Event Post: Sweet Treats Party by Jane Norman & Oasis

Candies on tap? Check. Fashion savvy advice? Check.  20% off gorgeous clothing? Check, check and triple check!

of hearts and stripes 

A busy week came to a perfect ending with a fantastic shopping event at Jane Norman and Oasis in Valletta.  Beautiful dresses and handbags (my all-time guilty pleasures) took my mind off the week's stress as I browsed the racks and made mental lists of what to buy (the self-imposed shopping ban has looooooong been lifted!) Unfortunately, since I was heading out to another event after this, I did not manage to do any shopping, but I will definitely pop in again pretty soon.

this dress is perfect for every shape or size and the emerald colour is so flattering

breton stripes - one can never have enough of them

I love love love this dress! The embroidered neckline is so pretty!

Swatching away with Dorianne

Caroline from Caroline's Fashion Styling provided fashion advice to all the fashionistas who flocked to the store while Dorianne from *ask Dorianne guided those of us equally in love with make-up on the latest offerings by Pupa Milano - such gorgeous colours which really complemented the collection over at both Jane Norman and Oasis.

The Pupa Milano stand at the event ... I have my eyes on that mat yellow nail polish - so fresh for the new season

Caroline's dazzling smile and superb styling advice

bags in cute pastels and neutrals

I admit I'm more of an Oasis girl so I spent most of my time at the event on the Oasis floor, eyeing up some delightfully embellished dresses in the perfect shades for spring, while my Mister patiently waited as I caught up with Caroline and Dorianne in the meantime.  There's no stopping us girls when we meet :)

my ASOS sale picks

I'm not good with sales.  That might be a bit of a shocking statement, coming from someone who reputedly lives to shop (of course, I do many other things, and my interests go beyond shopping and fashion, but I do seem to come across as a uni-dimensional character to some).

I like to get my new clothes / shoes / accessories as soon as they hit the stores rather than after weeks (or months!) hanging on the rails or lurking in warehouses.  Having said that, it doesn't mean I don't do any shopping during the sales! I do like to keep the economy going all year round, you know! So after spending most of my weekend cooped up at my desk catching up with work related matters, I'm treating myself - and you, dear reader - with my ASOS sale hit list.  In case you're not aware, the ASOS sale is currently up to 70% off so there are some very good bargains to be had.  Smiles all around. So without further ado, and in no particular order of preference:

ASOS Trench Mac With PU Trims (€105.35 NOW €63.21)

You can never go wrong with a classic mac, and the PU trims, though an adornment which follows a current trend, are not in any way interfering with the classic allure of the garment.  

ASOS Pencil Skirt with Ruffle Front in Tartan (€56.18 NOW €39.33)

OK so tartan was HUGE this year, but when is it not, come winter? This skirt will take you through a few winters to come, I promise you.  Plus, the midi length means that as you grow older, the cut will remain age appropriate.  A second plus, is the ruffle which adds that Vivienne Westwood kind of punch to anotherwise plain shape.  

Reason Homies Vest (€42.14 NOW €29.50)

Now, we've seen these designer pun t-shirts all over the place in the last month, and if you haven't got yours yet, this is the time for it.  It doesn't matter if they'll no longer be the trendiest item come next month - you can always wear them to the gym and look cool while fulfilling that annually renewed new year resolution!

KG by Kurt Geiger Calista Leather Pointed Block Heel Court Shoes (€154.51 NOW €92.70)

I prefer getting classic shapes during sales - which most times is like going on a treasure hunt - because when classics or more high end lines are a tad out of reach during the rest of the year, they suddenly become more affordable.  Hence, this pointed pump with contrast block heel.  Modern, yet timeless. 

Pop Boutique Coco Sleeveless Dress with Collar (€42.14 NOW €29.50)

If there is a shape and style that is 'me', then this is it.  I lost count of the collared dresses and outfits I own and wear, but I know that this is the style I feel is mostly representative of me.  So this is a time where I 'invest' in it - who cares if I won't see any peter pan collars on the runway during the year? It's the personal style that really counts!

Meghan Fabulous Sofia Clutch Bag (RRP €154.51 NOW €84.28)

Maybe I'm a bit late in getting on the clutch bag bandwagon, but I'm currently obsessing on these.  I think it's also because I'm trying to reduce the amount of junk I carry around with me.  I can't be likened to Mary Poppins all the time, can I?! 

Traffic People Metallic Wrap Detail Top With Open Back (RRP €91.30 NOW €49.16)

If you buy one trend item from the sales, make it this.  Forget anything flapper or Gatsby inspired, this year will be all about late 70s / early 80s glam courtesy of American Hustle.  I can't wait to rock the Farrah Fawcett flick once again!

Now, let me see how much more damage I can do to my bank balance ... 

ZARA edits

Ever since the global Spanish sensation that is Zara opened up shop on our tiny island, I've been somewhat obsessed with everything that is available in store. Sometimes I've even hounded the shop managers with calls to ensure that the items I'd be coveting on their online presence would actually be available in my size ready for me to just pop over at the last minute to pick them up.  I feel that I've become somewhat notorious in the Sliema front establishment ... possibly also due to my (at least) bi-weekly visits ...

 

It stands to logic therefore that I would be subscribed to their mailing list and have the chain's Facebook page as a favourite to make sure I don't miss on a single post. Yes, I'm that obsessed.

And this morning, when I received the latest newsletter with the current edits, I was, as always blown away.  The relaxed, yet glamorous vibe emitted in the pictures spoke in French to me.  Possibly, this is because I'm currently reading Paris Street Style - which I'm loving and I'm trying to apply everything I'm learning from it on a daily basis (ever the nerd haha!)

With model Cate Underwood, music producer and model Caroline De Maigret, fashion blogger Roy on the Street, fashion consultant Yasmin Sewell and underoursky.com creative director Sofia Sanchez Barrenechea gracing its images, the 4th Zara edit is an eclectic mix of refined beauty, with a freshness that simultaneously evokes a styling maturity.  It is everything I've ever dreamt of achieving style-wise.

And as the geek that I am, taking an academic approach to everything I do, let me carry on taking notes, planning purchases and wardrobe reshuffles in the hope of achieving this.

as featured on STYLE on Sunday magazine ...

Well, well, well ... I've been building up to this moment over the last week, haven't I?

This has definitely been a highlight of ever since I have started this blog.  It is something that gives me the courage to persevere at what I am doing.  This blog is where my passions come to play and if I don't keep this up, then there won't be much left of me, the real me, that is.

So, yeah, in case you haven't noticed from my Facebook page and profile, I'm among the Maltese Fashion Pack in today's issue of STYLE on Sunday ... It was certainly an honour to be featured among so many big names in the local industry.  I for one would have never thought that this little blog would have set me in their same ranks! I am still in awe, seriously!

In case you missed out on your copy of STYLE on Sunday, here's what the feature had to say about me:

Mariel Sacco has injected a bit of reality into the Maltese fashion scene through her blog Confessions of a Former Size 6.  Her blog has also become something of an overnight sensation. 
Inspiration: It's people rather than brands for me.  Mostly divas, like Sophia Loren, Lana del Rey, old-style and vintage things. 
Contribution: I think I'm the only blogger to give fashion a reality check, in the sense that I'm short, constantly on a diet, and always in between sizes.  The trials and tribulations of a real person trying to make it: that's my selling point.  
Mariel's top tip: Internationally, bloggers are now collaborating with big designers and becoming celebrities themselves.  So if you have something to say, say it, as bloggers definitely have a place on the fashion scene these days.

Huge thanks firstly go to all my followers - you are the ones who give me the strength to keep going and I owe this one to you; Jo Caruana and Iggy Fenech for giving me this opportunity and exposure; Brian Grech for the amazing shoot; and to all those within the local fashion scene for keeping the passion, dedication and dream of us all alive!