Thursday 26 September 2013

Love me do.







Fluffy sweater - Primark // Lilac skirt - DIY, handmade // Floral suspender tights - boohoo.com // Black brogues - Topshop // Headband - New Look // Swallow chain - DIY // Bracelet - Pandora // Feather ring - Topshop

I made this skirt at the start of summer and it was so easy to do, there are tutorials all over the internet but some complicate the process massively! Here's how I make mine...

1. Fold the fabric in half, then half again.
2. In the centre of the fabric mark out the waist line;
                    You can find this by measuring round your waist then dividing by pi.
                    Add 1.5 inches to the end calculation so the skirt will fit over your hips
3. Mark out the bottom hem line.
                    I usually measure about eighteen inch from the waist though you can make it as short or as long                     as you like!
4. Cut out the pattern.
5. Sew around the bottom hem to give a neat finish.
6. Cut a piece of elastic to the exact measurement of your waist and sew into the waist of the skirt.

VOILA! Now wear it with pride! It is in my opinion that everyone should learn to sew. Its honestly so rewarding and not at all as hard as it seems. My sewing machine was a birthday gift from my grandparents which, like the spoilt kid I am, I got two months early. I've only actually been sewing for about three months and I can knock up one of these beauties in about 20 minutes! I'm currently on with a few other DIY projects so watch this space!

Ria <3



Wednesday 25 September 2013

My Top Looks from London Fashion Week


Credit to http://www.fashionologie.com/
 I love love love this complete mash up of texture and print. This is also possibly the coolest varsity jacket I've ever seen and the way it's teamed with an elegant skirt and flats gives the outfit a complete twist. Props to the massive level of co-ordination that has gone into this look. Although it looks effortlessly cool, almost as though it has been thrown together, each piece has been chosen to work in perfect harmony with the others. With such a mix of vibrant patterns it's easy to wind up looking messy but this is spot on!
Credit to http://www.fashionologie.com/
This sweater has a really futuristic, alien vibe to it which looks awesome. It kind of reminds me of Hillary Duff's igloo dress in The Lizzie McGuire Movie because of the bubble effect, though that's where the similarities end. The sweaters graphic print is the statement for this outfit and accessories have been kept to a minimum to allow the design all the attention. Perfect!




One of my favourite trends for AW13 is the tartan trend. Vivienne Westwood is one of my favourite designers and the trend takes me back to my childhood, when Cher and Dion rocked it in Clueless! (Which is awesome for style inspiration this season!) I adore the classic cut of the white pants whilst the bias cut of the skirt, with it's bold red print gives the second look a more grungy feel, though I personally would rock it up a little for better effect. 


This look is just amazing. There's a classical vibe to the outfit but the futuristic bib necklace brings it right up to date. The simplicity of this natural pallet makes the whole outfit stand out so brilliantly whilst the sharp lines throughout the jacket and trousers contrast with the soft contours of the tee's fit and cowl neck. I particularly dig the tortoise shell specks, yet another nod to the classics. I love the bob too! So jealous of any woman who can pull off short hair, I envy you. Overall very Chanel, just beautiful.


There's a certain sweetness to this look and I adore the colours. Something I love about street style is that there are no rules. It's all about experimentation and I think this look promotes that wonderfully. When you look at each garment separately this look shouldn't work, but it does and beautifully too. The big overcoat, hat and bow tie give off a tailored vibe, but add the floral jeans and diamanté's and the end result is so sassy and quirky. I would have never thought to wear trainers with an outfit like this but it works so well and is bang on trend too!


Now this is just plain zany! But I love it for two reasons; the print of the outfit (I think its a two piece...) is plain amazing. It's so bright and vivid but could equally be toned down with classic black heels and a black blazer. I love how she's styled it though, its such a mad mix of colour, texture and print. The second reason I'm obsessing over this look is the pom-pom's! They were all over the AW13 catwalk but I'm yet to see anyone wearing theirs with pride! 

Credit to http://styledeityinathens.blogspot.co.uk
This look reminds me so much of every Burberry shoot I've ever seen and set against the urban background the photo invites a whole new look at the classical style. As I've already said the sharp tailoring is so huge this season and this minimalistic look works the trend perfectly.

Credit to http://vanessajackman.blogspot.co.uk
I call this look; boho meets thrift store queen! I think it's just perfect. The outfit emits a vintage feel whilst being bang on trend with the mixture of texture and bold winter florals. It looks so effortlessly chic, whilst managing to make a bold enough statement to easily turn heads. If I could chose to dress in one single style until the end of my days, this look would be the basis for my wardrobe. It's just that fierce.

Ria <3

I have tried to credit all photographs but if I have missed any or if you as the photographer have any problems with my use of your work please contact me.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

You make me Sea Sick.





Jumper - Primark // Shirt - H&M // Trousers - H&M // Shoes - New Look // Cross chain - Missguided.co.uk // Gold chain - Vintage // Watch - Vintage

I took my extensions out, what do you think?! I personally hate my hair short but I think short hair looks so much cooler than long locks! I seriously wish I could rock a bob but my moon face wont allow it. Sucks to be me. I always feel far more feminism with a long mane even if it is all faked... oops! 

I seriously underestimated the Manchester sun this morning, although with winter coming I guess it's good to know how unbelievably comfy this sweater is. It was such a bargain too at £8. They do the same style in a whole range of colours and I'm considering picking up a baby blue one too. The texture adds to a simple outfit to make it something special with so much ease.

H&M has such a gorgeous range in at the moment, they have seriously outdone themselves this season. These pants fit beautifully and are so comfortable, I usually hate wearing trousers because I feel so constricted and stuffy. I've never been so in love with a pair of pants!

Ria <3

Winter Blush.






Jumper - Topshop // Pink shirt - Primark // Disco pants - boohoo.com // Gold chain - Vintage // Pearl chain - DIY (from multilayer necklace) - New Look // Pink cameo chain - Accessorize // Brogues - Clarks

I've had this jumper years and I love it so much. Recently its kinda turned into a lounging sweater but I adore how sweet it looks over a shirt. Another thing I love about it is its a UK size 14 which means I can tuck my knees up inside it and snuggle up on cold nights. An amazing investment!

I bought my brogues when my boyfriend and I visited his family in Chichester this summer. I found them in the kids section which should tell me something about my taste but they're just so cute. I particularly love the pink ribbon laces which I think work so well with this seasons romantic twist on styles.

Ria <3

Friday 20 September 2013

Tartan Tart.







Black Shirt - Vintage // Tartan skirt - Vintage // Black knee highs - American Apparel // Creepers - H&M // Gold chain - Vintage // Belt - H&M

Bit of a vintage thing going on here... I bought both this skirt and the shirt off ebay a while back and I'v never thought to team them up before but I absolutely love this outfit! The shirt especially, its so pretty, the buttons are gorgeous on it! When the skirt came it was such an awkward length so I had to take it up which has kinda messed with the pleats in it a little. Its a shame but I can iron them in, they just aren't permanent like they were before.

The necklace is another of my nana's little gifts to me. I honestly have the most fun raiding her jewellery boxes and rooting through her old clothes. She has stacks of jewellery boxes just piled up above her clothing rails in the wardrobe - I dont think she's even touched any of it in years! So its nice that I can wear it all and enjoy it.

If you like check out my lookbook.nu profile and show your support!

Ria <3

Suede and Pearls for all the Girls!






Black crop tee - Topshop // Pink suede skirt - H&M // Heart print tights - New Look // Black glitter socks - ASDA/Wallmart // Brogues - Clarks // Fur coat - Vintage - Armstrong's Emporium // Lace headscarf - Vintage // Pearl chain - DIY from multilayer chain - New Look // Gold chain - Vintage // Pink cameo chain - Accessorize // Pearl earrings - Vintage // Black leather watch - Vintage - Pierre Cardin.

I LOVE MY COAT!

I celebrated my 21st birthday last Thursday and to celebrate my boyfriend treated me to a weekend away in Edinburgh. It's the first time I'v ever visited Scotland (not including T in the Park festival), and I was shocked by how beautiful the whole city was! The sheer amount of green country space is staggering and the History of the city was amazing. We found the coolest vintage store called Armstrong's Emporium and my man treated me to my coat. It's by far my favourite item of clothing. The fur is so incredibly soft considering it's circa 1950. I've been looking for a nice fur coat for ages now but this one definitely excels all my expectations. Its breathtaking. I recommend every person on this planet travels to Scotland, simply to experience Armstrong's, honestly, its amazing.

The skirt is also new and its so cute! I love the colour which is the palest of pinks, almost beige, which is huge this season. I can definitely see it becoming a wardrobe staple. It was a little pricey but the fit is wonderful, I think it was worth it.

I mentioned in my previous post the new found obsession I have developed with head scarves. It's beginning to get out of control...

Ria <3

Gypsy Princess.






Chiffon shirt - H&M // High-waist pants - Topshop // Leopard print pumps - H&M // Headscarf - Vintage // Pearl chain and Gold chain - DIY from multilayer chain - New Look // Gold and Enamel cuff - Market stall!

So I've kinda been MIA for the past month or so but I have complete good reason! My boyfriend and I moved into our new flat at the beginning of the month and its been so hectic, but we're all settled in now so I'm back for good! 

This is just a real simple look for a lazy day in the flat. I used my curling irons for the first time in forever here and I just love my hair. Although I was going for a tighter curl the looser result looked so effortless and a little more messy and uncontrollable. I also recently developed an overbearing addiction to head scarves which makes doing my hair in the morning so much more fun. I try them all on then realise none of them match and they all get put away again. It's a little heartbreaking but their time will come!

Ria <3