Everybody has heard of The Cambridge Satchel Company. Right? Did you know however that it's founder, Julie Deane (the 'accidental entrepreneur') actually launched her satchel business from her kitchen? That was in 2008 & the Company now employs more than 100 staff in both their Head Office in Cambridge & their Factory in Leicester. The super cool satchels have become iconic fashion staples for celebrities, bloggers & bag lovers the world over!
I've wanted one for ages; the only thing that delayed me getting one was trying to decide what size & colour I wanted! I eventually chose the smallest size, 11 inches (also available in 13", 14" and 15") and a beautiful, bright red colour (the satchels are available in every colour imaginable!).
The last time I had a satchel was when I was a schoolgirl; brown and battered, it was worlds away from this scarlet beauty! Handmade in the UK using the finest quality leather, my satchel features a well structured body, a front flap close, silver buckle closures on two straps, a front pocket & an adjustable shoulder strap. My name has been blind embossed on the front to add a very cool, personal touch.
For it's very first outing, I styled my gorgeous red satchel with a simple denim dress from Whistles, much loved ankle boots from Karen Millen & a bright red MAC lipstick.
Get The Look:
This season's most comfortable trend is slouchy. It's not an easy look to wear as although comfort is key, you still want to look pulled together. Slouchy does not have to mean sloppy!
The cool 'Boxter' dress by Ireland's uber-talented Emma Manley, absolutely nails the slouchy trend! It is both fashionable and comfortable and the perfect piece for tricky transeasonal dressing.
Made of soft jersey material with some stretch for a comfortable fit, it features a boat neckline that can be worn loose or off the shoulder, dramatic draping over the bust and sleeves that are 1.5 times too long so you can scrunch them over the wrist, creating a slouchy silhouette that is effortless, totally relaxed and oh so cool!
You might remember from a recent Blog post that Emma also designed a dressier, more fitted version of 'Boxter', the 'Leigh' dress; blogged here.
For a beautiful Spring day out, I styled 'Boxter' with a great pair of rock chic boots from Russell & Bromley, my treasured Chloe bag and the cutest bow sunglasses from Chanel.
Get The Look:
This fabulous dress is by New Zealand Designer Karen Walker. Cut in a loose, flattering shape, it features a round neckline with subtle pleat detail and dramatic puff sleeves that create a beautiful silhouette. It simply slips on & sits just above the knee. This dress however, is all about it's vibrant orange hue. It makes quite a statement!
They say you should put some orange in your life when you want to spice things up; orange is a power colour, a healing colour, and wearing it is said to balance your emotions in times of stress and shock. Dramatic and dynamic for sure, it is much more gentle and easier to wear than the fiery heat of red.
I styled the dress with a cool pair of Tiger print Louboutin's and some lovely accessories; a feather clutch from ASOS and beautiful, delicate jewellery by Alex Monroe. My wonderful Husband commissioned Alex to make the Daisy Chain bracelet for me. Such a romantic surprise; it is a real treasure & I absolutely adore it! And of course, I simply had to include a photo of my Karen Walker doll who is wearing the very same fabulous dress!
We had an interesting Blog shoot for this dress, in gale force winds that literally seemed to be trying to undress me! So forceful was the wind, it actually tore the hem of my dress; thank goodness I have a great Tailor!
Get The Look:
Dress: Karen Walker Puff Sleeve Dress in orange (similar)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'No Prive 942' Peep-toe Sling-backs in Tiger print (similar)
Jewellery: Alex Monroe Daisy Chain Bracelet & Daisy Ear-rings
Natalie B Coleman; you all know by now just how much I love this innovative Designer's quirky, romantic collections with their unique prints & details that truly set her apart.
This beautiful dress is from her dreamy S/S13 collection, 'Sarah's Suitcase' (named after her Grandmother who sadly died while she was designing it). The collection is Natalie's diary & was inspired by her wedding; a time filled with her daydreams of romantic olden days when people put a Trousseau together. It's a Honeymoon collection; whimsical & romantic with a delicate summery pastel palette on soft lightweight fabrics.
The collection features the most fantastic hand drawn & digitally printed illustrations; Butterflies, symbolising spirits. Greyhounds, inspired by the elegance & nobility of a romantic relationship. The Oyster & palm print on my dress was inspired by Natalie's Confirmation outfit. She says it reminds her of holidays in Miami, 80s pastels, Summertime & being a kid.
The beautifully printed dress features a cowl collar front, low collar back with gold button detail, side pockets and an intricate pleated shoulder and arm detail. It is loose by design & immediately makes me long for lazy, hazy Summer days.
I styled it with Summery sandals from Reiss, my beloved Chloe bag, tousled, wind swept hair & tanned legs! I actually wore the dress back to front (on purpose!) so watch out for a 'Snapshot' post soon when I will wear it the right way round... two beautiful dresses in one... genius!
Get The Look:
Dress: Natalie B Coleman 'Oyster & Palm' dress
Shoes: Reiss 'Cedar' Sandals (similar)
Bag: Chloe Paddington Bag (similar)
After some recent fantastic purchases from UK based brand Antipodium (blogged here and
here), I have been absolutely obsessed with their cool, modern, laid back designs. My most recent purchase is the achingly cool 'Greenwood' dress.
This cute girly dress features a deep v-neck, contrast semi-sheer back & sleeves, an elasticated waist & a flirty, swingy skirt. Taking her inspiration from the streets of London, print designer Chloe Constantindi's exclusive 'Eastenders' print for the Brands A/W12 collection, shows the River Thames snaking it's way through one of the most vibrant Cities in the world; an iconic image we all see in the opening titles of 'Eastenders' the TV programme.
I styled the dress with a very neutral pair of nude shoes, my go to Tiffany trinkets & off I went to meet friends for coffee! I was singing the Eastenders theme tune for the rest of the day; you just can't help yourself, duff duff duff!
Get The Look:
Dress: Antipodium 'Greenwood' Dress in Eastenders print
Shoes: Geri by Next Nude Patent Shoes (similar)
Jewellery: All jewellery from Tiffany & Co
Snapped Wearing:
Dress: Étoile Isabel Marant 'Fita' Dress
Shoes: Ash 'Bea' Wedge Sneakers
Belt: Twenty8twelve Belt
Sunglasses: Chanel Bow Sunglasses
Necklace: Nadia Minkoff London Eye Necklace
Note: Photos taken with the Hipstamatic App on my iPhone
