2012

This was originally an article that I wrote on UrbanVox.net as part of Review Week, but I thought you lot might also fancy a read.

I would just like to start off by saying - do not worry. I'm not going to vomit a bunch of words into this article about what happened within fashion in January.. February.. March - half an hours snooze and a cup of coffee later - December..
That would be mind numbing-ly dull and lengthy, so I'm going to give you a brief overview of some of the best, (and perhaps worst trends) that have graced our eyes and wardrobes this year. 

First up, we have Autumn/Winter 2011 coming into 2012.

Jewel tones.
Forget the ice pop colours of Summer 2011 and embrace the dark, sophisticated colours with names that ooze luxury such as amethyst, sapphire and emerald. It adds colour to the everlasting trend of black without making you look like a neon sign above a pawn shop.

Fetish.
Designers including Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Giles may have made some of you go bright red looking at their A/W 2011/2012 collections but I really think it should be embraced. I mean, I don't know if it's just me but if it a trend is encouraging you to wear bondage as an accessory and is doing it in a classy way then WHY ISN'T EVERYONE DOING IT?! It's fun, it's vampy and it's sexy.

Tartan.
This is a trend that has just flared up again towards the end of 2012 too, and I really think it will carry on right through to 2013 because statement prints and textures are THE thing in fashion right now.

Then, there was Spring/Summer 2012.

Pastel tones.
Yes I know, pastels do come around every Spring and Summer, but they weren't the grotesque colours that you always seem to see in rom-com films when the weird aunt gets married, these are cool and icy pastels. Something that will definitely be hanging around for next Summer.

Peplums.
It's such a feminine shape that I think a lot of girls found it hard not to buy at least one piece of clothing with a peplum involved; it accentuates your curves, and adds curves if you don't have any. And it's such a versatile silhouette - it adds and fun and girly-ness to sharp work wear and is so perfect for glam-ing up.

Statement Trousers.
As long as the print you wear is the brightest, the loudest, and the most textured, it really doesn't matter what cut you opt for. This trend was about letting your legs do the talking and it was a big hit. I know it was a big hit because I'm the kind of girl who would rather opt for a skirt or a dress rather than trousers or jeans, but I now own at least 4 pairs of trousers and another 3 are on my shopping list.

So, which trends from 2012 will be creeping into 2013 Bex?! I hear your screaming at your screens. Well, fellow fashion enthusiast, I'll let you know some of my favourites.

Black leather.
This is the milder, slightly less naughty version of the fetish trend that hit us toward the end of 2011, one that will always come back round and one that always sparks surprise each times it does. It's still richly infused with gothic glamour and suggestion but it's for those of you who'd feel uncomfortable wearing that Alexander McQueen harness, or for those of you who are a bit like me and would just like to wear leather 24/7.

Supersized bags.
Oh my lord is this a brilliant trend! Helloooo statement piece that is actually useful and takes into consideration the amount of stuff women generally like to keep on them at all times. I'm talking plasters to pens, and moisturisers to measuring tapes.

A cracking pair of trousers.
Anything goes for this trend. Leather, tweed, slouchy boyfriend styles to the more tailored style, anything you can make into a pair of trousers, you can get away with. And it works too. You can go from work to the weekend and brunch with the girls to a night out; if you have THE trousers you can do anything.

And, if you really want to be ahead of the curve, my favourite trend for Spring/Summer 2013 is a question of whether you prefer neon or pastel? And are you really digging the new graphic print scene that seems to be appearing time and time again?

DIY Skull Envelope Clutch

I don't know if I'm just mega picky but I struggle finding clutches I like. I either want a cute, bright pattern, or something plain and simple, because they go with so much. 

So, if you're like me and you find it hard it find something you like, then here is a step by step guide to a simple clutch that will go with any outfit.

What you will need:
A pen
Ruler or tape measure
Needle and thread (or sewing machine)
Decor of your choice (I opted for a skull stud)
Any material of your choice (in this case black faux leather)

First, draw the shape of your clutch. I know this one is an envelope shape but you can do any shape you like. 

Sew the sides together, but make sure it's the wrong way round as these is what will create a seam, so you there's no messy stitches on the outside. This would be much neater on a sewing machine, but you get the idea!

Then turn it the right way round et voila! You have a basic envelope clutch. All you need to do now is add your decor. I went for a skull stud because I'm obsessed with skulls and it makes it a little more edgy.  

Show me if you end up making one, for yourself or someone else!

NYE

I'm not going to ask if you have any resolutions or great epiphanies for 2013. If you do, great! But that's not what I'm here to find out or help you with. I'm here to equip you with everything you will need to look crazy hot on New Years Eve.

The guys over at Pantone have predicted that 2013's colour will be green, so why not get on this trend early? Bottle green is such a gorgeous colour and I don't think it's worn enough; people tend to opt for the safer colours of burgundy and navy blue - myself included but with embellishment like this it would be such a shame to say no to this dress. Oh, and if you're still umm-ing and arr-ing.. I can give you 20% off. That helps, doesn't it? Just use the code 'thestreetcomplex' when you're ready to checkout at motelrocks.com!

Winter Essentials - Stu Bradley wrote this all by himself

So after fluttering my eyelashes to Stu over Twitter I received this in my inbox. Stu's a straight male fashion blogger.
This may not bring wonder into your hearts as it does with me, but he's a male fashion blogger who writes about affordable fashion - by affordable fashion I don't mean Primark, I just don't mean Givenchy either. AND he's a down to earth little sweetheart. He's tangible unlike male fashion bloggers you may know of, and that's what makes him one of my favourites.  He's straight as well, so weird.

Winter Essentials

Woolly hat

Sure, kids at hardcore gigs (the same guys who wear Eastpak backpacks and have plugs in their ears the size of Oreos) may wear them all year round but the woolly hat comes into its own in the Winter. Pro tip: I use a pair of fake glasses to keep it at the perfect height and stop it slipping down over my eyes. The downside is that it makes me look like…a douchebag wearing fake glasses.

Grey hoodie

Yes, probably down to the fact that I spent most of my teenage years aspiring to be like One Tree Hill’s Lucas Scott, but I still think a washed out, supersoft grey hoodie takes some beating.

Beard

Because facial hair is for life, not just for Movember.

Shirt jacket

Jackets bore me. There, I said it. I’m so not down with dropping £100+ on a huge jacket that will take up a load of space in my already crowded wardrobe…though I will make an exception when I find the parka. I picked up this Ralph Lauren workshirt for £36 at TK Maxx. RRP £600. No, seriously. It’s warm, soft and it didn’t require a trip to Oxfam to clear closet space for it. Sorry, Oxfam.

Cable knit jumper

Aside from being a completely classic look, I can also be sure that it won’t start my grandparents off at Christmas dinner about how nobody dressed like that in their day. In retrospect, wearing a Black Dahlia Murder vest on Christmas Day was a poor decision. Anyway, I got mine at New Look. Ok, so it doesn’t have a little polo player on it, but it was only twenty quid. TWENTY QUID.

Doc Martens

Although they’re best known for big clompy boots, Dr Martens also make some beautiful (and hard wearing shoes) that can take anything from tramping the pavements to walking the dog in a snowstorm. Mine even came with a tin of wax to re-waterproof them. It’s only a matter of time before I have too much to drink and use said wax on my moustache.

This is Stu, and this is his blog http://www.notsolonelylondoners.com/. He's sort of internet famous and that.

Christmas with Motel Rocks!

I don't know about you but I always feel so much pressure when it comes to Christmas parties. Not that I'm worried I won't look amazing (ofc I will..), but there's always the dilemma of what kind of party is it? Who's going? Is it low key? Should I wear heels? SHOULD I EVEN GO?!

It's the worst.

So I've put together for you an eye catching, but not sticking-out-like-a-sore-thumb outfit that could easily be worn with flats for more casual parties. And if that isn't enough. I'm also giving you 20% off everything you see in this look! I'm so cute, I know.

I love bodycon midi dresses at the moment; I just think they're so classy and so sexy. Teamed with this gold clutch I'd say you were ready for any old fash event but these JC's just make it just that little more edgy, just that little more eye catching. If they're a bit too 'out there' for you, then just stick on your favourite black velvet heels and you'll still look crazy hot. 

lincoln

If you haven't been a long time reader (shame on you) then you won't know that I have a love of all things quaint and quite British. I'm lucky enough to have lived in York for most of my life, and am now lucky enough to live in Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire. These places being full of boutiques, cute little cafes, sweet shops and history is what I love so much about where I live.
So when I had a day off from work, I took (Alex drove) my camera, my favourite coat, and a good looking friend to photograph and went into Lincoln town.

i'm stunned, to find a place we belong

Coat - Topshop (old)

T Shirt - eBay

Skirt - Primark (old)

Boots - ASOS

Necklace - Kukee

tweed? well I say

I always need to look my best for work; Laura Ashley has a reputation and a standard that I must make sure I rise to. But when it's absolutely bitter outside and the front doors keeps opening as customers file in, all I really want to wear is my onesie, my mittens, and maybe my duvet.
But I can't, and I doubt you can either, so here's how I work around it. 
However, if you can then please tell us all what job you do and how we can get it because if I could just stroll into work wrapped in my duvet I would be one happy lady. 

Jumper - Laura Ashley £70

Pencil skirt - Laura Ashley £65

I'll say it before and I'll say it again - pencil skirts are fantastic. Every girl looks crazy hot in one regardless of shape, they're perfect for a night out, dinner, brunch, shopping and work. I know jumpers can often be lumped in the 'casual' section of fashion, but I think if you can find a really beautiful, good quality jumper then there's nothing wrong with teaming it with a pair of heels for an occasion where casual definitely isn't on the dress code. I wear these both together with my favourite heeled boots and I'm ready for a day filled with styling at the dressing rooms and climbing up ladders to get that duck egg blue roll of wallpaper.

Add a bit of lipstick to brighten up the outfit and you're all good to go!

christmas wishlist

It's coming to that time of year again where I dream of the day I will be filthy rich and able to buy myself and others expensive gifts to let them know I appreciate them (and myself). 
But until then I can only look at pretty pictures of what I'd kill to get my hands on this year. If any of you are feeling kind I can give you my address so you can send it my way. Thank you.

Three Floor - £128

This, for me, is the most perfect dress for this time of year. The colours are what you see every Autumn/Winter - those deep purples and gorgeous burgundies, and would be beautiful for New Years celebrations. Teamed with a pair of black velvet heels, a simple black clutch, a quick swipe of a dark lipstick and you have yourself the most glamorous look anyone will have ever laid eyes on. 

Alexander McQueen - £150

I'm sure if you're a regular reader you'll known by now that I love all things skulls, so that obviously means I'm in love with all things McQueen - and this ring is no exception. It's such a simple way to add life and edge to a dull outfit. Especially for me as I tend to wear a lot of simple, dark outfits, so any accessory like this will do it me world of wonders. I'm not a huge fan of wearing a lot of jewelry all at once, which is why this ring is a good choice; it's quite a statement so I don't need to fuss over anything else.

Marc by Marc Jacbs - £279

I love all things rose gold. All things. I already have a plain, chunky rose gold watch which I wear every single day and couldn't possibly live without it. But it's always fantastic to have two watches. For those days that I feel I'd like to just change things up a little. I may not want to wear a plain rose gold watch, I may want to wear chunky grey watch with the most gorgeous rose gold detailing. I am dribbling whilst typing this; it is so perf. 

What would you KILL for this year?!