Summer colours

By Sarah Redman

This lovely little post contains a few outfits for my friend Georgia’s (of Life’s little Ponderings) 20th birthday!

I am loving this sunny weather and so are my girls. So for G’s birthday BBQ and night out we all chose summer brights for our outfits – sorry there are no full length photos (we may have been more focused on the Pimms than the photos).

From L to R: Sarah Redman, Alicia Berman (AB), Georgia Plummer (GP)

I wore my new patterned crop top from New Look (Blue Tribal Print Crop Vest £5.99), AB wore a simple red cami from Miss Selfridge, while birthday girl GP wore a yellow tee from ASOS (Petite top in texture £22.00) and stunning a statement necklace from Zara (retailing between £19.99 & £29.99).

My outfit was completed with a nude body con skirt from H&M and wooden chunky heals from Clarks. AB wore a white skort also from Miss Selfridge (Origami skort £30.00) and her shoes were nude heals from Russell and Bromley. GP competed her look with a floral patterned skort from ASOS (Premium skort in bright floral £35.00) and some awesome wedges from Topshop (Wish Buckle Espadrilles Black £42.00). Yes they are on my wish list so I knew them straight away!

How are you styling your looks this summer? Is the brights trend for you? Let us know and leave a comment below, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

My new favourite outfit

By Sarah Redman

This year I decided to avoid the sales as much as I could. I took one look at my wardrobe and thought seriously this needs a clear out. Frankly, that bright idea of mind is still sitting on my to do list, but I have done what I consider to be very well in the sales. With only two clothes purchases and one pair of shoes… and a little bit of make-up. But in fairness Boots had some kind of major reduction flash sale just as I finished work… would have been rude not to really.

My new favourite outfit comes from a couple of different places. My first sale purchase was the shoes, with my collection hovering around the 60 pairs I figured one more pair couldn’t hurt. I was right my lovely new Nine West courts definitely don’t hurt my feet! I found these lovelies in the Fenwicks sale for £39.00 reduced from £125.00.

My second sale item is this lovely burgundy pencil skirt from Dorothy Perkins, actually bought on my lunch break whilst I was shopping for someone else but it was just sitting there in my size for a tenner. So I snapped it up and even got student discount on my sale purchase – bonus.

The last addition is a staple black t-shirt. This is a H&M number I’ve had for a while, although it hasn’t seen many outings. I first bought this in a cream at the beginning of summer and wore it to death, so at the end of the season thought a black version would come in handy for Autumn/Winter. I love the subtle detail of the mesh shoulders and around the neck, this tee also has a gold zip running from the back of the neck through to the end of the mesh.

Finally I accessorised with black opaque tights as its winter and there is some serious chill in the air right now. Alongside one of my amazing Christmas presents from my parents, my gold chain and black rope statement necklace.

Unfortunately I can’t find my mum’s camera anywhere and for some reason this was the only one in use the night of our belated New Years gathering with old friends of the family, so no photo’s of me on the night! Sorry, although I will post an update when I find a decent photo – or even wear this outfit again.

Did you like any of my sales purchases? Or would you have styled this differently? Leave a comment below, Tweet us @thesarahsblog, or comment on our Facebook page to let us know.

Throw Back Thursday

By Sarah Redman

#ThrowBackThursday

Here is the studded shoulder of my favourite Topshop Jumper from Autumn / Winter 2012. I have dragged it back out for another season, its so warm, totally oversized and snuggly – despite the studs!

I have been rocking this look with skinny black jeans (ASOS) and black suede boots (Hoads), I chucked my pleather jacket (H&M) on to battle the cold and wacked out the dry shampoo (Batiste) and top knot.

Have you got any winter wardrobe staples from last year? Let us know and leave a comment below or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

Hoads fashion event photos

By Sarah Redman

Now this is a post I have been meaning to do for ages, but to be honest uni deadlines have been crazy and somethings have just taken a side step. But two essays done and i’m back and blogging, so I thought I would share my photography for local Sevenoaks shoe store Hoads‘ first fashion evening.

Hoads is an independent shoe store which is over 110 years old; with shops in Sevenoaks (Adults and Children), a shop in Deal and also one in Wandsworth, London. They pride themselves on excellent customer service – you can count on the assistants going the extra mile to help you with whatever you need, from a heel grip to a stylish boot that still works with orthotics. I have so many pairs of shoes from here, rather recently two pairs of gorgeous boots – posts coming soon!

Check it out: There is also 20% off selected party shoes instore and online while stocks last!

Their first free fashion evening was a great success, complete with goodie bags, champagne, chocolates, clothes and shoe shopping. What could be better?

You can also have a look at more of the photo’s from the event on their Facebook page HERE or check out their blog post Our Fashion Event with Devine Clothing for more information on the evening.

You can follow Hoads on Twitter @hoadshoes Like them on Facebook at Hoad Shoes or Instargram HoadShoes for exclusive product updates. Why not join their mailing list HERE

Have you been to Hoads or do you like the event pictures? Let us know and leave a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

Affordable Autumn

By Sarah Redman

I don’t think i am necessarily known for my budgeting, most probably due to the size of my shoe collection, however now the uni term has started the realities of paying rent, bills and on top of that the food shop have meant i’m doing my best to curb any excessive expenditure.

Being as i’m studying journalism i put magazine purchases under ‘course materials’ in my budget, so i have been keeping up with the autumn / winter trends. I have mentioned in previous posts that the oversized jumper is here to stay. Personally i think it is just the fashion industry realising last winter was just too cold and went on way too long, so have given us the oversized jumper for this season.

One of the big colours on the catwalks for autumn / winter 2013 was burgundy, the rich wine colour can immediately give your look a winter appeal. So i thought why not combine these two trends into one with my last purchase before i left for uni.

This burgundy jumper with shoulder patches is actually a men’s jumper, but for £16.00 from F&F Tesco’s i couldn’t resist the size small (just roll the sleeves up and you are good to go). The brown suede patches on the shoulders, differs from the usual elbow patch style seen on many knits last year. Unfortunately for me this jumper is now in the sale at £12.00, but on the upside it does also come in a rather nice navy blue.

Have you got any bargains recently or found something you love in the men’s section? Leave a comment and let us know or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

Weekend Haul: TK Maxx

By Sarah Redman

I have noticed quite a few ‘shopping haul’ posts on the blogs I follow recently, so thought i would try my hand at it too. This weekend, due to a last minute change of plans my boyfriend surprised me by coming down to Bournemouth to visit. As we are both shopaholics of course we ended up heading to Castle Point shopping park to have a quick nose around. Otherwise known as a walk to get some fresh air, that, a few hours later and with our bank accounts a few pounds lighter!

The TK Maxx at Castle Point, Bournemouth is great – absolutely massive and with lots of great discounts as only TK Maxx can do. I must admit I was very good for me, sticking to one purchase, where as Josh decided to get some great investment pieces.

Leather jacket: DNR (Donar New Recreated, also known as Donar) – £150.00 (Down from £250.00)

Jumper: Tokyo Laundry – £19.99 – Sedgefield 

This wool blend jumper has definitely grown on me, when he first picked it up i would have never have pegged it as his usual style, but i have always loved a nice warm over-sized jumper and as luck would have it that is what is needed to complete your autumn / winter 2013 wardrobe – the colours really suit him as well. His other purchase is a really fantastic leather jacket. I personally think a leather jacket is a great classic staple for any wardrobe and if you invest your money wisely and get a real leather jacket rather than the imitation leather found so often on the high street, the jacket will last you years. Don’t get me wrong i will pleather with the best of them – i’m still holding out for the perfect leather jacket. Josh’s jacket is 100% pig skin leather, its got a great worn leather look already and it very soft, whilst still durable. The jacket comes with a detachable furry liner, not shown, (personally i think it makes him look like an old fashioned aviation pilot – but i love the versatility aspect).

Coat: Gharani Strok London – £33.99 (Down from £120.00) Blue textured fabric

Jumper: Besh 5 – £14.99

Jumpers and coats seem to be the theme for this shopping trip. However, the coat was a previous purchase i never blogged about. I love this coat and have a had it for a few weeks now, it has been great on the handful of cold days we have had. The design is very simple and the cut is elegant, so it can be dressed up easily or can work well for everyday wear with boots, jeans and a jumper. The coat is light, yet warm – i love a cuddly jumper so went up a size to make sure i had the room – due to the streamlined cut it doesn’t look too big or frumpy. Bonus. This jumper is pretty much the spitting image of a shirt dress by Mary Katrantzou at Matches that i fell in love with, this is just a way more affordable version for a student! It is combined with the sports jumper style, making it versatile and paired on black; a statement print.

Have you ended up with a bit of a haul after a shopping trip? Or are you getting your winter wardrobe sorted? Let us know and leave a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

Mum’s the word

By Sarah Redman

I have always loved my Mum’s style, although sometimes I have steered her in the right direction, but I remember watching her get ready for a night with the girls or a dinner party in lovely dresses, pretty jewellery (which I subsequently raided her jewellery box for) and of course the high heels – no wonder I’m obsessed with shoes, I was just at the right height to raid her wardrobe!
Here she has a great smart casual style going on for dinner with the girls. I love the top and tapered trousers with the summer pumps, a really great take on a smart casual summer dinner look.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Top – Hobbs
Trousers – Miss Captain
Shoes – Lisa Kay
Jewellery – Triwa (watch) – Dominic Walmsley (rings) – Cohen (Ring)
Glasses – Ralph Lauren
Make up – Clinique Chubby Stick – Grandest Grape 08

Is green the new blue?

By Sarah Redman
Well it might just be, at least for this year… Because let’s face it, we can’t seem to escape that elusive bathroom blue them (sometimes complete with those rubber duckies), so why should it be any different for swim wear which is just as closely associated with water?
Maybe it’s just a passing trend or I have green visors on, but I am loving a touch of the good old grassy colour on swim wear this year.
The boyfriend is also loving his green, with his new polo Ralph Lauren swim shorts.

Whilst I am more influence by the H&M Beyonce advertising campaign with my green tie dye bikini.

(Sorry about ethe picture – I’m not as body confident as the boyf!)
Have you branched out this year for your swim wear? Let us know and leave a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

Prom styling

By Sarah Redman
Now I am having a bit of a moment as i am feeling a tad old, having watched my sister and her friends get ready for their year 11 prom the other evening. But on the upside I though I would share with you how one group of friends can be so diverse in their outfits yet still all look fabulous. So here they are with a glass of Martin Asti #yum all looking lovely:
I asked each of the girls to choose a favourite part of their outfit (and if they couldn’t choose I was quick to tell them what I was loving!) so below are their outfits and my featured favourite bits.

Grace Redman: Gold bow detail shoes (Forever 21)

It is no secret that the right pair of shoes can make an outfit, this was certainly the case for my sister – we had months of trying to find the right shoes and then the bag to match! But in the end she went for these lovely gold ribbon shoes. I really like these which follow the metallic trends, but are a little different to the usual covered in glitter heels.

Mimi Marshall: Back detail blue lace dress (Xenia)

I am really loving the low back on this dress, complete with bow detail, I think it is a really refreshing way of showing some skin in an understated sexy way. I also love the pop of colour, very summery, which is a nice difference to traditional prom colours (and great with matching shoes – forget the bag, matching shoes and dress is where it’s at).

Freya Edwards: Colour block maxi dress (Gas Station)

Whilst this dress is a colour block maxi, which i think is great as it is a bit more daring than the usual prom dress, in the main photo the skirt of the dress does in fact look tie dye. This is thanks to the dappled light coming through the trees in the garden- meaning just by standing in the right place you can work two trends in one dress. Genius!

Emmi Palmer: Floral bracelet / ring combo (Miss Selfridge)

It is no secret I love a good bit of jewellery, however the whole ring / bracelet combo thing is something i have never really tired! So to see this lovely bracelet give the outfit a little something extra was great, a subtle approach to prom jewellery which i sometimes find a little too blingy for my tastes (and it looks awesome with a champagne glass!)

Ella Spencer: Navy diamonte back detail maxi dress (AX Paris)

I am absolutely loving how elegant this dress is, I have never bought from AX Paris before but this dress has definitely inspired me to have a look if I need something nice for an occasion. Again this has the great back detail, but this time with navy diamanté across the shoulders.

Ciara Murphy: Red patient platform ‘Dorothy’ shoes (Call It Spring)

I love the Call It Spring range of shoes and got rather excited when they became available in the UK. I have nicknamed these shoes ‘Dorothy Shoes’ simply because to me they are. I love how shoes can become a statement and completely change an outfit. These shoes are ticking many style boxes in patient and platform – but goodness knows how Ciara managed to walk in the all night!

Have you been to a prom recently or got an occasion coming up? Will you be channeling any of these styles? Let us know and leave us a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

Grace Redman: Dress (Miss Selfridge), Shoes (Forever 21), Bag (Accessorize), Make-up (Bobbi Brown), Tan (Sienna X – shade 8)

Mimi Marshall: Dress (Xenia), Shoes (New Look), Jewelry (Pandora), Nails (Barry M), Tan (Loreal Paris)

Freya Edwards: Dress (Gas Station), Shoes (New Look)

Emmi Palmer: Dress (ASOS), Shoes (Miss Selfridge), Bag (Miss Selfridge), Jewellery (Miss Selfridge), Tan (Tipz’n’Toez)

Ella Spencer: Dress (AX Paris), Shoes (Dorothy Perkins), Bag (Dorothy Perkins)

Ciara Murphy: Dress (BooHoo), Shoes (Call It Spring – Available at Debenhams & ASOS), Bag (Very), Jewelry (Pandora), Make-up (Benefit & Bare Minerals), Tan (Sienna X)

The golden triangle

By Sarah Redman
I haven’t done a ‘What I Wore Today‘ post in a while, so I thought I would share today’s outfit. My outfit is made up of some golden oldies found in the back of the wardrobe / jewellery box.

In accessorising this outfit has centred around ‘The Golden Triangle’. I’m not a matchy-matchy person, but I am a shoes and jewellery person, so it was only a matter of time before they matched!

Shoes: I love these shoes, they are the most comfortable heals I own (shown by how battered they are!) these are from the wonderful Clarks. I have always associated this brand with comfy shoes, but last year I really noticed how fabulous some of their pieces are – even if I can’t bring myself to replace these beauties.

Jewellery: In sorting out my jewellery box I have found these lovely gold triangle matching earrings and necklace from Dorothy Perkins. I got these in one of their end of season sales where all their jewellery is really discounted #Bonus I’m never one for matching jewellery but I love how these pieces have a little bit of quirkiness about them, but are still nice and simple.

Bag: This is the first preview of my beloved holiday bag. Last year I went to France and completely fell in love with the woven bags sold at the markets (great for carrying all the fresh fruit and veg home… And I have actually done that, but when I wanted stuff for a smoothie from Waitrose!) so this year I finally came to a decision about which one I wanted. They come in all different shapes and sizes, not to mention colours – the stalls always look beautiful. But I decided understated and versatile would be best for me.
Finally, my jeans are this season Gap, whilst my jumper is another oldie but goodie from H&M. This jumper is great it is really comfy and so versatile – H&M have done it again! My nail polish is the new Clinique ‘A Different Nail Enamel‘ in Hi Sweetie. I also thought I would share a little pic of my hair, loving my new hair care routine as my hair is easily styled like this even freshly washed! *new post coming soon*

Does your outfit ever centre round your accessories? Let us know and leave a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog