Wednesday, 26 February 2014

The chicest game of dress up you will ever see

I spent most of my childhood scribbling away on my fashion wheel imagining what it would be like to be a designer one day. Four year old & aptly named, Mayhem has taken it to a whole new level.

Our runway fashion fantasies have nothing on this little girl. Not satisfied with shop bought princess dresses, Mayhem has taken to fabricating her own couture creations from materials found in her craft box.

"The ideas are pretty much a 50/50 split, but mayhem constructs a lot more than most people would probably believe. That's one of the best things about this project, I see her learning new skills every day. At this point, she knows exactly how many sheets of construction paper she needs to make herself a top & bottom" Mum Angie explained.

The mother daughter duo have set up their own website www.fashionsbymayhem.com featuring their creations. Stay tuned for her interpretation of Sunday night's Oscars red carpet.

Trina xx

How to wear your converse this spring/summer

Though they may seem like the least exciting footwear you own, they have the power to totally transform any outfit. Converse have left their indelible mark in the wardrobes of women everywhere since their birth. To put this theory to the test, I’m going to show you how to style your chucks in different ways to prove just how versatile your favourite kicks can be.

With spring in the air, winter warmers are fading, breathing new life into our wardrobes allowing us to get our pins out. Take inspiration from Kate Bosworth teaming your cons with a maxi skirt & a loose fitting tee. Add a statement necklace & you're good to go!

Go boho in a long dress with a cross over ethic print bag. Team with a hippie headband & a long delicate necklace.

Reinvent the LBD with this gorgeously simple look. Add a jean jacket for extra awesome.

Accentuate your gorgeous legs with short short denim cut off's & a military style jacket

If daring to bare isn't your thing, keep your pins under wraps while still keeping cool in a maxi dress. The bright cons add a touch of spring to the transeasonal piece.

Trina xx

Sunday, 23 February 2014

Trend Watch - The maxi dress for the petite girl

I've always been tiny. I don't believe I've had a growth spurt since I was twelve! Height is not a commodity in my family DNA. The first floor skimming dress I had was my grad dress, & I've developed a love for all things long ever since. Mainly because society tells me I can't. Well this little rebel says you can! Oh I've made mistakes along the way, but I had to make them to stop you from doing the same.

So how does a shorty pull this bohemian summer trend off without falling flat on her face.. literally?

The fastest way to remedy a long dress is a pair of stilettos. Y'know, the car to bar shoes your handbag wears every weekend. If you're smarter than me, you'll opt for a high wedge that will boost you up about four inches.

Every short arse is one a first name basis with a tinker tailor. A maxi dress isn't complicated to turn up providing you haven't chosen something with more tiers than a cake stand, & are generally quick if you throw them an extra few bob.

Try look for the petite range, do not be tempted to wander into the tall range. I repeat, DO NOT be tempted to wander into the tall range. You'll look like Bilbo Baggins in a dress! Not only are the items cut shorter, they are fitted differently so us shorties can avoid the dreaded long weird armpit of doom.

If your dress is just a tad (I said tad, not miles) too long, belt it! It behaves just as you want it to, & If it gives you any lip, just remind it that you're in charge! Haha lip, imagine if maxis could talk. Mine would laugh uncontrolably. I'm wearing you, now do your thing & make me look all bohemian & stuff!

Hanging out on the beach all day? I wish. Let the dress pool around your feet like you're a mermaid. Just be sure to pick it up when you walk. Safety first, & all that.

DO - Choose a maxi in a solid colour or a very fine print. Stay away from the roses your nanny has in her front garden.

Don't - Just say no to anything that's going to seperate your body into sections. We don't want to point our hang ups out.

Do - Aim for a toe grazing length be it flats or heels. Don't cut yourself off at the ankle, the trick is to elongate your body.

Don't - Choose any other material other than jersey material as it will skim over your body.

Do - Belt the maxi. By belting it, you're accentuating your natural waist or high waist visually lengthening those legs. Legs, at last!

BA&SH low back maxi dress €66.72

ProductDisplay?searchTerm=jersey+maxi+dress&storeId=12556&productId=12567853&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057

Topshop black cami maxi dress €26.00

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=jersey+maxi+dress&storeId=12556&productId=9329607&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057

So that's the long & short of it! Happy shopping girlies!

Trina xx

Trend Watch - Monochrome

Opposites attract when white meets black. The dynamic colours are visually stimulating, & separately, they deliver a message of their own. White being one of innocence, & black being slimming & classic. This S/S, expect a pairing of both colours in a variety of prints & textures. Contrasting the two are key to nailing this trend.

Steal inspiration from the Burberry catwalk at London Fashion Week with spots & stripes

Topshop spot print shirt €51.00

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/the-new-monochrome-2674558/spot-print-shirt-2645424?bi=1&ps=200

River Island black & white stripe bandage midi €47.00

http://eu.riverisland.com/women/skirts/tube--pencil-skirts/Black-and-white-stripe-bandage-midi-skirt-652653

Black & white are ideal pairing with a pop of colour. Perhaps a pair of colour block sandals or a bright handbag to make your independent style statement. Cobalt blue is one of those colours that are being paired with monochrome right now.

ASOS Hamstead heeled sandals €58.99

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-HAMPSTEAD-Heeled-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3530482&SearchQuery=blue%20sandals&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Blue

Create a visual interest in your wardrobe today.

Trina xx

Friday, 21 February 2014

Trend Watch - 90's Revival

Go home & dust off all the angst ridden clothes from the 90's because the decade just phoned, & they aren't getting their trends back! Unless they're calling about the acid wash denims, they can have those!

It took two decades, but it looks as though 90's fashion is back & here to stay. Do you remember Cher Horowitz in 'Clueless'? The valley princess is back as check rocked the S/S14 runway.

I've given Cher a bit of a face lift to make the fashion revival a little less painful.

All pieces can be found at www.riverisland.com

The 90's would not be complete without the spaghetti strap dress & the collar contrast dress.

Asos cami slip dress with lace inserts €91.30

http://www.asos.com/Jarlo/Jarlo-Alex-Cami-Slip-Dress-with-Lace-Inserts/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3617229&SearchQuery=Pastel%20Slip%20Dress&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

River Island contrast collar shift dress €45.00

http://eu.riverisland.com/women/dresses/shift-dresses/Yellow-contrast-collar-shift-dress-654158

There's nothing 'Clueless' about this trend

Trina xx

Trend Watch - The crop top

Mammies of the world, brace yourselves, for there is a trend that is guaranteed to strike fear into your worried hearts, & a cold into your kidneys!

Last year’s infatuation with the crop top is back for round two. I can see the fear of God in your eyes already, but read on. The crop top trend may not be for everyone, but it’s come a long way from its Spice Girls days. S/S14's offerings need not expose your whole stomach. The sexy schoolgirl look has been mellowed for a more sophisticated & comfortable style.

That touch of sophistication was lead by designers such as Michael Kors, designing a long sleeve crop top that exposed just a sliver of mid section. Crop tops aren't necessairly fitted, many are flattering box cuts that won't cling to your body.

Pair your crop top with abs-olute pride, with an A-line, full midi, pencil midi, or tapered high waisted trousers to balance the look. Alternatively, layer under a sheer blouse to keep it flirty without revealing too much.

Vanessa Hudgens

Here are my favorite picks from the shops

Topshop laser cut crop top £36.00

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/tops-443/crop-tops-2289261/lazer-cut-crop-2645434?refinements=category~%5b715507%7c208524%5d&bi=1&ps=200

Topshop cup corset lace bralet £22.00

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/tops-443/crop-tops-2289261/cup-corset-lace-bralet-2631656?refinements=category~%5b715507%7c208524%5d&bi=1&ps=200

Newlook black stripe long sleeve crop top €11.99

http://www.newlook.com/eu/shop/womens/tops/black-stripe-long-sleeve-crop-top_309238609

Never has there been a more attractive incentive to hit the gym than this S/S offering of crop tops.

Trina xx

Trend Watch - Midis with movement

Once upon a time, women were told to stay away from anything that resembled a midi skirt. In terms of length, the style's hemline hovers between a mini & a maxi & had a less than desireable reputation. This S/S, the tea length skirt has been revived by designers such as Delpozo, & Prada to name a few, as they abandoned the pencil silhouette for midis with movement.

Romantic & ladylike, the voluminous, calf covering full skirt is one of the few trends for S/S14. On it's own, a full skirt may read prim & proper, but throw in an unexpected material like leather booties or a leather jacket, & it can take on a completely different persona proving that this chic little number is a key investment in any girls wardrobe.

There are two characteristics that make a midi what it is, it's high waist, & it's hemline, allowing you to show off your summer bod in a crop top & a pair of gorgeous strappy sandals. Alternatively, the midi looks great with a longer cropped top just skimming the waist band or a top tucked in.

You don't need lots of money to shop this look. The midi comes in lots of different fabrics, but my favorite is tulle netting, one of Carrie Bradshaw's most iconic looks, & it can be found on Ebay or Etsy at a fraction of the cost.

Sex & The City's Carrie Bradshaw

The shops have an abundance of full midi skirts for this S/S14, & here are my top picks.

River Island light orange midi skirt €33.00

http://eu.riverisland.com/women/skirts/midi-skirts/Light-orange-midi-skirt-652555

River Island black full leather midi skirt as seen on Peaches Geldof at the Brits

http://eu.riverisland.com/women/skirts/midi-skirts/Black-leather-full-midi-skirt-647749

Newlook pink crinkle midi skirt €22.99

http://www.newlook.com/eu/shop/womens/skirts/pink-crinkle-midi-skirt_302457873

So there you have it. This season most sought after item. Buy now, or cry later.

Trina xx

Wednesday, 19 February 2014

Trend Watch - Optical Illusions

Think all the stars have amazing figures? It might be all down to the dress they’re wearing, shaving inches off their figure thanks to some very clever panelling.

One of the easiest ways to work with the body you have is through optical illusions. If you master this, you’ll be well on your way to feeling great in what you wear, & once you feel great, confidence exudes, & compliments start rolling in.

The optical illusion dress is basically a figure hugging body con with vertical contrasting coloured panels on the sides, & the best about this dress is that it suits ALL figures.

It was originally designed by Stella McCartney & is designed to take inches off your waist, making you look thin while emphasising your curves & enhancing your figure.

Kate Winslet, who is well known for her curves, wearing an optical illusion dress in Venice. I think you’ll agree with me when I say the looks absolutely amazing. Her figure looks to die for!

Kate Winslet

If you’ve got curves like Kim Kardashian, make the most of them! Kim donned this lace overlay dress from Herve Leger & made all the men in the room go weak at the knees.

Kim Kardashian

Black optical illusion dress in the style of Kate Moss €19.32

http://www.onikas.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_33&products_id=66

It's true what they say, black is slimming. In saying that, any dark colour is slimming when it’s placed next to a colour that is lighter.

Happy Shopping!

Trina xx

Trend watch - Statement necklace

Every woman should own at least one statement necklace. It’s a staple like any other, & an inexpensive way to transform any basic outfit from mundane, to magnificent in one simple step.

When choosing a statement necklace, make sure it will carry you from day to night. While coloured pieces are beautiful to look at, they're not as versatile as their metal counterpart.

Sometimes we're penchants for over accessorising, but avoid wearing your neck piece with statement earrings at the same time, it really is one or the other. If you’re wearing a statement necklace, choose small earrings or none at all. Minimum effort, maximum results!

Personally, I love gold tones & this is my favorite pick from River Island. Ethnic styles are making a statement in themselves this S/S14.

Gold tone twist statement necklace €20.00

http://eu.riverisland.com/women/jewellery/necklaces/Gold-tone-80s-twist-short-statement-necklace-651244

Now, go make a statement.

Trina xx

Monday, 17 February 2014

Scherzy teams up with Missguided

Nicole Scherzinger left us with a bad bout of wardrobe envy with a number of show stopping frocks for her stint as a judge during the 10th series of X Factor.

The former Pussycat Doll has left the show, putting her style know-how to another use by designing a clothing line for UK chain, Missguided.

It's good news for her style fans as we'll get a chance to look like the Hawaiian beauty at an affordable price.

Speaking about her latest venture, Nicole said: " I'm so excited to be collaborating with Missguided! I've worn their clothes in the past as I'm a big fan" & it seems the feeling is mutual with Missguided, "She's personable, fun, & loves to experiment with fashion, all qualities that truly represent our customer. She is a great ambassador for the brand & we're excited to see the response to the collection."

The 30 piece collection will feature slinky black pieces -the leather dress (Oh how I've sought after this!) & bow bralet to name but a few. There's a mix of dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, bodysuit & tops in fresh colours, along with Nicole's signature monochromatic perked up with pops of cobalt blue making it's big debut in March of this year.

No doubt Nicole will put her stamp on it & make it 'Schermazing'

Trina xx

Trend Watch - All White

Impractical it may be, there is something about head to toe white that seems fresh no matter the occasion, especially now that the white stiletto has been rescued from the fashion scrap heap.

Little Mix Leigh-Anne Pinnock shows us how it's done, posing with her bandmates at the 102.7 Kiss FM Studios in an all-white ensemble with a burst of floral putting spring in her step.

Florals for S/S14 are a breath of romanticism, bringing the countryside into the city with embroidery, print & texture.

Steal Leigh-Anne's style here;

Leigh- Anne is wearing a deep V bralet from Topshop that is currently sold out. I know, I cried too. But the good news is, I've found one that will work every bit as well & it's cheaper too! Every girl loves a bargain!