Country Costumes: Croatia

I have always respected Croatia and see them as a strong side with a lot of potential. I believe they deserve more recognition as their debut in the 1998 World Cup for the first time as an independent country saw them leap from the 125th spot to the 3rd in the World rankings (they also reached 2nd upon beating Germany in the semis). The dramatic leap saw them winning their second FIFA Best Mover of the Year award after winning their first in 1994. Their French campaign was certainly captivating to watch as a small Soviet bloc breakaway took the competition by storm, gunning to third place as they defeated tough sides Netherlands and Germany in the process. Davor Šuker also bagged the top scorer award that summer.

It has been 19 years since Croatia gained membership in both FIFA and UEFA yet they can still be considered newcomers in the continental stage. Both their pre-Yugoslavian and Yugoslavian records are nothing but a starting point as the new Croatian team sought to make their own history. While they have yet to show the same class as their 90s Golden Generation, each upcoming competition becomes a chance for Croatia to find their initial success once more. Their last Euros appearance saw them exiting in the quarter finals to Turkey in a penalty shootout and the nation certainly hopes in making it further this time when they attempt to garner attention as they did in France 14 years ago.

The arrival of Slaven Bilić in 2006 certainly had the ball turning in the invigoration direction but it has been six years since and only this year's Euros can tell whether the now dubbed 'Bilić boys' deserve the credit. Despite their poor form in the 2010 World Cup, Bilić remains in charge and brought them to qualify for this year after a 3-0 revenge on Turkey in the qualifying play-offs. I believe Croatia is about revival, potential, and hope. Taking this into consideration, I decided to create an outfit that takes inspiration from the Balkans as a melting pot of the cultures of Christianity, Islam and Greco-Roman civilisation. A strong Hungarian and communist influences also exist.

The skirt is a take on the elaborate baroque style that became prominent in Croatia after reunification of the country with her occupied parts. The colour black and white is representative of the coat of Dalmatians, which hail from the country. The top is structured, in a soft blue-ish hue reminiscent of the ocean. A statement necklace of feathers, wool knots and other trinkets is a tribute to the rich culture of the Ottoman Empire. The clutch and shoes are by Croatian-born designers, representative of modern Croatia while the ring is a fun take on football and art combined.

Top, Carven, £180
Skirt, Balmain, £5395
Necklace, Dior, price unavailable
Bag, Lei Lou by Aleksandre Dojčinović, £267.20
Ring, Trina Turk, £43.40
Shoes, Damir Doma, £512

Team Togs: Hertha BSC

Back again to the Bundesliga! This time we’ve headed over to the German capital and are bringing you an outfit inspired by Hertha Berlin. Although some of the first things that may come to mind about Berlin may be the Berlin airlift, the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification of Germany, or JFK’s iconic “Ich bin ein Berliner” gaffe to name just a few iconic events, we’ve forgone the rich history of the city in favour of the equally action-packed history of the club.

Hertha were an inaugural member of the Bundesliga back in 1963 but the decade following was less than memorable, wrought by a bribery scandal that resulted in relegation and being several million euros in debt. The 70s brought a fair amount of success (bar a match fixing scandal) but more than half of the next 20 years were spent in the II. Bundesliga. Fast forward through some more debt and countless ups and downs and you've got a pretty good summary of the past 60 years for Berlin's favourite football team.

After reading the quick sparknotes version of Hertha’s recent history and still keeping in mind their origin of being named after a steamship by one of the founding members of BFC Hertha 92, we just couldn’t resist creating a slightly insane look with sailor-inspired elements. Think of it as something you could put together if someone put you in a shop after you've had a few beers.

There's no true centrepiece to this outfit, just individual elements that come together to create a whole. We've paired an anchor embellished pullover with nautical-striped pants, two strong sea-inspired elements but not quite overboard*. Add a bright blue bag and chained black trainers and we take the look up another notch. We accessorise with only a chunky seed bead bib, further enhancing the strong presence of blues in this outfit.

*Please don't sue us for any injuries inflicted from facepalming over our brilliant punnyness.


Pullover, L'Eclaireur, £78;
Bag, Givenchy, £1500;
Necklace, Charm & Chain, £60;
Trainers, ASOS, £113;
Pants, AX Paris, £30

Team Togs: Tottenham Hotspur FC

When we first started this blog, the Tottenham question came to discussion more often than it should. As fashion bloggers who are partial to the boys of Highbury – trying to create both a wearable outfit inspired by our bitter neighbours down the road seems more agonizing than leggings worn as pants. At first we resorted to the ‘quick as a band-aid’ route but we had other ideas piling that the cockerels were the last thing on our minds. The next was the pretend-we-forgot-and-hope-nobody-notices option which we agreed until I made the mistake of giving Lia the task of Ajax AFC, which as a die-hard Feyenoord fan was equal to stealing her first-born.

I felt distraught, angry, lost, betrayed and most of all – confused. It felt like she had grabbed the insides of my being, devoured them and hurled back into my mouth for me to consume. Imagine – sitting down and giving your time to Spurs! Does she think I was all the twelve Olympians combined into one super-god? Surprisingly after much cursing, mumbling, and yawning when I started my research, I came across the history of their name and crest that proved to be very valuable.

Sir Henry Percy, the son of the 1st Earl of Northumberland owned much of the lands in Tottenham in the 15^th century. He was nicknamed ‘Harry Hotspur’ due to his reckless and quick-tempered nature. He had a hobby for cock fighting and spurs were fitted on the cockerels’ legs. The team was named after him, and bears the cockerel as a tribute. Another thing to note was his attempt to overthrow Henry IV with his uncle but as a result died in the rebellion.

Using this fact as the basis for my look – I put together an outfit that is sartorial-heavy with hints of country living. I went for a streamlined, no-nonsense off-duty drab that Phoebe Philo could be proud of. We start with an ombré-dyed silk pants and a simple navy tee then we cover up with a tweed equestrian-inspired jacket. We keep the accessorising to a minimal with a sterling cockerel-design ring and a structured no-fuss bag in burgundy and navy - colours the team used in the late 19^th century. We finish with chunky glitter sandals to represent Harry Percy’s bold personality. 

Trousers, Topshop, £75

Tee, Vince, £100

Jacket, Day Birger et Mikelsen, £162 (on sale)

Shoes, Givenchy, £629

Bag, Burberry, £1355

Ring, Dark Mode, £614.40

Home and Away: Manchester City

Hi all! It's been a while since we've done a Home & Away series so today it's making a comeback in the form of two fun outfits for spring as the season begins to edge to a close. We've chosen the home and third kits of Manchester City as they're perfect colours to use as bases in spring-inspired outfits, not to mention their away kit reminds us slightly too much of AC Milan (and not in a very good way).

Starting us off is the home-inspired outfit. Casual with a bit of bling would be a good way to describe what we've put together. A simplistic blouse, a white skirt with a hint of lace, and a tote - sounds like a primary schoolteacher, no? Although the blouse and tote are both pastel, they're soft enough to be paired with a crisp white skirt and not have it look like you've just stepped out of a tornado of colours.

To spice up the look we've added a glaring pair of silvery glitter wedges and a few extra accents of turquoise and silver in the form of accessories here and there. Silver hoops and bangles are a mainstay in anyone's wardrobe, as you can never go wrong with them in any outfit, while the chunky ring and feather-patterned necklace can be used in boho chic and casual looks.

Cuff, Blue Nile, £227;

Skirt, Stylebop, £230;

Ring, Charm&Chain, £31;

Earrings, Wallis, £7;

Necklace, The Trend Boutique, £37;

Tote, Chloé, £1545;

Wedges, DSW, £31;

Blouse, The Outnet, £220

Next up we have the third kit as our main source of inspiration in the outfit. Every gal should own at least one skater dress, whether it's printed or solid coloured, as it's a nice flattering cut on just about every body type. To keep us warm in case there's a draft, we've added a cropped asymmetrical lace jacket, a funky twist to the normal cardigan we may usually pair with the dress.

As much as we love our heels, flats and a small clutch are the way to go with this casual spring day look. We certainly don't want to create an overwhelming or Frankenstein-esque essence in this outfit! Add a bit of sparkle with some gold jewelry (and a subtle reference to the home colour in the necklace) and you're good to go.

Flats, Dorthy Perkins, £18;

Bracelet, Alexander McQueen, £313;

Dress, Chiara, £9;

Clutch, Very Eickhoff, £150;

Necklace, Pret-A-Beaute, £51;

Jacket, Mango, £45

Team Togs: AJ Auxerre

Since I'm quite surprised (more shocked and appalled, really) that we have yet to touch Ligue 1 - a Team Togs emergency was needed to cover this void. I could probably proclaim myself a Francophile - I do love the language, the food, the culture, the men, and of course, the fashion yet I probably won't go so far as saying so. Another thing I love from France is but of course, the wine. Say what you want about the growth of Australian, Californian, and Chilean wine - nothing beats a good bottle from Burgundy.

Our Team Togs this time is AJ Auxerre, a team based none other than in the Bourgougne region. For Arsenal fans, this was the team Bacary Sagna grew up and flourished in. He talks about his hometown, Sens sentimentally in an interview, and one thing I've always noted was his constant mention of the vineyards in it. With that in mind, I attempt to infuse the feel of country chic in this winery inspired outfit.

Auxerre's colour is a beautiful powder blue though the team dons an all white kit with this very same blue trimmings. Without being too literal, powder blue and white are two very true colour themes in this look. We add a dose of none other than burgundy to pay tribute to the wine making culture of the region where AJ Auxerre is from.

Think spring afternoon walking through the Burgundian vineyards, picnics under a tree, your very own Bacary Sagna optional, though recommended. This is a perfect outfit for a relaxed atmosphere, girly yet not high maintenance. The printed tee plays down the pastel floral skirt, add a leather satchel in that beautiful powder blue once more, stacked bracelets, burgundy brogues, and a straw fedora.

Tee, J. Crew, £26
Skirt, Acne, £220
Shoes, Miu Miu, £335
Bag, Chloé, £340
Leather bracelet, Presh, £44
'Rope' bracelet, Aurélie Bidermann, £245.50
Bangle, Kenneth Jay Lane, £238
Fedora, Biltmore, £36

Safe Hands: Blue Is The Colour, Football Is The Game

We're kickin' off another new series today - Safe Hands! I'm a huge fan of nail varnish and can't resist picking up a pot or two whenever I'm out, so what better than to feature a new colour each week?

To start us off, we have Blue By You, by Sinful Colors. This is a perfect colour for any of you ladies who happen to support a blue team, or maybe just want to rock a "cool" colour. There's just enough sparkle in this varnish that will catch anyone's attention but keep you from crossing the cheap, over the top gaudy line.

All you'll need are 2 quick coats and you'll have a nice, glossy finish as shown below:

(The best part? At only £1 each, you'll be able to stock up your nail varnish collection without feeling the least bit guilty!)

Team Togs: Everton FC

One of my favourite styles lately has to be defined as "simple with a twist." I love clothes that are versatile for almost any situation but also practical and comfortable. Here I've put together a look that can be worn for Everton, Chelsea, or even Birmingham City - and that's just in England! Any team that has royal blue as its colour could rock this look.

This sleeveless dress is the focus of this outfit. We've added a cardigan to keep out the draft and a pair of Ray-Bans should the sun become unbearable. (In England? Right...) The bangles and earrings are subtle, a reminder that the focus of the outfit is the dress, not the accessories.

The messenger bag and flats keep this cardigan and dress combination from becoming too much of a cute primary schoolteacher look. However, what's any outfit without a bit of bling? The dome ring is exactly that - a cluster of sparkling blue to enhance your overall look.

Dress, Chiara, £12.95;
Dome ring, Forever 21, £3.60;
Earrings, Forever 21, £0.90;
Cardigan, Donna Ida, £122.50;
Bangles, Forever 21, £5.50;
Messenger bag, Fossil, £143;
Ray-Bans, Macy's, £94;
Flats, JC Penney, £25

Beauty Break: Arsenal FC (Away Colours)

Call it cerulean, sapphire, azure, ultramarine, royal, or just blue - it's a colour that guarantees a sense of calmness, serenity, zen, and relaxation...

...except when it's a blue of breathable material against the skins of eleven confused men trying to chase a ball to the back of a net.

Taking inspiration from the 2012/2013 Arsenal Away kit - this Beauty Break debut post focuses on six products we recommend added to your make up pouches as inspired by the blues sported this season by the Arsenal boys.

1) Shu Uemura depsea water (Lavender), £16.50

I've sworn by this product for over 4 years now and can't think of a skincare regime sans this little lady. She looks almost mysteriously useless as your next hydrating spray - yet, my skin have never been better after adding this to my regime. Simply spray it on twice a day - after waking up and before bed (preferably before moisturising).

2) Mac eyeshadow (Electric eel), £9.50

I'm not your average Mac fangirl, but I am a huge fan of their eye shadows. They are always highly pigmented and never fails to do your eyes justice. This shade is boldly blue - almost offensive - but for a night out, it could be the perfect pop of colour amongst a sea of black. 

3) OPI nail varnish (Blue my mind), £6 

OPI nail varnishes are a must in every girl's collection - their colour ranges from here to no end and they turn out beautiful. I have hardly gotten chipped nails since swearing by OPI varnishes. I have tried a dupe to this colour called 'Dating A Royal' and though it is not personally great for my skin tone, it's a beautiful colour nonetheless. 

4) NARS soft touch shadow pencil (Dark rite), £15

I was introduced to NARS by my sister when I was taught how to wear make up for dance performances as a wee 14-year old. I never looked back and now understood the rather pricey tag (double the prices of Mac pencils!). This colour is to die for and runs beautifully on your skin, the colour comes out perfectly. If you are willing to invest on good make up, NARS is the way to go. 

5) Malin + Goetz detox face mask, £25

Voted Allure's best face mask in 2008, I decided to give this bad boy a try after discovering the New York-based brand. I fell in love in an instance. It leaves your skin feeling smooth, clean, and rather brand new. I use this product once every week or so and have never needed a facial ever since! 

6) Mac penultimate eye liner (Rapidblack), £12

Mac products are made for the eyes. Their liners are amongst the best in the business and I have never felt the need to find an alternative to their gel liners. For those who are hesitant to get their famous gel liner pots out of inconvenience, their pen-style liners are your next best thing. As you can never go wrong with black, Mac black at that - it's no wonder they only released it in one colour. 

Team Togs: Carling Cup Edition

With Carling Cup over - celebrations by Reds fan are all but finished. The Colney Chic decided to take this moment to spin a league showdown into a fashion head to head. Our take on the final consists of this: a light, airy - yet tough as nails outfit representing our Welsh side and an ethereal modern take of the 70s as the Scouse contender.

Cardiff: A strapless preppy blue gingham dress, layered with a bold swallow-print jacket is a take on the ever reigning print on print. Accessories are gold-themed, and the cuff stays in line with Cardiff's swallow mascot. We believe an outfit is incomplete without a bit of oddity - and so the decision to give the outfit white tights and ballet flats. Yes, someone may shoot us.

Dress, Abercrombie & Fitch, £49
Jacket, Monsoon, £59
Clutch, ASOS, £35
Flats, Chloé, £216
Tights, Nordstorm, £7.50
Cuff, Relic, £7.50

Liverpool: We know, we know a sheer maxi double skirt... it's that trend you'd love to be able to pull off but know you'll just look like a tool doing. In this case as an inspired outfit - anything goes. Forget black, we focus on the maxi skirt as the centre of the outfit - bright iconic Liverpool red. As chiffon makes you think of evening dresses, we take down the material with a simple statement tee. Pair it with an off-white blazer and earthy accessories such as a straw clutch and wooden platforms and you're good to go.

Skirt, Desire Clothing, £24
Tee, Wildfox Couture, £40
Blazer, Topshop, £50
Platforms, Topshop, £85
Clutch, Warehouse, £28
Bracelets, H&M, £3.99