Craving: Free People Molly Solid Buttondown

With summer briefly appearing this week, I've started looking at some of the summer trends which I want to incorporate into my own personal wardrobe.

Currently, I'm craving the Free People Molly Solid Buttondown in Light Pink. I really like the sheer trend where you can add a tank top, cami or bra underneath a semi-sheer top to create layers and add a little depth or edge to your outfit. Its also nice having a slightly oversized sheer piece of clothing and then skin-tight top beneath to show off your figure. This kind of top can be dressed up for work or a night out, or dressed down with jeans for a more casual look - its just so flexible.

The only problem with the sheer look is that if its not done properly, then it looks horrible - in the case of the the Free People Molly Solid Buttondown, I don't think that would happen because the piece itself is just so beautiful. I like the pleated detailing and the pocket on the front, as well as the Peter-Pan-esque collar and skinny buttons. The colour is perfectly feminine and very summery too.

What do you think of the sheer trend? Would you add this Free People piece to your wardrobe? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

The Brilliance of AllSaints

I've recently discovered the brilliance that is All Saints! If you haven't heard of them, All Saints is a UK based fashion brand for both Men and Women and is fast becoming a big player in the upper high-street. Their designs are unique and feminine with a rock chick, chic edge and I just adore so many of their pieces!

I particularly like their Spring/Summer 2012 Collection especially the tops (some of my faves are pictured above!) that All Saints describes as:

A series of directional tops including casual jersey pieces through to premium occasion embellished styles. Using the finest fabric, leather and embellishment techniques and qualities this SS12 collection encapsulates the key concepts for the season.

I am also a big fan of their range of leather jackets that All Saints describes as:

A collection of authentic biker and vintage inspired leather jackets, dresses and paneled tops, combined with signature fitted silhouettes. Using a combination of premium Italian leather, garment dyed styles and introducing new colours and vintage optics for Spring Summer 2012. 

My nearest stores are Southampton and Brighton, so next time I take a shopping trip down to either destination, I'll be sure to pop in for a peruse - I'm very excited. What are your favourites from All Saints' collections? Let me know in the comments below!

Oasis Bow Detail Embellished Top

I visited Oasis for the FIRST time this weekend (if I didn't say that the 20% Student Discount and sale signs didn't entice me, I'd be lying). I walk past this shop all the time when I'm in town and often look in the window but have never been in to look around before as I thought it would be a little above my day-to-day price range. 

My local store (in Chichester) is quite small but the service I received was fabulous - the girl upstairs (where the sale items and dressing rooms are) helped me pick some pieces from the sale rail, advised me on the discounts and gave me lots of info I wouldn't have known otherwise (even running downstairs to check the price of something!)!

After a lot of perusing I went for the Oasis Bow Detail Embellished Top in a gorgeous dark purple. The fit is fabulous and exactly what I would expect to be my size (no going up or down like in some stores!). The shape is flattering and the inner layer of fabric fits snuggly against your body with the outer, whispy layer floating fabulously around. The bow detail on mine (and actually all of this particular top in store) is a little wonky... the centre of the bow hasn't been gathered properly so it just looks like a random gathering of embellished fabric on the shoulder. Also the button on the back will not undo - I don't need to undo it to take it on and off but... just a small thing! This top was originally £40 and I got it for £12 in the sale so no complaining whatsoever! Overall, I absolutely love this top and will definately be wearing it again! 

Some of the pieces in Oasis are just stunning - these kinds of dressy up blouse type tops really call to me - and I can't wait to buy more in there!