ULITMATE AND REALITIC: JULY 2012

NEW BALLS PLEASE EDITION

Wimbledon is set to reach it's conclusion this weekend - I have to say I have been enjoying it a lot this year. Andy Murray's success has me wanting to hunt out my old Donnay tennis racket from the garage and hit a few balls around...well get someone else to get it for me from the garage, because there is a lot of spiders in there...big ones!

Wimbledon certainly does inspire me on a fashion level - all that stunning crisp white against flashes of a neon tennis balls, the vibrant blue skies...Gorgeous! Browsing the internet it's easy to become inspired by Wimbledon fashion, just check out the fabulous Ralph Lauren look and the 1960's Fred Perry Tennis Collections below.

Ralph Lauren and Fred Perry circa 1960s

So for this month's Ultimate and Realistic, I decided to do a Wimbledon special. You know the drill by now, I style an outfit (inspired by Wimbledon) selecting the pieces I would go for if money was no object, and then find more reasonable alternatives. Then you guys can decide for yourself, which you prefer!

REALISTIC:
Dress, H&M - £19.99; Priscilla Platform Leather Shoes, ASOS - £42.00; Watch, Casio - £20.00; Two-Tone Headband, Forever21 - £2.40; Neon Denim Jacket, Topshop - £58.00; Neon Trim Saddle Bag, New Look - £8.00.
TOTAL: £150.39

ULTIMATE:
Lucille Denim Mini Dress, Acne - £230; Shoes, Kurt Geiger - £105; Chronograph Watch, Nixon - £140; Crochet Knit Headband, Missoni - £60; Neon Biker Jacket, Christopher Kane - £770; Printed Vinyl and Leather Tote, Marni - £180.
TOTAL: £1,345

So, I'm interested to know, which Wimbledon-inspired outfit do you prefer? Are you happy with the high street or do you have richer tastes?

In other news it's my birthday today...I am 29! I can't believe it, where has the time gone?

Gems x

MARNI FOR H&M

My favourite high street store H&M has quite the reputation for collaborating with some of the world's hottest designers - Lavin, Stella McCartney and Versace to name just a few. Well, much to my delight they aren't stopping there, with a capsule collection by avant-garde label Marni due to be released worldwide on March 2nd - I think I will be dusting my sleeping bag off and camping outside the doors of my nearest H&M immediately. When you have a look at these sneak peak pictures you will know why!

Leather Top £79.99GBP, Silk Trousers £59.99GBP

Silk Dress £69.99GBP

T-shirt, Sequin Collar and Sunglses all £19.99GBP

Necklace £34.99GBP; Tan Leather Bag £59.99GBP

Silk Top £39.99GBP; Silk Shorts £34.99GBP

Aren't the colours just divine, I have my eye on the mustard and fuschia silk top for sure - that teamed with a pair of skinny jeans, will make the perfect outfit for any season. What pieces are your favourites?

Pictures courtesy of Glamour Magazine.