Miista and Mrs

Every so often I get completely obsessed with something, in the same way a sixteen year old girl obsesses over a rugger bugger crush. I think of little else, fantasize about places we will go, things we will do, and pretty much talk about it non stop until it's in my possession. Except my obsession is with an inanimate object- occasionally food but almost always a fashion item. Anyone who knows me or reads this blog regularly will tell you Jeffrey Campbell was the last man to really steal my heart. (For those of you who don't, Jeffrey is a shoe designer that had me at hello when he started making a chunky heeled goddess by the name of Lita)

Jeffrey Campbell, Lita 

The latest brogued beauties to steal my advances are by Miista, the Hackney based shoe company who by their own description "deliberately juxtaposes elements that would be at war without creative expertise." This deliberate juxtaposition is perfectly demonstrated in my favourite of the brand's designs- Zoe- a hologrammed brogue so modern in it's metallic yet classic in design. Something about it just works.

Miista, Zoe

Team your Zoe's with a pretty white or cream lace summer dress to really juxtapose the feminine softness with the masculine shoe. 

For an-office appropriate look, team your Zoes with a cigarette pant, fitted shirt and schoolboy satchel- keeping the rest of your colour palette neutral, letting your classy clogs be your statement piece.

                                     

The fah-bulous news is that Miistas are finally available in Ireland in Shutterbug and online at folkster.com for 169 euro. 

To Market, To Market

With Body and Soul only ten days away I can think of little else but festivals and what I will be wearing to them (Truth be told I think of little else the rest of the year either...) Sick and tired of what has become the predictable female festival uniform (denim shorts-wellies-parka-optional daisy headband), I wanted something original this festival season.

A big fan of vintage and charity shops for pre-loved gems at affordable prices, I recently discovered Asos Marketplace. A forum through which customers can buy and sell both new and pre-owned vintage items, then have them delivered with the click of a button, as with the normal Asos site. With an area dedicated specifically to festival fashion, I feel in love with everything! The good news is that with prices starting at 4 euro, you can have everything (well, kind of...)

Here are my best picks to get you festival fah-bu-lous!

These stars and stripes crop dungarees are bang on trend and make the perfect layering piece for over a simple tank should the weather be fine or a cropped jumper for the colder nights. Team with flat red ankle boots and a chunky gold neckpiece and a relaxed-fit beanie to complete the urban look. 

Asos Marketplace, 30 euro

Have fun with this tile print waistcoat and layer it over a clashing print button-up shirt and high waisted shorts. Finish off the ensemble with John Lennon-style rounded glasses for a 90s kitsch look that's bang on trend. For a more subtle take on the look, swap the printed shirt for a simple tank.

Asos Marketplace, 28 euro

Embrace your inner Amazonian with this embellished bralette. Team it with a high waisted sheer black maxi for all out tribal or with super high waisted black shorts and a cropped leather jacket for an edgy look that doesn't show too much skin. 

Asos, 41 euro

These customised tropical Levi shorts really showcase this season's neon obsession without being too OTT. Pick up on the black detailing by teaming your shorts with an all black ensemble, allowing the tropical shades to pop. Finish off the look with a bright nail and some neon arm candy. Coloured hair chalk is optional.

Asos Marketplace, 28.50 euro

The Backpacks of the Fashpack

Yet another 90s staple I'm loving this season is the return of the ever practical backpack. Previously reserved for students and gymgoers, the backpack has made a welcome return to the usually just-for-show world of fashion accessories.

The perfect festival accessory, the backpack works for both guys and girls, so nail two trends at once and opt for a backpack in this season's white leather; acid wash denim; aztec print or suede fringe.

Asos. 59 euro

River Island Menswear, 42 euro

Asos. 50 euro