Ten Items: In the Office

Following the school-days tradition, fall is always the most important moment of year in terms of shopping. Whether you need all the sturdy basics or just a couple of whimsical items, building a working closet is not an easy task - make sure to consult Kendi's guide in all cases.

If you are starting from scratch, here are 10 items that you will absolutely need to cover the basics. Remember that a working closet doesn't have to be boring - sure, you need to follow certain rules, but being boring is not listed as one. Revisit the classics - opt for a high-waisted black pair of trousers instead of regular ones, choose a colored dress instead of a black one, pop in some red shoes, etc. Have fun experimenting!

1. Colorful cardigan - Dorothy Perkins - £25

2. Light structured blazer - New Look - £25

3. Funky dress - Smart Set - $45

4. Flower pin - Dorothy Perkins - £8.50

5. Elegant patterned blouse - HM - $10

6. Red shoes - Miss KG - £45

7. Pleat & high-waist skirt - Dorothy Perkins - £23

8. Colorful dress - HM - $30

9. Colored thighs - Dorothy Perkins - £8

10. High-waisted pants - House of Fraser - £42

Ten Items: Summer Heat

Since a large part of America has been suffering from a month-long heatwave, which temperatures skyrocketing as high as 45C, I thought it would be timely to present some items that are ideal for this kind of weather. There are basic and simple rules to help you get through the heat, like wearing breathable fabrics like cotton in comfortable, loose pieces (that leather bag and denim jeans will have to wait 'til the fall, ladies). Here's what we found to help you get through the summer without sacrificing your style:

1. Maxi dress - Dorothy Perkins - £15

2. Hat - Aldo - $20

3. Skirt - Dorothy Perkins - £20

4. Blouse - Oasis - £11

5. Espadrille sandals - Topshop - $50

6. Tote - Mollie & Fred - £12

7. Cami - Old Navy - $20

8. Dress - ModCloth - $70

9. Espadrille flats - Dorothy Perkins - £15

10. Hair band - Buckle - $5

Ten Items: Summer Festival

With Violette heading to Osheaga festival this week-end, I thought this post would be particularly timely. Summer festival rhymes with breezy, hip and practical pieces - have a look at the 10 items we selected:

1. Multi-print vest - Topshop - £30

2. Gladiators - Steve Madden - $70

3. Denim shorts - House of Fraser - £45

4. Fedora - Nordstrom - $18

5. Belt - ModCloth - $15

6. Cross-body bag - Topshop - £28

7. Sunglasses - Ray Ban - $75

8. Dress - ModCloth - $73

9. Wellies - Hunter of Scotland - $125

10. Cropped jacket - Republic - £30

Ten Items: Straw Accessories

A few years ago, straw was always associated with two things: hippies and beach. Or worse: hippies at the beach. But this season has proven that straw items don't have to be sloppy - they can be très chic!

1. Flower fedora - Tilly's - $13

2. Bow clutch - Miss Selfridge - £25

3. Headband - Nordstrom - $15

4. Bag - HM - £15

5. Wedges - My Wardrobe - $90

6. Belt - Betsey Johnson - $38

7. Flower fedora - Dorothy Perkins - £18

8. Bangles - Topshop - $40

9. Striped espadrilles - HM - £12

10. Striped bag - Endless - $40

Ten Items: Colour Block

1. Ginger, cream and black dress - Dorothy Perkins - £32

2. Sandals - Zara - $110

3. Pink and beige top - Dorothy Perkins - £25

4. Belt - Dorothy Perkins - £10

5. Pink and red top - Dorothy Perkins - £20

6. Flats - Zara - $70

7. White, red and black dress - Karen Millen - $225

8. Pink, black and white dress - t.i.l. darling - $20

9. Purple and coral dress - Dorothy Perkins - £28

10. Handbag - Kate Spade - $215

Ten Items: Scalloped Edges

Light grey skirt - Forever 21 - $19
Blue dress - Dorothy Perkins - £30
Peach shorts - Warehouse - £40
Peach cropped jeans - Topshop - £40
Tiered black skirt - Outnet - $60
Blue top - Dorothy Perkins - £25
Pointy pink ballerinas - Endless - $55
Clutch bag - Topshop - £48
Black belt - Forever 21 - $7
Coral top - Topshop - £30

Ten Items: Maxi Dresses

1. Mixed-Print Pink Dress - Dahlia's - $50
2. Rose Print Dress - AX Paris - £30
3. Peacock Print Dress - Republic - £30
   
4. Tribal Print White Dress - People Tree - £45
   
5. Striped Dress - John Lewis - £50
   
6. Fairy Dress - Modcloth - $35
   
7. Losange Print Dress - Peacocks - £22
   
8. Multi Coloured Striped Dress - Dorothy Perkins - £45
   
9. Abstract Print Dress - AX Paris - £30
10. Ethnic Print Dress - Dehlia's - $50
    

Ten Items: Spring Brights

1. Sunglasses - Nordstrom - $150
   
2. Pumps - Dorothy Perkins - £25
   
3. Handbag - Topshop - $80
   
4. Dress - Dorothy Perkins - £40
   
5. Earrings - Peacocks - £4
   
6. Skirt - Topshop - $70
   
7. Belt - J Crew - $38
   
8. Pumps - Kurt Geiger - $125
   
9. Watch - Marc Jacobs - $170
   
10. Parka - Topshop - $50
    

Ten Items: Birds

Spring is at our doorsteps, and if you've been shopping around a little bit, you'll have noticed that bird print is very popular. Here's a very timely post of the 10 bird items I preferred:

1. Dress - Warehouse - £45
2. Necklace - Modcloth - $14
3. Pouch - Modcloth - $28
4. Earrings - Miss Selfridge - £7
   
5. Cardigan - Ruche - $43
6. Rain boots - Target - $25
7. Ring - Urban Outfitters - $18
8. Dress - Modcloth - $80
9. Skirt - Modcloth - $83
10. Blouse - Miss Selfridge - $22

Ten Items: J'aime Paris

If you read my other blog you will know that in fact, I don't really like Paris. But after wandering online for a while I noticed that the "Paris" theme is actually quite popular this spring (maybe it's the aftermath of the French stripes overflow?)

Since I am also moving to central France later this spring, it thought this post was very timely - am I going to have to get one of these items just for the sake of it?

Anyhow, here's the 10 items I thought looked best:

1. Tighs - Debenhams - £12

2. Necklace - JijiKiki - £12
3. Salt and pepper shakers - Modcloth - $12
4. Socks - Modcloth - $8
5. Notebook - Arden B - $13
6. Sweater - Jane Norman - £22
7. Earrings - Paris France Products - $38
8. T-shirt - River Island - £19
9. Cupcake kit - Modcloth - $13
10. Sweater - F21 - $18

And a special mention to these lovelies. Guess who bought them? ;)

Ten Items: UK Memorabilia

So I really couldn't help myself. I was not able to choose between ten of these items so I decided to indulge and include an eleventh one. I guess I am allowed to for this special occasion.

1. Umbrella - Lindy Lou - Price not available
   
2. Tote - Modcloth - $20
   
3. Clock - Etsy - $40
   
4. iPhone case - Zazzle - $46
   
5. Mug - Kaboodle - Price not available
   
6. Wool scarf - Jan Constantine - $76
   
7. Flats - Debenhams - $8
   
8. Watch - Debenhams - $6
   
9. Tote - Not on the high street - $12
   
10. Cushion - Beth Stevens - $64
    
11. Cashmere sweater - Blue Fly - $180
    

Obviously, I haven't cared much about the price for this selection. I got a bit overwhelmed, I guess.

I'd love to have the iPhone case, the cushion, the clock and the "Carry On" tote.

What about you?

Ten Items: Fair Isle / Jacquard

Winter is the perfect (if not the only appropriate) season to wear fair isle pattern. It evokes warmth, comfort and cosyness. And no, it's not exclusive to log cabins outfits. Since it's in every store this year, why not plan a night in and get yourself a few of these items?

1. White sweater - American Eagle Outfitters - $25
2. Hat - Bloomingdales - $43
   
3. Scarf - Smart Set - $15
   
4. Gloves - Ralph Lauren - $25
   
5. Sleep pants - Aeropostale - $10
6. Tie-belt wrap cardigan - Old Navy - $35
   
7. Dress - People Tree - $120
   
8. Slippers - Target - $19
   
9. Cardigan - John Lewis - $120
   
10. Leggings - Asos - $38
    

While I've been dreaming to get a wrap cardigan, it doesn't look very flattering on me. However I'm pretty curious to see what the white sweater looks like. I might just pay a visit to my nearest AE!

Do you own any fair isle item? How do you wear it?

Ten Items: Flowers

Inspired by Cupcakes and Cashmere Five Things posts, I decided to do something similar and if you guys like it, I might even make this a regular weekly instalment. Basically, I will choose ten items (related either by piece, pattern, colour or style) that I like and share them with you, so you can get the inspiration flowing (did you get that one? inspiration flowing... with flowers... nah? just me?) or find the perfect gift.

All reasons are good to do some online shopping (and keep me away from the actual stores).

I have a thing for soft, romantic flowers. With the spring collections around the corner, flowers will be a key element pretty soon so I thought the timing was just right. Here are my 10 favourite items of the moment:

1. Weekend Bag - HM - $37
2. Wallet - Fossil - $50
3. iPhone case - Cath Kidston - £25
4. White rosebud necklace - Cara Accessories - $29
5. Pink beaded chiffon necklace - Old Navy - $10.50
6. Swimsuit - Topshop - $60
7. Pink top - Forever 21 - $18.80
8. Umbrella - Old Navy - $10
9. Scarf - Republic - £17
10. Blue top - Old Navy - $18

Do you have a favourite item? Or several? How do you like to incorporate flowers into your look?