Saturday, 28 July 2012
MB on Hols! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy (albeit late!) Saturday evening to you all,
As I write I am eager with anticipation for mine and my beau's Summer holiday, beginning tomorrow and ending mid-August.
Vintage Louis Vuitton luggage which I do not own but definitely wish I did!!
In a bid to reduce luggage allowance (umm shoes?!) and actually, fully, totally, all encompassingly relax, I am going to fill you guys in on all my holiday goings-on once I am back on home turf!
So, without further ado, I shall bid you all a wonderful couple of weeks between now and then!
Love,
As always, MB x
P.S. I will still be Tweeting, so if you don't already, follow me @MonicaBeatrice for snaps and updates.
x
Friday, 27 July 2012
Ask MB: Menswear Summer Styling! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
Following on from my first 'Ask MB' post, I have been so happy to see you guys getting in touch with your styling queries - keep 'em coming!
Thank you to David for sending in the following question - great to see the boys being represented too!
Thank you to David for sending in the following question - great to see the boys being represented too!
David via blog comment:
Q: Hey Monica, I am having some trouble findings outfits for my annual summer holiday to Juan Les Pins. Was thinking of rocking the beige chino, linen shirt, rayban clubman look if you know what I mean. However I'm really struggling with footwear... espadrilles were the look of last summer, and although flippy flops are a staple part of any man's wardrobe, I'm thinking of something more innovative. I'm a shepherd - not a sheep.
A: Hi David! Thank you so much for posting your Ask MB query.
First up I have to applaud you for identifying the 'clubman' look. This little nugget of styling description made me laugh out loud!
It is true that guys seem to have a tougher time with Summer styling, probably as for us girls we always have great sunny dresses to fall back on. Fortunately the high street and online retailers have really upped their menswear game in the last four years or so, and with this you have a whole range of options which were once not there.
As a general rule tailored shorts, fine cotton T-Shirts and some great worn-in deck shoes make for an excellent summer combination.
Although you may think espadrilles are a season past, brands like TOMs shoes always look classic. I have pulled together some options for you below - I hope they prove helpful!
I have also made notes on each item below.
I have also made notes on each item below.
1: Tailored Shorts. Tailored Tan shorts are a menswear wardrobe staple,
however I also really enjoy seeing a guy in a braver hue. These Aubin&Wills shorts are both great and can be worn with either a neutral T-shirt or contrasting colour (see below.) River Island also have some good options for shorts.
Beige Shorts: Aubin & Wills £40 - buy here
Cobalt Blue Shorts: Aubin & Wills £40 - buy here
2: Fine T-Shirts. My boyfriend swears by the soft-woven T-shirts from fab menswear label Folk, equally there are rare few T-shirts softer than LA-based brand James Perse (which now has a store on Westbourne Grove in London FYI). Admittedly both Folk and James Perse come at a premium cost, however H&M, Topman and River Island have great pieces too.
The most important thing is that the composition of fabric is of a quality cotton or cotton/viscose mix, and that it feels soft in your hands and fits well when you try it on.
The most important thing is that the composition of fabric is of a quality cotton or cotton/viscose mix, and that it feels soft in your hands and fits well when you try it on.
Striped T-Shirt: Folk £55 - buy here
White T-Shirt With Pocket: James Perse £60 - buy here
Faded Tribal Print T-Shirt: River Island £18 - buy here
Coloured Striper T-Shirt: Topman £16 - buy here
3: Quality Footwear. Remember what your Mama told you - good shoes are worth investing in! Quality deck shoe brands like Sebago only get better with age. Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren also do preppy classics.
Brown Deck Shoe: Sebago £119 - buy here
Multicoloured Deck Shoe: Sebago £61.50 - buy here
Navy and Green Deck Shoe: Ralph Lauren: £125 - buy here
4: Investment Accessories. Accessories are not just for the girls! Considered finishing touches can completely make a dapper gentleman's outfit. Tortoiseshell is a nice alternative to black for sunglasses and a woven hat looks polished. Relaxed canvas or cotton bags are great for the classic towel, sun lotion and book holiday combo, Albam is a brilliant menswear store and their canvas bags are fab at a good price (girls they'll work for use too!)!
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Jack & Jones @ ASOS: £20 - buy here
Panama Hat: Pachacuti (one of my favourite brands!) £38.80 (sale) - buy here
Striped Canvas tote: Albam £12 - buy here
For more holiday wear inspiration super-blogger Scott Shulman is forever photographing put-together gents for his cult street style blog The Sartorialist.
Equally a lot of brands now have brilliant campaign imagery which serves as inspiration.
Oh, and mrporter.com, netaporter.com's menswear counter par,t is also fab!
See below for some of my menswear faves:
Purple Jumper, Yellow Short combo: J Crew
Striped Rugby Shirt, Pink Short combo: Gant
Bearded Man in Shorts: The Sartorialist
Striped Jumper, Checked Short Combo: Tommy Hilfiger
Righto David, and all you other lovely male readers out there, I do hope that this has proved at least a little bit helpful!
Let me know what you think!
Have a wonderful holiday, and for those of you staying on the British Isles lets keep our fingers crossed that the weather holds out long enough to enjoy some serious shorts time!
(If not then swap out the shorts for some chinos!)
Have super day all!
Love,
MB x
Brown Deck Shoe: Sebago £119 - buy here
Multicoloured Deck Shoe: Sebago £61.50 - buy here
Navy and Green Deck Shoe: Ralph Lauren: £125 - buy here
4: Investment Accessories. Accessories are not just for the girls! Considered finishing touches can completely make a dapper gentleman's outfit. Tortoiseshell is a nice alternative to black for sunglasses and a woven hat looks polished. Relaxed canvas or cotton bags are great for the classic towel, sun lotion and book holiday combo, Albam is a brilliant menswear store and their canvas bags are fab at a good price (girls they'll work for use too!)!
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Jack & Jones @ ASOS: £20 - buy here
Panama Hat: Pachacuti (one of my favourite brands!) £38.80 (sale) - buy here
Striped Canvas tote: Albam £12 - buy here
For more holiday wear inspiration super-blogger Scott Shulman is forever photographing put-together gents for his cult street style blog The Sartorialist.
Equally a lot of brands now have brilliant campaign imagery which serves as inspiration.
Oh, and mrporter.com, netaporter.com's menswear counter par,t is also fab!
See below for some of my menswear faves:
Striped Rugby Shirt, Pink Short combo: Gant
Bearded Man in Shorts: The Sartorialist
Striped Jumper, Checked Short Combo: Tommy Hilfiger
Righto David, and all you other lovely male readers out there, I do hope that this has proved at least a little bit helpful!
Let me know what you think!
Have a wonderful holiday, and for those of you staying on the British Isles lets keep our fingers crossed that the weather holds out long enough to enjoy some serious shorts time!
(If not then swap out the shorts for some chinos!)
Have super day all!
Love,
MB x
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Diesel Covent Garden Store Launch! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all!
For those of you that follow me on Twitter you will have seen me tweeting last Friday about a little brand called Diesel.
Umm, maybe not so little!
Along with six other fab bloggers, including my gorgeous pal Naomi from TheFashPack, I was invited along to the newly refurbished Diesel store in Covent Garden, for a sneak peak at all the fab new season items, and of course, the store itself!
As well as rifling through the collections, we were able to select two blogger 'hero pieces' which we recommended to Diesel shoppers and which had specially-designed tags hung on them.
I L-O-V-E The Elgin Avenue swing tag which you can see above.
So cute!
And yes my Mum now has one!
So cute!
And yes my Mum now has one!
For my two items I had a good scour through the store, Sandra from mega-blog 5inchandup was first to put her label on items, see her picks here and the Christine from Fash n Chips chose some boom pieces too, see her picks here.
Naomi and I were, like typical gals, nattering away for quite some while and took our sweet time selecting our pieces, we also had a rather lengthy trying-on session - a neccesity non?!
The first of my two recommended items was a soft fitting jumper dress. I love how oversized and relaxed the dress is, it covers my bum nicely (no easy feat!) and it is a great trans-seasonal piece. Good with tanned legs now and great with thick tights and booties come the colder months.
T.E.A swing tags and me trying on the jumper! Love!
The second item I chose was a loosely knitted mens jumper which played to my boyfriend-clothes-stealing sensibilities.
Read my first thieving post here
Read my first thieving post here
I love seeing girls in guys' clothes. There is something about the way they hang slack off of the body, relaxed like you've just rolled out of bed and into some fabulous ensemble.
I especially love it when masculine pieces are worn with a feminine item too. My friend Wendy from the blog Thankfifi is really darn good at this - have a look at one of her recent looks here.
Here are a few more pics from the event...
Here are a few more pics from the event...
L-R One of Diesel's lovely PRs Carl, Naomi and me
Big grin - just saw my tag : )!!
All of the tags lines up!
The new Diesel store is much like the Diesel collection itself, tough, urban with a mixture of hard elements and softer artistic pieces.
Silk trousers and vests sit nestled against thickly knitted capes and suede shorts, whilst watercolour prints are given a tough edge in a khaki colour way. A very special mention has to go to the Diesel footwear too which really caught my eye, so much so in fact that these tan cuban heeled babies are on their way to me now!
Perfect.
If you happen to be in the Covent Garden area, or you are planning a visit to London soon do pop by the new Diesel store!
You may even come across a snazzy hang tag or two!
A HUGE thank you to Diesel for inviting me along, and for organising such a wonderful event.
The early morning car service was a saviour and the coffee on arrival went down a treat!
Thank you also to Alistair Guy for the fab snaps of the day.
And thank you Naomi for making such a wonderful brunch date after the whole shebang ; )!
So what do you guys think? Do you like the new store? Let me know!
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
Perfect.
If you happen to be in the Covent Garden area, or you are planning a visit to London soon do pop by the new Diesel store!
You may even come across a snazzy hang tag or two!
A HUGE thank you to Diesel for inviting me along, and for organising such a wonderful event.
The early morning car service was a saviour and the coffee on arrival went down a treat!
Thank you also to Alistair Guy for the fab snaps of the day.
And thank you Naomi for making such a wonderful brunch date after the whole shebang ; )!
So what do you guys think? Do you like the new store? Let me know!
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
Monday, 23 July 2012
Look Of The Day: Aztec & Espadrilles! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Monday to you all,
For my international readers please forgive my overbearing JOY at the fact that we, here in hellish three-week-never-ending-rain-England, now have sun. Actual sun!
Bliss.
With this in mind my holiday wardrobe, which had been relegated to my suitcase since my mini-break to Menorca, was suddenly very necessary.
Come Summer I love bright little dresses which you can pop on over a bikini or dress up to wear to lunch. This aztec print number is an old favourite, reliably popping its zig-zagged head out each Summer.
Espadrilles, chunky colourful jewellery and a deconstructed tote all make for a fail-safe MB sunshine combo.
Printed Dress: Zara, old but another similar printed number here, Statement Necklace: Primark - bargain! Espadrilles: bought on holiday, Watch: Swatch, Bracelets: Bought in Menorca, Green and Pink Bangle: H&M, Tote: Gift, Scarf: Becksondergaard similar star-print scarf here, Sunglasses: Beyond Retro, Earrings: Claire's Accessories, Ring: Vintage.
Short but sweet, off to enjoy the remainder of the evening's sunshine!
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
Friday, 20 July 2012
Rihanna - Styled To Rock! The Big Reveal! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
After teasing you all with shh shhh comments of my 'secret internship' I can now reveal that I have been working on Rihanna's new TV series -
Styled To Rock!
By gosh it feels good to tell you - I am a very nervous secret-keeper!
I was so fortunate to work with the amazing team at TwentyTwenty TV for three months, co-ordinating and selecting all of the accessories for the show.
It was pretty much the best job ever.
Styled To Rock is a bit similar to Project Catwalk, with 12 young up-and-coming designers competing for the ultimate prize of designing a one-off outfit for Rihanna. Yes Rihanna!
For 10 weeks the designers are set challenges by different music industry celebrities (BIG names!) which they then have only a few days to complete.
This is a seriously talented bunch.
RiRi you are just so darn hot!!
Not only did Rihanna chose the 12 finalists herself, she also chose to work with the three judges of the show: her long-term stylist Lysa Cooper (who shows off some seriously fierce looks herself!), beauty entrepreneur, Girls Aloud member and fashion chameleon Nicola Roberts, and finally the oh-so-dapper British designer Henry Holland.
I can't say too much just yet (although I would love to tell you ev-er-y-thing!!) but I will tell you that the challenges, designers, contributing celebrities, clothes, gossip, tantrums and prizes are going to make for one helluva show!
You can tune in to Sky Living from August!
For now here's a sneak peak of what is to come...!
Right, now there is just the little matter of deciding what to wear to the wrap party tonight! Pressure!
Have a lovely evening all!
Love,
MB x
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
The Outnet Summer Style Event With Abi Marvel! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy (and dare I say it - sunny!) Tuesday to you all!
Please forgive my minor absence over the past few days, I have been putting in serious hours at non-blogging work and have barely opened this little laptoppy friend of mine - it is lovely to see you all again!
As a relatively new blogger, (and definitely still a teeny tiny fish in a very big pond!) one of the most inspiring things for me to observe, take notes on, and generally just marvel at, is girls who, just like me, started their blogs at home as a hobby and have turned them in to phenomenal successes.
It is with this in mind that I was so darn excited to be invited along by one of the UK's most famous bloggeristas, Abisola from Abimarvel, to an incredible Summer Styling event at TheOutnet.
TheOutnet, for those of you who have yet to dip your toe in to this online world of discount designer deliciousness, is the sister site for net-a-porter and offers year round phe-no-me-nal discounts on fabulous designer pieces. Just to give you a hint of the scale we are talking about, have a look at the list of designers TheOutnet works with here.
Prepare to be amazed.
Prepare to be amazed.
SO on to the event! Alongside the gorgeous Abi, I met Kate from i-am-not-a-celebrity, Alex from Alexloves, Naomi from The Fash Pack, Danielle from FashionistaBarbie and got to see my first oh-so-lovely blogging pal, Ella from the amazing cocosteaparty.
We were all briefed on three scenarios for which we had to chose top-to-toe outfits for, all from TheOutnet.
Well knock me over with a Missoni sandal - this right about sounds like the most fun challenge ever!!
Look 1
Glamorous Lunch
We were all briefed on three scenarios for which we had to chose top-to-toe outfits for, all from TheOutnet.
Well knock me over with a Missoni sandal - this right about sounds like the most fun challenge ever!!
Look 1
Glamorous Lunch
First up was a 'casual lunch' scene.
Read: a gorgeously dressed-up over the top lunch, where we all lounge around in our designer togs and talk about which yacht we are going to take to Capri this year.
Because we do that. Obviously.
Read: a gorgeously dressed-up over the top lunch, where we all lounge around in our designer togs and talk about which yacht we are going to take to Capri this year.
Because we do that. Obviously.
Staying true to my colour-loving roots I opted for some ahhhmazing lemon coloured M by Missoni trousers (1) which I am so in love with it hurts. I paired these citrus babies with a bright blue Designers Remix cotton shirt (2) and a matching Kenneth Jay Lane natural stone necklace (3) (FYI Kenneth Jay Lane is my new jewellery designer obsession.) Not satisfied with two pops of colour (when am I ever?) I chose some gorgeous Calvin Klein collection 'papaya' orange sandals (4) (official colour term) with delicate cross-over suede ties. I have to admit that the shoes looked rather frightening when sat on their box (skinny ankle ties always make me nervous) but surprisingly when I slipped them on the ties actually supported my ankles and the heel combined with platform made me feel safe. Safety is key.
If, despite my safety rant the heel still looks too tall for you, these papaya babies actually come in a mid heel and a flat - savvy!
To top off my first look I chose a Rebecca Minkoff raffia clutch (5), and some Monica Vinader 'Carnelia' earrings (6)
L-R Me, Ella and Naomi
L-R Kate, Me, Ella, Abi our gorgeous host with THE most amazing hair ever, Alex, Danielle and Naomi
L-R Kate, Me, Ella, Abi, Danielle, Naomi and Alex
Look 2 Relaxed Festival
Our second looks were designed for a relaxed festival feel and I was thinking more Coachella than Glasto - of course! Naturally being the festival go-er than I am (err or rather I have never ever been to one!) I wore heels. Yes heels. And no ordinary heels either. Delicious tasseled, printed, bronze-ring-baring Vanessa Bruno heels (1) which the minute I slipped on made me feel as though I had robbed them straight from Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe. If only!
Anyone who's been checking in on my 'holiday looks' will know that I love me a good tie dye number.
(Holiday tie-dye looks here and here)
The floor length Alice & Olivia 'Stevie' dress (2) that I wore was so comfortable and perfect for any warm climate - although with a beaten up jacket and cute cuban boots could be worn on a not-so-sunny day too. Cough, every day in the UK, cough cough. I love love loooved the Fiona Paxton leather necklace (3) that I got to wear with my festival look too.
The transformative powers of a great statement necklace know no bounds, and although this piece was big enough in itself I love layering two or three necklaces to get a chunkier look. A couple of cute colourful Vanessa Arizaga bracelets (4) finished the look - the hyper luxe version of a classic friendship bracelet! (although I love the cheapy €3 holiday versions too!)
Yep below you can see me bust a move.
Step Up here I come!
Look 3
Evening Wear
And so on to the third and final look. The brief for this was glamorous evening attire, and by gosh did the girls pull out all the stops! Given that many a savvy gal logs on to TheOutnet daily my first choice of dress (Halston Heritage one shoulder coral - beautiful!) had sold out by the time we got to the event, so, in a very last minute decision (prior to boarding a plane back to the UK from Menorca! rush rush!) I chose a gorgeous deep berry coloured one shoulder Stella McCartney gown (1) which was ab-so-lute-ly amazing. Although, I do have to admit that I did not realise when choosing it that it was cut short at the front.
Surprise!
Soo unwittingly out came my pins. It actually turned out for the best as I got to show off my insane, so so beautiful Sergio Rossi nude and metallic heels (2) with intricate cage detailing. Little else was needed with such a statement dress but I did add another pair of Monica Vinader earrings (3) - I love long earrings when hair is up. And just when I thought my heart couldn't take any more clothing gorgeousness I laid my eyes on the Azzaro suede Jacksonville clutch (4) I was to wear.
Mm mmm.
Through out the day it was inspiring, and so much fun, to see what each blogger had chosen to wear. We all had such varying tastes, but every body chose pieces which suited them down to a T.
My favourites included Naomi in the electric pink Christopher Kane dress, Ella in the stunning red Marchesa gown (Oscars reporter here you come!), Danielle in her Felder Felder evening dress (which weighed a tonne!) Alex in her adorable flippy-skirt festival look, Abi in her Alexander Wang sleeveless leather vest and Kate in her Diane Von Furstenburg printed jumpsuit.
All in all, over much food (I am proud to admit I was the first to dig in!) and a fair few champagne flutes, I had THE most wonderful time getting to know an incredible group of girls, who I each admire for their phenomenal success with their personal blogs - and excellent taste in TheOutnet ensembles - of course!
Oh and trying on beautiful clothes all afternoon was not such hard work either!
A HUGE thank you to Abi for inviting me along, to Ella for introducing me to her lovely friends and to TheOutnet for hosting the whole shebang and making every last wonderful minute happen.
You can shop all of my looks using this unique link.
All outfit pieces and accessories (bar my own) are available at TheOutnet.
Thank you Abi for the photos too (all of the more professional looking ones are Abi's!)
Oh and if you want to have one final laugh at our 'casual' champagne shenanigans click here.
Phew! Right, after reviewing all of that splendid lot I have worked up a serious appetite!
Dinner here I come!
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
Step Up here I come!
Evening Wear
And so on to the third and final look. The brief for this was glamorous evening attire, and by gosh did the girls pull out all the stops! Given that many a savvy gal logs on to TheOutnet daily my first choice of dress (Halston Heritage one shoulder coral - beautiful!) had sold out by the time we got to the event, so, in a very last minute decision (prior to boarding a plane back to the UK from Menorca! rush rush!) I chose a gorgeous deep berry coloured one shoulder Stella McCartney gown (1) which was ab-so-lute-ly amazing. Although, I do have to admit that I did not realise when choosing it that it was cut short at the front.
Surprise!
Soo unwittingly out came my pins. It actually turned out for the best as I got to show off my insane, so so beautiful Sergio Rossi nude and metallic heels (2) with intricate cage detailing. Little else was needed with such a statement dress but I did add another pair of Monica Vinader earrings (3) - I love long earrings when hair is up. And just when I thought my heart couldn't take any more clothing gorgeousness I laid my eyes on the Azzaro suede Jacksonville clutch (4) I was to wear.
Mm mmm.
With the super lovely TheOutnet girls! Far left - Sophie, Far right - Jordan and Rachel
My favourites included Naomi in the electric pink Christopher Kane dress, Ella in the stunning red Marchesa gown (Oscars reporter here you come!), Danielle in her Felder Felder evening dress (which weighed a tonne!) Alex in her adorable flippy-skirt festival look, Abi in her Alexander Wang sleeveless leather vest and Kate in her Diane Von Furstenburg printed jumpsuit.
All in all, over much food (I am proud to admit I was the first to dig in!) and a fair few champagne flutes, I had THE most wonderful time getting to know an incredible group of girls, who I each admire for their phenomenal success with their personal blogs - and excellent taste in TheOutnet ensembles - of course!
Oh and trying on beautiful clothes all afternoon was not such hard work either!
A HUGE thank you to Abi for inviting me along, to Ella for introducing me to her lovely friends and to TheOutnet for hosting the whole shebang and making every last wonderful minute happen.
You can shop all of my looks using this unique link.
All outfit pieces and accessories (bar my own) are available at TheOutnet.
Thank you Abi for the photos too (all of the more professional looking ones are Abi's!)
Oh and if you want to have one final laugh at our 'casual' champagne shenanigans click here.
Phew! Right, after reviewing all of that splendid lot I have worked up a serious appetite!
Dinner here I come!
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Look Of The Day: Neon Rain Jacket + A Breton Dress! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all!
Forgive my brief posting this evening - I am about to head off for dinner with my dear Paps!
Now that I think about it I have been rather spoilt over the past few days, catching up all of my very favourite people in the world. It has been brilliant.
OK so short and sweet . Today it was raining in London (surprise!) - and although I am as much of a rain anti-lover as anyone that has now experienced ten days straight of drizzle, I was also sort of happy to be able to don my amazing neon raincoat that I picked up in the GAP sale a few weeks ago. I had originally intended to use my new light weight jacket for the brilliant exercise/running regime which I had taken up, but, um, well, the running hasn't happened very recently. At all. So I used the coat for the purpose it was intended and shielded myself from the showers.
I am not saying it should rain more, but I am growing to like (sort of) dressing for the rubbish weather. Oh and due to the fact it was really raining all my photos look a little blurry.
Genuine.photo.filter.
Genuine.photo.filter.
Jacket: GAP, Breton T-Shirt Dress: Aubin & Wills, Fringed Booties: Jones The Bootmaker, Neon Yellow Scarf: Vintage, Purse: H&M, Turquoise Watch: Swatch, Sunglasses: Vintage, Jewellery: Bought in Menorca, Long Necklace: Thanks to Caratime.com
OH and before I run off to meet Papa MB, I just had to share with you a few of the bits and pieces which have made my week!
From top-bottom,
1. My ahhhmazing friend Fera visiting me with her gorgeous hubby.
2. The peonies (my favourite flower!) which Fera brought with her - along with croissants (the perfect guest!)
3. My new Milly ballet pumps I picked up brand new in a charity shop when I went home. I know.
4. The insanely tasty breakfast Fera and I ate this morning in Notting Hill, with Laura Bailey and Alice Temperley on either side of us. Best.Celeb.Watching.Ever.
Righto must dash (and probably wear some wellies!)
Have a super evening all!
Love, MB x
Friday, 6 July 2012
Look Of The Day: Paige Polka Dot Jeans + Daniel Nude Heeled Trainers! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all! Yes. Friday. Woooo!
The weather in London was rather tempestuous today, throwing tantrums of rain and then smiling its way through sporadic sunshine. As such I was forced to don one of my oldest wardrobe staples - the mac. I have not called upon this old friend in quite some time, and yet, like all good friends, it came to my aid when I really needed it.
Thanks maccy babe!
Grey Mac: GAP (you can nab a similar designer version with a big discount here), Printed Shirt, Sunglasses, Leather Belt and Short Necklace: Vintage, Polkadot Denim Jeans: Paige Denim - thanks to IPR London, Long Gold Necklace: Thanks to Caratime.com, Nude Suede Tote: Zara, Nude Heeled Trainers: Thanks to Daniel Footwear, Turquoise Watch: Swatch, Turquoise Ring: Soon-to-be-launched Editor's Letter, Bracelets: Menorca and H&M, Nail Polish: BarryM Spring Green, LipStick: Makeup Forever no.202
I was lucky enough to get my hands on this pair of Paige jeans a couple of days ago, previously modelled by one Miss Gwen Stefani and Miss Cheryl Cole. Good company! I have to say that when I first held these beauties up I thought there would be no hope of wiggling my bottom in to them (my derrière has a habit of making jeans-buying rather challenging), and yet, without even too much of a hop and a jump, I did! Calling upon my ancient-old training at MiH Jeans (which is another fantastic jeans brand by the by - have a look at my MiH sailor jeans here) I recalled that a percentage of around 2% elastane gives just the right amount of stretch to accommodate a little curve, and keep the shape of the jeans.
Pretty darn great then.
I also broached new personal style territory today when I slipped on these nude Daniel heeled trainers. Having been originally wary of the heeled trainer trend (instinct. sheer instinct.) I fought my gut feeling and headed over - very comfortably - to the dark side. And do you know what? It felt good.
Real good.
My new guilty pleasure
On a completely different note I really enjoyed wearing a pop of fuchsia lipstick today too - brightened my mood no end.
OH and I can finally tell you what my top-secret internship was (remember how I had to keep it shhhh?!)
Have a little stroll over to Style It Light and read this.
So SO SOO exciting - I can't wait to fill you guys in on all the backstage and styling goss when the show airs.
Oh and just so there is no confusion - I looked after the accessories for the show. The shoes, bags, gems and jewels. No on-camera action for me ; )!!!
So what do you guys think? Polkadot Jeans? Heeled trainers? Any trends you thought you wouldn't dip in to but ended up loving?
Let me know!!
Have a wonderful Friday evening all!
Love,
MB x
P.S. I will shortly be posting all of the fun and frolics from the ahhhmazing Summer Style event with TheOutnet and fab bloggerista Abi Marvel. Super excited to share with you all! x
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Ask MB: What To Wear With A Sleeveless Shirt! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Thursday to you all,
Last night I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Outnet's Summer Style soiree hosted by Über bloggerista Abisola from Abimarvel. I will fill you in on alll the deets from that little bunch of fashion fabulousness very soon but for now I am so excited to be posting my first 'Ask MB' answer! Woooo.
SO. For those of you that follow me on Twitter you may have seen the recently launched 'Ask MB' section to my site! This little outlet is where you, my lovely readers, can put your style questions to me and ask away any sartorial dilemmas or conundrums you may have on your mind. I will always do my upmost best to help!
Last night I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Outnet's Summer Style soiree hosted by Über bloggerista Abisola from Abimarvel. I will fill you in on alll the deets from that little bunch of fashion fabulousness very soon but for now I am so excited to be posting my first 'Ask MB' answer! Woooo.
SO. For those of you that follow me on Twitter you may have seen the recently launched 'Ask MB' section to my site! This little outlet is where you, my lovely readers, can put your style questions to me and ask away any sartorial dilemmas or conundrums you may have on your mind. I will always do my upmost best to help!
Thank you to every one who has already sent in their questions, today I am going to answer one of my favourites. So without further ado, I shall hand y'all over to...
Hannah via e-mail.
Q: I saw your 'ask MB' post and I thought, hey I need some help!! I've got a hot pink and white stripy sleeveless shirt which I love but don't know what to wear with it!! I guess jeans are the obvious choice but I can't bear to put any on! Have you any helpful suggestions for me!? Xxxx
A: Hey Hannah, thanks so much for sending in your query. I for one am a BIG fan of a shirt in the Summer, sleeveless or not, and the good news is that there are plenty of things you can pair yours with aside from jeans. I tried to find a shirt which matched your description, this white version from American Apparel seemed pretty similar - we will just have to imagine the
hot pink stripes ; )!!
hot pink stripes ; )!!
A little visual aid : )!!
This type of shirt lends itself well to being tucked into a full skirt. It plays on the cute 1950's style of your top and can be worn with heels or plimsols. I'd advise either a perfectly matching skirt (1.) like this hot pink number from Very.co.uk - a steal at £18! Or go for a print clash with some great tribal print shorts (2.) (one of my Summer faves!) these gently flared shorts from BHS are another bargain at £20 and will keep you cool.
If shorts and skirts don't tickle your fancy, why not try a cute denim dress as an accompaniment? I like the idea of either wearing your shirt underneath - à la Alexa Chung (that girl knows all the tricks ; )!) or unbuttoning your shirt and wearing it open and over. This little ASOS dress (3.) is A-dorable! I think I may just have to get it myself!
I hope that answers your question Hannah! Feel free to give me a shout if you want to chat some more and please do let me know how you get on!
SO my lovely readers, do you have any style queries which are bugging you? Any events you are going to soon which need an outfit which is just so?! A hot hot date perhaps?! Or a Wedding? Festival?
Ask away about anything and everything!
Send me your questions to monicabeatrice.theelginavenue@hotmail.co.uk and I will always do my best to come to your fashion aid!
Now if you will excuse me, I am going to go and see if I can wriggle myself in to my gorgeous new pair of polka dot Paige Jeans...here's hoping!!
Have a lovely afternoon all!
Love,
MB x
If shorts and skirts don't tickle your fancy, why not try a cute denim dress as an accompaniment? I like the idea of either wearing your shirt underneath - à la Alexa Chung (that girl knows all the tricks ; )!) or unbuttoning your shirt and wearing it open and over. This little ASOS dress (3.) is A-dorable! I think I may just have to get it myself!
I hope that answers your question Hannah! Feel free to give me a shout if you want to chat some more and please do let me know how you get on!
SO my lovely readers, do you have any style queries which are bugging you? Any events you are going to soon which need an outfit which is just so?! A hot hot date perhaps?! Or a Wedding? Festival?
Ask away about anything and everything!
Send me your questions to monicabeatrice.theelginavenue@hotmail.co.uk and I will always do my best to come to your fashion aid!
Now if you will excuse me, I am going to go and see if I can wriggle myself in to my gorgeous new pair of polka dot Paige Jeans...here's hoping!!
Have a lovely afternoon all!
Love,
MB x
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