Nan Knits and Charity Shop Tips

There's a coldness in the air...... but I don't care. 

'As the Rush Comes' Motorcycle (Armin Van Buuren Mix)

It's happened. Winter. Well I suppose if seasons behaved as they should then technically we are in Autumn, but in all honesty does it matter? When it's cold and wet, and only get's colder and wetter I don't think anyone really cares what we call it. All we can be sure of is we are going to wake up in the dark, and come home in the dark in a viscous cycle of absolute darkness.

Despite the weather, Winter does bring around a whole host of fashion opportunities, to name but two on the top of my list, tights and layering. Tights mean everything can get shorter without the risk of being arrested for indecent exposure, and layering means you can wear all of your favourite items at once. I'm pretty sure in fash-land this isn't what is meant by layering, but it does mean the indecisive dresser has it easy in the morning as if in doubt, wear it all...you'll need it! 

So what will I be buying? Knitwear. I love a good nan knit, and I am already scouring the charity shops to find the chicest of them all. Frequenting charity shops means I have noticed a change in the once haphazardness that was, in it's place I think I detect a subtle hint of fashion awareness? The knits are held back until the weather changes and the bikinis and second hand swimsuits (seriously?!) are placed in an unlit corner towards the back until we can face the fact, (post-Christmas indulgence) that the beach body of yesteryear will be required to make an appearance once more. *sigh* Anyone that has avoided charity shops until now, I urge to you to give them a try at this time of year. It's easy and cheap! Charity shop knitwear can often mean a higher quality garment at a fraction of the price you would pay for it from a store. All you need to do are follow a couple of simple tips:

• Don't be afraid to search in the menswear of childrens wear sections. Menswear jumpers are great for the oversized slouchy look, and can often be found in chunkier knits than the womens. Childrens jumpers often feature retro and kitsch prints that will look great worn with a shirt poking out of the bottom and sleeves rolled up.
• Think outside the box. If there's something about the jumper that attracted you in the first place, buy it. I can almost guarantee change from a fiver, which means you can afford to experiment. If it's too oversized, belt it, wear it off the shoulder or layer it over leather leggings as a dress. Crazy print? Clash it with a modern print like a punchy floral.
• Read the label. It sounds silly but this can be a great way to find a hidden gem, look for 100% wool, or Cashmere jumpers for the real bargains.
• Get a heads up, have a look at what's in stores at the moment for an inspiration on key colours, knits and shapes if you're a bit scared of free-styling it. Charity shops can be a great way to pick up trend basics like this genuine, surplus Military jumper I picked up in the mens section of my local YMCA.
• Lastly relax. We're not dealing with big bucks and a complete fashion investment, so if you get it home and it isn't for you, give it straight back to charity and the cycle can continue.

I'll be sharing some of my nan knit purchases in the next post or two, I'm hoping to amass quite the collection.

In the meantime...Happy shopping!

KDx

Attention! Tackling the Trends: Military

'It's now, or never'

Calyx & TeeBee "Elevate This Sound"

This time of year is a hard one to get your head around, the weather is changing and you contemplate swapping your wardrobe round and examining what knitwear you can salvage from last year. Whilst across the pond New York is currently in the midst of Fashion Week, showcasing the trends we will all be wearing come Spring/Summer next year. So bare with me while you fathom out this post. I am concentrating on the sudden drop in temperature and what we will all be wearing this season. (Next year can wait until another post!) 

Cast your mind back to February, when Fashion Week was highlighting the trends for this Autumn/Winter (Do keep up!) Military featured heavily in varying incarnations on the runway at both New York Fashion Week as 'Urban Utility' in more modern cuts and paired back colours at Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham, and on home turf, khaki was spotted at Topshop Unique and Margaret Howell in London.

Image: Telegraph.co.uk

With all this going on my head, placing myself on a self imposed shopping ban for the month of September, not for any particular reason other than to test my moral fibre, was never going to be an easy task. Please don't be mistaken in thinking this is going to be an opportunity for me to gloat, because I failed. So early on too. I'd like to think it was for a good cause-literally.

This military jumper came in courtesy of the YMCA charity shop on the high street close to work at a bargainous £4.49. It was also retrieved from the mens section, though I don't think something such as this is gender specific. This jumper ticks the trend boxes as a genuine military item, it's better than any replica that can be found on the high street.

 

This is how I plan to wear the jumper, styled up with cut-off denim Levi shorts, a vintage belt, heeled M&S ankle boots and a serious spike necklace from H&M. Judging by the weather situation, the addition of tights will be greatly appreciated. I also think this would look great with a white shirt collar poking out over the top.

Which trends are you going to be wearing this Autumn/Winter?

KDx

Answers we guess

Rustie "After Light" Ft. Aluna George

Fashion should never take itself too seriously, I mean it's just clothes after all. And even then, the sole reason for wearing them is to cover one's modesty. 

But lately it seems that fashion is having a bit of fun with itself, and for once I don't think that the jokes on us. (Over exaggerated shoulders anywhere outside of the 1980s should not be 're-invented' in my opinion.)

Cartoon motifs are cropping up everywhere:

3.1 Philip Lim 'Ka-Pow' Print T-shirt at Matches

Truly Madly Deeply 'Bat-Ass' Tee at Urban Outfitters 

Lazy Oaf x Batman Exclusive Bodycon Dress in Logo Print at Asos

If we delve into the archives, it would seem as though Batman has always been a bit of a fave with the fash pack, just take a look at Alexa for Madewell in 2010 and before that, gone but not forgotten Luella Bartley and her Spring 2008 Ready-to-wear collection:

Alexa Chung x Madewell Sketch Book Tee via Cool Spotters

Luella Bartley 2008 Ready-to-wear via Style.com

Inspired and short of a spare £160 to get my hands on some genuine Philip Lim, I have invested in some t-shirt pens and will be scribbling my own designs-something I have put off doing for a while. In the mean time I created a little homage to superhero fashion on my toes, those that follow me on twitter will have seen this picture pop up earlier

Nails Inc Silver 'Montpelier Square,' Barry M 'Cyan Blue' 294 and 'Bright Red' 262, Rimmel Nail Tip Whitener and Sharpie Black Permanent Marker

The design was really easy to create, as the nail tip whitener has a thinner brush I could get the general 'pow' shape, I used a nail brush to sharpen the points and fill in the fiddly bits close to the white with the red or the blue. Once this was completely dry I used the Sharpie to outline the white and write my chosen Pow! and Zap! before letting that dry to add a layer of topcoat.

What do you think of cartoon clothing? (And that has nothing to do with Nicki Minaj's wardrobe) Cool? Or better left at school?

KDx

P.s I hope everyone is enjoying their Bank Holiday weekends, especially those (like myself) who are fortunate to have a 3-day weekend as standard. This time last year I was in a field at Creamfields, to date my only experience to which I base all camping trips on: muddy, boggy, damp, dank, cold, and grotty. But the music was amazing! Anyone fortunate enough to go I hope you've got a mega stash of babywipes!

KDx

Let me catch my breath

Disclosure "Control" Ft.Ria Ritchie

Seriously suffering from a bad case of holiday hangover. I'm sure I am not alone. In fact I know I'm not as I can pretty confidently vouch for the other 7 girls I went with. I love being at home, but I'd like it to be more of a pit stop between holidays, opposed to a long stop between short holidays. But enough of the post holiday blues.

What did we learn in Ibiza? 

Well, the last time I went to Ibiza, when I say last that was the first time three years ago at the tender age of 21, fresh out of uni as a graduate, practically still clutching my 2:1 degree.... I've noticed things have changed somewhat. Not least of all the fact that food is more important this time around. I cannot live on the yummy mallowy goodness of a flump and a pizza alone on a daily basis.When you take the time to realise there are restaurants selling damn good food at a reasonable price, you wonder why you would let the crap cut it. (The flumps were still welcome though!). Definitely a sign that my head is closing the age gap between itself and my actual age.

Ibiza fashion has changed. There is definitely a distinctive 'look' that has developed, both for the guys and girls; there are a lot of cross overs. Here's a break down:

Sunglasses: Only wayfarers will do. Any colour, preferably real, but it's hard to tell amongst the plethora of fakes being thrust upon you at every opportunity. So if you are going and you haven't had chance to buy your Ray Bons, or Rey Bans (other versions are available) ebay is the place to go. Buy them cheap and don't get attached to them.

Footwear: The ladies tended to lean more towards Converse hi-tops, but a few low tops still made an appearance. And for the gents, Nikes. A hi or mid Blazer, or a Dunk high top, but preferably in tonal colours, I saw a few green on greens, blue on blue and red on burgundys. Whatever they were they had to be suede-which considering what people tend to get up to in Ibiza is crazy. But then maybe it was a good sign if they managed to keep them clean? I have no intention of doing a shoe analysis.

Shorts: Were short. Both men and women had lost a few inches off the hem line. Ladies were flashing a bit of cheek at every opportunity, irrelevant to the perkiness of the behind, but always in denim. Ripped, studded, adorned with jewels and tie-dyed, just make sure it's denim. As for the boys, brightly coloured running style shorts cutting more at mid thigh length to knee length, worn with nothing but a ripped torso.

Bags: The bum bag was the bag du jour for both sexes, wore low slung in leather leaning towards the more 90s style, opposed to tourist practicality.

Socks: The curve ball look of the holiday that couldn't go unnoticed, despite my concern over awkward tan lines they were white, calf length with two or three sports stripes in varying colours.

So with that in mind here's a little holiday shopping list if you're planning on making a trip to the White Isle and want to look part of the set as soon as your Converse wearing feet touch down:

Stripe Calf-High Sock £7 from American Apparel

Nike Blazer Hi Suede Vntage Aqua Green £66.99 from Office

BDG Studded Cheeky Short £45 from Urban Outfitters

Colour Wayfarer Sunglasses now £3 from Asos

Teal Swim Short £22 from Topman

Bum Bag now £12.99 from Amazon

Converse All Stars £45 from Schuh

What do you think to the 'Ibiza' style? Would you rock this look on holiday? Have you ever re-visited a place and noticed how the style has changed?

KDx

Swimsuit issues with my toes curled in the grooves

Friendly Fires "Jump in the pool"

Apologies for the blogger hiatus, I hadn't 'gone fishing,' I just have had a lot of stuff to get did. But back to the task in hand and what I do know, Ibiza is a mere 9 days away. 

In line with my suggestions of a statement necklace in my previous post here, you might just need something to wear it with. Admittedly in the impending heat I am expectant hopeful of, I am  planning on keeping clothing to a minimal. 

The swimsuit is having a bit of a moment in fash-land. In the land of everyone outside the warm fuzzy clothing bubble, it means that retailers have taken note and the design teams have given this often much neglected piece of swimwear a glam-over. For a long time the beloved cozzie was the go-to piece for anyone who didn't feel that they were beach ready or had something to hide, but this left the wearer widely regarded with suspicion, what are they trying to hide? Instead of allowing the wearer to remain inconspicuous, the opposite was the result; you can't help but admire the wearer who has chosen to swathe themselves in skin tight lycra in a bid to hide their most loathed attribute.

Oh how the tables have turned. Swimsuits have been cut-out, laser cut, laced-up, lace backed, criss-crossed, crossed-over and then some. These are cozzies to be seen in, and demand attention. Warning: Confidence not supplied.

Here are my pick of the bunch. 

Under £5

H&M Swimsuit £4.49

This arrived on my doorstep today, it has sold out online in black now, but may still be available in stores. I'm 5ft 10 and proportionally wise I can get away with it... just. It's fair to say I will be keeping my musical appreciative arm raises to a minimum to save my graces. I will be wearing this and channelling my inner 1950s film star, wearing it with a gold gladiator-esque vintage rope belt and cat-eye sunglasses. (I didn't say these swimsuits would be for swimming!)

Brigitte Bardot at Cannes in 1953 

Photo courtesy of the telegraph.co.uk

Under £15

Another sale bargain

River Island Pink Palm Swimsuit £15

This swimsuit looks like it could be a body, which is how I would wear it away from the pool, with some denim shorts, a cocktail in hand, an air of nonchalance and some pastel coloured wayfarers. Think Club Tropicana...

Another under £15

ASOS Lattice Back Swimsuit £14

I'd wear this one with a a statement fluro necklace and a pair of colour pop wedges in pink or orange to really play against the cobalt blue of this swimsuit.

And for the dreamers:

We Are Handsome Vacation palm sunset swimsuit £190

If I wanted to spend more on swimwear than my holiday, a couple of We Are Handsome swimsuits would easily do it.

I've just put a few things in my case in intrepid anticipation of the upcoming holiday in question. I thought I'd weigh it, just to see how I was doing...Already at 11 of my 15kg limit. I honestly thought I was right on the money this time packing. Amateur at work clearly.

Now to unpack and re-pack. A cycle I am sure will continue throughout the week.

KDx

...And your ma' is good looking

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong "Summertime" 

The official countdown to Ibiza has begun! (In all honesty it started as soon as it was booked in late January) 2 weeks and 6 days until myself and 7 of my nearest and dearest descend on the White Isle. It appears that we aren't the only ones with the Ibiza bug as I have already spotted Elle and Company magazine featuring Ibiza street style on their websites, which is just the kind of outfit inspiration I need. 

Of course, holiday style is just your style, but with less clothes and an awesome tan. However, I think there are a few key items that can really ensure your outfit still cuts the mustard despite the sweltering climate. (Lest we forget Monica Geller's hair in Barbados; sometimes a great outfit is all you can count on with an unknown climate!)

The statement necklace is a suitcase essential, besides the obvious bikinis and lashings of SPF. 


My top picks are:


Save: Under £10

H&M £6.99

Spend: Under £15

Forever 21 Circle Bib Necklace £10.65

Zara Necklace with chains and neon coloured stones £12.99

Splurge: Over £20

Urban Outfitters Sweet Scandal Neon Necklace £40

How to wear:

• Wear with your hair up to really show off the necklace, which is handy for when you want to keep cool. Personally I never feel as 'dressed-up' with my hair up as I do when I wear it down, so I hoping this will be the missing link. (Pardon the necklace related pun!)
• Keep everything else simple, a boobtube/strapless top will work for maximum impact and to really let the necklace be the stand-out item.
• A statement necklace can work during the day: Up the ante and add some pool side glamour to your bikini outfit and wear with your swimwear in the day.
• A bib style necklace such as the one from Forever 21 looks killer when worn with a plunging neckline or swimsuit.
• Go bold: This Miss Selfridge extra long necklace will look great with a white vest and denim shorts or a bandeau dress.
• A statement necklace is a great way to introduce colour for the colour-phobes.
• If you are feeling brave, contrast your outfit and your jewellery, colours that really pop are turquoise and coral, orange and pink, and cobalt blue and yellow.
• Don't forget: colour is less harsh with a tan, so what might seem a bit crazy in your 'light-bulb-lit-bedroom' with the rain hammering down outside will really work when you're sunning yourself is some far off climes. 

KDx

Take me out to the crowd

Frank Sinatra "Take me out to the ball game" Ft. Gene Kelly

The varsity jacket has been one of those creeping trends. Alexander Wang showed them in his Spring/Summer collection in 2010 and it kind of missed the masses the first time it surfaced on the market around 2011. The stores stocked them, they subsequently went into the sale; a trend to be filed away under 'fail' perhaps. However, it would seem as though sometimes fashion can sometimes get it wrong and they quite simply missed the mark and got their timings awry. Fast forward a year or so and it seems to be that their popularity is gathering pace as a streetstyle trend, having spotted numerous ladies choosing to wear their varsity jackets as a casual throw over, or to add some edge to a more formal outfit. The sportswear trend has been evident in a number of the Spring/Summer 2012 collections amongst the likes of Rag & Bone, Isabel Marant (who of course is also responsible for everyone wanting to wear concealed wedge trainers. If you had have said that before I am sure I wouldn't have been the only person who had flashbacks of this awful trainer-heel hybrid catastrophe) and our very own Stella McCartney, which is no surprise seeing as she has designed the official Team GB Olympic kit; which I feel is another coincidental factor in the rise in popularity of the varsity jacket, you cannot escape the pull of the Olympics!

Photos via Telegraph online and Vanessa Jackman

From models looking casual after shows, to bloggers visiting shows and Liv Tyler quite simply looking hot, the varisty jacket works on all occasions. Less formal than a blazer, but moreso than a hoody, the varsity jacket offers a spring jacket alternative to the leather jackets of winter and the plethora of denim jackets this time of year.

Topshop varsity jacket, Levi's vintage skirt, Converse all via ebay, H&M vest and Topshop belt

Jacket as before, Levi's cut off shorts (jeans brought from ebay) Urban Outfitters t-shirt and New Look studded loafers

Here are my varsity jacket outfits two-ways. Both pretty dressed down outfits, so I would like to experiment with a more dressed up look, maybe a pencil skirt and pointed court, or my H&M floral trousers as seen here. Those of you that haven't got to grips with the joys of ebay, you must! This cost me 99p with £4 postage. If that can't convert you then I can't think of many more persuasive sells!

KDx

I am the ring leader of my own circle

Delilah "Breathe"

One of the many joys of knowing what suits your body shape is having the ability to play dress up every day; getting there may take some time, and a lot of trial and error in the process, but the outcome is ultimately worth it.

For me, this means that from any one day to the next I can dress up to suit my mood, where I am going, what I am doing, or influence how I want people to think of me. As much as we would all like to lead ourselves to believe that we are capable of not judging a book by it’s cover, we pigeon hole people as a ‘type’ as soon as we see what they are wearing, not necessarily in a negative light though. On occasions identifying with someone because they have a similar style to you can often indicate a certain way of thinking, or might help you to draw on common ground and talking points, which is a great way to start conversation with someone or meet new people. Take for instance the first friend I made at University on my course, she said she noticed me as soon as I walked in and thought I looked fun, and we’ve been friends ever since. She of course was right; I’m fun in heapfuls! Ha!

My point is that, what is fashion, if not a means of expressing ourselves, an old cliché, but one that holds very true.  For me this means girl crushing over tweeted pictures of Rihanna, and  Rita Ora who both have a look that's a mix of 90’s glam-come-grunge; to admiring the leggy loveliness of the Saturday’s. (Guilty pleasure anyone?!) Case in pictures, Rochelle Wiseman and Mollie King:

Pictures courtesy of Look Magazine

Since bagging the blazer and satisfying my desire to work it into as many outfits as possible, I have been keeping an eye out for how to develop the look. So moving on from the classic denim shorts and blazer combination, Rochelle and Mollie have very aptly demonstrated not only do they both possess killer pins, but the Spring short-suit, or 'co-ord' is hot right now. (Yes the Rita Ora reference was intentional).

One of my other favourite co-ord wearers has to be Caroline Flack, if not for her fashion credentials alone, then for the fact that I am betting those pins had something to do with her bagging a certain young singer who’s making it big over the pond.

Images courtesy of InStyle Magazine and The Mirror online

My plan is to take inspiration from these looks and work my blazers into a Spring worthy outfits. It's my friend's birthday this Friday and we are all going out for a meal to celebrate, a somewhat civilised affair for a change, which I think will be the perfect outing to showcase my co-ord.

As always the high street is full of ideas, be it buying separates and creating your own combination, for this I recommend sticking to a similar colour palette or tones, like Mollie and the Flack, or picking either a patterned jacket or short and picking out a key colour for the other as Rochelle exhibits; or going for a full on matching 'suit' which can be found in Asos, Topshop and River Island, boasting pattern, texture and a punch of colour.

Would you be willing to smarten up your weekend uniform for a short suit, or think it's best left in the boardroom? Sadly the legs are not included with this look!

KDx

I tried to do handstands for you

Chairlift "Bruises"

It’s my birthday next week, next Thursday to be precise, which fills me with both excitement and dread. Now I am not bothered about ‘getting another year older’ I am firmly in the camp of believers that age is just a number, you can get old, but not grow-up, so whatever your age it’s no excuse for not having fun. My real concern lies in the fact that I am now going to have to tick the next box, no longer can I lie safe in the comfort of the 18-23s, I am now a 24-30. For the next few years I will only be filling out forms that allow the option of 21-24, otherwise how on earth can I inform people that I am at the beginning of  24-30, not soon to become a 31-35?!  A dilemma of miniscule proportions I understand, but something that receives my frequential pondering nonetheless.

Another year and another birthday, means another birthday outfit. No different from any other outfit for a night out in theory, apart from the immense amount of personal pressure we place on ourselves to get something that will dictate the mood for the whole night; knowing this doesn't make me any wiser to trying to break this viscous cycle where everything hangs in the balance of few bits of fabric, if my outfit sucks, so will my night! Ha!

So my inspiration started with W Magazine's February fashion shoot 'Hot to Trot,' 'Midcentury Americana gets a shot of glamour with flirty skirts, roadhouse tops, and rootin’ tootin’ boots.' You can check out the feature here, think 50s Americana meets West Side Story which was exhibited perfectly on Dolce and Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk show, alongside Prada's retro-tastic offerings. My favourite looks were:

Dolce and Gabbana S/S '12 Images courtesy of Elle UK

Prada S/S '12 Images courtesy of Elle UK

What has really resided with me was the matchy, matchy skirt and highdrift bearing top combos. If you don't know the highdrift, the bit above your belly button but below your bra line is the hot bit of flesh to flash, it is also a lot more forgiving for those that haven't got model like proportions and definition to die for. I am already a highdrift flesh flasher, so undaunted by the prospect I will be searching out either a matching top to go with one of my existing skirts, or a whole new get up-it is my birthday after all.

Looks that have so far caught my eye come in from Asos:

But it is also worth checking out looks from Oasis, Rare London and New Look for their take on the trend.

Will you dare to bare the highdrift? Or is the crop a fashion flop?

KDx

I'm sorry I know, I'm out of touch

TEED (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs) "Tapes & Money"

Firstly apologies for the blogging hiatus; over a whole week since my last post. I haven't been blogging for long but I decided I was going to try and post at least twice a week, but seeing as my blogging schedule met for the first time the Bank Holiday weekend, it's fair to say that I am nothing without routine! So as much as I have enjoyed my 5 day weekend, I am thankful to get some normality back in my life and get to bed before the sun comes up, (Yes I am a dirty stop out!) In my defence, this Easter Sunday saw me host my charity event 'Mr. Miss Redditch' to raise money for the Official Miss World's Charity, 'Beauty With a Purpose,' that supports the work of children's charities worldwide.

Here's a bit of a picture heavy post of outfits, firstly Friday with the girls. This was taken kindly by Momma Bear in our kitchen before we went out for drinks and dancing, and I supposedly found my 50s style twin on a cocktail menu:

Bandeau crop Primark, Miss Selfridge hi-low hem skirt via ebay, carboot belt,  gifted Topshop black platform boots and jewellery H&M, Miss Selfridge, Warehouse and charity shops.

 (l-r Emma River Island dress, Aimee Warehouse dress, Laura H&M dress, standing on tiptoes optional)

Personally I think it was the flowers and the mass of hair that did it.

Saturday night casual at the pub. (Final preparations for my event)

Gifted Oasis leather jacket, H&M shirt (ribbon added myself), Topshop high waisted shorts via ebay and New Look black ankle boots

I really did not want to make an effort on Saturday, at this point I had already got two nights out under my belt, and all I wanted to do was sleep.

This is what I wore on Sunday to play the hostess with mostest (money). My event raised just under £200! I don't think I am going to be able to stop saying thank-you to everyone involved any time soon. I am so touched by their support, generosity and cooperation. (See I am off already! God help me if I ever win an Oscar...)

Topshop leopard print body and River Island white skater skirt via ebay, Dorothy Perkins yellow belt and gifted Topshop platform boots

The morning afternoon after the night before, Monday. The sole purpose of me getting dressed was to venture back up to the pub and retrieve my car, my belongings and the money I had raised after a rather heavy sambucca laden celebration. I woke up having taken one single solitary picture the whole night, which was 6 shots of sambucca lined up at the bar. I would like to think that was a message from my drunken self, to my sober self to explain the fuzzy feeling and emptiness of purse come Monday morning. This is basically the outfit I wore here with a few additions.

 Topshop tall burnout t-shirt, cut-off mens Levi's that I made into shorts, Zara ankle boots and Next faux sheepskin via ebay, Dorothy Perkins yellow belt, New Look headscarf and Miss Selfridge pendant necklace

And finally to round up the Bank Holiday bender, this is what I wore on Tuesday for shopping with Momma and to feast on Sushi at a place called Woktastic in the Paradise Forum in Birmingham, its £10 all you can eat at lunch time, and the sushi kicks Yo out of the water! (Although no sashimi-which is a fave of mine) 

If you remember back here I posted about the ubiquitous denim shirt, well here is how I wore mine, the denim shirt in question is New Look, but I took it in by hand to make it fit like a dress, worn with Zara ponyskin pumps, Oasis leather jacket and Dorothy Perkins necklace. Just to keep my modesty intact and ensure there wasn't any Sharon Stone style indecent exposure, I went all out and wore double denim, I had my Topshop denim highwaisted shorts underneath, this didn't stop me from being asked if I had forgotten my trousers... some people just don't get it!!

KD x