AQ/AQ: Party Dress Edit

Now, if you read my last post (click here to catch up and I'll forget all about it), you'll remember that I said I would be celebrating the upcoming Christmas festivities in a cheeky little Christmas jumper; however that does not mean that I won't be getting glammed up to party as well! When it comes to party dresses and such, one brand which stands out as a go-to is AQ/AQ (previously Aqua by Aqua). Don't get me wrong, for a regular dress these can be considered quite expensive, but for an occasion such as Christmas, i'm sure you can break the bank - or extend your student overdraft - just this once. Being higher end on the high street, AQ/AQ is a little out of reach for every day items, however not too high that you can't aspire to and save your pennies up for, if you see something particularly special. 

There are some obvious picks in my selection - such as the all over sequin pieces and classic red dress - however I thought I would add in some trouser options and a stunning white, long sleeve, peplum dress for those of you feeling daring enough - and confident enough not to spill Christmas pudding or red wine down the front of it. God forbid. 

CLICK TO SEE ALL OF THE ABOVE BY AQ/AQ

For me personally, I think I could be enticed to try out a trouser option for one of my Christmas parties this year. The red jacquard trouser and top option just seems to stand out the most. Team it with a gold statement necklace, embellished front waist belt and some killer heels and you're onto a winner.

Which look would you be most inclined to go for?

Christmas Jumpers: What Would Mark Darcy Do?

Do A 'Mark Darcy' This December:

Who wants to hear a funny story? This time last week, I was casually listening to Michael Buble's Christmas album and dancing around my flat, simple because I had just about finished all of this semesters work and submitted my tattoo/diversity article; which meant that I had gotten one uni deadline over and done with. Then the worst thing imaginable to a student happens … my MacBook decides to switch off and won't turn back on. Ha, I know. One might think this isn't too bad; surely a second year fashion student would make copies of her work? Well, um, no. I didn't. Rookie mistake - what was I thinking? So yeah. For the last week now, i've been re-doing months of work, including: putting together 30+ pages of research for my personal events management file and a 22 page magazine. All from scratch. It hasn't exactly been all fun and games lately, let me tell you. However, I've submitted work for deadline #2 today and I only have 3 pages left to do for my magazine, so I'm getting back on top of everything. Go me!

With the stresses of uni (and life in general at the minute), my friends and I have decided that a little Christmas family dinner and festive drinking session is in order once all of our deadlines are over. Said festivities will, of course, involve a rather attractive Christmas jumper; so I've taken the liberty of sourcing some from the high street to help us (and you too!) decide on one.

Starting from the top left clockwise: 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

I know #5 isn't exactly a sweater, but it's a pretty cool beanie, so I had to add it. Each sweater is festive and won't break the bank (the most expensive is £35), which means more dollah for christmas presents and cocktails. Primark don't have a website to source some of their festive jumpers, however from being in store lately, I think I'll probably purchase one from there. Either that, or i'm going for the "Merry Christmas Ya Filty Animal" one from Boohoo. I do love a good movie quote on a jumper, not gonna lie.

Whatever you decide to do to celebrate the festive season, make sure it involves a jumper like those above. And a decent amount of festive-themed cocktails.

Making 2013 Count

2013:

New Years Resolutions

Well first of all, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that Santa brought you everything that you could have asked for and more! I certainly had a great Christmas Eve/Day spending all my money on the sales and booking my next tattoo, so I can safely say that I was pleased with Christmas this year.

After eating my way through countless chocolates, glasses of vino and a seemingly endless amount of lasagne (my gran makes me it every year for my Christmas dinner - I don't do turkey!), I began thinking about the inevitable New Years resolutions for 2013. Most are focused on my career and general financial situation (like not overspending on everything - again.) but there are some for my blog and its content after the New Year!

First of all, here's my list of resolutions for 2013:

1. Join Body Zone gym in Newcastle.
2. Go at least 3 times a week.
3. Eat better.
4. Budget my money properly AKA stop impulse buying.
5. Save money.
6. Don’t overspend. Again.
7. Book a trip to California or NYC.
8. Go to LFW.
9. Start my sleeve tattoo on Friday, Jan 4th then come back to Glasgow in Feb to get it finished.
10. Get intern experience with a fashion magazine.
11. Write more lifestyle based posts.
12. Pass 1st year of uni with a great grade.
13. Make 2013 count.

So the resolution that is more of a need to know basis for you lot is #12. Why? Well, I was looking at various blogs out there and felt that I would love to start writing more lifestyle based content for Vita di Moda. Diets, fitness regimes, films, tv shows, beauty products and even food and tattoo's would be on the list of content to feature at Vita di Moda in 2013. Don't worry, there will still be regular fashion posts each week and I'm hoping to get this blogger pass for LFW in February so that I can give a better rounded opinion on the shows for AW'13!

What would you all think about seeing this happening at Vita di Moda? Yay, or nay? 

*Photo Credit: Taken by myself at the dinner table via instagram

I'll Take One of Everything

Online Window Shopping:

What I Have My Eye On

It wouldn't be Christmas without the masses of sales, promotions and constant bombardment of newsletters from our beloved retailers, so naturally I've built up a rather long list of items that I'm currently lusting over. With the rain becoming constant background noise this week, I thought it was a perfect excuse to sit by the fireplace all day, Galaxy orange hot chocolate (40 calories per cup!) in hand and put together a little post to show you all what I would love to see under my tree - or in the wardrobe, ironed and hung up neatly if Santa's feeling generous -  on Tuesday morning. 

First up, it's a pit stop at Zara. Naturally. I don't think I could live without Zara these days. Items 1, 3 & 4 are on my list of definite buys with my Christmas money; if I could stretch it I'd buy everything on the website to be fair.

1. Woolen Coat With Quilted Leather Sleeves

2. Leather Effect T-Shirt

3. Herringbone Trousers With Zip Pockets

4. Basic Ankle Strap Heels

5. Studded Peplum Belt

6. Quilted Leather Jacket

7. Red Coated Biker Pants

Warehouse are a retailer who surprised me actually. I've walked by their stores in Newcastle recently and felt that I've wanted quite a few of the outfits they've styled together in their displays, so when I had a little peak at their website I found myself mentally taking note of some of their stock. Have they always been this edgy, or have I only just noticed it now? 

1. Acid Wash Western Shirt

2. Soft Leather Pocket Jacket

3. Butterfly Tribal Print Tunic

4. Contrast Sleeve Parka - LOVING this!

5. Mesh Panel Faux Leather Dress

6. Beaded Neck Tee

Don't take my word for it, but I'm pretty sure every item I've listed from All Saints is currently in their sale? I know that the majority is anyway! All Saints isn't really everyone's cuppa tea, but I'm attracted to the whole dark, mysterious and slightly gothic personality of the brand so I can't help but lust after a few items every now and then.

1. Saredon Trench Coat

2. Joelle Shirt

3. Abel Leather Jacket

4. Elva Cardigan

5. Restrain Tee

It might be fair to say that Topshop and I have a love/hate relationship. I went off the brand for a while, purely because of how mainstream it had become (GEEK jumper for example. If I see that on one more person I may lose faith in street style) - that and it's prices just kept getting higher and higher and my poor student loan was crying out for mercy. I will admit though that their collections recently have been stunning and I've found myself typing Topshop.com into my web browser more often than not.

1. Shoulder Pad Maxi Dress

2. Cutout Leather Shell

3. Rib Panel Mesh Crop Top

4. Oxblood Full Skater Skirt

5. Pallette Premium Met Boots

6. Mesh Insert Colour Block Tee

7. Heavy Embroidered Mesh Tank

8. Skull Spike Ring

9. Perspex Peter Pan Necklace

10. Ribbed V Front Skater Dress

Happy Shopping! xo

What's On Your Christmas List?

Christmas Wish List:
Black Milk Clothing

Well that's all of my hand in's completed and submitted for my first semester and I could not be happier. It's such a relief to know that I now have five weeks over the festive period to eat, drink, be merry and start work on my new sleeve tattoo (yes, I'm getting one!). I hope you're all having a relaxed few weeks and that Christmas shopping/preparation isn't getting you all too highly strung!

The skeleton print is on both sides from hip to ankle.
Image taken via instagram - follow me at @vitadimoda

This Christmas, as an early gift, I was given two pairs of Black Milk leggings from someone who I am now afraid to say is my ex. I've had my eye on their leggings and bodysuits for about a year and a half now due to Tumblr being flooded with people wearing them, but I never seemed to actually get my hands on any of their products - that is until they had their lovely Cyber Monday deal: 50% off selected products and luckily for me, the leggings I wanted were in that category!

So, as a gift I was asked if I wanted them for Christmas and now I am the proud new owner of some Black Milk leggings. I went for the bone printed leggings and just a plain matte black pair. I love the material that they use (polyester bright & spandex mix) because it's nice and thick like dance leggings, so no transparency issues or a constant need to keep pulling them up or make adjustments. They're insanely comfortable and although not classed as high waisted, they do come up as far as my belly button, so I can wear a crop top with them and they'll look good. 

The problem I now have though, is that I want near enough every single style on offer on their website, so I thought I'd put together a little wish list - just in case Santa is reading this and is wondering what to bring me on Christmas morning!

The leggings range in price from $50 to $90, which is why as a student I've been unable to have a wardrobe full of them. I definitely recommend them though and will be purchasing another pair of two with some Christmas money if I have any left over from my tattoo! Fancy a pair for yourself? Get them at www.blackmilkclothing.com

What do you think of Black Milk? Do you own any of their products?

Shop The Edit: Suited & Booted

SUITED & BOOTED.

First of all, let me offer you my utmost apologies for the lack of new content in EIGHT days! This last week until December 14th has been - and will continue to be - a little stressful and my focus will mainly be on my university modules, as my deadlines are in this time. In my Fashion Communication course, I don't have typical exams. Instead I have briefs and deadlines (which I prefer), but it still gets you a little stressed because it seems as though you have one million things to hand in at the one time. I've managed to get three of the four briefs finished and have another two weeks to focus on the last one, so thankfully that means I now have a little gap to write some new content for you all. I hope you can forgive me!

Is it just me, or have you brought those knee high boots out from the back of the cupboard too? The temperature has well and truly dropped in Newcastle (Glasgow too when I've been visiting for the weekend), so I have literally been living in my over-the-knee black suede boots for the last couple of weeks. I actually wore a pair of ballet flats today and wanted to shoot myself in the face after I took one step out the front door. My poor little tootsies. Anyway. Inspired by my moment of madness, I decided to do a little online window shopping to see if I could find a nice new boots, or pair of shoes that would bring me a little extra warmth this chilly festive season - and naturally I am now sharing my finds with you lovely people.

First of all, if you're reading this and thinking, "where are the party options Maria?!"  fear not! I will be doing a post dedicated to Christmas party attire, which will include everything from dresses to accessories and shoes, so remember to look out for that post if you're needing a little inspiration for your Christmas nights out this month. In the meantime, let's focus of the days in between!

I've tried to stick to boots which are of an attainable level (some readers may agree more than others. I'm a student for example), with some higher priced than others but mostly affordable and good quality. Boots are probably the only type of shoe that I would be prepared to pay slightly more for to ensure better quality, purely because I wear them during the colder months and want to make sure that they're going to last. With that in mind, here they are:

1. Gallivanting Slouch Black Suede - £95 @ Office

2. Long Leather With Metal Detail - £85 @ ASOS

3. Gardenia Suede Tassle - £220 @ ASOS

4. Marc Jacobs Patent PVC Quilted Boots - £162 @ Luisa Via Roma

5. Devils Point Wedge - £40 @ Office (£25 off! Also in black leather)

6. Delta Black Leather - £95 @ Office 

7. Studded Heel Ankle Boot - £60 @ Faith/ASOS

Will you be purchasing any of the boots shown? I can't decide which ones to go for...either the Gardenia suede tassle boots from ASOS, Delta metal tipped toe wedge (hott) or the Devils point wedge ankle boots from Office. Actually, can I just have them all?

Guest Post: Stylish Christmas Spirit

Guest Post:

Stylish Christmas Spirit

I don't know about you, but I am beyond excited for Christmas. I've been watching a Christmas movie every day and listening to Michael Buble's Christmas album on a loop whilst relaxing or doing my uni work. I just love getting into the spirit of things, so when the lovely Luke from The Jewel Hut presented this Christmas themed post to me last week, I just had to have it here for you guys. It's cheesy with themed hats and jumpers, but that's what the season is all about - so embrace it!

With Christmas shopping perched high on the list of purchase priorities, at this time of year it can be easy to forget to treat yourself to some swag. The winter wardrobe should already be in full swing (it’s freezing out there!), but your favourite high street stores and/or online retailers are also likely to be showcasing some festive garb and Christmas-themed accessory additions to really put a seasonal twist on your style. 

Everyone from Topshop to Urban Outfitters are on top of the trend for fun fairisle patterns, making a stylish Christmas jumper a more viable option than ever before. You can go all-out with comfy tops depicting reindeers and Christmas puds, or keep it a little more subtle (but still adamantly eye-catching) with a non-novelty snowflake motif you could get away with in January or Feb. Look out for similarly appealing options for the boyfriend or brother, too. 

Wrapping up warm is obviously a key thing to consider at this time of year, especially if you’re venturing out into the cold to stock up on goodies for friends and family. So, keep an eye out for scarves and gloves in the festive fairisle mode – the perfect final flourish when it comes to layering, and a sensible idea if you plan on treating yourself to a mulled wine or hot chocolate. 

You can imbue your look with further Christmas chic by looking out for very merry designs on everything from tote bags to tights. Have a little black dress marked out for Christmas Eve or this year’s work do? Pair it with some holiday-inspired jewellery designs; online retailers such as The Jewel Hut feature jewellery collections that celebrate Crimbo in stunning fashion – from stocking-shaped Pandora charms to snowflake pendants and embellished rings, there is something to suit and accompany every winter outfit. 

So, don’t forget to equip yourself with some fun Christmassy pieces while you’re busy buying gifts for everyone else. Whether or not you dig them out again next year, such selections are sure to add some vital Christmas spirit to your ensemble and you’ll still have plenty of cash leftover for buying presents. ‘Tis the season, after all!

*Written by Luke McNaney - A copywriter for The Jewel Hut

Guest Post: One For The Men

One For The Men:
Where to find the best suits in London

On the look out for that perfect Christmas suit for yourself or other half this season? If there was ever a time to dress to the nines and impress, it's Christmas: what with all those work or college parties coming up, never mind Christmas Eve/Day and Boxing day as well. So why not shop with the Gold card and hit the retail scene in London? You're bound to find yourself a bargain, which is always something us savvy shoppers like to see around this time of year!

Everybody knows about Savile Row, the centre of London’s men’s tailoring industry. Here you will find bespoke tailors who can craft you a one-of-a-kind, made to measure suit that will last you for years. The street is lined with famous brand names, and these shops spill out onto the surrounding streets: Mayfair is a veritable goldmine of tailors.

But there are other London hotspots for suits. Chancery Lane is a good place to start: rich with lawyers, bustling and busy, this area of London will also provide you with plenty of sartorial inspiration if you have time to sit and do some people watching. The City of London – or the Square Mile – also has its fair share of tailors, catering to the financial services workers who commute there every day. This area of London is steeped in tradition and home to lots of premium shopping brands, as well as historic pubs and restaurants.

Although these areas of London have a certain cachet when it comes to bespoke tailoring, remember that large department stores – such as those found on Oxford Street – can be just as good for getting you fitted with the right suit. You’ll also get the opportunity to browse a variety of brands rather than committing to one from the outset, and of course they offer great value for money. The assistants will be able to advise you on the process of getting a suit altered, so do ask for help.

If you really have your heart set on a Savile Row suit, there are canny ways to buy. Rather than visiting a bespoke tailor, opt for one of the larger chain stores on the street, which may have seasonal sales - a bit of planning can help you to come away with a serious bargain, particularly if you go on the first day of reductions. That way, you’ll also have some of your budget left over for ties and other accessories. 

Make your money go further when looking for a new suit by shopping with rewards cards from American Express UK. With an American Express rewards card, you can earn exclusive membership points on virtually every purchase you make, which can be redeemed for a host of fantastic rewards including flights, gifts, hotel stays and more.

*Sponsored Post*

A Display Fit For A Princess

Harrods Christmas Display;
Fit For A Princess

Nothing pleases me more than fashion and fairy tales  so when the two collide together to grace the window's of Harrods annual Christmas display, I can't help but get all giddy with delight. Everyone knows that when it comes to this festive time of year, retailers in London as well as other fashion capitols around the world start to reveal some of the most magnificent window displays we've ever seen. Harrods is one of said retailers and this year it's set to be magical by the help of some well known designers in the fashion industry.

The concept? For top designers - including Oscar de la Renta, Valentino & Versace - to redesign a dress for each Disney princess and have them displayed as of November 1st. It gets better: there's even a 7,000 sq ft Disney Princess pop-up store on the 4th floor which is open to the public as of now! I was actually thinking of taking a trip down to London for the Christmas markets this year, but now that i've heard about Harrods Disney Princess display, I definitely have to. 

There are ten designs to be put on show, however I've chosen my top five to show you here. If you want to see them all, just pop on over to Pinterest by clicking HERE.

Sleeping Beauty by Elie Saab - My Favourite

Ariel by Marchesa - Close favourite.

Cinderella by Versace - Again, a close favourite.

Rapunzel by Jenny Packham

Tiana by Ralph Russo

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk