Denim Dress

The New Year is upon us and it's time to look ahead and plan my purchases for the first half of the year.

As always, I am keeping to my Essentials List, but adding the odd classic along the way. I'm a huge denim fan, pretty much live in jeans and I'm on the hunt for the perfect denim shirt. I'm seriously lacking in some versatile day dresses at the moment. So, after spending lots of time on Pinterest, style sites and blogs over Christmas, there was one item that I craved...

Topshop Short sleeve dress / Topshop denim shift dress / Topshop Denim dress

Unfortunately, the best I could find available at the moment (due to the sales) were all from Topshop.  However, this is not too unfortunate as there is a fab selection of styles and they are all purse friendly!

Here are some images of my inspiration...

Alexa is a fan!

   

Perfect in summer, teamed with neon, white, bare legs and summer sandals/ankle boots OR winter with tights and a leather jacket.

Along with the denim theme, how amazing is this Nails Inc Baker Street nailvarnish!

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.

Pointed Courts...

(1) Manolo Blahnik black leather pumps/ (6) Topshop High heels / (7) H&M high heels / (4) Dune ballet high heels / (5) Zara shoes / (3) Nelly Shoes high heels / (2) Zara shoes

If anyone follows me on Pinterest, you will have noticed a lot of the images including pointed court shoes. I've been lusting after a pair for a while now.

Alas! Unfortunately, my budget won't stretch to a pair of Manolo's or a Louboutin Pigalle (yet!).  So I've been hunting for a purse friendly pair to keep me going, so I can recreate the chic looks above.

They're perfect for work and evening, without looking too clumpy or OTT.

I'm so impressed with the prices of the ZARA ones!!!

Firmly added to my wishlist/essential list.

Beauty Wishlist

Beauty Wishlist by bea-atreides featuring nars cosmetics

1. Real Techniques Starter Set  / 2. Real Techniques Core Collection / 3. HD Brows Bombshell / 4. By Terry Touche Veloutee / 5. Nars Laguna Bronzer / 6. Nars Orgasm Blusher / 7. Dermalogica Cream Exfoliant / 8. Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel  / 9. Bioderma Crealine Cleansing Solution / 10. Origins Make a Difference Night Cream

I've been wanting to update my beauty products, just like my wardrobe and I've recently blogged about my first few purchases (here and here), but I have been doing lots of research on the other products I would like to add to my collection (gradually of course! I haven't won the lottery, sadly.)

There are some really great beauty blogs out there (see my Inspiration List) and Lisa Eldridge's website has been a huge help, especially when looking at skincare products. 

I  firmly believe you need to look after your skin and not just plaster make-up on to cover it. I found it hard to work out what my skin type was; it's not oily, dry or sensitive but I am prone to break outs. The Dermalogica products (7 & 8) sound perfect to help combat my break outs, whilst the Bioderma Cleansing Solution (which is hyped about a lot on beauty blogs) is gentle enough, yet effective. The Origins Night Cream moisturiser (10) sounds amazing and I can't wait to try it. 

I've also been desperate for some brushes for a while, I don't think you can create a desired look without a great set.  These Real Techniques (1 &2) brushes have received massive hype and the reviews are great, plus they are so reasonably priced! 

I'm a huge eyebrow fan, Cara Delevigne's have me swooning, I've hear great things about this palette (3) and I'm desperate to give up my pencil that I currently use. 

To help with creating a great base, I'm desperate for this By Terry Touche Veloutee (4), I've been recommended By Terry a lot and have heard amazing things about it.  This concealer/highlighter sounds perfect and a great alternative to the classic YSL Touche Eclat. In addition, the Nars bronzer and blush (5 & 6) look amazing on anyone who wears them. 

I can't wait to start trying these products out...

I'm sure I'll be adding to my list too.

What are your beauty must-haves?

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!!!

Ashish SS13

Ashish SS13 by bea-atreides on Polyvore


It's no secret that I love a sequin, therefore the fact that I love Ashish is probably no surprise!

I love the 90's vibe, scrunchies in the hair, reebok classics, denim and of course the sequins.

My favourite look was the polka dot sequin tulle skirt, there have been lots of polka dots throughout alot of runways this season.

I also adore the rich blue colour! 

Style Steal: Blanket Cardigan

Style Steal: Blanket Cardigan by bea-atreides (Polyvore)

ASOS drape cardigan / T By Alexander Wang long sleeve top / Mango slim fit jeans / Kenneth Jay Lane gold plated jewelry / DOUBLE PLATFORM ANKLE BOOT - ZARA, / Giles & Brother Archer 10-karat gold-plated cuff

I don't think you can get through the winter months in the UK without some significant knitwear to layer up and keep you warm. I love the idea of wearing a big slouchy blanket cardigan to keep you snug.

This monochrome blanket cardigan from ASOS is divine, layered over anything to keep you warm and stylish. Here I have paired it with simple basics and a high ankle boot, inspired by MK O.  How amazing are these gold bangles? Perfect to add a little 'je ne sais quoi' to an otherwise simple outfit. 

Style Steal: Wide leg jeans

Style Steal: Flared Jeans by bea-atreides  (Polyvore)

T By Alexander Wang v neck pocket tee / Mango studded jacket / Mango chino jeans / Zara stone necklace / Yves Saint Laurent oval ring 

Rachel Zoe, has been an icon of mine for a while; I adore her style, respect her career and think her show is 'bananas'. 

I've been toying with the idea of high-waisted flared jeans for a while now and after seeing this image of RZ, I was convinced. I like the idea of keeping the look simple, pairing with a plain jersey tee, stand-out jewellery and a wardrobe essential - Boucle Jacket. 

The look is very in-keeping with the 70's boho glam vibe that I love so much and will hopefully make my little legs look longer! 

Check out my pinterest for more flared jeans inspiration...

How to wear: Peplum

How to wear: Peplum by bea-atreides  (Polyvore)

T By Alexander Wang short sleeve shirt / Peplum skirt / High heel, Whistles / Zara clutch handbag / Michael Kors Jet Set,

I love the peplum trend and for AW12 and SS13 (so far) it looks like it is here to stay, however, I have to admit I've been struggling with it, finding a piece that flatters my shape rather than making me look so much larger than I am!!!

I love this neon lace peplum skirt from Topshop, nailing a few trends in one item (how's that for frugal!).  I would team it with a simple jersey top and accessories, playing with different textures, whilst letting the skirt be the stand out piece. 

Now I just need to try it on and see if it will actually suit me...

September Style - Outfit 3

September Style 3 by bea-atreides  (Polyvore)

Acne loose shirt / MaxMara long coat / Topshop Leather legging / Givenchy suede wedge / Zara diamante jewelry / Zara crystal necklace / ASOS slouch beanie

This September Style mood board features more expensive items (Givenchy/Acne/MaxMara) and they really aren't realistically within my budget! This is more to demonstrate how I would like to look and the pieces I would like to have in my wardrobe.... 

Camel Wool Coat, Leather Leggings, Knee-High heeled boots, White Tee, Costume Jewellery and a beanie hat.

This outfit would take me into the cold winter months and are all investment essentials.

September Style - Outfit 2

September Style 2 by bea-atreides (Polyvore)

T By Alexander Wang pocket tee / Topshop Biker jacket / Current/Elliott skinny fit jeans / Mango sequin mini skirt / Topshop Mid heel boots / Zara shoes

I desperately need to replace my leather jacket and I'm after a quilted one, Zara also have a lush one that I'm hoping to get ASAP!

I already have plenty of jersey in by wardrobe, but I really want to add some T by Alexander Wang into my closet, I'll be keeping a beady eye on The Outnet for some. 

I really love the military trend, I think it always gets reworked for AW, so it's quite a 'safe' trend to follow, I have a khaki parka and a pair of khaki utility trousers, but I'm hoping to add some camo in there too! 

A sequin skirt is a great way of dressing up basics for a night out and looking effortless.

I'm also on the hunt for the perfect black ankle boots and I really like the double zip effect on these ones from Topshop.  The heels from Zara are a great way of making the classic black heel more interesting!

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.

Graduation Inspiration...

Time is flying past so quickly, it's feeling hard to keep up!  In two weeks it is my graduation ceremony and therefore tomorrow, I am off shopping for my graduation dress, very important!!!

Here is my inspiration, that I will have fresh in my mind whilst shopping tomorrow...

White, draping, girly, perfect shoes

Lace, sixties, black, long sleeved, draping back silhouette

Louis Vuitton SS12, mint green, feathers, ivory, girly

Victoria for Victoria Beckham, dropped waists, white, long sleeved

Oscar PR Girl, white, lace, fish tail, maxi, simple, elegant

Oscar PR girl, metallics

Wish me luck...

Icon - Miroslava Duma

Miroslava Duma was previously the Editor of Harper's Bazaar Russia, she now works freelance for a number of publications. Aside from this, she has simply amazing style...

This is one wardrobe I would love to have access to.