Spring has sprung

Well, it's official, spring has definitely sprung!  The nights are getting lighter, the weather is getting warmer and the beer gardens are getting fuller (nothing better than an ice cold cider in the sun).  One of the main things I like about living in the UK is the seasons.  As much as I love the sun and often dream about emigrating the changing seasons and the fashion they bring is enough of a pull to keep me here. 
My winter outfits are slowly getting further and further towards the back of my wardrobe and my brighter, more summery clothes are starting to make a well deserved appearance!  There's nothing I enjoy more than being able to leave the house without a coat and with a pair of sandals on your feet.

Afternoon Tea

On Saturday me and the girls went for a spot of afternoon tea at The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair and it certainly didn't disappoint!  After 2 rounds of sandwiches, a round of cakes and pastries and 2 rounds of scones with clotted cream and jam we were all well and truly stuffed.  Served in the conservatory of the hotel with an outside inside feel it is an idyllic setting, especially when the sun has got his hat on.    
With the sun making a special quest appearance I decided to take my new pink blazer and shades on a little outing.  And after the amount of food I consumed and with the weather being so good I took a nice stroll back to Westminster passing Buckingham Palace and a very busy St James's Park, surely the walk counteracts the amount of calories I consumed!?!

How to do Paris fashion week!

Now this is how to do Paris Fashion Week! Another effortlessly chic and stylish outfit from the style icon that is Olivia Palermo.  The FROW regular wore this stunning Dior outfit to attend the Christian Dior ready to wear fall/winter 2012 show in Paris.  The shoes alone prove that she well and truly deserves her place in the fash pack.  Olivia definitely tops my list as one of the best dressed celebrities at Paris Fashion Week and she certainly gave the women of the fashion capital a run for their money.  This was just one of many amazing outfits that Olivia showcased throughout the week.  This lady has a wardrobe that most of us would give our right arm for, not to mention a closet full of stunning accessories that she is often seen dripping in.  Her love for high street stores such as Topshop and Zara means that us regular Jo’s can grab ourselves a slice of her style but at affordable prices.  The key to her look is to mix and match your high street finds with a few designer pieces by adding a gorgeous bag or some oversized jewellery, it’s a look that can easily be achieved.    

Image by Getty Images        

Colour Pop

Last weekend I decided it was time to bring some colour into my wardrobe.
I'm a huge fan of a blazer so I thought I would combine the two and went and bought this little beauty from H&M.
The only downside to this new purchase is that it makes me long for summer even more!

Holiday Countdown

So, it's now less than 8 weeks until my holiday and I think it's about time that I started to add a few bits and bobs to my summer wardrobe.
Well I say start but I've kind of already bought a new pair of sunglasses!  I picked up this pair from Topshop in black, I love the cat eye shape of them.

         Topshop £16.00

  

My new favourite item

This is the newest edition to my wardrobe and now one of my favourites!  And at a bargain price of just £12.00 it didn't break the bank either.
Primark is definitely a must stop shop for me, especially for new trends.  With such low prices you don't mind if the trend only lasts a few months and you never wear it again!
I liked it so much that I bought the stripy version too. 

Best London gigs this April

Teenage Cancer Trust Concert - Florence and the Machine - Royal Albert Hall - April 3  
Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls with Billy Bragg - Wembley Arena - April 13
Noah and the Whale - Royal Albert Hall - April 16-17
The Dandy Warhols - The Forum - April 21
Coachella - (The Black Keys, Pulp, Arctic Monkeys) - Empire Polo Club - April 22
Example + Wretch 32 - The O2 - April 27
Bombay Bicycle Club - Alexandra Palace - April 28
Foster the People  - Brixton Academy  - April 29

Gentleman Prefer Blondes

Yesterday I caught the end of the 1953 film Gentleman Prefer Blondes and my love for all things Marilyn Monroe grew even stronger.
To me her style was iconic and she knew exactly how to dress to show off those amazing curves!
50's fashion in general did wonders for the female form and it still influences many designers to this day.  
How stylish do they both look?

Image 20th Century-Fox/Photofest  

Addictive Personality

I appear to have a habit of finding something I like and then proceeding to buy it in as many different styles as possible!!
My latest fad is patterned leggings.  So far I've only bought some leopard print ones from Topshop but I've been on a little hunt and found 3 more that I want.


       Topshop £20.00                ASOS £30.00                  Urban Outfitters £28.00



Style Crush

My latest style crush is British born Zanna Roberts Rassi, best known since 2007 as the senior fashion editor of US Marie Claire.  You may also know her from appearances in the show Running In Heels and as host of After the Runway a spinoff show from Project Runway.
Obviously it's her job to be stylish and she certainly does it with ease and flair.  This lady can even turn joggers and heels into a killer outfit!
I love her blend of laid back tomboy chic.

Image Pinterest

Blogspiration

If you're not already a fan of the blog Fashion Detective now is the time to sit up and take note!
With her witty posts and quirky style Johanna Payton is at the top of her game.  It was actually after advice from the lady herself that I decided to give blogging a go.
The blog gives you a look into her day to day working life and a glimpse of her personal shenanigans too.
Trust me, after reading Jo's blog you'll definitely want to swap lives with her!
Take a peek http://www.fashiondetective.co.uk/

Essex Fashion Week

So the next big event in our calendars is Essex Fashion Week.  It's taking place on Sunday the 8th April and is guaranteed to be full of glitz and glamour!
With celebrity names such as Amy Childs and Harry Derbidge confirmed to make an appearance it will definitely be a must for any TOWIE fan.
Entertainment for the VIP aftershow party will be courtesy of a variety of DJ's and singers.
I'm thinking big hair and even bigger heels are in order.
Keep checking the blog for more updates and pictures    

Collar Obsession

I have discovered that I have a slight obsession with collars & have purchased quite a few!  Here are some of my recent finds:

The top two collars are from http://www.topshop.com/ & the bottom one is from http://www.riverisland.com/

Tried and Tested

For many years we've both been on a quest to find curling tongs that actually curl!  Numerous tongs and pounds later we came across the Yogi hair wand.  It's really easy to use and allows you to create big bouncy waves or tight defined curls that last all day.
The range consists of regular size wands to fat barrel wands and prices vary from £59.95 to £64.95.
They work equally as well on most hair types - I have short, fine hair and my sister has long, thick hair but we both get great results!

Dirty Thirty

So, next year is the big 30 for me and my plan is to try and do as many things as I can before it gets here!  To make it's arrival a little easier I've planned a trip to Vegas with my group of friends and I aim to be drunk through most of it.
Obviously this blog is one thing that I can check off my to do list and Vegas will be another.
I'll be putting regular updates on here to let you know what else I've been up to.


        

Wish List

Since I purchased my first Mulberry Daria Hobo bag back in 2009 I've grown a slight obsession with the brand.  As a little Christmas present to myself last year I added the Carter Camera bag to my collection and although that was only 2 months ago I'm already on the look out for the next one!
I regularly check http://www.mulberry.com/ and have a little daydream and I've found what's next on my wish list.  The Oversized Alexa in nightshade blue and the Taylor Oversized Satchel in summer khaki need to be in my wardrobe!