This season marks cat eye sunglasses as a key must-have accessory. I'm a huge fan of owning investment pieces (for example, I own a pair of Chanel cat eye sunglasses which I'll keep for the rest of my life). However, what if you can't afford the heavy duty pricing some designers demand?

Each week I'm going to do my best to find at least one high street cheat – in other words a similar if not almost identical product to a designer brand's which is available on the high street. This week's focus: Cat eye sunglasses.

This gorgeous pair of extreme cat eye sunglasses is priced at £231 and available from Alexander Wang.

If you want to make an eye-catching statement with a similar pair, head over to Asos.com for their own branded beauties available for the cheaper price of £12. What a bargain!

Asos glitter cat eye sunglasses are available here.

 

Festivals are the latest hot spots for fashionistas alike to gather together in awe of the music while looking fabulous. Whether you've just attended Weekend 1 of Coachella (if you have, I'm MEGA JEL), or maybe you're planning to head to the UK's finest in Glastonbury or Reading fests – here's my guide to some festival must-haves:

My Festival Essentials

My Festival Essentials by krystal-scanlon

 

Crop top/bralet

For those hot summer festival days, you wanna make an impression while still staying cool. Why not opt for a brawler or cropped top? Prints and slogan tees are all the rage right now. Even the likes of Katy Perry was seen wearing matching bralet and mini skirt by Dolce & Gabbana, while Rita Ora rocked a slogan tee by Jeremy Scott (Fall 2013) teamed with a lilac midi skirt by J.W. Anderson (Resort 2013) at last weekend's Coachella Weekend 1.

Denim shorts/hot pants

Everyone should already own a pair of these. If not, INVEST FAST. Denim shorts are a girl's best friend. Durable in all weathers and conditions and no matter how ripped up and “worn in” they look, denim shorts will ALWAYS look fab.

Ankle boots/flat trainers (or runners if you're from the US)

If you're a girl who can't bear to be without her heels for the weekend, try a pair of mid to low heeled western style suede boots. However, if hours of standing and walking around scream pain to your poor feet, opt for a pair of comfy trainers. Lighter colours will also help you to stay cool in extra hot heat.

Hat

While we all love to catch some UV rays when they're around, it's always best to do it safely. A cute little hat will not only help to keep your head cool and stop you overheating throughout the day, but it'll also help keep your skin looking young and fresh – no one wants to age with a leathery looking face now do we?

Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes is a must during the brightest of days. Not to mention, they also double up as a great cover up for us girls who like to spend our festivals partying the nights away with a huge lack of sleep. Not to mention if you're camping, it's far easier to put on a pair of sunnies rather than attempt to slap on make-up (And trust me when I say I know this from experience).

Bag

The last thing you wanna be doing when you're listening to your favourite band while trying to juggle a camera, a drink and food, is carry an impractical handbag. Why not go for a duffle bag or cross-body bag for hands-free ease. If you want one that'll last you for a good few festivals to come, opt for a suede material. Not only is it durable, it won't heat up like a leather one would if you're standing in the banking sun – consequentially causing your mobile to stop working (again, learned from experience).

If you like the items in particular I've shown above, use the links below to purchase:

  1. RAD crop tee, £10, by Topshop
  2. Straw garland bowler hat, £22, by Topshop
  3. Midwash denim distressed hot pants, £25, by River Island
  4. Leia tortoise shell sunglasses, £16, by Jeepers Peepers at ASOS
  5. Authentic shoes, £47, by Vans
  6. Suede beaded duffle bag, £65, by Deena & Ozzy at Urban Outfitters
  7. Barbie comic zip bra, £24, by Miss Selfridge
  8. Spiral ankle boot vision suede, £149, by Ash at Office

 

Of course the above are just some examples I've thought of. Should you attend a festival and all you have is rain, invest in a pair of Hunter wellies and a rain mac.

Whatever you do, wherever you go make sure you pack sun cream and don't forget to drink LOTS of water.

Be safe ladies!

 

Jeffrey Campbell shoes and boots are loved by all, worldwide. If you're not one of their fan club, you're probably in that 2% of the world who just haven't fallen in love with them… yet.

However, JC's (gotta love abbreviations) aren't normally the cheapest shoes for everyone's pocket. So I've found you the next best thing.

These great studded see-through sandals are bang on trend with the clear/gold clear/silver and green colour ways along with the stud detail that give the sandals a raw, rocky edge.
Though at £80 a pair, they're probably not going to be on everyone's feet this summer.

Thankfully good ol' American fashion brand Forever 21 have come up with their own take on these spikey sandals – which is also a much cheaper at a price point of just under £20. (Exact price tbc).

Spiked clear sandals by Forever 21

What a bargain eh? There may not be as many colourful choices but they are very JC-esque and for those with a smaller budget, they'll be perfect!

For those who want to purchase the JC original, head to Office or your nearest Office branch.

For those who want to save a few pennies, head to your nearest Forever 21 store. When the sandals are available on the UK website, I'll add the link.

 

Hello to all! What a fine, typically rainy April day it's been. Well, in London that is. So it's officially the time for me to start planning my next lot of trips to get out of this dismal weather so I can catch some sun.

For a while I was saying I really wanted to get a set of really nice luggage – partly because it'll make packing all the more fun, but also for the practicality so I can actually find my suitcase on those luggage belt things in airports rather than tiptoeing to the front, umm-ing and ahh-ing about which is mine.

For those who've read some of my blog since the beginning of the year will know my parents bought me a couple of pieces from the Lulu Guinness Bell Boy luggage collection (the small hand luggage size case and holdall). Just over a couple of weeks ago, I invested in the large suitcase with present money I've had lying in a drawer in my room waiting for something glamourous to come along so it can be used. And the suitcase was totally worth it. I call these all my Lady Luggage.

Lady Luggage

Lady Luggage by krystal-scanlon

These cases not only look fab and fashionable, they're practical too. Loads of pockets to carry those extra pairs of shoes and bikini sets, not to mention the official Lulu Guinness finishing touch of silver mirror detailed zips. The clipper bag (or holdall) is also great because it can attach easily to your suitcase, or alternatively carry it using the shoulder strap (also included). The exterior shows little pictures of New York's Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower of Paris and a part of London's Trafalgar Square. The interior is equally cute with black and white stripes throughout.

  1. Black Bell Boy large spinner case, £245
  2. Black Bell Boy small spinner case, £195
  3. Black Bell Boy small clipper bag, £99

 

I can honestly say I will never dread packing again. That is, until I've got to come home from whichever adventure it is that I'm on. But then I wouldn't be human if I didn't get the holiday blues, right?

 

I don't care what anyone says – no girl in her right mind can ever say she has “too many” shoes. It's impossible. Too many to fit in your room/wardrobe (or closet if you're American), well maybe. Too many shoes period? Never.

Keeping with my last post's theme of “neon brights”, I was just having a browse on the Internet (as you do) at all the pretty new clothes and shoes that are starting to become available for Spring/Summer. I'm literally like a child in a candy shop when it comes to shopping. Although mix shopping AND candy and that's a whole new level of “wowzer”.

So anyway, I was having a look at Jeffrey Campbell's website in awe – unfortunately due to previous ankle injuries, I can't necessarily walk around in stiletto high shoes without a raging pain in my leg after a few hours (however worth it-it might be). Then I came across the latest look book, Twice My Burn.

How cool are these Jeffrey Campbell sandal-style, chunky heeled, backless shoes called Syma:

I even love the official campaign page for the shoe. With such simplicity in the background and very minimalist props, they've really given the shoes justice, making them stand out.

I'm hoping to find out when these will become available in the UK (or even in USA because I'll be heading back there again soon), as well as whether or not these precious babies will be in a range of colours or just the single colour-way. So watch this space for more info. These are definitely being added to my list of “Things to Buy”.

Images taken from the official Jeffrey Campbell shoes website. Click here to go have a look.