THE WEEKEND MUSE: TOP 10 FASHION MOMENTS OF 2014

This took me ages to put together so I apologise that its going up late but as 2014 draws to a close I thought it would be nice to have a look back on some fashionable "moments" that caught my attention. These are in no particular order.

1. SOLANGE'S WEDDING

I thought I got my life from Kimyes beautiful Florence Wedding then Solange took to the TL with the most iconic wedding pictures anyone will ever take. From the Stephane Rolland jumpsuit to the wedding gown complete with matching cape to the ivory bicycles decorated with roses, Solange's union to Alan Ferguson was no ordinary wedding. Very bespoke. Their honeymoon pics in Brazil did not disappoint either.

2. KIM & NORTH FROW AT GIVENCHY

Some may consider it fashion suicide that Kimye appeared on the April cover of Vogue and most recently became the face of Balmain's spring 2015 campaign but I love Kimye and you can't deny that Kim's style has definitely evolved while being with Yeezy. Sure, maybe she should have left the baby at home but Kim and North in matching sheer lace gowns was just beautiful. Kim's make up is always gorgeous but Nori's baby docs with white laces was the cutest thing ever!

3. BOYS 2 MEN

When 1.Harry Uzoka opened the Ashish show in September at LFW my first thought was "When did that happen?" he rocked the runway with a bod that had me calling him bae for a while, aint even gonna lie (look for yourself here) - Remember the Jonas brothers? I never listened to their music but always had a crush on Joe Jonas and then along came 2.Nick Jonas's Flaunt magazine shoot inspired by Mark Wahlberg's 1992 Calvin Klein underwear ad and now its like "Joe, who's Joe?" (ps I picked the tamest picture because the others he took are seriously too hot to handle). Finally who knew 3.Justin Bieber could look this good in a suit, barely recognised him.

4. LUPITA SLAYS

Every single red carpet event, magazine cover, fashion show appearance and then redefined beauty becoming Lancome's first black ambassador. She wasn't afraid be unconventional and wear bold statement pieces. She is beautiful.

5. TEAM BEARD GANG

2014 was the year of the beard. Seriously guys look hotter with a beard. Peep my man crush's below.

PIC 1 & 2 : BEN HUXLEY 3. BEN DAHLHAUS 4. ZAYN MALIK

6. RIP OSCAR DE LA RENTA

His dresses are like a beautiful fairytale and the legendary designer with old-fashioned elegance will be truly missed.

7. RIHANNA KILLS FASHION WEEK

Badgal Riri turned up in practically nothing to accept her Fashion Icon Award earlier this year but it was her fashion week looks in NYC and Paris that had me sold. Looking forward to seeing what will come from her new position as Creative Director for Puma. 

8. PHARRELL

When he turned up to the Grammys wearing an oversized Vivienne Westwood hat I looked at him sideways but I can appreciate the level of individuality it takes to wear not one but a collection of Buffalo hats...in different colours...on more than one occasion...*sips tea*

9. SASSY HAIR

Braids, faux locs, big fro's, rainbow hair, granny chic grey. You name it women were about it this year. yaaaasssssss!

1.CARA DELEVIGNE | 2. SOLANGE | 3.CIARA | 4. THE SLUMFLOWER | 5. UZY NWACHUKWU | 6. TUMBLR | 7. KYLIE JENNER | 8. CHEAP & CHEERFUL SHOPPER | 9. DASCHA POLANCO | 10. LONDONS CLOSET

10. BLACK LIVES MATTER & I CANT BREATHE

Shiona Turini from Cosmopolitan Magazine wore the "They Have Names" Tshirt by designer Pyer Moss, to NYFW in September, a tshirt with names of those who have lost their lives at the hands of the police including the name of Eric Garner who's dying words, #ICantBreathe, went viral after his death, spurring NBA players like Lebron James to be an advocate by wearing T-shirts emblazoned with these three words. 

It takes guts to raise awareness in unusual places.

ALL IMAGES TAKEN FROM GOOGLE

OTHER MOMENTS I LOVED:

1. Nicki Minaj in Marc Jacobs & Roberto Cavalli. Her transformation is striking.

2. The other Kardashians. They seemed to have upped their game this year...
Kylie's lips and makeup are covetable. Kendall got her life becoming a runway model, Kourtney got pregnant, again, but she does maternity wear so good and Khloe looked like jessica rabbit in this flipping amazing dress!

3. Broderick Hunter...just cause, okay that one may be personal but it was a "moment" for me lol

So that was some of my favourite moments of 2014!!! What are yours?

Lavinya x

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SNAPBACK

SNAPBACK: NEWERA STORE
CROP JUMPER: RIHANNA X RI
BASEBALL TSHIRT: H&M
BOYFRIEND JEANS: NEW LOOK
FUR COAR: H&M
BOOTS: NEW LOOK

"Why don't I wear this more often?" Is what I thought when I saw this creeping at the bottom of my wardrobe. This LA Kings Snapback was a gift, I'd always wanted one but if you've ever been into a New Era store then you know how full on it is. There are hats EVERYWHERE and proper connoisseurs who know what their talking about and well I know a few things but don't really want to embarrass myself lol. All I know is that ever since seeing one of my favourite legendary rap groups N.W.A wearing the LA Kings hat, I wanted one.

One of my favourite things about this cropped jumper from the Rihanna x River Island Collection is the  ballooned sleeves. I love the contrast between the fitted crop and oversized sleeves its more relaxed and tomboyish. Across the front it says "G4LIFE" and decided to throw it over this baseball inspired tshirt from H&M so I could still wear it in this colder season, plus I think it ties together the accent colours of the hat. I wanted to wear converses to complete this monochrome affair but I always prefer a little height when my top half is heavily layered and these trainer boots allow a little length to my legs.

I'm usually a fedora girl but I could see myself wearing this more often...

Lavinya x

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TARTAN TROUSERS

CHOKER: H&M

JUMPER: H&M 

TROUSERS: PRIMARK

BOOTS: EBAY 

TRENCHCOAT: H&M

I hope you all don't mind that my photos are shot in my bedroom, with it being so cold outside and literally having no one to help take my photos I've decided to adopt the mantra: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. 

No wardrobe is complete without a bit of tartan. I'm used to wearing tartan printed shirts and scarves but its quite a statement when worn on the lower half of your body so when I bought these trousers last year from Primark I had some doubts about the purchase because I really didn't know how to style them but I knew I wanted them. Theres logic there somewhere...

I've looked no further than H&M this season for most of my knitwear and this stone coloured chunky jumper was made to team together with these trousers, they make the print look less "loud and busy" plus the neckline is just perfect to show off this beautiful pendant choker.

The lace up detail of these boots I got off eBay add a different dimension, especially with them being open toe, compared to your standard black boot. Totally weather appropriate...I promise no toes where hurt in the wearing of this outfit. LOL

If your like me, sometimes you may second guess a purchase but end up holding on to it incase you change your mind, sometimes you end up throwing/donating/selling it away but its great when you can get your moneys worth and actually wear it! So sometimes putting an item aside until later can pay off! 

PS: I am totally obsessed with matte brown lips! I am a huge fan of Barry M's lip liner in Chocolate LL6. Shoutout to the 90s! 

So what do you think of tartan trousers?

Lavinya x

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THE WEEKEND MUSE #3: CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

I love buying presents. I am a really good gift buyer, I can remember what is at the top of my friends & families wish lists and 90% of the time I am spot on...the other 10% well theres always those people who are a bit like Rachel from Friends who wouldn't mind knowing if theirs a gift receipt, know what I mean?

Anyways whenever I'm asked what I would like I never have an answer. I guess if you spend the whole year buying the things you want and never really going without then it becomes a question of "What do you get the girl who has it all?"

So I really thought about it and "Dear Santa all I want for Christmas is:"

1. BOOKS: MAN REPELLER, GRACE, HOW TO BE PARISIAN | 2. NUTRIBULLET | 3. I WOKE UP LIKE THIS MUG BY UO | 4. NEXT ONESIE | 5. NEW BALANCE 410 | 6. SPA EXPERIENCE | 7. OLIVER BONAS 2015 WEEKLY PLANNER | 8. YOU'RE SUCH A BUDAPEST NAIL POILISH BY OPI | 9. HOTEL CHOCOLAT | 10. HoMEDICS FOOT SPA | 11. SOPHIA WEBSTER HEELS   

Ooooh theres just one thing missing from this list, the FUJIFILM SMARTPHONE PRINTER FROM UO seriously how incredible is it! And that my friends is my wish list, happy to DM anyone my address so you can bless me with one of these gifts, genuine offer looool I'm kidding...maybe...

11 days to go! What is on your Christmas wishlist?

Lavinya x

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BLACK | WHITE | GREY

Pictures of Alexa Chung and Julia Sarr-Jamois (ps: I love Julia!) wearing the most beautiful fur scarves by Charlotte Simone have had me lusting for something similar and its always a matter of time before the high street brings out a dupe that does not force me to consider blowing my pay check on a item and spending the rest of the month eating tuna fish and rice...

FAUX FUR STOLE: PRIMARK (SAVE!) OR (SPLURGE!)

JUMPER: H&M 

TROUSERS: PRIMARK (SIMILAR)

BROGUES: NEXT 

BAG: H&M

Faux fur stoles are the winter accessory every one is wearing right now. I looked for over a month for this black and white stole from Primark and when I finally did my shopping trip ended with an encounter with the most unbothered Primark employee, a swivel chair and a first aider...no seriously look here...I know right...gully. 

I'm not joking this scarf was pretty popular and sold out in both the Tottenham Court, Marble Arch and Westfield stores and the frustration of not being able to find it almost had me getting this gorgeous one from Missguided (here) but then it sold out :( and then I finally found this black and white beauty. Someone had actually hidden it in the homeware department probably for safe keeping but y'know finders keepers...

Accessories are a big thing for me, especially in A/W, the addition of an hat, scarf, bag can really help complete an outfit. Most weekdays I get up at 6am and unless I've planned my outfit the night before then there is a strong desire (aside from the desire to jump back into bed) to throw on anything. That is why I'm a big fan of this faux stole, I think the monochrome palette of the scarf lifts my simple outfit up a notch, hopefully without being too matchy matchy I added my H&M cross body bag and now the look is alot smarter.

What do you guys think, are you a fan of faux fur scarves?

Lavinya x

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COAT GAME

COAT: VINTAGE

SCARF: PRIMARK

JEANS: TOPSHOP

BROGUES: NEXT 

ADIDAS SHOPPER 

A winter coat and pair of boots are always top of my winter wardrobe wishlist. This year I bought an great pair of knee length boots from Dune and I cant wait to wear them, still on the hunt for a pair of suede thigh boots too! but I've really struggled to find a great coat. They have either been way out of my spending budget or didn't measure up in the quality department. Is it me or are some of the coats almost paper thin with a £70+ price tag, how can I justify such a purchase its blitz in London, being warm is essential!!! Then, after the billionth wardrobe clear out!,  I remembered this fantastic vintage coat handed down to me from my mum and it really is an amazing coat and bang on the camel colour trend. 

I picked up this extra long super soft cable knit scarf from Primark for £4.00, I bought it recently so it should still be in the shops, I've really gone off snoods this year from some reason but I love that I can wrap this around and around as much times as I want. Its like a hug for my neck :)

The autumnal colours of my Adidas shopper are so vibrant in real life. I've wanted a shopper bag for so long but they always seem to be in dark colours, I have enough black bags in my life. Strangest thing is people have stopped me in the street to ask me where I got it from, I have suppressed the urge to give into sarcasm because obviously the Adidas logo is not enough of a clue loool duh... 

Did you find your winter coat this year?

Lavinya x

TAILORED

TURTLENECK: PRIMARK

SLEEVELESS BLAZER: MANGO

CULOTTES: DOROTHY PERKINS

FAUX FUR BAG: URBAN OUTFITTERS

ANKLE BOOTS: H&M

NECKLACE: FOREVER 21

Hi guys remember me? Last month I came down with terrible flu and ongoing headaches and it really broke my blogging momentum but I've missed my blog so much so it feels good to get a post up!

I'm still obsessed with turtlenecks and suits and todays look incorporates the two. I have the matching peg trousers but I like the mix of the streamlined blazer with a more looser fit of the culottes. Less structured but still sophisticated. The perfect pair of ankle boots from H&M and a faux fur bag complete the look. And in case you were wondering what I have on my lips, its a Gothic Glam Lipstick by Collection 2000 in Revenge, it just matches the colour of my turtleneck perfectly!

Let me know what you guys think of my outfit below!

Lavinya x

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WAYS TO WEAR: RIPPED JEANS

Its easy to fall into the monotony of wearing an item the same way or look at your wardrobe and think "I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!!!" 
Ways to Wear is all about super easy styling tips and advice. 

SHOP THE LOOK! : ONE // TWO // THREE

I love the look of jeans slashed at the knees and the great thing about the ripped jean trend is that anyone can get in on it and go DIY revamping a pair of jeans, remember these? However ripped denim can sometimes look almost scruffy and the easiest thing would be to throw them on with a good ole tee/sweater and trainers for that grungy, everyday look.

If you want to look chic but still relaxed team them with a tailored blouse, boots and finish with a longline cardigan or duster coat, it will look casual but with a little effort put into it. Add a leather jacket, some glam heels and these jeans will work for a night out too! See?! Super easy.

Do you have any suggestions on what you would like to see styled next? Let me know in the comments box! 
Lavinya x

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THE WEEKEND MUSE #2: A/W INVESTMENT PIECES

Did you remember to turn your clocks back an hour? Yep the days are gonna get shorter and darker earlier but are you A/W ready? Well if your not here are my 12 wardrobe essentials I think are worth investing this season. Yes I'm here to inspire a shopping spree #sorrynotsorry 

01. OVERSIZED SWEATER Is the go-to piece for layering this A/W.  In my opinion the slouchier and chunkier the better. The oversized sweater will allow you to keep wearing your summer pieces for a little while longer or with jeans and some trainers for your more casual days.

02. DENIM SHIRT A white shirt is a definite wardrobe staple but for an A/W update go for an darker wash denim shirt. I wear one all year round tbh, but for the colder seasons I love wearing them with leather trousers, skirts etc. Definitely a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.

03. TURTLENECKS Go with everything. I'm not joking! Layer them under shirts or over dresses and you will be reaching for them as much as you reach for your oversized sweaters. Uniqlo have some bomb ones!

04. LEATHER JACKET Are the ultimate timeless piece for any wardrobe. Yes there are a few great faux leather versions out on the high street but invest in a good leather jacket and it will last forever.

05. FEDORA I know hats aren't for everybody but I can't live without them! If you feel like they don't suit you don't give up on them, it may be you haven't found the right one! There are so many shapes to fedoras and I feel like they finish off any simple outfit and give it an edgy look.

06. TRAINERS Their not only for wearing to the gym or for your "cba days", for a more on trend look team them with tailored trousers and knitted dresses.

07. JEANS I love mom jeans. I know, I'm sorry if I talk about them too much but if you find a style that works for you then stick with it and mine is "The Mom Jean". They have the perfect cut, not too tight and not too large and I think they suit every shape! So if you haven't already, try them!

08. SHIFT DRESS I love this dress by Monki! Paired with the court shoes and the leather jacket its the perfect ootn and as it gradually gets colder its a great base for layering with the denim shirt, turtle neck and boots! A LBD is a classic piece and can be styled in so many ways!
*TIP* Mix up your accessories and you have a fail-safe item for any event!

09. ANKLE & OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS You can never have too many boots when it comes to A/W but its especially good to have an ankle boot like these ones from H&M they go with practically everything! And over the knee boots are on everyones wish list this season whether heeled, flat, leather or suede you need them in your wardrobe!
*TIP* Ankle boots with a higher heel or embellishment add a dressed up touch to allow transition from ootd to ootn. 

10. THE COAT A casual, slightly oversized coat with masculine vibes, which you know I love, is a bargain at £24.99 from H&M, I've seen this coat in person and the quality is amazing for such an inexpensive price. Its selling out quick get it or regret it!
*TIP* Use a skinny belt to create a more feminine silhouette and accentuate your waist.

11. COURT SHOES Every woman should have a pair of heels comfortable enough for the day and chic enough for the night.

12. THE SHOPPER This Monki faux leather shopper is a simple looking bag, but I think thats what makes it look very effective, and when your ready fold it down and carry it like a clutch.


What are your A/W wardrobe essentials?
Lavinya x

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FUR COAT X TURTLENECK

FEDORA: PRIMARK

TURTLENECK: PRIMARK 

NECKLACE: FORVER21

FUR COAT: H&M

BOYFRIEND JEANS: NEW LOOK

LOAFERS: ASOS

Your going to hear a lot of UK bloggers bang on about the weather. Its what we do. Its a source of conversation for us Brits and I am no exception. The cold really has been hitting us this week, enough for me to bring out my cosy fur coat and one of many turtle neck tops that I own, they are definitely a fall/winter staple for me.

My coat is an old purchase from H&M and what drew me to it was the unusual grey colour and its collarless neckline, I wore it all of last year winter and I intend on doing the same this season, however I've got my eye on this stunning one from MISSGUIDED and M&S. Fur is bang on trend for A/W but if your not about a full on fur coat there are still plenty of ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe, why not try a fur stole you can add to any coat, a faux fur clutch or to really channel your inner eskimo a fur hat! 

These boyfriend jeans from New Look and I have a a love/hate relationship. Ever bought an item and then some time later you though "I really don't like the way these fit/look" but it was too late (or you were too lazy) to return them to the store? Well that was the situation with these jeans only fast forward a year later and I put these on without thinking and was pleasantly surprised, so not bad New Look. Mom jeans are still bae though...

When it comes to footwear I am loving loafers! I don't know how I'm gonna part with these ASOS beauties once I've worn them to death and even though its kinda freezing outside I don't mind exposing my ankles just so I can wear them!

With Christmas around the corner the weather is only going to get colder, so I officially declare it "fur season"Yassssss!

Lavinya x

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