"Homeboy wore combat boots to the beach." - Lauren Conrad

Best known for the hit MTV series Laguna Beach and The Hills, it's hard to think of Lauren Conrad as anything more.  In truth, she went to L.A. to study Fashion at FIDM before bagging an internship at Teen Vogue and Peoples Revolutions.

Lauren has designed her second line and I think it's beautiful.  Titled 'Paper Crown', here are my favourite picks from her look book (which I want in my hands).  

Simple, wearable and extremely chic.  This look could be teamed with knee highs and boots/penny loafers for an everyday look or wear with heels and a decent clutch for nighttime.  

Paper bag waists are huge this season and again this is an extremely wearable and customisable look.

A rather elegant maxi dress with a DVF-esc wrap around neckline.  

Leather is going to be a strong fabric through A/W '11 and as always a classic blazer can do wonders for any outfit.  I love the hat as a simple accessory, also.

When I saw this, I immediately thought of a ballerina.  I love the general floatiness to the outfit.

It's floral, need I say more? 

If you want to check out the rest of the look book click here.

My verdict:  An extremely versatile and feminine collection with a simple, buildable palette.  

I'm definitely going to purchase some of these garments when I get my first maintenance grant installment next term!

I Spy! AW11 Trend: Oversized

After a slightly more relaxed weekend than I've been used to lately, I decided to have a rummage around Style.com at the latest shows.  One catwalk that caught my eye was Betty Jackson.  It caught my eye for one reason - there was a hell of a lot of red.  Colour is proving to be a staple trend this season and looks to stay throughout A/W 11 - adds a festive touch, don't you think?

Another eye catching feature was the oversized feel to the collection, whether it be maxi skirts or chunky knit - perfect for winter wrapping.  

'Simply Red': A large double breasted blazer jacket with red harem pants.  I love the contrast between the red garments and white platform shoes.  

'Lady in Red': This all red outfit doesn't look bland as there's a slight contrast between colours.  I love the Mary Janes also, they add a slight feminine touch to an otherwise masculine ensemble.  

'Flirty Florals': regular readers will know floral prints get a huge thumbs up from myself, so this crimson sheer chiffon maxi dress gets a high five.  

Other catwalks which have included oversized gems are...

Acne: 'Jail Bird'

Mulberry: 'Coal Miner'

Nicole Farhi: 'Monocrome Cable'

So, what do you think of this trend? For the slightly more voluptuous blogger like myself, it's an easy and fashionable way to cover those parts you aren't too comfortable with.  

I vote Yay.

Winter Warmers

The nights have most definitely drawn in and its bloody freezing outside.  Its now becoming the season of wrapping up and of festive cheer and the season of grabbing that old hooded jumper.  I adore a snuggly hoody in the winter but when it comes to wearing them out i'd rather freeze then be caught sporting one.  Practical they are, fashionable they aren't.  So I was pretty thrilled to find hooded cape tops on TopShop.  Practicality and fashionable, now thats something I want! 

£28

I'd be quite happy to wear this to lectures as the Gallery isn't always the warmest.  It comes in red and brown as well as this washed out bluey-grey.  

£6

I don't know about you but I can't stand cold hands or toes, and these gloves are a measly £6, £5.40 minus the student discount. They also come in cream and grey.

This next item is from River Island and is on my Christmas list.  Are you like me, in that when its cold you don a scarf and then it starts to rain and you used the scarf as a hood? Well, how about a hooded scarf, best of both worlds! 

£26

Bit of a bargain if you ask me.  Although I recently purchased a McQueen scarf, its silk chiffon and gets about as cold as I do on bitter days. Looks good though.

So wrap up whilst you can, and look fabulous this winter.  

Lipsy's A/W Collaboration with Pixie Lott

After a successful S/S collection, Pixie Lott is back making her second collaboration with popular high street brand Lipsy.  The collection features 30 pieces, mainly made up of day and party dresses with a few tops, coats/jackets and skirts.  The two main looks that her collection were inspired by are 'Party Pixie' and 'Pixie Rocks'

Pixie has picked out key trends this season including lace, leather and the growl factor, animal print with the 'Party Pixie' range.  She has both a leopard print dress and two faux fur jackets.  (See below)

For 'Pixie Rocks' you would expect to see leather and stud embellishments which the pop princess delivers in the shape of a studded leather jacked and a ribbon fringed skirt. (See below)

  

My personal favourite from the collection would have to be this lace top smock dress.

I would wear it with knee high sock and brogues for a cool day time look.
I also love the cropped faux fur jacket, I guess we can see where my pay cheques going this month!

All pictures belong to Lipsy.  Go to www.lipsy.co.uk for more information on Pixie's A/W collection.