DRESS IT UP DRESS ME DOWN

It's always useful to have a dress in your wardrobe that works for you, that versatile piece you can dress up or down with the smallest of efforts. The dress that works around how you're feeling, with the ability to change depending on where you're off to or what mood you're in. We've picked 3 dresses in store now that we think possess the exact qualities you look for in a day to night frock. 

CLUELESS

DAY: We've teamed this cream checked mini dress with a pair of cut out boots, drawstring duffle bag and polished off with a cute cat ear watch (all ASOS)

NIGHT: Add a pop of colour with a bit of bright arm candy. Match up your lippy to your candy, we love Model's Own in 'Annalisas Pink'

FADE OUT 

DAY: We love these Nike Rosheruns in black and white, ideal for summer and much comfier than our summer sandals. We've paired the dress with the queen of day bags, the tote. We love this black quilted leather beaut from ASOS.

NIGHT: This season we're having a total white out. White accessories just seem to look so much better this year. This dress has an over-sized tee feel about it and these white sandals from ASOS are the perfect way to sex it up a little.


CANDY

DAY: God love a candy colour scheme, we've teamed this dress a parma violet coloured satchel and our summer staple shoe, the espadrille.

NIGHT: You can never go wrong with metallic accessories which work perfectly with the grey paisley design.  These chunky heeled sandals from ASOS contrast nicely with this ultra feminine sun dress.

I Think I Need a Vacay: Our Holiday Essentials

Packing for your holiday can be stressful, especially if you're signed up to the good old one item of hand luggage only rule. Making sure you have everything you need and fitting it into one tiny weekend bag is a skill, in fact it's an art. Everyone knows the trick is to only pack what you're realistically going to wear. This means the backless gold jumpsuit with floor length tassels from River Island that's 2 sizes too small, that you bought 2 years ago, to wear once you'd lost a few pounds (but haven't) stays at home in your bottom drawer, where it belongs. We're a strong believer in the pack-by-day-plan technique, choosing one option for each day of your vacay, and one only! This requires conviction and foresight, two things that may go out the window when you're trying to squeeze 15 bikinis into the inside pocket of your case. 

Now we can't help you be a better person or packer, but we can list our favourite items that will be making it into our cases this summer for when we finally jet off into the sunshine. 

The Black One Piece

Get yourself a decent cossie this year. Bikini's are cool and all but suits have a certain je ne sais quoi that make bikini wearers look like they stepped fresh out of Teen Vogue. We're not talking special K vibes here, or those mumsie 90's throw backs American Apparel are rinsing this summer We're talking statement suits, solid bright colours and sexy cut outs. We love this one shouldered piece from ASOS, all black, asymmetrical shape and mesh inserts, perfect for when that base tan kicks in. 

The Pussy Cat Shades

There are two types of sunglasses people; there are those who get through sunnies quicker than they get through socks, then there are those who invest in some serious eye gear, carry protective cloth around with them and get really uncomfortable when you ask if you can try them on. The latter are the ones who have the best eye game, they're ones who might invest in a pair of these babies (see below). These Illesteva beauties, produced in collab with Zac Posen, are the perfect and much more glamourous alternative to the round spectacle frame specs which still seem to be doing the rounds this season. 

The HOUSEOFJAM Kimono 

Like we said earlier, you need to be economical with space when packing. Which is why including versatile pieces in your case leaves more room for all the things you hate to pack but have to i.e. your freakin massive hairdryer. The kimono is our fail safe all rounder, beach cover-up in the day and throw it over anything in the evening. They're the simplest way to liven up the levi cut-offs/vest combo, a look we which we pretty much live in, especially when we're on our hols. 

SHOP HOUSEOFJAM 

We Like Short Shorts!

Summer is finally here! We think... Perhaps... Let me check... Um... I think I see the sun...? No wait...  Anyway, it's going to be November before you know it so as far as your summer wardrobe is concerned, the time is NOW! Suck it up, ditch the tights and brave it with bare legs. While you're at it, swerve the heavy knitwear and get some sun/day light on those pasty limbs.

We've got some great high-waisted beauties to get you in the mood for summer, perfect for festivals and even better for lapping up some proper weather in sunnier climes. Here at House of Jam we like to think of ourselves as connoisseurs of the high waist, hand picking only the finest selection for you lovely people, and tweaking them to the perfect up to date, on trend, fit and shape This season, our short shorts are the new Palazzo pant, think less length, more booty....

Festival Fashwan

Whether you're into rolling around Stone Circle or parading along Las Ramblas, one things for certain, the most important thing at festivals (after having fun) is your wardrobe.

We picked 5 festivals we're off to this summer and a fail safe get-up to match...

Sonar 13th-15th June

Ditch the flat, opt for a block and DON'T forget your sunnies. Our Tie dye dress work wonders with a little bit of added height, these Aladdin gladiator boots from TOPSHOP are the perfect match. 

HOUSEOFJAM - TIE DIE DRESS

Aladdin Gladiator Sandals - TOPSHOP, 'Together Forever' rings - NICO NI, 'Feel My Pulse' MAC lipstick

Glastonbury 26th - 30th June

Don't cringe out in a pair of pink hunters, man up! A bit of mud never hurt anyone. Keep it simple with our fringed Kimono, cut offs and a lil'bumbag for all your essentials. Don't forget the baby wipes!

HOUSEOFJAM - KIMONO 

Jeepers Peepers Sunglasses @ ASOS, sequinned bumbag - ASOS, Ankle Boots - ALDO

LOVEBOX 19th-21st July

The highlight of the London people watchers year, flat surfaces and open spaces. Long as it's dry we're pro-heel, but keep it thick though, save sinking into soggy grass for Glasto. 

HOUSEOFJAM - SASHA CAPE DRESS

Sunglasses - ASOS, 'Avenger' Chelsea Boot - ASOS, Viva La Glam Lipstick - MAC

Secret Garden 25th - 28th July

Don't go too cray cray with the face paint, it'll be on the floor in 10 minutes and you won't be able to pick up the pieces. Get physical with a tub of MAC reflects transparent pink glitter and shimmer your way through til Monday.

HOUSEOFJAM - TIE DIE DRESS

Striped rucksack - ASOS, Glitter - MAC, Sunglasses - ASOS

Dimensions - 5th - 9th September

There's nothing luxe about sun burn and sweat, which is why getting dressed in 30 degree heat sometimes calls for simplicity and no frills. Our polka dot 2 piece is not only easy on the eye but easily slipped on and off....Handy. 

HOUSEOFJAM - POLKADOT TWO-PIECE 
Flatforms - ASOS, Lashes - Illamasqua, Earrings - TOPSHOP