Saint and Sofia: Ethical, Luxury Fashion with a Twist

(Gifted items/ Affiliate) The Saint and Sofia style is pretty much perfect for me. Timeless, easy-to-wear designs, comfy, quality fabrics and neutral shades, with a lot of black! It’s laid back, rock-chick-chic that doesn’t try too hard. I think it’s effortlessly cool and I love it.

Every Saint and Sofia piece is designed right here in London and manufactured both in-house and in Europe. With fabric sourced from family owned fabric mills located in Turkey, Italy and Portugal.

Natural, sustainable materials are used wherever possible, with fabrics like Merino, Econyl (a type of regenerated nylon), Organic Cotton and Regenerated Cotton featuring heavily. In addition to using sustainable materials, Saint and Sofia also use biodegradable packaging (the protective bags that the items come delivered in are not plastic) and they source raw materials close to where the items are manufactured, therefore reducing environmental impact. They also collaborate with World Wild Fund for Nature and plant trees with Trees for Cities.  I think this gives the brand a certain edge over many others as we all start waking up to the reality that making better choices and caring about the Earth is actually pretty important!

The high-quality designs are right up my street and here I’m showing you a few of my favourites.

All of the pieces I’m wearing in these photos are a size 12, so hopefully that will help you get an idea of what the sizing is like.

The Biker Jacket (£80) Camden Wide Leg Pant (Navy £60)

Camden Wide Leg Pant (Navy £60)

The Pimlico Pant in Black (£75)

The Biker Jacket I'm wearing in the top photo is unbelievably warm - i was actually quite surprised by how snuggly it is. It's made from heavy organic cotton and feels really soft, especially on the inside. I like the close fit and the fact that the jacket looks good both zipped up and left open.
The Camden Wide Leg Pant is possibly one of the comfiest trousers I've worn. The materials is heavy (not see through in the slightest), with just the right amount of stretch and a lovely relaxed, wide leg fit. The stretchy waistband means the pants just pull-on. They are just as comfortable on as track pants and they have pockets. What's not to like?
I think I'm going to get a lot of wear out of the Pimlico Pant in the coming months. With a wide leg and tie waist, the pull-on trousers have a smart tailored look so they'd be a good option for work with a top tucked in. I'm wearing them with a slightly cropped top in the photos for a more casual look. These trousers are made from Tencel (a fabric crafted from Eucalyptus) and feel soft and silky.

Not only is Saint and Sofia an ethical brand but it’s inclusive too, with sizes ranging from UK 6 through to a UK 22. Most items are available in a choice of colours too, so if you're not keen on black, there are still plenty of options for you.

Saint and Sofia offer free delivery (forever!) when you sign up, which I think is a brilliant incentive to shop with them. You can browse the whole range right now at Saint and Sofia.

Black Jeans - An A/W Staple | Ad

When I was a teenager, my wardrobe consisted of about 90 percent black clothing. Black tops, black jeans, little black dresses, black coats, even black socks- when it came to my clothing, the darker the garment, the more likely I was to wear it. Fast forward a decade or two and these days, while I no longer fear colour, my black clothing items still remain my staple pieces that I reach for more often than not. I'm particularly fond of black jeans and skirts because they can easily be dressed up or down and complement virtually anything I fancy wearing up top. I pretty much live in black jeans in Autumn/ Winter as not only do they keep my legs toasty, they make me feel confident and comfortable and instantly 'put together'.

My only bugbear with my beloved black jeans (and tops for that matter) is that they do need to be washed and therefore over time lose that dark richness that makes them so appealing in the first place. I want my black clothes to stay black but I also obviously want to be able to wash them regularly without fearing the dreaded fade.

This is where Surf Perfect Black Detergent comes in. Specially designed to keep your dark clothes looking newer for longer, Surf Perfect Black is aptly named as it's the perfect laundry detergent for lovers of black and darker coloured clothing. Suitable for all dark clothes, Surf Perfect Black helps to prevent that fading we've all come to expect after washing our fave dark gladrags more than a few times. It's always a bit disheartening when I pull out one of my most comfortable black vests to wear only to notice that it lacks the vibrancy it used to have and looks frankly too dull and well loved to ever see the light of day again! So a product designed to keep my treasured dark items looking fresh and new for longer is definitely something I can get on board with.
Call me fickle but the scent of my laundry products is pretty important to me (Rich and I often have a sneaky sniff in the supermarket before choosing our detergents and fabric softener) and I can definitely put my hand up and say that Surf Perfect Black smells pretty superb with its exotic midnight orchid lily scent. Scent-appeal aside, the big question is does Surf Perfect Black come through with the goods and do what it says it does? Can it really keep my dark clothes looking new for longer? 

In the image below you can see the results of Surf Perfect Black in action. The jeans are all the same pair of black jeans I’m wearing in the photo above - the pair at the top is brand new, the pair in the middle has been washed twenty times with Surf Perfect Black liquid and the bottom pair has been washed twenty times with a powder detergent. 

I think we can all agree there's a pretty clear difference - the pair that has been washed with the powder detergent are significantly more faded and have lost those indigo dyes that are often first to go when washing black clothes leaving it looking a bit grey/brownish. As an avid wearer of black and dark clothing, I'm pretty excited by the revelation that is Surf Perfect Black. I know that's a little dramatic because we're talking about laundry detergent here, but it's the little pleasures in life that make all the difference, right?

If you like your darks dark and want to keep your own black jeans looking new for longer, keep an eye out for Surf Perfect Black next time you're in your local supermarket. Surf Perfect Black is available in selected Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury's and is also available to purchase online here.

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Surf Perfect Black

The Blanket Wrap Cardigan

I bought this Blanket Wrap from New Look last week and I've pretty much been living in it ever since.

A little blanket with arm holes and pockets - it's like the fashionable version of the snuggie. It goes with me to the shop, hangs out with me while I'm working and snuggles up with me on the couch.

This particular one is 100% acrylic (no cashmere here) but it's soft, warm and cosy. I chose this one because black and grey are pretty much my staple colours and I wasn't keen on a really busy pattern, though apparently I do look a bit like Clint Eastwood in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly when I've got this on.

Blanket Wrap Cardigan - £24.99 New Look

Even though they're essentially bat-winged cardigans, I think blanket wraps are going to be a big deal this autumn - they're the perfect transitional item for weather that doesn't quite know what it's doing but it's chilly enough for a cover up.

While the personalized Burberry Poncho (as seen on everyone from Cara to Olivia P to Suki) may have provided major inspiration for the blanket wrap, I reckon it was this guy who really kick started the trend (If you have a sec, please go and look at his post titled How to Wear a Wool Blanket as a Coat, it's amazing - Link)

Anyway, New Look have a pretty big selection of blanket wraps with plenty of designs to choose from so if you're into the blanket/cardigan hybrid, I suggest you check them out.

*Photos- Richard Godden

Lamb 1887 Clutches

Lamb 1887 is all about quality and affordability - two words you won't often find in the same sentence. The brand is the brainchild of Charlotte Lamb (cutest name ever?) who wanted to create stylish, upmarket handbags, clutches and more that are accessible and inexpensive but with a luxurious edge - and that she did!

Here are my picks from the range of clutches at Lamb 1887.



The Cap Ferrat Clutches feature a metal clasp, delicate chain shoulder strap and an oh-so-cute metal Lamp 1887 logo.

The Audrey Clutch features soft grey and coral leather that contrasts rather nicely and a twist lock clasp embossed with the very sweet lamb logo. The Audrey Clutch is also available in white and arctic grey and white and tan.

The Capri Clutch, pictured below in Tan is an envelope style clutch with lamb printed fabric lining, a zip pocket for your keys and lippy and the signature lamb motif on the back. I think this one is my favourite and I'd imagine it would go with just about anything. It's also available in red and it looks like Pippa Middleton is a fan!

You can check out Lamb 1887 Here. They have some really lovely handbags that are worth a look too!

*I am compensated for this post

Outfit Ideas - Casual to Classy with Yumi

My name is Amy Marie & I blog on behalf of Scarlett Fashion. The lovely Hannah has kindly allowed me to guest post on her blog today and I hope you enjoy the post I'm sharing.

When I used to think of the brand Yumi, I associated it with quirky patterns, cute scarves and knitted dresses that I favoured in my last year of college/first year in uni. I particularly liked them because they seemed to favour owls which are my favourite animals. Recently I've discovered that Yumi has taken a new direction, a direction I seem to be more drawn to now I'm in my mid twenties. Their newest a/w 13 collection seems to be made up of some gorgeous cosy knitwear and some beautiful dresses perfect for the onslaught of Christmas parties we're all probably already thinking about!

Today I thought i'd share two outfit ideas with the readers of Lippy in London, one for the cold winter days ahead and the other for a night on the town for the festive season. I hope you all like them!

The Yumi piece i've chosen for daytime wear is this gorgeous Aztec Print Soft and Snug Jumper (RRP £39, Scarlett Fashion). Firstly, I love the colours and design of this jumper, not to mention how soft it looks, perfect for snuggling up in the house if like me you're too cheap to put on the heating during the day! It also looks warm enough that it could be worn with a scarf and no coat on the days where it isn't quite so bitter. For those days I've teamed it with another piece from the Yumi collection, an impossibly cute Bobble Hat (RRP £12.99, Scarlett Fashion) it'll really complement the red in the jumper. As for bottoms I've chosen some Black Jeggings (RRP £19.99, New Look) as I feel in winter you need something slightly thicker than leggings but then I avoid jeans for fear of soggy bottoms (bottom of the hem, not a pie related thing!) How amazing do these Fur Trimmed Boots (RRP £34.99, H&M) look? I love the tan but they also come in black. I've chosen tan to match my dream bag, a Cambridge Satchel (RRP £99, ASOS) i've been coveting these bags for ages and although I love the coloured ones, I'm always drawn back to tan as for me, a tan handbag is a must. 

This dress by Yumi is aptly named Night at the Opera (RRP £45, Scarlett Fashion) because it really looks like something that could be worn to the opera or the ballet. It's so beautiful that I was shocked to see it was only £45! The dark colours make it perfect for this festive season as it screams one of the most talked about A/W13 trends, goth. I've teamed the dress with the cosiest looking jacket on the market, this Black Jacket (RRP £29.99, H&M) looks like it would be perfect to replace the usual evening overcoats such as the blazer or the biker jacket. As with in evening outfit, you need the statement bag. I've chosen this Teal Satchel by Missco Girl (RRP £49.00, Scarlett Fashion) to compliment the teal in the top half of the dress and the silver buckles will go lovely with the Intrigue Silver Detail cuff (RRP £12, Scarlett Fashion) i've picked out. A cuff is a great detail, especially if your jacket or dress doesn't have full length sleeves. Finally, when I have a dress that isn't maxi, I love awesome looking shoes such as these Wham Peeptoe Shoe Boots by River Island (RRP £75, ASOS). I think they'd really finish off this outfit. I definitely think this is a winner for when it comes to your Christmas night out! 

Have you ever bought anything from Yumi? What do you think of their new direction?

And thanks again to Hannah for having me guest post!

Superdry Collaboration with Timothy Everest

I don't know about you but I love a good blazer. They instantly add a bit of class and just a touch of androgyny to pretty much any outfit and at this time of year, a blazer or fitted jacket is a pretty sweet way to keep warm as things start cooling down outside.

It's good timing then that earlier this month Superdry launched a beautiful range of jackets in collaboration with MBE awarded tailor Timothy Everest.
At the Handpicked Media London Fashion Week Suite I had the chance to hang out with some lovely girls from Superdry and have a look through the range of jackets in the collection.

There were 4 gorgeous styles on show - the Town Coat, the Muse Jacket, the Rock Rebel Jacket and the Country Rebel Jacket.

The Town Coat

The Muse Jacket

The Rock Rebel Jacket

The Country Rebel Jacket

I tried on a couple of the jackets and my favourites would have to be the Muse Jacket and the Town Coat. One of the coolest things about the pieces (besides the meticulous tailoring of course) would have to be the bright pop of colour on the collar that can be worn up or 'popped' and the handy little extras in the lining - including pockets for mobile phones and special loops to keep headphone cables in place!

These jackets are exceptionally comfortable and fitted without feeling tight. Basically, they're beautiful, I'm in love and I want them all.
Launched on the 2nd of September, you can find the Superdry + Timothy Everest Women's Sebiro Collection at Superdry's flagship store on Regent Street and online here

Fashion? That's Child's Play

I'm not going to lie, super- fashionable kids scare me a little (I'm looking at you, Suri) but we grown ups take style inspiration from celebrities , so why shouldn't our little ones get in on the act too and style it up like fashion forward celeb offspring?
You can find girls and boys designer clothing online, but first take a little inspiration from a few of my favourite little fashionistas.

Kingston Rossdale

The son of Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, this cutie is pop-rock royalty.

Apple Martin

The daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin recently dyed her hair pink. She's also 8. Awesome.

Harper Beckham

Not only is she so cute it's almost unbearable, Harper has one of the most fashion-forward women in the world for a mummy, so she has style inspiration on tap. Also, her middle name is Seven. You can't get much cooler than that.

Look at that cape! Look!

Marion & Tabitha Broderick

The twin daughters of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are too cute. They're like the mini equivalent of the Olsens, but much more smiley.

Who do you think is the best dressed child in Hollywood (or London)? I think it's safe to say Harper has my vote!

*Promotional post. I do not own the images used in this post. Images sourced from Google.

Black and Blue: Wishlist from Avenue 32

Avenue 32 is an online wonderland of designer goodies.
I could spend hours trawling this site with its plethora of luxury designer pieces and lifestyle products.
From uber luxe candles, pillows and throws for the home to gorgeous mesh boots by Phillip Lim and beautiful sequin dresses from Azzaro for you, Avenue 32 is the place to click on over to if you're looking for something extra special and designer.

Here are some of my picks from what's currently on the virtual racks over at avenue32.com:

What do you think? I'm particularly keen on the Merino wool gilet by Garzon - a perfect trans-seasonal piece :)

Thanks for reading!

*Promotional post

Spring Court Heels at L.K Bennett

L.K. Bennett Shilo Leather Stiletto Heel Court Shoes in Berry £110-£170 at John Lewis

You've got to love a classic court heel but why stick to plain black when you can add a pop of colour or multi-toned nude that's springtime perfect.

L.K.Bennett Bruton Toe Cap Leather Court Shoes in Blush £125 - 185 at John Lewis

 Classic shapes and bright yet sophisticated shades are just two reasons why L.K Bennett Shoes are so wearable this spring.

L.K. Bennett Shell Patent Leather Stiletto Court Shoe £185 at John Lewis

These heels are a great alternative for ladies who want to put a little 'spring' in their step but keep things office friendly with a subtle hit of colour. These are a  great take on seasonal colour blocking with a sophisticated edge.

 *Sponsored Post

The 90's Revival... and Why it's Fine With Me

 It's been creeping it's way back into our wardrobes and make up bags for years now and if the S/S13 shows are anything to go by, 2013 is set to be a celebration of the iconic decade that was the 90's.
Here are a few reasons why I think this can only be a good thing:

Leggings and oversized jumpers/ T-Shirts

Suits everyone, hides an abundance of sins, comfortable enough to fall asleep in after work.

 Claire Danes in My So Called Life

Ahh Angela Chase, how I adored you. I followed your lead when I was 14 and dyed my hair burgundy.

Teenage angst perfection.

And of course your love interest Jordan Catalano AKA a very floppy-haired Jared Leto...

The Power Brow

Cindy Crawford rocked it in the 90s. So did Brooke Shields. And pretty much anyone else that mattered.

90's Grunge Fashion

Without a doubt, one of the easiest trends to pull off and virtually the only one where it's ok to look like you kind of smell. In a hot way.

The Original Series of 90210 

This series was incredible. So incredible in fact, that in 1995, when I was 10, we named my horse Shannon after Shannon Doherty. Weird name for a horse really.

I remember the first series of 90210 was so scandalous for the time and a true example of just how unconvincing it can be when 30 year olds impersonate high school students. Please note Megan Fox's man, Brian Austin Green in the bottom left.

Dungarees are awesome

And they are back! I'm looking forward to wearing a pair this summer with a crop top (after some tummy crunches of course).

The Spice Girls

Obviously.

There are no words.

The Crop Was In

More and more ladies started to rock a boyish crop. I salute thee!

It was the decade of The Supermodel

Naomi, Cindy, Christy, Linda, Elle and Claudia led the way for a very youthful (and Johnny Depp loving) Kate Moss in the 90s.

They trod the catwalks when Cara was just a twinkle in her parent's eyes and Miranda Kerr was in nappies in the Australian outback.

These women represented not just beauty but strength as well thanks to their Amazonian statures and lean, sporty physiques. Bring them back. Please.

The Makeup

90's skin was 'natural and clean' and freckles were celebrated. Lips were a little darker than the bright reds I love, but they were red all the same so I'm happy to try out a darker hue to salute the 90s!

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Happened

First the film starring Kristy Swanson (what happened to her?) and Luke Perry of 90210 fame, then the hugely popular TV series that made Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan famous. I can't even comprehend how much I loved this series.

 So that's just a small selection of my favourite bits and pieces from this wondrous decade.
I will leave you with this song from 1994, which was featured in pretty much every romantic comedy from the 90's at some point.