Fresh Start

The pieces to start coveting for 2014! Cruise is already here and I am super excited to be planning all short-skirt-sweater outfit combo's regardless of how miserable and grey it is outside... and fear not! There are still some amazing sale pieces to score in the final few days so don't miss out. Join me in creating endless wishlists and pretending it's Spring time in Paris and you can rock a wool coat with bare legs already! Let's face it, it's nearly fashion week and you'll need the practise...

Stella McCartney wool grey coat at Net-a-Porter (Sale!)

Mother of Pearl floral silk shorts at SSENSE and Net-a-Porter

Isabel Marant leather sandals at Matches

Iris & Ink stripe cashmere sweater at The Outnet

Next grid sheer skirt at Next.co.uk

Aquazurra suede pumps at Net-a-Porter

Celine sunglasses at Celine Paris, Selfridges, Harrods (Sale!)

Olympia Le Tan 'Manners for Men' clutch at Net-a-Porter and Farfetch

THE SWEATSHIRT THREE WAYS

You may have noticed my obsession with grey sweaters; lets discuss. a) They are unarguarbly comfortable and toasty. b) They tone down a look when any scary busy print of the trend variety is involved. c) You can pretty much wear it with anything, and take it from the day into the night, with little changing or accessorising involved.

I've picked this Topman 'NYC' sweater (see my previous post) as an example to show you how to team it with a number of pieces, but also to encourage you to raid your boyfriends wardrobe and see just how well certain pieces can work. I can confirm this originally did not go down too well; "No really please, that's my favourite sweatshirt", to eventually, "Ok it does look better on you". 

Success! Let's look further. See all the looks after the jump.

Look 1: Motif sweater and Ripped jeans sounds like it could be disastrously untidy, but add statement heels and it immediately makes it work-appropriate.
Wearing Zara Ripped Jeans (get similar here), Isabel Marant Heels, Proenza Schouler Bag.

Look 2: Sweater and Skort (an amusing new word invented by Zara that apparently is the answer to when shorts look like skirts). Break up wearing light colours together by adding black accessories; these cut out shoes are the answer to everything! I'd team them with Look 1 too.
Wearing Zara White Skort, Alexander Wang Liya Pumps, Celine Box Bag.

Look 3: The most realistic and weather-appropriate outfit for right now; jeans beanie and sneakers. Because lets face it, its freezing outside and this whole 'off-duty' everyday look will keep you toasty warm, guaranteed.
Wearing Topshop Grey Leigh Jeans, Isabel Marant Bekket Sneakers, Celine Luggage Tote, Cos Cashmere Beanie

Which look would you most likely wear the most? You can follow me at @thecovetcase for more pics too!

TRANSEASONAL PRINTS

Prints at the ready! Here are some great transeasonal pieces (in the form of floral prints!) to mix with all your wardrobe essentials. Every season Isabel Marant's embroidered trousers are a must-have piece, and these hawaiin-print floral jeans are perfect for this time of year; they'll look great with a basic crew sweatshirt for English spring weather (e.g, minus 8 and snow? who knows?) or boxy t-shirts when summer does arrive! The plain grey sweater is T by Alexander Wang, but if you prefer something with a motif on it, opt for this Topman 'New York City' sweater (trust me, it's super warm!).

This Acne fringe top is great for teaming with mid-length skirts (or the jeans aforementioned); Christopher Kane's beautiful princess skirt (no really, it's actually called the 'princess' skirt) and at that price it should make you feel very royal indeed! If you're looking for something that won't break the bank, the structured mid-length white skirt by Topshop Boutique would look great with any t-shirt/sweater essentials too. 

Alternatively if you're not a fan of skirts, these Alexander Wang floral graphic-print shorts from SS12 are perfect for teaming with any of the tops above! Or even swap the grey sweaters for coloured ones to make the shorts pop! They are the perfect length too, long enough for work but still with the transparent detailing to give it an edge. Still not convinced? They are 65% off at The Outnet! And it doesn't end there, the amazing cut-out black 'Danica' heels are also Wang, so highly coveted when they first came out and, again, 55% off at The Outnet! (Race you to the checkout.)

To accessorise pick a bold statement clutch, like this Pierre Hardy one, or for something more novel the Olympia Le Tan Caviar purse is just too fun! And yes, featuring another pair of Bekket sneakers because I dare you to find an outfit they don't go with, or maybe my obsession is now a problem and I need help? Finally mix all these pieces together and see how many outfits you can make from them! Now i've justified all these potential purchases for you, shop them here:

Acne Joshi Fringe Top / Topshop Boutique Full Midi White Skirt / Balenciaga SS13 Rings (get similar here!) / Olympia Le Tan Caviar Purse / Isabel Marant Godart Floral Embroidered Jeans / Alexander Wang Danica Shoes / Isabel Marant Bekket Sneakers / T by Alexander Wang Grey Sweater / Alexander Wang Floral Shorts  Christopher Kane Princess Skirt / Pierre Hardy Watersnake Clutch / Topman New York City Sweater

LASER CUT

Amidst the excitement of watching all the AW13 shows online so far this last week (thank you, Style.com), I couldn't help but look back at my favourite SS13 shows (in the live breaks, of course) to see what had influenced my wish list picks for spring/summer. I remember being beyond overjoyed that Celine, Chloe and Isabel Marant had all provided us with muted, neutral colour themes that would make it easy to mix pieces from a winter wardrobe to a summer one. So here we go! More wish lists because making collages are fun and dissertations are not.. Beautiful simple dresses from Chloe mixed with the infamous Susanna boots (now with silver studs for this season for those of you who aren't so inclined to gold hardware). More statement bomber jackets from Marant following on from the covetable embroidered Western jacket of last season. I also couldn't resist the laser-cut pieces from Alaia, and do not fear! A huge range is available at The Outnet for all your purse-friendly-Alaia needs, making it all the more easier to justify, right? Also these laser cut leather shorts from Raoul are a perfect statement pair of shorts, I haven't seen anything else like them.

Other covetable pieces I couldn't resist include the great Olympia Le Tan's book clutch which has pretty much been snapped by every street style photographer and will continue to do so i'm sure! From novel clutches to novel jewellery I still cannot get over the awesomeness that is Delfina Delterez who has added a whole new meaning to the 'fine jewellery' category. In addition are these super thin stacking rings by Catbird NYC that are perfect for every day use, they also come as 'knuckle rings' that are trending in a big way! More on that in my next post though.

From Left to Right: Chloe Ruffle Sleeve Dress, Chloe Printed Silk Dress, Alaia Laser Cut Platforms, Olympia Le Tan Moby Dick Book Clutch, Vince Navy Silk Tee, Raoul Laser Cut Leather Shorts, Chloe Broderie White Skirt, Alaia Laser Cut Belt, Ear Cuff by Repossi, Stacking rings by Catbird NYC, Eye Double Ring by Delfina Delterez, Chloe Susanna Studded Boots, Black Cuff by Elin Kling x Marciano, Isabel Marant Glinkle Jacket, Chloe Camel Sport Pants.

NAVY LAYERS & THE TRAPEZE

Taking the term January Blue's far too literally here with a Cos navy crew neck sweater, Cos navy cashmere scarf (I had to remove the All Saints navy coat in order to prevent an absolute navy overload) with Whistles green printed silk trousers that were one of my only sale purchases and easily the best sale-buy ever (from £125 to £35! Get your Whistles sale goodness here) and Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers. Also finally sharing with you my latest bag-affair with Celine, the Tri-Colour Trapeze!

WINTER PICKS

My picks for December... otherwise known as a very long and some what imaginary Christmas list no?

It all starts with the coat. There are so many 'Fashion' coats out at the moment, take for example my Zara Biker coat with leather lapels, I love it, and so does the rest of London apparently, i've lost count of the number of times i've crossed other women wearing the same thing.With this in mind i'm now coveting a more classic, muted style. I'd seen a beautifully simple Givenchy coat I fell in love with but sadly, it is Givenchy (cha-ching) so this All Saints wool and cashmere coat is my second best and hugely more affordable option! Denim brands seem to be going distressed-crazy this season; love these J Brand ripped jeans, which are the perfect off-duty style teamed with the three cosy sweaters. Still spreading the love for Isabel Marant's Bobby sneakers, the best price-per-wear thing i've bought, but i'm still trying to find these retro New Balance sneakers that seem to sell out everywhere immediately! All the rest are lovely books/homeware/stationary pieces that are definitely on my wish list!

Winter Picks: All Saints Double-breasted coat, J Brand 811 Distressed Jeans, 

Cos Cashmere Biscuit Sweater, Etoile Isabel Marant Gladys Knitted Sweater, 

Etoile Isabel Marant SS13 Grey Sweater (available for pre-order), 

Whistles Cashmere Striped Sweater, Isabel Marant Bobby Sneakers, New Balance Sneakers, 

Chloe loafers, Smythson Diary, Dyptique Candle, Little Black Jacket Revistited by Karl Lagerfeld, 

Grace by Grace Coddington, Topshop iPhone Ostrich Case.

OFF DUTY CRUSH

Miranda Kerr wearing Givenchy Coat, Prada Tote, Isabel Marant Grey Tee and Isabel Marant Bobby Sneakers

I don't normally write posts about these kinda things, but I have always had such a massive style crush on Miranda Kerr, and recently there have been so many sickeningly gorgeous outfits that I just had to share a few of my favourite. I don't know how she can simultaneously do 5 inch heels whilst holding her baby and look perfect every time, not to mention the off-the-runway/of the moment outfits that are just to die for; my imaginary Christmas list is getting longer and longer. Click after the jump to see more pictures!

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US

Prepare yourself for very fashion-concious festive jumpers.

How is it December next week? (I know we ask ourselves this very simple question every year).

A week ago i'd seen Net-a-Porter had released an exclusive set of designer Christmas themed jumpers  with some of the best contemporary designers, and whilst I thought to myself oh good god it's Christmas in four weeks I also found that I was adding several of them to my Wishlist. So which is your favourite? I would very much like to be sporting a Moschino Reindeer jumper (no less) whilst enjoying my Christmas lunch, or 3.1 Phillip Lim with mince pies and crap TV, wouldn't you? 

Christmas Sweaters available exclusively at Net-a-Porter.com

(Left to right: Markus Lupfer Sequin Santa Jumper, Moschino Reindeer Sweater, Moschino Gingerbread Roll Neck, 

Isabel Marant Fairisle Knit.

Meadham Kirchoff Embellished Bauble Sweater, 3.1 Phillip Lim Snowflake Sweater, Erdem Lace Collar Jumper, Tibi Penguin Jumper.

Zoe Karssen Bah Humbug Sweater, Chinti & Parker Cashmere Fairisle Jumper, Preen Two Tone Sweater, Lott78 Ho Ho Ho Jumper.)

MATCHES SS13 PRESS DAY

Sorry for the lack of posts! Work has been consuming my life recently, but I did manage to get out to attend one very exciting invitation that I have been meaning to share with you for over a week; the Matches SS13 Press Day at their lovely home from home, No. 23.

Needless to say it left me feeling super excited for all of next seasons pieces (and similarly very depressed as I wanted to leave with all of it!) See my favourite picks below; Louboutin accessories, loafers and brogues by Fendi and Kenzo, and neon jewellery and prints everywhere inbetween! Thank you for having me Matches! (and thank you iPhone 5 for saving me when my DSLR busted 5 minutes before I got there.)

I need this Givenchy clutch in my life now. I can see these being everywhere at forthcoming fashion week street style shots, cue TommyTon!

In love with these Diane Kordas lightning bolt pieces, black diamonds!

Kenzo loafers!! I say no more. 

Amazing new summer denim by the very best; Paige, J Brand, Current/Elliot and more!

How cool are these Fendi brogues?

Stacks of eyewear! I want the Pierre Hardy clutch at the bottom!

One of my favourite trends from the press day, all for androgyny! 

Beautiful McQueen clutches, as always. 

Love this MSGM dress, the neon print is really wearable.

Spot the insanely cool Louboutin stud iPad accessories! 

And to save the most coveted until last... the infamous IM sneakers are back again! Stars on the Bekketts this year! What do you guys think?