Laurenella talks boucle jackets

Hi guys and girls. I’m Lauren, a fashion and beauty blogger, who can normally be found over at Laurenella, however I’m here to talk seasonal staples and lightweight jackets in particular.

One of the most versatile pieces of clothing that I have in my wardrobe is a leather biker jacket, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that I wear it pretty much all the time. It’s just the easiest thing to throw on before you walk out of the door, you don’t have to worry that it won’t go, or that it isn’t appropriate for the occasion. I’ve seen people rocking a biker jacket everywhere, from running errands, to attending lectures at uni; I’ve even seen celebs rocking one on the red carpet to add a little bit of edge to their pretty dresses.

The only problem that I have with my leather biker jacket is that it isn’t really very summer appropriate. As soon as the sun comes out and the heat hits above about 18 degrees suddenly you just end up a bit of a sweaty leathery mess. Not to worry though, because Matalan have come up with an ingenious solution. Change the colour from black to cream and the material from leather to a lightweight bouclé effect cotton jacket and the biker jacket is back in business.

This jacket has quickly frog-leaped over the rest of my spring/summer outerwear to become my new most worn piece, and just to test that it matches up to the versatility of its leathery cousin I have teamed it with two different outfits to show that it can be rocked just as easily in the evening as it can in the daytime.

The perfect choice to throw on over a pair of printed ankle grazers and a casual tee in the daytime for shopping with friends or going for lunch, it also manages to be dressy enough to team with a pretty summer dress and heels for a garden party or drinks in a beer garden.

Shop the look-

Ladies, this jacket is your answer to every sartorial dilemma (well…mostly) and for only £20 I think it just became a necessary addition to your spring/summer wardrobe! To shop the rest of the Naturally Laundered collection click here. Lauren x

Destination Matalan: Suitcases and travel accessories

With many of us taking advantage of the long weekend ahead and looming school holidays, last minute breaks are growing in popularity with many of us Brits. Whether you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and let’s face it, quite frankly rubbish weather and beaches are beckoning or wish to experience city living abroad, here at Matalan we have a fantastic range of World’s Lightest suitcases suitable for every destination.

Shop Your Holiday Wardrobe- 3 for 2 Offers

We have something to confess here at Matalan HQ; we love holiday season. Whether you’re jetting off with the girls, the guys, or family bound this summer, we love the build up to the sunshine season. Buying our holiday clothes, getting the suitcases out of storage and stocking up on various sun lotions and SPF’s for all the family- we think its all part and parcel of holiday preparation. However, if you’re not quite as organised as us and you’re a little last-minute Molly to the packing party, fear not. We have a fantastic 3 for 2 mix and match offer on all holiday fashion starting today.

Half-Term Trends: Girlswear Made Easy

With the bank holiday weekend looming and half-term just around the corner, our summer girlswear collection is super-stylish and has the durability factor. Here at Matalan HQ we understand how important it is to make sure your little one looks just as good as you do and our May brochure is jam-packed with fantastic offers on girls fashion- perfect for an action-packed week away or a relaxing staycation at home.

Summer Bliss: Dressing for summer

Light layers are a chic and stylish way to add texture to your wardrobe. Style staples this season include cami tops, comfortable denim’s and maxi skirts crafted from truly feminine soft fabrics. If cool summer cottons are on your agenda shake things up by contrasting with structured denim to give this classic all white and blue summer bliss trend a modern twist for the season.

Guest Post: Friday is Forever does boho chic

Hello Matalan fans, Sarah here. You can usually find me over at Friday is Forever blogging about all things fashion and beauty, but Matalan have kindly let me loose on their blog for one day only. The last time I popped up on these very pages I was here to talk shopping for your shape, but with a new season comes a new look- luxe bohemian chic!

Armed with a £50 voucher Matalan oh so kindly gifted to me, I marched into my local store ready to discover the ‘new arrivals’ section. I fell in love most of the stuff from the bohemian inspired naturally laundered collection with vibrant colours, and an array of interesting patterns.
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California Girl: Americana Trend

You’ll definitely be California dreaming this season with our gorgeous Americana inspired Candy Couture collection designed for 8-16 years. This quirky cool summer trend is fun and fearless and packs a punch with its eclectic mix of bold prints and soft summertime colours. Whether you’re dressing for comfort in jogs and a hoodie or fashion-focused in stylish leggings, the Americana collection is packed to the rafters with seasonal essentials.

Swimwear for your shape

Summer holidays are on the horizon and with a countdown on the here at Matalan HQ we are getting our suitcases at the ready. Whether you are home or away this season, investing in new swimwear is a great way to make sure you feel fabulous, whether you are hitting the spa or staying strictly poolside. Whether you’re the girly girl in pink, you like to keep it chic in mono or want the colours of the tribal print- we have got you covered.

Whether you dare to bare or like a little more coverage when you’re on the beach, we have a great selection of swimsuits, bikinis and sarongs designed so you feel at your best and look fantastic. Stylish Darren Kennedy talks us through this season’s must-have for the swimwear season and how to dress for your shape to ensure every woman feels brave at the beach.
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Style Project – Spring Wedding

You know the score, each month we challenge four bloggers to create an outfit on a chosen theme for just £50. This month our four fabulous bloggers tackled the theme of Spring Wedding, and it seems that we have a favourite item this month!

Mens Fashion Trends for SS13

Earlier this week we talked capsule wardrobes for the ladies, but today we want to level with the guys. We get that shopping isn’t always your bag, but building a capsule wardrobe is easier than you think. Shirts, jeans and jumpers will be at the centre of your universe- think versatile pieces with minimal effort required. See, doesn’t it sound simple. Read on to find out more….

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