I LOOK UP TO THE SKY & IT FALLS

I'm an obsessional perfectionist, yup, not just a perfectionist but an obsessional one. You guys have no idea how stressed I get over my blog, I fuss over the little things like the composition of photos, the lighting, the colours, the layout, the content...every little thing and it's all led to me loosing my blogging mojo.

It's so frustrating 'cause I have so many outfits I want to post but everytime I take snaps and come to writing a post I get so annoyed by the littlest things - so in a bid to get the mojo back I'm going to try my hardest to not stress over the little things and focus on the fashion [try being the key word]. Strange intro to this post but I just wanted to explain the lack of posts at the moment! 

It's that time of year in the UK, just before autumn where the weather goes a little crazy. It's freezing in the mornings but by midday it's boiling sweaty weather [laaavely]. So as you can imagine, planning an outfit for a day where the temperature is going to fluctuate so dramatically is a nightmare. In the past couple of weeks I've been in and out of central London for various reasons and for a handful of them, jeans and t-shirt just don't cut it. 

The look above is something I've been loving and living in. It's a different look for me, it's rare you'll see me in a midi skirt these days but this striped number from Dorothy Perkins is just ace. It's one of those pieces that can be really formal but can also be mixed with a slouchy jumper and boots for a more casual get-up. I brought out the ZARA strappy heels, which instantly reminded me why I love my heeled boots so much. All in all, it's something a little different for me but I really love the general aesthetic of this look.

striped midi skirt - DOROTHY PERKINS | crop-top - TOPSHOP | leather jacket - H&M | heels - ZARA | silver leaf & 'L' necklaces - DOROTHY PERKINS 

#LFW // BURBERRY PRORSUM SS15

 It's no secret that Burberry are a brand I am head over heels for. In the past three years, regardless of the collection or event, I've not missed a second. There is never a doubt in my mind that Christopher Bailey and the Burberry team will produce a flawless collection. I'm in the midst of writing an overall post about my love for the brand, so stay tuned for that; but today all eyes are on the Burberry Prorsum SS15 collection and oh my lord, it's a incredible.

SS14 and AW14 were two shows that'll always stick in my head and although I have faith in Mr Bailey, I couldn't help but think they were incredibly hard acts to follow - but as per usual, Burberry never fails to amaze me. It's been so tough to condense the runway collection, so if you're interested in seeing it in all it's glory head over to VOGUE's runway gallery here. 

photo credit: @Burberry [instagram]

The collection picked up on many of the reoccurring trends for SS15 but of course, in Burberry's unique manor they added their own twists and interpretations. Incorporating a hint of the sportswear trend without drowning the pieces in it with a pair sneakers here and there, the collection was an ode to the British countryside - filled with deep, rich colours a contrast to pastels that are oh so common in spring/summer collections. There was a huge emphasis on texture in this show, mixing tulle with denim, some lace and PVC panels on the trench coats; bold prints and sheer elements were also a key part to the collection.

The show began by introducing crop jackets, dark denim as well as a monochrome denim number, teamed with the sportswear sneakers and overly feminine layered [cobweb] tulle skirts. I'm a massive lover of the contrast of masculine elements with feminine pieces so in my eyes this was a great start. 

The show maintained momentum working its way through colour palettes that blended seamlessly into one another. Initially, I thought the colours were a little AW but now the shows done, I can see the earth/nature inspiration that Burberry drew on. Similar to what we've seen already from the likes of Alexander Wang, there's a strong emphasis on the waist next season - Burberry using ties made of tulle around the waist to bring the outfit together. Birkenstock type sandals were also visible within the collection, it'll be interesting to see the response to them. I love the rich colours in the looks above, with the flowing pieces brought together in the middle, of course only establishing the strength of the iconic trench coats within the look. 

Speaking of trench coats, Burberry really experimented with bold prints in this collection as well as layering and texture. I absolutely love the pastel blue PVC type elements with the deeper blue on the second trench coat above.

 Menswear as usual was spot on. Mixing the traditional trademark tailoring with trainers, as well as bold prints to add depth to the layering - the menswear couldn't be any sleeker and cooler. Also I can't put into words how much I love the oversized satchels that were visible on the runway. 

Deep, earthy colours, sheer, pleated tulle and flats - Burberry making their mark on Spring Summer 15. Of course, the finale wowed with bold, printed trench coats. 

photo credit: @Burberry [Twitter] "The Bee Bag backstage ready for the @Burberry finale in London #LFW"

Overall, the Burberry Prorsum SS15 collection blew me away. I know I'm a little biased as I'm obsessed with the brand but every single season Christopher Bailey manages to incorporate trends, the iconic elements of Burberry but still give us something new and unique. The venue and runway looked incredible, the live musicians that are always present, the FROW are always comprised of the coolest people - every inch is brilliant. This collection showed that Burberry have their own view of SS15 and there's no doubt in my mind that as far as trend setters go, they'll be at the top. 

photo credits: Tumblr/VOGUE.co.uk/Twitter/Burberry media outlets. 

#LFW // TOPSHOP UNIQUE SS15

Spring/Summer collections have never overly excited me, I'm much more interested in Autumn/Winter, couture and menswear collections. It's really rare that I'm wowed by any designers SS collections at fashion weeks, even those that I love the most. There's just something that doesn't do it for me. Pastels, florals and lace just don't float my boat and obviously as cliche as it sounds S/S is full of it. 

There are a couple of names that always produce a collection for spring/summer that even I love, for example Alexander Wang's SS15 [here] collection at NYFW astounded me. There's no doubt in my mind that the Burberry Prorsum on Monday at LFW will make me go weak at the knees and usually Topshop Unique produce a collection that I can't help but fall in love with. 

However this year, Topshop have failed to wow me producing an 'alright' collection. There didn't seem to be a specific theme within the collection; beginning with a sportswear vibe that instantly had me hooked that they came back to later, it then moved onto pieces that I can only describe as the "Hampton's summertime look", then the collection finished with some really 'wow' gowns. It just seemed as if there were a lot of ideas mashed together. 

Cara of course opened and closed the collection, her walk was insane. I don't ever really pay that much attention to the model [as harsh as it sounds, but my attention is on the clothes] but she looked absolutely gorgeous and her walk was so fierce and full of confidence. 

There were elements within these looks I loved, the duffle bags, the sportswear vibe and the emphasis on the waist [extremely familiar, Alexander Wang anyone?]. It might just be me, but I can imagine the likes of Blair Wardolf [Gossip Girl] wandering around the Hamptons in all three of these looks. Shoes; block heels, with strappy details...nothing new. Quite classic looks, clean fresh colours - but a little too safe for a brand such as Topshop that often represents the edginess of British street style. 

Out of the entire collection, I loved these two looks. A little bit edgier, a mixture of sportswear and streetstyle, something cooler and more reminiscent of the effortlessly cool style us Brits have. I really liked the contrast of the bomber-esc jacket mixed with the sheer pleated skirt, a girly look with a guy twist. Then the second look [again, something we've definitely all seen before but still cool] a little bit of sheer detail and a generally shapeless t-shirt style dress. 

I kind of felt as if these particular pieces didn't really fit in, but they were still beautiful. SS15 in Topshop is clearly going to be all about lace and detailing, lots of sequins and flowing skirts, these dresses just scream "PROM" or "fairy" as I first thought. I loved how complex and intricate each of these dresses are, definitely more the standard I expected from Topshop Unique. I thought they hung beautifully. 

Overall, the Topshop Unique show didn't show much originality or ironically, anything unique. In my opinion the AW14 collection earlier on this year was incredible and maybe through my eyes it was just too hard an act to follow. There were some cool pieces within the collection but I expected a lot better and some real 'wow factors'. Topshop is a brand that really sets a presidency for the incredible style that's evident in the UK and I felt that this collection wasn't reflective of that. 

photo credits: Tumblr/Twitter

IT'S JUST YOU & I TONIGHT, WHY DON'T YOU FIGURE MY HEART OUT

blazer - DOROTHY PERKINS | harper skinny roll up jeans - DOROTHY PERKINS | boots - DOROTHY PERKINS | fedora - PRIMARK | tee - TOPSHOP

I'm obsessed with this look at the moment. We all know I love a look comprised of monochrome elements but there's so much more to love. Loosely influenced by the 80's with an oversized boyfriend blazer [Dorothy Perkins] and fedora [Primark] - there's something so classic about this look. I can't explain my love for the Harper Skinny Roll Up jeans from DP, they're such a great fit and the slightly faded appearance adds a little dimension to the black base of this outfit. Of course, it wouldn't be a Lenihan look without a chunky pair of boots [DP]. 

#NYFW // ALEXANDER WANG

It's that time of the year again. In prep for London Fashion Week, here's my breakdown of the Alexander Wang S15 collection debuted at New York Fashion week on the 6th September 2014.

If there's one collection I've been looking forward to at #NYFW it's Alexander Wang. I adore the brand, it's got such an effortlessly cool vibe. 

Wang's latest collection stuck true to his sportswear roots, incorporating geometric prints, as well as using a predominately monochrome/grey base contrasting it with a neon pop. Of course the pieces still channelled the androgynous vibe we all know I love so well, with tailoring focusing on the waist, with high necklines, cut outs and backless features. 

Monochrome based looks, the shoes implementing neon pops of colour. Sleek pony tails add to the androgynous vibe. Tailoring focuses on the waist, high collared shirts. Strong looks, with sharp clean cuts on the pieces. I love the male structure but the feminine twist to the pieces within the collection.

Geometric neon prints teamed with black. Again, emphasis drawn to midsection, high necklines with asymmetric patterns.

Two of my favourite looks within the collection. I adore the high waisted cigarette trousers that have a sportswear twist. Textures varying from scuba material on the geometric dresses, to leather and mesh. As I mentioned on Twitter I love the monochrome base mixed with the electric blue. We all know I love tailoring as seen in such brands as Saint Laurent and to see that mixed with sportswear/streetstyle was brilliant. 

The collection definitely featured some iconic Wang pieces but there was an enormous focus on tailoring and prints. Of course as always the soundtrack was on-point, with a huge crowd gathering for the runway show. 

Wang seems to produce consistently brilliant collections. All including a street style vibe, with a strong powerful look, bold colours and insane tailoring. There was almost a futuristic theme to this collection which I really liked, adding a unique twist to an incredibly original designer. In my opinion, an insane collection. 

all photos credit to Tumblr [Alexander Wang tag]

WHEN WE GO BACK TO SEPTEMBER

Life is insane at the moment. It's so strange that I've been working full time for 4 months, that I'm done and dusted with education forever and that in just a weeks time my brainy best buds are all off to Uni, not to mention I'm 19 in under two months...eek! 

On Friday evening, a couple of friends and I decided to take a break from reality and head to the seaside for the evening, watch the sunset and mess about on the beach in the dark. In true road trip style we got lost multiple times en-route which resulted in us racing [obvs at the national speed limit] to get to the sea front for sundown. 

I genuinely had one of the best evenings in a very long time - it's ace to just turn your phone off and mess around. We got there at the perfect time and it was so beautiful. Of course the journey home was filled with a sing-your-heart-out session to Greenday, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, oh and let's not forget my beautiful rendition of Sam Smith's 'Stay With Me'. 

I don't appreciate my life enough, none of us do, but lately I've been reflecting on everything a lot. I am so lucky, I'm 18 years old in full time employment and I'm lucky to work with some amazing people. Not only has my job gained me so much life experience but it's finally pointed me in the direction of what I want to do. I'm financially gaining more independence every day, which is one of my life goals. I write a little blog that I'm really proud of which has lead to me making some of my most valuable friends. My friends are the most incredible people and I couldn't ask for better people to be surrounded by. Oh and lets not forget the most amazing human in my life, my Dad. Honestly, sometimes you just need to step backwards and stare out an ocean or something so vast it makes you feel teeny tiny, but it makes you realise how amazing that teeny tiny little life you have is and how blessed you really are. 

HAUL // TOPSHOP X TOPMAN X DOROTHY PERKINS X PRIMARK

Other than ZARA [very exciting post coming soon] and Urban Outffiters, I'd probably say that Topman/Topshop is my favourite high street store. You all know that I love guys clothes, not only are they often cheaper and cosier, they're right up my street style-wise. I also thought I'd add in some of the pieces I've picked up from Dorothy Perkins and Primark. So here's some ace pieces I nabbed recently.

TOPSHOP

£48.00 // Size 10

I am obsessed with all things duster at the moment. You've all seen my duster kimono from Topshop and now I've added this gorgeous knit cardigan to the duster family. It's made of that rough mohair material, it's the perfect slouchy fit. I'm not an enormous fan of cardigans but this is button-less and doesn't have that granny vibe. It looks ace with MOM jeans, chunky boots and a stringy vest top - but it's honestly a piece that can be styled so many ways and will no doubt be born a tonne this autumn/winter.

£10.00 // size 14

In my opinion you can never have enough basic tee's. The great thing about Topshop is that they offer simplistic jersey tops but in different variations so they're all a little bit different. I saw this top and fell in love with the back. To begin with I wasn't an enormous fan of the drop neck front, I don't usually expose that much chest, but when I tried it on I loved it. Made of a super soft cotton, I'd recommend sizing up at least 2x to get that baggy fit as I tried on my usual size 10 and it just didn't have a great fit.

Obviously, I nabbed it in black as well.

£10.00 // size 14

TOPMAN

£18.00 // size S

Topman are getting it so right at the moment. I love the "extreme oversize fit/extra long length" of this t-shirt as not only can I wear it with leggings, boots and a cardi, but it can also double up as a t-shirt dress with heels on a night out, a similar look to the all white oversize tee I brought from Topman a while ago [look here]. This is a gorgeous speckled grey material, with a textured feel. It's a great layering piece for autumn/winter.

£22.00 // size S

 If there were ever a piece to define my love for Topman it's this sweater. Topman pieces are always super simplistic but great quality and have a great fit, which is everything I look for. This sweater is incredibly thick and snuggly, with the softest fleece lining. The same 'oversized/extra long length' as the tee above, it again can be worn with leggings or tights when it gets colder. I tend to buy pieces like this in mens shops as they always have that baggy, shapeless feel that I'm going for - there's no doubt that if I picked this up in a woman's store it'd be short on the body, tight in the wrong places and at least double the price.

DOROTHY PERKINS

£35.00 // size 10

We all know I'm a lover of anything boyfriend fit, so this boyfriend blazer is right up my street. Monochrome with a dog tooth print, white based instead of black which makes a nice change; I fell in love. It fits like a dream, plus check out those massive pockets? HEAVEN. I love the 80s vibe this blazer has going on, as I said to the girls at work you can wear it super casually or dress this up - it's going to be an intrinsic piece for my AW wardrobe. 

£39.00 

 Oh *shock* another pair of black shoes. Oh *double shock*, another pair of Dorothy Perkins boots! If you've read my Shoe Collection [here] you'll know I'm obsessed with DP boots at the mo and these are no different. These really remind me of the Jeffrey Campbell 'Scully' platform boots [here] with the ridged bottom to the toe part of the sole and the straight block heel. I have another pair of boots similar to these but they're slowly getting to the tatty that's just not acceptable. These are much better quality and so comfy, the heel height is perfect for day to day wear as well as night time antics and I just love 'em. 

PRIMARK

Not much from Primark, there are loads of cool pieces in there but I've reached a point where I'd rather spend a little bit more money for quality than throwaway pieces that P-mark has to offer. Believe me ZARA gave me a much better offering [haul soon].  

£10.00 // size 8

 I didn't really love the fluffy-jumper trend in AW13 but I saw the black version and for £10, I thought I'd give it a while. I'm seeing this as a great piece to add texture [obviously] and I'm loving the idea of this with my leather mini skirt and the boots above. I was super surprised that a size 8 fitted perfectly, I'm always a size 10 but I wanted this to be quite a tight/well fitting piece in contrast to most of my slouchy jumpers. 

£15.00

I've been dying to get my hands on a pair of black Timberland's ever since my mate Harriet got a pair for her birthday. Not only are they like gold dust, but they're ridiculously expensive. Similarly to Docs, I've managed to nab this imitation pair to test out whether they're worth the money. With Doc Marten's I found I wasn't that fussed ultimately not buying an official pair, so we'll see how these go. They're something a little heavier than my boots and I think they'll look fab with MOM jeans. 

So here's some more basic pieces for autumn/winter that I can't wait to show you styled in some looks coming up on my blog.
There's another haul coming soon featuring an incredible piece from ZARA so keep your eyes pealed for that!