If you like piña coladas.

Pineapple print maxi dress: c/o Sugarhill Boutique. Levi's denim jacket: mum's. H&M x Marni heels: £70 (similar). Alexa Chung for Made skull bracelet: £11, via ebay.

As far as first maxi dresses go, this isn't just dipping your toe territory, but going the whole damn hog with added pineapples. When I received the lovely Sugarhill Boutique parcel from my postman, there was a moment of trepidation as I wasn't sure if it'd suit me, but give it fifteen minutes to quickly take it up a couple of inches (I'm short, and these are my problems), it was on. I realise that I'm a very lucky person to receive clothes from brands, and I think through what I receive on the basis of a) will it suit me? and b) try something new, that hopefully will help you guys make a decision as to whether you want to try it out as well. You can't blame a girl for trying, but I'm not sure I'm 100% sold on maxi dresses. I feel like it makes me look even shorter than I already am (remember those problems? This is another), but it makes a welcome change from mini skirts and skinny jeans. Who knows, maybe I'll be eating my words and be a full-on maxi dress convert by the end of summer... Maybe.

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Turning twenty-one.

Sequinned dress: c/o Oh My Love. Oxblood bag: c/o Marc B. Adder Boots: £36, Topshop. Skull bracelet: £11, Made via ebay. "R" necklace: gift, Urban Outfitters.

If it were acceptable to wear sequins all year round, I'd be looking like a piece of tinsel 24/7. Ever since glitter hair spray for dancing shows (yes, I was one of those girls), I've never been able to resist a little sparkle. When asked if I'd like to choose something from Oh My Love's Christmas collection, I avoided the obvious choice, and thought I'd select something a little more special for the big Two One. Seeing as I tend to avoid bodycon, sleeveless and "boob-y" pieces, my flatmate was quite surprised when I unwrapped this little beauty, but it got the thumbs up when tried on. I'm still a little conscious of my arms being on show (everyone has their hang ups), but I don't think anyone noticed! And, of course, you can't go out without a bag. This Marc B number is in my current favourite colour, and happily fits a scarf, point-and-shoot camera, and stash bottle in; anyone want a "what's in my bag" post?

In short, after all the worries I had, my birthday really was one of the best nights, days, weeks of my life, and I can only put it down to my friends who made the biggest effort to ensure I had a wonderful time: you guys!

xxx

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We're painted as monsters.

 

Sailor coat: £63, Topshop (old. Very, very old.) Bat t-shirt: DIY (originally Primark men's). Faux leather trousers: £30.40, Topshop. Granny cardigan: £2, charity shop. Adela boots: c/o Stylistpick. Masquerade necklace: £9, Elsie Belle. Eye ring: £2.25, Topshop. Carpet bag: mum's.

Hallowe'en!

I don't have any particularly exciting plans this year, just staying in with lots of sweets, dimmed lights, duvets, hot chocolate, and a scary film (or three). Is this what third year does to a girl? Despite not heading out in towering heels tonight, I still had to celebrate the day somehow, so whipped out one of my favourite bespoke tee (cohen code for "I scribbled on it"). A little "Alexa Chung for Madwell" inspired, but oversized and perfectly slouchy, if I do say so myself, I paired it with leather trousers. Yes, leather trousers. I never thought I'd see the day, and I was still having some serious reservations as I entered my pin number, but domesday has finally come about. I know that if it weren't for the huge amount of support I've received from all you lovely readers over the past few years I would never have the confidence to don such a pair of slacks and feel like Sandy. So, to say thank you, I've got a little something up my sleeve, but, unfortunately, I don't think these Cuthbert's cupcakes will travel well, so I guess I'll have to come up with something a little more permanent!

xxx

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How to wear the military trend.

You can guarantee that when my friends see a little flimsy dress in a shop they'll define it as a "Cohen Dress". Peter Pan collar mandatory. Yet, when Voucher Codes got in contact with me a couple of weeks ago they set me a challenge pretty far out of my comfort zone. By simply sticking your head inside any high street store you'll see the distinctive areas marked out for each of Autumn's looks, and the one assigned to me was the military trend. With a budget of £80 to purchase three items, my thrifty student arose, and here's what I found when scouring the Liverpool high street (yep, I'm back!).

On a night out.

 

Mustard blouse: £14.40 (with 10% discount), Pop Boutique.

Paisley shorts, Glamorous UK. Bag: vintage. Elephant necklace: New Look. Watch: Roatry. Heels: New Look.

Can you really beat an oversized blouse? I'm pretty sure that this was originally from the men's section, but with the sleeves rolled up and tucked into teeny shorts, I reckon this'll work perfectly when you hit the town during freshers. Or any other time of year, I shan't discriminate.

  On a date.

   

Khaki jersey dress: £23.40 (with 10% discount), Topshop.

Pink silky collar blouse: American Apparel. Rabbit necklace: Topshop. Black heeled boots: Topshop. Glitter clutch: Topshop.

Who said miltary can't be girly? This outfit stands in the liminal space between girl-next-door and punk-rock badass (I tell myself), just make sure the person you're meeting is still taller than you in your killer heels. If they're not, then reassess whether you really need to meet up with them.

To a gig.  

 ,

Military jacket: £22.49 (with 10% discount), New Look.

Arctic Monkeys t-shirt: Don Valley Bowl. Indigo jeans: Topshop. Leopard print boots: Topshop. Skull bracelet: Made, via ebay. Bag: my wardrobe... somewhere.

As if you need any excuse to bring out your favourite band t-shirt! Channel side stage gals like Suki Waterhouse and Breana McDow with a little bit of loyalty, and what my friend calls my "Miles Kane Boots" (YES). Let's be honest, you'll garner more attention than the frontman.

 Even though the phrase "military trend" made my lace ankle socks quake in their boots, I'd like to think I managed to integrate it into my wardrobe without too much upset. Mission complete!

xxx

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When at Somerset House...

 

The Union Flag atop Somerset House

Two of my favourite looks from Spijkers en Spijkers

Dina from She Loves Mixtapes getting papped 

... do as the fashionistas do!

Don't get me wrong, I abhor the word "fashionista" (and I use the expression lightly), but London Fashion Week is such an overblown and preposterous affair that it seems the only one applicable to those who flock to the Strand twice annually to sample what the capital of quirk and cool has to offer. Or you can sit on a bench at the sidelines and cheer on your favourites when you see two beheeled editors running to the show space with only a few minutes to spare.

I adore the atmosphere in the centre of the courtyard; I doubt it can be replicated anywhere else at any other time. The exhibition is always impeccably curated - the French Sole and Kate Sheridan showcases were two particular favourites - the close proximity of designers often ensuring that their finest selection is on display, the tables being an overload of aesthetic lavishness that doesn't quite transfer to the shopfloor anywhere other than the lush New Bond Street flagships.

But, of course, attention is focused upon the shows and presentations of SS13 collections. Friday's personal highlights were Maria Grachvogel and Bora Aksu (see bottom photo): the former revealing jumpsuits that even little Cohen could see herself in, and the latter had big hair and crowns fit for the pastel creations worn beneath. Despite the rail replacement's best efforts, I managed to get to Freemason's Hall for the Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones to Watch show, which is the one I had been most eagerly anticipating as everything would be new. I do like established designers, but once you've seen a Burberry trench coach, there's only so much you can do (which, apparently, means creating a ridiculously expensive peacock feathered version). Charlotte Simpson's glitter contrasted Ming Pin Tien's intricately laced corsetry perfectly, with Hellen Van Rees sending her models onto the catwalk with things that looked suspiciously like weetabix attached to their heads...

 

Navy dress: £12, Clothing at Tesco. Floral collared blouse: £2, charity shop. Butterfly brooch: gift, vintage. Skull bracelet: £11, Alexa Chung for Made, via ebay. Leather envelope clutch bag: Luella, via ebay.

It wouldn't be true Fashion Week coverage if I didn't show you a little bit of what I was wearing myself! I'm not the kind of person who likes being in front of another's camera, so dressed rather sedately in comparison to the other teddy bear adorned persons. Thank you to Dina for taking my photos - such a novelty to not have to hurry backwards and forwards with my self-timer!

I have another post coming up that's not technically to do with Fashion Week, but you may have seen me tweeting about what I got up to between stints at Somerset House, and it was equally exciting, so keep your eyes peeled (or stick with a sixties eyeliner flick, that's quite okay too).

xxx

Saying goodbye to Bora Aksu

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When you touch my hand and talk sweet talk I got a knockin' in my knees and a wobble in my walk.

Floral print Lizzy dress (worn as top): c/o Motel Rocks. Denim shorts: Fat Face. Denim Jacket: £63, NW3 by Hobbs. Coral belt: c/o Clothing at Tesco. Heart-shaped sunglasses: £2 h+m kids. Skull bracelet: £11, Made via ebay. Black ballet pumps: 50p, Russell and Bromley via ebay.

I wore this outfit the other day, when pushing my hair behind my ears and getting stuck into InDesign, putting together pages for the University of Liverpool's magazine, Ellipsis - such a glamorous lifestyle! To escape the confines of my room, I went for a little walk across the fields near where I live, with my good friends John, Paul, George and Ringo. Maybe I've spent too long away from reality - I'm wearing double denim! I never thought I'd see the day, but I'm surprisingly a fan of this look - opinions? This top was a gift from Motel Rocks as I'm a member of their Street Team (you get 20% off with the code "itscohen"!), and I adore its not-too-girly floral print. It comes up a little big, so I'd recommend sizing down.

This past week has involved a considerable amount of rest and recuperation (not counting a rather eventful last night out in Essex pre-third and final year, but that's perhaps a story for another time). Last night I had a few friends over for Domino's, chick flicks, and pink wine - nothing beats a sleepover! Apart from fudge cake, and I may possibly have made plans to get some with friends early next week...

xxx

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Went for a walk down the old King's Road to see if anybody was there.

Floral top: £2.75, Topshop, via charity shop. Denim circle skirt: £28.50, American Apparel, via ASOS. Polka dot pop socks: £1, Primark. Two-tone ballet flats: 50p, Russell and Bromley, via ebay. Bag: gift, Marks and Spencer. Polka dot sunglasses: £1, Primark. Skull bracelet: £11, Made, via ebay.

Yesterday was, in short, hot. Walking westwards along the King's Road (in an outfit that probably cost less than the average person's left shoe), Danielle and I were rather grateful for our sunglasses and the occasional breeze. Neither of us had ever visited the Royal Borough before, despite obsessively watching Made In Chelsea, so it was about time we braved the Circle line and saw what all the fuss was about.

In all honesty, the King's Road itself is just a high street. Admittedly, it is a very nice high street, as the average shop is Jigsaw or Comptoir des Cotonniers, but if you wander off the tourist-infused street, you'll have the opportunity to gaze wistfully at wonderful architecture, and maybe even doff your cap to A. A. Milne at his former place of residence (yep, I'm a blue plaque geek). On a more palatable level, there's plenty of scope for rumbling stomaches. We were hoping to try out The Bluebird Restaurant until the sight of our already rather empty purses decided that it wouldn't be the most sensible option. Instead, we tried out The Chelsea Teapot. If you like a good scone - who doesn't? - then this is the place for you! For just over a fiver each, we managed to indulge in some sweet homemade treats; Danielle tried her first ever (!) red velvet and it got a very enthusiastic thumbs up.

Apart from the World's End Vivienne Westwood shop and the Saatchi Gallery, are there any other places you'd recommend in SW3? I'm such a Sloane Square Stranger!

xxx

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When I buy my mansion, I'll invite the world to stay

Michelle dress: c/o Motel. Black pumps: 50p, Russell and Bromley via ebay. Bag: £3, charity shop. Skull bracelet: £11, Made via ebay. Sunglasses: £1, Primark.


I always feel drawn to the canal in beautiful weather, and, seeing as I wasn't stuck for three hours in what is essentially a greenhouse writing about Renaissance literature, I thought I'd take another wander down to photograph what came through my letter box the other day. This dress is part of Motel's "French Riviera" collection, but I'm choosing to transfer its nationality across the Channel, in preparation for next week's jubilee - aka Pimm's drinking festival. I'm not one for bodycon at all, so it was a big thing for me to wear this for a whole day. Everyone has their body hangups; my biggest one is my stomach, and this dress is pretty unforgiving on that front. Yet, with the help of the stretchy material (and some pants Bridget Jones would be proud of) I think I've just about got away with it. Still, some of the photos do make me want to overcome my massive gym phobia.


My last exam is on Thursday (uh oh), and then I've a few days to appreciate sunny Liverpool before I'm back to Essex for the Summer, and get to see all the lovely faces I've missed for the past few months. However much I love Liverpool, I know I'm still an Essex Girl! Even if I haven't been to Sugar Hut, which I believe my friends intend to change at some point...


xxx

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