Polyvore

Since I started my blog, my go-to fashion related website has always been Polyvore - if you're not familiar with what Polyvore is, then please let me enlighten you because it just might change your online-shopping-experience for life. (Just as a disclaimer: I'm not sponsored by Polyvore, or being paid by them in any way - I just really wanted to have a chat to you about it!) So to start off, here are just a few reasons why Polvore is fabulous:

• You can have a peak at all the up-coming trends
• Have an idea of what you want, but don't know where to look? Just type it in and get hundreds of results!
• Create your own looks
• Follow people who's style you love
• Shop for clothes, accessories, make-up, interior - the list goes on!

It really is great, and has been a massive help for me personally when I'm putting together posts like High Street Disney and Style This Saturday. So if you're really into beauty and fashion, this website is totally ideal. Just thought I'd share that! If you're interested in Polyvore and fancy having a nose about, then check out my page here! Thanks!

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High Street Disney • Frozen

Over the Christmas break, I went to go and see Disney's new movie, 'Frozen' with my younger sisters. Now I'm not ashamed to say I've always been a Disney nerd. I may be pushing 22, but I think Disney has been one of the most consistent, wonderful things in my life. Times are changing though, and unfortunately Disney films aren't what they used to be. Although I've never disliked a Disney film, I began to feel a little put-off by how they're all computer animated now - nothing like your classic oldies like 'Snow White' and 'Cinderella', but anyway, I gave Frozen a shot - and prepared myself to feel a little underwhelmed.

To cut a long story short - I was wrong. Oh man, was I wrong.

I loved this movie, I laughed, I cried... it was just stunning for lack of a better word! (I might add, if you're a bloke and your girlfriend is begging you to see this movie with her, do prepare yourself for a lot of singing).

It was one of those cases where you really don't mind being wrong. Mind, don't throw away any preconceptions you have about Disney because let me tell you there's a lot of singing, a lot of googly-eyes, and of course, an inanimate object with a musical number. I digress, this movie inspired me so much - I just had to do a High Street Disney post just for you! So, like me, if you love a bit of Disney, and if you'd like to inject a bit of Disney magic into your wardrobe - then here's an 'Elsa' inspired outfit just for you!

1. House of Fraser, Coast, Sadie Maxi Dress, £175 (buy here) 2. Debenhams, Van Peterson 925, Designer Silver Crystal Bracelet, on sale £24 (buy here) 3.  Fashion Union, Chantelle Silver Diamonte Platform Heel Shoe, on sale £10 (buy here) 4. Debenhams, John Richard, Silver Crystal Izzy Tiara, on sale £20 (buy here)

A bit too pricey? No worries! Get this look for less:

• New Look, Agenda Silver Sparkle Finish Bandeau Wrap Dress, £9 (buy here)

• Blue Fly, Taylor Light Blue Ribbed Cotton Blend Sleeveless Racerback Dress, £29.33 (buy here)

• Topshop, Love, Cold Shoulder Dress, £32 (buy here)

• FarFetch, Von Vonni, Victoria Dress, on sale, £120 (buy here)

Personally, I'm loving these colours as they're so versatile. Mix-and-match blues, silvers, greys and whites to create a look that suits you and you're comfortable with to create a flawless, elegant 'Ice Queen' inspired outfit.

I hope you enjoyed this evening's High Street Disney post, and I really do hope it's inspired you! If not, go and see the movie anyway - it's fab!

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Extracts Cranberry

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a really wonderful Christmas and New Year, 2013 was such a fabulous year, so let's hope 2014 matches up!

It's been a while since I've updated - I've been so caught up with finishing university and moving across the country (I'm living in London now!) that it's been a little difficult to find the time to write a full blog post - because if I'm going to do it, I don't want to skimp on it. So anyway, now I'm settled in, I've finally got time to let you in on a new amazing product I've been using!

I've not always been one to go mad with lotions, balms and moisturisers - but I have to hand it to 'Boots', they've changed me. I can't get enough of Boot's Extracts lately. Extracts (sold at Boots UK and Target USA) are super nifty as you can buy them separately as Body Wash, Scrub, Body Butter and lip balm, or together in sets - and they don't leave your purse feeling much lighter as you leave the shop either! Want to hear the best part? They're also organic and Fairtrade, so I couldn't love this product more at the moment. 

(Please excuse my awful photography today, my camera was not co-operating)

The Cocoa Butter, Mango and Brazil Nut scents are absolutely amazing, and you're gonna need some serious will-power to stop yourself from tasting it. I personally opt for warmer scents - cocoa, nuts, deep berries... I don't tend to opt for the more citrus scents, however I'm sure they're just as yummy. 

At the moment I'm using my Extracts Cranberry set which consists of Body Wash, Scrub, and Body Butter - and I'm in love. Not just with the scent as it's a soft, fruity scent that's not too overpowering, but with the application of them. The Body wash is soft and applies like velvet. the Scrub is exactly what you look for in a body scrub, a thick paste with exfoliating properties (which smells just like the body wash) and it comes in a big round pot and will last you ages! My favourite has to be the Body Butter though. I've got the open pot right next to me as I type this - it smells so yummy! It's the perfect Body Butter, as it does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a really thick, creamy lotion that doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy after use. It's super moisturising - and I really recommend it if you're thinking about tanning!

Extracts Cranberry Body Wash

Extracts Cranberry Body Butter

Extracts Cranberry Body Scrub

I couldn't praise this product more, it really is fantastic - and the best Body Butter I've ever used. I love that Extracts are such an organic brand, which makes me feel even better about using it. Side note, if you've got sensitive skin like me, it's perfect. All the products are silky soft and don't leave you feeling irritated in any way.

So, if you're looking for a new Body Wash/Scrub/Body Butter or even a new lip balm - I really recommend giving Extracts a try!

Oh, and one more thing, buy the set now and get it half price right at £5 here! ;)

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Spring & Summer 2014

"Which season is your favourite?" - Oh no, not "that" question. Have I ever been able to answer it? No. Because come on, how can you decide between crisping up on a beach in Ibiza with your gorgeous one-piece costume, big sunnies and a yummy cocktail, and snuggling up in a big knitted jumper with a cup of tea and and a good film?

When push comes to shove, I've always settled on Winter being my favourite season (perhaps because this comes with the promise of the occasional duvet day). Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my excitement for Winter, that I start to wish Spring and Summer away. But no more.

Autumn/Winter is fast approaching here in England, and don't we know it! We've had such a fabulous Summer, and I think we're all a bit sad to see it go. So let's take a moment to remember the amazing fashion trends and bold statements that came hand-in-hand with the glorious sunshine and, more importantly, let's get all excited about what Spring/Summer 2014 has to offer. (There are definitely a few trends I think are strong enough to be sticking around long enough to see next year).

(Blink Brow Bar)

Now if London Fashion Week is anything to go by, we'll be seeing lots of new styles flooding into our high streets and designer names. Burberry do a superb job of highlighting the introduction of pastel shades to our, currently, quite bright summer style taste. Burberry have also predicted patterns to make a huge comeback, as shown by gorg Burberry models, (including Cara Delevingne) below.

(Look)

By absolutely no means are we waving goodbye to the glitter and neons that we have held so dear throughout Spring/Summer 2013, but the addition of more neutral tones certainly give us a lovely balance. 

Christopher Kane's collection also confirms this (drastic, but super duper) trend heading our way for 2014. We're definitely seeing some calmer tones with pops of brighter shades, patterns, prints, and a bit of texture here.

(Fashion Me Fabulous)

So what are we expecting for Spring/Summer 2014? In short? A gradual transition from our current, rather 1990's-inspired style. But how do we prepare for it? Great news. We've got all Autumn/Winter to deal with that. But here are five simple tips on how to make sure you're ready for it!

1) Keep hold of pale summer dresses/tees, especially if they are patterned! This will add some depth to your outfit and jazz up the use of such simple colours.

1. Cutout Back Lace Overlay Dress, Yesstyle, £15.05 (buy here)

2) Look at the big picture. We've all seen them (and some of us have even had them bestowed upon us), the "ugly sweater". But worry no longer! Those slightly-too-big-for-you, funny-coloured, high-necked, big-picture-of-an-animal-centre-front jumpers have spring-boarded their way into 2014. Be ashamed no longer, and if you haven't got one already, treat yourself! They're seriously cute, and 2014-you will thank you for it! If the "animal thing" isn't really your cup of tea, then try out just a patterned front.

2. Brave Soul Cream Tiger Print Jumper, New Look, £19.99 (buy here) //
3. Parisian Cream Vintage Rose Print Jumper, New Look, £27.99 (buy here)

3) Prints, prints, prints! As neutral colours are looking to be our staple for 2014, we're going to need to experiment, and this means with patterns, textures and, of course, prints! Here we have a gorgeous V-Neck print baggy tee perfect to pair with some bright nails, jeans, accessories or sandals.

3. The V-Neck Printed Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, Current/Elliot, The Outnet, £50 (buy here)

4) Sandals are looking to be a big thing next year (not that they weren't this year, of course). As Burberry so wonderfully showcased, this is definitely an opportunity to add that stand-out colour to your outfit. As an example here, I've chosen some seriously cute pink Missguided Roman Sandals (also available in orange). Don't worry if you're not into wearing bright footwear, there are loads of other opportunities to add some colour to your look.

Catelyn Suede Cross Over Sandals in Neon Pink, Missguided, £20.99 (buy here)

5) As a follow on from number 4, don't chuck out that gorgeous neon polish, don't forget, you're going to need some stand-out colours, and if you're not really into wearing bright and bold clothing, then bright nail polish is probably more for you. It would be too much of a shame to chuck any nail polish out (I struggle even with my oldest polishes) for next year's trends, I personally recommend NEON by American Apparel.

So there we have it, my Spring/Summer 2014 predicitions based on what London Fashion Week has already teased us with! Remember, 2013 will have finished - not vanished! I think Spring/Summer next year promises to use the bright colours introduced this year in conjunction with some cooler, neutral shades polished off with some classic patterns and textures. I'm totally exciting about trying out these new trends and seeing what fun experiments I can have with old and new. Summer, to me, means a chance to explore colour combos, dress brightly, freshly and comfortably, and I think Spring/Summer style 2014 is definitely a fantastic opportunity to see what I can do. I'm hoping you're feeling pumped and inspired too!

This post has been submitted for Company Magazine's 'The Company Academy in association with Veet'.

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Splash of Colour

1. Anardana, Azalea Pink // 2. Ratin Jot, Orchid Purple // 3. Amchoor, Bright Yellow // 4. Kutki, Powder Blue // 5. Kollary, Cyan Blue // 6. Lal Mirchi, Mandarin Red // 7. Ecume, White. NARS Nail Polish approx. £14 each.

Monochrome is really in this season, so make your nails pop with some bright colours this summer - so simple and effective. Pull this look off by pairing your chosen polish with some matching sandals or accessories! I'm personally loving yellow and white lately. Handy Tip: if you have green or blue eyes, give some bright and cool greens or blues on your nails a try.

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Topical Tropical

1. T by Alexander Wang Jersey T-Shirt Dress, Net-a-Porter, £79 // 2. Carrington Vintage Sunglasses, MOSCOT Eyewear and Eyecare, £45 // 3. Breath of God Solid Perfume, Lush USA, £6.65 // 4. Philosophy Coconut Frosting Body Butter, Philosophy, £13 // 5. Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in Red, Liberty London, £19 // 6. Samudra Maili Clutch, FarFetch, £54 // 7. HANNA Flatform Sandals, TopShop, £32.

I think it's finally safe to say summer is here! And what a scorcher it's been so far. Britain has truly come under heatwave these past few days. I have to say, it felt pretty good to put away my (slightly beloved) jumpers and go shopping for some new shorts and loose t-shirts, but it can be really difficult to stay and look cool at the same time. (Not that I ever look "cool") but here I've put together a tropical-themed summery outfit that is bound to aid in feeling cooler this summer, while also looking pretty good too. Although most of the items I've picked out are runway prices, these are so easy to find on the high street because they're such simple designs!

First of all I've picked out a black baggy tee from Net-a-Porter. Okay, this is definitely designer, but again it's so easy to find on the high street for a purse-friendly alternative. I know what you're thinking - black absorbs heat. And sure, I'll give you that one, but as this tee substitutes for a dress, it's so baggy and loose that you'll barely notice. This black also gives a bit of solidity to the outfit, as I've paired it with whites and much lighter tones.

My second choice is a pair of (rather John Lennon-esque) sunglasses. Round-lens glasses are coming back into fashion in full force this summer, and you can pick them up in all sorts of clothes/accessory stores. Love these as they match perfectly with the loose tee!

My third pick is solid perfume (that can be found in Lush stores). All my life I've used liquid perfumes, so I was totally intrigued when I spotted this. After all, who wants runny/sticky perfume on hot summery days? Pop a bit of this on your wrists and neck and you're good to go - without the need to catch it before it runs down your arms or stick around and wait for it to dry! Such a unique idea.

Fourth is a great body butter. These are so lovely to use after showers/baths, a definite go-to product to keep your skin from getting dehydrated in the heat, and so many different scents available!

My fifth choice is a bright, popping lipstick. I've only recently decided to start experimenting with bright colours on my lips (I have Cupid's Bow lips, and although I like the shape of them, I tend to keep the attention on my eyes rather than my lips). Any time I've ever thought of using bright colours on them, I very quickly change my mind and retire to soft pinks and clear lip balms. However, I tried a red lipstick recently and love it! (I'm still working up the courage to wear it publicly and pull it off as well as many of you do!) Any lipstick that applies like a lip butter is a big YES in my book, so this Shu Uemura lipstick is ticking all of the boxes for me. This lipstick will add a gorgeous pop to a monochrome outfit, but if you're not ready for red, opt for a warmer pink/burgundy shade or a coral/orange for a fresh look.

Sixth is a fresh and funky clutch, because who can be bothered with handbags with straps rubbing your shoulders when it's so hot outside? This choice is a tad on the expensive side, but these can be found anywhere! Or alternatively, if you're really creative, you could make your own!

Finally, my seventh choice is a pair of clean white flatforms. Since flatforms came back into fashion, I've been absolutely in love with them and their versatility. I love their chunky simplicity, and sandals are perfect in the sunshine! If these aren't your thing, then be sure to check out some white converse!

I hope you've enjoyed today's post! If not then I do hope it's somehow inspired you for outfits this summer! How are you coping with the heatwave?

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The British Trend is Back!

Hello? Is this thing on? I suppose I ought to begin with an apology! I've been absent from the world of blogging for a while since I've been focusing on my degree at university and I've just graduated (so now I'll have plenty of time for blogging, and I'll try not to let moving to Hertforshire get in the way too much!)

I've really missed updating The British Trend, but while I had my dissertation going on, it was really difficult to balance time, as each post was taking an awfully long time to create, put together and actually post. So, I've given The British Trend a bit of a revamp and redesign! This layout will hopefully be much more clean and easy for you guys to read, so I hope you like it!

I hope you're all having a really lovely summer, and keep your eyes open on here this evening for the first new blog post!

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