Guest Post | How to Get the London Look

Recently, Sarah Atkinson from London Boutiques, who offer a selection of womenswear brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Acne and Preen contacted me about writing a guest post for you. She suggested writing about 'How to get the London look'. I really liked the sound of this as I'm moving to London next week and I thought it would definitely be something that you would all enjoy reading. So, without further ado, here's the piece!

Whilst we all take inspiration from fashion trends from all over the world, there is no denying that the look most of us love the most is our very own London city vibe. London fashion trends provide garments that we can wear with confidence and pride. If you are a British babe and proud, then let the world know it! Show off that polished city look with the edgy finishing touches that make London fashion one of the best in the world.

So, how do you rock the London look? Let’s find out...

Rounded sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses have become a must-have for every single London lady. They are sophisticated, glamorous and stylish. As of late rounded sunglasses have really soared in the world of fashion. They are undoubtedly the top style accessory for 2013. They fit into the London look perfectly due to their rock ‘n’ roll edge. Rounded sunglasses were a popular fashion item for the late John Lennon. You can just imagine wearing these whilst you kick back in the sun and listen to some tunes by The Beatles.

Leather

If you don’t have some leather in your wardrobe then you can’t claim to have the true London look. From leather boots to leather skirts to leather jackets; we love it all. And don’t worry; you don’t have to go for full on biker chick to emulate this trend successfully.

Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans are a style staple for all. This garment is extremely versatile; it can be worn again and again to create an array of different looks. Team with grungy ankle boots, a satchel, and a buttoned up white blouse for a casual glam look. Finish off with letterbox red lipstick and a high bun. Dress up with a pair of barely there stilettos, a chiffon top, sweeping long curls and an envelope clutch for evening glam. When buying a pair of skinny jeans you should definitely invest in quality. After all, this is a piece of clothing you will get a lot of use out of. Buy a designer pair such as those available from London Boutiques.

Satchel

Satchels have grown in popularity over the past few years and are now well and truly ingrained in British style. They have a studious feel to them, yet they are not merely appropriate for workwear. A satchel bag can offer the perfect way of adding a quirky edge to day attire – especially if you opt for one in a bright colour.

Dr Martens

This is definitely the footwear of choice for any London girl. British style is well known for taking pretty trends and edging them up to create the perfect balance. Dr Martens present you with the opportunity to do this. Team with denim hot pants, a bralet and a daisy chain for the perfect festival look.

Summer & Holiday Essentials

I wanted to post about something that involved lots of colourful and cheerful photos today, seeing as the weather's been so awful here in the UK for the past week. I'm off to Morocco for a week tomorrow and it seems like a lot of you are off on holiday too so I thought I would share my summer and holiday essentials. 

Starting with sun cream, I like the Hawaiin Tropic range and this year i'm using the Sheer Touch Lotion which smells gorgeous and as well as protecting your skin is incredibly hydrating. I will also be taking the Garnier Golden Protect Shimmering Protection Lotion on holiday with me. This smells equally as lovely and gives your skin an instant glow, enhancing your tan as it is enriched with Monoi Oil and pearl shimmer (apparently).

I love the Body Shop Cooling Foot Sprays, especial the peppermint one. This is great to spray onto aching feet after you have been sightseeing or walking around in the sun. As well as using sunscreen on my body I also apply Boots Soltan Lip Balm to my lips as it has an SPF of 30. 

After Sun is another essential because after applying loads of sunscreen I still always seem to get burnt, even if it's just slightly on the shoulders or nose.

I always like to paint my nails a lovely bright colour when I go on holiday. I love using Barry M Nail Paints because the shades are so vibrant and summery and they last a good few days without chipping.

I probably won't take any of these with me on holiday because i'd be afraid of them melting but the Revlon Lip Butters are great for sumer. Especially brighter shades like Tutti Frutti. 

One thing I will be taking is my Travelo, filled with a fruity fragrance. These atomisers are great because you can decant your favourite perfume into them and they are the perfect size for the plane. 

Victoria's Secret Good Day Sunshine Body Spray is such a good fragrance for summer, it's so fresh and floral. 

Avène Eau Thermale is a recent purchase and I thought it would be perfect for taking away. It will be so refreshing when travelling and is also good for things like sunburn. I may even do a review on it when I get back from holiday, after it's been put to the test.

I can't seem to go anywhere without taking an Antibacterial Hand Gel and Sweet Pea is one of my favourite scents from Bath & Bodyworks. These are great for travelling and using on the go, especially if you are travelling around a city. 

I bought this little lime green Topshop Handbag recently because it's the perfect size to carry around in summer. I hate lugging a huge bag around when it's hot and this little thing is perfect for fitting a few essentials in for sightseeing. 

These are the Rayban 2140 Polarised Wayfarers and my favourite pair of sunglasses. I'm sure none of you would go on holiday without taking a pair of sunnies with you, even if you were going skiing. 

The Tangle Teezer would be great for combing through hair after swimming in the sea or the pool. 

I got these Urbanears Platten Headphones from PC World a while ago because they were randomly reduced to £15 from £50! I haven't seen a pair as cheap since so i'm glad I snapped them up at the time. I always like to have a good pair of headphones to use on the plane. Although, I may end up taking  a smaller pair this time as these might be a bit of a nuisance to carry around and would be uncomfortable in the heat.

I love this H&M Gold Hairband. I always like to have some sort of hairband at the ready when i'm in a hot country to tie my hair up and out of the way. 

What do you usually take on holiday with you during the summer?

Disclosure: The views expressed are based on my own experience.

Spring & Summer: Style Picks

When it comes to fashion I don't really know what i'm talking about. I guess I do follow trends but I also tend to just wear things that I like. Anyway, i've bought a few new pieces to add to my wardrobe for spring and summer so thought I would share them with you! 

The Ray Ban Wayfarers 

I can't recommend these sunglasses enough! I got them for my eighteenth birthday and I know that they will last for years to come. They also go with everything.

The Topshop Flatforms 

I posted about these recently so won't talk about them too much. They are great because they make any casual outfit look a bit more dressed up.

The H&M Blouse from their Conscious Collection 

I really like this collection but this is the only piece I own from it. This one in particular is perfect for this time of year. The price was also amazing at £9.99 which is great because it looks a lot more expensive than it was. It buttons right up to the top but can just about be worn with the top button undone. 

The H&M Trousers 

I picked these up in the sale a couple of weeks ago. They were half price so ended being about £8 which is amazing for trousers. So amazing in fact that I also got a printed pair too. I usually only wear jeans or jeggings but like the smarter look of these trousers. 

Have you bought any new pieces for spring and summer? 

Disclosure: The views expressed are based on my own experience.