Search Results for “flats

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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Dress for less in our top 10 (sale) wardrobe essentials

With the sales approaching their final stages, snapping up stylish bargains has never been more important. High-end pieces come at pocket-pleasing prices, so it’s the perfect time to click home that investment piece you’ve been eyeing up for a while. And the same goes for the high street: fine knits, luxe leather wares and statement footwear accompanied by a low-end price tag are perfect for adding to your high-low mix style. Sale essentials on our radar include a lust-worthy and ultra practical Victoria Beckham shopper tote, statement Kurt Geiger flats for days heels just won’t do and a stunning printed Carven dress definitely worth modestly splashing out on! A classic coat, look-at-me knits and an after-hours perfect embellished clutch are other hot favourites, so we’ll race you to the shopping basket! 1. Camerucci scarf, £85, £70, available at Zalando 2. Carven tribal jacquard one shoulder dress, £710, £143, available at my-wardrobe 3. J Brand Denim Minx mid-rise skinny jeans, £560, £280, available at Matches 4. Reed Krakoff Leather-trimmed suede ankle boots, £610, £305, available at Net-a-porter 5. Mirror stud clutch, £35, £15, available at Miss Selfridge 6. Caro fluffy jersey top, £120, £72, available at Reiss 7. Liquorice flats, £95, £35, available at Kurt Geiger 8. Obvious Intentions coat, £220, £88, availanle at French Connection 9. Victoria Beckham zip panel shopper tote, £1,050, £525, available at My Theresa 10. Breton stripe jumper by J.W. Anderson for Topshop, £49.99, £15

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Five minutes with Aruna Seth

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

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Krysten Ritter vs. Delta Goodrem: Who wore Christian Dior better?

Show us a raspberry pink dress, and we’re there. If it’s a raspberry pink Christian Dior dress, we’re obsessed! And that’s exactly how we feel about this week’s one-dress-two-girls situation. Don’t Trust the B***** In Apartment 23 star, Krysten Ritter and Aussie songstress Delta Goodrem both donned the same Fall 2012 Christian Dior dress merely weeks apart, and both leading ladies brought their own. Krysten was first in line, wearing the gorgeous tulle pleated skirt dress to a Pre-Emmy party in West Hollywood, back in September. Krysten opted for black panties under the sheer skirt, and finished off her look with Jimmy Choo heels and clutch, diamond earrings and raspberry stained lips. Last month, Delta wore said dress to the Melbourne Cup in Australia. Unlike Krysten, Delta opted for a lined skirt, accessorising with nude ballet flats (worn due to an injury) and a rather interesting floral headpiece. Glossy waves, a rosy complexion and dark nails completed her look. Well picking this week’s fash-off champ isn’t much of a difficult task… Delta’s cranial flower garden-cum-headpiece is nothing short of RIDICULOUS. We’d expect to see it in a fashion editorial, maybe, or on Anna Dello Russo’s head during Fashion Month, but at a sporting event? Really? From the face down, this look is fabulous, and we think the flats work nicely with the dress’s balletic silhouette. But Krysten’s tough take on this pretty dress is the real scene stealer here. We love the choice of dark underwear and her side-sweeping bangs looks fab, too! The grey heels are a little drab, but top marks for making us sit up and notice this look! This week’s fash-off winner, hands down! Whose look do you prefer?

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Design the perfect shoe with Shoes of Prey

We love bringing you shopping gems all year round, but with the festive season upon us, it’s an even bigger treat! Shoes of Prey is a custom-made shoes service that allows you to design the perfect shoe for any occasion. Giving you free reign over everything from heel height to the embellishment you wish to decorate with, Shoes of Prey is the virtual world equivalent of a candy store for shoe lovers! Ever dreamed of finding your way into Christian Louboutin’s hideaway atelier to design your own perfect pair? Shoes of Prey will let you do just that, but at a price that won’t leave you in state of fashion drought. Choose from a style template gallery of ballet flats, super-high party heels, wedge heels, ankle boots and flat oxfords, amongst others. Even the step-by-step, 3D design process is a breeze! Can’t make your mind up on a personalised design? Just click on the Gallery where you can choose from a wide range of pre-designed shoes to customise as you wish. Prices start from £139, and with free worldwide shipping and an approximate design time scale of four weeks, your Shoes of Prey design would make the perfect treat for sticking to that tough New Year resolution (or not)! Click here to start designing your new shoes today, and check out the brilliant design process video below to see how your personalised design will be put together at Shoes of Prey HQ.

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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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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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Metallic vs. Monochrome – The trend-off!

Another week, another trend-off! After struggling to decide between ankle and knee-high boots, we’re faced with a new sty-lemma, this time involving metallics and monochrome. Sharing a penchant for both M’s, we love the graphic seriousness of a monochrome ensemble: the ensuing element of Karl Lagerfeld-esque mystery combined beautifully with Wang’s sharp street grit is too much to resist. But specks of shimmering thread weaved into our metallic wares also tug at our heart (and purse) strings. We can’t ignore slip-into-me-now metallic boots, and are we really expected to walk away without snapping up that outfit-completing metallic jacket? It’s a party wear staple and, in darker hues, adds the perfect amount of pep to daywear. So that you can help alleviate the symptoms of a stressful fashion situation, we’ve decided to round up our top metallic and monochrome picks for you to choose from. Which piece is your hero buy? Could a metallic Mulberry Del Rey bag entice you with its roomy shape, or are you in favour of a statement monochrome peplum top? Pick away, and excuse us while we continue to decide… Metallic (in order of appearance): Miu Miu Cracked metallic-leather boots, £496, available at Net-A-Porter Metallic houndstooth jacket, £79.99, available at Mango Tall Metallic seam shift dress, £55, available at Topshop Mulberry Del Rey metallic zip top bag, £995, available at Matches Monochrome (in order of appearance): Chloe Double-breasted checked wool coat, £1,935, available at Net-A-Porter Christine flower-print trousers, £535, available at Matches KG Kurt Geiger lola flats, £90, available at Kurt Geiger Rose peplum top, £32, available at Oasis

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Decriminalising double denim

Double denim is a look derided by many fashionistas and considered a style faux pas. Denim jackets and shirts have seen a comeback in recent years, and denim hotpants jeans will never go out of fashion. High street shops and online stores continue to have extensive denim sections and jeans sections, such as the ride range of designer denimwear available at

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Tried and Tested: High Rise Hunter Jean by James Jeans

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

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3 ways to update your office look!

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

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London Fashion Week SS13: Highlights from all five days!

So we’ve officially waved goodbye to yet another season of London Fashion Week and we’re left with mixed emotions. We are partly welling up at the thought of leaving Somerset House and the surrounding fashionable areas for another season, while the other part of us is looking forward to kicking the heels off and slipping back into those trusty and far more comfortable flats. Somerset House cobbles that make it impossible to run to shows – we will not miss you! We won’t be forgetting the spring/summer 2013 season at London Fashion Week anytime soon though… here are our thoughts on the whole experience: Day 1 was our busiest, as not only were we tent-hopping in Somerset House and dashing to the Vauxhall Fashion Scout to check out the emerging designer talent too, but we also headed backstage to quite a few shows. We were presented with elegant, wearable and glamorous collections courtesy of Sass and Bide, Bora Aksu and Corrie Nielsen, as well as more dramatic looks thanks to Fyodor Golan and Carlotta Actis Barone. We loved the ballet dancing at Carlotta too – we might petition for more shows to have dance routines… what say you? Day 2 was a bit of a mix as we got to see some rising talent along with the big guns. The forties were back thanks to Tahir Sultan, which is definitely a trend we’re more than happy to get on board with. Sequins and fairy-tale inspired looks appear to be one of the big, recurring trends of the spring/summer 2013 season, which is exactly what Jeffrey Michael reiterated with his “from the water” collection. Hooray for fantasy! And of course House of Holland was as spectacular as ever – casual, bright, bold and with lots of attitude to boot. We wouldn’t […]

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Hot-to-trot new season boots to snap up right now!

Pretty soon, it will be time to pull out those trusty boots from storage, and slip into them to seek refuge from potential frostbite to your toes! Yes, ladies, it is nearly time to pack away those summer flats you’ve been showing off that flash pink pedicure in, for a more winter-friendly approach to fashion footwear. To stock up, we’ve made a virtual pit stop at Kurt Geiger, our go-to place for on-trend shoes without the eye-watering price tag! Suede, faux snake print, leather and cowboy boots – whatever your preference, we’ve selected the hottest mix of must-have boots to bag right now. 1. Shore boot, £160 2. Sidney boot, £120 3. Single boot, £150 4. Fearne boot, £75 5. Scaffold boot, £150 6. Vanessa boot, £295 7. Floyd boot, £85 8. Susie boot, £160 9. Justhang boot, £140

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Victoria’s Secret finally opens its doors on London’s New Bond Street

We couldn’t be more excited to reveal that the Victoria’s Secret flagship store at 111 New Bond Street is finally open! Let’s pop an imaginary celebratory bottle of bubbly to celebrate! We were lucky enough to be invited along to a sneaky preview of the store yesterday afternoon, and can honestly say that it’s definitely been worth the long wait! A few words of warning though. Firstly, if you’re anything like us, you will be overwhelmed with choice so make sure you allocate enough time to fully browse ever single floor. And secondly, be prepared for your bank account to hate you. A few of our highlights of the store include the stunning mirrored staircase, the fact that the VS Angels are on the walls to remind you how gorgeous the pieces can potentially look, and the actual outfits the Angels wore on the runway of the 2011 fashion show. We love the fragrance and beauty section too – make sure you check out the ‘London’ perfume which was created especially for the new flagship store, as it smells delicious! The store’s staff are nothing but helpful, and professionals are on-hand to help you find your perfect bra in the perfect size. The dressing rooms are also to die for; the luxury ones in particular – equipped with their own en suite bathroom, no less – are probably bigger than most people’s first flats. We hope you enjoyed the few cheeky pictures we took for you, but as cameras weren’t allowed in the store, our images don’t do it justice… so you’re just going to have to head down there and check it out for yourselves!  

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7 sky high heels we’re crushin’ on!

Fed up with flats,  and in need of a little heel-spiration? Take a swiping look at our sky high heel crush edit for an instant shoe-induced high! Go-to online store for hothouse accessories and showstopping shoes, Stylistpick, has us glued to our computer screens, thanks to a scrumptious selection of heels good enough to make your mouth water – without emptying out your purse. With skyscraper sandals, stilettos and court shoes making up the stellar shoe candy line up, at prices that aren’t so sky high, the sky really is the limit once you slip into one of these cloud-scraping beauties! Although running in heels isn’t advised, it won’t stop us. On your marks, get set, credit cards at the go! 1. Brontee tan sandal, £35 2. Diora platform sandal, £40 3. Anais green faux snake ankle strap court, £38 4. Harlow black toe cap court, £38 5. Lois blue rope platform peep toe court, £20 6. Warwick embellished sandal, £45 7. Lizzie green double platform peep toe court, £45

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Alexa Chung gets girlie in floral Anna Sui

Alexa Chung and Janelle Monae, as well as a host of some of the biggest designers, have shown us that dressing like a man has never been hotter! It’s safe to say that our Alexa nails the androgyny trend better than most, but it’s also really refreshing to see her get girlie with her sartorial choices too. We saw a hint of feminine dressing when she hit up the Gossip Girl set for her cameo in the show (still very excited about that by the way!) but this time her Anna Sui floral playsuit from the spring/summer 2012 collection was all for her and not the cameras! Even though Alexa tried something different as she cycled around New York, she still stayed true to herself by wearing her favourite black Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, which add her own personal quirky stamp to an otherwise very girlie outfit. Plus, you only need to look at Choupette Lagerfeld to see how popular kitty cats are at the moment! Do you like Alexa’s playsuit or should she stick to a more boyish way of dressing? [Image] 

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Two fab ways to style the slipper

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

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On-Trend Shoes Can Be Comfortable Too!

It’s so easy to be lured in by beautiful shoes. Often they’re so painful we wear them once or twice and then buy some more. And so the cycle continues! But isn’t it about time we started looking for on-trend shoes that are actually comfortable, or at least shoes that fit? To get the perfect fitting women’s shoes we need to start measuring our feet. The one size fits all width is becoming a thing of the past, with a number of high street stores and online retailers selling stylish shoes in various widths. For a bit of inspiration here’s a quick look at the latest trends: Wedges The ultimate spring/summer shoes are wedges – sky high, platforms, even flatforms. Any colour goes but look out for on-trend blues, from ice blue to navy and cobalt, for a nautical feel. Or try opulent metallic for a more versatile choice, in gold, silver or pewter. Embellished Flats Either pumps, sandals or open toed, these wardrobe staples look great paired with skinny jeans and a casual tee. Or for smarter days wear with a pencil skirt and on-trend peplum top. Shoe boots With the disappointing British weather shoe boots have stuck around this summer. Perfect worn with anything from a party dress to office wear, they’re a must-have trans-seasonal shoe. Stay classic with black suede or for something a bit more eye-catching opt for animal print.

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Pretty in Summer Florals

This summer, florals are a huge fashion trend seen all over the catwalks and now all over the high streets. Plus size clothing website, Style369 has gone on all out on colourful, eye-catching, quirky and fashion-led pieces that boast the most wonderful of floral designs. Some have an edgy, modern feel and others ooze vintage charm. Always feminine and always pretty floral prints are the thing to be seen in this season. A floral plus size dress is the ultimate piece for hot summer days and nights. And Style369 have plenty to choose from. A shorter plus size dress is a great investment piece as it can be worn as a plus size printed top, too. Pop on one of Style369’s floral shift dresses or tunics over leggings to transform from a dress to a top. The Praslin clothing range includes some girlish, floral skater dresses that make a stunning outfit for day or night. They’re colourful, cute and require very little styling. Floral maxi dresses are ideal for making a style statement. They lend themselves to weekend picnics, a day at the races and after-work drinks. Ultra-flattering and comfortable, they sit with heels and flats depending on the occasion. Choose from vibrant painterly prints, grown-up daisies and poppies, luscious yellows, pinks, reds, blue and on-trend monochrome. Lovedrobe’s range of plus size maxi dresses are definitely worth checking out, too. Wearing floral prints head-to-toe isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so a plus size printed top in a floral print teamed with block colour plus size skirts, trousers or jeans is a simple solution to this problem. Pastel jeans and floral printed tops are a plus size fashion partnership made in heaven! The other way to work florals into a look without wearing them wholesale is to embrace floral accessories. Style369’s […]

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Three ways to wear the denim jacket

From the catwalks to the celebs to your very own high street, denim is well and truly out in force! Apart from the obvious choice (jeans, duh) a denim jacket is the best way to express your love for the fabric – and it’s so versatile that absolutely anyone can wear it. Akin to jeans, there’s a perfect denim jacket out there for everyone – it’s just all about choosing the right shade and fit to suit you. We selected this fine specimen from Fat Face, as we think it’s versatile enough to suit a lot of body shapes and go with a variety of different looks. Just what you want in a jacket! Here are a few ways to wear the wardrobe staple: Summery Colourful maxi dress, £12, available at A Wear; Gold sandals, £75, Dune available at Javari; Yellow box bag, £15, available at Boohoo. STYLE TIP: Swap the flats for wedges and go for a block colour maxi dress with layered costume jewellery for the perfect day to summer night transition.  Chic and casual Skinny khaki trousers, £152, Nudie Jeans Co available from Farfetch; Embellished Aztec vest, £45, Oasis available at House of Fraser; Platform wedge shoes, £85, Lipsy available at Isme;  Club and Spade necklace, £18, available at ASOS. STYLE TIP: Wear with your biggest and flashiest handbag for the ultimate off-duty celebrity look!  Grungy  Floral brocade mini skirt, £345, Stella McCartney available at Browns; Summer of love cropped vest, £18, Blonde & Blonde available at Bank; 8 Eyelet leather boots, £95, Dr Martens available at Very. STYLE TIP: Team with quirky pattered tights and layered bracelets for the full-on edgy look! 

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Five Minutes with designer Thuy Duong Nguyen

With an acute ability to effortlessly blend cultures, it’s no surprise Vietnam-born, Germany-based designer Thuy Duong Nguyen’s fantastic brand, Thu Thu, is clocking up space in international glossies and the wardrobes of the fashion elite. Incorporating stunning Vietnamese embroideries, hand-crafted by women of the Hmong ethnic group from Sapa, a mountainous region in North Vietnam, into western silhouettes; Thu Thu brings an artisanal touch to a contemporary wardrobe. My Fashion Life caught up with the hotly-talked-about designer to discuss wardrobe staples, dream celebrities and the comfort vs. fashion dichotomy. What was the inspiration behind your spring/summer 2012 collection? A candy jar of colourful sweets. If you hadn’t become a fashion designer, what would you be? I always wanted to be a singer until I went to Germany’s biggest TV casting show when I was 16 years old. (Wow, that’s actually something that I’ve kept secret for years!). I obviously didn’t get through, so that took all my teenage hope of becoming a famous pop star! But if I think about it now, I guess I would have probably done something botanic or food related because I love exploring plants and trees. I also love good food, so maybe running a restaurant would have been a great alternative to fashion, but that might even be an option for the future. What are your wardrobe staples? I have two pairs of jeans that I always wear, a couple of loose cut t-shirts and some fancy embroidered vintage cardigans. The rest of my wardrobe is mostly filled with THU THU pieces. Who is your favourite designer and why? I don’t have a specific one, but I do like Chloé, Isabel Marant and Dries van Noten a lot. All three are very contemporary, but sophisticated and classic. Heels or flats? Why? Definitely heels as […]

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6 drool worthy dresses you don’t want to miss!

Although your summer wardrobe is probably stocked up well by now, a girl can never have too many dresses! That’s why we’ve done some legwork to bring you our top picks from the hottest drop of dresses at fave Brit high street store, Jaeger, for all you dress-donning ladies to get your hands on. Want to slip into something feminine and flippy? Bag yourself the tropical green Pleated Dress for light summer style. Done with lace? Why not opt for summer’s next biggest fabric crush with the Crochet dress, that’ll have you ticking all the right trend boxes. No dress edit would be complete without a dash of print and hot colour, and that’s why we love the Tile and Dash Print dress for its’ kooky cut out neckline and print detailing, and the Jade Tea Dress is a must have for two reasons: the preppy collar and the hottest shade of orange this side of a TOWIE tan! Go all Alexa Chung and wear your favourite pick with flats for a day at the office, or pair with the wedges or heeled sandals for the evening. 3, 2, 1, Let the race to the checkout commence! 1. Pleated Dress, £160 2. Chambray Pocket Dress, £220 3. Tweed Pleated Dress, £299 4. Crochet Dress, £299 5. Tile and Dash Print Dress, £260 6. Jade Tea Dress, £140

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Channel these celebrities with our top Tuesday shoe picks!

We love seeing an eclectic mix of footwear fashion from the A-Listers, and this week’s shoe darlings are flying the flag high for lustworthy foot candy! In first is everyone’s favourite fash chick, Gwen Stefani. Gwen truly rocks her own style with bravado and that’s why she’d even turn heads in a bin bag! Spotted in this season’s sporty sandals, we love the sexy, not-PE-but-look-at-me vibe these heels give off, and paired with a smart jacket and Gwen’s signature loud pout, they’re perfection. Whitney Port is showcasing the epitome of summer chic here, thanks to her colourful flat sandals. The best way to pack a punch with your summer footwear if you’re not keen on traipsing around in wedges or heels. Everything is so brilliantly glitzy about Natalie Dormer’s outfit that we’re almost squinting! Those metallic shoes are the perfect accessory for clashing with her Nicholas Oakwell metallic mini – metallic-on-metallic, a trend we’re definitely championing!  Alexander Wang is the go-to name for all things sexy infused with a edgy, sporty vibe. Channel Gwen’s style with these Alexander Wang Nadia Peep-Toe Sandals, £345.68, available at shopbop If you’re opting for flats sandals to get you through the summer months, then ensure they’re on par with Whitney Port’s stylish pair.  Light Brown Strappy Sandals, £45, available at River Island  Nothing says party quite like a pair of metallic wedge heels! Do like Natalie Dormer and clash your heels with a metallic dress for blinding impact! Carvela Grass Metallic Wedge Courts, £99, available at Selfridges

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Snap-up-now summer brights at shopbop.com!

Inserting a splash of desperately needed colour into our wardrobes right now seems like the only remedy to rid ourselves of the weather blues. Whether the sun decides to make an appearance or not, we’re storming ahead with the hope that it will and embracing all manner of colourful fashion wholeheartedly! Our favourite online shopping destination, shopbop.com, has once again come to the rescue, with fluoro-splashed-eye-popingly-bright wares in the form of delicious summer dresses, super-stylish and breezy tops, accessories in rainbow shades and a whole lot more to lift the grey mood.  So, before you retreat back to your monochrome/grey/black winter uniform in the middle of May, take a peek at our top bright picks available to snap up at shopbop.com right now, and you’ll soon be giving Joseph in that Technicolor coat a run for his money ! 1. Diane Von Furstenberg Inaya dress, £420.36 2. Equipment Signature blouse, £142.07 3. Noir Jewellery Highlight Spark earrings, £64.52 4. Joe’s Jeans high rish skinny ankle jeans, £110.14 5. BCBGMAXAZRIA Kyle shorts, £96.45 6. Cobra Society Najet tapestry flats, £322.60 7. Holst + Lee Secret Garden bracelet, £101.02 8. KAIN Label Lula blouse, £120.57 9. Diane Von Furstenberg Vintage Collection Saffiano iPhone case, £31.28 10. Rebecca Minkoff Ostrich embossed Beau clutch, £212.07 11. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Jude Wedge Espadrilles. £129.04

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Shoe crush ALERT…Valentino Lace Espadrilles

Valentino: a dream on the catwalk, and now, a dream on our feet! This Monday morning, we’re dreaming of slipping our heel-pained feet into some rather delicious looking flats. But they’re not just any old pair of flats, in fact, for all of you frightened ladies out there afraid of stepping into fashion-less flats, fear not! The new espadrilles for spring/summer 2012 from our favourite high-end designer, Valentino, have left us wanting to take comfortable strides in pretty flats all summer long! What makes them so good, you ask? Well, apart from looking like a stunning Valentino gown just took the form of a shoe, the hand stitched espadrilles are made of a delicate lace-covered mesh, encased in a luxurious leather trim and adorned with crocheted detail at the round toe. The perfect (and super-comfy) addition to your sunshine season wardrobe; the Valentino lace espadrilles, available in Vintage Nude, red or black, will add just the right amount of dressed down charm to a glam summer look, or look equally stylish paired with cropped jeans and a breezy shirt. To get an idea of the unrivalled craftsmanship and utter love that goes into creating every single pair of lace espadrilles, check out the video below to see the Valentino artisans hard at work. Valentino Lace Espadrilles, £310, available at Valentino

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White jeans are back and here’s how to style them!

Unless you’ve set up camp on the Outer Hebrides, you’ll be aware fashion is currently in the midst of a whitewash. No, were not just talking the spring/summer 2012 whitewash, we’re talking about the white-over of the most important wardrobe staple: jeans. OK, for those who have suddenly buried their head in their hands at the despairing thought of being separated from their beloved blues, fear not. White jeans are mega easy to style and look just as good with a casual slant, or as part of a dressier affair. How to choose the right pair, we hear you ask? Well, we looked to denim mecca Donna Ida to find the perfect pair with a great fit and in the softest denim possible, and we weren’t disappointed. The Citizens of Humanity Thompson crop jeans in Santorini white had us at hello, and look perfect teamed with flats or heels. The slim fitting Thompson crop pair feels perfect right now, and paired with either a blouse or a summer knit, it is the ideal addition to your wardrobe for a quick summer update. Check out our style tips below on how to wear your pair this season!  Citizens of Humanity Thompson Crop Jeans, £175, Donna Ida; Oriental stencil shirt, £45, Oasis; Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel, £260, mytheresa; Magda metallic lace up shoes, £30, Topshop Jeans (as above); Tippi Sweater, £59.47, J.Crew; Heeled strappy sandals, £39.99, Zara; Acne Stella leather bag, £270, net-a-porter

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Kick off your summer style with the FitFlop SS’12 Capsule Collection!

For all you heel fanatics already dreading the thought of lingering in vertiginous Louboutins or Choos at the countless summer parties yet to come, and pinching yourselves mid-party to distract from the pain in your sore feet,  we’ve managed to track down the latest addition to the family of shoes that promise ‘a workout while you walk’, whist tending to heel ravaged tootsies. Enter the new Capsule 12 collection from FitFlop. But before you switch off with visions in your mind of unsightly, flat footwear and start dreaming of a pair of pins resembling Gisele’s, let us explain. The Capsule 12 collection consists of luxury leather sneakers, ballerinas and sports-luxe sandals, and is designed to work twice as hard; tending to the footwear needs of heel-addicted style mavens and helping to tone up. Still not convinced? Read on. Introducing the Uno: a ballerina in five different colours with a hidden wedge for added height; Uno Sneaker: the Uno’s slim line sibling available in four colours and the Gladda: the half sneaker, half gladiator sandal, also available in four colours. Making it fashionable to sport a FitFlop pair, the Capsule 12 collection has been designed with a biomechanically engineered triple-density Biomimetix™ midsole, which is ‘an ultra-comfy feel on a sleek silhouette’ to you and me. So, we guess it’s now possible to sport ‘good shoes’ (read: flats) without destroying your high-flying heeled reputation. Bringing with it the original FitFlop qualities: shock absorption, release from underfoot pressure and activating, more leg muscles for that famed ‘workout while you walk’, the Capsule 12 collection will do all of this, but stylishly. Bag yourself a design suited to your style needs from the Capsule 12 collection at FitFlop.

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Tuesday Shoesday with shopbop.com!

To stock up your shoedrobe this week, we’ve selected our edit from top online shopping destination, shopbop.com. Although we’re dedicated heel hoarders, we’ve thrown some comfy Belle by Sigerson flats and Ash wedge sneakers into the mix – perfect for giving your feet a break from heel hell! Alexander Wang, another street-girl fashion favourite we couldn’t resist; and we love the Chloe and Nadia. Never have heels looked so comfy and sexy all at once! Metallic shoes were huge for spring/summer 2012, so bag a pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim Cody d’Orsay heels and add zing to a summer outfit by teaming with sugary pastels. Indulge your mind in our Tuesday Shoesday mix and suddenly the torrential downpour outside won’t seem never ending after all!     1. Luxury Rebel Shoes Dani Colorblock Wedge Sandals, £76.72 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Cody d’Orsay Heels, £380.42 3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Verena Flats, £124.67 4. Alexander Wang Chloe High Heel Sandals, £335.66 5. Alexander Wang Nadia Peep Toe Heel Sandals, £335.66 6. Stuart Weitzman Capsize Mary Jane Pumps, £233.37 7. Ash Bowie Suede Wedge Sneakers, £150.25 8. Report Signature Bruner Platform Sandals, £127.87 9. Pour La Victoire Neysa Two Tone Sandals, £169.43

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Tuesday Shoesday: MFL Top Picks

We don’t particularly enjoy reminding you that it’s Tuesday, but when shoes are involved we can’t help ourselves. In fact, we want to scream from the rooftops and shout about today’s top shoedrobe picks, because they’re just so wonderful. That’s enough of justifying the second most depressing day of the week, and on to the shoes.   We’ve picked out a Miami-Beach-glamour-oozing Charlotte Olympia platform delight, and who can resist a touch of flat, black, tasselled Acne chic? We’re not ones to say no to a heeled neon pair from Zara, and those Jeffrey Campbell studded Madame heels give us a weird tingling sensation in our feet, which here at My Fashion Life HQ, we take to mean ‘get them fast.’ Sneakers are the coolest way to sport flats without sacrificing your fashion girl status and nothing looks chicer than the croc print Kurt Geiger Lumiere pair. We’ve done the homework, now you do the fashion maths and weekly amend-food-budget-for-shoes, and get buying. 1.Charlotte Olympia Isla palm leaf suede and leather sandals, £695, net-a-porter 2. ACNE ‘Azalea’ oversized tassel loafers, £425, Browns 3. Neon yellow high heel sandal, £49.99, Zara 4. Jeffrey Campbell Madame blue denim heels, £120, Office 5. RAVER perspex metallic sandals, £55, Topshop 6. Imitation patent high heel sandals, £24.99, H&M 7. Lumiere Sneakers, £140, Kurt Geiger 8. Burberry Prorsum Sullivan shoes, £750, Matches

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Tuesday Shoesday: Post-bank holiday pick me ups!

We guess this morning felt like a thwack from reality in the face, right? After a splendid four days of nothing but bunny and egg shaped chocolate, good food and lazy lounging in between, we think its only fair to compensate the difficult return to your desk with a shiny new pair of shoes. We admit we’re still a little bleary-eyed post Easter hol, but we’ve managed to round up the best crop of foot candy in stores, and online right now to perk up your Tuesday afternoon. Looking for flats with a neon kick? Want to traipse around sporting the tribal trend? Or, maybe, you’re after a pair of standout wedges that’ll make you the envy of the office? We’ve got them all covered. After all, a little more non-chocolate indulgence won’t hurt, will it? 1. Leaf espadrille strappy sandal, £169, Reiss 2. Tova sandal, £82, J.Crew 3. Charlotte Olympia Meridith wedges, £665, Matches 4. Reflect metallic heel sandals, £60, Topshop 5. Fendi cut-out leather shield sandals, £505, My Theresa 6. Lara espadrille, £95, Kurt Geiger 7. Les Ballet neon yellow pumps, £55, Office 8. Carvela Katwalk floral print wedges, £100, ASOS 9. Cheap Monday black block heel shoes, £80, Urban Outfitters

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Tuesday Shoesday: Early Easter present? Yes please!

This week’s Tuesday Shoesday is a little special; it’s an ode to the Easter bank holiday weekend, a time when we gorge on everything remotely chocolatey and bunny or egg shaped. And what better way to celebrate the bank holiday than scoffing chocolate wearing a pair of tasty shoes? We possibly couldn’t think of anything more satisfying! Step into colour blocked wedges, or sport boyish toe cap flats with a girly pastel twist and ensure your shoedrobe is as impressive as your Easter egg line up! 1. Sam Edelam Yelena High Heel Sandals, £90.86, Shopbop 2. Charlotte Olympia Greta Court Shoe, £590, Harrods 3. Office Molly Toe Cap Natural Mint Flats, £50, Office  4. ASOS HIGHLIGHT Wedges with Colour Block, £55, ASOS 5. Chrissie Morris Farrah Python and Stingray Sandals, £670, Matches 6. European Patent Court, £250, Kurt Geiger 7. Kors Michael Kors Amond Windsor Jute Wedge Sandal, £170, My Wardrobe 8. Silver Weave Point Jewelled Ballerinas, £30, Next

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Lana Del Rey’s Style: Eccentric, experimental or explain, please?

This is not a post to knock down, smash to smithereens, and then build back up a singer, who by many, is held in high regard, but a complimentary offering to subtly convince them to sort our their damned wardrobe. Considering she’s relatively new talent, Lana Del Rey can definitely claim her stake of fame, after a revamped introduction into the music industry with debut track Video Games, followed up by the massive hit Born to Die; being snapped up by NEXT Model Management Agency and even having a Mulberry bag named in her honour. The voluptuous-lipped beauty is definitely a mesmerising singer and influencer, but quite the miserable dresser we hoped she wouldn’t be. That moment of fury, sudden disgust and initial shock-reaction gasp we’ve all endured at some point in our lives came for me the other day, when trawling through various fashion sites I landed on an image of Lana at the Evening of Environmental Excellence, in Los Angeles. Her attire raised many questions at once, which couldn’t all be processed into rational answers at the time, because, frankly, Lana’s style doesn’t fall into ‘rational’, either. Wearing a graphic printed blouse (great), dark jeans (on point) a statement medallion necklace (yes, I approve), Converse trainers (comfortable, fashionable) and a seriously misplaced faux fur coat (huh?), I couldn’t figure out, mentally, how to assess this muddled ensemble. See, Lana may have a hidden stylish streak, as awe-inspiring as her hypnotic vocals, but we only get to hear the latter and never see the former. Modern-era music artists have really taken to expressing their on-stage credentials through their choice of clothing and, no one has done this better than the eccentric, ‘Black Barbie’ embracing Nicki Minaj. With her bubblegum pink hair, copious amounts of bust-flashing, a conversation starting derriere and food-inspired […]

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Tuesday Shoesday: It’s definitely shoe time!

This week’s super-desirable shoe-drobe will have you in a fit of purchase-now panic. We’ve arranged for floral prints, super-sexy heels, espadrilles, and fashionable flats to entice you out of your shoe buying abstinence, and into a happier place where your shoe-drobe is the envy of all fashionable folk around you. Take your pick from today’s shoe-drobe in celebration, because if you recall, last week we officially declared Tuesday as National Shoe Day. That’s right, every week, not once a year. Because that’s how much shoes matter to us. Enjoy!    Nicholas Kirkwook Floral Printed Platform Pumps, £449, available at My Theresa     McQ Alexander McQueen Studded Flat Shoes, £240, available at Matches      Whistle Espadrille Wedges, £42, available at Topshop   Fonda Weave Leather Booties, £189, available at Reiss      Nicholas Kirkwood Nubuck Loafers, £449, available at My Theresa        Bionda Castana Valentine Woven Satin Platform Shoe, £570, available at My Wardrobe      Roscoe Mesh Lace Up Boots, £42, available at Topshop  

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Tuesday Shoesday: Get your fashion week footwear fix!

 Traipsing between shows doesn’t have to mean a downgrade to more ‘comfortable’ footwear. Invest in these street-style snap worthy shoes to make an off-catwalk statement and see yourself stylishly through fashion week. Aligning show-hopping with shoe-swapping is entirely up to you, and with this week’s shoe-drobe you’re sure to fashionably work your way through all the major fashion weeks with some serious eye candy on your feet.     Christian Louboutin Echasse 120 Mirrored Metallic Leather Sandals, £475, available at My Theresa  Lagoon Ballet Flats with low metal heel, £30, available at ASOS    Sportmax Noel Tri-colour shoes, £418, available at Matches    Pedro Garcia Electric Castoro open toe ankle strap shoes, £240, available at My Wardrobe    Hudson Enkle buckle boots, £150, available at Topshop    Class Court Shoes, £210, available at Kurt Geiger London   Pierre Hardy Tri-colour canvas wedges, £455, available at Matches

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New York Fashion Week: Day 5

We couldn’t help but think of Kate Middleton and Angelina Jolie when we saw the Jenny Packham collection that showed on Day 5 of New York Fashion Week, as they are two of the designer’s most famous fans. We were on the lookout for gowns they could potentially wear, and as expected, we found them!

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No pain no gain: 7 ridiculously high heels we need NOW

Be warned, your feet will not thank you for reading this post. While flats will always have the monopoly on comfort, sometimes a girl just needs skyscrapers! You know, those huge 5-inch heels that make you feel on top of the world. They might have us wincing in pain by the end of the night and they may dwindle away our bank account every time we splurge on a new pair, but there is something just too irresistible about high heels. Marilyn Monroe once said “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot”. Well we would certainly have to agree with you on that one Marilyn! These lofty 5-inch heels from Pierre Hardy are almost to gorgous to resist. Made from fuchsia and beige patent, they are gloriously girly and we need them now… Pierre Hardy Neoprene and Patent Shoes, £728, available at My-wardrobe   There is something eternally chic about red heels and this oxblood pair from Camilla Skovgaard are divine. The signature serrated soles give them an edgy touch… Camilla Skovgaard Oxblood Red Saw Stiletto Pumps, £335, available at My-wardrobe   These 5.5-inch platform heels are the perfect going-out shoe. They have a striking resemblance to YSL’s famous Tribtoo pumps but at a fraction of the price. A definite winner… Sultry Snake Effect Platform Court Shoes, £88, available at Topshop   These cult-hit studded Sam Eldman heels are a style statement and a half. They instantly rock up any outfit and trigger envious glances wherever they go… Sam Eldman Black Lorissa Peeptoe Court Shoe with Studded Heel, £177, available at My-wardrobe   Cheryl Cole has definately worn her fair share of heels over the years so who better to design a shoe collection? This pair, created by Chez herself, are fabulously high and chic […]

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Lunchtime buy: Reiss Hadden big pocket tailored jacket

Having finally come to terms with the Christmas break being over (oh, how we’re already missing all those lie-ins!) we’re back at our desks and ready to buckle down for a hard-working and successful 2012! And what better way to get back into work-mode than to invest in some sleek tailoring? A good jacket can really transform a look and show that you mean business, and this Hadden jacket from Reiss does exactly that. Reiss is somewhat a stalwart when it comes to stylish tailoring – offering modern cuts and interesting detail to all the classic elements of the suit. The Hadden jacket features hidden buttons giving a smooth silhouette, whilst its oversized lapels and huge feature pockets make it a real statement piece. What’s more, it’s totally perfect for outside of the office too: we’ll be wearing this on the weekend with our skinny jeans, ballet flats and a simple white tea – a real classic look.  Reiss Hadden big pocket tailored jacket, £225, available from Reiss.

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Best of 2011: Top 5 shoegasms

Sigh – where to start narrowing down our favourite shoegasms? We could have easily done a lucky dip and picked five pairs out from one of those metaphorical hats and we’d still have five lush, lust-worthy pieces of foot candy. Alas, after hours of deliberation, we’ve rounded up the hottest shoe launches this year because while it might sound crazy to dedicate a ‘best of’ solely to shoes, we know you’re just as obsessed as us. Thank us later! Charlotte Olympia Ninivah leopard pumps Eat your heart out Christian Louboutin paw heels, it’s all about the Charlotte Olympia Ninivah leopard pumps! A statement shoe if ever there was one, this has been at the top of every MFL girl’s wish list this year. Like any good, unique and fabulous shoe, you’d never have to agonise about your wardrobe choices again.   Chrissie Morris Metropolis Deco Pumps   A quirkier edge to your average statement black shoe, these Chrissie Morris Metropolis deco pumps seem to have it all. Slim but sturdy heel? Check. Peep toe? Check. That extra zing that will set it  – and you – apart from the rest? Triple check! At £395, they’re not an extortionate amount to pay for the endless opportunities they’ll reward you with, either.   Christian Louboutin pigalle leather flats  We thought it was only right to feature at least one set of flats in our list, and these Christian Louboutin pigalle leather flats are a great find. Whoever said a flat shoe can’t be ultra glam? We love how the studded design found on all of the season’s hottest pieces is translated into a cute, comfortable pump.   DVF cranberry youth suede block heel boot God bless the Seventies and God bless Diane von Furstenberg for giving us these lush cranberry suede block heel boots – […]

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Deal of the day: Topshop contrast collar playsuit

How sweet and versatile is this playsuit from Topshop? Sleek and sexy in a boozy shade with just a subtle flash of contrasting black on its cute peter pan collar, this is a complete do-it-all outfit for both day and night. During the day, we can see this teamed with thick grey ribbed tights, ballet flats and a pretty princess coat. Its capped sleeves and flared shorts help maintain daytime modesty whilst giving the glam factor that we all love. Then, once night time arrives and the dance floors are calling, this look can be vamped up with high platform pumps and a strong dark lip – simple, yet so effective. Plus, the sleek black full skirted shape playfully cinched with a shiny black bow belt is totally flattering. Bonus! From day to night in one playsuit, that’s our kind of outfit… Contrast Collar Playsuit, £46, available at Topshop.

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For the Kids: 10 great gifts under £200

We could squee all day over this darling little dress by Roberto Cavalli – guaranteed to make any little girl feel like a real princess this Christmas. Roberto Cavalli puff hemline velour dress, £163, available at AlexandAlexa. If your mini me’s have a musical streak, they’ll love this grand piano from Melissa & Doug – it’s grown up but wonderfully playful. Melissa & Doug grand piano, £108, available at AlexandAlexa. Is your lad the coolest kid around? He’ll sure feel like it in this mock leather flying jacket, lined with snug sheepskin to keep him warm. Custo Growing mock leather flying jacket, £159, available at House of Fraser. Comfortable flats that are fashionable too? Fendi’s sumptuous suede t-bar shoes were made for mini fashionistas! Fendi black suede t-bar shoes, £165, available at AlexandAlexa. If he’s mad about engines, he’ll love Hornby’s Thomas and Friends electric train set, complete with all his favourite characters for hours of fun-filled play. Hornby Thomas and Friends passenger and goods electric train set, £120, available at Debenhams. If your boy wants to look dapper like his dad, this herringbone jacket by No Added Sugar will do the trick. Adorably smart with knitted cuffs for warmth, the dark colour will hide a multitude of spills, too. No Added Sugar charcoal herringbone jacket, £159, available at AlexandAlexa. When afternoon teas are on the agenda, let the little’uns run wild in their own wooden kitchen. With all the utensils they need to feel inspired, they’ll love playing pretend in this colourful set-up. Little Tikes wood kitchen, £159.99, available at Debenhams. Possibly the cutest boy’s boots we’ve seen, Galucci’s Harold Chelsea boots are a functional and fashionable footwear favourite for the festive season. Galucci Harold boots, £131, available at AlexandAlexa. If she wants to match her mummy, give your […]

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Top of the spots: our favourite polka pieces

Whether it’s Dalmatian spots or polka dots, fashion’s kind of crazy for spots right now, and you know what, so are we. While polkas may be a perennial favourite, there’s no denying dots are having a bit of a moment. From the smallest of splats and the most super-sized of splodges to 3D pom poms and lazer-cut holes, circles smothered the autumn/winter 2011 runways in just about every style and size imaginable. And the best part? All your favourite stores are stocking them. We’ve scouted out our favourite polka pieces that’ll ensure you’re top of the spots this season – just try not to go dotty in the process (ok, enough of the quips already). Happy shopping! Boutique by Jaeger Angora spot jumper, £160, available at Jaeger. Boutique by Jaeger Organdy silk blend prom dress, £230, available at Jaeger. Knitted large spot jumper, £40, available at Topshop. Cream spot midi dress, £40, available at Topshop. Kurt Geiger Momentum boots, £195, available at Kurt Geiger. Boutique by Jaeger Silk blend polka dot blouse, £130, available at Jaeger. Contrast Dalmatian swing coat, £98, available at Topshop. Boutique by Jaeger spot jacquard trouser, £130, available at Jaeger. Repetto ballerina flats with polka dots, £177, available at StyleBop. Wolford bonny dots black tights, £34, available at StyleBop.

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Get the look: Alexa Chung in Miu Miu

Long-time Miu Miu fan Alexa Chung looked super-stylish at the label’s show in Paris earlier this month. Wearing a trademark heritage-girly ensemble, she looked feminine and sweet, and did an excellent job at flying the flag for us Brits in Paris. And since she’s (almost) single-handedly responsible for the resurgence of peter pan collars, it’s really no surprise that she chose to wear this white ruffled peter pan collared blouse from Miu Miu. She paired it with a cute navy check pinafore dress, also by Miu Miu, an adorable pair of black satin bow heels and a studded super-sized clutch bag by Valentino. The good news? With a bit of know how, anyone can recreate this look with ease. Here’s how: The foundation for this look is a beautifully cut ruffled blouse. This one from Moschino Cheap & Cheap might blow your budget but, you have to admit, it is rather gorgeous. Moschino Cheap & Chic lace ruffle front blouse, £450, available at my-wardrobe. Next, opt for a navy v-neck sleeveless dress to recreate Alexa’s pinafore-style look. This classic Prince of Wales check dress from Stella McCartney is the perfect shape and will prove super versatile for your wardrobe. Stella McCartney Prince of Wales check dress, £855, available at Matches. A black bow pump adds a sweet chicness to Alexa’s look – try these cute flats from Oasis as a purse-friendly option. Annabella bow ballerina pumps, £25, available at Oasis. Add to this a giant neutral-toned clutch and you’re onto a winner. This studded one from Topshop is the next best thing to Alexa’s Valentino beauty. Grey mixed stud clutch, £25, available at Topshop.

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Lunchtime buy: Reiss Marcella shearling ankle boot

Autumn leaves are falling, and whilst it’s all very pretty, our ballet flats are just not withstanding the journey through leaf-infiltrated pavements. So there’s only one solution: a great pair of boots. These Marcella boots from Reiss are ideal for the job. With a big chunky heel, a hardy leather finish and a cosy shearling trim, these boots will keep you warm and stylish throughout the wet and cold seasons ahead. What’s more, they’re versatile, too – wear the fur trim turned up for extra ankle warmth, or folded down to channel the Burberry girls (one of the most coveted pieces from the design house’s collection last autumn). These boots will look amazing when worn with minimal pieces to show off their directional style in all its glory. Quite honestly, we don’t know what you’re waiting for. Reiss Marcella Shearling Ankle Boot, £195, available at Reiss.

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