LFF OUTFITS: THAT JE NE SAIS QUOI

I like to practise what I preach, so this latest outfit is inspired by my recent post featuring slogan sweaters and midi skirts. 

LFF INTERIORS: JOULES BEDDING

Having lived in bedsits for the past five years of my life, I have got the skill of inhabiting a 'compact' (estate agent speak for minuscule) space down to a fine art. I harbour fantasies of living in a perfectly proportioned Georgian townhouse, with high ceilings, original fireplaces and Chinoiserie paper bedecked walls, but bedsits don’t really lend themselves to this level of grandeur. Instead my London address is a homage to chintz, which works perfectly in a petite and cosy abode. Joules recently sent me the Ruby floral bedding from their S/S collection to review, which fits in seamlessly with the décor of my flat. Inspired by the pretty colour palette of the print, I’ve put together the below moodboard of homeware buys in sherbert hues to spruce up my room for summer. For some inspiration for you home, check out the duvet covers at Joules.com, there’s a beautiful selection for bedsits and grandiose dwellings alike!  

Top row L-R: Hare motif mug, H&M Home, £3.99. Ruby Floral duvet cover, Joules, from £50. Mint green bath matt, H&M home, £6.99. 

Middle row L-R: Ruby floral pillowcase, Joules, £12. Liquid hand soap, & Other Stories, £4. Diamond cushion in mint, Tesco, £10. 
Bottom row L-R: Pantone coffee pot 630, Homecolours.com, £25. Dip dye earthenware plates, Tesco, £15. Pink eat cake for breakfast journal, Liberty, £24.95. 

6 OF THE BEST: COLOUR POP CROSSBODIES

Have I mentioned that I am obsessed with crossbody bags? Perfect for busy tube commutes and running about town, crossbodies are as practical as they are on-trend. I have just bought the gold Boden number featured in this post [expect to see it styled up on here soon] but I am also coveting a rainbow-bright style to contrast against my wardrobe of neutral basics. I am picturing yellow leather + breton stripes / leopard print + flash of emerald green, colourful bags are much more wearable than you think! Here's the LFF edit of the 6 best available now:

Top row L-R: Pink large 'Lawrence' bag, Jaeger, £199. Orange envelope satchel bag, ASOS, £28. Sydney cross body in yellow, Fossil, £109. 

Bottom row L-R: Twiggy crossbody in emerald lizard, Modalu, £79. Berkeley crossbody in purple, Bobelle London, £275. Blue crossbody with large buckle, ASOS, £18.50. 

LFF EDITS: SS14 CO-ORDS

I'm happy to report that SS14 is the season of the practical trend. We have the 'ugly sandal' that is making pavement-pounding a pleasure, the office-appropriate midi length and now the no-brainer 'co-ord' trend. Seen in the Eudon Choi, J.Crew and Henry Holland collections, coordinating separates offer the ultimate easy solution for everyday dressing - putting an end to zombie-esque staring into your wardrobe abyss trying to concoct an outfit at 7am pre-caffeine fix. Unlike a dress, co-ords also offer versatility and can be mixed and matched with wardrobe staples for different looks if you're feeling creative (pair Eudon Choi's jacquard floral skirt with a stripe t-shirt for the catwalk interpretation). If you're on a tight budget, the high street is ALLOVER this trend like Spencer Matthews + any female with a pulse - try Warehouse, Zara and Whistles for the best sets. Here's my edit of the best buys for all budgets and the accessories to finish the look:

£: Top- Bottom Printed crop top, Zara, £25.99. Printed asymmetric skirt, £29.99, Zara.  Nails in Obey, Topshop, £5. Vans true white classic slip on trainers, ASOS, £47. 

££: Top - Bottom Blue palm leaf top, Warehouse, £38. Blue palm leaf skirt, Warehouse, £45. Nude jewelled satin sandals, Next, £30. Atlantis Lapis Flint ring, Monica Vinader, £145. 

£££: Top - Bottom Eudon Choi Mathola floral-jacquard top, Matchesfashion.com, £545. Eudon Choi Centaurea floral jacquard skirt, Matchesfashion.com, £723. Lips in Ohh La La, Topshop, £8. Nicholas Kirkwood zigzag suede pumps, Net-a-porter.com, £510. 

LFF'S LONDON: THE PERFECT DINNER DATE WITH CHINO LATINO

For the latest installment of LFF's London I wanted to highlight a great 'dinner date' venue, and Chino Latino pan-asian restaurant in the Park Plaza Hotel is the chicest I have found in town. Dates don’t always have to be of the romantic variety (I have dined at Chino Latino with both my sister and now my boyfriend); but be it a girls night or a couples affair, they are always best enjoyed in an intimate setting with a great cocktail menu.