trends | Vanity Claire

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?

ClaireMay 19, 2014

The Best of the Highstreet: Palm Tree Prints

Good evening dear pals,

I have a confession to make. I have developed an unhealthy obsession with palm trees. Don’t ask me how, don’t ask me why but there it is. I have been desperately searching for some kind of ‘palm tree print anonymous’ groups but apparently they don’t exist. If there are any fashion bloggers out there who would like to create a palm tree print obsessed group, I would be more up for that than Miley Cyrus is for twerking and/or being a lunatic.

So, feeding my obsession and also giving myself an excuse for yet more shopping, I have been perusing the old internet and found some of the best palm tree prints on the line. You are all welcome, you stunners. Don’t blame me if your bank rings you in palm tree print anger.

I don’t know about you all, but I love that New Look cami especially, it’s beauuutiful. I’m also keen for the New Look clutch bag, it is more than jazzy.

Is anyone else mega keen for palm tree print at the moment? The only thing that I am sad about is the fact that I’m not off anywhere on holiday again this year to fully take advantage of these tropical print beauties. I’m going to have to force Claire to buy loads of these so that I can live through her when she goes away later on in the summer. I’m pretty sure she won’t mind.

What do you lovely ladies think? Are you a palm print fan orrrrrr?

Don’t forget you can vote for us as Best Blogging Duo in this year’s Style Blogger Awards with Company magazine! Click the icon below to be taken to the voting site:

ClaireApril 25, 2014

Guest Post: The Problem With Pink

As some of you may know, Lauren is still living it up in South Africa and I’m bogged down with work in Costa Del Coventry (seems fair RIGHT?), We’ve therefore enlisted the help of one of our other favourite bloggers Rachel, who’s kindly wrote this guest post for us. CHEERS PAL!
Hello lovelies! I’m Rach from over at Me, Myself And…, and I’ve stopped by Stylingo to guest post for the lovely Claire and Lauren! I’m here today to offer support to those who are still feeling a tad nervous about the pink trend. Bring it in ladies…

So – PINK IS STILL IN. Who saw that coming? Certainly not me.

For someone who loves pastel colours, I always tend to shy away from the candy floss hue. Cobalt blue, neon yellow, lime green – I’ve got em all! But fuchsia pink? No thanksss.

Being the brave creature that I am, I’ve pushed my irrational fear of pink to the side and had a look at some of Asos‘ newest offerings. I have to say, I’m sort of coming round to the idea…

I had originally gone looking for some bits and pieces from the website just to show what was on offer, but I’m not going to lie – I saved ALL for later. How much later? Payday later! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still nervous about it all arriving and looking completely ridiculous on me. I can’t help it if I think even the slightest bit of pink being incorporated into my outfit is going to result in a striking resemblance to Frenchy from Grease.

So, if you’re anything like me – crazy – then here are a few tips to get you through the pink trend…

You’re not sure which shade of pink will suit you
Tip: Chances are, none of them – so just pick whichever will look nicest sitting at the end of your bed, tag still attached, for the next 6-8 weeks.

You think it looks too girly on you
Tip: Grunge it up with chunky boots. If that doesn’t work – grow a beard.

Hardly anything in your wardrobe will go with pink
Tip: Throw it out. Throw it all out. Then buy more pink stuff. Hell, why not just drop out of beauty school and rename yourself Frenchy while you’re at it.

You think it makes you look like a walking, talking marshmallow.
Tip: Walk around with a bag of Flumps permanently fixed to your hand – anyone who can’t differentiate between the two doesn’t deserve a place in your life.

Happy Shopping!

A huge thank you to Rachel for guest posting for us today!

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

ClaireApril 21, 2014

Guest Post: Pick of the Pastels

Hi guys, I’m Estelle and I blog over at Let Me Go Xo. When I saw that Lauren and Claire (although it’s just Claire as Lauren as loving life in SA) were looking for guest bloggers I jumped at the chance. How does it feel being on Stylingo? All of my dreams have come true.

It is no secret that I am a pastel lover so I decided to do my ‘Pick Of The Pastels’ where I show you guys some of my favourite pastel clothes out there right now.

I’ve been loving skorts recently and a skort in coral? Yes please. But first lemme take a selfie, I have a pure hatred for that song but I have a pure love for this jumper. Jumpsuits are so in right now, they’re perfect for holiday and this mint colour is so pretty, I also love the slight shine to the jumpsuit. If you’re a regular reader of my blog then you’ll know I have a *slight* obsession for shift dresses and this mint dress is no exception to my obsession. Try saying that quickly. When I think pastels, I think Missguided, this box top is so pretty as is the bralet. Now for my new favourite shop: Oh My Love. Everything on their site is to die for, the powder blue maxi dress is absolutley precious and the peach dress is, infact, perfection.

Thanks to Claire (and Lauren) for having me on their blog! What is your favourite item from this list?

Estelle x
letmegoxo.blogspot.co.uk

A huge thank you to Estelle for guest posting for us! If you would like to write something for us then please let us know by emailing us.

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

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ClaireMarch 6, 2014

River Island Spring/Summer 2014 Collection: Best Of

Another day, another S/S14 collection to lust over.Now that we’re officially into March, I say it’s officially time we all cast off our scarves and throw our coats in the bin . No, I don’t care if you get frostbite and your nip-nips become razor sharp weapons – winter is over and spring is here, rejoice!

River Island are the latest high street retailer to be flaunting their new season wares all over the internet (you can check out their full S/S14 trends page by clicking that there link) , and below I’ve gathered some of the pieces into the key trends that RI look to be pushing this year. A warning in advance: you may need sunglasses just to look at this lot. One thing River Island has never been is subtle, is it?

Trend 1: Pink, Pink, Loads of Pinks

There really is no way to escape it, this year truly is all about the colour pink. Whereas other retailers are sticking to pale shades, River Island are embracing each and every tone of pink they can get their filthy fashion hands on. Fuchsia, salmon, dusky, pastel, neon and candyfloss pinks are all getting their time to shine (quite literally in the case of that metallic skirt). Trend 2: Tropical/Psychedelic/Tacky-As-Hell Prints

I struggled with what to call this trend, so figured I would go with the obvious. The amount of print in the new collection is sure to make your eyes bleed as soon as you walk into your local River Island, but after a winter of dark florals and cutesy heart prints, I think it’s actually kind of refreshing. Yes, people might ask you if you’re wearing these items as some sort of joke, but what do they know? Team with your prints with other bold items to really go to town on the look.

Trend 3: Cool Toned Futuristic Space Woman Clothes

Ask yourself, what will fashion-conscious space people of the future wear? Then look above – that is what they will wear. Clean lines and cool metallics feature quite heavily in the new collection, meaning that we can look all futuristic and alien-like but TODAY – which is just great news.

So there we have it. River Island definitely seem to be going quite brave this season, but what do you think?

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ClaireMarch 5, 2014

How To Dress For Your Body Shape: The Real Person Version

I’m pretty sure most girls have tried on clothes while out shopping, taken a peek in the mirror and thought ‘good heavens, these leather trousers make me look like a raging hippopotamus lunatic’. (no…just me?)

I am very passionate about people wearing clothes that suit them (i.e. if you are over a certain age and insist on wearing disco hot pants, you need to go home). And that’s not just me being horrified at seeing elderly bottom in the streets, I think people generally feel better in clothes that fit them and suit them. I know I definitely do, which is why I refuse (on grounds that I don’t want to alarm anybody with my trunk-like arms) to wear things that don’t have sleeves.

But how on this good green earth how do you dress for your body shape in this day and age without looking like a lunatic?

Triangle:

If you’re a triangle shape, you tend to be bigger on top and smaller on the bottom – basically an inverted pear. Skater skirts help to put you more into proportion.

Leather Skater Skirt | Cropped Ribbed Tshirt | Cut Out Boots | Statement Necklace

Pear:

Aside from being delicious and good for you, pears tend to be bigger on the bottom and smaller on top. Patterns and sleeves balance y’all out.

Floral Skater Dress | Platform Sandals | Pale Pink Bag

Hourglass:

If you’re an hourglass, you’re a lucky thang. Hourglasses are the same proportions on top and on the bottom. Huzzah. Make the most most of your hot bod.

Black Midi Skirt | Crop Vest Drop | Cascade Necklace | Strap Heels

Apple:

Apple shapes are usually bigger around the middle bit, with slimmer legs and arms. Shift dresses are excellent because they don’t draw attention to the bigger areas. And transparent clutch bags are great.

White Flatforms | Daisy Print Shift Dress | Transparent Clutch Bag

Rectangle:

The model shape, you lucky thangs! Clothes look brilliant on you and you can pretty much wear anything. Thanks to the queen and merry England.

Metallic Boots | Lace Jumpsuit | Pink Satchel

I know there have been a zillion programmes on the telly about wearing the right clothes for your body shape, but lets be honest. Gok doesn’t really cater for us gals who are a bit on the younger side. And his tips don’t always correlate to what’s in the shops right at this moment in time. The whole “ooooo-er wear a waist belt to draw the eye to who knows what” is frankly nonsense. It’s not 2004 anymore and I don’t even know where you buy a coloured waist belt anymore. And this horizontal versus vertical stripe situation baffles me. If I wear a vertical stripe, I can pretty much guarantee that I will not look like a size 6 Kate Moss.

My ultimate top tip for you all is: the bigger the bag, the smaller the waist. While dressing for your shape is a good idea…sometimes you just want to wear disco hotpants. If that’s the case, just buy lots of giant handbags and wear what you want. Goodnight.

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ClaireFebruary 15, 2014

How to Dress Like… Nina Nesbitt

Oh. My. Gosh. Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, but I’m currently in the throes of an enormous new girl crush. If you’ve listened to any form of radio in the last couple of months then you’ll probably already be familiar with Nina Nesbitt’s current track ‘Selfies’ (note to self: probably not cool enough to say ‘track’, stick with ‘song’ or perhaps ‘record’ in future). Although it had firmly been stuck in my head for weeks and weeks, I actually had no idea what the girl behind the music looked like – and now I do and OH MY GOD, I love her.

Nina Nesbitt, I bow down to your enviable trainer collection, impeccable sense of style, and wondrous, wondrous hair…

Let’s just take a moment to bask in her style glory, shall we?

The fact of the matter is that I will never be able to accessorise my own outfits with her amazing legs (and I’ll cry about this forever more), but here are some things I definitely can pick up if I’m wanting to channel my inner Nina Nesbitt:

Some vintage denim shorts such as these Levis from eBay
A statement bomber jacket like this tartan one from Pretty Little Thing
A classic leather aviator jacket; Missguided do a cute cropped one
A velvet dress such as this Boohoo number
A classic pork pie hat, for which Topshop are the obvious choice this season
Some classic Converse low-tops which can be bought from Office
A vintage looking chunky knit; this Topshop one is perf for the job
Some full length dungarees for slouching around in – these ASOS ones have ripped knees for added slouchy points

What do you all think of Nina Nesbitt’s style? Love it or hate it?

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ClaireDecember 3, 2013

Latest Trend: Velvet | Best of the High Street

As we approach the Christmas season each year, there’s always one material that re-surfaces to get us in the festive mood: velvet. There’s something about the plush texture that seems to scream Christmas louder than Noddy Holder (who, as a side note, basically ruins Christmas for me. Annoying berk).

Now, I’ve always been a bit wary of velvet. I think this stems back to a rather shocking fashion faux pas I committed when I was younger. My mum re-married when I was around 10, but I used to be scared of dresses and so, for some reason God alone knows, I thought it was appropriate for me to wear at the wedding – please brace yourselves for this horrifying image – a purple velvet suit. I kid you not.

So ever since that frankly traumatising time in my life, I’ve given velvet a bit of a wide berth. However, this year it’s interesting to see the various forms that velvet is now appearing in. For the last few years it’s been pretty exclusively reserved to dresses; but with this A/W’s focus on texture, texture and more texture, there are a huge number of options on the high street for different ways to wear velvet.

Here are some of our favourite pieces:

Velvet Playsuit – Boohoo

A velvet playsuit is a nice alternative to the usual velvet dress. Cami straps and loose swing styles have been really big the last few months, so this one manages to tick quite a lot of boxes with one massive pen.

Gold Foil Velvet Tube Skirt – Topshop

If you thought that Topshop reached it’s peak of gaudiness with the pale pink PVC skirt that everyone was loving recently, then you will see that you’re wrong. This shamelessly extravagant skirt is Christmas opulence in sartorial form.

Velvet Cropped T-Shirt – River Island

Moving away from the traditional blacks and burgundies that velvet usually appears in, this electric blue cropped t-shirt is a slouchy alternative to the trend.

Floral Velvet Bodycon Dress – Miss Selfridge

Patterned velvet is emerging strongly this year, and the winter hues of this dress keep the floral from looking too summery.

Velvet Leggings – Missguided

If you’re a bit unsure about how wearable velvet is, then these leggings from Missguided are a very easy-to-wear take on the trend. They can be teamed with a baggy tee or chunky knit for a daytime look, or dressed up with a crop top or body. Versatility, eh, got to love it.

What do you all think of this trend? How would you choose to wear velvet this winter?

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ClaireNovember 6, 2013

Missguided Party Dress Wishlist

It’s no secret that Lauren and I love Missguided – not just a bit, but mega loads. They have SO many clothes on the site that you never really have to worry about bumping into someone else wearing the same dress as you, and their stuff for the most part is really reasonably priced (especially the Sweet Deal range, which has expanded even more since our original post on it a few months ago).

I’ve got a party to go to in a few weeks and have been eying up a lot of potential outfits on the site; but due to my title as the Most Indecisive Girl in the Midlands 2013, I can’t pick which one I like best. Usually, I’d order a couple and return the ones I liked least – however, my one bug bear with Missguided is that you end up being charged for returns (NOT COOL) so I’m not keen on this idea. I’ve therefore put together a little shortlist of my favourite pieces at the mo.

The contenders are…

Chiffon Playsuit (£20.49) – I ‘m a big fan of playsuits (despite the inevitable nakedness when you go to the loo, which is awkward when you share cubicles with your mates and have to shout ‘FACE THE DOOR! DON’T LOOK AT ME YOU PERVERT!’) and love the smudge print of this one. I also like the chiffon and the loose waist, which will be perfect for the large amount of buffet food I’ll inevitably consume at the party.

Strappy Chiffon Playsuit (£24.99) – chiffon, check, playsuit, check – I sense a theme. Burgundy is one of my favourite colours for A/W and so I think this is a great choice for a November party. Sometimes thin straps make my shoulders look approximately seven feet wide though, so this one is not quite top of my list.

Leather and Tweed Dress (£24.99) – this dress ticks two trend boxes in one, but would the length be a little too short for a party full of my friend’s family members? I don’t want anyone’s auntie Sue thinking I’m a hoochie (even if I am)(that was a joke)(or was it?)

Strappy Chain Mini Dress (£24.99) – gold chains on clothes always screams ‘River Island’ to me, but I’ve noticed them popping up a lot more recently am slowly starting to wonder whether I actually don’t find them hideous anymore. I like the double-strap of this one, plus I’m once again thinking of how well that loose fit would cope with my buffet over-indulgence!

Flower Print Playsuit (14.99 in sale) – this is just the flippin’ cutest thing ever in my opinion, and currently half price in the sale, my ‘buy it now’ urges are strong.

Jungle Print Mini Dress (£24.99) – the green and purple contrast is what really catches my eye with this dress, and the jungle print is really unique.

So, these are currently the dresses and playsuits in the running for my party outfit – but which one gets your vote?

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ClaireOctober 29, 2013

New Brand Launch: NOWSEEN Jewellery

As young women of the 21st century, I would say we’re all pretty used to faking it. And by this, I mean faking our jewellery… obviously (minds out of the gutters please).

Lauren and I are both big fans of statement jewellery – as a general rule, the bigger and blingier the better – but our poor graduate budgets mean that usually we end raiding the stands at Primark to get our fake fix. Last week, though, an email popped into our inbox that means that all this could soon be about to change.

NOWSEEN (yes, you have to shout it) is a new online store due to launch this week that specialises in fashion-focused jewellery. This is pretty exciting in itself; most highstreet stores stock jewellery almost as an afterthought, and I can’t think of many jewellery-exclusive stores aimed at our market.

But what really caught my attention about this brand is that we’ll no longer have to fake it. All of the jewellery is made with precious metals and real gemstones. Do you know what this means? NO MORE GREEN FINGERS!

I would have thought that real pieces like these would be far above my meagre budget, but prices on NOWSEEN are going to start as low as £10. Considering you can pay as much as £20 in some high street stores for costume jewellery that can fall apart the first time you wear it, this is amazing for investment pieces that will last you a lifetime.

As well as offering genuine quality pieces, NOWSEEN is also incredibly fashion-forward. Their jewellery promise to be edgy and on-trend, with stacker rings, friendship bracelets and statement cocktail rings all available.

These sneak peek images have got me super super SUPER excited for the launch, and I can’t wait to see the full range once the site is live. We’ve also heard a cheeky rumour that to celebrate their launch, NOWSEEN will also be running a competition on Facebook for one lucky winner to win £200 worth of jewellery from their A/W 2013 collection. You can keep up with their Facebook page to find out more about this once it launches.

What do you all think of NOWSEEN? Would you be interested in buying ‘real’ jewellery?

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