Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year, everyone!!! And a belated Merry Christmas! We hope you had a fantastic break and are feeling refreshed and ready for 2014!
Lots of love,
Ali & Vic xo

Back to Black

Although we've sung the praises of the LWD here, and provided winter-appropriate alternatives to the LBD here, sometimes you just can't beat the timeless elegance of a chic black dress. Vicky dressed up her look by adding heels, silvery jewellery, and sparkly black nails, but toned it down with a tousled updo and peach lips; the perfect balance for a casual New Year's look.

Black lace-trimmed dress - American Eagle

Necklace - borrowed from our mum

Bracelet - The Bay

Watch - Seksy

Tights - Express

Heels - Call It Spring

Nails - "The Black Knight" by Butter London

Lipstick - "Peach Me" by Revlon

Anna Karenin-spired

Vicky recently had a Banana Republic work event to launch the store's Anna Karenina-themed Holiday collection, and, naturally, the dress code for the evening was "Russian." And, more specifically, black with touches of grey or red. A touch of fur, dash of red lipstick, and strand of pearls did the job nicely, giving a basic black outfit a winter-glam vibe.

Black dress - Kensie via The Bay

Black, fur-collared cardigan - Forever 21

Red belt - Aldo Accessories

Red earrings - Aldo Accessories

Pearl necklace - borrowed from our mum

Silver watch - Seksi

Black heels - Call It Spring

Black tights - Express

Lipstick - "Ruby Woo" by MAC

Nail polish - "My Italian Love Affair" by OPI

Flexible Lace

Layering a jumper/sweater over a dress is a simple way of getting more use out of your dresses and prolonging their wear right into the cooler months. It's also a great way of making a dress more daytime-appropriate, as Vicky demonstrates here. What appears to be a white lace skirt is actually a dress with long sleeves and a high neckline - a bit dressy for a 9am lecture, but instantly more casual when worn with a jumper and scarf.

Mint jumper - H&M

Melon scarf - BCBG

White lace dress, worn as skirt - Zara

Black tights - Express

Brown leather boots - Aldo

Earrings - Forever 21

Lipstick - "Candy Pink" by Revlon

Happy Birthday, Vicky!!!!!

Today is a very special day...it's Vic's 20th birthday!!! Aaaand our blog also happens to be one month old today...so celebrations all around :-) I'm not gonna get toooo gushy but I just wanna say a big HAPPPPPPPPPPPYYYYYY BIRTHDAAAAAYYYYYYYYY to Victoria Alicia May Clare O'Neill, my partner in crime for the past 20 years. I had such fun digging up the following childhood gems in all their '90s glory...hope you enjoy!!!

{Yay for little sisters! Better than dolls :-)}

{Vicky and our mama}

{Check out the imperious look on that little face!}

{Dressed as Snow White whilst clutching a Pocahontas doll...total Disney child}

{So Shirley Temple, right?! Kiiiiiinda unfair that she got all the good hair genes!!!}

{Purple velvet dress = perfect attire for playing in the snow}

Wild Horses

Printed shirts have been kicking around for a while, but their charm seems to have increased as of late with the absolutely adorable designs we've been seeing in shops this season. In addition to the ubiquitous plaid and gingham, our hearts have been stolen by shirts strewn with owls, polka dots, apples, elephants...and horses, as Vicky models. Whether you wear your shirt loud and proud, or take a more subtle approach by having it peek out from a jumper or cardigan, this is an easy way of adding a dose of cute to an otherwise staid outfit.

Horse print shirt - H&M

Grey knit jumper - Gap

Black leggings - H&M

Tan leather boots - Aldo

Lipstick - "Nude Attitude" by Revlon

Nail polish - "Blue Moon" by Barry M and "Cloudless Sky" by George at Asda

Mint Floral

Floral print has been popular for quite a few seasons, but it has only recently made its way into jean territory. While the prospect of flower-bedecked legs may seem somewhat daunting, it can actually be quite a wearable look, when balanced with a casual, loose-fitting top. Vicky paired her jeans with a sheer, mint-coloured shirt to create an outfit that's perfect for this transitional time of year, when it's not quite warm enough for shorts but still officially summer. 

Sheer mint green shirt (worn with top underneath) - Primark

Floral print jeans - Primark

White canvas wedges - Aldo

Lip gloss -  Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm in "London" by Bare Escentuals

Nail polish - "Pedal Faster Suzi" by OPI (Holland Collection)

Chain Chain Chain

Chain print has been cropping up everywhere this past year, no longer relegated to scarfs, grannies, and the '80s, and is a fantastic way of channelling a luxe vibe in your dressing. It's actually quite a seasonally versatile print, as it looks equally good paired with crisp whites and brights in spring and summer as it does with rich, leather accessories in autumn and winter. Whether your medium of choice is a skirt, blouse, dress, scarf, or even a jacket or trousers for the very brave, there is a chain print option out there for everyone!

Robin's egg blue blazer - Oasis

White sequin top - Old Navy

Chain print skirt - Jules & Leopold via Winners

Pale pink tights - Penneys

Cobalt blue ankle boots - Feet First

Necklace - Aldo

Bracelets - New Look

Watch - River Island

Pink hair bow - Penneys

Lipstick - "Saint Germain" by MAC

Nail polish - "Flirty Bikini" by Jacob