Humani-tees are Always in Style... Style Ideas with Frontline Fashion

I love the idea of multi-tasking. However, when faced with the reality, I have to concede to being extremely bad at it. I am much faster doing just one thing at a time. 

Imagine the little dance I did then when I discovered this triple-whammy. Not only can I add a simple, stylish tee to my wardrobe, I am also supporting the rebuilding of the still-ruined Haiti island, and in order to facilitate the delivery of said t-shirt, I get to have lunch with a very hardworking, fundraising genius, I mean, friend of mine. 

Melissa Gilchrist Higgins is a lovely, Scottish ex-PR manager living in Dubai, and the brains behind Frontline Fashion. Her aim is to raise non-profit funds to support the orphanage her work to date has helped build, and to continue to show support to the people and namely, children, of Haiti. Another disaster zone which has slipped away from mainstream news, and consequently, our minds. 

It’s a truly wonderful venture and as I really can’t give it enough credit here, check out her amazing website… www.frontlinefashion.com

My personal favourites are the t-shirts... an edgy alternative to a plain tee. 

Clash with prints for a shopping date or...

World Catwalk: Sydney Jan 2013

I’ve learned so much from my constant travelling in all the corners of the world. I’ve seen so many beautiful sights, I know my way around the major airports with my eyes shut, I can (usually) find a yummy meal wherever I land, and I can say hello and thank you in over 15 languages.

But of all the lessons learned, possibly the most valuable is realising my self-confidence is the most important travel companion I could ever take with me.

I find this particularly true when I set off along the city streets in search of stylish ladies for The Trolley Dolly’s World Catwalk street style feature. Without my self-confidence, I would falter at the thought of approaching the tres fashionable, explaining my little blogging project and taking pictures in the middle of busy streets in some of the world’s biggest cities.

As I stomped Sydney’s sidewalks in the baking Aussie sun, I felt that self-confidence replaced by an irritating nervousness that sometimes creeps up on me. Enter my silly fear of chatting to people I don't know and the shyness I feel asking to take their picture for a blog called The Trolley Dolly.

But, like a passing cloud of smoke, I wafted the apprehension away, replaced it with a somewhat forced self-confidence and carried on regardless.

I’m so glad I did, as I went on to meet three of the nicest and friendliest of my World Catwalkers.

First of all I spotted sisters Amanda and Carol from Brazil. The two put me to shame in their bright, summery outfits (compared to my black trouser/white vest/black All Stars combo).

I became a denim shirt convert after spying Amanda’s clever layering trick and if I thought I could pull off a little tropical jumpsuit, I would be considering that too!

Love the sparkly shoes!

My Travel Wardrobe – A Trip to Bangkok and Sydney

I have a love/hate relationship with this particular trip. It’s a weeklong adventure which takes me to Bangkok for a day, followed by three days in Sydney and another day in Bangkok on the way back to Dubai.

I love the destinations.

I hate packing for two different continents and trying to leave enough room for potential shopping ;)

So here’s what happens when you try to pack for two different climates, two different continents and two different plans, without overloading my poor, beaten Samsonite. Did someone say capsule wardrobe?

Day 1 – Bangkok

Sightseeing… a trip to the floating market at Damnoensaduak demands flats (Havaianas), easy tee (H&M) + wear-anywhere jeans (H&M). And a camera, duh.

Day 2 – Sydney

For me, a casual maxi dress (Topshop) together with gladiator sandals (Old Navy) is perfect for a wee spot of shopping along George Street in Sydney, working 'laid-back chic' or, in other words, I couldn’t be assed thinking of a whole outfit so I threw a maxi dress in the suitcase :)

World Catwalk: Destination Manila

Weekend shopping in Robinsons Galleria Mall, Manila, seems to demand a uniform of the giggling Filipinas. The uniform goes a little something like this: colourful t-shirt, shorts/leggings, flat pumps. And so I set about finding those who wore it best...

One of my favourite outfits came from Jean Pedreno, who did biker on the bottom with simple black shorts and boots, then switched it up with girly sunglasses and a blast of pink on top. Filipinas (from my observations in Manila, and in Dubai) tend to dress simply, keeping accessories to a minimum and applying Coco Chanel's tactic of taking one thing off before leaving the house. Jean proves that the latest arm-party craze isn’t a must and opts for sunnies and a watch instead…

World Catwalk: Destination Copenhagen

I confess that I didn’t do my research before I set off for Copenhagen (nothing new there then). I had a rough plan to visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park (apparently), and, quite frankly, that was about it.

To be honest, sometimes it’s nice to enter a city with no preconceptions, no expectations and then be pleasantly surprised (I had a similar experience in Hong Kong – read about it here…). Copenhagen achieves the impossible in its ability to be beautiful, even in the rain. The falling drops simply bring out a moody, almost magical atmosphere in this calm Scandinavian haven.

As far as my World Catwalk is concerned, I was intrigued by the street fashion in Copenhagen because it seemed to be a little different from most other cities. Like the odd wacky-fashion kid in class, or that one in the office (face it, you know who I'm talking about), she’s the one who shocks you by stepping in with interesting combinations that are unexpected and a tad weird, but on the whole, enviably cool.

On my first walk around the city, I took in the sights of the Tivoli Gardens, and for the most part I didn’t spot too many stylistas amongst all the touristas. What I did notice though, was a recurring theme of very yummy mummies! I’m sorry, but I draw the line at tearing Mother away from Baby whilst I snap their style but I will report that the streets of Copenhagen were full of svelte, stylish, poised mums, pushing prams in heeled boots and swishing big bouncy blonde hair around – making me feel a bit frumpy yet simultaneously inspired. Hats off to glam mums everywhere – I’m sure it’s not as easy as you all make it look!

I stopped for dinner in the superb Nimb Brasserie, a restaurant on the border of Tivoli Gardens. It was there I spied Seul Ki, from Korea, who was looking perfectly quirky in her printed tea dress with dainty collar and plimsolls. I’m not sure how anyone achieves skin as luminous and perfectly porcelain as Seul Ki’s, but regardless of the mechanics as to how, this amazing combination of flawless skin and floral print, is refreshingly simple yet stylish.

World Catwalk: Destination Bangkok

Despite Bangkok regularly cropping up on my schedule, it has taken me several months to gear myself up for a ‘World Catwalk Bangkok’. Partly due to the fact that when I imagine explaining my little blog to anyone whose English isn’t close to perfect, I give myself a migraine, and also partly (read mostly) because most of my time there is spent on a massage couch.

This time I ‘sacrificed’ some of my massage time and went sightseeing - shock!
I took in the little streets that line the higgledy-piggledy edges of the Chao Phraya river, hopped on a boat to take a short cruise and marvelled at the beauty and shimmering detail involved in The Grand Palace. I had a fabulous day exploring the well-tromped tourist trail.

Not only did I exhaust my poor camera with all the wonderful sights en route, but I also had the chance to catch some very stylish daytrippers. I can’t really judge the style of the Bangkok fashion pack from this kind of outing so in future I will try to make it to Siam Square (apparently the place to be for fashionable-people-spotting) and report back on my observations...
In the meantime, these three street styles stood out in the crowded capital.

First on my camera roll was the beautifully chic, perfectly put-together Praewpilin who was taking a walk with her man. And to be honest I can’t think of a better outfit for a day soaking up Bangkok’s history and culture with your other half.
By choosing a simple white tee, Praewpilin starts with a blank canvas for her striped ankle-skimmimg flares and sleek grey bag. Minimal accessories allow shiny hair to take centre stage and she’s even achieved the unachievable – a panama hat that doesn’t look try-hard. Perfection!

The next stylish street walker to cross my radar was the delightful Guo Junyao from China.

World Catwalk: Destination London

To describe London's style is as if to ask Kim Kardashian to stop taking pictures of herself and posting them all over the internet. That is to say, it's entirely impossible.
There are a truck-load of perfectly-fitting adjectives that spring to mind and with London being home to so many nationalities, backgrounds and cultural sects, you really do have a whole world of fashion contained within one citysphere.

London's answer to Burj Khalifa...?

The capital city lives, breathes, perspires style. The 'London Look' (as coined by Rimmel/Kate Moss) is unique. Daring. Chic. Futuristic. Eclectic. Punk. Classy. Multicultural. Traditional. Evolving. Retrospective. Exciting. Involved. So many contradicting terms, so many individual takes on the meaning of what it is to be fashionable.
That is why this post is likely to be the first of many World Catwalk features from London... Every time I visit (on average, once a month), I always see so many well-dressed candidates for the World Catwalk crown so you can expect more of the below. Hope you enjoy!

Gushing complete... The real reason I came to London was in fact to lunch with my dear friend Helly (who also happens to feature below, she is one of THE most stylish people I know), and I had no intention of (read: no time for) doing shots for my regular 'World Catwalk' post. However, upon getting lost somewhere between London Bridge Station and Bermondsey Street, these street style darlings crossed my radar...

Sairah's outfit was the first thing I saw upon stepping onto the train platform. The floral scarf caught my eye with its playful fringing and summery splashes of coral and turquoise. With a (clearly very on trend) denim jacket and flowing maxi dress, this is an example of modest hijab worn with both pride and panache. Sairah, your style is simply gorgeous!

Gorgeous colours, and amazing skin - great combination!

World Catwalk: Destination Sydney [PART 3] and THANK YOU!

I never like to start anything with an apology, but... Sorry this is a day late.
I've been busy studying and training for a new chapter in my lovely airhead, sorry, of course I mean, airhostess career... Business class awaits!
Currently my brain is close to melting point, so full of posh cheeses, wines and cocktails I feel like my grey matter is equivalent to a rather tipsy afternoon tea. And my poor hands are tired from taking notes on chauffeur driven transfers, fabulous seats and possibly the most amazing lounge service I can imagine. If only it was all for me... Oh well. One can dream! And what better way to start today's post than with a dream. For me, it's a little dream of luxury, and the finer things (read: better salary!). Even though sometimes, the roughest diamonds are the most beautiful and true happiness can stem from the most unexpected sources. Amen.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get shallow! The above really has not much to do with the following outfits. In saying that, these street style posts are providing me some happiness from some unexpected sources so I guess there's the tenuous link...

Before I do any more fashion rambling, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to my lovely little group of followers.
As a blogger who is new to the scene, it's so nice to see genuine interest from other talented bloggers from all over the globe, and I didn't realise my writing could lead to an exciting network of hopefully will-be friends. You guys are the best - thanks!

And now, to the rambling.
This is the last post in my trilogy of World Catwalk: Destination Sydney street styles. I hope you have enjoyed the previous entries and if you're intrigued or missed out, you can click on the 'World Catwalk' tab at the top of this page, or simply click HERE for Part 1 or HERE for Part 2.

Today starts with Amel, originally French-Algerian, who is sporting one of my favourite looks of the year. The colour blocked blazer. These things aren't called blazers for nothing - I like the fact the word 'blaze' is in there because that's exactly what this hot peppery pink does. It shines! And makes an otherwise understated outfit something modern and exciting. I also love Amel's luxurious jewellery statements which are not too bling for a daytime get-up, but shiny enough to show a bit of it-girl cool. Trés jolie, ma cherie!

What a blazer... what a backdrop! I love Sydney's amazing architecture... and the handbag too!

World Catwalk: Destination Sydney [PART 2]

So I'm hoping you all thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's instalment in my little World Catwalk Sydney series!

As I mentioned HERE my day of street style hunting was a lot more fun than I thought it might be despite the rain, and I discovered so many stylish girls, hence why this is the first World Catwalk post I've split up to allow full street style digestion. Oh yes.

To continue with showcasing some of said looks, here are the lovely ladies who allowed me to snap them for The Trolley Dolly, this lovely little creative space blog of mine...

On the lower ground floor of Westfield shopping centre, there lies a scattering of painfully cool vintage stalls, boutiques and find-weird-stuff-here businesses that sell one-off wardrobe updates, interesting interiors and generally too much stuff for me to ship home in my suitcase. Booo.
However, it's not all bad... the place was so full of stylish people I genuinely didn't have time to snap them all! Two of these stylish people were Michelle and Julie.
I chose to feature Michelle (LEFT) and Julie (RIGHT) because this pair of shopping friends looked so relaxed and comfortable in their outfits that it added an extra element to the look.
Blazer, platforms, velvet, studs, socks-with-shoes, knits... these girls cleared out the fashion cupboard with their list of trends and then they go and act all surprised when I stop to tell them how great they look! Modesty, too?! That's not very Anna Wintour now is it? It really was a pleasure chatting to these lovely girls!
Michelle's blazer is so stylish the way the colour is slightly masculine with the shorts. I also love the combination of grey socks and purple shoes. Genius!
Julie's eye-catching blue velvet skirt reminded me of the Olsens and their/my love for nods to distant decades. I on the other hand, am not quite smart enough to imagine it with a striped knit (original thinking points go to Julie).

Style with a smile... Michelle (left) and Julie (right) look great!

Enjoying the winter colour combo

World Catwalk: Destination Sydney [PART 1]

So this is the weather I was expecting... (which came a day later!)

And this was the day World Catwalk happened - umbrellas at the ready!

I had almost given up on the idea of walking around Sydney, camera tucked away in my little baggie, and umbrella clutched close. I really was another raindrop-in-my-eye away from turning around and just marching right back down Pitt Street. Back to the cosy Marriott bed with all its varieties of pillow, fluffy duvet appeal and hot tea (with lots of sugar please).

After a 9 hour overnight flight from Bangkok, I really had to use all the power of my tired little mind to force myself onto the high street on the hunt for stylish Sydneyettes.

I performed my old trick of assuming things about a city. Assuming that, as it is a rainy day, no-one will have bothered their behinds to dress stylishly or perhaps even have bothered to venture out at all… I personally can think of many more exciting things to do than slosh my way round sodden streets on a Sunday morning… Really must stop thinking about those Marriott pillows – this is not healthy!

And once again, my assumptions were proved wrong by hoards of shoppers all piling in and out of the collection of shopping centres and department stores that busy one end of Pitt Street in central Sydney. These little retreats from the rain provided the perfect backdrop for my World Catwalk activity. And I’ve never had such an easy day of it!

Could I stick my neck out and say that Sydney is home to some of the world’s best street style? Well, according to The Trolley Dolly that is… and I’ve not yet set Mr Nikon (yes, I have named my camera) free in London, Paris or New York. But really, this was an individualist fashion-fest with some of the coolest girls I’ve seen.

You know, I didn’t get the feeling that these girls were wearing their clothes by way of grabbing attention/scoring points. The general vibe was more, “hey, I pulled this cool skirt out of my closet this morning, and I teamed it with the next thing that I happened to lay my hands on.”

Relaxed, cool, upbeat and friendly – Sydney girls.

Unleashing my inner geek, I took some notes whilst taking my snaps. Just a jumbled scribble of popular themes, micro-trends if you will, that popped up most commonly. So here’s my example of perfect handwriting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I was tired... is that a good enough excuse for 'INDIVIDUAL' and 'INDIVIDUALIST'?

And so to the part I always take longest to get to (sorry folks) – the stylish people!

I’ve actually decided to split this story over a couple of blog posts as there are quite a few to show you all!

1 Top: 7 Ways >>> PART 3

Today sees the last of my seven looks created with just one top! I hope you've enjoyed this mini-series... sometimes it's fun to see what you can create from your own wardrobe, knowing there's no post-retail guilt trip to come. It's all very well throwing money around with designers and buying up every new collection from Zara and H&M but it's nice to know how to 'recycle' a piece without looking like you only need one coathanger for your entire closet.

You can take a look at Part 1 (looks 1 & 2) here, and if you want to see what else I did with my LBT (Lovely Black Top), you can click here for Part 2.

And finally, here are looks 6 and 7 - let me know if you like them! :)

LOOK 6

Goodie two-shoes

Cardi, Primark | Jeans, Salsa
Jewellery, Barcelona street stall / talented Spanish man :)

[Wear it for... a family do | lunch with the 'rents | shisha date]
[Style it: neckline under your arms creating the illusion of a strapless top - and then you can decide whether you'd like to tie the sleeves in a bow in the middle of your back, or tuck them inside the neckline. If you're not wearing a cardi, I think the bow would look better. Just a thought.] 

LOOK 7

Slimline

I personally love this look with black jeans, as I think it would look too complicated with another colour -
but leather-effect leggings (and very big hair) could also look very rock n roll :)

I like the look of these skinny jeans tucked into the shoes.
It's a little bit edgier and shows off the bright orange suede.

[Wear it for... a date | work (with a coloured blazer) | dinner somewhere posh (how about a sequinned blazer this time?)]

[Style it: one arm in, one arm out. The unused sleeve is then brought around your back and under your bust to create a sort of belt and the end is neatly tucked away under the exposed arm.]

And that's that - 1 top, 7 ways!
Let me know which little ensemble you liked best - I'm tied between Look 3 and Look 7... what do you think?

Love from orange-suede-obsessed Dolly x

1 Top: 7 Ways >>> PART 2

Welcome to the second part of my little one-top-trilogy, using just one ingeniously versatile black top from Salsa Jeans and a limited wardrobe selection... click here to view Part 1 if you want all the details!
I hope you like my ideas, pretty much slapdashedly put-together one sunny afternoon when I was feeling a wee bit creative...
I think my personal favourite is LOOK 3 - which one do you like best?

LOOK 3

Attention to detail

Top, Salsa Jeans | Jeans, Salsa Jeans | Shoes, Zara

I'm having a moment with these a.ma.zing Zara shoes -
bought in Madrid for 29 euros, I love shopping Mango and Zara in Spain!

[Wear it for... a first date | rooftop cocktails | posh bbq]
[Style it: Simply place the elasticated neckline under your arms to start with, and then drape the sleeves from the either side at the front to the back of your neck, where you can secure them with a pin, or with a simple knot. I kept accessories to a minimum, and just brought out my big earrings (always a winner).]

LOOK 4

1 Top: 7 Ways >>> PART 1

I discovered Salsa Jeans in Dubai.
The Portuguese brand is one I'd never heard of whilst living in Scotland and although we have the likes of Bershka, Mango and other delightful European imports, I must have somehow missed the Salsa boat. It's possibly a stroke of luck that I was oblivious for so long, from the point of view of my poor, abused credit card... but I am now officially a BIG fan.

This however, is not a post on how much I adore their famous insta-figurefixing jeans (that's to come later).
It is instead the first of three posts about one very versatile top from Salsa which slunk off the hanger and into my wardrobe after I discovered how inspired its design is. 

The top has been made to produce 5 different looks (according to the tag), and I have put together the following 7 looks... using different styling so that each one is different to the other. 
One top providing an outfit for each day of the week - can't be bad!
I've also limited myself to only a few accessories, one jacket and two pairs of shoes, plus basic bottoms (blue/black jeans & leggings), to show how simply changing the top can totally change the outfit!

Enlisting the help of Mum (clearly a natural with the camera!), we shot this in Scotland and I do hope you like my little floral backgrounds in line with the latest trend floating around this season...

These outfits are entirely my own style so I apologise in advance for the great expanse of black that you'll see . I do love black... But I thought a wee splish-splash of orange shoes and blue denim would be enough to brighten it all up!

If you're interested in trying this idea, you might not find the top as I bought it a couple of months ago, however, any loose-fit, stretch top with a wide neck will work.
Enjoy - here's PART 1!

LOOK 1

Dolly in black

I road-tested this outfit coming from Dubai to Glasgow -
full flight, sitting next to fidgeting mother with 6 month-er, 
and it passed the comfort test with flying colours...
And this bag was a lovely £12 from Primark.
Yes. That is my smug, just-got-a-bargain face... How did you guess?

Leggings, Topshop | Boots, (very last last laaaast season) Zara | Jacket, Zara

[Wear it: work | casual business lunch | air travel]
[Style it: this look uses the top, as is, with both sleeves, and the elasticated lower part extended over the leggings slightly. No-one wants to see anyone else's butt in leggings, sorry!]

LOOK 2

City safari

Jeans, Salsa | Earrings, Aldo | Scarf, Mum's



Note - for all those with no waist (like moi), invent one with this double trick...
Tie a skinny scarf at the narrowest point of the jacket (where it nips in at the waist),
not the narrowest point of your torso.



I love leopard and peacock together - it's my safari in the city :)

[Wear it: lunch with the girls | date night | coffee with a client]
[Style it: for this, i pushed the sleeves inside the elasticated neckline and then pulled the neckline up under my arms so it holds the top as a strapless number. 

I added a scarf to break up all that black but if you're short, this won't work so well with flat boots, so I'd suggest (nude) heels instead.]

Hope you've enjoyed the picture-fest that is Part 1, more to come tomorrow!

Let me know what you think of these different looks :)

Love from dressing up Dolly x

World Catwalk - Scotland Special!

This time, World Catwalk has taken a trip to Scotland… one of my two homes (the other being Beirut) and a place of many different looks.

I figured it would be a fun experiment to chronicle Scottish style through my stylish friends.
Generally speaking, I love and I loathe Scottish (and British) style in equal measure as we can get it so right, and then round the next corner, so wrong.
I know that can be said for any nation. But what I’m talking about isn’t the no-clue-no-care getting it wrong, but in fact the trying-so-hard-to-get-it-right-I-got-it-wrong, getting it wrong.

Did that make any sense?
Well, it did to me.

I am not, nor have ever claimed to be, a stylist or fashion knowitall. I do, however, realise my own sense of ‘cringe’ upon seeing a nice pair of shorts teamed with the wrong tights/sandals/sequins combination (in the middle of the pouring rain no less), or a horribly neon tracksuit with equally horrible matching neon trainers/headband/handbag look (seen it). In all fairness, I am also the first to point to the stylish girl on the other side of the street and say how brilliantly put-together her outfit is, or how cute her boots are (more often than not). I think I am developing a rather if not altogether unhealthy obsession with other people’s boots. Hey ho.

The average Scottish girl’s style is, dare I say it, largely magazine fed, celebrity-inspired, cunningly created on the high street with online shopping buys adding a little individualist flare to each outfit. From the hair to the nails, to the enterprising use of leggings, these girls read magazines and they know how to work a bit of Vivienne Westwood into their H&M/Urban Outfitters collab. Glasgow is also clearly home to the world’s largest collection of painfully-cool Korean, Chinese and Japanese students, who know how to don quirky shoes, amazing skirts and where-on-earth-did-you-get-those accessories.

Hats off to my Scottish girls though, as I would say they are some of the world’s best at effortlessly dressing up skinny jeans and despite (or perhaps because of) the weather, religiously maintaining their fake tanning regime! Yeah!

On to my World Catwalk ladies, starting with...

Show & Tell - Maggie's Farm Boutique, Dundee

It was just by chance that I happened to glance inside to the magical interior of Maggie’s Farm Boutique, carefully and cleverly designed by owner, Laurissa Drysdale.

It was a love at first sight moment – when I clapped eyes on a gaudily upholstered armchair in the shop window, its pink and gold combination waving at me like an old friend. Oh, how I exaggerate. It was subsequently a heartbreak moment upon discovering the wonderful chair had in fact already been sold! Damn these one-offs and their finders keepers charm.

Clothes and amazing furniture - I'm in heaven!

And it’s not just chairs… this beautiful boutique has all sorts of dreamy numbers for the vintage junkie. Chairs, chests, chic dresses and bags, pretty playsuits, scarves, tees, shorts, jackets, jewellery… someone STOP me! Playing in this fairground of inspired style, colour and detail, I daydreamed of a wardrobe that emanates cool like Ashley Olsen, style like Rachel Zoe, and quirky chic like Le Blog De Betty and all sorts of other nonsense that I needn’t (read – shouldn’t) divulge. If you get the chance to pop in, you’ll understand why, and maybe have a few daydreams of your own…

Chair, £125 | Dressing table (behind), £395

Her stock, its detail, diversity and lack of mainstream availability, is in fact the reason why Laurissa’s beautiful boutique (named after a Bob Dylan tune, in case you’re wondering) has remained one of Dundee’s secret successes. “I hate when I spend a fortune on an outfit, only to go out and discover everyone else is wearing the same thing,” Laurissa told me. I couldn’t agree more.

The interesting (and appealing) thing about Maggie’s Farm is that not only does it provide the high street shopper with a quirky vintage alternative to the mass produced Primark / New Look fare, Laurissa also buys in non-vintage pieces and re-works them for an individual, unique twist on a modern product. Alongside this clothing fantasy, she also stocks wonderful jewellery and Ashley Olsen-worthy bags. I have a crush on the fringed leather masterpiece that comes in tan and black (below).