Brilliant Brooches!

Brooches have been around since before 800 AD and I've only just come to understand their true beauty. You see, with brooches it all comes down to the detail. A brooch can be added as an extra little detail onto a blazer lapel or even onto a bag, but the actual brooch itself holds so much more detail. Take this gold leaf one as an example (from Rockit.) The markings on the leaf are fine and well placed, making the leaf look realistic, but even the curled tip and stem add to the overall appearance. When closely inspected, the little additions to an outfit add to the look you want to give off. I say that brooches need to come back into fashion. I'm not talking big material flowers or diamond encrusted words. To me, it's all about the gold tones and simplistic designs. Here are some of my favourites:

Great Gatsby Fashion.

I have a huge place in my heart for the 1920's, and to hear that the fashion of that very decade is due back onto the high streets in Spring 2012 was a ground-breaking moment for me. I think I may have even let out a squeal or two. I simply cannot wait to get my hands on some embellished tops and flapper style dresses. So, here are a few that I have my eye on already (HANDS OFF!! Just kidding; we can share.. I suppose!).

Favourite Sites: ChicWish

If this little Floral Lace Kimono top doesn't make you instantly fall in love with ChicWish, I'm not sure what will! With it's beautiful pink lace trim and vintage inspired floral pattern, this top will be perfect for Spring 2012, (especially since pastel colours are coming back in) but, as it states on the picture, there's only one left. Now, now ladies, no fighting!

I recently discovered ChicWish when I was looking on Lookbook, and it is now one of my favourite sites to find romantic and vintage style clothes at affordable prices. When I first went onto the site, my first thoughts were "Everything's so pretty!!!!" ... "AND IT'S CHEAP??!?!" Clearly, I was overwhelmed. I hope that it leaves you feeling the same! Here are some of my favourite picks:

(1: Retro Lace Trim Crochet Smock £22.34 2: Lace Trim Collar Floral Dress £30.66 3: Delicacy Triple Layers Tutu in Black £28.74 4: Faux Leather Wool Shorts in Wine by Chic+ £22.34)

"Vintage" Celebs: Kourtney Kardashian

I love Kourtney Kardashian's fashion sense. She always has a lovely retro edge to everything she wears and this outfit is no exception. From the cropped velvet jacket to the huge sunglasses, this outfit looks so classy whilst being extremely comfortable and casual. Copy her style for less with the following key items:

Favourite Sites: Rockit

Rockit is one of my favourite sites for finding cute vintage garments. This site is literally packed to the brim with clothes from the 40's to the 90's, and all of it is in beautiful condition. Throughout the years, I've found it difficult to find truly wonderful vintage garments, (even vintage inspired clothing was difficult to come by) so when I found this site I think my heart skipped a couple of beats. Everything about it makes me love it. It's simple to shop on (select a decade and you're off), it doesn't look all fancy (because it doesn't need to) and it has so many hidden treasures (like this spotty 50's dress - left). Oh, and another great reason to shop here, the prices are fantastic. Just £35.00 for that spotty dress and £45.00 for this beautiful suede and leather backpack! Look below for some of my favourite picks:


(1: Spring Floral Dress £25.00 2: White Blouse with Pearl Collar 3: Lace Collar with Peach Bow 4: 50's Button Through Dress)

50's Shirt Dresses.

I love myself a shirt dress and this one from Topshop is no exception. The Rust colour is beautiful and the buttons are small and delicate, making this dress even more feminine. The thing I love most about shirt dresses is that they slip on so easily, but that's as far as the simplicity goes; they look smart, elegant and fitted in all the right places. Team this one with a matching satchel bag (New Look, £19.99), a pair of brogues (Topshop £30.00), and a pretty lace cardigan (Dorothy Perkins £28.00) and Bob's your Uncle, Fanny's your Aunt, you have a casual daytime outfit at your hands.

P.S. Some Cat Eye sunglasses (for when the sun actually comes back into our lives) wouldn't go amiss, I'm just saying. Plus, these Dior ones are super cute: