HOW TO: THE HIGH NECK CHOKER

PS the Label top 

Zara pleather pants // similar

Topshop boots // similar

Zimmermann bikini top

Carpe Diem ring

Now this is the top of the moment! A high neck, striped, open back and waist defining, what more could you honestly ask for!

It's pieces like these that really make putting together an outfit so damn easy. It's all about accentuating the neck this season from neckties to chokers - so why not incorporate it straight into a piece!

So simple that an all-leather look for the bottom and tousled hair made perfect sense.



Leanne xx

Photography by Jordan Lee

INTO THE BLUE

The Fifth playsuit

Topshop boots // similar

32.4 necklace

You guys know I love The Fifth Label and all their rockin' playsuits - and this one is no different! Yet, another simple piece doing the work for you.


I took a bit of time out with them to talk street style and Dirty Dancing - click here for the blog post.



Leanne xx

Photography by Jordan Lee

TREND TALK: SHIRTING

The Fifth shirt

Vintage Levi denim shorts // similar // similar

Topshop boots // similar

I've decided to create a new little series here on The Mind's Paradise called Trend Talk where I highlight to you, my fellow readers, about the pros and cons of what is currently trending and what is worth spending your money on! The fashion industry is highly dependent on trends and it can be a difficult task to decipher what's for you.

It is actually not supposed to be an easy task because brands and their marketing teams work hard to make sure that you buy their products. So, I have developed some techniques and tips to picking out trends.

Patience is a virtue 

My advise, for picking trends, has always been to wait, which may be not be the intuitive thing to do. But if you want to keep your wardrobe a place for pieces to stay and be worn consistently, then patience is your friend.

Firstly, see how the trend plays out, because if it's quicker than you can even think about purchasing then you'll be thanking yourself you never invested in the first place. Take the time to think about if this particular piece really suits you and your personal style. There is no use if it doesn't go with anything in your wardrobe or just looks plain horrendous on you! Lastly, question whether the piece is worth spending your money on, even if it isn't very expensive. In my opinion, nothing is worth spending your money on if you're only going to wear it for a couple of months and never touch it again.

Also, something else I also like to think about it is, am I going to exactly the same as everyone else? Does this piece still give me the creative and free expression of my own personal style? If so, then I've got the perfect trend for you...


Shirting has been one of the main focuses on the current season and I suggest you jump on the bandwagon! It is one piece that you'll never really feel guilty about having too many of, since it is so versatile and never really goes out of style.

Brands and fashion girls have really gone to the next level, experimenting with longer and bigger sleeves, strategic and excess buttoning, frills and silhouettes - and the list goes on and on! I love that there is so much choice, so you don't have to give up any requirements you want in a shirt!

I love this shirt because black is not one you particular think is interesting, but once you add shape it becomes a whole new piece. And there is nothing that denim shorts and boots don't go with on this blog.



Leanne 

Photography by Jordan Lee

SUMMER FLING

Topshop dress // similar // similar

Zara boots // similar

Dior sunglasses 

Daniel Wellington watch

As the days get shorter and the sun set earlier you know summer is officially over. But let's milk the residues of the warmer weather with a floral number.

This wrap tie and frills give a flirty take on the classic summer piece - one that is comfortable, cool and easy to throw on. This style has popped up everywhere so you are bound to find the print that tickles your fancy. I paired with my trusty patent boots to give it the girly a bit more edge and also to make it more transitional going into autumn.



Leanne xx

Photography by Sahar Hamid

HOW TO: THE WHITE SHIRT

Willow shirt // similar // similar

Ksubi denim shorts // similar // similar

Topshop boots // similar

Daniel Wellington watch

Kirstin Ash necklace

Now this has got to be one of my favourite shoots because you know that nothing gets me more excited than boots and shirts.

I managed to snag this shirt in the sales (so I apologise profusely you can't get your hands on it but I have linked some equally as great alternatives) and it really hits the spot. The buttons down the back, the curved hem, petite collar and exaggerated cuffs don't get you going then I'm not sure what will!
My advice is when looking for basic pieces like a white shirt, keep your eyes peeled that bit of edge, like the button back for instance, so it stays interesting without tipping over into the not-so-basic zone and more of a statement piece.

Keeping it sweet and short (literally), I paired it with my long time love, Ksubi shorts, with floral detailing and some fresh kicks to finish it off.


Leanne xx

Photography by Jordan Lee

OH DARLING

These images have not been retouched.

Bassike silk top

Vintage jeans & belt

Zara boots

Daniel Wellington boots

& Other Stories sunglasses

I managed to snatch this chic crop in the sales and it easily found a home in my wardrobe. Neutrals are simple to integrate into one's closet but investing in a bit more of a luxe piece can make all the difference and spice up the basics you already have and wear consistently.

Playing with textures and keeping a restricted colour palette is my (pretty much) fool proof formula to an effortlessly put together outfit. Adding hardware accents is a simple and effective way to keep it interesting without being OTT.



Leanne xx

Photography by Sahar Hamid

HOW TO: THE SHIRT DRESS

Your outfit all-in-one summer essential with a sweet twist.

These images have not been retouched.

The Fifth dress

Topshop boots // similar

Kirstin Ash necklace

My petite frame means that my wardrobe is quite lacklustre in the dress department, so when I find one that is edgy and fits, it is truly happy days.

Needless to say, I've been thoughtfully outfit repeating and wearing this dress close to non-stop over the last week. If you were one that loved the high-low hem, then this one is perfect for you. But even those who were not such a fan, the subtly of this piece means you won't instantly be irked either. The tie around the waist gives it shape and the light weight material makes such a comfortable piece. I also don't have to tell you that dresses like does all the work for you, making the days with nothing to wear ten times easier.

Can we all just take a moment for these Topshop boots. If you're a regular visitor then you know I am a little straight up boot crazy. I can't understand why anyone wouldn't fall for the soft leather and that red tortoise shell heel.



Leanne xx


Photography by Jordan Lee

STAY AWHILE

These images have not been retouched.

The Fifth top 

Country Road knit skirt

Jeffrey Campbell "Boone Black" boots

Daniel Wellington watch 

Carpe Diem ring 

Tiffany & Co ring

Pink Lou Lou signet ring 

Alert! Here has arrived the colour of the season. Burnt orange, congac, a thoughtful mix of orange and brown, whatever you want to call it, you'll soon be seeing it pop up in your shopping trips. And I'm sure it will surprise you, how easily this colour can be incorporated into your wardrobe, adding a sense of revitalization in your neutral palette.

I am loving the high drape neck, it puts the hard work of looking put together super duper easy. Two pieces I've been wearing a tonne the past month, because who doesn't love easy throw on pieces!


Leanne xx

Photography by Jordan Lee