For a long time people have been talking about Nasty Gal and in an effort to be more responsible with my money, I tried to steer clear of internet shopping .  Big mistake ( for my wardrobe ). Nasty Gal has the perfect style and easily blows Topshop and other high street stores out the park. Born from an ebay store, Nasty Gal has grown to a global site, with everything from clothes to accessories. Unique and on trend clothes are offered for all price tags so whether you want to add a small piece to your wardrobe or go full-blown and get some Jeffrey Campbell x Nasty Gal shoes, there is something for everyone. Based in the US, it really captures the Californian, hippie x trendy x slightly alternative look that we all aspire to have. The dresses range from tiny 90s cut designs to long floaty dresses perfect for the summer.  I fell in love with the jewellery, the perfect mix of edgy and hippie with lots of turquoise, gem stones and spikes. Even better, there is a vintage page on the site. Although it is expensive, and out of my price range, it offers something especially unique.

Key Trend: Crop Tops




Despite the weather giving the impression the UK has its very own monsoon season, it is in fact May and summer will be here in a heartbeat. A key trend for this season is the crop top, so rather than being distracted by the fleeting heavy downpours, distract yourself with a look at what is on offer for the upcoming season.

From the bralette for the uber confident to the belly skimmer, there is a shape for everyone.
Designers’ showcased versatile ways of incorporating the crop top for day-wear and even evening outfits when styled correctly.
 
Eccentricity was embraced at the Italian brand Prada, with the iconic vintage cartoon car print
appliquéd onto tiny bandeaus. These super short tops were then combined with high waisted pencil skirts so that only a peek of golden, summery skin was revealed.
 
Pucci adopted a gypsy style for its Spring/Summer 2012 collection with intricate beading and long, floor length maxi skirts. Lace and sheer chiffon kept it sultry and dare I say it, a design suited for evening wear (need we remind you of Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet looking divine).
 
Dolce and Gabbana, fabulous as always, presented the smallest of crop tops that were not too far away from just being a bra. Possibly the most iconic look of the season, the designs were perfect templates for the vibrant vegetable and flowery patterns.
 
The trend has translated wholeheartedly onto the high street with crop tops appearing everywhere. Head to Topshop for a range of loud prints and bold colours on bralettes with Aztec to sequins and lace to nostalgic 90s cartoon print. American Apparel has a range of sheer, chiffon cropped slips in every colour imaginable for a versatile look, while ASOS offer great evening options and sporty style bralettes, à la Alexander Wang.

There is no escaping the crop top, so why not take inspiration from the catwalk and reveal a peak of your midriff for the summer. Combined with high-waisted skirts and trousers, there is no need to reveal too much flesh, in fact the secret to this look is to maintain sophistication.


As written for The 405

Dior: Secret Garden

Frolicking around the Palace of Versailles in your underwear:check. Beautiful models in couture gowns: check. Cool, edgy music: check. Itcan only be the new Secret Garden film by Dior. Almost upsettingly chic, itmakes us all dream of living in a French fairytale wearing only Dior.

 

Push It Magazine

I've recently started writing for a fashion website called Push It Magazine, check it out to read reviews of recent and current collections, thoughts on music, art and other interests.

Food

Right now I have tonsilitis and as I can't eat anything but ice cream, I am craving delicious food. Living in London allows me to taste food from around the world and at a good quality. As I lay here, reminiscing about the places I have visited I thought I would write about them and inspire where I will venture next.

Coffee

Anyone who knows me, knows I L.O.V.E my coffee. My recent finds for brilliant coffee have been Full Stop on Brick Lane and St Ali in Farringdon.

Full Stop was introduced by a friend and has a lovely story behind it. Pete used to run a coffee stall in West London for two years, saving up to own a coffee shop and finally, last year he opened it with his friend. This is an adorable establishment, fitting in nicely with the quirks of Brick Lane but establishing its own identity with the focus on quality coffee, and produce from local places such as the brewery down the road and milk from a farm nearby. The inside of the cafe is cute with vintage finds all over the place and is the perfect place to chill and take some time from the busy life outside. Whats great is that Full Stop opens up late every night, giving you chance to taste the homemade pizza ( they are delicious), drink some wine and catch a pop up film or other events.

St Ali is another superb place for coffee. Based in Farringdon, it roasts its own coffee which I always find fascinating. Minimalist furniture and wood flooring make St Ali feel very open and fresh, perfect for Sunday brunch. The food is also great here, with all day eggs, corn fritters and other main dishes to enjoy.

I must also mention Joe and the Juice. This brand has swept over London and quite rapidly is taking over. With branches originally in Soho and Regent St, it is now located on the Kings Road and is opening another closer to Covent Garden. More than just a juice bar, the coffee here is delicious and rather innovative with their ginger lattes that with fresh ginger added so you feel kinda healthy even though you are chugging down milk and caffeine. Now, I can rave all day about the coffee here but I can't not mention the fact everyone that works there is super good looking. The brand is from Denmark and true to their heritage, they have employed a lot of Scandinavian men (ahem, Gods may the word) to serve the drinks. I'm shocked no one has thought of this before.

Food stalls

Pizza Pilgrims is something my friend has just become involved with and is based on Berwick St in Soho. Now pilgrims they are as they create traditional and authentic pizza's to spread the word of real Italian food. Unfortunately they are only open during the week ( sucks for me as I work in the City) but I can verify that with their skill, they are possibly the tastiest pizzas you will find in Soho ( and London!). They are perfect to pick up for lunch or if you are just walking around the shops and fancy something tasty and hot.

I'll save the rest for another time, my taste buds are getting frustrated at just ice cream right now.

Recent Beauty Buys

Benefit Toner

I have never used toner in a religious manner but as i've now have such a strict routine, it is easier to keep on top of my facial cleansing in a morning. I do notice that my skin is toned and brighter from this product, and it looks really cute on my cabinet. I am also a bit of a sucker when it comes to reviews in magazines and I saw that this was recommended as a must buy by various publications. It is expensive but I think worth the money. Especially now i'm living in London, this keeps my skin bright and glowing despite all the grime in the city.



Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

A really gentle and calming way to easily remove all make up and grim. I did find that I had a few breakouts when I started using it but now I am used to it my skin feels smooth, clean and toned. It is very simple to use and feels less harsh than soap. I would recommend but it is rather pricey and I'd say something that is luxurious and not necessarily better than other cleansers.

Nails

Throughout my finals my nails were a source of anxiety and as a result I stopped bothering; I hate chipped nails. I've recently been taking more care and invested in a few nail polishes. I am really impressed by Topshop nails, it goes on easily and has a good consistency, plus the variety they have is great. I bought sketch and country bumpkin. With Christmas coming up, its also a perfect way of adding a bit of sparkle. One option is to get the metallic colours such as Treasure and Heart of Gold, or head to Barry M for the perfect glitter nail varnish.

Super 8

This week I saw the highly anticipated Super 8. I am a huge Sci-Fi geek and not ashamed in the slightest. My friends have to constantly deal with my love of Stargate, Star Trek and Spielberg films. I haven't seen a great film in this genre for ages and so it was an absolute treat to see this film; funny, moving and epic, this film delivered in all ways. I am still in awe of how well the young actors delivered the story. Elle Fanning, one to watch with regard to fashion and her superb acting skills, is a doll on screen, captivating the attention of the boys and the audience. I didn't feel bored at any point in the movie, with the story developing in many directions. Sometimes, when a director brings in the depth of emotion and family issues, it doesn't always flow and seems cheesy but in this case, it was not over the top and added more value to the film.

Eating Out..

As another treat, my friend and I went to PIX, the new tapas bar in Soho. From living in Spain, I am always weary of tapas and the quality but was impressed with this quaint bar. We ate Olives stuffed with ricotta, salt cod with honey, patatas bravas and churros for dessert. We added a glass of red and it only came to £20 - super cheap for London. It wasn't the best Tapas I have ever had but for the price and lovely setting, this is a great place for a few snacks with friends.