style Archives - Chic Darling

FASHION · June 12, 2013

OBSESSED: Starbucks re-usable cup.

I’ve been after a cute re-usable mug for a while now, something I can use on the bus or the tube, or even whilst I’m walking places, without spilling it all over me or burning my hands.
I haven’t been able to find one I like anywhere; they’re either too tacky, or too expensive. So when I walked into Starbucks with my boyfriend and best friend to pick up a cheeky Americano (a Starbucks’ small is way bigger than my usual Costa port of call), and saw these beauties lying in a rustic looking basket for only �1, I couldn’t not buy one.

The multi-million dollar�coffee�chain has started to introduce�reusable cups in the UK in a move which hopes to encourage them to be more environmentally conscious while saving a little bit of money every time customers buy a drink. The cups will�be available in selected stores nationwide (in the UK only at the minute) but will gradually be introduced elsewhere.

When using the reusable cup you’ll receive a 25p discount off whichever drink of your choice.

Vice-president of UK marketing for Starbucks, Ian Cranna,�said: “We know that our customers really care about saving money and doing their bit for the environment; between 2008 and 2012 the number of people using a Starbucks reusable tumbler increased by 235% and our new reusable cup is a low-cost, high-impact way to help make a difference on reducing�waste.”

On a global basis the chain is aiming for 5% of drinks made in the reusable cups in stores by 2015 and the company thinks that this move in the UK is key in reaching this goal.

The reason they’re my obsession is not only down to the fact that I, among with many others, will be doing our actually quite big part in being savers of the world, it means people will think I can afford Starbucks every day of the week, and honestly, who can deny Starbucks being the perfect accessory to any look?

RUNWAY · January 29, 2013

Stella McCartney’s Autumn 2013 Presentation

So my first idea when putting together this article was just to post loads of pictures of Stella McCartney’s presentation, and then a picture of me crying with joy. But then I thought I should probably write something or I’d get told off.
I will try and make this not at all fan girl-y. I will try my hardest.

This glorious presentation was for the fashionistas of New York only (not cool Stella), including the famous faces of Jeff Koons, David Neville, and Gucci Westman amongst others.

Everything about the collection just screamed that McCartney was always ahead of the curve, in fact that she always set the trends – from the chunky perspex jewellery to oversized coats and crazy bright shoes.It was quite�androgynous but at the same time I think most women would struggle to find something they wouldn’t wear regardless of their personal style; it was such a visually appealing and flexible collection.I think the reason her designs work so well, this presentation being no exception, is because as Stella McCartney once said she designs what she wants to wear. And she looks really hot all the time.

It was difficult to pick my favourite three looks out of them all, but I did it. I got there in the end.

I can’t tell whether I love this so much because I love capes, Givenchy-esq print and pattern, or because I love black ankle boots. For me, black ankle boots and a cape are an essential wardrobe item. I know a cape being a must-have seems a bit silly, but they look chic that as soon as you put it on you look like a Parisian goddess.

Burgundy, mixing textures, long boyfriend style coats, and cropped statement trousers. I can’t even. Stella you are wonderful.

This dropping of the waistline in skirts and dresses seems to be showing up everywhere now, and it’s slowly growing on me. Again, I get a feeling of Paris in New York with the flirty shift dress of Paris combined with the laid back shape of New York.
What I also think really works throughout the whole of this collection is the natural, fresh-faced hair and makeup the models seem to be sporting throughout; it compliments the fresh and girly pieces so well, and gives us, the non-fashion elite of New York, a real kick of ‘I can so pull this look off too.’

And I know I said I’d try not fan girl but oh my god did you SEE Stella McCartney’s Autumn 2013 Presentation?! Did you?!

I would LOVE to know what you thought of the collection if you’ve taken a look at it. I know I want to own every single piece, but would you?

FASHION · January 22, 2013

Trends I’m digging this month

First jumper – $20 (�17) Monki; Second jumper – $90 (�57) Chic Nova; Third jumper – $68 (�43) Romwe.

Slouchy knits have kind of been my favourite thing since forever purely because if you get a gorgeous one you can wear it with nearly everything else in your wardrobe. They come in handy on days when you can’t be bothered to make an effort; people will think you actually have. It’s the perfect wardrobe staple for me as it means wrapping up warm actually looks good (none of that, “I don’t care if it’s minus 30, embellished shorts will get you noticed.”), and it means lots of delving into your boyfriend’s or dad’s wardrobe – they’re sure to have some absolute beauties.

First scrunchie – $3 (�1.89) Snow Leotards; Second scrunchie – $32 (�20) Marc Jacobs; Third scrunchie – $6 (�3.77) American Apparel.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. It’ll be the exact same thought I had when I saw a girl wearing a black velvet scrunchie on the bus. Your trail of thought went a little something like this, “What is she thinking? She’s brave. Making a statement. I really like that material. I wonder if I could pull that off. I’m going to get one.”
I think they look super cute with a messy top-knot – see Ashish’s Spring/Summer 13 collection for inspiration!

First necklace – $24 (�15) Thread sence; Second necklace – $14 (�8.80) Nordstrom; Third necklace – �15 New Look.

Do I need to go into why statement necklace’s are the best thing in the world, ever? Do I really?
For those of you who are yet to be won over by this trend (why?!?!!) then here are some points as to why you should love some bling on your neck:
1) Statement necklaces, especially like the ones pictures are an extremely good way of giving your look a touch of glamour and luxe,
2) Most necklaces go. It’s about making an eye-catching statement. Can’t seem to let go of your favourite doll as a child? Wear it on a chain and people will love you for it*.
3) You can get some really beautiful necklaces and they make you look cool. That’s reason enough.

*this may be a slight exaggeration. But you get the drift.

What trends are you digging this month?

FASHION · January 16, 2013

Chic for less

I was flicking through a magazine last week when my eyes were drawn to a cashmere jumper. It was simple, but covered in colourful hearts. It’s the CUTEST.

Who is this? Where can I get this?! HOW MUCH IS THIS?!

It’s Chinti & Parker. It’s from matchesfashion.com. It’s �350. I want it.

Jumpers are pretty much what you live in during this time of year; it’s cold, they’re comfy, and you’re trying to hide holiday weight. They are the perfect all-in-one.
Standard black and gray jumpers sometimes get boring, and yes of course you can add vibrant accessories, but if it’s a miserable morning and all you really want to do is stay in bed, who can actually be bothered with making sure your eyeliner has the perfect flick, your nails are perfectly manicured and your necklace is of the right statement?!
If you can do that every day of the week then I salute you! But for those of you who can’t, then I really think a jumper with a bit of colour and a bit of boldness to it will do the trick.
And even if you can be bothered to make sure you look prim and proper in a black jumper every morning, fun jumpers are always a… well, fun option too.

Anyway, as you can gather I got really excited over this jumper (I’m allowed to, it’s January), but then I got a little disheartened by the price tag. So I thought I’d better find an alternative before the January blues set back in again.

ASOS – �30

Oasis – �35

eBay – �13

Now, I know if you’re http://premier-pharmacy.com/product-category/migraine/ anything like me, something this overtly girly and/or colourful can be a little out of your comfort zone; you feel a tad silly.
But team any of these jumpers with a pleated leather skirt, your favourite black boots, and a swipe of plum lipstick and you’ll be back to looking your badass self in no time.

To help you out and perhaps give you some inspiration, here’s an idea of how to wear a rather loud jumper in a more edgy way – modeled by yours truly!

I kept it simple (which is actually really easy when your favourite colour is black), and stayed true to my word by wearing a pleated leather skirt and my favourite black boots.
Tartan is going to be a huge print in 2013, as will be mixing prints and textures so why not start early and show everyone you knew what you were doing way before they caught on by combining your favourite print scarf with a contrasting jumper!
I also find that flashes of chunky metal are brilliant for adding different texture and making any look stand out in a more edgy way – whether that be through your favourite curb chain necklace, your foil wrap nails, or a cuff for your pony tail; it’s really effective.

Would you wear this jumper in a similar way or would you go for a completely different look? Would you even wear this jumper at all?!

LIFESTYLE · October 24, 2012

A Call for Class

Ladies please!

The other day, while twitter stalking (you know you do it), I found a real-life Fake Girl. You know the type — fake nails, fake tan, fake hair, fake, fake, fake.

My question is the perpetual one — do these girls think that they look good? Follow-up question for any men that might read Chic Darling — do you find this attractive in a woman?

In French, to have self-confidence is called confidence en soi — literally confidence in yourself. I think that the French is a bit more accurate of a description for what these women do not have — confidence in themselves.

The girl in the above picture is no doubt pretty but why does she feel that she needs to wear a shirt cut to her belly button and to spend countless hours spray tanning, eyebrow-painting-on and making herself up? What society does this girl live in?

This girl is classy. Natural make-up, natural hair, appropriate clothing.

Could I be biased because of my Catholic school upbringing where I couldn’t wear skirt above the knee, have wild make-up and hair and had buttons-to-the-neck shirts? Maybe. But I definitely think that society would be better off seeing less of this:

…

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