FLYING SAUCER

Dungaree Days

 

I can definitely feel a rise in temperature this week, although those heatwave outfits still remain in my wardrobe. A burst of summer would be heavenly but I think you can dress for these cloudy days by going a bit boyish. Rather than pairing your pretty summer dresses with dark black tights, I wear high waisted jeggings, Riding Pants and even chic jogging bottoms! I don't like wearing skirts that flip up in windy, cold weather, but maybe an alternative are my new Motel Demi Dungarees! I got these in a sample sale as I don't think this dark blue will be produced for the website, but there is a lighter blue, the cult paisley and a sweet acid wash pair which I rather like too. Light denim is on my love list right now! 

 

 

I rarely buy impulsive things nowadays but this pretty crochet top from New Look caught my eye and I know it will go with everything. It actually has a centred dipped hem at the front and back which you can't quite see but it will surely be worn many times this summer. I think crop tops and dungarees are a match made in heaven as a flash of skin can take away the childishness of the dungarees.

 

 

My nails are Barry M's Blueberry at the moment which I hoped would be like Essie's Lapis of Luxury but as you can see, it's definitely not a pastel shade. I'm going to paint them nude myself this week as I don't want to go to the salon again before pay day comes, and I don't mind bright blue! It reminds me of the blue skies we sadly aren't seeing at the moment!

 

Motel AW13 Press Day!

Hey yall! It's been a long week for me and I am looking forward to a calm weekend which starts NOW! I've been in bed with a cup of tea and my laptop since I woke up (with no alarm, just naturally!) and I'm catching up with lots of Youtube videos and writing this wee blog post for you. On Wednesday I was in London for the Motel AW13 Press Day and we decided to not just invite bloggers but have a special evening preview where we brought in a henna artist and Colour Xtreme for crazy hair dyes!

The press day showcases our future collection to stylists and editors as often they need to create all of the outfits for their autumn projects this early in advance. This is also how soon our designers will create collections and usually they will produce just one real life version of each item they have designed, which are the 'samples' above. Then our merchandisers and buyers decide which will sell the best and order different amounts of each style, and our factories get to work printing and sewing them, maybe with a few tweaks like a new button or bigger zip. Then our photography team will find a bunch of beach babes in Bali for our lookbook and at my office we decide how best to show you all the new trends and prints we have coming up. By now the editors and stylists who saw the items on our press day will be publishing their magazines featuring the items, just in time for them to be delivered to our warehouse so you can buy them from MotelRocks.com! That's when I come in and share our new things on social media and to bloggers across the world. Phew!

So that is why we have a press day, but also it's a lot of FUN! This season we definitely celebrated the brand as Motel was born in the '90s and our latest collections are heavily influenced by the cult decade. Enter our total time warp with a '90s bedroom set-up complete with a rainbow bed, blow up chair, lava lamp and television set with Spice World: The Movie on repeat! I went slightly retro with the floral Catalina Dress in the new Flower Buzz Print and a silver gem on my face, and dialed a few boys on Dream Phone, which my sister and I loved to play way-back-when! It's like Guess Who but you need to find out which boy fancies you by ringing some up and using the clues they tell you. Each boy comes with a photo and their hairstyles are hilarious!

There were also Rainbow Drops, pic-n-mix and flying saucers (holla!), and I was a bit young back then to appreciate Hooch but I did end the day with a slush puppy! 

As for the clothes, I have to be very careful with Motel as if I like anything, I usually buy it. If I went shopping on the high-street and bought everything I simply liked, I'd be bankrupt! So I need to have the same attitude to Motel and not buy all the things that catch my eye, just going for the favourites only. Things I'm liking are a flash of ethnic prints like the paisley and mandala patterns, in rich colours for autumn time like plum and turquoise.

I wasn't sure I would have time for henna but the lady was super speedy and I got a full hand on the left, with Motel girl Megan's pretty hand on the right. I love it! It could be something you could try yourself as the pattern doesn't have to be perfect, although if you mess up then your hand will be stained so you have to be accurate. The henna artist told me to put Vic's over it at night as it heats up and makes the colour darker so I may do that to prolong the tattoo!

London Fashion Week AW13

It has been a week since fashion week and it was probably my most favourite yet! I went down with the fab Motel girls as always and the sun was most definitely shining, making for a really cheerful atmosphere! I love spotting the celebs and saw so many reality stars; my favourite moment being metres away from Mollie King of The Saturdays at a show! I love The Sats so I felt like a super fangirl!

I wasn't too sure what to wear so I fitted in with what the other Motel girls wore by not choosing the same, and settled on my new Serena skirt. It doesn't seem to photograph so well unless you smooth it out, but it's a really cute little bodycon skirt with an almighty, ruffled peplum! This sparked a new peplum obsession so watch this space. I wore it with a new cropped sweater that isn't out yet but there are a few items in the print online, and I think I'll wear the Jolene dress to see Girls Aloud this week! I also wore my small Zara heels, shunning the traditional mega heels. Most bloggers always wear sunglasses like Ray Bans too which might make it easier to pose! It is very hard to do that natural street style pose so I was just smiling for every photo as it was genuinely such a fun fashion week! 

Feeling Flutey

This photo was from the last time I went home against one of my Mom's amazing wallpapers; that lady loves an accent wall! This Flute Skirt from Motel is one of those new items that you almost forget you have because it's not quite worn-to-death yet, and then you remember it is in your wardrobe and you get a little buzz. It's actually a thin white faux leather and for someone with soooo much black in my wardrobe, it's a fresh change! Circle skirts will forever be my fail-safes! 

The first time I saw the polo neck crop tops in Topshop they had all sold out so I snapped up the black and white versions as soon as I saw them! I had to restrain myself from going any more into polo necks as they were an immediate favourite and I just had to hunt for a dress too. I returned the said dress as really, I don't need a 5th black maxi dress no matter which neckline it is! Still loving these crop tops though, and they're a tad warmer than your usual crop top affair!

P.S. If anyone has any advise on saving photos so they appear high quality when uploaded, please do tell me, I would love to know! I think my photos go blurry once they are uploaded x

Outfit Of The Night: Christmas Velvet!

Hi loves! Here is a quick video I made on Saturday night of my outfit! I wore the new Motel Madame Dress with a super flattering sweetheat neckline (go up a size, it's very small), and my River Island creepers and leopard socks! It was super funny because my friend Vanessa wore an American Apparel velvet dress and creepers and leopard socks too! They were all different so we didn't exactly look the same, but our creeper party was on! I also wore the essential jewelled cat ears from Topshop, and most of my friends did at some point in the night too! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas; I'm a little under the weather but having a fabulous time at home. Merry Christmas! x

My Motel Xmas Sale Must Haves

Roll up, roll up, the Motel Sale has officially launched and there are literally hundreds of items! I would know, because I was one of the people changing these hundreds of prices myself! After my eyes fell out a few times, I had a gander and here are my top picks that you will not want to miss. I have the lucky opportunity to try on most Motel things so I know what is definitely worth your spends! Also you can order right up until Friday to receive items by Christmas, and our warehouse is pretty damn hot so no worries!

The one item you need to get your mitts on FAST is the Delorious Dress in Green - not only is it off shoulder (SWOON) but it's the amazing green iridescent sequins that make it gorgeous for photos! I kept seeing so many beautiful Instagram snaps of it on the #motelrocks feed that I made a Facebook album of them on the Motel page - it's literally a camera's dream dress. It doesn't have high stock so should be sold out by the end of this week, don't delay!

Also I was very tempted by the Tatun sequin bralettes this season as I have an infinite amount of skater skirts. I'm still tempted now as I have planned all my Christmas outfits and wouldn't mind something extra festive for day to day. I have two roll neck crop tops now but I am eyeing up a Zabby roll neck dress, especially in the Mirrored Island Print which would be gorgeous with red hair. And I did try on this Stardust Playsuit and looked like a baby in a babygro, but I've seen it worn in a larger size and it looks adorable with a belt.

 

Playsuits sell so well on Motel and I had an epiphany on holiday when I went out in shorts, as you are so much more free to dance! Not free with nature, but just free to dance without being cautious of the hemline of your dress, which in my case is usually short haha. The Zandra Playsuit is another one that will sell out soon, and a high neckline really shows off your hair.

I bought the office sample of the Kimberley Dress as again the colour is great with red hair, and the inky black lace is gorgeous with a matte red lip. I also got the sample of the silver Porcha Playsuit to add to my sister's Christmas present, shhhh! I hope she doesn't read that! And I wore the Tera Tutu Dress to the Motel Christmas Party and loved it! You feel like a fairy! Definitely a bargain. I sort of wish I could join in and shop the sale but I've already seen these items a million times, bring on SS13!

I've bought a few more Motel things for my Christmas outfits and also a few ASOS things, where I haven't shopped from in ages! I'll show you them soon, ahhh only a few more days and it's the holidaysss!

A rather fancy weekend

Motel Rocks Deborah Dress, River Island flatforms, New Look leopard socks

Hi guys! It now seems like years ago but I visited home on the weekend and always have a lovely time. I don't go very often as it's so expensive so I try to fit in seeing as many people as possible! On the Friday night I visited my Mom's newish house in a small, pretty town and my sister over came that night too when I dyed her hair. I had two rather exciting things to try/wear on the Saturday as it was my oldest/longest friend's birthday and I was taking her for dinner and then getting a limo for a pub crawl with everyone! The limo was a surprise and it took all my willpower not to mention it while we were eating and shopping!

  

I got up at about 8am because I was really excited to get ready for a night/day out as the day before I was ecstatic to receive the Cherry Blossom GHD styler! The cherry pink makeover supports Breakthough Breast Cancer so I donated the £10 too as these were given to me as a gift to show you guys. The styler is set to create any hair for any occasion but of course my favourite is the party hair as I am all for big, bouncy curls with height!

Whenever I go to the hair dressers, they blow dry my hair straight and then curl it with straighteners, so the curls simply drop out after an hour. On Saturday I styled my hair normally where I dry sections around a round brush so they have waves, like in the left picture. I was dubious as to whether the styler would add weight to my hair or cause curls to drop out, but it set and smoothed the curls, removing any frizz! There are lots of YouTube videos of how to curl your hair using straighteners, basically twisting them around and then pulling through at an even pace. I can safely say the curls lasted all day too and have a much sleeker, more shiny finish than using my usual conical wand. I'm a convert, I've never had expensive hair tools!

The styler itself is of course divine, with hot pink plates and polka dots, and instead of the mini red light, the 'on' button is a lit up pink ghd logo! They make you feel glamorous just holding them; my first 'grown up' straighteners. They have a handy bag too with a heat protecting department so you can throw them in while the straighteners are still hot - great when I then have to throw on my dress and dash off!

As for my outfit, I didn't want to share this over the weekend as the dress sold out straight away! It's the Deborah Dress from Motel Rocks and the black and red flew off the website so they were restocked quickly - get yours now before they sell out again! I think it's the perfecttt dress to be subtle and 'covered' but flash an understated bit of shoulder and leg for a sexy hint. I was meeting my friend in the afternoon so I teamed the dress with River Island flatforms and leopard socks! I would have worn creepers but I ordered a new River Island pair and they hadn't arrived yet, sob! The dress is so flattering as long sleeved, bodycon fits always are, and now Motel dresses are a little longer too, woo! I also wore the new Kate Moss red lipstick in 111 - loving red lips right now with red hair! x

Off Shoulder Florals

Evening all! So last week I had a brainwave at work as Motel girl Sophie had started a fashion blog! Sophie works with me talking to all bloggers out there about the current Motel gossip so it was fitting that she joined the blogging world, and you can find her super cute blog Across The Universe here! I've been struggling with ways to take outfit photos as the set up and lighting is just not working in my current room, so I thought maybe we could take snaps of each other when Sophie is in the office! These photos were taken by fellow Motel web team babe Lora, who also takes photos for Motel, and I'm so excited to finally share my current wardrobe with you again! This should make my blog much more accurate with what I'm wearing day to day.

Motel Debbie Dress, American Apparel Circle Skirt, Topshop studded flats

So my off shoulder obsession continues with this Motel Debbie Dress worn as a top - one of the few bodycon dresses that I have just worn in the day time! I would have thought off shoulder things would be slightly uncomfortable but you pretty much forget about the neckline as they don't ride up or fall down. I'm still wearing my peach American Apparel Circle Skirt into autumn and want to team it with berry red and dark blue too, and I just wore my studded Topshop flats which are now only £15 in the Topshop sale?! For me I feel totally made together if my shoes and hair are both looking good! Wearing old, tattered ballet flats makes me sad.

And how amazing is this inspiration wall?! The Motel design team have an office below ours but they are usually based in Bali, Indonesia, so we can pop in and admire all the upcoming pieces.

 

Cocktails and Karaoke!

Hi lovelies!

I had a busy week last week and for once was struck down with a terrible cold! I have a suspicion it was freshers flu somehow, which is quite ironic as the memory of being a student is fading fast!

I sometimes head to London to visit the Motel Showroom if we have events or meetings, and last week we were filming for a special video *eeeek* and also it was the Motel Bloggers Night Out! We wanted to treat a few bloggers as the season changes and so we had a pamper session at the showroom with nails and hair, and then we were whisked away to Mahiki for cocktails and a karaoke sesh' in their aptly named No-Tell Motel! It was a miniature vintage faux hotel room with screens everywhere so you could sing in the shower and jump on the bed - it was like stepping into a museum set! You can read a little more about it here but thank you to bloggers Kim, Michelle, Fritha, Aisling, Rosie and Sammi for making it such a fun night! It was a true test for me as I was feeling so ill but I am a grafter and just got on with it; I love doing events!

H&M hat, Motel Rocks Jude Dress, Jeffrey Campbell Taupe Litas, Forever 21 stud double finger ring

I wore my Litas of course and borrowed the sample of the Jude Dress last minute! I love wearing blue now my hair is more of a deeper red and it really pops under the inky black lace of this dress, which we have in a few other styles too. I wore a dark berry lip but it would be fab with a Hollywood red pout I think! Psst we have free next day shipping and 25% off for students too this week at Motel so now is the time to place your order!

Recent pre-autumn buys

Here are a few things I've bought in the past couple of weeks - not a huge amount but each has a special place in my wardrobe heart! I can't wait until next week for pay day to hopefully see if I can buy maybe a new clothing treat - I'm hankering after a gorgeous jumper!

I've mentioned this before but I had my eye on this River Island rucksack for a while but was waiting for any more to pop up. New Look do have a slightly similar and slightly cheaper one but I really like the square flap and front pocket on this and the leather straps. However the drawstring is a piece of rope which looks cool but you have to tie it physically in a knot each time you close the bag, so it's not great if you're paying for something quickly or trying to grab your phone! Also there are no zipped inside pockets so finding anything is a bit of a 'mare. Things get very lost at the bottom!

I'm going to take up the Topshop 3-pairs-for-£8 deal on socks as they have by far the best high-street socks and I'm a bit obsessed with them in ankle boots, creepers or with flats, worn over plain black tights. Cosy, practical and cute - win!

This is the MUA £1 lip pencil my sister recommended - it comes out as a matte rich red/plum colour so very on trend for gothic berry lips this season. It stays put all day too and is much less smudge-friendly than lipstick. And there's  sharpener in the lid! What an ultimate bargain.

I also have a couple of things from some new cross items we have at Motel, and thank you to everyone who helped me decide which dress to wear out on Friday! I put the options out on Twitter because I have no girly opinions in the house I live in now and just couldn't decide. In the end I went with the dress that fitted the best, which I think is a good rule of thumb as you will always look your best if you have the right underwear for what you are wearing and if it fits well. I wore the Zena Dress which yes I already own the same shape in now around 9 different prints and colours! The neckline is seriously flattering so I know they'll just work. Also the Zenas are now a little longer and thicker than your average Motel dress, yay!