I'm Back + New Wardrobe Additions

I'm finally back again after my "ever so long" break. The looming deadlines of both the blog and uni caught up with me. All. At. Once. I've been thinking of topics that will interest and help you all, for future posts.

For now, have a look at what I've added to my growing wardrobe.

Zara Crossover Silk Satin Heels (similar here)

Weekly Edit: Marks & Spencer AW14

So a couple of weeks ago I got an exciting email from Oxford Street, telling me that I had won their prize draw for London Fashion Weekend tickets to Marks & Spencer AW14 show. I hadn't expected to have much of a chance of winning, when I typed out my details for the prize draw. To say that I was stunned and shocked would be an understatement.

Even though I had to wake up at six in the morning to allow myself plenty of time to get to the 10am show, I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day alongside my bestie (the prize allowed a plus one). If you check out my tweets for that day, you'll have seen the goodies bag we got from the show too.

Well with no further ado, let's hit play!

(Video edited by Brenda Lee, music and software from iMovie)

There were a lot of moments throughout the show when I was mentally noting down which pieces to look out for, when I went to shop in M&S. There were tons of layering ideas, colours that the monochromatic side of my style wouldn't have thought of mixing during the colder months and of course, coats that actually made me look forward to winter. 

Feel free to slow down, pause and stare at the video. My attempts at taking photos using my iPhone, failed miserably. Although I wasn't complaining that I didn't bring along my DSLR, when I had gained 3 extra bags by the end of the day.

What did you think of the collection? Does the video have you checking out the M&S site? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

P.S. Please tell us if the video isn't working via the comments, and we'll try to solve the issue a.s.a.p.

TRICKY TREND: Over-the-knee Boots

TRICKY TREND: Over-the-knee Boots by timeandcouture featuring thigh high boots

Street Style at London Fashion Week

So two Saturday's ago I went to my first London Fashion Week and fashion show. I spent about two hours outside Somerset House just watching the amazing street style and relishing in the atmosphere. Of course I took some photos of the street style I came across, just scroll through and enjoy.

Street Style at London Fashion Week

ONE Shade

ONE Shade by timeandcouture featuring a black tux jacket

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Mirror, mirror on the wall by timeandcouture featuring heeled sandals

Weekly Edit: Bared for all

Much of today has been spent alternating between lying on the sofa prodding my i-devices (iPhone and iPad) and watching my YouTube subscriptions on my new laptop. I am steadily running out of options on how to procrastinate whilst waiting for uni to start. The latter half of the day was basically me getting really into Frozen karaokes, singing as Anna with various covers of Hans in "Love is an Open Door", on YouTube.

So with the explanation of my schedule, you now know who's the culprit for YouTube view spikes. Other than that, I have been progressive with my emails and have finally been able to send off ticket requests for London Fashion Week (it's nearly here). With less than a week to go, I'm planning to publish outfit sets that could be an inspiration for what I'll be wearing when I head out to Somerset House. Below is the start, and if I had the budget I would seriously consider getting that Burberry poncho, like seriously.

Bared for all by timeandcouture featuring a brown a line skirt

Transit

Transit by timeandcouture featuring leather clutches

Not quite there

Not quite there by timeandcouture featuring clear handbags

Weekly Edit: Amanda Wakeley Pre-Fall Collection

A new week has begun and shops are packed full of anxious parents and children getting ready for the new school year. Among all the stress building up in the air, I'm pretty calm and at times excited at the mention of uni, which is just under a month away. So along with the end of summer holidays (for the rest of the country anyway), comes the much anticipated London Fashion Week. I'm planning to pop over to Somerset House on one of the days, to soak in the atmosphere and submerge myself within the sea of expected street stylists.

If you haven't already noticed, I've been concentrating the Weekly Edits on British or based-in-Britain designers. Since beginning this, it has opened my eyes to the amount of British designers and the different styles each offers. Today's edit will feature Amanda Wakeley, more specifically her Pre-Fall collection. Her name is constantly popping up on my LFWeekend emails and I've been waiting to feature her Pre-Fall collection for this year. So let's get going.

Amanda Wakeley Korusetto Rope Corset Harness Belt

I'm Prepared

I'm Prepared by timeandcouture featuring bracelet jewelry

These aren't pjs

These aren't pjs by timeandcouture featuring slim fit shorts

Weekly Edit: If money wasn't a limit...

So if you have been reading up on last week's edit, you would have known that I got my firm choice of uni. With this momentous upcoming step, my mind has been filled with ways to prepare, equipment to be bought and train fares. However, summer holidays has yet to leave me for another month, which ultimately means..more shopping time! Although, this time I'm searching for one particular item (ahem, have a look below). Yes, a bag but not just any bag, this accessory has many requirements to meet to be able to qualify for my ideal uni bag.

That's why I still haven't found it. The first aspect; is the size, it needs to fit my iPad, a couple of textbooks and sketchbooks, stationery, a water bottle, etc. The second point is a sturdy shoulder strap, having to possibly rush through crowds and up and down stairs at rush hour, lugging a heavy bag with short handles is definitely not ideal. Next, it needs to be multi-purpose (read: not a high-school backpack). I know I'm going to be spending a considerable sum of money on this, so I want to be able to use this outside of uni hours, therefore it has to be in a colour that will go with everything. Leather. I want it to be made of leather, good quality, last forever (or at least a few years) leather. Finally (phew, never thought we'd reach here) the price, I'm still a student and living off my parents, I can't go all out on designer gear (which is precisely why my local TK Maxx, has seen my face on their CCTV a lot recently). However if it is leather goods, I know to expect a high price tag, so if all the other conditions are met and it is made of leather, the budget is £50 (if it isn't leather, the budget is just about £20).

Everyday Bags by timeandcouture on polyvore.com

The above carousel of designer goods, are currently out of my league, but I picked them based on their forms. I love structured bags, it gives a sense of character to it and makes it seem more high-end and business-woman. It can bring a whole outfit together, great for those days when I forget to set the alarm and perfect plans go out the gap in the window that I left open last night. Turning early morning disasters into rolled-out-of-bed-like-this chic.

Well, I'll be off now to fill my online shopping basket with bags I hope to own, and only to later remove begrudgingly. See you all later!

Weekly Edit: Nicholas Oakwell Couture SS14

The last half of the past week has been filled with celebration for firstly passing my driving theory test and then getting into my first choice of university, Central Saint Martins. I have literally been skipping around the house and seeing what I need to prepare for uni (seeing as I am staying at home). The whole excitement has lead my schedule askew, so my posts have been kind of off (like today). So without further ado, let's kickstart the week with an edit on Nicholas Oakwell.

Nicholas Oakwell Couture is a "London based British Couture House". This designer first came to my attention through an email about Vodafone London Fashion Weekend, as the British Couture House will be showing as part of the Designer Catwalk shows. The intricacy of the appliqué and embroidery used in their SS14 collection is simply awe-inducing, it adds a sense of romanticism and enhances the waistline. One would think that white would wash out the skin tone and increase the look of our figures but, the clever use of semi-sheer materials and bare shoulders, offsets the colour and personally I believe it makes more of a statement than your trusty little black dress (like a dove amongst a crowd of crows). However, if all white is still daunting, the designer has incorporated coloured embellishments to a couple of the designs which certainly carries a more playful tone. The models' slicked back do's provide the necessary simplicity to balance the impact of the dress, while minimal eye makeup and dark red lips create a sensual and dare I say vampiric mood. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and cannot wait for his next set.

NICHOLAS OAKWELL COUTURE SS14. Image by Andrew Farrar

Organza Gown with White Leather Flower. NICHOLAS OAKWELL COUTURE SS14. Image by Andrew Farrar

Daisy Prom Gown. NICHOLAS OAKWELL COUTURE SS14. Image by Andrew Farrar

(Images via Nicholas Oakwell Couture's Pinterest)

Panama

Panama by timeandcouture featuring Givenchy

Weekly Edit: Temperley London Pre Fall 14

Having had a browse through Temperley London's Pre Fall 14 collection, I am entranced by the eclectic mix of colours. From bright fuchsias to army greens, even though it seems to be an odd combination in words, it is a wonderful ensemble to behold. The variations in the designs are connected through the impact each individual piece brings. I cannot decide whether it is either the bold prints and embroidery or the intricate simplicity (contradictingly so) in its structure that draws me to the them. What I am thinking now, is the thought that someone's overdraft is screaming to be used.

(Images via Temperley London)

A No-brainer

I'm sure that many of us have had at least one of those lazy days, when we just wake up and say "nope, I can't be bothered". Seeing that it's still summer holidays in England and my calendar has been mostly bare, I've been bettering my relationship with my pyjamas. Sometimes I just don't see the point of adding unnecessary laundry to the basket, but there comes a time when last minute appointments come up or I remember that I need to pop out to get something. This is when I start backtracking my best outfits and scouring the wardrobe to see if all the pieces required are there.

So below is a favourite outfit of mine, it consists of a crop top paired with cropped trousers (the trousers hang on my hips so I use the belt to cinch it to my waist), I then top it off with a classic black blazer to add a touch of class. The shoes I wear with this are usually my black leather courts, but depending on where I'm going (I'm thinking about the type of ground I'll be walking on), I might switch to platforms for height and comfort or flat loafers if I must.

Clockwise from top left: Printed cropped trousers, faux leather and metal belt, DIY crop top, and blazer.

I'm considering posting OOTD shots, once I master how to fit it all into one frame.

Weekly Edit: Monika Csutak SS14

Recently I checked into my Covet fashion app and came across a London-based designer, Monika Csutak. What drew me in even more, is the fact that her designs are made in the UK, this essentially means it is supporting the British fashion industry. It's reassuring to know that your clothes haven't got more air miles than all your holidays added up, to get to your wardrobe.

So to start the week off, I picked out three of my favourite designs from Monika Csutak's SS14 collection. I love the limited palette that she's used, which complement the elegant, yet playful cut of the pieces. It was so challenging to skim the choices down to three, which is why you have to see for yourselves to get the feel of the entire collection.

D152 | Doubled Silk dress

I found the hip (almost waist) -high faux split visually entrancing, because it offers the advantages of having a split that elongates your legs, but at the same time, the hidden skirt keeps it sophisticatedly chic. This is business at the front and back, party at the sides.

D252 | Silk layered dress

Given that the model's legs are fairly long already, what makes them seem even longer is the high-low hem of the design. The front panels naturally draw your eyes upwards, accentuating the length of her legs. The narrowed parting also slims the look of her legs even further, as you can only focus on that amount.

D20AB | Organza top and skirt

This last piece is actually two pieces, but I really wanted you to see this combination. There are a few focal points in this outfit, but they all complement each other without individually competing for attention.
Let's begin with the top. First of has to be the puffy sleeves, they exude a ladylike nature and because they are slightly translucent and tapered, they make your arms seem toned due to the shadows and fitted cuffs. Next is the slim V-neckline, it is not wide or long enough to be considered as revealing, but does its job well in seemingly lengthening your neck. The flared hem of the top makes your waistline smaller because it's wider at the bottom, which means it's perfect as a crop top.
The skirt again has a flared hem with the same outcome (no need to change when it's working like a charm), your legs look instantly slimmer and longer. The fabric itself drapes gently along your bottom half, this is great for those of you who have straighter figures, as it will bring out your curves.

Monika Csutak's SS14 collection is one of those that I would often like to peruse, whilst chilling out with a glass of elderflower cordial.

On that last note, I bid you all farewell.

(Images courtesy of Monika Csutak)

Through to my heart

Through to my heart by timeandcouture featuring evening bags

Weekly Edit: 5 Coats I want from Mango's New Collection

For the first time in a long while, I allowed my cursor to click into the "New Collection" tab on Mango's online site (I think my purse just went into hiding). This whole banning myself from entering anything other than the sales part of a store, was ingrained into my mindset since I was little, by my bargain-hunter parents. So my venturing into this unknown territory, was slightly daunting to say the least. I had to refrain from pressing the "sort by ascending order" button, and just basically let myself run wild (of course, this was purely for research and not shopping).

From that research, I picked out five coats from Mango's New Collection (I'm preparing for winter..) that made me wish that money really did grow on trees. I would definitely recommend you guys book out a solid hour, to have a long, dedicated look.

QUILTED LEATHER JACKET | £149.99

PECCARY BIKER JACKET | £89.99

PREMIUM - CONTRAST BELT KIMONO | £79.99

COTTON LINEN-BLEND COAT | £99.99

WIDE LAPEL WOOL-BLEND COAT | £139.99

(Images via Mango)

Have a nice day!