Star by Julien Macdonald

Hey hey! So, basically I was given a load of handbag samples from the designers and buyers at Debenhams so I thought I'd write a few reviews on them to share. Most of them are next season's pieces, however some are in store right now. Bear in mind that these are samples and therefore have been developed further, so it is likely that they will not be exactly the same on purchasing the item.

JULIEN MACDONALD
To start with, Star by Julien Macdonald has been a truly successful range at Debenhams since 2003. The current range in stores at the moment is very striking and sophisticated. This snake curved tote is in store right now for the selling price of £55 and you can buy it (here) It can be told from the photographs that there are slight alterations to the design on the gold plates and also the lining which is not pictured below.
This bag was one of my favourites from those of which I received because it's not a boring black, which my bags tend to be, and the snake zip embellishment isn't something I'd normally go for either. Snake is a definite trend for this Spring/ Summer, so if you haven't invested in a Summer piece as of yet, I recommend this. You can never go wrong with handbags, they can last years and you'll never grow out of them, they're an investment- well, that's what I tell myself every time I buy something over £50 anyways...

Thanks, Emily X

Time to spring clean your wardrobe!

After the Spring/ Summer '13 Fashion weeks last year, it's safe to say that we all should have seen at least one article in a magazine on the trends that were seen. However, I've put together a list of the top six just to condense them to an easy- peasy shopping list for you!

1. ORIENTAL
Ok, so basically I love Asians, I think they're amazing at pretty much everything and not so secretly wish that I was Asian. JUST TO PUT IT OUT THERE. But anyway, there is a definite oriental feel coming from the catwalks and shops even at the moment, I myself bought a blue oriental- style blouse from Topshop last month, so it has slyly been creeping in. Love the trend, I think the patterns really spice up Spring/Summer more than usual. So I've found you a couple of examples below from Topshop that you might like.

Oversize Porcelain Bird Shirt- £40.00
Buy it here  at Topshop

Premium bird embroidered shirt- £65.00
Buy it here at Topshop

2. CROPPED
Sometimes we all feel like having a lazy day, off from waxing and shaving and just want to wear jeans in Summer! So to give yourself that cheeky little edge to a pair of jeans, crop! Avoid rolling them up, it does not always look as good as you think. But there should be plenty of fab options soon as the Spring/Summer trends hit the stores. Also, cropped tees are back and as long as they're not inappropriately small, they can make the best casual Summer item.
NOTE: The Seamed Ankle Cigarette Jeans by Urban Outfitters below- LOVE.

BDG Seamed Ankle Cigarette Jeans- £50
Buy here at Urban Outfitters

Poppy 'Eye See Everything' Stud Crop Tee-  £10.00
Buy here at Boohoo

3. WHITE/ MINIMALISM
White is a trend that reappears EVERY Spring/Summer purely because it is the colour that is most associated with a Summer's evening- for example Daisy in the Great Gatsby in her flowing white gown- to get a bit nerdy. There are UNLIMITED options for this trend, everywhere you go. But I managed to find this absolutely cute, cute, cute dress at New Look for the amazing price of £27.99 so I thought it HAD to be shared. It's sweet and simple, a perfect quick Summer buy.

White crotchet lace 3/4 sleeve skater dress- £27.99
Buy here at New Look

Casual Seam Detail Tee- £32.00
Buy here at Topshop

4. SIXTIES

So, Cara is wearing Moschino which I wouldn't call particularly affordable, but it's Cara and I love her, so it had to be done.

Cara Delevingne - VOGUE

5. SHEER/ MESH
Again to link with the trend of Summer WHITE would be sheer, mesh and chiffon fabrics as I believe we've really had enough of black this Autumn/ Winter and personally I need to get out of the comfort zone of black twenty- four/ seven! So this cute, white sheer blouse would be a good start if you're like me and are seeking a slightly cheeky alternative to the conservative den of your black clothing.

Sparkle & Fade plain long sleeve chiffon shirt- £32.00
Buy here at Urban Outfitters

Leanne Cropped Crotchet Metallic Foil Top- £10
Buy here at Boohoo

6. FLORAL
Floral- another Summer repeat. I will be scavenging amongst my wardrobe very soon to pull out all the floral gear from previous years, but here's a couple of examples to help if you haven't been the most flowery person in the past and fancy a change.
NOTE:Whilst searching for floral examples I came across this River Island dress and it is ONLY £10 on reduction. One of the best buys I've seen for a long time, so GET SHOPPING?!?!

Black floral print structured dress- £10.00
Buy here at River Island

Floral Pleat Front A-line Skirt- £38.00
Buy here at Topshop

Little White Lies flower child floral print - £85.00
Buy here at Urban Outfitters

Voila! Hope this helps!
Happy shopping, 
Love Emily X