All my posts recently have been holiday and summer orientated. However, today half the country is flooded and it is positively chilly so I've decided to deviate slightly - we'll put a hold on the English optimism for tonight. I've always been a fan of chunky knits as long as the look is 'finished' rather than scruffy. This Zara jumper is perfect as it has the casual look of a classic knit but the open back adds drama to an otherwise simple garment. I'm currently reading 'Luella's Guide to English Style' which mentions the perfect mid wash jeans from introduction to finish, and I do believe I have found them. The denim is not so light it's borderline bleached, but not so dark that it kills the outfit. The loose fit of the top needs a skinny jean for balance. The shoes that feature in this post are the most unique brogues I've come across for a while and have a Spring/Summer edge whilst maintaining the classic look. The tan holdall bag is a statement piece that will fit with the majority of outfits and completes the casual yet thought-out look of the knit trend. I've included Vivienne Westwood earrings in this outfit because they never leave my ears, and the logo itself is enough to lift an outfit from normal to above and beyond. They're a bit of a splurge but well worth the money if you are a fan of the brand. If not, find something that suits you but keep it simple and classy; they'll become timeless.

The past year has seen the emergence of armour rings, knuckle dusters and ear cuffs in our jewellery boxes. Accessories are getting much more experimental, bringing interchangeable looks to wardrobes and allowing expression to be more individual than ever. The newest member of my jewellery collection is the turquoise collar tips that feature below. The current trend for shirts on the high street is to have embellishment or studding on the collar, taking it from just a shirt to something a bit different. There are some beautiful examples in Zara, Topshop and Urban Outfitters, but it is a fairly expensive trend to buy into, especially when we all own last season's unembellished garments.
That's why collar tips are currently a must. They pin onto the edges of the collars like broaches making them usable for all the shirts you already own, creating the trend for a fraction of the price. The can be found with stones, patterns and chains on and are well worth purchasing if, like me, you already have too many chiffon shirts, not enough wardrobe space and a while until your next pay cheque.

The holiday season is upon us and I officially need to win the lottery in order to fund my Ibiza shopping. The Spring/Summer 2012 catwalks were full of both tropical and Arabian influences that have disappeared in the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections, so it is time to make the most of colour and over-embellishment in these summer months. I tried on the orange maxi skirt that features in this post earlier today and instantly fell in love with it; the drape is flattering, the material is not too thin and the colour screams sun. The top is simple yet features the jewelling that the Arabian trend heavily incorporates, and is versatile enough that it will remain a wardrobe staple for seasons to come. Both the sandals and bag are of complimenting colours to the statement orange but create impact in themselves which is important for the look. I am very fond of the headpieces that are emerging on the high street for the holiday season so take full advantage of what is on offer and don't be worried about trying something different. The cuff rounds off the over-embellished theme and will be a popular piece for seasons to come.