ASOS is killing the game with their dressed-down looks. Loungewear to wear out is HOT right now! The pandemic has allowed many to have a PJ day everyday and most are not ready to get out of that any time soon; the perfect solution is loungewear that can be worn out. This cream sweat mini dress with a high zip neckline and ribbed effect is where comfort meets cool. Paired with my favourite cream Mango boots the look is a relaxed winner!
This H&M cream NASA jogger set is a fresh, uncomplicated Autumn co-ord. The oversized NASA logo joggers with ankle cuff and waist tie are so current and comfy. The matching cropped NASA logo sweatshirt with hood, waist tie and black leather toggles is super cosy, and the cropped length is so flattering. I paired my Mango cream leather fashion wellies with the outfit; I adore a tonal look. This fit is made for coffee dates and chilling with friends.
T-shirt dresses are the definition of comfy. There’s nothing I love more than flinging on a one-item outfit that looks chic and slick. This midi t-shirt dress is the ultimate Spring piece, the short puff sleeves with bow tie, the midi length with side slits and the simple round neck fashion a simple yet effective piece. The material is lightweight perfect for the warmer days, however on a chillier day you could layer a shirt or thin jumper underneath. A great way to dress up a t-shirt dress is to add an organza shirt with pussy-bow and heeled sandals. Here I styled the look casually with my shoe of the month; my converse boots. The matching off-white colours go together seamlessly. I purchased the t-shirt dress in a size-down for a snug fit; the waist tightens in just the right place. For an oversized fit lover this is the dress for you.
New York was an unforgettable trip; I will always remember my first visit to ‘the city that never sleeps’! It’s so hard to know what to wear. Before I visited I was torn between looking ‘killer’ and being warm & comfy. With the NYC crazy cold temperatures, I packed for Arctic weather…however, I was extremely lucky to have temperatures of 10 degrees daily! The second day was jam packed. Cream baggy jeans from Zara were the base for my outfit, the waist drawn in by my brown Gucci belt. I tucked a Zara cream thin-knit jumper with gold button detail on the sleeve into the jeans. I threw my brown fur coat over my shoulders, slipped on baby-pink, fluffy socks under cream Converse boots and finished the outfit with a H&M silk scarf in pale pink and charcoal grey. An impeccable balance of fashion and comfort. The key to New York dressing is styling an outfit that suits all occasions; perfect to throw on and wear all-day-long.
I started the second day with a classic Starbucks. America is the perfect place for me; even at Starbucks everyone is buzzing with energy. After a white chocolate mocha and almond croissant, I headed to the MoMA – Museum of Modern Art. Home to the legendary ‘Starry Night’ by Vincent Van Gough and ‘Campbell’s Soup Cans’ by Andy Warhol, as well as, unbelievable modern art. MoMA is a significant hub for inspiration; I was captivated by the classic, characteristic prints in monochrome. Being left tantalised by the art, I searched for a typical New York pizza to devour; an appetising pepperoni deep-base pizza square was more than adequate.
Midday I headed to the Hudson Yards Shopping Centre. With every shop from Zara and Sephora, to Dior and Coach, the shopping centre provided inspiration for both my actual budget and my dream budget. Designer stores are cottoning on to the importance of Millennial consumers and Gen Z consumers; the loyal consumer of the future. The experience in brick-and-mortar luxury stores is astonishing in comparison to 10 years ago. The shop assistants give personable experiences for all consumers; enticing the new audiences. The Dior saddle bag and Coach red bag caught my eye; both stores staff were brilliant allowing me to try the bag with my outfit! After exploring the designer stores for delectable products, I headed to the High Line.
The High Line was once a railway network through NY, converted into the picture-perfect walk-way displaying New York’s stunning views. Spying the Giorgio Armani head office on the walk, as well as a breath-taking sunset the High Line did not disappoint. Littered with artistic instalments along the walk, the High Line is a MUST when in NYC. I spent about 2 hours taking in the views, regularly pausing to take in the buzzing atmosphere; stopping for a lengthy time at a window overlooking a heavily populated NY road. The stream of yellow taxis was hypnotic. I’m so thankful that I decided to take my time to take in the atmosphere along the High Line as I was lucky enough to experience the most stunning sun-set highlighting the NYC skyline. As the sky darkened the lights of Chelsea welcomed me in the distance.
Chelsea was the pot-of-gold at the end of The High Line. A treasure trove of tasteful restaurants, classy designer stores and niche galleries. Upon exploring Chelsea, I came across the Atouche Gallery, sneaking into the gallery the silence of the room overwhelmed me, until a friendly Frenchman cheerily greeted me; he was keen to learn about why I was visiting and my love for fashion. It is so important to do research prior to visiting a city, however I highly recommend exploring the side-streets to find the exclusive spaces. The art was beyond enticing, each piece secreted an erotic connotation; so refined and stylish. Along the street, designer shops littered with Balmain had exceptional art wall-to-wall. Chelsea is the definition of elegance.
Brands incorporating lifestyle into their business’ is a trend; I’ve learnt about this at university, the Starbucks Reserve being used as an example, our lecture scattered with images of the legendary location. Now…I can’t see long distance without my glasses, but I did recognise the Starbucks logo and the intimidating doors of the Reserve. I physically ran to it! I’m such a coffee lover, the concept of a ‘Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory’ for coffee lovers is my heaven. On entering, the visuals of the copper machinery, the scent of the sweet coffee beans and the sound of the steam arm was overwhelming me in the best possible way. Everything you could imagine from a coffee bean pick & mix, an espresso martini bar to an extraordinary, copper coffee bean roaster was located in this coffee playground. I ordered an iced latte, with the coffee bean exclusive to the Starbucks Reserve; iconic! After my second coffee stop of the day I ventured to the Chelsea Market.
Historically the National Biscuit Company Factory (where the Oreo was invented), now Chelsea Market! The location has a quaint style, full of charm and personality. The brown stone walls, the music, the flower market, the independent restaurants and the wishing-well combined provided a dreamlike, fantastical ambiance. Spoilt for choice I settled for ‘Le Song’ a scrumptious French Bistro. The tapas style menu intrigued me. I chose mac ‘n’ cheese, calamari and truffle oil infused fries with parmesan shavings. White wine was perfect to pair with the meal. The French setting was so appealing and continued the dream-state. Wandering back out to the streets of Chelsea brought me back reality. After a long day I headed ‘home’. Completely exhausted, nonetheless still buzzing from the day, it dawned on me that New York is definitely where I will live at some point in my life. Perfectly in love!
As a fashion student and aspiring blogger, it’s hard to believe that I had never visited the Big Apple before. Oh, how I have been missing out! I had visited America previously and adored the country. Visiting New York confirmed that I will definitely be exploring working there in my fashion career. New York is fashion obsessed, I’ve never been to a city where everyone is dressed sharply, especially on Fifth Avenue – Billionaire’s Row. Arriving in New York, the buildings, the people, the excitement is so very overwhelming – in the best way. I stayed in Pod 51 a hostel that exceeded my expectations, amidst the buzzing streets of New York, a short walk away from the iconic New York locations. Just walking through the streets in New York is like nowhere else I’ve been, the colossal buildings, quirky street signs and bustling people are persistently animated.
In New York you have free reign to over-dress. I adore jumpsuits, they’re so simple, yet so striking. I wore this ASOS cream, denim jumpsuit with tie waist. The loose leg, combined with the belted waist is so figure flattering, while being comfy and warm for the New York avenues. Comfortable shoes are a MUST when visiting New York, you spend the entire day on foot. I averaged 20,000 steps daily. I was gifted the Converse boots at Christmas. They’re so unique, I was receiving compliments about them left-right-and-centre, one person even asked if they were Gucci boots! The exterior of the boot is striking; made from Gor-Tex material the boots have the word ‘Gor-Tex’ littered across the boot; they’re so perfect for city breaks as they’re waterproof too. They are beyond cosy with the fleece lining and a thick sole. Of course, I strutted the New York streets in my brown, faux-fur coat, highly-fashionable while confronting the cold weather. I used a cross-body Zara black bag the entire time; essential for city breaks.
Walking down Fifth Avenue – Easy Street – was breath-taking, now that’s where I want to live! The buildings, the people, the designer shops; all beyond perfection. The first full day initiated with a visit to Gladson New York, located on Fifth Avenue; a fabric supplier for multiple luxury suiting brands. The intricacy of the process of developing each fabric swatch is shown in stunningly detailed samples. From pinstripe to check, navy to burgundy the fabrics styles created are vast. Learning about the importance of implementing these fabrics into female suiting also, felt empowering. Then, I ventured to the ferry where I saw amazing views of Manhattan Island and Brooklyn Bridge, even spotting the Statue of Liberty in the distance. New York is oh so picturesque, every view is scenic.
Getting off the ferry I arrived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This setting was very dissimilar to the bustling Fifth Avenue vibe. It was like a ghost-town. It had an eerie, distinctive impression, adding a feeling of culture to the trip. Graffiti wall-to-wall and Indie food joints littered the location. I dined with friends in a pub-style restaurant, eating a legendary grilled cheese sandwich – to-die-for. Strolling along the streets thrift shops invited me in; vintage Gucci and Louis Vuitton the prized possession of the second-hand shops. Searching through rails and rails of pre-owned clothing highlights how resale is booming in the contemporary fashion market. I yearned to know everything about the previous owner, clothing signifying untold stories. Williamsburg was a treasure trove, full of desirability. I spotted a stunningly decorated restaurant; all white with plantation and neon lights. It was called The Butcher’s Daughter. I ordered a latte. Asking whether they had any syrups the waitress said no, but recommended the mocha; the said mocha had magic mushroom powder in it… I then spied hemp milk and many other controversial additives. I opted for the plain latte hahaha! Williamsburg mirrors the hipster areas of London; like Shoreditch and Camden.
GO BROOKLYN NETS! I’ve always been a fan of basketball; being part of my high school team I appreciate the sport ;), as well as my fascination with the incredible height of the players. You can’t get more American than a basketball game. I went to see Brooklyn Nets play UItar Jazz. Spending $10 on a foam finger and almost $20 on nachos with cheese and a lemonade the size of my head was SO WORTH IT! The cheerleaders and street-dancers generated a VIBEEE, it was such an exhilarating experience. To anyone who visits New York I highly recommend seeing a game. Getting the subway back to the hotel was a struggle, but I made it! After a full-on day, collective with the jet lag I slept like a baby.
I find it so hard to dress for Autumnal days, it’s not quite cold enough for Winter coats, but it’s definitely too cold to leave the house without a jacket. It’s the time of year when you leave the house in the morning wrapped up, then by 12 you’re sweltering. My favourite solution is a blazer. Blazers add a masculine chic vibe to any outfit. I enjoy wearing cream in Autumn to contrast the drizzly, dull days, it’s also a great transitional colour from white which I wear to death in the Summer. This cream, cord blazer with horn buttons is the perfect throw-over item. I paired it with a cream mini-skirt and gold trainers, but it would look super cute over jeans and a plain top. Once I’d styled this outfit I thought the perfect location would be a pumpkin patch. Although cream is not quite appropriate for such a location the contrast of the cream looked insane against the field. The perfect outfit for a pumpkin date! 😉
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS TRENCH! Sleek, polished and high fashion; this is impeccable and everything that I look for in a piece of clothing. Not only is cream a killer colour, the maxi length of the Trench adds drama. The storm flap detail, side splits and button detail crafts an outstanding coat worth the price. The belt allows the waist to be gathered creating femininity, while the overall aesthetic is breathtaking. If you want to make a statement this is most definitely the power piece for you!
It’s officially Autumn…the time of year for extensive walks and indecisive weather. Autumn is perhaps the most confusing season of all for fashion; with the onset of constant rain, yet the temperatures have a tendency to soar complicating the minds of the savviest fashionistas. The easiest place to start is searching for a resilient shoe. I’ve always loved Brogues, the sturdiness and masculine style express Parisian chic. My favourite aspect of these Brogues is in the incredible detail; the cream stitching, silver eyelets to frame the thick lace, the sheen of the black patent material and cream sole – all contributing to the striking aesthetic. Zara as a brand are taking us fashion lovers on a reflective journey through the zeitgeist of 2017 – a time of self-motivation and adoration; an important lesson especially in the twisted world of fashion. Zara’s use of this message is mirrored in the slogan on the lace; the thick cream ribbon printed with bold type ‘UNSTOPPABLE&AMBITIOUS’. The monochrome colour adds modernity to the classic brogue shape and is in-keeping with the sweeping trend of chunky statement laces. Paired with anything from blue jeans, black culottes or even imposing red trousers these shoes pack a punch and demand attention.
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