Search Results for “x factor”

Five fab heels guaranteed to put a spring in your step!

by on 28th February 2013 0 comments

[noskim] We’re in the mood for shopping, and nothing makes us happier than splashing the cash on some fabulous pieces of footwear that will put a spring in our step and song in our hearts – with an emphasis on the word “spring”. Now that the weather’s warming up a bit (or at least, it’s supposed to) it’s time to ditch those fur-lined boots that have been our savior in the bitterly cold winter for something lighter, more feminine and best of all, more glamorous. Take a look at then gorgeous designer shoes we’ve picked out for you below. Ok, we’ve kind of broken our own rule and even gone for cheeky pair of Kate Spade flats as well – we couldn’t resist the rich cobalt blue tones, or the inevitable comfort that they will bring after a long, hard night of partying. What do you think of our selection of Kate Spade shoes? Which pair is your favourite? 1. Kate Spade Licorice Pump Pink Snake If you like your colours bright and your heels high, look no further than these beauties. The licorice pump in pink snake is an elegant and feminine shape for all you chic ladies out there, but is still attention-grabbing enough with its snakey texture and pointed toe to add some versatility and wow factor to your outfit. 2. Kate Spade Licorice Pump Seafoam Patent Another shoe in an elegant shape and contemporary colour. Slightly more muted and understated that its pink snake counterpart above, but just as fashion-forward. Wear with similar pastel colours, colour-clash it with some brights or add them to a monochrome outfit to jazz it up, this is a hard-working pump and the styling choices are endless. 3. Kate Spade Karolina Bow Porcelain Patent If ever there was a shoe with […]

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10 Must have pieces for spring

by on 22nd February 2013 0 comments

De-cluttering your wardrobe for the lighter spring months ahead is always a joy. Although not entirely ditching, but pushing thick knitwear, snow-proof boots and coats easily mistaken for blankets to the back of your wardrobe is liberating; they don’t say out of sight, out of mind for no reason! So, take your new season shopping cue from our edit of the top ten spring buys to snap up now and, weather permitting, next time you find yourself reaching into your wardrobe for comfort clothing, you’ll be met with the softest blouse, the brightest blazer and the most covetable denim dress imaginable. Go on; put a spring in your style step with our top picks below.   Denim embroidered dress, £42, Miss Selfridge:  The perfect spring/summer dress that acts as a great transitional piece, too. Wear with tights, ankle boots and a biker jacket for chillier days. Tory Burch Miles printed canvas sneakers, £110, Net-a-Porter: Sneakers in all guises are having quite a moment. If you’re not looking to splash out on the obligatory Isabel Marant’s, these printed canvas sneakers will do an equally brilliant job of putting a bounce in your step, not forgetting the comfort factor! 10 Crosby Derek Lam soft white red Mandarin collar blouse, £375, Oxygen Boutique: Far Eastern influences and minimalism were big trends on the spring/summer 2013 runway, and this gorgeously understated blouse is the perfect marriage between the two. Wing-collared blazer, £69.99, Zara: Wear this blazer with a simple white tee and wide-leg white trousers for a fresh take on boardroom dressing. The lemon yellow hue will trick every one around you into thinking summer has arrived (even though it technically hasn’t!). Link jumpsuit, £195, Reiss: This white jumpsuit makes us feel like a Studio 54 darling with a modern slant. Make it office appropriate […]

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The Casio watch: A timeless accessory

by on 22nd February 2013 0 comments

Want to get your hands – or more specifically, wrist – on a stunning accessory that will get you loads of attention from men and women alike? Let us rephrase – do you want a bold watch that looks like it has a designer price tag but will in fact only set you back £104.99? If the answer is “yes” then we recommend heading over to H Samuel right now and snapping up this sleek, stainless steel Casio watch before some other smart shopper beats you to it. This really is a timeless (no pun intended) piece of wrist candy that works for all occasions – day or night, come rain or shine, this is a watch for all hours of the day, for all seasons, and for all occasions. The black dial is slick, sexy, and attention-grabbing, and the silver display and dials only add to the chic factor. We love the handy date window too – why check your mobile phone for the date when you have another excuse to flash your watch?! The Casio men’s stainless steel bracelet watch even comes with free delivery – there are no excuses for not purchasing this bad boy right now! Head on over to H Samuel for more watches for men.

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London Fashion Week AW13: Highlights from Day 2

by on 20th February 2013 0 comments

Despite being a little worse for wear, we were up bright and early for the second day of London Fashion Week – we weren’t going to miss the 9am DAKS show for the world! And boy are we glad we got out of bed for it! Day 2 was pretty packed, with autumn/winter 2013 collections from the likes of Julien Macdonald, House of Holland, Carlotta Actis Barone, Issa, and the highly anticipated Rihanna for River Island (among others) all making their debut. It was another successful day for celeb-spotting too, with the likes of Pixie Lott and all five members of The Saturdays showing their support on the Julien Macdonald front row, but the prize for most star-studded FROW definitely went to the one and only Bajan pop princess known as Rihanna. Even Cara Delevingne – who is usually on the catwalk herself – had the night off and enjoyed the show from her seat. Let’s crack on with the highlights, shall we? DAKS A strong and contemporary collection comprised of loose, layered, relaxed and tailored pieces. Lots of sleeveless numbers for all you sleeve-phobics, and a few leather pieces to grunge it up. Two pieces which stole the show for us were the tailored black jumpsuit, and the gold cropped vest top. Simply stunning. Carlotta Actis Barone  One of our most anticipated shows of the day – mainly because we got an epic performance from some ballet dancers during the show last season so we were expecting great things. There were no musical interludes this time around, but that didn’t mean we didn’t enjoy the show. Au contraire, the designer presented a much more muted and understated collection this season, with a high selection of instantly wearable pieces for both day and night. What it lacked in varied colour […]

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Midweek Moodboard: Dr Who inspired futurism

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

[noskim] Doctor Who is 50 years old. We can remember seeing the very first episode making us feel incredibly old! Somewhat of a legend, we have to admit that like many other fans we’re addicted to revisiting the old episodes via the Doctor Who audio books. Shhh don’t tell! Now it’s just 51 days and counting until Doctor Who returns to our television screens (30th March if you can’t be bothered to sit there and count – you’re welcome) – and when we realised this fun fact we were pretty excited and therefore instantly got in the mood for all things futuristic and generally Dr Who-y. Luckily, the futurism trend is pretty big right now, so getting into the Doctor Who spirit was actually pretty simple. Check out what we found on our quest: Futuristic tee available at Matalan – because galaxy prints are just as apt for the streets of London as they are in outer space. Alice + Olivia metallic leggings available at My Theresa – embrace your inner Tin Man and robot with these attention grabbing beauties. Torn by Ronny Kobo dress available at ShopBop – this dress has it all – it’s short, sexy, sculpted, on-trend… the list goes on! Louie metallic trainers available at Dune – hi-top trainers have literally never been hotter, and these gold babies would be perfect for any Dr Who style missions you may have going on. Hervé Léger mini dress available at The Outnet – this is what you get when high fashion and science combine. A truly stunning dress guaranteed to turn heads! Vice & Vanity necklace available at Far Fetch – an interesting and quirky piece of futuristic-inspired jewellery that will add that instant wow factor to your outfits. Estee Lauder eyeshadow available at Boots – because your […]

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What to Look for in an Engagement Ring?

by on 29th January 2013 0 comments

[noskim] How wonderful to have made a decision to become engaged and commit to another person, Congratulations! Now comes the hard part…finding the perfect symbol of everlasting love. Well not to worry, we’re here to help..here’s our tips on what to look for in the perfect engagement ring: There are tons of different styles of diamond rings to choose from, so lets discuss a few of the more popular options. A. SOLITAIRE. A solitaire diamond is usually round, but it also can be cut into shapes that are not as common. For example: a “cushion” is square with the corners rounded for the “princess” is also square but with pointed corners, instead of rounded. A “marquise” is oval shaped with the top and bottom pointed. A “pearl” is similar to a marquise expect that the bottom and top are slightly rounded. Perhaps a heart shaped solitaire will be the perfect symbol of love. B. A SOLITAIRE with ACCENTS offers something extra and unique. On both sides of the main, centre solitaire would be smaller stones. These accents can be the same cut as the main solitaire or can be totally different in shape and colour. C. The THREE STONE version of an engagement ring can be of any size and shape. It is the symbolism behind this style of ring that is of greater importance, it can be interpreted as the past, present and future or it can have a religious meaning with God being an intricate part of the two of you. The 4 C’s in reference to diamonds stands for: Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat. COLOUR Ideally, diamonds should be clear with no colour. There is an alpha scale on which diamond colours are graded. Unlike school grades, a “D” is the highest and most desirable grade. An […]

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Couture Fashion Week highlights from Chanel and Armani Privé

by on 23rd January 2013 0 comments

Chanel time! Romantic, sparkly, pure, classic, bold, iconic, revolutionary – all of these words describe the Spring 2013 couture show that took place in the epic Grand Palais in Paris yesterday. There was an abundance of snowy-white pieces that were presented on the catwalk, which was very apt considering the current weather conditions. To finish things off and get people talking, Karl Lagerfeld presented two brides (British Vogue February cover girl Kati Nescher and Ashleigh Good, since you asked) in the finale to show that he is all-for same-sex marriage. And of course no Chanel show would be complete without Karl Lagerfeld’s adorable little godson Hudson Kroenig making an appearance – look how cute and dapper he looks in his white suit! Chanel wasn’t the only big show to take place yesterday though. Armani Privéalso had its moment in the spotlight, as a plethora of pant-suits were presented along with ultra-skinny trousers,  three-quarter length sleeves and pencil skirts. A really wearable collection that seems accessible, but isn’t short of wow factor… lots of fab colours and prints to get excited about, especially the shiny metallic pieces to appeal to your inner magpie. We hope Uma Thurman and Hilary Swank (who sat front row) pick out some good’uns for future red carpet appearances… exciting times!

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Celebrities and Their Dogs – Closest Lookalikes

by on 29th April 2014 0 comments

[noskim] The idea that dogs come to look like their owners – or vice-versa – is a common one that seems to be further proven when photos appear of the pairing. Research recently published by psychologist Lance Workman indicated that there may be a link between dog owner’s personalities and their choice of pet. According to Workman you can identify certain aspects of peoples’ personalities by their pet choice. Apparently “agreeable” people tend towards Labradors, extroverts to Corgis – and fans of small, toy-sized dogs tend to be more intelligent. Previous research by Workman has indicated that people can pick a dog’s owner out of a line up based purely on appearance-based factors. Let’s take a look at a trio of celebrities and their dogs, and see what similarities we can find. Adam Sandler and his bulldog Babu Adam Sandler has been responsible for some of the biggest comedy films of the last few decades – but he’s also been criticised for re-visiting the same ground too many times. He brought elements of gross-out humour to the main stream and it made him millions of dollars. But he also has a more sensitive side, appearing in straight acting roles in films like Punchdrunk Love. He’s also a well-known dog-lover, often posting videos of his dogs on his website. Babu is his bulldog, and there are certain similarities between them. Both have “hangdog” faces – it’s necessary in a comedian. Both have strong builds which could be seen to indicate a stubborn, tenacious nature, something Sandler certainly has – he’s kept releasing films for years after his initial success, and he always bounces back from less-successful projects. And both Sandler and his bulldog are lovable – a big part of his success and their appeal as a pet dog breed. Alan […]

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Alesha Dixon kicks off Britain’s Got Talent in sexy style

by on 17th January 2013 0 comments

Alesha Dixon and her stylist must have been watching the Golden Globes intently on Sunday night, as it looks like they were inspired by some of the leading trends of the red carpet when it came to picking out a dress for the first day of Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Cardiff. As we all know by now, black was one of the hottest colours of the Globes with a host of ladies from Kate Hudson to Nicole Kidman opting to wear the dark shade. Flashing the flesh was also a key theme that night, but despite plunging necklines being all over the red carpet, it looks like Alesha went in the total opposite direction for her BGT appearance, opting to show off her enviable stems instead. We doubt the boys are complaining about that – we would never wear trousers again if we had her legs! The chunky belt added that final wow factor, and the autumnal make-up was spot on! What do you think of the overall look? Does Alesha have, ahem, talent?

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Tom Ford gives us sexy simplicity in SS13 ad campaign

by on 17th January 2013 0 comments

Tom Ford is really going for it this year! The designer has been prone to keeping things on the down low in the past, but the fact that he is shunning his traditional small-scale presentations and going for an epic catwalk show at London Fashion Week next month shows that he is kicking thing up a gear. New year, new start! The aforementioned new start is already reflected in the newest set of ad campaigns for the Tom Ford spring/summer 2013 collection. Even though the traditional Tom Ford simplicity is still very much apparent in the ads starring Karlina Kate, Caune and Simon Van Meerven, you can see a hint of that added wow factor starting to creep in. And we don’t just mean those crazy cool gold bondage-inspired shoes, either. (Anne Hathaway wore the black ones to the Les Miserables New York premiere, just in case you’re scratching your heads wondering where you’ve seen them before!) We’re betting there’s going to be a stark contrast in the autumn/winter 2013 ad campaign images when they eventually come out, but we hope the traditional Tom Ford aesthetic doesn’t get lost in all the new changes. We love these images; do you?

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The Warner Brothers and InStyle Golden Globe Awards after-party: The best dressed!

by on 15th January 2013 0 comments

There was so much action on the Golden Globes red carpet at the weekend that we didn’t even have time to get to the after-party outfits – shame o0n us! Luckily we’ve dedicated this afternoon to celebrating the stars who rocked up to the Warner Brothers and InStyle Golden Globe Awards after-party, and more importantly what they chose to wear for the occasion. The young Hollywood stars once again pulled out all the stops, with Disney princesses Ashley Tisdale, Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens going for very different but equally ravishing designer dresses. Ashley was demure, chic and understated in her stunning floor-length Issa gown, Vanessa upped the sparkle factor with her Jenny Packham dress, while Selena Gomez flashed the pins in an Atelier Versace creation. Just goes to show that there’s more than one way to interpret the after-party dress code successfully! Despite more fun and flirty dresses making an appearance, long gowns were still out in force, with Miranda Kerr looking like a sexy scarlet screen siren in her plunging Zuhair Murad dress, while Bond girl Berenice Marlohe floated along the red carpet in a Monique Lhuillier dress from the new aquatic inspired collection. Take a look at a select few of our best-dressed celebs who partied the night away in style: Miranda Kerr in Zuhair Murad Ashley Tisdale in Issa Selena Gomez in Atelier Versace Vanessa Hudgens in Jenny Packham Berenice Marlohe in Monique Lhuillier Kate Bekinsale in Gucci  Jessica Alba in Louis Vuitton Nikki Reed in Jenni Kayne  Who gets your vote? [poll id=”387″]

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Our top 10 picks from the Barratts sale

by on 14th January 2013 0 comments

[noskim] God bless sale season! If you feel you haven’t quite got enough shoes in your wardrobe – and let’s face it, a girl can never have enough – then we seriously recommend that you check out the Barratts sale to help you expand your collection. There are lots of different styles, colours, and heel heights available, and best of all unlike a lot of sales at this time of the year, there’s plenty of sizes still in stock. We’ve chosen 10 of some of our favourite women’s shoes from the Barratts sale to give you some inspiration, but make sure you head over to the website to see all the pieces on offer (they’ve got some great handbags too). Whether you’re looking for a statement shoe to go with a killer outfit for a future event, or just want to load up on the sandals and wedges ahead of the summer, you’ll find something in the sale to suit you. Happy bargain hunting! Black Gardenia Bow Trim Platform Sandals Was £40 Now £15 What’s not to love about these bad boys? They’re the sexiest colour of all, they have a bow for the added cute factor, and a hefty platform for your comfort. We say no more, these shoes practically sell themselves! Truffle Woven Front Detail Court Shoes Was £35 Now £30   We adore the criss cross detailing in these shoes – makes a nice change from the traditional black shoe don’t you think? Perfect to wear if you’re not brave enough to wear a bold colour but want something a slightly edgier than the classic black stiletto. Leather Zebra Print Flat Toe Post Sandals Was £28 Now £10 Call us wishful thinkers, but we think it will only be a matter of time until sandal weather is […]

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Shine bright like a diamond in Jenny Packham’s silver allover sequined gown!

by on 4th March 2015 0 comments

There are certain dresses that make you stop for a sec, take your hand off the mouse and just sigh. Case in point? This beautiful, beautiful silver evening gown by Jenny Packham which is just simply perfection. Another jaw dropping, silver sequin gown can be found at RissyRoos.com. One of our favourite designers, Jenny Packham’s dresses make us feel tingly all over, a bit like every time we see a celeb wearing a figure hugging Elie Saab creation. This gorgeous evening gown is just one of the many shimmery options Jenny Packham has to offer up….but we have to say it’s probably our fave. It’s elegant, sparkly (just the way we like it) and the perfect dress to “wow” at any evening engagement! Equally as stunning is the price tag however – it’s a cool £1,865. But hey…what’s £1,865 in comparison to feeling like a princess?! That’s what we’ll tell ourselves to feel better. But seriously, it blows Nicole Scherzinger white X-Factor Topshop dress out of the water. The only question is what to wear it with? Go glam with sparkly jewels and a stand out clutch? Or let the dress speak for itself and opt for understated accessories? We say understated! We’d want nothing to upstage the dress!

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Five minutes with Aruna Seth

by on 17th September 2023 0 comments

Aruna Seth is an inimitable force in the luxury shoe market. Her designs have adorned the feet of new royalty, most famously Pippa Middleton, who wore one of Aruna’s designs at the Royal Wedding; Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts to name a few. But it is her background, rich in design and paired with an unmatchable work ethic that has driven her to create a brand rolling off the tongues of Hollywood’s elite. My Fashion Life caught up with Aruna to talk about the perfect shoe, favourite holiday destinations and what it takes to make it in the industry. What makes the perfect shoe? The perfect shoe is one you can fall in love with.  I’m a shoe lover so I very much appreciate fine design.  For example, the Swarovski signature bow adorning my designs has crystals inside the bow, and I am the first designer to do this and pay such attention to detail.  My designs feature a lovely curve on the side to help elongate the leg. The perfect shoe is something to treasure, comfortable and something to love. How did you get started in this business? My father has been making shoes for over 40 years and he is my biggest inspiration He has worked extremely hard over four decades to build up a successful shoe empire, so creating beautiful shoes is in my blood.  My father encouraged me to work within his company from a young age, and I spent a lot of time travelling with him to all his factories around the world.  I remember working in the office over the summer holidays, helping out at the warehouse, in the factory and with shoe orders.  My father has a tremendous work ethic – he has built up a multi-million pound shoe empire in Russia, India, Europe and the […]

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Banish your blemishes!

by on 18th December 2012 0 comments

We know we always harp on about clothes and accessories that you need in your lives, but we can’t forget about those essential beauty products either. Don’t rule out beauty buys as cute little stocking fillers, secret Santa pressies or general gifts for the ones you love this Christmas – and that’s yourself included! We’re all going to be getting glammed up these next few weeks for those Christmas parties and New Year celebrations, and that doesn’t just mean putting a gorgeous new frock on and slipping into some sky high heels. It also means that we’re going to ditch our natural make-up for something just that little bit more special to achieve that wow factor look… and our skin might suffer as a result. Layering on the make-up is never great for the face, but luckily we found a product that can help restore it to its smoother, blotch-free self in no time. We know that irritated or red skin can be a visual and literal pain, and all the make-up we pile on it might make it look better temporarily, but doesn’t do it any favours in the long run. So instead of suffering in silence or not doing anything about it, why don’t you treat your skin with a wonderful blemish balm from Dr Med Christine Schrammek Kosmetik available at her BB cream shop. It was developed especially for irritated, large-pored and impure skin, and the texture with panthenol and bisabolol is said to calm the redness of the skin. It comes in three different colour shades, which means it just got easier to cover up all those imperfections without layering on the foundation and risking the skin getting even more irritated with the vicious cycle. And best of all, the BB Cream has a soft matting […]

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Two flawless Megan Fox looks for the price of one!

by on 14th December 2012 0 comments

Megan Fox is back – and wants everyone to know it! The stunning actress looked like her usual scorching, enviably sexy (we could go on for hours) self at the Los Angeles premiere of her new film This Is 40 in a sensational Roland Mouret creation. Megan and Roland Mouret are a match made in heaven, and it really isn’t hard to see why. We love how she kept accessorising to a minimum and instead chose to let her sensual scarlet lips and glossy locks do all the talking. Seriously… how beautiful is her hair? Surely that’s wow-factor hair shiny enough to rival Kate Middleton’s! And now onto the next perfect Megan Fox look… we know the actress and new yummy mummy is fond of tight-fitting dresses – we would be too if we had her figure! – but she mixed it up a bit at the 70th Annual Golden Globes Nominations ceremony by wearing a feminine Giambattista Valli Resort number. Her hair is just as glistening as ever, and we once again can’t fault a single part of the look.

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Debenhams to launch new “Made by Great Britons” range

by on 12th December 2012 0 comments

In a bid to expand British manufacturing, Debenhams has announced that it plans to launch a brand new “Made by Great Britons” range. We know that the department store already does its bit for supporting homegrown talent by featuring pieces from the likes of Julien Macdonald, Henry Holland, Jasper Conran, Jenny Packham and Matthew Williamson in its very popular Designers at Debenhams range, but now it’s going one step further. “The fantastic support for the Jubilee and the Olympics this year shows how passionate we all are about championing the best of British,” said Suzanne Harlow, a spokesperson for Debenhams. “We have some of the best clothing manufacturers in the world, and we want to see their products in our stores. As we’re proud of where they’re produced, our new brand will appear on anything we source from the UK. “We’re calling on new manufacturers to come forward. If you’ve got innovative, exciting garments and an excellent standard of factory, then we want to hear from you.” You heard the lady! This means that we can expect new and exciting things to hit Debenhams in the not-so-distant future – we can’t wait! [Fashion United] [Image] 

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Should ‘irresponsible’ ads be banned outright?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Another day, another highly charged fashion controversy. Teamed with comfortable casualwear and an extensive archive of controversial adverts, clothing retailer American Apparel knows a thing or two about comfortably creating a stir (pardon the pun). The US retailer has found itself in hot water with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) once again, after running a series of digital ads (of which three out of the 23 have been banned in the UK) featuring semi-naked women. The ASA has ruled that the some of the ad images – which promote tights and a range of coloured T-shirts, and have caused an onslaught of consumer complaints to be directed to the regulatory body – sexualise a model who appeared to be under 16 years old. Well, it may come as no surprise that the visually outspoken clothing brand continues to brave the wrath of concerned parents and regulatory bodies by providing a constant stream of somewhat suggestive ad imagery. In 2009, an advert featuring a loungewear hoodie by said retailer came under fire after the model appeared to be under 16. She was in fact a 23-year-old, fully consenting adult, but by the grace of the Fine Line Prevention Fraternity in the heavens above, she had a flawless, pre-pubescent face. Well, isn’t that really the aesthetic that most fashion campaigns go for: young, fresh faces, where it is difficult to tell the age of the subject, (many of whom are often older than they look) but in American Apparel’s case, they aren’t conservatively dressed? Another point of complaint that landed American Apparel in the ASA’s bad books was the mother of a 12-year-old girl who wanted to look at tights online with her daughter, but found the images featuring models wearing high denier tights, and nothing but those tights “unnecessarily sexual and inappropriate for a […]

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Your top 5 party season dilemmas solved

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The Christmas tree is out, the smell of mulled wine is wafting through the house and you’ve already binged on one too many mini mince pies (they’re mini so it doesn’t count, right?). All of these festive activities can only mean one thing: party season has well and truly arrived and it’s time to get your wardrobe in check! Stylish soireés aplenty, you’re probably fighting your way through a scrum of eager Christmas shoppers in weird winter gear to get to that perfect party dress or bag, but party season can also give rise to a whole load of sartorial situations that require a speedy and stylish solution. So, as an early Christmas present to you, we’ve answered your top party season dilemmas to ensure your social calendar works out swimmingly, without the added worry of suffering a last minute sartorial glitch! (Sorry, but we can’t do anything about the painfully unfunny cracker jokes.) Problem: “I have a few parties to attend, but I don’t want to wear high heels. What other party-appropriate options are available?” Solution: It’s good news for heel-dodgers all round because entry to the latest hip party no longer depends on how many inches you can teeter in! Take your shoe inspiration from British Style Award winner, Alexa Chung, who’s rarely spotted in anything other than stylish flats and low heels. Give sky high heels a miss and pair your party dress with uber-stylish, ladylike kitten heels. But if you want to go completely heel-less, opt for a pair of for glitter-splashed, girly flats for added wow factor (minus the ‘oww!’ factor)! Problem: “I want to stylishly block out the winter chill!” Solution: Covering up when stepping out in your party gear doesn’t have to equal frumpy. There are several stylish throw-overs available to keep you […]

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Yaaay, its party season! Here’s our guide to the 20 best party pieces under £100

by on 25th October 2021 0 comments

Worried the regular Christmas present shopping marathons will eat into your beloved party season clothing budget? Fear not! We’ve tracked down 20 of the best pound stretching party pieces under £100 to ensure you have a head-turning wardrobe for the festive season, without having any awkward ‘Sorry, I forgot your present’ moments. Sequins and eye-opening embellishment on evening dresses are key to hitting the right party wear note, and you don’t have to do it on a Kardashian-sized budget! An OTT embellished evening clutch will accessorize an LBD to perfection, whilst statement detail on sky-high heels is sure to up the glam ante, adding the wow factor to your soiree style. Land a fash-tastic bargain with our pick of the best party buys under £100, and maybe splash the leftover cash on a few ‘To Me, from Me’ presents in the process. Happy bargain-snapping! Clutches: 1. Metalized box clutch, Mango, 2. Edithea studded box clutch, Missguided, 3. Embellished box clutch, River Island, 4. Korea spot box bag, Oasis, 5. Hesser clutch, Aldo Dresses: 1. Lipsy red cocktail dress, Zalando, 2. Embellished cutaway maxi dress, Topshop, 3. Contrasted belt lace dress, Mango, 4. Lipsy silver cocktail dress, Zalando, 5. Geri black sequin shift dress, Next Heels: 1. Hideout diamante embellished strappy heel sandals, Dune, 2. Noemi black metal detail cross strap sandals, Stylistpick, 3. Seville red asymmetric heel, Miss Selfridge, 4. Silver platform sandals, Dorothy Perkins, 5. Nude black microsuede T-bar sandals, Next Accessories: 1. Viladomaio bracelet, Aldo, 2. Premium jewelled bib necklace, Asos, 3. Camira jewel earrings, Missguided, 4. Pearl and rhinestone bow, Topshop, 5. Spectacle ring, Swarovski

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Treat yourself to these 10 accessories that look more expensive than they really are!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We all know that smug feeling when you land something that looks deceptively expensive, but in reality, it isn’t! Our roundup of lust-worthy accessories are a case in point, as they all have the ‘gilt-edged’ factor in common, minus the Hèrmes-esque price tag. The benefits of savvy spending are endless, so when you spot a high end style projecting piece snap it up quicker than Jay-Z signs new talent, because, let’s face it, a top-to-toe designer look is neither original nor financially beneficial! We especially love the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012 inspired alice band with ornate, baroque detailing, and if you quiver at the thought of spending near £300 on a Michael Kors watch (a.k.a The Blogger’s Watch), or worse still, splurging on a Rolex, and are partial to misplacing valuable possessions by desirable designers, then River Island have the perfect pocket-friendly, no-sweat-if-you-lose-it alternative. If minaudières (posh for small hard box) are your thing but Jason Wu’s sky high prices cause you to hyperventilate, then Topshop’s version will put a smile on your face, while a knuckleduster at Stylistpick is just as attention-grabbing as the Alexander McQueen original, and with a prettier price tag, too! OK, we’ll let you get on with snapping up the accessories that’ll make you the envy of your fashion pack, not to mention that smug savvy spender smile you’ll be sporting. ADR’s lifestyle on an intern’s budget personified…. 1. Croc frame crossbody bag, £35, available at Topshop 2. Plate and spike detail waist belt, £15, available at Asos 3. Silver and rose gold tone contrast watch, £35, available at River Island 4. Olympia Gold knuckle duster boxy clutch, £25, available at Stylistpick 5. Cameo Premium statement stone necklace, £85, available at Asos 6. Light purple marabou bobble hat, £35, available at River Island 7. Black baroque embroidered alice band, […]

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In love with Keira Knightley’s bespoke Erdem dress at Anna Karenina premiere

by on 15th November 2012 0 comments

Ah, our good old perfect English rose Keira Knightley has once again left us speechless with yet another flawless fashion choice. She rocked up to the Anna Karenina premiere in Los Angeles wearing a stunning bespoke Erdem dress (an adaptation from the shorter, flirtier version on the spring/summer 2013 catwalk) which fitted her like a glove. Even though Keira Knightley is one of those actresses who can pull off that effortless, minimalistic look, we love how she added some drama to the proceedings by way of some bold, feline flicks on her eyes and Barbie pink lipstick. You can see the full effects of the dramatic eye make-up in the adorable, goofy picture with director Joe Wright… we love you Keira! You need something attention-grabbing to match the wow factor of the dress, and we think Keira and her stylists got the balance just right as anything too heavy in the jewellery department may have been distracting. That’s not to say there wasn’t any sparkle there though, as Keira naturally added some bling by way of some dazzling Chanel earrings!

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Our top 5 picks from the Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins

by on 14th November 2012 0 comments

As you may well know, the Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins is now right out in selected DP stores and on the website. We were quite impressed with what Kim Kardashian and sisters Khloe and Kourtney cooked up, and found ourselves quite overwhelmed with choice when it came down to choosing what pieces to buy. We decided to make it a bit easier for you just in case you found yourselves in the same boat, and selected five of our ultimate favourite pieces from the collection. Feel free to use our selections as a rough shopping guide, and let us know what you bought from the collection. 1. Kardashian black mesh dress Everyone needs a little black dress in their wardrobes  – we all know how much Kim Kardashian loves and swears by  them – and this is the perfect little number. Classic, figure-hugging, with a bit of a twist on the old favourite with the mesh polka dot inserts and shoulder pads.  Kardashian green collar blouse There are a few other similar blouses to this in the collection, but this one stands out a mile for all the right reasons. It’s always nice to mix it up a bit, and it’s a great colour for the upcoming festive season. Great to wear casually with leggings, or tucked into a high-waisted skirt or trousers for a more chic and elegant look. 3. Kardashian gold sequin jacket A jacket is the ultimate last-minute style addition that instantly vamps up an outfit. It can make an outfit smart, sexy, or just add some much needed sparkle to it – and this jacket does all three. Wear on a night out to keep out the chill, wear it to the office on Monday morning to brighten the place and your mood, and wear […]

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Taylor Swift: “If I feel too much like I’m wearing the pants, I start to feel uncomfortable and then we break up” – Harper’s Bazaar US, December

by on 13th November 2012 0 comments

Look everyone – our favourite young country singer Taylor Swift has only gone and scored another fashion glossy cover – this time appearing on the front of the Harper’s Bazaar US December/January issue! And while we’re a bit underwhelmed with the cover image (no offence to Taylor, it’s just the over-airbrushing we’re not too keen on) the rest of the editorial pictures which were shot by Paola Kudacki more than make up for it… check out her elongated body and those supermodel poses! We do enjoy it when Taylor dishes the dirt on her boyfriends, (hell hath no fury like Taylor Swift scorned) and she once again didn’t disappoint with her views on relationships and more specifically, “wearing the pants” in them. “If I feel too much like I’m wearing the pants, I start to feel uncomfortable and then we break up,” she said. “It’s wonderful to hand over the reins to your boyfriend when you control so much of these big, high-pressure decisions, you know? That is a huge defining factor in who you choose to be with.” The world according to Taylor Swift! The December/January issue of Harper’s Bazaar US hits newsstands on November 27th; will you be getting a copy?

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Jessica Alba’s princess sparkle in Valentino at Baby2Baby Gala

by on 5th November 2012 0 comments

Can we all just take a moment to absorb the sheer beauty of the picture above? We feel we need to stop what we’re doing and really take it all in, because it’s not often we see a look this stunning on anything other than an Oscars red carpet. Jessica Alba literally stole the show in a romantic pink floral gown from the Valentino Resort 2013 collection, as she attended the first annual Baby2Baby Gala in California at the weekend with some of her celeb pals. The chic, slicked-back ballerina bun in her hair and minimal accessories contributed to the overall wow-factor of the look. When you wear a stunning Valentino dress and wear Harry Winston jewellery, you don’t need much else to make a statement. This has truly whet out appetite for Awards Season, which is actually not as far away as you might think. My how time flies!

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Snip-of-the-real-price stylish pieces we want right now!

by on 4th November 2012 0 comments

Shopping on a Monday? Bit of a luxury start to the week, no? Well, we’re all for sartorial soothing after a weekend of partying/sleeping/melted ice cream slurping, or whatever fun pastime you choose to indulge in! Kicking the week off is a round up of the hottest Style Steals from go-to fashion destination, Matches. Investment pieces, wardrobe essentials and that one-off piece that forces you into a buy-me-leave-me kinda dilemma, all at a snip of their original prices; yep, they’re all on our lust list, so don’t be surprised if we’re racing you to the checkout. Knee high boots are the choice of footwear for autumn/winter, (although we’re still undecided whether we love these, or the ankle version better), and your winter wardrobe isn’t really complete without a statement coat. Nothing less than look-at-me style will do, so we love the large wool top-half front panel for a twist on this classic Stella McCartney coat – the boxy fit brings it bang up to date for Fall. A statement necklace will rescue many an accessory overload disaster, adding instant glam factor to a day or evening look, whilst Marc Jacobs’ metallic paisley jacquard skirt will look great paired with a tucked in knit and heels for work. Still not convinced? How does 80% off the original price of several autumn collections sound? We thought so. Check out our top picks above and get stuck into to a shopping session that works for your wardrobe and bank balance! 1. A.L.C. Dickinson poplin shirt, £289 Now £202  2. MARC JACOBS Metallic paisley jacquard skirt, £780 Now £546  3. BALENCIAGA Python and linen classic clutch bag, £1,295 Now £647  4. STELLA MCCARTNEY Stanley collarless coat, £1,215 Now £850 5. APERLAI Feltro Pitone pumps, £478 Now £143 6. GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Snake necklace, £865 Now £432  7. LANVIN Suede knee-high boots, £980 Now £490  8. J BRAND DENIM Maria velvet high-waisted […]

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Tried and Tested: Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic kit

by on 12th May 2017 0 comments

I have unpredictable skin. There, I said it. It likes to breakout (not in a song and dance kind of way) and leaves me feeling deflated after all my skincare efforts. So, it’s normal for me to spend an unhealthy portion of my ‘makeup time’ in front of the mirror trying to conceal, rather than enhance my ‘beauty’. When I came across the Confessions of a Concealaholic kit by Benefit – a collection of the beauty brand’s cult classics – I felt light-headed from all the fresh-faced promises it made, not to mention the cute, buy-me-now packaging. Printed to look like a secret diary you probably owned aged 10, inside is a handy mirror and 5 different products: 4 palettes (2 boi-ing concealers, 1 lemon aid and 1 eye bright), one tube (brightening primer), one pot (Erase Paste) and 2 double-edged brushes assigned to each palette, along with a protective transparent film to keep the exposed palettes fresh. The kit also comes with an illustrated guide that shows you how to effectively use each product, quirkily written in the brand’s signature, humorous beauty product junkie voice. At the beginning of the guide is a quick quiz to determine whether you’re a Concealaholic, and you guessed it, I am. With the help of the guide I worked my way through the kit, one product at a time, on a freshly cleansed and moisturised, makeup-free face and here’s what I thought: “that gal” Mini Brightening Primer I couldn’t fault this dinky creation, with its slight raspberry scent and skin brightening pigments it really did it what is promised. I smoothed “that gal” all over my face and found that it helped with my often ‘tired’ look, almost ‘awakening’ my complexion. Only thing to remember when using brightening primers sans makeup, as I did, is to have […]

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Who wore what on the James Bond Skyfall red carpet

by on 24th October 2012 0 comments

With the Bond girls and the main man himself looking so stunning at the Skyfall photocall, we were expecting great things from last night’s premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And as a whole, we weren’t disappointed. Naomie Harris stunned in a great Marios Schwab number, which incorporated sexiness with full-on glamour. She was able to showcase her enviable body with the bodysuit feature, while maintaining the classic wow factor associated with James Bond with the sheer long detailing. Berenice Marlohe also brought out the big guns – and the puppies – in a striking red ballgown by Vivienne Westwood. Way to showcase British talent! She accessorised with another effortless updo, sparkly earrings and some very attention grabbing two-tone eye make-up. We also need to give Kelly Brook a special mention too, because we think she was the honorary Bond girl of the night – looking only what can be described as utterly sensational in a glitzy golden dress. Our best dressed of the entire premiere by far! [poll id=”374″]  

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First look: Marios Schwab Edition for Debenhams

by on 22nd October 2012 0 comments

Back in September we told you that Marios Schwab was making his elegant, feminine and flattering designs slightly more affordable by teaming up with Debenhams… and now we can finally reveal what you can expect from his debut Edition range. “I wanted to introduce and challenge the Debenhams customer with a capsule range that incorporates my vision for the perfect dresses for all occasions,” he said. And perfect they are – Christmas party wardrobes are pretty much sorted with these timeless super-glam pieces! We managed to sneak a peek at the collection a few weeks ago at the swanky W Hotel in London, and have found it quite hard to remain tight lipped about it until now. Talk about willpower of steel! Whether you’re after a failsafe, timeless black dress, something with a pop of colour, or that wow-factor gown (see the dress below right… need we say more?!), we think you’ll find something in here to cater to your taste. There’s something in here for everyone! If you like what you see, you’ll be pleased to know that this is just one of four Marios Schwab for Debenhams collections, so there’s plenty more where these badboys came from! The collection comes in sizes 8-18, with prices starting from just £95. And not only do we have these first look pics of the entire eight-piece collection for you, but we also managed to grab five minutes with the main man himself, so check back tomorrow to read our super-exclusive interview with Marios Schwab… you won’t want to miss it! Which is your favourite piece from the Marios Schwab Edition collection ?

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5 reasons why we love the iPhone 5

by on 19th February 2014 0 comments

[noskim] Fashion accessories aren’t strictly limited to handbags and bling you know. As you may be aware, we regularly like to embrace our inner geek, (blame Glee and The Big Bang Theory for making it totally cool again!) and this morning we’ve decided to declare our newfound love for the best accessory out there: the good old iPhone 5! To celebrate the iPhone 5 and its general awesomeness, we decided to give you five of the best reasons (see what we did there?) why you need the new model of the ultimate smartphone in your life. So without further ado, here goes: 1. It’s perfect for the fashion blogger. The camera is the best yet, boasting a panorama capture mode which will prove great for Fashion Week and capturing absolutely every detail at every angle. And as the operating system is faster and slicker than ever, you’ll be able to upload those pics quicker than anyone else! 2. Not only is it great for fashion bloggers, but fashionistas in general will love it. The bigger screen means you see all those clothes on the celebs or on websites (when you’re browsing for your newest wardrobe additions, naturally) in crystal clear definition, making your other technological products more or less redundant. 3. There are lots of great accessories to buy for it. Whether you want something cute and quirky like a Zooey Deschanel approved phone case with bunny rabbit ears and a tail, or something more chic and sophisticated, you’re bound to find pieces to cater to your tastes. Think of it as the ultimate fashion accessory and colour co-ordinate it with your outfit for the maximum wow factor! 4. It’s thinner, sleeker and sexier than ever! No need to carry round laptops, netbooks, iPads etc taking up unnecessary room in […]

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Tried and Tested: High Rise Hunter Jean by James Jeans

by on 12th May 2017 0 comments

For someone who’s nowhere near a denim aficionado (I’m a tapered trouser kinda lady), I had my work out when it came to test driving some jeans as part of my job. Befuddled by the sheer choice of shapes, cuts and styles, after much deliberation (and research), I settled for the high rise, straight leg Hunter jean (a brave detour from my usual denim choice) by celebrity go-to brand, James Jeans (fans include Rachel Bilson, Hilary Duff and Zoe Saldana, to name a few). Highly impressed by the super-soft 9oz denim fabric, I was pleased to find that the Hunter jean was comfortably stretchy; far from the deceptive size 10 pairs I have picked up over the years that refuse to slip on without a fight! Being a high rise pair meant the Hunter jean sat quite high on my waist – I usually tend to opt for low rise styles – and I found the effect to be quite flattering around the hip area, almost ‘lifting’ my excuse of a derrière to new heights of visibility! But, my initial excitement was sadly short-lived, as when I opted for the high rise style I didn’t quite factor in the fact that the leg length would increase so much. Being an awkward 5’6.5″ tall with an inseam measurement of 27″ means I don’t have the Kloss legs needed to carry off the extra six inches of the Hunter, causing the jean to gather at my ankles. Being a straight leg cut means folding isn’t really an option, either! I also found that my chosen style gathered in an unusual way at the back of my knees. For me, a certified flats lovers, the high rise Hunter would spell disaster, as I would only be able to carry off this design in […]

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3 ways to update your office look!

by on 4th October 2012 0 comments

Looking for a way out of your work wardrobe rut? Want to add a fashionable tilt to office attire without spending a fortune? Fear not, 9-5ers, because we’ve come up with three fabulous ways to make your work wardrobe scream wow! Often, office apparel conjures up images of dated grey pinstripe skirts and badly cut blouses, but the new season’s polished look and sleeker aesthetic (fashion flashback: Celiné, Jil Sander) means workwear has invaded  Planet Fashion, and making workwear work harder (pardon the pun) is now the job du jour. So if you’re looking to pack a new season punch into your office wardrobe, it need not cost an arm and a leg. Just take on board our three trend-injecting, wardrobe refreshing tips, and you’ll be promoted to cool city chick in no time. 1.Add a statement knit to the mix A statement jumper is your go-to piece for an instant update to drab workwear. Bring block colour, embellishments and interesting textures to the boardroom table and show your boss you mean business with a stylish edge! Pair this Farhi by Nicole Farhi lambswool jumper with a black leather pencil skirt for after-work events, or wear with black, tailored crop trousers and a statement necklace for office chic with a fashion forward edge. Farhi by Nicole Farhi Daliah Yellow Contrast Sleeve Lambswool Jumper, £150, available at My Wardrobe 2. Flats are just as cool for work Hobbling to your next meeting due to heel-induced foot injuries was never deemed professional, so why not dismiss the heels for feet-friendly flats? Slippers, loafers and brogues are huge for autumn/winter 2012, and we love how these Dune Marden loafers are a 2-in-1 trend buster buy: patent and tweed-like fabric bring these loafers bang up-to-date. Wearing flats to work has never been cooler.

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Tried and Tested: Caseable iPad case

by on 12th May 2017 0 comments

Making waves in the tech-sessories sector, Brooklyn-based gadget wear company Caseable, with a ‘products that matter to you’ ethos, has been on my radar for a while.   Wanting to wilfully take a break from dressing myself and preventing further ‘investment purchases’, it was high time I clothed my shiny new iPad in something a little au courant. So, I decided to put a custom made iPad 2 case from Caseable to the test, and here’s what I thought:   Chosen design   Although there were several pre-available designs to choose from on the website, being a stickler for customisation I personalised my iPad case with a monochrome skull illusion design by Ali Gulec from the featured Artist Collection, complete with a bright coral spine to add a flash of colour and a dark blue interior. How it works The design process is conveniently straightforward and you know exactly how your design will look before you buy.   Select your device from the drop down list (Caseable caters for kindles, iPads, smartphones, e-readers, tablets and laptops) and then choose your preferred design; personalisation aficionados can even upload a picture of their choice.   Once you ‘re happy with your chosen cover, proceed to purchase and your order is shipped to you from the Brooklyn site within ten days of placing it. Yay or Nay? Almost the tech-cessory equivalent of the H&M Exclusive Conscious Collection, Caseable covers are pocket and eco-friendly without losing the look-good factor. Made where possible from recycled materials, all covers are hand-crafted in Brooklyn, and I was pleasantly surprised by the sturdiness of my case.   The protective, super-soft suede interior and ‘wake up’ function (- magnet feature on the inside of the front sleeve of the case that fires up my iPad screen each time I open […]

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M&S is shifting more nude heels than ever thanks to Kate Middleton

by on 26th September 2012 0 comments

Reiss isn’t the only high street store that has Kate Middleton to thank for a rise in sales, oh no. Marks and Spencer is reportedly shifting more nude heels than ever before thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge and her penchant for colourless footwear – especially a pair that looks strikingly similar to our future Queen’s trusty LK Bennett pair. “Nude court shoes have always been a popular style for us however, their popularity has grown by royal proportions over the last year and even more so since featuring in our September TV Ad,” said Sally Ambrose a spokesperson for Marks and Spencer. “Although celebrity influence can often be a factor to increased sales the nude court shoe is a classic wardrobe staple that every woman should own.” We couldn’t agree more. Do you have a pair of trusty nude pumps on your shoe rack? If so, was it a Kate Middleton inspired purchase? Let us know! [poll id=”372″] [Telegraph]

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5 stylish accessories every woman should own!

by on 19th October 2013 Comments are Disabled

Outfit ‘gellers’, closet completers, or wardrobe ‘uniters’: however you prefer to address them, stylish accessories are the cornerstone of an accomplished wardrobe. Fashionably educated women understand that breathtaking looks are perfectly fine and all, but stepping out sans apt accessories to complement an outfit is, well, pretty much like stepping out naked, really! OK, so this may sound extreme, but it holds true that accessories are often responsible for drawing the eyes of fashion conscious onlookers to a particular person’s style. (That conversation-starting clutch; the gasp-inducing, fashion editor-huddling statement necklace, anyone?) Fashion Week street style photography is testament to this, as are the mounting numbers of pages dedicated solely to accessories that are popping up in our favourite glossies. So, what does the perfect accessory-drobe consist of? On-trend, limelight stealing knickknacks (cue: Anna Dello Russo’s accessory-dripping appearances during Fashion Month), or a tightly edited collection of classic go-to pieces you heavily rely on when an outfit needs a little edge? Bring yourself back from accessory free-fall with our quick guide to 5 stylish accessories every woman well versed in the world of fashion should own. 1. The All-purpose Sunnies No discerning style maven is without her sunnies, be it rain or shine! No longer the preserve of sunny days, sunglasses are toys for grown ups, and so the more fun had with these, the better! Opt for a classic, all-rounder shape in a fun hue for sunnies that add instant glam to an off-duty look. House of Harlow Robyn round-frame acetate sunglasses, £110 £55, available at The Outnet 2. The Classic Bag This classic style tote is the perfect outfit hopper. Flitting between chic and functional; the roomy interior, detachable shoulder strap and minimal hardware detailing means you’ll carry your life’s contents on your arm (or shoulder) without compromising a single ounce of style. Tory Burch Robinson […]

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Get Olivia Munn’s causal Coach look

by on 18th September 2012 0 comments

You can’t go wrong with a bit of Coach when you want to inject a bit of wow-factor into your casual, everyday wardrobe… and that’s exactly what the ever-stylish Olivia Munn did on the streets of New York. Akin to the majority of Tinsel Town, we too have a slight obsession with Coach bags. Big or small, there’s always a place for them in our wardrobes, and Olivia’s Coach ‘Classic Shoulder’ bag is a fine example of the powers of a small, practical and versatile bit of arm candy. Or cross the-body-candy, if you like! Once you get the Coach bag, channeling Olivia is easy as pie… a casual stripe tee (Marc Jacobs’ spring/summer 2013 catwalk show at New York Fashion Week showed us that stripes are the next big thing!) and some ankle boots with a small, chunky heel will complete the look perfectly. Classic leather shoulder purse, $198, available at Coach Stripe jumper, £49, Dash available at Debenhams Animal print sunglasses, £17.99, available at Mango Grey ankle boots, £120, D.Co Copenhagen available at ASOS Supersoft skinny jeans, £38, Moto available at Topshop [Image]

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Blake Lively wore Marchesa down the aisle!

by on 11th September 2012 0 comments

The only thing more shocking than discovering Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds got married in secret at the weekend was learning who designed her wedding dress. The blushing bride wore neither Chanel nor Gucci and actually went for a custom Marchesa gown instead – designed exclusively for her by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. Who would have thunk it? According to British Vogue, the new Mrs Reynolds wore a one-of a-kind Couture bridal ballgown with a hand-draped silk tulle bodice covered in crystals and rose gold embroidery. We need a pic… like, now! We’re not betting people, but would have wagered serious money that Blake would have glided down the aisle in a bespoke Chanel or Gucci number. Blake and Kaiser Karl have been friends for what seems like forever, and she is of course the face of Gucci’s new fragrance so they seemed like the obvious choices. Still, it wasn’t all shock-factor, as Blake reportedly wore a pair of her BFF Christian Louboutin’s shoes under her gown. And yes, he was invited to the wedding too! As for Ryan and the rest of the boys, reports are suggesting that they all wore Burberry suits custom made for them by Christopher Bailey! Are you still shocked Blake is now a married woman? [Image] 

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Watch the making of the Mulberry Del Rey

by on 30th August 2012 0 comments

In love with your Mulberry Del Rey or just perving over the whole bunch from a distance until you decide what colour to get? We have the perfect video for you to indulge in this morning… a video which shows you exactly how the beloved Del Rey was made at the brand’s Somerset factory, stitch by glorious stitch! Ever since clapping eyes on the artisans at work at the Hermès Leather Forever exhibit, we’ve been rather fascinated with how arm candy is made, and we guarantee this video will have you hooked too. Just makes us appreciate the Del Rey – and any Mulberry bag for that matter – just that little bit more. Don’t forget, Mulberry’s autumn/winter 2012 collection officially goes on sale on September 3rd, along with some of the Del Rey bags you saw on the catwalk. Click here to see some of the highlights from the new collection that we took at the Mulberry press day a few months ago. Tempted by anything? http://youtu.be/8DShY9Hyfa8

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Alesha Dixon wears a ‘Sweet Smile’ for Impulse

by on 30th August 2012 0 comments

Last week, we headed to the swanky Soho House to see Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon unveil ‘Sweet Smile’, an exclusive new fragrance from Impulse. “I’ve been a fan of Impulse for years, so I was flattered when they approached me to be the face of the latest fragrance, Sweet Smile,” Alesha said. “I really enjoyed taking part in the shoot and can’t wait to stock up on the scent once it hits the shelves. It’s perfect for a quick fragrance boost when I’m on-the-go during the day and is guaranteed to always put a smile on my face.” We can definitely see where she’s coming from – the fragrance is one of those easy to wear scents that every girl needs on her dressing table and in her handbag. Great to have with you on the tube when you stand next to someone with less than satisfactory hygiene… we’ve all been there! Shudder! The fragrance has fruity top notes of pear, mandarin and plum, middle notes of jasmine, muguet and osmanthus, and base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood and amber. Impulse Sweet Smile is available exclusively in Superdrug stores priced at £1.99 – bargain! And doesn’t Alesha look heavenly in the ad campaign?

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Vogue Paris gets a make-over

by on 23rd August 2012 0 comments

Ever since it got a new editor-in-chief last year, Vogue Paris has been mixing it up with some subtle new change here and there. However, the magazine has undergone an image overhaul for the September issue, revamping various factors such as remodelled typography, brand new names for each section and a new fashion opinion column which we can’t wait to sink our teeth into. “In anticipation of a shift in the mentality and behaviour of its readers, Vogue has taken the decision to revisit the way it presents itself, without changing the fundamentals,” reads a press release. “A new layout, and new section organization have been designed to provide this iconic magazine with greater harmony, and better readability, rhythm and femininity, as befits the leading women’s fashion title. “Over and above the magazine, Vogue Paris is a truly international multimedia brand with influence and style, that constantly works to inspire and inform a powerful community with which it shares common values and aspirations” And to celebrate the make-over, there’s not one, or even two, but three (!!) cover stars for the September issue; Lara Stone, Kate Moss and Daria Werbowy can all be found striking a fierce and fabulous pose in the same Dolce and Gabbana dress… but which girl rocked it the best?

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Two fab ways to style the slipper

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Trends are often deemed faddish and brushed off due to their temporariness, but some fads turn into fashion favourites, and, well, stay with us for a while! The slipper is a fine example of this. Fad-turned-fashion-must-have, the slipper has made its way into our wardrobes in many guises. Take the calf hair Avec Moderation version we waxed lyrical about a few weeks ago, or the much-famed (and kinda pricey) ‘Kitty’ flats by shoe extraordinaire Charlotte Olympia. Investing in a pair of shoes that remind you of your grandfather’s footwear collection isn’t exactly appealing, especially when they cost nearly £400 a pop! But don’t despair, because we’ve found the perfect pocket-friendly version you’ll want to keep wearing season in, season out! Sam Edelman’s rock ‘n’ roll take on the OAP-esque slipper brings us sparkles, studs and a colour that goes with absolutely everything: black! How to style the Adena slipper outside of ‘lounging’ hours, you ask? Read on to find out… Casual Coolness Keep it comfortable for the perfect off-duty vibe with a hit of soft, sparkly (and spiky) glamour! Kittia Classic Touch Soft Green Wool Jumper by By Malene Birger, £209; Black Rinsed Leather Skinny Fit Trouser by Helmut Lang, £280; Spike Necklace by Anton Heunis, £137; Black Adena Satin Crystal Stud Smoking Slipper by Sam Edelman, £140. Perfect for Date Night  Who said date night dressing was incomplete without heels? We’re digging the comfort factor, too! Colour Block Intarsia Dress by M Missoni, £425; Too Hot To Handle Top Handle Bag by Marc By Marc Jacobs, £375; Loop Of Love Earrings by Phoebe Coleman, £175; shoes as above.

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Bella Thorne looks grown up and gorgeous in Ted Baker London

by on 8th August 2012 0 comments

Disney stars. One minute they’re all cute, happy-go-lucky and innocent, and the next they’re falling out of cabs, wearing next to nothing and moaning about their life to anyone who’ll listen. Most of them, anyway. We’re used to seeing Bella Thorne, from popular Disney Channel TV show Shake it Up in age-appropriate, girlie dresses when she hits up red carpet events, but she went for something a lot more grown up for the LA premiere of The Odd Life of Timothy Green.  Sometimes it’s a big no-no when young actresses dress older than their years, as they either go too provocative or too mumsy, but in this case, Bella was the epitome of perfection. The floral pattern of her Ted Baker London dress gave the look just the right amount of girlieness, while the tight-fitting skirt detail added some subtle sexiness to the sartorial proceedings. Bella’s gorgeous fiery hair intensified the wow-factor of the look, which is why we give her a perfect 10/10 on this occasion.

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Six sizzling sale items for you to snap up right now!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

It’s Friday, Friday… and as Rebecca Black would say, “gotta get down on Friday.” Except we’re referring to “getting down” to the shop so you can snap up these awesome items that have just gone in the sale. They’re all perfect to add that essential wow factor finishing touch to your outfit. Whether you’re in need of a pretty, pastel piece of arm candy or just need to pop some colour in by way of some bright wedges, this week’s sale edit definitely has it covered. We don’t imagine they will stick around for long though, so if you see anything you like in your size, we suggest you whip the credit card out sooner rather than later before someone else beats you to it. (Like us!) 1. Spot Peter Pan dress, £39.50, £22, available at Dorothy Perkins 2. Yellow pattern dress, £59, £25, Yuki available at Topshop 3. Lace blazer, £415, £168, MSGM available at The Corner 4. Brass ring, £92, £46, Fiona Paxton available at The Outnet 5. Peep toe wedges, £35.99, £22.99, available at AX Paris 6. Pink bag, £1,030, £515, Nina Ricci available at The Corner  

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Blake Lively is beautiful in blue Marc by Marc Jacobs for Gossip Girl

by on 18th July 2012 0 comments

We have to all accept that pretty soon we’re going to have to kiss a long and painful goodbye to Gossip Girl, and as a result, brand new pics of the cast on the set will no longer exist. So, we’re making the most of it while it lasts! Blake Lively was “spotted” (said in our finest Gossip Girl American accent) on Madison Avenue in Manhattan yesterday in a gorgeous summery-blue Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, which was relatively modest in length but very daring at the top by way of a plunging neckline. It really goes to show how much Serena van deer Woodsen’s style has evolved over the years, doesn’t it? Blake/Serena teamed her dress with some coral Christian Dior platform sandals, which makes a nice change from the Christian Louboutins the actress wears when she’s not on set. The giant bag also adds to the overall wow-factor of the outfit, making this another style triumph for our favourite blonde Upper East Sider. Are you looking forward to the new (and final – sniff) season of Gossip Girl? 

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6 monochrome Graduation-ready dresses

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

This post is dedicated to all you clever clogs’ who will be graduating later this summer. We know that Graduation can be a bit daunting (we’ve been there, done it and got the T-shirt diploma) and apart from hoping you don’t trip on stage while accepting your certificate, we know that choosing an outfit to wear is at the top of the list of concerns. Therefore, we’ve decided to make it easy for you with 6 failsafe, can’t-go-wrong monochrome(ish) dresses. We think it’s probably best to keep your colour palette relatively simple to start off with, just in case you haven’t seen your gown and you clash with it. Buttons are quite handy for keeping the dreaded gown on, and collars are a fab way of instantly adding the smart factor to your gorgeous dress, although neither is essential. Congrats and good luck to everyone who will be graduating these next few months! 1. Black/white collar dress, £26, available at Dorothy Perkins 2. Black embellished collar dress, £42, available at Dorothy Perkins 3. Cream Marina dress, £56, Goldie available at Topshop 4. Cream and navy lace dress,  £24, Pussycat available at House of Fraser 5. Cap sleeve tunic dress, £20, available at Topshop. (Style tip: team with a snazzy belt or detachable collar to jazz it up!) 6. Stud collar dress, £42, available at Miss Selfridge

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Diane Kruger and Dianna Agron sport contrasting looks at Louis Vuitton party

by on 11th July 2012 0 comments

Blonde beauties Diane Kruger and Dianna Agron both attended a fab Louis Vuitton party at New York’s Whitney museum last night to celebrate the brand’s collaboration with Yayoi Kusama. We thought all of the guests would embrace the loud theme of the Louis Vuitton for Yayoi Kusama collection, but Diane Kruger proved that even the most minimal of outfits can hold its own in a room full of bold and colourful decor and guests. Diane once again showcased her style credentials as she wore a sheer (but not in the trashy way, thank you) maxi skirt paired with a gorgeous brown, white and blue kimono jacket. Her up-do and gold earrings complemented the rest of her look perfectly – top marks to Diane, as usual! Glee’s Dianna Agron also ranked highly, as she really turned on the wow-factor in an embellished, printed blue, black and brown dress. Although she wore plain shoes and minimal jewellery, Dianna made up for it with her ultra-glam make-up and expertly tousled hair. She definitely embraced the theme of the collection and occasion! Both blonde bombshells looked divine at the event, but whose look do you prefer? [poll id=”357″] [Images]

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Kelly Brook models her £18 New Look dress

by on 10th July 2012 0 comments

Looks like Kelly Brook is taking tips from Victoria Beckham (we don’t mean the whole pouting thing… on the contrary Kelly is one of the few celebs who we can always count on to crack a smile regardless!) We are of course talking about the fact that she is modelling her own designs… except Kelly’s come with a far more modest price tag. £18 if we’re being exact. The cute floral peplum dress is from Kelly’s current range for New Look – and if you hurry, you can snap up items from the collection at a fraction of the price as a lot of the pieces are now on sale! Kelly Brook is living proof that the price tag of an outfit doesn’t determine how good it looks – or how good it makes you feel; check out how happy she looks! We know the weather in London has been less than ideal this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Kelly from embracing the key trends of the season.  Take some advice from our Kel and inject the summer factor into your wardrobe despite the weather. (But maybe take a raincoat with you and opt for some closed shoes just in case!) Are you a fan of Kelly’s summer-worthy street style?

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Jessica Alba stuns in Versace at Versace

by on 2nd July 2012 0 comments

Jessica Alba is always one of those actresses you can count on to up the style ante and look gorgeous no matter what, and her appearance at the Versace Couture Show in Paris (more on this later) was no exception. In fact we think she even outdid herself and exceeded all expectations. The slinky black Versace number she wore hugged every single beautiful curve and gave her an overall flawless silhouette. It’s definitely not a dress that everyone can get away with (sniff!), but we think Jess should be the poster girl for how it should look when it’s worn right. Glamorous curls in her ombre hair and Donatella-approved heavy eye make-up contributed to the wow factor. We bet some of the guests had trouble concentrating on the catwalk models if Jessica was in their eyeline…

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Five minutes with…PPQ

by on 17th September 2023 0 comments

With a client portfolio that counts Rihanna, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller as loyal fans, Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker – the dynamic driving force behind the directional label, PPQ – must be doing something right. Awarded with being responsible for ‘spearheading the drainpipe jean revolution’, Amy and Percy took this pioneering approach across the realm of fashion, marrying it seamlessly with music. The design duo run a record label by the name of 1234 Records, and host the annual sell-out 1234 Shoreditch festival. My Fashion Life caught up with the creative twosome to talk favourite holiday destinations, music, and of course, fashion. Describe a typical working day in the life of the PPQ dynamic duo. Amy: A typical day consists of designing across several collections with responses to factories or meetings with suppliers or pattern cutters. Percy: Generally coordinating show details or planning overseas trips to meet buyers and press. With what inspirations in mind was the PPQ spring/summer 2012 collection conceived? Amy: Inspiration came from one of our archive prints, so SS’12 has a retro feel to it – It’s very nostalgic yet fresh and upbeat for summer. Percy: It was great to look back at some of the iconic pieces we have made in our 10 years. Tell us about your favourite holiday destination? Amy: It’s a semi-difficult question as a lot of the places we travel to are work related – even though they are good. I think the best place I go to where I leave my drawing behind is the North of Ibiza, but you never stop having ideas or being inspired. Other highlights are Antigua and Japan. Percy: Mauritius was a great autumn break at the end of last season. No jet lag and the most chilled out staff on the planet which […]

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