MY FAVOURITE SUMMER FASHIONS
Halter Neck Maxi Dress
In the words of Bob Marley “The sun is shining and the weather is sweet.” This blog includes some of my favourite summer fashions from dresses to shorts, wellies to sandals, all things colourful, bright and beautiful.
Starting off with the maxi dress, everyone women’s must have item. What I love most about maxi dresses is there availability to all, no matter what size or shape you are everyone can look great in a maxi dress and they also serve multiple purposes. Whether you need a lightweight dress for walks on the beach or something more glamorous for a party maxi dresses are the ideal item for all.
Choosing maxi dresses can be quiet difficult, because of their popularity there is now hundreds of different styles and fits to choose from. Look at my top 10 maxi dresses to find one right for you.
New to this summer are crop tops, thanks to Topshop we have all got back on the crunches and sit-ups to get the ultimate flat stomach. Still need convincing that showing off your midriff is sexy well ladies crop tops are a massive hit amongst the celebs this year and perfect for the festival season. Mischa Barton was snapped in this belly- baring edgy look with black smokey eyes and studded heels.
Again due to the popularity in the return of the crop top there are now so many different styles to choose from. You can also layer the top and team with a plain vest top underneath or boob tube. Here are some of my favourite styles from high street brands Topshop, New Look, My1stWish and Miss Selfridge.
Ladies Crop Tops
Printed Playsuits from Asos and My1stWish
Another summer favourite is the all-in-one, whether its festival fashion or urban style office wear, high street playsuits are appearing in all trends and look books for the summer. Paired with wedges or pumps they give the ultimate cute look to any outfit. This staple piece must find its way into every girls wardrobe, I surfed the online shopping world for some best buys!
Outfits sorted another major department in fashion is hair care, when summer strikes new hair styles come out in their masses. A massive hit this summer are two key looks ‘the braid’ constantly being sported by Cheryl Cole on her casual days and ‘the beach wave’.
Cheryl Cole and Kate Hudson
Whether it’s the French braid or two simple side braids this look is perfect for summer as it keeps the hair off your face, this style is style is simple yet extremely feminine! All the celebs have gone crazy for the casual summer braid and with so many different ways to braid your hair the looks are endless!
Let your Aussie side out and give yourself a complete beach makeover, the beach waves hairstyle is one that will never go out of fashion, It’s sexy and pretty and so easy to achieve, simply apply gel to the hair and loosely French braid or plait for the day (or overnight) and then let it down in the evening. If your hair is naturally wavy simply apply moose to the hair when wet and leave to dry naturally. No-one does this hairstyle better than Kate Hudson.
Hareem Pants
This style of trousers is a massive hit in Spain and Portugal, Britain is going crazy for harem pants! Statement prints are still having their moment and now they’ve made their way into harem territory, these super sexy ladies trousers are bright, bold and beautiful finished with jewel detailing and embellished sequins.
Coming straight from the late 1980’s these classic ‘Hammer Pants’ are a must have for the summer, they are lightweight and easy wearing with elasticated waistbands and tucked in ankle hems. My1stwish has a complete range of new styles in these fabulous genie trousers.
xKelsiex
My Top 10 Gladiator Sandals
Oasis Embellished Gladiator
A massive fashion trend for spring/summer 2009 and now even bigger for 2010 is the ultimate ladies summer sandal; THE GLADIATOR. As the spring months draw to a close and we all hope and pray for sunshine I have hit the virtual world to look for this year’s hottest high-street gladiator sandals. Check out my top 10 finds…
Number 1:
This stunning ladies Oasis gladiator sandal is complete with gold and tan coloured straps and embellished jewel detailing across the T-bar. They are an absolute bargain at only £40.
Number 2:
Miss Selfridge has these stunning ladies vintage style gladiator sandals with a low wedge heel. They are finished in coral suede with lace up detailing. The laces on these gorgeous glads are mad from floral printed ribbon; wear these with light blue denim shorts for a complete vintage look.
BeMyShoe Caged Studded Gladiator Sandals
Number 3:
BeMyShoe is a ladies online retailer specialising in women’s footwear, although they do not have their own website (as yet), they have an eBay shop with thousands of different styles in shoes, boots and sandals. I saw these stunning ladies caged gladiator sandals at the bargain price of £17.99!! Complete with zip back fastening.
Number 4:
Check out these super cute ladies heeled gladiator platform sandals. Available in two colours from Dress and Impress online eBay shop, they are complete with high stiletto heel and platform. These are not your average gladiator sandals however they scream glamour; perfect for all your summer party needs.
My1stWish Traditional Gladiator Sandals
Number 5:
Show off your pedicure in these elegant ladies traditional style roman sandals. Finished in gold with gold jewel detailing they have a zip back for easy wearing and multi-straps across the body of your foot for comfort and stability.
Number 6:
I LOVE finding a bargain and these designer style gladiator sandals are just that! At only £16.99 these gorgeous ladies white and gold gladiators with detailed T-bar strap are ideal when worn with cropped linen trousers.
Cuff Gladiator Sandals
Number 7:
This summer more and more modifications of the traditional gladiator sandal are being created. One of my favourite styles is the cuff gladiator with a complete ankle covering. I found a gorgeous pair of this exact style on eBay, being sold my Public Desire a women’s and men’s fashion store.
Number 8:
I couldn’t have a top ten without featuring a pair of Topshop gladiators, these gold strappy glads with big toe strap and high ankle detailing are ideal for all dresses and skirts. I love the back zip detailing on these gladiator sandals, queue embarrassing tan lines! (EEK!)
Beyonce Style Gladiator Sandals
Number 9:
AS SEEN ON BEYONCE, www.my1stwish.co.uk has the latest designer style gladiators at an unbelievable price, take these ladies gladiator sandals only £16.99, seen on Beyonce’s feet! You actually can’t go wrong with these multi-coloured strap gladiator sandals.
Number 10:
These ladies loud and funky gladiator sandals have detailed ankle straps with jewels, beads, feathers and patterned detailing. Wear with skirts and dresses or knee length leggings for a complete summer look. Make sure you get the best out of these sandals.
xKelsiex
MY 10 FAVOURITE MAXI DRESSES
Summer has officially arrived in the name of all things sunny, bright, colourful and fun!
Ladies don’t miss out on this summers must have item MAXI DRESSES, the celebs are wearing them and so can we. I have scoured the virtual world of fashion to bring you my favourite 10 maxi dresses.
Ladies Mango Maxi Dress
Ladies £70.00 paisley print multi-coloured maxi dress from Mango. This stunning ladies dress has a neck tie bandeau style bust. I think this dress is ideal for women with a small bust size. Wear with cork wedges or flat flip – flops.
Number 2:
Choosing a favourite maxi dress from Topshop was so hard; they have a whole range of maxi dresses. I absolutely fell in love with this racer back Love Slogan T-Shirt Maxi Dress ideal for all your casual summer barbeque needs. Wear this maxi with flip – flops or tan gladiator sandals.
My1stWish Tribal Maxi Dress
Number 3:
My1stwish have a whole host of ladies maxi dresses; check out this stunning Tribal Printed Maxi, available in 3 different colours. This strapless floor length maxi is finished with elasticated bust and tye dye design. My favourite colour is the orange (pictured left.)
Number 4:
So typically Miss Selfridge number 4 features this elegant Floral Layered Maxi Dress. Complete with lace detailing and large rose print floral design. Pair this maxi with a light cream knitted cardigan.
Dress And Impress Lace Maxi Dress
Number 5:
Dress and Impress an online eBay shop that sells some of the hottest women’s clothing at a fraction of the high street price. Look fabulous in this ladies black Lace Maxi Dress. Complete with lace back detailing and a-line stitching, this dress will do wonders for your figure.
Number 6:
Public Desire is another eBay shop that sells this gorgeous ladies round neck Peacock Feather Patterned Maxi Dress. I love the top detailing on this maxi, with small capped sleeves and elasticated neck and waist it is ideal for all shapes and sizes. This website has two different styles of the maxi dress click the link above to see.
Halter Neck Floral Maxi Dress
Number 7:
Ladies floral maxi dress, this stunning floaty maxi dress is available in two different colours. Complete with halter neck tie and jewelled embellishment on the bust. This ladies maxi is only £24.99 and if you buy from the eBay store its free postage and packaging. Wear this maxi with embellished gladiator or thong sandals.
Number 8:
Pretty in pink – I love this Pink And White Patterned Maxi Dress, bound to create a bit of attention! this super cute women’s tube maxi dress is fitted around the bust and then just drops over your figure, ideal for all shapes and sizes, wear with silver sandals or wedges for a complete look.
Aztec Print Maxi Dress
Number 9:
Perfect for this year’s hot summer trend ‘tribal’ this ladies Dress and Impress green maxi dress with Aztec print and bead necklace detailing. Accessorise this floor length maxi with chunky wood jewellery and African style earrings.
Number 10:
Elegant ladies Pink and Grey Flower Printed Maxi. I love the cut on this ladies maxi dress with shoulder straps and bust detailing. This jersey maxi dress is ideal for the summer, dress casually with flat sandals.
xKelsiex
Choosing a favourite maxi dress from Topshop was so hard, they have a whole range of maxi dresses. I absolutely fell in love with this racer back Love Slogan T-Shirt Maxi Dress ideal for all your casual summer barbeque needs. Wear this maxi with flip – flops or tan gladiator sandals.
WELLINGTON BOOTS
There’s one thing worse than festival face, and that’s festival feet. So it’s great that wellies have gone from functional to funky, since becoming a celebrity-inspired fashion frenzy overnight. So My1stWish has come to the rescue, with hundreds of designer-style wellies, keeping you at the top of the style barometer this summer.
As our true British weather makes Festival season less of ‘t’is the season to jolly’, but more ‘t’is the season to bring your brolly’, we’ve selected the best festival fashion fixes to help your tootsies escape the elements. From hot pink to stars, fur or polka dots, our fab selection of wellies have been seen stomping down every runway this season.
Whether you’re meandering through the crowds, or surfing them, you’ll want to look as good as the celebs, so take your pick from their festival favourites, from Kate Moss’s ‘short but sweet’ style to the Kings of Leon ‘long and lean’ look (just check the sizes to avoid a Beth Ditto festival footwear faux pas).
Kings Of Leon
A well-chosen pair of wellies will go perfectly with every outfit, from festival frocks to hot-pants or leggings to jeans, while keeping you high and dry. Pulling them on and off can be good fun – the perfect opportunity to play damsel in distress to your Duke of Wellington.
xKelsiex
HANDS IN THE AIR
As the spring months draw to a close the one thing on everyone’s mind is SUMMER and with the summer sun comes FESTIVAL FEVER! It’s time to grab our wellies and anoraks and head down to some of the liveliest parks in the country.
Tickets arrived and I simply can’t wait for July to come! After attempting to dig out last year’s over-sized sunglasses and family tent I realised that unlike me, many of you will have imploded tents, smashed sunnies and one odd wellington boot…. That is the reason for this blog!
Wembley Stadium (www.guardian.co.uk)
There are 7 weeks and 1 day until Glastonbury Festival 2010, they say it every year but this year is going to be BIGGER and BETTER than ever, marking 40 years of festival greatness the Glastonbury genius’s have lined up U2, Dizzee Rascal, Pet Shop Boys and so much more! In honour of this I have made shopping so easy; simply click here and enter a world of all things WELLINGTON!
With over 100 different styles, colours and patterns there is something for everyone, I have picked out some of my favs….
My1stWish Wellington Boots
What I love about wellies is they can be paired with any outfit and still look cool, Peaches and Kate are sporting super cute mini dresses with a pair and I think they look hot! Then Kelly and Gwyneth have opted for wellies and denim: equally as fab!
Kelly Osbourne, Peaches Geldof, Pete Doherty and Kate Moss, Gwenyth Paltrow all sporting wellington boots.
My1stwish is a one-stop-shop for festivals fun-ness! Not only do they have heaps of wellies but if you’re stuck for a weekend bag to take away with you they have some of the funkiest bags at a bargain price!
Festival Travel Bag
If you’re like me and you tend to fill you bag with booze and snacks rather than clothes and toiletries then this bag is perfect… not only does it have a hard shell to protect your bottles but it is also super light!
xKelsiex
CALLING ALL MEN!
Hello Blog Readers! My 1st Wish has teamed up with leading designers to bring you the latest fashions and trends for men. Fashion novice? Don’t worry I have put together a simple style guide of what’s hot and what’s not for this year’s Spring/Summer seasons.
The inspiration of this blog came about yesterday… sneaky Sunday morning shopping, we’ve all done it, when we should be in bed nursing a hangover but instead we have this instant urge to go out and exercise the plastic! Well as I browsed the isles of The Trafford Centre one thing stood out to me… Sunday shoppers are mostly men!
Okay so ladies if it’s your friend, boyfriend or brother whose wardrobe needs some serious TLC, get them to read ahead… From what you should wear, to how you should wear it and those all important accessories!
“TO THE BOY WHO IS NOT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. SIMPLE, ENTERTAINING, BUT SELF-CONFIDENT AND DETERMINED” (Antony Morato.)
Anthony Morato is a new designer to My 1st Wish we have got key pieces from his new exclusive collection ‘New World’, representing the strong and impertinent man:
Anthony Morato Collection @ My1stWish
Bring out the street in you and get the casual/eccentric look: pair the Antony Morato high top trainers and cassette belt buckle with a pair of loose-fit jeans and a statement tee!
Summer is just around the corner… bright colours and patterns are not just for the ladies. Check out these super fly Henleys t-shirts:
Henleys T-Shirts @ My1stwish
Guys you really can’t go wrong with these t-shirts, pair with jeans and pumps or shorts and flip flops for the ultimate summer look. Remember to check out our super cool shades the number one summer accessory!
My1stWish isn’t just bringing you high street brands we also have designer brands at high street prices!! Let me show off all of our stunning Armani Vs Versace range…. from jeans to tee’s and belts to footwear the combination creation of these exclusive items is made easy!
If it’s good enough for David Beckham it is good enough for you. Sometimes I wish men would take the same attitude as women when it comes to fashion, just because the celebs are wearing it, it doesn’t mean it’s out of your league: especially at the prices offered at my1stwish.co.uk.
Below I have put some of my key fav’s from the large portion of stock we have in…
Armani Smart Shoes
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Versace Polo Shirt
“PRESENTED WITH PRECISION AND IMAGINATION, REFLECTING THE ENERGETIC OUTLOOK OF A MAN TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE” (Emporio Armani).
With more menswear collections appearing on the catwalks of Fashion Week shows all around the world, I’m not surprised to see more male mannequins and window displays taking centre stage in some of our most loved department stores.
Another thing that completely bugs me about menswear fashion is half the time the retailer’s bulk up their mannequins in outfits that no self-respecting male is EVER going to wear…. It’s totally frustrating it gives men a false impression of what fashion is all about! I am a firm believer of comfort over fashion!
In closing I would like to introduce a British designer ‘Boy Done Wrong’, a label aimed directly at the ‘clued up UK boy’. This self-confessed label is bored and uninspired by the shallow trends generated year after year by the fashion industry: they promise to bring you a fresh solid look that play on fresh seasonal colours and clever pocketing. Take a look at some of their key pieces…
Boy Done Wrong @ My1stWish
For more exclusive menswear items designer and high street visit the men’s department of www.my1stwish.co.uk.
xKelsiex
HOW TO WEAR GLADIATOR SANDALS
Gladiators, Roman Sandals, Jesus Sandals and Egyptian Flats… There are so many names going around for this seasons number one summer sandal. I asked myself what is it about the “gladiator sandal” that has got celebrities, designers, retailers and my mother itching to be involved?!
Well it surely has something to do with the fact that they happen to be the comfiest sandals I have ever worn! After going out and trying on over 100 different styles, brands and fabrics, I got thinking… How does one actually get the best wear out of the gladiator!?
3 different styles of glads
The majority of them come with ankle cuff buckled straps and open toe fronts… I personally think these are the best kind to choose when mulling over the different styles. After catching Rachel Bilson sporting these stunning black ones with a mini t-shirt dress I stole the look and headed to a bar in Camden in these Topshop floral glads and a oversize tee hitched in with a belt.
Rachel Bilson and my TOPSHOP glads
My girlfriends loved the look, but I have to say if you’re looking to engage in a bit of male attention then this is not the look for you…. so on the research continues… Until I stumbled across the stunning ever-present Miley Cyrus as she picks up her laundry she is spotted pairing her glads with leggings and a cardi. That got me thinking…. skinny jeans and glads?!?
Miley Cyrus and OASIS sandals
I sported my favourite buy yet these high street white flat sandals with my light blue skinny’s and lace top. I think I have mastered the art of the gladiator, the only summer sandal that will take you from morning till night. Pair with skinny jeans and a casual vest top for day look and add accessories and a lace or halter neck top for a dressy night look.
Make sure you find a pair of glads that not only add the “je ne ce quoi” to your outfit but also are long lasting and comfortable.
Remember to check out www.my1stwish.co.uk we have a huge selection of designer and high street gladiators… shopping never got so easy simply click on “gladiator sandals” and look at our wh0le collection…. Here a couple of my favourites:
Use the promotional code “ESPEMAIL” for free shipping on a pair of my1stwish gladiator sandals NOW!
Bronx Style Gladiators £22.99!!
Full Cuff Gladiator £16.99!!
GET READY FOR COMBAT THIS SEASON!
Attention all trend spotters!
The military trend has been around since spring 2008 and is now back with a vengeance and ready for war in the form of military and combat boots. A-list celebrities; Rihanna, teen diva Miley Cyrus and X-men star Jessica Alba to name just a few have all been seen strutting their stuff while off duty.
Celebs showing their support! Rex Features 2010
Where there is one there is a whole squad, unsurprisingly us Brits were the first in line to wear this long lasting trend, with X-factor star Lucy Thomas giving us her vote on this seasons must have, while Cat Deeley was all smiles wearing her brand spanking new side buckle boots with skinny jeans and a double-breasted brass button military coat.
All smiles in these babies!
Many of you may take offence by these masculine military boots, but I am afraid you will have to get in line and join the rest of the regiment as this new trend is about to hit hard. They have become ultra cool, but for those who have just been reduced to tears, fear not they now come with a killer heels thanks to the lovely Mr. Alexander McQueen, isn’t he nice!
Gorgeous Alexander McQueen military boot!
Military Boot styles this season
- Suede and leather boots
- Embellished boots (Studs, sequins, chains)
- Platform, flat, and chunky heel boots
- Ankle, calf, and over the knee boots
- Buckle, ruffle, lace-up, and shoe boots
If you like the street look then your birthday has come all at once with these distinctive distressed vintage studded boots from My 1st Wish and Free people.
Studded military combat boots.
Doc Martins have been reborn!
However you can’t go wrong with the original Doc Martins the veterans of the grunge era, they just ooze individuality and street style. The 90s are back and ready for action and with Doc Martins being lifelong boots it looks like they will be sticking around for a while! They now come in neon colours, festival boots and funky designs!
If you are worried about breaking the bank you need not worry as My 1st Wish are selling them at a fraction of the price so you can dress to impress on a budget!
Funky Doc Martens!
Celebs such as Amber Rose, Agyness Deyn and Sarah Jessica Parker have been caught red handed wearing this season’s upcoming trend.
PURPLE POWER
The purple fashion trend which made its way to the catwalk in winter 2009 seems to be capturing the hearts of our beloved celebs. This year’s Golden Globe awards and our very own National Television awards were spellbound in a purple haze. The regal colour which oozes wealth, money and opulence is no longer exclusive to the royal family and pop sensation Prince.
Celebs at the Golden Globe Awards. Rex 2010
Shades such as violet, plum, lilac and amethyst have made a show stopping appearance on the red carpet this month. X-factor star Leona Lewis wore a Satin lavender Roberto Cavalli gown which complimented her gorgeous golden skin tone while Damages star Rose Byrne dazzled us with her rich plum Lanvin dress with silver jewellery.
Celebs at The Golden Globes. Rex 2010
From the potent purple of Sandra Bullock’s chiffon Bottega Veneta number to Fergie’s pale lilac Elie Saab gown, the purple tones ruled both the catwalk and the red carpet; but do they rule high street fashion? I will leave you to decide….
Spring/Summer 2010. Catwalk 2010
The spring/summer 2010 collection exhibited inspirational pastel tones from Versace for a more delicate and calming effect. Caroline Herrera paraded an off the shoulder number which was sublimely slimming and Christian Dior never ceases to amaze me with a couture collection to die for, with black satin underwear and purple tulle.
From the catwalk to the red carpet, the colour purple has now made it to our very own high street at clothes shops such as Topshop and online retailers such as Asos and My1stWish. With so many shades of purple to choose from and now at extremely affordable prices there is no reason why you shouldn’t be in seen in purple! Here are a few ideas to get you excited……
Purple examples
Purple pull on jeggings, Topshop, www.topshop.com Kotur satin clutch bag, www.asos.com Purple satin platform peep toe high heels and bandeau dress, www.my1stwish.co.uk
DESIGNERS WORKING THE HIGH STREET!!!
Jimmy Choo for H&M
Christmas is definitely coming early this year as the high street shop H&M, has teamed up with the designer shoe maker to the stars Jimmy Choo to bring a new collection at 1/3 of the normal designer price tag. Jimmy Choo is following in the steps of Karl Lagerfeld and Matthew Williamson who have previously teamed up with the high street store to create their low price point collection. For designer brands such as Jimmy Choo, designing a range for a high street retailer buys bigger exposure among new potential customers. Some even argue that it helps to stop retailers from ripping off their designs. Jimmy Choo has previously sued high street chains including Oasis, Warehouse and Marks & Spencer for copying its bags and shoes. So it’s only right that they take some of the profit back.
Tamara Mellon, the founder and president of Jimmy Choo, who launched the deluxe celebrity brand in 1996, said: “We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion-savvy, street-smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too.”
Jimmy Choo is a brand made famous by the character Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. She was a big fan and in one episode argued a “Woman’s right to shoes”, and she didnt enjoyed being “shoe shamed” after spending most of her income on Jimmy Choo at around £350 each and owning over 100 pairs.
Not sure how Miss Bradshaw would feel about the high street collaboration, however women that have always wished of owning a pair of Jimmy Choo and might have put the dream on hold due to the recession will be queuing on the 14 of November to get their hands on theses designer bargains at a high street near them.
How do you feel about Designers or Celebrities collaborating with High Street stores let us know your views and thoughts.
Kelsie xxx
