OOTD: River Island Bomber & Minty Nike AF

Just here with a quick outfit post! With my hair maintaining a minty shade of green, I'm loving all things green at the moment, so this bomber jacket and these amazing Nike Air Force trainers were just logical purchases. 

I am currently employed at River Island, and a few times a year we get to pick ourselves some uniform, so I was lucky enough to pick up this lovely aztec bomber and this high neck holey vest on my uniform allowance! I love the jacket so much, it's nice and thin, so perfect to wear to work because I won't be too hot, and the sleeves aren't full length either. The print is really lovely, and the fact that it's mostly black and white with just a hint of green and blue means it'll go with most things. The vest top is just something a bit different, the holey material and turtle neck give it an edge on an ordinary vest. I've put this combo with my black high rise Molly jeans, which are just a wardrobe essential, and my minty green Nike Air Force which I picked up on ASOS. I also tried out my NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Stone Fox, and I didn't think I'd love having grey lips this much!! I'll link the items below...

Bomber Jacket | River Island

Holey Turtle Neck Vest | River Island

High Rise Molly Jeans | River Island

Sunglasses | Quay Australia

Trainers | Nike

Lipstick | NYX Cosmetics

Stay sassy x

Ashish AW16 at LFW

I've been following Ashish for years now. This fashion brand is consistently going from strength to strength, year after year. I remember creating a video review of an Ashish show in my first year of uni, I remember the outfits so well despite the time passing, and I remember their Topshop collaboration. Signature sequins are bound to make an appearance, and maybe I am biased, but every single time my socks are blown off. And this, my friends, is no exception. I was absolutely 'wow'ed within the first 30 seconds, and it just kept on coming. So I'll start out by showing you the very first look..

"It was inspired by a box of Crayola actually!" the designer told i-D backstage after the show. "I wanted it to be super-organised colour, but also it's a statement about being multicultural and embracing all the colours of the rainbow," he explained, noting that, "We do lots of diverse castings, but I thought it was quite funny to do one block-colour per girl, head to toe, very literally, and just do a crazy mish-mash rainbow celebration. In the end, I thought it was so beautiful the way it was like a colour wheel".

If you know me, you'll know of my obsession with all things holographic and iridescent, things that shimmer and reflect the spectrum of light. So obviously the Ashish AW16 show was incredibly pleasing in my eyes. It was nice to see the signature sweatpants look doused in a sea of sequins. And the predictably playful slogans such as "Gold Digger" making a brief appearance.

The variety of garments shows inspiration through several decades from the 50's to the present, from swing dresses to ball gowns to mini dresses, from sweat pants to structured sequin-soaked denim, from trench coats to fur coats dripping with sparkling sequins. If I've learnt one thing here, it's that Ashish can cover anything in sequins and make it look incredible.

When watching the show you also cannot help but notice the diversity of the models in comparison with many of the other high-profile catwalk shows. But Ashish is known for making political statements as far as race and diversity are concerned, I recall the SS15 show where black models were exclusively cast. Altogether it just makes for a visually interesting but also inspirational show, Ashish is setting the bar for all to see, demonstrating that the models are there to book.

Overall the show is just incredibly enjoyable to watch. The garments all look incredible, and the models look like they're having a great time in their cotton-candy afros and sparkly get-ups. 

Watch the show here...

Stay sassy x

Sibling: LFW AW16 & RI Collab

Sibling started out as a colourful mens knitwear brand in 2008, but here they are showing off their latest womenswear collection at LFW AW16. The brand has shown consistent growth and development but also sticks to their roots. Throughout the collection, a simple but vivid colour palette makes a statement, along with funky patterned socks, pom pom earrings and a touch of sparkle. I love how fun and bold the designs were, particularly those recurring sparkly star nipple covers, the crazy headgear, and the pattern that resembles brushstrokes which was shown in multiple colours, giving it an artsy touch. You can watch the AW16 show below. I must say though, the only thing that wasn't to my taste was the music, I just found something about it really off-putting, when watching the show I actually muted the video and played my own music. But I loved everything else, I guess you can't have it all!!

On the subject of Sibling, I also wanted to mention their newly-released collaboration with River Island. I actually work at River Island and was really looking forward to seeing this collection and I'm not disappointed. It's exactly what I'd expect in the best possible way, as in there's knitwear, embellishment, print and pom-poms. My personal favourites are the knitted midi dress and the pink patterned denim jacket. If I weren't so poor and we stocked them in our store I'd love to nab those.

Stay sassy  x

Trending: Bomber Jackets | My Top Picks

Jaded London Sequin Bomber Jacket | ASOS
Shop here.

Mesh Bomber Jacket | ASOS
Shop here.

Jaded London Sequin Bomber Jacket | Topshop
Shop here.

Shiny Quilted Bomber Jacket | Topshop
Shop here.

Sateen MA1 Bomber Jacket | Topshop
Shop here.

Badged MA1 Bomber Jacket | Topshop
Shop here.

Denim Bomber Jacket | Missguided
Shop here.

Pink Bomber Jacket | River Island (Mens)
Shop here.

Faux Fur and Tweed Bomber | TDS Hawarden
Shop here.

Bomber jackets are a wardrobe staple for Spring. They're the SS16 must have. They're versatile, practical and stylish. I have scoured the virtual high street to find the best ones so you don't have to.

Above are several bomber jackets which I am melting over. The two Jaded London ones featured are just WOW. Sequin central. Obviously ASOS and Topshop are just stockists and they do have their own website. So if they don't have your size or you'd like a different colour, check out what they've got on there.

You know me, I like things a bit different, not too conventional, so I've also featured a mesh bomber and a denim one, just in case the classic bomber isn't enough to satisfy you. ASOS, Topshop and Missguided do student discount too, so it's always worth looking on those sites if you want to save a few pennies and still keep up with the latest trends.

The nude-y coloured sateen bombers I just love. I saw them both on the Topshop website, I was going to feature just one, however I thought they were different enough that I could feature both. I love the quilted effect on the first one, and the monochrome ribbed trims on the second one. I think the colour would be really easy to wear, they'd both go with pretty much anything, and they're exactly the same price.

Next we come to the pink bomber jacket from the River Island mens section (what?) I have nothing against men wearing pink, but to me this jacket just looks all round feminine. Maybe I'm wrong. But I really like it, I'd definitely wear it.

Lastly we come to a slightly pricier but amazing bomber from The Design Studio Hawarden. I came across this brand on Instagram some time ago, and their jackets are amazing. They incorporate a lot of faux fur into their designs, and their jackets are all unique and amazing. I love that it is faux fur used, so all their jackets are cruelty free, and all their jackets are one-off and handmade.

Stay sassy x

My everyday beauty essentials

First of all this is just what works for me, and I am no expert. I'm constantly looking to fellow bloggers and YouTubers like Zoella for recommendations and guidance with my skincare and beauty regimes. My skin type is oily so if you've got dry skin, not all of these products will necessarily work for your skin type. I just wanted to share what works for me, so if you are looking for something new to try maybe one of these products will take your fancy.

St Ives Naturally Clear Blemish Fighting Scrub

First thing's first, and that's my fave face scrub, the St.Ives Apricot Scrub. I purchased this many months, maybe years ago for the first time because it doesn't contain plastic microbeads, and damn it I care about the environment. If you don't know what I'm on about right now, please follow this link to The Guardian and educate yourself. The scrub contains natural exfoliants and it just works to be honest. It's simple, it's natural and it does the job. No complaints.

 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

Next thing is my must-have moisturiser, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT moisturiser. You can pick this up at Boots, although it's not the cheapest, it is the best I've used. It contains LHAs (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid) to micro-exfoliate the skin's surface as well as zinc to neutralise sebum production and vitamins to prevent sebum oxidation. This honestly makes a difference when you've got oily skin like me, it's a great base for make-up too.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW13

I feel like you may be expecting a primer next, but since my use of primers is so inconsistent and I haven't found one that I can't live without, I'm going straight in to foundation. MAC Studio Fix Fluid is my holy grail when it comes to foundation. I love the full coverage and the long-lasting matte finish. To be honest I've tried a lot of foundations in my time and this is the only one that's up to the task with my oily skin. There are others that I do like, but nowhere near as much as this one.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair

If you're looking for the bargain pick, you've found it. It's the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. It comes in at under £5 and it'll sort you out every time. It covers spots, imperfections and dark circles no problem, blends really nicely and lasts all day, literally cannot fault it.

Benefit Roller Lash

The mascara I put on every day is the same, Benefit Roller Lash. You know when you find something good so you don't care about trying other things, well that's what happened here. I don't really have masses to say about it. When it came out I switched to it from They're Real because I just prefer the formula and the applicator, it's just better.

Barry M Brow Kit

When it comes to the brows, I use the Barry M Brow Kit. It's cheap and it has everything you need. I mean I'm no brow master, but I need to do something because my brows are blonde. When I take off my make-up I pretty much don't have any brows because they are so light. Tinting is great, but actually making the effort to go and get them done is another story. So this has the gel to colour and shape them a bit, the powder to darken them and the light powder to define the edges, as well as a dual ended applicator and some mini tweezers. For about £6 you're good to go, and I'll also say, it lasts bloody ages, I've literally had it for maybe 6 months and I reckon I've still got a couple of months left with it.

MAC Prep + Prime Lip

Lip Primer is the thing I didn't know I needed in my make-up bag until I purchased it. I like to use a lot of matte lip products, whether it's matte lipstick or matte liquid lipstick, I probably own it. The only problem is these products can really dry out your lips, and when this happens no lipstick sits well. MAC Prep + Prime lip primer is my favourite, although I've only tried 2 different lip primers as it's a relatively recent discovery. They just go really well under your lipstick, they make it look better and last longer, and stop your lips from becoming dry or chapped.

MAC Satin Lipstick in Rebel

Lipstick is something which I probably need to do a whole post on, because I live for it. Bold lips are a must. Everywhere and anywhere. But since this is an everyday essentials post, I'll just share one of my favourites with you. It's the MAC Satin lipsticks. These are my go-to if I'm in a rush in the morning, if I don't have time for lip primer then it's fine, I can pop one of these on and they're moisturising enough but not glossy. My favourite shades are Rebel, Captive and Brave.

Stay sassy x

Adidas: Fashion & ethics

I've been a fan of Adidas clothing for some time now. And I'm going to share all my favourite Adidas goodies with you. But first of all I just wanted to talk a little bit about the environment. Last year I wrote an essay entitled "How do cotton production, and the use of hazardous chemicals in the fashion industry, impact the environment and the consumer.", it was a really interesting topic to work on because as a naive consumer living in my own little bubble, it wasn't something I had ever really thought about in depth if I'm honest.

Whist constructing this essay I took a more in-depth look at Adidas as a company, and their practices involving toxic chemicals and cotton production. I chose Adidas because they are a brand who are actively making positive changes to improve the sustainability of production, ensuring that their practices are ethical and environmentally sound, and they are also very open about these topics. I won't go in to too much detail about the importance of sustainable cotton, but you should look into it, and I think it's great that Adidas are committed to using 100% sustainable cotton by 2018, and that other brands like H&M are making similar commitments. There is so much information about the company and everything they are doing regarding these issues at adidas-group.com. There's also a little video by the Adidas Group just below..

I wanted to start with that because I do try hard to do my bit and consider where I'm shopping, even if I don't do it all the time. I know that we are spoon fed the information which others think we need to know via the media, but I think a lot of important environmental issues aren't talked about enough. Anyway, on to the fun. (The fun is the clothes(and trainers obviously)).

I'm going to start with my Superstars, just because they are very new and shiny and sexy. So I recently purchased the Adidas Originals White & Silver Superstar Trainers. Needless to say I am infatuated with them. I mean you can't really go wrong can you, Superstars go with everything. They look great with jeans or dungarees and a tee, vintage wash or black go very well! They're just really good-looking and comfortable and I can already tell I'm going to wear them to death, and I'm okay with that because I can see myself investing in more than one additional pair.

Next is my Rita Ora X Adidas Originals t-shirt dress. This is a few seasons old but I love it nonetheless. I just kind of wish I purchased the matching sliders because that would be a banging poolside outfit right there. I always keep my eye out for the Rita Ora collections because there are always great prints and eye-catching pieces, you can shop her latest Oriental inspired collection here.

Next up is the Adidas tee I picked up in London. It's just really cute. The print in the trefoil logo is very Spring floral and this looks great with high waisted jeans or shorts!

This one is my oldest little baby. I got it from ASOS some time ago and still love it. I love the cobalt blue and the printed panels and the fact it says Adidas in faux leather. This one is just a testament to the quality, I've had it ages and it's still perfect really. It was described as a t-shirt dress though, and it's definitely too short for that! But it looks great with leggings.

This is another that comes under the "t-shirt dress" bracket and once again I'd say it's too short for that! I really like this one though because it is slightly longer and has pockets, pockets are always great. I'm also a fan of the all-over monochrome print. I've worn this one with leggings and also tucked in to a denim skirt and it looks nice either way. Just really easy to wear and comfortable.

I tried to find the link to this one for you because it was a recent purchase, but it must've sold out again on ASOS because it's not there! It might come back in stock though! I literally purchased this just because I needed a sweatshirt, and I wanted a decent one. It goes with everything, I like the 3 stripes going down the sleeves, just on to a winner really.

I've always got an Adidas wishlist because I am a big fan of the brand in terms of the fashionable garments they produce and their ethics, so you're sure to see more Adidas on a regular basis.

Here's a gif of an old brand champion of the three stripes, it's sporty spice!! #GirlPower

Stay sassy x

February Wishlist

So my friend shared an article on facey-b about the new Wedgie Fit Levi Jeans. And basically I decided I need some and it inspired me to do a February wish list. Every clothing website I visit regularly seems to be racking up a list of saved items or the like, so you can just have a look at what I'd be buying right now if my damn money tree would just grow.

We both know the Wedgie Jeans are coming, but I'm going to start with a curveball...

Unicorn Slippers | smokonow.com

How freaking adorable are these slippers though. I saw them and my first thought was "NEED". They're just too cute for life. They're available to pre-order at the moment from an American website called Smoko (smokonow.com). So after reading a article about these I looked on the website and they do loads of other cool and quirky shit. I use the word shit there because it's just stuff you don't need, but it is stuff you want so probably just buy it all...

Pre-order them here.

Oh yeah I forgot to mention they LIGHT UP! Bet you want them now. 

Pyjamas | ASOS.com

Shop the jammies here.

If you're going to get the slippers, you probably need cute pyjamas as well right? I love these ones from ASOS. They just have adorable flying ponies on and look nice and comfortable. I've just never been into this sexy pyjama stuff, give me unicorns and Disney over lacey babydolls any day. If flying ponies aren't your thing, first of all, what is your problem? but second of all you can get donut print or fried egg print too, and if you don't like donuts then I don't even know what to say to you.

Fred Perry Ringer Tee | ASOS.com
Shop here.

When I was originally writing this blog post I was down in the dumps about the fact this tee had sold out because I fell in love, well guess what... it has been restocked! So I'll probably have to get it now. I love the little details and don't actually own any Fred Perry, and with pieces like this, it's about time I started my collection.

Basketball Logo Tee | Adidas
Shop here.

This is "a Trefoil logo tee made of flowy, see-through chiffon" according to the Adidas website. I'm a big Adidas fan, and have a post going up soon about why that is where I'll also show you my collection. This one caught my eye because it's just a bit different, it's an oversized fit and you could wear it just over a bikini on holiday or layered over a tank top like the model demonstrates, or I think even just a plain vest underneath and tuck it into some high-waisted jeans or a denim skirt would look great. I think it'd be really versatile and easy to wear.

Mambo X Emma Mulholland Goddess Bikini
Shop the bikini on ASOS here.

I realise it's only February, but this was on the ASOS "Just Arrived" page the other day and I love it. I love the fact that it looks really comfortable and might actually offer some support (more than those stupid triangle bikini tops anyway). I love the print and the colours and the fact that it says Goddess, because I am a Goddess, obviously. It just ticks all the right boxes for me, and at £45 for the top and bottoms I think it's a great pick.

Adolescent Girl Gang Tee | ASOS
Shop here.

Next is this tee. I just like the colour, and I like what it says. I think I'm just all over this feminist thing. But the modern, motivated, strong, independent woman kind of feminist. I'm loving all this Girl Gang stuff going round, I'm reading #GIRLBOSS at the moment, and if you haven't noticed, I put that "End Girl Hate" illustration that has been floating around Instagram in the bar to the right. I just think we all need to empower each other and be ourselves, and anything that helps us to get the point across is fine by me.

Levi Wedgie Fit Jeans on Kylie Jenner

Wedgie Fit Jeans | Levi
Shop here.

These jeans are supposedly designed to "spread your cheeks a little to give your bum a rounder look." I mean I'm already sold to be honest. That's a polite way of saying that these jeans are designed to make your ass look better, worth a try right? At a whopping £95, they're not exactly the cheapest, however I do think for a wardrobe staple like jeans, you would pay it for a brand you expect quality from such as Levi, so if you're willing to splash the cash when you next need some new jeans, take a look at these, my personal favourite of the three colour options is the "Coyote Desert".

Vans Backpack | ASOS.com
Shop here.

This Vans Backpack is so bloody cute. It's a pastel ombre stripe design and I just think it's really practical and Summer-y. I need a new backpack because mine's so old yet for some reason I'm still using it when I go to stay at friends houses and things, and this one would be the perfect replacement because it's just dreamy.

Lip Kit by Kylie in Posie K
Shop here. (Currently sold out)

I've decided to just throw in one make-up item, despite the fact that I'm pretty annoyed that I didn't get one in the recent release. It's the Kylie Lip Kit! So I've been really wanting one of these for quite some time. In the original release I kind of wanted one but then all the colours were pretty nude-y and I thought I could do without, but then when I saw Posie K and Koko K I was like right I definitely need one. However the release very much annoyed me, I checked the Instagram daily to try to find a release date. Then I came out of work one day and found out they had gone online and sold out while I'd been at work. If Kylie had announced a date and time I'd have asked to go on my break at that time so I at least had a shot but I was oblivious. If you're releasing highly sought after products why would you not release the date and time in advance!! Come on Kylie!!

Nike Plum Fog Air Max Thea | ASOS
Shop here.

This is going to be the last thing I think, because I feel like if I don't end this post I'll ramble on forever. But how could I not put a pair of trainers on my wish list. These Air Max Thea trainers are just cute and girly and pretty. I love this colour way, it's so delicate and feminine. To be honest I love all my Nike trainers and will always be looking for more. I love that they do half sizes that fit my feet perfectly, and when I'm on my feet all day at work I love the comfort. So these babies are on the wish list.

What's on your wish list this month?

Stay sassy x