Outfit: McArthurGlen Art of Denim Part II

Top: Camden Market | Jacket: C/O Daisy Street*| Jeans: 7 For All Mankind C/O McArthurGlen*| Boots: Dr. Martens

 

Jeans are something that I think I should probably own more of. I mean, they're supposed to be a staple in any wardrobe, right? They're supposed to fit you like a glove, though, and that's what I struggle with- there's nothing worse than a pair of skinny jeans that have a saggy bum or that go wrinkly at the knees. However, these ones by 7 For All Mankind are heavenly- they cling to all the right places whilst still being stretchy and comfortable; I almost just wanted to leave them as they were. It pained me to cut in to them and start pulling away at the threads, but I do like the grungy finished result- who knew that holy knees could look so stylish? And we don't need to talk about my love of studs.

 

If you read my previous post (or if not, you can catch it here- I customised a denim jacket for a night-out look), you will know that I mentioned that I have a competition for my lovely readers. As promised, here it is!

 

In celebration of McArthurGlen's 'The Art of Denim' campaign, they are offering one of my lucky readers the chance to win a £50 shopping voucher to spend at one of its six designer outlets in the UK.

 If you're clueless about McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, they are fab places to find on-trend designer and premium fashion bargains for up 70% off the recommended retail price. What's not to love? You can find McArthurGlen outlets in Ashford, Bridgend, Cheshire Oaks, East Midlands, Swindon and York.

All you have to do to enter the competition is tweet me a picture of you wearing your favourite denim outfit!

 

For example: "My favourite denim outfit: pic.twitter.com/xxxxx for the @FCassandraBlog @McArthurGlenUK #ArtOfDenim Twitter competition"

 

-The giveaway is open to male and female UK residents.

-You must mention both myself (@FCassandraBlog) and McArthurGlen (@McArthurGlenUK) in your tweet and use the hashtag #ArtOfDenim

- I will be picking my favourite outfit to win the competition.

- In any event my decision as the competition judge and promoter is final. - I hold giveaways to say thank you to my genuine readers. Entries will be checked and accounts created solely for the purpose of entering giveaways will be disregarded.

- The giveaway is open NOW and will end at 11:59PM GMT on Sunday 20^th October 2013.

 

That means you have just under a week to tweet your fabulous denim outfits to me! I look forward to seeing them :)

*DISCLOSURE: Sponsored giveaway. Starred items are PR samples.

 

 

Outfit: McArthurGlen Art of Denim Part I

Jacket: Diesel C/O McArthurGlen | Dress (worn as top): Forever 21* | Disco Pants: C/O She Likes* | Shoes: C/O Annabella-Rose* | Earrings: Forever 21*

 

Customising clothes is something that I have steered clear from since I was around eight years old,  after I realised that covering all my t-shirts in fabric glitter paint and iron-on patches didn't look as good as I thought. However, I decided that my tastes in design have matured a little now, so when McArthurGlen contacted me with a challenge to customise a couple of denim pieces in celebration of their new campaign, I thought I would give it my best shot.

 

Firstly, a little bit about McArthurGlen for those of you who may be unfamiliar. They have six fashion outlets across the country where you can pick up some amazing designer bargains for up to 70% off. Cheshire Oaks, the closest centre to me, is only a 20 minute drive away from where I live so I love to have an occasional mooch around to see what I can find. The other McArthurGlen outlets can be found in Ashford, Bridgend, East Midlands, Swindon and York.

 

This month, McArthurGlen have launched a promotional campaign called "The Art Of Denim", where until October 20 they are offering some great activities including a bespoke embroidery and monogramming service, plus discounts on some of their denim labels, so it might be worth checking out your nearest outlet for that perfect pair of jeans!

 

Like I mentioned earlier, I was challenged to customise some denim items, and McArthurGlen kitted me up with a wooden chest filled with studs, buttons, cotton and of course, a lovely denim jacket and a pair of jeans. I decided I wanted to show how versatile denim is and how it can be customised to be worn for a day out shopping or for a night on the town. With this Diesel jacket, I wanted to make it a little more dressy so I raided a box of lace trimmings and found a couple of pieces that I thought would be perfect for adding that special touch. Teamed with disco pants, a red lip and my killer heels from Annabella-Rose (how very "Sandy" of me), I think my jazzed-up jacket is perfect for covering up after a night of dancing.

 

What do you think? I also have an exciting competition coming up for one of you lovelies to win a £50 voucher to spend at your nearest McArthurGlen outlet, so look out for my next post for details!

 

*DISCLOSURE: Starred items are PR samples or were bought using gift vouchers that were given to me for PR purposes.

 

Outfit: McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge Outfit #6.

Crop Top: C/O She Likes* | Skirt: C/O Jovonna London* | Shoes: Matalan | Sandals: C/O Blowfish via Mrs. Marcos* | Denim Waistcoat: F&F @ Tesco | Bracelets: C/O The Rose Chain* | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Sunglass Time @ Cheshire Oaks

Here it is, my last post for the McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge! And what a challenge it has been- it has been hectic putting together these outfits in between typing up my dissertation and other things, but I have had so much fun taking part! 

Since I don't think anybody would need to wear sunglasses on a night out, I decided to style my "evening" outfit for a garden party on a sunny day, or even a nice meal when you're on holiday. I took up the opportunity to pull out my beloved Jovonna London skirt which I don't get enough wear out of. I absolutely love it and I think that it would be perfect for the occasion, plus I think the colours go fantastically with my Ray-Bans. The skirt and sunglasses speak for themselves, so I just teamed them with a simple white crop top and a denim gilet which is easy enough to put on or remove if the temperature changes. I also put my new nude block heel shoes that I picked up in the Matalan £5 Shoe Event to the test, and they are perfect! Or, if heels aren't your thing, some strappy sandals look just as lovely, as you can see in my last picture :)

I'm kind of sad that this is over now, as I've had a blast. But of course, there will still be plenty of outfit posts from me in the future! :) Don't forget to check out my other posts from the challenge here.

The McArthurGlen Fashion Fling fortnight also comes to an end tonight- Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to go down to Cheshire Oaks and check it out :( Did you manage to visit a McArthurGlen Designer Outlet over the Fashion Fling fortnight? Let me know!

*DISCLOSURE: Starred items are PR samples.

Outfit: McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge Outfit #5

Blouse: Matalan | Skirt: Primark | Shoes: Matalan | Blazer: C/O Glamorous* | Belt: Primark | Sunglasses: C/O Ray Ban via Cheshire Oaks*

Who says you can't look stylish when you go to work? I think these sunglasses add a fun but classy touch to your every day office wear and will be sure to turn heads on your commute to work. Obviously, if your work uniform dress code is a little more restricted a plain white blouse would look just as nice, but I love how the floral print on this blouse matches the design on my Ray Bans and adds an extra touch of Spring flare.

This is my second to last outfit for the McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge; if you have missed any of my other posts you can find them here. The Fashion Fling events at the UK McArthurGlen outlets end tomorrow, so if you're not busy this weekend, why not check out what is going on at Cheshire Oaks on their Fashion Fling page- You might be able to grab a bargain! Or if you aren't nearby, find your nearest McArthurGlen Outlet here :)

Have you been to a McArthurGlen outlet over the Fashion Fling fortnight?

*DISCLOSURE: Starred items are PR samples.

Outfit: McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge Outfit #4

Jumper: C/O Mina UK* | Vest top (Under jumper): Primark | Shorts: Daisy Street | Socks: Primark | Boots: Funky Dory | Headband: C/O Crown & Glory* | Sunglasses: C/O Ray Ban via Cheshire Oaks*

Welcome to part two of my McArthurGlen Style Challenge series, where, for the next three posts I will be showing you how to style these lovely floral print Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses. In case you haven't seen my past three posts (check them out here), to celebrate the Fashion Fling fortnight at outlets up and down the country, McArthurGlen has challenged a few bloggers to put together six outfits, styling two key Spring/Summer accessories for three different occasions.

With Coachella under way in the States, this outfit was inspired by festival fashion. It's still a little bit cold and dreary over here to be parading around with bare legs, but as soon as festival season hits the UK, I would rock this look without the tights. This very loosely knitted Mina jumper is airy yet still provides a little bit of warmth which is perfect for Spring. And if you're like me and love a dark, grungy outfit, you can always use accessories to brighten up your outfit. My floral Wayfarers, bright pink lipstick and lilac rose crown add a fun pop of colour and give this outfit a whole new look.

The McArthurGlen Fashion Fling in collaboration with Grazia is happening on until Sunday, April 21st, and there are events happening and offers up for grabs in McArthurGlen outlets across the country. If you are close to Cheshire Oaks check out their Fashion Fling page for more details. If not, find your closest McArthurGlen outlet here :)

*DISCLAIMER: Starred items are PR samples.

Outfit: McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge Outfit #3

Dress: C/O She Likes* | Shoes: C/O Tribeca Shoes* | Jacket: Miss Selfridge | Watch: Michael Kors | Hair clips: C/O Crown & Glory* | Necklace: C/O Folli Follie via Cheshire Oaks*

Hey lovelies! I have yet another outfit for the Fashion Fling Style Challenge for you today featuring the same lovely rose gold plated necklace by Folli Follie :) This time it is an evening look and I decided to team the necklace with this gorgeous teal coloured skater dress from She Likes and some killer heels. The dress is rather plain which I think allowed room for a bit of accessorising, and I thought that the rose gold complimented the teal colour quite nicely as well as the honey dew and purple colours of my flower hair clips. I also think it hangs at quite a nice length to draw attention to my waist, which the skater-style dress emphasizes. 

This is my last post styling up this necklace but over the next few days I will be showing you how I style a gorgeous pair of Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses!

I hope you like the outfit! Have you had a chance to check out the Fashion Fling events going on at Cheshire Oaks (or a McArthurGlen outlet near you!) yet? You only have until Sunday, April 21, so check out their Fashion Fling page to find out more :)

*DISCLOSURE: Starred items are PR samples

Outfit: McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge Outfit #2

Dress: C/O Ravi Famous* | Nude Slip (under dress): Primark | Jacket: Miss Selfridge | Boots: Funky Dory | Hat: H&M | Socks: Topshop | Necklace: C/O Folli Follie via Cheshire Oaks*

Here is outfit number two for the McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge! 

This outfit is a little bit more dressed up than the previous one, and it's something that I'd wear to a semi-formal dinner date or an afternoon tea for a special occasion. I love this dress- the lace bodice is so pretty and it can be dressed up or down. It is quite see through, however, so a slip is definitely needed to be worn underneath! I think the Folli Follie necklace goes amazingly with this dress as the rose gold matches nicely with the embellishments on the collar and the zebra stripes match the cream lace. The simplicity of it makes the solid cream dress look a little more interesting without taking away from the other details around the collar and the shoulders. I love black/cream and leather/lace combinations so I added my leather jacket and studded pixie boots to tone the outfit down a bit and add a little bit of grunge :)

I hope you like this outfit! If you would like to check out what is going on at Cheshire Oaks over the next week for Fashion Fling, check out the Fashion Fling page on their website. If you're not near Cheshire Oaks, find your nearest outlet at the McArthurGlen site :)

Let me know if you have been getting involved in Fashion Fling! :)

*DISCLOSURE: Starred items are PR samples.

Outfit: McArthurGlen Fashion Fling Style Challenge Outfit # 1

T-Shirt: New Look | Checkered Shirt: New Look | Disco Pants: C/O NaaNaa* | Shoes: Converse via Schuh | Bracelets: L-R: C/O MissGeeKay*, C/O Boho Betty* | Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace: C/O Folli Follie via. Cheshire Oaks*

Wow, has it really been over a month since I last blogged?! I hope you all haven't forgotten about me, although I wouldn't be surprised if you had to double take when you saw this post haha! The past couple of months has just been so hectic with uni and such, but the other day I handed in my second to last assignment EVER, and although I still have an 8,000 word dissertation to write over the next two weeks, I already feel a lot better. So let's get back in to the swing of things!

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely Simone, who is representing McArthurGlen Designer Outfits, asking if I wanted to take part in their Spring Fling Style Challenge. I'm a little late to the party, but last week and all this week, McArthurGlen shopping outlets are holding "Fashion Fling" events alongside Grazia in outlets up and down the country, where lots of discounts and offers are up for grabs. The closest outlet to me is the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, and they very kindly sent me two lovely accessories which I have to style up in to three different outfits for you- I'll be showing you a casual day time outfit, an outfit for a semi-formal occasion, and an evening outfit. 

The first item I received is this beautiful Zebra Rose Gold Plated Necklace by Folli Follie. It is such a simple but eye-catching piece and is perfect for adding an extra touch to a casual outfit. Here I teamed it with a simple white tee and checkered shirt combo, and these blue disco pants by NaaNaa (which are super stretchy and comfortable, by the way!). I have pretty much been living in comfy outfits like this over the past few weeks whilst I have been running back and to between uni and home, but I always love jazzing up my outfits with accessories. This necklace hangs at a perfect length and I think the shiny rose gold really pops out against my white t-shirt.

If you would like to check out the activities happening at Cheshire Oaks over the next week, take a look at their Fashion Fling page (if you're not near Cheshire Oaks, check out the McArthurGlen website for your nearest outlet) :)

Have you been getting involved in the Fashion Fling festivities?

*DISCLOSURE: Starred items are PR samples.