My Favourite Blogs of 2012...

I saw this post on the lovely Scaredtoast blog, I thought it was a great way to show/promote some great blogs that continuously inspire me. 

So here is my top 10:

South Molton St Style

Anna's Essentials list is my bible, I have discovered so many amazing brands through reading her blog. It has totally changed the way I shop, for the better.

The Coveteur

The ultimate guide to the rich, talented and effortlessly stylish's wardrobes/houses; Rachel Zoe, Leigh Lezark, Lauren Conrad and P'Trique (to name just a few...)

Angelica Blick

Such a style crush on this girl, she makes me want to be Swedish. I want everything she owns. 

The Frugality

This blog has some great advice for saving pennies, tips on DIY, interiors and fashion. I've found some great brands through it.

Sincerely, Jules

Amazing style inspiration.

Atlantic - Pacific

Blair Eadie has a cute name and amazing style, this girl really knows how to put an outfit together.

Katie's Beauty Blog

I've really been focusing on my skin and beauty products this year, following lots of beauty blogs has been insanely helpful, learning about some amazing products I wouldn't have found otherwise.  Katie's Beauty Blog has been one of the most helpful for me!

What I bought today

Anneli has amazing style and some great pieces in her closet!

Barefoot Blonde 

An absolutely stunning american girl, Amber shares beauty and hair secrets/tutorials, her life and style. I have total hair envy!

Hello October

Another blog that has taught me so much about beauty!

So that's my top 10... I of course, read SO many more that always inspire me and I'm always on the hunt for more. Other blogs I love can be found on my blogroll.

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

Style Steal: Denim Shirt

Style Steal: Denim Shirt by bea-atreides featuring leather leggings

River Island blue shirt / Leather legging, £47 / Michael Kors jewelry / CÉLINE cateye sunglasses

I have been admiring denim shirts for a while, from afar. 

The problem is that I need to find the right shape, unfortunately having a 'chest' is not very fashion friendly and some styles can make me look like a frump! 

I fell in love with this look straight away, simple and classic.

This denim shirt from River Island is great, mixing different washes, giving a classic piece a little twist. 

I desperately need a new pair of leather leggings, my old Topshop ones (2 years) are finally giving up on me, however, I have worn them to death. So, I'd happily invest in Topshop again.

I'd team the look with classic accessories and clashing metals. 

These Celine sunglasses are amazing and have been on my wishlist for a while now! 

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. 

LFW SS13: Mulberry

I don't think you can review London Fashion Week without mentioning Mulberry.

As a loyal Mulberry fan and owner, I get very excited to see the collection each season. The clothes are going from strength to strength and the bags, I really love the bags!

I love the colour palette; crisp white, mint green, navy and nude. Classic colours, that you can invest in and I'm a big fan of minty green/turquoise.

The slouchy, oversized bike jackets are divine, as are the buttery leather ones. I love the 60's influences and ditzy florals. 

However, there was one thing that stole the show...

Let me introduce you to the new Mulberry 'IT' bag... the Willow tote.

Isn't she just beautiful and the pocket on the front zips of into a clutch bag!!!

I'd love one in every colour please...

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...

LFW SS13: Burberry Prorsum

Burberry is probably my favourite of all London designers and we do have some amazing ones!

It may be a little predictable, but I truly feel that Christopher Bailey is a genius...

I watched the SS13 catwalk online, it is beautiful!

The colours are just so rich/intense and the tailoring so exquisite... I wish I could own it all.

I'm absolutely loving the peacock colours, my ultimate piece is the metallic peacock trench (see heart symbol) - it is a personal goal of mine to own a Burberry Trench, an ultimate classic piece.

Bailey said he wanted to demonstrate "British Glamour" and he really did.

I love the 1940's references; corsets, slouchy jackets, metallics and peacock feathers (I die!).

It's obvious from the collection that peplums and sporty bomber jackets are here to stay... so invest!!!

O Burberry, I love you so!