28 Apr 2013

My Darling









I share a lot of images from Lonely Dot. This is how websites should be -  you've got pages and pages of beautiful vintage for sale alongside awesome editorials and road trip diaries.

The latest editorial, My Darling is a collaboration with Kim from Wildfox. When these two girls get together, you know there's going to be great results.

April Through Instagram


1. At last! The first signs of Spring - Crocus! 2. My blog is featured in this week's Grazia! (The issue that is out at the moment) 3. My new favourite hat that seems to improve everything in my wardrobe 4. Floral chiffon dress and black boots for a Spring stroll


5. Cute bicycle printed shirt in Urban Outfitters that I didn't buy 6. The first blossom of the year - I'm still waiting for the majority of trees to blossom 7. A lovely walk around a hidden secluded lake 8. Elaborate cakes at Home Sweet Home


9. I'm looking forward to warmer days when I can wear my new elephant print shorts and peach sandals 10. Bringing my own Spring with floral skirts 11. Colourful flowers in the kitchen 12. A close up of the Manchester lomo-wall.

Fingers crossed that May's Instagram feed will be saturated with sunny skies, colourful blooms and general outdoor frolicking. 

My plans for the month ahead include my favourite day-long festival Sounds From The Other City next Sunday, transforming out garden into the perfect place for summer gatherings and preparing for our trip to France at the end of the month!

Follow me @elavelle

23 Apr 2013

Style Debate: Mini Midi, Maxi?


Do you favour a shorter length? Are floor-sweeping skirts more your style? Or are you somewhere in between  - a stylish medium of mid-calf length?

In previous seasons, it has been quite clear which length of skirt to wear to stay on trend. There have been numerous summers when maxi lengths were en vogue, countless winters where above-the-knee was the only acceptable length and in recent seasons, the midi skirt has become a contender in its own right.

This summer, any length goes. It's more about your personal style and how you wear it than what the catwalks tell you.



So which are you?

Personally, I'm a bit of each. I love a simple a-line mini worn with a basic shirt and ankle boots. An off-beat slightly awkward midi length looks super-stylish teamed with a cropped T-shirt and heels. Or a flowing maxi skirt is ideal for summer worn with flat sandals and loose layers.


Be inspired by some of my favourite bloggers for styling tips on how to work each length:

Mini: it's all about proportions and balance - if your skirt is short, keep your top half concealed with longer sleeves. Bright colours and fun accessories distract from a minuscule length and transform overtly sexily into overtly stylish.

Midi: heels are essential. A mid-length printed dress worn with stilettos gives a timeless vintage feel - or  try pairing light-weight separates with chunky shoes and bold accessories for a thoroughly modern take on the length.

Maxi: keep this look contemporary by pairing a floor-sweeping length with boots and tousled hair. If you opt for a prettier floral design, a slicked back ponytail adds fashion finesse. Alternatively, a sheer maxi skirt or dress worn with a floral hair garland makes for perfect festival style.


Images:




18 Apr 2013

Roadtrip










In five-and-a-half weeks time I will be setting off on my road-trip around Northern France with Dave!

I'm planning my holiday wardrobe of denim cut-offs, light-weight shirts, floaty maxi dresses and oversized sunglasses - all topped off with a 1970s-inspired hat.

15 Apr 2013

Coachella


eatsleepwear


flashesofstyle


dylanasuarez


tennessebunny


songofstyle


natalieoffduty


sincerleyjules


leblogdebetty

All weekend I've been frantically scrolling through Instagram, occasionally muttering impatiently "I wish I was there!" Where you ask? At Coachella, in the heart of the Palm Springs desert - that's where!

It wasn't just the obvious of watching bands that had my heart a-flutter (Violent Femmes, Beach House, Alt-J, Grizzly Bear and New Order all striking a few chords, metaphorically and not-so).

No, it was the brilliant blue skies, scorching sun, pool parties, flowers in hair, arms weighed down with wristbands, neon palm trees, inflatable alligators and awesome summer clothes that I was dreaming of. 

As seen through the rose-tinted (heart-shaped) lenses of some of my favourite Insta-grammers, this was where I'd rather have spent my weekend. 


The White Company




 I am definitely a candle girl. I dislike sitting in a brightly lit room and would much rather light a few candles in strategic positions around me to offer a warmer glow.

When I was approached by The White Company to write about how I would re-use the beautiful ceramic pots that their new range of candles sit in, I leapt at the chance!

The fresh thyme, eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary candle that I received smells like a dream! On these cold perpetual winter days, lighting it has given an aura of spring to my bedroom.






And as for how I would continue to use the pot after the wick has burnt its last flame?

A handy note enclosed with the candle explains how to correctly clean the ceramic pot for re-use.

The options are then endless!

I've been toying with the almost obvious idea of growing herbs in it on my kitchen window sill. However, I would quite like to keep the pot in my bedroom - either on my dressing table or besides the window.






I love to pick fresh wild flowers when out for a country stroll - it would make the perfect container for displaying a fresh burst of colourful blooms.

It's also the perfect depth for storing my ever-expanding collection of rings. 

Or on a slightly mumsy note - I could keep with the sweet smelling theme and add a handful of pot pourri to maintain a lovely Spring scent to the room.

If you are thinking of treating yourself to a luxurious candle, The White Company's ceramic range should definitely be top of your list. Not only do they smell fantastically fresh but the ceramic containers are re-usable - great for both your home and the environment!

*Please note that although this candle was sent to me as a gift, all thoughts in this post are entirely my own and not influenced in any way


14 Apr 2013

Lately ...







The sparkle of light on the water, the quizzical glance of a goat, buds slowly opening and the gnarled edges of a barbed wire fence.

Photos - me

Summertime Clothes

summer 1

1. Kenzo T-shirt at Matches, Topshop A-line skirt, Givenchy bag at Matches, Topshop black sandals.


summer 3

2. Topshop cropped denim shirt, Topshop straw boater hat, Zara green bag, Topshop printed shorts, Topshop sandals.

summer 2

3. Topshop neon jersey mesh dress, Topshop neon trim fedora, Coach leather backpack, Topshop sandals.

I can't wait to finally wear my summer clothes. Thick woolly jumpers and itchy nylon tights are suffocating me.

Here is what I want to be wearing when the sun finally shines: bright vibrant colours, simple sandals, printed shorts, full skirts, oversized hats and flowers in my hair. 

Must-have purchases before my holiday: the neon yellow Topshop dress, the neon trimmed black fedora and a pair of classic black sandals.

13 Apr 2013

April Inspiration













I'm stuck in the house on my own tonight, with my swollen red ankle (grrr allergic reaction to insect bites!) propped up on a pile of pillows, listening to Haim and perusing the internet.

What's inspiring you lately? 

I am feeling  inspired by pinafore dresses, bright colours, gingham dresses, exotic locations, long hair, spring blooms, long dresses, bold necklaces and fussy prints.

Photos by: 
The Cherry Blossom Girl, 4th and Bleeker, Clever Nettle, Unknown, Mademoiselle Robot, The Cherry Blossom Girl, Unknown, Camille Rowe for Tank magazine, Charlotte Free for Complot, Girl a la Mode, Cara Stricker for Helmet magazine/ Charlie Engman for Urban Outfitters, Cara Stricker for Helmet magazine