Pretty Green with Menswear Style

24 Nov

It’s no secret that I am a massive Oasis fan. Their songs are brilliant but it was the whole package of the band especially the Gallagher brothers.  I was in awe of them growing up: the whole Rock & Roll lifestyle, the Manc swagger etc

They were just cool as F***!

I was so happy I got to see them live a fews week before Noel left. I would have been devastated otherwise! Since ‘Oasis’ split up, I’ve still kept a keen interest in the Gallagher brothers especially Liam’s foray into fashion. My first post on Wardrobe was actually about Liam Gallagher’s new clothing label, Pretty Green which you can read about here! So when heard that a Pretty Green store had opened in Birmingham, I had to go and have a browse. I was kindly invited to the official launch party which was great by the way. You can read about the clothing on my guest post over at Menswear Style.

Pretty Green in Birmingham- My guest post over at Menswearstyle.co.uk

You should Definitely Maybe, check it out. Meanwhile here are some photos from the launch party that I took. The band in the photos are called ‘Black Market Empire‘. They are definitely worth a listen. It was a great set by them and I haven’t stopped playing the CD they gave me of their new singles (cheers for that btw guys!).

Black Market Empire in Pretty Green, Bullring Birmingham

I heart The Beatles too!

 

The Pretty Green Birmingham Bullring Staff with Eugene McGuinness :)

Thank you to Pretty Green Birmingham for inviting me to the launch and my goody bag :) Fingers crossed for a ladies wear range soon!

All photographs are taken and copyrighted by Wardrobe Mag

Sunny

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WIOW: A/W12 Wardrobe Update

18 Nov

Since the last time I did a ‘What’s In Our Wardrobe’ I have bought so many clothes and shoes its ridiculous. I could have done a weekly feature but then my dad would have taken my card off me if he knew just how much I’ve been spending!

I knew I had to calm down so in the month of October, I put upon a spending ban and I did so well. Hardly any money was spent shopping during that month, only on using up my gift cards (partial payments). But that was October and my gift cards have now all been used.

So to cut a long story short….I went shopping again.

To be honest, I absolutely love everything I have bought! I know I’ll get my wear out of it and I have proved that with the stuff I bought previously this season. I love A/W. There’s nothing I don’t like in the stores from casual knits to the glitzy party wear. I’m currently really loving New Look- a store where most of my money has gone to this season.

Here are just *some* of my favourite buys over the past few months:

Camo Army Jacket @ Topshop £48.00

I really wanted this army jacket but couldn’t justify paying £48.00 for another jacket (my wardrobe is bursting with outerwear!) but thanks to a giftcard from Westfield Merry Hill I was able to buy this beauty without feeling guilty. As a fan of Only Fools and Horses, I’ve always wanted an army jacket because Rodney had one- I told you I find style inspiration from the most unusual people! I love wearing it dressed down but also over dresses like Leona Lewis. Totally don’t regret buying this at all!

I too can now be a plonker like Rodney!

Leona Lewis in her Topshop Camo army jacket

Tell me about it, stud! I really love the stud trend this A/W and have bought quite a few pieces which feature studs and spikes. New Look has been the place to go to this season to satisfy the rock chick in me. I’ve been spoilt for choice! I couldn’t resist buying these studded heels, so fit. After trying on many leather look trousers which were either WAY too tight or made me look horrid I had given up my search. But a few days ago I saw these trousers and I can actually get them up my legs! RESULT. I’ll be going back to New Look soon, I have seen so many party dresses that I want that would look great with my new heels.

Black studded strap cage heels @ New Look £27.99

Talking of studs and spikes, I also bought this Warehouse stud collar high low hem dress in the Debenhams up to 25% sale. I’ve been trying to avoid buying black dresses but I always go back to black! This dress is currently discounted on ASOS so if you like it then get it now before it goes back to full price!

Warehouse stud collar high low hem dress @ ASOS was £55.00 but currently £38.50

To be honest, I have bought so much since August that I can’t even remember all my purchases! But these are some of the things I have bought this week. I’m quite chuffed with these actually.

Gold Tweed skirt @ George at Asda £10.00

Jacquard formal skirt @ George at Asda £12.00

Black cowboy boots @ Matalan £22.00

I can’t believe the prices of the first two skirts, total bargains don’t you think? The picture for the second skirt doesn’t do it any justice by the way. It looks much prettier in the flesh, a metallic petrol blue colour. Both the skirts are from George at Asda and you know what I could have bought more from there if they had my size in the items. The party wear stuff is gorgeous and affordable. Just looking online i’ve seen more things which weren’t in store. Go George at Asda!

Another store which I like to visit is Matalan. Over the years I’ve picked up a few bits from there which have become  my wardrobe faves. The collections definitely get better each season. Like George at Asda they’ve got a pretty good party wear range which again is affordable. There wasn’t much in my local store compared to online else I would have gone crazy. As well as finally getting some black feather earrings (I am Mrs T) and a sequin trimmed blouse, I got these cowboy ankle boots. I can’t wait to wear them in the day and even at night. I’m not sure if I’ve picked a dodgy pair but the ankle bit on my right foot looks quite stretched compared to the left foot so it just looks weird. It’s the reason I haven’t worn them out just yet. I’ll have to pop back in store and see if I can get another pair :(

Oh! Last but not least I have to mention this t-shirt I bought from Truffleshuffle (nuff love) before I got my new job.

Ladies grey Monopoly ‘Skint’ tee @ Truffleshuffle £19.99

It totally sums me up! It’s no wonder i’m always skint the amount I spend on clothes and shoes!

What has been your favourite buy this season so far? What do you think of my purchases? 

Sunny

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Wardobe Loves: Next’s AW12 Collection

28 Oct

Back in the summer the team at Next offered us the chance to review a piece from their new collection, and as soon as I spotted this jacket in the window I knew it was what I was going to pick.

As I’m sure you’re all aware, military influences are everywhere this season with khaki army jackets becoming something of a uniform among the fashion pack. What I like about this jacket is that it is directional enough to nod to the trend without too many details like PU trims and sleeves that could leave it looking really dated before the season’s out.

With the option to roll the sleeves up or down it’s been the perfect transitional jacket to see me into autumn, while the drawstring waist offers the opportunity to create a more cinched in silhouette.

I’ve worn this jacket with everything from dresses to jeans, but here I paired it with a River Island dogtooth top and my black skinny jeans.

Next Jacket review Wardrobe

The jacket is still available to buy online here, and even if this isn’t for you the autumn/winter collection has lots to covet so be sure to check it out! Here are a few more of my favourite picks…

Next AW12 collection

Berry Leather Look skirt, £25, Ostrich Cardigan, £38, Studded wedge boots, £55

What do you think of Next’s new collection?

Chloe

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A Cut Above The Rest: Francesco Group

26 Oct

For some people getting their hair cut isn’t a big deal at all but for others like myself, it is.

If you’ve met me or have seen photos of me then you will have seen how long my hair is. At one point it went down towards my lower back but I had to have a cheeky trim as my ends weren’t looking too good. Even just getting a teeny weeny bit trimmed broke me out in a sweat.

So the thought of cutting a bit more of my hair always terrified me. I’ve been growing it since I was about 10 years old so to cut it would be a major moment in my life!

For the past year, I’ve really wanted to take the plunge and do something with my hair. As much as I like my looooong hair I was getting a bit bored and knew it was time for a change. Especially when everybody around you says it too. However, I couldn’t bring myself to do it for a number of reasons. The main one being I hadn’t been to a salon since I was a wee gal!

Long blud!

Which salon to go to? How much is normal for a cut and finish? I didn’t even know what layers/feathers etc meant!?

The confusion and embarrassment to ask people always put me off. So I never would get around to booking an appointment…but that all changed a week ago. I’d seen adverts for a new salon which had opened in House of Fraser, Birmingham. Remember my post on how I had to walk past HOF on my way to work? Well that place is dangerous for my bank balance i’m telling ya!

I was already familiar with the ‘Francesco Group’  as there is one in my hometown (Walsall) and one in my old uni town (Stoke). So I was intrigued to check it out. A chance encounter through work meant that the more I heard about the Francesco Group the more I trusted them with my hair…so I finally bit the bullet and booked myself in for a cut and finish- aaargh. I didn’t even tell my friends I had booked myself in for a cut!

Now I was always going to be nervous with whoever I booked with. This would in reality be my first salon experience so I didn’t really know what to expect and of course I’d looking like an idiot because I was totally clueless. But I was ensured that I was in capable hands with my stylist James from the House of Fraser salon. And you know what? I had no reason to be nervous because he was great. He really took on board what I wanted with my hair (I bottled it and didn’t want much cut off!) and what he thought would suit me.

Francesco Group in House of Fraser, Birmingham

I loved my whole experience. The Francesco Group salon in House of Fraser is really nice and I like how it is a bit more discreet as in there are no windows. There was a really nice ambience and of course the most important thing- the tunes were bang on haha. Oh and the salon being next to the beauty counters and shoes is fab but so so dangerous! I had to stop myself from leaving with new heels and lipsticks!

Cutting It!

The senior stylist James was a star- especially as I probably did his head in asking question after question but he answered them all bless him. He totally put me at ease and not once did I feel uncomfortable in the salon. I was so pleased with the end result that I left swishing my hair like I had stepped out of a shampoo commercial! It was a shame it was raining hence my hair not looking as immaculate in the photo I took. I now totally get why people love getting their hair done. I’ve booked to go back to get my hair cut (a little bit more next time!) before my birthday which will be a lovely treat to myself.

Because I’m worth it! Haha

Just want to say a massive thank you to Ben Dellicompagni, James Earnshaw and everybody at the Francesco Group, Birmingham for making what essentially was my first cut a special one. No tears, just a lot of smiling and swishing!!

Have you been to the new Francesco Group salon in House of Fraser, Birmingham? What do you think of my hair!

Images taken by Wardrobemag

Sunny

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Going the Distance with Rocky & Truffleshuffle

24 Oct

Warning: if you don’t like Rocky Balboa then you might not want to carry on reading……

As you know I’m a guest blogger on TruffleShuffle.co.uk and it is one of my favourite things about being a blogger. I have so much love for them!

Now the majority of their t-shirts excite me but when I heard they had some new Rocky tees in, man I could not contain my excitement. I absolutely love the Rocky films having grown up watching them. Balboa is a total legend. Before I became a guest blogger for TruffleShuffle, I actually got in touch with them on Facebook asking them to get some Rocky tees in for ladies, a request which was heard. The tee was of the iconic ‘Itallian Stallion’ logo and was given to me as a birthday present by our Steph :)

But one Rocky tee just wasn’t going to be enough for me…

The lovely guys at TruffleShuffle knew about my Balboa love and offered to send me the TWO (not one but two!) Rocky t-shirts. Have I told you how much I love them? I was grinning like a Cheshire cat for days! The tees have arrived at a perfect time as I’m currently on a health kick and have been taking inspiration from the Rocky films. Yes you heard right.

My Rocky tees (£19.99 each)

I’m not very good at dieting (chips are my weakness) so the only way to lose some weight and tone up is to get my exercise on. However I have wasted so much money on gym memberships in the past as I become lazy and stop going. I know I know! This year I thought I’d do things differently. After watching Rocky 3 one night, I found myself grabbing my skipping rope and going for it. I found the motivation I needed, It was under my nose the whole time. Forget all those celebrity workout dvd’s and Zumba classes, I just needed to take notes from Mr Rocky Balboa.

Oh dear!

Now I don’t have my own Mickey calling me a lousy bum and spurring me on so I went to the next best thing: my iPod. Armed with the Rocky soundtrack I have started my own fitness regime. Gone are the days of ‘Get Fit or Die Trying’ (our university regime), its all about ‘Going the Distance with Rocky Balboa’. And so far so good!

Love this tee with all Rocky’s opponents on it- well almost!

My new ladies Rocky tees are ace and can be worn not just for a work out but in the day. I wear mine all the time. The mens tees are just as good. I LOVE this Rocky/Ivan Drago t-shirt! It’s too cool. Tempted to get it for myself hehe.

Mens ‘I Must Break You’ Rocky T-shirt £24.99

Mens Vintage Rocky push up tee £15.99

What do you think of the Rocky tees? What inspires you to work out? If you’re a girl and you love Rocky too, let me know! 

Images taken and copyrighted by Wardrobe Mag

Sunny

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Join Us At Style Birmingham Live 2012 This Weekend

27 Sep

Looking for last-minute weekend plans? If you’re around the Midlands area then Style Birmingham Live is a must-visit for any fashion lovers! We’ve written about the event before as we’ve been lucky to attend the last two years, but this year the event has changed a little.

Previous host George Lamb has made way for Martine McCutcheon, and the fashion show will this year be hosted at The Mailbox – but the one day fashion event is still packed with as much fashion inspiration, shows, offers and competitions as before.

All of us Wardrobe ladies will be going along on Saturday afternoon and evening, so let us know if you’re coming too. You can find out more and get your tickets on the Style Birmingham website, but hurry because there aren’t many left!

 Chloe

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Westfield Merry Hill Fashion Takeover Weekend

13 Sep

Here at Wardrobe, we like going shopping. I mean we started the blog three years ago because we loved nothing more than going shopping together and spending our student loans on clothes and shoes.

The only thing that has changed since leaving university is that we all live in different towns/cities now (boo) and we have no student discount. It’s fair to say the latter has affected us more than being apart.

As painful as it is buying clothes and shoes full price then mentally working out how much you would have saved had you still had your student discount, it hasn’t stopped us from adding to our already crammed wardrobes. So when we hear things like Westfield Merry Hill’s fashion takeover weekend we get really excited.

If you love fashion and live in the Midlands, you’ll love this.

To kick off the start of the A/W season, this weekend (Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th) will see Westfield Merry Hill transformed into a lively hub of fashion, beauty and entertainment. One of the main highlights of the weekend will be live catwalk shows from 10am until 4pm, giving you top tips on how to wear the latest looks. Shoppers will also be treated to mini makeovers (always a win) and expert advice from health and beauty retailers.

There’ll also be local dance troops providing some fashionable entertainment as well as giveaways and ‘street style’ competitions. But that’s not the best bit…

For those of us who don’t have the pleasure of having a student discount, this weekend you can get up to 20% off top retailers such as Warehouse etc. We’ll have some of that!

 As another bonus, you’ll get a free O.P.I nail varnish worth £12.95 for anyone who spends more than £70.00 on fashion (whilst stocks last. I was lucky enough to be sent THREE O.P.I nail varnishes from Westfield Merry Hill. The colours I was sent were (from L-R) ‘sparrow me the drama’, ‘get your glamour on’ and ‘designer de better!’

What brilliant names! I decided to wear the baby pink colour (sparrow me the drama) as it was a colour I’d have never gone for.

It’s very err girly but I wore a black and grey dip dyed dress and it looked quite cool as it was the only burst of colour on me that day. I look forward to trying out the other two soon.

I will hopefully be going to the fashion takeover weekend on Sunday so can’t wait to get me some bargains. When I was a teenager I used to love going to Merry Hill with my cousins. It used to be a proper shopping day out and my first exposure to designer clothes. It’s a shame I don’t get to go as often now but I am looking forward to revisiting the shopping centre this weekend!

Will any of our lovely readers be going to Westfield Merry Hill this weekend?

Images courtesy of Westfield Merry Hill. O.P.I image taken by Wardrobe Mag.

Sunny

 

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