GET THE LOOK FOR LESS: STRIPES AND CHECKS...

1. White cut-out dress - Alexander Wang, 2. Stripe leather jacket - Acne, 3. Monochrome check bag - Marni, 4. Tassel necklace - Saint Laurent, 5. White calf high boots - Jil Sander.

1. White panelled playsuit - MissGuided, 2. Stripe leather dress - River Island, 3. White cut-out bag - Vero Moda, 4. Cut-out platform wedges - Jeffrey Campbell, 5. Beaded tassel necklace - Dorothy Perkins, 6. Checked umbrella - Topshop, 7. Checked blazer - Topshop.

As some of you may have noticed I'm a big fan of monochrome! I either dress in black or white and like to then accessorise with pops of colour. That said, this trend of wide stripe and large checks was really appealing to me. However, as much as I love the designer buys in the top picture (particularly the Acne jacket!) I can't afford them, so I included how I would dress for the trend but on a high street budget. I particularly LOVE the checked blazer from Topshop!

Hope you like the post!

Annabel Xx

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (adowsingx) and Twitter (@acrossedpaths)!

All images were taken from the sites linked in the descriptions.

TOP 10 COLLECTIONS FROM NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 2013/14

I apologize for the late post, I have a MASSIVE uni deadline! Despite this I have been keeping on top of the A/W 2013-14 collections. 

Here are the New York Fashion Week catwalks that really caught my eye...

1. REBECCA MINKOFF. Her collection stood out to me the most! It has so much to offer in the way of prints, silhouette and texture. Style.com have said that her inspiration was a quote from Neil Armstrong, "Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon". This really translates through her collection as there is no limitations to one trend, there is a lot that I can pick up on. The winter neons look FAB with the big coats, especially the tweed and fur. Then a very stylish camo print appears which I am a massive fan of this season! The tartan fabrics almost look gothic with a web style finish on top and styled with leather makes it so chic. I love the colours for the tartan too, vibrant and eye-catching! Then there's the oversized silhouette pieces which almost look as though they were inspired by a space suit (linking back to Neil Armstong). All styled with irridescent cross-body bags and holographic shoes, which are 2 favourites of mine! Sorry for the essay... I just am in awe at this collection!

2. PHILLIP LIM. Phillip Lim is just a general favourite of mine. I could easily style or wear any of his beautifully crafted clothes! I particularly like this collection due to the rich colours and textures used. In the first image I have put together you can see more neutral tones with accents of tan and gold. I love the camo effect used on the fur! The diagonal zips are something I'm thinking of customising my own clothes with! In the second image the general feel of the clothes is more luxurious. I'm rather obsessed with the coated knitwear.

3. ALEXANDER WANG. Another designer favourite of mine. Wang always seems to get his collections spot on and jaw-droppingly amazing! What really stood out for me at NYFW was his camo style burn-out fabric. So wearable yet so striking! 

4. JEREMY SCOTT. I love how outrageous Jeremy Scott is! His collection is so crazy yet beautifully made and well put together. I am a particular fan of the zips on the patent skirt, I really want to put zips in my own clothes! Plus the slogan 'adults suck, then you are one' is just brilliant and SO true!

5. RACHEL ROY. A gorgeous collection, but these really caught my eye! I'm a bit baroque print obsessed at the moment, as it's a main theme in my current design project, so instantly I was drawn to the gold print on the bomber jacket. I also love the leather skirt. It almost looks raw and unfinished.

6. SACHIN & BABI. ......The coat. I NEED IT! I love the faded tweed fabric, it is just stunning! I am just in awe of it's beauty! I am also a fan of the exquisite beading on the classic style dress. The asymetric, patent belt is a gorgeous touch.

7. MALANDRINO. As you may know as much as I love accented colours, I'm really a monochrome sort of girl. So the black leather garments from Malandrino's collection stunned me. I adore the textures in the leather as well as the oversized cut of the clothes. The coat on the right is very 'grim-reaper-chic'!

8. RED VALENTINO. I feel like I've fallen down the rabbit hole and found myself in Wonderland! Absolutely exquisite prints from Red Valentino. My favourite look is on the left, I think the print is so dainty and beautifully contrasting with the black and beige. The bright turquoise colours against the navy were also a definite eye-catcher.

9. MARC JACOBS. A very luxurious collection from Marc Jacobs. I could imagine the models had just stepped off their private jet and were on their way to a glamorous event. Metallics, sequins and lots of fur seemed to be the running theme.

10. CALVIN KLEIN. Finally, I was very impressed with the gorgeous cut of each outfit in Calvin Klein's New York show. The use of leather was stunning, in particular the left hand outfit. It almost looks like tartan using leather! It's magnificent! 

I hope you agree with my views! Share with me your thoughts!

More Fashion Week reviews to come as we are currently mid-London Fashion Week!

Annabel Xx

All images put together by me using images from Style.com

UNREALISTIC WISHLIST: VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL

So for this 'unrealistic wishlist' I have gone for a Valentine's Day theme! It may be cheesy but I had a lot of fun creating these outfits and designers have really taken to the valentines theme this year. My boyfriend and I our going out for dinner to our favourite restaurant, if I could afford either of these outfits I would definitely wear them!

1.Red leather bomber jacket by Miu Miu. 2.Ooh Lala crochet flats by Charlotte Olympia. 3.Woven tapered trousers by Michael Kors. 4. Lip shaped earrings by Marc Jacobs. 5. Necklace print t-shirt by J.Crew. 6.Clear PVC and red leather bag by Marc Jacobs.

1.Red mesh panelled dress by Faith Connexion. 2.Black silk and wool blend coat by Victoria Beckham. 3.Red valentines clutch bag by Mulberry. 4.Suede and leather ankle boots by Alexander Wang. 5.Crystal heart necklace by Lanvin.

Hope you have a lovely Valentine's day!

Annabel Xx

All images put together by me using pictures from the websites linked.

IF I WAS A RICH GAL: 3 OUTFITS I WOULD ADORE

I often torture myself looking at expensive clothing on Net-a-Porter and FarFetch despite not being able to afford it! I thought I would share with you some outfits that I have put together and that I wish I could own!...

1. Biker Style Rain Jacket by Wanda Nylon. 2. Suede Croc Panel Jacket by Philipp Plein. 3. Bronze Print T-shirt by Theyskens' Theory. 4. Leather Mini Skirt - Balenciaga. 5. Chain Link Web Necklace by Arielle De Pinto. 6. Large Metallic Tote by Stella Mccartney.

I am obsessed with this transparent biker jacket! Personally I would wear it layered over another jacket, either a dark colour or a vibrant colour. Also I think this Theyskens' Theory bronze t-shirt is wicked!

1. Beige Cape Collared Jacket by Maison Martin Margeila. 2. Scalloped Ballet Pump by Chloé. 3. Oversized Motif T-shirt by Stella Mccartney. 4. White Straight Leg Trouser by Burberry London. 5. Horse Hair Necklace by Bjorg 6.  Gold Pyramid Bag by Jil Sander.

I love people who dare to wear white in Winter. So you don't find yourself blending into the snow, jazz it up with this Jil Sander gold bag and this Margeila cape jacket!

1. Petrol Lamb Skin Jacket by Balmain. 2. Glitter Chelsea Boot by Opening Ceremony 3. Ombre Chain Bracelet by Luv Aj. 4. Black Wax Jeans by Helmut Lang. 5. Sheer Panelled T-shirt by Alexander Wang. 6. Chain Edged Glitter Clutch by Stella Mccartney.

This Balmain jacket is a stunning colour! I am looking into teals and petrol colours for my current design project at uni, I think they're beautiful. The glitter accessories dress up the outfit for a casual night out.

If only I could afford these outfits! Would love your feedback on my styling.

Annabel Xx

All outfits were put together by me using photos from the sites linked.