by a few pieces..

The first thing I picked up was this gorgeous cream chiffon sleeveless shirt. I have said many times that I buy too many shirts, but they are just so versatile! This particular one is ideal for SS'12 because it will go with absolutely everything, and will be light enough to wear in the middle of summer, as well as being a perfect layering piece for the colder days. The cost-per-wear on this shirt is going to be ridiculously low..

I was completely entranced by these Art Deco style earrings by Roam, on sale in New Look. For such a reasonably priced pair of earrings, they look very classy and chic. It's probably no secret that I am getting completely obsessed with the golden age of Hollywood, from the 1920s to the 1960s and these costume-jewellery style earrings are straight out of the jazz age.

Okay, while I love the unashamed glamour of the golden era of Hollywood, the child in me simply cannot resist a good flower headband. These New Look headbands instantly make me think of hazy summer days with blue skies overhead and bare feet in the grass.. The smaller yellow one seems more festival-appropriate, whereas the large rosebud headband is reminiscent of some of Lana Del Rey's 1950s video incarnations, and I love them both. A friend asked me recently if I would be breaking out the floral headbands again this summer, and the answer is a resounding yes.

The last items in this mini-haul are actually just more indulgence - I decided that now would be the right time to treat myself to some new underwear, so I hit the Ann Summers sale.

These two bras come from the Knickerbox line at Ann Summers and are possibly now the prettiest ones I own. I love the purple one with the peacock print because it is just so cute and girlie, whereas the black leopard print one is more fierce (and no I didn't just buy that one because it was called The Bardot Bra). It's almost a shame that these beauties are going to be covered up and hidden by my clothes all the time..

And there you have it, my slightly eclectic mini-haul! I love all of my buys because they are just so summery, and are making me long for the days of sunshine again.. On a slightly less fun note, if I get a bit lax and lazy with blogging in the weeks to come it is because exam season is nearly upon me and it is time for crazy revision to take over my life.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Dreaming of SS'12..

I literally cannot wait to crawl out of AW'11, and emerge like a beautiful SS'12 butterfly. I'm not saying that this season hasn't been gorgeous, stylish and full of amazing looks (it so has), just that I have had my fill of it already. Especially when there is such an incredible season of style just ahead. Literally, I can see it, breathe it and nearly touch it.. but every morning I have to remind myself that it is not quite Spring yet, and trying to float around in the new-season trends would only result in a very un-glamorous frostbite. It's so hard to force myself into that 'practical' and oh-so-necessary coat every morning, when the new looks are all around me in magazines.

I had been meaning to post a not-quite-comprehensive guide to SS'12's emerging trends, picking out the ones I in particular will hopefully be rocking, for a little while - basically ever since they began to take shape. But the thing that finally forced me into action was picking up the latest Elle (starring the gorgeous Dakota Fanning) and seeing their Front Row Runway Edit, packed full of stunning fashion. They feature their top trend predictions, plus showcase the best collections from the New York, London, Paris & Milan fashion weeks along with the emerging hair and beauty trends from each fashion week - it is well worth buying, and will provide weeks of fash-spiration. I am not ashamed to say that their brilliant Runway Edit was the starting point for my little trend report, but I haven't totally stuck to their guidelines...

Anyway, here are the SS'12 trends that are my absolute favourites - hopefully my wardrobe will soon be full of these gorgeous looks. I am literally dreaming of vacuum-packing the coat away for another year, and living my life in these styles..

Gatsby-esque.

I'm not ashamed to say that I am in the midst of 1920s flapper-girl fever. And I am not alone. So many designers, celebrities and fashionistas are currently harking back to the roaring 20s in their styling that this is set to be a huge trend for SS'12 and possibly beyond. I've named this look 'Gatsby-esque' because one of the main catalysts for flapper mania is the film of The Great Gatsby that is set for a 2012 release - I plan to see it, and am even reading the book for some Jazz Age inspiration. And it's not just the amazing, embellished, drop-waisted flapper dresses that are lust-worthy items (although they are - I'm so glad I've just picked one up), 1920s day-wear, especially tailored suits, sweet skirts in pastel hues and gorgeous hats are everywhere. I'm determined to fill my wardrobe with 1920s glamour - it's timeless, elegant and a real statement.

Print

The next trend I have totally fallen for is print, print print. And I'm not talking subtle, sweet florals here because this season is all about the bold, bright techno-styles. If I'm honest, looking at prints this season was always going to be a great appreciation of my current favourite designer, Mary Katrantzou - Queen of bold, graphic print and quirky shapes. I adore her new collection, which just epitomises the whole 'bold print' look perfectly.. expect to see a lot of her dresses on stylish celebs. Peter Pilotto also used print, and I love his unique dresses. Personally, I love a good print because it really makes you stand out from the crowd - and as a girl on the smaller side, I can get away with bigger, bolder prints, so bring it on!

Mid Century Modern

Another decade that the world of fashion and I are currently in love with is the 1950s - but this time it is being done with an edge of the 21st century, hence 'mid century modern'. Prada and D&G are pioneering this trend in my opinion, with those ridiculously cute fruit prints and retro shapes to their clothes. I might not start rocking a playsuit or bra-top (although you never know), but I feel the need for some fruit print in my life. It's not all about the bold, brash prints though, Rochas and Erdem have tackled the 50s in a more subtle, understated way which makes me think of willow-pattern china with the pale blue and white hues.. The fit and flare shape is also used by them, along with accessories that make me want to throw on a headscarf like Monroe.

Glorious Technicolour

I think we can all remember the colour-blocking craze of 2010/11, where the world fell head-over-heels for clashing brights, and bold colour is still a winner in the fashion stakes. However, come 2012 it has developed. The way to wear your colour is no longer clashy-clashy (although your print should be mixed up), but top-to-toe. A full outfit in one colour, like DKNY's pink and blue ensembles, is the epitome of cool - yes, matchy-matchy is in. I also adore Mulberry's ice cream colours, especially the yellow, green and pink dress that looks like vintage sweets mixed with those fruit pastille ice lollies... I wouldn't go quite as far as Thakoon and dye my hair a bright colour, but their lace-overlaid shirt dresses are perfect. Of course, colour was going to make an appearance in summer as everyone wants to kick of the dullness of winter and dress to reflect the bright natural hues appearing, but why not jump on this trend early - it will feel so refreshing to be wearing brights in January, and might just beat the winter blues.

Uber Feminine

After a season of androgyny and fetish-wear, fashion has gone girly again. And not just girly, the new season look is literally uber feminine - romantic lace, sheer fabrics, pastel colours and gorgeous florals are in abundance, ready to make every girl feel beautiful. I love the feminine direction the designers are going in because there will be a dress out there to make everyone feel like a princess, and also because it means the catwalk shows are the so pretty I can't take my eyes off them. Valentino, Erdem and Dior showcase my favourite girly looks, while Alexander McQueen, Carven, Nina Ricci and Louis Vuitton are also getting their gorgeous, feminine styles out there. I cannot wait to be a part of the prettiest season yet!

Those are my favourite trends of SS'12 so far, and the ones that I want to be rocking ASAP! It would be impossible to pick one look and decide to be 'that girl' every day for the entire season because I change my style every day - but these contrasting, often conflicting trends are perfect for influencing and inspiring pretty much every side of my personality. On princess days I can turn towards the gorgeousness of the Uber Feminine, while the louder part of my personality can pick and choose from Glorious Technicolour, Prints and Mid Century Modern depending on just how bold she is feeling, and finally the vintage siren inside me can be a flapper girl to her heart's content and get Gatsby-esque for evening (and possibly daytime too!). 

This is by no means a comprehensive compilation of ALL the looks I want to wear this coming season, because something incredible and inspiring might sweep the world of fashion. You never know! All I can say for sure is that these are the styles that are currently inspiring me, and that I am dreaming of wearing as soon as I possibly can, weather and wardrobe permitting... Hopefully it will be soon enough that I am not sick of seeing 'SS'12' splashed everywhere, or having to look even further forward to AW'12 (the pre-fall collections are out already..). Love and kisses, Tara xox