What I Got For Christmas...

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Did Santa bring all you wished for? I for one am very happy with my haul. I'll certainly be warm this winter in my new French Connection leather gloves and Jasper Conran trench coat...

More Metallics...

Platforms by Topshop
Clutches by Lulu Guinness

Golden Girl

Cocktail Dresses by Oasis
Shortsleeve Tops by Asos

Accessories Direct: Your One Stop Accessories Shop

If, like me, you can never resist a spot of accessories shopping, then you'll love this website...

Whether you're looking for a new hat or another handbag, head straight to Accessories Direct.

You'll find a huge range accessories, covering everything from winter warmers to glitzy jewellery, sunglasses to umbrellas - so come rain or shine you're sure to find something to tempt you!

Top name brands stocked include Aspinal of London, Fiorelli, Kate Benjamin, Knomo, Modalu, Suzy Smith and Swarovski Elements.


The winter sale is on now - just in time to add some sparkle to your Christmas party outfit.

I've got this gorgeous Petra cuff by Kate Benjamin, which is exclusive to Accessories Direct. The metal cuff is covered with pleated black ribbon and mounted with an exquisite faux pearl and crystal brooch to create a truly decadent look perfect for parties. Was £22.98, Now £13.79.

Whilst a Knomo quilted laptop bag definitely makes my wish list this Christmas. Pippa Middleton is rarely photographed without hers. Prices from £55.

Rose & Rose Have Christmas Wrapped Up

If you're in need of some last minute Christmas shopping inspiration, just take a look at the range of luxury trend-driven scarves by Rose and Rose...



Rose and Rose specialise in statement scarves which have the power to transform any outfit from drab to fab in an instant. Made from only the finest materials, each scarf is 100% silk, wool or cashmere.

Who wouldn't want to find one of these gorgeous scarves under the tree on Christmas morning?

With a scarf it really is a case of one size fits all, making them perfect presents! Polka dot, floral print or sequin encrusted, you're sure to find a design they'll love.

This winter, hardly a day as passed by when I haven't wrapped up in my Rose and Rose scarf. I chose a floral pattern with leopard print edging, but I've already got my eye on another beautiful design.

A fan of all things 18th century, I love the Toile de Jouy pattern, which features romanticised scenes of pastoral life. Fingers crossed Santa got my list in time.

Tartan Army

Worn by everyone from punks to princes, tartan is one versatile fabric. You only have to take a look at who's been wearing this McQ plaid mini dress to see that the sartorial possibilities are endless...

















The dress works for Rihanna, Emma Watson and Katherine Jenkins because they have each added a pinch of their own unique sense of style. Personally, I would keep it simple with a with a pair of black opaques and let the tartan do the talking. How about you?

Perfect Party Shoes

Looking for the perfect pair of party shoes? Well, look no further than Crisian & McCaffrey.

Having graced the feet of Lady GaGa and Cheryl Cole, these aren't just shoes - they are a statement show piece. The Kimi in glitter (£485, pictured below), are sure to get you noticed on the dancefloor.






















Shop online or at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge.

Kate's Queen of the High Street

From Westminster Abbey to Waitrose, the Duchess of Cambridge turns heads wherever she goes.

Last night it was a Gary Barlow concert at the Royal Albert Hall, in aid of Royal charities, the Prince's Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

Kate wowed onlookers in a short lace print dress from Zara, worn with a smart Ralph Lauren jacket and black opaque tights.

The dress in question costs just £69.99 and would make a perfect little party dress, although I'm predicting it's going to have sold out by the time I've clicked 'publish'.

The Breaking Dawn Bridal Gown

In the latest installment of the Twilight Saga we finally get to witness the wedding of we've all been waiting for.






















One of the best things about Breaking Dawn has to be Bella's beautiful wedding dress - designed by none other than Carolina Herrera.

The devil is definitely in the detail of this seemingly simple crepe satin gown. From the front the dress is modest, with only a slight v-neck to seductively frame the neck, but from behind it's a very different story. The entire back is revealed beneath a panel of Chantilly lacework, for a design statement which adds a touch of old Hollywood glamour. The vintage styling encapsulates the description given by Stephanie Mayer in the book, and with her design, Herrera has managed to strike the perfect balance between vamp and virgin.

















If you want to take a bite of Bella's style, the gown is set to hit Carolina Herrera boutiques in the new year. If you can't wait that long Alfred Angelo has produced this great version, complete with 152 covered buttons.

Dazzle in Deco

The 1920s has to be my all time favourite era for design. Fuelled by post-war optimism, the bold patterns and exotic motifs which characterise Art Deco still look modern today. I particularly love the fashion plates from this era. The stylized drawings of women with boyish figures and bobbed hair are impossibly glamorous. Deco is decadence itself.

Flapper style dresses are perfect for the impending party season. Look for a simple silhouette with a dropped waist and lots of sequins, feathers or fringing.

Go on, get yourself something glitzy from the golden age of glamour this festive season. Deco designs can be found all over the high street. Try Wallis' 1923 collection for an embellished flapper dress, whilst Past Times is the place to go for beautiful reproduction 1920s jewellery - I've got enough of their Art Deco rings to wear one on each finger!

Day Dresses by Biba
Heels by Kurt Geiger

Katya Katya Shehurina's Got the X-Factor

It's not often that Jessie J is seen out of one of her trademark, skin-tight catsuits. Well let's face it, she's certainly got the figure for them! For her X-Factor appearance last night she opted for an altogether more romantic look, choosing a beautiful dress by Latvian label Katya Katya Shehurina.





















Shehurina's feminine and playful designs have previously been worn by the contestants of a similar Russian TV talent show. With its hand-embroidered transparent silk top and sumptuous chiffon skirt, the Pinot Noir dress worn by Jessie J definitely has the X-Factor!





















If you're wondering about the price tag, there's 20% off in the Christmas sale now! Head over to Kingly Court, Carnaby Street or shop online at http://www.onlineshehurina.com/ .

Volcom SEED Nurtures Grassroots Fashion

Living by their motto, 'youth against establishment', Volcom designs are inspired by the unbridled energy of youth culture, and the action sports brand continually support the grassroots of sport, music, art - and now fashion...
















Volcom's SEED initiative gives rising stars of the fashion industry the opportunity to design a capsule collection for the brand.

After approaching students at the London College of Fashion with the brief to reinvent a classic piece of Volcom denim, the winning designer was awarded a six month placement at Volcom to produce their own collection.

Winner, Anju Khusal has certainly succeeded in bringing a fresh take to Volcom's core garments without losing touch with the brand's identity. The 15 piece SEED collection draws inspiration from the Japanese art of Origami, with the techniques of paper folding applied to fabric. The overall look is sleek and feminine, but with an edge.

For more information on the initiative, take a look at www.volcomseed.com.


The SEED collection is available at Volcom now. If you're in London, head over to the Covent Garden store.


I've got the mock croc 'Love It' satchel (£29.99, pictured left). The strap is detachable so it can also be used as a clutch - so it's just like having two bags for the price of one!

Alexa Stars in Chinti & Parker

Alexa loves her starry sweater and quite frankly, so do I. I've gone all starry eyed just looking at it!

If you want to get your hands on one of your own, you'd better get in quick - the 100% cashmere Chinti & Parker creation is sure to sell out fast.

If you can wait a couple of weeks, a polka dot version will be available from 7th December.















With the weather turning colder, it's definitely time to invest in some winter woolies.

www.chintiandparker.com

Kate & Pippa Buy One in Every Colour

Everyone needs a bit of variety in their wardrobe to make life interesting, but there's a lot to be said for sticking with what you know.

Kate Winslet pretty much caused a media frenzy as she worked the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival wearing a white curve-enhancing Stella McCartney number. A couple of months down the line and she's chosen the same dress for the premiere of Carnage, but this time in vampish red.
















Pippa Middleton is another girl who knows what she likes and runs with it. She's been spotted around central London wearing different versions of the same lace dress from H&M. Coming in at £25 a pop it would have been rude not to buy both!

Kate and Pippa did't make a fashion faux pas here - far from it! The different colour ways actually create very different looks, and there's no denying they both look sensational. Here's to buying one in every colour I say!

Versace Hits H&M

It seems like tents have been popping up all over London in recent weeks, what with the protesters outside St. Paul's and the Twi-hards hoping to catch a glimpse of R-Patz at the Breaking Dawn premiere. Last night it was the turn of some savvy shoppers to brave the cold on Regent Street...



At 9am this morning Versace's hotly anticipated collection for H&M finally hit the rails at 40 flagship stores worldwide, and with prices starting from as little as £15 it's no surprise eager bargain hunters camped out to guarantee their spot at the front of the queue! As expected, pieces sold out in a matter of minutes and the huge demand from online shoppers even caused H&M's website to crash.



Versace designs are iconic. Who could forget the safety pin dress that effectively launched Liz Hurley's career, or the image of J.Lo swathed in palm print chiffon slashed to the navel?

For the collaboration with H&M, Donatella Versace has delved into the archives to produce a collection which is the very 'essence of Versace'. There's lots of studded leather and leopard print, plus the now infamous palm leaf print - although sadly no safety pins. One dress is strikingly similar to one worn by Cheryl Cole to the National Television Awards earlier on this year. Where Cheryl's strappy LBD cost in excess of £2000, the version for H&M retails at just £79.99.

If you've been lucky enough to get your hands on a piece of Versace for H&M, it'll certainly get you noticed!

Air Hostess, I Like the Way You Dress

Ladies and gentlemen please report to BBC 2, Pan Am is scheduled for take off at 9pm tonight...





















The year is 1963 and the glamorous girls of Pan Am are living the high life, jetting between New York, London, Paris and Rome. Described as 'mile high Mad Men', the glossy American drama hardly needs any more recommendation!

Starring Christina Ricci as feisty stewardess Maggie and Margot Robbie (Donna from Neighbours) as new recruit Laura, Pan Am, like Mad Men, has been applauded for the authenticity of the sixties styling. The chic blue uniforms positively exude sophistication and I can't wait to see what else the wardrobe department has up it's sleeve...

Made In Chelsea

I am totally addicted to Made In Chelsea. The hit reality show, which follows the lives and loves of a group of twenty-somethings in SW1, is always compelling viewing - full of glamorous balls, bitching and bed-hopping.

Whether sunning themselves in the South of France, shooting clay pigeons at an English country house party, or shopping on the King's Road, the MiC girls are always impeccably dressed.

I love Caggie's ecclectic style, which brings a touch of boho to Sloane Square. Austique, a favourite haunt of Chelsea girls, were inundated with requests for the tangerine mini dress she wore in Cannes towards the end of the first series. If you want to know where else you can get the looks seen in MiC, Caggie and Millie have also been seen buying bikinis in Biondi Couture, the swimwear emporium boasting the biggest selection of designer swimwear - including the incredibly sort after VIX range.

Since then we've seen Binky and Cheska doing a spot of shoe shopping at The Box Boutique, where you'll find fabulous footwear by the likes of Mechante, Beatrix Ong and Ruthie Davis, all displayed to perfection in the eccentric neo-Baroque surroundings.

Time for a West End shopping spree I think...

Celebrate With Made by Niki

To celebrate reaching 1500 fans on Facebook, luxury lingerie brand Made by Niki are giving 15% off online purchases in the run up to christmas. Just enter the discount code 1500PARTY at the checkout. Offer runs until 13th December 2011. Happy shopping!

Wear Your Poppy With Pride

I've been disgusted by reports of various bans enforced on poppies this year. First a facebook campaign forced Poundland to make a u-turn on their veto and now Prince William has stepped in to call on FIFA to back down on their ruling.

We should never forget the sacrifice paid by the men and women who have lost their lives in combat, and wearing a poppy is a potent symbol of the remembrance and respect they deserve.

The Royal British Legion sell a range of poppy jewellery, including beautiful crystal encrusted brooches and charms by Buckley. With proceeds supporting the Armed Forces and their families, you can wear your poppy with pride this Remembrance Day.



www.poppyshop.org.uk

Spot the Difference...

One of these studded skull ring clutch bags is by Alexander McQueen, and costs well over £1000. The other is by Religion, and is available from Topshop for just £75!

Costing £327, a pair of seriously chic sparkly brogues by Robert Clergerie are only for the well heeled. Luckily Primark have a similar pair for just £12!

If you've been playing along, you've probably guessed that the high street versions are on the left. I'm not trying to pretend that high street copies are exactly the same as their designer counterparts. Designer items have designer price tags because of the attention to detail, the quality of the materials and level of craftsmanship involved - but look-a-like bargains like these are great for a girl on a budget!

The Downton Effect

Like all good things, the latest series of Downton Abbey must come to an end tonight - but fans can rest assured that the period drama will return for a third series.

For me, one of the main attractions of Downton has to be the costume design. The fashions not only reflect the characters themselves, but reveal a great deal about society at the time. I relish the parade of lace, brocade, chiffon and jet beads as the ladies of the house sit down to dinner.















Dressing with such rigid formality, attention to detail and above all, class distinction may be something which was lost in the post war years, but the ladylike silhouettes seen in Downton have not entirely disappeared. The latest collection by Rodarte could very easily have been taken from Lady Mary's wardrobe.





















With the first world war over, we can look forward to the next series set in a whole new decade - the roaring 20s. The Jazz Age, encompassed by the exotic decadence of Art Deco, boyish haircuts, dropped waists and raised hemlines is one exciting era!

Amanda Seyfried Premieres Her High Street Buy

When you think of film star fashion haute couture gowns are usually what spring to mind, but Amanda Seyfried has shown that donning a dazzling designer dress isn't the only way to shine on the red carpet. She may have defied convention by choosing to wear a short suit from the high street to the premiere of In Time, but she still looks great! And as for the high street store in question... form an orderly queue at H&M ladies.

www.hm.com

Halloween Arm Candy at Kabiri

Treat yourself to some arm candy from Kabiri this Halloween.

Gossip Girl Returns!

At long last Gossip Girl returns to our screens tonight, and I for one can hardly wait for the latest installment from the scandalous lives of Manhatten's elite. There's a positive pregnancy test to be claimed, a royal wedding to be planned and a cameo appearance from Liz Hurley - not to mention all the fabulous frocks!






















As much as I love Blair and Serena, lovable rogue Chuck Bass has to be my favourite character. With his urban dandy image honed to perfection, he's the best dressed man the Upper East Side has to offer!

XOXO

A Handbag for £1!

I love nothing more than finding a bargain, and can never keep news of a great deal to myself. On a recent shopping trip down Oxford Street I stumbled across this small black messenger bag in H&M reduced from £14 to just £1. Who would turn down a handbag for £1?! How do I do it? For all the latest sales in London, just go to www.salesgossip.co.uk.

Wild Abandon

I love leopard print, but anxious to avoid the Bet Lynch look, I always try to limit what I buy. Having said that, I couldn't resist this leopard print knit from Zara.






















Styled with a ladylike pencil skirt, it looks far more classy than brassy! Whether worn as smart workwear (a cardigan is also available to make a twin-set) or paired with jeans for a relaxed weekend look, I know it's going to become my go-to knit this A/W. Purrr-fect!

Sheer Brilliance

When it comes to nude hosiery it's not simply a case of one shade suits all - but that's often the only choice we get. Asian, mixed race and black women have largely been forgotten - that is until now...

In a first for the high street, Debenhams have launched a range of 'invisible' skin tone hosiery, with shades designed to suit women of all ethnicities. You'll find coffee, bronze and olive shades right through to paler beige and honey hues.

As the weather turns colder who would dare to go out with bare legs?! Debenhams' hosiery buyer, Joanna Townsend describes the range as: 'A woman's weapon to fight the onset of winter, when wearing black opaque tights is just too depressing on a golden autumn's day.' It's true! Every woman needs a good pair of skin tone tights, and priced at just £3.50, I think Debenhams are on to a winner!

Paul & Nancy Tie the Knot

Who says you can't wear white second time round? Nancy Shevell looked every inch the elegant bride in her short white dress with intricate button detailing as she emerged from Marylebone registry office as the new Lady McCartney. And as for the designer? Stella McCartney of course!

Jeans For Genes Day

Today is Jeans for Genes Day - an opportunity to dress down in denim for work or school and raise money for charity whilst you do it. So, have you got your jeans on? Every year in the UK 30,000 children are born with a genetic disorder and by making a donation to wear denim today you can help raise money for those affected.

There is a massive trend for coloured jeans this season, and the high street to high end designer, A/W collections are awash with denim in all the colours of the rainbow. Here are some of the best out there.

Cropped Denim by Oasis
Skinny Denim by Marc by Marc Jacobs

If you wear or buy any denim today, think about making a small contribution
www.jeansforgenesday.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to show their support many brands have produced special products to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. Look out for the pink ribbon when you're shopping, and some of the money you spend will help this worthy cause.



Kabiri, the jewellery boutique who specialise in bringing the best new designers to London, stock this beautiful 14 carat rose gold bracelet with neon pink braid by JADA. 10% of the proceeds from sales will go directly to Breast Cancer Care, who offer free expert information and support to the 50,000 people diagnosed with the disease each year.

Take a look at the new store located at 182 Kings Rd, or shop online.

www.kabiri.co.uk

Pretty in Pink at the Pride of Britain Awards

A stream of celebrities arrived at the Grosvenor House Hotel last night to attend the Pride of Britain Awards. For me, Nicola Roberts was the star who shone on the red carpet, choosing to wear a pale pink silk organza dress by Luisa Beccana for the occasion. She toughened up the romantic ballerina-style gown with some statement jewellery - in a word, beautiful. I love the fact that Nicola isn't afraid to experiment with what she wears, whilst retaining her unique sense of style.

Look out for the Pride of Britain Awards on ITV this week, but be sure to have a box of Kleenex at the ready for when you hear the stories behind such remarkable acts of courage.