Search Results for “x factor”

Alexa Chung does edgy workwear in House of Holland

by on 20th June 2013 0 comments

Henry Holland, i.e. he of the swish “must-be-seen-at” parties, hosted a dinner in New York last night to celebrate his brand new Resort collection. And as you can imagine, it was attended by some of the hottest and most fashionable folk in the industry. Never one to miss a Henry Holland bash was our girl Alexa Chung, who once again looked effortlessly chic and stylish in her perfectly put together ensemble. She rocked up to the dinner in a quirky House of Holland pencil skirt (far longer than her usual hemlines, we must say!), which she accessorised with a sharp shirt, a Mulberry satchel, and a fierce leather jacket for that much-needed edge and grunge factor. Alexa loves a bit of school-girl aesthetic, but her look has definitely matured on this occasion, as her sartorial inspiration was more office woman than school girl. Flawless, as usual though. We miss you Chungers, come back to the UK soon, please! [Image] 

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12 Things People Often Forget To Take On Holiday

by on 18th June 2013 0 comments

Brits spend £118 million on things that they forget to pack. Findings show that people waste a fortune on buying items they’ve forgotten to take on holiday with them. Now we’ve all forgotten at least one item in our lifetime- after all, we’re human. However, these packing mishaps could be burning a hole in your wallet. Are you a scatter-brain? Here are the 12 most popular items that people forget to pack: First aid kit No-one plans to get ill on holiday but whether you like it or not, it can happen. Essentials include plasters, diarrhoea tablets, antihistamines, pain killers and travel sickness pills. Camera It goes without saying; pack your camera and you can capture the fun memories which you can then look back on and smile about for years to come. Sun cream It is imperative that you protect your skin from damaging UV rays and getting sunburnt will only make your holiday a miserable one. Pack plenty of sun cream in various factors. Passport You’ll be surprised at the amount of people that leave home without their passport. Trust us- you won’t get very far. Even if you aren’t flying, it’s still a useful form of ID when going away. Adequate clothes It can’t harm to pack a light jacket in case it rains. Take some shoes as well as flip flops and pack some smart evening clothes lest there is a strict dress code. Emergency money If you lose your purse or get mugged, some backup cash will be a lifesaver. A credit card is ideal or alternatively, pack a few notes and hide it in a separate envelope in your suitcase. EHIC/ Insurance If you are travelling within the EU, the European health insurance card will ensure you can get free emergency medical treatment. If […]

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Valentino Snakeskin Rockstud Handbag: Yay or Nay?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The final word in luxury, no one does uber-glam quite like Valentino. Accented with an understated sexiness, we love how the brand has perfected the tough-luxe mix, and keeps up coming back more! Having cooed over the PVC Rockstud Shoulder Bag, another equally desirable version has just landed on our bag radar! Enter the Snakeskin Rockstud Bag; a spacious and office-appropriate offering from one of the most popular Valentino collections. Crafted from luxe snake leather, the Snakeskin Rockstud bag boasts a handy detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, gold-toned hardware and numerous zippered pockets for maximum carrying capacity, not forgetting the overspill of arm candy hotness! The signature rockstud adornment and tortoiseshell exterior instantly afford this bag must-have status, but before giving into temptation, consider the reason’s we’re saying Yay and Nay to snapping up the Snakeskin Rockstud bag. Yay Luxe factor: The snakeskin exterior elevates the Rockstud bag to uber-luxe status, and if that’s what you’re looking for when splashing out on a handbag, then it is the ideal option. Versatile: The detachable shoulder strap makes the Snakeskin Rockstud Bag ideal for slinging over your shoulder on a day trekking around the city, and smart enough for the office, thanks to the structured double top handles. Spacious: With a zippered back wall pocket and front wall slot pockets, it’s safe to say you won’t be running out of space to fit the essentials! Nay Price: At a whopping £2,380, expect to be bankrupt, or at least financially crippled for a year. Ouch. Trend-centric: As much as we love a dash of animal print in our wardrobes, splashing the cash on such a statement option could prove problematic – especially if you’re a classic handbag hopper, and tire of your latest arm candy easily. Colour: The tobacco-black turtle colourway, although flattering, isn’t […]

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Lunchtime Buy: River Island Blue Mirror Embellished Pencil Skirt

by on 11th June 2013 0 comments

Are you a fan of pretty much anything sparkly, glittery and all out beading-fantastic? Are you looking to uplift your party wardrobe with an item that’s sure to be a big favourite this season? Well look no further than this blue mirror embellished pencil skirt by River Island because it pretty much has it all. Certainly exceeding all the wow factors, this stunning pencil skirt is one of our favourite items from the latest arrivals at River Island, i.e. the ‘Best Trendsetter’ winner at this year’s Lorraine’s High Street Fashion Awards. (It’s not hard to see why it picked up that accolade!) This stunning skirt portrays icy-coloured hues that are right on trend this season, and features a gorgeous geometric pattern that mirrors the fabulous design details. Filled to the brim with coordinating beads and light reflecting sequins, this skirt will definitely make a statement at your party. With so much intricate detail adorned on this garment, we would certainly advise you to keep your top half plain, enabling the embellished skirt to do all the talking. We know where we’ll be heading on our lunch break! Blue Mirror Embellished Pencil Skirt by River Island, £70, River Island

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Kelly Brook makes bandage dresses sexy again!

by on 7th June 2013 0 comments

We hold our hands up and freely admit that we give celebs in bandage dresses a bit of a hard time. We don’t actually hate bandage dresses – au contraire, we think they’re great for showing off a svelte, toned body, and are also a great, “safe”, “go-to” choice. We just roll our eyes when we see the same celebs in the same types of dresses time and time again. Yes Britney Spears (and more recently, Tulisa Contostavlos), we’re looking at you. Kelly Brook however, likes to mix it up on the red carpet. It might be because she has spectacular curves that fill out each and every dress perfectly, it might be because she has a great stylist, it might be because she likes to take sartorial risks… and it might be a combination of all of the above. The reasons aren’t important. What is important is the fact that she looked hot to trot at last nights OJAM charity bash (that’s the JLS charity, FYI), which proves that bodycon bandage dresses still have that wow factor if the right person wears them. A glowing tan, sky high heels, natural make-up and glossy brunette waves completed Kelly Brook’s effortlessly va-va-voom look. Kelly attended the event with on again/off again boyfriend Danny Cipriani, which we bet broke a lot of male hearts!

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Cannes Film Festival – Cleopatra special

by on 22nd May 2013 0 comments

The sartorial big guns were out for the Cleopatra premiere at the Cannes Film Festival – so much so that we actually developed a bit of a migraine trying to narrow down our best-dressed ladies. Lots of arguments at MFL HQ about who would secure a top spot! Dita von Teese was easily one of the best-dressed, looking like red hot sexy vintage goddess in a lacy Elie Saab Couture dress. Her flawless porcelain skin, old Hollywood curls and ruby stained lips contributed to the look’s overall wow factor! Also going for the classic Hollywood look was Jessica Chastain, who took our breath away in a white floor-length Versace collection dress. The hair, the jewellery – we loved it all! Rosario Dawson killed it on the red carpet in a floor-length bedazzling Marchesa Resort gown. Not only did it fit in with the Cleopatra theme, but it was also exactly what we expect from a Cannes Film Festival red carpet. Full-on glamour and sparkle! Araya A Hargate also gets a mention for channelling a Disney princess on the red carpet; we’re not sure which one though – maybe an infusion of all of them? We thought she looked magical in her Zac Posen spring/summer 2013 gown – the bodice makes it harder to pull off than a normal fairytale-inspired dress might, but we think she owned it! What do you guys think?

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Charlotte Olympia Taurus suede slipper-style loafers: Yay or Nay?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The purveyors of lustful accessories and shoes, Charlotte Olympia is a fashion name to be reckoned with. Dressing fashion disciples in the iconic island platform, and getting everyone hooked on those dinky-yet-desirable Perspex clutches; we’re willing to shed the pounds (literally) for a piece of CO. This week, trying to find its way into our already-bursting shoedrobe is the Taurus suede slipper-style loafer; a new spin on the classic and comfortable shoe fashion bods have to come to love from this brand. And considering we’re in the middle of May, only the horoscopically apt Taurus would do – even better if you’re an actual Taurean! Available in delectable chocolate suede; the almond toe, handmade Taurus loafer is adorned with a hand-painted and Swarovski crystal-embellished zodiac motif, promising a glam polish to any off-duty ensemble, and even comes complete with a horoscope book! Predict your fashion future by taking stylish steps in the Taurus loafer, but before you do so, consider our Yay’s and Nay’s for bagging these beauties below … Yay  Comfort factor – The slipper-style design and 0.5 inch heel makes the Taurus Loafer an ideal option for those looking to balance comfort with style. Dress up, or down – The embellished motif design and gold-coloured trim elevates the Taurus loafer from off-duty option to evening ensemble completer in a flash. Just add a CO clutch for extra oomph. Luxe detail – The handmade element, 100 per cent goat leather upper and delish gold leather-covered heel give bring a luxe feel to an otherwise simple shoe design. Nay Novelty factor – Although the brand’s iconic Kitty flats have remained a fashion favourite, this zodiac-inspired collection could well be a short-lived tale. Would you consider wearing them regularly, or put them under the fashion fad category? Price – At £536 a pop, you’ll […]

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5 easy chic shoe picks for summer!

by on 9th May 2013 0 comments

What’s the best thing about summer? Leaving the house without an umbrella, a scarf, and several layers of outerwear comes a close second… but splashing out on summer shoes is inarguably the winning answer! There’s an abundance of summer footwear all over the worldwide web, but we could happily do all our summer shoe shopping on the Barratts website. Not only would we find everything in one place but our bank accounts won’t be weeping either. Take a look at some of our favourite purse-friendly summer ladies shoes on our current wishlist… Dolcis Gladiator Style Platform Sandals Is there anything better to get you noticed than these strappy blue beauties? They also come in hot red as well as subtle nude, just to make your decision that little bit harder. If you’re after something to pack in your suitcase for your jollies we would suggest the nude as they scream, versatility, although the blue ones are a firm MFL fave. Yellow Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals Bright, bold, beautiful, not to mention super-comfortable… these yellow ankle strap wedge sandals seem to have it all. Perfect for wearing with a cute pair of cropped trousers, or even your funnest, flirtiest summer dress. They also come in black but when it comes to wowsome summer footwear, there really is no comparison. Lunar Tropical Floral Print Bow Trim Court Shoes Not off to a hot, tropical summer destination this summer? Don’t get too disheartened – we think these tropical floral print court shoes are a very good substitution. They come with a subtle platform for those of you who are into more ladylike designs, but they have all the benefits (read: comfort) of platform shoes. Best of both worlds! Gladiator Sandals With Diamante Disc Trim Everyone needs a day off from constantly wearing high heels, […]

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Conde Nast College: A school only for the rich, or everyone?

by on 11th May 2013 0 comments

Aristotle once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”, and that’s the kind of heavy philosophical note we’re starting on. Drummed into us from a tender age is the idea that an education is the way to a better, easier, richer, and somewhat happier life. An educational tale filled with impressive qualifications and peppered with shining references is probably the ideal meal ticket for many, but the current educational climate has left many a student’s pocket in permanent drought, and their minds in permanent frustration. So, when we came across a Q&A with Susie Forbes, head of the controversial and recently opened CondéNastCollege of Fashion & Design, we couldn’t help but ponder over some of the claims made, not to mention the extortion that is the course fees. Earlier when we reported of its inception, CondéNastCollege of Fashion & Design was just a dream in development. Glossy magazines and annual subscriptions are the story of every aspiring fashion personality, but getting educated by Vogue is on another level, maybe of epic, tick-your-bucket-list proportions. In the Q&A, Forbes revealed the initial course offering, Vogue Fashion Certificate, is fully subscribed, and with the October intake for the Vogue Fashion Foundation Diploma set to further bump up figures. But it’s not the implementation of the chic college, or the collective of stellar staff and speakers that’s left us dumbstruck, but the cost of obtaining these non-standard qualifications. Both courses on offer at CondéNastCollege of Fashion & Design are not ‘recognised’ qualifications and seek to give students only a glimpse into a world they may one day want to inhabit. But at a cost of £6,600.00, excluding VAT and £19,560.00, excluding VAT respectively, this could prove a very costly insight. Although scholarships are available (three a year, to be precise), […]

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Zoe Saldana bold in Balmain for Star Trek Into Darkness premiere

by on 1st May 2013 0 comments

Apart from finally getting to watch the actual film, the thing we’ve been looking forward to the most about the Star Trek Into Darkness release is Zoe Saldana’s red carpet appearances for the respective premieres and photocalls. The stunning actress seldom fails to impress us with her killer bod and wow factor outfits, and the Berlin movie premiere was no different as she donned a rich, bold Balmain number from the pre-fall 2013 collection which inevitably turned heads as she arrived. It’s a bit of a busy outfit in terms of print and colour, but we definitely think she pulled it off with her sleek, swept back hair, minimal make-up (save for some essential dark liner and shadow around the eyes) and lack of accessories. And her perfect pins seem to go on for days, nay weeks, which is always a plus in anyone’s books! Do you like Zoe’s outfit or is there too much going on for you?

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Gearing up for the summer? Here’s what to wear

by on 25th April 2013 0 comments

[noskim] Summer’s finally on its way and it’s time to make sure your wardrobe reflects that! Here’s our very quick his ‘n’ hers guide to wearing the latest trends when the temperature rises: Men Pink and orange are widely tipped to be this summer’s big colours for guys, so make sure you invest in a salmon tee or some ochre cut-offs to make sure everyone knows you’re on board. Sleeveless blazers and jackets are an unusual incoming trend that made a splash in a number of designer’s SS13 collections, but we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you want to follow this one. If you’re not so sure, you can’t really go wrong with a pair of men’s shorts and a T-shirt – maybe choose one or the other in a neon shade for a quick nod to another of the season’s hottest trends. The nautical look also does well every summer, and this year will be no exception: break out the stripy shirts and deck shoes to get this classic look right. Women The biggest women’s trend for SS13 is all about showing off your arty side – Andy Warhol-inspired prints, pop art dresses, stripy T-shirts and splashes of colour everywhere are what makes this look work. Branch out into the shinier side with metallic fabrics, great as an accent on a shirt or for a dress with the wow factor. Whatever you go for, go bold: this summer is all about bright colours and statement pieces. Alternatively, show off your retro side with a bit of back-to-the-90s fashion: this grungy look is all about faded denims, leather jackets and plaid skater shirts. Dig out those old band T-shirts and Converse trainers to make the most of the return of grunge! [/noskim]

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Kate Middleton is flawless in baby blue Emilia Wickstead

by on 30th May 2019 0 comments

Wowsers, saying we love Kate Middleton’s latest look is one heck of an understatement! The Duchess of Cambridge looked absolutely radiant as she attended an event hosted by the National Portrait Gallery in London yesterday evening, donning one of her go-to-designers Emilia Wickstead for the occasion. Kate’s bump was more prominent and visible than ever in the baby blue dress, and we are beyond thrilled that she teamed it with some blue heels instead of her signature nude pumps. We can’t fault the hairstyle either – her trademark brunette locks were still evident and flowing freely in the soft London breeze, but the slight updo complemented the chic nature of her look perfectly. There’s nothing like a bit of a subtle bouffant to add the final bit of wow factor to a look! Can Kate’s maternity style get better? It’ll be tough to top this ensemble, but we think she’ll give it a ruddy good go!

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10 maxi dresses perfect for summer weddings

by on 15th June 2016 0 comments

Got a line-up of summer weddings but no idea how to dress for the occasion? Ever the purveyors of fashion advice (you can thank us later), we’re here to help you select a killer dress for that blessed, sun-soaked occasion. Apart from getting a tan while waiting for photographs, the best thing about summer weddings is the choice you have when it comes to the day’s outfit. A maxi dress is a versatile option, easily taking you from the formalities of the day to the evening party, and can be styled with glamour and comfort in mind. Throw a smart jacket over the shoulders as a chic way to seek cover from the evening chill, or accessorise a block colour maxi dress with a statement neck piece, keeping the rest of your look simple. And what’s even better: after the wedding, you can recycle your outfit, ready for your next holiday! Check out our round up of 10 maxi dresses perfect for summer weddings below, and get RSVP’ing! Strapless pleated gown, £79.99, Mango: Perfect for the wedding guest on a budget, this dress delivers a high-end look with a high street price tag. Shoulder pad maxi dress, £50, Topshop: Thigh-slit dresses are the sexy way to flash a little flesh this season. Ask Angelina. By Malene Birger Nadra dress, £505, Zalando: Bring your own sunshine to the wedding party, even if the skies fail you. Issa embellished silk maxi dress, £321.75, The Outnet: Blue in all shades is the hue du jour for spring/summer 2013, and we love the no-accessories-needed embellished neckline. LouLou ruffle detail maxi dress, £265, Reiss: Inject the ultimate wow factor into your look with a burst of summer-perfect colour. Ozlem sequin maxi dress, £250, French Connection: For evening-perfect glam, throw sequins into the mix. Expect spark(le)s on the dance floor. […]

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7 laid-back spring jackets for the ultimate in weekend chic

by on 5th April 2013 0 comments

If you’re feeling a little lazy on the style side when it comes to the weekend, a wow factor jacket will ensure you don’t slump on the fashion front. With spring here and summer knocking (well we’d like to think so!), all we can think about is packing away our hefty, blanket-like coats to make way for some light and pretty wearing. A perfect spring jacket is the reason fashionistas look forward to warmer climes (along with sunbathing, cocktails by the pools and envy-inducing swimwear), because, in a place like Blighty, it’s your saviour for those chilly nights you don’t want to leave the party early for fear of getting ill! Worn with a skirt and heels, or atop your favourite Marant-esque skinny cropped jeans and basic tee ensemble, our pick of seven laid-back spring jackets will ensure you’re the one leading the weekend chic pack. From printed bomber jackets to eye-popping pink crop shapes and desirable denim biker jackets, take your pick from our favourites and make a weekend a super-stylish one. 1. MSGM Graphic Raffia Patchwork Jacket, £410, My Wardrobe: Combining a statement design with a boxy shape, when thrown over a dressed down look, this jacket is a game changer. 2. Denim Biker Jacket, £54.99, Mango: A subtle twist on the classic biker jacket; the bleached denim look feels perfect for spring and the oversized fit is very now. 3. L’Agence Tweed Bomber Jacket, £390, Matches: Turn the quintessential tweed jacket on its head with a rainbow tweed composition and a rope drawstring hem. 4. Spotlight Flame Jacket, £110, French Connection: Perfect for smartening up your look for a weekend brunching session with the girls. 5. Quilted Ovoid Crop Jacket, £68, Topshop: Cocoon shaped jackets are a massive trend for next season, but this one in zingy pink feels great to wear now. […]

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Watch Terry Richardson get his first taste of POPwater

by on 4th April 2013 0 comments

Many moons ago (six months actually) we told you about Terry Richardson’s new venture into POPwater… and now it’s finally time for the fashion photographer to get a sip of the product in front of the camera so we can all witness it! “After working closely with our friends at Coca Cola and Pepsi on various music related initiatives over the years, we were inspired to create a beverage that had music and pop culture in its DNA,” said Troy Carter, CEO of Atom Factory. “Terry Richardson and our creative team are bringing this vision to life and we’re excited to have them tell this story.” Indeed. Watch Terry try out the 30-calorie-beverage in the video below, and stay tuned for the official POPwater release on April 16th. It will hit the shelves of Los Angeles later this month, before heading to other parts of the world soon after. We love the hyperbolic reaction in the video! http://youtu.be/vUiwKtnIT60

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Fendi Studded Heel Sandals: Yay or Nay?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

True to the decadent status of the country this brand originates from, Fendi is the epitome of Milanese glamour. We’re talking pure, unadulterated, dello Russo levels of glamour. Dripping with the luxury factor, and with an equally eyeball-popping price range to match, the Italian fashion house has given us this season’s hottest shoe – much like the ‘It’ bag, but for feet! Enter the Studded Heel Sandal; a ‘foot party’ if you like, as patent monochrome is artfully paired with metallic rose gold and a statement studded heel for the ultimate party heel. Although shoes with the ‘wow’ factor are an absolute necessity in every signora’s wardrobe, when it comes to the cash splash, treading carefully (pardon the pun) is important. So, to make the buying (or nope, not even looking) decision a little easier, we weighed up the YAY’s and NAY’s of snapping up these fashionably feisty Fendi heels before you become guilty of killing off your fashion friends with shoe envy. YAY 2-in-1 Trend trapper: Monochrome and metallic were huge trends favourites for SS’13 and, well, we do love a two bird with one stone style situation. These heels do just that. Perfect for summer soirées: The ultimate summer shoe hit, you won’t need much else when slipping into these studded sandals. Pair with a block colour, floaty summer dress and you’re good to go. Flattering colours: The monochrome is perfectly accented by the metallic rose gold cuffs, so the result will be a sleek and modern one when paired with a tailored wardrobe, or even a pencil skirt and a luxe knit for work. NAY Price: Ask yourself this: how many wears can I actually squeeze out of these heels before I begin to tire of them? If you can answer this question with a number exceeding eight, […]

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How long does Semi-Permanent Makeup Last For?

by on 26th March 2013 0 comments

Semi-permanent makeup is rising in popularity all over the world and is it any wonder why? You can save money in the long-term by not buying new cosmetics, and you can save time by not applying it every single day. Just as the name signifies, it is ‘semi-permanent’ so it doesn’t last forever. As with anything in life, nothing is certain. How long should it last for then? Well, how long is a piece of string? *We’ll stop you there before you start to work out the answer. There is no definitive reply to this headline however; this guide will hopefully help you to understand more about the cosmetic treatment and its longevity. What can you expect? Your semi-permanent makeup should last on average three years. This is for all treatments including eyebrow and eyeliner makeup. Some people can see their makeup lasting anywhere from two to seven years, but on average, three years is the timespan. Makeup specialists recommend you to have a ‘retouch’ every 12-18 months to keep the makeup looking fresh and new. Why doesn’t it last longer? Semi-permanent makeup is somewhat permanent because the pigment cannot be washed off. However, over the years the colour will fade and this is normal. As the colour quality breaks down and it gradually disappears, it is your responsibility to top the colour up. What can you do to make it last longer? There are various aspects that you can do to prolong your makeup’s longevity but age, exposure to sunrays and swimming really are the decisive factors. After-care is essential which is why we don’t advise you to expose the treated area to any UVA rays, salts, saunas or chlorine in the initial two week healing process. Such harmful chemicals can reduce the lifespan of the treatment. It really […]

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Miley Cyrus goes bold in Chanel!

by on 26th March 2013 0 comments

We get the distinct impression Miley Cyrus wanted to be noticed when she attended an event at the CHOC Children’s Hospital in California, don’t you? She probably knew that people were going to be talking about her anyway (her on again/off again relationship with fiancé Liam Hemsworth is a hot topic of conversation right now) but now she’s given everyone a whole new reason… her outfit! We’d want people talking about us too if we looked like that! Wearing Chanel is always going to get you noticed regardless – there’s something about stepping out in a finely crafted Chanel number that just commands attention – but we think this striped jumpsuit takes things to a whole new level. Especially with the added wow factor bonus of the bold red lips. We love this look – it’s current, youthful, season and occasion appropriate… and Miley nails it with her flawless body and winning smile. That should definitely show Liam what he’d be missing! [Image]

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The most iconic handbags revealed

by on 24th March 2013 0 comments

[noskim] A handbag will make or break your outfit so it’s important to find one that goes with different outfits and looks up to the minute, yet timeless. The Radley handbags will make you look effortlessly stylish and will go with any look you’re aiming for. In their SS13 collection, the British brand proved they lived up to this standard and released some of the best handbags of the year so far! The ambassador and face of Radley, English model Laura Bailey who is known for her Vogue, L’Oreal and Marks & Spencer campaigns, says she likes her handbags to look “timeless chic with a bit of an edge” while also being “practical and stylish.” It doesn’t come as a surprise she chose to continue working with Radley because their collection has, once again, proved to be one of the best lines of iconic handbags this year, ticking all of Bailey’s boxes. Radley are celebrated for their extravagant soft leather bags. So whether you’re looking for shoulder bags, small purses and wallets, work bags or totes, they’ve all got the wow factor! We’ve listed some of their bags that we absolutely love. 1. Radley totes Tote bags are perfectly suited for a short trip. If you’re going to the movies or the beach and taking essentials such as food, drinks or cosmetics that you want to be able to access quickly, it’s useful to have a large and open bag with you. Radley sells gorgeous tote bags in black, grenadine, pink and various patterns. Our personal favourite is the Radley Chiltern Large Tote Handbag in a korma shade! 2. Radley workbags The Radley workbags are especially pretty. If you need a bag to store quite a few of your belongings in, whether for university or for work, Radley has released […]

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Candice Swanepoel vs. Michelle Dockery: Who wore Peter Pilotto better?

by on 20th March 2013 0 comments

Masters of print, design duo Peter Pilotto know how to make a woman look good in a dress. And the two women competing for our attention in said designer’s dress this week are Victoria’s Secret Angel and all-round gorgeous lady, Candice Swanepoel, and Downton Abbey superstar, Michelle Dockery. First up, Ms. Swanepoel floored us with her fashion moves, as she slipped into the stunning flamenco-inspired printed panel dress at the Victoria’s Secret 2013 Swim Collection Party, last month. Looking enviably tanned and toned, the leggy lovely completed her look with a slicked back top-knot and black Louboutin pumps. But beating the South African beauty to it was English rose Michelle Dockery, who wore the same dress back in January to the Entertainment Weekly pre-SAG awards party. Opting for a chic, wispy up-do, Michelle accessorised her look with drop earrings, a box clutch and red pumps. Both ladies looked equally stylish in their print-tastic dresses, but there can only be one style champ! And with that said, Michelle lands our winning vote. Although we want Candice’s impossibly perfect body, the overall look is a bit harsh, and maybe tumbling locks would’ve been a better option. Black pumps are a little boring too, almost blending the look into one, matchy-matchy outfit. Michelle’s softer hairstyle and red pumps bring the extra glam factor to her look. Disagree with our style verdict? Tell us why, below!

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Dolce & Gabbana filigrane embellished gold-plated clip earrings: Yay or Nay?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The undisputed runway rulers of the accessory world, Dolce & Gabbana’s seasonal Sicilian offerings never fail to disappoint. Always harking back to their native Italy, the designs are splashed with intense colour and smattering of beautiful details; often ornate and major statement makers. So, on our Yay or Nay radar this week are hot-off-the-runway filigrane embellished gold-plated clip earrings. Decorated with multi-coloured stones, engraved gold-plated coins, raffia tassels and pompoms, clipping these to your earlobes are sure to turn heads! But they’re not exactly a dainty and delicate addition to your jewellery collection, and as with all Dolce designs, require a certain flamboyance to carry them off properly. Below, we weigh up the pros and cons of snapping up a pair! Yay Statement buy: Safe to say, the filigrane embellished gold-plated clip earrings aren’t your average minimalist investment. You’re set to make an uber-statement with these earrings, not to mention be the envy of your fashionable friends! Complementary to your wardrobe: With an array of colours squeezed into one earring, you’re sure to find the majority of your coloured wardrobe fits with this pair. No need for a wardrobe revamp then! Lightweight: Although they appear to be incredibly heavy, these earrings are deceptively lightweight, making them less painful when working your look on the beach all day! Nay One wear then despair item: The downside of a statement buy is that its sheer look-at-me factor means you can only really ever get one wear out of it, before experiencing yawn-you’ve-worn-it-before glares from passers-by! These earrings firmly fall into that category. Size: Not for the faint-hearted, much like most of Dolce & Gabbana’s colourful creations, these earrings are on the large side – meant to make an impact. Not the best investment if you prefer your accessories to accent, not overtake, […]

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Eva Longoria is red hot in floor-length John Galliano

by on 12th March 2013 0 comments

Jessica Rabbit, eat your heart out – there’s a new sexy scarlet goddess in town and her name is Eva Longoria! Yep, our favourite former Desperate Housewives star looked nothing short of phenomenal on the red carpet last night, as she donned a floor-length John Galliano dress for the 2013 Laureus World Sports Awards which took place in Rio de Janeiro. Eva sported some seriously smouldering eye make up to add the sultry factor to the look, and left her enviable brunette wavy locks tumble over her shoulders. The best thing about this dress (apart from the fact that Eva was wearing it) is the sexy scoop back. Chic and demure in the front and daring and sexy in the back – is there anything this dress doesn’t have? Another red carpet triumph for Ms Longoria!

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Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz bring Oz magic to London

by on 1st March 2013 0 comments

The magical city of Oz looked remarkably like London last night, as the red carpet got rolled out in Leicester Square for the Oz the Great and Powerful premiere. We say red carpet, but it was in fact a yellow one in homagae to the great yellow brick road. Attention to detail – that’s what it’s all about! The three leading ladies Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz pulled out all the stops in terms of their outfits, with each girl looking spellbinding in her own special way. For the Hollywood premiere, Michelle Williams chose a long white dress that was very fitting for her Glinda the Good Witch character, but we’re really pleased to see her rocking an edgier look this time round. The blue dress from the Burberry spring/summer 2013 collection does wonders for her complexion and figure, don’t you think? Not one to be outdone was Mila Kunis, who made a very powerful style statement in a ruffled Alexander McQueen dress. Rachel Weisz also showcased her style credentials by rocking up in a stunning Michael Kors gown from the pre-fall 2013 collection. The bold scarlet lip really does add the final wow factor to the look! Who was your favourite?

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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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