Get Your Sparkle On

“Get your sparkle on,

Show this world where you belong

All it takes is a little faith

Believe it

Get your sparkle on,

Listen to your heart,

And feel it beatin' strong

When you're in doubt,

Glitter it out

Every time”

~ Unknown

If you normally save your sparkles for Christmas and New Year, then get ready for a big change, because decadence is officially back and doesn't care what time of year it is. The S/S18 Catwalks have been awash with shiny, twinkly, glittery detailing, proving that sparkles can be worn any time, any place, anywhere.

I’m no stranger to a shiny sequin (see here and here), and when I saw this sexy, shimmery little number from Nicole Richie’s House Of Harlow brand (an exclusive collection for Revolve), I had to have it. It screams Studio 54 and the heady days of 1970s disco. Unapologetically glamorous, this all-over embellished dress, with its deep V neckline and sky-high hem, is a dazzling piece to wear on those extra-special going out out nights.

More is definitely more this season, it’s time to shimmer and sparkle, so embrace the trend, and shine bright like a diamond.

Get The Look:

Dress: House of Harlow 1960 ‘Elaine’ Dress in silver fox

Shoes: Christian Louboutin ‘Very Prive’ Shoes in black  

Bag: Dirty Fabulous Vintage Clutch Bag in ivory (similar here and here)

Photos: Jason Connery ©

The Darker Side Of Summer

This cool little dress is another piece from Nicole Richie's wonderful House Of Harlow 1960 ready-to-wear collection.

'Adeline' is a chiffon overlay mini dress. Fully lined, it features draped panels at the sides, a scoop neckline and hidden zip closure to the back. Vegan faux leather cap sleeves and an all-over skull pattern bring a darker edge to this otherwise very girly dress.

I've said it here before and I'll say it again, brogues are such a cool alternative to ballet pumps when you want to wear flats so I paired my dress with a fantastic pair from ASOS. This look is a great way to wear black when the weather gets warmer; the rock chick in me loves the darker side of Summer!

Get The Look:

Dress: House Of Harlow 1960 'Adeline' Dress

Shoes: ASOS 'Marky' Brogues in black (similar)

Vivienne's Song

Vivien’s Song - Alfred Lord Tennyson

“In Love, if Love be Love, if Love be ours,

faith and unfaith can ne’er be equal powers:

Unfaith in aught is want of faith in all.”

I recently blogged a sad farewell to one of my favourite brands of all time, Nicole Richie's Winter Kate (see here). My mourning period didn't have to drag on for too long however as thankfully, talented Nicole soon added a ready-to-wear range of clothing to her iconic accessories brand House Of Harlow 1960!

As promised in that farewell post, I am delighted to introduce you to my first clothing purchase from HoH160; meet the beautiful Vivienne!

The Vivienne dress is a delicate, girly Summer dress. It comes in white and navy colourways and much to my Husbands amusement I chose the white version. He laughed a lot as he knows how grubby & dribbly I can be! A pretty, mini dress (yes, it's a mini. I am very short), Vivienne features a peek-a-boo hemline, side pocket detail in the skirt, 3/4 length sleeves with buttoned cuffs, a semi-sheer bodice and an elasticated drop waist.

For a fresh boho Summer look, I styled Vivienne with my favourite Karen Millen ankle boots and added my bright red satchel from The Cambridge Satchel Co for a gorgeous pop of colour.

Get The Look:

Dress: House Of Harlow 1960 'Vivienne' Dress in white

Shoes: Karen Millen Stack Heel Ankle Boots (similar)

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co. Classic 11" Satchel in red

Red Veins

Look! It's a Winter Kate dress! Again. I can't help it though, they are all so freakin’ fabulous & I adore everything Nicole Richie designs; the girl can do absolutely no wrong in my book! This beautiful dress is from her Winter Kate AW12 collection (it was a fab Christmas present from my bestie) and is one of those great pieces that can take you from day to night effortlessly.

The vibrant shade of red is a great Winter colour and I couldn't resist going outside for a snowy Blog shoot; I love how it pops against the white snow! Made from 100% silk chiffon, the dress features a round neck, keyhole button closure at the back, 3/4 length sheer sleeves with button cuffs and sits just above the knee. The blue, vein-like pattern takes it from being cute & girly to cool, edgy and interesting.

I styled this bold dress with one of my favourite House of Harlow necklaces (another terrific Nicole Richie brand) and a classic pair of Christian Louboutin shoe boots. I love how the glimpse of red soul compliments the scarlet dress perfectly!

Get The Look:

Dress: Winter Kate Red Vein Silk Dress

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'C'est Moi' Shoe Boots in black (similar)

Necklace: House of Harlow Sunburst Necklace

Isolde

This beautiful, silk Winter Kate dress was a fabulous Christmas present from my lovely Husband a couple of years ago. It is one of the easiest items of clothing to wear; I just slip it on & I am literally good to go! 

I love the ivory colour with the contrasting black trim detail, it's a great way to do monochrome. The loose, three quarter length sleeves & feminine, trapeze shape give this vintage inspired dress a very romantic, ethereal feel but I decided to toughen the look up a little here. I styled it with black tights, my much loved Jeffrey Campbell Litas and some fierce gold jewellery by House of Harlow & ASOS.

The lipstick I'm wearing is the fantastic neon pink 'Impassioned' by MAC; I couldn't believe my luck when it arrived in the post and I am absolutely besotted with this beautiful, bright colour!

Get The Look:

Dress: Winter Kate 'Isolde' Silk Dress in ivory

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell 'Lita' platform shoe boots

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Necklace (gifted)

Bracelet: ASOS Stretch Spike Bracelet (similar)

Lipstick: MAC 'Impassioned' lipstick (gifted)

Snapshot: Winter Kate 'Padma'

Snapped Wearing:

Dress: Winter Kate 'Padma' Dress

Hat: Reiss 'Edie' Wide Brim Hat

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Pendant

Watch: Michael Kors Chronograph Bracelet Watch in gold 

Shoes: New Look Gladiator Sandals

Bag: Chloe Mini-Paddington

Note: Photos taken with the Hipstamatic App on my iPhone

Padma

The Gilt Group is an invitation only sale site and they do the very best Designer sales! A recent purchase from them (at a fraction of the original price) was this fun, flirty, tank style Winter Kate dress. 

This simple throw on piece has an unusual asymmetrical hem-line, a raw edged ruffle trim at the shoulders & front, a cute pouch pocket and a keyhole cut-out detail, with button fastening at the neck, which adds a sexy little touch. The dress is made of soft, crinkled silk chiffon and features a beautiful Indian inspired Padma flower print (after which it is named) in a gorgeous red/pink colourway.

A number of pieces in Winter Kate's S/S12 collection have this same beautiful print; my favourite being the elusive 'Lalita' romper which I simply can't find anywhere to buy! If the lovely people at Winter Kate are listening, please please help me find it! 

I styled the 'Padma' dress with my Christian Louboutin 'Mad Mary' shoes, probably the coolest shoes Louboutin has ever made! The neutral cream colour means they go with absolutely everything while the gold stud detail adds a very rock & roll edge.

To pick out the gold detail on the shoes, I accessorised with one of my favourite House of Harlow necklaces & a gold, oversized  Michael Kors watch (an amazing birthday present!)

Get The Look:

Dress: Winter Kate 'Padma' Dress

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 'Starburst' Necklace (gifted)

Watch: Michael Kors Gold Chronograph Bracelet Watch

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'Mad Mary' Studded Mary-Janes