Rain Boots + Sarenza sale!

And the rain keeps pouring!! I don't actually mind the rain so much (the moaning about the rain on the otherhand is getting a bit repetitive...), what I mind is my lack of appropriate footwear. I've realised that amongst 60-odd pairs of shoes, there are only a handful of non-suede, non-peep toe, rain appropriate pairs. How did this happen?! I hold my hands up to this massive oversight and I'm going to rectify it straight away, being limited to a handful of suitable footwear options is getting a bit tiresome now. I popped onto my number one shoe destination - Sarenza - and happened to notice they had a sale on...it's like the footwear Gods were conspiring to make a shoe purchase inevitable! Now, the only problem left is which one? Eenie, meenie, miney moe! 

Valensi Eliotane - £50

Studio TMLS Teresina - £80

Valensi Eliotane - £50

Avoca's sugary sweet Finder's Keepers collection

I fell in love with these adorable knuckledusters  as soon as I saw them. It's pretty darn difficult to make them look pretty, I should know as I have a ton of tough, skull-laden badass knuckledusters. The rest of Avoca's jewellery collection is equally saccharine and perfect for pairing with this season's pretty pastels. The collection is handmade and by a brand you may not have heard of but is definitely worth a second look. Avoca are one of Ireland's most prestigous brands, the family-run business is one of the world's oldest surviving manufacturing companies. 

Spotted in Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2012

I sometimes feel a little bit sorry for resort and pre-fall collections, their older glamourous siblings the spring/summer and autumn/winter seasons always get the attention and adoration. The Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2012 collection is breaking the mould though, dozens of fashionista starlets have been spotted in the gorgeous collection already. It's easy to see why, the classic 60s silhouettes, military details and sumptuous colours and fabrics are irresistible. Inspired by the effortless elegance of Charlotte Perriand, the collection couples masculine, military details with feminine rounded shapes, opulent fabrics and a sprinkling of luxe embellishment. 

Giveaway: Tickets to Nelly.com's launch party!

Have you heard of super Scandinavian fashion powerhouse Nelly.com? They have literally just arrived in the UK (the UK site launched just last week) and they're incredible! Imagine an ASOS-like breadth of brands mixed with Scandinavian cool, have I got your fashion pulse racing yet? Well, if you fancy finding out more about them, I have the perfect giveaway in store for you. Fashion Daydreams is giving two lucky readers the chance to attend the official Nelly.com London launch party at the fabulous Aqua bar on Wednesday 9th May. For a chance to win, simply pop over to Nelly.com, choose your favourite piece and leave a comment letting me know what you've picked and why. My two favourite answers will win. 


T&C's: Entrants must be 18 years and over. You may be asked for I.D. on arrival. One ticket entitles entrance for one person. Winners will be contacted up to 7 days prior the event. Nelly.com reserve the right to restrict entry if required. You must be able to travel to London on May 9th, so UK entrants only I'm afraid. 

*COMPETITION CLOSES ON SUNDAY 29th APRIL*

Wednesday Wish List: Summer jackets

From left to right:

Miss Selfridge stone nipped in jacket - £45

Miss Selfridge coral shawl collar blazer - £40

Oasis gold lurex jacket - £100

Oasis Carrie casual jacket - £70

New Look pink cropped denim jacket - £19.99

Rare London embellished jacket - £32

Lulu Guinness AW12 press day

A couple of weeks ago, I hopped and skipped across the cobbles of Carnaby Street to check out Lulu Guinness’ AW13 press day. I’ve got to admit, I’m a Lulu girl so this post will contain a lot of gushing about the cute and quirky collection. Entitled “Don’t just a book by its cover”, the collection is inspired by vintage bookstores as well as Audrey Hepburn’s Funny Face. There were lots of gorgeous new additions as well as updates to the classic “lips” clutches and “Doll Face” collection. Lulu created some lovely book clutches which look just like beautiful leather-bound books and they have lovely saying embroidered on the front. I loved the Pearls of Wisdom and Dare to be Different bags. 

Hotel Review: The W hotel, London

My twitter followers will know that I'm quite smitten with The W hotel. Even before the Starwood Hotel Group opened The W chain's first UK sanctuary in early 2011, I was dying to go there. Over a year on, I'm still enamoured with the landmark Leicester Square hotel, and for good reason. The bar is still one of my favourite drinking dens, if I'm within a half a mile radius, I will end up there. The cool atmosphere, attentive staff and the concise but precise cocktail list make it a firm favourite.

Rupert Sanderson SS12 collection

I believe in the power of positive thinking. Ignoring dreary skies and rain, I've been dreaming of blue skies and the feeling of sunshine on my skin. That's exactly why I've been snapping up summer wardrobe pieces, including a neon pink crochet skirt and neon pink hotpants. One thing that's missing is a pair of Rupert Sanderson heels. The high octane summer collection is my current obsession. The mixture of bright pops of colour and African tribal prints is potent and epitomises the feeling of the summer collections I saw at LFW. The graphic wedges are perfect for hopping and skipping around the city in comfort while the heels with cork detailing are the perfect statement heel for a party. 

Menswear Monday: Martine Rose SS12

A peek into menswear stores on the high street is enough to bring on a severe case of narcolepsy. Men, you have my full sympathy when it comes to shopping - everything is so boring and samey. That's why I loved Martine Rose's SS12 collection as soon as I laid eyes on it. Shown at the prestigious MAN show during London Fashion Week, Martine was inspired by the 70s skate and surf scene in California as well as the legendary Zephyr Team. The high energy collection features sheer fabrics and washed denim as well as her signature attention to detail. What do you think of Martine's bold collection? 

The Phoebe trench by Henri Lloyd

Drip, drip, drop little April showers! London has been a complete wash out this month, grey skies and heavy downpours with the briefest glimmer of sunshine. This has made getting dressed in the morning a bit of a chore. Suede shoes are definitely out as is anything closed toe, I've been pretty much living in boots for functionality purposes. Keeping warm has been a more difficult challenge, too warm for winter coats yet too cold for a light summer jacket. There's pretty much only one option: a classic trench. Classic styling combined with essential functionality have made trench coats a timeless wardrobe essential. I have a gorgeously feminine dipped hem trench coat from Very, but I've been searching for a more classic trench. Of course nothing beats a Burberry, but the Phoebe trench by Henri Lloyd comes pretty close! Henri Lloyd may not be a name you're familiar with, but the heritage sailing brand is definitely worth checking out. I adore the naval-inspired shoulder epaulettes, double belt loops and leather detailing. How are you keeping dry in the rainy weather? 

Rupert Sanderson sample sale April 2012

The Willy Wonka Shoes

A couple of weeks ago, I confessed by love for court shoes. I did think that the first step to recovery was admitting that you have a problem, so after my public confession I should have been a reformed court addict, right? No, wrong. I felt so pleased with myself for recognising that I had a problem that I treated myself….to a pair of court shoes from Sarenza! But, in my defence, I just had to have them. These gorgeous stripy Dune shoes are just too adorable. When they arrived in the office yesterday, I tore open the box to try them on (this is the only way to open a shoe delivery, yes?) and my colleague immediately proclaimed that they are “Willy Wonka shoes”. I do see where she’s coming from, with the bold stripes, splash of red and cute bow there’s a lot going on for one pair of shoes. I absolutely adore them though and as they’re from Dune they are going to be super comfy. I think the best way to style these is with an understated outfit: dark skinny jeans, cute bow print tee, a slick of bright lipstick and some sunnies. 

Wednesday Wish List: White Out

From left to right:

New Look white patterned cut out purse - £6.99

New Look white dip hem shirt dress - £24.99

Missguided Mirisa peep toe platforms - £35.99

Missguided Allexa studded collar blouse - £22.99

Boohoo Samara snakeskin wedges - £35.00

Oasis embellished flapper top - £55.00

Missguided Pellar lace waistband dress - £25.99

Paprika chiffon bandaeu dress - £36.00

40 Winks hotel review

I've heard about 40 Winks hotel for years and stating there has always been on my 'to do' list. Created by interior design extraordinaire David Carter, the hotel has been used in countless photoshoots for the likes of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Tatler. Described as "the most beautiful small hotel in the world", I had mentally prepared myself to be taken aback by David's eccentric creativeness. The location is a little out of the way, on Mile End road in Stepney Green. I actually spent half an hour driving around the block before I discovered where it was. The beautiful Queen Anne townhouse is actually David's home and the venue for his famous 40 Winks events. There's a no shoe policy inside but there are plenty of comfy slippers to make you feel at home.

Zara Lookbook April 2012

I absolutely love Zara lookbooks, the styling is always on point and inspires me. The April 2012 lookbook features the stunning Liu Wen looking easy breezy in cool whites with a sprinkling of pastels and prints. I absolutely love the printed Mary Katrantzou-esque dress and red peplum skirt. What's your favourite look? 

Vera Wang Spring 2012 Bridal Runway

Earlier today, Vera Wang held their Spring 2013 bridal show - I can't think of a more perfect way to end the weekend. The message is loud and clear, white is out and the colour of passion is in. What do you think of Vera Wang's red bridal gowns? 

Label Love: Felice Art Couture

Something about summer brings out my girly side. In the colder months, I’m happy stomping around in wedge boots, oversize jumpers and the like but come Spring, I just want to put some flowers in my hair and wear something feminine and pretty. Unfortunately, finding saccharine sweet, floaty dresses is easier said than done. I think the problem is that I have a very specific picture in my head, it’s inevitable that real life clothes will fall short, right?

Friday Fashion Fix

Crystal Renn goes blonde. 

Plus-sized model Crystal Renn has shocked the fashion world by having a blonde moment. Her signature chestnut hair and brows have gone platinum blonde, what do you think of her new look? 

Mulberry released the Del Rey bag early. 

The official launch date for Mulberry's Lana Del Rey-inspired bag isn't until 14th May, but the superbrand have decided to release it early to three of their main stores: London's Bond Street, New York's Spring Street and Singapore's store in the Hilton. It's a canny move, it's been touted as "the new Alexa" since Lana was snapped with it back in February. 

Stefano Pilati heading to Armani? 

This time last year, the fashion world was consumed by rumours surrounding Galliano's successor at Dior. One rumour which may have escaped your attention due to Galliano-gate is a little whisper about Stefano Pilati taking over at Armani. The rumours have resurfaced since he departed Yves Saint Laurent. Although he hasn't confirmed anything, several sources have stated that he is going to start working for Giorgio Armani soon and is in line to take over when Mr Armani retires. 

Scarlett Johansson covers Vogue US May 2012. 

Scarlett channels old school Hollywood glamour like no other on the cover of US Vogue. What do you think of the cover.? 

Models Twitter accounts hacked. 

Joan Smalls, Lily Donaldson, Toni Garn and Jourdan Dunn all had their Twitter accounts hacked this week. Tweets were sent about a diet pill supposedly endorsed by the models including a link which downloaded a virus. Not nice...

Toni Garn becomes the newest Victoria's Secrets Angel. 

Congratulations to 19 year old German model Toni Garn who received her angel wings this week. 

Vitamin Water's i-Create launch party with Jessie J

Recently, I popped to the super cool Lounge Lover bar in Shoreditch to celebrate the launch of Vitamin Water’s new i-create flavour and party with Jessie J. I know, tough life. Vitamin Water are one of the official sponsors of the Olympic Games and last year they announced that Jessie J would be their official Olympics Ambassador. They launched a campaign to create a new flavour for the Olympics, resulting in the absolutely delicious i-create flavour which is made up of peach, raspberry and vanilla. We were treated to i-create cocktails all night which were absolutely delicious!

Wednesday Wish List: Designed by Miss Selfridge

Left to right: 

Designed by Printed Playsuit - £40

Designed by Bird Print Shirt - £50

Designed by Printed Body - £25

Designed by Pleated Maxi Skirt - £75

Designed by Mirror Print Tunic - £32

Designed by Print Leggings - £25

Designed by Neon Print Vest - £35

Aussie More More More fashion show/party

I've been an Aussie Angel for what seems like forever, so you guys know they throw a killer party already. Expectations are pretty high already and the lovely team really surpassed them when they pulled together a fashion show to mark the end of the More, More, More! campaign. As the Angels are a mix of fashion and beauty bloggers, it was great to get some fashion in the mix and everyone was super excited to see what was in store for the afternoon. I had a bit of a sneak peek for the day as I won a competition with Aussie and my prize was to model in the fashion show - eek! I got to the venue pretty early to hang out with the models and the Aussie team as well as getting my hair and make up done. The hair guys did a great job creating some laidback, cool Aussie looks. I absolutely loved my big, bouncy waves and they also created some lovely wavy looks, a pinned up-do and a fishtail braid which everyone wanted to recreate. 

Raf Simons confirmed at Dior!

The Bank Holiday is ending on a high note: Dior have confirmed that Raf Simons is their new creative director, replacing John Galliano. Here is an official statement from Dior: 


Christian Dior announces today the nomination of Raf Simons as Artistic Directorof women’s Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear and Accessory collections.

It is with tremendous excitement that the House of Dior is welcoming Raf Simons, one of today‘s greatest talents. Monsieur Dior’s first collection radically changed the codes of elegance all over the world. Following the legacy of its founder, Raf Simons’ journey with the house of Dior will propel its iconic style into the 21st Century.

“It is with the utmost respect for its tremendous history, its unparalleled knowledge and craftsmanship that I am joining the magnificent house of Dior. Mr Christian Dior has always been for me the most inspiring couturier. Around the globe, the name Dior symbolizes the ultimate in elegance and
refinement. I am truly humbled and honored to become Artistic Director of the most celebrated French house in the world.” said Raf Simons.

The first Christian Dior Haute Couture collection created by Raf Simons will be presented in Paris in July 2012.




Congratulations, Raf! 

Label Love: Aqua Couture

I first wrote about Aqua Couture way back in 2010, I stumbled upon them while browsing party dresses on ASOS and instantly fell for their signature bold look and strong silhouette and two years on, I still love their aesthetic. Aqua launched in Leeds before coming down to London’s iconic Carnaby Street three years ago. The menswear line launched last year to complement the popular womenswear line which is always in the press and has attracted a very loyal following. It’s not easy to see why; in a sea of identical bodycon dresses on the high street,Aqua’s directional, futuristic style is a breath of fresh air.

The SS12 collection is peppered with Aqua signatures, from the origami-like folds and pleats to the bold shoulders, simple colour palette, cutaways and asymmetric necklines but the brand continues to develop and includes longer, more languid shapes, bold patterns and some simpler, tailored daywear pieces. Stand out pieces include the gorgeous Blondie maxi dress, dramatic cougar shirt and the minimalist kimono mini dress. 

Good Friday Fashion Fix

Victoria Beckham covers Harper's Bazaar China.

How kickass is this anime/video game inspired May 2012 cover of Harper's Bazaar China, featuring Victoria Beckham?! The fiery red hair, yellow eyeshadow and intense stare are working for Mrs Beckham. What do you think of the cover? 

Vogue Paris is launching in English!

I adore Paris and have a couple of rituals whenever I visit my second home, even if it's just for a day! Grabbing a copy of Vogue Paris is one of those rituals. I pour over the images as my French is a little ropey, I tend to do the same with English magazines but often wished I understood the articles. I'm pretty sure most of you have done the same, luckily our prayers have now been answered! Vogue Paris tweeted: "France gave the US the Statue of Liberty, now we are taking Vogue.fr to the wider world...get ready for #VogueParisinEnglish".

Lana Del Rey covers French Glamour.

Lana Del Rey has landed the May 2012 cover of French Glamour...with an image which may look familiar. The Mario Testino shots were originally used in British Vogue's March issue, it still makes a great cover shot though! 

Wednesday Wish List: Plain vs. printed denim

Left to right: 

AG Jeans neon pink jeans - £165

Current Elliott day glow jeans - £185

IRO Jayrod jeans - £175

J Brand Zoey jeans - £265

Current Elliott python print jeans - £180

Danielle Scutt acid-wash jeans - £125

Isabel Marant Itzel tie dye jeans - £225

Current Elliott rose print jeans - £205

The Next International Style Challenge

A couple of months ago, the lovely folks at Next asked me to take part in their international style challenge. To celebrate the launch of their Australian site, they have selected ten bloggers from the UK and ten bloggers from Australia to represent their country in the Brit vs Aussie style-off.