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.

White is the new black

Recently and quite evidently to my friends, I have become completely obsessed with monochrome, again.

There is something about a strikingly crisp white that catches my eye and gets my hands itching. Matched with a pitch black - magic.

Excuse the excitement, but I did forewarn you.

Now black on bottom and white on top can really give off the office, stuffy vibe. I tried it the other weekend and it didn't work. But, match it with some quirky white shoes and the look is way more exciting.

I 'happened' to stroll through Selfridges the other night past the Topshop section and instantly fell in love with numerous of their pieces in which resulted in me creating this Topshop Monochrome mood board. I've been desperate for a summer, smart jacket and this white blazer was perfect - great cut, quality weight, smart, fitted and clean white. At £48 I thought this was a great price in which my bank balance will have to agree.

The shoes was an adventurous try on and I was really surprised how light weight and slimming they were. £46 is normally more than I spend on shoes, I'm quite tight with shoe spend but these are definitely are on the wish list.

A skort is my new go-to for nights out and I have this in white and LOVE IT. I would definitely invest another £38. I am loving the sports luxe look with this tee (£14) and a dark, smoky eye is always my night look with flirty lace (£22). The rucksack, well, it was just perfect for my monochrome obsession (but expensive at £100).

Oh a girl can dream...

The return of the shopaholic

Hello, Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and all that jazz!

So it's been a while but I am not going to waste anyones time with excuses, I am back or giving it another whirl at least..

I won't lie, i've had quite a bit of down time recently but not put it to much use. I am one of those people that is always more productive with less time on my hands so fingers cross, I can take another jab at this.

Today I haven't left the house which is unusual for a Saturday. Something seems almost wrong about it. Saturday has always felt like a shopping day and not making my way into the busy streets and crowded shops seems unnatural but actually, quite refreshing for my mind, body and sorry looking bank account.

However I visited the Saturday shopping spirit in digital form today with the world wide web and have set my heart on these beauties from Topshop. Topshop is always a hit and miss with me. I either love everything in there, find it either tends to go all indie on me that I can't even imagine wearing anything without turning into some posing, wining, charity shopping kid or without feeling I've wasted my money on something ridiculously expensive that every other person has.

Luckily, today Topshop has met my good side with my heart racing at the thought of this pretty cool outfit. I may have to purchase this fluffy white jumper before its out of my reach. What do you think?

C'est La Vie - Wednesday Want

I may be watching too much of The Big Reunion on ITV 2. I may be a little too exciting for the LG Arena tour in May and maybe reliving my youth with the catchy pop songs and disastorous outfits ( Bewitched's double denim to be exact). Or I may just be bang on trend and persusaded by my own blog post yesterday but yes.... I am wanting a denim shirt this Wednesday.

These are my favourite high street pieces so far. I love detail so the Miss Selfridge jewelled collar shirt and the Topshop Moto one are high contenders right now.

JJB Sports

Topshop

Lillywhites

Miss Selfridge

I have been hesitating for some time on this purchase because I am not sure I would end up getting the wear out of it or end up styling it how I envisage it. So, as always, I have been doing my research and found this outfit inspirations on Pinterest which are tempting me and thought I would share some of these cool outfits.

 

 Anyone got any styling tips for me?

xxx

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.

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!

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

Wednesday Want The Outfit

Hello everyone,

Now I know I already did a want post on Monday but as always, there are loads of things constantly making their way on to my want list. Had my eye on this cropped jumper from Topshop for a while now as I love the deep berry colour so i decided to put an outfit together with it and came up with this.

I can't believe I came across these wedge boots from George at Asda, such a bargain at £20! I never really think to look at Asda for shoes but from now on will definitely see it as a contender. I am also loving these bowler hats as they can give your outfit a completely new look. I then chose to add a pleather skirt to add that rock feel I so love with some cute mock sock print Pretty Polly tights which are down from £8 to £4. I love this mix between rock and cutesy which I believe this outfit does well. What do you think?

What is at the top of your want list?

Katie xxx

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

Outfit post

Just a quick outfit post today of what I wore yesterday. Now, first of all, the photos don't really do it justice but I am currently in the process of finding a new photographer so these phone pics will have to do.

I brought this simple long black dress from Missselfridge the other day and love it! I kept walking back to it and decided for £20 to take the plunge and buy it. Its so comfy due to its t-shirt like material and rather flattering to the figure too. I think I could get a lot of wear out of it in all seasons ; winter grunge with boots and layers and summer with flip flops and a denim jacket - or how I am trying to justify it to myself anyway!

Yesterday I decided to rock it up with my converse, my chunky gold necklace from French Connection at Asos (£18 in the sale, it has served me well) an old Missselfridge scarf and my leather jacket, also from Missselfridge! I don't normally go for a mid length skirt, I'm normally  a mini or to the floor type of girl but I wanted to try something different and even though it is only a subtle change, I am glad I did it.

My hair was messy waves from the day before with my new Topshop lipstick shade 'Lips in Inhibition' to add to the rocky feel.

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

Wednesday wants #3

Apologies for the absence on my Beauty Friday spot but hopefully this will make up for it. I really want to update my make up bag since reading more beauty blogs and picked up on these brands as some favourites. I never spend that much on beauty products but after being really good with my wages this month, I may just take the leap and invest.

Think some of my wants this week will also be perfect for the party season due to their deep shades and glitter tones. What do you think? What is hot on your want list this week?

Katie xxx

Wednesday wants by katie-constable featuring benefit cosmetics

Wednesday Wants

Hello and welcome to the debut of my Wednesday Wants posts. As I mentioned in my previous post I know a lot of people do wishlists on a Wednesday due to the irresistible alliteration opportunity but I am jumping on the bandwagon. I feel this sort of posts really fits in with my blog (hence name and tagline) so I hope you aren't sighing too much and enjoy what I pick. I am going to look into developing this more but for now...

These winter days and heavy rain is getting me all excited for winter. I am not a fan of my hair going all frizzy and the switch between the cold and then the heat in the shops where you get all stressed having to unlayer yourself, but this year for some reason that isn't my first thoughts. I am embracing the frosty weather with images of cuddling up with hot chocolate, movies and celebrating Christmas and New Year (gulp, I said it!)

So, in good fashionata fashion I start shopping for my AW wardrobe. Chunky nits, winter coats and evening outfits in deep shades. I love this Topshop parker but it's pricey for my budget but hopefully this chunky knit Next jumper will keep me snuggly without being itchy. I love these purple and plum shades at the moment and well my cross obsession returns with these leggins to break up some dull outfits. Thoughts?

How you all planning to keep warm? Any new purchases or bringing out old items?

Katie xxx

Wishlist by katie-constable featuring peplum tops

Spending splurges: #4 Jewellery special

Yes, I am still rattling through some recent spending splurges despite currently being on a lock down. To be honest something quite miraculous has happened which makes the post just a tad more interesting. I have spent a hefty amount of my recent wages on jewellery. Yes I said it, jewellery. I am serious. For all those of you are a bit confused by this statement, staring at the screen doing an unimpressed 'yer and?' sort of look -this is big news. Let me explain.

I may have mentioned this before but I normally avoid parting with my cash on accessories due to the cost. I love necklaces, rings mostly and bracelets. I AM a magpie to all things shiny and sparkly but I just find the cost of it unjustifiable. I am a clothes junkie and would much rather that £15 go towards a new top than a sparkly chain or similar. Fact is I am being completely ignorant to fashion. We all know accessories can transform an outfit and this is a big lesson I have learnt recently. And I've gone crazy. Ok, so a little confession, all these purchases have been influenced by red sale stickers helping ease the pain but nevertheless, I have invested and my accessory hooks are bulging by the day. So take a look and let me know what you think. You may notice a few from my previous posts but I have put them all together to highlight my spending splurge. I am officially over the jewellery virgin label. Someone pass me a gold medal!

Dorothy Perkins - £1

Miss Selfridge/ Outfit

Outfit

Topshop

Dolly Bow Bow

Topshop

MissSelfridge/Outfit set of 4

Dorothy Perkins/ Outfit - set of  4

Topshop (this one tarnished after a couple of wears)

Next

River Island £5

  Dolly Bow Bow, Next.

I am really getting into the 'cross' trend and have about 3 cross rings in total now. I have been wearing the Outfit multi cross chain quite a lot, I love the turquoise and white crosses that have been added to the typical gold chain and the funnel shape is really flattering on plain tops. My biggest disappointment was the layered wire Topshop ring. Ok, so its a cheapy but I was still shocked with it tarnishing after just a few wears.  I think I can just about get away with wearing it and maybe flog it as a new jewellery colour? 

Whats your favourite from my collection? Any jewellery magpies out there?

Katie xxx