Latest Fashion Trends | Vanity Claire

ClaireAugust 20, 2014

Brand Showcase | Shop Jeen

Hi folks and brilliant people,

Every now and then, Claire and I enjoy showcasing some of our favourite brands and new finds. I don’t know about you fabulous folks, but I love discovering new brands (and by new, I mean new to me. I’m usually lagging behind the bandwagon pretty spectacularly) and new places to shop. Last week, I was doing my usual ‘OH GOD, I can’t cope with work anymore let me waste 5 minutes pretending to do ‘research’ online’. And while I was doing “research”, I came across my new favourite brand in the whole entire world: Shop Jeen.

So, a little about Shop Jeen before I launch into my favourite products on the site. It was started by 20 year old Erin Yogasundram, who dreamed of starting her own boutique inspired by the internet. Yes gals, Shop Jeen is inspired by things like cats, Ryan Gosling and all of those memey type things that all the kids are getting involved in these days. I have to say, I am SUPER inspired by Erin, and I love that she’s created a startup like this from scratch – big up to the girl bosses am I right?!

Macaron Crop Top | Unicorn Backpack Tee

Fuck What You Heard Tee | Like Kanye Tee

I’ll let all of you fine mommas browse the clothes yourself, because if I included everything that I liked here then we would be here all night an Penguin will have offered me the chance to write my own book on Shop Jeen. While I do love the clothes, it’s the homeware and fankly random bits of nonsense that I absolutely love the most

Tyrion Lannister Necklace | I Woke Up Like This Beanie | Cat Backpack | Girls Best Friend Hip Flask |

Basic Pillow | Good Vibes Only Pillow | OMG No One Cares Pillow | Llama Del Rey Pillow

Of course, as a true Stylingo girl, this stuff appeals to me because it is a little bit tacky. But even so, please you scoundrels, if you do anything today PLEASE go and check out Shop Jeen. I will guarantee that you will be as blown away as I am.

What do you think of Shop Jeen?

ClaireAugust 19, 2014

Poundland Jewellery? Purple Ivy: Pictures & Review

Now, you all know that we’re not fussy in the slightest when it comes to where our stuff comes from, but we have to admit that even we raised our (perfectly drawn on) eyebrows when we heard that Poundland were launching their own jewellery line. Sure we love Poundland for shower gel, hair grips and wicked-sick deals on biscuits, but jewellery for a pound? Was this just a bit too Jezza K, even for us?

However, take a look at these snaps we found on the Poundland website and try to say that you’re not at least a little bit impressed…
The range, called Purple Ivy, features a whopping 82 pieces. These all belong to different trends, listed by Poundland as Lady, timeless elegant pieces; Girl Next Door which is cutesy and feminine; Vintage Colour featuring bold retro-inspired pieces; Mysterious (which we cannot talk about); Nature, containing simple silver and leafy inspired things; and finally, Rustic Animals – which is quite self-explanatory.

I popped into my local Poundland the other day and when I saw they were stocking the range, I decided to try one of the pieces out. I picked up a set of 4 rings which I think are from the ‘timeless’ Lady range. Considering by the time I got the bag home one of the stones had already fallen out, I have to say that I think these do have a time and that time is approximately 25 minutes. However, with that slight grievance aside, the rings that kept their stones are still super pretty:

One thing to note is that I got a Medium, yet they’re a little big even on my massive sausage fingers so the sizings may be a little off in the rings. Overall though I’m pretty pleased with them for a POUND and they’ll make a nice addition to my stacker ring collection (aka that assortment of silver rings that Lauren and the Bonus Jonas regularly find scattered around the house).

(Told you I had massive sausage fingers.)

So what do you all think of Poundland’s jewellery range? Would you buy it? Let us know in the comments below!

ClaireAugust 16, 2014

AW14 Mini-Trend: The Duster Coat

Buckets full of soz for everyone still clinging onto the dream of summer, but we must face facts that autumn is nearly upon us. Thankfully though, this means we can start getting prepared with autumn/winter shopping and some of next season’s trends are so exciting that we’re sure even the most stubborn sun-worshipping winter hater will look forward to them. Enter mini-trend of the season number 1: the duster coat.

Duster coats are apparently so called because back in the day people wore these long coats when they were riding either on horseback or in carriages, where they would get all dusty from the road. As an olden-days woman I would have been FUMING if my nicely chosen winter outfit had been ruined by dust, so I can understand why dusters were such a biggie. Nowadays, we’re lucky enough to have things like tarmac and car doors to keep us relatively dust-free on our journeys, but that hasn’t stopped duster coats coming back into fashion. Due to their lightweight material, they’ve been spotted out and about during the summer evenings already – but this A/W they’re going to be very big news.

We haven’t actually tried any on yet so we can’t vouch for how the oversized, longer-length jackets are going to look on petite girls. We kind of predict they’re not going to be the most flattering things, but before we see this for ourselves and ruin the dream, we thought we’d share with you some of our fave dusters from the high street. Some of these are already available NOW (so err, what are you waiting for?!) whereas others are due to drop in the next couple of weeks.

Topshop Checked Duster / River Island Red Duster Jacket / New Look Mint Green Duster Coat

I always used to hate coats because I saw them as total outfit-ruiners, but these fresh, contemporary dusters from Topshop, River Island and New Look respectively show that they can be as much a part of your outfit as what you wear underneath. Both the Topshop check and the River Island bright are statement pieces that are sure to brighten up any outfit, while it’s nice to see pastels sticking around for another winter. The New Look one, which is available in 2 weeks, is also a polyester/wool mix and so will be much warmer than the lightweight dusters we’ve seen so far this S/S.

Miss Selfridge Jacquard Duster / New Look Crepe Duster Coat / Topshop Khaki Duster

These three jackets are from the more classic end of the spectrum and so perfect for people who like their coats a bit more neutral. Jacquard is always a popular texture in the winter and the monochrome of this Miss Selfridge coat will mean it goes with everything. New Look and Topshop provide another two corkers; the pale pink New Look coat proves the oversized shape doesn’t need to make the duster masculine, while the Toppers one looks very authentic – I imagine it’d take a dusty road very well indeed.

ASOS also stock a few nice ones and I’ve seen on Instagram that people are snapping up some BEAUTIES from Primark too, so we would definitely recommend checking those out as well. Come payday I plan to launch my own duster coat mission, so I’ll report back on whether it makes us short girls look chic and androgynous, or like a massive sack of potatoes…

What do you all think of the duster coat trend?

ClaireAugust 13, 2014

Topshop Autumn/Winter 2014 Preview

Hi there folks,

I’m not sure about y’all, but this chilly weather has made me think that summer is well and truly done with. I’m quite pleased actually, since I am very tired of seeing people’s holiday snaps on Twitter and thinking ‘what on earth am I doing in England, I am giving up this shit to become a wine ~~maker~~ drinker in Italy’. Cheers Hurricane Bertha.

On the plus side, not having to think about any form of bikini body has meant I have been able to nibble/shovel cake at work without a care in the world. There is a silver lining to everything.

So, I figured now is the time to do a few more autumn/winter previews, which I hope you chicks who have no holiday to look forward to will appreciate too.

As pretty basic bitches when it comes to finances, it’s not often that Claire and I splash out on Topshop, but it still holds a dear place in our hearts. Sometimes, when I feel like I need a bit of a cheer up, I like popping into Toppers and subsequently get chucked out for accidentally drooling on a pile of clothes. So clearly, it was hugely necessary for me to have a nice perv on the Topshop autumn/winter collection – which is FIERCE by the way.

Cara has been named as the face of Topshop’s autumn/winter collections and by all that is holy, she looks AMAZING. I’m pleased to see a bit of leopard print making an appearance – which as you will have guessed, is one of Stylingo’s passions (aside from drinking tea and discussing the fine points of trap music).

She is so sassy. I’m loving virtually all of these pieces, and looking forward to winter coming, so I can stroll around in a big fur coat, heels and no trousers on. I’m liking how grungey everything seems to be, although that’s not a big surprise, since winter always brings grungier stuff (why is anyone ever surprised that black, dark colours and big coats are a thing in winter I don’t know).

Topshop have also released a few non-Cara snaps, which all look excellent too.

I am particularly keen to wear what looks like a big blanket out. I’m guessing for the skint girls such as myself, it will be acceptable to nip to the shops with a duvet slung around my shoulders. Huzzah.

What do you think of the Topshop autumn/winter 2014 collections?

ClaireJuly 25, 2014

Currently Watching: eBay Wishlist #6

Floral Trousers / Cleated Sole Platform / Rose Print Kimono/ Studded Bumbag/Mesh Swimsuit / Palm Print Bralet

Hey hey everybody, it’s Cleopatra, coming atcha. Not really, just Claire again (sorry). I realised we haven’t done an eBay wishlist for months and knew that this had to be rectified as I have loads of fit bits in my watching list at the moment, and it would frankly be cruel to not share them with you. Once I’d gathered them all together I realised this is a very summery wishlist, so if you still have a festival or holiday to go to this year then I’mma hook you up.

The trousers and kimono are both from the same overseas seller, and they have SO many nice things. The prices are frankly ridiculous – the kimono, for example, is £4.26. Yes, four pounds and twenty-six pence! With prices like that, it’s definitely worth the wait of a couple weeks for delivery – and whatever I’ve had from Chinese sellers so far has always been good quality. Accessories-wise, I’m loving these white cleated sole platforms (obviously – who isn’t?!) and the studded bumbag was one that I wanted for Wireless festival a few weeks ago (but I accidentally spent all of my money on houmous before the weekend so couldn’t afford it, sob). I’m off on holiday in FOUR DAYS so it’s a little late for me to order this mesh insert swimsuit but I think it’s absolutely beautiful, and it would also be super flattering for those not quite brave enough to fully flash their stomach. And finally we have the palm print bralet, which is so perfect for summer it almost causes a tear to come to my eye.

What do you all think of this eBay wishlist?

ClaireJuly 14, 2014

Glorious Fashion: Races Day Wishlist

ASOS Jacquard Pep Hem Dress | House of Fraser Feather Fascinator | ASOS Heeled Sandals | Yves Saint Laurent Candy Volupte Lipstick | New Look Statement Necklace

It’s common knowledge that we don’t really go to fancy events. In fact, the last time we actually looked like sophisticated women in nice dresses was probably at our respective christenings. Which is why, when we heard about this jazzy 888sport competition to win 2 tickets to the races AND £100 to win an outfit, we had to get involved (I MEAN WHY WOULD YOU NOT). All you have to do is create a college or style an outfit of what you would wear to any Ladies Day races this year to be in with a chance of winning

I’ve never actually been to the races before, so I have to base my outfit on what I have seen on other blogs/in mags. I’m guessing you have to wear quite a nice dress and not look like too much of a slag basically.

I absolutely adore this ASOS dress, it is so so nice. I usually hate drop waist dresses, but this one isn’t too horrible and both the colour and print is perfect. I decided to accessorise with white shoes and a white feathered fascinator, because if you can’t wear a fascinator to Ladies’ Day, when can you? As a gal who loves statement necklaces, I went for this pretty New Look piece and of course, a pale pink lippy to complete the pastel theme.

If you’ve entered too, we’d love to see your entry!!

ClaireJuly 2, 2014

Style Inspo: Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas

Hello fellow idiots,

It seems that I have finally grown up into a grown woman. Pass me a Sunday afternoon of Agatha Christie’s Poirot, a glass of gin and a few cats (why lie, I always liked these things). But aside from my imminent old lady behaviour, I’m actually starting to go to weddings regularly in the summer. If that’s not a sign of being in your 20s, I don’t know what is.

While this is all very well and its nice to celebrate mates’ everlasting love and everything, I am very tired of deciding what to wear to the damn things.

I don’t know about you hunnys, but I am the type of girl who sells pretty much all of my clothes right after I’ve worn them (ever Insta’d in the same outfit twice, you get me) so I virtually NEVER have anything nice to wear ever. Which means I always have to buy new outfits, which also means that I have to plan these silly things. And wedding outfits are the worst to plan. You don’t want to look like a hoochie mama, but you also don’t want to look like a massive snore who has no mates. So with the couple of weddings I’ve got to drag myself to this summer, here are a few wedding outfit ideas for you (and me) to feast your eyes on.

Paisley Print Cut Out Mini Dress | Hampshire Heeled Sandals | Patent Pink Clutch | Diamante Statement Necklace | Rectangular Stone Ring

Floral Print Jumpsuit | Gold Statement Necklace | White Metal Bar Clutch Bag | Chanel Lipstick in Camella | White Sandal Heels

Midi Skater Dress | Cleated Platform Sandals | Gold & Blue Statement Necklace | Pale Blue Cleated Clutch Bag

What do you think gals?

I would greatly appreciate your input, because I seriously need some bangin’ outfits to wear this summer! If you have any wedding outfit ideas posts too, then please leave them in the comments below so that I can have a massive perv and probably steal your ideas.

ClaireJune 23, 2014

Primark A/W 2014 Collection: First Look

There are three things in this world guaranteed to excite yours truly: 1. a new series of Game of Thrones, 2. a surprise packet of biscuits, and 3. a sneak peak at Primark’s new season’s collection.

Now, I know we don’t really want to be thinking about A/W yet. Summer’s only just getting started and the thought of fleece-lined tights and razor-sharp nips should still be a very very distant thought for us. But I defy – yes, DEFY – you to look at these photos from Primark’s A/W14 lookbook and not get just a little bit excited at the thought of donning some of this fur.

This exclusive look at next season was first brought to us by Company magazine, who also outlined the key collections that will be gracing our local stores. These include School’s Out, which aims to carry the varsity trend of this (and last) summer into autumn/winter by incorporating a 60s mod edge; and Garden Army which is all khaki, parkas and ankle boots.

Slavomania is probably the new collection I am most excited by, as folky, boho-style finally makes a comeback in a way that doesn’t make me want to vomit. Shaggy furs and floppy hats sound like a welcome relief from all the leather I was hoiking myself into last year.

In terms of individual pieces, the coat and jacket game seems like it’s going to be particularly strong for Primark this year. Texture seems to be played with in a big way, with everything from wool and leather to fur and fluff getting a look in, while shapes are going over-sized and masculine (not sure how this will suit us short girls, but time will tell). It also looks like it’s going to be another amazing season for Primark shoesies, as clumpy platform boots, metallic flats and fashion trainers all make an appearance. And are those thigh-high boots I see below? Yes, all of our panto dreams could be answered, my friends.

These collections are due to start hitting stores around mid-August and I’ll definitely get my squirrel head on and start stocking up for winter as soon as I see some of these pieces start to show up.

What do you all think of the Primark A/W14 lookbook?

ClaireJune 11, 2014

SS14 Highstreet Wishlist: Topshop, Pretty Little Thing & More

Topshop La Vie Boheme Crop Top | Missguided Strawberry Print Strappy Crop | Topshop Lip Bullet in Covet | ASOS Huntington Heeled Sandals | Pretty Little Thing Holographic Platforms

Pretty Little Thing Cloud Print Co-ord | ASOS Pink Flatform Trainers | Sleek Au Natural Eyeshadow Palette | Topshop Gold Collar | Bleach London Reincarnation Mask

Even though I am SUPER poor at the moment, I have been shopping more than I care to admit. There’s just so many amazing things on the highstreet at the moment and it’s virtually impossible to resist. I’m not entirely sure what the shops are playing at to be honest, WHY YOU STOCK NICE THINGS?

These are just a few of the bits and bobs I’ve got my eye on at the moment. I don’t know about you stunners, but I always put things on my wish list that I know aren’t going to suit me but I love anyway. Those ASOS Huntington heeled sandals are one of those. My giant plank feet would look genuinely ridiculous in them, but how amazing? I need some kind of perspex heel in my life. NOW.

I also really want to try that Bleach London Reincarnation Mask – You might have read my recent Bleach London Awkward Peach review, but I’m big into Bleach London products at the moment. This hair mask is supposed to repair and moisturise damaged hair, and BLOODY HELL the packaging is so cute.

When I own these, I will be the fanciest person in the world.

ClaireJune 4, 2014

Brand Showcase: Zara Taylor Jewellery

Do you know what I bloody love? ~~CAKE~~. Er… apart from cake? I bloody love jewellery, and in particular I have a penchant for a statement ring. It’s no surprise then that I’m thoroughly in love with this new beauty that I was lucky enough to receive from Zara Taylor at a recent press day I attended. It’s rarely left my finger since, and in the meantime I’ve become borderline obsessed with the rest of the pieces available from Zara Taylor. And what better way to deal with these obsessive feelings than by passing them on to all of you? It’s better than passing on germs.

Zara Taylor Jewellery is based in London, and has a focus on quirky, vintage-inspired pieces made with the highest quality materials. Since 2010, Zara’s amazing talent has led the brand to already achieve great success, with her pieces already featuring in Look and Vogue, and being worn by celebs including Kelly Rowland, Jessie J and Taylor Swift. As my old nan used to say, ‘IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR THAT BINT TAYLOR…’ (okay, she probably said that a total of never times, but you see my point).

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

I love the mixture of cute trinket-y pieces that are perfect for stacking and the lavish statement jewels. I’d probably wear them all at once so I looked a bit like a pirate, but then I’m a classless lout.

1 / 2 / 3

One of the best things about Zara Taylor Jewellery is the price. Ranging from as little as £5 for a ring up to about £22 for some of the statement necklaces, they’re really purse friendly without being cheap. Regularly readers will know it PAINS me to slag off my beloved Primark, but I’ve had no less than 3 necklaces from there break recently, while the rings will always without doubt turn your finger green. My Zara Taylor ring is a completely different story, with no green mark in sight (just the usual orange from my rubbish fake tan, much better). I therefore definitely think it’s worth paying a bit more and getting something of such a higher quality, as well as being much more interesting in terms of design and story.

I’ve waffled enough for one day, but I hope you all LURVE Zara Taylor Jewellery as much as I do. Be sure to check out her amazing website!

What do you all think of this brand? Have you bought anything from Zara Taylor before yourself?