The Beautifully Healthy Project

Well actually it was my Mum who spotted it first, and I was convinced that the spaghetti straps wouldn't work on me (let's just say that it would be impossible for me to go braless!) - nevertheless Mum was adamant that it would look good on so I took it to the changing rooms and slipped it on. I knew immediately that I had to buy it - it felt gorgeous on and actually you could hardly see any bra strap (nothing that a bit of long hair can't hide!).

It's the perfect dress to dress-up or dress-down; I've already worn it for a BBQ in the park followed by a night out in London, and next weekend I'll wear it to a friend's wedding. I paired it with chunky black heels and a denim jacket for the BBQ, and to smarten it up for the wedding I think I'll wear some strappy heels with a smarter black jacket. I then probably won't wear it again until next summer as although it is gorgeous I don't want everyone to think that I only own one dress! However it'll be comforting to know that if a posh picnic does pop up I'll have just the dress to wear.

Summer is all about having fun and enjoying yourself, and if you have the perfect dress to wear whilst out and about then you'll feel all the more confident and Beautifully Healthy. This particularly dress may not suit everyone, but really my point is to find at least one summer outfit that makes you feel as fabulous as you deserve to.

Do you have a go-to outfit that makes you feel fab on any summer occasion?

Love Lucy x

Saturday, 29 June 2013

Are you beach ready? - the fashion edit

Ladies, I am sure that many of you feel the same as I do about the beach. It's a love-hate relationship: you love to feel the sunshine bronzing your limbs, going for a dip in the sea, and relaxing with a good book or some summer music; but what about your wobbly bits? What if someone sees your cellulite? What if something pops out of your bikini in the waves? What about your post-lunch tummy? Now, I'm not going to claim that I have a miracle cure to these worries, but what I can do is suggest some beautiful beach pieces, and give some top tips so that you can feel your most confident on the beach this summer. I've planned to do two posts on this one, one for beach fashion and one for beach beauty (pre-beach and on the beach), so have a read and see if any of my top tips can make you feel your best on the beach this summer.

THE BIKINI

leopard print bikini top

£14 (matching hi leg brief £10)

I bought this bikini for my holiday at the end of May, and it was so great that I bought it in black too! Bikinis can be really tough to get right, especially if you are more "curvy" as I am. Often bikini tops and bottoms are sold as a set, which seems ridiculous to me (you would never be sold a bra and knicker set unless you were under 10 years of age!), but there are some shops which do separate bikini pieces very well, and Next is one of them. They understand that their customers will rarely be the same size on the top as they are on the bottom, and thankfully their bikini tops are labelled by bra size rather than dress size. What's more, they have a great selection of styles, patterns and shapes, so it's easier to find something you'll like. If you like to shop online, Asos is also good for separate bikini pieces, and they also have a great DD+ section for ladies with a fuller bust.

THE COVER-UP

yellow knitted kaftan

£22

Next also do some great beach cover-ups. For my holiday I didn't buy this particular kaftan, but one similar, and Next cover-ups are always of a good quality, designed with their customer very much in mind. I've gone for this beautiful yellow one because if you can't wear bright colours on your summer holiday, then when can you wear them? Cover-ups are essential on a beach holiday as they are a beautiful way of hiding all the bits you don't want exposed, whilst making you look and feel summery and gorgeous.

THE FLIP-FLOPS

HAVAIANAS

black slim flip-flop

£21.99

www.office.co.uk

Havaianas are the holy grail of flip-flops, so why buy any other? Brazilians know how to do beach, and we should all embrace that and spend our annual beach time solely in Havaianas. They're comfortable, they're cool, they come in loads of different colours - what's not to love?

THE ACCESSORIES

TOPSHOP

chevron revo sunglasses

£16

TOPSHOP

zig zag duffel backpack

£32

RIVER ISLAND

orange striped sunhat

£15

www.riverisland.com

Every girl needs some trusty staple accessories for the beach, and I love these three colourful pieces. The sunglasses by Topshop are incredibly "now" with their orange reflective lenses, and they go perfectly with the yellow Next kaftan. Sunglasses are an important part of your beach wardrobe as you need to protect your eyes, and they'll also prevent you from frowning in the sunlight, keeping those pesky crows feet at bay! I also think that the green and white duffle bag from Topshop is just gorgeous, and makes a difference from your usual beach bag. Backpacks are perfect for holidays where you'll also be doing some walking, as it's ideal to whack everything in a bag and carry the weight on your back. The River Island sunhat is a holiday must - no one likes to get sunstroke - so you might as well wear a hat which is girly and gorgeous.

What's in your beach wardrobe? And what are your top fashion tips for the beach?

Love Lucy x

Thursday, 6 June 2013

June Wish List: Top Ten

First things first, I must make a brief apology for my absence from the Bloggersphere over the last few weeks; I had a much needed holiday, and the week before and after have been totally crazy at work! But I had a really lovely two weeks away in Portugal, and have had inspiration for some holiday posts over the next month.

Now to my favourite month of the year - June! The sun is shining, everyone looks healthier and happier, and it is my birthday next week! My June Wish List is inspired by the beautiful sunshine that London has been basking in this week (please, please last for another few weeks at least!). I am loving the "White Heat" trend at the moment, and have complemented these items with some bright summery pieces (I am totally in love with the Topshop beaded rainbow jacket and the River Island dreamcatcher necklace!). So please do dive in and enjoy my June Wish List:

TOPSHOP

rainbow beaded jacket

£150

WHISTLES

white tia jacquard dress

£155

TOPSHOP

nelson chunky 2 part sandals

£45

RIVER ISLAND

multicoloured dreamcatcher necklace

£28

www.riverisland.com

TOPSHOP

LA burnout top

£18

ZARA

ethnic jacquard mini skirt

£29.99

www.zara.com

BIRKENSTOCK

black patent t-bar sandals

£49.95

www.office.co.uk

KLEAR KLUTCH

transparent clutch made in the UK

£59.99

www.klearklutch.com

ACCESSORIZE

isra stone ring

£12

www.accessorize.com

10.

WHISTLES

elise cashmere curved hem

£165

So I do hope that those of you in the UK are enjoying the weather as much as I am, and that the weather elsewhere in the world is as equally as gorgeous. Let's celebrate it by making June our most fashionably fun month yet!

What is on your June Wish List?

Love Lucy x

Sunday, 12 May 2013

Pretty in Pink

Fuchsia, rose, magenta, coral, hot - as far as shades of pink go, they are each en vogue this Spring. Anna Wintour explained that her Met Gala dress choice cohered with the punk theme of the evening as "pink is the colour of punk". And although I personally wasn't quite sure of Gwyneth Paltrow's choice on the very same evening, it was clear that she was keen to pay homage to (very) hot pink.

There are some really great girly pink pieces around at the moment, for example the gorgeous French Sole Harriet ballet pumps below; but it doesn't always have to be "girly", and the boxy Topshop short sleeved shirt is an ideal clash of pink and androgyny. So, without further ado, here are my favourite pink pieces that are around at the moment:

FRENCH SOLE

harriet pink texture nubuck ballet flats

£120

www.frenchsole.com

TOPSHOP

short sleeved panel shirt

£34

TOPSHOP

moto pink acid joni jeans

£36

www.theflowerstandchelsea.com

CUTLER & GROSS

0737 frost on lilac pearl sunglasses

£340

www.cutlerandgross.com

BOBBI BROWN

brightening lip gloss in popsicle

£17

www.bobbibrown.co.uk

THE FLOWER STAND, CHELSEA

antique rose knot

£45

Being someone who wears a lot of black and grey, I really am considering investing in some pink pieces to brighten up my wardrobe. And if I'm not quite brave enough to "pink up" my wardrobe, I will definitely at least be trying the trend through makeup. The Bobbi Brown lip gloss would be a great starting place, and I would also suggest trying some MAC lipsticks, and Barry M nail varnishes to add some pink into your beauty bag!

What are your favourite pink pieces at the moment?

Love Lucy x

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Fusing Fashion & Philanthropy: Wild Soul Sunglasses

As my regular readers will know, I usually stick to blogging about British fashion and British events; however I received a Press Release last week that got me excited. It was about a new brand of US sunglasses by Wild Soul, and as the title suggests, they have found a wonderful way to fuse fashion and philanthropy. As someone who fills up their spare time with fashion, but spends their life working for a charity, this was an idea that I immediately fell in love with. I often feel guilty when I sit at work learning about children who live and work on the streets, and then go home to write my blog, posting up pictures of items that can cost +£1,000. Although simply buying a product that donates a proportion to the buyer's chosen charity is only a small way of supporting those less fortunate, it is still a small way which shows that some people in fashion do care.

Wild Soul Sunglasses

Black Owls

$100 USD

www.youngrepublic.com

Wild Soul Sunglasses launched in November 2012 by Marc Battipaglia and Andrea S Beker, who say: "Wild Soul was created on the premise that there are causes greater than our own that can and must be supported. We are dedicated to giving supporters of Wild Soul a platform to help the causes that are close to their heart." Such an ethos is encouraging in an industry that can often be thought of as shallow and self-peserving, and I really hope that their refreshing attitude is rewarded by fashion lovers.

Wild Soul Sunglasses

Tortoise Owls

$100 USD

www.youngrepublic.com

Wild Soul Sunglasses are individually named after untamed animals, such as the Lion, the Owl, the Elephany and the Rhino, helping customers to be "wild" whilst helping them "fulfil their soul", giving a portion of each sale to a charity of the customer's choice. Each pair of sunglasses are meticulously crafter after the intricate features of the animal whose name they carry, and are available in several rich and earthy colours using quality materials.

Wild Soul Sunglasses

Spotted Ivory Lions

$100 USD

www.youngrepublic.com

These gorgeously made, super-cool sunglasses are perfect for those of us who love our fashion and want to give something back to the world at the same time. Marc and Andrea have successfully bridged the gap between fashionistas and philanthropists worldwide, affirming that there is a little Wild in everyone's Soul. My only question is, when will they be available in the UK?

Love Lucy x

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

The Vogue Festival 2013: have you got your tickets yet?

The Vogue Festival in association with Vertu is taking place in London, England, on 27th and 28th of this month. This is an event which is only in its second year; however the resounding success of the first guarantees this one to be a must-attend event in any fashion lover's calendar. This entirely unique opportunity enables those of us who aren't "in" the industry to have a glimpse into the careers and experiences of those who are. It is an event which signals the pioneering attitude of British fashion, as it is open to anyone who is willing to purchase a ticket (priced between £30-£40), and is not just exclusive to those who are already consider as important within the industry.

I am lucky enough to have got my hands on a ticket for the talk entitled "Behind the Scenes of a Vogue Cover Shoot: secrets from the set". This discussion involves industry giants such as British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Shulman, Vogue Fashion Director Lucinda Chambers, hairstylist Sam McKnight, make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, and model of the moment Cara Delevingne (ahhh!). Unfortunately the tickets for this discussion are sold out, however in early May I shall be writing a detailed blog post about the things I learn on the day, and promise to share any secrets that may be shared by the discussion leaders. I would also like to suggest that if you have a burning question that you may like to ask any of these people, I may be able to ask it on you behalf, so just let me know...

If you would like to attend the Festival yourself, there are still tickets available, so whip your plastic out ASAP! At the time of my posting this blog post, there are still places for discussions such as "So, You Want To Be a Fashion Designer?", "Paul Smith and Alexa Chung", and "Too Fat, Too Thin...Will We Ever Be Content?". Take a look at the Southbank Centre website for more details: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

For more information for the Vogue website itself, please click on the following link: www.vogue.co.uk

Do you have tickets for The Vogue Festival 2013? If so which discussions are you going to? I would love to hear! I would also love to hear any feedback from those of you who went to the 2012 Vogue Festival, just so I know what to expect!

I am very much looking forward to reporting back from this event!

Love Lucy x

Monday, 1 April 2013

April Wish List: Top Ten

For those of us living in the UK, March was a pretty chilly month, and if the weather reports are to be listened to, April isn't looking too promising either. As depressing as this may initially seem, I am inclined to use this unseasonal cold-snap to practice my styling for the colder seasons (although the high street is evidently trying to pretend that kinder weather is on the way, and Spring/Summer 2013 clothes are all that can be found in the shops!). I have chosen bright but layer-able clothes for this month's Wish List - such as the pink Topshop cami and the Next blue pac-a-mac - this way I can wear spring colours whilst protecting against the undesirable weather. I have also included Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette to bring some Spring scents into my life! So, here's a look at my Top Ten for April:

1.

WHISTLES

blue wooster tote (in the sale!)

£90

MARC JACOBS

daisy eau de toilette 50ml

£45

www.boots.com

blue pac-a-mac

£28

DAISY

aura chakra bracelet in 24c gold

£86

www.daisyjewellery.com

TOPSHOP

pink strappy cami

£18

TOPSHOP

love tube skirt

£22

BURBERRY PRORSUM

metallic python bow belt in teal blue

£495

uk.burberry.com

CHANEL

le vernis nail colour in rose exuberant

£18

www.selfridges.com

ZARA

zebra pattern jacquard coat

£89.99

www.zara.com

10.

TOPSHOP

soldier colour block platforms

£80

So, I know it's cold out there, but do try to layer up some colours to put some cheer into your days! I'm also going to make sure that I up my exercise and eat cleanly (especially after all those Easter eggs!), and I'm hoping these little things will make a big difference in my attitude towards this dreary weather.

What will you be wearing this April to cheer yourself up?

Love Lucy x

Monday, 25 March 2013

A Little Post About My New Shoes...

For a while I have been in desperate need of a new pair of shoes, so when I got given a Next voucher from a relative, I knew what I had to spend it on! The recent fashion addiction to sport luxe really appeals to my inner desire to be comfortable yet on-trend, so when I saw these leopard print hi top wedges I just knew I had to buy them...

leopard print panel concealed wedge hi tops

£55

www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk

I wear a lot of black, so these wedges are the perfect accessory to jazz up my outfits. On Friday night I wore them with a black maxi dress, black jumper, and big gold jewellery, and they were the finishing touch to my outfit! I think they'll be fab in Spring, Summer, and Autumn, so I'm pretty confident that I've made a good investment.

What do you think about my new shoes?

Love Lucy x

Monday, 18 March 2013

My better-late-than-never review of London Fashion Weekend

I know London Fashion Weekend happened a few weekends ago now (between 21st-24th of February to be exact), but as I wrote in my last post, work has been ridiculously busy so I haven't had time to give my blog the love that I would like to.

LFWeekend is the commercial sister of London Fashion Week, and is held by Vodafone at Somerset House in London (the very same venue as LFW). It gives us mere mortals the chance to grab some great fashion bargains, whilst waltzing down the corridors of the glamorous Somerset House, followed by catwalk shows displaying either the upcoming trends of the next season, or showcasing a designer show from the previous fashion week.

This was my first LFWeekend experience, and I attended with my beautiful Mummy on the Saturday evening. We had tickets which allowed us into the shopping area for a few hours, and which also included entry to the designer showcase of the Issa SS13 collection, a Radley designed tote show bag, and the latest copy of Elle Magazine. I wore a rather adventurous leopard print coat from Karen Millen, with black jeans, and my black Topshop Chelsea boots (you can read my post about those boots here).

The closest I'll ever get to the catwalk!

My Mum and I had a great time browsing all of the pop-up mini shops in the rooms of Somerset House. There were some beautiful clothes and accessories on offer, mostly bang on trend for the coming season. Unfortunately we didn't quite have enough time to make it to the beauty section, but it did look great, with hair cuts from Toni & Guy on offer! There was also a room dedicated to the launch of the Marc Jacobs Diet Coke illustrations, to mark 30 years of Diet Coke.

After our little shopping session we got in line to watch the Issa SS13 collection go down the catwalk. Excitingly these shows are in the same show space as the LFW ones in the Somerset House courtyard, so it really is a great way of experiencing the fashion industry.

I was delighted to be watching the Issa SS13 collection as it is based on the vibrancy and exoticness of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as tt made me that little bit more excited about going to Rio next March/April! Daniella Helayel is of course Brazilian, so what better theme for a collection than her native country?

The music echoed carnivale and the rainforest, the clothes were bright and billowy, and the headdresses were reminiscent of the exotic flowers and birds that can be found in Brazil. It was an exciting show to say the least. I just loved the colours and the excitement. To view the original show photos, as archived in Vogue, please click here.

One important thing that I learnt from LFWeekend (and that I had failed at rather miserably the week before at LFW), was how to better capture photographs of fast moving models! The lighting on catwalks actually makes it rather tricky to catch that perfect photograph (unless of course you are a Vogue photographer and have years of experience and thousands of pounds worth of equipment!).

I really did enjoy my LFWeekend experience (thank you Vodafone!) - and think it's really important for these commercial shows to take place; yes, fashion is often described as "exclusive" but actually more recently it is becoming more "inclusive" and is gaining a lot of inspiration from the hight street itself, so consumer shows like LFWeekend are vital for the industry to show its fans that they are valued.

Love Lucy x

Monday, 11 March 2013

March Wish List: Top Ten

So, it's been a little while since I've posted. I've not forgotten about my beloved blog, I have just been ridiculously busy at work! As I work in events the nature of my job is that it comes and goes in waves; and unfortunately I nearly drowned in my wave on numerous occasions over the last few weeks! But thankfully I have finally found the time to write my latest post, and I must say I am rather excited about this one...

As you may have noticed from most of my posts, I often like to play it quite safe; but recent goings-on in the industry have inspired me to be a little more adventurous! The items I have chosen this month are all very "in vogue" with the current fashion fascination of luxe sportswear - inspired by the likes of Queen Delevingne (whose t-shirt I wanted to include in this post, but unsurprisingly they have all sold out, however it has been replaced with another amazing slogan tee saying "totes jel of my Chanel?" - if only I actually had a Chanel!). So without further ado, here are my top ten items for March:

1.

FRENCH SOLE

moochers in black dalmatian and ponyhair, with a glitter toe-cap, and neon green trim

£95

www.frenchsole.com

ZARA

combination jacket with zips

£89.99

www.zara.com

RAG & BONE

The Grand Prix leather-paneled twill leggings-style jeans

£250

www.net-a-porter.com

THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY

lilac metallic 13" satchel

£65

TOPSHOP

side split tee maxi dress

£26

CUTLER & GROSS

0734 fuchsia

£310

www.cutlerandgross.com

BURBERRY PRORSUM

metallic leather trench in metal petrol blue

£2,995

uk.burberry.com

WHISTLES

croc makeup bag in black

£35

BLACK SCORE

totes jel of my Chanel? tee

£40

store.blackscore.co.uk

10.

TOPSHOP

knitted fluro twist jumper

£38