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

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

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

Prints ,Prints ,PRINTS! : Holly Fulton A/W13

Anything printed i'm instantly drawn to, and i'm glad that A/W13 is full of print and colour ( even if it is a slightly darker tone) Designer Holly Fulton gets it right with the never ending collection of graphic prints and rich to warm berry tones while adding a spalsh of monochrome to the mix!

Here are my favourites!

I am in love with the leather that has been added to the collection the detail makes it so much more fun

 And the lipstick graphic print skirt is stunning, i can see this skirt becoming very popular , maybe a high-street inspired version will be ...

As well as this elaborately printed pinafore dress! 

The smart choice of footwear gives the pieces a more formal look but somehow also makes them look young and fun.

Images found via www.hollyfulton.com