The Boyfriend Jean

Im not usually one to follow trends as I feel that the whole 'trend' process is quite repetitive over the years. In my eyes if you have a selection of, leather, floral, pastel, neon, black, white, aztec, tartan and denim items ( maybe a few metallic or holographic pieces to spice things up...) in your wardrobe your pretty much set for any trend that hits you! At the moment my wardrobe is a little chaotic and I've come to the conclusion that I'm a little bit all over the place. So working for a fashion retailer and from previous experiences, denim is (apparently) coming back into fashion for SS14. In my opinion denim never left and never will leave but it seems to be more of a Spring / Summer trend. So I decided to create something a bit different. This is a video with 3 different looks with my new favourite jeans. 'The Boyfriend Jean!'

"The Boyfriend Jean" from Nicole Parkes on Vimeo.

Outfit One 

Jeans - Long Tall Sally 

Heels - ASOS

Patterned Light Coat - ASOS

Green Clutch - River Island 

Outfit Two

Shoes - ASOS 

Floral Jacket - H&M

Studded Clutch - Mango

Outfit Three

Coat - Planet @ House of Fraser

Shoes - Primark

Bag- Zara ( now in the sale for £10!!!)

Video filmed and edited by Nicole Parkes

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

Inspirational Designer : KATAYOON

Designer and Model Mahtab Jamali

Photo by Ra'ed Qutena 

Hair and Makeup by Zizi at Blush 

Styled by Joumana Soufi 

Location Kuwait

A few months ago I came across a stunning and elegantly designed dress with a breathtaking amount of flowing material that is sure to captivate anyone’s attention including mine! And the woman wearing the dress? Ms Mahtab Jamali; Founder , Fashion designer, International representative of Blush hair and Beauty, Photographer, University Lecture, Model and the Official face of KATAYOON.

KATAYOON was founded early 2011 where Ms Jamali started up her own elegant fashion brand!, The name KATAYOON means Queen of the World and no doubt her designs and collection display that and represent a powerful , strong and glamorous presence within the modern day women. The name of the brand also originates from her mother, an inspiration to her life as well as her fashion persona.

Not only was I captivated by Ms Jamali’s beauty and elegance, I was also inspired by her dedication to education. The KATAYOON designer studied fashion design for 5 years before going into teaching fashion illustration to first and second year students and if that wasn’t enough, she was also taking part in a masters during her time as a university lecturer.

As a designer for women, the inspiration of beauty ,grace and feminity has always been the driving force of her brand and her designes represent a powerful , sexy , elegant and classy woman, and dressing with dressing the likes of Millie Mackintosh, Eva Longoria , Lily Ghalichi, Mel B, Miss World, Miss England, Princess of Kuwait and more its no doubt that these women represent the brand.

KATAYOON designs have graced the pages of over 50 magzines and news papers including New York Times, Closer Magazine, OX magazine and Sheer. As a young designer Ms Mahtab Jamali’s achievement’s are a true inspiration to any young, up and coming designer. With determination and true dedication to the brand as well as a strong back ground in fashion and education , its obvious that the KATAYOON founder radiates passion, intelligence and overall sophistication herself as well as her brand.

This royal blue dress is Exquisite! I love the sheen from the material.

These beautiful designs are middle eastern inspired with the flowing light materials and bold, vibrant colours.

KATAYOON Designer Mahtab Jamali

Photo by Amir Raouf 

Hair and Makeup by Nisso International

Model Keeana

Location London

Mel B at the Spice Girls reunion wearing KATAYOON designed by Mahtab Jamali

Designer and  Model Mahtab jamali

Hair and Makeup by Nisso International

Photo by Amir Raouf MeerArt

Location London 

Mahtab Jamali 

For more information about KATAYOON and Model/ Designer Mahtab Jamali please visit

www.katayoonlondon.com

The brand also have their own Instagram so you can keep yourselves up to date with the latest designs and inspiring quotes.

IG:KATAYOONLONDON

With thanks to Mahtab Jamali of KATAYOON Designs.

Images found via Instagram and www.katayoonlondon.com