Krystal /

Wishlist
Designer wishlist
  1. Stainless steel chronograph watch in rose gold by Michael Kors
  2. Mirah leather trousers in black by Marc by Marc Jacobs
  3. On the dot ring by Kate Spade
  4. New Decoltissimo black patent shoes by Christian Louboutin
  5. Bayswater handbag by Mulberry
  6. Fuchsia enamel lips/lipstick necklace by Lulu Guinness

These are a selection of designer products I’m absolutely in love with at the moment. Some of these are staple pieces – such as the classic Bayswater bag by Mulberry, but who doesn’t want to own such a fabulously versatile accessory? I used to own the Lulu Guinness necklace, in fact I still have it except mine is in pieces. So I really want to replace it. I discovered the Marc Jacobs Mirah trousers while on vacation in Paris (so cliche I know) but considering I’ve been searching high and low for the perfect pair of leather trousers, these are the “chosen” pair. Fingers crossed shipping and size availability and post-holiday sales do me proud because so far, these are expensive enough to be classed as an investment, as opposed to just a pair of trousers that would just look sad in my wardrobe. I am in awe of the rose gold watches by Michael Kors – which I first discovered during one of my fashion placements a few years ago. It’s such an elegantly sophisticated tone for such a classic accessory. Not to mention cocktail rings are the way forward to sprucing up any outfit with a pop of colour – day or night.

Enjoy!

Krystal signature

Krystal /

Keeping warm this winter

I know England has always been a bit of a controversial country when it comes to summer (in other words, we rarely have one, thanks to Global Warming and all of those scientific and geographic issues), but this winter just seems worse than most years. I don’t ever remember it being this cold in November 2011?! So much so, I’m turning into a hermit because I’d rather stay indoors where it’s warm as opposed to going out and freezing!

Anyway, just like 95% of the rest of the country (and world I’m sure), I’ve still got to get myself to work and survive the awful chills to get there. Thankfully, Topshop have already reintroduced their SNO range – one which I think I’m literally going to have to invest in, as well as about 5 other winter coats! I’m not sure the current available selection online is the complete collection for 2012 (usually they have a couple of different coloured trousers and accessories, as opposed to the very few options right now – so keep your eyes peeled), but here are some key pieces I thought would be perfect for this British wintery season.

SNO Belted Jacket, £95
SNO Belted Gilet, £75
SNO Thermal Leggings, £10
SNO Jacquard Print Socks, £10
SNO Faux Fur Snood, £18
Fur Mittens, £18

All items are available here (and hopefully more if they add extras to the collection). Please note, the mittens are not specific to the SNO range, however they are great for winter.

Or alternatively visit the Topshop website to have a browse of all products.

 

Krystal /

I headed into central London today, and amid trawling through the high street stores on offer, I did walk into Marks & Spencer. I have to admit, I’m impressed. From the lines they used to stock years ago, to the collections they hold now, they have really upped their game to become true competitors. As I swiftly paced through the store, I glanced up and within their Autograph collection came across this stylish tote bag:

Leather Leopard Zip Shopper Bag, £99, Autograph at M&S

Autograph is definitely one of the brand’s more sophisticated collections, and they pride themselves with a view that their main competitor on the market as DKNY.

This tote is timeless, but definitely has a modern feel with the introduction to the bold leopard print and zip detail. At £99, it’s potentially a little pricey for some, however I’m convinced that leather bags last, so I’d see it as a great investment as well as a classic accessory to add to your wardrobe. Not to mention, everyone should have some leopard print in their lives. It’s one of those prints that recurs throughout the years and seasons as time goes on.

Unfortunately I didn’t get an opportunity to have a close up look at it (the one I saw was on display and way beyond my little 5″6 reach). I’d be inclined to find out whether the bottom of the bag has feet to protect the underneath, and while it says there is a popper and zip close – does this mean the zip closes the entire bag? Those are key points I always look, partly because I’m usually on the go so my bag gets thrown to and from anywhere and everywhere, and I also don’t want to lose half the contents. But that’s just my personal preference.

Click here to view the bag on the Marks & Spencer online store.

Krystal /

Until recently I’ve never been one for clutches – partly because I always think I’d lose it. But lately I’ve spotted some really fancy looking ones, that are so unique I’ve gone from sitting on the fence about this one, to being well and truly won over.

These two Christopher Kane clutches are A-MAZ-ING. They’re the sort that’d be great for either carrying light items or even inside another bag to carry documents, tickets, etc.

Large Plastic Aqua Clutch in Black & Purple

Purple Leopard Embossed Leather Clutch

With purple being such a prominent colour this A/W 2012-13 season, these bags are perfect. I’m always a fan of leopard print, and the plastic aqua clutch with coloured gel is just so striking in comparison to any average bag. Being high-end products they’re not cheap, but they’re definitely worth it.

Large Plastic Aqua Clutch in Black & Purple is available at MyTheresa.com.
Purple Leopard Embossed Leather Clutch is available at Liberty.

Krystal /

I’ve been a fan of Vans shoes for years, back since the days when I was 14/15 and started skateboarding. Yes that’s right, me – skateboarding. And I wasn’t even half bad considering! No I couldn’t do any complex stuff, but I could do some street tricks: ollies, manuels and even landed a couple casper varial flips, and learned to drop in by concrete bowls – but street skating was more my thing. So as you can imagine, it was kind of essential to have some good grip, flat skate shoes, and vans were my choice. From the old skool TNTs in black with the pink stripe – yep you know the ones, to checkered classic slip-ons and authentic lace ups.

Vans have so many different designs and styles, you walk in the store and you pretty much wanna grab everything and walk out with a whole bunch. (At least that’s what I wanna do each time anyway.) These latest designs are hot!

I’m a massive fan of leopard print whether it’s on shoes, accessories, clothes, you name it. As long as it’s classy and not tacky, I say go for it. And slip-ons are great for those days where you really can’t be bothered with lace-ups. I used to own a pair of the pink checkered slip-ons (until they went to shoe heaven after being destroyed by torrential rain and lots of skateboarding), and I’ve always considered getting them again – I might just have to. I love the turquoise of the washed look too. The leopard slip-on lo pros are a great design instead of resorting to ballet pumps all the time (and probably more durable knowing Vans).

So looks like these (at least one pair if not more) will be added to my Las Vegas shopping list. Especially the leopard. Wish me luck that I don’t come back to London with a very over-weight suitcase.

Leopard Authentic
Checkerboard Slip-On
Washed Checker Slip-On
Leopard Slip-On Lo Pro

All of these shoes are available at Vans. However, to visit the UK store, click here.