Shoezone review – Haute Hippie festival style

Posted on May 26, 2015 by fashion-mommy

I first became a fan of Shoezone when Joe was small. They sold the cutest t-bar canvas shoes that had a real retro feel and were a total bargain (2 pairs for £8 as I recall.) I loved them, and of course I had a look at the ladies selection, and found it to be full of really pretty sandals and flat pumps, all of which were really affordable. I was converted and now regularly buy shoes from the brand.

I was recently offered the opportunity to review a pair of shoes, sandals or boots from their current lines. I was spoiled for choice, but decided that, as it was almost summer, I would opt for sandals, especially as I am now less than a month away from my summer holiday. One style just jumped out at me for the design which can definitely be classed as haute hippie, Marakesh Express influenced. This was the Lilley multi-bead t-bar sandal, and they are simply beaut!

Lilley Womens Multi-Bead T Bar Sandal £14.99 click to visit Shoezone

These are just the perfect summer sandal. They would look amazing in holiday, at a summer festival, or just worn with jeans on a staycation. The synthetic gold upper is covered with gorgeous multi-colour beads which adds to the boho style, and makes them a great choice to wear for the evening too, especially on those days when it is just too warm for heels.

I think these sandals are stunning, so I wore them to channel the style of one of my fashion Icons, doomed 60s model and socialite Talitha Getty.

Talitha Style

My Talitha Style with Shoezone

Pretty, hippie style sandals that are comfortable, adjustable and cost less than £15. I think these are an absolute no-brainer when it comes to both style and value, and the fact that they are light as a feather despite the beads, and are just so comfortable to wear, makes them an even more attractive proposition.

To view the complete, current range of Shoezone sandals, click here.

Kimono Love from F&F Clothing

Posted on July 27, 2014 by fashion-mommy

In recent years, the Kimono has become an essential part of our summer wardrobes. This versatile item is beloved of festival fans who love the boho vibe it gives an outfit, while kimono’s also prove to be a great way of accessorising beach wear, looking fabulous when worn with a floppy hat and simple black bikini. I have a quite a few kimono’s in my wardrobe, which I usually wear layered over jeans and vest tops to make casual daytime looks a little more special.

A couple of my favourite Kimonos

Now, I wear kimono jackets a lot, I love the beautiful printed versions and the slight touch of the oriental they bring to my wardrobe. But I have to admit I don’t really think outside the box when it comes to styling them – it is always a case of jeans, jeans and more jeans. So, when the lovely folks at Maverick PR sent me an exquisite lace and fringed Kimono jacket from the latest F&F True range, I set myself a challenge – could I style the jacket in a way that didn’t involve jeans?

F&F True Fringed Lace Plus Size Kimono
£28.00 click to visit F&F

The F&F True fringed lace kimono is from the plus size range at F&F, and comes in a slightly longer length than many kimono jackets, covering the bottom and hips. It has a style that gives hints at both retro, using a vintage style lace pattern, and also boho, with the long fringing on the hem. I wore this jacket in size 18 and felt that the sizing was generous. I chose to style the jacket two ways, with block colour, and with a dress that would tie in with the boho style to give this a 1970s look.

Look 1 – Block Colour

The first way I decided to style the kimono was with a simple, block colour dress in a lovely, jeweled jade shade. It was a super hot day, so the kimono provided a little coverage for the shoulders. I loved the effect of the jade popping through the black lace, and this look got a lot of positive comments, which is always a nice thing when you’re wearing an old dress!

Look 2 – 70s Boho Style

The second look was influenced by 70s boho style, by Talitha Getty and Marakesh, and by Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks. 70s style Clarks sandals, a sundress picked up at a now defunct Welsh boutique, and my much-loved straw basket were combined with the kimono to give an eclectic mix of patterns, fabrics and prints. I absolutely love this outfit and can’t wait to wear it again.

F&F has a great range of Kimonos, both in the True range and the regular range. Click here to view the current range.

Indian Summer at Miss Selfridge

Posted on July 25, 2013 by fashion-mommy

One collection I’m truly loving at the moment is the Miss Selfridge collaboration with Cosmopolitan’s Shelly Vella. The ‘Inspired By‘ collection has it roots in sun soaked India, with jangling jewellery filled with silver charms, heavily embroidered pieces in purest white and rucksacks that make you think of that young ago Gap Year trip. This collection is a nostalgia tinged trip through true bohemian fashion, by way of Talitha Getty and Hideous Kinky.

This collection is full of beautiful pieces that could be your summer wardrobe, whether you are taking a vacation or a stay-cation. Delicate dresses, tiny denim shorts and black suede boots are the story of your festival wardrobe, whilst the embellished tops will take you into Autumn when worn with your skinny jeans.

Enjoy an Indian Summer with these pieces.