Perfect Bridesmaid Shoes (Oh, and Handbag)

With just two weeks to go until my best friend Lucy ties the knot, the hunt was on to find some perfect bridesmaid shoes. It was proving an impossible task to find a design to please five style conscious girls - with shoe sizes ranging from 1 to 7! So it was decided that we could each show our individuality by choosing our own shoes - the only stipulations being that they should be ivory with a heel. I do love a mission...

It turned out that I had no trouble finding my ideal shoes for the occasion. These beauties with embellished bows are from the Sophie Gray range at BHS. As an added bonus they even do a handbag to match, and of course I just couldn't resist!

www.bhs.co.uk

You Still Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival may be over, but summer has barely arrived on these shores... and that means there's still plenty of time to channel that oh-so-chic riviera style.

One of my favourite daytime looks came courtesy of Ms Angelina Jolie. In town to promote Kung-Fu Panda 2, she attended a photo call wearing a simple belted wrap dress - perfect for the summer months.

If you fancy a bit of film star style this summer, but don't yet rank on the Hollywood rich list, you can get your hands on a very similar design on the high street. Betty Jackson.Black, available at Debenhams stores nationwide and online, have this version for £69.

Keeping Up With Kate

Kate has done it again!

The Duchess of Cambridge (as I really should get used to calling her) has sent style savvy shoppers into a frenzy.

No sooner than images of her first official engagement as a member of the royal family had appeared, Reiss' website had crashed - as copy-kates scrambled to get their hands on a £175 'Shola' bandage dress.

Kate, who has long been a fan of the high street brand, had a fresh from honeymoon glow to compliment the fitted camel dress - which she accessorized to perfection with an Anya Hindmarch clutch.

Hats Off to Bea!

It has been the subject of ridicule for weeks, but Princess Beatrice has had the last laugh as her Philip Treacy hat has sold for a whopping £81,000! The 22-year-old princess enthused: 'I'm so excited. I couldn't believe it raised so much money.' With the proceeds of the eBay auction to be shared between Unicef and Children in Crisis the only thing left to say on the topic is 'well done Bea!' She has handled the whole 'hat controversy' (as it was dubbed by Oprah) with the good humour and grace befitting a princess.

Appearing at this week's Chelsea Flower Show, Beatrice attracted admiring glances thanks to her choice of figure-hugging fuscia dress by Roland Mouret.

Carnaby 20% Shopping Party

London's hippest shopping destination is playing host to a shopping party you will not want to miss!

On Thursday 19th May over 100 participating shops, restaurants and bars are offering you up to 20% discount from 5pm-9pm.

Diesel, The Kooples, Levi's, Barbour and American Apparel are just some of the iconic fashion brands taking part. Plus, there will be live music, complimentary drinks, giveaways and goody bags. Seriously, what is there not to love?!

For more information and to register for your FREE ticket, take a look at www.carnaby.co.uk

Let's face it, we all love a bargain - so make sure you never miss out on a sale again with www.salesgossip.co.uk

Glamour's May Beauty Giveaway

It's always exciting getting a parcel delivered - even if it is your internet shopping that you've been expecting to arrive all week. A parcel makes it feel like your birthday (just without the getting older part). What could be better?, I hear you say... well, a surprise delivery.

This morning I awoke to find a couple of Bourjois goodies on my doormat. A perfect start to a day that ended with a win at the pub quiz.

For your chance to win fabulous beauty products every day in May, all you have to do is enter your details at: www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/competitions/may-beauty-giveaway

Good luck!

Austique Opens on Marylebone High St

Since first opening its doors back in 2004, Austique has attracted a cult following; Pippa Middleton, Sienna Miller and Poppy Delevigne are all fans of the King's Rd boutique. Now a second store has opened just in time for a summer splurge! Marylebone is your destination for fashion not stocked anywhere else in the UK...
















You'll find Brands including Markus Lupfer, Alice and Olivia, and Zimmerman sitting alongside Austique's own label of occasion wear and cashmere. For those of you not in London, don't panic - the website can deliver to your doorstep: www.austique.co.uk

Happy shopping!




















40 New Cavendish St, Marylebone
330 King's Rd, Chelsea

Showstopping Style at Cannes

Rachel McAdams certainly knows how to wow the crowds at Cannes! In town to promote 'Midnight in Paris' - the latest offering from Woody Allen, McAdams has been snapped alongside her co-stars Owen Wilson, Michael Sheen and Adrien Brody, in a series of showstopping outfits. I adore her choice of a simple white shift dress with floral detail on the hips and shoulders - a cute yet sophisticated take on riviera chic, whilst the glamour was turned up a notch or two with a stunning scarlett fish-tale gown by Marchesa. Rachel is fast becoming one to watch in the style stakes.

Bid for Beatrice's Hat on eBay!

Love it or loathe it, we literally haven't been able to stop talking about the Philip Treacy headpiece worn by Princess Beatrice to the royal wedding. The sculptural bow design has become instantly recognisable, with interest fuelled by the jokes and unfavourable comparisons which are rife on the Internet. One of my friends very kindly sent me the link to a mock-up image of Prince Harry with only the offending item to protect his modesty. Needless to say the picture has attracted comments along the lines of 'Beatrice's hat has never looked so good'.

In response to the media furore surrounding the hat, renowned designer Treacy has been forced to publicly defend his creation inspired by beauty and elegance and has said Beatrice 'looked gorgeous'.

The 22-year-old princess has dealt with the attention admirably, telling Grazia: 'It's an incredible response to a hat, really. I'm glad it provoked so much conversation.' Yet the talk is only set to continue with the latest news...





















The Duchess of York has revealed that the now infamous hat is to be auctioned on eBay.

Speaking on US chat show Oprah about the 'hat controversy', Sarah Ferguson confirmed that all proceeds would be split between Unicef and Children in Crisis.

For better or worse, at least this little piece of fashion history will help a good cause.

The White Stuff

Day Dresses by Topshop
Flats by Peacocks

The Met Ball

The biggest names from the worlds of music, film and fashion were out in force for what has to be the most glamorous night of the year - the Costume Institute Gala, otherwise know as the Met Ball. This year the event celebrated the opening of a new exhibition at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art entitled 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty'. Many of the stars, including Naomi Campbell, Chloe Sevigny, Gisele Bundchen and Sarah Jessica Parker, paid homage to the late designer by wearing his designs on the night.

Get a Wardrobe Worthy of the Royal Wedding

I'm betting that since Friday's fairytale nuptials you've been lusting after Prince Harry as well as all the fabulous outfits showcased in the glorious setting of Westminster Abbey. And I'm guessing that now you want to know where you can get your hands on an ensemble worthy of a royal wedding - I'm right, aren't I? Well at least I can help you out in the fashion department, when it comes to landing a prince, I'm afraid you're on your own.

Several guests, including the likes of Laura Parker Bowles, wore outfits from Austique - the Kings Road boutique which has been a firm favourite of Kate and Pippa Middleton for years. Owner Katie Canvin confirmed:

'At Austique we have been busy for quite some weeks now dressing guests for the royal wedding and helping them choose their outfits. From the pieces we have sold it seems very much that the ladies are following in Kate's classic style and basing their look on what she would wear to attend a wedding. Dresses are structured and wrapped, such as the Libelula dress that one guest has chosen from us and the Issa pieces Kate is so often seen in. Coats are all knee-length, and those more daring have chosen to express themselves through bold splashes of colour, such as a hot pink coat and Austique own brand dress that we sold to one customer.'

Dress, Libelula £310


LAURA PARKER BOWLES' EVENING RECEPTION OUTFIT



Red Clutch, Wilbur & Gussie £165
Black Gown, Yeojin Bae £500


www.austique.co.uk




One outfit I particularly admired was Holly Branson's beautiful lace dress and tailored jacket - which are stand-out pieces from Irwin & Jordan's SS/11 collection. Designer Zoe Jordan said she was 'thrilled' that Holly chose one of her creations for the occasion:

'The royal wedding is a truly great British occasion. It is a unique moment in history and as a member of the British Fashion industry I am privileged to play a part in their big day. I am so thrilled that Holly Branson chose Irwin & Jordan. She embodies our brand; understated, effortless in style, and so wonderfully elegant.'

HOLLY BRANSON'S CEREMONY OUTFIT



























Irwin & Jordan SS/11


Dress £375


Jacket £743

www.irwinandjordan.com

Also available at Harrods

Royal Wedding Guests Head to Victoria Grant

It was very much a case of great minds think alike when it came down to making that all important headwear selection for the royal wedding. Chelsy Davy, Holly Branson and Emma Parker Bowles all chose statement-making headpieces by Victoria Grant for the Big Day.


Chelsy Davy, pictured left, topped off her aqua Alberta Ferretti suit with a simple taupe headpiece with lace
overlay. On working with Chelsy, Victoria Grant said:



'I'm delighted to have done Chelsy's hat for the wedding. She's been great to work with and I've really enjoyed designing this for her.'







Holly Branson's hat was created especially to compliment her dress - more details of which are to follow. The designer said she looked 'stunning'.


















Emma Parker Bowles' wore the aptly named 'Queen of Hearts' design, which certainly made a statement. Victoria Grant said: 'What better symbol than the heart to celebrate the royal wedding! I've loved meeting Emma who is a real individual with a great dynamic - I think this sting of colour and jewel like shape really suit her Joie de Vivre.' This quirky piece is a great choice for a wedding!





Victoria Grant pieces are available at Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Browns Bride and by private appointment.