College Prep

Its that time of year again; we're back to college - a prime excuse to pick up "necessary" new wardrobe additions to keep us stylish through yet another year.

This features a few special items I have spotted in the shops and online, hopefully I can stop myself from splurging....(again, that is - I'll post my latest purchases soon don't worry!)

I find the easiest way to pull of casual and cool at college is with groupy tees or slogan vests. These two from PULL&BEAR are my favourites that I have seen, the fact I bought that U2 album twice says it all. 

Team the U2 tee with the metallic black and gold jeans seen below or with a pair of acid wash denims for an effortless stylish look. The same rules apply for this Pink Floyd top, throw a tartan shirt over it, or either of the trousers shown below, and you will be ready to go! Both tops retailing at €19.99 online and in stores now.

I've fallen hard for these metallic trousers from MANGO. They're very versatile; team with an oversized t-shirt for a day time look, or with a simple black top and statement gold jewellery for a luxurious, sultry outfit for a night on the town. These are available in stores and online for €49.99.

This post would be totally incomplete if there wasn't an example of tartan, ITS EVERYWHERE! Its the attack of the tartan trouser, the power of the plaid, if you haven't witnessed the take over yet, where have you been?? These leggings from Stradivarius priced at only €12.95 are a bargain!

Throw on a pair of Doc's, or either of these choices from ZARA - depending on how grunge you want your look to be. (ankle boot; €79.95, ballerinas; €79.95).

Thanks for reading,

Dervla x

Invest in...Summer Essentials

 This summer, the floral crown is back, bigger and better and more popular than before!

If you're not too keen on looking like you've shoved a full bouquet on your head, opt for subtle headbands like these ones from Pennys.

If you're a bit more daring, why not have a look on Boohoo.com who have a number of different styles in stock; ranging in size from subtle to statement. I love this rose crown they have, as it is simple enough to transition from daytime beachwear to evening, for example paired with a simple black maxi.

If you're really bold, then why not go to a discount store, or to Guiney's, and pick up some of their artificial flowers (which come in small bunches at €1.50 a pop) and make your own floral crown? You can be as eccentric as you wish and follow your own style and colour palettes.

This summer, rock out with loud shorts. Go for a high-rise pair; they're far more flirtatious and more flattering regardless of your body shape. 

If you're venturing outside of Ireland, at least one pair of patchwork denim is a necessity; come on girls - we won't be wearing much so making a statement through these summer staples is a must!

Check out Custom Vintage Dublin for bad-ass readymade pairs, place an order, or simply grab those scissors and scraps and fashion a pair yourself!

I've made pairs myself using old patterned pillowcases for the patches, as well as net curtain!


Now for the....slogan tee (the hipster's favourite)

Love this Henry Holland t-shirt! Dinosaurs are too fricken awesome. Shop the H! collections at Debenhams here.

I tend to keep my tees and tanks loose or oversized; you can play around with them more, whether you're tucking into high-waisted denims or leaving loose over a pair of superskinny's (superskinnies? last time I'll attempt colloquialisms...) 
Team with printed shorts for a playful, young summer roam around town.


Here are two great wardrobe additions for summer (on a student friendly budget obviously).
On the left; this reversible weekend tank from Front Row Shop, is just one of those tops which you could pull out of the mounds months on and wear again, as well as being a great tank to don while having a sneaky cider on a Saturday afternoon. (Any excuse!)

Above right; there's no denying that this tank from Awear will look ridiculously cool regardless of where you're spending your summer, be it at home or abroad.

 A big and bold trend which is still surfacing and seems to be pulling through summer is the flatform or creeper.
The style filtered into mainstream sales pretty fast last year, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

I'm loving these Converse in white and black. Although strange enough to adjust to wearing; you'll find you will be that bit more conscious of your posture, as well as looking taller, straighter and fashion-forward.

The latest variation, like these Schuh buckled chunky heels, sees the chunkiness of the flatform combined with the femininity of the stiletto or platform heeled shoe. (click here to view these online!)

Find these and other styles at Schuh!


These are my summer essentials (clothing-wise anyways!).
Hope you guys liked it!

Thanks for reading x

Weekend Wantlist

A few bits I am mad to buy after creeping the shops and the web over the weekend! Now that college is finished, I'm finding myself window shopping a lot more...

Clockwise from left; chainlink necklace and bracelet; Newlook, fuschia sarong trousers; Zara, seat belt harness; Topshop, eagle neckchain; Newlook, colour block crop tee; Topshop, white cuffed wedges; River Island (limited edition, LOVE these), head band; River Island, floral crown; Boohoo.com

A huge trend at the moment is the statement necklace, seen rampant through all high street stores. The chainlink style in particular is a very prominent style; Newlook carrying gold, white, silver and pink gold lines; Penny's have the gold for €6 at the moment too! H&M and River Island also have similar affordable styles. Grab them ladies! An easy way to make an outfit that little louder, a trend for the conservative dresser as well as the fashion forward.

I'm LOVING white wedges at the moment, they're slowly filtering into stores at the moment, the difficulty is picking a pair to see me through the summer. They'll look fab with a tan, as well as being comfortable for late nights abroad.

This spring/summer sees the return of the floral crown. This year its been pumped up with fashion savvy fertilizer, coming back bigger and better! The bolder your flowers, the more style points you earn in my books!

Thanks for reading

Dervla x

What I'm wearing 22/04/13

Staying comfortable again today, with double denim a blazer, and my trusty purple docs, with my hair back figuring I'll be hanging over a lithography stone for the next few hours sketching up a portrait.

I love the double denim look, its an easy and very versatile way to keep in style and has been an extremely popular feature on the streets over the past year. If you haven't tried it, now's the time.

 

Headband; Forever21,

blazer; River Island,

shirt; Dunnes Stores,

high-waisted skinnys; a gift from a friend, but retailing in Vero Moda in a range of colours,

Doc Martens,

deer head chain; hanging skull ear cuff; both Aliexpress.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading! x

eBay warriors!

Essay due Wednesday not started, notes unfinished, art history exam Wednesday morning; day off work
today. What better way to spend my day than scour the internet for bikinis!



Sarah and I are off to Ayia Napa in 35 days and counting, so time to start looking for the loudest swimwear/beachwear/partywear we can find (for under a tenner). Aaaaand free postage! Score! I guess I won't get lost at one of these infamous Napa pool parties wearing something this bright eh? All I need now is that featured model's hot bod and I'll be good to go.

(Seller's details featured in the eBay screen shot peeps)