Show-stopper Sunnies

Accessories can make, or break, an outfit. I love the flexibility that accessories give to your wardrobe, allowing you to create hundreds of looks out of a small number of pieces, elevated with the addition of a statement necklace, chunky cuff or stellar sunglasses. 

Seeing as the summer season is upon us, and I can verify I have officially seen the sun, it's time to maximise the opportunity to don your finest pair of sunnies. Even just within the sunglasses genre, there is huge variety in styles, shapes and colours all impacting greatly on the effect they have on the overall look.

I always gravitate towards the stand-out, perhaps arguably garish at times, but always fabulous sunglasses. I like my UV defenders to make an impression and say something about me and my sense of style. I don't expect everyone to see them and approve of my style choice, but as long as they notice them, that's my job done! My style is most certainly individual and "interesting" as labelled by my beloved grandmother, but fashion is fun and isn't constrained by limits or laws, so I all for pushing the boundaries.

Despite recently graduating from university and with the student debt still weighing heavily on my bank account, I couldn't resist investing in a new amazing pair of sunnies when our lenses met a couple of weeks ago. It was a partnership made in heaven, and any fashion follower would understand when it was a case of needs-must, despite any financial limitations!

They're by designer Orla Kiely, and I'm officially in love. Their 50s inspired shape and patterned rim are really unusual, classic and show-stoppingly glam. The incredible Kiely designs everything and anything, many embossed with her signature flower and petal design, all embodying of air of vintage and classic style, even as far as her candles which are super chic!

Embrace the sun this summer, and bring an outfit to life with a statement pair of sunnies that will turn heads and get you noticed!   

Diamonds Are Forever

Just the sight of a diamond necklace in a jeweller’s window has the power to work a girl in to an accessory fuelled frenzy. It’s the way the stone can sparkle even in the dimmest light and add an effortless touch of glamour to the simplest of outfits. To add a little glitz with a piece of jewellery, you don't have to take out a loan or budget for the next 5 years though. It can look amazing AND be affordable, that's always my aim when I make any purchase.

These days, accessories are as much part of an outfit as the clothes you wear. Even more important if you ask me. I would almost make the case that without the perfect set of rings and carefully chosen necklace, it’s not an outfit at all. They’re easy to throw on but oh so important to get right.

I often find myself out of the house and feel a sudden rush of unease come over me. I’ll then realise I haven’t got a single ring on either hand and the only jewellery I can claim to be weaing is the anklet I bought on holiday over a year ago! I only feel ‘me’ if I’m wearing a fist full of rings and at least one of my tower of necklaces.

 A piece of jewellery can make a huge statement. It can steal the show, and why shouldn’t it if it looks anything like this incredible Shourouk necklace? Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but I think I've got a new one after discovering this designer.This piece would be the perfect way to liven up any ensemble. Worn over a plain white oversized shirt would make a strong statement oozing class and style. Shourouk tailors to all tastes with a great new collection incorporating fun new materials including PVC and climbing rope, not the standard wear making it all the more appealing. The necklace below just shows how she creates fresh and colourful designs whilst keeping it chic and contemporary.

She’s a hot new designer who I’m certainly going to be watching closely. I can't wait to buy my first piece, and I know it won't be my last.