GET IT ON #1

I've had this on repeat for a couple of weeks now: this horrendous weather definitely demands the feel-goodness and nostalgia you only get from Summer jams.

Motel Spandangle Short in Iridescent Green - £25

In the name of all things mermaid and sea punk, these cheeky little sequin shorts by Motel are perfect for getting low to this awesome Kaytranada mix: grab yourself the biggest most outrageously fluffy jumper you can find (one from the Lana Del Ray for H&M collection will work perfectly on a budget), a pair of tights (optional for bad bitches), your most killer platform heels and a 'well-I-just-threw-a-couple-of-pins-in-it' up-do and you're good to go!

Ooh la lingerieee! (Part 2)

The second part of my twofold lingerie adventure took me to central London to the beautiful Chantelle Group showroom and SHOWroom it truly was. French brand Chantelle also have the adorable Passionata under their umbrella so as well as the luxurious Chantelle decor the showroom boasted a huge Hollywood style mirror with the classic bright bulb border to emulate the slightly younger-styled starlet of the group.

Macaroons, bonbons and brioche greeted journos as they arrived - all the fun of French confectionary to reflect the ambience of the showroom (macaroons keep turning up at these events I go to... coincidence?!).

As soon as I walked in I was whisked straight into a room to be given a personal fitting with pieces from the new collection and then I had a chance to explore the showroom. Chantelle's new lines as always place emphasis on the perfect fit and shape with a twist on design -  animal prints and contrast lace overlay recurring throughout! Passionata didn't disappoint with their super cute pastels and retro inspired look including everyboob's favourite balconette style and a sweet bandeau design with underwire cups, genius!

Passionata 'Sweet Love'

After a few more circuits of what I had begun to delude myself was the walk-in lingerie wardrobe that I deserve I exited with goody bag in hand and the promise of a set from the new collection. Magnifique!

Ooh la lingerieee! (Part 1)

Lingerie maketh the lady. You can get all third-wave on me about intelligence, poise and strength and I don't deny that all those things are of the utmost importance, in fact I passionately agree. Nevertheless, I challenge any woman to slip into a perfectly fitted matching set, teddy, bustier or chemise and feel anything but exceptional. As you can probably tell I am an absolute fiend for these textile delicacies so you can imagine how high the excitement levels got when I found myself invited to not one but TWO lingerie-centred press days.

Gilda and Pearl

The first of these glorious events was hosted by the lovely Lingerie PR. Sherece, Emma, Primrose and Emily were very welcoming to this fledgling journo and had cupcakes and wine at the ready when I arrived (how did they know?!). After I'd polished off a special Lingerie PR cupcake it was time to peruse the rails upon rails of lace, silk, satin, mesh and Lycra turned into things of bust and bum beauty.

Claudette Dessuous

As a style unicorn (COLOUR ALMOST ALL THE THINGS) the first brand that caught my eye was the beautiful Claudette Dessous. An enticing assault of colour on classic bra and bottom styles with adorable bows and super cute contrast detailing; the AW12 neons in particular are the perfect 'yang' to a darker winter wardrobe and I cannot even TELL you how excited I got to see neutrals paired with neon contrast detailing for the SS13 collection (more than a person should get excited about colour contrast...).

'We only love what we do not wholly possess'

Tatu Couture

Then, as my last blog post has hinted at, I got lured over to the dark side.... not seeing myself as suited to getting inked, a twinge of jealousy still sparks when I see one particularly well designed and crafted, especially the classics. Well looky here, lingerie that incorporates classic tattoo designs, retro cuts, straps AND mesh!? Too much to handle... almost. Tatu Couture is a pretty new brand but it's crazy innovative with its supportive bodywear that allows those of us less adventurous girls to dip a toe into the wild side with its tattoo designs. My favourite were the high waisted briefs with sheer back panel and scripted tattoo design that reads: "We love only what we do not wholly possess" - it's got temptress written all over it. Stunning and substantial enough to be worn as outerwear and then transformed into underwear at the flick of a zip... I love added value.

The other gorgeous brands included Affinitas and Parfait, super cute clean-line lingerie great for an everyday pick-me-up, retro glam in the form of Dentelle Etc's pin-up style sets and lounge-chic teddies and Gilda and Pearl - classic and elegant lingerie with a playful side.

Thank you Lingerie PR for hours of awesome company and incredible lingerie, can't wait to review my Claudette set! x

Welcome to the dark side...

Prada AW12

Jean Paul Gaultier AW12

Chanel AW12

If you're a fledgling fashion intern, model or blogger these days it seems the unofficial uniform is black, maybe with a little monochrome or grey thrown in to mix it up. Usually, I prefer to dress like I've rubbed myself up against a wet unicorn that's been trotting through rainbows. Far be it from me to hate on black clothing - the LBD is still the staple for any girl's wardrobe (I now couldn't dream of life without my French Connection yoke mini) and black is universally acknowledged as the most flattering and alluring colour in style. Still, I'm always a little disheartened when I step on to the high street in Autumn and the displays are filled with fifty shades of black. This Winter, however, is different - I suddenly find myself hideously attracted to the blacks, oxbloods and graphites that litter the shop windows because everyone has gone embellishment and oddity crazy: studs, sequins, prints, inserts, patterns and sheer fabrics have (somewhat) lured me over to the dark side, and you should definitely join me.

River Island Grey Print Maxi Skirt - £25
This skirt has everything - a little grey, a little black, a little of what I'll constrew as oxblood, plus it looks like a big pile of Autumn leaves and everybody loves those (except gardeners).

In Love With Fashion LOU LOU Black Open Back Dress (back view) - £32
Cold shoulders and an exposed back but with a maxi skirt to make up for all that flesh, this dress is the perfect amount of exhibitionism for the Winter without those catty labels.

New Look Black Lace PU Sleeve Jacket - £34.99
Leather (look) and lace - an unusual but welcome combo for this season for releasing your inner gothika. 

Office Over The Top Wedge - £70
I feel like Oxblood is probably going to be the most difficult colour to work with this season as it's so inbetween, but these killer wedges from Office are right on the money and could be paired with brights or darks from the ankles up.

Pull and Bear Animal Print Jersey - £29.99
Super cute! People will probably want to pet you if you wear this.

ASOS Marketplace Pirate Ship Foldover Clutch - £15.99
Quirky little clutches are a mayjuh weakness of mine, and this one is a friggin steal as well as working the "grey and interesting" look.

ASOS Sheer Bomber Jacket - £35
Own it, love it, wear it everywhere. Bottom line? It's awesome go get one!

Miss Selfridge Project #3 Lace Panel Dress - £52
Yes we're bordering on the pricey here but if you want a truly knockout dress in everybody's favourite shade check out Project #3 at Miss Selfridge - a limited collection of stunning pieces, definite crowd pleasers and this art deco style mesh and lace number is spot on for AW12.

ASOS Sweatshirt with Stud Shoulder - £35
It's got studs and a leather look trim BUT it's also comfy as hell, I think Rita Ora whenever I see pieces like this and who doesn't want to be a little more like Rita?

Black Milk Black Galaxy Leggings - £48.37
Not usually something I would include in a Cheap Like Me post but if we're talking about innovative clothing then I have to mention my true love Black Milk. Yes a pair will set you a budgeting girl back a buttload but the wear you get out of them is worth every penny.