Snowbound!

Just when I was beginning to think we weren’t going to get any snow this winter, this happened! It started blizzarding in early January and continued to snow off and on for the next three weeks. Despite the chaos it causes I’ve always loved the snow –any excuse to pull on the willies and go sledging, skiing or have a snowball fight with some of my younger relatives! Although most of it has now thawed, I wanted to share some of very snowy photos I took around the village where I live.

Autumn/Winter Trend: Baroque

First post of 2013! I hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far. I actually prepared this post in the run up to Christmas  but due to a severe attack of the flu I never got around to posting it. Even if you don't have much use for a ornate party dress in the middle of January I hope you still enjoying reading about one of my favourite A/W trends: Baroque!

Inspired by the art, architecture and fashion of the 17^th century Baroque era this trend is all about drama, opulence and extravagance. Rich hues of black, gold, navy, wine and deep purple in luxury fabrics like jacquard, brocade and velvet with lavish embellishments and embroidery encapsulate the Baroque look. Despite its ornateness Baroque is surprisingly easy to wear, a chic pencil dress with beading detail or a skater dress in a sumptuous embroidered velvet even a pretty stiletto with metal toe cap channel the trend. These are my favourite Baroque-inspired pieces from the highstreet/online:    

 Top Row ~ Karen Millen Baroque Cutwork Lace Tutu £235 ~ Oasis Velvet Skater Dress £65 ~ River Island Black Baroque Embellished Waist Belt £40 ~ Zara Salón Puntera Tachas Heels £59.99 ~ Accessorize Amazing Phoebe Emb Hardcase Clutch £45 ~ Topshop Paisley Jacquard Trousers £40 ~ River Island Navy Lace Bow Shoulder Mini Prom Dress £70 ~ Miss Selfridge Baroque Embellished Vest Top £45 ~ Topshop Gold Jacquard Mini Skirt £40 ~ Topshop Mirror Embellished Jumper £45 ~ Dorothy Perkins Foil Lace Skirt £25

Bottom Row ~  Oasis Katie Jacquard Dress £65 ~ Karen Millen Baroque Jewelled Pencil Dress £265 ~  Embellished Holly Shift Dress £70 ~ Accessorize Zelda Deco Ring £10 ~ Warehouse Pleat Lace Dress £55 ~ Miss Selfridge Bonded Lace Jacket £48 ~ River Island Black Print Box Clutch Bag £30 ~ Alexon Red Taffeta Bardot Dress £87.50 ~ Warehouse Embellished Shoulder Bodycon Dress £55 ~ Dune Adonis D Contrast Suede & Leather Shoe Boot £99