FASHION: Shopaholic Returns

Yup, its broken - the shopping intervention. I've done it, I've window shopped! Ok, so not as bad as pulling out the purse and parting with the cash but it certainly is a step in that direction.

Even as the weather gets colder there is no escape, internet shopping is definitely getting stronger. This week, I have found these pieces that have got my heart skipping and my pennies rattling.

Every penny counts

Working the Next Sale it is impossible to avoid this discounted season on the high street. Combine this with just being paid today, my hands are itching to dive into my purse and splash out on some bargains. Clicking through River Islands sale I was inspired by some great pieces hidden among their pages. I really want my money to stretch this month so mocked up some sale outfit ideas to make the purchases worth while. You may have similar items in your wardrobe which you could recycle to make your splurge even better. I love all these items and can see so many outfits among all the sale items. I am loving the bright blue blazer which would also go great with the patterned blouse in the second picture and I am a sucker for all these cute prints. Whats your favourtite? Made any sale purchases yet?

Prints really add fresh air to any outfit and can be teamed with any basic hidden in your wardrobe. These cute skirts are ideal for when the weather perks up and these harem trousers make a bold statement in this current cold spring.
 
I am in love with this bright pink skirt which can be worn day or night. It is so versatile, perfect to bring out subtle pinks in prints, layer up with jumpers or team with ur favourite top for a night on the town.
 

I would love to pull of these skinny jeans! I went through a stripe craze a while back and I feel it may be returning... Again, you could rock this with a crop top for a night out  or a bright colour to avoid the obvious black option. These trousers are great to wear with a denim shirt  as it avoids the whole double denim look that I am sorry, I am just not brave enough to embrace just yet. Denim shirts are everywhere at the moment but this one is cute with its studded collar done up or left open. I love introducing tailored pieces into my outfits and this blue jacket is perfect for smart/ casual occassions. The bright blue is ideal for spring summer, lifting spirits and injecting a new colour into the outfit.

I feel my purse getting lighter...

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.

London Fashion Week Favourites...so far

Whilst journalists fight for the front row seat, bloggers line up with cameras and wannabees push through the crowds: I am at home, working whilst the buzz of London Fashion Week ticks on.

I so wish I had got my act together and got myself there this year, definitely on my bucket list for next year but alas, at least I can share with you my favourite looks through I want, I need. As you know, I am a slave to the high street but it all starts somewhere and of course, London Fashion Week is the best place to spot the trends that will be transported onto your doorsteps in the likes of River Island, New Look and more.

Jena Theo stole day 1 for me. These looks are right up my street; edgy, grungy but packed full of colour showing grunge doesn't have to be all black. I love that the skater skirt is still going strong and am over the moon with this pink - such a great shade for A/W - nice and bright but a deep enough shade for the colder season. The paint splattered prints are very New York Urban to me, anyone else? I think this is something the high street is going to latch onto with us maybe seeing paint splattered leggings and tunics teamed with wet look leggins and disco pants. The final look I chose to show in this collection has a Motel vibe to it and I am sure they won't let me down with a skater skirt similar to this one.

Day 2 hits for me were Antipodiums bright colour collection and Sister by Siblings casual knits. It is so refreshing to see these neons from S/S are going to be continued right through to winter. I feel these two looks will again be easily transferred to our favourite high street stores. The bright neon yellow dress has stirred an excitement in me I didn't know I had for neon yellow, I would love to rock this outfit! This dress particularly screams River Island to me where I predict neon silky camis looking fab with patent heels and leather jackets.

I adore the Preen collection by Thorn Bregazzi. The subtle injection of the neon orange is grungy yet fun for the winter months. I would do anything for this collard shirt, it is so me, (as they say) and I think it would be a fierce addition to any working wardrobe to update your staple suits. This dress also caught my eye, cute and sexy the deep neckline plunges you from good girl next door to sexy senorita. I really hope to see this pattern and cut on the high street as I have my purse at the ready.

And of course, you got to love a bit of Mulberry. this smock dress would be a fabulous statement piece to any wardrobe; being able to layer it up with knits and jeweled collars to simple courts for the office. I don't know how I feel about the whole ' dress-over-the-trousers' look: kind of reminds me of my teenage days where I was desperately trying to be Avril Lavigne. Bright pink skirtini over my HUGE flares only sends shivers down my spine but I am sure Mulberry is going for a more sophisticated type of look and not taking inspiration from my muddled up childhood fashion. Tapered capri pants is definitely more their style. However, I am sure, Mulberry will make it work as after all, they can make anything fabulous.

 Have you been keeping up with London Fashion Week? What are your favourites and can you forecast any high street trends already?

Wednesday Want - VALENTINES

This Wednesday is based around wait for it, VALENTINES! And whether I get the date I am dreaming of or not, I am wanting a new outfit to celebrate (or console my broken soul! haha)  Single girls may claim  to despise the day but if were lucky enough to get brought a drink by the hot guy at the bar or even get asked on that date, we ALL get the butterflies.

I've put together these outfits to inspire you for the day of love whether you are out with your girls hoping to catch someones eye or on the date of your dreams. My favourite high street stores have got it down for coffee dates, casual drinks or a full on dinner date. These outfits aim to get you noticed and feel on top of the world so lets get shopping!

All these ideas are about colour. This year there is no time to hide behind your little black dress,  its about feeling confident, beautiful and making heads turn.

The first outfit is laid back and casual. Day dates are hard when its this cold but I think these shades of red will help you get in the mood for Valentines. My second outfit is definitely my favourite: girly but brave. This could easily could be worn for day time too by throwing on a lightweight jumper, tights and a delicate scarf. If the pink is just a bit too much you could always opt for a black cami but I think the pink brings out the colour of the skirt and will be a breath of fresh air for your date.

White Princess is also wearable for your drinks date if you are not brave enough for a skirt. I love the crystal cream and whites as they add a bit of sparkle and the light coloured jeans are feminine and ideal for s/s. The string bag teamed with the flats is a great way to keep the outfit casual and maybe the perfect items for a getaway if things go terribly wrong...

Lady in red is bold and beautiful. I avoided teaming it with black and introduced a cream which softens the bold red. With these simple rings the dress does the talking making it a delicate delightful outfit. I really encourage people to try injecting a bright bold colour such as red, even if its some glossy heels as this can give a great boost of confidence and will definitely make sure you are a date to remember. Finally if you need something a little darker, a bit grungier this Miss Selfridge dress is perfect striking the perfect balance between safe and sexy. Picking up on the turquoise and teal pattern these shoes will make sure your date is looking at you top to toe. You could always swap these for some plain black heels and the outfit would still look fab but be brave, go for the brights!

Valentines Outfits by katie-constable on polyvore.com

Has anyone got any plans for Valentines? Just remember, it doesn't always have to about dating tomorrow: going out with your girls, having drinks and feeling fabulous with the people you love is just as exciting as dating. Whatever your plans are.... HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Legging love affair

Winter demands thick layers, warmth and comfort and this winter gone I turned to leggings. Nothing feels better than having that release from denim and pulling on some light, soft to the skin jersey. It is fair to say with this dodgy weather Winter is lasting longer than expected and this means my wardrobe needed expanding to accommodate for my legging love affair.


I am not a bum barer type of girl (where you can pants through leggings, yuk!) so I was looking for something longer that looked smart yet trendy.

I managed to grab this dress from River Island  in the sale a few months ago which was amazing as I saw and loved this when it was full price. They only had a 6 left, which I brought, a little hopeful but Hurrah! It does fit. Maybe a little tight but IT FITS and that is all that matters. You could probably get away with wearing this with tights but as it comes quite short at the front I felt leggings were more suited, got to love a legging.

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

Spring Summer 2013 High Street Look

I can't believe I am actually going to publish this 'want' post for two reasons. First of all it is still snowing (if you hadn't noticed) and is far from spring summer, or how I imagine it (baby lambs, blossoming flowers?). Secondly, these items I am about to reveal have shot right to the top of my want list meaning it would be a perfect line up for a Wednesday Want post on ' I want, I need' but for those a bit slow, it isn't Wednesday (it just feel's wrong).

However, I was just doing a bit of internet browsing and came across a dress from River Island  which I just had to share. It is not something you would expect me to wear but it really caught my attention and got my thinking about the upcoming season. I have always loved the acid look but never felt I could carry it off. I think this would be such an easy piece to wear though with you being able to layer it up underneath and on top, transforming it into a skirt. I compiled an outfit below to compliment the dress and I do believe it ticks lots of spring/ summer 13 trends.

Spring Summer 2013 trends

Topshop Unique 90's Nostolgia from glamour.co.uk

Oscar de la Renta SS13 from glamour.co.uk

Jill Stuart SS13 Glamour.co.uk

The acid dress and platform shoes, give that 80-90's nostalgia that has been seen and with neon and florescents looking to be pretty big these shoes add some solid, bright colour to the outfit. If these scare you off a bit, neon could be injected with bright nail polish or with this cute dainty bracellett which can be found in loads of shops in pinks and yellows too. Finally the white crop top acts a great layer whilst it is still a bit chilly. White is bang on trend and the lace bringing that sense of spring alike to the Jill Stuart blouse pictured above.

This is quite out my comfort zone but I have fallen in love with these pieces and can't wait to try it when the weather perks up :)

Are you brave enough to start thinking spring yet?

Katie xx

Spring Summer 2013 High Street Look by katie-constable featuring flatform shoes

Wednesday Wants: Graduation

Hello! I'm back and what a better day to come back to than a Wednesday and my Wednesday want post! Sincerely apologise for the absence again but now everything is settled with my family  after two shock hospital check ins, I am back to blogging.

This Wednesday I am wanting... a Graduation outfit! Next week I will be receiving my certificate for my 2:1 in my degree and I am doing some mad, last minute shopping for a suitable outfit. For some reason I am finding it hard. I want something smart yet comfortable, that isn't going to be too cold for this time of the year but fashionable (I did do a fashion course so got to live up to expectations.) Its got to be able to go underneath my graduation gown and I have got to be able to totter across the stage. I am not tooo bad in walking in heels but am insistent I wear them as flats make me look young, small and casual. I am going to be going for a nice meal afterwards so have put these ideas together for some inspiration. Thoughts? Anyone else graduating this time of year or got any tips on what they wore to theirs?

Katie xx

Graduation Look 3 by katie-constable featuring closed toe wedges

Spending splurges III

After reading Emmerliejays post on her new Topshop ankle boots and spotting a few people in London, I have been toying friviously with the idea of purchasing a pair of ankle boots. I loved the edgy look they were giving peoples outfits, it instantly attracting my grungy side. The cheaper alternative Emmerliejay came up with (here) which really fitted the bill for my tight budget type of spending, so I decided to do a bit more research into my upcoming investment.

I decided to play around with some outfit ideas which you will find in my post here to really make sure this wasn't going to be another pair left in the back of the cupboard. I have only ever had one pair of boots I have loved. My military, or JLS boots (nickname created from many HILARIOUS unfashionably educated men, cough - bitter? no.) from River Island have literally seen better days after the fit felt like Cinderellas glittery slipper. The look was also perfect for rocking up some of my looks and of course they were ideal for saving my tiny toes from the winter cold. (However, it must me noted there was NO grip on the sole which didn't save my humiliation on a few slips and slides.)

But I took the plunge and went straight in and brought the Topshop alternatives Emmerliejay recommended. I really did love these and with a cheeky bit of student discount they really are a steal. I decided to keep in the bag for a few days however in case I found something else I liked after looking online. I cant really explain it more than a fashion sixth sense and it obviously meant something as I came across these and just fell in love. PERFECTION.

These are from Next at £65. They are a little more pricey but with my discount only came more expensive to the Topshop pair by £5. The heel is a little higher and combined with the cut around the ankle makes my legs look a lot slimmer, or so I feel. The studs and the silver plating on the ankle make them a bit more unique and as I always say....will  help 'rock up' my outfits a bit. I love them, litterally LOVE, I am so happy I waited out. They are actually pretty much identical to Emmerliejays Amelie Topshop boots apart from a slightly higher heel ( I think). I didn't really realise untill I wrote up this post so I hope she doesn't mind - I obviously just loved the ones she chose! A happy shopper indeed :)

K 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 II

Welcome to part 2 of my spending splurges. Hope you have all been indulging in the name of fashion just like me! After all, you only live one ;)

Stripe dress – I went on the hunt for a stripe dress after seeing a few people sporting the nautical theme teamed with denim jackets. The outfit was simple yet looked really trendy and cool. Wow does that not sounds half like something you’d mother say? Anyway, I nabbed this one from H &M for about £14.99 I think. It wasn’t the blue and white I’d hoped for but I think the black will actually work better for winter.I would quite like to team it with some black heeled ankle boots and a black denim or leather jacket. (P.S please excuse the horrid hair and cringey poses!)

Dress H & M, £14.99

Converse – YAYYY! Converse! Blast to the past these coming back into fashion. I still have my berry high tops from my skater days but decided to invest in some black low tops for comfort and wearability. I already have some blue vans but really needed something black to go with everything in between which is a little bit more edgier than my ballet pumps. I find Converse pretty expensive so it took me a while to convince myself to buy them but now I have, I am happy J With a cheeky 10% off it made my purchase even more justifiable and they are just soooo comfy and easy to wear.

Converse, Schuh, £43 original selling price.

Ochre Blazer – I had seen this at work and weirdly was drawn to the colour. Its not something I would normally go for but after my friend at work teamed it as an outfit with a black and white blouse it grew on me. Unfortunately, I didn’t think it was quite good enough quality for the original price of £32. Once I saw it in the sale at Next however – bingo! £16? All mine please J I think this is a good way to brighten up monochrome outfits subtly. It can be quite versatile really, dressing an outfit up or down. For me, it is perfect for all the interviews I hope to intend striking a good balance between smart and casual. The drape lepels would work better with a tighter fitting outfit but here it is with my black and white dress.

Jacket Next £16, Dress H & M, Converse, Schuh £43

Robot necklace – I love quirky necklaces and thought this was so cute! I have a robot jumper from Topshop that would go with this to set off the robot love theme to its full potential. At £5 I was SO chuffed! Normally cute necklaces like this come with a hefty price tag that I can’t justify paying so I made sure I didn’t miss out on this bargain.

River Island, £5

I also added these rings to the outfit. The cross and the far left ring was part of a five pack from Outfit which I got in the sale for £3!. The xo ring is a Picasso Tiffany ring brought as a present.

What do you think? Has anyone been moving items from their 'I want' list to their 'I need'?

K xx

SALE

Hello Ladies (and Gents of course),

How is everyone? Bit of a shame about the weather isn't it? I guess nothing says British summer better than a wet one! However, there is something else that helps gets us all in the summer mood - SUMMER SALES! Oh yes, no matter where you go you can't avoid the big red or pink sale signs with the determined shoppers budging and nudging to get to the best of the slashed labels.

My post today was inspired by this along side the numerous River Island sale tweets where I read people queued to get an extra 50% off - one person had been queuing since 2am! CRAZY.

Personally, I am a lazy shopper, I'm in then out and try to avoid most of the sales because of the sheer stress. However, I did manage to have a good rummage in my home Topshop the other day and found some bargains I'll blog about soon. The Oxford Street store though should come with a social warning - keep clear or be prepared - dangerous females about! Unfortunately, I do not get to avoid the Next sale which is on the 14th July where I will be serving the ultimate sale predators at 5am. Yes. 5 am!!

Anyway, enough of my rambling back to the point! I have put together my favourite sale items from River Island, Miss Selfridge and Topshop and I hope you enjoy them and are inspired to go shop in the sales despite the madness (I advise online!) My favourite is definitely the Aztec top but sadly it wasn't available in my size (BOO!)

Anyone else found any good bargains?

Happy shopping!

K xxx

The best of the sales by katie-constable featuring cream jewelry

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

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