Falling for Pre Fall 13...

The problem with the Pre-Fall collections, is they always show during the colder winter months... thus, making me lust for new pieces to add to my current winter closet, instead of having to wait! I'm insanely impatient.

Here are some of my favourite collections:

3.1 Philip Lim

Chloe

Celine

Stella McCartney

Tibi

One thing that the Pre-Fall collections are super handy for is to help plan future purchases. A lot of the styles here, are very similar to current AW12 and SS13... perfect for building a transeasonal wardrobe.

These collections really seemed to flow on effortlessly from the trends this winter and the upcoming trends for SS13, as well as containing many 'Essential Wardrobe' pieces; which makes it super easy to build a classic and 'trend-led' wardrobe.

As well as the classic pieces, a few recurring styles that caught my eye were:

Monochrome, stripes, panelling, leopard print, sports luxe, bomber jackets, peplum, deconstruction, leather, oversized crombie coats, suiting...

A few of them have been around for a while now (peplums / sports luxe) but it seems these are the things to invest in now over Spring/Summer that will take you through to next winter.

I will definitely be investing in a few of these styles!

Sale Time...

Merry Christmas!!!!
I hope you were all thoroughly spoilt and ate your body weight in food...

My lovely tree - instagram @beaatreides

Life has been a bit manic of late (to say the least), but now it's Christmas time, I finally have some time to myself to relax a little.

Christmas is my favourite time of year and I'm a big fan of winter fashion... namely you get to wear more and layer up!!! I've read a lot of amazing Gift Guides and Wish Lists, they were exceptionally helpful when writing my own list to Santa. 

To be honest, I'm a tad late to the game to publish one myself, so I thought I'd share my tricks and plan for the Sales (that had actually already started before Christmas itself... who said Christmas was becoming a commercial holiday?)

I am by no means a 'savvy shopper' or 'bargain hunter'... in-fact, I HATE the Sales, they are literally my worst nightmare. But, I would be a fool to ignore them entirely. A lot of these tips I have picked up from friends and other bloggers, it's kind of my own adaption on a 'How to...'

1. Firstly and most importantly, know what you want! I can't stress this enough. Keep your Christmas List, write a list of everything you want/need. I do this normally anyway (here), I also highly recommend you look at Anna's from South Molton St Style  (my bible).  I keep a visual reference on my Pinterest too. It keeps me focused and makes sure I buy clothes I will love, need and fill holes in my wardrobe.
2. Don't buy something just because it's cheap, the amount of things I bought because they were £5 and never wore... add that money together and I probably could have purchased something I really wanted, full price. 
3. Invest in classics. Personally, I don't think that Sale shopping is a time to buy trends, they come and go; instead, buy a classic dress, footwear, great denim, knitwear, jersey or accessories.
4. Make note of pieces you have lusted after all season and could never buy, now might be your  chance!
5. Think ahead, what pieces would work for summer or even better next winter or forever...
6. Shop ONLINE, it takes away the horrible crowds and long queues.

What's on my list...

• Denim - particularly jeans and a good denim shirt
• Jersey - what I own is feeling very 'loved' so it's time to update my collection
• Black ankle boots - mine have finally given up 
• Jewellery - I'm always wanting more, particularly statement necklaces
• Curling Tongs - technology quite often goes on sale, I've been wanting some for a while...
• Basic knits - ideally a grey and black plain round neck
• LBD
• Dresses for work
• A pair of loafers
• Homeware, I plan to start re-decorating this year, so want to invest now whilst things are cheaper.
• And anything else on my list....

However, I don't plan to spend much or fulfil all my wants/needs, these things take time and patience.

     

Whistles Jumper

Whistles Jumper by bea-atreides 

Whistles Graphic top,

I really love Whistles, however, I don't actually own anything from there... this must change.

I'm often lusting after their gorgeous dresses, jackets and coats, but on a recent browse this jumper caught my eye.

I adore the colour block panelling with the contrasting bold red against the black & grey. It's a classic piece with an edge.... LOVE!

On my Christmas list...

November Wishlist

November Wishlist by bea-atreides 

(1) Boutique by Jaeger drop waist dress / (2) T By Alexander Wang  / (3) Zara quilted jacket / (4) Mango straight jacket / (5) American Apparel Disco Pants  / (6)_Topshop Studded shoes / (7) Zara studded shoes

How is it November already?!

I do love this time of year, wrapping up warm, layering up and it is also my Birthday month and there is Christmas to look forward to!

There are a few items that my wardrobe is crying out for at the moment...

I'm desperate for some cute little dresses to pair with tights for daytime and night time, this one from Boutique By Jaeger (1) at ASOS is perfect! I saw it in a magazine and fell in love, I love the navy polka dots and the twenties dropped waist. 

I need some thick jersey/fine knit wear, the shape/style of this T by Alexander Wang one (2) is ideal.  Perfect for layering up and taking you from day to night, add a few costume necklaces et voila!

I'm still yet to replace my leather jacket and this one from Zara (3) is on my Birthday List, I adore quilted leather and I think this jacket is a quality classic, without breaking the bank.

I really love this tuxedo jacket from Mango (4), it is perfect for winter evenings and would go with pretty much any outfit. It's an essential piece that you can wear whatever season it is. 

I don't care if every girl in the world has them, but I'm lusting after a pair of Disco Pants (5), they are a great alternative to leather leggings and worn correctly can be super flattering.  

My footwear situation at the moment is shocking! So these pointed courts from Zara (7) and leopard print loafers from Topshop (8) would be a welcome update. It's really hard to put a good outfit together when you don't have the right shoes. 

The Camel Coat

Camel Coat by bea-atreides on Polyvore

The weather has taken a very cold turn, so (if you haven't already) it is time to invest in a new winter coat.

I adore summer, but, I do love winter and a good coat.

I've been lusting after a good camel coat for a few years (Celine, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Maxmara, Michael Kors... to name just a few of the best), as always my budget doesn't allow me to own these, but, fortunately, there are some beautiful high-street coats out there. However, I would recommend spending that little bit extra on a coat (if you can), think of your 'cost per wear' and the fact that it will last you forever, instead of a few months/weeks like some cheap brands. I truly believe a coat should be an investment piece.

I usually get distracted by fur and leather, but this year I have promised myself that I will get a camel coat!

Above is my inspiration moodboard (all images from pinterest), I love the clean lines, classic tailoring and the fact it can be styled with everything and automatically gives you a chic/timeless look.

Wardrobe Classics: The Breton Stipe Tee

So I've mentioned that a good Breton Stripe Tee was high on my closet wishlist, so I've finally added one to my wardrobe! 

After much hunting, I purchased one from GAP, there were lots to choose from but this one was super soft and I wanted one that was versatile enough to wear for day and night, plus it will keep me warm this winter. 

Tee - Gap
Jeans - Benetton
Necklace - H&M

Here it is, this is my 'Outfit of the day', I don't have a great camera and I'm not a massive fan of being in-front of the camera but I still wanted to share. 

I also put together some other ways that I plan to wear it with other pieces in my wardrobe...

Tee - Gap
Necklace - H&M
Leather Skirt - H&M

Tee - Gap
Necklace - H&M
Palazzo Pants - Forever 21

The great thing is that this is such a versatile piece, I can wear it with any piece of my current wardrobe and anything from my list of essentials (which I've updated by the way). 

I must also add how amazing these Benetton jeans are by the way!

October Wishlist

October Wishlist by bea-atreides 

COS Top,  / ASOS boyfriend jeans / Miss Selfridge fedora hat / Converse All star ox low navy blue canvas, / Zara leather top

Going on holiday in September meant that I couldn't make any additions to my Essential Wardrobe, however, it did give me plenty of planning time for what I would be treating myself to this AW. 

After having my wardrobe detox/clear out, I have been left with very little, so when I say "I have nothing to wear!" I actually really mean it! 

One thing I am seriously lacking in is suitable winter footwear, and with all the rain we have had this week, what I do have is suffering. You can't go wrong with a pair of comfy Converse (5) for more casual days and I love these Zara knee high boots (2) very Givenchy, Alexander Wang-esque and friendlier on my purse!

As I mentioned here, a Breton stripe top would be one of my first purchases, staying true to this I think I may go for this one from COS (1), I love the shape and COS are known for their quality/tailoring. Another classic I have been lusting after is a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans, I really like these ones from ASOS (4).

Finally, an accessory that I have been lusting after for weeks now, this Miss Selfridge Berry Fedora (3), I tried it on the other day and it is the perfect shape and colour! 

Hopefully, one or two of these items will make it into my bare wardrobe this month!!!

September Style - Outfit 1

As part of building my Essentials Wardrobe, I am going to feature what I would love to be wearing and how I plan to style the essentials once they are in my closet.

To head things up we have my first 'September Style' moodboard....

September Style by bea-atreides (Polyvore)

Uniqlo long sleeve shirt / Mango blazer / ASOS high waisted jeans / H&M high heels / Monica Vinader moonstone jewelry / Miss Selfridge fedora hat

If you follow me on Pinterest, you will have seen I have a growing love for boyfriend jeans.  Worn with simple jersey pieces, a structured blazer/jacket, minimal heels and accessories.

I love the idea of mixing in the trends through accessories and this Miss Selfridge fedora ticks all the boxes, I adore the berry shade! 

This is a look I am going to try and achieve this September.

Bassike

I stumbled across Bassike the other day and I wish this brand was in the UK...

I have a fondness of jersey basics and Australian brand Bassike has jersey in every colour and style imaginable!

The brands creators had a vision to create adaptable and covetable everyday pieces with a design pedigree, the Bassike philosophy is about creating wardrobe staples with longevity; combining timeless style with premium quality and sustainable fabrics. 

I love, love, love!

Perfect wardrobe staples...

Please come to the UK!

p.s. when I googled Bassike earlier, there was a link to Net-a-Porter who say the collection is 'coming soon'.... fingers crossed!

Wardrobe Classic - Breton Stripe Top

September is just around the corner and therefore the busiest month in fashion is fast approaching...

So it is time to start embracing my AW wardrobe, sticking to my Wardrobe Classics list. 

After much inspiration and pinning, I have decided that first on my purchase list is going to be the Breton Stipe top, it's classic, versatile and perfect for the transeasonal period.

Here are my top picks...

T by Alexander Wang

Cos

Gap

Whistles

Whistles

Now to hit the shops and find the one with the perfect fit...

Paloma Barcelo

As I'm off on my first summer holiday in a few years in September; my Essentials Wardrobe has slightly been put on hold whilst I buy clothes appropriate for the Spanish coast. 

However, I have been very frugal and have made sure that my summer buys are investments/transeasonal pieces.

The other day I spotted an amazing bargain on The Outnet (one of my go to shopping sites)...

These amazing Paloma Barcelo wedges for an fantastic £44 reduced from £220!!!

I wasn't too familiar with Paloma Barcelo, but the brand is up on Net-a-Porter so it can't be at all bad. The brand has been around since 1960 and was launched by Manolo Barcelo (now we all know another Manolo who is in the business of shoes, so this also bodes well!) and after a little research, I discovered the brand is know for their cork/raffia summer shoes. AMAZING!

I am so pleased with them, the quality is fantastic and they go with everything! 

I guess in a way, they are classics, so I haven't strayed too far from my Essential Wardrobe.

I really recommend The Outnet as you can get some brilliant pieces, that are great quality for the same, if not cheaper than High Street prices.