With nothing but your T-shirt on

Times are hard and money is as tight as Russell Brands suspicious jeans. Days are spent day dreaming about a brand new wardrobe whilst your coins rattle in your piggy bank. But do not fear, I am hear to save the day with....a t-shirt (yes, gasp!) The beloved t-shrit is often regarded as a boring 'staple' item or if lucky, is only seen underneath your bed sheets as a pyjama substitute. Come on, lets bring back the day where the t-shirt is transformed from day to night and we all pretend were a rock chick wearing that t-shirt your brother brought back from his latest gig. Forget about indulging in a new blouse for a 'special occasion' (that never seems to arrive) or one that lets face it, you will only wear once and then will be too afraid to be seen in for another month at least because of its incredible on trend print. Once you think about it, its the best thing in your wardrobe, comfy and extremely versatile. Here are four looks to inspire you with items you may have purchased recently leaving you (ok, me) in this penny less pit.

Sleeves up! SPENDING SPLURGES #7

I have been waiting to buy this coat since attending the Missguided AW press day and finally I have it. I originally ordered a ten just before Christmasa thinking I could  wear lots of layers underneath but actually it was too big. I always love a leather jacket as it always manages to rock up an outfit but now I have this beauty to add to my wardrobe. The leather sleeves and khaki park middle gives a grungy edge as well as injecting a new colour into my wardrobe. The fur gives that bit of glamour and the zipped pockets are positioned perfectly with lots of room, ideal for winter gloves and essentials . I never thought I'd rate a jacket on its pockets but there is a first time for everything!

I am actually surprised how warm it is as the jacket itself is quite light in weigh. However, the jacket is a great length covering my back midriff and the fur lepels are great for snuggling. Missguided said they wanted their new range to have quality without loosing a good price tag. At £49.99 you expect good quality - I think any more I would expect more padding but for the price and the fashion statement, Missguided has delivered, EXTREMELY happy customer :)

I know a few people are getting bored with the khaki and leather sleeve contrast look but I'm on the bandwagon and loving it. Already had lots of people complimenting it and asking me where I got it from.

There are lots of varieties of this jacket on the high street such as River Island, New Look and Topshop. The design is becoming varied too with denim and leather, army print and lighter shades for SS but with this being the one I first saw, I will stick to my instinct.

      


Anyone else took to this trend? xx

Sunday Summary: Spending splurges #6

Hello everyone, how are you all coping with the winter weather? All I have seen the last week or two is rain, rain and more rain! Given me lots of chances to write some blog posts though. What have you all been doing?

This is another addition to my spending splurges series backtracked from some birthday spending. Once again, I took to Missguided. Updating their New In section at least every week I am constantly hooked by their fresh designs, multiple colour waves in my favourite styles and the affordable price tags.

So, what have I brought?

The first is this 'Trudy Peplum Cross Dress' which I had on my 'want list' since their AW press day that I helped out with. I had been thinking about investing in a new LBD and this one ticked all the boxes as well as a little bit of glamour  Great silhouette, on trend peplum, sheer sleeve and glitter crosses - check, check, check and check! I haven't had chance to wear it out yet but I think it is going to be fab for Christmas and New year.

Trudy peplum Cross dress £29.99

Next on my order was this Susann double cross vest. If you haven't noticed, I am loving the cross trend. I should stop, like really. I need to learn to not get so obsessed with a trend but I just can't help it, I am sold! I have heard a few people think its weird for people to wear religious symbols when they aren't really religious but personally I think that is a very weak argument. Symbols are not so black and white as they used to be and carries less meaning, it is a fashion statement not a political or religious message. I hope this doesn't offend anyone as truth is I am vaguely religious myself so am not meaning to be rude, I just mean that people shouldn't take the whole cross or symbol thing so literally.  ANYWAY, this was  brought on a bit of a whim and I was contemplating returning it but I actually really like the khaki colour, it seems such a wearable colour for winter.

My necklace is from Outfit (I think Missselfridge) and my studded ballerinas are from Next which are my pride an joy! I had been hunting for some for ages and finally found these. Mainly velvet they are actually pretty sturdy for Ballerinas and I feel they completely lift any outfit. They are hurting at the moment as I think they need some wearing in but I am so pleased as I live in ballerinas. I wore this outfit to watch Michael Mcintyre at the NIA in Birmingham which was a birthday present from my boyfriend. I was debating what to wear - whether to go dressed up or casual but decided to lean more towards casual due to having to walk to the place and sitting down for the whole show. What do you think?

Necklace: Outfit, Top: Missguided, Jeans: Next Shoes: Next

Who else has been shopping recently? Share the crime with those who understand ;)

Katie xx

Sunday Summary: Spending splurges #5

Part 5- are you ready? Writing this all up I can't actually believe how much I spent. I think its safe to say I will be keeping a long 'I want' list these next few months to save my bank balance any more severe dents.

I brought this contrast studded shirt from Missguided after really getting into the buttoned up shirt look. I can tend to be a bit safe with my outfits despite loving more edgier looks. I felt this shirt pushes me gently to that slightly edgier style. Ok so it's hardly anything to most people but when you get stuck in your own style for a while it can be a bit daunting to try something out of your comfort zone. I felt this was a subtle way of making my style a bit more interesting without scaring myself off and feeling all ‘awkward turtle’. Missguided do this in loads of different colour waves but white and black is so wearable so is why I chose this one. Despite coming out quite crystal white in my photos the colour is a bit more off white and to be honest didn't bide well with a cami underneath, I think i'll brave just a bra underneath so not to ruin it.

Contrast Studded Shirt, Missguided, £24.99

I love the stud detail on the cuffs and collar, so simple yet so effective. They aren't the best quality but for a quick fashion fix I think it does the job nicely. At £24.99 with 10% discount for students I think its a pretty good price compared to some other high street labels.

Perfect for drinks out teamed with black skinnys/ black metallic leggings and heels I hope to get a lot of wear out of this in the Christmas season.

I think these Dorna scallop edge pink shorts (also from Missguided) go with this really well. They add some brightness to my winter 'going out' wardrobe'. I will be honest, they were an impulse buy to go with the studded shirt; I just saw them and loved the hot pink and the scalloped edge but I am starting to find impulse buys to be the best - I always end up getting more wear out of them! Not only have I had an unhealthy obsession with shorts but as mentioned before, they are comfortable and so wearable for day or night. They are a bit bright for me for day wear but I thought I might brave it as it would be a great statement look.

Contrast studded shirt £24.99. Dorna scallop pink shorts £17.99. Both from Missguided.co.uk

I don't know if these pieces are still available online. I had a quick look and I couldn't see them I am afraid butI did buy them back in June so it is unlikely - I just havn't had chance to blog about them. Sorry about that, I just thought they were still worth a post as I love the outfit. However, do not fear! Missguided have loads of similar pieces  in stock. They do a lot of styles in numerous colour waves so if you like what I brought it is still worth a look. I have a few more spending splurges posts on Missguided, I just love the affordable fashion, so watch out if you enjoyed this!

For now, happy shopping xx

How to wear ankle boots

I thought I would try a styling post in between my forever on going 'Spending Splurges' posts. I always have a lot more courage when I am at home on my laptop to try different styles and mixing them together. I find I notice new styles too online instead of heading straight to the obvious pieces that I do in the shops. Now, I am not claiming anything CRAZY or EXCENTRIC here just some outfits that maybe I wouldn't always pick up on a normal shopping trip. I decided to focus on ankle boots after deliberating for a while to invest in some. I had been doing a lot of research online and had been trying to think what I could wear them with and then thought - hey! This would make a worth while post! What do you think? Are you falling for the new ankle boot craze?

As much as I love these Jeffery Campbells, I think they will sadly be on my 'I want' list for a long time to come. These office ankle boots however are definitely going to make their way into my wardrobe. £70 seems like a lot to me as a I rarely spend over £40 quid on clothes unless its extra special but actually for real leather winter boots I can't complain!

Much love. Katie xx

How to wear ankle boots - day time rock by katie-constable featuring a rucksack bag

Spending Splurges part I

So over the last month or two I frivously dug into my purse and let loose on the high street. Yes, I went a bit YOLO and here is part one of my spending splurges.

Yellow shoes – I always love getting heels in the sale, seems so much more worthwhile of a spend and these add nicely to my collection of brightly suede shoes for just £15! I have got a few pairs from the Next sale now - both the pink and lilac shoes in this picture actually, all proudly lined up on my display unit in my room. I highly recommend the Next sale (I swear I am not being biased working there) everything is 50% or less and you can always guarantee there will be something you will like. Just make sure you get there nice and early to avoid disappointment. Doors normally open at 5am....no joke.

These rings were also victims to my shopaholic behaviour. The knuckle ring was purchased from Dolly Bow Bow after I fell in love with the brand during my work experience at B Public Relations. Selling vintage inspired jewellery and accessories this certain piece is similar to the YSL knuckle ring. The other - a set of two rings was picked up from the Next sale for about £3 - bargain! I love jewellery sales :)

Dolly Bow Bow knuckle ring £12 Next £3

 Topshop shorts – I went through a bit of a pastel phase and was on the search for a pastel skater skirt for when it was hot. However, when I saw these two shorts in the Topshop sale I thought they were just as good, if not better! Shorts are always have a big thumbs from me as the tend to be a lot more comfier as you don’t have to worry about exposing your undies on the tube or in the wind. The shorts didn’t fit as well as I had hoped, they sit a little high waisted which normally would be ok but they then ride a little high which makes me feel a bit self conscious. I think if i'm honest, I wish I had tried them on but they were too good of a bargain and I’m too lazy to take them back. I’ll just have to loose a bit of weight to make them fit better ;)

Aztec net top: New Look, £6 Shorts,Topshop £10

Top Missguided £22.99 Shorts Topshop £15

Aztec top – I Brought this top in the New Look sale, as soon as I saw it I thought it would go nicely with the lilac shorts. That’s all I have for this bargain story - quick and easy does it.

Blasia Sequin collar vest blouse – As a sucker for PR my internship at B public relations lead to an detrimental shopping spree at Missguided. As you know, I already loved the brand but spending so much time among the rails meant my fingers were itching to get onto the website even more than usual. I love chiffon blouses as you can dress them up or down and they strike a good balance between girly and sophisticated. I chose this one to add a bit more colour and sparkle to my wardrobe. I have worn it down with jeans and intend to wear it with one of the pastel shorts when the sun creeps out.

What do you think to my recent buys? Has anyone else been spending the pennies? New purchases always give me a new sense of inspiration and that little bubble of happiness. Dangerous, but so worth it.

K xx

Missguided AW Press Day.

During my internship with Boudoir  PR I was luck enough to attend the The Missguided AW press day.I was so excited as I love the brand and have always wanted to help out on the events side of PR. I thought I would give you an insight into what the event entailed. 

The day  started early by prepping the goodie bags which were filled with awesome treats from coloured hair spray, a t-shirt, fake tan, cider and nail varnish and yummy lollipops. 

Then I had to arrive at 8 am at The Box in Soho. This meant a crazy 430am wake  up with getting home at 9pm but it was worth it.

The Box is an exclusive night club based in the centre of Soho. I will admit, when I arrived in the early hours I was a little concerned for my safety – an innocent country bumpkin girl aged 21 but looks 16 in the dark sex streets of soho is never a great start. Carrying mannequins, cupcakes and clothes up the 5 flights of stairs was also exhausting but seeing the final set up just showed the creative vision you need to have in PR and events. Simply, it looked wicked. Dark and dingy turned into an antique basement vibe, alike to an All Saints store. Two lit up letters took center stage with the new collection decorating the room with mannequins, shoes on tables and clothes draped above bed posts. It was a fashion museum for the high street. Offering breakfast and lunch to the press of London with welcoming smiles and chit chat at the front door, everyone loved the collection and if wary at the beginning – completely understood the location when they left. The place gave a great atmosphere and with a manicurist, amazing gifts, clothes, music and bubbly – what more could you ask for? Sadly The Box has a strictly no photo policy which I think upset a lot of bloggers. I do feel this was the only let down of the event as it was so cool you wanted to share it with everyone! The idea behind this is that it makes the nightclub more exclusive and for anyone walking past, it works, you just want to go in and explore but for a press day it was a slight hitch.

The new collection is designed by two new inhouse designers. The team have worked hard on improving the quality of the clothes so that there shouldn’t being any reasons for disappointment when shopping on the internet. The pieces were showered with praise with everyone pleasantly surprised at the cheap price tags yet stylish cuts and shapes. Dark berrys, Khaki and blacks were the colour theme with killer heels and cut out wedges decorated with studs and spikes. My favourite was a Khaki coat which had leather sleeves and a fur lapel. It would look so wicked with jeans and boots to keep you  wrapped up in the cold winters that are not far round the corner. My other was a black body con dress decorated with gold embellished crosses on the top. I always love a good LBD with  a bit of sparkle. Both I definitely WANT and will be the first on my Christmas list.

If you haven’t shopped on Missguided before definitely check in. They have had a few problems with their website recently which is disappointing but probably good for my bank balance! The only thing I hope is that Missguided don’t loose their cheap price tags and don’t do an Asos on me. I loved Asos for their bargain buys yet as soon as everyone caught onto the best kept secret on the internet their price tags shot up. I still go on the site but don’t buy anything like I used to. I understand better quality comes at a price but please Missguided we love you as you are! 

What do you all think? Are you excited?

K xx

Yes Sir!

Hello,

Sorry I have not posted recently, I have been pretty busy catching up with friends, sorting out my life with jobs and careers and getting ready for my holiday (so so excited!) What have you all been up to?

Please do follow me on Twitter for more frequent updates where I will post links to my latest blog posts, comment on fashion and beauty news, my recent spending splurges and will ask all of you for your opinion on the beauty and fashion of the moment.

I am currently loving this 'Moustache' trend which is creeping up everywhere. Quirky, fun and British the handlebar facial moustache became popular in 18th and 19th century by the typical gentlemen of England and was then found popular around the world. Transfering this iconic image onto tshirts and jewllery I think this trend is very suited at the moment with everyone getting patriotic with the Royal Wedding, The Diamond Jubilee and The Olympics. I have never seen the country embrace British tradition so much and it seems the Fashion industry is jumping on the bandwagon too.

It just shows you can always add a twist to traditional British values. Here are my favourite high street buys which have been inspired with the moustache trend. The Missguided grey top is already in my shopping basket!

Yes Sir by katie-constable featuring cotton sleepwear

Top
ebay.co.uk

Vest
£12 - missguided.co.uk

Cotton sleepwear
$48 - topshop.com

ASOS enamel jewelry
$13 - asos.com

Black jewelry
£4 - riverisland.com

Nelly Accessories earrings
£6.95 - nelly.com

Trousse Les Cakes de Bertrand TROUSSE MOUSTACHE Brown - Free Delivery...
£38 - spartoo.co.uk

Paul's Boutique | Tote bag with London Calling print | Paul's Boutique...
£12 - pauls-boutique.com






What do you think? Are you a lover or a hater?


K xx

London Girl

Yesterday I took a special trip to London. I don't like to jinx things so didn't mention it but I had an interview. The interview was for an internship with PR agency Boudoir Pr. Based in Soho, the company was established in 2003 and is a full service agency that look after fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands as well as restaurants, retail e-commerce and much more.

They have such a young, fresh vibe representing brands such as Nail Rock, Missguided and Lipsy and have worked with celebrities such as Paloma Faith and Pixie Lott in their Celebrity endorsements. I was so excited yet so nervous as the company seemed a perfect fit for me in kick starting my career.

I am so glad to say after a short interview I was contacted no less that 30 minutes later to say I had it! There will be more interns hired and at the time being I have agreed to a month. Due to the internship not being paid I have a lot of research to do into my finances as I am keen to stay on as long as possible.

I wanted to look professional yet stylish for the meeting. The couple of interviews I have had for internships never last long but I intend to make a good impression. I mixed black smart jeans with this Aztec top and picked out the light pink in the top by teaming it with this casual dusty pink blazer. I then added my link chain from French Connection and my hot pink heels from Next to make the outfit more dressy. I curled my hair as I feel it adds more shape around my face and kept the rest of my jewllery simple with my Chamilia charm bracelet and Tiffany Picasso ring; both gifts from my lovely boyfriend. I painted my nails a deep red to contrast to the pink. What do you think?

Pink Blazer River Island £35
Aztec top River Island (not sure on price but about £18?)
Chain necklace French Connection @ Asos Sale £18
Black skinny jeans Next £24
Hot Pink peep toe heels Next sale £15

Afterwards I met up with my friend Lucy who is currently on placement in the design department of John Lewis. I am so happy for her: she has a few designs coming in to the shops in the children's department! *Big Clap* We spent the rest of the evening at Strada on Baker Street and then went to a bar after for drinks. It was such a lovely summer evening giving me a real taste of life in the big city!

Oooohhh! I cannot forget to mention I am CONVINCED Chris O'dowd (Bridesmaids and IT Crowd) came and sat next to me on the bench outside the building of my interview. After watching Bridesmaids I kind of gained a huge obsession with him and his Irish accent so was too paralysed with nerves to confirm it was him but honestly, I am 80% sure it was!

Hope you are all well. Does anyone else have any fashion career news?

Much love, K xx

I AM Missguided

This summer weather has got me hands itching again, I am ready to shop for a new summer wardrobe! Don't get me wrong, I know my shorts are going to do me well but a girl can't just walk away from all the new lines the shops are putting into store and the 'Holiday shop' tabs on all the web pages. Some may call me greedy, I call myself a shopaholic.

My favourite label of the week is Missguided. River Island has been hitting the top spot for some time but just missed out this time. What can I say? Reasonable, if not cheap price tags yet awesome prints, styles and celeb fashion.

Despite my recent spending sprees I am a big fan of saving the pennies here and there and Missguided always offer in style pieces (if not cheeky copy cat pieces) at prices I love. Here are a few of my fave pieces this week

I Love Missguided by katie-constable on polyvore.com

I am a huge fan of bralets at the moment. I think they are really great for summer, especially if you have a nice toned tum (currently a work in progress). They ooze summer and I am feeling this Aztec printed one £23.99. It would work great with many outfits and the colours are so vibrant and uplifiting. I also love this Aztec playsuit priced £22.99. The sea colours are gorgeous and I think it has a twist to the usual styles with its tie detail at the front.

Now I know the black cross, long sleeved body suit (£16.99) isn't exactly summer but I L-O-V-E it. Like, really. I tend to swing between girly, sophisticated to grungy rock and this definitely helps me live out my rockyness. The shorts (£26.99) Missguided have teamed with this makes me want to add the whole outfit to my basket. Would be such a great outfit for a party. Maybe when the weather gets a bit cooler? I am sure Britain's typical English summer won't be too far around the corner (not that I am wishing it!)

I am also a huge fan of these 'short at the front, long at the back' (replace with fancy name) skirt and dresses. I saw a wicked clutch in River Island today which was blocked with pink, black and white which would look killer with this hot pink dress priced £23.99. I am not normally into pleats but I think on this it helps break up this dress and ads some sophistication to the hot pink.

£15 River Island

Yes, another pair of shorts. Can't actually believe I haven't brought these yet. I'm feeling the tie dye look this summer I think it is very tropical! Teamed with these sunglasses at £5.99 I would be feeling so Miami! 

Finally, shoes! I am adoring suede effect shoes right now and Missguided have a plenty in numerous neon and summer colours. I was drawn to these Turquoise T bar wedges. Wedges are always so much easier to walk in in the heat and the colour is perfectly acceptable on these sunny days. At £33.99 I am adding them to my wish list.

I could definitely go on and on and on. The website have some great basic vests too with crosses and prints which brings out my rocky style. As you can see their colour pallet is huge and they have some great bargains. What do you think of Missguided? I'd love to hear any of your finds but for now, happy browsing!

K xxx

Short weather

Hello lovely people,

I know I am not off to a good start but truth be had it the relaxing vision I had of finishing Uni isn't as going as planned. Don't get me wrong, I'm making some time for the beautiful sun we have been having but I have also been a good girl applying for work experience and jobs as well as working back at Next as much as I can.

However, I have been getting inspired with Polyvore! Check my mood boards out here and let me know your thoughts.

I have just booked a holiday to Turkey today too! I am so excited to be sipping cocktails on the beach and of course, splurging out on a new summer wardrobe. I have been going quite crazy over shorts at the moment! Whether it is for the summer sun or for nights out I can't get enough. There are some wicked styles out at the moment, New Look being a great high street store for prints.

I picked up these four beauties over the last month.

I have been dying for a pair of high waisted shorts for a while and I managed to pick these up in the River Island sale for just £15! I couldn't believe it and the fit is perfect too. I splashed out on these Topshop denim and crochet hot pants too (£34) which I have been teaming with my light blue vans. They are quite short shorts but they will be great for holiday and look cool with tights when its a bit chilly here in the UK.

These red shorts are from New Look. At just £9.99 I could not say no and the bright red is so fun I think you can dress them up or down for a statement look.

Finally my Missguided stripe hot pants. I was a bit disappointed with the quality of these as they were a bit thin and see through. However, at just £12.99 I don't think I can complain and I had quite a few compliments on them so in all, I am happy. Teamed with black wedges, a black leotard and hot pink nails I felt quite rock n roll in them! They might even be turning out to be my favourite!

I think it is safe to say I am sorted for shorts this summer, I just need the bikini body now! What have you guys been purchasing for your summer wardrobe? Any spending splurges you care to share?


K xx