Pandora Presents!

Merry Christmas! Hope Santa has brought you everything you asked for - as long as you've been good all year, that is! I was very happy to wake up to a shiny new Pandora bracelet this morning (thanks Mum & Dad).

I love how you can mix and match charms to create a unique design - especially as they can be used to show your personality as well as to mark special occasions. I've got the gunmetal colour bracelet with a crown, cat and safety chain to to start off my collection - and I can't wait to add the Cinderella carriage (hint, hint).

If you know someone with a bracelet, charms make great gifts. Just be warned, there are so many cute designs to choose from it can get addictive. After just a year my Mum has already filled her bracelet and has had to start on a necklace.

If you're searching for a spot of inspiration before buying your own Pandora bracelet, Girls Aloud have  designed their own looks to celebrate 10 years in the music industry.

Romeo Beckham Models for Burberry

You know what they say; like father, like son - and it couldn't be more true when it comes to David and Romeo Beckham. 10 year-old Romeo is already giving his old dad a run for his money in the designer ad campaigns stakes, having landed a staring role modelling Burberry's SS/13 collection.

Burberry's Creative Director, Christopher Bailey said Romeo 'stole the show', and it's to be expected that this is only the start of things to come. Victoria has spoken openly about how Romeo has always shown an interest in fashion, helping her to choose fabric samples. He obviously has fun dressing-up, and is often been spotted in a bow tie and blazer - even in casual California.

LK Bennett Bargain

Ever since my sister and her partner announced that they'll be getting married this September I've been on the lookout for the perfect wedding guest dress. I'll readily admit that I set myself no easy task, knowing exactly what I wanted to wear in my head, but had failed to find a match anywhere... until now. Finally, after all the fitting room frustration, I've got my hands on this LK Bennett beauty...

What's more the silk Lexi dress with lace detailing had been reduced from £225 to just £28 (surely the bargain of the century)!

If you're wondering where I managed to get such a great deal, I'll let you in on a secret. I stumbled across it at the LK Bennett outlet store at the East Midlands Designer Outlet.

I didn't even know this gem of a shop existed - packed with sample stock and sales lines covering LK Bennett's sought after shoes as well as lots of lovely dresses - but now I do I'll definitely be popping back soon to see what more delights they have in store.

If you happen to be a size 6, boy are you in luck - but if, like me, you're not a sample size there are still amazing bargains to be found, and the staff are super helpful.

My sister has some heels that I know will match this dress perfectly (and big sisters have to share), so now I just need the all important hat.

Longchamp at Long Last

For the best part of a year I've been longing for a stylish Longchamp shopper. London seems to be full of   ladies with a Le Pliage perched elegantly on their arm or nonchalantly slung over their shoulder, and I want my own piece of the action.

What better occasion to treat yourself than on your birthday? As today's the day it's definitely time to indulge. I'm going for a classic black bag that will go with everything, and the medium size that will hold everything I need to carry around.

If I've tempted you to take the plunge and buy your very own Le Pliage bag, but think you'd struggle to choose from the rainbow of colours available, you want check out Longchamp's customisation service. Choose the size, handle length, and a combination of 2 colours to set yourself out from the crowd.

Jeepers Creepers!

Don't get me wrong, I love an oversized shirt, boyfriend blazer and brogues as much as the next girl, but creepers always just seemed like a step too far along the road to androgyny for me. To put it bluntly, creepers give me the creeps.

Perhaps it's the association with beatniks skulking around dodgy backstreets (who gave 'brothel creepers' there unsavoury name), but I never thought I'd see the appeal - so you can imagine my surprise when I found the pair to change my mind at Matalan.

The creepers in question are a pump style - so they are a tad more girly and a lot more flattering than just your average creepers. The thick soles make them sooo comfortable, add to that a price tag of only £10 and I'm sold!

Going for Rose Gold

For what seems like ages I've been on the hunt for a rose gold watch. You know how it is, you can't find what you want, then 4 great options come along at once...

Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Folli Follie are all known for their stylish rose gold designs, but at a recent press show I was introduced to Oozoo watches - and guess what? Their rose gold watch is the best at the lot and definitely a winner at £69.99!

Clockwise from top right: Michael Kors £219, Marc by Marc Jacobs £200, Folli Follie £173, Ooozoo £69.99

Discover London with SalesGossip Shopping Walks

It's true - I do love London! With some of the best shopping in the world, what's not to love?

There are so many amazing department stores, designer boutiques, independent shops and pop-up sales - the only problem can be finding the best places that lie off the beaten track, and I've still got a lot of places to explore.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, shopping on Oxford Street can feel like groundhog day. Every few steps you've got another branch of H&M followed by yet another branch of Zara. So I'll definitely be trying out SalesGossip's series of London Shopping Walks this summer.

Produced in collaboration with Trip Stylist, the guides of Carnaby Street & Soho, Shoreditch, Savile Row, Covent Garden, Marylebone & Primrose Hill, and Knightsbridge each include clear instructions on how to get there along with handy maps - so even I couldn't get lost! The routes take you to recommended shops and even tea stops.

If you're going to be visiting London for the Olympics, the Shopping Walks offer the perfect way to see more of the city. Take a look and choose the one that suits your style...

As for the personalised tea cup, it's £15.99 from www.justengraved.co.uk.

The Queen Comes to Nottingham with Wills & Kate

Jubilee fever is far from over yet! Early this morning I grabbed my union jack once more and headed off to Nottingham with my best friend Toni. Having learnt a lesson from not seeing a great deal at the Jubilee river pageant we made sure we got ourselves a front row spot to see the Queen arrive in the city with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate was re-wearing her blue boucle coat by Missoni which she is reported to have bought from the Bicester Village outlet in Oxfordshire.

A Right Royal Weekend

The bunting was out and so were the crowds as the nation prepared to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend. From my (not so prime) position on Chelsea Embankment I attempted to see the flotilla pass by - and got pushed, shoved and my hair pulled in the process, but it was still well worth going along to mark such an historic occasion.

As the Royal Barge, The Spirit of Chartwell, came into view everyone surged forward and held their cameras in the air blocking my view entirely - but by climbing on a barrier I made sure I got the glimpse I'd been waiting a fair few hours for. Kate's choice of bright red Alexander McQueen dress ensured everyone could spot her on board and I could just make out a royal wave from the Queen herself. Sadly my photos are very blurry - but at least I can identify who's who.

The highlight of my 4 day weekend? It has to be standing in The Mall for the Jubilee concert. The atmosphere was amazing even during the build up. Whoever was in charge of the big screen footage has my thanks for keeping the camera fixed directly on Prince Harry. Then the concert began with Robbie Williams - cue hysteric screams from yours truly. One was most definitely entertained thank you very much!

Keep it Zipped

As part of Adult Education Week I went along to a free jewellery making workshop today - but this wasn't just any old jewellery, it was upcycled eco fashion at its very best!

As if by magic, we were shown how an old zip could be transformed in to a chic corsage in an instant (well, an hour or so).

I've seen zip jewellery like this before - usually being sold in posh gift shops with an expensive price tag to match - but I'd never realised how easy a corsage would be to make.

Simply take a 50cm zip and separate it in to 2 halves. Cut 6 pieces measuring 7cm and 6 pieces measuring 6cm and keep what's left for later. To make a petal, take a section of zip, overlap the ends and secure in place with a stitch. Sew the 6 larger petals around the outer edge of a round of felt, then sew the 6 smaller petals inside. Take the left over section you saved earlier and twist is into a spiral to be stab stitched into the centre of the flower. Cover any messy stitching on the back with a second round of felt, sew on a brooch back to complete your corsage and voila - you've got a versatile new accessory to add to your collection!

What's great is that you can use the same corsage design to make any revamp anything you like - attach it to a cuff or a how about a hair clip? I'm hooked!

Jenny Packham No.1

What have I got in common with Jennifer Aniston, Keira Knightley and the Duchess of Cambridge? Not a lot - but we are all big fans of Jenny Packham's romantic designs. That's why I was so excited to see the latest Designer at Debenhams...

The Jenny Packham No.1 occasionwear collection features everything you need for that summer wedding or a day at the races. Alongside the dresses, there are shoes, clutch bags, feather fascinators and of course some glittering Jenny Packham jewellery to complete the look.

Jenny Packham No.1, Brooch £25

Jenny Packham No.1, Necklace £35 

A total magpie when it comes to anything shiny, my eyes lit up with delight when I saw the latest additions at the Debenhams jewellery counter. The only problem was choosing what to buy. In the end (apologies to the very patient sales assistant) I settled on a necklace and a brooch.

Luckily my Mum was with me so I could give her some very clear hints as to birthday presents.

Anna Dello Russo for H&M

After all the excitement of Versace and then Marni for H&M, we now know who's next. Bring on Accessories by Anna Dello Russo - a collection of jewellery, bags, sunglasses and shoes plucked from the unbridled imagination of Japanese Vogue's Editor at Large herself...



Who else wants Anna's apartment? Wow! But I suppose I'll settle for some bling when the collection hits selected H&M stores in October 2012.

Are the April Showers Over?

Hooray for May! The month of Bank Holidays and, hopefully, some sunshine - but just in case the drip. drip, drop of April showers isn't quite over yet, it's definitely worth investing in a stylish brolly. I love this Lulu Guinness bird cage umbrella (£32). It's almost enough to make you wish for rain so you get to show it off! You know what they say, every cloud and all that...

Just one point... please don't walk around holding your umbrella like a jousting pole. The number of near misses I've had! Last week I was very nearly tripped over by a girl on the tube who decided to block the carriage off with her enormous brolly, holding it out in front of her like it was a hurdle she expected everyone to leap over.

Rant over.

Dress Diary of a Duchess

What a year it's been for the Duchess of Cambridge! 12 whole months have passed since Kate Middleton walked down the aisle wearing one of the most talked about wedding dresses of all time. I for one still haven't stopped waxing lyrical about the beautiful Sarah Burton gown, but let's not forget all the other great dresses we've seen...

Diana's Dresses

Kensington Palace has reopened after a £12,000,000 restoration project and I couldn't resist the opportunity to take a look around a royal residence with such a rich history - especially as 5 of Princess Diana's dresses are currently on display at her former home.

Diana: Glimpses of a Modern Princess is a temporary exhibition which charts the evolution of Diana's style through the 80s and 90s. Featuring 5 iconic dresses alongside original sketches of the designs, the small exhibition space is set up like a bedroom, with the dresses displayed as if hanging in wardrobes waiting to be worn.

On display are: the Catherine Walker ivory gown worn in the famous Mario Testino portrait; a Versace LBD worn to the 1995 premiere of Apollo 13; a black taffeta Emanuel gown with sweetheart neckline worn on Diana's first official royal engagement; a beaded, monochrome dress by Bellville Sassoon Lorcan Mullany; and a fuchsia and purple Catherine Walker sari-style gown designed for the 1988 tour of Thailand. 

  

It's striking how modern the dresses still look - I only wish this was a larger scale, permanent exhibition.

Astrid & Miyu Competition

The 10 PR press day at 5 Cavendish Square showcased some beautiful bling courtesy of online costume jewellery boutiques Celliana and Astrid & Miyu.

I loved the selection of Astrid & Miyu cuffs and bangles on display - especially when they are piled on together. But my favourite design has to be 'Screw You Cow' (the animal print cuff pictured centre, £34). Great name don't you think?

Like what you see? Well, right now SalesGossip have a great competition running. They've got 6 £50 Astrid & Miyu jewellery vouchers to give away. Click here to enter.

Coachella Chic

Yes, this really is High School Musical cutie Vanessa Hudgens looking like one hot hippie at Coachella.

Pyjama Party

Anyone who's ever organised a pyjama party will no doubt have had to fend off a series of wise crack comments along the lines of 'but I don't own any pyjamas' - but no more. Pyjamas are fast becoming the surprise style hit of the spring...

Ok, it's not actually a huge surprise when we've seen luxury loungewear on the catwalk at Stella McCartney, Salvatore Ferragamo, Diane von Furstenberg and beyond. It was only a matter of time before PJs broke out of the bedroom, and pyjama dressing can now be seen everywhere from red carpet events to the early morning coffee run.






















So, is the time for giggling and pointing at people out in their pyjamas really at an end? Well, these Louis Vuitton silk pyjamas (pictured above) are too chic to be kept behind closed doors - fleecy onesies on the other hand, are not!

H&M Conscious Collection

Conscious cloth doesn't cost the earth!

Today high street retailer H&M have launched their first conscious collection - and with prices starting from under £5 it just goes to show that you don't have to pay more for ethically produced fashion.

I particularly love the neon pink pieces (pictured below).

Speaking of the collection, H&M’s CEO Karl-Johan Persson said ‘We want our customers to feel confident that everything they buy from H&M is designed, manufactured, and handled with consideration for people and environment.’

Well done H&M!

Happy Easter!

Apart from Cadbury's Mini Eggs, there's one other candy coloured treat I'm hoping the Easter Bunny will bring.

A delicious D&G Lily Twist bag with multi-coloured zip detailing is top of my wish list! Not chocolate I know, but you have to agree that it looks good enough to eat...

D&G Lily Twist, £685 available at MyWardrobe.com.

Made In Chelsea Is Back!

Topshop v Dorothy Perkins

A Chanel boucle jacket never goes out of style. The cropped, collarless cut has come to epitomise the French fashion house every bit as much as the little black dress and the quilted 2.55 handbag. But for a contemporary twist on this classic look, invest in a boucle biker jacket this season.

Chanel chic and rock chick collide in a look that has been seen on the likes of Miranda Kerr, and some of my favourite styles can be found on the Great British high street - courtesy of Dorothy Perkins (£49) and Topshop (£65).

Celebrating 10 years of NewGen

Topshop have been supporting the best of young design talent for 10 years, and to celebrate they asked 20 past NewGen recipients to design a collection of limited edition t-shirts.

Who could turn down the chance to own a piece of Erdem, Marios Schwab or Ashish for £30? Certainly not me! Here are a few of my favourites - but can you guess which design is now hanging in my wardrobe?

Yes, I'm now the proud owner of an Erdem toile de jouy print t-shirt with lace peter pan collar - but which design will you choose? Don't forget, £7 from the sale of each t-shirt goes straight to Centrepoint - a charity dedicated to giving young homeless people a future.

Chlo-Bo for Mother's Day

Show Mum she means the world with a gorgeous gift from Chlo-Bo this Mother's Day. Chlo-Bo jewellery can be customised with your choice of charms to add a personal touch to a special gift Mum will love...

Make Mine a Mojito!

As much a feat of engineering as they are a work of art, it was my sister, Rachel who first brought Julian Hakes' Mojito shoes to my attention. I'd never seen anything like the spiral design, sculptured from a single piece of laminated carbon fibre.

A London based architect, Hakes spent over a year developing the Mojito to ensure the shoes are as comfortable as they are elegant - despite only providing support for the heel and ball of the foot.

And if you're wondering about he name... the original prototype resembled the twist of lime topping off a Mojito cocktail.

You can definitely make mine a Mojito!

Royal Blue Suede Shoes

DMU footwear design student Becka Hunt has won the covetable prize of having her design worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.

The striking cobalt shoes with lace detailing caught Kate's eye... and it seems she's not the only royal with a penchant for blue suede shoes...

Prince Harry stepped out in a pair of Russell & Bromley desert boots whilst on his official visit to Jamaica.

Totally Tropical

Shorts by Oasis
Slippers by Asos

Ice Cream Colours

Satchels by Asos
Sunglasses at Very

The Duchess's New Shoes

We all know the Duchess of Cambridge loves her L.K. Bennett wedges, nude court shoes and knee-high suede boots, but her next sartorial step is in the hands of DMU footwear design students, who are competing to be given the royal seal of approval.

Best Dressed at The Oscars

Best Dressed at The Brits

Best dressed at the Brit Awards? It has to be Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh. Her stunning emerald gown is enough to turn any girl green with envy...

LFW: Day 5

LFW: Day 4

LFW: Day 3

LFW: Day 2

LFW: Day 1

Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

Ever since I saw her witty take on World of Interiors a few seasons back I've been a big fan of Mary Katrantzou's prints, so you can imagine how excited I am about her collection for Topshop arriving in store today...

Celebrate LFW with Bourjois...

I Heart Chinti & Parker

Wear your heart on your sleeve (quite literally) this Valentine's Day with this heart elbow patch jumper from Chinti & Parker (£295). Happy Valentine's Day!

Win a Shopping Spree at Selfridges!

SalesGossip have a fantastic competition running at the moment... How would you like to win a shopping spree at Selfridges for you and 4 lucky friends?!

Simply enter your name and email address on the SalesGossip competition page alongside the names of the friends you'd like to take with you and you could each win a £50 voucher to spend at the home of stylish shopping. The more friends you recommend the more chance you have of winning...

So, what would you buy? There are some truly tempting treats in store that's for sure!

Good luck!

New Desire for Jesire

Copy-Kates the world over are crazily trying to get their hands on the stylish Jesire coat-dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge for her first solo public engagement - a preview of the Lucian Freud exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery on Wednesday. The problem is that Jesire ceased trading last year. However, according to a report by the Daily Express they could very soon be put out of their misery...

He's Not That Hot Anyway

On a scale of 0-10 how important is Valentine's Day to you? If you're a singleton like me then the answer is probably a resounding zero. It's even been mathematically proven that Valentine's Day is pointless - 14-02-12=0 - the numbers don't lie! But for every girl that really isn't bothered about it all, there's another who will be feeling totally and utterly depressed.

If you've got a friend who's recently been dumped then here's the perfect pressie to cheer her up this Valentine's...

Just provide a shoulder to cry on and a supply of hankies.

Helpful Hankies by Moi Self have messages that are guaranteed to brighten any mood. They include: ‘Fix your mascara, you’re amazing’, ‘Thinking of you sweetie’, ‘He’s not that hot anyway’, ‘Go and buy some shoes’ and ‘It’s not goodbye, just au revoir’. Designed and handmade in the UK, they are 100% cotton and can be personalised by writing your own special message on the back of the packaging.

 
Behind Moi Self is Tara Willis, who together with her business partner (and BFF), Bianca Pal, want to help girls support each other. Tara says: “There’s only one thing you can be sure of in this uncertain world – your friends. Moi Self is a fun form of self-help for you and your friends to experience together.”
 
Helpful Hankies: RRP £10 available to buy at www.mywardrobe.com

Pretty Ballerinas Save the Day

Let's be honest, it's happened to us all - but luckily not all of us get papped when our heels get stuck in pavement cracks and snap off.

Theresa May certainly loves her cute kitten heels but it might be a bright idea to keep some practical pumps tucked away in her handbag...

Cue Pretty Ballerinas to save the day!

In time for Fashion Week, Pretty Ballerinas have launched a new range of their ever popular pumps which come in a handy carry case - perfect for a quick change of footwear for the dash between shows.

Make it a pair in every colour for me please!

Geri's Flying the Flag Again

Can it really be 15 years since we were all dancing around the living room to Who Do You Think You Are ? Girls, you know who you are and there is home video evidence!

Almost 15 years to the day since Geri Halliwell took to the Brit Awards stage in the now infamous Union Jack dress, she's flying the flag once again - and the former Spice Girl doesn't look a single day older!

Where this little piece of pop history was sold at auction for in excess of £40,000 (not bad for a dress made from a tea towel), Geri's new sequin encrusted design for Next (featuring a much longer hemline) will go on sale for £199 from March.

David Beckham for H&M

Any excuse to post pictures of Becks in his kecks - David Beckham's underwear range for H&M goes on sale today...

Speaking of the range Goldenballs himself said: 'I can't wait to show people the collection - although I'm not sure my mum will be too happy seeing a billboard image of me in underwear again.' His Mum might not be very pleased - but I certainly am!

Candy Coloured Nails

I love the candy colours on the catwalk for S/S '12 and fully intend to embrace the trend - starting with my nails...

These Garden Party shades (Forget-Me-Not and Waterlilly) by Dior are £18 each, available at Selfridges.

Temperley at The National Television Awards

Didn't Fearne Cotton look fantastic at the National Television Awards! The intricate Art Deco embellishment, flapper-style fringing and a splash of red lippy create a look which is retro, yet on the other hand, completely contemporary. If you want to add some red carpet glamour to your wardrobe Fearne's Temperley dress is now available in the winter sale.

Silvia Tattoo dress, was £4950 now £1980

This week I interviewed Martina Maempel from Temperley for SalesGossip - and this dress was one of her top sale picks. To see more of Martina's best buys and find out what to expect from Temperley this spring/summer you can read the full interview here.

Burns Night Tartan

This tartan lingerie from Marks & Spencer is perfect for Burns Night - and it's great value!

Bra £18
Knickers £8