5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK FOR SS13 ON A BUDGET

Just because you're feeling the pinch this month doesn't mean you can't start to try some of the new-season trends. If (like me) you're on a self-imposed shopping ban until payday, then console yourself with these 5 cheap and cheerful SS13 outfit updates:

1. Co-ordinate your Jewellery

Statement necklaces and oversized jewelled earrings have been big trends for quite a few seasons now, but for SS13 the new way to wear your jewels is to co-ordinate them. Take inspiration from the Gucci catwalk and match your oversized earrings to a statement necklace for an instant update.


Gucci SS13 Catwalks
Image source: style.com



 2. Mix it up

The artfully mismatched look has been a growing trend for a few seasons now. The real selling point of this playful style is that you can update your look on cheap by simply by finding new outfit combinations in your existing wardrobe. For the ultimate inspiration on how to style this trend, look to US brand J.Crew for a masterclass in inventive fabric, texture and pattern combinations. Take your first baby steps into this trend by pairing a breton stripe t-shirt with floral pants or skirt.



J.Crew SS13 Collection. Image source style.com.

3. Get lippy

Bold lips in juicy shades of fuschia and tangerine were allover the SS13 catwalks, I especially loved the orange/pink smudged lips at the Holly Fulton London Fashion Week show. Don't disregard a dark claret lip either, the gothic trend is still going strong.

1. Topshop lips in Tease, £8.
2. Topshop lips in Infrared, £8.
3. Topshop lips in Brighton Rock, £8.
4. Topshop lips in Hazard, £8.

4. Tie-dye nails

Created by nail guru Sophy Robson and debuted on House of Holland SS13 catwalk, this technicolor trend can be achieved by mixing up any colourful nail polishes you have to hand. Look for Youtube tutorials to nail (excuse the pun) what will be the perfect manicure to debut at your summer festivals. 

House of Holland SS13 nails. Image source: kissandmakeup.tv

5. High Brow

Take your style cues from supermodel cutie Cara Delevingne and trial the bold brow trend in your new-season beauty look. I've spent the last few months forgoing plucking my eyebrows and  pencilling them in to achieve thick face-framing brows. I have to say I'm really pleased with the difference a strong eye brow can make to your whole face, it has the power to make the eyes look wide eyed and awake, even after a heavy night out!

Cara Delevingne at the Missoni SS13 show.
Image source: Style.com

6 OF THE BEST: HOODED SUMMER JACKETS

A hooded, lightweight jacket is a summer wardrobe staple. If you're as precious as me about getting your hair wet (remember that episode of Friends when they all go to Barbados and Monica's hair just keeps getting bigger and bigger in the humidity? That's pretty much me this summer), then a hooded lightweight coat will be your s/s lifesaver. I have a sturdy, cotton, khaki number from Mango that I throw on for my morning commute with most outfits; dresses, jeans and skirts- you name it my coat goes over it. I rather like the contrast between a glamourous evening gown and hooded jacket too; very 1990s grunge. So to save you the hassle (and your barnet the trauma), I've trawled the internet for my favourite styles available at the moment:

1. Khaki cotton parka, Dorothy Perkins, £55.00.
2. Modas parka coat, Vila,  £53.72.
3. Gucci hooded parka, Farfetch.com, £2079.
4. Altuzarra yellow walnut hooded shell parka, Net-a-porter.com, £420.
5. Camel cotton parka, Dorothy Perkins, £55.00.
6. Belstaff tourist waxed cotton-blend parka, Net-a-porter.com, £244.99.

GEMMA ARTERTON LOOKS AMAZING

The natural, unmade face was allover the A/W 10 catwalks; news is, when it comes to beauty this season, less is definitely more. So all hail Brit actress Gemma Arterton who bravely road-tested the trend at the premiere of her new flick Tamara Drewe this week, paring her stunning Gucci sheath dress with the most minimal of make-up and understated hair. Of course working a trend such as this is easy when you're as fresh-faced and downright gorgeous as Gemma, but I am a strong believer that the natural look is always fresher and more youthful than a face fulla' slap. Be inspired by Gemma and let the natural look guide your beauty purchases this season.