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?

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...

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!

Wednesday Want - Watch wear

I was incredibly lucky for Christmas to be given a watch from my parents. My mum wanted me to choose the one I wanted and I still haven't decided. Girls, I need your help! For a while (and still) I was toying between brands - Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors? Now, it's the colour.

To begin with I felt that gold has been copied so much now it has lost its value but I think it would stand more seasons and go great with a lot of things I would wear. However, I love the rose gold as it is new and exciting and not many people have got them (yet)but even though it is bang on trend for SS13 feel it might go out of fashion quickly .

I really want to make sure I am getting the right one because as we are all aware, they are very expensive. I want it to get lots of wear out of it and keep it for a long time.

After scouting around for some time, these are my personal favourites. Can you help me narrow it down?  Come on girls, help a sister out!

WW Watch wear by katie-constable featuring a marc jacob

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

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

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

Living in black and white

Living in black and white by katie-constable featuring a rucksack bag

Motel Rocks - it really does!

Another day in the life of an intern. Yes, I have bagged up another placement slot, this time at leading online retailer MotelRocks.com! I am only at the London office for five days but am very thankful for the opportunity. Not only have I met some more lovely people, gained some more experience, I have also rediscovered a little love for the brand.

I  remember Motel being such a hit with me and my school friends due to the ready to wear party outfits and vibrant prints. I don't know what really happened, I think I grew out of it and sadly forget about Motel but after being back around the brand I can honestly say they have some great pieces in that I am up for letting my spending fingers loose on. The brand are really starting to get noticed as a leading online retailer, so keep your eyes peeled as I am certain you will see a lot of it in your mags soon.

The brand has some big names supporting the brand such as Pixie Lott, Jessie J and recently Nicola Roberts and Tulisa. My internship has meant lots of rummaging through the rails and the website, wrapping and gifting pieces for celeb fans and returning samples - giving me a great chance to see the new stock.

I have pulled together a few of my favourite pieces from the 'New Arrivals section'. They all seem to be very monochrome based but these items stand out to me most. I think they are some of the most wearable pieces yet are still eye catching. I think they also give a more mature feel to Motel than before yet are still playful.

Go have a look and let me know your favourite. I know I definitely 'want' some of these!

K xx

 

Motel Rocks by katie-constable featuring crop tops

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

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

British is beautiful

Hello! I have been really getting into British spirit recently. There are so many wicked British inspired pieces in the shops which are really cool and wearable not just for the Jubilee weekend but suitable all season too. Whether it is to reflect these summer days we have been having or for when the typical British wet summer returns there is something for everyone. You don't even have to have the flag plastered all over you to be part of the cheering clang. Block colours of red, blue and white can show your support for the Jubilee weekend. There are also some non royal colour items that are stylish and patriotic if you can't stand the royal palette with leopard print union jacks and English brouges and loafers.

I hope you enjoy what I have put together and let me know your favourite! I personally love the Red is Royal moodboard with the Motel Bowler Hat tank top that I discovered on Asos - so cute! Definitely a 'want' item. What are you all wearing for the Jubilee? Are you celebrating in style?

K xx

British is beautiful - casual by katie-constable featuring collar jewelry

British is beautiful - Red, blue and white by katie-constable featuring a chiffon skirt

British is Beautiful - Red is Royal by katie-constable featuring vintage tops

British is Beautiful - Chique White by katie-constable featuring yellow gold jewelry

White tank top
£18 - riverisland.com

Oasis white skinny jeans
$78 - asos.com

Loafer
£65 - schuh.co.uk

Paul s Boutique leather bag
£75 - bankfashion.co.uk

River Island yellow gold jewelry
$23 - asos.com