The Edgy Date Night Lookbook Edit

This lookbook post is all about maximum impact with an edge for date night. This could be a super cool first date, or just for wearing to a gig or drinks with your significant other, it incorporates just two labels and effortless style. I adore both of the Iro clothing pieces. The romper is floaty and fluid. It's sexy without trying too hard. The leather biker jacket is a versatile and timeless classic. The accessories feature sharp metal accents - and you just can't go wrong with a mix of McQueen and Zanotti.

Iro
Black Tonal Stitch Spaghetti Strap Chiffon Romper





Iro
Side Zipper Leather Jacket Black





Alexander McQueen
Black Leather Gold Studded Skull Padlock Satchel





Giuseppe Zanotti
Black Metal Detail Western Boot

The Statement Pieces that Samantha really (like REALLY) wants this Autumn

Frye
Lynn Short Boots
Colour: Soft Antique Grey

This post is a little (ok read A LOT) self indulgent in that it covers my current three 'most wanted' items for Autumn. The Frye boots are classic and the finish is beautiful. Then add a Balmain leather quilted jacket and some deep charcoal skinny jeans to finish off the look. If I owned all three I'd spend much of the upcoming seasons just living in them. Such effortless perfection.



Balmain
Black Quilted Biker Jacket





The jacket is successfully both androgynous and feminine (check out those padded shoulders) while the jeans below are a bargain buy too - you can pick them up for just over £50.



Blanknyc
Grey Skinny Jeans



What's top of your wishlist this Autumn / Winter?

Shopping boots, wedges and trainers from the ASH A/W14 collection

As regular readers will know, I am very much an Ash convert. I was openly sceptical about the notion of wedge trainers at first, and to be honest I still maintain that most of them look pretty dodgy. My notable exceptions to this rule are my personal favourite - the Nike Dunk Sky HI wedges, but also in contention are the range from Ash. I do love their use of colours, they look classy and wearable. The cheap knock-offs just can't come close. When it comes to non-Nike wedges, Ash are very much the real deal.

I also adore the Madonna wedges, however those are out of stock too /sadface...

The gorgeous shoe boots (above) are out of stock at the moment - but I will make them mine, you wait and see! In the meantime feast your eyes on Bowie in midnight blue, and Thelma in a gorgeous muted purple colour they have called 'prune'. Details and shopping links below. I think my favourite is probably Thelma, but I am captivated by the blue suede used in this particular Bowie boot.



ASH WOMEN'S BOWIE SUEDE HI-TOP WEDGED TRAINERS - MIDNIGHT
£169.00

Made from soft suede and set upon a rubber sole and three inch concealed wedge, the Ash Women's Bowie Suede Hi-Top Wedged Trainers in midnight blue exude sport-luxe style. Featuring a stitch panel design, the trainers have a seven eyelet lace up front and a Velcro strap over the vamp whilst the almond toe and padded collar complete the design.



ASH WOMEN'S THELMA LEATHER WEDGED TRAINERS - PRUNE
£149.00

The Thelma Leather Wedged Trainers in burgundy from Ash combine style and comfort with 5 buckle fastenings, a side zip and a heightening 3.9" wedge heel. The soft leather trainer exudes an edgy off duty look, accentuated with stripe detail to the trim of the rubber sole and a rubber toe cap boasting a distressed finish.

Spotlight on Bailey 44 - An Appreciation Post featuring Hardwood and Moonlight dresses, with Abel heels by Jimmy Choo

Bailey 44
Black Dress Hardwood Mesh Illusion Faux Leather Front



This post is all about two outstanding dresses. The Hardwood style above is probably my personal favourite, a little edgier with a faux leather front and mesh panels, while the Moonlight dress has a more romantic shape and lashing of intricate black lace.



Bailey 44
Black Dress Moonlight in Vermont Sleeveless Lace Illusion Cutout



Both styles are available to purchase in the UK via Bloomingdales, and each costs between £150 and £200. I must admit, Bailey 44 is a new line to me, but one that I will be keeping an eye on in the future if these dresses are any indication of what's to come. If this is all new to you as well then see below for a bit more about the company:

Founded in 2006, Bailey 44 is a women's contemporary clothing line designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, California. Our clothing is made for the woman who is agelessly sexy, effortlessly cool, and who works at balancing an active, busy life.

Our designs are inspired by fabrics that feel luxurious against the skin and move with the body. Soft jersey knits, pontes, stretch silks and eco leathers are made into pieces that are meticulously tried on and adjusted to ensure a precision fit. With well-versed imaginations and a keen eye for the zeitgeist, our design team turns sleek, simple silhouettes into modern looks for the polished downtown-chic woman.

Bailey44 can be found in exclusive department stores and specialty boutiques in North America and Europe, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's, Intermix, and ShopBop.com.

((SOURCE))

I have to say I would pick totally different footwear than the ones used in the promo shots, and funnily enough I straight away wanted to wear the same shoes with both dresses. The style? Classic 'Abel' in lipstick red patent by Jimmy Choo. Statement yet sleek, Jimmy Choo's patent red pumps will work from dusk until dawn, and with a myriad of different styles.



Jimmy Choo
Red Abel Patent Leather Pumps



Are you a fan of Bailey 44? Did everyone else know about this gorgeous range and it's just me that's apparently been hiding under a rock?

Samantha's Dream Monday Outfit featuring Alexander McQueen Pink Thistle Jacquard Skater Dress, Weekend Max Mara Brown Ragni Coat & Giuseppe Zanotti Olinda Black Suede Bootie

Alexander McQueen
Pink Thistle Jacquard Skater Dress



Of course, it's no surprise, with a long long history behind me of adoration for McQueen, that I love this little dress. The cut, the fabric, the line of the skirt, the muted colours and the easy to wear shape is simply perfect for me. It comes to a good short length - flattering but not knicker baring if you have happen to need to bend over after you drop your keys on the train - but short enough to be truly flattering.

And it just cries out for ankle boots. But rather than head-to-toe McQueen, this works equally delightfully with a dash of Zanotti.



Giuseppe Zanotti
Olinda Black Suede Bootie



The Olinda boots are far and away my favourite Zanotti style of the new season so far, and would work with tights and shorts, jeans, and just about anything else you can imagine. Simple and understated, they are a wardrobe staple that lets your clothes do the talking.

Finish off with this gorgeous funnel neck coat for easy, simple stylishness.



Weekend Max Mara
Brown Ragni Coat



What are you wearing this Monday?