SS15 Fashion Trend #3

Ciao ♥ Welcome to the third and most exciting instalment of my SS15 Fashion Trends blog post series. In this post I will be focusing upon the upcoming festival season which will soon be in full swing. Eek! How exciting! Before I begin, if anyone is interested in having a read of either of the first two instalments, simply select: Flared Trousers or The 70s, but do hurry back though as I can barely control my excitement #FestivalJunkieAlert.

When it comes to fashion, festivals are the perfect place for y'all to go all out and experiment as much as your wee heart desires. There are no restrictions as to what is considered fashionable or stylishly correct. You can be as adventurous and wild as you want. All within reason of course. I certainly wouldn't want my encouraging words of wildness to be responsible for anyone roaming around topless. "Don't be silly" you mutter under your breath. Ha! You'd be surprised by the things that go down at festivals :P In all seriousness, don't be afraid of wearing something that is outside of your comfort zone. Give it a go. Festivals are a great way of enabling you to express your creativity as you can be as bold, flamboyant and daring as you'd like.

 

Festivals are usually correlated to a bohemian/70s vibe and are the perfect place to channel your inner flower child. Isabel Lucas, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson and Vanessa Hudgens are just some of our generation's style icons who perfect this look on a day-to-day basis. If this is a look you are hoping to replicate then simply incorporate some of the following into your outfit: fringing, tassels, suede, lace and crochet. It really is that simple. You can also add some character and edge to your outfit by accessorising it with floral head pieces, layers and stacking of jewellery, body art (i.e. temporary tattoos), bindis and a statement floppy hat or a pair of sunglasses. Accessories really are a girl's best friend at any festival. Oh and it's very much the more, the better.

One of the main factors to take into consideration when choosing a festival outfit is the weather. Fingers crossed the sun will be on its best behaviour as I certainly don't want my festival weekend to be plagued with the stereotypical British weather. However, if worse comes to worse and it's pouring down (definitely something to consider but let's not jinx it), do not let this dampen your mood. Sod it! All you have to do is switch your outfit up a little bit. Swap your distressed denim shorts or flowy mini dress for a pair of high-waisted jeans, flares or culottes. Not only will these be kinder to your legs and keep you warm but you will also still be bang on trend in the fashion stakes.

Gah! There's so much I could talk about but we'd be here all friggin' day so I'm going to quickly speed through some of the best festival hairstyles. Plaits are always a winner as they can be styled in several different ways (i.e. fish or french plait and halo braids), are hella easy to do and require very little time and effort. They're particularly favoured by those attending a weekend festival as they can be kept in for the duration of the time and still look tidy. Loose waves are another festival staple and look great with a floral headpiece, head chain, turban or a floppy hat. Finally, a messy chignon and top knot bun are great for those ladies who want their hair whipped back and out of their face.

Having popped my festival cherry last year I've already experienced the whole "Omg! What do I wear?", "Do you think this outfit is okay?" and "I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WEAR" kinda dilemma. I know what works and what doesn't so allow me to offer you some helpful tips.

• #FestivalTip1:  When it comes to footwear ensure you wear something that is comfortable as you'll be on your feet for the entire day. I'd also suggest you wear something that you don't mind getting dirty as there's likely to be mud and you're likely to get your feet stepped on at least once. Why not opt for a pair of biker boots, chelsea boots, wellington boots (that's enough of the boots, I promise) or trainers.
• #FestivalTip2: Whether you're festivaling for a day or a weekend ensure you only pack the bare necessities. Also, don't forget to choose a style of bag you wouldn't mind carrying all day long. Last year I wore a rucksack and let's just say, never again. I found it to be slightly annoying as all I wanted to do was have a good ol' boogie so I had to constantly take off my rucksack and rest it on the ground. This year I've chosen to wear a small-medium sized cross-body bag as it won't weigh me down as much. Remember, DO NOT overpack as you'll regret it.
• #FestivalTip3: Make sure you bring enough money to see you through the duration of the festival. It's sensible to bring that tad bit more rather than not bringing enough as you will not be able to leave and re-enter the festival grounds.

Below is a collection of my favourite festival season finds from the high-street and online stores, all of which are currently available to purchase. I've fallen head over heels in love with the suede dungaree and 70s bell sleeve playsuit ♥ What are your favourite pieces from this selection?

The Libby Kimono - £45 from Oasis (click here to view)

Bead Drop Tikka Hair Slide - £6.50 from Topshop (click here to view)

Hairband With Flowers - £9.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Tile Border Print Culottes - £36 from Topshop (click here to view)

4-Pack Ear Decorations - £7.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Mid Wash 70s Button A-Line Denim Skirt - £35 from River Island (click here to view)

Women's Original Short Fringe Wellington Boots - £130 from Hunter (click here to view)

Suede Dungaree - £75 from Miss Selfridge (click here to view)

Neutral Suede Rucksack - £62 from Next (click here to view)

Brown Smart 70s Bell Sleeve Playsuit - £45 from River Island (click here to view)

Metal Bridge Sunglasses - £17.99 from Mango (click here to view)

Watermelon Across Body Bag - £29 from Accessorize (click here to view)

Stone Stripe Floppy Hat - £12.99 from New Look (click here to view)

Metallic Temporary Tattoos - £3.47 from TotesU (click here to view)

Pearl Mini Bindi - £4.50 from Topshop (click here to view)

Arid Fringe Ankle Boots - £78 from Topshop (click here to view)

 

Are you going to a festival this year? Have you guys got any festival tips? If so, leave them in the comment box below :) Also, make sure you follow my blog as I'll be putting together a bunch of festival outfits over the next two weeks. I'd honestly hate for you guys to miss out.

Ciao ♥ Xx

Wish List | May

Cotton Trench Coat - £79 from Topshop (click here to view)

Pure Wool Fedora Hat - £25 from Marks & Spencer (click here to view)

Star Mela Estee Double Bird Purse - £39 from ASOS (click here to view)

Brown Round Sunglasses - £13 from River Island (click here to view)

Embroidered Bralet - £30 from Topshop (click here to view)

Amelia - £195 from Kat Maconie (click here to view)

Tribal Bangle Pack - £16.50 from Topshop (click here to view)

Viktor & Rolf  Bonbon EDP 50ml - £68.50 from John Lewis (click here to view)

Ciao ♥ Xx

House of Fraser British Academy Television Awards

Ciao ♥ On the 16th of February, The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs) made the exciting announcement that House of Fraser is their new title sponsor. This means that not only will the renowned department store be lending their style credentials to this spectacular red-carpet event, but they will also be reporting on all of the behind the scenes action in the run up and on the night. To find out more simply click HERE.

In celebration of this exciting news I have put together a menswear fashion edit. I have no doubt that my good friend Isaac will be best pleased with this post as he's always badgering on about me putting together something that he can actually refer to. Happy now dude? :P

Okay! So like most women I am a complete and utter sucker for a guy wearing a suit. There's just something extremely handsome, and sexy shall I say, about it. So you can imagine the difficulty I had in choosing just four of my favourite red-carpet looks. I particularly love the double-breasted suit and suede tassel loafers that Michael Keaton is wearing. Who is your favourite?

 

On the night I'm sure that many of you will be looking to your favourite style icons for some fashion inspiration. Although the majority of you will have no trouble in incorporating this fashionable creativity into your everyday outfits, there are still a few who require some additional guidance. Well your wish has been granted as that's exactly what you're about to get. Featured below are three fashionable formal looks which are suitable for wearing to work, an event or a night out.

Hugo Boss Jenno Print Geometric Flower Slim Fit Shirt - £129/£64.50 (click here to view)

Tom Ford Noir Extreme Eau De Parfum 50ml - £70 (click here to view)

Paul Costelloe Fuchsia Twill Tie - £29/£23.20 (click here to view)

Loake Jones Wingtip Lace Up Brogues - £160 (click here to view)

Pierre Cardin Twill Formal Suit Trousers - £49/£37 (click here to view)

Ted Baker Timeless Slim Fit Solid Suit Trouser - £120/£96 (click here to view)

Tommy Hilfiger Aly Belt - £35/£28 (click here to view)

Thomas Pink Solid Regular Fit Double Cuff Shirt - £89 (click here to view)

Loake Fearnley Wingtip Brogue Oxford Shoes - £160 (click here to view)

Howick Tailored Square Honeycomb Mother Of Pearl Cufflinks - £22/£15.40 (click here to view)

Kenneth Cole Lance Front Flat Suit Trouser - £120/£72 (click here to view)

TM Lewin Luxury Twill Slim Fit Shirt - £29.95 (click here to view)

Dune Rodney Sleek Tassel Loafers - £89 (click here to view)

Fred Bennett Stainless Steel Mother of Pearl Cufflink - £39 (click here to view)

Calvin Klein Casual Leather Belt - £45/£36 (click here to view)

Which of these three outfits is your favourite?

Make sure you click HERE and see what House of Fraser have to offer as they have over 1500 shirts from a selection of brands including TM Lewin, Thomas Pink, Hugo Boss and Polo Ralph Lauren. What's even better is that many of these shirts, alongside many other products, are currently reduced in price so you're sure to find yourself a bargain. Happy shopping! :)

Ciao ♥ Xx

This post is in collaboration with House of Fraser.