Blog 24: How I tackle Heels

The best feeling in the world is when you successful walking 10 metres across a gravel drive and do not fall on your face. This feat may sound easy but when you're wearing 6 inch stilettos it requires a lot of brain power and concentration. Heels are easily the best things ever invented as of course, 6 inches of extra height just gives every girl so much power. Being 5'9, heels give me the chance to literally stick out in a crowd and make me feel empowered. It's great being taller than some boys. They will moan "but you're wearing heels" and to that I say "Yep. But I'm still taller" which makes them rethink their battle tactics as I now could puncture their spleen with a quick WATCHA with my spikey feet. I love heels but they can be a real pain (literally) and it can take ages to find the one pair that you will wear eternally. I (shamelessly) own 15 pairs of heels. I am typically a size 6 1/2 which just makes life so awkward but I'll tell you about how true to size each shoe is. 

 

I want to do this from my least favourite pair to my favourite pair so you can get an idea of what I like and dislike about heels. It's a very long blog so sorry about that and there is a recurring theme of New Look! All views expressed are my own. Enjoy:

My heels collection of 2016

 

 

 

15: Monochrome wedges

 

Monochrome wedges £5, New Look, Size 7

I hate these. I have no idea what possessed me when I bought these but they are a fashion disaster. They are so ugly on my feet as they don't fit properly. Wedges aren't my favourites either and the trim around the bottom is vile. The only positive of these shows is that they were £5 which to me is £5 wasted.

14: Red wedges

 

Red wedges £5, New Look, Size 6

 

To quote my father, these "look cheap" which I have to agree with. Another £5 panic buy which I regret as they are highly distasteful. The idea of them isn't so bad but the colour is too pigmented and the buckle is very tacky. Also the buckle rests on my ankle and pushes which makes them so painful to walk in. Just a bit of a no no.

 

 

 

13: Jungle wedges

Jungle wedges £6, New Look, Size 6

Starting to think I just hate wedges. But these are a lot better than the other two. For one they actually fit around my toes and ankles and actually offer some support. However they are just too high and impossible to walk in and for someone like me, who was wearing heels before trainers, if I can't master them then heaven help everyone else.

 

12: Cobalt court heels

 

Cobalt court heels £22, M&S, Size 6 1/2

 

Now I actually love these because of how gorgeous the colour is! Cobalt is just the best colour but the reason why it is so low down on my ranking is because they are really hard to style. The colour is very difficult even though it is beautiful and I have a slight problem with the style of the shoe. The court shoe design is more for working women and so I'm not so sure on how age appropriate these heels are.

 

 

11: Leopard print heels

 

 

 

Leopard heels £7, Primark, Size 7

I do like the print and style of these heels and they fit so well. However I literally never wear these because I'm not sure what I would style them with. Let me know below if you have any suggestions! For the price they are a bargain but they aren't the best quality and I'm a little worried that the heel might break.

10: White boots

White boots £12, New Look, Size 7

I love these since they are so different and unique. I love the elasticated black slit and the white contrast works so well apart from white boots are just not the best idea. Literally mud becomes so visible and the whole boot turns a light poo shade. Great if there's no water or mud anywhere where you're walking.

Link: https://theamateursguidetofashion.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/blog-9-how-i-tackle-spring-coat.html

9: Red heels

 

Red heels £7, Primark, Size 7

These were one of my first pairs of high heels and you can understand why a 13 year old would love them. The colour is awesome but with my wardrobe becoming very nude, it's hard to style. They are great for nights out with a Little Black Dress. They are a little bit big for me as the caged design doesn't really even touch my foot but I still like them.

 

8: Brown suede heels

 

Brown suede boots £70, H&M, Size 6

 

These are my most recent heels and I think they are gorgeous! They are real suede hence the price and they look stunning on and I love the wooden heel. The only reason they are so low is that I haven't worn them enough to determine whether I love them more than my other pairs but they are beautiful and worth the money.

 

 

7: White wedges

 

 

White wedges £10, New Look, Size 6

Finally some wedges that I don't hate!!! These are really pretty with a cute lace deign over the toe and you can wear them with literally anything. However the white colour has become quite dark due to mud, poo and sweat which is grim so they really don't look as fresh as they once were.

6: Floral heels

 

Floral heels £22, M&S, Size 6 1/2

I love the pattern on these and OMG they are the most comfy heels I own! They have gel padding inside which means you can definitely stand for a whole night in them. A very summer pair which does limit your outfit choice a bit but overall a very good buy. Do not underestimate M&S!

 

5: White sandals

 

White sandals £25, TK maxx, Size 7

I get asked so often where these are from and they are from TK maxx or Lotus directly. As soon as  saw them I knew they were going to be perfect. I've worn them to Sardinia and back and with the occasional blister, they have been fantastic. Would highly recommend you get a pair like these as a staple item of lower heels.

 

4: Small black boots

 

Small Black boots £40, Next, Size 6 1/2

These are such an amazing staple to have in your wardrobe as they go with anything! As you can tell, autumn is here and these are my winter boots that have been worn to death. They are suede but I've worn them so much that they have mud and bits in them so excuse that. A good investment.

3: Big black boots

Big Black boots £22, New Look, Size 6

Anyone who knows me knows that I love wearing these as I finally surpass the height of a tree. These are the definition of empowering heels as they bring in the biker chic style. I'm in love with the badass style of these but I really need to concentrate when walking in them as they are big! And yes I have fallen on my face wearing them... wear with caution.

2. Black tie-up heels

Black tie-up heels, New Look, Size 7

These were a great find and I love them soooooo much! I bought them full price and I've worn them countless times over the summer. The tie-up trend is really popular so as soon as I saw them, I knew I needed them. The ties can sometimes get a bit tricky as sometimes they cut off the blood circulation to my foot but overall they are fabulous and I would highly recommend them!

1: Glittery party heels

Glittery party heels £20, New Look, Size 6

 

My favourite pair of heels ever! Unfortunately the photos don't show quite how sparkly they are but they are sooooo glittery and so fantastic that I basically wear them to ever party I ever go to. I bought them originally for prom and I didn't think I would wear them again but I was so wrong. I love the fact that they change colour. If you hold it in a certain way they look gold but from far away they look silver. Girls you need sparkly heels. It's just an essential!


Hope you enjoyed my extremely long blog! Comment your personal favourites below!
Finally past 70K,
Thanks again for all the support, including all the people I meet at parties who know me as the Blogger girl!
Instagram: @theamateursguidetofashion


Ciao xxx

Blog 23: How I tackle back to school

Cats are meant to kill birds like teachers are meant to kill my will to live. Definitely not pessimistic... but who can be pleased about being locked in a confined space and being yelled at with facts. But I guess we have to get on with it so let's not think about our bruised brains. A good distraction for someone obsessed with clothes is to put loads of effort into every outfit you wear for the first week so when you forget all your summer work at least you can say you looked good crying.
The thing is with school is that, if you stay in the rules, you can be as wacky as you want. Now I'm not advising that you come in full festival homeless person mode, but you can branch out from your neutrals, blacks and greys. Some outfits can be smart and some can almost pass as PJ's but a little thought goes a long way. So now going to take you through a brief tour of my wardrobe from my first week back at school:

Monday - No school (thank god)

Tuesday

Top £2 primark, Skirt £6 New Look, Shoes £22 New look

First day back! I'm so excited to see my friends but seriously I haven't been up this early in nearly two month so excuse my puffy eyes. The benefits of being in Upper sixth is that there aren't any benefits anymore and you start working from the first lesson back. No time for holiday talk, but I'm sure everyone would have loved to know in detail how I nearly lost my pants in the ocean.

Wednesday

Dress £13 Allegra K

Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to wake up this morning. I feel like I'm hungover on schoolwork. It's already hurting my head. I actually thought about putting an outfit together which is why I didn't resemble a car crash. Instead I wore this pretty thing which got me quite a few compliments so I thought I would put the link down below for you!

Link: http://www.allegra-k.com/ladies/skirts-dresses/dresses/women-cold-shoulder-leaves-prints-long-sleeves-bardot-dress.html?___SID=U

Thursday

Top £20 Adidas via TK Maxx, Leggings £4 F&F

Why am I here? I miss the holidays. I miss lie ins. I already have enough homework I could build myself a paper fortress. Tbh though I only had half a day of lessons so I'm not too hard done by. This was a sport-themed-cba-to-wear-anything-complicated outfit. It's easy to throw on and put together while looking pretty sporty (even though I haven't accelerated past a walk in about 3 months).

Friday

Jumper £20 Move it, Hareem pants £20 Reading festival, Espadrilles £10.50 ASOS 

Hell yeah I made it! But I look homeless... but I don't care. I literally pulled on what was next to my bed and as you can see, I'm not exactly coordinated. This is probably what we all actually dress like. It's the given up on school look. There wasn't much of a thought process behind this but I just wanted to show you what we all eventually end up wearing.

Photos accredited to Josh Perkins who is a star for coming to my house while I was panicking this morning as I had no photos! Follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.perk/

Just don't remind me I have another week next week.

Ciao xxx

Blog 22: How I tackle August favourites

Honestly, there is nothing more delightful than seeing an empty place to pitch your tent at a festival after you've basically walked the London Marathon with a whale on your back. Moments like those make your summer. Seeing The Wombats, Imagine Dragons and two door cinema club at Reading festival just was the cherry on top. I think it's fair to say that August is the best month. Spending time with the best people but on a more fashion front, making your wardrobe go wild. Yes, I now own Hippy pants. Yes, I now look homeless, but that's half the fun. I've also loved the fact that it has hardly rained at all and has sometimes been hot! This high does unfortunately have to come to an end but let's not think about the impending doom which is school. These items that I'm recommending have seen me through a very eventful August which is why I'm recommending them to you. Some of them are sponsored items but I'm giving honest reviews and I don't put up what I don't like. Now let's start!

The Bomber jacket

Topshop reversible bomber jacket £85

I don't care what you think of this but I LOVE IT! I've waited so long to finally be able to wear this jacket ever since I first saw it Chiara Ferragni. It was worth the wait. You basically get two jackets in one and so basically you can wear it with every outfit ever. I love the embroidery as it's just so pretty and on a more practical level, it's really warm. The only problem with this piece is the price but your basically getting two bomber jackets for one so it's a justifiable purchase. Rating: *****

Shoutout to the Instgram account @bomberjacketswelove as they kindly bought me this bomber!

My latest Pandora Charm

Elephant Pandora bead £30

I honestly love this little elephant. It's the cutest bead I own and I love it! It is perfect for a more summery themed bracelet and it really makes a statement on your Pandora bracelet. I've never felt so emotionally attatched to a piece of sterling silver but it is so sweet. It's of a very high quality as well so is well worth the price. I'm loving Pandora right now! Thanks to T.H.Baker for their kindness in sending me this Charm. Rating: *****

Link: https://www.thbaker.co.uk/pandora-oriental-bloom-lucky-elephant-sterling-silver-charm-791902

Beauty by Earth

Facial toner £15

 Now I do love beauty products but I now own so many that I'm become a harsh critique. I got sent some lovely item from 'Beauty by Earth' and they were beautifully packaged. I tried all the items and I've got to say that they work fantastically but they were as good as my other products that I already had. However there was one item which has changed my makeup routine and that is the Facial Toner. It's just the most amazing toner I've ever used! It actually makes a difference to my skin and brightens my appearance. They use natural and organic products to create their items which I think is the secret behind my now glowing skin! I love it so much! Rating: ****

Link: https://www.beautybyearth.com/product/facial-toner-witch-hazel-rose-water/

 

T.H.Baker Daisy bracelet

Daisy bracelet £20

 I've got so into jewellery recently and this is the perfect bracelet for August as it's summery but really delicate. Made from sterling silver, it's a beautiful piece to suit any look and outfit. I personally also love the bracelet box in which it came in (hence the photo) as it really help show off the effortlessness of the bracelet. It also goes perfectly with my henna! A lovely alternative to a Pandora bracelet with a bit less weight. Rating: ****

Link: https://www.thbaker.co.uk/silver-cubic-zirconia-daisy-bracelet-8-29-3322

Charlotties creations make up bags

Big makeup bag £10

Honestly make up bags are essential for any girl and my summer has really needed one. As I mentioned before, my makeup stash is ever growing and therefore I need a bigger makeup bag. Honestly this makeup bag has changed my life. No longer do I have to take 3 small make up bags on holiday! I can now take this giant thing filled with makeup! It has a waterproof lining which is really helpful to wipe out any spillage. I've shown you a comparison of size with my, very nice but a little bit impractical, Victoria secret make up bag. Would highly recommend. Rating: ****

Link: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Charlottiescreations

Majique jewellery

Bracelet £9, Necklace £6

These jewellers offer beautiful pieces which are slightly different which is what I really love about them. I got sent a few other items but these stood out to me as the most beautiful and best for price. My favourite has to be the necklace because it's a little origami bird which is so beautiful and it was only £6! The bracelet is gorgeous as it's a lovely rose gold colour and you can make it fit perfectly with the ties. Ratings: Necklace ***** Bracelet ****

Links: Necklace - http://www.majique.com.au/necklaces/enm103g#.V8wk6NJTGP9

Bracelet - http://www.majique.com.au/bracelets/ybm852r#.V8wlItJTGP9


Thanks again for reading! Hope you all had a great summer. Make sure you check out the brands promotion page to see who the winners were for the summer giveaway!
Talk soon,

Ciao xxx

Blog 21: How I tackle the bomber jacket

Anyone who is remotely cool has one lets be honest. Even if you aren't the most rebellious person just wearing a bomber jacket makes you feel like you could walk down the street in slow motion while some indie rap song plays in the background at Volume 100. Its a pretty statement piece that gives off the "I'm stylish but totally didn't spend an hour deciding what to wear this morning" look. Paired with aviator sunglasses and a sassy walk nobody would ever dare cross your path. Well that's how I imagine myself but I probably just look like a girl wearing a sack occasionally tripping over her own feet at times. The fact that a fashion item can give you that much confidence though is pretty impressive so it's got to be one of my favourite things to wear on a slightly milder day. There are now so many styles to choose from now that the bomber-jacket revolution is now in full swing. Choosing one that is right for you is quite hard but personally I don't think you only need one. I think you need at least 3! A staple one, a cool one and a funky one. But maybe that's just me? Let me know what you think...

 

The staple Bomber

Black bomber jacket £15 Primark

Everyone regardless of age, gender or race NEEDS a black bomber jacket. This is a staple piece that you NEED in your wardrobe. It goes with everything and makes you look cool without much effort. I first wanted a bomber last year and after much research I realised you couldn't get a black bomber jacket under £30. I was devastated and so was my bank account as I nearly spent £30 on a black bomber jacket from Missguided. Luckily the Wi-Fi cut out before the transaction was complete which was a blessing in disguise as only a few days later I found this beauty in the back of Primark. It was from the men's section but it was a bargain at only £15! It's such good quality as well and it's lasted me a very long time. Primark always have them in stock so go get your own!

 

The cool bomber

Embroidered bomber jacket £15 New Look

You must have seen the £85 topshop reversible bomber? It's gorgeous! But for the price? Not worth it. I really wanted it though as I loved the embroidery detail at the front. I looked at alternatives but non would match up to the jacket I really loved. That was until the New Look sale in Abingdon. I saw this bomber jacket. I picked it up, walked straight to the till and paid without batting an eyelid. I knew I was happy with my purchase and that I wouldn't regret it. Mission accomplished.
Link: http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/black-embroidered-contrast-sleeve-bomber-jacket_379574109?productFind=search

 

The Funky bomber

Floral Bomber jacket £12llegra K

Cos why not? I love it. It's bright and colourful and in your face and that's how I like my clothes. This immediately stood out to me as it's so different from any other bomber I had seen before. I love the print and it definitely counts as a funky bomber. This is from the seriously sassy and diverse shop Allegra K who will be furturing more and more because I love their style.
Link: http://www.allegra-k.com/ladies/tops-blouses/outerwear/allegra-k-lady-stand-collar-long-sleeve-zip-fly-fullover-floral-basic-jacket.html

I hope I've given you some bomber jacket inspiration. Let me know any thoughts below!

You've probably also noticed that my photos look a hell of a lot better and that is down to Charlie Landells and his wonderful team who helped get these photos look fantastic. So massive thanks to Charlie and I would highly recommend him for any photo or film jobs that you need doing. He's your man! Links here:
 https://www.youtube.com/user/quiffvlogs
https://www.instagram.com/charlielandells/

My favourite video and something you NEED to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnbBSXZKrUM

Thanks

Ciao xxx

Blog 20: How I tackle swimwear

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been preparing for this blog which has taken a lot of time and effort to put together. The summer isn't over yet and there is definitely more time to (slowly) get a tan and it's not like you're gonna chill out in shorts and a tee. Bikinis and costumes are essential! This season has really been about sexy swimming costumes with writing all over them so I've got a few costumes but really you can never go wrong with a bikini. I have found the search for a good style of bikini quite hard as you really need bikini tops to be supportive (especially in the sea when there's loads of waves). I had a bit of a disaster a few days before my holiday when I ordered a bikini top from Asos and it fitted my flat-chested sister better than me. But panic aside, not everything is true to size, and luckily I had ordered another one anyway so life was good. So here's my guide for the best swimsuits for 2016:

ASOS Mix and match bikini

Bikini top £20 £12, Bikini bottoms £8 ASOS

This is my favourite bikini ever as I mixed and matched it to suit me. The top came first and I just loved the netting at the front which kept everything in place. I was convinced that I needed colbalt blue pants to complete the look so I got some with netting inbetween the straps at the side to suit the look and carry on with the theme of netting. For £20 all together? Not a bad deal if you ask me.
Rating: *****


Link: Top http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-fishnet-halter-caged-bikini-top/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6210215&clr=White&SearchQuery=white+bikini&pgesize=6&pge=0&totalstyles=6&gridsize=3&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=3
Bottoms: http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-mix-and-match-mesh-insert-brazilian-bikini-bottom/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6528661&clr=Oxfordbluenude&SearchQuery=blue+bikini+bottoms&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=129&gridsize=3&gridrow=4&gridcolumn=3
www.ASOS.com

Boohoo mermaid Costume

Boohoo swimsuit £20 (many other styles available)

First of all IGNORE THE SUNBURN. The only shade I can go is tomato. I really wanted a swimsuit with a statement written on the front as these types of costumes are very trendy right now. I chose this one because I loved the colour and the "Undercover mermaid" quote on the front. It is VERY plungy and not at all supportive so I really wouldn't recommend it if you have a big chest. However I just about got away with it. Very true to size.
Rating: ***

Link: http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in/skiathos-mermaid-scoop-back-slogan-swimsuit/invt/szz99176

Mavele patterned bikini

 

Bikini top £54.95, Bikini bottoms £44.95 Mavele swimwear

 

This costume is gorgeous and it's top quality so worth all the money. The pattern is beautiful on the bikini top and it is really supportive even without straps! The bottoms are such good quality as well (didn't fall down when diving in a pool!) and they have a little pinched detail on the back which I love! The only downside is that probably you don't want to spend that much on a bikini but honestly for the quality, it is so worth it.

Rating: ****

 

Link: Top http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/collections/2016-collection/products/rainforest-viper-bandeau-bikini-top

Bottoms http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/collections/2016-collection/products/rainforest-viper-bikini-bottom

 

 

 

Mavele Nautical swimsuit

Cut out swimsuit £80 Mavele

No joke this is my favourite swimsuit EVER! I honestly love everything about it from the vibrant pattern to the style of the costume. The cut outs make me look slim even when I've just eaten an entire pizza and ice cream and chips and more ice cream... It again is really supportive and a great cut. Honestly worth every penny!
Rating:*****

Link: http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/collections/2016-collection/products/nautical-pelican-one-piece-swimsuit

Wanderlust Bikini

Top and bottoms set £30, Wanderlust bikinis

Now this bikini is not only beautiful and amazing quality but it has been so thought through. This fantastic brand really want to help end pollution by trying to end the need for a seasonal piece. They have named their bikinis with locations instead of season to try to make something that will last a long time, and I can definitely tell you that their swimwear is of an amazingly high quality which will last me a few years! They manufacture ethically to reduce the damage done to nature and their packaging is plastic free. If this isn't enough they have even dedicated some swim lines to endangered animals and all the profits go to charity. Honestly it has been a privilege to collaborate with such a hardworking and influential brand. Thank you again for your beautiful bikini and please could everyone take the time to look at this fantastic swimwear company!

Rating: *****
Link: http://wanderlustbikinis.com/product/lanai-island-limited-edition/

Hope you all enjoyed the blog and thank you so much to Mavele swimwear for their beautiful products! Here's a link to their site: http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/

Thanks also to the wonderful Wanderlust bikinis for sending one of their amazing bikinis! Continue with the fantastic work!
Link to their site: http://wanderlustbikinis.com/

See you all next sunday!
Thanks,

Ciao xxx