Pounds or Practically Pennies: Flowers In My Hair

Whether they're called flower crowns, headbands, headpieces or garlands; we are absolutely no stranger to them. Equally loved and loathed among bloggers and fashionistas, flower accessories have evolved from festival must-haves to bridal accessories in an instant. 

Maison Michel;

Dolce and Gabbana;

Worn by Alexa Chung, Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightly, Katy Perry and Pixie Lott (who also has her own range over at Rock N Rose) the flower based accessories are becoming quite the sensation.  The above Dolce and Gabbana band is very cute, I love the blue accents, but is it £730 worth of cute? I'm not so sure...

Below I've popped together a few of my favourite flower crowns/garlands/headbands/headpieces for £15 and under. I've tried to keep a balance between high street retailers and independent stores to give you a rounded idea of what's available.

Forever 21 // Rosey Posey Creations;

Claire's // Peacocks;

Crown and Glory // Lolly Dolly Lavender;

Punky Allsorts // Tesco;

(Prices and stock are subject to change from the creation of this image!)

I don't think you can go wrong with the £3.50 Peacocks band or the £3.90 Forever 21 band especially if you're off to a festival and don't want to spend too much incase it gets ruined, or have a habit of misplacing things. The Forever 21 band would also look gorgeous with a wedding dress *drifts off to my Pinterest wedding board* and the Tesco one would look adorable on a little flower girl; they don't break your wedding fund either! My absolute favourites though are the Rosey Posey Creations Cream and Pink Dream Headband with its beautiful colour palette, the Crown and Glory Not a Lotta Rosie headband with its mini wine coloured flowers, and the Lolly Dolly Lavender Coral Crush Crown in all its big and bright glory.

They aren't just a spring fling either, get yourself in on a burgundy, wine or dusk orange and you're set for when the transition to Autumn begins. Of course, if you still don't want to fork out for a flower crown or want to make your own unique crown, Google has an abundance of D.I.Y's to hand and there's a ton of bloggers out there providing their own unique tutorials. 

Are you a fan of this seasonal headwear? Or is it a trend you are avidly skipping? I don't think anything will beat making daisy chains as a kid though. 

Pounds or Practically Pennies: Feeling Blue

Roberto Cavalli and Erdem have a lot to answer for. We have become swamped by ornate prints against creams and whites and, while I've never been a big fan or wearer of the colour blue, I am inescapably in love. 

Erdem 1 - 2 - 3 ;

Roberto Cavalli 1 - 2 - 3;

Erdem's feminine and contemporary designs feature the dreamy French Milandes chateaus and landscapes framed by beautiful filigree. I love how these prints aren't symmetrical but are still weighted similarly on each side making them slightly more relaxed but just as refined and romantic. The Roberto Cavalli 'Resort' pieces are much more structured in terms of print placement and the simple shapes are made up for with extravagant and detailed prints and features. The prints are classic, and Cavalli lends a hand to incorporate the contemporary; the skirt features a daring side split while the shirt boasts a clashing geometric print and the neckline on the dress connects with white metal flowers and collar cutouts. 

Enough of those though, what just-as-lovely pieces can we find for a fraction of the above prices?

H&M // Primark // Matalan // Glamorous // Next;

Pret a Portobello // Topshop // Glamorous;

New Look // Vero Moda // H&M // River Island;

(Prices and stock are subject to change from the creation of this image!)

Inspired by the classic porcelain crockery and dinner sets your grandma probably owns, the porcelain prints are sure to be a big Spring/Summer 2013 hit - here's hoping for colour variations as the seasons progress . I adore the Primark dress and how the neckline just touches the shoulders, unfortunately, I haven't been able to find it in store yet. I'm also a massive fan of the H&M blazer and the Topshop pop socks (that's a mouthful). I have some brown wedges just dying to be paired with this print!

Are you loving China blue?

Pounds or Practically Pennies: Cut it out

It's been a long time coming, but today sees the start of a new blog series called 'Pounds or Practically Pennies'; or 'POPP' as I will affectionately refer to it as. The premise is quite simple. I'll do the digging to find you high street designer and couture inspired goodies for the fraction of the prices - practically pennies you might say! Let's take a look at what I'm currently loving.

Balenciaga;

Alexander Wang;

Ankle boots have been a sure go to staple throughout the past two seasons and understandably, there was a need for a slight update for another season in the limelight, and here they are - cut out ankle boots! The above Balenciaga and Alexander Wang pairs have been boasted on the feet of Rihanna, Rita Ora and Sharon Stone and for me, there's something satisfying about a bit of skin being seen where it normally wouldn't be - I like unconventional.

I'd say the Balenciaga pair are perfectly reminiscent of the 90's and are ideal for dancing and singing along to 'The Big Reunion' in your living room, especially if you've dug out your old CD's or re-downloaded your favourite 90's pop cheese. But, I'm more swayed to the Alexander Wang pair - they're just far more understated and less bulky in terms of my personal preference. 

Whatever your style, take a look at the selection I've hunted out below ranging from very close dupes to more unrestrained and developed styles. Most are under 10% of the prices above, it sounds much better already doesn't it? 

River Island // Topshop // Jeffrey Campbell at Nordstrom;

Mr Shoes // Jeffrey Campbell at Nasty Gal // ASOS;

Office // Topshop // Topshop;

River Island // Office;

(Prices and stock are subject to change from the creation of this image!)

I'm always grateful for high street takes on designer pieces, not only because of the obvious price slash, but because they open up a whole new door for the high street to experiment with in terms of style and perfecting their own designs. I relish in seeing a balance between those thinking outside of the box to give us more accessible variations of a particular style, but also those who are determined to bring an almost exact designer/couture match. The perfect combination if you ask me. 

My favourites are a huge toss up between the Office 'Frontier', Topshop 'Adonis2' and the Topshop 'Afflex' pairs. The Adonis2's are perfect for Spring and Summer with their floral encounter, flash of blue and almost monochrome appearance, while the Topshop Afflex's are a little more dressy and sophisticated with a beautifully contrasted sole (just like the £761 Jill's). Finally, the Office Frontier's dare to peep at the unconventional with their exposed heel - of course a more notable feature of the sandal or slingback - whilst also embracing the skinny gold toecap, knocking out two trends in one. 

Are you liking this trend or do you think boots should remain boots; a winter staple without the skin on show? 

Just, don't step in any puddles. 

Live your life, do your work, then take your hat.

Apologies for my little disappearing act; Dynamo eat your heart out! 

I've only done two posts in the whole of September and that is shocking, an ashamedly poor attempt from me.

Anyhow, there's a pair of mad print treggings residing in my wardrobe which I bought from TK Maxx a couple of weeks ago and I refuse to wear them, or do an outfit post, until I have a hat to wear with them. I'm really loving bowlers, pork pies and fedoras so here's a selection of my favourites all under £30. 

Top: Cute domed crown bowler hat - OASAP  £14.30 (14 colours), Felt roll brim bowler - ASOS £16, Roller bowler hat - Topshop £25 (3 colours);

Middle: Jameela Jamil fedora - Very £25,  Pork Pie hat - Topshop £25 (3 colours) , Felt hat with grosgrain trim - H&M £7.99 (2 colours) ;

Bottom: Felt pork pie - ASOS £20 , Mini roller hat - Topshop £25 (4 colours) , Sweet heart shaped cut out hat OASAP £26.65 (2 colours);

I have to be careful ordering online though as there is a 90% chance they won't fit due the classic 'one size' and 'my head is larger than average' scenario. Hopefully I can try a few on in store, the last thing I want is to balance one on my head only to have it ripped off by the winter winds. 

What are your thoughts on hats? Love them or hate them?

New Look #holidayhop giveaway!

"Imagine you are going to Ibiza for a long weekend. Create a post on your blog stating which items from the New Look store you would wear to complete each of the following outfits on your holiday. You have 5 outfits for 5 occasions, so which items would you wear and why? Head over to the New Look store and start picking your favourite party dresses, bikinis and accessories. 

Style these Looks: Travel Style, Poolside, Beach It, Sunset Supper, Beach to Club."

For travelling we all understand that being comfy is key - but who said you can't be stylish? Ditch the trusty turn-to tracksuit bottoms and turn to a pair of disco pants. As the older and funkier sister of leggings, disco pants give you a good amount of comfort and stretch, you can contort yourself into almost any position whilst trying to get comfy on long journeys. Chunky sole plimsoles will hug your feet whilst walking to the furthest away department gate and this chunky knit cardigan is perfect to snuggle into after slipping on sunglasses to hide telltale bags. Speaking of bags, this is perfect to fit in plenty of fashion magazines, food and duty free goodies. Jet-set chic, oui?

This is a fab little bikini, it aptly reminds me of an ice lolly. I've never worn a bikini, so if this is to be my first one then go all out and make it bright. The woven bag is perfect to pop in a book to read by the pool, along with suncream to prevent lobsteritis. The the crochet top and shorts act as a great little cover up while the woven sandals just scream holiday and are ideal alongside these retro frame cats eyes. 

I'd be tempted to head out sightseeing in this number! Versatile.

The studded heart earrings are super quirky so I decided this look needed to have a burst of colour and embrace the Ibiza vibe, therefore, lime green tootsies are a must! Jelly shoes offer a legendary and childish blast from the past and the sunglasses are a must because if not you'll be squinting all the time and look like an angry and unapproachable tourist. This is such a cute one piece and when you pop the shorts over the bottom half you appear to have a whole new look because the top half of this suit acts as a cami/ strapless affair. I'd say the hat and bag are pretty self explanatory.  

A lovely sunset supper means that a flowy little number and a bit of glitter is a must, the denim jacket is for when that cool holiday breeze breaks out and to make you look like this is look is effortlessly casual. These magazine clutches will suit to a T and indicates a fashion savvy individual. Hand chains, to me, represent a more exotic style so are perfect to be worn sat at a table overlooking the sea watching the sun set. Rock a soft and light smokey eye and match nails with the main item in the look, and you are ready to impress. 

You don't want to be hitting the club straight from the beach in just a sarong (unless it's that sort of club) so you need to rock beach glam! Matching accessories and shoes make this simple beach worthy playsuit club ready. When they say accessories can make an outfit, its true, it's as easy as that. It's always good to have a little bit of gold (or any metallic) catching the lights in the club, this way you sparkle across the dance floor like you belong there. Fabulously, this bag can be used as a clutch or can be slipped over your shoulder leaving your hands free to get your groove on. 

I'll admit, I tried to pick everything to settle within the £400 prize budget but I failed miserably. I guess that's why New Look is my favourite high street store! Simply irresistible.

Cat v Mouse

Many celebs have been rocking the animal inspired flats, the two particular designers I have in mind are Charlotte Olympia and Marc by Marc Jacobs (sigh!). They've been boasted on the feet of Alexa Chung, Katy Perry, Emma Watson, Beyonce and even baby Blue! 

I'm not going to lie, I would love the black Kitty flats with their gold block heel and I'd also love the studded or glitter mouse flats; but prices range from approximately £190 to £560. Squeak. So I set it upon myself to find some high street designer inspired hotties so you too can give give your feet some character!

High Street Hot Picks

Mr. Shoes, Daisy Street, ASOS & Le Bunny Bleu

Top: 1&2 @ Mr. Shoes £14.99 // 3,4,5,6,7 Daisy Street £19.99 (Red £20.99) 

Bottom: 1 @ ASOS £50 // 2&3 @ Le Bunny Bleu £45

Similarly to the actual Kitty flats, the Mr Shoes and Daisy Street pairs are faux suede/velvet with the adorable embroidered feline face and sticky-uppy ears. Mr. Shoes are renowned for their fabulous designer inspired shoes at affordable prices and they've outdone themselves with these flats, £14.99! My toes tingle excitedly at the thought.

I couldn't find any mousey pairs but I found the cute cartoon-esque leopard flats and of course the AMAZING Bunny Motive Flats at Le Bunny Bleu (I had to bring in bunnies somewhere). If you get there in time they are offering a 20% off those little beauties. 

Which are your favourites?