Finally, an on-trend hairstyle everyone can do.

It's been popping up on catwalks for a little while now, and I probably should have mentioned it before.. I've even worn it several times myself, while noting how du jour it is. I don't want to seem behind the times, but I was trying to get some hair-spiration after realising that I wore my hair down every day last week - I need some variety! And while looking up some stylish hairdos I saw one that was cropping up again and again..

THE PONYTAIL

I'll admit I do slightly associate this 'do with PE, and just getting my hair off my face, and until recently might have avoided it because of those connotations.. however, seeing the immense variety of ways in which it popped up I have re-thought my ponytail avoidance and will be rocking it more than just at work this season.

LOW SLUNG

This is a bit of a bedhead, sexy-messy way to rock a ponytail. It takes minimal effort to look good, simply pull your hair back with your fingers & tie low and loose - this 'do will work during the day for an easy-breezy style or in the evening to soften a high-octane look. For the evening, or simply a little more detail consider adding an accessory around the hairband, like in the right hand photo, which will add a little interest. If you don't have a sleek gold band like the one in the picture you could easily recreate it by wrapping a piece of hair around the band and securing underneath with a few pins.

MID HEIGHT

Mid height ponytails are probably the easiest to do on any given day and will literally go with anything. Because of this they could be seen as quite vanilla, not very interesting or like you have put no effort in.. but done correctly they can look simply stunning. The catwalk look (above left) is gorgeous, and something you could actually achieve at home - straighten your hair, pull it back and use a brush to get it super-sleek, then run the straighteners over the ends of the tail again to make sure it's dead straight. Hat optional. Then again, the celeb look (above, right) is a bit of a softer take on the mid ponytail. The hint of extra volume and slightly curled ends make it super-wearable and incredibly flattering on everyone.. so pick your style!

HIGH PONY

This ponytail could take you anywhere from sport-luxe to high glamour, depending on what you wear it with - now that's what I call a multi-tasking 'do! Above are my favourite catwalk takes on the hairstyle, sleek, straight and pulled very high to show off your features. If you wanted to edge towards vintage glamour, try a little hat or fascinator like the above right picture, the high ponytail is the perfect blank canvas for them.
 

Now the celebrity take on high ponytails, a touch more wearable but still completely stunning. Kelly Osbourne has the playful high pony just right here - volume and curls topped off with a cute ribbon. Try this with a bold dress like hers, or simply on a day when you feel more playful. Nicole Richie is working a ponytail that I think I'll be going for, a high, slightly messy one softened even more with a full fringe (like mine!) which makes it even more wearable for day or night, as well as incorporating the trend for fringes that's popping up right now.

SIDE PONY

I seem to remember side ponytails having a bit of a moment a year or so ago, but Diana Vickers is proving they are still going strong. This mussed up, side parted wavy style is a laid back alternative to the super-sleek looks seen on catwalks. Follow Diana to look effortless enough for day, yet still be able to work this with a glamorous dress at night - loving the versatility.

Ponytails are around in many, many styles right now from sleek and straight to messy and wavy.. even the height is negotiable. This makes it one of winter's most versatile trend because there is a ponytail out there for every outfit, day or night. My sole reservation is the likelihood of getting a chilly neck and ears while my hair is pulled up and away like this.. for those cold winter days I will definitely be pairing my pony with a cute scarf. This season, the only way is up. Love and kisses, Tara xox

Fashion Confession.

D'oh! Just realised that I haven't posted a fashion confession this week, silly old me.. Since I have college on weekdays & the fashion confession usually hits on a Monday I am thinking it will be more sensible to change the routine & post it every Saturday - I generally have more time at the weekends! Anyway, to kickstart the new fashion confession day..

I used to be a little bit scared of maxi dresses.

And skirts too, if I'm honest. It all stems from being practically a medical midget (at 5'0 I'm pretty close) and not wanting to look any shorter than I already do. If anything, I have tried all the tricks in the book to make myself look taller! I always thought that anything floor length would swamp me, and instantly drag me down to the ground, so I avoided all maxi items like the plague. Even at prom, which practically cried out for a full length showstopper of a dress, I wore a short dress and heels to add height - although it did feel good to stand out from all the other long dress wearers too.

However, you'll notice I said 'used to' be a bit scared.. and if you've read any other posts you'll see I've worn a couple of maxi dresses recently and absolutely loved them. I'll admit it was a totally irrational feel since when worn with serious heels and a cinched in waist I've found that said maxis actually elongated my frame and gave the illusion of being taller - why did it take me 17 years to realise this?? Unfortunately since it is winter the maxis are less and less practical - dragging on the floor and getting wet, looking best by themselves and being freezing.. I would like to try some layering though, throwing a jumper over my maxis and substituting the summer wedges for some boots. Watch this space.. Love and kisses, Tara xox

Grey isn't boring, I swear!

Another college week is over (except large amounts of homework.. grrr), and I can't say I'm too upset about it. If I'm honest I would rather have stayed at home today.. pointless lessons + rain + late bus home = very grumpy Tara. The only redeeming feature of my day was getting dressed and ready, and truthfully I could have done that and then stayed inside with the heating on & a hot chocolate quite happily. But ah well, it was probably marginally productive to drag myself in. And if I hadn't I suppose I wouldn't get to share my lovely look with you all & ramble on..

Dress - ASOS; Tights - River Island; Boots & Belt - H&M; Arm Warmers - New Look; Bag - River Island; Earrings - TU at Sainsburys.
When I was putting this together I have to admit I wasn't really thinking about the colour scheme as such.. then I realised I had thrown on a lot of grey. But I don't think it looks dull thanks to the variety of tones from the light jumper dress to the dark arm warmers, and the fact there is a mix of textures keeps it interesting. My obsession with knitwear is getting clearer & clearer here.. The tan accessories also help rev up the look with a pop of a different tone, and the belt really cinches in my waist, making the dress incredibly flattering while still being a warm autumn knit. And of course my staple gorgeous bag adds another dimension of the cranberry pink ladylike variety - this bag is the one thing I wear every day, simply because it has all my college detritus in it! The fact that I absolutely adore it helps too.. Love and kisses, Tara xox

Autumn hasn't given way to winter yet.

I do love my transitional wardrobe. And I am sticking firmly to transitional, because it is not winter and it is not cold enough to merit a coat! I'm being incredibly stubborn about this, despite the fact that some of my friends have already broken out the coats in an effort to beat the chill I simply can't do it. I have said before that I wouldn't wear a coat until November.. well, said deadline has arrived & I still can't quite make myself go there. Yes, I was a little chilly today. Yes, I possibly could have done with some more layers. No, it's not chic to shiver.. but hey, I think I looked much better sans giant coat!

Blouse, Jeans & Boots - New Look; Belt - Primark; Ring, Necklace & Earrings - Topshop.
I didn't realise how New-Look-heavy this outfit was until now! They just make such amazing, cheap separates... This look was really simple to put together, but still looks quite glam thanks to the embellished top, coloured jeans, heels and some seriously glitzy gold jewellery. Not quite practical enough for winter (which I suppose it is now), but I don't care - this is what I wanted to wear and so I did. I have to confess I used to never be this comfortable all covered up like this.. high necks, long sleeves and jeans all together never used to make me feel confident. I think it is the good cut of the jeans, the sheer quality of the blouse & the fact I've got heels on that made me able to wear this ensemble happily! Love and kisses, Tara xox

Star Style Obsession - Karen Gillan

She first stepped onto my radar as Amy Pond in Doctor Who (love that show!) where she wasn't exactly a style icon - her character's look was more casual separates thrown together than high fashion. However, when she started attending public events and just basically getting some attention Karen Gillan's natural style genius became evident.. Everything she wears has a cute, quirky charm about it, and don't even get me started on how much I love her hair. Basically, this girl always manages to look good, while pulling off things that shouldn't work on a pale redhead, keeping on top of trends but maintaining her individual style - the perfect balance. Here are some of my favourite Gillan looks..

Kicking off with a piece of outfit perfection here, Karen looks simply stunning. That rust coloured lace dress suits her complexion so well, and the black accessories frame it nicely - while her hair and makeup look typically gorgeous.

Casually accessorizing with The Doctor here, when you tear your eyes off him it is totally worth it for the beautiful dress Karen is wearing.. Again, the colour is perfect on her, and I love the way she has given the look an edge by opting for boots rather than heels.

I absolutely love this look, it is trend-driven but still oozes Karen's signature sexy-edgy-cool style. Not many people could pull this off, especially the midi skirt and ankle strap shoes combination, but with her effortlessly cool attitude and one very sexy fringe this girl makes it work easily.

Working a neutral lace dress here she looks very sweet. I especially love the orange ankle strap shoes, and am jealous they don't just make her legs look stumpy like they would on me!

I adore this colour on Karen, the way it contrasts with her porcelain skin and gorgeous red hair is so striking and beautiul. The little elephant detail is also incredibly cute, and those black shoes are a perfect, if safe, match for the dress.

This look just screams quirky and thrown-together-but-still-look-amazing. All the elements are amazing separately, and then when put together look even better. I can't stop looking at that teal bag, and just how gorgeous are those booties?

Despite this being totes impractical due to the lack of tights in winter, I love this off-duty look. The dress is just too cute, especially when matched with that jacket and those absolutely amazing quirky sunnies - this is basically off-duty perfection.

God I'm jealous of her legs. And she doesn't half like to show them off! This dress is another quirky piece, and on paper I would be a bit unsure about brown stripes and flared elbow length sleeves.. but once again Karen makes it work with her amazing hair and killer confidence.

The most recent look I've chosen, this off-duty outfit is perfect for autumn days and will carry you through the dull autumn evenings too! These staples, like the coat and brogues are simple yet gorgeous, and you know I can't resist a good collar..

Oh isn't she beautiful? I literally want to be her. And have her wardrobe. It's just so versatile, stylish and a little offbeat, which makes her a total style icon - she dresses like an individual while remaining bang on trend. If I could look half as good as Karen I'd be happy forever, and if my innate style sense was as genius as hers I would never have to worry about what I wear again.. I also have serious hair envy going on for her gorgeous red waves. And the fact she always looks flawless in photos. Love and kisses, Tara xox

Just something I threw together for college..

This is another case of stylist's block, clashing with the pathetic half day of college that is my Wednesday - it just doesn't feel worth the effort to go all out because barely any of my friends see me, except in class before I dash off home. That said, I still put in a little effort.. I still want to look my best pretty much all the time! The shorter day & drawing a complete mental blank on what to wear simply meant that I stuck to wardrobe staples today, and didn't try anything too outlandish..

Jumper - H&M; Shorts - Blue Miss; Grey Socks - Primark; Navy Socks - H&M; Shoes & Ring - New Look; Necklace - Rock N Rose; Earrings - TU at Sainsburys.
I actually love how simply I threw together this look from easy-to-wear staples, which really proves their wardrobe value. This jumper is absolutely gorgeous, not just for the chunky cable knit look and flattering style, but because it is literally the cosiest thing in the world. It also looks pretty cute with denim shorts, and the double layered socks just add a bit of interest. They're also a little flash back to last winter, because long socks are still cool for this season - and why wear one pair when two is so much more interesting, and warm! You'll notice that I'm back in the flat shoes after two days of heels for college.. this was a little attempt at practicality since I had a driving lesson straight from college, and driving in heels is ridiculously hard. I can do it though - just not test-passing-level well! Love and kisses, Tara xox

I'm back into the early morning scramble again..

Since college got back into full swing I've been getting up at 6.30am every day again (painful) and sleepily trying to piece together outfits. On the one hand the pressure to get ready probably makes me try new combinations, and possibly create better looks, but on the other hand I don't enjoy running around my room like a headless chicken, throwing on jewellery haphazardly.. Is it too soon for another holiday? Anyway, here's what I threw together this morning..

Dress - Topshop; Denim Shirt - River Island; Cardigan & Boots - New Look; Tights - Primark; Ring - Parfois; Necklace - Rock N Rose.
I went for some more serious layering today, anticipating the November chill - and it worked, I was cosy all day. The best thing about this outfit was had it warmed up at all I could have simply removed the cardigan, and looked just as put together and cool. I particularly like the 70s feel the suede boots add to the look, while the clashing prints on the cardi and dress are broken up by the light denim shirt.. this time I think my early morning scramble worked well. And now I've just realised I've got to do it all again tomorrow - bring it on! Love and kisses, Tara xox