House of Fraser Style Challenge

When I first heard about House of Fraser's latest competition [competition now closed] to win an amazing £200 worth of House of Fraser vouchers, I knew my chances were slim, but I'm a glass half full kind of girl. The competition requirements? To pick out items from the House of Fraser website and blog about an outfit, beauty look, or room inspired by one of the following cities:

• London
• Paris
• Milan
• New York
• Tokyo

Try and guess which city I've picked...

The city I have chosen has one of the most striking examples of street style in the world. With this city, one word comes to mind - which I can't disclose or it'll give the game away! - this word describes a particular district in the city noted for its street style consisting of bold colours, clashing prints and textures, and feminine touches of frills, bows and lace for a doll lolitta look. This is a city I'd love to visit one day.

My look:

Rucksack  //  Wedges //  Knee high socks  //  Blouse //  Skirt

What I love about the pieces I've picked:

I love all the splashes of colour - ranging from the salmon pink ribbon to the electric blue wedges. Heels worn with knee high socks or stockings is a personal favourite of mine and can instantly transform your look. These knee highs from House of Fraser are bamboo ones - so you just know they'd be amazingly soft on your skin. The skirt and blouse are not only cute, but excellent value for money (both less than £20 each!). The rucksack adds another splash of colour (and print!) to the look and I love the contrast of the blue with the chocolate coloured buckles / straps.

Have you guessed which city I based my look on?

M&S Summer Dress Styling

Whilst I won't be going on holiday to anywhere tropical any time soon, I am hoping to head to Rome or Paris one weekend before summer ends. No matter which city I choose, my style for both would be quite similar - European chic.

The perfect M&S dress for a European city break? This lace skater dress in navy blue. 

M&S lace skater dress - currently reduced to £47.20

M&S analogue watch - currently reduced to £18.00

Per Una cut out tote - currently reduced to £31.60

M&S belted trench coat - currently reduced to £63.20

M&S scallop pumps - currently reduced to £20.00

M&S umbrella - currently reduced to £12.00

The lace detailing of the dress is too beautiful to be ignored - so I would keep the look fairly simple with minimal accessories. The watch would be perfect for timekeeping purposes and the tan strap matches the handbag - which has the most incredible perforated detail. As Europe is always unpredictable weather wise, a weather proof trench + umbrella would be essential. Finally when you're on your feet sightseeing all day, flats are a must! I loved the scallop detailing to these pumps but was also very impressed that they're suede AND water repellent - a rarity with suede shoes.

My own dress styled:

The dress that I will be styling for the purposes of this competition is my trusty ASOS black maxi. Whilst on holiday, I like to be comfortable so a light and floaty outfit with flat shoes is a must! Ever since I bought my Call It Spring sandals, they've hardly been off my feet and go everywhere with me. I never like to over accessorize so would just wear a statement necklace to take my dress from day to night. Either my much loved Topshop dip dye spikes or my Call It Spring statement necklace.

And my look in action... (apologies for the quality...)

A bit of a dressier look - but it wouldn't look out of place in either Paris or Rome

Are either looks something that you would wear?

M&S have lots of lovely new A/W dresses being launched online at the moment - just in time for London Fashion Week! You can view the full range of M&S dresses here

Savil Court Hotel - Caribbean event

Last Friday I was lucky enough to be invited to a Caribbean themed event that Savil Court Hotel were hosting. Upon entering, we were welcomed with a drink - wine or a selection of beers - and were presented with a lei garland (girls) or straw hat (guys). We were also welcomed with a steel band who were playing a lot of Daft Punk: 

It was very Caribbean inspired with sand, a surf board balance challenge (set up like a rodeo bull), a variety of funfair / seaside type games, a steel band, a few arcade games and games consoles rigged up, hula dance classes, and.... pick 'n' mix.

What really captured my attention was the food. They presented us with a Caribbean BBQ with wonders like mountain goat curry, sweet potato and plantain:

I planned on going back for seconds, but they offered such generous portions, there was no need:

I'd never tried goat before, but it was actually a very tasty meat and it contrasted nicely with the sweetness of the plantain and sweet potato. My favourites however were the fish curry - which melted in your mouth - and the vegetable fritters. For dessert, we had half a mini pineapple each which was filled with exotic fruits and clotted cream ice cream:

After we ate, we indulged in pick 'n' mix and explored the grounds, following moss covered paths:

What I wore:

My new Zara cami and skorts, black court heels, and an oversized chunky knit to keep the chill off. Plus my yellow lei of course!

Thanks to Savil Court Hotel & Spa for hosting this event [food and drink complimentary but travel paid for myself]

Style inspiration... Erin Wasson

Oh Erin Wasson... what is there not to love? Her feline eyes. Her wavy locks. And don't even get me started on her wardrobe.... I want it all.  The perfect mix of boho and edgy. Even with the simplest of outfits, she still looks darn amazing:

[all images from Pinterest]

She also appears in the video of one of my favourite Muse songs

>> Major girl crush right here <<

Urban Outfitters elephant pumps

Animals have always been big in fashion - be it High Street or designer. And judging by AW13 previews, this is set to continue into next season. Jean Paul Gaultier's AW13 collection was feline inspired - right down to the opening music (the Pink Panther theme was reportedly played). Everywhere you turn there are dogs, cats and birds featured on scarves, bags and clothing. I've noticed many bloggers taking a liking to Topshop's panda tube skirt. One animal I've noticed a distinct lack of? Elephants. With elephants being one of my favourite animals (cats win - but only just...), it's a shame. Elephants after all symbolise strength and wisdom - and in some cultures are worshipped as deities. When I went into Urban Outfitters the other day and spotted these tan suede elephant pumps, I was overjoyed:

They can be found online too here

Also, loving UO's new window displays and bags at the moment:

Very quaint with an element of sweet shop, don't you think?

My blog has moved!

Hi guys,

I will no longer be blogging under "Angel In This Dress"

angel-in-this-dress.blogspot.com

I now have my own domain "Curiouser and Curiouser"

www.curiouser-and-curiouser.co.uk

See you there!