Barcelona – Style Post – Outfit Inspo

July 4, 20171 Comment

Recently I visited Barcelona for some sight seeing, salsa and sangria! Barcelona is an amazing city with SO much to do which also makes it a hard place to pack for. City breaks in the sun are a constant struggle between being chic in the city and melting in the city! Check out some of my outfits and where to buy them for your sunny city break!

Click the Links to Shop, most of my bags come from Handbag Clinic of course!!!

Wanna be in my gang?

A slogan T and embroidered denim have been key pieces in most peoples wardrobes this summer! This Girl Gang T is one of my favourites!

Slogan T Shirt – BooHoo.com – £8

Embroidered Denim Skirt – Zara – My skirt is no longer available but check this one out in the sale for just £25.99!!

Louis Vuitton Eva in Monogram

Sunset and Cocktails

Blue and White is a classic look for an evening by the sea. These wide legged culottes are so comfortable and flattering and a wrap over top has been another staple for most people this summer! I added a splash of boldness with some bright red sandals and red lippy

Wrap over blouse – Zara – H&M have this cute alternative for just £29.99

White Cullottes – River Island – £38

Red Sandals – Mine are about 4 years old from Zara and still going strong! I Love these lace ups from MissGuided!

Contrasting Pastel

This dress was perfect for a day of sight seeing but as you can see got creased pretty quick! these bardot dresses are perfect for looking city ready and staying cool. I teamed this dress with my pastel pink Gucci Marmont and some Lilac sliders!

Bardot Dress – Mine is H&M and no longer available but this Top Shop version with embroidered detail is amazing!

Handbag – Gucci – My bag is the fabulous Gucci Marmont, my personal favourite new release of the year!

Sunglasses – Dior

Pretty In Pink

I felt like a ballerina all day in this outfit and loved every second! Tulle skirts have made a surprising come back and at first I wasn’t convinced but i took the risk with this pink skirt from H&M and didn’t regret it! Back in London I would team this with a slogan T and some vans for a more edgy look.

Tulle Skirt – H&M – £24.99

Mules – H&M – These are now in the sale for just £6.99!!!

Bardot Body – BooHoo.Com – £15

Sunnies and Bag as above!

For more of my looks from Barcelona visit my Instagram! @Lottie_Helen

Photo 24-06-2017, 19 44 20 (1)

Barcelona travel post will be posted next week!!!

Love Lottie xoxo

From Selfie to Self Expression

June 28, 2017June 7, 2017Leave a comment

The Saatchi Gallery is one of my favourite galleries, it’s always interesting, regularly fashion focused and its free. I recently visited their current exhibition “From Selfie to Self Expression” which was perfect for any Instagram loving blogger.

The exhibit explores selfies through the ages, from self portraits to a room filled with a projection of your tubers and selfies. The exhibit also looks at those selfies that you cant believe are quite real….and usually aren’t.

There are also several interactive pieces that are really fun. This exhibit is not one to miss and runs until the 23rd July.

Although I’m in Chelsea nearly every day I could resist my own self expression in my floral Topshop dress with the famous Pink House in Chelsea.

Dress Topshop – £59.00

Fringed Jacket – Topshop – 2015

Bag – Saint Laurent – 2016

Chelsea Boots – River Island – 2016

Love Lottie xoxo

Fierce Festival Style

June 21, 2017June 7, 2017Leave a comment

Might Hoopla definitely made it onto the list of my Summer highlights!!! A full day of fabulous campy popness! From Spice Girl tributes, All Saints, Bongo’s Bingo and the beyond amazing Years and Years closing the show. I loved it!

As soon as my friend asked me to go I started planning my outfit. As I was flicking through Instagram stumbled across a picture of Ferne McCann in a pair of star print flares and fell in love! I clicked through and found Willows Call.

Willows Call is an independent fashion label that takes inspiration from models, musicians and their groupies from past decades and injects it with the attitude of today. I found this Cosmic Jumpsuit and HAD TO HAVE IT!!!!

All day i was stopped and asked where I got my outfit and was living my Cher crossed with Britney crossed with 70’s fabulousness fantasy! I cannot wait to order my next piece although I’m praying the star flares or jumpsuit come back into stock. All of the pieces are reasonably priced with my jumpsuit priced at £65. You will need to order in advance, orders can take 2 weeks to arrive so order early to avoid disappointment.

I just wish I had gone all the way with glitter highlight, hair glitter and teddy bear buns, maybe next time!

Love Lottie xoxo

48 hours is Paris – Style Post

April 21, 2017April 21, 2017Leave a comment

Over Easter weekend I jumped on the train and headed to Paris for the weekend and was going to make the most of every second I had. Not only was I looking forward to the sights, atmosphere and food but also the fashion and wanted to cram as many Parisian inspired outfits as possible!

It’s always important to travel comfortable, check out my previous post Flight Essentials. So even though I was travelling by train I still followed my own advice!

Jacket – TopShop (2012)

Jeans – Zara High Waisted Jeggings – £25.99

T-Shirt – River Island Merci Beaucoup T Shirt – no longer available

Trainers – Adidas Gazelle -£74.99

Suitcase – Radley – £129

When we got into to Paris,(queue outfit change) we wandered the streets seeing the sights followed some Moules-Frites and wine on the Champs Elysees.

Duster – River Island Grey Belted Duster – £60

Jeans – River Island Gingham Mollie Jeans – No Longer Available

Top – Zara off the shoulder frill body – £12.99

Pumps – H&M Loafer – £9.99

Handbag – Prada Double Bag – £1750

For the Evening we spent it at out amazing hotel, The Shangri-La Paris with the most stunning view! This room is by far one of the best hotel rooms I have ever stayed in. This really was a once in a life time experience. Review to follow!!!

I kept it black like a true Parisian and wore simple black jeans with a hint of red for my evening of fine dining and cocktails.

Duster – As above

Jeans – River Island Coated Black Mollie Jeans – £40

Top – River Island Lace Detail Top – No Longer Available

Shoes – Topshop Skinny 2 Part Sandales – £39

DAY 2

The next day we headed to the Louvre and headed through the gardens and up to Champs Elysee again to purchase a small keepsake from the fabulous Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysee.

Blouse – Top Shop Polka Dot Blouse – £34

Trousers – Topshop Frill Zip Palazzo Trousers – £42

Loafers – Topshop Alexa Slip On Mules – £32

Sunglasses – Ralph Lauren

To head home I kept it casual with black jeans, a navy and white stripy t shirt and my beloved Adidas Gazelles. Paris was amazing and I will be doing a mini travel guide in the coming weeks, I am disappointed the sun didn’t really make an appearance but at least now I have an excuse to come back!

Love Lottie xxx

LFW Festival 17th- 21st February

March 4, 2017March 4, 2017Leave a comment

London Fashion Week Festival is the only way to get access to LFW shows and goodies unless you are Kate Moss or Fashion Editor for Grazia. Held this year at 180 The Strand the venue was perfect, with a full length runway, floors of stalls/shops and a Pommery champagne bar there was something for everyone.

The venue was packed with things to do if you love fashion then seeing Runway shows and experiencing talks from one of the many industry leaders was a must. If you weren’t interested in the serious stuff there was still loads to do with free manicures, make up top up’s by Maybelline, hair touch up’s by Toni and Guy and discount designer shopping. I will definitely be booking up for next year and hopefully booking in for more shows and talks, in fact I’ll just move in for the full festival.

I saw a Designer runway by Huishan Zhang which was filled with feathers, denim and a twist on the classic floral spring look. I also saw a Trend show from Avenue 32 showcasing the must have looks for spring.

Huishan Zhang

Avenue 32

How to Authenticate Mulberry

September 24, 2016February 6, 2017Leave a comment

Every month I write a blog for Handbag Clinic and am their in house expert for authentication. Mulberry is a regularly counterfeited brand but luckily I know exactly what to look for. For my full guide on how to authenticate Mulberry please visit

http://www.handbagclinic.co.uk/How_To_Authenticate_Mulberry.php

Love Lottie xxx

Celebrating The Life Of An Icon – Happy Birthday Co Co Chanel

August 19, 2016January 14, 2017Leave a comment

Today is the birthday of my favourite designer Co Co Chanel, she was sassy, fierce and in general a bad ass bitch. She made some fabulous clothes, timeless accessories and was all about girl power!

Last year i visited the Saatchi Gallery to see their exhibition all about Chanel and her life’s work titled Mademoiselle Privee. It was beautiful, insightful and only made me love her more. She is a true inspiration and achieved so much while remaining true to her vision and who she was every step of the way.

After starting as a hat designer she went on to change the fashion industry for the better and always looked to empower women with her fragrance’s, clothes and accessories. Today her bags remain my favourite and the day I wear a Classic Chanel Jacket with a Medium Double Flap 2.55 my life will be complete.

Here are some facts about the amazing Co Co Chanel in honour of her birthday.

She was born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel on August 19, 1883 in Saumur, France. CoCo regularly claimed she was actually born 10 years after that date.

Co Co Chanel’s life did not start out glamorous, after her mother’s death she was placed in an orphanage by her farther and raised by Nun’s who taught her to sew. This time in her life is part of the inspiration behind the iconic 2.55.

Chanel was a singer for a brief amount of time in Cafe’s. It is claimed her nick name was given to her by the soldiers she sang for because of two of the songs she regularly sang. Chanel claims that her nick name CoCo comes from a shortened version of “cocotte”, the French word for kept woman.

Although CoCo Chanel regularly had a man by her side she never married and was a fierce independent woman claiming “I never wanted to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird.” After meeting the duke of Westminster aboard his yacht around 1923, the two started a relationship that would last ten years. But in response to his marriage proposal, she is rumoured to have said “Everyone marries the Duke of Westminster. There are a lot of duchesses, but only one Coco Chanel!”

She loved to see women succeed in business and it is claimed she designed the famous ‘Chanel suit’ for women to encourage women to pursue their professional goals in style. In 1938 she retired from the fashion business with a string of success behind her. However, 16 years later she made a determined comeback. It is claimed she did this as she was “fed up” at seeing French fashion becoming dominated by men.

Not only did she create the ultimate women’s suit she also was the creator of the LBD in 1926, changing women’s fashion for ever.

Happy Birthday to this amazing woman!!!

Love Lottie xxx

5 Must Have Looks for Autumn 2016

August 16, 2016January 13, 20171 Comment

Winter is coming…and with it a whole new range to shop in every store! These are some of my favourite looks from the likes of Balenciaga, Prada, Celine and Gucci that are certain to be huge hits on the High Street and hopefully my wardrobe too!

Prada

Velvet Everything

A/W 2016 velvet will be huge! If like me you have had a velvet choker super glued to you for most of 2016 then Autumn will not disappoint. Whether its velvet and jewelled choker, a cute work pinafore or a flowing gown you need some velvet in your life next season.

Sparkles

Alexander McQueen has set the standard for the barely there sparkle dress but I’m sure the High Street will be quick to develop their own little gems. Nude, Black and Sparkle’s that resemble the Milky Way will be everything…and I cannot wait!

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(Yes that is an actual unicorn in the middle!)

A Sweet Heart Neckline

The most adorable of all the necklines will be back with a bang but not always on pretty a line dresses as you would expect. Sweet Hearts will be given an edge and layered with knitwear and outerwear. This Dior combo (left) is my personal favourite but Kenzo were a close second with this look below…maybe minus the boots.

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Luxe Sportswear

Even Balenciaga have joined in with this trend showing puffer jackets and wide collared sports coats. With this surge of Luxe Sportswear hitting the run way , Top Shop recently announcing their collaboration with Addidas and of course Beyoncé’s Ivy Park range; Will it soon be perfectly acceptable to go everywhere in leggings, a hoody and trainers? Pobably not, but I cetrtaintly will be making maximum use of this look when possible!

The Statement Mac

I don’t mean your average cream, beige or black mac, next season will all be about Mac’s in colours, textures and even animal print. River Island are already a head of the game with this Leopard Print Over Coat and I think the rest of the High Street Stores will be soon to follow.

Who else is kind of excited for the return of wearing black (even more), boots, jumpers and sparkles!!!??

Love Lottie xxx

The Best Swimwear and Cover Up’s

July 29, 2016January 13, 20171 Comment

Finally summer has arrived in full force and that means a trip to your local or hopefully not so local beach. Whether it’s the beach or a summer pool party I love to glam up swimwear with a flowing kaftan, body chain and I am a huge fan of a cut out swim suit. These are some of my favourite beach looks of the year so far.

Pink and Girly

This look went perfect staying in the Royal Hawaiian, Honolulu as it’s a huge pink palace but a cute pink bikini is perfect for any where!

Bikini – Victoria Secret

This bikini is one I bought in Vegas and isn’t available in the UK. If you can shop online on the US website they do have a few left in the sale so grab it quick!

Kaftan – River island – £35

This long kaftan is embellished with silver beads and lace detailing. I have loved River Island’s beach wear this year, its been my number one place for cover ups! They still have this long kaftan in stores and online for £35.

http://www.riverisland.com/women/swimwear–beachwear/kaftans–cover-ups/white-lace-maxi-kaftan-682503

Fringed and Fabulous

Every one needs a black bikini, they are always flattering and you can re style them over and over again. I teamed this fringed piece with a bold blue necklace and body chain for a day at Nikki Beach Marbella.

Bikini

This bikini was from Queen B’s range she did for H&M but you can pick up this almost identical one from Miss Guided for Just £22.

https://www.missguided.co.uk/fringe-triangle-bikini-black?gclid=CPfPiLfsmM4CFeoW0wodE2sIgg&dclid=CL_djrfsmM4CFch12wodqiEFig

Sparkles and Detailing

This look I wore in Vegas, perfect for an all day pool party. Wedges and a sparkly kaftan dress up any pool side outfit even a plain white bikini and some ripped denim shorts!

Bikini

This bikini was Topshop, I would always recommend spending a little extra on white swimwear to make sure its high quality and wont go see through. The Top was £16 and the bottoms £14 which is a bargain as you can re style this perfect basic over and over again.

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/category/clothing-427/swimwear-beachwear-3163078

Kaftan

This kaftan was a show stopped from a local designer, you can follow her at @pinkcherrycouture on Instagram. This brand has been featured on TOWIE and she has several celebrity customers. Everyone commented on it, I picked this one pre made for £180 but she has a huge range and can make bespoke items.

Wedges

My Wedges are Jimmy Choo Portia 120’s, they are amazing in crackled gold and go with EVERYTHING!!! Michael Kors have totally surprised me this year with their amazing updated shoe line and had some great wedges that I would recommend checking out. If designer brands aren’t your thing New Look always have a great range of wedges at amazing prices and as the fashion season is changing you may grab some in the sale!

Asymmetric

I love the look of an asymmetric bikini but if you have a cup size over a C it can be a challenge to get one that you feel comfortable in. River Island brought out a great range of asymmetric bikini’s that had a large strap and one side but a thin strap keeping everything in place at the other. I teamed this with another River Island cover up and a must have floppy hat.

Bikini

This bikini was of course River Island and only £28 for the mix and match set. The large contrasting frill over the front made the whole set fun and flattering, the perfect bikini combo! You can still shop this bikini online at RI but hurry up as sizes are going fast.

http://www.riverisland.com/women/swimwear–beachwear/bikinis/bikini-tops/white-frilly-asymmetric-bikini-top-680994

Kaftan

I hunted this kaftan for weeks! First it sold out in my size on ASOS then on RI’s website but then one day browsing in store I found one lone Medium hidden behind a similar kaftan, there is no joy like it! This beautiful short Kaftan was £40 but they currently have this one which is just £35 and really similar.

http://www.riverisland.com/women/swimwear–beachwear/kaftans–cover-ups/white-embellished-sheer-kimono-676894

All Out

If you really want to go all out at a pool party you must get a swimsuit or bikini from Mode Mwah. They are a small boutique in Liverpool but have a huge following on their Instagram page @modemwah with many celebrity customers. Their swimsuits are flattering and make definitely an impact. Swimsuits and bikini’s range from £120 – £180 and can take up for 5 weeks to be made so you need to place an order in advance of jetting off to avoid disappointment. I wore my Twinkle Python Swimsuit with Tom Ford Sunglasses and my Jimmy Choo Wedges at the Wynn in Vegas.

Love Lottie xxx

NYC Looks – Perfect Outfits for New York Pt 2

June 20, 2016January 13, 20171 Comment

I have loved planning my outfits for New York but have enjoyed scrapping my plans and throwing together things at the last minute more. These looks were the result of ditching my plans and experimenting with the two cases full of clothes I brought with me to New York. Never be afraid to experiment!

Tribeca Lunch Date – Tribeca is a super cool, trendy area of New York and home to Queen B herself. It’s like Soho but more residential with boutique style shops and Cafe’s rather than the big chain names.

Dress – Lindsey Sleeveless Midi Dress, Boohoo.com – £12

Waistcoat – Long Waistcoat, Zara – £29.99 (Sale Alert! was £39.99)

Shoes – Classic White Vans (back at it again with the white Vans) – £45

Sunglasses- Zara – £15

Bag Chanel – Chanel, Handbag Clinic – £2300

Drinks in the Meatpacking District – The Meatpacking District is a really cool area with secret cellar bars and roof top terraces, no need to get dressed up too much, everything goes!