TREND ALERT - Capes

The cape is totally on trend this season and will carry on into next season. Capes are all over the 2014/15 runways and have been deemed as a Fall must-have by pristine fashion houses like Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabanna (to name a few.) The great thing about capes is that you can find one to suit every style. There are cropped capes and long capes that swoop toward the floor. There are fur capes and wool capes to keep you cozier than you can imagine. Another bonus is that you can wear a cape with almost every outfit since they are so incredibly easy to style.

I remember it like yesterday, the first time I saw a saw a Blanket cape and it was on the Burberry runway. From that second I knew I had to have something similar. They are perfect for winter.The season's mood for cocooning comfort puts the cape at the heart of outerwear.


I have picked some of my favourite coat/blanket capes available this season.






Katie x
 

Who doesnt love a good Christmas window display

Something I love about Christmas is the window displays. I know it's Xmas time when I start to see some displays. They are works of art. My favourite my far and as always, has to be Selfridges in London. This year's theme has been over a year in the making and takes inspiration from story telling. You wouldn't believe how excited I was when I first heard this. This year's scheme had been in development since November 2013 when the theme was decided on by the creative team. The world famous department store unveiled its legendary Christmas windows in October showcasing over a year's worth of hard work, creativity and festive thinking. Right from the first unveiling of the 23 windows it was clear that these were not your average bedtime stories.

A golden goose, 6000 metres of fairy lights and more than 190,000 baubles, you won't believe it until you see it. 



One window consists od a neon pink mannequin dressed in a custom made Peter Pilotto cape stood before you surrounded by woodland animals adorned with an exclusive selection of Erickson Beamon jewellery. Little Red Riding Hood may not spring to mind but whether you recognise it or not the story has you captivated.




Other festive themed fables included the store's take on The Ugly Duckling. The centre mannequin who is sat within a rainbow nest and wears a bespoke feather dress from the SS15 AF Vandevorst, it seem anything other than ugly.

 


There windows are captivating, I have only seen pictures of this years displays so far but in over a week I get to see the real deal...so excited.

Katie x

Statement necklace

Statement necklaces are a way of effortlessly dressing up any outfit. I just love a collared shirt and statement necklace look. They have been around for quite a while now and they don't seen to be going anywhere any time soon either. I just could not imagine, not having statement necklaces in my life.


It can totally bring an outfit to the next level. They come in so many different sizes and styles. My favourite retailer for statement necklace has to be Zara, they are always on point when it comes to this seasons necklaces.

Katie x
 

TREND ALERT - 70s Vibes

Even if you have only a passing interest in fashion, you wont have failed to miss that the 1970s are back a big way. Taking inspiration from films such as the 'American Husle'. This season we’ve got high boots and midi skirts, suede jackets and patchwork denim and of course flared trousers. This 70s trend has crept into this season, however next season takes it to a whole new level with Abba/Austin Powers/ Halloween costume levels of colour saturation and print seen on the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2015.





 Saint Laurent showed us heaps of coloured furs and suede jackets. At Chanel we had psychedelic water colour prints in every colour of the rainbow and silk blouses cut with Saturday Night Fever collars. 




 A good place to start is with your trousers - nothing creates an instantly 70s look than swapping out your skinnies. Flares are back in a big way – somewhat inspired by Scooby Doo’s Velma. Pair them with a simple striped sweater or clean cotton shirt. Fashion may be very 70s at the moment, however beauty is not, keep your beauty firmly stuck in this century - Farrah waves and panstick are certainly not back on the fashion menu!

Katie x

Afternoon Tea

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Afternoon Tea.




Afternoon Tea dates back to the mid-1800s, the tradition of afternoon tea was first introduced by the aristocracy of England and its colonies. Since then, the formal meal has Found itself in some of the world’s most elite hotels, historic museums, and kitschy patisseries, allowing the masses to enjoy decadent three-tiered servings of finger sandwiches, tiny cakes and tea. 


The places for high tea conjure up images of elegant olde worlde dining rooms, palm court orchestras, fine bone china, delicate cucumber sandwiches and petit fours. Not much has changed since the mid-1800s, I have found two places that are the pièce de résistance of places for Afternoon tea.



THE ORANGERY AT KENSINGTON GARDENS
London
Built in 1704, The Orangery, or “greenhouse” in the gardens at Kensington Palace is a light-filled venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and white-washed stone floors, the ideal setting for traditional English tea.





CLARIDGE'S HOTEL
London
 Located in London’s Mayfair district. The hotel has received numerous Awards of Excellence by the Tea Guild for its presentation of quintessential English specialties like raisin and apple scones, Cornish clotted cream, and Marco Polo jelly.

 


As I am now living in Aberdeen, I taught I'd sample What they had to offer, I was pleasantly surprised. Many of the nice cafes offer a delicious and reasonable priced afternoon tea.

1906 restaurant at HMT


Thistle Aberdeen, The Caledonian


Cocoa Ooze

Cup

Katie x
 

TREND ALERT - Alpine

If you’re not a fan of skiing but heart that cosy, kitsch Alpine look, then it’s good news because one of this season’s hottest trends is all about the Alpine look.When the cold weather draws in, the highstreet becomes over run with Alpine printed everything.

 


This is not only a highstreet trend, designers including Max Mara, D&g, Missoni and Chanel have all used cosy, chunky knitwear with deer print, bobble scarves and hats, fur boots and gilets on their collections. Giving a nod to the Sound of Music and ensuring we’ll be staying warm throughout the cold winter.


Katie x

Christmas Gift Guide

OMG, just one whole month until Christmas. It is crazy how quick the last year has gone. I remember last year telling myself that I will have all my Christmas shopping done by the end of November, but unfortunately something's just never change and I have not done any.
So now I am panicking and doing a lot of online shopping. I have come across some really fabulous gifts and I just have to share them with ye guys. This will hopefully give ye some inspiration for potential gifts for friends and family.



 Katie x  

TREND ALERT - Metallics

One of the hottest trends for A/W 2014/15 is metallics! These shiny shades are super on trend, and can amp up any look. Metallics are something I can't get enough of...I really am like a magpie.

The Highstreet is awash with metallic. From brushed metallics to sparkly sequins, all that glitters is worth its weight in gold this season! Its not just our usual Silver, bronze and gold shades we are seeing but more hues like electric blue and candy pink in foil finishes. Oh and have I mentioned the metallic-shoe craze, they are a must have this season. This season we can go head to toe in metallic. You don’t have to be a night owl to rock this glitzy attire on the regular. While some sequined numbers are best reserved for evenings on the town, there are plenty of pieces (like the metallic sweatshirt) that totally work as daywear.




 Some celebs we have seen rocking metallic recently are Heidi Klum on the red carpet in a stunning silver two-piece while lady of the moment Rihanna was spotted looking very demure in a floor length metallic maxi dress.

 

There is a crazy attraction to metallics.
Katie x