Ballin'

I had my Summer Grad Ball at the Hilton last Saturday, so naturally thought I'd share the experience with you all.

It was a glamourous evening, with a glass of free champers on arrival, a 3 course meal, and a D-Jay to finish off. 

Being on a fashion course you can only imagine the parade we were expecting, girl after girl dressed to the nines. Some with loubi's, some carrying Chanel, and the not so subtle stares from head to toe, with a "what does she look like?" or "that dress does NOT suit her" to follow. 

Yes, it was bitchy.

My dress was from ASOS, it was a bargain I thought at £55, however having sent it to Jersey by accident (home), and my Mum having to send it back here, it got a nice VAT charge, which I was fuming about! 

I had my hair highlighted, and curled it myself (v.proud) and did my nails (below) and did my make up using my Benefit 'Primpcess" kit. 

I even wore heels! 

All in all it was a lovely send off, I even had a dance with my finance teacher!

Below is a mood board of the accessories and things I used for the night.

Ball by emilyrodgers18 featuring chinese laundry pumps

Best Dressed for Less No.3

Alexa Chung Style by emilyrodgers18 featuring a ribbed cotton sweater

Alexa Chung is famous for her style, not initially, but she's in Vogue basically every month because of her look. She's so effortlessly cool, she looks as if she's grabbed anything in her wardrobe, thrown it together and it works! 

This outfit is a classic example. 

Casual jumper, smartened with the tweed skirt, and a touch of elegance with the sandals. The little bag just brings it altogether, love it!

I have recreated this outfit with high street pieces, once for those who can splash the cash, and another for us who have a budget. 

A massive difference in price and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference! 

Chanel Couture Favourites

Karl has done it again. Back to basics Chanel Couture featuring traditional tweed and designer beanies. A subtle mixture of a grey, cream, pink, black, palette with even some velvet, sparkly tights, woollen clutches and a couple of gorgeous gowns thrown in. Here are my favourite look from the show, setting the style for Auntum/Winter 2012/13. 

Now, obviously I wish I could put a whole lot more up, the collection was beautiful, but I had to be cut throat here, my absolute favourite is the amazing white organza gown with a feathery, fluffy, overcoat with embellishment and risen feathered collar, it is stunning!

Mamma Knows Best

When at home, I like to root through my mothers things, jewellery, clothes, mainly old stuff, just because its fascinating. From what I'm finding it turns out I inherited my interest in fashion from her. 'It's amazing what comes back into fashion', something we hear all the time, but its true! 

Below are a few things I've found of hers that I love, some retro, some classic, and some back in style!

I recommend having a look into your mum's wardrobes to see if you can dig out anything that you fancy, or even anything which you used to wear. Theres always a way of revamping it.

A selection of old broaches. 

(taken with Instagram) 

This one is my favourite, very art deco, which I know my mum loves. 

 A set of pearls, I used to play dress up with these when I was little, now they would make a nice addition to an evening dress for a summer occasion or even an elegant ensemble to casual day wear.

These watches are everywhere at the moment, I recently bought one just like this from Urban Outfitters, when there was one sitting in my mums draw this whole time!

I've always loved this selection of retro earrings she has, she used to wear them in the eighties a lot. 

Bucket with mini spade and fork!

 Tiny pink telephone!

 Another painted wooden parrot. 

I'm not brave enough to wear these myself, maybe one day for fancy dress!

 I often borrow this Moschino belt for nights out or to wear with high waisted skirts. Everyone always asks me if its real, of course its not, but I love it as if it were!

This chippy belt is also a cute one to wrap around your waist with a skirt or dress. 

Something else from the 80's. This padded quilt bad with gold chain is very chanel-esque. Petite and perfect for a day out.

She gave me this selection of silk scarves when I started Uni, they were just coming back into fashion and she had loads, so I didn't have to go out and buy any!

I am a lover of big knitted cardi's and jumpers, which is why I adore this pink oversized jumper with rose detail. 

 And finally, this tweed pink jacket. You may have seen my post the other week about the range of these in zara at the moment, now I don't need to buy one! I was ecstatic when I found this, also very Chanel. 

(Apologies for the shoddy quality photos, cannot wait to get my hands on a DSLR!)

So why not try and dig up some old treasures, you never know what you might find!