Noir et blanc: Monochrome moments

Hi Lovers,

I am an avid lover of monochrome and I tend to start the "all monochrome everything"" campaign mid way through January for a few weeks. After I have flung on the brightest , richest colours to cheer up the London cold drudgery and folded away the party wear after the the last 2 months of rampant bacchanalia. It is time to dedicate myself to monochrome. I love how you just look put together and finished in monochrome. Whether you go full on with the black and white or you pull together a black ensemble with a pop of white.

I love the simplicity of monochrome. It is chic and stylish for all occasions and means that you don't have to think too hard when you get up at the crack of dawn. Nor does it assault your eyes and senses with the vibrancy of colour lol. I am not a morning person and the cold offends me- Warmer days where art thou?

I haven't spent much money on myself this year so far or over Christmas in regards to clothes ( steady on we are 20 days in!) and I am loving the feeling of "shopping my closet". I have so many black and white items and bags for days. A a few of which you might remember from my Shoppers+ Pouches post.

 Here are a few items that I have in my closet or am considering *ahem* buying that are very good value or in the sales.

Boohoo Abbie Grid Print Duster Coat

 ASH feeling stretch feeling stretch boots

F&F Printed shirt dress

ASOS TALL Midi Skater Dress With Short Sleeves

Gingham Lace Trim Ankle Socks

Newlook white chunky multi buckle cut out boots

MAC Ruby Woo  (because why not?!)

Until pastel Fridays and animal print Mondays kick in  (joking lol)........

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and Follow @GirlWednesdays  

AW14: wrap it up!

Now you might not actually be able to take your blankets to work (if only) but these are the next big thing.

Cape/blankets/wraps or shawls call them what you will are always an important autumn/winter piece!

I love over sized wraps as there is something so Amazonian warrior princess about them.

They work with everything and just elevate an outfit.

If you are a little scared of the open nature of the wrap you can easily modify they with a few stitches to create arm holes or add belt loops for a more fitted look.

 It is super easy to do and takes 5 minutes.

Here are so affordable beauties to help you battle stylishly through the gusty wind that is occurring in London.

1- classic

Matalan Monochrome tasselled shawl £12

2- Traditional

Boohoo Lovisa Paisley print tassel blanket £22

3-Ethnic

 Topshop Aztec Cape £32

4- Old school

Dark green check print blanket wrap £19.99

Are you a fan of the blanket/ wrap?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Cardiff....until next time

Hey dawls, its been a while
I know. Technical difficulties were being had. 

So it was my Birthday on the 10th and I decided once again to commandeer more days and make a long weekend of it.

As per usual I was last minute and decided to go up to the valeeeeyyys aka Cardiff for a day trip like a week before with my bestfriend. ;-)

I have been to Cardiff before and a great time and this was no different. We had a fun despite the rain and being slight windswept (nothing compared to the storm that followed our departure!). We decided sustenance was definitely  needed for the day ahead and stopped off at The Meating Place, which has the BEST Parmesan chips ever! Seriously recommend trying them but take cash. If you ever go there you will understand lol.

After lunch we hit up St David's shopping centre, Wharton street, Queens street and the Arcades.

 In hindsight we could have made a weekend of it and partied the night away and maybe explored some more but my weekend wasn't over. Ohhh no! 

On Sunday I had a lovely dinner with friends at GOGI a lovely Korean bar and grill joint and on the big day I went to a spa for some much needed relaxation and pampering.

I couldn't leave Cardiff without getting my shop on so here are a few things

......

I have been looking for a new bag for ages, see here and really couldn't find anything that grabbed me. This season has a lot of thin handled or undersized bags and that is not practical for my everyday use. I had my eye on both of these bags and basically succumbed to both. The grey has a lovely texture and a subtle on trend trapeze shape but is practical yet edgy with the silver mini studded panels. I really love this black bag. it is structured and lady but big enough to carry all my work stuff in. It also gets bigger when unclipped, it  isn't shiny and  has a nice sheen but is still a textured matt. 

Grey bag (alternative) here

Black bag here

  I picked up this oversized jersey with floral detailing in H & M. I love the grannyish floral aspect and it is a odd off black that looks nay but isn't. It had an exposed zipper at the back and is a cool casual piece to jam or run errands in.

Sweatshirt here (mine was alot less as it was on sale so check in stores first)

 I also picked up this cool sheer black kimono, which I love love love. I should have tried it on in store as it is a lil big but meh just adds to the whimsical edginess.it is really versatile and can take you from the beach to a night out.

Not currently available on there website in the cardi section so check in stores

  I have a strange relationship with River island and the price versus quality but I am so glad we stopped by as bargains were a plenty! I  picked up his beautiful t- shirt and just look at it. I want to frame it is so purdy. I love the black and white "silk" print as it lends an air of  sophistication o any outfit. Unfortunately I cant find it anywhere online

I also stopped by my old lovers place....MAC and picked up 3 beautiful lippies. I was  having an issue with lighting so went down an "artistic" photography route lol.

The shades can be found here.

Diva - matt

Cyber - satin

 Film noir - satin

  Finally we stopped of at Topshop and I picked 2 matt finish nail varnished. In denim and Mystic. I pretty I am pretty disappointed in Mystic and am super happy I used a gift card my old work colleagues gave me. Granted it doesn't have a lustrous finish as most varnishes aim for but it certainly isn't matt. If anything it seems to get shiner after 2 coats or a top up. It also drys darker which I actually liked but I found myself being more drawn to the frosted bottle rather than the varnish.

All in all a wonderful birthday was had and I will definitely be going back to Cardiff!

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

An autumn wedding: Guest outfit

Second family wedding of the year woop!

 It was my brother and beautiful wife's wedding last week Saturday, it was such a nice day and the food and drinks most definitly did  runneth over. I am still eating leftovers. Flash backs of champagne and rum still haunt me lol.

Excuse my shoes they took a beating on the dance floor lol

I kept it simple once again in a lace skater ombre dress from ASOS

My shoes were mink and bronze metallic capped flat pumps from Topshop (last year)

Aztec geo print kimono from Forever21 (last year)

Conical studded clutch bag from Matalan (last year)
Earrings from Dorothy Perkins

I think floral is definitely a wedding  event theme for me this year, check out my sisters wedding here

My nephew and I

They hired a photo booth and its safe to say my nephew spent a good amount of time posing and popping his collar. Fly boy lol. Excuse my Miley tongue moment-rum chronicles!

I went for a simple 50's bombshell look:
Hair- Pin up roll bangs

Face-  Fashionista primer (t-zone application)

Sleek be beautiful blemish balm, Sleek face contour kits, 

  Japanese gel eyeliner 

E.L.F highlighter

Lips- Mac Ruby Woo

Cheeks-  Mac sheertone Pinch o'peach

Once again I didn't have enough time to take as many snaps as I would have liked as I was helping my mum cook food for the evening buffet before and helping on the day. I won't put up their whole day as that is for them to decide and distribute.

But here are a few snaps.

Me, Nephew, Beautiful bride and the brides mother

Wedding guests

The head table

Dancing to candy

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Off the grid: fashion AW/13

As we dive into  AW13 it seems we are having a second love affair with grids. Plaid and monochrome is always a autumn/ winter staple and this year is no different. Why not combine the 2 and pick up a transitional grid print piece if you haven't already? Try clashing with other prints or rocking with neons.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Spring highstreet must haves 2013

This is actually a little late but seeing as Spring never officially sprung, these are more my basic building blocks for outfits this spring/ summer. We have had two sunny warmish days so fingers crossed eh. I have been trying to shop less on the whole and kind of succeeding but a girl has needs and she can dream lol.

Whats on your list?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Belated Birthday Cake (haul)

Hey Lovers, so it was my 25th Birthday on the 10th of February (I am a lady now lol) and I thought I would share a few of the fabulouso things I got on my day. Its taken so long because I wasn't going to do a haul, I am still to this day receiving things in the post and  mainly coz the gifters had to twist my lazy bones to do it.

Internacionale Suede brown boots

Anladia Tasselbag

Orangey red Ellos pocketed skater dress, La Redoute panelled leather biker jacket, F21 navy trilby, Gold hoop earrings, Top Shop metallic thread tube pencil skirt

 

Truffle Litas, Silver peace hand chain, Sleek Blush by 3 (pumpkin), My mad fat diary book, E.L.F HD Blush in Superstar and Encore,  Gold Ankh earrings

Sweetheart roses (they have now met their maker!), Marks and Spencer vouchers, Navy blue 3 strap deep hobo tote, peace sign ear cuff

Mink bed trow, Furry deer hunter, Capra make up brush set, Crucifix ear cuff, Silver feather ear cuff, MUA Amaretto crush nail varnish, Chinese crafted ring box, vintage knuckle rings, Rimmel rapid ruby varnish, New MUA undress me too palette, Tribal monochrome print maxi skirt and Novelty monkey hat

A Big shout out to all my friends and family who sent me pressies and birthday wishes and a massive shout out to Miss Kwashie who made Guarnabara hilarious after my day of drama. Brazilian 2 steps with crackhead is always interesting lol.  A big old kiss for Teggs and Davina aka dave for my spa day and  Samia for falling down 2 times in my shoes for my entertainment at karaoke. Much love to my bestest bud Kadine for giving me my pressie a month early lest I receive it months later and finally Daniel giving me a old school draft book with hand made coupons is just ...well so you lol!

I had the best time so lets do it all again next year ;-p

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

SS13 Trend: Monochrome

Monochrome is a massive spring/ summer trend this year and above are a few affordable pieces that are easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Monochromatic colours totally go against the notion of having super brights and feminine tones for spring/ summer. However if monsieur Roland Mouret says "what else is there but black and white? Is there anything else this season?" we pay attention. 

I absolutely adore the A. Sauvage Dr Martens in white, grey and black silk Kente shoes.
I love to have my oxfords have that element of pure androgynous edge, so what is not to love here?
Kente is traditionally the clothe of Ghanaian royalty (heeeey!)and is beautifully crafted in various colours.
I have heard so many people raving about them for months so when I saw them again on Susie Bubbles blog, I had to include them.

I have pretty much fallen in love with half the stuff here and paired with gorgeous bold statement lips they will look fab. Remember it doesn't have to be prison stripes alone to achieve the look you could opt for the horse print jumper instead.

Are you feeling the Monochrome trend?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

My SS13 wardrobe cross over staples

 

Hey Dolls, the 1950's, femininity, futurism and utility seemed to be massive trends at the SS13 London Fashion Week. Plaid and patchwork was very evident and the use of vinyl in utility added a beautiful textured and advanced  luxe feel. I love the way these trends are so distinctive yet can be blended and meshed together with ease.

All the pieces above can be incorporated into your SS13 outfits to add an accent of trends from the London Fashion Week. They are both functionally and wearable in everyday life. You can go down the alternative sexy route and substitute a blouse for the denim shirt and rock it with the plaid skirt and the futuristic boots. Or the leather skater skirt, blush coloured blouse and the hot pink brogue creepers and for night those block heels. I am really loving the nod to under cover spring gothic which slightly mimics our weather.

I am going to try and save money this year (hahaaaaaaha fingers crossed). I am not a natural saver so my compromise is to use more accent pieces from my wardrobe. All items shown above less than £30  (except the Charlotte Olympia Esmeralda pumps), so really won't break the bank. What are you guys hoping to incorporate into SS13?

I can't wait to see whats will be shown in febs AW13 shows!

Until next time ..........
 

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

AW12 : Jumpers

I have never been a super jumpery kind of person, I am more of a cardigan girl but I have got into them majorly over the last few years.  The high street has provided a plethora of great and affordable pieces and influence from the catwalk is clear to see. You can see Primark has taken inspiration from 3.1 Philip Lims KA- POW jumper.  Teemed with leggings, cigarette trousers or a pencil skirt they look great. Or for a funky autumnal look why not team a fine knit jumper with a maxi skirt and belt the waist. Shops have really pulled all the stops with their graphic, appliqued, studded,  grunge, animal magic and chunky knits.

Go invest in a few winter pieces and get your snuggle on!

Until next time.........

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

The AW/12 fashion moodboard

Yay Autumn is upon us! The kids are back at school and the first week of September has been unexpectedly sunny its time to shzuuush up your outfits with a those autumnal colours and whip out the old macs and capes.

Obviously times are hard and for most of us money is tight so picking key pieces and finding alternatives is important. Its all about layering and mix matching textures and prints. Statement pieces are always a must for a unique twist, be it a necklace, weird bag or killer coat let your piece do the talking! Keep it trendy in bold berrys and striking plums. Find your inner lady with lace but vamp it up with a whisper of leather. Find your own interpretation of British heritage chic. Match an over sized tee, funky legging, a Barbour or military inspired coat and those wicked Alexander McQueen riding boots for that concrete jungle edgy.  Jewellery wise keep it bold yet classic. Find simple pieces that have been updated or giver a twist. Always check boutiques, bazaars, markets and eBay for one off original items that others won't have.

Most importantly make it your own and have fun!

Until next time...........

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Payday perks

So the Olympics are here and frankly I have a very limited amount of interest (it is growing slowly). I will admit the opening ceremony was pretty cool and very British. So instead of being glued to the TV, I have browsed the limitless sales online and I will be cheering myself up with a few of the beauties above in an Olympian shopping event. The sun has finally blessed these shores  for a week and  the summer clothes are out in force. There wasn't any real breeze what so ever but as it has rained for so long I won't complain even if the nights were unbearable. It appears the Olympics have brought grey skies and  rain back again unfortunately. I am really feeling pattern and colours which vary from super bright to very deep and intense shades at the moment so that is at the top of my list.

What are your must have payday treats???

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Club Tropicana

Club Tropicana drinks are freeeeeeeee lol. Once again we have been having some off key weather with epic sunshine and mad torrential rain rolled into one. On the one day last week that sunshine prevailed, I found myself in the park with my peeps chilling with some frozen sangria, strongbow ice cubes and a massive boom box bussin some rave tunes ( wooh wooh), slow jams and Ed Sheeran. Shout out to the Italian guy next to us who was blaring vintage clubland tuneage. 

Looking around it seems like 80% of the women in the park were rocking the floral tropical trend and with aplomb I might add. There was the odd travesty but hey this is London!

These are some of my fav choices for this trend that aren't over the top and can be used as great statement pieces. What are your favourite tropical pieces and how are you rocking them?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl
xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Midi Magic

I am absolutely loving the midi trend this summer (harhar). I have a fair few pieces in my repertoire which are favourites at anytime of year. A midi adds a sense of cool sexy pizazz to any outfit and any occasion. I have compiled a few of my fav high street midi dresses and skirts for your viewing pleasure. Whether rocked with flats, sandals, sky scraper heels or boots get out there and work it!

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Pay day spring /summer fashion mood board

What better way to treat yourself  for being fierce, fabu and bossy? This is pretty much what I am feeling this month. I have already bought a few as my staples for the next couple of months. I am a little too happy that all of these are affordable and are very wearable bits and bobs.

I really love accessories and statement peices that can transform an outfit and are transferable from day tonight etc. They are also good if you are on a budget as nothing on here is above £50 and some are on sale!

I have a thing where I mix and match my clothes all year round so I will rock all my stuff together. It might be laziness but that's how I do and it also means I have a bigger style collection to work with.

  The colours, textures and patterns really speak to me plus it screams a big fuck you to the rubbish weather we are having in London (apart from today randomly).

Top tip: set yourself a budget for your season must haves, after statement buys purchase accessories. Unless your a student then spend, spend, spend and then eat miso soup for a month lol

Toodles

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

March fashion lust list

Sigh I really want to get my shop on. I often shop when I am a little bored. Problem is I am broke. Not super broke but broke enough to know that I can't buy everything that I want. I am not at uni anymore (haven't been for a long time) and it is no longer a toss up between buying those sexy expensive shoes and eating noodles and miso soup for a week to balance it out. I am growing up in my own special way.

I have always been an online shopping girl. The sales, the price drops, the variety of shopping experiences and the plethora of stock. I swoooooon! As spring is officially here I have decided that my closet deserves a small spring spruce up.

Anyway these are the reasonably priced things I need in my life. I have narrowed them down to the absolute must think about for a week and see  if I really want them.

Via ebay

 I want this sheer batwing shirt  in every colour known to man, well 3. It is so versatile and gorgeous. Sheer has been everywhere over the last few seasons but I have been rocking sheer blouses from day so this is a no brainer for me. Thinking of getting one as a try out and maybe add a leather pocket or cuffs. Chinese girls make everything look good.  It's a whole different style game.

via ASOS

  ASOS Wide Brim Fedora Hat with Feather Trim. I love this hat I always look out for wintry jewel colours all year round. I think this is a perfect hat for those bad hair days, when you still want to look fierce. This will also be a good contrast for this seasons pastel colours. unfortunately ASOS has been disappointing me of late. Evey few years they go through a slump, 2011 I witnessed it.

Via Asos

ASOS Faux Fur Lapel Collar. I am always on the look out for accessories to update my coats. This is perfect. Might be a little hot and wintry but fashion isn't always comfortable. The colour is so rich too. It is bossy and I like it.

Via Zara

I absolutely love this over sized Shopper basket from Zara. It is the perfect size and colour. Sadly it isn't leather but still beauts. I have been ogling this bag for over a month now trying to decide whether I really need it or not and I kind of do. By the time I am an old lady, I am sure my generation will be lopsided our bags are so massive lol.

Via Topshop

Topshop Love colour block suede sandal. well I don't mind if I do! Hello there pretty shoes. I do love a block heel and this one just covers all trends, pastel, suede, open toe, jewel tones, block and a platform. I die, that is all.

Via Boy London

I am loving BOY London atm. I saw their super hot launch at Selfridges and everybody just looked so edgy and camdenish. BOY has been around for ages, since the mid 70's I think and I have seen it resurface over and over again. BOY has reemerged once again after several celebs such as Rhianna, Natalia kills and Jessie J have been seen wearing their pieces. I love the rude boy 80's feel of it. Chic yet vulgar just like a rope chain.

Via Forever21

Forever 21 Ancient Warrior Disc Earrings  .Cheap and cheerful yay!  I want these in silver as well. Forever 21 never disappoint their stuff maybe cheap but it is good quality. Jewellery is always an easy way to give any outfit so pizzaz. The engraving just gives another dimension to work with.I am literally about to blitz their jewellery section and hand over my money to F21.

Via Forever21

Finally last but not least Forever 21 Embellished Collar Necklace . This necklace is so tribal and African inspired, Love it. Want it. Need it .MINE! I have seen a few collars from F21 that shall be mine. I am always on the look out for individual and inspired jewellery that will lift and transform an outfit.  I am already thinking about customisation in case the old bosoms are too big.  Loving F21's Navajo inspired section, the EU online shop is better .This is a statement piece for 2012 for me.

That's my mental shopping monster satiated for a while. Now to find a place to put this stuff before I buy it all .

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl
xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays