Just before I jetted off to Iceland the other week (literally just hours before I flew!) I was set a challenge by the intu Milton Keynes team to find some perfect SS17 wardrobe staples. Challenge accepted! So here goes…
The first task was to explore the gorgeous new collection of white shirts at Karen Millen, and pick out my favourite style. I knew straight away that my favourite would be the one with the flared sleeves (the Bell Sleeve Shirt, £99). For some reason I’ve always been drawn to a flared sleeve or trouser, there’s something I just love about that 70s style cut. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of my carefree early teenage days, where I’d walk around town with friends in the most flared jeans I could find – naturally they’d be all ripped at the bottom. Does anyone else remember those days!?
Anyways, these stunning Karen Millen shirts can take you from used-to-be ripped jean teenager and transform you into an elegant lady in no time. Everyone suits a white shirt. They’re classic, they’re stylish and perfect for work or lunch with friends!
There’s various styles available in “The White Shirt Project” at Karen Millen, so why not pop along and pick out your favourite style too!
For the next task I was asked to discover 10 items I feel are key for SS17. Are you ready for a whole heap of gorgeousness!?
Gingham, gingham, gingham! How can we talk about SS17 without mentioning this super on-trend style? We can’t. So here’s the low down on what I found.
Topshop came up trumps for me with these two amazing pieces. First up is this little gingham jacket, because, yes, even though we have some bloomin’ hot days in the UK (sometimes!) – it’s possible the next day will have a slight chill in the air, so this is perfect for that additional layer. It’s lightweight and so easy to throw over a multitude of outfits, yet it’s bang-on-trend with the print and those fab bell sleeves once again! (£59, Topshop).
Also within Topshop is this skirt. I love it! It’s such a unique style and I just love the way they’ve designed the ruffle detailing. Paired with a plain tee, this skirt can do all the talking and make you look effortlessly cool. I think this is one piece you could have a lot of fun with. Dress it up, dress it down, I’m sure it’ll take you right through to the end of Summer. (Topshop, £39).
One of my favourite collections in Debenhams right now is Nine by Savannah Miller. I’ve spotted star print shirts, chilled basic styles and the most awesome embroidered shoes. One word to sum up the whole range is “cool”!
I came across this bag and loved the slouchy style to it and the tassel detailing. This leather bag would be such a staple piece in your wardrobe, I can see it being taken everywhere and being used over and over, all year round for years to come! (Nine, £89).
These shoes by Nine look super gorgeous but also super comfortable! I’m loving the chunky heeled style, which will be great for those parties where we dance all night long! Right through to that Robbie Williams song “Angels” that they always seem to play at the end of cheesy discos! (Nine, £35 – bargain right!?)
Cute yet classy, these backpacks are great to double up as your every day work bag and weekend fun bag too! Many might dismiss backpacks as a “younger person’s” bag of choice, but I think this simple stylish design is perfect for us older (but still fun!) ones! (Topshop, £26).
How stunning is this red dress? It’s all kinds of beautiful! I found this pretty little thing in the Petite range at Topshop (hello fellow 5ft 2’ers! *waves*), so it’ll be perfectly proportioned if you’re petite like me! This statement dress will definitely make an impact no matter where you wear it. (Topshop, £48).
Ladies (and gentlemen!), I present to you my favourite dress of all dresses right now! The Blue Palm Print Dress from Karen Millen. Wow! What. A. Dress. I’m a sucker for bright blue shades and palm prints, so when I discovered this piece in such a flattering cut, it went straight on my wish list! Stunning. (Karen Millen, £145).
Weddings, Birthdays…the Spring and Summer months seem to be ever filled with fun events don’t they? I’m loving this beautiful pastel number from Coast, the colour is just perfect for this time of year! It’s just SO pretty! The flattering cut will suit a number of body shapes too. (Coast, £139).
Spring/Summer is all about exploring in the sunshine, so stay comfy and looking cool in these fab trainers from Dune. I’m a major trainers girl, comfort is often key for me day-to-day. I used to spend my teens and early 20s hunting down the coolest chunky DC or Vans trainers! So these pretty little Dune trainers are right up my street. Throw them on with your favourite jeans or your coolest dress – your feet will thank you for it! (Dune, £70).
Now, if you’re looking for that one accessory that’ll get everyone talking, then the third task is perfect for you, as I was asked to find 5 amazing accessories that’ll transform any outfit!
I have to give Oasis a mention here, as time after time these guys totally rock the accessory market with their stunning necklaces, beautiful bags, dreamy scarves and so much more!
As soon as I spotted this scarf, I just knew I had to include it in my post – what a find! The print and colour is just perfect for that tropical holiday you’ve booked this summer – or for wearing to work on a hot summer day, wishing you were on a Caribbean beach with a cocktail in hand instead. How lovely are these little orange pom poms? Too cute! Pair this up with a simple black or white dress and you’re good to go.
If you’re loving this tropical print, do check out all the other items in the “Paradise Bound” collection at Oasis – you’ll be lusting after everything!
Another colourful find from Oasis was this super clever reversible, yes REVERSIBLE bag! How amazing is that? You’re basically getting two bags for the price of one! I think this could make the perfect summer accessory to add a pop of colour to your outfit, whether you’re at home or away. Pink or orange? You choose! Love it! (£35, Oasis).
If bags are your thing, how about this little beauty from Karen Millen. It comes in both white or yellow (£89). The classic white will look great against a black outfit, creating a monochrome style – plus it’ll make your summer tan really pop! However, why not give the yellow a go to inject a little colour and have fun styling it with the different colours and prints in your SS17 wardrobe!?
Finish your look off with some designer bang-on-trend translucent sunglasses, like this pair from Karen Millen (£75). This classic shape and camel colour will see you through (no pun intended!) …summer after summer! This colour will go with every outfit you throw together, you’ll look effortlessly cool!
Are you heading to a wedding this year? Or simply looking for the *perfect* clutch bag? Well, take a look at this little Karen Millen number! This KM bag is so elegant, yet so subtly quirky with this 3D cube effect look. The nude pink colour is such a pretty girlie colour, but it also comes in black which of course will go with everything! (Karen Millen, £40).
Fancy a hair refresh for Spring Summer too? Then make sure you check out the new Rush hair salon in intu Milton Keynes! I met the Rush team the other week and they were so welcoming and gave me a fantastic hair consultation and suggested the best types of products for me to try out on my hair. The salon itself is sooo stylish, but don’t just take my word for it…look at these photos!
All of these SS17 finds have got me longing for my hot summer holiday! Yes, I did suddenly book a week away at a beautiful all inclusive hotel in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, within a week of returning from Iceland. Don’t judge me.
I hope you love all my Spring/Summer finds from intu Milton Keynes! Let me know if you go for any of them!!
Head on over to the intu Milton Keynes website here: http://intu.co.uk/miltonkeynes to plan your SS17 shopping trip! The website also has some amazing competitions, info about upcoming events and all the essentials you need to know.
Bring on those hot summer days!
