Outward bound to London town

A king without a throne

A heart without a home

'Holdin' on' Monsta

So last weekend I was in London, this weekend my feet were firmly back in the Midlands... but not for much longer after putting down a deposit on a flat to rent in London. Those of you that follow me on Twitter will have seen my tweet of relief at securing my new postcode for the foreseeable future in South East London. I am soon to be a resident of SE13. To say that I am beyond relieved is an understatement! 

After my first viewing, in an estate that needed a map like a bad holiday park for you to navigate, complete with it's very own 'you are here' sign, I wasn't very hopeful that the big dreams of London, and my budget were compatible.

A few long days of viewings, tube hopping, east to west and back again, a little north and south, 2 new house mates found via the internet (think internet dating for flat mates) and it was all worth it. The Midlands will only have me as a resident for three more weeks, as I move on 1st December. 

It wasn't all strictly work and no play in London though, being in London for the weekend before Bonfire Night meant I got to see this beautiful sights on my way home Saturday evening.

Battersea Bridge

Even a simple taxi ride home (albeit it a massively extended one due to the traffic) throws up sights to behold in London.

I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping trip, as a reward for finding a home, I'd like to think. As I am still without employment I only allowed myself to buy items in the sale, any reason to make unnecessary purchases necessary. As expected, Topshop came up trumps! The purchases? A lace insert cross tunic I had my eyes on when it was full prices, truth be known I ordered it online when it went in the sale, but they only had it in a 10 (a size too big) and a tall-which I thought would be fine...how wrong was I!? It looked like a sack! So after finding it in a regular 6 I thought I would try it on expecting the opposite of the first one to be true, but it fitted perfectly. Being a fan of a designer collaboration, I snapped up a '2nd Place' Ashish vest for half price, here's how I wore them both.

Oasis leather jacket, Miss Selfridge necklaces and earrings, Topshop cross tunic, Asos Chelsea boots via ebay

H&M hat, Ashish x Topshop vest, Warehouse jeans and Zara ponyskin pumps via ebay

In a bid to become a better shopper, I am making a conservative effort to wear what I buy at the first opportunity I have, if I don't I will either a) forget I have brought them, or b) realise I genuinely didn't need the items in question in the first place. Mission accomplished. If this week had been an exercise in task ticking, I would have a seriously healthy looking to-do list.

So back on the story of my little adventure, the next hurdle to tackle is the small task of finding a job... a full-time job in itself it would seem.

KDx

A weekend's worth of outfits... and then some

Now it's not quite clear
But I wonder what shenanigans brought me here

'Cash and Carry Me Home' Ghost Poet 

What have I been wearing? Clothes. Yes. But what exactly have I been wearing? I try and take a snap of my outfit whenever I can once the weekend comes around even if I don't post it on here, so here's a selection of what I've been saving or has been backing up my phone more importantly...

Dressed down for daytime:

Topshop dip back vest, Miss Selfridge body chain, Oasis leather jacket, Converse via ebay

Topman MTV jumper, Topshop flag shorts and Converse via ebay, H&M necklace

 

Oasis jeans and Zara shoes via ebay, Topshop tank, Oasis leather jacket, New Look headscarf

Friday night dinner with the girls:

Necklace, trousers and silk front chiffon back tee H&M, Dorothy Perkins yellow belt and Zara flats via ebay

(Too many) Drinks and dancing:

Playboy tee, Topshop shorts and shoe boots (just seen) via ebay, River Island belt, New Look earrings, H&M necklace, charity shop watch and various jewellery H&M, New Look, Topshop and Matalan

Topshop star body, charity shop belt, New Look patent heels, American Apparel disco pants via ebay, various rings, earrings, bracelets and anklets charity shop, H&M, New Look, Topshop, Matalan, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge

So I gave in to the lure of the disco pants. After being a trouser-phobe for so long things seemed to have gone full circle and I have now embraced even the trickiest of trouser trends. Bright coloured denim? Cropped, tailored and floral? Gold, shiny and skin-tight?  Yep, I'm ticking all those boxes. I guess I am now a fully fledged trouser wearer. So what's next? One thing I know is, I draw a definite line at leggings... that's a whole entire phobia in itself. People, please. They are not a substitute for real trousers. 

I'll stop before I go on a fashion rant!

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

I heard he was hiding somewhere I can't see

Nas "Cherry Wine" Ft. Amy Winehouse

So today I was accepted as one of the 'Street Team' for Motel Rocks.

Those of you who aren't familiar with Motel may have spotted their wares on many  a papped celeb, girl about town, or even on a friend and not realised it. The body-con style has become synonymous with the Motel brand, combined with their edgy prints inspired originally from the vintage finds in thrift stores on an American road trip back in '99.

But this post isn't a simple gloat (although this is in part-way a little pat on the back to me) there is also something in it for you lovely readers. As part of the Street Team I can offer you an exclusive 20% off discount code to use on the Motel Rocks site, simply enter karmendeanne into the promotional code box when you have picked your items, and you'll receive a nice little discount. Not bad aye?!

Here are my top 5 picks from Motel

The multi-tasker:

Zoe Bodycon Dress £28

This dress has that 90s vibe that is happening everywhere right now, so will work equally as well dressed up with a smudge of red lipstick and some chunky heels as it will dressed down with a denim or camo jacket, ripped tights and some Doc Martens for a take on grunge.

The one to see you through to next season:

Jet Plunge Neck Playsuit £48

This colour will be bang on trend come Autumn/Winter with designers such as Alberta Ferretti and Lanvin using rich jewel toned colours against black, meaning this playsuit will work with the last of the summer tan (albeit a fake one!) as it will layered over opaque tights.

The Jean update:

Jodie Cropped Skinny Jean £48

Cute, pattered and cropped. Sold. These have an air of the Americana trend I blogged about here, so team with a tie waisted shirt and a bomber jacket, make like the girls in Grease and get down to the fair and get covered in some candyfloss!

The one to take on holiday:

Salene Sleeveless Dip Hem Shirt £38

This is a great additional to your holiday suitcase, worn undone it can be a beach cover-up, or thrown over a bodycon dress such as the Zoe dress above for day or night, worn buttoned up  with a statement necklace, or with denim shorts for a kind-of take on double denim.

Lastly, the classic with a twist:

Coco Bodycon Backless Dress £28

Every girl needs at least one LBD. This one looks unassuming from the front but has killer cut-out back detail. Just enough flesh flashed to ensure that all eyes are on you even when you are walking away.

What are your favourite pieces from Motel? Have you managed to bag any pieces using the discount code? Be sure to let me know!

Happy shopping :)

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

But are you really too busy for a sun tan?

Dizzee Rascal "Holiday"

If the title of this post didn't give it away, then this might come as a bit of a surprise to learn that I am only 6 days away from my holiday. Not that I have mentioned it before or anything...

In-keeping with my holiday related posts (there may have been a couple already) I thought I'd ponder over the beach cover-up, one that will take you from beach to bar and back again.

Forget for a moment the kaftans frequented by middle-aged women disguising wobbly bits. This is about covering up enough to feel like you are dressed, without the added layers that are needed in the evening when the temperature drops a little.

The hidden gem:

Matalan Jersey Racer Back Playsuit £6

Now this might not look like much in the picture, but I discovered this on a 'on-the-way-home-from-work-trip' to Matalan a couple of weeks ago, and now it seems appropriate to share it. This lightweight cotton playsuit will work unbuttoned with a patterned strapless bikini underneath. I did have to buy a size up to get a little extra in the length to avoid any crotch traumas. (This being the reason I was put off trousers in the first place: awkward crotchal dilemmas.)

Under £10:

Asos Top With Extreme Dipped Back in Blurred Floral £8

If I hadn't already brought too much stuff to cram in to my case, then this would be next on my to-buy list. I think the brave could even get away with nothing more than a pair of bikini bottoms and sandals to take this from the bar straight to a club. This will also work back in unpredictable England with a pair of skinnies, or denim shorts.

Under £15:

New Look Stone Chiffon Side Split Maxi £12

Light weight, sheer enough to show some skin through and just the right amount of coverage. Again, another item that will work once the holiday has ended (Sadly, everyday is not a holiday,) tuck in a battered band tee, some ankle boots and a leather jacket and you're ready for Autumn.

And finally 

Under £20:

River Island Pink Floral Lightweight Duster Jacket £15

This for me is the modern take on a kaftan; add a belt and wrap it over like a dressing gown and you have a cute lightweight dress, or wear it open to show of your newly acquired tan. This can also be worn to dress up a bar outfit on you return home, white fitted vest, blue jeans and black pointed courts. Done.

I'm not one for wishing my life away, but I do hope these next 6 days fly by. I think I have my outfits nailed, whether or not I can take all I want to pack is a different story. Next on my to-do list is holiday nails, I need to decide on a Ibiza home pedi to tackle!

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

Don't you drag me down cause I'm living my life

Benga "Icon" Featuring BeBe Black

The Jubilee Weekend Round-Up in Numbers:

Days to enjoy the Jubilee: 6

Street Parties Attended: 1

Bbqs Attended (in the rain!): 1

Scones Baked: 12

Scones Eaten: 2

Blueberry Muffins Baked: 12

Blueberry Muffins Eaten: Yet to be confirmed...

Cups of Tea Drank: Too many to count (ranges from 4-8 cups daily)

G&T's Drank: 'Enough' (I do not recommend a Disarono, G&T mix if you have any sensibilities about you!)

Queens Spotted: Numerous! (I went to GLAS Super Pride as part of Gay Pride in Birmingham over the Bank Holiday, celebrating the reign of the Queen surrounded by queens-how apt!)

Roast Dinners Eaten: 2 (Neither of them fell qualify for the 'Sunday Dinner' tag)

Yorkshire Puddings Eaten: 8

Hangovers Endured: 0 (This one still surprises me)

Trips to the Gym to Account for my Overindulgences: I'm still working on that one...

Well good ol' Queen Liz, she sure knows how to throw a party doesn't she? In somewhat unpatriotic fashion, I didn't watch much/any of the Jubilee concert/floatilla/awkward celebrity meetings; but I am looking forward to catching up on a glut of who wore what, and how much he/she/we/they loved or loathed it. But I thought I'd share a bit of what I've been wearing throughout:

Headband Dorothy Perkins, flowers Accessorize, top Topshop and skirt River Island both via ebay, Miss Selfridge belt,Topshop boots, jewellery H&M, Dorothy Perkins, and Topshop

This was the outfit I chose for GLAS, I thought I looked more like Xena Warrior Princess, opposed to our Royal High-streetness, Princess Middleton. The top was formerly a dress, it was a really simple diy that I will post about later this week. I got it for a steal at 99p on the ebay, which is why I had absolutely no qualms about cutting it up!

New Look vest, River Island skirt and Zara pumps via ebay

For my one and only street party appearance I thought I'd indulge in a little red, white and blue, or in my case....just red. Despite my sunny disposition, the weather didn't match up; it didn't rain (for a change) but I was a little optimistic in opting to go bare legged, I did wear my trusty Oasis leather jacket, but that didn't stave off the leg chill.

Oasis leather jacket, New Look denim shirt, Dorothy Perkins necklace, Zara shoes via ebay, and River Island sequin shorts (just seen) via carboot

A bbq in Britain is never going to be a simple affair, but we Brits do have a love for alfresco dining and all things outdoorsy. (Picnics included) I left my house in the rain, so despite the footwear in the picture I actually made a last minute change for my Zara ankle boots, not that it helped with the bitter cold. When the perfect addition to your bbq would be a pair of gloves and a granny-lap blanket, you know it's time to call it a day. Disappointingly I only managed to snaffle one burger, as good as it was, the decision to either sit on my hands to conserve heat, or eat, wasn't really a decision at all.

Having an extra day off today as work thought they'd throw a concessionary day our way has been spent perfectly by baking with the MB*. We plumped for blueberry muffins. I don't know if it's just me, but what I thought would be a quick google for a recipe turned into a 20-minute trawl; as an American favourite it seems as though everyone wants to add buttermilk, or have you measure everything out in cups. Eventually I came across this recipe on the Daily Mail, the addition of the streusel topping really pepped them up, so my only recommendation would be to make more than stated as there's not much sugar in the actual recipe, the muffins can take the additional sweet topping

Fresh out of the oven

Only two days of work and it's the weekend again!

KDx

*MB is the (lovingly given) shorthand for Momma Bear