New Knitwear

It's that time of year again, to start bulking out the winter wardrobe with some statement knitwear and this is exactly what I have been doing! 

Although it's cold outside, you forget your umbrella so your hair gets wet and there's the risk of face planting the floor due to black ice... For fashion winter is amongst our favourite season! 

With the opportunity to indulge in layer upon layer of pastel shade jumpers over sheer strong collared shirts with the excuse that it's just to keep us warm (Ignoring the fact it's the hottest trend of the season and it's equally as comfortable) it's hard not to fall in love with laying during the most fashionable season! 

Here are two of my favourite pieces i've picked up from this seasons selection of knitwear on our very own high-street.

Fresh Mint

This fresh mint jumper is probably my best find this season, not only is it bang trend but because of it's pastel colouring its also a great transitional piece that I can wear right through till spring next year - The candy colour theme was so popular again this year that I'm sure it'll be in the fashion forecast for SS14.

Dress up this beautiful mint green jumper with a jewelled neckpiece. Mint Green jumper; Primark £8.00 OTT necklace; River Island £15.00. Image: Bloggers own.

So while I wasn't really out shopping for a new jumper - But we never are we? I couldn't resist purchasing this one at the unbelievable price of just £8.00 from the bargain fashion store Primark. It almost feels like i've got it in a prestigious 75 percent off sale but i haven't - it really was under a tenner!

Wear this pastel knit over a sharp white shirt for a more tailored look. Sheer white shirt; Primark £9.00

  

Fuchsia Pink

Again this jumper is a great transitional piece for those difficult in between season periods where it looks warm outside but it's really not.I was draw in by the colour but the weight and woven knit detail of this piece is as equally amazing. Although a bit more expensive this jumper has already been worn and worn and worn again but is still in great condition, unlike some knitwear which becomes unwearable after just a few washes! I purchased this Knitted Mix Stitch Jumper from everybody's favourite high-street store Topshop for £38.00. 

Knitted Mix Stitch Jumper; Topshop £38.00

It's undoubtable that Topshop has the BEST range of the seasons most popular colour with a collection of cropped knits, PVC pastels, and cute mini skirts in every shade of pink imaginable. 

Screenshot of just some of the 'pink' knitwear collection at Topshop. Image; Topshop.com

I earlier touched on layering your knitted key pieces and this is something I have been doing a lot, i love throwing my faux fur and knit mix gilet on over this bright statement colour jumper for a fashionable day look - I also add an oversized hat for glamour and I think my friend beautiful baby pug goes well with it too, his name is Arnie and he is such a fashionista already and the star of my friend and hairdressers blog. 

Wearing my fuchsia pink knit with a smart white shirt, black gilet and oversized hat.

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Fashion Mantra

I admit that I am one of those people who is guilty of instagraming everything and anything I find interesting, my new purchases and my next meal. I Instagram all these little things that make me laugh make me cry and make me cry with laughter. 

This little 'Fashion Mantra' is the latest in my addition to my Instagram portfolio I just love it! The bright lights epitomise the glamorous side to the fashion industry while the words themselve define the hard work of those who work around the clock to bring the catwalk to the high-street and promote the latest fashion must haves we demand to know about! 

Follow me on Instagram @nathaliefashionuk 

#Regram 

Words: Nathalie Dawe 

The Look Of Leather

With a new season comes a new trend, this trend usually begins with a designer and a sketchbook, its then brought to life on our catwalk and if we are LUCKY the trends key elements are interpreted by our favourite high-street brands for us high-street junkies to work into our OWN wardrobes and create our OWN style. 

And this season the trend leading the catwalk to the high-street was leather. It seemed impossible to walk down the high-street without brushing past a leather sleeve or being followed by the tapping of a chunky leather heel. 

So while it's still cold outside I've decided to take a look at some of my favourite leather key pieces from the season that have become staple wardrobe essentials.

The Jacket

The leather sleeve is something on the catwalk that has not gone un-noticed by the high-street again this year! Zara was amongst the first retailers last Christmas to launch the leather sleeve  re-inventing the Parker and the Mac  - after seeing it on the catwalk at Burberry and many more. Like the iconic leather jacket it's a look that has stuck with us as a wardrobe essential for AW13. However this year I'm struggling to think of a retailer on the high-street where I haven't seen a leather sleeve. I've picked out a couple of my Zara favourites from their outerwear range that have incorporated this trend.

Combined Faux Leather Coat £89.99 - Combination Parka with Faux Leather Sleeves £109.00. Images: www.zara.co.uk.

I've also managed to pick myself up a bargain this year from retailer giants Primark with this quilted sleeve and wool textured jacket with gold zip detail. I can't remember exactly how much I paid for it but for under £30.00 it's a bargain! 

Primark Quilted Sleeve Coat under £30.00. Image: www.ebay.co.uk.

Gold detailing on this jacket creates an expensive look. Images: www.ebay.co.uk.

The Chunky Heel 

These boots are just AMAZING! I cannot stress enough how they have transformed my daytime wardrobe! As a short girl myself (If you hadn't noticed already) a comfy heel is an everyday essential and these boots provide the added height without the discomfort of a back breaking stiletto. Although not genuine leather the chic leather look and feel of these platform lace up's are all you need to complete any outfit when teamed with a pair of high-waisted skinny's and a tailored shirt - I also love throwing a fur gilet on over the top to add a bit of glamour and if you want to pump up the volume even more try an oversized hat for a real Chelsea girl look. 

Topshop Astrix Platform Lace Up Boots £42.00. Images: www.topshop.co.uk.

The Trousers

Last year the leather trouser was another statement piece I lived in giving a more polished finish to any outfit, it's such a versatile piece that can be dressed up with a tailored jacket for dinner or dressed down with chunky knitwear for the day. This year i'm loving this high-waited version from Next for just £28.00 and the great thing about next is that they come in regular and longer lengths meaning they'll be suitable for everyone. 

Next Leather Look Skinny Trousers £28.00. Images: www.next.co.uk.

The Skirt 

Just because it's winter that doesn't mean you have to completely hide your legs away until next summer, I love wearing skirts because  they epitomise femininity - woman protested for us to have the mini-skirt so we should make the most of showing off our legs in all seasons. For AW13 I love quilted leather and this quilted mini-skirt from New Look is my latest wardrobe investment, I suggest teaming it with a thick pair of tights and black boots - I've recently been dressing it down with an oversized knitted jumper but i've fallen in love with it so much that last night I dressed it up with a tailored black shirt, super-high heels and a statement necklace. The skirts texture  makes the outfit look so much more expensive than it actually is but at £17.99 it's a must have!  

New Look Black Quilted Leather-Look Biker Mini Skirt £17.99. Image: www.newlook.co.uk.

Words: Nathalie Dawe