What I've Been Wearing: Cropped Trousers

At a certain point in the fashion sphere, ankle grazers or 'swingers' were a big no-no - a sign of a wardrobe fail, or lack of attention to vital detailing. Today, we are increasingly seeing this trend grow bigger and better. A style favourite for both men and women, we've seen jeans being rolled up, tailored trousers becoming cropped and ankles becoming the new 'side boob'. Guys, liberate your lower legs because we're going ankle crazy!

Having picked up my Zara structured trousers, featuring the 'ankle grazer' fit, I just had to go pick up the grey and patterned pair. These trousers bring comfort to the world of 'chic', and are a great way to incorporate the intentional cropped look. Although they appear super structured, they actually have a slight stretch to them, allowing you to move freely and not have to worry about your tailored trousers creasing. This gorgeous pinstripe shirt is another sale item that I picked up from NewLook for £9, and the light airy material makes it the perfect summer piece.

So I have to admit I was having a super bad hair day, and as if I need any other excuse to reach for my fedora. I honestly have to stop myself from overdoing the hat look - I'm obsessed. The hat I'm wearing can be found here. My handbag is my Chanel 2.55 mm - people often ask me if this bag is 'worth it' because it's 'too small' - but it honestly fits all I really need for a simple day out. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I'm ditching the larger than life handbags. On my feet, I'm wearing my patent leather Office loafers - although this particular style is no longer available you can find similar shoes here. Finally, I've got my classic Ray Ban aviators on - I seriously go nowhere without these and I'm still dying for the green mirrored version!

Saina
xo

Shop The Trend: Cross Body Bags

For my fashion savvy readers, you will be aware that despite the various styles of handbags from totes to clutches - there is one style that is taking the fashion world by storm. The functional and hands-free cross body bag. If you read my last post then you'll know that I too have had a fashion-reality check. I'm moving away from my larger-than-life handbags, and appreciating the slung across style trend. Essentially a satchel with the ease of a fanny pack, though they maintain the cuteness of arm candy. In my last post (titled 'The Perfect Everyday Bag) I gave you a sneak peak at my Michael Kors Jet-set Safiano travel Cross-body, and although I'm still in love with that bag, I've found a few other similar styles that I'm just dying to get my paws on!

To help you get your sling on, I've tallied up some of my favourite and super chic cross body bags of this season. Consider this the perfect time to start drafting your Summer '15 wish list! 

*Remember* To be stylish does not mean you have to spend £££ on one item, all your eyes need are little inspiration. High street stores have great alternatives to these high end beauties.

Tory burch crossbody
£315 - toryburch.com




Michael michael kors handbag
selfridges.com




MARC BY MARC JACOBS black purse
selfridges.com




Kate spade crossbody
£175 - katespade.com




Alexander Wang black handbag
£505 - shopbop.com




3 1 Phillip Lim leather bag
harveynichols.com

Happy Styling! 

Saina xo

Fedora & Duster: OOTD

Back to black. If you've read my last style post, you would have seen that I attempted my chances in an almost all-white outfit - shock horror, I know. But, I'm going to have to raise my hands up and admit in saying I feel the most comfortable when I'm dressed in all black outfit. It's just more 'me'. You've seen this ASOS duster many times before, and a year on yet I'm still obsessed with it. It's an outfit transforming item!

I hope you aren't getting tired of these fedora's, because I'm absolutely obsessed - they're not going anywhere anytime soon! Admittedly, I'm not the most head-wear savvy person and I often steer away from overly accessorizing. Though the fedora has become my favourite wardrobe item of the moment. Any time that I am unsure of an outfit, or want to look chic without looking like I've tried too hard, I throw on a fedora. They are both functional and outfit transforming - an absolute win win. This black fedora is from Miss Selfridge.

This ribbed khaki vest is from Zara - I picked these up in every colour they came in because they are an absolute Summer essential. The dipped hem makes them appear 'more than just a vest' and the material used for these tops is perfect - super soft, and they fall on the frame in a flattering manner. They also look like something Alexander Wang would do, at £15.99 it's a win-win. I've paired this top with my structured Zara trousers, which also seem to be glued to my legs as of recent. Though, you'll be glad to know I picked these trousers up in grey and white too!

I've forever been on the hunt for a less 'over the top' body chain, and when I stumbled upon this silver piece in the Topshop sale, I couldn't pass it by. At £4, I was willing to take a risk that I didn't have to regret later. I'm glad I picked it up, and if I never wear it again (which I'm sure I will) at least the urge has been satisfied! This is an incredibly dainty piece, which works perfectly for those, who like me, don't like to step out their comfort zone too much when it comes to accessorizing. Although this particular one is no longer available from Topshop, this ASOS offering is practically identical.
As always on errand running days, I keep minimal with my Michael Kors 'no faff' cross body bag, and for those asking, I've attached a River Island pompom chain to the strap. On my feet, I'm wearing a pair of patent black loafers that I bought from Office last year - although they have very similar styles here.

What are your thoughts on the duster and fedora trend?

Saina
xo

The Perfect Everyday Bag

In the past, I was guilty of carrying a larger than average handbag containing a shopping list of (un)necessary items - from a spare toothbrush, to hairspray - you name it, I had it! Recently, I was introduced to the world of comfort and convenience. Hello ladies - there's really (really) no need to carry your whole life with you to the mall, and you certainly don't need all your toiletries and more just to go to work. Having received this little Michael Kors gem for my birthday only made me realise how much more suitable it is to my 'everyday needs' rather than the likes of massive totes and shoppers. Admittedly, this is a small bag, yes. Though realistically, it fits everything I need - sunglasses, purse, a couple of cosmetic items (lipstick & liner), chewing gum and my phone. I cannot begin to explain how much easier it is to rummage through sale racks, wonder through flea markets and enjoy days to the park without lugging around a bag that just *has* to sit on the crease of my arm.

I've had no issues in matching this bag to different outfits - in fact it's pretty much worked with everything I own in my wardrobe. So much so, that I've not reached for the likes of my Louis (Louis Vuitton Neverful MM) in months! Take what you will from this post, a short review of the Michael Kors Jet-Set Travel Safiano bag or perhaps the inspiration to ditch the larger than life bag trend. Don't get me wrong, I love my totes and shoppers, though this bag has grown to become my ideal everyday style addition.

Happy Styling!

Saina
xo