Ace the interview

Office/ work clothing 2012

First impressions always count when going for a job interview, audition or business meeting. Here I bring you some hints and tips on how to impress your potential bosses without breaking the bank.

The Dress

Dresses are always one of the top choices to wear to an interview. When it comes to length, always try to go for something that either hits right above or below the knees (you can go longer if you would like), but never go shorter. When it comes to colour, dark neutrals like black, navy, or gray usually work best. If the dress is a basic colour, pair it with fun items like a printed bag or bright shoes to make you stand out from the rest.



From top left, Rose peplum dress £48 Topshop, Colour block dress £35 River Island, Black and leather dress £39.99 Zara, White and black ruffle dress £60 ASOS.


The Top 
Tops can be paired with either a smart pair of trousers or a smart pencil skirt. I would however recommend wearing a suit blazer or jacket. This will add more elegance and polish to your appearance.

 

Tops 

 

 

Flower blouse £19.99 H&M, Purple shirt £12.99 H&M, Sleeveless white blouse £16.99 New Look, Gold sequin collar blouse £16.99 New Look

Blazers

Tweed Biker jacket £60 ASOS, Pinstriped Jacket £39.99 H&M, Burgundy Blazer £65 Topshop, Tuxedo Blazer £49.99 Zara

Shoes 

Why not be a little daring and add a little colour to your outfit via your shoes. They will make you stand out from the crowd especially if you are applying for a job in fashion.

Colour block shoes by gemma-coy featuring platform shoes

                                                                                                                                                             

Skirt or trousers

Working 9-5 by gemma-coy featuring a circle skirt





Knitted jumpers

Winter is coming...

 Best thing about autumn/ winter is cosying up in your favourite knitted jumper, scarves, socks, woolly hats etc. This season one of my trends are slouchy, eclectic knits. I like to pair them with boyfriend or skinny jeans, but the knitted jumper can be paired with pretty much anything. I also like to wear an over sized jumper with a pair of leggings and my favourite boots. For accessorising, you can not over-do the accessories and you have to stick to a few vintage rings, a pair of earrings, some personalised and unique bracelets or even a scarf head bow to spice up the outfit.

Vintage look

If you are on quite a budget or even want to own a real vintage knitted jumper, ask your grandparents, even your granddad, if they own any knitted jumpers from their younger years that they've saved. You may think that it is weird to wear what your grandparents wore 20-30 years ago, but all the vintage inspired clothing is coming back now and even with your grandparents old knitted jumper, you could be the next trend follower. Also, you could even go to the local charity, thrift or vintage clothing shop, where you can look for an old and vintage knitted jumper. Don't worry if the knitted jumper if over-sized or a size or a couple to big for you, because the over-sized effect is the secret to this trend.

Found this vintage 80's jumper from Asos market place for £18.00

 

If you are not really into the vintage trend but like the eclectic jumpers. I have searched high and low across the web to bring you my top three below:

Knitted bunny jumper £39
Miss selfridge
















Phoenix jumper £39
Miss Selfridge

Minkpink Triangle knit jumper £60
Urban outfitters

 

60's fashion: MOD trend 2012

 

 

 Modernist girls wore straight, knee-length skirts and male-style shirts, which would be worn with a box-shaped jacket, patent-leather shoes and three-quarter length suede coats. This was marked contrast to the traditional womens style of the 50's. They also had their own style of make-up (with the eyes being the prominent feature) using thick eyeliner, plucked eyebrows, and little or no lipstick.
As the fashion of mod girls changed from an underground into a more commercialized style it was developed by designers into something entirely modern. Models like Twiggy (who had been a mod herself) began to exemplify the high-fashion mod look, with the ever decreasing hem-line of the mini skirt, brightly coloured patterns and high boots becoming prevalent.




The Mod trend still returns to the fashion world every year. The Shift dress is the most popular item, that will never go out of fashion. Below is some key pieces I have added to my own MOD wish list:





From top left: Military coat £48 and blue zippered shift dress £80 Topshop.
Black and white shift dress on sale at £25.00 Joy
Dogtooth blouse £30.00 River island
Wine cigarette jeans £45 Urban outfitters






 

 A little extra statement piece you could also add is this bag from amazon at £31.99









* I dedicate this post to my dad. xx

Autumn/ Winter trend

Gothic princess

Designers this year at fashion shows got dark and deadly for their Autumn collections with head to toe leathers, vicious studs and a Nordic Winter palette of black-on-black. Lace yourself up, strap yourself in, and prepare to live dangerously this season. Or at the very least to look like you do. Also with the release of Twilight: Breaking Dawn part 2 in november you could also release your inner vampire with fierce studding, black and glossy faux fur, or striking gothic makeup. Look to Givenchy, Versace and Alexander Wang for inspriation.

Here is my Autumn/ Winter Gothic wishlist:





Cutout lace and leather dress: £98 from Three Floors, Lace pendulm £30 Topshop, Lace Skirt £40 Topshop, Leather jacket £180 Topshop, Leather dress £40 New Look, Lace blouse £38 Topshop.



Do it yourself

 

Eyelash extensions

Eye lash extensions on average cost around £80 to get done professionally, but you dont have to spend a fortune to get beauitul long lashes. All you need to do this on the cheap is either an eyelash curler, mascara or false lashes. Here is my step by step guide on achieving knock em dead lashes:

1. If your lashes are short, try false lashes and mascara. First, curl your own lashes and then apply mascara.
2. Using tweezers, pick up the base strip of the false eyelashes, add glue and tilt your head back so you can see your lash line in the mirror. Carefully press them in place with the tipof the tweezers.
3. Or try using individual lashes, start at the outer corner of your eye and glue one in the first open spot between your lashes. Continue along the lash line,attaching the longest ones in the centre.
4. You can also boost your lashes using a volumising or lengthening mascara. Look down into a mirror, hold wand horizontally and apply from the roots, wiggling it up to the tips. Then turn the wand and stroke vertically up the lashes for more oomph.

My most highly recommend products to use to create va-va boom lashes are:

Max factor false lash effect

This mascara is designed to give you the look of false lashes without the tricky application hassle. It comes with a comfortable brush with flexible bristles for easily application from roots to tips. It lengthens and thickens lashes while special brush separates them for a perfect look like you are wearing false lashes. Your lashes look thicker, fuller, longer and more luscious, and your eye lashes look utterly fabulous all day without so much as a smudge. The never ending volume is the USP of this product. Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara is available in three shades – black, brown black and black waterproof.

Heated eyelash curlers

The Panasonic Heated Eyelash Curler has a special heat indicator built into the body of the curler. The product is used like an eyelash comb and the heat indicator lets you know when it is ready to curl. Due to its construction, the Panasonic Heated Eyelash Curler allows curling to take place from the base to the tips, without pulling or pinching.

  

How to wear Doc Martens

 

How to wear: Doc Martens

If you have just brought some Dr. Martens or looking to buy a pair and you are unsure of what to wear with them, here's some ideas of how to style them. I would recommend your first pair to be a nice, plain black pair and try some that are fairly short.

 

How to pair these with your jeans.

Back in the '90s, both men and women wore faded boot cut bluejeans, and rolled them up a little to show off the boots. For a modern twist, chose a darker wash jean with a straight leg. Still roll them up a bit (this time for a slight cuff) to see the boot.

Tops:

Flannel shirts, tartan skirts and doc martens were born out of the Seattle grunge scene of the '90s. The trends persist and countless young celebrities sport Converse or Doc martins, flannels over leggings and skinny jeans, and ripped tights layered under cut-off jean shorts. It's almost as if Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Nirvana are still playing on the radio when in fact Foster the People, Vampire Weekend are controlling the airwaves. Wearing your Docs with a flannel shirt is perfect for achieving that vintage look but if it isnt your thing i recommend opting for a simple white oxford shirt or black fitted, long sleeve T for that cleaner look.

If you are going for a more feminine look, skirts and dresses look best paired with these boots. Alternate the flower print baby dolls with a fitted miniskirt and loose top.

Another look for ladies, is cutoff denim shorts with black tights. Simple Doc Martens complement the look nicely and fits well with the vintage and retro trends most celebrities sport these days.

Maxi skirts

MAXI SKIRTS!!!

Maxi skirts are my must have for summer. If you hate showing your legs as much i do, they are perfect to wear on a hot day where anything other than shorts/ mini skirts, such as jeans and leggings, would be unbearable. They cover my legs, provide a cool breeze, suit my shape and frame, yet still look on trend and smart.

How to wear:

• If you are short, wear a maxi skirt at your waist, rather than your hips to elongate the legs making you appear much taller. Also if your 'maxi' is too long, add some high wedges. They will give you some more height and make you feel more elegant.
• If you are taller and find it hard to find a maxi skirt to fit you length-wise , try going for a maxi which is designed to be sat at the waist, and wear it on your hips. This way you are shortening the length and the appearance of your legs.
• Maxi skirts are not just for summer or when it's hot, they can also be worn in the cold autumn/winter months. Simply put on a pair of leggings or tights underneath for a bit of added warmth.

What to wear with your 'maxi':

• In the winter months, layer up with different t shirts, jumpers & scarves. I find that jersey like fabrics sit better for colder days.
•  In the summer months, wear floaty fabrics, vest tops, and light tshirts.
• As maxi skirts are so long, you can get away with wearing many different top variations and tucking them in. You could even wear a pretty dress or swimming costume underneath & all would be concealed.
• For the evenings when its a bit cooler and you want to cover your shoulders, cropped jackets and blazers look best with maxi skirts, as it helps to balance everything out. I tend to opt for a cropped denim jacket for a more casual look, and if I'm going somewhere nice, I'll go for a cropped blazer.
• Any type of shoes go with maxi skirts. I personally only wear gladiator sandals as that's what i feel more comfortable in but flip flops, boots, boat shoes, heels, and wedges also look great.

Overall, i love maxi skirts as you can dress them up or down and wear just about anything with them. They are perfect for covering up your legs while making you feel girly and elegant. Below i have added some images of ladies wearing their 'maxi' to give you some inpiration. :)