Guest Post: Affordable Shopping for New Season Trends

Everybody has that one friend who can waltz into a shop and return after five minutes with bags full of the season’s latest trends...then you hear how little they paid for everything and you’re left bemused and, in all honesty, pretty damn jealous. Well hopefully this guide will give you a head start on kitting your wardrobe out with must have garms for AW13 without the designer price tag!

Animal Print
Just when we thought it was time to trade in that leopard print coat, Burberry rock up at London Fashion Week with a whole host of animal print designs to bring the trend back to life. For those who dare trying, combine various prints into one outfit. When done right, it’s the ultimate style statement for the fashion gurus out there.

1. Iron Fist Leogir Leggings (£25.59) 2. Vila Chee Mini Skirt (£21.99)
3. RVCA Moon Safari Shirt (£27.49) 4. Vila Colorado Shirt (£24.49) 5. DC Bristol Mid LE shoes (£54.99)

Winter Floral
Who said flowers are just for Summer? Next season we are set to see an explosion of wintery floral prints to bring some colour into our dowdy December wear. Ultimately feminine and full of fun, a versatile floral with brighten any outfit.

1. Jorge Gypsy Floral Cut Out Dress (£35.99) 2. Jorge Dream Lover Leggings (£24.99)
3. Loreak Mendian Bahamas Dress (£53.18) 4. Only Shaded Flower Leggings (£12.99)
5. Louche Bali Flower Pastel Floral Shirt (£34.99)

Oversized
Next season is all about slouchy, oversized clothing. Apart from being incredibly comfortable, oversized items can channel a multitude of looks depending on what you wear them with. Keep an eye out for apparel inspired by the days of punk and grunge. Although this was big last year, a more subtle approach to this look is set to be at the forefront of fashion next season.

1. 55DSL Dadrap Dress (£54.99) 2. Traffic People Tribal Dress (£34.98)
3. Cheap Monday Melinda Short Dress (£20.98) 4. Religion Clark Long Sleeve Shirt (£59.99)
5. Ichi Knur Top (£19.99)

Bold Prints

It seems the trend next season is to incorporate exotic Summer colours and eye catching prints into your Autumn/Winter attire. Geometric designs are always popular, and when accessorised with a large statement necklace will give you an outfit to get those fellow fashionistas hankering for your style flair.

1. Numph Emma Dress (£38.99) 2. Vero Moda zigzag leggings (£14.99)
3. Motel Rocks Hollyanna Print Dress (£34.99) 4. Ted Baker Keicon Kaleidoscope Bag (£27.99)
5. Yumi Printed Top (£17.49)

And remember it’s not always the clothing that makes an outfit, accessorising is the key to a successful style. Use an oversized handbag or bold coloured shoes to make a statement. Team plain clothing with large jewelled necklaces or an extravagant headpiece to add a quirky edge to your look. Don’t forget it’s not always designer or high street stores that hold your every fashion need, having a rummage in charity shops, boot sales and vintage fairs could result in you finding your favourite piece of timeless treasure!

Natalie Gale  is an online content writer for Surfdome.com. Surfdome specialise in the latest fashions and best equipment for extreme sports such as skating, surfing and snowboarding

Featured post by Sarah Fielding: From Summer to Autumn, Just Add a Jacket

With the change of season we're all very quick to think we must ditch one seasonal wardrobe to switch for the new season. If only the climate was that simple. Weather is unpredictable at best during the change of seasons and so there is rarely a clean break between one and the other. When it comes to the end of summer, we're not always that keen to put away those bright and breezy pieces anyway. Fortunately adding a layer or two can be the perfect solution and there are so many different jackets out there that it is easy to transform a summer look into something that will work for autumn too.

Working week

When it comes to your working week, over summer dresses or smart trousers and short sleeve blouses have probably paid a major part in your work wear wardrobe. There is no need to ditch them for your black trousers and jumpers as soon as the kids return to school and autumn begins. Adding a blazer style jacket adds both shape to your figure and can transform your summery work looks to smart autumnal outfits in an instant.

Sunday brunch

Those gorgeous cream chino style trousers that you've been enjoying all summer are still the perfect choice for a weekend get together with friends. Here you can again a blazer style jacket or go for a pretty boucle style collarless jacket for a classic elegant style statement. Something like the Bonmarché Textured Classic Jacket is a pretty additional layer.

A walk in the park

Days strolling with the dog in the summer are full of relaxed cropped trousers and tees. When it comes to autumn the days can be a bit cooler and certainly there is more chance of a spell of rain. It's not always cool enough to make the switch to chunky knits but an extra layer to keep out the wind and rain will be a welcome extra layer. A lightweight parka such as the Bonmarché Metallic Lightweight Parka will work with your crops or jeans easily.

A night on the town

There are some gorgeous relaxed waterfall and kimono style jackets available these days and they are the perfect cover up for a night on the tiles with your friends or a romantic date with your partner. Why not throw one of these on over smart summer Capri trousers and a pretty blouse? The David Emanuel Soft Waterfall Jacket is a pretty and bright choice. Add a pretty scarf or wrap for extra warmth when you leave the restaurant or pub too.

Autumn nuptials

Not everyone gets married in the summer and for autumn weddings there is the extra challenge of having to prepare for cooler weather. Your favourite summer wedding dress can still serve you well right into autumn. A tailored jacket is a perfect layer up for autumn weddings. It offers a formal look as well as adding curve appeal with its nipped in waist. A softer alternative to a jacket is a smart jacket style cardigan knit so consider these as well.

A weekend away

When the schools are back in for the autumn, it's the perfect time for the rest of us to take a quick getaway. So many more of us these days are making the most of everything Britain has to offer when it comes to holidays that a long weekend in the Lake District or exploring the stunning countryside in Scotland for example is just the ticket to enjoy the autumnal colours as they start to come in. Don't let the slight chill in the air put you off your exploring when a smart fleece or gilet can add that extra warmth you need. They look great with the relaxed cropped trousers you've been enjoying all summer and will be just as comfortable come winter with a sweater underneath.

*This is a post written by Sarah Fielding

Guest Post: TKMaxx's hottest winter trends

Hi guys,
If I could list ‘designer-bargain-hunting’ as a hobby, it would probably be right up there, which is why, when TK Maxx asked if they could write a post about some of their favourite winter looks in store right now, I could hardly resist. So, are we in for a treat this season? Let’s find out…

TEXTURE CLASH
From snuggly faux fur jackets to shearling coats, knitted gloves to the softest suede boots, this season we’re teaming tactile textures and layering up in winter’s warmest.

Foxy feet
Contrast fierce black leather and buckles with super-soft shearling or add a seventies vibe to your look with a pair of suede and faux fur knee-highs.

Keep toes toasty with the warmest winter boots.
Brown knee-high suede boots, £99.99. Black wedge ankle boots, £79.99.

Hands up
Look-at-me gloves in a Fair Isle print or classic leather and faux fur will add some winter chic to your wardrobe.
Gorgeous gloves in touchy-feely fabrics – yes please!
Leather and faux fur gloves, £19.99. Black and white woolen mittens, £9.99.

Bag it
Boring bags are a big no-no, up the fashion stakes with interesting prints, textures and embellishment.

Studs, prints, knits – this bag’s a total trend-ticker!
Leather and knitted shoulder bag, £19.99 (RRP £45)

Under wraps
Brrr! Beat the big chill with this season’s chicest take on cosy. Pop on a shearling number or a bright faux fur for maximum warmth, maximum wow.


Make some sweet savings on hundreds of winter coats.
Shearling coat, £79.99 (RRP £199). Purple faux fur jacket, £19.99 (RRP £55).

The items featured in this blog were found at the TK Maxx store, Charing Cross Road. Remember, there are fresh deliveries every day, so you’ll always find something new every time you visit. Go to tkmaxx.com to find your local store and to shop online for more of this season’s fashion.

Shoes, shoes, shoes...and matching bags?

Hi All,

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I know it's very old fashioned, but I like nothing more than a matching shoe and bag combo, I think it adds a certain glamour to the plainest outfits. Now I know that I should really be wearing bright pink shoes with an orange dress and a blue bag, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Sadly for fashion I am my mother's daughter and I even match my make up to my outfits. I've tried to be cool and do the whole "thrown together" look but I just can't!

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Before you all dismiss me as a fashion heathen have a look at the images and tell me that matching shoes and bags don't look lovely!?

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I am trying, and you never know, but a little perseverence you might see me with a neon green clutch bag and purple shoes a la colour blocking trend.

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Until then...I think I will stick to matching, it is what my mummy would want to see!

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Amie x