Search Results for “clutch bag

Editor’s Pick: Badgley Mischka emerald sequin cowl back gown

Want to make a shimmering, sparkling sartorial statement this holiday season? Nothing will get you in the festive mood quite like this glittering emerald sequin cowl back gown from Badgley Mischka. If you have a fabulous Christmas party coming up – or any occasion where the theme is something along the lines of “dress to impress” or “go big or go home – then look no further than this Badgley Mischka creation. The dress hugs each and every feminine curve beautifully, and is all about accentuating and flattering your figure. The skirt extends to a slight fishtail train that will gracefully sweep the floor with each and every movement, making you look and feel like a true Princess. Or like an A-lister walking the Oscars red carpet, which in our eyes is basically the same thing. Maybe even better! The attention to detail found on this Badgley Mischka dress is exquisite; it’s a chic and elegant gown that does sexy the subtle way. Yes it’s a floor-sweeping piece with long sleeves and a high neckline, but the sexiness is all in the back (one of the hottest trends of the new seasons, we’ll have you know!) thanks to its stunning draped detailing. Only an intricate updo will be suitable as far as hairstyles are concerned, as you don’t want your hair – no matter how glossy and voluminous – to distract from the essence of the dress. Accessorise with a small and sparkly clutch bag in a contrasting shade of gold or silver to carry on the regal theme, and add a simple but bedazzling pair of stud or droplet earrings to finish the look off. If green isn’t your colour (although we think it goes with all skin tones and hair colours!) then you’ll be pleased to know that […]

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4 dresses every woman should own!

Is your wardrobe literally bursting with clothes, yet you still find yourself uttering the phrase “I’ve got nothing to wear?” on a regular basis? If that sounds like you, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re not alone. However you don’t need to go on a Clueless style shopping trip to fix the problem; all you need are these four dresses that are perfect for each and every occasion. Never will you have a sartorial crisis again! LBD You don’t need us to tell you that no woman’s wardrobe is complete without a signature little black dress. Whether you want it for date night or cocktails with the girls, you can never go wrong by slipping it on and accessorising around it. Wear with a statement necklace, a bling-tastic clutch bag and sky-high heels to really command attention, or a chic yet totally wow-worthy selection of fine jewellery that unrivalled understated look. The beauty of an LBD is that there are no wrong ways to accessorise! Wrap Dress Diane von Furstenberg will tell you that every woman needs a wrap dress in her life; of course she would because she is the Queen of wrap dresses. They’re super figure flattering and are great for all occasions and women of all ages – especially those who have been blessed in the curves department. The Kelly Brooks and Kim Kardashians of this world. Occasion Dress We all have those occasions that creep up on us; we’re really excited about the lavish event yet become more and more stressed when the big day approaches as we find out that we don’t have anything to wear. Cocktail dresses are the perfect solution for such dilemmas and can be worn for all occasions whatever the weather. Statement Dress And when no other dress will do, […]

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Lunchtime Buy: Boutique Talia Brocade pleated prom skirt

If you want the aesthetically perfect mix of Princess-like glamour and rock chick style attitude, then the Boutique Talia Brocade pleated prom skirt should be the first thing you look at. And as we can almost guarantee that you will fall in love with it as soon as you set eyes on it, the last! You’ll never be stumped for what to wear to the coolest parties as the Boutique Talia Brocade pleated prom skirt can be worn in so many different ways. Rock it with a black polo neck jumper and black tights for an understated winter day-to-night look, or team it with an equally glam blouse, a bedazzling clutch bag and some sky-high heels for the ultimate “I want to party all night!” look! It’s all about the attention to detail; the black buckles and black mesh to really puff out the skirt really give it that wow factor edge! Get it before it’s gone! Boutique Talia brocade pleated prom skirt, £30

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Penelope Cruz makes her red carpet return in Temperley London

None of this “gently easing yourself into it” lark – Penelope Cruz really went for it as she made her highly anticipated return to the red carpet last night. The Spanish actress did her bit for British designing talent while attending a special screening of The Counselor in our fine Capital, as she rocked the blue carpet in a gorgeous Temperley London dress. It hugged each and every one of her flawless curves perfectly, and guaranteed all eyes remained on Ms Cruz throughput the evening. We don’t think there was a single jaw that didn’t hit the floor at some point! Penelope kept the rest of her look effortlessly simple, opting for a matching sparkly clutch bag and high-glamour subtle waves in her hair. This is the epitome of red carpet (although it was technically blue) glamour!

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Hero piece: Emilio Pucci beaded collar silk dress

If you only had one minute to get ready for a dress to impress themed event, we think you’d make a beeline for this Emilio Pucci beaded collar silk dress that was sitting pretty in your wardrobe. That is, if you smartly chose to invest in it in the first place. This is a decadent and glamorous approach to the classic LBD as it offers so much more than any standard little black dress would. It boasts a diamante and bead collar, cap sleeves, sheer buttoned panels at the chest, a gathered panel at the front and concealed zip fastening at the back. It pretty much speaks for itself, so you don’t need to overdo it on the accessories. While a glamorous clutch bag, demure pair of pointy heels and a Kate Middleton style blowdry would be heartily encouraged, a simple bun and nude accessories wouldn’t be out of place either. After all, there’s no point having your tanned back on display if your hair is covering it, and there’s no point having an uber sparkly collar if it blends in with the rest of your glitzy accessories. This dress is the very definition of a hero piece; take care of it and in turn it will take care of you and see you through event after event after event. Get it now ahead of the party season and never look back! Emilio Pucci beaded collar silk dress, £1,200

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Stella McCartney floral-embroidered wool cape: Yay or Nay?

Still clinging onto the last strands of summer sun? Don’t want to slip out of that silk cami top into something snug just yet? OK, nor do we, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan ahead! So, while researching how to land ourselves a stellar outerwear wardrobe for the new season, we stumbled upon this breathtaking Stella McCartney floral-embroidered wool cape (£1,880), and couldn’t help but put it under our Yay or Nay spotlight! With its seemingly magical qualities – like a superhero’s – battling the elements, but still remaining a little more sartorially inclined than Superman’s, all hail the head turning floral-embroidered cape from the genius who knows how to nail a must-have wardrobe – Stella McCartney! With a big focus on larger-than-life coats, thanks to fall’s fabulous affair with sugar-dusted pinks, laundry bag checks and masculine silhouettes, the cape is a refreshing alternative. Marrying practicality with ladylike charm, this beautiful wool cape is adorned with a striking floral motif, finished with padded shoulders for a shapely cover up silhouette. But being the savvy shoppers you are, we know you won’t nosedive into blindly bagging the next ‘It’ item, and that’s why we’ve rounded up the reasons for and against bagging this chill-blocking beauty, below! Yay Great alternative to a coat: If there’s no shortage of coats and jackets in your wardrobe, then a cape would make a refreshing addition to your cover up collection. Classic colour: Nothing beats a black canvas, and no one quite does a classic shape like Stella McCartney. The universally flattering colour will ensure you don’t run out of pairing up options when it comes to your wider wardrobe. Versatile styling: Wear it as a cape for daytime with flats and a trusty tote. But by night, why not turn it into a dress […]

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We love Tulisa’s peachy Jalouse look!

Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos may be in the press for all the wrong reasons at the moment, but she definitely did something right to warrant a place in our celeb style section this Monday afternoon. Tulisa looked peachy-perfect as she hit up Jalouse in Mayfair at the weekend, seemingly putting her troubles behind her and (literally) letting her hair down for the night. She donned a beautiful peach dress, (one of the colours of the season, if we may say!) and although it was in her usual figure-hugging style, it was pretty chic with its three-quarter sleeves and high neckline which is probably what earned her so many brownie style points. We love the bright pink lippie and understated clutch bag and heels she accessorised with too. We look forward to more elegant looks from the N Dubz star in the not-so-distant future!

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Laura Whitmore does casual cool in white Gerard Darel

Slick, clean, understated and fashion forward – those are some of the words we are using to describe Laura Whitmore’s look at the British Airways Silent Picturehouse launch in London. The beautiful blonde TV presenter decided to wear a Garard Darel shirt-dress for the occasion, and accessorised with matching white strappy sandals (her white shoes were more Clueless chic than The Only Way is Essex disaster) and a blush pink clutch bag to add some subtle colour to the sartorial proceedings. Slightly tousled unassuming beach waves and a pop of pink lippie completed her look. Click here if you want to shop the piece for yourselves – it will only set you back £68. That’s celeb red carpet glamour direct to your wardrobe made cheap and easy! If only it were always that simple and affordable!

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Kate Middleton wears custom Alexander McQueen for Trooping the Colour

This is it guys, Kate Middleton’s final public appearance before she takes a well-deserved rest to prepare for the birth of the royal baby next month. So, make the most of it! The Duchess of Cambridge went out with a high fashion bang for the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Buckingham Palace at the weekend, choosing to wear a chic light pink Alexander McQueen coat which was custom made especially for her. Kate teamed her gorgeous coat (which came complete with intricate oversized pearl buttons) with her pink Jane Corbett hat, a grey Alexander McQueen clutch bag and matching pearl drop earrings. There are some rumours floating around that she will take part in today’s Order of the Garter, so keep your eyes peeled just in case this turns out to be true. Otherwise, this will be it for a while – sad face! Click here to get your K-Mid fix by checking out some of her latest and greatest looks!

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Kate Middleton wows in Hobbs for Princess Cruises ceremony

Where has Kate Middleton been hiding this little beauty, eh? The Duchess of Cambridge made one of her final public appearances before the birth of her and hubby Prince William’s baby today – and she definitely made it one to remember! Talk about going out in style. She wore a stunning Dalmatian print Hobbs mac to the Princess Cruises Naming of the Ship Ceremony in Southampton earlier today, accessorising with matching black pumps, a chic black hat, and a white clutch bag. The mac only retails for £169, which probably explains why it has already sold out on the website in every single size. Pregnant or not, K-Mid still has Princess pulling power like no other! We bet the high street stores are going to miss her public appearances more than anyone!

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Treat her to…..an outfit for the races!

Excited for your day at the races? Why not be a great boyfriend (or hubby) and treat the lady in your life to her outfit. We know selecting an outfit for your significant other is a challenge at the best of times, let alone the races. Don’t let the strict dress code put you off – we have the perfect example of what is expect from racegoers right here, so feel free to seek as much inspiration from it as you want. This look is Royal Enclosure approved; if you can get in there (it has the strictest dress code of all the enclosures!) then you’ll get in anywhere! 1. Coast Mycah dress. Ok so like the majority of most outfits, the dress is one of the most important aspects so you want to get it right. Luckily, this dress is not only completely gorgeous, but it adheres to all the rules and regulations implemented in the very strict style guide. It’s a modest length, it has sleeves (strapless dresses or dresses with spaghetti straps are banned) and it’s not too in-your-face which means you can accessorise to your heart’s content! 2. John Lewis Neave structured feather hat. If you’re heading into the Royal Enclosure (lucky you!) then unfortunately fascinators aren’t allowed so she’s going to have to make do with a hat instead and pray it doesn’t fly off. This badboy from John Lewis is not only subtle it’s quite versatile too, which means she can do a Kate Middleton and recycle it for future weddings. 3. Dune Blissy striped clutch bag. She’ll want a bag big enough for all your betting slips, money (including her juicy winnings!), mobile phone and emergency lipstick, but not too big so that it distracts from your outfit. (Speaking of betting, don’t forget […]

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Kate Middleton in bespoke Jenny Packham for Queen’s 60th Coronation celebration

Kate Middleton and Jenny Packham are a sartorial match made in heaven; you only have to look at the Duchess of Cambridge in one of the designer’s creations to understand why she always goes back for more! The Duchess was glowing at the Queen’s 60th Coronation Celebration earlier this morning, wearing a soft peach Jenny Packham dress and coat combo that was created especially for her. Kate teamed her peachy look with the Jane Taylor hat we saw her in at the Jubilee celebrations at St Paul’s last year, her trusty nude LK Bennett heels that never go out of style, an elegant clutch bag, and sparkling drop earrings. Don’t Kate, Wills and bump look perfect together? Not long to go until the Royal baby makes it highly anticipated arrival, so we’d better make the most of these K-Mid appearances before she’s on full-time mummy duty!

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Mollie King is beautiful in black for Esquire party

A lot of women consider their trusty LBD to be a safe, fuss-free option – just ask Jennifer Aniston – but Mollie King is proof that black most definitely doesn’t mean boring! Mollie, i.e. one fifth of The Saturdays, donned a strapless black lace dress for the Esquire and Stella Artois summer party in London last night, but still managed to stand out from the crowd despite her colourless not-at-all-summery ensemble. A below-the-knee lace black dress might be a bit vampy for a summer party, but Mollie added some much-needed colour to her outfit with a juicy multi-coloured clutch bag (you can’t see it in the pic above, so just trust us on this one), bright red talons and cute, baby pink lippie. Plus, we haven’t seen a vamp with luscious golden locks like Mollie’s so we don’t think she’ll get mistaken for a Twilight extra any time soon. Gorgeous!

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Mario Testino teams up with Net a Porter for capsule collection

Anna Wintour’s fave photographer Mario Testino has teamed up with Net a Porter to create an exclusive capsule collection, reportedly inspired by his recent Alta Moda exhibition. The Peruvian inspired collection, entitled Mario Testino for MATE, includes everything from silk kaftans, scarves, totes, clutch bags and more – all of which are covered in abstract prints found in his photographs. “We are huge fans of Mario’s photography and are delighted to be able to offer our customers the opportunity to wear his works of art,” said Holli Rogers, a spokesperson for Net a Porter. “The colour and detail in the Peruvian costumes are unbelievable and this has paved the way for a fun range of clothing, bags and jewellery.” We’ll say! 20% of the profits from the collection will be donated to MATE; you can shop the collection from next month so not long to wait to get your hands on a Mario Testino piece! What do you think of the sneak preview above? [Image]

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Kate Middleton Celebrity Style Inspiration: How to dress and feel like a princess

It’s no secret that Kate Middleton is one of the most fashionable and influential women in the world. She’s beautiful, inspirational, and a style icon who many women want to dress like. Who doesn’t want to look and feel like a princess, wearing beautiful, bedazzling outfits, by some of the most prestigious designers across the globe? Kate’s style is uber-classy and modest. Her tall, slender figure means that she can get away with wearing almost any outfit or pulling off any look. Known for her love of British fashion and for mixing high street pieces with designer wear, it’s relatively easy for Kate-inspired fashionistas to pull off her look on a budget. To make it easy for aspiring princesses to find garments similar to the Duchess’ style, here are a few points to take into consideration when trying to copy the look! 1: Kate loves block colours and monochrome. She often chooses items that are demurely fitted to her body but very conservative, super subtle, chic and classy. Pick items like this to allow for versatility and to make it easy for you to recycle your outfits! 2: Kate occasionally wears prints and textures so if you are a lover of the two; make sure you invest in something current yet timeless, like a printed scarf or pieces with small polka dots. 3: When accessorising, think elegant and pretty. Accessories such as clutch bags in neutral shades, fine bracelets, pear drop earrings and printed silk scarves are some of her favourites. They are very simple, polished, and easy to pull off. 4: Finally, remember that Kate loves to wear inconspicuous fuss-free attire, with an emphasis on clean lines and structure, so when thinking about mastering her style don’t forget to invest in three well thought-out designer pieces to mix with […]

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Hannah Simone ready for summer in Tory Burch

Every once in a while, it’s ok to gush about the simpler side of fashion: i.e. a pretty girl wearing a pretty dress. You don’t need quirky footwear, layers of accessories, an eccentric hairstyle or a controversial clutch bag. Sometimes all it takes for someone to go “ooh, doesn’t she look lovely” is a simple patterned summer dress, some unassuming, non-distracting shoes, and a girl-next-door hairdo. And that’s exactly what New Girl actress Hannah Simone did! Hannah stepped onto the red carpet in an above-the-knee Tory Burch spring/summer 2013 dress to promote the show she stars in with Zooey Deschanel, and we haven’t got a single bad thing to say about it. As it’s not a huge red carpet event, we can see why Hannah decided to keep things simple as far as her accessories (or lack thereof) were concerned. She still manages to steal the show without meaning to, which is why we love it – and her! What do you think? Is this not the most perfect Bank Holiday Monday look?

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Ascot ‘style guide’ released ahead of the races

Apart from weddings, christenings and lavish parties, Ascot really is one of the best excuses to don your prettiest dress, your highest heels, your sparkliest clutch bag and dress to the nines. The dress code for the prestigious racing event has, in recent years, been a bit misunderstood among newer racegoers, which is why Ascot has decided to release a very helpful style guide (along with an extended dress code rule book which was implemented last year), to make sure that no one gets it wrong on the big day! “It was the first time in over 300 years of racing that we have ever done anything like this,” said Charles Barnett, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse about the super-strict dress code. “Without a shadow of a doubt – the overall look of the whole site – all enclosures, was markedly improved. People want to dress up at Royal Ascot and are disappointed when others haven’t made the effort and respected the occasion, its traditions. “I think it gave people the confidence to be proud of dressing in a formal manner and appreciate what that actually means.” You can head to the official Ascot website to check out the new rules for yourselves, as well as see the style guide which was helpfully put together for some sartorial inspiration. [Telegraph] 

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Kate Middleton in mint green Mulberry for Scouts celebration

We need to make the most of these Kate Middleton appearances while we can, as we’re not going to be seeing so much of her once her little bundle of joy is born. The Duchess of Cambridge was at Windsor Castle at the weekend to help The Scouts celebrate their Queen’s Scout Awards, looking gorgeous as always in a chic and fashion-forward ensemble. She dressed her burgeoning baby bump in a mint green Mulberry coat from the spring/summer 2013 collection, looking the picture of health and happiness in the process. Kate accessorised her spring-ready look with her Whiteley beret, a new golden clutch bag from LK Bennett, and her trusty nude pumps. This look ticks all of our boxes. A nod to spring? Check. Flattering the expanding baby bump? Check. Celebrating British fashion? Triple check! Thank you Kate Middleton for teaching us – and mums-to-be across the globe – what chic maternity fashion is at its finest.

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Kate Middleton wears tartan Moloh in Glasgow

Kate Middleton and Prince William ventured out into Glasgow yesterday, to visit the Emirates Arena as part of their two-day tour of Scotland. Naturally all our attention was focused on Kate’s outfit, and as usual she didn’t disappoint with her sartorial choices. She wore a very apt grey and blue tartan coat from UK brand Moloh, and accessorised with knee high black suede boots, a black clutch bag, and signature glossy locks. The Duchess kept her hands clasped firmly in front of her growing baby bump in a protective manner – and we assume to also silence the people who are critical about the current size of her bump. Click here to check out the coat on the official Moloh website – all sizes have already sold out but more might be on their way so it wouldn’t hurt to put your name down on the waiting list and hope.

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Midweek Moodboard: Studs and Spikes

God bless embellishment! Studs and spikes have been a prominent adornment on the high street this past season, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere either… not if the autumn/winter 2013 collections shown during Fashion Month are anything to go by, anyway. There are copious ways of getting a piece of the stud and spike action this season – whether you want a subtle nod to the trend by way of a statement necklace or want to go all-out by stomping around town in some fierce studded heels, we’ve got it covered. We’re particularly fond of the edgy black leather jacket – perfect if you want to invest in an essential piece of outwear but want something a little bit different to set it apart from the rest. Red peplum top, £12 available at Dorothy Perkins Khaki spike shoulder jumper, £20, available at Boohoo.com High waisted stud shorts, £35, Only available at USC Leather jacket, £380, Religion available at House of Fraser Spike suede pumps, £65, Jeffrey Campbell available at Office Gold spike necklace, £16.50, available at Dorothy Perkins Spike clutch bag, £18, available at Boohoo.com Brown shadow spike shoes, £140, Jeffrey Campbell available at Office

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Midweek Moodboard: Issa inspired Aztec

We’re continuing with our Fashion Month inspiration this Wednesday – this time focusing on the gorgeous Aztec print that made its way down the Issa catwalk during London Fashion Week last month. Seems like ages ago now, doesn’t it? Aztec print is so versatile that it can be worn with a variety of different looks – you don’t have to go boho festival chic just to enjoy the pattern, oh no! If you’re not brave enough, start small with a ring or a bold pair of shoes with a plain outfit, but if you’re a fan of the “go big or go home” mantra, then why not go for a full-on dress or jumpsuit? Take a look at some of our recommendations to get the ball rolling. Red jewel wedges, £69.99, available at New Look Jacquard bodycon skirt, £18, available at Topshop Double driangle ring, £8.50, available at Miss Selfridge Tie dye midi dress, £29, available at Topshop Red jersey dress, £38, available at BHS Crochet playsuit, £37, available at Miss Selfridge Sequin clutch bag, £19.50, available as ASOS

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Get Kate Bosworth’s Topshop look

Seeing as she was revealed as Topshop’s mystery girl in the top secret ad campaign a few months ago, it made perfect sense that Kate Bosworth attended the grand opening of the new store in Los Angeles. Naturally clad in some pretty nifty Topshop gear, obviously! Kate rocked a chic but edgy denim shirt from the J.W. Anderson for Topshop range, which she paired with a floral jacquard skirt to make the look a tad more feminine. The good news is that both of these pieces are still available to buy, so click the links below to snap them up before they sell out. Kate carried one of those very coveted Proenza Schouler clutch bags, but you can get a similar one from Dorothy Perkins for just a fraction of the price! This is a great look to try and recreate in the next few months if the weather continues to get better, as it’s a nice cross between edgy and feminine. Fingers crossed the sun continues to shine! Denim shirt, £50, J.W. Anderson for Topshop available at Topshop Floral jacquard skirt, $80, Topshop available at Nordstrom Black clutch, £10, available at Dorothy Perkins Black wedge trainers, £49, Love Label available at Littlewoods

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Selena Gomez and Coach team up for Unicef

You know we’re all about mixing fashion with charity, which is why we love the fact that Selena Gomez has teamed up with Coach to support Unicef. Selena has signed a very special version of Coach’s ‘Legacy Two Tone Universal’ clutch bag, and it’s now being auctioned off for her charity of choice, Unicef.  She signed the bag at last month’s Coach and Nylon dinner which celebrated the February issue that she of course appeared on the front of. You still have a few days left to make your bids if you want to get in on the action too. Not only will you be getting a gorgeous piece of arm candy signed by one of the hottest young talents in the world right now, but you’ll be helping out a truly fantastic cause at the same time. Win, win ! All of the proceeds will be going to Unicef – click here to make your bid.

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Our top 10 sale picks

The arrival of Christmas Eve can only mean one thing: a major splurge on festive calories. With so much indulgence going on, the only way to truly compensate would be to look ahead with the temptingly brilliant January sales that have already kicked off, and bag a few brilliant bargains in the process! After all, we can’t think of a better way to fight off the painful thoughts of gorging on calorie-laden mince pies and one too many glasses of mulled wine…! Can’t bear the thought of a Boxing Day brawl to get your hands on a last pair McQueen heels reduced to a ridiculous price? We’ve rounded up the best price – busting bargains to kick off you Christmas sale shopping, and even better, you just have to click these beauties homes. Shopping hawk eyes and loaded credit cards at the ready; it’s time for a serious retail workout with our top 10 sale picks below.  Oversized leather and suede jacket, £180 £100, available at Warehouse By Malene Birger Niliao Milk Blazer, £245 £171, available at My Wardrobe Clutch Bag With Firework Beading, £35 £21, available at Asos Jonathan Saunders Anya quilted dress, £840 £504, available at Matches Arrow Drop Collar, £14 £7, available at Topshop Daphne Contrast Fabric Shirt, £139 £97, available at Reiss Leather skinny trousers, £99.99 £79.99, available at Mango Stella McCartney Molly faux-leather ankle boots, £610 £305, available at Selfridges Alexander McQueen Haircalf Flap-Over Messenger Bag, £1,395 £837, available at My Theresa 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Skirt with Neoprene Lining, £880 £350, available at Browns  

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Your top 5 party season dilemmas solved

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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Debenhams delights to look forward to this SS13 season…

If you follow us on Twitter than you may have already seen some sneaky pics we Tweeted from the Debenhams spring/summer 2013 press day, but we have a whole lot more where they came from today so don’t despair if they got lost among the other images on your feed. The Designers at Debenhams collections are one of our favourite things about the department store, and it’s clear to see why if the new collections are anything to go by. Believe us when we say you’re going to be in for a real treat next year! Some stand-out ranges came courtesy of H! by Henry Holland, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson and Diamond and Star by Julien Macdonald, although we couldn’t find many collections we didn’t lust after at least one item from! Poor bank balances… The No.1 Jenny Packham accessories are also rather exquisite, and we will definitely be snapping some of them up for future events where only the finest shoes, bags and jewellery will do. We wouldn’t be surprised if Kate Middleton rocked that beaded embellished clutch bag at one of her Royal engagements, would you? Oh and the shoes; did we mention the shoes? We feel we should probably mention the shoes… Found anything you like? Good luck not spending every penny you earn in Debenhams this spring. Going to be tricky!

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Midweek Moodboard: Going for gold

As there are less than 30 days til Christmas (we don’t know how that happened, either!) we are naturally going to be inspired by all things festive for the next few weeks. As well as your traditional reds and greens, gold is definitely a colour synonymous with the holiday season. One of the best things about gold is the fact that it’s not only a great, timeless and chic colour for Christmas decorations, but it’s absolutely perfect for all those Christmas parties. Whether you’re doing a Jourdan Dunn at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards and donning a dazzling gold dress, or are just adding a splash of it to your existing outfit by way of a fab clutch, it will work for you regardless. Take a look at some of our favourite gold pieces currently dominating the shops:  18 karat gold plated bangle, £145, Mawi available at The Outnet Classique bangle, £145.66, Fallon available at Shopbop Glitter deco box clutch bag, £26, Warehouse available at John Lewis Sequin cut-out dress, £35, John Zack available at House of Fraser Tonda crystal clutch, £315, Diane von Furstenberg available at Harrods Bandeau maxi dress, £45, TFNC available at USC Slit foil print dress, £40, Jane Norman available at House of Fraser Embellished prom dress, £69, available at Miss Selfridge Gold glitter strap heels, £59.99, available at New Look

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Our top 5 picks from the Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins

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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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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Get Kate Moss’s Bella Freud look

We can all learn a thing or two about dressing for the winter weather from Kate Moss – no need to sacrifice anything sartorially just because the sun’s gone into hiding. A perfect look to channel if you’re heading out to watch some fireworks later tonight! Our Croydon gal kept out the winter chill by wrapping up warm  in a large leopard print coat, while keeping her look feminine and sexy by showcasing her killer legs in some ultra-skinny black jeans. The bright clutch bag is also a great way to cling onto the summer, just in case you aren’t ready to say goodbye to it just yet. Ps: Alexa Chung wore the exact same 1970 jumper by Bella Freud a few months ago, so if that wasn’t enough to prove how stylish it is, having Mossy step out in it too just seals the deal. Get yours now before they sell out; they’re pretty popular! 1970 jumper, £258, available at Bella Freud Leopard print faux fur coat, £75, Vero Moda available at ASOS Yellow clutch, £245, L.K Bennett available at Sarenza Boutique Black high waist skinny jeans, £40, available at Topshop

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

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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4 style tips Kate Middleton can teach us about dressing on a budget

Known for her love of the British High Street, nothing can keep the Duchess away from snapping up staples at style hotspots ,Hobbs, Whistles and Reiss. British designer Alice Temperley recently stated that Kate has been ‘brilliant’ for the UK fashion industry and economy, and praised the Duchess’s active efforts to mix high fashion with high street as much as she could. So, to make it easy for you K Middy aspirers next time you go on a shopping spree for pieces that resemble the Duchess’s personal style, here are a few points to take note of to make it a successful, bargain-tastic trip: 1. Opt for classic shapes Kate’s lean frame and fabulous height mean she can carry off almost any look, but these vital stats aren’t representative of the female population aspiring to dress like her. Dresses cut to flatter the figure in neutral tones work best all round, and subtle cinching at the waist creates the perfect hourglass silhouette. Steer clear of trend-centric pieces such as boxy shifts, sport-detailing dresses. Kate champions the peplum trend(no longer a passing trend, more of a staple), a classic look worth investing in, but stick to quality fabrics. Kate’s style is uber-classy, and being a royal the onus is on her even more to dress modestly, so steer clear of unnecessarily deep necklines and short hemlines. Style notes: Reiss Shola Dress (£175), worn to greet America’s First Couple at Buckingham Palace. 2. Block colours Although she loves to occasionally dabble in prints and pretty textures (cue: arriving in Canada in an Erdem lace dress; Bird print Orla Kiely dress worn for a visit to an Oxford primary school), Kate has shown an affection for block colours. The unofficial champion of mono-colour outfits, Kate’s approach to colour when dressing allows her wardrobe to […]

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Anna Dello Russo steals the show in Victoria Beckham

Anna Dello Russo isn’t one to fade into the background, so it comes as no surprise to learn that she captured our (and we assume most people’s) attention during New York Fashion Week. The Vogue Japan editor looked exquisite in a black and beige Victoria Beckham dress, which she put her own personal stamp on by teaming it with a loud – and very tall – hat (we pity the poor person who was sitting behind her in the second row!), bold red nails, and her trademark in-your-face accessories. Despite countless female celebs rocking VB’s designs, we have to admit that this dress looks like it was made especially for her, as it complements her body type perfectly; and her choice of bling, clutch bag, hair style and make-up were equally as flawless too. We literally wouldn’t change a thing! [Image]   

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Why we can’t get enough of French label Sandro!

A French label always gets us excited: Gallic charm; insouciance in the way the clothes carry themselves, and above all, that just-arrived-from-Paree feeling we get every time we slip into something of francais heritage. Sandro is that label. A Parisian fashion house whose clothes radiate insouciance with a razor sharp edge. It’s Emanuelle Alt, after she’s spent a week living with Rihanna; sharp, sleek tailoring with contrasting, outstanding street detail that has us wanting to devour the entire collection as if it were fashion chips. Working with a palette of electric blue, grey, bottle green and Bordeaux for autumn/winter 2012, Sandro offers style and pocket-conscious shoppers the perfect, mid-market sartorial antidote to the pricey, high end Fall collections that are oh-so-desirable, yet financially destructive! Denim has been fashioned in delectable variations, ranging from shock-inducing block colours, to leopard print and boasting eyelets lace and zip details to add an interesting edge. The Sandro girl doesn’t compromise style for comfort, instead merging them together and wearing it in the form of an oversized chambray shirt, or a cosily chic lambswool, angora and cashmere mix sweater. Blouses, shirts and vests come emblazoned with circus prints, tiger heads speckled complementarily amongst polka dots and a russet coloured silkscreen top that has us drooling at its high end look, high street price! Outerwear and accessories are hot Fall favourites, too, as the Sandro girl embraces an uber-luxe fur-trimmed leather jacket, coats boasting military details and leather-trimmed mannish coats in melange tweed, whilst accessories take a functional turn in the form of zipped, wristlet clutch bags and roomy, embossed leather satchels in want-now hues. Shoes for Fall, you’ll be pleased to know, don’t fall into the blister-causing category. A moccasin suede studded slipper touches on the super-comfortable slipper trend, while Sandro’s classic sneaker, the Albatross’ […]

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Midweek Moodboard: Bold purples and plums

While Fifty Shades of Grey continues to take over the literary world, there are more than a few shades of purple that have the fashion world buzzing too. Deep violets, like the shade of the dress Eva Longoria wore to the Global Gift Gala, and a slightly more subtle lavender hue have been hot property both on and off the catwalks and red carpets – and now it’s time for us to inject them into our wardrobes too. Today, it’s all about the former bold violet shade (keep your eyes peeled for our take on lavender in the coming weeks!) and its plum counterpart, and we’ve found more than a few juicy pieces to tempt you with. Maybe we won’t all look as goddess-like as Eva Longoria, but we sure as heck can try! Violet nailpolish, £9, Nicole by OPI available at Very Ostrich clutch bag, £122.50, Rachel Ruddick available at Jules B Stone ring, £10, available at Miss Selfridge Suede sandals, £504, Giuseppe Zanotti available at Far Fetch Total stones watch, £225, Toywatch available at Flannels Fashion Leather cuff, £65, Clizia Ornato available at Far Fetch Grape soft skinny jeans, £38, available at Miss Selfridge Pleat detail dress, £119, Precis available at House of Fraser Scuba zip front bandeau dress, £65, available at Oasis

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Design your own bespoke cashmere scarf with Allegra London!

If you’re looking for a fab, one-of-a-kind gift for someone special or are just after adding a wow-worthy piece to your wardrobe, why don’t you try a bespoke cashmere scarf from specialist fashion company Allegra London? Allegra London is a specialist fashion company which sells gorgeous, luxury cashmere scarves and python clutch bags, all in electric bright colours. Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat don’t have a patch on the Allegra London colour palette! What we love about Allegra London is the brand new bespoke service on the website, which lets you design a scarf exactly the way you want it. I personally got in on action and decided to embrace the current pastel trend by going for a lavender purple and pink scarf, which complements the red shade of my hair rather nicely. You can go for a subtle blend like me, or can go totally bold and daring and select something with a real contrast – check out some of the great examples below. The best thing about Allegra London is that the choice really is yours! (It’s also really handy that you can see your colour choices on the website as you’re doing it… perfect if you don’t have the greatest of imaginations, or even if you just want to waste some time in the office making colour combos for all your friends!) If scarves aren’t your thing though (why ever not?) then you can also get your hands on one of the fab Allegra London clutches that are made from pure python leather and come in a range of gorgeous bright, attention-grabbing colours. If it’s bold shades you’re after, look no further than this wonderful brand. Head to the website now, play around with the colours and show your friends what you came up with! Let us know what […]

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Leslie Mann looks magnificent in orange Monique Lhuillier

We sometimes take Leslie Mann’s red carpet style for granted for no other reason other than she never gets it wrong and just floats past us rather effortlessly. Today though, we’re giving her credit where it’s due (and to make up for all the overdue times as well) and totally complimenting her appearance at the LA premiere of ParaNorman. Leslie rocked the red carpet (technically it was green, but shhh) in an orange dress from the Monique Lhuillier Resort 2013 collection. We’re glad she decided to make full use of the pockets in the dress and opted to walk the carpet sans clutch bag, because the minimalism of this look is part of the appeal. And for that same reason, we also think her subtle nude Givenchy pumps were the perfect choice of footwear too. Monique’s creations are often so beautiful and extravagant that they belong only at the most star-studded of awards ceremonies and on fashion glossy editorial pages, but Leslie has proven that the designer can do flirty red carpet premieres too. Flawless work from both ladies!

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Flirty and under £30, from Very.co.uk

[noskim] Hot date on the cards? Transform your look from desk to dinner with ten of the best flirty pieces under £30 from Very.co.uk: Whilst playsuits and jumpsuits can be tricky to incorporate into a work wardrobe, the South Rayon Twill Jumpsuit – in ultra-flattering burnt umber – hits the spot. With a slim-fit and tie detail at the waist, it’s more than office appropriate. Up the ante come evening with some serious heels and a sparkly clutch. In classic monochrome, South’s Tribal Tunic takes you straight from work to play. Team with a neutral cardigan or tailored jacket for the office, and add some killer hills and a statement necklace for after-hours glamour. Swap your satchel for a glistening clutch bag and make your office outfit work overtime. The Pearl Cluster Satin Clutch is the perfect size to carry all your essentials, and will lift any frock for a flirty evening out. Nod to the tribal trend with the French Connection Organic Ring Necklace in stunning interlocked silver. Pare down the rest of the outfit for maximum effect. A pencil skirt is a seriously hard-working wardrobe staple, and can transform your look from boardroom to bar with ease. Pair the South Cotton Sateen Skirt – in purple or yellow if you dare – with a crisp white shirt for the office and something a little sexier as you head out. The Savoir Confident Curves Control Dress – with a power mesh support system that nips you in – gives you the ultimate sleek silhouette with maximum confidence. Great with pumps for a long day at the office, it’s easily transformed for a hot after-work date with stilettos and statement earrings. Transform a simple jersey dress by nipping in at the waist with a Patent Belt – ideal for creating […]

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Kate Middleton recycles her white Alexander McQueen coat-dress for Order of the Garter

Kate Middleton joined the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex for the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle yesterday – and all three ladies complemented each other beautifully with their pristine white ensembles and elaborate headpieces. The Duchess of Cambridge recycled the Alexander McQueen coat-dress she wore to last year’s Trooping the Colour (one of our faves, we must say) and teamed it with what is believed to be her Reiss Peacock dress, yet another Jane Corbett hat, nude LK Bennett pumps (natch) and Natalie box clutch bag. It’s nice to see the coat at full length this time around – but let’s be thankful for Kate’s sake that there weren’t any gale-force winds yesterday, otherwise she might have found herself having a bit of a Marilyn moment. Although we have no doubt that she would have made it look elegant! Even though we loved Kate’s monochrome look last year (she wore a black hat with the outfit!), we favour this all-white ensemble much more – there’s something very heavenly and Princessy about it! What do you guys think?

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MFL Most Wanted…Jubilee-inspired fashion finds we love!

With only two days to go until the official Jubilee holiday kick off, there’s no time like the present to get your wardrobe into party mode! We’re pretty convinced that by now you’re probably seeing Union Jack bunting in your sleep, so we decided not to include too much of Ginger Spice’s most favoured print into our Most Wanted Jubilee-inspired edit. We particularly love the party-perfect, limited edition diamond print silk shift dress by Jaeger, designed exclusively in honour of the Diamond Jubilee, and, although we’ve avoided overkill, we couldn’t help but throw a cheeky, budget-tastic rhinestone embellished Union Jack clutch into the mix! Go on, get all patriotic in style; you can thank us later. Diamond Print Shift Dress, £220, available at Jaeger début navy ‘Union Jack’ clutch bag, £50, available at Debenhams Sageres Sequin Clutch, £75,available at French Connection Co-ord Rose Print Cigarette Trousers, £40, available at Topshop Helena Platform Sandal, £195, available at Kurt Geiger Calista Sheer Blue Maxi Skirt, £110, available at Reiss Monica Vinader Jubilee Fiji Paradise Bracelet, £45, available at Harrods Marc by Marc Jacobs Espadrille Wedge Sandals, £146.61, available at shopbop Equipment Snake Print Top, £179, available at Matches Quasar Nights Dress, £250, available at French Connection

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Midweek Moodboard: Excited about Easter!

We know the sunshine’s taken a bit of a back seat these past few days, but that hasn’t stopped us from getting excited about the long Easter weekend that awaits us in just a few days. Instead of teasing ourselves with pictures of summer gear for a trip to the beach we may or may not go on (you know how unpredictable our weather is!) we decided to seek midweek moodboard inspiration from Easter itself. Read bunnies, chicks, eggs and lots of pretty pastel colours! Enjoy!   Easter egg and chick socks, £3.50, Topshop Pale blue dress, £48, Dorothy Perkins Angora bunny jumper, £17.50, Awear Embellished egg clutch bag, £4, 350, Judith Leiber Pack of two bunny rings, £9.50, ASOS Spotty tiered skirt, £49, Bibico Simeon Farrar Bunny T-shirt, £160, Donna Ida Mariella silk pleated skirt, £275, Nonoo Vines scarf, $250, Julia Hill

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MFL Most Wanted: 20 Spring buys under £50!

Recently at My Fashion Life HQ, we’ve been musing and mulling over our spring wardrobes to date. A little input from the Fashion New Ed; our Ed let us in on some great buys she recently snapped up, and, even the Features Ed got a fashionable word in. So it got us thinking, and we decided to pool together our shopping efforts and bring you our top 20 spring buys….under £50! Yes, we’ve been a well-behaved bunch and managed to look summer-slick on a not-so-wild budget, so we thought why not share it with you! Take a fixed-budget class in everything from cotton candy pastels to summer brights and covetable heels. So, shop away because we guarantee that even your credit card will happily submit, and come out the other end smiling! Enjoy! 1.  Yellow Cornelli Collar Dress, £45, Miss Selfridge 2. Printed Front Jersey Top, £41, Cos 3. Leaf Rhinestone Drop Earrings, £7.50, Topshop 4. KG Kurt Geiger Devil Courts, £49, Kurt Geiger 5. Snake Effect Bag, £28, Next 6. Printed Trousers, £29, H&M 7. Mint Ponte Shrunken Blazer, £40, Topshop 8. Neon Yellow Floral Lace Tube Skirt, £14.99, New Look 9. Crop Cherry Skinny Jeans, £45, Oasis 10. Sparkle Fan Necklace, £40, Oasis 11. Razzle Mesh Panel Boots, £40, Topshop 12. Leather Pony Mix Clutch Bag, £35, Next 13. Colour block Pleated Skirt, £45, Oasis 14. Laced Jacket, £44.99, Mango 15. Colour Block Wedges, £40, Next 16. Tipped Collar Blouse, £32, Miss Selfridge 17. Mirror Print Skirt, £25, Warehouse 18. Lazer Cut Zip Top Clutch, £25, ASOS Collection 19. Leather Cyber Sandal, £38, Office 20. Melange Jersey Top, £41, Cos

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The 2012 Independent Spirit Awards: The best dressed

Oscars, they may not be, but that doesn’t mean the outfits worn on the red carpet were any less exciting. In fact, a few of the looks worn at the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards were far better received at MFL HQ than some of those from yesterday’s Academy Awards. Is it because the attendees are so desperate to get it right on the Oscars red carpet that they hold back or play it safe?

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