RandomRant: Boxing Day.

Boxing Day.

A time for planning out your attack on your favorite high street stores while shop assistants quiver at the sight of the fashion hungry zombies that claw their perfectly manicured hands into the glass doors.

A time for grabbing the cheapest item of clothing and not having a care in the world weather or not it fits or if it’s the right colour for you...(the only thing that’s right is the price)

A time for spending most of your Christmas money without a care in the world (until you realize how much you've actually spent and then panic at the thought of needing money for important things like car insurance or feeding your dog)

Usually for most fashion hungry boys and girls, Boxing Day is one of the most sought after events on their calendars after Christmas. Boxing day morning I woke up to hundreds of emails, once opened I was bombarded with large red text screaming...

'50% OFF IN STORE, BUY BUY BUY! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO BUY! COME DOWN TO THE SALES!' 

My first initial thought was.... no. I actually value my life and personally I do not want to run around a shop like a headless chicken looking for an item that was £50 now £10 to then wear it just to be able to say to your friends "Yeah, you like this dress, I got it in the sale, £10 can you believe it?!" Yes I can believe it, because you look like you have been dragged through the jungle of beaded dresses and neck snapping shoes, there might even be some battle wounds from the woman who took that last size 10 top and 'accidentally' hit you with a wooden hanger when you tried to grab it for your self.

I may be going a bit over the top with my personal thoughts on boxing day sales but to be honest, id rather sit in the comfort of my own home and buy online! I do think its important to try before you buy but I also believe in a comfortable shopping atmosphere where you have at least half a meter of breathing space 360 degrees around you at all times, but hey... everyone can have their own opinions right? Its not called Boxing Day for nothing ;)

 If your unsure about the reasons behind Boxing Day, here’s a link I found with a little information on the days name.

Boxing Day Facts  

Happy Sale Shopping! 

Versace Versace...

Ill never forget the iconic moment in the film 'Showgirls' where Nomi Malone (Elizabeth Berkley) creates an awkward, humorous moment with a mispronunciation of her designer Versace dress.

Versace has come along way since then and with the  A/W frost creeping in, Versace whip our their A/W ready to wear collection with a selection of sharp tailoring, leather textures and some very long boots! 

Check out the images of the collection by clicking on the link below! maybe you might find some fierce A/W style inspiration.

Versace A/W Ready to Wear Collection 

Winter Boot Trend : Metal Heel

I am a huge fan of boots and I don't just save them for the winter, I prefer to wear them all year round and with so much choice and a variety or versatile styles its hard not to! One trend I have been loving in the footwear category is the metal plaque heels. I feel like this style gives boots and shoes a little bit of an edge and makes boots look a bit more tough for the cold winter months ahead! 

Here are my personal favourites and my own collection of the metal heel style so far!....

This first pair I found on ebay, and I have noticed they are becoming quite popular on sites such as Boohoo.com. Every time I wear these I get a lot of compliments so were definitely worth the wait! and the price?... £35!

I think I'm a little obsessed with patent mock croc for AW/13...

These were a purchase / present from America on my graduation gift trip to Texas, I then found out yesterday that the designer Vince Camuto has a range here in the UK! Luckily these ones haven't come out yet over here so they still feel quite special.

Im always looking for details and I love how the Vince Camuto logo is embossed on the metal details of the boots.

These ones were a a bit more pricey due to the real leather and gold details 

£180

Vince Camuto's boots can now be found in House of Fraser and there is a similar design with silver details too, they can be found by clicking here 

Ebay.co.uk

On Ebay there are a few similar styles to the first ones I have at the top of this post and also these beauties too. Some other places to get this look are ALDO, House of Fraser and Boohoo.com.

Happy Shoe Shopping!

All Images created and taken by Nicole Parkes 

First Time Buys...

Over the last couple of months I have become more of an online shopper (mainly because the weather is getting so cold its so much easier to just sit and shop) As much as I love to walk around aimlessly gawping at new styles and trends I have found myself filling up baskets and wish-lists of items that that I want but have not yet purchased! (maybe ill wait till christmas....)
So I decided to venture out of the ASOS box that I was living in and try another online shop. I've been seeing a lot of Missguided advertisements that seem to be pushing me to try the site out and like most first time buyers I didn't want to buy a large amount as I absolutely hate returning items!! After a week of going back and forth to the same pages of clothes I was tempted to but, I finally brought two items to try out.

I decided to go for the basic jersey options called Sweet Deals. These are a selection of crop tops, tunics, bodies, skirts, leggings and playsuits that are very cheap and affordable to complete and layer outfits with. theres hundreds of styles and colours to choose from so I thought it was a good idea to start with these items.

This green body a comfortable jersey material with off the shoulder detail which is elasticated to ensure it doesn't fall down (which would be very embarrassing on a night out..) This comes in a range of different colours and also a shorter sleeve style.

Dominica Value Bardot Bodysuit : £6.49 - Missguided 

Leather Studded Sport Shorts : £16.95 - Forever 21. 

My second purchase was this simple black off the shoulder dress ( I was having a bit of an off the shoulder moment..) Again this dress is a jersey cotton material, its not too thin which is what I was slightly worried about and also being 5ft10, the dress is quite a good length and hangs slightly lower than the front at the back. As a keen believer in versatility, this dress if perfect for day and night and can be accessorised any way you want!

Mirabela Value Bardot Skater Dress - Missguided : £6.99

Quality: Most of the sweet deal basic items are made from jersey material so its comfortable and breathable and also very easy to wash. The fabric was very soft and stretchy making it easy to move around in.

Price: The prices of the items range from £2.99 - £15 which is a pretty sweet deal!

Delivery: There is a large selection of delivery options for the site, UK saver is 1.95,  standard is 2.95 and next day is 3.95 which I personally think is quite cheap! If you are outside of the UK,  Missguided will also deliver to Europe for £3.95 and internationally for £15.95

Promotions: If you are a university or college student , then you should make myunidays.com your best friend when it comes to shopping!,  I received 10% off my orders which is better than nothing.


Overall im really happy with my first buy and also the delivery was super fast! I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about Missguided but I felt the need to try it out for myself. So looks like I have a new favourite online shop, great news for my wardrobe ... not so good news for my bank...

All images taken and created by Nicole Parkes 

Information found via www.missguided.co.uk

ByShona : Handmade Jewellery Wire Collection

As some of you are aware someone very close to me is currently designing and creating some beautiful delicate pieces of fine jewellery for the people who make statements without screaming for attention.

ByShona is a hand made jewellery company creating one off pieces to ensure that you will always have  unique and exclusive designs that no one else has!

Recently she has been creating a variety of rings out of different materials such as copper and silver plated wire and I loved them so much I wanted to show you the results and my favourite pieces.

 The copper designs are a little different. They give off more or a rose gold effect which is quite unusual as I don't come across a lot of rose gold jewellery as gold and silver dominate the scene.

Apart from my horrendous nail polish application, this midi ring is one of my favourites that I have been wearing regularly. When it comes to midi rings I feel that they should be small and delicate as I find it very annoying when your ring stops you from your daily tasks (especially when they get caught in your hair!!). This is so light that sometimes I start to panic that its fallen off my finger. What I love about this design is that it was actually a mistake. Its wasn't meant to be made as a midi ring but it somehow it worked perfectly!

 This beauty is made with copper wire and a large polished Hematite stone. If your into spiritual stones and healing powers, Hematite (or Blood Stone) is actually known for its calming and protective properties within the ancient art of 'Feng Shui'.

(Click here  for more info on the Hematite Stone )

I think the copper designs will definitely stand out with the unusual swirls of metal. There are more designs to display so watch this space for more!! ByShona is currently working on a website and hopefully very soon you can get your hands on a beautifully twisted wire and beaded ring!

All images taken by Nicole Parkes

The last 6 week continued..

So as you are aware I have not been blogging for a while as I have been SUPER busy with work and internships and travelling back and forth from London!! Hectic I know, but I thought I would just post what I have been up to and what I am planning to do for the future.
The last 6 weeks I have been working with a fashion data based brand in London called EDITD. during my time there I took part in maintaining runway coverage, working with their social media communications and I also got to check out all the runway shows from Paris Fashion Week, London, New York and Milan! Which was pretty damn exciting as I'm always looking for new fashion inspiration and designers to research. The company and the people were the nicest I have ever met and I really do hope that I come across more friendly atmospheres like the one I experienced in future.

So after moving back from London I thought about a few things I wanted to do for my blog.
Reviews: so in the past i have been writing about different designers and why I admire their designs but I also want to start reviewing high-street brands and online shops as I feel that the online shopping community is growing, and since I am a massive online shopper myself, I think its time I opened the door to my opinions on the clothes purchased and the places to get some amazing pieces for a small price! ( because everyone loves a good bargain!)

Street style and personal Inspiration: In the future i would like to start making some style inspiration videos and street-style videos as I want to give this blog a little more diversity! (who said blogging was just about writing?)

So that is it for now, I am going to try and do a weekly post as I did before now that I am not running around like a headless chicken!

Nicole
xxx

The last 6 weeks....

So my blog has been pretty empty over the last couple of days and all will be explained soon! Along with some new ideas and content for this blog so keep your eyes peeled for more!
X

Autumn Winter Wardrobe Spice: Aimee Kestenberg

Last week was the last day of summer for Britain (so sad I know) but it doesn't mean we have to revert to the shade of A/W13 and sit in the dark corners looking mysterious. Personally I love A/W, I love to accessories my outfits with a range of adventurous pieces of  statement jewellery and handbags. My recent handbag designer find hosts a range of exciting pieces for an instant wardrobe boost. Aimee Kestenbergs's designs are fun, bold and fearless with distinctive colours and patterns used for every product. As a lover of bright handbags myself I felt the need to share some of the pieces I would love to get my hands on in future. Here are my picks of Aimee Kestenberg's Collection.

Each of the bags are versatile and functional which makes it perfect for any woman who is out and about and on the go.

Alexis

Aimeekestenberg.com

I love this clutch bag design and as its monochrome is can easily be used for any outfit ideas. This bag is great for clashing prints if your not a fan of clashing your top and bottoms.

Tamitha

Aimeekestenberg.com

This Tamitha bagpack is my personal favourite. I love mixing print and colour so this would be perfect for the bold peices. I think its great for A/W13 too as the patten and colours would look great with the darker pieces that the high street offers during this season. I also love the zip detail down the back. Its not your every day bag pack which makes me love this bag even more. The best thing about this design?........

Tamitha

Aimeekestenberg.com

it comes in over 6 gorgeous bright colours including Mustard Yellow, Lipstick Red and this beautiful Cobalt Blue.

Lindy 

Aimeekestenberg.com

The Lindy medium tote is great for everyday use. This also comes in a range of versatile colours with high quality silver hard wear giving the bag a more edgier look. Im also a fan of being able to wear a bag in more than one way. With the two straps you can either hang it over your shoulder or show it off by placing it on your arm.

There has been ALOT of the animal print trend seen all over the catwalks and high-street for A/W13 and with the hard metal finishings, this bag is perfect for spicing up a daytime outfit or making a statement on a night out. I think the use of colours are interesting but for me its perfect as I love the militant twist with the leopard print. 

Want to see more? Check out the website www.aimeekestenberg.com Take a look at her Instagram page too for more designs and inspiration!

IG:aimeekestenberg

All images and information found via Aimeekestenberg.com & Nordstrom.com

My Personal SS13 Accessories

So its near the end of SS13 and I wanted to share my personal Spring/Summer 2013 accessories that I have been wearing! These are a few statement necklaces that are my favourite ones to wear and have been excessively wearing this year! even though i have worn them a lot this summer , it doesn't mean I wont be wearing them next season. The great thing about statement jewellery is that Its timeless, you can dress up any outfit with any bold, bright and beautiful pieces just like the ones below.

This piece is definitely a timeless piece, black and gold can go with pretty much everything in anyones wardrobe. I love mixture of a classic gold chain with spikes, giving the necklace a tough appearance.

This was given to me as a gift but I know its from ZARA. A great place to get statement accessories.

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This jewelled necklace is my favourite out of the bunch. Its bright, its bold, and creates a huge impact when paired with a simple white t-shirt. I love how this can transform a classic outfit.

The detail is gorgeous and I also like how its finished with a rope and not a chain for a more quirkier look. This necklace is from New Look and is still in stores now!

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This is another beautiful necklace from New Look. Its a classic black and white collar inspired piece but with a perspex and jewelled twist.

This piece works well with brighter outfits when you need something subtle but stylish at the same time. I have been wearing this with bold coloured t-shirts and collarless shirts.

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This final necklace is an african inspired beaded necklace , again from New Look. ( There have been a lot of offers on in the store so I couldn't resist! )

The mixtures of colours are amazing and again its completely versatile as you can take it from day to night .

The beading style makes it quite an interesting statement piece which is while i was drawn to it. Its one of the most unusual pieces I have.

I have many more statement necklaces to come which will inspire you to brighten up your basic outfits and create instant attention so watch this space!  

All images taken by Nicole Parkes

Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet : Queen of Quirky Cool!

As autumn / winter is fast approaching it doesn't mean you have to dress bland and cosy all the time! For me, ill be looking for statement jackets teamed with patterned check dresses and bold statement necklaces! And my inspiration for all this? Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet. The collections are packed with statement jackets, dresses and gorgeous printed accessories. The brand is exciting, quirky and original and there are enough highly detailed pieces to keep you entertained throughout the seasons!
Im in love with the styling and the overall looks for these pieces. The fabrics and mix of textiles creates an ultimately chic and sophisticated collection each season as Ms Stacey Bendet's designs are created with impeccable detail.

Photo via AliceandOlivia.com

 I love these printed jeans as I personally feel they can be worn in any season when teamed with a plain t-shirt and a leather jacket or just a simple navy or black jumper over the top. The outfit ideas are endless with the use of colours to use from the print!

Photo via AliceandOliva.com

I think its important for any girls and guys wardrobe to have a staple leather jacket but if you want something a bit more unique, you can go for a statement leather jacket like this one!

Photo via AliceandOlivia.com

 The gold rockstar studded detailing across the front lapels, the shoulders and the back gives the jacket more of a statement look without looking too safe. Gold and black can be teamed with pretty much anything too which makes it incrediably versatile.

Photo via Aliceandolivia.com

This look reminds me of the 'gossip girl era'. I love the tartan print skirt teamed with the aviator styled leather jacket  and the oversized notched lapels makes this jacket more of a statement piece too.

Photo via AliceandOlivia.com

The woven detail of the jacket is stunning and I feel the raw edges complete the jackets over all look.

Now you've had outfit inspiration, how about accessories?

Photo via AliceandOlivia.com

This shoe design is beautiful and I love how there are plenty of designs to choose from including this tartan shoe.......

Photo via AliceandOlivia.com

and this gorgeous striped design! Im a huge fan of the pointed court shoe at the moment.

Photo via AliceandOlivia.com

This snake printed bag goes hand in hand with the gold chains, you can take this bag from day to night which again is perfect as I love any accessory with the ability to be used  24 hours a day.

Photo via AliceandOlivia.com

Printed: Check! , Sequins: Check! , Statement factor: CHECK! This clutch would go perfect with any LBD and a gorgeous collar necklace.

Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet collection is filled with fun so check out the website www.aliceandolivia.com for more gorgeous textiles and mixed prints

They also have an amazing Instagram page: alice_oliva filled with style inspiration and Ms Stacey Bendet's unique style too.

All images and information found via aliceandolivia.com with thanks to Alice + Olivia PR

Milly NY by Michelle Smith

While flicking through the masses of fashion editorial adverts in the september issue of Tatler, I came across an advert with included an amazingly striking iridescent jumper with a holographic skirt! The advert was for the cutting edge brand Milly NY by Michelle Smith. I fell in love instantly and googled the brand to find an eclectic mix of prints, patterns and fabrics which are sure to blow your mind! I love how the collections infuse different materials and textures together to create effortlessly designed pieces. Here are my picks from Milly NY!

Millyny.com

This amazing outfit is in fact a two piece with a leather detailed jumper on top and shorts on the bottom. I love the graphic print and the leather details break the print up perfectly.

Millyny.com

I adore the print and sheer paneling mixed in this dress, it gives the dress a sophisticated twist as the black sheer panels give the overall look a fun and interesting edge.

Millyny.com

This stunning holographic jumper was the one I gazed upon in Tatler. The whole outfit is perfect for A/W13 and I love the leather trousers with the iridescent colour of the jumper.

Millyny.com

Another one of my favourites. This pencil skirt comes in a turquoise green but I like the black as you can see beautiful multicolours shine through the croc print skirt. This is a great statement skirt perfect to brighten up winter evenings.

Millyny.com

Cobalt blue + leather = The perfect A/W coat. I love leather sleeved jackets and coats and this piece is amazing. Im a huge fan of a structured mens styled coat which are slightly oversized. The leather leggings work really well with the whole outfit and can be transformed from day to night.

There are a vast amount of amazing and versatile  pieces to discover online! check out the website www.millyny.com for more New York City inspired collections!

All images and information found via www.millyny.com

Thanks to Andrew Oshrin and Eileen Conlan

Edgy Mathematical Fashion : Sarah Angold

For the last couple of days I have been obsessing over perspex jewellery pieces in a range of unique shapes and styles that can complete any outfit! The incredibly talented and lovely Sarah Angold provides the most striking pieces combining a collection of colourful laser cut acrylic with brass to form an innovative collection.

The bold, bright and avant-garde style's displayed are inspired by mathematical and graphic structures creating perfectly sharp pieces. 

Here are a couple of my favourites from her website!

Futuristic collar in a gorgeous emerald green.

This neck piece is insanely beautiful the coloured perspex glass creates a rainbow of colours around the neck. This piece is sure to capture anyones attention! 

Images above found via www.sarahangold.com

And the best news of all?... We can all get our hands on her new high street collection as she has teamed up with Freedom at TopShop to bring a gorgeous collection of high quality pieces with a high street price tag!

Image by Sarah Angold

Sarah Angold working on one of her pieces!

Vogue Japan Montage 

Provided by Sarah Angold

Sarah Angold's pieces have also been featured in Vogue Japan! I am in love with the neon yellow peice  which would light up any plain dress or white tee!

Images provided and taken by Sarah Angold

A little taster of the Freedom at Topshop collection. I cant wait to see what else is in store!

The gorgeous Sarah Angold!

Ms Angold's talents also expand to lighting where she has created an array of creative and innovative interior items for a range of clients!

For more information on Sarah Angold's collections and work please visit www.sarahangold.com and look out for the Sarah Angold for Freedom at TopShop collections in store now!

With thanks to Sarah Angold for the use of images and information

All images found via www.sarahangold.com and taken by Designer Sarah Angold.