Luxe Leather

Shortsleeve Tops at Matches Fashion
Cocktail Dresses by Christopher Kane

Leather may usually be something we associate with rock chicks and bikers - but it's time to think again; leather has gone luxe. Christopher Kane's A/W '10 collection combining hard leather with feminine touches of lace and floral embroidery perfectly defines the concept of luxe leather. The look is sophisticated, pretty even - definitely not trashy.

These are pieces that are smart enough for the office, chic enough for the cocktail bar, yet still simple enough for everyday - all be it with a little extra glamour. All your wardrobe staples have been reinvented in leather, so we're not just talking about the ubiquitous leather jacket, but t-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses and trousers. Invest in a pair of skinny leather trousers this Autumn and you won't regret it. Judging by Burberry Prorsum's collection you'll be ahead of the fashion pack ready for SS '11. The only problem is that leather trousers always put me in mind of that episode of Friends where Ross wears some to impress his date... only to find that he can't pull them back up when he has gone to the bathroom!

Brown Really is the New Black!

I know, I've posted about neutral tones and the wonder that is Chloe's A/W '10 collection before - but I couldn't help but share some of the best pieces to be found out on the Great British High Street. Camel is, as predicted, a huge hit this Autumn - and looks great when layered with shades from oatmeal through to rust and chocolate brown. Whether you're after smart tailoring or slouchy knits (or both), Topshop and Next are definitely the places to go for affordable bits and bobs to spruce up your Winter wardrobe - who can turn down a beret for £8? I certainly can't. Despite having an extensive collection, a camel beret seems like the perfect way to top-off this look.

Topshop Look Book

Coats by Topshop
Boots by Topshop

Next Look Book

Mini Skirts by Next
Day Dresses by Next

The Aviator

The coat of the season - only £25 from H&M!

Cheryl v Dannii: The Lace Wars

Week one of the live shows and Simon told us to 'embrace the madness' - but sadly the outfits weren't the showstoppers that I had been hoping for. Both Cheryl and Dannii went for lace on the night - with Dannii wearing a white lace shift with peaked shoulders by J'Aton Couture, and Cheryl showing off those fab pins in a Daniel Vosovic asymmetric black mini dress with lace trim. I think Dannii has to be my winner this week because I like the mix of contemporary shape with traditional fabric, although I wasn't too keen on the length. Had this dress been a floor length gown it would have looked amazing - especially if the lower half of the skirt was left sheer.

Image from http://xfactor.itv.com/2010/photos

CSN Stores Giveaway!

If you've not checked out CSN Stores online, now is definitely the time to do it! From cookware and lighting to wardrobes to store all those clothes you've been hoarding, CSN Stores cater for all your household needs. Plus, you'll find the top brands you love and trust!

Become a follower of Confessions of a Shopaholic and you're in with a chance of winning a £15 voucher to spend at CSN Stores. Yes, it really is as easy as that! If you are already one of my lovely followers you can just sit pretty - but don't forget to spread the word to all your friends!

Due to shipping restrictions I'm afraid the giveaway is only open to residents of the UK, US, Canada and Germany. A winner will be randomly selected from all eligible followers on Monday 18th October 2010. In the meantime get yourself over to www.csnstores.co.uk, www.csnstores.com, or www.csnstores.de to lust over all the fab things on offer. Here are a few of my favourites to whet your appetite ...

















Add a touch of opulence to your boudoir with a georgeous Domitalia Premium armchair and Shimmer chandelier. Or be the hostess with the mostest by using KitchenCraft mini silicon cases to bake some adorable heart shaped cup cakes, which can be displayed to full effect on a V&A design two-tier stand.

X Factor: Cheryl v Dannii

Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue made a welcome return to prime-time Saturday night TV last night, as X Factor reached the judges houses.

Dannii looked amazing in a long Grecian dress from her Project D range, not to mention that she really does have the hair-do that just keeps on giving - this time appearing with sun-kissed blonde highlights.



















Cheryl went for a more casual look - sporting stone coloured skinnies and biker jacket. But at this stage of the competition it is Sinitta who usually causes a stir. Who could forget last year's banana leaf bikini? This time she went for an equally daring combination of silver swimsuit and OTK boots which were so far over the knee that they could have been galoshes! The whole look put me in mind of Wonder Woman.




Look out for a weekly post after the live show as the style wars commence!

Images from http://xfactor.itv.com/2010/photos

The Most Stylish Woman of 2010?

It's official - Glamour.com readers have voted Emma Watson as their most stylish Brit, leaving Victoria Beckham in second place - in an illustrious top 10 that included Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Cheryl Cole. There's no doubt that Emma's got her red carpet look nailed. Whenever she makes a public appearance she has got a stunning dress fit for the occasion. Christopher Bailey can be credited with transforming the schoolgirl swat of the Harry Potter films in to the style icon we see today, thanks to her casting as the face of Burberry. Plus she has recently upped her style stakes further by going for a Carey Mulligan-style elfin crop.

However, it is her off-duty sense of style I'm not so sure about. She hit all the right notes at Glastonbury this Summer - when she was papped in a Louis Vuitton corset and the obligotory denim cut-offs. Yet at other times she's been spotted in a less than flattering combo of Ugg boots and tracky bottoms. Although she wouldn't top my list, she is definately one to watch.