An Ode to Collars

Hey Everyone!
Guess what?! My March to-do list is complete -gasp- -woop- -falls to floor in relief-. It's safe to say that this month has been a crazyyyy one in terms of school work. I'm actually surprised I've published a whole 4 posts- albeit most were written on the bus to work. On a completely random side note: an English teacher pointed out my incorrect use of dashes today and its made me so conscious of how often I use them. I did though look up an online grammar rule book (my life is simply riveting) and for informal use, the dash is ok. So the verdict is: they will permeate my blog posts as always but will be kicked out of my essays. It must always be so easy to tell what time of day I'm writing posts because at night I get completely side tracked; providing you with random and entirely pointless snippets of my consciousness.
Anyhoo, if you have read Julz' Obsessions for some time, you will know of my love for collars. On anything. Dresses, tops, playsuits, by themselves. I am pretty much attracted to every item of clothing with a collar. They featured in this wishlist, this haul and this one too. I even made my own collar in one of my infamous Julzy DIYs. Collars were really big around 2 years ago, and since then I have kept them closely on my radar. So, when I noticed that they featured on the SS14 catwalks, specifically sharp white collars, of course I felt the need to spread my joy. I'm loving this alternate approach of contrast. Just when you think there's only so much you can do with a collar, bam, it reinvents itself. The contrasting white collar strikes a happy medium between cutesy oxford style and crisp lawyer. Basically, it says 'ooh hey I'm so sophisticated- not only am I wearing a super-swish outfit, I'm setting it off with this bad ass collar'.
Two of my favourites featuring on the SS14 runway are Alexander Wang and Valentino.

Image Source

I'm particularly liking the Alexander Wang look. The powder blue is perfect for spring and I love how the outfit is tied together with pops of white. Lately I've been lusting after a co-ordinate. Also, the lazy, pyjama-esque clothing is balanced really well by the killer heels. 

Valentino's offerings do not disappoint either. One word: monochrome. I'm still loving it, as I'm sure many of you are, and I'm glad it has resurfaced this season. These laid back sandals give the look a relaxed vibe and the necklace perfectly compliments the collar. 

As always, when falling head over heels with a trend, after analysing the catwalks (and sadly admitting to myself that the outfits are too out-there for everyday wear), I look to see how my favourite fashion inspirations are werking it (how are we feeling about that phrase- I'm kind of giving it a test run?)

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Now, being the busy lady that I am, due to having school 5 days a week and work for 2, I don't have the time to trek in and out of high street shops looking for the perfect dress to satisfy my collar needs. This is where online shopping comes in. I've lately discovered ark.co.uk, whose collection of collared dresses has caught my eye. At reasonable prices and a wide range of styles, its difficult to pick a favourite, so I thought I'd share the selection which I am currently lusting after. 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Trying to convey my love for this style of dress is near impossible besides writing asdfghjdfdfhef. I could definitely see myself wearing everyone of these. They seem versatile yet suited to my style. The first two are perfect shades for spring. I really like the orange as its a really unusual hue of which I own nothing of the same shade and I'm a total sucker for a skater dress. Imagine these with white cat eye shades,  flip flops and some fake tan on a summers day. I would style the other three for the last remnants of winter: tights, chelsea boots and a leather jacket. When its sufficiently sunny enough to sport a dress but not warm enough to get legs out. 
Which is your favourite from the Ark line up and how would you style it? Do you have any fashion obsessions to match my collar infatuation? *Compensation was received for this post*

Life's Little Luxuries... Pip Studio @ Amara.co.uk

Hey Everyone!

This evening I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful online gift and home accessories store- amara.co.uk. If like me you are a sucker for luxury items and unique designs, you may kick yourself (as I did) for not discovering it sooner. 

Amara was created in 2005 by Interior Designer Sam Hood and sells an array of designer brands including Missoni, Cath Kidston, Ralph Lauren and much more, meaning you'll never fail to find the perfect gift. 

When I was contacted about featuring one of their brands 'PiP studio' on Julz' Obsessions, of course I was delighted. The day after my parcel was sent out, I had a knock at the door (never leaped out of bed quicker!) from DPD courier service. This is the best online delivery I've experienced to date- I even got a text to let me know when it would arrive.

Its safe to say that the PiP studio range is every girly girl's dream. Its a vintage-inspired explosion of pretty florals, bright colours. With a motto like 'Happy products for happy people,' its hard not to like it! What's even better is that because the brand isn't that widely known (to my knowledge), its unique, and you can be that one person who has the amazing home decor that no one else does- a theme that runs with most of Amara's brands. 

Firstly, I received Flowers in the Mix Filler Cushion*. I think we should just take a moment to appreciate how darn pretty it is. This cushion instantly fuses a vintage chic style into a room. Its really sturdy (exactly as a cushion should be) and is great quality- from the stitching to the material. The main colours are pink and green which coordinate with my room perfectly yet the aqua and yellow harmonise with it beautifully also. I really like the contrasting rim- I'm actually tempted to draw it in a notebook or something-its so creative. To be honest I never realised how such different designs would work so well together.

Next is the Flowers in the Mix Bolster Cushion*. This is a longer, more 'pillowy' cushion. It is the snuggliest thing ever- it just moulds around you and you sink into it. It is the same lovely fabric as the filler cushion and again, I think the bold, contrasting fabrics really compliment each other. Also, weird observation- the drawstring side will make it really easy to wash. I am currently sitting on my bed with my back against this cushion and it is so comfy- it will definitely be my travelling accompaniment from now on.

I think the cushions look amazing against both plain background and with clashing florals. Who would have though two simple cushions could improve my bed in such a way? If your looking to revamp your room but aren't up for a full decor change, add a few of these gorgeous cushions and taadaa- room transformed. 

I think these cushions are gorgeous additions to my room, even if I do say so myself, and I have definitely discovered a new obsession with PiP studio @ Amara! Even my mum is head over heels- I have already had to take them back after she sneaked them into her own room, which makes me think- Amara really have succeeded in stocking the perfect gifts- Mother's day is soon after all!

Do you have anything from PiP studio or Amara? Aren't these cushions just the prettiest things you've ever seen?