WEARING ANNA LOU OF LONDON

As a blogger, there's no bigger buzz than when a brand you're a fan of gets in contact with a request to collaborate. I don't think I will ever become jaded about that aspect of the job. So when Anna Lou of London got in contact recently to ask me to be a brand ambassador, I was a super happy girl. For those of you unfamiliar with them, ALOL is a British jewellery brand which specialises in bespoke pieces. But unlike many jewellers, Anna Lou's monogrammed pieces are affordable, offering a luxe personalised touch at a great price. The brand also retails costume jewels in eye-popping brights manufactured in perspex for a kitsch-chic look. As a brand ambassador for ALOL I was tasked with picking five pieces from the site that reflected my personal style. 

A NEW SUMMER 'DO AT HEADMASTERS

It’s crazy to think that just over a year ago I was a brunette (remember when I used to look like this?). Fast-forward to 2014 and I am celebrating my auburn anniversary, having never looked back. I’m a pretty low maintenance kinda gal (although my boyfriend might beg to differ…) so a flaming red do works for me - I think it makes a style statement with minimal effort on my part in between salon appointments. My cuts and colours are the work of the follicle wizards at Headmasters, whom I trust implicitly with my barnet.  A couple of weeks ago I visited their Soho branch for a little summer refresh with Gareth from the Art Team, here’s how I got on:

The before

WEAR-FOREVER SALE BUYS

Is it really possible to find investment buys in the sales? I have to be honest - not often - I had to scour the internet to create this blogpost. But occasionally, you uncover an amazing gem, a great example being the polka-dot Sophie Hulme trench coat below, reduced by an amazing 70% from £545 to £163 at Avenue 32. Polka dots are one of the few, enduring prints that never-date. I know, I know, a polka dot trench might seem like quite a wacky buy - but in reality it's as wearable as they come. Use it to add interest to jeans + t-shirt ensembles or clash it with florals and stripes J.Crew style - in fact, I can't think of many outfits a hint of polka dot doesn't enhance. Likewise striped styles are great sale buy - I love Chinti and Parker's subtle twist on a breton tee with the addition of a cute heart motif. A classic leather bag is an investment you will never regret, and the Jaeger sale is full of them. Don't be scared to inject a bit of colour, a pop of pink livens up most colour palettes and will take you through autumn/winter. Have you invested in any bargains in the summer sales? 

Top row from L - R: Sophie Hulme polka dot cotton trench, Avenue32, was £545 now £163. Polka dot espadrilles, Penelope Chilver, was £85 now £45. Stripe miniskirt, Reiss, was £95 now £65. 

Middle: Acetate sunglasses, Kenzo, was £185 now £92.50. 

Bottom row L - R: Organic cotton stripe tee, Chinti and Parker, was 385 now £51. Rose gold and diamond star pendant. Astley Clarke, was £850 now £500. Large Lawrence bag, Jaeger, was £199 now £150 - £99.