Tag Archives: what to wear

3 Tips To Get Ready Faster in The Morning

THINK FAST

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Photos by Alise Jane

When I was in school, the number one reason why I was late was that I couldn’t decide what to wear. Fast forward to university, and that problem continued on. Over time I finally figured out a system that worked well for me and helped me to get ready faster in the morning, while still being happy with the outfit I was in when I walked out the door. So, I know that a lot of you have had the same moment as me when you open your closet in the morning and pretty much hate everything you’re looking at, right? To avoid that mini-meltdown, and save you enough time in the morning, I have three special tips to help you get ready faster. (Also, can we not miss the headband? I am in love with this Prada headband and I feel like it’s relevant because I’ve been rocking a headband since I was 4)

Think About Your Outfit in Advance
Okay, I know this is the most obvious tip of all time and I know that a lot of you don’t like to take your outfit out the night before simply because you’re tired, you don’t have the time, or you want to see how you feel the next day. I don’t think you should be as OCD as me (I think about my outfits a week in advance when I know I have lots of events…) but it does help to have an idea of what you’re going to wear. Think about a look you’d like to put together the night before so that when you wake up in the morning, you know what you’re looking for.

Find Accessories To Fall Back On
What lands up happening is that you sometimes feel like your outfit is too “bland” and you’re tempted to start again. Resist this urge! Instead, organise your accessories so you know which ones work to spice up your outfit. In my outfit, I added in the high socks and the headband to make an otherwise simple spring outfit, look that much more chic.

Know Where To Look
If you think that you have to compromise on style to get ready fast in the morning, I’m here to assure you that you can have your cake and eat it too. Sometimes the best way to figure out what to wear is to look at your inspirations! Check out my Instagram page for all my outfits and what I wear every day, or even have a browse on Pinterest for what others have put together. You’ll probably find an idea in a matter of minutes!

Do you have any tips for getting ready faster in the morning?

Click for Links

Givenchy Black Knit

Storets White Skirt

Falke Knee Socks

Chloe Boots (similar)

Prada Headband

…organise your accessories so you know which ones work to spice up your outfit.

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Click for Links

Givenchy Black Knit

Storets White Skirt

Falke Knee Socks

Chloe Boots (similar)

Prada Headband

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The One Under £50 Accessory That Instantly Makes All My Outfits More Luxe

LUXE IN A SEC

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Photos by Alise Jane

The easiest way to make any outfit look more expensive is with the right accessories. One of the biggest fashion trends to make a comeback is the headband, which also happens to be one of the easiest ways to make your next winter outfit look more luxe. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to get the look! I’ve been reaching for headbands since I was a little girl (I wore on every day!) and although my friends poked fun at me about them all through school, I knew that one day they would all be reaching for one too. (Yes, I was even called Blair Waldorf regularly because of them but whatever, I was always Team B anyways)

Now you’ll find the headband on your favourite street style stars at fashion week (who’s been keeping their eyes on Paris Couture Week?) and across the runway at the likes of Prada, Miu Miu and Dior. Whether you’re looking for a basic one to get you started, a beautiful pearl one for something special or a lush velvet one like this, there’s something for everyone and they are usually under £50 (Of course you can get ones that are over if your budget allows! The Prada one’s are amazing). Now that’s an accessory to stock up on! The one I’m wearing is from Fenwick’s on Bond Street; they have a fab selection if you are ever in the area!

The best part about headbands is that they are the simplest way to complete an outfit. I wore this look to London Fashion Week a few seasons ago but it looks totally different, and so much better, just by adding the headband! If you’re wondering how to wear a headband, I recommend pushing your hair back with it and then pushing it slightly forward to get that slight puff in your hair. I’ve linked to a whole selection of them below, ready for you to shop!

What do you think of headbands? Comment below!

Click for Links

Headband (see above for similar)

Uniqlo White Sweater

Maje Pinafore Dress (similar)

Similar pinafore dress in cord

Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots

The easiest way to make any outfit look more expensive is with the right accessories.

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Headband (see above for similar)

Uniqlo White Sweater

Maje Pinafore Dress (similar)

Similar pinafore dress in cord

Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots

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How To Make Your Old Closet Feel Fresh Again

WELCOME TO 2019

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This post contains affiliate links. This does not affect you in any way so don’t worry and enjoy!

Photos by Alise Jane

You wake up in the morning, you look outside and you realise that winter is still very much here and although it seems almost unbearable that spring is still a while away, don’t let the dreary weather get you down! I know how easy it can be to fall into a January style rut, but I also know how easy it is to step right out of it, and in a fresh winter outfit too! If you’re stuck for cute winter outfit ideas and are wondering what to wear in January in the middle of winter no less, I have just the set of tips for you. The best part? It does not require a brand new wardrobe.

The secret to always being in love with your wardrobe is not to constantly buy new things, but rather to buy smartly and to know how to style those pieces over and over again. So here are a few tips to find the spark in your wardrobe once again:

Try a Contrast
The great thing about your favourite pieces is that there is always a new way to style it. If you have a skirt that is incredibly feminine, try it with something a little edgier. Have a really sporty hoodie? Match it with some super sleek trousers. Work in an unexpected contrast! (Remember this skirt from my NYE insta? Quite a makeover!)

Go For A Colour
It’s very easy to reach for that black turtleneck, with the black jeans and the black coat, with the black coat. Seems to go well with the grey weather right? Wrong! Add in a touch of colour, even if it is neutral like khaki.

Accessories Are Your Friends
I feel like my motto should be “Don’t underestimate a good accessory” considering how much I say it! A great pair of boots or a fabulous chain belt can instantly make that old sweater and jeans combo look new again. That’s why I always say investing in good accessories is a must!

So, how are you re working your old favourites? Comment below with an outfit that is making you feel great this January!

Click for Links

Helmut Lang Sweater (similar)

& Other Stories Skirt

Louis Vuitton Boots

Chanel Chain Belt (vintage)

The best part? It does not require a brand new wardrobe.

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Click for Links

Helmut Lang Sweater (similar)

& Other Stories Skirt

Louis Vuitton Boots

Chanel Chain Belt (vintage)

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My London Fashion Week Diary; September 2018

LFW
SEPTEMBER 2018

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London Fashion Week September 2018 has been my most eventful one yet. This season I found that I was attending more shows and presentations than before and I was so excited to be able to support brands that I genuinely care about! It was amazing as always to see the beautiful collections the designers had put together, identify the trends for the next season (If it’s autumn winter trends for 2018 that you’re after, click here), meet other bloggers and friends who I don’t always get to see and of course admire the amazing street style! I’ve put together a little journal of my experience at London Fashion Week to share not only the amazing highlights but also a few parts that didn’t go according to plan.

Day One

My first LFW event kicked off with one of my favourite designers; Markus Lupfer. I was so excited to be able to attend the Markus Lupfer presentation this year, especially since it’s a brand I love so much. The space had been transformed into a beach dune and the models all wore beautiful sorbet shades. There were beautiful 80’s prints and one of my favourite outfits was a striped co-ord set. I also loved how the models were wearing mismatched earrings and the mix of feminine pieces with masculine hardware was gorgeous!

That evening I attended the Julien Macdonald runway show. The dresses were gorgeous and all so drool worthy and getting to see Winnie Harlow in person was amazing too! She is such a talent! I wore a Kooples Blazer dress and Louis Vuitton combat boots.

I wore an asymmetrical-hemmed white shirt dress from an Indian designer called Deme by Gabriella, with my Saint Laurent varsity jacket and my Prada belt bag. I was so excited to see how many of you loved this look and I’ve linked to my pieces and some similar more affordable options below.

Day Two

So, day two did not go according to plan at all. I

It was the Sunday at London Fashion Week and I had a standing ticket to the Ashish show. I’ve admired Ashish for a long time and I was very excited to finally have the chance to go see his collection first hand. When I arrived to the BFC show space I patiently waited in line to be let into the venue only to see that everyone with a standing allocation was being turned away (after our 45-minute wait!).

At first, I was feeling quite low and embarrassed about it but I quickly realised that I was surrounded by other bloggers and members of the industry who were far more established than I was and they were in the same boat as me. What happened was nothing personal and I was just thankful to be able to be at London Fashion Week at all and to be able to cover these collections for you. I’m sure one day I will be able to attend the Ashish show and we can all celebrate that moment together but till then I am so thankful to be able to attend any shows at all!

Plus, I got some wonderful shots of my outfit. I wore a pink & Other Stories knit with a pink slip skirt. I love the contrast of the knit and the skirt and I of course dressed down the look with a pair of white sneakers. For my accessories, I placed my Chanel bag inside my clear bag from Shop Girl LA.

Day Three

On Day 3, I had a catwalk show for Paul Costelloe. The collection was dreamy as it always is with lots of oversized outfits, beautiful maxi dresses and gorgeous pairings of fitted masculine blazers with flared mini skirts. A few of my favourite looks can be in the slideshow! Also, don’t miss the gorgeous pairing of the fishnet socks with the boots; totally a style trick to try right now!

With all my outfits for London Fashion Week, I wanted to focus more on dressing for myself rather than dressing for any street style photographers. I always find that everyone can see when you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing and there’s so much more to be said for being comfortable and confident in your own style! I was so glad that I decided to do that because I felt great in all my outfits!

To this show, I wore a ribbed white knit with pleated white trousers, my Dior embroidered flats, my Prada belt bag and a plaid blazer. Yes, I did wear the same bag to fashion week, twice, but I did style it in two different ways!

Me and my dear friend Kim (@kimboutyang)

Day Four

My last and final day of London fashion week kicked off with a show at the BFC Showspace for Roberta Einer. I love her collection with it’s use of colour and embroidery and I particularly love her styling. One of my favourite looks was a printed hoodie paired with a slit skirt; the contrast was fabulous.

My final presentation was with Rixo London! It was their first time showing at LFW and I was so excited to be a part of this fantastic moment for the brand. Their new prints are actually available to shop on Net-A-Porter next week and I loved the diversity of models. One pair of models was actually a mother daughter duo!

I wore a cropped Zara blazer which I paired with my favourite maje pleated skirt. I always love to create contrasts between masculine and feminine pieces. This look also had a lot of details in it, including the hair clips in my hair!

With my cutie @chiarasatelier

What was your favourite part of LFW? Comment below!

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3 Tricks for Taking Better Instagram Photos

INSTA READY

Instagram; everyone’s favourite social media platform. As everyone from your mom to your friend’s cat makes their way onto Instagram and IGTV, standing out can seem harder than ever. If there’s anything I’ve learnt about the Instagram algorithm, it’s that it favours good content above all else. So, how do you take your Instagram level to the next level with better Instagram photos? Today I’m sharing three tips to think about every time you open your camera app to capture that perfect insta-worthy moment.

I would love to hear if you use any of these tips already and how they’ve helped you, or if you have any other questions about Instagram! Leave me a comment below!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram here!

I also did a special story on all the apps I use for my Instagram stories to take them to the next level. You can read all about that here.

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Ciao Bella 💋 I currently have an obsession with this skirt that I can’t stop wearing! What are you obsessed with right now? 💫

A post shared by The Silk Sneaker (@thesilksneaker) on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:18am PDT

TURN ON YOUR GRID

When taking a photo in the camera app (or any camera app for that matter), the key to taking a good Instagram photo, and a good photo, in general, is to use the rule of thirds. To put it simply, the camera app will have a grid function which shows you a 3×3 grid on your screen. The key to a good photo is to have the point of interest be in any of the intersections in that grid. That is where your eye naturally draws to first.

I also like to sometimes put myself in the centre of the image, as long as my background allows for that. For example, in this photo here, I was standing on a corner. The pavement on either side was moving inwards to meet in the middle, so your eye is naturally drawn to this point.

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Hey September, I see you 🍂 Enjoying the last bit of summer this weekend before fall really sets in! 💕 • • • • #fashion #ootd #outfitoftheday #styleblog #chanel #chanelbag #styleblogger #styleinspiration #outfitinspo #lookoftheday #hairsandstyles #wearitloveit #lookoftheday #outfitinspiration #instastyle #citizenfemme #instafashion #whatiwore #londonfashion #personalstyle #currentlywearing #fblogger #whatiwore #realoutfitgram #lotd #fashiondiaries #outfitgoals #wiw #wiwt

A post shared by The Silk Sneaker (@thesilksneaker) on Sep 1, 2018 at 3:13am PDT

TRY FOR NATURAL LIGHTING

Natural lighting is always best for taking better Instagram photos. It’s always more appealing to the eye and the balance in the photo will turn out better than you having to go through and fix it later. As you get better with natural light, you’ll notice that when there is too much light the photo can be too harsh, and if there is too little light, there isn’t enough depth. It’s about finding the source of light and trying to face it the best you can.

For example, in this image here, I found a window in a department store and I loved the way the light was coming in. By perching on the window and looking out, the natural light lit my face and created this image.

As you get more confident with lighting, you can also start to experiment with shadows and creating interesting imagery around that.

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My shiniest friday favourites ✨ I’ve been so into hoops recently, what about you guys? • • #jewelry #jewellery #earringaddict #earrings #MVEveryday #isharya #earringsoftheday #cartierlovebracelet #chloegirls #hoopearrings #fashion #styleinspo #instastyle #fashionblogger #fblogger #flatlaystyle #beautiful #wiw #wiwt #flatlay #love #darling #onthetable #pursuepretty #personalstyle #momentslikethese #flatlaylove #morningslikethese #fromwhereistand

A post shared by The Silk Sneaker (@thesilksneaker) on Aug 31, 2018 at 1:06am PDT

DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOURS

It’s always nice to have a pop of colour or a dominant colour in an image, no matter how monochrome heavy it may be. Having that pop of colour in your Instagram photo adds another layer of interest and depth and can also help you when you are thinking about how to put your Instagram feed together.

For example, in this image here, my colours are mainly black and white with gold but I added in that extra touch with the orange earrings and orange bracelet. That small change and detail really made the difference to this photo and gave it a new point of interest.

(Also note the use of symmetry in this photo, my grid was super helpful! But flat lays are a whole new story, would you want me to do a post about them?)

How do you get the perfect insta shot? Share with me in the comments below!

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Italy Travel Diary: Every Single Outfit I Wore in Italy This Summer

LA DOLCE VITA

Ciao bella!

I kicked off my August basking in the beautiful Italian sunshine. If you were keeping up with my Instagram, you would have seen that I travelled to Milan, Rome & Florence and while I was eating my weight in pasta, I was also documenting all my outfits to give you guys lots of holiday outfit ideas. If you have a final summer holiday coming up or just want to savour the lasts few days of heat, here are some great outfit ideas for the last few days of summer. Scroll down for some styling inspiration and a touch of dolce vita!

Remember, if you have any questions about any of my outfits or want to know about any of my pieces in more details, just leave me a comment below or head over to my Ask me Anything section on the top! I love hearing from you guys and sharing my styling knowledge with you!

Day 1

I love to add an element of colour or pattern into my outfit. On our first day in Milan I was able to do both with this off shoulder striped top. Do you remember it from my trip to Jamaica?

Sandro Off Shoulder Striped Top (similar here)

Topshop White Denim Shorts

Vintage Gold Chain Belt

Chanel Gabrielle Backpack

Day 2

This was my favourite outfit from the trip. This skirt has so much volume and it went perfectly with a simple silk cami. An easy holiday look to replicate!

SET Silk Cami (similar here)

Isabel Marant Etoile Skirt (similar here)

Oliver Peoples Sunglasses

Chanel Gabrielle Backpack

Day 3

On our drive down the coast to Florence, I knew I had to wear something beachy and colourful. My Heidi Klein jumpsuit was the perfect fit; petite girls, the length is just right for us! I then changed for the evening into this beautiful dress I found in Milan from Italian brand Twinset. I love the dark florals, even for autumn or winter!

Heidi Klein Orange Jumpsuit

Chanel Sandals

Oliver Peoples Sunglasses

Gas Earrings

Twinset Floral Dress

Day 4

For our day in Florence I opted for this white dress from the new Maje collection. I love the bottom of the dress with the intricate lace details. Of course I added a pop of colour with a beautiful fan!

Maje White Dress

Chanel Sandals

Prada Belt Bag

Day 5

For our first evening in Rome I knew our first stop had to be the Trevi fountain! I pulled out this dress from my closet which is actually very old but a great example of a timeless silhouette.

Joseph Blue Pleated Dress

Day 6

Did you know that Victoria Secret makes ready to wear clothes? One of my very stylish friends told me about it and I ran over to get this beautiful green jumpsuit for my trip! I paired it with a pearl headband for that perfect elegant touch. Note how I’ve styled the same belt bag in a different way!

Victoria Secret Green Silk Jumpsuit

Prada Belt Bag

Day 7

On our last full day in Rome I channelled a modern Audrey Hepburn look with this beautiful floral Zimmermann dress. I paired it with a pair of cat eye sunglasses I found in Milan for that retro vibe and my Chanel backpack.

Floral Zimmermann Dress

Chanel Gabrielle Backpack

What was your favourite look?

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How One Piece from Links of London Changed My Outlook

REACH FOR THE STARS

Thank you Looks of London for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Photos by @alisejane_photo

Links of London Ring

As much as I love growing my jewellery collection, a piece is that much more special when it carries meaning. Whether it is to remember a loved one or mark a moment in your life, personalised jewellery can be a powerful thing, serving far more than any other material possession.

When I decided to start my blog, I was afraid. Forget about reaching for the stars, I was clutching for stable ground. I was nervous about what others would think of me and scared about whether I would be good enough. At that moment, I was gifted a personalised charm from Links of London to mark the moment that I decided to take the plunge and start The Silk Sneaker. Till today, it hangs on my charm bracelet and reminds me of a moment when I felt brave. So, all these years later when Links of London asked me to choose a personalised ring to be engraved, I not only felt a sense of accomplishment, to be able to work with a brand I’ve admired for so long, but also a sense of inspiration; that there’s a long road ahead and I can’t wait to keep going. Although I’m a huge fan of sticking my initials on everything, this time I went for something more symbolic; a star.

The star; a symbol for hope, inspiration and luck.

The star is a reminder to never give up. No matter how uninspired or low I might feel, to always get up and keep going; reach for the stars and whatever is beyond. Starting my blog was a challenging experience and till today I can see the judgement when I introduce myself as a “blogger”. I can’t help but cringe when I get asked questions like “So, you sit on Instagram all day right?” The star on my beautiful new ring symbolises persistence, hard work, and never letting anyone dull my sparkle.

So if you could engrave anything on a ring like this one, what would you have engraved? What special moment makes you feel strong? Share with me in the comments below!

Links of London Gold Ring

Zara Black Crop Top

H&M Black Ruffle Maxi

Dior Shoes

ASOS Hat

How To Take Your Summer Dress From Day To Night

One Dress, Day To Night…

The summer heat is scorching here in London, which means only one thing. It’s the perfect time to (finally) wear your summer dresses! When I make a purchase, I love to style the same item in more than one way, I always find dresses to be the most fun as you can style them up or down. I recently purchased the perfect summer dress from Sandro. The pink flowy bottom contrasts the corset top perfectly; it’s almost like a ballerina dress! At first, I was saving it for a special occasion, but I quickly realised that this is the perfect day to night dress.

The fit and material of the dress make it look incredibly luxurious, but it all comes down to styling that luxury look just right! Here’s how to transform a casual summer dress outfit into the perfect look for your next night out!

The Day Dress

A denim jacket is a must-have in any spring/summer wardrobe. Not only is it a basic that every girl needs, but it’s a lightweight jacket that immediately adds that cool factor to any look. I stuck my denim jacket over this beautiful Sandro dress to dress it down for the day. Of course, the best way to really style a dress like this for the day is to pair it with flats. If you have a dressier lunch, a pair of pointed toe flats is best but if you’ve got a Saturday around the city, grab your favourite white sneakers instead! My finishing touch was my favourite transparent handbag. Layering reached a whole new level with this when I stuck my mini classic Chanel bag inside for a high fashion update!

transforms into…

The Night Dress

So you’ve been out and about in your favourite summer dress and you’ve got half an hour to be out the door for your evening. Slip off the denim jacket and swap your sneakers for a pair of elegant heels. I chose my Gianvito Rossi heels because I love how they wrap around my leg. They are some of my comfiest shoes, as I revealed in my peek inside my shoe closet for June. To really show off a dress like this, go for a sleek top bun (really feeing the ballerina vibes!). A great way to add a luxe update to your outfit is to play around with colours. I love the pastel shades of this dress so I went for a bag that was a contrasting colour; pastel blue. My Olympia Le-Tan clutch is one of my most unique and most favourite bags for any evening occasion. It adds that luxury touch as well as being a great conversation starter.

Get My Look

Sandro Pink Maxi Dress (similar via ? here)

Day Look

Topshop Denim Jacket

Adidas White Sneakers

Transparent Handbag Shop Girl LA

Classic Chanel Handbag

Night Look

Misho Design Earrings

Gianvito Rossi Heels

Olympia Le Tan Handbag

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How You Can Wear And Love A White Monochrome Outfit This Summer…

The Easiest Way To Elevate Your Style; Monochrome

Wearing a monochrome summer outfit, let alone an all white one (food stains are my worst enemy) can seem like an intimidating choice but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to elevate your everyday outfit. Whenever I’m unsure of what to wear, I gravitate towards monochrome because it’s a cute outfit, with minimal effort. I especially love an all-white look because there is something incredibly elegant about it. That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind to make an all white outfit a little more manageable for you. Keep scrolling to find out.

Storets Sheer Twist Top

Mango Tailored Shorts

Ray Ban Mirrored Round Sunglasses

Pink Chanel Classic Bag

Vintage Chanel Slingback Pumps

1. Don’t Be Afraid of A Pop Of Colour
A head to toe colour in a look is incredibly chic, but adding a pop of colour is a great way to ease yourself into monochrome dressing while creating an outfit that is natural and not too forced. I added pops of colour with my pink Chanel bag and pink Ray Ban sunglasses.

2. Add Definition To Your Silhouette
When wearing one colour, you want to highlight the different pieces you’ve chosen so try to add some definition to your outfit. This could be a belt or a high waisted piece, like my belted Mango shorts. It just makes sure that my petite frame does not get lost in the outfit! You can also experiment with textures, like with my sheer Storets top.

3. Don’t Overthink This
Although it might seem unnatural at first, monochrome outfits will quickly become a favourite choice for the summer, the autumn, winter and beyond. Just be confident because it’s the easiest way to be chic, and the rest will follow. Wearing one colour top to toe is a great style statement that I know you can make.

Get My Look

Storets Sheer Twist Top

Mango Tailored Shorts

Ray Ban Mirrored Round Sunglasses

Pink Chanel Classic Bag

Vintage Chanel Slingback Pumps

THINK FAST

…organise your accessories so you know which ones work to spice up your outfit.

Get My Look

LUXE IN A SEC

The easiest way to make any outfit look more expensive is with the right accessories.

Get My Look

WELCOME TO 2019

The best part? It does not require a brand new wardrobe.

Get My Look

LFW SEPTEMBER 2018

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

INSTA READY

TURN ON YOUR GRID

TRY FOR NATURAL LIGHTING

DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOURS

How do you get the perfect insta shot? Share with me in the comments below!

LA DOLCE VITA

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

What was your favourite look?

REACH FOR THE STARS

The star; a symbol for hope, inspiration and luck.

One Dress, Day To Night…

The Day Dress

transforms into…

The Night Dress

Get My Look

The Easiest Way To Elevate Your Style; Monochrome

Get My Look

LFW
SEPTEMBER 2018