Tag Archives: style blogger

How To Wear A Blazer In The Summer

SUMMER SUIT

Blazers are for more than just the office this summer…

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Photos by Michaela Efford

For as long as I can remember I’ve had an obsession with blazers. We used to travel to London when I had holidays from school and my first purchase was always a new blazer of a different colour. My mum would always ask me, “how many blazers can you possibly have?” I think she thought I would eventually grow out of this but guess what? Sorry Mom, I haven’t. Now a lot of you have to wear blazers to the office during the workweek so it becomes the last thing you want to look at during the weekend. Today I’m challenging you to think differently because your blazer could actually be the key to creating a super chic weekend look.

In the summer, it’s all about using your blazer to dress up a casual weekend outfit, while dressing down a formal piece. I like to do it by pairing my super structured piece with very loose, easy going and flowy ones. I paired my white Sandro blazer with a flowing skirt from Storets and a silky white cami. I love this all white look and the two different fits work really well together. The perfect brunch outfit! For a bit of fun, I added in my giant Prada headband (you can find a similar one here) and my favourite dad sandals. I know they can be hard to style but I have a post dedicated to how to style them coming soon!

So will you take the challenge? Share how you wear your blazers on the weekend this summer by tagging me in your posts on Instagram! (@thesilksneaker)

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White Silk Cami

Storets Emilee White Skort

Sandro White Blazer

Similar White Blazer

Prada Headband (similar & more affordable)

Prada Sandals

Prada Handbag

In the summer, it’s all about using your blazer to dress up a casual weekend outfit, while dressing down a formal piece.

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White Silk Cami

Storets Emilee White Skort

Sandro White Blazer

Similar White Blazer

Prada Headband (similar & more affordable)

Prada Sandals

Prada Handbag

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3 Tips For Looking Your Best In Every Photo You Take

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP

If there’s one thing that EVERYONE asks me, and when I say everyone I mean friends, families, you guys, everyone, it’s how did I learn how to pose for photos. Trust me when I say I was no expert when I started my blog. I had no idea what I was doing and I would constantly be wondering how all these amazing bloggers got so good at posing in front of the camera. Over the past three years, I have been able to pick up quite a few tips and tricks which means that when we go out to take photos now, I am much quicker than I was when we started. All of this is because I learnt these three tricks to always looking good in photos.

THE PERFECT SMILE

Long ago when I was about to go for my first school dance, my mum taught me a trick that I have never forgotten; the trick to getting the perfect smile in every photo. Take your tongue and stick it behind your teeth. I know that sounds totally bizarre but by doing this you avoid making your smile too wide for the camera. I know it may feel really odd when you try this for the first time, but trust me it always works!

THE GO TO POSE

Did you know that your left side is often more flattering than your right? I always naturally tend to go towards my right side but the left side is the way to go. More than that, it’s all about knowing what to do with your body when you are in front of the camera. One of my favourites poses to get you started would be to put one leg in front of the other. Standing this way automatically puts you in a photogenic position. Keep your arms relaxed and your head at eye level! You can also try crossing one leg in front of the other. As you start to get more confident with this pose, you’ll start to get more comfortable with trying others.

THE ANGLE IS KEY

You could have gotten everything right from the perfect spring outfit, to a great smile and that killer pose, but the photo will be nothing unless you know the angles that work for you. For some girls, they prefer it taken from above, for petite girls, we need a lower angle. Experiment with taking the same photos from all the angles to understand which one works best for you. The difference is insane and once you find the one that works for you, you’ll never go back. (PS: I always ask for a lower angle, that’s how I always look tall in my pictures!)

So, do you have any questions on how to nail your pose in photos? Comment below!

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25 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

MY 25TH BIRTHDAY

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Photos by @alisejane_photo

Over this weekend (more specifically on the 7th of April, feel free to mark your calendar :P) I turned 25. I was so happy to be able to celebrate this moment with my family and friends and I gave you guys a front row view to the whole weekend on my Instagram Stories as well (It’s in a highlight now so you can see the whole thing unfold, just click here). I was planning on writing a post on how to create the perfect birthday outfit but then I stopped and thought to myself, that isn’t as fun and it supposed to be my birthday. Instead, I want to share with you guys 25 things you didn’t know about me to celebrate my 25th birthday. Here we go:

1. I’m one of those people who LOVES their birthday. I still get excited about it and stay up till midnight and I still wake up with that extra special feeling in my stomach. Just can’t help it!

2. Regardless of loving my birthday, I’m actually an introvert. I can be quite shy when it comes to large group events and that’s why I find large networking events to be difficult but I’m working on getting better at that.

3. I’m a total goof. I dance around and make strange noises around the house and the more you spend time with me, the more you notice it. This occurs even when I’m alone.

4. I love to cook and bake. My first attempt at baking was a massive fail (red velvet cupcakes…ouch) but I vowed to get better and now I’d say I’m actually pretty good. I focus on cooking and baking healthy things but every now and then something indulgent will pop out of my oven.

5. I’m a perfectionist. I get very agitated when things aren’t just right and I usually try to strive to be the best at everything I do. It’s taken me a long time to see that sometimes there is a balance and you don’t have to be the best at everything.

6. I am a board game fiend. I LOVE to have a games night and my favourite games are Taboo, Snatch, Scrabble and Codenames. Yes, I can be very competitive but you’ll probably win if you’re on my team.

7. I used to very athletic in school. I was on my school’s football team and played varsity for all my high school years. There was one year when I didn’t make the travel team in the 8th grade and I still remember that horrible feeling. I also trained in a dance company and almost decided to dedicate my life to dance. I obviously didn’t and I don’t ever regret it.

8. I struggle with my weight sometimes. I fluctuate with it up and down but since my days in dance, I have always been very critical of my body. I’m working on showing myself more self-love and care.

9. I think my two favourite foods in the world are dim sum and pasta. My soul dim sum is probably a Xiao Ling Bao or a custard bun. I’ll let you decide.

10. I love Buzzfeed quizzes and I tend to take the results very seriously. It provides great entertainment for everyone around me.

11. I hate avocado. I have said it and admitted it. I have always found it really gross but somehow I like guac… not sure how that works but it does.

12. I love mystery novels and Agatha Christie ones are my favourite. Growing up I would read Nancy Drew like it was going out of style. I still watch Hercule Poirot on TV.

13. Speaking of reading, I also love Harry Potter. I have a very strange obsession with everything to do with the magical universe and my first celebrity crush was Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter. I also LOVE Princess Diaries.

14. My first concert was INXS. I didn’t particularly like the band but my friends and I were just excited about attending a concert for the first time.

15. I’m quite forgetful. I have to set lots of reminders but sometimes I leave things in random places around the house and I just can’t remember where.

16. I write everything down and have an obsession with notebooks and stationary. Any excuse for a notebook is fine by me.

17. The first time I ever went into the ocean was on my trip to Bali… in 2014…Yes you read that right. I actually had a fear of water growing up but not anymore.

18. My teeth may look great but I’ve had 5 root canals and countless cavities. I don’t have enamel on my teeth so they had to put veneers in.

19. The other reason I probably had so many cavities is because I have a massive sweet tooth but one day I just decided to take out refined sugar from my diet. That was.. tough.

20. I went through a phase in my life where I would eat cupcakes for breakfast every Friday. Red velvet cupcakes…not healthy at all.

21. My drink of choice is either wine, whisky or a vodka soda.

22. I am beyond loyal to my friends. It takes a lot for me to get upset and someone must have had to really rub me the wrong way to make me angry.

23. I love candles. I am a massive homebody and love to fill my space with beautiful smells. My favourites are Baies and Tube Rose from Diptyque and Wood Sage & Sea Salt from Jo Malone.

24. I can’t watch TV shows and movies without knowing the ending. If the ending is on wikipedia I’ve read it. It actually makes me enjoy it more.

25. My favourite flowers are Peonies, Babys Breath, Tulips, Roses (NOT red) and daisies.

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Ba&Sh Floral Dress

Gianvito Rossi Heels

Flower Crown

The Best Spring & Summer Dresses You Should Buy Now

DRESS UP

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Photos by Alise Jane

I was walking around Notting Hill with Alise the other day and we were so excited to see all the beautiful flowers blooming and the rows of magnolia trees. What made me even more excited, was that it’s finally time to start thinking about spring and summer dresses! This year, I am really feeling midi and maxi dresses, especially in linen and tie-dye! That really works for me because tie-dye also happens to be one of the biggest spring summer fashion trends for 2019.

For this summer dress outfit, I styled my tie-dye maxi dress with a light utility jacket, both from Zara. I love the mix of the pastel colours of the dress with the khaki of my spring jacket. For another pop of colour, I added in a little neck scarf. I get a lot of questions about this one. It’s from Dior and it has an S on it (for Shloka obviously, but I seem to get a lot of emails saying “Dear Silky”. Is that worse than Dear The Silk Sneaker?) They still have many available in every letter!

Accessories wise, I kept it simple with one of my favourite pairs of flats; my Malone Souliers pink flats. My favourite part of the outfit has to be my sunglasses chain! I know that sunglasses chain are still a micro-trend and not everyone has gained the courage to wear them, but I hope that all the times I’ve featured them and plan to feature them show you guys how versatile and how cool they are! I got the pearl chain at Selfridges but you can also check out Frame Chain for more!

I’ve linked to some of my favourite dresses below you can get a head start!

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Zara Tie Dye Dress

Khaki Jacket (similar)

Malone Souliers Flats (similar)

Ray Ban Sunglasses (similar)

Sunglasses Chain

Dior Neck Scarf

This year, I am really feeling midi and maxi dresses, especially in linen and tie-dye!

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Zara Tie Dye Dress

Khaki Jacket (similar)

Malone Souliers Flats (similar)

Ray Ban Sunglasses (similar)

Sunglasses Chain

Dior Neck Scarf1w

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The Perfect Outfit To Wear Now All The Way To Spring…

ALMOST SPRING

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This post contains affiliate links but this does not affect your experience in any way! One of the items features is from & Other Stories who I have a gifting relationship with however I purchased this product featured here.

Photos by Alise Jane

There is no denying that spring is in the air and no one is more excited about cute spring outfits than me! Not only do I love pulling out my favourite pieces like slip skirts and leather jackets, but my birthday also falls in the spring! Now as excited as we all may be, it’s not exactly sun shining, warm weather, rosé time just yet, which means that right now it’s all about transitional dressing and creating the perfect outfit for in between seasons; AKA March!

For me, it’s about mixing your favourite winter pieces with your favourite warm-weather pieces as I’ve done in this outfit here. This & Other Stories cardigan is a piece I’ve worn over and over and it still sparks so much joy. It is the perfect piece to layer over your favourite spring dress or over a cute cami and silk slip skirt. (I’ve linked to a similar Topshop slip skirt)

Yes, it’s officially time for your slip skirt to come out and play and there are so many ways you can style it! I styled my white silk slip skirt with a silk cami but you can also pair it with a fun knit or for an edgier look, a turtleneck and leather jacket! If you live in a warmer country though, just style it with a t-shirt for the perfect look. You can add a pop of colour with accessories!

To complete the look I added in my pearl hair clips. I’ve had a lot of questions about them and these are from Anthropologie. Although it says there is a back order on them I actually got mine super quickly after I ordered them. If you don’t feel like waiting though here are some similar ones! For a final pop of colour, I wore my Dior Saddle bag to bring the outfit together!

Are you excited about spring fashion?

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Deme By Gabriella Silk Cami (similar)

Silk Slip Skirt (similar)

& Other Stories White Cropped Cardigan

Office White Boots

Dior Saddle Bag

Anthropologie Pearl Clips

Similar Pearl Clips

…It’s all about transitional dressing and creating the perfect outfit for in between seasons; AKA March!

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Deme By Gabriella Silk Cami (similar)

Silk Slip Skirt (similar)

& Other Stories White Cropped Cardigan

Office White Boots

Dior Saddle Bag

Anthropologie Pearl Clips

Similar Pearl Clips

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3 Style Commandments I Live By To Always Look Luxe

ETERNAL STYLE

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Photos by Alise Jane

Fashion trends may come and go (on that note though, who’s excited about spring summer 2019?) but style is eternal right? It took me a long time to really find my style and get comfortable with it and a part of that journey is documented through all my outfits here on The Silk Sneaker. Over time though I’ve learnt some valuable lessons on how to look elegant, no matter the season, and how to create everyday outfits that make for street style worthy looks, no matter the season. Here are my three style commandments that I live by to always look luxe:

1. Black & white is not boring
You know, this might be the first time I’ve ever actually said that on the blogs! I am a huge fan of colour and always adding something colourful into your look (even if it is just a red lip; have you seen my guide to the best red lipsticks for brown girls?) but black and white is a timeless combination and one that I fall back on constantly. When going for black and white, I always like to add texture or something interesting. I did that here with my ruffle skirt from Zara and this adorable graphic sweatshirt.

2. Mix Between High End and High Street
Yes, I love a luxury piece but I also love a good high street find! It’s all about bringing those pieces together to create something unique. After all, it’s no fun to wear a look that is basically a cookie cutter of what you saw on the mannequin! In this look, I paired my Miu Miu sweater with one of my favourite skirts that happens to be from Zara. When I wore this, no one could tell that my skirt was high street! Smart shopping and smart pairings are what make your outfit look more expensive and put together.

3. Wear it with confidence
Sometimes, when I’m trying out a new styling trick, or something trendier that everyone isn’t on board with yet, I feel nervous. Those are the moments I remind myself that if this makes me feel good it will look good too. When you feel good in an outfit, it shows on the outside so wear your style with confidence. Remember that your style is a way of sharing who you are with the world; what you wear is saying something and don’t let anyone drown your voice out. Always stay true to you and only wear something if it suits your body type, and who you are.

I hope that you find these style tips helpful and at the least, it encourages you to try that accessory you’ve been holding back on or that dress at the back of your closet. Share your style commandments with me below!

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Miu Miu Not Nice Embroidered Sweater

Zara Black Skirt (similar here)

Church’s Boots (on sale!)

Similar boots

Isharya Pearl Earrings

Remember that your style is a way of sharing who you are with the world; what you wear is saying something and don’t let anyone drown your voice out.

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Miu Miu Not Nice Embroidered Sweater

Zara Black Skirt (similar here)

Church’s Boots (on sale!)

Similar boots

Isharya Pearl Earrings

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How To Look Cool on Valentine’s Day

DATE NIGHT

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This post contains affiliate links but don’t worry this doesn’t affect you in any way. You’re still gonna look fab on date night 😉

Photos by Alise Jane

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and regardless of whether you’re celebrating it with your S.O or with your girlfriends, the last thing you want is to look like a cliche. Of course, everyone is going to pull out their favourite pink and red pieces but I always like to take a step back and instead inject a bit of cool factor into my winter date night outfit. This outfit isn’t just about looking your best on Valentine’s Day, it’s about how to look cool on any date night you might have coming up.

My first rule on V-day is to step away from anything pink or red. Believe it or not, I feel like Valentine’s Day is overrated. Why should we celebrate our love for others for only one day? That’s why I always like to keep things classy and cool and treat it like any other date night. After all, you should look fabulous regardless of it being the 14th of February right?

I opt for classic colours like black and white and look to add colour into my outfit with my accessories. For this look, I went for an oversized ba&sh white sweater with a knotted back. I love the back detailing, it’s a bit of spice without being too much. I paired it with a pair of sleek Paige joggers and some cute heels. The whole ensemble is put together and elegant, without it looking like you’ve tried too hard.

To add some more personality to my outfit I wore my vintage Balenciaga statement earrings. I always find that when you wear statement earring like these, you don’t need anything else. My bag is the same belt bag I’ve been sharing with you on my Instagram but styled as a clutch. I love this company as they make affordable luxury. I also love how you can wear it in so many different ways.

So, would you wear this on your next date night? Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?

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Ba&sh twist back jumper

Similar twist back jumper

Paige Silk Joggers

Casadei Suede Pumps

Balenciaga Vintage Earrings

Montunas Clutch

I opt for classic colours like black and white and look to add colour into my outfit with my accessories.

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Ba&sh twist back jumper

Similar twist back jumper

Paige Silk Joggers

Casadei Suede Pumps

Balenciaga Vintage Earrings

Montunas Clutch

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The 7 Piece Classic Checklist Every Woman Needs For Her Wardrobe

CLASSIC IS KEY

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Photos by Alise Jane

Editors Note: If you’re looking to build up your classic pieces in your wardrobe, check out this post.

Have you ever noticed how Parisian woman are always superbly dressed regardless of the season? The same goes for women in Italy! As killer as their wardrobes might be, they all have one thing in common; they all have these 7 classic pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe so that they always has the best outfit ideas. So rather than one outfit formula, you have a range of pieces you can mix and match to fall back on no matter the weather or the day. My outfit today is actually styled completely with those pieces!

The first part of my outfit is a cosy hoodie. Every woman needs an elegant white hoodie that can be styled for a casual day or dressed up for a more special occasion. I paired mine with another essential, high waisted jeans. I love the lighter wash on these, perfect for a fresh winter look and great in the summer too. What really brings my outfit together is the most important essential of them all; a black blazer. You can add a blazer to literally any outfit to make it look more put together. I’ve dressed up an otherwise totally casual look with mine.

The fourth piece is a pair of kitten heels You can wear them in the day as I’ve done here, or at night with literally anything. They are the basis of a good shoe collection. Fifth, I have my Louis Vuitton clutch. If you haven’t guessed already, I believe the fifth piece of the puzzle is having a versatile bag. I love the idea of a clutch you can wear in the day or in the night. It’s the best way to go from desk to drinks! The last two pieces to add to the list are an A-line skirt and ankle boots. I’ve curated my favourites for each below, ready for you to shop! How many do you already have?

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Me+Em White Hoodie

Claudie Pierlot Black Blazer (similar)

Topshop Wide Leg Jeans

Dior Kitten Heels

Louis Vuitton Clutch

…they all have these 7 classic pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe so that they always has the best outfit ideas.

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Me+Em White Hoodie

Reiss Black Blazer

Topshop Wide Leg Jeans

Dior Kitten Heels

Louis Vuitton Clutch

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3 Secrets To Staying Warm While Staying Stylish

CITY WINTER

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Photos by Alise Jane

The idea of pulling together a cute outfit on a cold rainy day can be daunting, especially when you want to be warm but stylish. Living in London has taught me that you can still create an effortless outfit, regardless of the weather. In my time, I’ve learned the key to creating a casual winter outfit as well as a few tips and tricks to stay warm in winter while still looking adorable.

A quick note about my look before I get to my must-know tips. My sweater and skirt are & Other Stories. I love both these pieces because they look so luxe! The sweater has an Isabel Marant vibe and the leather skirt is always in style. I completed my look with my Chanel Backpack and these gorgeous hair clips from The Tripletsss. They are three adorable bloggers who have just launched a fab jewellery line.

1.Layer, layer, and add another layer
You may not be able to see the layers I’m wearing in this outfit but I’ve actually got a layer underneath my incredibly chunky sweater. At this time of year, it’s all about the unseen layers and thermals. My Uniqlo heat tech totally saves me, especially in the run up to fashion week!

2.Keep your feet warm
When my feet are cold, I feel colder! I don’t know if that’s just a weird thing that happens to me but I swear that super warm socks and good boots make me feel warmer. I’m currently obsessed with these & Other Stories boots. I’ve been stopped on the street multiple times by people asking where they are from. Needless to say, everyone is shocked (and pleasantly surprised) that they are high street!

3. Invest in good outerwear
Although it isn’t pictured here, I have a selection of coats that I wear (with inners!) that keep me super warm. I always make it a point to invest in good outerwear that will last me for more than just a single winter. I actually did a round up of some of the best coats out there right now (for every budget) if you’re still looking for a good one which you can check out here. If you’re thinking about next season, August is the best time to invest in a new coat.

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& Other Stories Sweater

& Other Stories Leather Skirt

& Other Stories Beige Boots

The Tripletsss Hair Clips & Ring

Chanel Backpack