A NEW SUMMER 'DO AT HEADMASTERS

It’s crazy to think that just over a year ago I was a brunette (remember when I used to look like this?). Fast-forward to 2014 and I am celebrating my auburn anniversary, having never looked back. I’m a pretty low maintenance kinda gal (although my boyfriend might beg to differ…) so a flaming red do works for me - I think it makes a style statement with minimal effort on my part in between salon appointments. My cuts and colours are the work of the follicle wizards at Headmasters, whom I trust implicitly with my barnet.  A couple of weeks ago I visited their Soho branch for a little summer refresh with Gareth from the Art Team, here’s how I got on:

The before

WEAR-FOREVER SALE BUYS

Is it really possible to find investment buys in the sales? I have to be honest - not often - I had to scour the internet to create this blogpost. But occasionally, you uncover an amazing gem, a great example being the polka-dot Sophie Hulme trench coat below, reduced by an amazing 70% from £545 to £163 at Avenue 32. Polka dots are one of the few, enduring prints that never-date. I know, I know, a polka dot trench might seem like quite a wacky buy - but in reality it's as wearable as they come. Use it to add interest to jeans + t-shirt ensembles or clash it with florals and stripes J.Crew style - in fact, I can't think of many outfits a hint of polka dot doesn't enhance. Likewise striped styles are great sale buy - I love Chinti and Parker's subtle twist on a breton tee with the addition of a cute heart motif. A classic leather bag is an investment you will never regret, and the Jaeger sale is full of them. Don't be scared to inject a bit of colour, a pop of pink livens up most colour palettes and will take you through autumn/winter. Have you invested in any bargains in the summer sales? 

Top row from L - R: Sophie Hulme polka dot cotton trench, Avenue32, was £545 now £163. Polka dot espadrilles, Penelope Chilver, was £85 now £45. Stripe miniskirt, Reiss, was £95 now £65. 

Middle: Acetate sunglasses, Kenzo, was £185 now £92.50. 

Bottom row L - R: Organic cotton stripe tee, Chinti and Parker, was 385 now £51. Rose gold and diamond star pendant. Astley Clarke, was £850 now £500. Large Lawrence bag, Jaeger, was £199 now £150 - £99.

ASPIRE STYLE BLOGGER STYLE OFF

I'm taking part in another blogger style-off! I used to shy away from outfit posts, but I'm slowly learning to love them, having fun arranging regular shoots with my style partner in crime Katie (who happens to be a photography queen, which helps). So when Aspire Style invited me to take part in their style challenge I thought why not, and was faced with the difficult task of picking just one dress from their lovely website. Here's what I went for:

KERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM

Soft shell crab burger with sweetcorn relish and lobster mayo, followed by a rosewater and peach ice-cream float; I can't think of a better way to kick off a weekend than a visit to Kerb street food market in King's Cross. 

THREE WAYS TO WEAR: THE BRETON TEE

It's fair to say I'm obsessed with Breton tees. Chic, timeless, effortless - you really can't go wrong with a simple stripe. With most of us owning a Breton top of some incarnation, I thought I'd put together a feature on how to update yours for SS14. Don't just reserve your Breton for weekend wear - consider it as neutral piece [like a grey marl sweater or a white t-shirt] and wear it with patterns and prints. The below orange Baum und Pferdgarten number has a Simone Rocha feel and clashes artfully with a navy stripe. Heads up: if you're tight on budget, I've spotted a similar skirt from F&F for a mere £25. For an effortless weekend look you can't beat a Breton + boyfriend jean + cross body bag ensemble - I love Next's patchwork denim. Finally, your trusty tee will make a stylish beach cover-up [although anticipate replacing it post-holiday, suncream leaves yellow stains!]. I'd wear mine with big shades for a touch of parisian chic on the sands. 

Work: Breton tee, Iris and Ink at The Outnet, £45. Orange floral lace pencil skirt, Baum und Pferdgarten, £139.  Lips in Whimsical, Topshop, £8. Laminated silver slingbacks, Massimo Dutti, £69.95. 
Weekend: Breton tee - as before. Boy fit jeans patch-detail jeans, Next, £30. Marc by Marc Jacobs Dani orange cross body bag, Harvey Nichols, £175. Navy satin cross strap sandals, Next, £26. 
Beach: Breton tee - as before. Navy cut-out tank swimsuit, J.Crew, £88. River Island Penelope white sunglasses, ASOS, £13. Nails in Saffron, Topshop, £5. 

BRUNCH WITH GIZZI ERSKINE AND NESCAFE DOLCE GUSTO

It's not everyday you can say you had brunch with Gizzi Erskine.

LFF PREVIEWS PANACHE AW14 COLLECTION

I've had an education into the world of lingerie since I started blogging. Having been gifted some good quality upholstery, my eyes have been opened to the wonders of a well-fitting bra. 

Being less-than-blessed in the cleavage department, I assumed that decent-quality bras were for busty girls, and having never been fitted, I guessed my cup size at a 34B and bought a handful of budget t-shirt bras from Primark. It came as a suprise then, when a lingerie brand persuaded me to get measured at their pop-up at event at London Fashion Week, and I discovered that my true cup size was a 30 C/D (winning!) I was sent the correct size bra to try, and the difference was amazing - the straps no longer slipped off my shoulders, I felt supported and I almost had a cleavage. I feel so much more comfortable in the right size bra, but unfortunately 30 inch cup sizes are a real struggle to find on the high street. 

Which is why I am now all for championing lingerie brands that supply beautifully designed bras to fit all cup sizes, such a Panache. Panache currently supply D+ bras, but as as of September their range will include B & C cup sizes, which is exciting news for me! To find out what Panache have in store for this year, I headed to their AW14 press day, held at the luxurious No.5 Cavendish Square.