A black blazer is an ESSENTIAL piece for any wardrobe. Always on trend, always chic! This H&M blazer has wide lapels, gold buttons and a flattering tailored fit. A classic look I have always loved is a white shirt dress with black accessories; here I added heart print tights, black court heels and the trendy blazer. Finally, a classic red lip and I’m out the door!
This year more than ever we need to spread the love! While we cannot spend time with those we love the most, this Valentine’s & Galentine’s Day gifts can make all the difference. I’ve put together my favourite gifts from luxury to high-street. You can also find a treasure trove of personalised options on small business run websites such as ‘Not On The High Street’ and Etsy. Roses are a must for 14th Feb; perhaps you could get in touch with your local florist to support the small businesses around who may be struggling, if this service is not available for you see below for a list of online florists. You cannot go wrong with the classics; perfume, flowers, chocolates and jewellery, however niche gifts are thoughtful too…anything from a heart painted plate to a sensual torso candle. All of these items are available online. Love is in the air!
See below for a list of online businesses that offer flower deliveries:
At the beginning of each year I enjoy scoping out the trends for the forthcoming year. I explored the Spring 2021 and Resort 2021 of designers from Elie Saab to Comme des Garçons, picking out my favourites from each. Once I pick out my favourites I visually form trends. The most exciting factor of this for me is seeing the high-street shops release fashion items that correlate with the designer catwalks.
BRIGHT NEUTRALS
My 2021 trends start with bright neutrals; Oscar De La Renta, Elie Saab and Emporio Armani alongside a multitude of designers have celebrated bright whites, cream and neutral shades in the form of suiting, dresses, capes and jumpsuits.
MONOCRHOME
The next trend is Monochrome; I’ve always adored a monochrome aesthetic and Saint Laurent in particular produced some iconic looks, beyond chic.
LET IT SHINE
Iridescent materials, sequins and silk build the trend of ‘let it shine’. All year round shine can be styled for every eventuality. Who would have thought of styling sequins and sparkle with an oversized mens shirt; but its iconic and a look I desire to wear. The Attico is a brand that I hadn’t heard of but their striking design stole my gaze instantly, (the first two images) I will certainly keep my eye out for this brand in the future.
PATTERN
Pattern is not my choice of style, but oh my these designs are breathtaking. The Moschino yellow and pink polka dot number and Italian flag suit are incredibly distinctive. Pattern has certainly been done before, but this year is the year for REAL pattern. Unique, flashy and oh so Vogue!
TULLE
Fashion has been toying with tulle for a couple of years now and it appears tulle is featuring in full swing for 2021. Tulle coats, skirts and tops are set to hit the high-street. I adore the translucent skirts and tops styled for high-summer.
RELAXED DENIM
Denim jeans, white shirts and heels has been a staple outfit of mine forever…It cannot be beaten. The simplistic styling is slick and sexy. Denim has featured on Victoria Beckham and Celine collections. Denim shorts are a summer must, while wide leg jeans with thick turn-ups are so in.
RED
Red is always in. The colours suits any occasion and any season. Red demands attention, which I love. My favourite look featuring red is the No.21 look; red sweatshirt with white text and a formal black midi skirt. I will 100% be sporting this look this year.
SUIT YOURSELF
Women’s suiting is powerful and provoking. Cropped blazers, wide lapels, even the addition of a harness; the possibility for modern feminine suiting is endless. Just a simple oversized suit dominated 2020, however 2021 is the year suiting branches out into a plethora of variations. Here Vivienne Westwood created an incredible look. The model wears a black oversized pinstripe suit which is iconic within itself. The suit is styled with a black harness, red fishnet stockings, red heels and a daring red lip. I am in adoration of this entire vibe; a look I will be recreating for the forthcoming years.
As a fashionista myself I know what a fashion items a fashion lover would want. With a range of gifts from One Hundred Stars and Lulu Guinness, to Gucci and Balenciaga you can be sure to spoil your fashion obsessed friends and family.
Everyone loves a little bit of designer…RIGHT? So when it came to choosing a special birthday present I didn’t fancy a cliché piece. Instead I became infatuated with the iconic Gucci belts. The brown real leather option, embellished with the antique gold metallic double-G buckle is the perfect statement piece to accessorise countless outfits. Guccio Gucci the founder of Gucci the label in 1921 is the inspiration behind the the double G emblem displayed on the buckle; perhaps one of the most iconic labels in recent fashion. Guccio’s life story is an inspiration to me. Handling the suitcases of the rich as a elevator attendant in the Savoy Hotel London ignited his initial passion for leather goods. His adoration for finer leather products enabled the development of his multi-billion dollar company. Although this Gucci belt stretches the purse strings the belt is just so iconic. Undoubtedly the style and design will come in and out of fashion, but the belt is a statement piece for life. This shoot is located in Urban Jungle which I think perfectly emulates a Gucci campaign style. I paired the stunning belt with a wrap-over white shirt dress from H&M and Missguided brown leather sandals with gold stud decor. The intense, tropical green surroundings makes the gold metallic emblem pop. In short … I am horrendously obsessed with this belt!
Lulu Guinness is ‘hands down’ the best sale of the moment. For as long as I’ve been a fan of Lulu I’ve been infatuated with the hard-sided travel cases. As a birthday treat I went to Covent Garden on a shopping spree where I indulged my passion for Lulu Guinness. I was ecstatic to discover the porcelain hard-side suitcase was half price. Not only is the Lulu Guinness store stunningly aesthetic, the staff were beyond accommodating, showing me the inside of the case without request and showing me their range of accessories. The inside of the case sold it to me; the striped monochrome lining complete with Lulu Guinness zips and 3 drawstring bags adds a unique quality and sets the luggage apart from any other case, fulfilling the upmost quality that Lulu designs provide. The luxurious suitcase is protected with a sleeve to prevent scratching. Browsing around the store I found a perfect phone case, a red lip phone case – the signature colour and shape of Lulu’s brand; so classy and feminine. The items I bought in store were beautifully packaged in a monochrome glossy bag with red tissue paper as protection; a beautiful keepsake. My Brother treated me to a ‘to die for’ Lulu Guinness card holder. The leather printed with monochrome stripes and red lips displays the classic Lulu print, while the holder provides four card slots; the perfect size to fit a clutch or a handbag. My final Lulu birthday gift is the Dare to Dream umbrella, which is an ideal fit for a handbag. The Dare the Dream font design is classic black and white with red accents.