Best of British: Jonathan Aston blogger 'style off' competition!

   Jonathan Aston was founded in Leicester in 1965 and since then has quickly become an iconic fashion hosiery brand, counting celebrity fans in the form of Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Jessie J. Jonathan Aston's collections include everything from trendy tights with graphic patterns and bold colours to vintage-style stockings, cute anklets, lace knee-high socks and 60's-esque leggings and skeggings (skirt and leggings all in one!)

   As a fan of fashion and style blogs, I was excited to hear about Jonathan Aston's 'Blogger Style Off Competition' and I couldn't wait to put my fashion styling to the test. With all of the 'Best of British' buzz surrounding the Jubilee and with the Olympics fast-approaching, it seemed very fitting for the competition to involve creating an outfit around a pair of Jonathan Aston's Union Jack print tights...

    The Union Jack flag print on these tights is quite loud and eye-catching, so I really wanted the tights to do the talking. However, where the temptation is to reach for a black, red, blue or white dress, I wanted to make this look wearable and not look too much like fancy dress or a Spice Girls reunion outfit! With this in mind, I put together an outfit that channels my personal style, but at the same time challenges it. 

   I am a big fan of blouses, so this red-orange ruffle shirt from Peekaboo vintage was a great starting point. Leather is a great way of toughening up a girlie look, so my faux leather flared mini skirt from H&M updates the look really well and gives the outfit shape by drawing emphasis to my waist. I then added gold stud earrings, a vintage gold chain waist belt and a TOPSHOP black gem statement necklace under the collar of my blouse for added impact. Contrasting gold stud heeled boots (from Love Label) lend to a glamorous finish. Finally, a slick of dramatic red lipstick and black cat-eye flicks complete my 'Best of British' look.

   The exciting news is that the winning blogger of the Jonathan Aston style competition wins a 'Best of British' Hamper filled with goodies and I would love to give his hamper to a lucky Undercover Lingerista reader!

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is:

1. VOTE for my picture (same as above) by LIKING it on the Jonathan Aston Facebook page. 

2. For an extra entry, LIKE my Facebook comment about the competition!

   

If I get the most 'likes' and win, I will select a winner at random using a random number generator..

Thanks for your support! :) (Voting ends Monday 23rd July at 10am)

VOTE HERE!

Love,

Kitty xo

Vintage beauty: The Freya 'Loretta'

  Although bold prints and vivid colours are big news this summer, the 'Loretta' bra from Freya's Spring/Summer 2011 collection offers a great alternative to summer brights. The 'Loretta' takes on a much more girly trend of subdued pastel hues and floral and paisley patterning, giving off an air of lady-like glamour and an elegance that is sure to capture any girl's heart...

  The 'Loretta' is a gorgeous vintage blue colour, complimented by delicate flower-embroidered cream mesh panels. The blue of the cups is nicely set off by pale pink and green floral accents, whilst the paisley print gives the bra a very vintage feel. The bra also features little blue bows on the straps and the hanging gem charm at the centre gives the bra a more glamorous feel!

  Aside from the obvious visual beauty of this bra, Freya never compromises on fit. The 'Loretta' is a full cup, underwired plunge - ideal for bigger busted girls who want good coverage, as well as a bra that looks good! The band is firm without being uncomfortable and the cups give great shape and support.

  I found the fit and shape of this bra similar to the Freya 'Arabella' (Click here for my review). The main difference between the 'Loretta' and 'Arabella' is that the 'Loretta' has the advantage of being made from a softer and silkier fabric, which adds to its comfort and wearability.

(Freya 'Loretta' bra, £30)

  The best thing about the 'Loretta' is its size-inclusivity - boasting 28-38 bands and cup sizes from a B right up to an H! To complete the set, you can pick either shorts (£12.50), thong (£14.50) or briefs (£15.50), which boast matching lace and paisley patterning.

  The Freya 'Loretta' is a true 'must-have' for this summer and would be perfect under a floaty tea dress. Additionally, the 'Loretta' will be the perfect transitional lingerie piece to lead you into fall's more muted tones. This bra is so beautifully designed that it seems almost a shame to cover it up! If you're looking for summer romance, the 'Loretta' is sure to set hearts a-fluttering!

Love,
Kitty xo