Pinstripe And Prada : OOTD

All black, even in the summertime - duh. Here's a recent outfit I put together for a very abrupt linner (lunch &/or dinner) and cocktails look. Pinstripe has been one of my favourite trends since A/W 14, and I'm still finding ways of incorporating it into my summer wardrobe.

Outfit Details 

Blazer: Vera Moda here

Tailored Trousers: Zara here

Leather Ankle boots: H&M here

Crop top: Topshop here

Handbag: Prada here

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

How to Make Your Wardrobe Work

 
Outfit planning, to me, sounds a little bit old school and reminds me of the old Sixth Form days where I’d panic over the freedom of not having to wear uniform. Failing that, it reminds me of my desperate attempts to quickly get an outfit together for a ‘night out’ after work. The reality of it is that, outfit planning rarely works – but if it’s done right it can make your life a hell of a lot easier. 

 

1)   Firstly I recommend a tidy workspace. Tidy your room to make it easier to look for that t-shirt you may have lying behind your bed, or that Pandora ring that’s fallen off the side of your bedside table. An organised room makes for a well-organised outfit! 

2)  Start with a more ‘important’ item, and go from there. Sometimes I buy a new scarf and I’m like ‘I want to wear this scarf today’ – that makes it much more difficult to base an outfit around as opposed to choosing a pair of shoes or trousers to plan an outfit around. I recommend starting with your bottoms. 

3)  Now it’s time to jazz up the basis of your outfit – find a top that is well suited to the weather and your trousers. Now that you have your top and bottoms sorted, you have found the main skeleton of your outfit. 

4)  The rest is basically accessories! Shoes, jewellery and jacket if needed. 

5)   Leave the smaller bits to last – scarves, hats, etc. 

 

       Hope this helps you organise your outfits with less faff and hassle. Remember: There are no real rules when it comes to           what you wear. As long as you feel comfortable &you feel great in what you wear, that’s all that matters! Happy styling.

   

      Saina xo

London Walks: OOTD

I recently managed to find a few bargains in the mid-season sale, so I wanted to show you one of my new favourite items - this gorgeous lilac-grey duster from New Look! I picked this piece up for £15, which is totally justifiable, as I was actually in the market for a similar style (there's only so much I can wear my ASOS duster right?)

The duster jacket trend has take the fashion world by storm, we've seen it repeatedly on celeb styling and on the catwalk. Thankfully, the fashion gods have answered our prayers, and made this sassy-chic style available but with high street price tags! I've seen the long-line blazers/duster jackets in almost every high street store I've been in from Zara to Primark. This style is totally doable and affordable. This is how I wore my new duster for a post-dinner evening stroll in London and it appears that I unintentionally went for the 'sport luxe' vibe in pairing my Nike trainers with my Chanel 2.5mm bag. Oddly enough it actually works (or so I think so!). The length, colour and double breasted lapel of the duster gives off that 'effortlessly chic' look that I love.

What are your thought's on the duster jacket trend - here to stay or time to move on?

Saina
xo

Today's Favourites

Sometimes you can really keep your outfits super minimal and just rely on the character of one or two items to do the fashion talking. Leather pointies with gold hardware paired with a Chanel Classic flap-bag just oozes fashuun, duh (insert sassy emoji here). I was lucky enough to get gifted the Chanel 2.55mm small classic bag from my family for graduating, and I'm surprised at just how much this bag is adaptable to different outfits. I wear this with baggy tees and ripped jeans one day, and then I match it with a gorgeous midi dress and heels the next. I'm not one for prints, or super crowded textures and patterns, therefore my style seems to fall under that 'monochrome & minimalistic' umbrella so I never have to justify a flashy bag or a pair of shoes.

I've mentioned these pointies a few times before, and that's because I'm genuinely in love with them. They look expensive, though I grabbed them for a mere £9.99 in the Zara sale! They're real leather, super sturdy and also surprisingly versatile. Although this particular shoe is no longer available, I listed my favourite high street styles on a previous post (here). One paired with a pair of ripped skinnies, a classic v-neck white t-shirt and the gorgeous Chanel bag, you have yourself a tamed, but uber stylish look.

Happy Styling!

Saina
xo

A Few Shades of Grey

 
Admittedly, last week wasn’t the best of British weather meaning my pictures for this outfit post are rather dull – much like the forecast of the minute. Though if every blogger was to wait around for brighter days with the presence of sun, at least for the sake of photos, then we’d be waiting around forever! I hope you’ll excuse the excessive grey of both this outfit and backdrop, at least for the sake of this wonderful canvas tote!

‘The Girl In The Café’ clothing range is the child of coffee lover's blog, Celeste Wong. Before the London Coffee Festival I hadn’t come across this brand or the range of clothing that came with it, but I’m so glad I have now! As you may or may not know (you totally should by now), I have a somewhat serious love affair with coffee, and I know exactly how I like my coffee. ‘Black, Strong, Bitter’. This canvas tote was one of the first things I set my eyes on upon entering the festival - I knew I just had to have it and I’ve been obsessed with it since. I love discovering unique clothing brands that not everyone is flaunting around – there’s something oh-so satisfying knowing not every next person is going to be rocking the same bag as I am. Therefore, I really encourage you to discover smaller (but by no means inferior) fashion brands – you’ll be surprised at the innovative and intricate designs you’ll find that will personally appeal to you as opposed to the masses! More often that not, these brands come with a smaller price tag, making you uber stylish & unique at a lower cost. 

My outfit was a variation of grey tones, from my Topshop ‘Mom’ jeans in an acid grey wash, to my grey-blue fedora from Next. I also opted for an over sized grey jumper (don’t I always) as the weather, as much as we don’t like to admit it, has been rather nippy! In a desperate attempt to layer, and remain stylish, I wore my long, heavy knit Zara cardigan over the top. 

 

 

Finally, on my feet I’m wearing my Primark rose gold double strap sandals – these were probably not the best choice considering it rained shortly after!  

Happy outfit styling, and I hope the weather has been slightly less gloomier for you lovelies. 

Saina xo

Morticia Addams Goes White: ootd

Judging by the title of this post, you've probably gathered that this is a Saina style post with a twist. Saina ditches the black clothing (for once, and once only) and goes out in head-toe white! Tragic, I know. Sarcasm aside, I actually don't mind delving into an all white closet every now and then; It's real colour I have a fear of - reds, yellows and oranges.. Today's simple ensemble was an effort to embrace the partial Sunday sun that we had here in London - the denim jacket is a great alternative to leather jackets and an ideal choice during Spring months.

My white jeans are a pair of Topshop Joni jeans that I bought last year, and I'm still making wear out of (yay for white jeans still being 'in'). Although this jeans are 'super' high waisted, I still wear them with loose tops over them. And on top I'm wearing an Urban Outfitters shoulder cutout top, find similar style here. Finally, I opted for my vintage Levis jacket - similar here. This breaks up a somewhat 'feminine' look and not only adds colour, but some 'texture' to the outfit. On my feet, I'm wearing the £4 Primark snake print sliders that I wrote about here.

On a normal day-day basis, I don't tend to opt for clutch bags as they're, let's face it, just an inconvenience to permanently hold, and sometimes give off a pretentious vibe (anyone else get that?). However, for a Sunday family brunch and coffee I deemed it worthy. It also is a great 'earthy' addition to my almost all white colour palette. I bought this leather clutch for £1 at a local charity shop - again, I highly recommend you give second hand buys a chance! You never know what unique pieces you can find. As always I stacked on an assortment of rings, refer back to my 'Magpies Picks' post (here) to find my favourite silver jewelery online stores. I'm also wearing my new love, this Topshop collar necklace featuring a marble like stone.

Monochrome in Mornington Crescent

Here's another style post, featuring my beloved flared trousers that I've basically been living in at the moment. I found these trousers in New Look - a store I don't tend to shop or find things in, but I've been loving this bargain beauty! When I first showed my mum these trousers she had a moment of 'Oh God, how are you going to make these work?' but I think I've since proved her otherwise. These trousers are super versatile, making them the perfect wardrobe gamble. I've worn them on a night out with heels and a crop top, and I've also worn them looking uber casual with a printed tee and sandals.Today, I was going for dinner and decided to dress somewhere 'in between'.

To avoid looking overly dressed up, or too fancy shmancy, I paired the trousers with a very simple white crop top from Topshop's basics - find similar style here. As always, I relied on my faux leather jacket to give my outfit a little bit of that 'edgy' but 'effortless' oomph - find the jacket I'm wearing here.

Jewelery was kept pretty minimal, and I left the outfit accessories to do the talking - I wore my Miss Selfridge black fedora (this seems to be stuck to my head these days, honestly). As a lover of all things vintage, this cute little tan shoulder bag belonged to my grandmother and I adore its place in my wardrobe. I can't recommend enough taking a trip to your local vintage shops, charity shops and flea markets! You can find unique pieces that make your style stand out, and chances are no one will be rocking the same items. Finally, on my feet I'm wearing my recently bought Primark sliders, these seem to match everything I style so I've already made so much use out of the £3 (?!) price tag.

Saina
xo

Today's Fine Details: Magpies Picks

I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to silver items, and although I won't be stealing your finest silver jewelery, I do have an ever growing collection of all things Sterling Silver. I don't usually tend to plan what necklace or rings I'm wearing, in fact the general rule goes that anything I can find that morning, I'll stack on! Certain rings have a tendency of disappearing on me, and then reappearing when I've almost given up on the idea of finding them again - perhaps there's another magpie lurking around!

When I was getting dressed this morning, I thought it would be a good idea to show you some of today's finer details, as opposed to focusing on my outfit. Most silver pieces that I have accumulated comes from my trips to the motherland (Iran), and although that's no good to you, unless you're planning a trip there, which I totally recommend you do (see my Tehran post here) - I thought I should share with you some of my favourite fashion jewelery brands where you can find similar pieces. Also, in case you were wondering what I've got on my nails at the moment, it's OPI's Coney Island Cotton - this is a soft 'mannequin' nail colour, perfect with ladies who have yellow undertoned skin! My Dior Addict Extreme in 'Mystic 369' has also been one of my recent go-to nude shades. This is a no faff lipstick that applies quite sheer and doesn't require much effort!

Favourite Jewelery Brands: 
Markkit
Alex + Ernest
Fashionology
Luv Aj

Saina
xo

Spring Style: OOTD

You know it's Spring, when you grab for your leather jacket without any hesitation or doubts in fear of the cold! London, infamously known for its temperamental weather, has been staying true to its reputation by giving a bucket load of mixed signals. Right now, I'm sat indoors with the heating on full blast and wooly slippers on, whilst a couple of days back I was frantically reaching for my sunnies and some ice cream! Last week, we were lucky enough to have a few Spring like days and with the sun making an appearance coats were no longer needed. Here's a look at one of my outfits featuring my trusty leather jacket.

Admittedly, these tailored trousers do nothing for my figure, but when Topshop has a sale and you found the last item in a couple of sizes up you either make it work, or spend the rest of the week regretting your choice. These linen trousers are super soft to the touch, making them the perfect pair of 'work' trousers. Spacious, but somewhat stylish. There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable in skinny jeans whilst you're sat at a desk with a mountain load of things to do! This black knitted jumper was a Zara A/W 14 purchase, and I just adore the side slits and the dipped hem style of it. The ribbed detailing and the structure of the upper arms makes it seem like something more than a 'baggy old jumper' - when essentially that's all it really is!

These trousers really have that 'Sport-Luxe' feel with the black side paneling, and I rolled them up ever so slightly just to make them appear a little more casual (also to make them slightly tighter at the ankles, seriously loose sizing). My shoes are my sturdy leather Zara pointies with gold hardware - you guys know how much I love these shoes and I've mentioned them a couple of times before. Although this exact style is no longer available, I listed my favourite similar styles that are still available from high street stores - check out that post here. 

Outfit Details 
Topshop Soft Piped Trousers: Similar here
Zara Knitted Side Split Jumper: Similar here
Zara Pointies: Similar here
Zara Faux Leather Jacket: here

Saina
xo

Vintage Shop Browsin' : OOTD

Those in fear of double denim look away! So today I made a trip to one of my favourite London locations in hopes of finding a few vintage gems at a flea market - Angel Islington. The weather was a bit of everything today - we had a few moments of sun yet the wind was in full force today, which made me question my fedora choice one too many times.
Leather jackets are my Spring time staple. They're the perfect addition to any outfit with the right amount of layering and warmth. In London we're at that stage where winter coats are too much though we can't skip jackets totally just yet. This outfit, apart from being an example of how double denim can work, is an example of layering.

The jeans I'm wearing here were bought from Topshop in the mid-season sale for...£5. They are two sizes up from what I usually wear but due to their 'Leigh' style the material is tight, so they don't appear too loose or gather at the legs. Although this exact pair are no longer available, here is a link to a similar pair that are still in stock on the Topshop website.
Yet another Zara basic tee - I'm a sucker for Zara's basics! These are the most flattering tshirts I've found to date, and I love everything from the deep V neck to the light airy material.  
This shirt is an example of how great some vintage finds are - I found this light denim, over sized piece was found in Rokit a few years ago. You can find similar shirts in almost every charity shop!

To accessories, I've kept things pretty basic - don't I always. Obviously, I opted for the Miss Selfridge fedora, again. I'm also wearing my small Michael Kors bag, it's the perfect size for just the necessities - there's nothing worse than rummaging through a flea market with the weight of a heavy bag weighing you down. Finally, on my feet I'm wearing my firkenstocks (fake Birkenstocks) which I bought from Primark last year.

Hope you've been enjoying your Bank Holiday weekend!

Saina
xo

Spring Splurge: Current Want & Needs

So here are a few items that have been sitting in my virtual shopping basket and I've seriously been lusting over, some of which I'm going to have to get my hands on before I miss the chance! 

This gorgeous knitted jumper is from H&M, picture it with tapered black trousers and a pair of white trainers - beaut. Sadly enough, they only have larger sizes left on the website that I don't think I could make work even with the 'over-sized' look, but I'm still trying my luck in stores!

I think every girl has a Balenciaga sitting in their virtual basket, and mine is this Arena Giant 12, Mini City in black. This bag is everything, it can be worn both dressed up or down and the gunmetal, silver hardware on it is absolutely gorgeous. Of course this item is one that will sit in my virtual shopping basket for a tad longer than all the rest (great example of me trying to make myself feel better). 

Birkenstocks were all the rage last summer, but something tells me the trend is here to stay for a while - if you're still in two minds about birks, this is your chance to grab yourself a pair and make the most use out of it. Although I have pair of Primark Birkenstock (I call them firkenstocks fake + birkenstock) lookalikes that I got last summer, I'm ready to invest in a more sturdier pair and these white ones have caught my eye. 

Now I'm not much of an eye shadow wearer but I've been eyeing this all matte shadow Basics palatte from Urban Decay - it seems to have wearable natural shades that are perfect for defining the eye. Find it here. 

I'm a self confessed Fedora addict so I'll probably always have one sitting on my wishlist, this one is from Penmayne London and retails for over £300, but you can find similar styles for much less in most high street stores. 

Now I should have probably mentioned this first as I want these the most and for some reason I still haven't picked a pair up since last year! These classic Ray Ban aviators feature mirrored green lenses with a soft brushed gold metal - absolutely gorgeous. I've tried these countless times and fall in love more and more each time. 

What are some of your Spring want and needs?

Saina 

xo

OOTN: Vamp it Up

Ever had to whip up an outfit in a matter of minutes due to an unexpected call from the girls? Here's a quick outfit post showing you what I wore to dinner and drinks with friends a couple of nights ago. The theme for this outfit was much like all my other outfit posts - vampy meets Morticia featuring bold, dark lips and statement jewellery. Essentially, this outfit is a pair of structured trousers with a simple vest chucked on top. Yet with the use of statement metals, chunky heels and bold lipstick this outfit is brought to life, making it appear much more 'effort like' than it actually is!

By wearing statement jewelry we create the illusion of an accessorized outfit - the mixed textures of metals and gemstones on clothing brings character and luxury to a somewhat simple outfit. This gorgeous necklace was purchased in Zara (for £19.99) a couple of years bag, yet I still find myself reaching for it all the time. This is a great example of how luxury can be brought to your style at an affordable price. Although this exact necklace is no longer available, high street stores such as Topshop and H&M do great alternatives. Here are some of my current favourites:
Oval Stone & Tassel Necklace, Topshop
Bar Chain Choker, Topshop
Metal Mesh Necklace, Zara
Fringed Necklace, H&M

I've gotten a few weird looks whenever I dare to go out in these platforms - but contrary to what these bad boys look like, they are the most comfortable pair of 'heels' I own! The height in the platform at the front of the shoe evens out the height of the heel - essentially making it feel like you're wearing a flat shoe with height (does that make sense?). The whole of your foot is raised rather than just your heel, therefore taking the pressure off the front of your foot. These booties were purchased from Topshop a while back, but I've listed similar (and cheaper) options below:
Chunky Stack Ankle Boot, Asos
Lucy Peeptoe Heel, Boohoo

Outfit Details:

Vest, Trousers & Necklace, Zara

Chunky Heels, Topshop

Longline Blazer, H&M

Lipstick 'Living Legend', Mac

Saina

xo