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

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

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

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