MeetMySkills

Occasion: Interview at L.K Bennett

Situation: Dressing for a formal Womenswear brand in a stylish way

My Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• Black oversized blazer [Next]
• Black silk chiffon shirt [Topshop Boutique]
• Burgundy silk trousers [H&M] 

Accessorize my Life...

• Gold hoop necklace *made by me* [beads from India]
• Patent black & gold handbag 
• Blue & gold scarf *tied around bag strap for added texture* [vintage]
• Black patent brogues

L.K Bennett is a luxury formal leading Womenswear brand...it is also the smartest one I have ever interviewed for. I was aiming for a smart but sleek look, with select impact pieces without them being overpowering, to therefore appeal to the brand's style, yet reflect my personal fashion choices. I kept my outfit cool with separates that hint at an androgynous style, however then lifted the look to luxury through the fabric combinations. To avoid the look from becoming too two-toned [with black on my top half and my trousers matching my hair!] I added a contrast vintage printed scarf around the strap of my bag [always a handy piece for customisation on the go...scarf, headscarf, bracelet, the possibilities are endless!] with the gold pattern complementing my statement necklace. Whether my look complemented the brand enough is a different story, but I believe it remains important to dress for you, to reflect yourself [with selective hints of the brand] as when you are asked what you can bring to the company...it's you!

MeetTheMonthOfMayForMen

Occasion: Fashion research walk
Situation: To carry research, while keeping up the cool

Sean's Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• Light-wash denim shirt
• Blue skinny jeans

Accessorize My Man's Life...

• Panama *quickly becoming Sean's current key accessory*
• Black leather strap briefcase *handmade in India*
• Textured brogues

Double denim has already made it's come-back & has fought hard to keep it's place in the fashion stakes. But of course it comes with rules. This goes for the girls as well as the guys...Keep the denim well-fitting [but obviously not too tight that it is revealing!] and tonal by mixing up the colours to achieve a layered look. Add smart accessories to avoid looking too Wild Wild West & more Westwood [obviously Vivienne, not Tim! Although that would be an interesting look to conquer...] If your a brave soul, top off this look with a denim jacket. Maybe that will be Sean's next fashion challenge...

MeetMyFantasies

Occasion: Preparing for university presentation

Situation: Dressing for humid yet wet & windy weather

My Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• Black silk shirt [vintage... https://www.facebook.com/events/438697212882937/450882268331098/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity]
• Blue crepe pleat maxi-skirt *handmade my myself*
• Black oversized blazer *pure wool* [Next]

Accessorize my Life...

• Blue & gold head scarf [vintage]
• Gold rays necklace *let the sun shine all around* [India]
• Black patent & gold handbag [Deep vintage...http://www.deepvintageclothing.co.uk/]
• Black patent loafers 

Yes today might have been a rainy one, however there is always a plus side. Dressing like a mermaid of course! Well not literally, but reflecting on my photographs my skirt creation reminded me of the such. Unintentionally inspired by seaside fantasies, I paired the crepe pleated skirt length with a simple silk shirt tied at the waist & sleek oversized blazed to keep the look in proportion & stop the tail from taking over! Tying a necklace shorter than its original length to meet your collar makes your accessorizing more eye-catching & adds another texture to the overall look. Adding a head scarf in complementary colours ensured I wasn't sporting the windswept look, bringing the fantasy look successfully together.

MeetOurEvolution

Occasion: University

Situation: Dressing for a working day that evolves into an evening garden barbeque

My Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• Red & navy tweed cropped jacket [vintage]
• Black & white Marilyn Monroe printed t-shirt
• Mid-shade indigo denim jeans

Accessorize my Life...

• Dark tan leather rucksack *handmade in Greece*
• Burgundy converse

Sean's Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• Army shirt [vintage]
• Libertines tshirt *present from me!*
• Black skinny jeans

Accessorize My Man's Life...

• Hook umbrella *a gentleman's key accessory*
• 60s style trainers [same as before]

Accessories can always make & break an outfit. While I previously praised the weather for its beautiful rays, I had to eat my words when the barbeque was struggling to stay alight through the wind & random drizzle. Welcome to the real British summertime!

Sean luckily had his trusty umbrella on hand, which proved a valuable accessory, whilst also adding a Gentlemanly vibe to his casual military/rockers inspired look.

A bag is key for a lady and when university is in full swing, a fair amount of luggage is needed. When wearing indigo jeans & navy tones, stick to brown rather than balck accessories to bring the vibrancy of the colours out. Handmade accessories add that extra edge, and while I usually prefer to create my own, I couldn't resist this dark tone of tanned leather which I spotted while spending a summer on a Greek island. I just wish I was there right now!...

MeetOurKooplesStyle

Occasion: Best friend reunion 

Situation: The day before the big night out

My Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• 'Wild' top [Topshop]
• Studded denim skirt [H&M]
• Metallic Blazer [Vintage]

Accessorize my Life...

• Black wayfarer Ray Bans
• Cream & gold hoop necklace *handmade with Indian beads*
• Patent black & gold handbag [Deep Vintage]
• Embroidered sandals [Indian market]

This week has so far come as a welcome revolution, with the sunshine smiling down on the world, reflected in happy fashion all round. It is time to break out the lighter pieces that have been lingering in the back of your wardrobe for too long & welcome them back into your life. Keep the colours complementary to avoid over complicated looks & pick up on your favorite tones through your accessories. I chose the studded feature on my denim skirt to reflect through my handmade jewellery in metallic tones.

Occasion: Popping to the shops

Situation: Summertime shopping, keeping it cool

Sean's Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• Swallow print shirt [Topman]
• Black denim skinny jeans [Topman]

Accessorize My Man's Life...

• Panama hat [Italy]
• Blue suede 'Gazelle OG' adidas trainers *making a fashion come-back...originally released in 1968* [Office]

Menswear comes to life in the summer [and hopefully sunny!] months, with key investment pieces taking the forefront. A traditional panama hat will take you through summer in the city as well as windswept beach hair. Combining a 50s style shirt with 60s style trainers mixes the polished look up a bit and adds a buzz of blue to attract the eye.

MeetMyMenswearInspiration

Occasion: Late afternoon drinks

Situation: How to pull off a casual suit

Sean's Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• White shirt *contrasting black buttons give this classic a twist* [Topman]
• Grey woven suit trousers [Topman]

Accessorize My Man's World...

• Wool two-tone coat
• Black braces [Burton]
• Fedora *made in Italy* 
• Brown brogues [Office]

Inspired by the slick 1920's style of the upcoming long awaited Baz Luhrmann film 'The Great Gatsby', Sean has added interest to his 'casual suit' of trousers & shirt by rocking them with classic accessories in a quirky combination. The look works through the complementary collaboration of colours, adding layers to the looks through textures & of course a bit of attitude!

MeetMyWonderfulWorld

After my travelling times, many adventures & exciting new sights, I am reluctantly settled back into the reality of the UK. A 4 month international exchange led me to India where I discovered a world full of many wonders. Check out my experiences on my sister travel blog...http://welcometotheworldofwonders.blogspot.co.uk/

The inspiration I acquired through my experiences are already influencing everything I do...from eating to sleeping and of course dressing! Settling out of routine is challenging, however returning to one also proved difficult... Let's get welcomed back on the blogging scene!

Occasion: University
Situation: Dressing for the temperamental British Springtime 

My Outfit Recipe [Let's take it from the top & break it down]...

• Silk chiffon shirt *layer up the opaques to keep your cool* [Topshop Boutique]
• Springtime trench coat *keeping it light & bright* [Zara]
• Khaki paneled jeans [H&M]

Accessorize my Life...

• Gold structured necklace *Key buy from India*
• Black leather rucksack *Birthday present*
• Yellow notebook *Hand-printed, hand-bound & natural dyed* [Anoki, India, http://www.anokhi.com/]
• Black suede platform boots [Office]

The UK is full of tricky fashion situations. So the fashionable need to be prepared for all weathers & occasions simultaneously. With the sun beaming down one day filling the city parks with smiles & the clouds blowing blossom into pedestrians' coffees the other, striking the layering balance is key.

I have combined light layers with tougher touches to ensure I am hitting the springtime situations. With my latest travels inspiring my accessories, India's magpie obsessions with jewellery has definitely made a mark on my creative mind, inspiring me to put my Indian beads to best use my creating my own capsule collection...