Thursday

I've decided I will not be defeated by the rain today and am off into town to do my last few bits of christmas shopping and to meet friends for a cup of tea and a catch up at one of my favourite places 'Home Sweet Home' in Manchester. Although it's wet today it's not too cold (14 degrees, thank you Google!) so I'm going with lots of layers I can put on or take off as I need too. I'm wearing my ultimate lazy day uniform; black leather leggings from Next (totally obsessed with them, even the rip in the left knee hasn't slowed me down), grey t-shirt from Primark, pumps from Primark, navy wool coat from COS and bag from Zara. The scarf is a gift (read long term lend) from my mum. I've even gone for a bit of optimism up top as well and curled my hair using a Tresemme curling wand. It's the only curler I've found that keeps my stubbornly straight hair curled for the whole day, even with the rain! Right, I'm off out, wish me luck!

Barbara Casasola

I'm so excited about Barbara Casasola, a new designer whose first collection made its debut for SS14 (on the whole very exciting but we'll cover that later!). These are my favourite looks, for the full collection check out Elle's catwalk guide here) Apart from being entirely on trend - mesh is going to be HUGE for SS14 - it's just beautiful, the perfect balance between femininity and strength. I love how the shapes have been kept demure with longer length skirts, dresses and high necklines. But that the mesh, strategically placed and delicately shaped, creates that peek-a-boo effect making it sexy but in a very subtle, Oh! This is see through? I hadn't even noticed! way.

Although many of the colours are bright and bold; yellow, purple and deepest fuchsia the effect remains sophisticated and minimalistic. There is definitely a 50's, slightly mad men feel with the silhouettes but the mesh and geometric elements keeps it modern, fresh and needed in your wardrobe as soon as possible.

(photos taken from Elleuk.com)

Purple

I am absolutly in love with this make up look on Daria Werbowy shot by Cass Bird for the November issue of L’Expresse Styles. It's a great different look for the upcoming christmas parties. Don't use too much mascara and keep your lips simple. This kind of look looks better if it's a bit messy so it's a good one to do quickly at work before heading out. Make this look even more intense by lining the inners of your eye lids with a black shadow. I love using Barry M eye shadows as eye liners because they last all day and the boldness of the colours is amazing. A small, squared lip brush is the best for applying it.

To get this look, use a cream metallic shadow like Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in 'Light in Purple' and apply it using your finger. Then add a dab of Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in 'And in Bronze' in the corners of your eyes (a lighter or shimmery colour here always makes your eyes look larger and more alert, yay!). This look could even be adapted for day, swap the precious metal for a light sweep of lilac eye shadow like No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in 'Lilac shine'.

Street Style 7

Hello there! Hope your week has got off to a good start and you're having a good Monday! I have more street style for you today. I took this photo about a month back now on a really gorgeously sunny day and it's taking me right back. I loved the simplicity of it and how it looked very natural, sort of thrown on quickly in the morning but being stunning for exactly that reason. Plus I love a monochrome palette for summer as well. A note on shoes: Although I love looking at a beautiful heeled shoes, I'm not really a huge wearer of them and prefer flats, a low wedge or a small block heel. Don't be afraid of choosing a lower shoe, yes it brings down the 'glamour factor' of an outfit but that means you can go all out on other items you're wearing. A mini skirt looks much more elegant with a flat shoe (especially a brogue) than towering heels. Plus they are comfy and better for your feet, trust me, your knees will thank you when you're 45.

Corrine

As you may know, my name's Corrine. It's not that popular a name and I've only ever met one or two Corrine's in my life and one was a boy (spell Korin). Most people have trouble pronouncing it even after I tell them 'It's like 'Coronation Street' without the nation or the street' (I'm hilarious!). And the sad thing, when you're younger is that when you go on school trips or museums etc, the pens, mugs, bookmarks, padded headbands with the 3D squidgy writing (remember them?) with your name on never ever have Corrine. Not even when I went to Paris in Year 7 and I thought I'd be well in. Sometimes it would be spelled Corinne but never with two r's instead. So when I was scrolling through the latest goods for AW at Matches I was absolutely delighted - and may have made a high pitched squeak - when I saw these Stella McCartney beauties. I'd already opened them into a new tab (along with about 20 other things) because I thought they were gorgeous and totally the kind of thing I like (just a bit ugly-pretty, slightly androgynous, low block heel and a little leopard print). But when I saw the name of the shoe I was so happy! They'd be a pair to save up for for sure, but I can ease my guilt by saying it must be a sign right? They are better than a million headbands put together!

Helen Moore

I know, it's still summer but I'm getting really excited about winter already. And it's never too early to start planning your AW wardrobe. Especially after discovering Helen Moore - click here to visit her website. I showed these to my house mate but she said that even looking at them made her feel too warm. My favourite are the cuffs, the easiest and not too expensive way (it's £25 for two!) to update last years coat making it instantly nod to the 'fallen heroin' trend as seen by Louis Vuitton and Prada this AW13. Plus it's practical (warm!), chic and adds a touch of glamour. You could add these even to a Parka or a denim jacket. Or the tops of boots, or even the ankles of jeans. I love the scarves as well. I would have killed for one of the Mui Mui scarves with the large printed flowers from last AW but this fox-like or midnight blue (or both) wrap will keep me warm without leaving me eating baked beans for the next six months.

Street Style Sunday

Hello! Can't believe it's nearly the end of June already! This year has flown by. I hope the sun doesn't though, I've heard we've got two more weeks of it and I want every day of those 14 please. More street style today. I took this one the other day in the Northen Quarter - my favourite place to go style hunting - and spotted this woman. I love all the different elements in this outfit. The stark white dress, the mesh panel, acid wash denim jacket, the pumps, the bag with a very long strap (which I love) and then backwards baseball cap. I think it takes a certain level of cool to pull the latter off, and she'd definitley got it. It's kind of 90's meets sports luxe. Don't be afraid of mixing different styles together, you never know what will work. Put a leather jacket over a cute girly dress or a big jumper over a fancy skirt. Opposites attract.