Festive Focus: Spanx and Shapewear
Nov 26, 2008 fashion
I had intended to write about the plethora of wonderful Little Black Dresses available to buy both online and in the high street, but the more time spent perusing LBD options, the more I noticed just how many LBD’s are adhering to the current body-con trend; therefore, I thought a quick write up on Spanx and Shapewear would be quite apt!
I’ve been relying on my helpful Shapewear for the last couple of years; they’d been on my radar ever since Renee Zellweger sported a pair in Bridget Jones, but it wasn’t until I started to get castings that I invested. They are the most valuable item of clothing I own and are solely responsible for me being able to wear skinny jeans!
At first, I kept my Spanx a secret from friends – worried that I’d somehow seem lazy, relying on a pair of pants to tone me up…but after a few to many cocktails on a girls night out, I made a quip about needing help to pull down my Spanx to pee. To my delight, everyone laughed and agreed they’d require the same – we were all wearing Shapewear pants! Since then, I’ve worn my Spanx with pride, knowing that they are giving me the sort of ‘smoke and mirrors’, helping hand a woman sometimes requires.
Spanx are the original and in my opinion best Shapewear on the market, however our High Street stores are a very close second. Marks and Spencer (who I’ve always favoured for underwear) have an awesome range of affordable Shapewear. Their Firm Control Briefs start at £8 and range from light control to very firm. I’m a fan of Marks and Spencer’s Firm Control No VPL Border Thigh Slimmers; at only £18, they aren’t so tight that they create a tyre affect on my monster thighs, but suck them in nicely.
Debenhams also stock a great range, from the original Spanx to their own Trinny and Suzannah and their own Debenhams Power Pants. Currently on sale now, most range from £10 to £27.
I cannot emphasise just how much my Shapewear knickers have helped me and my attitude towards ‘fat days’, I no longer have to deny myself carbs in the run up to an event. Spanx are my pre-party pick-me-up and suck-me-in and I wouldn’t be without them.
Tags: shapewear, underwear, women, womens lingerie
The Party Dress Post!
Nov 24, 2008 fashion
The party season is upon us and I’ve just started to receive invites to various events…so now I must turn my mind towards outfits! I’ve decided I can stretch to two party frocks that must see me through this season and that will last for a few years to come, therefore, I’ve looked at and am focussing on party dresses that are beautifully cut and not overtly trendy (so no tartan!). Firstly, I want to focus on colourful options (I’ll follow up with a LBD post). For its cut, colour and sheer gorgeousness I have to bring your attention to this stunning Fuchsia Colour Block Dress from Miss Selfridge. Jewel tones and berry colours have been big news for Autumn/Winter 08; the shade of this party dress would suit most complexions, but it’s the cut that will flatter all! The black ‘V’narrows broad shoulders and draws attention to the chest area – away from a heavier lower half and the extra material on the hips will also flatter. I think it’s sassy, playful and a real head-turner!
The Joelle Dress by Malene Birger is my most coveted, must have, dress of the season! Do I sound keen on it? I adore everything about this dress, the flattering cut that will not only show off your shoulders (normally a ladies daintiest part) but it’s also great for covering the tummy area, allowing for a little champagne bloat and a sneaky sausage roll! Add to this, its delicious jewel shade and you’ll have other party goers in a purple haze…find out more at My-wardrobe.
I could go on and on with this party dress post, as there’s such an incredible range on our high street and what’s more – most party dresses are currently on SALE so you could really nab yourself a beautiful bargain! Keep an eye out for Patricia Fields Ravishing Ruffle Dress in purple (currently 20%) off at Marks and Spencer and New Look’s Pleated Strap Dress for pure Grecian goddess!
Tags: dresses, fashion, women, womens clothes
Winter Trend Alert: Deco
Nov 24, 2008 fashion
I adore Art Deco, in fact, my passion for it boarders on obsession with a C.D collection made up of Cole Porter albums and walls filled with framed pictures of Erte’s drawings.
In recent months I’d noticed a spattering of Deco inspired accessories on the high street, however, since Look magazine declared it ‘Time for an Art Deco Drama’ our favourite stores seem to be awash with elegant Deco style!
Distinctive and strong, Art Deco is a mixture of geometric patterns and strong colours, most commonly gold and black, though jewel tones creep in from time to time (particularly in accessories).
Deco design stems from the 1920-1930’s era, at a time (ironically echoing our current financial predicament) when the great depression was on and women looked to fashion and design as escapism. Think embellishments’, abstract and graphic designs.
My favourite Deco inspired accessory is from Miss Selfridge, this stunning Deco Beaded Clutch is bang on trend with its black and gold sequined pattern! It’s a good sized clutch (enough room for purse, mobile and lippy) and has the extra option of attaching a chain strap handle, a snip at £22!
For those with the confidence to fully embrace the trend, my ultimate recommendation is this All Over Sequin Dress from Oasis, at £110 it might seem a little pricey, but you’re paying for the intricate beading (reminiscent of original designs). This dress is simply beautiful, an investment piece, the timeless elegance of this design will see you trough many-a-swanky event for years to come. Other high street stores that have slightly cheaper options in the dress department are Littlewoods Love Label, who has created an intricate black and gold sequin dress and Miss Selfridge, whose Deco Foil Print Cape Dress is oh so flattering and a fabulous £38!
To sharpen the look, team with a tailored tux, like the one from Urban Outfitters in my previous post and a pair of jet earrings– very Lauren Bacall!
Tags: accessories, clothes, deco trend, women, womens fashion
Online Catalogues: Oli and La Redoute
Nov 20, 2008 fashion
Inspired by This Mornings fashion feature, I though I’d write a quick post about online catalogue buying. In the current financial market, buying from online catalogues is a great option, firstly because you can pay off your purchase over a number of weeks (however, I’ve never done this and so know v.little about the interest you might be paying on the goods) and with none of the expensive overheads involved with having shop premises’, prices tend to be cheaper than the high street. Of course, there’s usually a delivery charge, but at the moment, most catalogues are either forgoing the charge or offering free delivery with first order.
The best catalogue for party wear is undoubtedly Oli, a catalogue that first came to my attention last year after seeing a fashion shoot with HollyWilloughby (who’s the face of the brand) sporting beautiful dresses that enhanced womanly curves, rather than the widespread trend of trying to hide them! Since then, I’ve bought regularly from the site and am always impressed by the quality of the goods and value for money. Oli has a very modern approach towards catalogue sales – the site looks straight from the pages of a fashion magazine, there’s even an ‘editors letter’ much like a blog, alerting browsers to ‘what’s hot’ and selling out fast. Oli have also created excellent fusion lines with Jodi Kidd, Jasper Garvida and fashionista’s favourite, PPQ. I’m hoping Santa will bring me the PPQ cardigan with contrast trim – its darling!
La Redoute is a catalogue I’ve adored for many years – I believe it is responsible for my obsession with the Parisians chic and effortless style, as my Mum bought my first La Redoute purchase many years ago – I was twelve and it was an Aztec patterned belted cardi (currently very on-trend!) and I remember being taunted by a girl called Isobel for my ‘weird’ sense of style! Apologies for the digression, but I am so glad that I ignored her jibes, because La Redoute purchases are the foundation of my capsule wardrobe! The cut of the clothes are beautiful and their elegant designs are timeless. Like Oli, the pieces at La Redoute are unbeatable.
If you’re struggling to find on-trend and enduringly stylish outfits at reasonable prices, I suggest you take a look at these two online catalogues – I highly recommend them!
Tags: catalogues, clothes, fashion, womens clothes
Marc Jacobs Pendant Watches
Nov 20, 2008 fashion
One of the most influential designers of his generation, Marc Jacobs was the man responsible for persuading Victoria Beckham to pose inside a carrier bag!
Since launching his critically acclaimed collection, Marc by Marc Jacobs critically acclaimed signature collection creates affordable, contemporary and edgy pieces that appeal to the mass market, styles that include bright colours, oversized prints, bows, buttons, rugby stripes and most recently, bugs, stars and little objects.
A recent addition to his collection are his gorgeous pendant watches – cheeky and sassy the current craze for wearing the time around your neck has sparked a huge trend, with the High Street creating less sophisticated, copy-cat versions of the Marc Jacobs Pendant Watch.
So sweet and very on-trend this is one of my choices of Christmas ‘must have’ items!
So sweet and very on-trend this is one of my choices of Christmas ‘must have’ items!
You’ll earn mega brownie points for buying this Marc Jacobs Pendant watch for a friend or loved one – keeping them ahead of the fashion pack!
Tags: designer watch, fashion, jewellery, watches, women
The Tux
Nov 14, 2008 fashion
A modern twist of YSL’s ‘Le Smoking’ jacket, the tux has been re-vamped for Autumn/Winter and is taking our high street by storm!
Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Armani all ignited the trend for power dressing on their Autumn/Winter 08 catwalks – a look that was carried through by celebrities like Ashley Olsen and Fearne Cotton who have both been spotted in a tux. That same has look has now filtered through to our favourite stores…
A stunning choice is the Sequin Blazer Jacket from the Gold by Giles collection for New Look, part of Giles Deacons capsule collection, the Sequin Blazer Jacket echoes his signature style, renowned for its sense of wit, mixed with ‘wow’ factor. The New Look Gold by Giles Sequin Blazer will add a touch of high drama to any outfit, reminiscent of Givenchy’s A/W 08 trend, Gothic Romance - making it a perfect choice for the party season!
If you want to add a harder edged, more masculine feel, check out Urban Outfitters Tux Crop Blazer, sharp and beautifully cut, it looks like a ‘homage’ to the tux jackets in Tod Lynn’s ‘Ready to Wear’ collection. For an androgynous look, team with a pair of tailored trews – but I’d actually wear it over an uber feminine party frock to toughen up my look!
Tags: fashion, jackets, tux, women, womens jacket
Brain Training: Nintendo DS Lite
Nov 12, 2008 gadgets
Throughout the last year, the portable console Nintendo DS Lite has taken the world by storm! I am a bit of a technophobe and have therefore, steered clear of such devices – however, when travelling this past weekend my other half insisted I give his Nintendo DS Lite Brain Training a go and I have to admit, I’m quite impressed! This addictive game stimulates your brain by challenging you to ‘simple’ mathematics, memory exercises, sudoku puzzles and reading aloud - keeping your mind fit and active. After playing the game, you’re then given a brain age based on your performance (no, I’m not telling you mine – it’s shameful…) As you achieve better scores, your brain age should get younger…!
I can see why the Nintendo DS Lite Brain Training has proved to be a popular game as, like any muscle, your brain atrophies if you don’t use it enough and no-one wants to believe this! The Brain Training: How old is your Brain? was developed to take advantage of this fact and our desire to challenge ourselves into beating our personal best scores, hence the addictive nature of this game. Very cleaver!
I have fallen prey to this console and intend to try a few of its other games. The Nintendo DS Lite console would also make a great Christmas gift and so, is one of my ‘must haves’.
Compact, light and sleek – the DS is very handbag friendly!
Tags: console, games, nintendo, video games
Limited Edition Purple GHD IV’s:
Nov 5, 2008 gadgets
I might have just bought myself a new pair of straighteners, but that doesn’t stop me from lusting after the new Limited Edition Purple GHD IV’s!
Available from next week as part of a Christmas gift pack, the Limited Edition Purple GHD 1V has a sleek new design and ingenious features, including advanced ceramic heaters, a rounder barrel (for ultimate control) and a new sleep mode that automatically turns the Purple GHD IV straighteners off, if left unattended for 30 mins!
Also included in the gift pack is a purple travel hair dryer, a limited edition heat proof case and two GHD sectioning clips – even the gift box is stunning! What’s more, purple is so on-trend for A/W 08!
The GHD brand is such a firm favourite amongst those devoted to their irons - the Limited Edition Purple GHD IV’s are bound to sell out fast. These are most certainly on my list of Christmas ‘must haves.’
To find out more, check out Purple GHD IV’s.
Seeing Red
Nov 1, 2008 fashion
Classic, sumptuous and sexy, red has always been a great colour to wear. For the past couple of seasons it has been a popular trend, re-invigorated this week with the news that we should replace our Little Black Dress with a Little Red Dress - as red provokes an amorous effect on men. Studies from the University of Rochester revealed that men regard a woman wearing a red dress, as better looking and more desirable! Furthermore, men seem to be especially generous to a lady in red and more willing to blow the budget, showering her with lavish gifts and expensive meals!
So if like me, you’ve recently found yourself ‘treated’ to a 2 for 1 meal at Pizza Express…grab yourself a racy number and you might just find yourself progressing up to Gourmet Burger!
Bond girl Olga Kurylenko sported a beautiful, red Valentino gown at the premiere this week – a cheeky twist were the irresistible ‘un-wrap me’ bows on the back of the dress… and in keeping with her sass, I’ve tracked down a jaunty little number from Miss Selfridge. The Red Strapless Fringe Dress is a show-stopper! This duel trend dress is an ideal cocktail number for those pre-Christmas drinks…just imagine the fun you could have with those tassels!
If you’re looking for something a little edgier why not try Urban Outfitters Renewal Plain Mini Zip Dress, combining two key trends, red and exposed zips – a prevalent look on the catwalks for A/W. The Renewal range at Urban Outfitters takes vintage dead stock and surplice materials to create one-off, limited pieces. So, whilst the cut remains consistent, material and colour may vary slightly – ensuring each dress is completely unique. Well worth the £55 price tag!
So come on ladies – show us your zips!
