Having fun with fashion and stepping out of your comfort zone!

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I always find myself getting bored when I go shopping, I can never find anything I want or the shop doesn’t have it in my size, so where does that leave me? Well, don’t tell anyone but it’s almost turned into a hobby…I regularly go into shops and just try on everything and anything, I mean who knows what really suits them until they experiment? The next time you go out, why not try it! It’s fun and you don’t even have to buy anything. Here’s a few I tried on earlier…

Floral top

Floral top

FLORALS
“Something you’d wear to the races”

I wouldn’t go as far as agreeing with my friend, but I wouldn’t go to Tesco in it either! Florals are always around leading up to spring and this year is no different. As I browsed the high street, this batwing blouse jumped out at me as both elegant and comfortable. It has a rose print and an essential tie-around middle that holds in the waist (always a good thing). It was a comfortable wear, but a little too see-through for my liking – you can always add a strappy top underneath to feel less exposed. I would pair with a black body-con skirt or leggings. What would you do?

Long black cocktail dress

Long black cocktail dress

LONG BLACK DRESS
“It looks like a cross-between Snape’s cloak and a flamenco dress…I like it.”

The ‘little black dress’ is so last season, how about a sweeping dramatic number? I was immediately drawn to the almost coat-like quality to the dress with the collar and pulled-in waist. It felt great on, although my small excuse for a chest didn’t do me any favours – I would definitely recommend wearing a push up bra before trying something as low-cut as this. Wear with heels or flats (it’s too long to notice anyway) and some stand out accessories for maximum effect. What’s your favourite party outfit?

Camel trousers

Camel trousers

CAMEL
“Your trousers match the colour of your hair”…”Thanks?”

The colour is in at the moment and so is the style – whether its designer or high street, the shops are crammed with camel. I try not to follow trends, preferring to experiment with old and new styles, as well as not having disposable funds unfortunately. But on this occasion I think I can be forgiven, I needed new trousers and having looked in every shop in Lincoln (there aren’t that many) for a comfortable pair, I thought there wasn’t any harm in trying them on. I found this pair in Topshop and although at first I had reservations on whether they would suit me as I have the annoying combination of wide hips and skinny legs, I ended up spending 20 minutes in the fitting room deciding whether I liked them or not! I took some photos – cameras never lie (only photoshop!) and decided to get them, after all I had the receipt and could bring them back if I changed my mind. Do you have a favourite camel coloured outfit?

Faux fur coat

Faux fur coat

FAUX FUR COAT
“PETA approved”

A friend to the animals and the pimps, just kidding! I’m not really a fan of fur or leopard print but this winter saw the arrival of fur and lots of it. Every shop I browsed, I couldn’t get away from it so I took it upon myself to try out this “guilty pleasure”. To my surprise, I didn’t look as stupid as I first thought I would – in fact I quite liked it.

Warm = check
Comfortable = check
In trend = check

Having said that, I couldn’t get the image of Del Boy and Raquel from Only Fools and Horses out of my head so when the fitting room assistant asked “any good?” I politely responded no and gave it back. So what is your fashion or beauty guilty pleasure?

A cheat’s guide to vintage

Vintage style has gone mainstream in the past few years, and can come with a hefty price tag. Many great vintage pieces can be hard to get hold of, so here is a cheat’s guide to doing vintage for less .

1. It doesn’t necessarily need to be vintage.

You can get a great vintage look, without even buying anything vintage. Many high street shops are getting their inspiration from vintage styles and mass-producing them for a cheaper price. Topshop is often a great port of call, but also be sure to check out Pearl Lowe’s collection at Peacocks, her vintage inspired dress designs will make you look like a glamorous forties housewife with effortless easy style.

2. Go for modern remakes of vintage designs.

It doesn’t need to be the real deal, when it looks the same. Vivien of Holloway sell great 50s inspired dresses that look like the real thing. So instead of trawling through hundreds of vintage stores for that iconic fifties dress, that’s too small or smells weird, why not go for something shiny and new and made for you? They also sell great forties swing trousers, as well as tea dresses. Some of it is a little pricey, but if you’re looking for an investment or special occasion it’s a great place to check out.

3. Wear modern clothes in a vintage way.

You’d be surprised how your modern clothes can easily look vintage with a bit of smart styling. Team a high-waisted mid-length skirt, with a tucked-in  tee or blouse. Add tights and court shoes and voila!
Or you can always revamp some of your dresses with a waist belt. Leopard print is a great way to go, and everywhere this season (Take some tips from Bette Lynch). Just stand in front of your wardrobe and experiment.

4. It’s all in the hair.

Try some vintage hairstyles to give your look that classic edge. Think Bridget Bardot and get that bouffant high and proud. Simply section off the top part of your hair and backcomb, apply hairspray and backcomb some more. Get height to your hair, push up and clip in place. It may take a few goes and a lot of hairspray but it’s worth it. Or you can channel your inner T-Bird and work your fringe into a quiff. Again a lot of backcombing and hairspray is in order, but you’ll be a vintage vixen by the end.

5. Accessorise!

For bags, raid your local charity shops. You’ll be amazed at the amount of handbags dropped off there, and they are sometimes the only decent thing found in charity shops (apart from the odd pretty scarf).
A little accessorising can go a long way, and like clothes, a lot of modern jewellery is being inspired by vintage designs. Freedom at Topshop is your best bet with its bangles, big earrings, and kitsch necklaces.

Picture by yatenkaiouh via Flickr

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