High Street Hits: Autumn Arm Candy

I must confess to having a weakness when it comes to pretty bags, and there sure are some lovely ones on the high street at the moment! From Autumn florals to flashes of neon, and from classic satchels to the most amazing dog shaped confection from Irregular Choice, which of these beauties is your favourite?

OICON- Oil painting shopper print, £39 Ted Baker

Backpack with Flower Embroidery, £65 ASOS

Garden Rose Biker Bag, £60 Cath Kidston

Owl Satchel, £25 Accessorize

Satchel Bag With Scallop Trim And Front Straps, £22 ASOS

Mini Kai Across Body Bag, £45 Ollie & Nic

Alison Barrel Bag, £65 Ollie & Nic

Hound Dog bag, £65 Irregular Choice

Printed Nylon Clutch, £28 Topshop

High Street Hits: Autumnal Frocks to Thrill

Autumn is here, and though I can't pretend I like the chill in the air I must confess my new Winter coat is so lovely I'm actually looking forward to bringing it out in the coming weeks! In the meantime I'm stocking up on cosy knitwear and enjoying all the rich autumnal colours in the shops. Here are some of my favourite dresses I've been spying...

Contrast Tone Dress, was £38 now £20 Cutie at House of Fraser

Fox Print Long Sleeve Dress, was £45 now £31.50 Yumi

Olivia Patched Dress, £45 Oasis

Bird Print Flare Dress, £18 Dorothy Perkins

Pinafore Dress with Embroidery, £85 Nishe at ASOS

Jacquard Floral Dress, £75 Warehouse

Wiggle Dress in Floral Print, £42 ASOS

Daisy High Neck Skater Dress, £38 Topshop

Floral Print Tutu Mesh Dress, £45 Miss Selfridge

High Street Hits: Summer Lovin' Sale Frocks

What do I love even more than a pretty dress? Why, a pretty dress that's in the sale! There are so many tempting treats on the high street, both in store and online, at the moment alongside wonderful discounts, so here are some of my favourite picks from the sales...

1. Nude Circle Trim Dress, was £42 now £20 Miss Selfridge

2. Embellished Summer Floral Skater Dress, was £85 now £59.50 ASOS. Also in the Curve range fpr £42.50. 

3. Strappy Lace Prom Dress, was £50 now £25 Topshop

4. Rose Stem Print Dress, was £65 now £45 Oasis

5. Prom Dress In Fluro Jaquard, was £85 now £59.50 ASOS

6. Sophia Print Dress, was £89 now £44.50 Phase Eight

7. Flared Cut Out Dress, was £60 now £40 Warehouse

8. Pink Striped Sun Dress, was £45 now £27 Red Herring at Debenhams

9. Pink Jacquard Cocoon Dress, was £45 now £20 River Island

High Street Hits: Spring Bling

From pretty-as-a-princess pastels to flashes of vivid neon, the new season jewellery pieces are all about having fun. Without spending too much, the statement accessory has the power to change your outfit as well as put a smile on your face. I'm rather besotted with chunky gems and intriguing hints of perspex I've been spying, particularly perhaps the opulent bejewelled necklaces which capture a little of the decadence of centuries past. Meanwhile from clusters of gems to dangling chandeliers, earrings offer a cheerful pick me up, so without further ado here are some of my favourites on the high street...

1. Pink Ombre Necklace, £14 Next

2. Duo-Tone Bow Ring, £3.15 Forever 21

3. Clear Perspex Jewel Embellished Chandelier Earrings, £5.99 New Look

4. Limited Edition Opaque Rhinestone Bracelet, £12 ASOS

5. Jewelled Bouquet Pendant Necklace, £35 ASOS

6. Neon Yellow And Crystal Stone Brooch, £8 Mood by Jon Richard at Debenhams

7. Vintage Style Stone Necklace, £16.50 Dorothy Perkins 

8. Blue Gem Stud Earrings, £10 Dorothy Perkins

9. Jewelled Bib Necklace, £40 ASOS

10. Neon Chandelier Earrings, £15 Dorothy Perkins

11. Plastic Flower Ring, £8.50 Topshop

12. Neon Sparkle Chandelier, £12 Accessorize

High Street Hits: Step Into Spring

The most appropriate footwear for the thick, crunchy layer of snow outside might well be wellington boots, but isn't it supposed to be Spring? I love the influx of pastel tones and cheerful sunshine colours into the shops at this time of year and there are some seriously yummy shoes about. From ice cream shades to raspberry pinks and from shiny metallics to glittering jelly shoes here are some of my favourites...

1. Crobon Mid Heel Bow Blue Court Shoes, £50 Faith at ASOS

2. Mid Heel Cut Out Detail Court Shoes, £60 Lotus at Debenhams

3. Fifi, £89.99 Shellys

4. Cloudy Skies, £44.99 Clarks

5. Jacques Double Strap Mid Heels, £65 Topshop

6. Brogue Toe Cap Dolly Shoes, were £25 now £20 Marks and Spencer

7. Little Miss Ballet Flats, £25 ASOS

8. Pink Deck Shoe Platforms, £32 Dorothy Perkins

9.Beau, £54.99 Shellys

10. Pink Glitter Bow Peeptoe Jelly Wedges, £19.99 New Look

11. Fairies in a Jar, £74.99 Irregular Choice

12. Metallic Court Shoes, were £18 now £9 Clothing at Tesco

High Street Hits: Pick 'n' Mix Bags

Where delicate pastel shades meet satisfyingly chunky shapes what you get is a delectable pick 'n' mix of candy coloured bags for Spring. Here are some of my truly scrumptious favourites on the high street right now...

1. Blush Self Stud Barrel Bag, £28 Dorothy Perkins

2. Smart Front Strap Bag, £35 ASOS

3. Dilted- Quilted Structured Frame Bag, £75 Dune

4. Little Miss Shoulder Bag, £37 Accessorize

5. Lime Structured Curve Tote Bag, £37 River Island

6. Blue Lotus Tatum Shopper Bag, £40 BHS

7. Clear Floral Embroidered Bowler Bag, was £35 currently £26.25 Floozie Frost French at Debenhams

8. Mint Green Bowler Bag, £69.99 Claudia Canova at New Look

9. Turtel- Patent Quilted Bag, £99 Ted Baker

High Street Hits: Spring Breeze

Spring is here, though I think someone forgot to inform the weather, and the high street is looking far too lovely not to inject a breath of fresh air into your wardrobe. For me Spring is all about the tea dress, from delicate lace to vibrant florals, so here are the ones I'm coveting right now...

1. Willow Print Dress, £65 Oasis

2. Midi Dress In Floral Print With Buttoned Waist, £42 ASOS

3. Fleur Print Prom Dress, £79 Monsoon

4. Ivory Lace Cowl Neck Dress, £49 BHS

5. Daisy Cut-Out Sundress, £50 Yumi

6. Delicate Organza Prom Dress, £65 Topshop

7. Blue Print Belted Prom Dress, £65 River Island

8. Stripe Ribbon Dress, £45 Miss Selfridge

9. Floral Prom Dress, £39.50 Dorothy Perkins

10. Dolce Vita Floral Print Dress, £25 Clothing at Tesco

11. Iris Wrap Front Skater Dress, £42 Topshop

12. Mexican Print Dress, £60 Oasis

High Street Hits: Love Hearts

Whether you're dropping some last minute Valentine's Day hints or simply want to give yourself a well-deserved treat, hearts have long been one of my favourite fashion staples. From SS09 Luella shoes to  Vivienne Westwood bags they're just adorable to behold. Here are some of my favourites on the high street right now...

1. Long Sleeve Heart Flippy Dress, was £40 now £20 Topshop

2. Heart Print T-Shirt, £18 Fearne Cotton for Very

3. Helen Hearts Print Dress, £79 Phase Eight

4. Flower Heart Filled Click Clacks, £5 Monsoon

5. Cross My Heart Bag, was £59 now £25 Irregular Choice

6. Plastic Heart And Bow Ring, £4 Accessorize

7. Black Heart Print Open Front Cardigan, £24.99 New Look

8. Pink Heart Print Skater Skirt, £18 River Island

9. Black Heart Print Mid Courts, £23 Dorothy Perkins

10. Pink Crystal Embellished Sterling Silver Open Heart Stud Earrings, were £18 now £14 Simply Silver by Jon Richard at Debenhams

11. Quilted Mini Skirt With Heart Pockets, was £35 now £10.50 ASOS

12. Six Pack Heart Stud Earrings, £4.99 New Look

13. Hello Kitty Heart Tee, £9.75 Forever 21

High Street Hits: Feeling Feline

Cats are a definite favourite in Japanese street style from Muchacha Achachumu iconic tote bags in Cult Party Kei to the furore over Angelic Pretty's Cat's Tea Party print in collaboration with illustrator Imai Kira in lolita fashion. Feline friends have also been purring their way on to the high street, whether it's with an unnerving stare or a ball of adorable cuteness...

1. Pink Bow Cat Sweat, £32 Miss Selfridge

2. Cat Ears Lace Headband, £10 ASOS

3. Cat Print Dress, was £29.99 now £12.99 Zara

4. Chococat Dropped Shoulder Cardigan, £22.75 Forever 21

5. Black Cat Peplum Top, £20 H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams

6. Burmese, was £69.99 now £59.99 Irregular Choice

7. Cat Face Skater Dress, £28 Topshop

8. Cat Nap Ring, £6.50 I Love Crafty

9. Grey Cat Print Sweater, £14.99 New Look

Baroque

One of my favourite recent trends in fashion, both on the catwalks and the high street, is Baroque. It's an opulent trend harking back to a time of grandeur in the history of art.
I was kindly offered the chance to review a piece from Fuse Fashion, an exciting new e-boutique which launched in November. Fuse hosts a lovely range of exciting labels including beautiful plus size and maternity fashion ranges. In the jackets section I loved how the brand Beloved was taking the Baroque trend and creating some gorgeous cropped jackets that were just that extra bit fabulous to make chilly days a bit more special.
I thought the look would be especially lovely combined with lolita fashion, as of course the Japanese street style I so love is itself inspired by historical costume. The details on the jacket from the zips on the sleeves to the little epaulettes on the shoulders are so lovely, but it's the layer of gorgeous lace that really makes this a striking piece- perfect for adding a little luxury to your wardrobe.

High Street Hits: Arm Candy

I have always been a bag girl. Whether you're wearing a dress or jeans the bag is an accessory with the power to change an outfit and fill you with glee, which is always good with me! No matter how horrendous your bad hair day might be, a fabulous handbag will never let you down. The new season fashion trends seem to have brought some really lovely ones to the high street, especially satisfyingly boxy structures and a whole menagerie of bright and beautiful colours for Summer from pastels to neons. Below are some of  my favourites I've been spying this week.
I've also spotted some wonderfully cheerful plus size clothing for Summer. The sunny months will be perfect for showing off fun and vivacious prints as well as bright block colours with pretty details from pleats to a intricate crochet trim- no more hiding beautiful dresses under Winter coats!
 

1. Strawberry Across Body Bag, £25 Accessorize

2. Limited Collection Appliqué Satchel Bag, £39.50 Marks and Spencer

3. Delicious Apple Basket Bag, £40 Ollie & Nic at House of Fraser

4. Scallop Shoulder Bag, £25 Accessorize

5. Stone Gertie Bow Structured Bag, £12.99 New Look

6. Tassel Bowler Bag With Rabbit Fitting, £35 ASOS

7. Pink Bag, £29.99 H&M

8. Hello Kitty Town Satchel, from £110 Zatchels

9. Patent Messenger Bag, £24.75 Forever 21

10. Purple Glitter Across Body Bag, was £35 now £17.50 Jonathon Kelsy at Debenhams

11. Roxy Grab Bag, was £49 now £24.50 Therapy at House of Fraser

12. Touch- Rivets Shoulder Bag, was £34.99 now £16.99 Mango

High Street Hits: Let It Shine

Whilst the festive season is a wonderful time for sparkle I'm glad to see one shiny trend making its way into the warmer months.
Burberry Prosum's SS13 collection has me swooning as it takes the classic trenchcoat and gives it a high-shine metallic twist in vivid jewel tones of pink, bronze, green, purple and blue as well as the classic gold, and silver. Then little Romeo Beckham looks so dapper with his adorable winning smile whilst showcasing the metallic trend in Burberry's new ad campaign.
All in all it's a trend that suits this full-time magpie very well. There are some smart sales buys to be made now with cheerful pieces which will transition through the months and still look fabulous in the Summer sunshine.
Meanwhile if you're still on the look out for a new Winter coat like me be sure to take a peek at the gorgeous trendy plus size coats from Marisota.

1. Pearl Embellished Gold Tee, was £65 now £30 Miss Selfridge

2. Disco Leopard Flared Skirt, was £95 now £66.50 French Connection

3. Leap of Faith Metallic Ballet Flats, were £22 now £8.50 ASOS

4. Eva T-shirt, £25.95 Three Little Words at Nelly

5. Pu Box Top, was £29 now £8 Love Label at Very

6. Metallic Envelope Clutch Bag, was £22 now £8 Oasis

7. Prior Metallic Pointed High Heels, £45 ASOS

8. Bex Pleated Midi Skirt in Metallic Royal Blue, was £45 now £12 Motel Rocks

9. Metallic Cobalt Leather Satchel, £99 Zatchels

10. Rainbow Metal Hoop Earrings, £4.50 Claire's Accessories

High Street Hits: Winter Coats

Jack Frost has been to town and it's time to get the gloves out- boo! However, this does mean the perfect justification for a fabulous new coat and I love picking one which will brighten up the coldest of Winter days.
There are some beautifully rich jewel colours around on the high street at the moment and also some really lovely embellished details such as a beaded collar at Miss Selfridge, swirling embroidery at Uttam Boutique or adorable bows at ASOS's plus size fashion Curve range.
What coat will be keeping you warm this Winter?

1. Belted Button Front Coat With Full Skirt, £85 ASOS

2. Green Boiled Wool Double Breasted Coat, £54.99 New Look

3. Coat With Cute Bow Front, £75 ASOS Curve

4. Beaded Collar Velvet Coat, £89 Miss Selfridge 

5. Embroidered Coat, £120 Uttam Boutique

6. Louise Jacket, £129.95 Kling at Nelly

7. Large Notch Lapel Coat, £89 Per Una at Marks and Spencer

8. Flared Coat, was £32.75 now £22.93 Forever 21

9. Wilfred Coat, £149 Monsoon

High Street Hits: Frocks to Thrill

The festive season is nearly upon us, bringing many a chance to dazzle, but what to wear? I've been spying some absolutely beautiful dresses on the high street lately, all with a little something special to make you feel fabulous, so I grouped some of my favourites together to suit many a budget. Let me know which one you fancy twirling in!
If you're still on the look out for the perfect accessories or gifts why not take a peek at Hsamuel Watches from the classic to the cheerful colour pop, or gorgeous sapphire designer rings from Gems TV.

1. Pink Foil Lace Prom Dress, £135 Miss Selfridge
2. Sequin Skater Dress, £65 Topshop
3. Lace Bodice Soft Prom Dress, £68 Warehouse

4. Swing Dress With Lace Insert And Peter Pan Collar, £45 ASOS
5. Deluxe Gabby Sequin Dress in Iridescent Purple, £58 Motel Rocks
6. Pink Lace Print Pleated Dress, £175 Karen Millen

7. Light Pink and Black Lace Prom Dress, £75 River Island
8. Scoop Neck Jacquard Dress, £89 Marks and Spencer
9. Lace Chiffon Skater Dress, £60 Oasis

10. Embellished Prom Dress, £35 Ice Blossom at Clothing at Tesco
11. Lulu Lace Bandeau Skater Dress, £20 Boohoo
12. Ophelia Dress, £109 Monsoon

High Street Hits: Bootie Call

My little feet have been rather chilly this week and I've been craving something a little warmer than my usual footwear. I have a bit of an aesthetic weakness for short boots, especially perhaps classic lace up Victorian influenced styles. Whilst some of these ankle boots might be a teensy bit more practical than others they're all rather gorgeous and would be a joy to wear to brighten up Autumnal outfits.  

1. Pink Floral Print Ankle Boots, £65 River Island
2. Pewter Ankle Boot, was £49.50 now £35 Wallis
3. Austin Ankle Boots, £50 ASOS

4. Nonag, £99 Bertie
5. Leon Wedge Boot, £69 Monsoon
6. Elegant, £74.95 China Girl at Nelly

7. Light Beam, £89.99 Clarks
8. Amber Stud Strap Zip Boots, £88 Topshop
9. Rosana- Victorian Lace Up Brogue Boot , £110 Dune