My hair smells like chocolate

Hello beauties! I hope everyone is having a fabulous bank holiday Monday. It's been yet another busy week for me! I've barely been in uni but I always end up having loads of stuff to do, and I've got some exciting things coming up for later in the year so watch this space. Anyway, I'm still looking into how to make the transition into Spring/Summer as part of my #DashOfcColour project (get yourself on Instagram). One thing that I have noticed in particular, mainly in magazines, catwalks and in the high street, is that Spring/Summer 2014 is all about being bold!

Everywhere in the fashion world is being dominated by dazzling prints, daring cuts, jewellery-encrusted clothing, and most importantly pink, pink, PINK! Burberry, Prada, Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham have all gone crazy for the Barbie girl colour. I know some girls may say that they hate how girlish pink looks, but I completely disagree. I think pink has such great potential as it comes in hundreds of different tones and shades which can suit any fashionistas complexion. Plus, the way you choose to wear it can vary its impact. Hot pink can look sexy, whereas a baby pink might give you a relaxed, cute vibe. 

Now the trend for pink this summer is colour-blocking. Most items are worn as a 'hero-piece' such as this dress from Ark. This is a good option is you are feeling brave and are a lover of the pink. However, my advice is to keep the accessories to a minimum, because colour-blocking can be somewhat empowering, but you don't want to end up looking like you've had a circus thrown up on you. If you're a bit scared of bright colours, and feel more comfortable in neutrals, just add a bit of dash of colour to your outfit. This could be as simple as a fuchsia lipstick or vibrant nail varnish (see my last post). But most importantly, keep a twist of your own style in there. I adore anything kitschy or oozing with cuteness, so I've worked the pink trend with a collared dress.

Dress: Ark

Sunglasses: River Island

Sandals: Primark

Lipstick: Frosted Pink at Collection

Please get yourself on instagram and follow me (@katiejean48) and tag me in any outfits that you create that may have been inspired by this blog. Use the hashtag #DashOfColour.

Love Katie xx

High hopes

Hello lovelys! I am so, so sorry that I have not blogged in a extremely long time but I have had an insane year at uni which has kept my creative side very preoccupied. I just want to quickly share what's new for me; this year I've been in my third year of uni so I've had a heavy work load and an intense placement (I'm a trainee teacher); I joined a sports team at uni and soon took up a committee position so that has given me a full plate; and now I am looking at potentially working two jobs this summer before I start my fourth and final year of uni (oh no, save me!)

So yes, as you can imagine I've been in a bit of a flap this year but I'm looking forward to a more chilled summer (with two holidays to Portugal and Majorca, yay!) and hopefully spending more time doing creative ventures such as this blog and maybe setting up a vlog (watch this space).

This post in particular is dedicated to a adorable little friend of mine (you know who you are) who asked: "how can I adapt my wardrobe from Autumn/Winter to Spring/Summer?" Well firstly, please don't throw all your old clothes out and buy more! I know that is the immediate reaction, and I am guilty myself, but I do find myself cringing when I hear girls (and some guys, not being sexist promise)  telling me that they have a massive clear out every year and buy a whole new set of outfits. Okay, it's sensible to have a clear out every now and then but I live by the mantra: reuse, reuse, reuse! My tip for making the fashion transformation from the cold months to the warmer ones is to purchase things that you can wear in both! Cue the stripey top...

So who can tell me if stripes have ever gone out of fashion? No one? Okay, well that's cause they don't! They look perfect in winter layered under knitted cardis and cosy coats and they are so cute in summer with a pair of denim shorts. Which leads me to my next point: denim

Right so denim is a fail-safe every time with fashion; it never goes away and can look gorgeous in Autumn/Winter or Spring/Summer. My only tip would be is mix up the gradings of your denim. When it is a bit bleaker go for dark blue or even black denim, but switch it up in Summer to light washes of denim. Personally I have chosen to go with this kitschy denim pinafore as that's my style, but shorts, skirts or jeans are also winners.

Last step is add a dash of colour. Now for you colour-phobics out there, do not panic! This does not have to be a whole block of colour like a skirt or top, just go for something simple like a bright pair of sandals (jelly shoes are making a big comeback), a vibrant bag or even a striking lipstick. You don't want to drown yourself in colour but just give your outfit a nice little accent. I have gone for a bright pink scrunchie because I am absolutely in love with them at the moment and popped a coral lipstick on, but you just choose whatever makes you comfortable.

Denim Pinafore: River Island

Stripey Crop Top: Ark

Sandals: Primark

Scrunchie: Claire's Accessories

Lipstick: Maybeline

I want to try and become more interactive with my readers so I'm going to try something new. If you have a go at any of my tips then post a picture of yourself on Instagram with the hashtag #DashOfColour and tag me in it (@katiejean48) because I really want to see what ideas you guys come up with, then we can be a little fashion sharing community <3

Love xx