5 of the Hottest Fashion Trends for AW17

Following on from the fun, playful fashion of the Spring/Summer 17 season, fall brings with it more of the same, with added drama and boldness.

If you thought SS17 was standout, think again. Whether you're an avid fashion follower, or like to dip in and out of the trends every now and again, I've got you covered.

Here are 5 of the hottest fashion trends for AW17.

1. Boy meets girl.

Androgyny is huge this season, with an abundance of designers rewriting the rules when it comes to designated female and male fashion.

Take inspiration from Burberry, who sent models down their catwalk in relaxed fit knitted jumpers, paired with long-length boyfriend blazers and tailored trousers. Or A.Kira Design, who sent both sexes down their runway in gender-neutral, oversized separates. 

Also, if you haven't invested in fall's key wardrobe staple (the grey check blazer) then I suggest you do so - pronto!

In fact, grey tailoring in general is hot right now. Whether you decide to rock it in the form of a head-to-toe suit a la Victoria Beckham, or just use your boyfriend's blazer to finish off your look a la Calvin Klein, this androgynous trend is cool and quirky - and packs a real fashion punch this fall. 

2. RED alert.

Although this prominent hue was featured in abundance at the A/W 17 shows, it was through a range of different shades and styles. Tomato red trouser suits reigned supreme at Givenchy and Gucci, whereas it was all about the brick red standout coats at Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

At the other end of the spectrum, burgundy and deep wines were taken to the next level at shows such as Preen and Max Mara, through oversized knits and accessories. Then, not for the faint-hearted, scarlet red sheer dresses were spotted at Alexander McQueen and Chloe.

If you’re not feeling brave, simply rock this fiery colour through key outfit accents, such as a belt or a scarf. However, if you’re up for it, wear the trend head-to-toe or through key wardrobe staples - and you’re guaranteed to be the ultimate lady in red this season.

3. Hippie chic.

Bohemian chic was showcased on designer catwalks for AW17 through an abundance of 60s and 70s style pieces that emulated the famous hippie vibe.

You can follow the lead of Bora Aksu's by wearing flat hats and crochet dresses this fall, wear long, floaty, printed dresses a la Mulberry, or even rock a tan shearling coat like Coach.

As well as clothing, designers were also keen to showcase tribal girl-style jewellery, through unique gemstones and pretty beading through bracelets and rings. It was all about stacking ‘em as high as possible in order to make the maximum amount of impact!

Simply channel your inner free spirit by throwing on a pretty floral dress, or paisley playsuit, with fringed boots, some form of shearling jacket and plenty of bohemian-style jewellery - for a look that screams sassy and carefree this fall.

4. Pink to make the boys wink.

This invigorating colour trend is an extension of the ice-cream pastel pink shades of the summer.

However, these powdery hues have been given a bit of a revamp. Not only did we see pretty pastel ruffled dresses at Emilia Wickstead and Lanvin, but we also saw neon pink tulle dresses at Molly Goddard. That’s right - pink just got more powerful!

If that isn’t enough, fuchsia is having a major fashion moment this fall. This bold hue was present through key pieces at Valentino, such as fuchsia coats, but was also rocked through full outfit ensembles at Emporio Armani and H&M. We also saw plenty of fuchsia trouser suits across many different designers.

The good thing about this AW17 colour trend is that any shade and any style goes - all you need is the confidence to let your outfit do the talking.

5. Sci-fi cool.

If you’re not into androgyny, and the grey check blazer everybody's going crazy for, you can go down a slightly different route and feature metallic grey in your closet (aka silver). Sci-fi looking silver dresses went hand-in-hand with the space theme at Chanel, complete with their very own rocket launchpad, whilst fluid lame evening dresses stood out for all the right reasons at Paco Robanne.

In keeping with this space-age look, we also saw glitter boots, metallic jackets and planet-inspired accessories at Christopher Kane and Mugler. Even Michael Kors got in on the action, showing off a long, flowing silver jumpsuit as their hero piece.

If you're still not sure, simply invest in clothing separates with exaggerated lines and loose structures that have been manufactured from a fusion of fabrics to successfully pull off ultimate sci-fi cool this fall.

Happy shopping!

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7 Reasons Why Fall is the Best Time of Year

It's that time of year again.

The weather's getting colder, the leaves are changing, and hot drinks are back in abundance (okay, perhaps they never even left for all my fellow tea and coffee addicts out there!)

Yay, fall is upon us! And I personally couldn't be happier about it.

Why, I hear you ask?

Because fall is awesome.

Need convincing? Here are 7 reasons why fall is the best time of year.

1. The sexy colours.

New season, new colours.

I'm talking about those burnt oranges, winey reds and mustard-like yellows that we see not just in fashion, but on the trees when we leave the house everyday!

A stark contrast to the summer greenery of the fields, let's not pretend that they're not an absolute treat for the eyes in EVERY. POSSIBLE. WAY.

*Heart-eyed emoji*

2. The cool, crisp mornings.

It's getting colder come September/October time, but not too cold that it causes you to exclaim "OMG it's freezing" every time you step foot outside.

After a pretty humid summer all around, how great does it feel to actually experience some cool air?

Well, I'll tell ya.

It feels bloomin' amazing! 

I can actually breathe again! And, you know, that's always nice.

3. The new season of fashion.

With colder weather comes the need for soft, snugly jumpers and thousands upon thousands of layers.

(Okay *slight* exaggeration - just the one thousand will do.)

But it's true - fall is the one of the only times of year where we can pile on our whole wardrobe a la Joey from Friends when he's trying to get back at Chandler by wearing everything he owns.

In addition to being able to sling on our favourite comfy jumper, we can also experiment with the whole new AW17 season of fashion.

The best trends I've seen so far are androgyny, hippie chic, tomato red and sci-fi cool - but watch out for a full trend report coming soon on the blog!

4. Halloween is coming!

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Christmas. Christmas is also one of my favourite times of year.

But Halloween is like Christmas' cool, quirky younger sister - and I can't help but adore her!

When you're at school, college and/or university, you have plenty of opportunities to dress up in costumes and go to parties. However, as you get older, Halloween becomes the only chance you get to pretend you're someone or something else for the day and party the night away!

My point is: Halloween is always fun, no matter what age you are.

Whether you're a kid going trick-or-treating, a student going on a themed club night, or an adult heading to a costume party with your friends, Halloween is light-hearted, it's fun and there are always laughs to be had. (Mostly at the expense of your boyfriend's brother Dennis, who dresses up as Cousin It from the Addams family EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.)

Plus, I love the Hocus Pocus movie. #justsaying

5. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back.

Oh for the love of Starbucks, how I do miss Pumpkin Spice Lattes when they're not in season!

Actually - how I do miss pumpkin-flavoured anything when pumpkins aren't in season!

Basically, if you hadn't already guessed, I love the taste of pumpkins - which means I sure do love the taste of Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Starbucks, you babe.

6. The cosy nights in.

Another thing I love about fall is that staying in on a Saturday night is actually considered acceptable.

If you tell people you're staying in on a weekend in the summer, they're all like "OMG what, it's supposed to be, like, 100 degrees - aren't you at least going to sit in a beer garden for a bit?"

Look, guys - I enjoy a night out once in a while. I really do. But I'm getting old now.

If I want to stay in during fall and snuggle with a blanket and a hot water bottle whilst watching endless episodes of Power on Netflix - there ain't no shame in that.

'Kay? 'Kay.

7. The return of the Sunday roast.

Oh, how I miss a good ol' traditional Yorkshire roast dinner during the summer months.

There's nothing better than popping around to your Mum's on a Sunday during fall for a massive catchup and some good scran.

I'm talking about mashed potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, onion gravy, veg, meat of some kind...

...Hubba Hubba, come to Mumma!

SRSLY, what's not to love about fall?


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10 Reasons Why Life is Beautiful on the Average Day

Sometimes it's so easy to lose sight of the beauty of life. We become distracted by everyday problems and issues which, in the grand scheme of things, aren't really problems at all. If it's not going to matter to you in five years time, then why get so worked up about it now?

We, as human beings, sometimes lose perspective. Instead of focusing on climate change and natural disasters and things that truly matter, we can't help but be self-centred. We become so consumed by our day-to-day lives and it can make us forget or lose track of what's really important.

That selfie no-one's liked of you on Instagram? Irrelevant. That little bicker you had with your sister? Trivial. Your sandwich that someone stole out of the fridge at work when you were going to have it for your lunch? Unimportant.

Here's a friendly reminder that life is supposed to be enjoyable. Sure, it has it's challenges - but it's not meant to be straight-forward. You've got to go through the downs in life in order to appreciate the ups.

Essentially, you've got to appreciate life. Because the next moment, in a flash, it's gone.

Here are 10 reasons why life is beautiful on the average day.

1. You're physically well.

You wake up on the average day and, besides needing a coffee (or five in my case) to get you going, you're feeling good. You're well-rested, you've had a great night's sleep, and your health is on top form. Aren't you a lucky one?

Think about all those people who aren't so fortunate. The people with chronic illnesses, disabilities and health problems that stop them living their best life.

People take their health for granted on a daily basis, and it has to stop. You're still young, you're physically able to do things, and ain't it just wonderful? There's life in the old dog yet.

2. There's a whole world out there to explore.

Whether you're only just starting to explore the world, or you've got the travel pretty bad like a certain someone I know (myself), it's easy to forget that there's a whole world out there.

A world outside your four walls, a world outside your hometown, a world outside everything and everyone that you know. Embrace it.

Travel broadens the mind, as well as makes you feel grateful for the things you've already got at home. So, expand your horizons and travel far.

"I really regret all that travelling I did," said no one ever.

3. You have your own kickass support system.

Everybody's a little biased and think their support system is the best. Whether you've only got a handful of people you can count on, or your popularity is ever-growing, you're so lucky to have people in your life who love you.

And not just love you, but love you fiercely. Make sure you tell your support system regularly how much you appreciate them because why not? They should be told. Everyday. Before it's too late.

4. You have experienced love.

And I'm not just talking about the kind of love you have for your family and friends.

I'm talking about that wild, passionate, irrevocable love you have for your other half. (Or romantic partners in the past if you're currently single.)

Even if you're one of those select few who doesn't experience that head-over-heels, can't-live-without-them, I'd-die-for-them passionate kind of love until they're older - I bet you've still had a taste of the beautiful emotion that is L.O.V.E at least once in your life so far. Am I right or am I right?

And ain't love grand?

5. There's beauty all around you.

A lot of people get so used to their day-to-day surroundings that the novelty of the place that they live in soon wears off.

Sometimes we become too distracted by working Monday-Friday and only having weekends off to catch up with life, that we forget to open our eyes and take a good, hard look at what's around us.

Just take a moment and look what's around you. Whether you're reading this on your phone on the bus on the way back from the office, or on your laptop in the comfort of your own home, I bet you anything that you can find at least one piece of beauty in what's currently around you. Even if it's only a picture that your four-year-old nephew drew for you that's currently stuck on the fridge, or a pretty flower that a stranger has planted in their front garden.

If you actively start to look for beauty around you, then you will find it. And it makes life wonderful.

6. There are things that you're passionate about.

Living on this earth as long as you have, you're bound to have become passionate about something or things. And these are things that you love to encapsulate yourself with, because you enjoy them so much.

For me, my passions are writing and blogging and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

If you spend your time doing the things that you enjoy, and revel in your passions, then you will appreciate life just that little bit more.

Also, find new passions as you evolve as a person, because why not? Variety is the spice of life, after all.

7. You have a purpose.

You earn money, you make a living (or if you don't yet then you will do one day) and you contribute to the economy.

Hopefully you're building a career in which you love and perhaps encompasses some of your greatest passions? If not, then why are you working in a job that makes you unhappy?

Life is too short. Only you have the ability to change your misfortune. Get out while you can and pursue something else that you actively enjoy.

Life's not a dress rehearsal. This is the real deal. And you spend most of your life working, so you have to love your job - or at least like it, right?

8. There are many things to look forward to.

Whether you're a late teenager and you've still got all your university years ahead of you, or you're middle-aged and yet to start a family, there are always things to look forward to in life.

Sometimes they're only little things, like visiting your Grandma tomorrow evening and having a portion of her famous stew, or catching up on the latest episode of Game of Thrones that you missed on TV the other night.

But still, there are always things to look forward to, whether big or small. And they make life worth living.

9. You have some incredible memories.

Sure, you're only supposed to look forward in life. But you can also look back, especially if you're reminiscing happy memories.

The chances are, you've lived through some pretty amazing things already. If there's all that behind you, can you even imagine what's to come? Well, I'll tell you - there's still bucket loads of memories to be made! So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make 'em!

10. You get to live another day.

Everyday you should wake up feeling thankful that you're still alive. You're still here, living on this awe-inspiring planet, and you've been given another opportunity to live life up to the max.

So, make sure that you do. Because life is beautiful, it's precious and we've only got one shot at this.

Here's to living an extraordinary life!

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5 of My Favourite Articles That I Wrote in September

What's going on, guys and gals?

So, in August, I decided to introduce a post showcasing my favourite articles that I'd written during the month prior - sort of like a round-up of my freelance writing biz kinda thang. (You can find the September sequel here.)

It's just nice for me to share with you guys the kinds of content I'm pushing out on a monthly basis for Dream Scribe - my professional freelance writing entity - alongside this personal blog.

Needless to say, I'm putting a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears into my business at the moment (no, not actually - it's just a weird sayin') so I want my writing to reach as many people as possible. Gone are the days where I just write for myself; nowadays, I write for myself and other people. I like being able to give advice through my written words, offer a helping hand, or even just make someone smile with a personal anecdote or two. It's why I love writing so much.

Without further ado, here are 5 of my favourite articles that I wrote in September.

Fashion

1. 5 Fashion Pieces Women Should Try from Men's Wardrobes

Ah, androgyny. Who doesn't love dressing like a man when it comes to fashion? No? Just me then.

With androgyny being one of this seasons hottest trends, I wrote this piece for fashion retailer Obsessory in order to let you gals know which pieces you should most definitely be stealing from your man's wardrobe this AW17. You're welcome.

Travel

2. 5 Struggles That Every Solo Female Traveller Faces

Travelling can be quite a challenge at times regardless of your gender. But, sometimes, there are things us lasses have to go through when travelling that men simply don't have to.

Light-hearted and fun, I wrote this piece for travel blog The Fun Ways based on my own backpacking experiences.

3. 5 Top Tips if You're a Backpacking Newbie

Continuing with the backpacking theme, I also wrote this piece for The Fun Ways.

If you've never been backpacking before and are soon to embark upon your very first adventure, you can better prepare yourself by reading through my top tips. Basically, I've done all the hard work and learned some key lessons from my own backpacking experiences - so that you don't have to.

4. 10 Cities to Visit Around the World if You Love to Party

Another piece that I wrote for The Fun Ways, I compiled this list based on my own knowledge and experiences. 

There are so many amazing party capitals of the world that it was difficult to narrow it down to just 10 - but I think I did okay! If you've got other suggestions, tweet me @kdavieswrites.

Dating and Wellness

5. I've Never Felt This Way Before - I Think I'm In Love... With Myself

One of my favourite pieces to date, I wrote this for women's lifestyle magazine The Bolde.

I talk about how your perspective of yourself changes as you get older for the better - and it's a pretty liberating feeling. Am I right or am I right?

That's all for this month, folks! Watch out for the October round-up at the beginning of next month.

Happy reading!

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