Long Haul Travel Essentials

As many of my twitter followers know, tomorrow I fly off to Brunei for a much needed break! Manchester has been absolutely amazing, but I'm definitely ready to see my parents and brother!

Growing up abroad has helped me with a lot of things, one being preparedness for long-haul flights (my one to Brunei is 12 hours! Yikes!)

My ultimate travel bag is my longchamp le pilage tote bag as it is large enough to fit everything I could possibly need! Although most flights have personal televisions, a magazine is a necessity for airport waiting time which can be incredibly boring, hence the headphones.

Traveling always dries out my skin so I would recommend a mini packet of face wipes as it helps to freshen up your skin without it flaking or drying out too much. Carmex is my current go-to lip balm as it contains menthol so makes your lips tingle - providing an instant refreshing effect! (Don't forgot to put both into a zip-lock bag or they'll be confiscated)

What are your travel essentials?

Tricky Tartan

Tartan is in trend. And if you reacted the same way as I did to that sentence, your face would mirror that of disgust, with your nose scrunched and eyebrows pulled down. Tartan is such a tricky pattern to wear as you risk either looking full on goth or like you belong in the hills of Scotland and unfortunately, I have born witness to both disasters on the streets of Manchester.

But despite any initial woes, there are ways to wear this trend without looking like you belong in the "What not to wear" column of People magazine, you can do this, the two of us shall venture into the world of tartan and emerge looking on trend and undeniably cute. And whats best is that we can do this on a budget.

[This Zara Tartan cape worn over a slinky H&M Jumpsuit teamed with a H&M felt cap and clutch is perfect for a smart casual evening in the city - swap those Miu Miu Loafers for a more reasonably priced pair of statement flats and you're good to go! Try pairing a statement tartan item with more neutral pieces for an on trend yet sophisticated look.]

[Try a tartan scarf with an all black outfit for both a pop of colour and a little edge. We all have those days where we feel like going darker and the red tartan scarf brings an edge. Primark sells red tartan scarves for £5, so there is no need to break the bank!]

[These tartan slacks from H&M are not dissimilar to the much more expensive equivalent from Zara and to be honest, it is difficult to tell the difference! If red isn't your colour, opt for a blue tartan and tone it down with a cream slouchy jumper and oversized plain black coat. Throw on a pair of chunky chelsea boots and a simple black handbag and you are good to go! For extra edge, pick up a set of midi rings which are everywhere - they feel a bit odd at first but do add something extra to your outfit!]

[Yet another tartan trousers and cream jumper combination; if it is a bit warmer where you are, swap the trousers for a statement tartan skirt (you can find these everywhere including Zara and Topshop), making the outfit more casual with clubmasters and some loafers which are definitely a wardrobe essential!]

For more sets, follow my polyvore!

Are you going to take a risk this season and invest in a statement tartan piece or play it safe with a plaid accessory? Let me know in the comments below!

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03/12/2012

Polyvore Moments

Polyvore is one of those magical websites full of creative design concepts for outfits for any occasion ever. I love how outfits are divided into a theme with various things like Starbucks and flowers and phrases. I adore the concept but adore even more the ideas that people come up with. Commendations to all those who take the time to put together these outfits!

My favourite ones have to be the 1st one because it is actually something that I would wear, literally and second the one with the purple stilettos and little black dress and finally the all pink/peach ensemble. All of the outfits that have been selected are lovely, but my favourite picks are ones that I would actually wear! The inspiration that outfit ideas like this provides is immense and Polyvore is actually one of my top website choices before I go out for a function or dinner simply to provide a bit of insight as to what I should wear! If you haven't heard of it, I recommend that you give it a shot. It may take a couple of times to get used to it, but it is worth it!

1 comment outfits, polyvore

11/10/2012

A Polyvore Collection

Following my recent discovery of polyvore, I have enjoyed compiling outfit ideas following any inspiration that other users may provide.

Here are a few looks below perfect for any summer or fall day!

[Don't you just adore the bright combinations of colour all tying in with the idea of sunflowers. This just has such a summery feel to it. Perfect for a day out in the city.]

[This look is just perfect for an evening out with the girls, not too dressy but still casual. I adore aviator sunglasses which add a boyish charm to this otherwise very feminine outfit]

[Now this outfit just screams city class. The simple monochromatic look presents the idea of a city slicker, very cool and collected.]

[Perfect for a day out in the fall. The comfort of an oversized knit jumper with simple acid wash jeans still provides a presentable front but still provides ultimate comfort]

[A glorious outfit for a summers day with the simplicity of a highwaisted short skirt and black crop top paired with sandals. The colourblocking here adds a fashion forward edge whilst still being in keeping with a simple look]