What Took You So Long?

It's been a while now that I've fancied myself a nice pair of leather shorts, and the current Topshop sale brought them to me. Ever since I saw the following photo of Miranda Kerr effortlessly rockin' a pair, I was bought. Don't you think they are the perfect alternative to a pair of black denim cut off's? A perfect alternative that not every girl on the high street owns either. They are a basic worth investing in, unless of course you snatch them up in a sale and then you're all the more happier.
I reckon regardless of how you style them, paired with a breton top or denim shirt or even just a simple plain white tee jazzed up with some red lipstick like Miranda Kerr, they somehow, I think, still make you look like you've put in some effort - even if you did rush out the house after waking half hour late. 

Necklace - Topshop (SALE) 

Top - River Island

Leather Shorts - Topshop (SALE)

Bag - Zara

I found this Courteeners song recently, and thought the title totally fitted. It's catchy aswell, making it all the bit better for summer drives to the beach. The Courteeners – What Took You So Long?

xoxo

Under The Tide

Like many of you will be doing this summer, I am indulging in a week away in the sun, no 10 mile walks across Rome like last year, which although tiring I did really enjoy and would love to go back. Instead I've been chilling by the pool reading a couple of books. So far I have read my way through Alexa Chung's 'It' and Louise Mensch 'Beauty', I would strongly recommend this book, it's got enough of a narrative to keep you enticed but also touches on the theme of fashion and beauty so suits me (and probably you as you're reading fashion blogs) perfectly. 

Today the sun hasn't been in my presence quite so much, therefore I thought rather than sitting by the pool I'd pop to the beach and get a few holiday style/accessories shots - thanks to my sister for snapping them. 

Sunglasses - Primark (They remind me of the Dolce and Gabbana SS14 show so I had to get them even for the novelty) 

Cover Up - H&M 

Hat - Ebay

Sunglasses - Accessorize

Sunglasses - Primark (as before) 

Bikini - Topshop

P.S. Snapping me in a bikini wasn't my idea of fun but I think it's a cute bikini, regardless of the fact I don't pull it off like a model but hey ho no one my age has time for a nutritionist or personal trainer to sort that one out fully. 

Here's a song I'm loving for the summer by the band Chvrches (Under The Tide) and it fits right in with the beach theme http://open.spotify.com/track/0XutmBaeY75LCM9eqzv4q3 . 

Enjoy. 

xoxo

Brushstroke

Celine - a brand with a minimal aesthetic that one day I dream of affording disappointed and excited many with Phoebe Philo's colourful, modern take on minimalism with the Spring Summer 14 collection. I loved it. So much so that as soon as I got my eye on this Zara dress, that I'm taking a wild guess was inspired by the collection, I had to snatch it up. It may not be the most versatile dress, the boxy shape doesn't fit too brilliantly with many jackets but on a nice day like this, you can rock it without worrying about a jacket.

For the song of the post, I've picked this Paulo Nutini song that I am absolutely loving at the moment Paolo Nutini – Fashion feat. Janelle Monáe. Hope you enjoy it. 

xoxo