Just before Christmas I went to the New Look Press Day with my friend and fellow presenter Hayley Sparkes for a preview their Spring Summer collection. It was so useful to go with a friend who's a stylist as Hayley is great at giving tips on what you should wear and not wear with certain things. I have held back in showing what wonders lay in store (literally in store ;) ) due to the horrible weather. But now we are well and truly into February I think it's an acceptable time to be optimistic about the weather and look forward to it being a little warmer. Plus, there's a few pieces currently in store that I love so much.
Wearing: Necklace by ilovedesigner.com, Shorts by Internacionale, Jumper by Love, bangle by whistleandbango.com
There were four different collections on display, as well as some incredible accessories, lingerie, and swimwear. I'll show you some of my favourite pieces from the lookbook basically because the photos I took were pretty dreadful (I'll get better!).
Neon Bloom
I am so excited about this collection as it is made up of pastels colours, floral prints, and lace. I don't like to dress overly girly, but I always like to have feminine details to my clothing and am a huge fan of lace and flowers. Pastel colours suit my pale complexion too!
I am such a fan of this look above. The oversized slouched jersey style jumper is so up my street. I am usually seen in oversized tees and jumpers with skinny jeans or shorts and tights, and a big necklace to make it a little more interesting, so I would definitely wear the top part with light jeans. I love the skirt - I am not a huge fan of my legs, so the length is perfect for me. I find skirts that go below my knee make me feel like I have short legs, but I don't like skirts to be too short either because I feel way too exposed! The floral meshing makes me think of a Woodlands fairy book I used to have. That's a good thing for me!
I am such a fan of matching two pieces. What I love about this look is that it's so feminine with the floral pattern and pink colour, but the shape and the fact the colour is a dusty pink means it's more sophisticated than girly. I'd probably dress this look down with tan brogue style shoes to make it look more casual, like these ones from Bertie.
I am in LOVE with this coat. I love coats that shape (would you call this a boyfriend shape?) as they are flattering to wear and the pattern is amazing. Literally cannot wait for this to be in my life. New Look have a coat in stock now that I am also in love with. The pastel pink colour makes it perfect for spring, but I couldn't wait until then (if I buy something I have to wear it straight away, anyone else like that?) so I dressed it down with black to make it more appropriate for winter. The jeans I wore with it are actually from New Look too, and are honestly some of the best fitting I have come across, and I've worn loads of high street and designer ones. They haven't lost their shape and I've washed them so many times.
Outfit: coat, boots, and jeans by New Look, SW11 bangle by Whistle & Bango., Chic tee by Lipsy
I love flowers. I love dresses. I love flowery dresses. For me they are the perfect thing to wear in the day time when it's warm. I like to dress them down with sandals or wedges and probably a floppy hat. Speaking of flowers, I am obsessed with these daisy print tees on the site, and I've seen daisy prints a lot across a range of SS14 previews, so I think this is going to be big in spring. I've been impatient (as usual) and been wearing this crochet sweater a lot with my Marc Jacobs clock necklace that I've had for years.
California Dreaming
This collection is made up of aztec, patchwork, paisley and zebra prints, and New Look describe it as a festival and boho mash up. My style has often been described as 'hobo chic', which I think is boho chic just with unbrushed hair, so this collection has my name all over it. I am obsessed with Aztec - as you can probably tell from my outfit at the Company Magazine summer party - looking back I went way too OTT on aztec, what was I thinking?!
I love these looks. I personally think high waisted shorts and big belts are so sexy, plus if I'm wearing low waisted short shorts I feel a little exposed. I am a big fan of a kimono, as they are so easy and lightweight and look great with jeans in the day time or with shorts for festivals or on holiday. In my opinion you cannot have enough kimono tops, and New Look have a nice range. The second image is perfect for the day time. If I am wearing short shorts I like to keep my top covered up too, so the shape of the top is perfect.
I am OBSESSED with these outfits. As I said above I'm a huge fan of matching two pieces and I think the first outfit is so cool, especially with the sandals. I would never think to put the two clashing patterns together but I think the second outfit also works really well. I'd wear both of these in the day time when it's still slightly too cold for shorts.
These are some of my favourite accessories from the aztec trend. I think they are great if you are too scared or not bold enough to wear prints but want to stay on trend. Or if you need to dress more conservatively for work!
As a huge fan of bold prints, I am unable to wait until spring, so recently got these uh-amazing tapestry boots, which I've been wearing with black skinny jeans and a black knitted jumper. They really remind me of the style of sofas and curtains my mum had back in the 90's.
I am also obsessed with these animal printed scarves by young British designer Scarlett Black.
Tomorrow's Yesterday
This collection is so cool and is made up of monochrome, polka dots, gingham, and stripes. Mesh also forms a big part of the collection which isn't really my style, so I haven't included any of those pieces - sorry!
I would wear this outfit if I had a meeting, or for a date. I think it's so sophisticated and cool. You can't go wrong with black either.
I love blouses are tucked into distressed denim with chunky belts, I think it's so effortless and sharp. I'd definitely wear this in the day time out and about with jeans, or with shorts on those amazingly hot days! The thing I love about the high waisted jeans and belt is that it shows off a slim waist which is so important to me because of my bustier figure.
Seattle Grunge
This collection is made up of oversized floral and surf palm prints. I am probably not bold enough to wear these bold prints on their own, but I think it's cool to add them into your outfit as a statement piece.
Hayley & I talking to the New Look PR team on camera about the key trends for SS14.
I'd love to know what you guys think of the pieces I chose and also what trend you are most excited for. Needless to say, I am pretty excited for the weather to become warmer. New Look, you have nailed it!
Until next time... x
