Saturday 30 March 2013

Sale Skirt

There's no getting away from it - graphic prints are big news right now. Just look at the designers we've seen break through in recent years. From Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou to Basso & Brooke, they've all played their part in 'printing-up' the catwalk.

Bright, bold prints aren't for wallflowers, but it's always fun when a print becomes a talking point that makes you stand out from the monochrome crowd.

Marks and Spencer have done a good job with this geometric and floral print skirt - proving flowers don't have to be at all prim and fussy. Reduced from £35 - £15 it now has a home in my wardrobe.I think it will look great worn with a crisp white shirt.


Wednesday 27 March 2013

Seeing Double: Rose Gold Watches

Alright, now I know I've written about rose gold watches before but I couldn't miss the opportunity to sing the praises of a new style I've found in store at Marks and Spencer - especially as it costs just £35. Put side by side with a must-have Michael Kors rose gold watch that would set you back £200~+ it more than holds it's own. That's my summer arm candy sorted!


Tuesday 26 March 2013

Barbour Bargain

I've been on the lookout for a Barbour jacket for a while, but could never quite choose between waxed or quilted - that is until I found this one on sale at the East Midlands Designer Outlet Barbour branch.

I love the contrasting cord collar and there are adjustable tabs on the side to give a slightly nipped-in waist. It will be perfect for long walks up in the Peak District.

And as for the price - WAS £120 NOW £35!

Stella McCartney OBE

Stella shows us how it's done! Whilst some (who shall remain nameless) go all out with huge feathered fascinators and frumpy frocks when summoned to meet the Queen, Stella McCartney, as a walking advert for her fashion house, displayed poise and elegance in a structured navy suit worn with a small, veiled pillbox hat.

Of course Stella McCartney was at Buckingham Palace to receive her OBE - well deserved after a year in which she designed Team GB's London 2012 kit and was named as the British Fashion Council's Designer of the Year.

Friday 15 March 2013

Fashion Avenue, Dubai

Take a stroll along the plush carpet of The Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue and you'll soon be swept away for a full day's shopping. After all, this is the world's biggest shopping centre. Forget about blistered, tired feet - you won't even notice the mileage as you make your way from designer boutiques to high street favourites and more traditional souk-style stalls.



Our first stop was eyeing up the glittering widow displays at Tiffany's then it was on to casting longing looks at Chanel handbags - and who could possibly bypass a branch of Christian Louboutin when there's no queue outside?! At the uncrowded mall there's every opportunity to browse the very best at your leisure. Here you don't feel uncomfortable wandering into top designer stores as you might in some fashion capitals - that said, on the rare occasions doors were firmly closed with intimidating security guards lurking behind we tended to walk on by.

Unfortunately the first thing on my shopping list was bite cream after my knee swelled up (something must have got me on the previous day's kayaking trip) but I soon go into my shopping stride buying a gorgeous strawberry and champagne scented handcream from Victoria's Secret, a bargain safety pin bracelet from Juicy Couture and lots of sweets to take home as gifts.


After a whole day wandering around I still don't think we covered quite everything - but my personal highlight definitely has to be the Shoe District - where designer footwear is quite rightly displayed on plinths like pieces of priceless art.



If you can tear yourself away from the shops The Dubai Mall is also home to a cinema, ice rink and even the Dubai Aquarium. We rounded off the day by going up the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa. Thankfully the lifts were working. You really wouldn't want to take the stairs here! From the viewing gallery it's possible to view the famous water fountain show from above. Then it was time to say goodbye to Dubai.

Thursday 7 March 2013

Celeb Looks - 3am Style

You know how it is, you see a celeb wearing something you love and you immediately start to search around aimlessly for either the exact same thing or at least an item with a passing resemblance. Well, with a little bit of luck I can help you out. I've just completed a stint doing celebrity 'get the look for less' features for 3am and SalesGossip. If you want to know where Taylor Swift gets her jeans or Mollie King gets her macs, you can find out right now at The Mirror online...

















Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Brooke, Helen Flanagan, Mollie King

















Victoria and Harper Beckham, Rihanna, Jennifer LawrenceCara Delevigne