All Black Summer

#ALLBLACKEVERYTHING

When you're an avid lover of all things black Summer can prove difficult. Don't get me wrong, the constant sunshine, rising temperatures and days laying on the Quayside Seaside (that's Newcastle's manmade beach for those out of the loop) are doing wonders for one's mood and general outlook; but dressing for these occasions is just a nightmare. If, like me, you prefer wearing a black tee and skinny jeans, then you'll know how annoying this is when the sun is reaching 30 degrees most days. Black just soaks in the sunlight and raises your body temperature above tolerable. It's not big and it's not clever, but what else can you do. Summer for me is just my Winter wardrobe but with the leather jacket sleeves and jeans rolled up.

So how do you dress for the weather, but keep your love of black intact? God forbid we would ever wear colour, i'm not going that far. But I am going to suggest some outfit combo's with the help of All Saints. If there was ever a brand to sum me up, it's them.

For links to each item, click here.

Everything from the above image is up to date and current on the All Saints UK website (bar the aviators). What I have been tending to do with my outfits, is team high waisted skinny jeans or shorts with crop tops and or a bikini. The bikini obviously more for the days when I go to the beach or am lounging around the apartment - which faces the quayside/sunrise and attracts more heat than the surface of the sun. No exaggeration in that statement at all.

Although I haven't been wearing much colour other than the occasional blue, I have been wearing a lot of white and opting for white jeans instead of black. I'm still getting to wear my trusted jean shape, but they're helping to reflect the light a little bit, and they look a lot more Summery than the black. I've gone for the printed loose tops from All Saints, because although they are silk, they're loose fitting and will give a bit of a breeze. They're also on trend and help to dress up an outfit day or night. Lastly, there's a leather jacket just because I can't deal without one. That and it's going to rain a few times in amongst the UK sunshine, so we'll need something to cover up with and it may as well be leather. The one I've chosen however, is cropped so it won't give too much heat on your back and the zips up the sleeves allow for rolling them up if you get too warm.

So that's just some variations on outfits I've been having in my own Summer wardrobe, but I'd love to know how you're dealing with black in the seasonal heat in the comments below!

Photo Credit: All Saints UK & Polyvore.

5 Of The Best: Winter Coats

5 of The Best:

Winter Coats

When it comes to the colder months, my all time favourite shop-for item is a good winter coat. All year round you will probably find me in a blazer or leather jacket, but when the temperatures start to drop, the bad weather sets in (who am I kidding? it's bad weather all year round in the UK) and I start to feel a little frost bite on my extremities, that's when I know it's time to hit the high street and find that perfect coat that will see me through to Spring - or at least when the temperature starts to lift to a comfortable height.

So what do I look for in the perfect coat? Well, for starters it has to have a certain length so as to be worn with a variety of outfits: it can't be too long, other wise it'll just look a little silly when I wear my Adidas sneakers, but it can't be too short either, other wise it defeats it's purpose of being a winter coat - it's supposed to keep me warm! I usually find that anything around a mid thigh - above knee length will suffice. Second is the style. Obviously this changes slightly due to certain factors such as current trends, however anything double breasted with a collar high enough to stand up and keep the wind off my neck is definitely going to be a winner. I also like fitted coats, with a belted waist and deep front pockets (sewn in with a slight slant are my favourite - makes you appear slimmer I find. This is actually why I love my W116 by Walter Baker trench so much), so if I can find something like this, then I'm doing good on my quest.

I've not really done a great amount of research into a coat this year if I'm honest- other than my W116 by Walter Baker trench - however, ASOS never seem to let me down when it comes to Winter essentials, so naturally I checked there first. Right now they're doing a deal with 30% off jackets, jumpers and more AW'12 styles, plus if you're a student with either an NUS card or a UNiiDAYS account then you can get an extra 25% off on top of that: so if there was ever a time to buy that winter coat, it's now. I will be publishing another post with my top picks for winter knits later in the week, but until then I've chosen my top 5 picks from ASOS' coat selection (actually there's two from ShopBop thrown in because they caught my eye a couple of weeks ago), to hopefully inspire you when you decide on the one for you!

1. Joie Teyona Coat @ Shopbop - £212
2. Vince Shirttail Coat with Leather Sleeves @ Shopbop - £470.79
3. ASOS Biker Cocoon Coat @ ASOS - £70 with 30% off. RRP £100
4. ASOS Cape Coat @ ASOS - £70 with 30% off. RRP £100
5. ASOS Fit & Flare Belted Coat @ ASOS - £49

Which is your favourite?

Fashion Haul: To The Moon & Back

Fashion Haul:
To The Moon & Back

To say that I had a touch of writer's block would perhaps be the understatement of the year. This seems to be the norm after Fashion Month and it doesn't make me feel particularly happy or professional, so in an attempt to inspire myself I took to the internet and had a little browse around this weeks headlining news. One such headline that intrigued me, was that a man named Felix Baumgartner jumped from space and risked his life for both science and his need for a blood-pumping adrenaline rush. Can't say I would have risked my blood boiling and lungs exploding for an adrenaline rush - I get my kicks from shopping and grabbing a good deal - but each to their own as they say.

Anyway, this headline later inspired me when I was having a little look on ASOS. I came across the t-shirt, leather trousers and bracelets and decided to add the Ash wedge sneakers in as I already own those and they will be my choice of footwear when my outfit arrives in the post later this week.

1. To The Moon & Back T-shirt - ASOS - £16

2. Skinny Leather Look Trousers - ASOS - £30

3. 2 Pack Gold Chain Bracelets - ASOS - £8

4. Nappa & Suede Wedge Sneakers - Ash @ Flannels Fashion - £185

You can click on the links underneath the image if you, like me, are in need of a little retail therapy. 

It seems that I go through little phases of wanting print, colour and texture in my wardrobe and then flips to the opposite side of things where I want nothing more than to dress in an entirely black ensemble. Maybe it's because Halloween is just around the corner and I'm starting to feel more in touch with my inner goth. Who knows. Hmm, perhaps a Halloween themed post is next on the cards...

Photo Credit: Images sourced from ASOS and put together on Polyvore - Follow me there by searching 'vitadimoda'

NYFW SS'13: Jason Wu *Updated*

NYFW SS'13:
Jason Wu

Jason Wu is just one of those designers who I feel could design anything and I would wear it. His SS'13 collection showed that fact off to a T with a series of leather looks, sheer lace-y pieces and three of the most amazing evening gowns that I have seen from each of the shows at NYFW this SS'13 season. 

There was a very structured, yet soft approach for SS'13 from Jason Wu; with a mix of leather and lace or soft draping fabrics in neutral tones or classic black. Belted waists, frisky harnesses, studs, peplum waists and panel placements that resemble corsets all contributed to the hard-yet-soft structure of the SS'13 collection. There was a slight colour injection with navy and coral to an other wise monochrome collection which helped keep the look fresh for Spring. The sheer sleeved shirt right below might just be on my top five picks from NYFW this week.

The finale gowns. Well, those are possibly three of the most stunning gowns from all the shows this week at NYFW. Floating sheer organza with a peek-a-boo bodice underneath, belted at the waist (of course) with harness detailing: they were edgy yet sophisticated and just jaw-dropping-ly gorgeous. What else is there to say?

What did you think of this collection?

Photo Credit: vogue.co.uk - edited on Polyvore 

How To Wear: Graphic Tee's By Life Clothing Co.

How To Wear: Graphic Tee's

Life Clothing Co.

You'll all know what I'm talking about if I asked you to visualise the types of graphic t-shirts that you get from retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 etc right? Well did you know that the company who does the licensing for said retailers have now created their own brand? Yeah, I'm pretty excited too. The label is called Life Clothing Co and after having a little look at their recent LookBook, it's safe to say that I was left feeling a tad inspired to put together a look using some of their t-shirts. Have a little look at their new LookBook and then we'll get on to the fun part: the styling!

------------------------------------------------

I love graphic t-shirts, but half the time I just think they look too plain/boring/casual/whatever, but when I saw the lookbook from Life Clothing Co, I knew that I had to take the classic graphic tee and style it up a little bit. There were a few looks that I thought about pairing the tee's with: a leather skirt and creepers or a pair of leather skinny trousers and a flatform Chelsea boot and blazer. In the end though, I couldn't resist the studded leather jacket, spike accessories and custom stud loafers from a fab store I found on Etsy!

1. Full lapel rivet leather jacket - She Inside - £32.80 - I love, love, love this leather jacket. It's so rock-chic and on trend with the studded lapels. I did originally think of pairing the graphic tee with a blazer, but then I came across this and could't resist. I'm pretty sure this little number would go with anything in my wardrobe. Anything.

2. Retro Pop graphic tee - Life Clothing Co. - $18.20 - I loved the innocent and fun feel from this tee: one thing you'll notice about Life Clothing Co is that they use a lot of cereal brands and logos on their t-shirts, so the Tootsie Pop image was just another day in the office for them. I love the colour and worn out look of the graphic, so that's why I chose it!

3. Rock Stripes graphic tee - Life Clothing Co - $24.00 - I love the whole 60s feel of this t-shirt with the sort of Beatles pedestrian crossing feel from the stripes. It definitely has a rocker edge and goes great with the leather jacket. I just couldn't choose which one I preferred between this and #2 Retro Pop, so I'll let you decide!

4. Spike custom made shoes - Etsy (leraw1) - £38.88 - Spikes and loafers: two of my favourite things. I absolutely fell in love when I came across these beauties and was pleasantly surprised when I realised that they were cheaper than I had anticipated. They would look amazing with the leather jacket, skinny coated jeans and graphic tee. Total attitude. Love it.

5/6. Link spike bracelet - Bakers - £11 & Double row spiked bracelet - Boohoo - £8 - Again with the spikes: I just think these accessories add a little arm candy to the outfit and tie in with the whole studded/spike trend!

7. Biker coated skinny jeans - Oasis - £55 - I actually don't think I own a pair of jeans that aren't skinny, so when I put this look together, I couldn't have any other fit of denim. The coating on the jeans bring in the whole leather/biker type look, whilst bringing the jean into the new season for AW 2012.

What do you think of the range of tee's available from Life Clothing Co? Are they a brand that you can see yourself relating/buying in to?

Remember to vote for Vita di Moda as best New Fashion Blogger in the #CosmoBlogAwards by clicking on this link here! Thank you so much xo

The Trend Edit AW'12: The Peplum

The Trend Edit AW'12:

The Peplum

I'm going to hit two birds with one stone in this AW'12 trend edit post: leather and the peplum. One of the hottest trends for AW'12  is the peplum and the other, leather. Now put said trends together and you have one sexy garment. Why do I love the leather peplum so much you may ask? Well, for starters the peplum is going to flatter the majority of silhouettes out there: it covers any bloating, pot belly or over-indulged stomach. It gives curves to a straight, boyish figure, balances out wide shoulders and to top it off: it's going to make any outfit appear for feminine and dressed up. You can pair a simple peplum top with skinny jeans, trousers, a pencil skirt, a mini skirt...the possibilities are endless. I recently bought one, paired it with some black high waisted skinnies with the legs rolled up just above the ankle and a floral waist belt. I'm actually considering applying some spike studs to the waist line to give it some more edgy aesthetic as well.
Then you have the leather aspect coming into play. As you may know, I'm a complete sucker for anything leather: it's my inner teenage goth coming through and I'm not ashamed of it, so to have two of my favourite trends collaborate into one piece of clothing that can be styled and worn in a multitude of ways is just a dream come true for me.

So, with these trends being such a hit for AW'12, naturally I went on the look out for a new season favourite and because I'm such a nice person, I put them into a little style set on Polyvore for your viewing pleasure. Let's go through them one-by-one shall we?

1. Elizabeth & James Yumi brocade peplum top at Net-A-Porter - £205 - I love the detail and texture on this particular top as it'll give any look that little bit of dimension and feature. The brocade detailing was also a huge trend on the catwalks in February - particularly with Balmain. At £205 it's a little higher up on the price budget, but it's gorgeous none the less.

2. Metallic peplum bustier at AllyFashion.com - $29.99 - This bustier peplum would look fab paired with a pencil skirt and studded waist belt. At $29.99 it's within most budgets, but the fabric is a definite tell-tale of being rather cheap. As style goes though, it's a winner.

3. Oasis bonded lace peplum - £35 - I can honestly say that this lace peplum is high up there on my favourites list. I love the colour and texture that the lace gives the top. You sure as hell couldn't walk by someone on the high street without them wondering where you bought that from. I would pair it with some skinny jeans for a more dressed up casual look. It's definitely marked down on my shopping list, what about you?

4. Red peplum top at River Island - £25. So far we've had black and textured peplums, but now we have one with a wow factor. This red peplum would look great when worn out to dinner, or for drinks with the girls. It has the same comfortable and casual cut, but with the striking red material, it's going to take you that little step farther and update your look for the evening. I hate the majority of things with animal print though, so the belt which accompany's the top would have to go. In terms of styling: leather leggings and a wedge heel would go perfectly with this.

5. Oasis faux leather peplum - £42 - I love, love, love this peplum top from Oasis. You can choose from either a wine red or black and being in a faux leather, will bring you into two trends for AW'12. I would choose the wine red coloured version, purely because that deep, sultry colour will be on trend this season and it will break up the blacks in my wardrobe at the minute. This is another garment going straight onto my shopping list!

6. Topshop sleeveless peplum - £18 - Just like with the LBD, you need a classic black peplum. This one from Topshop is very similar to the one I just recently purchased and so far it has proved a great buy. It goes with pretty much every skirt and pair of jeans/trousers that I own and can be styled up in a variety of ways due to the colour being so versatile. 

What do you think of this particular trend for AW'12? Will you be adopting it? If so, how are you going to wear it?

If you could click this link and vote for Vita di Moda in the Cosmopolitan UK Blogger Awards 2012 in the best New Fashion Blogger category, I will love and appreciate you forever - more so than I already do obviously. Voting closes on Friday, the 31st of August so make sure you get your vote in now! Thank you xo