Search Results for “PARTY SHOES

5 Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas

February is one of the most exciting times at the beginning of the year after the holidays. It’s Valentine’s month—a Hallmark holiday not only for lovers but for family and friends as well. It’s a time of giving and receiving things like chocolates, sweets, and other gifts. If you’re a Valentine’s Day enthusiast, you’re probably scrambling to put together a cute outfit for the day. There are a lot to choose from because you can opt for a chic ensemble, a casual one, to a more dressy, classic outfit for dinner later with your beau or just a couple of friends. If you’re confused about what look to go for, here are some ideas you may want to check out. Classic Chic You can never go wrong with a classic outfit such as a little black dress and classy heels. It works for any occasion including Valentine’s Day. You can even wear this ensemble during work as well, but to make it more professional, you can layer it with a blazer and some smart work pumps. If it’s time for your date, you can opt to make your makeup heavier for the night. Add jewelry, if you like, and let down your hair. Remember to take your jacket or blazer off so you can wow your date at first sight. Romantic Top and High-Waist Skinnies If you’re going somewhere casual like the movies and want to go for an understated but still put-together look, a top paired with high-waist skinny jeans can be just right. You can look low-key dressed up in this outfit because it’s not too over the top for casual joints. A blouse paired with black skinny jeans is a foolproof combination. Blouse and Midi Skirt Combo Midi skirts are making a comeback, and if you’re looking […]

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Comfort is Calling: 6 Easy Ways to Relax This Winter

The weather outside is frightful and you would find it undeniably delightful to embrace your inner shut-in and stay hunkered down with nothing but your fur babies and Netflix to keep you company for the next several months. Sadly (or fortunately), this is not your life. You are a woman in high demand and your daily must-do’s and want-to’s aren’t going anywhere, regardless of how quickly the temperature is dropping. However busy this cold season finds you, do your best to keep comfortable this winter and relax. Or else risk turning into those characters from your favorite show that can’t stop talking about winter (we get it, it’s here). The Uncomfortable Scenario It seems as if your boss has resolved to make this year the most productive yet – which is good for her but totally puts a kink in your social life, what with all of those late nights an overachiever such as yourself is bound to put in. The Comfy Solution Stock your wardrobe with cute and comfy knit jersey tops that you can wear with leggings and some butt kicking boots to stay comfortable during those long nights at the office. (And an emergencies-only flask of a little something warm tucked away in your desk wouldn’t be such a bad idea either.) The Uncomfortable Scenario Your college boyfriend is in town and won’t stop texting you about meeting up. You are resolved to let him know that you have no hard feelings about the way things ended and you’re happy to be his friend in real life – not just on Facebook. BUT you also want him to see how good you look and make him question every decision he’s ever made since breaking up with you at a frat party.   The Comfy Solution Break his […]

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Travel Tips For The Jet-Setting Fashionista

Are you jet-setting to far-flung resorts, exploring new cultures and ticking off world-famous sights from your must-see list? Perhaps you are looking into car rentals so you can travel in style as you tour the Algarve or the South of France at your own pace. Or maybe you are heading to a destination where you can relax by the pool all day and party all night. For many, fashion is a high-priority and something you need to consider as you head off to explore the world. Wherever you’re jet-setting to, this guide will help you fashionistas prepare for your holiday, avoiding clunky outfits and enabling you to travel in comfort and style. Statement accessories on minimalist outfits Plan your daily outfits ahead of time to ensure you’re packing exactly what you need. A good way to save on suitcase space is to take clothes that you can mix and match. An easy way to do this is to pack three coordinating colours so you don’t have to spend too much time choosing what to wear. If you go with a minimalistic approach with your clothing, you can jazz up an outfit with the accessories. Using accessories as your main outfit’s focal point is great on holiday as accessories don’t take up too much room in your case. You can also repeat outfits as eyes will be drawn elsewhere. As you’re on holiday, it’s the perfect time to have a bit of fun with your fashion. Choose bright, vibrant colours that reflect your personality. Sunburn is not a good look Lobster red sore skin is never a good look. Protect yourself from getting sunburnt with a high-factor sun lotion. You can still get that just-been-on-holiday glow while you’re lathered up. Unless you can get your hands on a magical one-a-day application […]

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Tips To Avoid Blowing Your Budget Over Christmas And The New Year

For most people, the holiday season around Christmas and the New Year can be one of the most costly of the year, with not just gifts to think about but also vacations, get-togethers, decorations, and outfits to potentially spend money on. As such, if you don’t want to be faced with a huge credit card bill and/or depleted savings when January comes, it’s important to look at ways you can enjoy the holiday period without totally blowing the budget. Read on for some key tips you can follow to cut back your spending, and the stress that can come with trying to pay for it. Set Yourself a Budget for the Festive Season To help you avoid a financial blowout over the Christmas and New Year period, it’s wise to set yourself a strict budget that you can adhere to over December and January. Because it is really easy to forget about finances when you’re having fun shopping, catching up with friends or family members, enjoying a vacation, or celebrating the end of the year with a few drinks, having a budget in place can be a good reminder and help keep you on track. Once you have a budget set, you can use this to determine whether or not you can afford to spend money on something. This way, rather than finding yourself at a weak moment when your willpower is low, and you think “it will be fine,” you will instead simply need to look at where your spending is at and determine whether there’s room in that area of your budget for the cost or not. Have a Plan Another good strategy to use is to put a plan in place for those times during the festive period when you know temptations will be rife and it […]

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5 Ways Accessories Can Update Your Outfit

Are you sick and tired of wearing the same clothes day in and day out? No, you don’t need a brand new wardrobe. Sometimes you can simply jazz up your outfits to appear trendy and smart. With the help of the right accessories, even the most boring wardrobe can be miraculously transformed. Here are five tips on how you can do that.   1. Enhance Your Bright Outfits It is a misconception that accessories are not required with bright coloured dresses. In fact, accessories can add that extra ‘oomph’ to any dress. However, if it’s a bright dress, go for accessories with a minimalist approach. A slinky chain or bracelet or sleek earrings can make the look very sophisticated.    2. Try to Accessorise Neutral Colours Neutral colours are present in everyone`s wardrobe. Colours like brown, olive, black, white and navy give you the ideal opportunity to accessorise. Play with colours when you opt for neutral coloured dresses. A Little Black Dress (LBD) is a versatile piece which is apt for a dinner date, party or an enjoyable evening with friends. Accessories can change a plain LBD into a dramatic head-turning outfit. Pair the LBD with statement earrings, chunky jewellery or a stylish watch. Ensure that you do not overdo the look though! Select a scarf with bold prints for a lively look or a knitted scarf for a chilly day. Add a bit of drama to your look with skinny or wide belts. Contrasting colours will make your look much more interesting. For a white dress or light coloured dress, choose a multi-coloured necklace or earrings for a trendy look. An orange or yellow coloured scarf can add life to an olive coloured dress. Spice things up a bit with items from your wardrobe. Put on a bold necklace […]

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5 Steps to Finding the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams

The process to find the wedding dress of a bride’s dreams can be a long and exciting one but for those who are on a budget, it can be a daunting prospect too. However, with a firm idea of what is necessary in the process to find an ideal wedding down will help reduce the stress in finding it. Tip one: Find a helpful wedding boutique After researching possible styles, trends and silhouettes, a bride and her party should make an appointment with a bridal shop to see what designer wedding dresses are available and gain help and advice; helpful sales assistants can be invaluable. It helps if the rails effectively showcase the wedding dresses so a bride can see whether they are for her. Also, visiting a boutique should be unforgettable experience. Tip two: Avoid weekends Wedding boutiques are busier at weekends and for the more popular outlets it will be difficult to get a suitable weekend appointment at short notice. Brides should try to make an appointment early in the day when they have enthusiasm and energy to try on several dresses but not too many. However, by visiting a bridal shop during the week, a bride and her party will have more time to try on dresses and ask the boutique owner or sales staff more questions. Tip three: Be prepared A simple tip but one that is often overlooked. Brides should read bridal magazines and visit websites before their appointment to get an idea of the styles of designer wedding dresses and which will suit their body shape best. This idea of browsing online will also enable a bride to compile a shortlist of wedding dresses that they find suitable. Tip four: Dress appropriately It’s always a good idea to wear their underwear for their wedding […]

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Romantic Outfits For Cosy Winter Evenings

Winter evenings can be cold, bleak and sometimes rainy; it is too easy to put your romance life on hibernation mode during winter. However, it is important to keep date nights frequent to keep the fire burning between you and your partner, especially or even if you have been together for a long time. As the winter chill grows stronger, an adjustment to our wardrobes is essential. A little extra care to styling your outfits is much needed to avoid looking like Michelin Man or a marshmallow when you start layering your clothes. There are many ways for you to create romantic outfits that are cosy and warm without compromising your feminine, edgy, classic or bohemian style. Cool chic Kendall Jenner is the epitome of cool these days and for good reasons—her off-catwalk looks are relatable and can be recreated. This black-and-white ensemble is chic enough for a dinner at a fancy restaurant but casual enough for a movie after. Layer a bodycon sweater dress under a thin duster coat for the right amount of warmth—finish the look with white trainers and a great classic bag. Black or White If you are not for constrictive dresses, take out your white summer dress (this will brighten up your face) and wear a pair of tights underneath it to keep your legs warm. Slip on a pair of ankle boots and pull on a great trench coat, ala Grace Atwood, before you head out for a romantic dinner with your significant other. If the very idea of pulling anything out of your summer closet puts you off, then go for a leather black coat – pair it with patterned trousers and classic oxford shoes for a chic look! Opposites attract Rach Parcell showed that the juxtaposition of black and pink is beautiful. […]

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Two Stylish Ways To Wrap Up Warm

While sometimes we’d like nothing more than to throw on a couple of thermal vests, an oversized jumper, the warmest pair of trousers we can find and a long puffer jacket, the truth of the matter is that the colder months last for so much longer than the warmer months, so we’ve got to have a winter wardrobe that is as stylish as it is warm. The good news? This isn’t as tricky as one may think. Here’s two looks we’re loving which aren’t too difficult to recreate. Outfit 1 Airport chic at it’s finest and the perfect weekend outfit, pair an asymmetric white jumper with your black skinnies for a look that’s not only effortlessly cool but guaranteed to fight the wintry chills. 1. Pullover sweater / 2. Zara motorcycle jacket / 3. Current/Elliott skinny jeans/ 4. Very Volatile black booties / 5. Yves Saint Laurent shoulder bag / 6. Tom Ford oversized sunglasses/ 7. Nars Supervixen Lipgloss Outfit 2 You know that metallic skirt you snapped up during party season? Well don’t leave it lying in your wardrobe, waiting for your next evening engagement. Instead, team with a classic sweater and ankle boots for a great AM to PM option. 1. Uniqlo sweater / 2. Gucci metallic skirt / 3. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium/ 4. Nly Shoes high heel booties / 5. Nixon rose gold watch / 6. Nars Baby Doll Lipgloss  

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Discovering The Wonderful City Of Milan With Huawei

Fashion month is always the busiest time of year for me. But regardless of the very late nights and the painfully early mornings, it was impossible to pass up the opportunity to discover the best Milan has to offer. I certainly couldn’t. And I’m glad I didn’t. Thanks to Huawei, I had a much needed couple of days to see the city in all it’s glory, all while being introduced to their latest must-have gadgets – the Huawei Watch and the Huawei Mate S. Along with fabulous fellow fashion bloggers and the lovely Huawei team, I spent an incredible couple of days, shooting in various beautiful locations in Milan, visiting some fantastic exhibitions, sampling menus at lovely restaurants and letting my hair down at Vogue China’s 10th anniversary party. Yes, the party was a blast. It really was. Marking a close to Milan Fashion Week, and held at the stunning Neoclassic Sala delle Cariatidi, party goers included famed photographer Mario Testino, supermodel Karlie Kloss and the legendary designer Giorgio Armani. But back to important matters…if you’re planning a trip to Milan any time soon or you’re considering visiting the city loved by many fashionistas, here’s my quick round up of where to go and where to eat. Where to eat? Of course being the foodie that I am (fashion is my first love, but food comes a VERY close second) I have to start with the food. While we visited a number of amazing restaurants, I had two personal favourites. Situated on a beautiful terrace, above the Triennale di Milano museum, the Terrazza Triennale offers diners not only mouth-watering dishes but an absolutely mazing view too. But what cinched the deal? Well they serve a “to-die-for” Caprese al Cioccolato (also known as chocolate cake). It literally was the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had…. Second favourite has […]

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Not to be missed bank holiday fashion deals!

Are you indoors wishing for sunshine this bank holiday weekend? Yep. We are too. However, despite our weather woes, nothing beats a 3 day weekend. It’s the ideal time to treat yourself to a little pampering and catch up on all your fave t.v shows. Best of all, with the bank holiday comes amazing deals and discounts.  So, put your feet up, grab a cuppa and enjoy the best fashion deals on offer…completely guilt-free! No need to scour the net, from fashion to home and garden, head over to VouchaCodes to find great discounts from all your favourite stores. Be warned, with a ton of stores all offering amazing discounts, you could find yourself spending the long weekend on the sofa with a huge dent in your bank balance. If that’s not enough, this weekend update your wardrobe with 30% off and free next day delivery at Very Exclusive (enter code 6FW63 at check out). Pick up fabulous pieces for all your upcoming summer events with up to 60% off partywear at ASOS. Get 20% off selected lines over at Dorothy Perkins (offer ends 26/05/2015). Stock up on all your denim must-haves over at Baujken, (use code FF515 to enjoy 25% off + free delivery and returns). And, House of Fraser are offering a whopping 30% off clothing and 50% off handbags from now till Monday. Enjoy!

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How to trim your fashion expenses

Looking one’s best can be expensive. A way of life to some is a hobby to many and an addiction for others. Keeping abreast of the latest and greatest fashion trends can burn a hole in new pockets the moment payday arrives. Shoppers such as Tess Stimson, writing in the Daily Mail, willingly admit the compulsive nature of their love of clothing and its power. She estimated a spend of at least £100,000 across two decades and decided to go ‘cold turkey’ feeling all the better for it. So if someone with that level of devotion can change their habits, why can’t we all? Thankfully, a wardrobe clear-out can be a rewarding experience, creating space and money, and also benefiting others. It applies as much to children as adults, as events such as NCT sales will take baby/child clothes from sellers and are also locations to find low cost, high quality items for buyers. There will be dresses, t-shirts or coats that you haven’t worn in years. You might not even fit in them any more, but are clinging on in the hope that you’ll slim down to your former size. If so, get rid, as seeing them can be a dispiriting experience, and if you do ever slim down to your previous size, you deserve a new dress anyway! If the items are in good condition you could car-boot them, put them on eBay, send them to sites such as Music Magpie for cash, donate them to charity shops, or hold a swishing party where clothes can be swapped among friends. Making time in the day to monitor trends, sales and offers could reap rewards. Set up a calendar system so that you know when particular sales and events end, and keep any vouchers you find in a safe […]

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Our 10 best dressed at the 2015 Grammy Awards

This year’s Grammys were eventful to say the least but not even Kanye could steal the spotlight from the ladies that ruled the red carpet. The biggest trend without a shadow of a doubt was a heavy dose of bling, glam and figure hugging dresses, but thankfully there were those who broke the rules and thought outside of the box. Naturally Rihanna rebelled and we’re so glad she did! Love or hate her outfit at least she gave us something different! Here’s our 10 best dressed celebs… Wearing one of our fave couture looks this season courtesy of Giambattista Valli, Rihanna was a delight in this show-stopping, pink strapless gown. Cue all the “cupcake” jokes….. Always one of our red carpet favourites, Chrissy Teigen failed to disappoint in this perfect white floor-length gown by Emilio Pucci. Gwyneth Paltrow showed off her gorgeous long legs in this Saint Laurent sparkly number paired with beautiful stilettos.   Custom made by Proenza Schouler, Beyoncé opted for a plunging v-neck gown to accentuate her bootylicious curves. Katharine McPhee’s first Grammy red carpet saw the singer looking lovely and demure in an Emilio Pucci coral cut-out evening gown with silver hardware. Deciding not to opt for a traditional dress, Gwen Stefani as usual was on trend in this edgy Atelier Versace strapless jumpsuit with netting detail. Yes, yes and yes! Elie Saab is to thank for this ADORABLE combination of evening gown meets party dress complimented perfectly with Giuseppe Zanotti heels and modelled to perfection on Taylor Swift.   Rocking none other than Tom Ford, Nicki Minaj was nothing short of stunning. Classic, understated and absolutely gorge. We’ve been loving Versace’s red carpet gowns of late and this beauty on Ariana Grande is no exception. With chainmail detail and cut-outs in all the right place, Ariana gets a thumbs up […]

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Solange Knowles breaks all the rules and the internet at her New Orleans wedding

What better way to start the morning than with inspirational wedding pics? If you’re in the process of planning a wedding then you’re sure to be inspired by the creativity at Solange Knowles’ wedding to Alan Ferguson. The 28-year-old singer wed the 51-year-old video director in New Orleans yesterday in true “unconventional” Solange style. Trading in a limo, or for the more traditional…a horse and carriage, the bride and groom made their way to the church riding white-painted bicycles. Solange deserves major fashion points for pulling this off in a Stéphane Rolland ivory caped jumpsuit. Continuing with the caped theme Solange was the epitome of sophistication as she tied the knot in a Humberto Leon for Kenzo cape dress, Stuart Weitzman shoes and Jill for Lady Grey bracelets. And forget the smiling wedding portraits. Nope, instead the couple chose to take some very cool pictures inspired by Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft. And for the after party? The newly weds and guests (all dressed in white) partied the night away at the French Quarter. Of course, Solange changed outfits and danced the night away in another chic jumpsuit. On her fun and fabulous wedding the bride said, “Everyone I worked with on the wedding are friends who I love…..Everything was a labor of love.” [Images- Instagram & Daily Mail]

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See the winter through in style with this luxurious ombre shearling coat

You can never have too many coats…and shoes…and bags..and clothes. O.K you can never have too much of any fashion item! But ’tis the season of the coat and with so many tempting styles on offer, we just can’t help but indulge. We’re completely and utterly obsessed with this luxe ombre shearling coat by Reiss. Isn’t it beyond perfection? At £1250 however, splurging on this beauty so close to Christmas might not be advisable *sigh*. Time to start those Xmas gift hints we reckon! Ombre streamlined shearling coatavailable at Reiss for £1250.

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Angelina Jolie’s Christian Louboutin wedges, Alice Temperley x Net a Porter, and Naomi Campbell shares pizza with Azzedine Alaia

Now you can get your hands (and feet) on Angelina Jolie’s Christian Louboutin Maleficent shoes! [Independent] Alice Temperley designs an exclusive collection for Net-a-Porter! [InStyle] Is George Clooney wearing Giorgio Armani for his wedding next month? [Harper’s Bazaar] Riccardo Tisci had a pretty star-studded 40th birthday bash… [Grazia] Naomi Campbell eats pizza with Azzedine Alaia in Brixton… and Bruce Weber captures it all! [Fashion Foie Gras] Has Kate Moss given Justin Bieber a stern talking to? [Telegraph] Will the famous Tiffany’s turquoise box soon be a thing of the past? [Vogue] Brooke Shields is collaborating with MAC! [Glamour]

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Spotlight on Narciso Rodriguez…

Who is Narciso Rodriguez? In a nutshell, he’s an American designer whose shows we always get excited for during New York Fashion Week, as he never fails to deliver exciting, transitional and all-round inspiring pieces season after season. He has a pretty impressive celebrity following too, and counts Jessica Alba as one of his biggest A-list fans (alongside the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker ad even First Lady Michelle Obama), who does a fantastic job of showing the world how the pieces should be work with the utmost style and wow factor. Granted she would look good in almost anything, but that shouldn’t take anything away from the intricate nature of a Narciso Rodriguez design. Basically what we’re trying to say is that your wardrobe could do a lot worse than being filled with Narciso Rodriguez; your bank account, on the other hand, not so much. Or so it/you thought. There’s a gargantuan sale of Narciso Rodriguez items on Avenue 32 at the moment, where some of the hottest pieces we have been lusting after all year have been slashed in price, making them super duper affordable. How do discounts of up to 70% sound? They sound like the perfect thing to cure us of Monday morning blues! You could get your hands and feet on a pair of wow factor shoes for under £200, our favourites being a pair of black suede sandals that are guaranteed a full and long life expectancy, and will be one of your go-to pairs of black shoes for those cocktail nights with the ladies or important business meetings. And speaking of business… there are lots of great pieces of office-appropriate pieces in the aforementioned sale, including a sharp pair of tailored trousers (they come in both brown and black stripe colour combos) as […]

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Why the watch will always be a timeless accessory!

Men and women have, for centuries used timepieces as both a practical and stylish accessory. While many smart phones now offer the functionality of keeping time for any and every location around the world, there’s something decidedly more distinguished about the intricate mechanics of a well-made watch. Ranging in price from tens of thousands to a few quid, watches can suit all tastes and budgets and compliment any ensemble. For those who doubt the merits of wristwatches, here are just a few of the very good reasons that this particular fashion accessory will always remain timely. Demand Respect The old adage ‘to dress for success’ is no myth. For years people have been dressing for the job they want and the crowd they aim to impress. A watch is a visual indicator of both style and substance; a sartorial cue to friends and strangers alike that the owner of a wristwatch is someone serious and stylish. For men, a smart haircut, a shoeshine and a well-tailored suit are perfectly complimented by the finishing touch of a handsome wristwatch that demands attention and respect. For women, a watch can take on any number of fashionable functions. A dazzling variety of bands and faces can combine to compliment every outfit from the chicest of bohemian to the classiest of couture. Make Time for a Unique Style Watches can suit any type of style. For a classic look, consider investing in a traditional timepiece or for a modern aesthetic, perhaps consider more experimental methods of time-telling. For decades designers have been re-inventing the traditional functionality of a watch with contemporary styles of the times. For some investing in a timeless timepiece is the perfect declaration of personal style; something strong, consistent and stylish that transcends fads. For others, a watch may be a […]

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Alexa Chung suits up in red velvet Saint Laurent

We know that Alexa Chung is a fan of the androgynous look – that’s not news to us, or anyone for that matter – so when we heard that she was spotted in a red suit, we didn’t really bat an eyelid. We expected her to look cracking, as always, but we didn’t actually expect what we saw. Style maven Alexa Chung joined a host of other fabulously dressed people at the My Theresa and Anya Hindmarch party at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, and opted to wear a stunning red velvet skirt suit by Saint Laurent for the occasion. Didn’t expect us to say “skirt”, did you? Alexa looks fabulously feminine in her matching skirt suit, which she accessorised with a simple black tee underneath and Tabitha Simmons flat shoes. Some things never change, eh? And we’re glad of it too – one of the many things we love about Alexa is her ability to always stay true to herself. We love this look; and the golden glow is a fab addition, too!

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Victoria Beckham “wraps up” in NYC

The Beckhams really are taking over the world! While we were watching the BBC documentary David Beckham Into the Unknown last night, Victoria Beckham was attending a business meeting and party hosted by Net-a-Porter’s Natalie Massenet at The Bowery Hotel in New York. And seeing as VB was there to celebrate her own work, it seemed only right that she attend the event wearing one of her own designs. Mrs Beckham wore a stunning navy blue wrap dress from her latest autumn/winter 2014 collection, and accessorised it beautifully with some matching burgundy shoes, clutch and wait cinching belt. We love the intricacy of the dress juxtaposed with the simplicity of the rest of the accessories. There’s no way such a perfectly executed look can be a coincidence; way to go Victoria! Ps: Victoria may have been attending a party in NYC, but she still found time to tweet about her hubby being on TV. Are they the cutest couple, or what? [Image]

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Blake Lively wows in Gucci on New York red carpet

Following her jaw-dropping appearance at the Met Gala on Monday night (she wore a stunning Gucci Premiere dress and, along with her husband Ryan Reynolds, wowed absolutely everyone with her radiance) Blake Lively has made yet another glorious appearance on the red carpet. This time round, the actress attended Gucci’s Chime for Change Campaign in New York on Tuesday (no time to nurse a Met Gala after-party hangover!) dressed in a gorgeous trench coat from the Gucci Pre-Fall 2014 collection with a bejewelled dress from the brand’s autumn/winter 2014 collection underneath. We don’t think it was, but it looks like the coat was made exclusively for her as it fits her like a glove and complements her dreamy skin tone and enviable golden locks perfectly. Blake completed her stylish outfit with spiked shoes from her good pal Christian Louboutin and what is fast becoming her signature slightly dishevelled side braid. Sartorial perfection at its finest!

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10 great gifts for mum to suit all budgets

It’s that time of year again. You know, when you recap on the wondrous doings of the most important lady in your life, aka Mother. She fed you, clothed you and picked up the prices along the way; and now, on March 30, it’s your turn to fractionally return the favour. Lucky for mums, we’ve picked out the best Mother’s Day gifts, so you don’t have to do the leg work, and mum doesn’t have to settle with a less-than-perfect present. Now, all mums may perform the same duties, but that doesn’t mean their taste in receiving gifts is identical. No! From mums who like to indulge in an accessory party, to those who cherish their time alone with wonderful smelling products; and even those who are so particular about their love for chocolate, that a bog standard High Street sugar rush just won’t cut it: you are sorted. Scroll down to check out our line-up of brownie point-winning present ideas, that’ll ensure you’ll be mum’s favourite for a long time to come. Well, you know what they say about accessories that speak for themselves: Anya Hindmarch I Love You pouch, £135. If your mum’s an accessory fiend, she’ll love this sparkling beauty: Astley Clarke Starman turquoise bracelet, £160. This super-chic jewellery box is perfect for mums forever misplacing their precious gems: Aspinal Paris jewellery box, £175.  Great make-up tools are an ideal investment, and no one does them better: Bobbi Brown basic brush collection, £144. Say it sweetly with these custom monogrammed choc treats: Artisan du Chocolat Voyage de Chocolats, £90. Much like shoes, you can never have enough pretty looking candles: Acqua di Parma Fruit & Flowers candle, £75. With all that money she regularly showers on you, give her something chic to put it in: Saint Laurent Chyc flap wallet, £395. This gift-wrapped treat […]

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Achieving great lengths: Why the mini skirt is a must-have fashion item

Skirts. We can never have too many, but rather interestingly, the varying styles and lengths have significantly defined perceived conceptions of the ‘new women’ and femininity. From the 1920s beaded flapper, flirty 50s circle or late 90s grungy denim, skirts have been just as influential on culture as they have our style. One skirt that shook up modern cultures, along with our desire for the perfect pins, is the mini skirt. Making waves in the 60s, the design freed young women from the historical convention of dressing in the style of their mothers. As British youths began to demand their own identity, a young political entity gained a voice and created a new and distinctive fashion that embodied their own political views – this is why the mini skirt is a must-have fashion item; it signifies a point in time where women were given the choice to dress exactly how they wanted. Championed by creative types such as Mary Quant and Twiggy in the 60s, it became mainstream in the 80s and even office-wear in the 90s. However, if worn wrong, you can cross the line of feminism loving fashionista into dangerous Christina Aguilera ‘Dirty’ territory. So, what’s the best way to wear a mini today? Firstly, with confidence; feeling comfortable in your own skin is the first step to feeling beautiful in your clothing. If you’re a little shy of your legs, try some fun exercise to boost morale and tone your pins. Dancing is a great way to achieve limb-perfection. After all, have you ever seen a dancer with bad legs? Zumba is a high-adrenaline way of sculpting legs Naomi Campbell will be jealous of. Simply find a class near you here, get a decent pair of dance shoes from an expert retailer like Dancemania and get the […]

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Lunchtime Buy: Lipsy embellished bandeau dress

Time to turn up the glamour factor, we think. Tomorrow is the start of London Fashion Week which means you probably have your show outfits all sorted by now, so we reckon it’s a good time to snap up a perfect party piece to celebrate and commiserate the end of another season when it’s all over in a few days’ time. And no one does glam partywear quite like Lipsy, right? The best thing about the Lipsy embellished bandeau dress that we chose today is that it can be worn to one fab occasion after another; prom, a family wedding, a cocktail party, birthday drinks (yours or your best friend’s) – you name it! Bandeau dresses never go out of style; go bold by teaming this Lipsy embellished bandeau dress with some sky high caged heels in a contrasting bright colour, or go demure by opting for some chic black shoes, a clutch and accessories instead. Lipsy embellished bandeau dress, £65

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5 of our favourite gold bracelets

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but gold never did any harm either, especially when it comes in the form of a stunning, attention-grabbing piece of wrist candy. A gold bracelet is one of the most timeless pieces of jewellery a woman can have and akin to shoes, a woman can never have too many – especially now the layering trend is in full swing! So, whether you just want to treat yourself for working extra hard or are after a present for one of your bestest gal pals, we have a few suggestions that will definitely fit the bill. Links of London Little Miss Sunshine 18ct Gold ID Bracelet Inject a little bit of your childhood back into your life with this Little Miss Sunshine bracelet. The simple but cute Little Miss design is multifunctional and speaks volumes! If you fancy giving this bracelet to your bestie, you can make it even more personal by engraving it which will make for a unique gift they’ll never forget and will treasure forever. Marc by Marc Jacobs Katie Turnlock Small Bracelet This one is for all the rock chicks out there. Go edgy and grungy with this dark gold bracelet from Marc by Marc Jacobs. A definite head-turning design that we predict the likes of Cara Delevingne and Rita Ora will be all over. Mulberry Bayswater Medium Metal Bracelet, Soft Gold We don’t really need to persuade you to invest in a Mulberry piece as they pretty much speak for themselves, and this bracelet is no different. We doubt this piece will ever go out of style so snap it up now before it’s too late! Lizzie Fortunato Gold Chain Mail Cuff A piece of bling that will definitely get you noticed; layer it up or leave it on its own […]

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Steep vs. Cheap: Leopard-print ankle boots

You guessed it. Our quest for bagging the perfect pair of boots is still going strong, and it seems our new season wardrobe will contain one too many pairs! Stepping onto our Steep vs. Cheap radar this week are head turning leopard-print ankle boots that are, well, purr-fect (sorry!). Whoever said leopard-print was the reserve of party nights or only to be seen on clothes, look away now, because your shoedrobe is about to receive a serious injection of statement animal print. Coming in at the steep end this week; the Puss in Boots ankle boots from the queen of adorably quirky shoes, Charlotte Olympia. A sure-fire winner when it comes to turning heads with the power of the humble boot, we love the slight heel, luxe calf hair upper and the just visible, iconic embroidered cat face. But, to slip into these beauties means parting with the hefty sym of £795! However, as always, the high street has come to the rescue. Ensuring you can still get your animal print ankle boot fix without breaking the bank is Rihanna’s preferred high street haunt, River Island, where you can snap up a similar style for a fraction of the price. With a pocket-friendly price tag of £50, your feet are guaranteed to look fierce without turning you bankrupt. In these budget friendly beauties, you’ll definitely be the cat that got the cream! So which side will you let loose on these boots: the spendthrift, or the serial cash splasher? Steep: Charlotte Olympia Puss in Boots embroidered calf hair ankle boots, £795, available at Net-a-Porter Cheap: Pony hair leopard-print chelsea boots, £50, available at River Island

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We welcome Manolo Blahnik to London Fashion Week!

We’d like to welcome Manolo Blahnik and his incredible collection of shoes to London, as it’s just been confirmed that the designer will be showing at London Fashion Week next month for the first time ever! If that isn’t a reason to party, we don’t know what is! “Everybody now makes a point of coming to London – which is very different to Milan and Paris. London is now so important to all these international buyers. London is the future,” the designer previously said. And he’s not wrong there! Manolo Blahnik will hold a presentation on Sunday September 15th (the location has yet to be confirmed but we will of course keep you posted as soon as we hear more) which runs from 10am and 4pm, so there are no excuses for not popping in to check the new collection out. We think Sunday is going to be one fash-tastic, fash-fuelled day as the likes of Mulberry, Matthew Williamson, Jonathan Saunders, L’Wren Scott and Mary Katrantzou will also be showcasing their spring/summer 2014 collections on that day. Red Bull at the ready! [Vogue] 

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Your work wardrobe dilemmas solved!

Starting a new job and fretting over your wardrobe woes more than the workload? Or maybe you’re in need of a little fash-spiration when it comes to getting ready for the office every day? Whatever your work wardrobe dilemma, we’re here to help you kick it stylishly. From office-appropriate footwear to cleaver day-to-night staples, check out the stylish solutions to the most common workwear dilemmas below, and prepare to become the envy of your colleagues on Monday.  “Are sandals appropriate for the office in summer?” Well, this depends on your workplace and the industry you work in, but in effect, yes. Working in the creative sector, where rules on dressing are often lenient in comparison to corporate companies is a plus, but most workplaces require a certain degree of smartness. Mid-heeled sandals are a great way to do summer footwear: chic, thick ankle strap sandals in neutral tones such as nude and black work well with dresses and ankle-grazing trousers. A medium, block heel or mini wedge is perfect if you’re blessed in the height department and ideal if you fear sore feet at the end of the working day. Check out our top three options below. 1. £30, available at Next; 2.£95, available at Kurt Geiger; 3. £69.99, available at Zara “I have to attend a lot of after-work events and need transitional outfits without looking too dressy.” Day-to-night looks are getting easier to shop for, as elements such as print, embellishment and cut begin to seep into the boardroom. Post-work networking has, luckily, overhauled work wear, pushing out dull colours and unflattering cuts and replacing them with wardrobe staples that scream wow. We’ll forever be grateful to the hard working women at the top of their game who don’t forget to mix Fendi with fiscal reports! Start by picking out one […]

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Sophia Webster Blake leopard sandals: Yay or Nay?

Known for crafting heels with an eclectically cool charm, Sophia Webster is a name hot on every fashion editor’s lips. Zesty colours and outré detail combined to create lust-worthy heels; Webster has perfected the art of making us want to incorporate bold shoes into our everyday wardrobes. Tempting us to adorn our feet with a splash of cleverly crafted leopard print this week is the Blake leopard sandal by Nicholas Kirkwood’s former protégée. A mix of intricately cut patent leather and mesh, the ankle tie detail and open back style add a glamorously sexy touch. But before letting your inclination for all things animal print take over and trick you into clicking these beauties home, how about playing the rational fash-girl game (is that even possible?) and contemplate the yays and nays for snapping up the Blake leopard sandals below? Yay Neutral colours: The pale-yellow spots, mesh outer and black patent-leather make for a flattering colour palette, so these heels wouldn’t go amiss with most of your wardrobe. Win win! Day-to-night heels: With enough dance floor appeal to take you straight to the party from your desk, you’re in luck (particularly if your work in fashion) because the Blake sandals will work wonders with an all-black look. Ankle tie trend: Tapping in to the ankle tie trend quite nicely; if you want to channel the allure of Alaïa with a dash of fun, the Blake sandals will bring the A game – especially when it comes to fashion week! Nay Price: At £530, the Blake sandals do fall into the mildly extortionate category, so don’t forget the five-outfit rule! Fiddly ankle tie: Although this is a yay, too, we’re not sure how many times it would be possible to slip in and out of the Blake sandals without landing in […]

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7 of the best gladiator sandals you need right now

Pedicured feet at the ready, it’s time to get your sandal on! Living in Blighty can mean permanent foot hibernation, which usually results in a neglected shoe wardrobe. So it’s only natural that we can’t wait to slip into pretty sandals come summer. Given that it’s mid-June, and we’re really not in the mood to sport ‘sensible’ shoes with flimsy summer dresses, we’ve decided to search high and low for hot-right-now gladiator sandals every discerning shoe lover needs! The perfect mix between tough and sweet, gladiator sandals are great for the beach or for styling with a summer-inspired look and even your faithful off-duty ensemble will get a stylish hit when you slip into a pair. But we’re not telling you to go all Ancient Greek god on us, and take the literal meaning of ‘gladiator’ sandal with you when shopping (no, Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in 300 was not our inspiration). Opt for sandals splashed in bright colours and adorned with pretty embellishment if you’re looking to make a stylish statement, or do sandals the grown-up way, by opting for muted tones in suede and washed leather. Go on. Step out of those unsightly boots and get summer ready with our roundup of seven of the best gladiator sandals! 1. The soft grey leather and ankle cuff detail is making us swoon -the perfect option for an understated and comfortable look. K Jacques Caravelle sandals, £199, available at My Wardrobe. 2. Who said black sandals had to be boring? This Givenchy pair turns the summer sandal on its head. We’re wearing ours with casual tee and mini skirt for city-strolling cool. Givenchy suede gladiator sandals, £439, available at My Theresa. 3.We love the artisanal, weaved detail against the tough buckle-fastening ankle strap. Haider Ackermann leather gladiator sandals, £538, available at […]

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Midweek Moodboard: Casual cool

Another Bank Holiday is approaching, and while we will be using our Monday day off to recover from Sunday night’s partying (painting the town red on a school night is rare so we may as well make the most of it!) we will also be using it to chill out and relax. This means donning suitably chilled out and relaxing clothes, which is sometimes easier said than done when we feel we need our tightest dresses and highest heels to look our best. However, we know it is possible to look and feel great while dressed-down too, which is why we went looking for some great casual attire this afternoon. Think boyfriend jeans, slouchy tops, flowing maxi skirts, and flat, comfortable shoes aplenty. Or if you want a celeb-approved way to give you an air of casual cool, why don’t you don a snapback cap?  If they’re good enough for Cara Delevingne and Rihanna…. Snapback cap, £21, available at USC Beacher espadrilles, £105, Tory Burch available at Harrods Pink outdoor pumps, £31.20, available at Ruby and Ed Trashed boyfriend jeans, £190, Ksubi available at Browns Deep raspberry linen cropped trousers, £22, available at Dorothy Perkins Swan print maxi skirt, £189, available at Ted Baker Grey vest top, £30, Religion available at House of Fraser Tan curve bag, £25, available at Dorothy Perkins

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Katy Perry vs. Selena Gomez: Who wore Dolce & Gabbana better?

When we saw the spring/summer 2013 delight that was the Dolce & Gabbana show spill onto the runway, we couldn’t wait to see the A-listers snap up the tropical prints for when the barometer went up. And safe to say, we weren’t disappointed. Style darlings, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry, both opted to put their spin on the same bustier top from the Dolce & Gabbana spring 2013, and both looked equally exotic in their own right! Bieber’s beau was up first, pairing the printed, midriff baring bustier top with a high-waisted orange pencil skirt and nude Giuseppe Zanotti pumps at the 2013 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival premiere for Spring Breakers, back in March. Glossy, side-swept curls, strong eyes and a popping coral lip polished off Selena’s look nicely. Making merry at the Lacoste L!ve 4th annual desert pool party last month was a girl after our own hearts, in the most summer-tastic outfit imaginable! Soaking up the rays at the event, which was held during Coachella, Katy Perry paired the bustier top with a playfully printed skirt from the same collection. White platform shoes, statement earrings, sunnies and a vintage Lulu Guinness bag completed Katy’s look. Now, after digesting so much print and eye-popping colour, we’ve got the tough task of deciding who takes this week’s fash-off champ title. And…Selena Gomez has done it for us this week! Although we absolutely approve of Katy’s all-out take on the Dolce look, those chunky platform heels don’t really do it for us. Selena’s sharp and sleek styling is perfect, not to mention making us squirm thinking about working towards that beach bod! Her minimal accessories won us over, as with Katy’s look, there’s just too much going on. Agree with our fash-off verdict? Who wins for you?

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FASHION CHARTS: Going UP and going DOWN this month

Cool credentials don’t come easy for the fash pack, especially when you’ve got to be ‘in the know’ about and anything and everything. Between keeping up with breaking stories, the hottest trends, latest info on the ‘It’ bag of the season and just what Cara and The Brows have been up to on any given day, an information overload is natural. So, to ensure all the vital bits reach your eyes, we’ve rounded up the fashion stories going up and down this month. The only place your news hungry eyes need to feast. Going up Mary Katrantzou x Current/Elliott Staple denim pieces splashed with Mary Katranzou’s signature prints, summer denim doesn’t get much better than this. Katrantzou has teamed up with super-jean brand, Current/Elliott, to bring you a capsule collection stylishly marrying the best of both worlds. Sneakers as ‘real’ fashion shoes If Michael Kors says it, it pretty much goes. The fashion demi-god recently launched a new collection of sneakers perfect for, wait for it…partying in! We always believed this in our fashion-led hearts after Lily Allen made sneaks ‘n’ frocks big back in the mid-Noughties, but now a certified fash body has given his approval. Shop the new collection here, or snap up our current haute faves, the Givenchy Printed silk-twill high tops. Ice cream cake pops Not satisfied with the normal kind, ice cream cake pops are set to take over your summer favourite, the classic 99. Forget being watchful for sneakily melting ice cream, when you can enjoy the benefits of cake on a lollipop stick. The joy of our taste buds knows no bounds! Check out this recipe to give cake popping a try at home. Luxe beachwear by Melissa Odabash A name synonymous with jet set perfect beachwear, Melissa Odabash is once again pulling […]

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Fendi Studded Heel Sandals: Yay or Nay?

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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One jacket, three ways!

The Little Jacket, be it in any form, is an essential part of a stylish wardrobe. Whether you’re a stickler for Chanel’s costly tweed version, or prefer a cost-effective high street hit that’ll see you through a trend without massively spending, the jacket brings great versatility. The right cut and fit are vital, and as it effectively pulls the outfit together, an ill-fitting jacket will mean an unflattering silhouette. We love the Etioloa jacket from By Malene Birger, because it introduces more than one trend into your wardrobe: chic Breton stripes to appeal to your inner Parisian, and tuxedo-style lapels making it the perfect option for an evening look. At a not-so-princely £279, the Etioloa jacket is an investment worth making for its trend-transcending qualities, and the fact that you’ll repeatedly visit this item in your wardrobe. Whether your style preference is dressed up or down, check out three ways to style the Etioloa jacket for any occasion, below. OFF-DUTY Clashing prints doesn’t have to mean excluding the classic Breton stripe. Go ahead and clash to your heart’s content with this cute stripe top, and welcome spring by giving jeans a miss and slipping into a casual mini skirt! A pop of metallic red makes these flats perfect for running errands ever so stylishly. PARTY Forget matchy-matchy evening looks, and incorporate three colours into your evening look with ease. We love a colour pop dress and shoulder bag combination, and nothing will make a statement quite like these embroidered satin pumps. Even Mrs. Beckham is a big fan! WORK Worn with a soft blouse and tailored-to-perfection trousers, the Etioloa jacket slides easily into office-appropriate territory. Have some fun with colour, though, and step out in bright heels for an instant lift. By Malene Birger Etioloa Cotton Stripe Jacket, £279, available at My-Wardrobe.

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Emmy Rossum champions the British High Street in dazzling Topshop dress

Demi Lovato isn’t the only famous fan of Topshop – Emmy Rossum seems to be quite keen on it too! God bless Philip Green! We always get a warm and fuzzy feeling when we see celebs taking to the red carpet in Topshop… after all, they have so many designer options at their fingertips that they could wear absolutely anything they wanted… so the fact that they choose Topshop proves that the high street store is still doing something right! Emmy Rossum attended the iHeartRadio 20/20 album party (yes that is Justin Timberlake’s new album… we feel it definitely deserves a party too!) wearing a green and white embroidered dress from the Little Dresses section of the store. Akin to Blake Lively, Emmy also rocks those white shoes like a pro – no hint of Essex style here! We can’t fault her look; the chic but slightly messy updo, the glittery eye make-up and even the white manicure all equal sartorial perfection!

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Laurence Dacade Glitter Leather Ankle Boots: Yay or Nay?

Some would declare these seriously statement-making boots a ‘foot party’, others may be a little more reserved about sporting a pair. But if the ‘fun’ element in footwear is missing, then what’s the fun in wearing shoes, right.  Potentially a modern take on Dorothy’s glitter shoes from the original Oz movie, the glitter ‘Pete’ boots by lust-worthy shoe couturier, Laurence Dacade are made for gawking at. Gold glitter demands a wardrobe warrior to tackle it; someone who is brazen enough to boot the boring (pardon the pun) and wear this eyeball hurting pair with the chutzpah of ADR, so we decided to weigh the pros and cons of owning this bootie-licious pair, below. YAY Statement investment: If you’re looking to inject a little durable, real leather fun into your wardrobe, the ‘Pete’ boots may be just the thing you need to liven up that all-black ensemble. Decent heel: A boot with the perfect heel is hard to come by: too high, you’re screaming in pain; too low, you’ve just wished away the extra inches that could’ve given you Blake Lively legs (well, sort of). At 3.9 inches (to be really precise), the ‘Pete’ boot is a well-heeled (pardon the pun) middle ground. Classic shoe shape: The ankle boot is having quite a moment, going perfectly with almost every item in our wardrobes, that shoe designers are festooning pairs in every which way. The ‘Pete’ boot combines a trend-frolicking look with a perennially stylish shoe shape. Perfect. NAY Colour: Gold isn’t necessarily the easiest colour to pair with the contents of your wardrobe, especially if you’re a colour and print enthusiast. All-black/grey/navy lovers, rejoice. Price: The French shoe designer isn’t particularly famed for financially friendly price tags, but you have to consider the cost-per-wear issue here, before diving in with the […]

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What to wear to meet your future mother-in-law?

Dreading that first meeting with your future mother-in-law? It may be all flowers and candlelit dates for you and your man, but you know its getting, like, seriously serious when the family gets involved. Before you even begin to consider appropriate topics of conversation, the delegation of wedding prep duties and whether your mother-in-law, or in fact you and partner will choose the colour scheme for the venue, it’s far more important to get your first meeting outfit right! Worried about that dress being too going out-ish? Or, maybe necklines and hem lengths are your concern? Trivial on paper, but you know what they say about first impressions… So, to ensure your first face-to-face with the M-I-L feels less Apprentice and more appropriate, here are a few wardrobe fillers we’ve picked out to help kick start convo and avoid those painfully awkward, long silences. Bravo! Crystal embellished necklace, £44.99, Mango Touch: The perfect statement piece, or should we say ice breaker, for when you want to avoid that uncomfortable silence at all costs!   MaxMara Studio Glassa skirt, £188, available at Matches: The print is eye-catching, so the rest of your outfit can sit on the sidelines and play subtle. All you have to do is the talking. Oasis Clean Barrel bag in colourblock, £35, Asos: The practical bag that’s perfect for day. The neutral colourblock tones will work with a simple outfit, and, let’s face it, slinging this beauty over your shoulder will make your future M-I-L want too shower you with hugs and air kisses! Pamela Love cut-out turquoise and bronze cuff, £340, Net-a-Porter: Note to self: ensure to shake hand with M-I-L so that this statement cuff is in full view, immediately.  She’ll be in Love with you (pun intended) by the time the intro is over. […]

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

[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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Casadei Jungle Pop Blade Pump: Yay or Nay?

A sexy pump is a wardrobe staple in every discerning shoe addicts collection, and when it comes to working magic on your feet no one does it better than go-to sexy shoe brand, Casadei. Office-appropriate black; a burst of colour in striking cobalt and suede or a classic, mid-heel patent version paying homage to The Moss, whatever your design inclinations when it comes to shopping for the perfect pump, we’re sure the Jungle Pop Blade pump will throw all style inhibitions out of the window. It’s all about serious bling for your feet! Swarovski-encrusted and with a jaw-dropping 5.3 inch heel, becoming gob smacked is an understatement when you lay your peepers on this pair. The iconic ‘Blade’ pump has been revamped with hand stitched crystals and an animalier pattern wash in an eye-catching fuschia, emerald and black colour concoction. Here are our three reasons for and against putting your name to a pair of these (ridiculously beautiful) heels: Yay Collectors’ item: part of the brand’s Hero Collection, these precious jewel heels are the closest you’ll get to wearing diamonds on your feet! The kind of shoe you’ll hand down to your daughter (if you don’t wear them to within an inch of their life, that is). Flattering colour way: The tri-colour palette makes the Jungle Pop Blade pump all the more fun to pair with a simple tee and boyfriend jeans for a casual-meets-luxe look, or as a clashing accompaniment to a bright, evening ensemble for full on glamour, Statement heel personified: need we say more? Nay Sky high price: almost as high as its heel, the price tag (a gulp inducing £1,650) will have you in rent arrears and a whole luxury handbag behind your planned bag collection strategy. Not good. Sky high, ankle-cracking heel height: this ‘nay’ is […]

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Pixie Lott embraces the bright trend at The Shard launch

Pixie Lott seems to have nailed all the latest fashion trends in one go, as she attended a party to celebrate the official opening of The Shard in London last night. As the tallest building in the European Union, The Shard boasts some seriously stunning views, but Pixie Lott was a sight to behold too. Bright shades have never been hotter (look to the Atelier Versace Couture show or the Screen Actors Guild Awards for evidence) and Pixie has proven just how effective they can be when worn and accessorised correctly. Lace is also an increasingly popular trend, and we love how Pixie incorporated it into her outfit with sheer effortlessness. The white accessories – 90s-inspired platform shoes included – provided the perfect finishing touch to her vintage retro-meets-contemporary look. Ten out of ten!

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Get Naya Rivera’s leather red carpet look

As much as we adore Lea Michele (note: it’s a lot!) we don’t feel the rest of the Glee girls get as much sartorial praise as they should, especially when they come out with stunning looks like this one from Naya Rivera. The stunning actress who plays feisty Santana in the hit show rocked the red carpet in a tight-fitting Monique Lhuillier leather dress, making us fall in love with leather all over again. We’ve already accepted the fact that we probably won’t look as hot as Naya does in a tight fitting leather dress, but she sure as heck makes us want to try. So with that in mind, we were on the lookout for a similar creation and were quite fond of a leather one from Halston Heritage. We love the slightly shorter length which makes it a tad more youthful and playful… and dare we say it, more forgiving. Team with nude pumps a’ la Naya and you’ll have an instantly wow-some party look! Leather strapless dress, £154, Halston Heritage available at Jules B Flax pointed court shoes, £95, Nine West available at House of Fraser

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Yay or Nay: Charlotte Olympia Dolly Feather Platform Pumps

Her box clutches, Alexa-approved Kitty flats and the instantly recognisable gold metallic platform underlining her quirky designs have acquired a cult following. And taking you into new season, Charlotte Olympia’s creativity once again knows no bounds. It’s safe to say that the Dolly Feather platform pumps more than caught our eye! Exploring a rainbow spectrum of colour, these heels are conversation starters, and we can only suspect to see a few pairs popping up around fashion month. Adopting the classic Dolly shape and heels, goose feathers artfully line the shoe’s exterior to give that 90s tropical tie dye look (see how she expertly revived the era of grunge with not a single plaid shirt or Kate Moss reference in sight?), whilst a red suede platform and blue leather heel amp up the colour credentials. But such out-there shoes do come with their limitations, especially if you’re not a repeat (fashion) offender. Although statement shoes are considered an investment, where do you draw the line with footwear that makes both your imagination and wardrobe run wild? We round up the reasons we’re screaming YAY, and why sensible Sally who lives in the part of our brain dedicated to shopping (that’s almost all of it, then) is quietly whispering NAY to these wake-me-up CO’s: Yay Perfect for amping up an LBD: Yes, just that. If you don’t like to veer into colour territory when getting ready to go out, and prefer an understated outfit, then loud heels or accessories could be all you need. The Dolly Feather Pumps would be the perfect way to pep up a simple party look without adding anything else. Shoe investor paradise: Remember all those times when your mum would gently advise you to stop spending your life savings on in-then-out, bunion-inducing footwear, and instead save up […]

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Treat yourself to an Electric London Champagne Blowdry this Christmas

So you’ve got that Christmas party coming up and while your dress is picked out, your shoes and handbag match perfectly and your make-up palette has been planned out down to the very last coat of lipgloss, you know there’s something you’ve missed out. Your hair. Do you go for a chic updo and risk having a cold neck, or do you go for something long and flowing in the hope that there’s a good wind machine on the dance floor so you can do your best Beyonce-style hair flick? Overall – it’s a bit of a nightmare. Luckily for you, we have a solution to the problem… let someone else do it for you! You’ve worked yourself to death buying and wrapping the presents, cooking the turkey (or at least peeling some spuds – we all get roped into doing something one way or another), entertaining the family and making sure everyone knows the rules to Monopoly, so why not treat yourself to a little post-Christmas-Day hair pamper-sesh? If you want to live like a celeb for a day (and look like one for a lot longer) why don’t you head down to celebrity hairdresser Mark Woolley’s Electric hair salon and get a champagne treatment (the champagne is for you, not your hair in case there was any confusion) and let him and his team work their magic on your tresses? You can kill two birds with one stone and give your hair some TLC with the luxurious conditioning treatment that leaves your hair looking and smelling divine, and then get a great hairstyle to go along with it. Perfect for choosing a hairstyle for a Christmas or new year party (or general party – who are we kidding, it doesn’t have to be New Year for a good old […]

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Top must have fashion items for Xmas this year

[noskim] Looking good at Christmas can be seen as a very important aspect for most people; wanting the nicest winter clothing for all of those parties over the Christmas period, and brand new outfits to wear when the New Year arrives. As soon as that cold, bitter air arrives what else is needed more than comfortable and warm, yet fashionable clothes to wear. Every year different trends are set for different seasons, there are always the seasons ‘must haves’. With these changing every year it is sometimes hard for people to keep up to date and stay with the trend. This year for the Christmas period the most desired and needed fashion items can be narrowed down to five. First there is that cute but sexy dress to impress everyone at any Christmas parties which you end up going to. “Wow” in a little black dress, with a ton of different styles and sizes on the high street the little black dress is a safe option and is guaranteed to suit everyone of all different heights and body shapes. Secondly, what has been for so many years the great necessity for the cold Christmas season is a nice woolly jumper to keep you warm. For some, these jumpers can be used purely for comfort and warmth but recently, with all of the various styles and colours available your knitwear can be a fashion statement and more than just an essential piece of clothing to brave the cold winds. Indulge in essential winter accessories this festive season such as hats, gloves and scarves. Every female should own these must have winter items, sold everywhere at very affordable prices, you cannot go wrong. It is obvious that when it comes to Christmas fashion items you cannot forget about the shoes – a […]

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Take inspiration from our three am-to-pm looks (all under £100)

[noskim] Looking for seriously stylish am-to-pm options but stuck on a shoestring budget? Fear not fashion lovers, because we’ve dutifully searched high and low to bring you three easy, day-to-night looks all for under £100. Transitional outfits are great for those times when you have to dash off to a post-work event that requires a little glam dressing, and also effective money (and packing) savers, because you don’t have to fiddle with outfit changes and tangled accessories come 6pm! Or, maybe you’ve experienced a day spent running errands, only to get invited to impromptu drinks with the girls and panicked because you’re in sneakers not heels. Our am-to-pm looks will be your failsafe fashion saviours, should your social life catch you out this way. Take inspiration from our am-to-pm style options, that’ll ensure you have more time to mingle at that party than worry about what to wear to it! Look 1  The perfect outfit for when you’ve got a busy day of meetings in the office; we love the smart look and standout colour of this bargain-tastic dress, and paired with pretty bow pumps and a statement cuff, you have the required ingredients for a stylish, straight-to-the-party-from-work look. Zalando Collection Dress, French Connection Bracelet and Anna Field Heels, Look 2 Got a busy day on foot patrol but need to sport a stylish ensemble for evening cocktails? Whoever said flats couldn’t work for an evening look clearly needs to climb out of their 6 inch Louboutin heels and try it! Pair a statement mini with a wind-proof printed knit, a sizeable clutch that’s great for daily carrying and flats for a look that’s chic and comfortable in equal measure. Zalando Collection Jumper, Vera Moda Lippa Mini Skirt, Even & Odd Slip-ons and Clutch Look 3 A luxe-athletic vibe can never go down as […]

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How to wear the futurism trend..

Fashion’s gone back to the future. Well, for Autumn/Winter’12 it has, anyway. Sharp shapes, metallic tones and frosty faces (we’re talking makeup, not expressions) were scattered across runways like stars in the Milky Way, and if the aliens wanted to be seated front row, well, who could blame them? But the futurism trend didn’t take the predictable Nasa-inspired route of astronaut chic. No. Designers, instead, looked to the likes of sexy sci-fi siren Barbarella for inspiration, giving us the end product: a mesmerising, alien-esque beauty with exhibitionist features (bejewelled eyebrows at Chanel, anyone?). The Fall 2012 futurist wouldn’t be out of place working in a high-rise office building, according to Balenciaga’s corporate/ otherworldly offerings, including sculptural padded sweaters, stiff A-line skirts and the biggest high-end hit this season: the satin sweatshirts with Battlestar Galactica-style logos. At Alexander McQueen, sci-fi visors paired with shaggy fur coats had us at hello, whilst Mary Katrantzou’s emphatic 3-D prints and exaggerated cuts gave us galatica-inspired goose bumps. How to translate the trend into wearable form, we hear you ask? Add sci-fi inspired accents to your look, such as a silver metallic collar or belt, or pile on sharp-edged, statement jewellery such as chunky stone bracelets or an ear cuff. Wear a mash up of monochrome with slices of silver, and keep makeup minimal, with just a slick of graphic liner for impact. Check out our top pieces oozing sexy sci-fi appeal above. 1. Nowhere Peek shoes, £39.95, available at Nelly 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic Bib Blouse, £310.54, available at shopbop 3. Mildred Boxchain Bracelet, £30, available at Kurt Geiger 4. Quilted Triangle Skirt by Boutique, £68, available at Topshop 5. Balenciaga Executive Acrylic Silver Birch Dress, £895, available at Matches 6. Silver Perfecto Jacket, £59.99, available at Mango 7. Mawi Earrings, £225, available at The Corner […]

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Miranda Kerr blows us away in Balmain

Shame on you if you thought the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show catwalk was the last time the Angels were going to get glammed up for a while. The models continued to unleash everyone’s inner green-eyed monsters as they hit up the pink carpet for the well-deserved after party! While all of the Victoria’s Secret Angels looked just as phenomenal as they did on the runway, the one who stood out the most was Miranda Kerr. The yummy mummy made our jaws drop when she arrived on the carpet in a stunning figure-hugging and dangerously plunging black silk dress from the Balmain spring/summer 2013 collection. The shoulder pads and her mesh Jimmy Choo shoes and studded clutch bag added to the overall sexiness of the look – as did her brunette tumbling waves, golden, bronzed pins… we could go on for weeks. Which incidentally is exactly what we would say about aforementioned pins… A stunning woman deserving of those Victoria’s Secret Angel wings!

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See what L.K Bennett has in store for you this spring/summer 2013 season

A few days ago, we went down to the lush L.K Bennett HQ in London to check out what the brand had on offer for the spring/summer 2013 season, and we left with a warm, fuzzy feeling (from the bubbly – thanks guys) and a very long wish-list. Santa, friends, Romans, countrymen… take note! The brand may be famous for those nude shoes Kate Middleton rarely leaves the house without, but it’s about so much more than the Duchess’s penchant for colourless footwear… It’s also about arm candy, and there’s an abundance of cute, statement and all-round gorgeous bags for the new-season that are fit for all occasions. You have your elegant, wow-worthy evening bags as well as your bright, loud and attention-grabbing “look at me!” daytime bags. Big or small, night or day, there’s something in there for everyone. As well as the gorgeous accessories, there are lots of glamorous items of clothing in the new collection too, including some great evening and party dresses and a chic tweed jacket that we are actually in love with. Check it out for yourself in the pic below if you don’t believe us! We also got a very sneaky peek at the brand spanking new Caroline Issa collection, which was quite a treat as it doesn’t actually launch until February 19th 2013. The gorgeous embroidered pieces were inspired by the designer’s trips to Thailand, and yes, those are pompoms on the back of the shoes. Could they get any cuter? Do you like what you see from the new collection so far?

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Channel the celebs and accessorise your eyes with coloured contact lenses!

Accessorising doesn’t end with a sexy pair of shoes or some delicious arm candy, oh no. Changing the colour of your eyes is all the rage in celebville right now, and not just for Halloween! We’ve seen the celebs regularly sport different coloured eyes in the fashion glossies, but coloured contact lenses are the best way to go about it without someone some post-production Photoshopping. Some famous faces love their coloured contacts so much that their natural eye colours might surprise you! Did you know that the newly-engaged Jennifer Aniston actually has brown eyes, but swears by her blue contact lenses to complement her blonde hair and bronzed skin tone? Drew Barrymore disguises her naturally blue eyes with a sultry set of brown contact lenses, which we reckon makes the rest of her gorgeous features stand out even more.  Penelope Cruz looks stunning regardless of what she wears on her body, face, feet and eyes, but we can definitely see why she prefers her green contact lenses; juxtaposed with her gorgeous Mediterranean features, she stands out even more than usual! So, when you’re planning your outfit for your next big party, don’t forget your eyes! If you’re going somewhere kitsch and quirky, don a pair of oversized glasses – geek chic has never been hotter. If you want to make your aquatic dress do all the talking, tone down your piercing blue eyes with some subtle brown contacts so all the attention remains on your dress or if you want something more permanent you can get eye laser surgery and show off your big beautiful eyes! The choices are practically endless!

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Treat him to a shirt this Christmas!

With Christmas being by far the most sociable season of the year, it is of course all important that the “special man” in your life dresses to the heights of contemporary fashion to ensure that he’s not pigeon holed into being ‘the weirdo in the corner.’ Besides Christmas day, New Year, Boxing day there are of course office parties, visiting duties, pub congregations and restaurant meals to attend; so it’s important that he get’s his “dress sense” perfectly right. So why not give him a helping hand and purchase a shirt or two for him? Scoured from the corners of the internet, here are some of the most splendid attires to be found within this winter: Men’s Formal Black Dress Shirt by Lloyd Attree and Smith With black being one of the easiest colours to match, this fabulous formal shirt is brilliant for restaurants and visiting families members who would expect nothing less than a tucked shirt and polished shoes. Available from www.sbuckinghams.com, this shirt is a wonderful addition to any man’s wardrobe and comes with a beautiful box; making it perhaps a very stylish Christmas present. Forest Green Blue by Savile Row Company, London Based on Savile Row itself, you can be assured both style and quality with this casual Forest Green Blue shirt by the Savile Row Company. Used perhaps for visiting relatives this shirt gives a wonderfully casual look for an item of clothing that is usually used for formal occasions. Also for just £25 (down from £70), this item is a steal. Attingham Blue and White Striped from Charles Tyrwhitt A classy shirt that demands the attention to managers and bosses everywhere, this wonderful striped shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt exhibits both style and professionalism. Great for the office party or just a day in the office […]

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