5 Accessories I'm Loving This Autumn | GUEST POST

September has just about arrived. Although it still feels a little early, we're already seeing countless exhibitions of autumn style. A lot of the focus this time of year tends to surround extensive lists of clothing items and ideas for totally transformed wardrobes. But if you're like me, you don't actually go out and revamp your entire closet every time the temperature changes! A few new clothing items here and there will suffice for keeping up with the trends. What I really enjoy instead is making sure I'm up on the latest accessories. These are the smaller, more affordable pieces that can bring a look together, and which tend to change more from season to season anyway!

With that said, here are some of the accessories I'm loving for the autumn of 2015.

Sculptural Jewellery

I wasn't entirely sure what the term "sculptural jewellery" referred to until I started seeing it mentioned among the season's trends, and now I can't get enough of it. Style.com has a number of examples of this type of jewellery from designers including Kenzo, Eddie Borgo, and others. The basic idea is that each item is like a piece of art, generally featuring bent and shaped metals that resemble small, wearable sculptures.

Spray-On Boots

This is the term Marie Claire used to define what looks to be a pretty popular trend for the coming autumn and winter seasons: skin-tight, thigh-high boots. Versace, Christian Dior, and others were mentioned in conjunction with the movement, which includes various colours and designs printed onto boots that almost double as leggings. It may not be the most comfortable accessory idea for 2015, but it's a fun look.

Ladies' Loafers

Sticking with footwear, and moving to a more comfortable option, I can't get enough of the ladies' loafers that seem so prominent on the runways this year. Lyst called them "the chosen flats for fall" and it's no wonder they're taking over given the various ways in which we're seeing them dressed up and down. More casual versions include simple boat shoe-style loafers that work like sandal alternatives, and for dressing up we're even seeing heeled ladies' loafers making the rounds.

Opera Gloves

This is another trend pointed out by Marie Claire, and it is essentially the upper-body version of the spray-on boot idea. Opera-length gloves have been spotted on various runways from a slew of different designers this season. While they can appear almost costume-like, there's something undeniably fun about them for the autumn. Given that these gloves tend to be fairly light and thin, they're also a perfect option for comfort as the weather cools but isn't necessarily "cold."

Collar Bows

There have been a lot of bows and ribbons tied around collars on the AW runways, and I love the way Popsugar defined the trend: "a hint of femininity in your workplace wardrobe." Moving from the carefree, fun styles of summer into the stiffer and colder looks that so often arrive with autumn, it's easy to end up with outfits that look slightly uptight. Any sort of ribbon or bow tied around a collar is a great way to keep things fun and feminine.

With these five enjoyable and affordable accessory ideas, you can liven up your autumn wardrobe without even getting into new garments. Have fun putting together some new looks!

5 Holiday Destination Ideas in EUROPE | LIFE

Hello!

"thought of the whitewashed buildings clinging on to the cliffs and the scenic views of the clear blue sea gets me drifting away"

As summer time rolls around, we're left on our toes thinking, 'Oooh, where in the world shall we go this year?'. Well, it might seem like an easy task to decide where to go, but let's be honest, it takes up way more time than it should just to pinpoint where to land.

I had that same dilemma when booking my holiday a few weeks ago. "Oooh I've always wanted to go to Thailand, but then there's New York, what about that? Hmm.. or maybe I'll just stick to Spain?" It had me going back and forth and I just couldn't decide! 

Hopefully this post will give you a few ideas and possibly help choose that destination, and if you're on the other side of the boat, having a mind blank as to what countries even exist now-a-days, then maybe this will get the ball rolling. 

source: 1,2,3,4

The beautiful country of Italy is quite the tourist destination. However, I feel Italy is known for Rome or Venice, and Sorrento doesn't get as much attention. It looks like it'd be such a beautiful place to visit, and the houses on the cliff look pretty cool! A coastal town in southeastern Italy where you can spend the day wondering around the centre 'Piazza Tasso' and spend your nights sitting by the 'Amalfi Coast'. Oh, and feel like climbing a mountain slash volcano? You can do that too. 

source: 1,2,3,4

Not going to lie, I had no idea this place existed until Snapchat had it in one of the 'stories'. The place where some event about racing cars is being held this year, but also the place that has incredible views. On the Snapchat story you got to see some of the beautiful homes and buildings in Monaco. Located just below France on the map, it is a place that deserves more attention. There's something about these small, yet utterly beautiful, countries that have not yet hit 'mainstream' that feels pretty special.

Go and visit the 'Jardin Exotique', which, believe-it-or-not, stands for Botanical Gardens! The cool thing about it? It's located on a cliffside and looks absolutely stunning (see here). You can also take a look at the Prince of Monaco's Palace or take a trip to the Monaco Opera House.

source: 1,2,3,4

France. Okay, I couldn't choose one area of France to visit because, well, just look at those pictures! Every part of it is stunning, and each part completely different. You can see the coastal rocks, the beautiful architecture and of course, the Eiffel Tower. 

If all else fails, and you find yourself getting bored of seeing all the 'Pyramide du Louvre's'  and the 'Mona Lisa's' - just take a trip to Disneyland! 

source: 1,2,3,4

Every time I mention that I wouldn't mind visiting Amsterdam people get a little wide-eyed and start shaking their head. No, I do not mean the red light district, people, but the beauty of the country. Having seen The Fault in Our Stars, it made me want to see the beautiful canal, Anne Franks house, the peaceful roads and everything else Amsterdam has to offer. 

source: 1,2,3,4

Remember me telling you about my dilemma with picking a holiday destination this year? Well, I was very, very close to picking Greece. The thought of the whitewashed buildings clinging on to the cliffs and the scenic views of the clear blue sea gets me drifting away even as I'm still at home.
Want to take a visit to Italy at the same time? Well, they say Ancient Akrotiri is the 'Pompeii of Aegean Islands' (Santorini is one of the islands of Aegean Islands).
Or take a ride on a donkey like the do in 'The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants'.

So, although I went for Egypt to go and take a visit to this year, these 5 places are definitely on my 'to visit-list'.
What do you look for in a holiday? Is it the landmarks, the beaches or the weather?

Top 6 Spring/Summer Dresses - Under $10 | FASHION

Hello! 

"great for the various events throughout the season"

Dresses were made for Spring and Summer (well, I guess you could pull it off during the autumn and winter too, but ideally, it's Spring and Summer) and who would believe you could get some super pretty ones for less than $10! Whether you're a student watching your budget, or just don't want to splurge on the dress where the trend may not last until next summer - heck, if you just simply like the dresses, regardless of the price tag, read on.

Isn't it stunning?! I love stripes and the yellow border just makes this dress that extra special. You know they say yellow is the happiest colour? Well, doesn't this dress make you happy! 
Buy here.

I saw this dress and instantly thought of laying by the pool or beach, chilling under the sun. Having said that, the piece could also be dressed up with some heels and a cute clutch. Either way, a versatile piece that could be a gem in any collection.
Buy here.

So it looks like two different pieces, but really it's just one. The thing that caught my eye with this one, is that it's unique. Oh, and it's super cute! 
Buy here.

Totally a casual dress - my favourites! This one that's probably harder to dress up - but perfect for a picnic-in-the-park kind of day.
Buy here.

Did I mention I have a thing for stripes?
Buy here.

Denim is practically always a trend for Spring/Summer, and a denim dress is totally a nice way to incorporate it. Another one for the picnic-in-the-park kind of day!
Buy here.

So 6 dresses under $10, and all great for the various events throughout the season.
Tell me, what do you think of stripes? Fan or not-so-much? 

PS. I believe they ship worldwide ;)

March 2015 : PRINTABLE CALENDAR

Hello!

"Is there ever such thing as being too organised? I think not. ;)"

For a while now, this monthly feature has been a highlight. Every time it's spotted in the top 5 posts at least once. Due to this, I simply cannot let you down without offering another one for the month of March. It is free, as always, so you can pop in the Mothering Sunday (it's the 15th, btw ;) ), any birthday parties and brunch dates you have so you don't miss them.

What's more, it'll brighten up a dull wall!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

I don't know what I'd do without a diary, so in case if you don't have one, or you want a clear view of that dentist appointment (or season premiere) you simply cannot miss, just click the link and you're sorted! Is there ever such thing as being too organised? I think not. ;)

How excited are you for March? 

Desk/Home Office Inspiration!

Hello!

Thank Goodness It's Friday. I thought I'd post this so you might get some inspiration to do some DIY this weekend!

Well, productivity should be full blast right now. If you're a college student like I am, then this week may have been Mock Week/Month. I had quite a few Mocks this month, luckily I did some last month before Christmas break, so there weren't as many exams as there could have been! Anyway, that means we should be studying.

However, if the area in which you work is not sorted, or doesn't make you feel happy, then you're less likely to study/work well enough, believe it or not! I find that if the area that I am working in is a mess, my mind won't work straight.

Yet you might be the type of person that likes clutter? Lets be honest, we only REALLY say we like clutter when we cannot be bothered to tidy said clutter away!

1)

I like having a nice view from my desk too. It used to be facing a wall (see a picture in this post) but that got boring pretty quickly for me! This picture was actually taken in autumn when the sun was nice and golden throughout the day. Nowadays we tend to get overcast or fog hiding that beautiful sun! 

2) 

via: 1, 2

These two desk areas are lovely. They're minimalistic, have very little clutter - which is the best way to go, and the colours are all very easy on the eye. I like the stationary and small decor pieces yet nothing overwhelming or anything to distract focus.

3)

This picture was taken at night so doesn't look as bright but I like to keep plants on my windowsill. I've heard looking at natural plants and greenery is great for your eyesight and makes you feel good. 

Green being a colour connoting success, wealth and growth, it's perfect for the study. I mean when you see them grow over the days, it's really nice! Oh, and this is the type of plant that if you forget to water it for a couple of days, it won't die… just the type I need! haha! (species: Jade Plant) 

4)

via 1,2

Both of these desks are made out of glass which give a modern, clean vibe. I also have a glass on top of my desk and love it because I can jot notes with whiteboard pens which rub out (and can be colourful). Also, because I can slide papers and notes underneath the glass so it's visible yet there's no clutter.

I got mine from starglassuk.com which provided great customer service and delivered it to my door.

They also provide mirrors and frames - which is what I like about the first image - which adds another clean vibe to the room. 

5)

Finally, creating a studious atmosphere with books and files may just make the room feel complete. 

I hope you have gotten some inspiration for your desk to get that all important work done.

Oh, and starglassuk.com have offered a DISCOUNT code for YOU - enter BerryBloomXO at checkout to receive 20% off your glass/mirror or anything! 

What can you not live without at your desk or What helps you work/study?