holiday wardrobe.

(photos packing & snaps of last years summer holiday- I am going back to the same destination!)

At some point in the last few weeks I have come to my senses, and realised my usual approach to holiday packing just doesn't work.... completely last minute, haphazard and entirely disorganised. 


I now realise that working out some kind of 'holiday wardrobe' in advance will allow my already lengthly days at the beach, swimming and relaxing to be even longer, and the transition from poolside to evening meal, to be almost carefree. This is surely the key to an effortless stay? 
Simple dresses, great accessories and tons of bikinis are ready to go... now to stock up on as many Spanish fashion magazines soon after I arrive.... one of the best sunbathing companions. 
What are your holiday staples?
When you are reading this my plane will have hopefully just landed!


LOOK OUT FOR NEW POSTS WHILE I AM AWAY EVERY SUNDAY, TUESDAY & FRIDAY LIVE FROM 10.35 am. ENJOY! katie.xxx

katie's 2010 catwalk reports pt 2.

 6.Minimalism- a refreshing, clean silhouette- focus on great cuts, and beautiful lines.

7. The tapered trouser, or rolled hem jean provides the perfect contrast to a mannish coat or oversized knit. Wear with a chunky cardi and lingerie top as seen at Dolce and Gabanna for that added 'Va Va Voom'. 

8. Decadance and Gold- a look i'm sure we will be seeing on the amazing Anna Dello Russo this a/w. Let the dress take centre stage with minimal accessories.

9. Skirts- a strong focus on 1950's styles at Prada, Fendi and Louis Vuitton embracing a feminine figure. Both Short & flirty, & longer lengths were also seen at Marc Jacobs, Isabel Marant, Philip Lim.

Part 2 of the catwalk reports. I hope you enjoyed the first installment featured here! Take a look through classic modern minimalist outfits - my favourites were seen at Stella McCartney, Celine, Aquascutum and Dries Van Noten, through to the most opulent maximalist creations from Balmain and Philip Lim.

Look out for part 3 coming next week! 

city dining- chandeliers, snakeskin & Gaucho.

9.15- table booked at Gaucho.
9.30- missed the first taxi, only 15 minutes late- it's a personal best.
Gaucho must be one of the most decadent argentinian steak houses around, rarely a spare table in sight, striking black & white decor- complete with black marble floor, cow print hair chairs, huge mirrors, chandeliers and subtle lighting. 
The desert- meringue with almond and orange caramel, redcurrants & incredible malbec sorbet/icecream, sprinkled with cinnamon (my boyfriends- although I admit to stealing his spoon for a taste!)


(wearing- new Topshop leopard collar dress, Kurt Geiger Fashionista wedges, snakeskin clutch- ancient family treasure)
(Gaucho- st.Marys street, Manchester- near Kendals)

window shopping.

Harvey Nichols- scenes of an exotic safari in an urban city setting- breathtaking.

H & M- simple & effective- highlighting layers,adding movement- reminds me of the display All Saints did a year or so back with the parachute dress- clipped, with wires attached to floor & ceiling.

Next- classic colour palette, minimal accessories.

Selfridges- Strong message - simple & direct- Adore, desire, lust.

ZARA- unexpected- country bumpkin, horse hair, carrots, very quirky and editorial.

The most inspirational windows snapped around Manchester- my absolute favourites were Harvey Nichols with it's silver metal alligator, & Selfridges' strong message. What do you think?

city stop.

This weekend we decided it would be fun, and far more relaxing to spend 2 days in Manchester rather than the regular day trip. Indulging in food, drink, shopping and a few treats......taking taxi's when too tired to walk, consuming fresh mint tea, delicious juices and homemade soup, while trying to decide on my next classic purchase- ( now I am home my mind is pretty much made.)Loved our hotel room- ( converted mill) wooden beams, exposed brick wall and heavenly bed.
Although I didnt make many purchases, I felt totally inspired by all the awesome window displays... incase you are wondering where they are- I am going to do a post devoted to them.
One of our fav restaurants and evenings coming up.....

(wedges- River Island, jeans- new Topshop, tee- not seen, coat H&M, Bag- diego A.wang)

easy going.

With a fun weekend ahead planned, staying over in Manchester, dining in the most awesome of restaurants and lots of shopping 
( if I find real treasures ) I decided to spend the day taking it easy. A simple striped tee and skirt did the trick- throwing on an army jacket and wedges for a quick trip out! Without a doubt there will be cool shots coming up, as I pretty much capture anything that excites, and far too often never get around to sharing the shots on here! ( If there is anything you would like to see- let me know!)

I would love to hear any plans you have ? 
Kisses to you all! Katie.xx

katie's 2010 catwalk reports part 1.

1. Invest in fur.. shearling, if budget allows..both. Aside from the staple aviator jacket or coat, fur snoods, mittens, hats,  shearling boots are alternative ways to embrace the trend.

2. Get glamourous and grungy, have fun contrasting evening wear, with knits and bedhair.

3. Wear head to toe of one colour- colour block to take the 'effort' out of 'outfit'.

4. Timeless investement- the camel coat. Opt for slightly offbeat tones as a less obvious choice.

5. Mix shades of sand, fudge and toffee with greys to add a laid back feel.

Part 1 of the 'catwalk reports' I have been slaving away at working on. After weeks of immersing myself in the trends for the coming seasons, I struggle to find a trend report that ticks all the boxes for my personal taste. Inspiration has been drawn from Harpers, Elle, Vogue, style, stella, net-a-porter, style.com, Elle collections, and here are the results....( if ever struggling with what to wear- a great reference)

Look out for Part 2 next week!

( designers featured- 3.1 Philip Lim, Ann Demulemeester, Aquascutum, Burberry Prorsum, Chanel, Celine, Chloe, Dries Van Noten, Isabel Marant, Julien Macdonald, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors,Richard Chai Love)

little THINGS.

Little things that mean A LOT.

1. earings- belonged to my dad's mother.
2. 4711 Cologne- gift from my mum on a trip to Cologne.
Viktor and Rolf flowerbomb perfume- gift from my bf- (I have the   oil too in a huge glass bottle- amazing, also my favourite scent)


3. rings- stacked on the long neck of a brass bird,(vintage find )
4. Blackpool tower paperweight- from an old auntie who used to holiday there in her youth.
5. glasses- various new and vintage/ belonged to my mum)
6. Cut glass lamp- belonged to my great grandma.

chloe summer with a sprinkle of autumn/winter?

Trying to embrace the summer styles for as long as possible. It seems a struggle as autumn winter fashions continue to call my name- I mean who hasn't fallen in love with lots of pieces already? My wishlist seems to be never ending, but I will try to purchase wisely!
 I dug out my spring mags and fell back in love with Chloes denim looks for Summer. I just couldn't decide if I should wear the shirt in or out? 
The pleated trench reminds me a lot of one of the Chloe a/w RTW 2010 outfits worn with sleek hair, mary janes and a simple ribbon at the neck... I will be giving this a whirl sometime over autumn!


(jeans- cheap monday, shirt- Topshop, trench H&M,nails- nails inc- color Victoria, satchel- mum purchased aged 17 in Mallorca!)