MyStyle Summer Trend: Sleeveless

With the temperamental weather we are having here in the UK, my main staple of choice for this summer is a sleeveless waistcoat, gilet, bolero or cardigan.

If you like denim, then why not check out the denim jeans at Ellos. They also have a great collection of jeans for men. Check out the website now at http://www.ellos.co.uk/.

I thought I would do a few inspirational posts of my sleeveless pieces and this first post is based on denim and leather. This sort of piece depending on style-ie denim, leather, crochet, sequin, wool is ideal for this season, especially over a dress as you can still see the niceness of it but be slightly covered up for day or night if necessary.

The first denim gilet was originally a denim jacket which you can see in my header post and I decided to cut the sleeves off to make it more versatile and wearable for summer. The jacket is by MOTO-Topshop and I thrifted it last year at the charity shop for around £3.

This 3rd waistcoat was won on Ebay a few weeks ago when I asked for styling advice for something to go with my Vintage Liberty shorts and Hunza skirt.

The lovely Vintage Vixen suggested a denim waistcoat and I really liked this idea, as you can see if you click here, she styles her's to perfection and always wears it in very inspirational ways.

This Topshop waistcoat was won for less than £5 and I'm sure I'll get a lot of wear out of it.
My next couple of posts will feature more 'glam' sleeveless pieces and some 'crotchet and wool' pieces- for summer day and nights I really think they are so stylish and versatile.

Whats your 'Go To' or 'Must Have' style item for summer?

This second sleeveless piece is a brown leather gilet which I found a couple of weeks ago at the boot sale for just £2. Its an ideal cover over a cami top and jeans or over a dress:

Joe Browns for Summer!!

I was asked by the lovely people from Joe Browns to do a review of their collection.

It was hard to pick from a Joe Browns Tea Dress, a Summer Maxi Dress or an Evening dress, so as I've been after a vibrant floral maxi summer dress, I chose this one below:

I was at a Christening, so I wore it with my thrifted black feather bolero and beige wedge sandals-the dress is actually a beach maxi dress, but it has proved versatile for a more formal look. I chose this maxi beach dress in a size 10 which is a perfect fit for me, especially around the bust and hips.

Because of the occasion I wore a slip underneath for a more fuller and complete coverage, although I wouldn't bother with one if I was wearing it to the park or beach as it isn't see through anyway.

I also chose this lovely Aztec all in one playsuit which I chose in a size 12, as I think they look better as a roomy look, especially if worn on the beach.

Both items I reviewed are not only in the sale at £14.95 each but have received a 100% shopper review too, so its not only me who thinks they are great summer items!!

I would definitely recommend both these pieces if you're after some versatile key pieces for summer which would take you from day to night if you choose the right accessories and shoes and both are fabulous for the beach or any other summery occasion!!

Thanks to Joe Browns, I am happy with my new summer items!!

Shimmery Summer Accessories

Now Summer seems to be finally here, its great how it coincides with the sales and getting those last minute finishing touches to your wardrobe for holiday, day or evening wear.

The fabulous boho chic brand Antik Batik have some gorgeous on trend accessories featuring gold, silver and sequins-plus the range of accessories available are also in the Summer Sale over at Spartoo as well!

Here is a pick of my favourite pieces which will update any existing summer outfit you already have in your wardrobe:

Antik Batik Kouba Belt, £23

Antik Batik Gloria Bracelet, £60

Antik Batik Engy Necklace, £30

Antik Batik Novy Tote, £81

Antik Batik Indiana Necklace, £22

Are you looking for any last minute holiday accessories this Summer?

Some more 80s from Hunza

Last week at the boot sale I found a piece from my favourite vintage 80s designer Hunza. As you know I found a neon green skirt last month by Hunza and I also have a couple of their vintage bodycon LBDs too.

As soon as I saw it on the rail, I grabbed it straight away-the material is so unmistakeable, its like a bubble texture and this skirt has a lace overlay to it:

I've dressed it down here, with a grey cami tee, black leather biker jacket and my new black and silver gladiator sandals from Matalan-which I've just noticed are in the sale now, definitely a bargain for £10!!

The skirt was a total bargain for £1-it's great to thrift something which is a vintage favourite.

What has been your favourite vintage or thrift find lately?

Thrifting for Pleasure and Giving back too

A couple of months ago whilst out on a London drive, we stopped off at West Hampstead as they have a nice little High Street with quite a few charity shops. I was looking for pieces for the Vintage Fashion Fair, but when I come across something I love, it will primarily end up in my wardrobe!

I found this gorgeous black wool crepe, satin applique and embroidered jacket in one of the charity shops. There was no label in it, but from looking I was quite sure from its Art Deco styling it could be by Janice Wainwright. I had found some other Janice Wainwright pieces similar to my jacket on Posh Vintage-her work is just so distinctive and detailed.

I also emailed my lovely blogger friend Ms Peelpants, who has an immense knowledge of all things vintage and has the very covetable and gorgeous online vintage shop, Vintage-A-Peel- do stop by there if you haven't already, she stocks really stunning vintage designer items.

She was 99.9% sure it is by Janice Wainwright and as I don't have any of her pieces, I'm definitely keeping hold of this!!

I have been very fortunate to thrift some truly lovely finds over the last few months and years come to that, so when I heard about the fire at the Oxfam Huddersfield Wastesaver plant last month, I decided to raid my wardrobe over the last few weeks for some quality items that I just did not wear or need anymore and this morning I took the bag to my local Oxfam branch.

I think when you thrift regularly its really quite nice to give back every now and then-not only do the charity benefit but its a great way of decluttering and keeping your wardrobe up to date with items you truly love and wish to keep for that much longer.

Now Summer is here-well for us in the UK, it's here one minute, gone the next-its a great time to have a wardrobe clear out and check those summer items are still wearable-if not, why not do a bag for charity and while you're there you can always have a rummage to replenish supplies!!

Have a great weekend everyone, whatever you get up to!!