Don't Be A Drag, Just Wear McQueen

As you know, I'm a fan of all things dark and gothic - I mean, I think I'll only ever stop wearing black when they can make a darker colour - and when I think of these things I automatically think Alexander McQueen. Now, from time to time I like to imagine that I have a bank account with an endless sum of money and can buy whatever I like, so recently I felt the need to have one of these imaginary shopping trips over on the McQueen website. As you do.

1. Exaggerated Collar Leather Biker Jacket 2. Black Skull Charm Boots - (Ankle boot length available here) 3. Suede Sequin Skull Slippers 4. Gold Honeycomb Jacquard Jacket 5. Oversize Wayfarer Sunglasses 6. Gunmetal Aviator Sunglasses 7. Blush Medium Heroine 8. Black Skull Top Handle Bag 9. Dragonfly cap sleeve pencil dress

As soon as I saw those jackets, I fell in love. The leather biker is a classic piece that would get worn with pretty much every outfit I could ever think of putting together and never go out of style; whereas the honeycomb print jacket would help make any basic black pieces look planned and thought out - don't you just love effortless style?

In terms of accessories, I've been looking at nude pieces for Spring as they go with just about anything and that blush Heroin bag is stunning, so I knew I had to have it - in my imaginary shopping bag of course. Today wasn't anything to go by, but it's been pretty sunny recently here in the North East and I've had to remember where I stored those sunglasses before winter. I think it's safe to say that I'm definitely in need of a new pair, so I went for the good ole' aviator and slightly retro styles. Simple, stylish, they'll go with everything, sorted.

Nothing compares to a little retail therapy every now and then - even if it is just in the form of a wish list.

Accessorising SS'13

Accessorising SS'13;

CaseApp

If you're anything like me then your iPhone will literally never be more than a few feet away at all times. That's if you've somehow managed to surgically remove it from your hands of course - something that has only ever happened to me a few times since I first got it. It's my life line, what can I say. This, mixed in with the fact that I'm a fashion enthusiast means that I like to match my iPhone case to my outfits whenever possible and have it looking cool in its own right. I mean most people do, right?

That's where CaseApp comes in handy. They're a Swedish company with offices in both Sweden and the UK who specialise in custom iPhone 4/4S/5 cases. You simply pop over to their website, upload an image of your liking, choose a case colour (black, white or transparent to match your phone) and add some text if you want to fully customise it. You then add it to your basket, fill in your details and it'll get shipped out to you ASAP with free delivery. Couldn't be simpler if it tried. No matter what design you choose, the cases stay the same price at £19. It is a little pricier than some, I'll admit but cheaper companies on the market will only send you a sticker or 'wrap' with your design on it. You get what you pay for, that's all I'm saying!

I customised my own case recently and decided to go with an image of Arabella Drummond - an alternative model who you might recognise from various tattoo conventions, Front magazine or even a website called Suicide Girls (don't worry, this has nothing to do with dying or attempting to die). Being interested in tattoos and alternative ideals of beauty, I think it's safe to say that I definitely appreciate Arabella and her style, so that's what I chose to have on my case!

What's great about custom cases and CaseApp is that it allows you to have a little creative freedom and ability to express your personality. You could design your own cover, scan it into your laptop/pc and upload that image when creating your case. No one will have that design and it'll be totally unique - something every fashionista likes to be. So why not head over to the website (here) and get accessorising!

Guest Post: Spring Is Coming

Guest Post;

Spring is coming

It’s that time of year again, when the nights are getting lighter and the weather is getting brighter, and everyone is in a cheerful mood because it is nearly spring.

I love this time as it means we can bring out all of those gorgeous bright colours that we couldn’t wear in the winter, and buy ballerina pumps without the fear of going out for a walk and getting them ruined by the unexpected snow. 

Just a little bit of sunshine 

This may look slightly optimistic, but considering the gorgeous bright sunshine we have had for the past few days it seems only appropriate to begin to plan our spring /summer wardrobe; and what better way to begin than to invest in a pair of fabulous shorts and a cute T-shirt.
I love wearing neutral colours as they can be worn with absolutely everything, however despite these fabulous shorts looking great with a simple top, they would also work with a bright coloured crop top, a statement bag and a pair of cute sandals. It’s easy to get stuck wearing dark colours considering the winters that we have in the UK, however use your creativity and imagination, and I can assure you that you will feel and look great straying away from the standard black.

Night out in spring 

I know it is nearly spring, and we want to invest in bright colours and floral patterns, but don’t forget those trusted skinny jeans. When our spring evenings aren’t as warm was we expected, these are great to wear with a bright coloured top for an evening out.
Team your skinnies and a cute shirt with a pair of court shoes and a oversized handbag for that smart/chic look. If you love colour why not swop the black jeans for a pair of red jeans and change that red blouse for the black alternative. You will find that adding a splash of colour makes a big difference your outfit.

  



I should own a yacht in this outfit 

What better way to feel like summer than to dress ourselves in this gorgeous sailor attire. White and blue stripes are amazing colours to wear when wanting to feel and look summery, and luckily for us ladies, bold stripes are very in this season.
Opt for a pair of bright blue skinnies and a casual white blouse for that stylish look. You can wear this outfit for a stroll around the shops or for a lunch with the family.
It can be tricky deciding what colour shoes to wear with white and blue, however I feel that going neutral is the better alternative to wearing black or bright white. These will match with the outfit; however not look too over the top considering you have a striped bag and bright jeans.

It is never too early to begin to plan your seasonal wardrobe, so invest in those gorgeous outfits now, so when the sunshine does come, you will be ready with your perfect outfit choices.

For products shown in this feature and more gorgeous clothes and shoes visit www.houseoffraser.co.uk