StylistShops x Clarks

When Clarks approached me this summer and asked me to road test a pair of their AW14 collection I was happy to oblige. Years of working at magazines had exposed me to lots of viewings of Clarks' seasonal collections and I was always suitable impressed. Once you bypass the shoes that my Grandma Margaret loves so dear, theres a trove of total gems which would fit perfectly into any of our wardrobes.

I chose the Busby Jazz monk shoes for a day goofing about at my parents house in the countryside. As you've probably noticed by now I'm all about the flat shoe and these were the perfect alternative to the sneakers I tend to live in. Plus, they were probably the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, other brands take note - Clarks have some sort of layer of heaven under your foot which softens every step, I could have run a marathon in these. If I ever took up running. Which I doubt I will any time soon. But I COULD have, and that's what counts.

Read the full story and watch the video below or on Clarks website here - it's pretty much worth it just to check out Clive, the-best-dog-in-the-history-of-dogs, making his screen debut. 

Shop the Busby Jazz here and check out my other key picks from Clarks AW14 collection below.

From Top: Triple Buckle Biker Boot, Slip On Trainer, Leopard Kitten Heel, Green Suede Fringed Brogue, Double Strap Monk Shoe, Quilted Biker Boot. All from Clarks. 

Insta-Update

Just a few pictures from my Instagram of late. 

If you don't already, follow me @rachelingram14 for one too many pictures of my feet in assorted shoes...

Wearing from top: 

Stripe Tshirt Zara, Leather Trousers Isabel Marant for H&M, Shoes Jimmy Choo.

Tshirt LNA, Jeans Pepe Jeans, Bag Valentino, Shoes Superga.

Shirt Paul and Joe, Jeans Zara, Jacket See by Chloe.

Jumpsuit Topshop, Shoes Jimmy Choo and Valentino.

Coat DKNY, Tshirt Zara, Jeans Urban Outfitters, Bag Lulu Guinness.

Top &OtherStories.

Waistcoat H&M, Top Cos, Trousers DKNY, Sneakers Adidas.

Shirt Uniqlo, Culottes ASOS, Bag Chloe.

Jeans AG Jean, Boots Zadig et Voltaire.

Whata-ya-got Next?

ITS SUNDAY SHOPPING!

And today I'm at a high street store I've mentioned quite a lot recently - trusty old Next.

Not a shop I frequent much to be honest, but one that seems to churn out pretty good stuff once in a while, and I've found some amazing things recently while putting together my pages for Glamour, so decided to have a look what they had in their Bond Street flagship...

Today's choices, a quilted denim jacket, peasant blouse, skinny jean, bomber, patchwork denim shirt dress, boyfriend jean, fluffy top and slogan sweatshirt.

And so we begin...

My first find, which I almost took home with me, was this patchwork denim shirt dress (Size 8, £38). If there's one thing I learnt from my experience in Next it was size down - and this size 8 fit exactly as you would want it to - slightly boxy. Patchwork denim is a major trend this season and Next have got this spot on.

On with the bohemian peasant blouse (Size 10, £28) and boyfriend jeans (slim boyfriend, Size 10, £26) for look number two. The jeans were definitely too big (couldn't find an 8) but their shape was that perfect slim leg boyfriendy shape that is often hard to find on the highstreet. Blouse was a good summer staple, but the cut was too slim for my liking.

Third up, the fluff-ball top (Size 10, £32) worn with those trusty boyfriend jeans. I thought this top would make me look like a 50's starlet - but in reality I looked more like a sesame street character. It fit pretty true to size, a little clingy and the low back is a nice detail.

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Next up, the slogan sweatshirt, a key piece this summer. This grey one from Next didn't quite have the WOW factor of a Carven/Kenzo/Christopher Kane one.. so I used it as a base for the two great jackets I found on my rummage around the store. 

First up, jacket of the season - the Bomber....

Lightweight jersey means this bomber (Size 10, £50) can be worn all summer long and will go with everything, especially cute summer dresses. 

£50 does seem a little steep for a jacket from Next - but then hey, a coffee in Pret nowadays will set you back a fiver...

Finally, the 'Isabel Marat-esq' denim quilted bomber (Size 10, £45). 

This baby is the jacket for me. 

Undistinguishable by brand, totally relaxed and cool, fit kinda oversized and would look great with frayed white denim shorts and Birkenstocks this summer. 

An all round winner. 

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New Season Shopping

There's simply nothing cooler than an East London hipster with a vintage camera round their buttoned-up-shirt necks, roaming the streets in their skinny jeans snapping photos whilst stroking their long and perfectly groomed beards. 

For £179, This Kate Spade bag will elevate you to super-cool-kid-hipster status without having to grow any sort of facial hair.

For those not willing to invest as heavily in this trend, the Accessorize version will do just nicely for a mere £25. 

Go get one.... and make it snappy.

(sorry)