Search Results for “flats

Sophia Webster Blake leopard sandals: Yay or Nay?

Known for crafting heels with an eclectically cool charm, Sophia Webster is a name hot on every fashion editor’s lips. Zesty colours and outré detail combined to create lust-worthy heels; Webster has perfected the art of making us want to incorporate bold shoes into our everyday wardrobes. Tempting us to adorn our feet with a splash of cleverly crafted leopard print this week is the Blake leopard sandal by Nicholas Kirkwood’s former protégée. A mix of intricately cut patent leather and mesh, the ankle tie detail and open back style add a glamorously sexy touch. But before letting your inclination for all things animal print take over and trick you into clicking these beauties home, how about playing the rational fash-girl game (is that even possible?) and contemplate the yays and nays for snapping up the Blake leopard sandals below? Yay Neutral colours: The pale-yellow spots, mesh outer and black patent-leather make for a flattering colour palette, so these heels wouldn’t go amiss with most of your wardrobe. Win win! Day-to-night heels: With enough dance floor appeal to take you straight to the party from your desk, you’re in luck (particularly if your work in fashion) because the Blake sandals will work wonders with an all-black look. Ankle tie trend: Tapping in to the ankle tie trend quite nicely; if you want to channel the allure of Alaïa with a dash of fun, the Blake sandals will bring the A game – especially when it comes to fashion week! Nay Price: At £530, the Blake sandals do fall into the mildly extortionate category, so don’t forget the five-outfit rule! Fiddly ankle tie: Although this is a yay, too, we’re not sure how many times it would be possible to slip in and out of the Blake sandals without landing in […]

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10 Essential basics under £100

If you turn to the style mavens of the industry, a common thread runs through their style and shopping habits (except for, maybe, Anna Dello Russo); curb the clothes hoarding, and mix and match more. The foundation of a stellar fashion wardrobe is simple: basics, and plenty of them. Those trusty pieces you repeatedly visit in your wardrobe; the ones that you throw on and don’t give a second thought to, because they do just what they’re supposed to. Crafted to perfection cuts, luxe fabrics and multi-look, flattering tones are key when building a winning basics wardrobe, because these pieces will form the basis of your look, to which you can add accoutrements and up the glam ante. But looking ‘pulled together’ doesn’t have to mean a belief defying budget, and that’s where we come in. Rounding up 10 essential basics under £100 (yes, you can be stylish on a shoestring budget) here are the pieces your wardrobe needs right now, and forever. 1. The lightweight knit, £79.20: Ease into a day-to-night look with a stylish sweater in classic grey. Wear with jeans and sneakers to hit daytime errands, or swap the casual separates for leather leggings and heels for night. 2. The all-rounder sunnies, £99.87: The evergreen aviator-style sunglasses are a must-have in every discerning fashionista’s basics wardrobe, and a style that’s ultra-flattering for most face shapes. 3. The multi-tasking tote, £40: Carry it by the top handles, or sling it over your shoulder – we couldn’t ask for a better bag really! 4. The silk dress £39.99: That easy number that oozes office-to-cocktails charm, and doesn’t break the bank? This silk high street beauty is, well, right up our street! 5. The classic, off-duty blazer, £39.99: The ultimate piece in basic wardrobe-building, we love a jersey blazer for […]

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10 Essential pieces for your summer wardrobe

A new season or climatic tendency doesn’t have to mean reducing your bank balance to a massive red dot on that dreaded paper statement. In fact, it’s about incorporating those key pieces into your wardrobe that’ll politely nod to the season you find yourself in, without selling your fashion soul and un-friending the bank manager, so to speak. So, to make the summer months ahead a little easier, sartorially speaking, we’ve rounded up 10 essential pieces for your summer wardrobe. And no, we’re not talking beach babe gear, or how to work the Bey bikini (yes, you, H&M) on a scenic beach in the sweltering Bahamian heat, but rather a round up of trusty pieces that’ll ensure your summer wardrobe is comprehensively packed (not overflowing), and allows you to put your best style step forward. So, without further ado and detouring into beach cocktail and tanning territory, here’s our line-up of the summer staples you need to be snapping up right away! The Denim Dress Forget flippy dresses and reach for a denim option, that’ll become your staple summer go-to. Dress, £45, Topshop. The Summer Flat Pretty flats in a candy floss hue are perfect for Season Sun. We love the Chloe-esque feeling these high street beauties have! Pointy ballerinas, £22.99, Zara. The Dinky Bag Forgetting lugging big totes! All you need is space for essentials and a classic colour – like this cross-body! Rebecca Minkoff Mini Blake bag, £131.41, Shopbop. The Cover Up Avoid the evening chill in this summer-perfect, pastel biker. Pretty atop a dress or jeans. Jacket, £75, Oasis. The Summer Hat Summer isn’t complete without the obligatory hat. This one in black with seriously stylish monochrome detail will see you through nicely. Hat, £16, Asos. The Leather Short Pastel leather = summer perfection. You’ll be wearing […]

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7 of the best gladiator sandals you need right now

Pedicured feet at the ready, it’s time to get your sandal on! Living in Blighty can mean permanent foot hibernation, which usually results in a neglected shoe wardrobe. So it’s only natural that we can’t wait to slip into pretty sandals come summer. Given that it’s mid-June, and we’re really not in the mood to sport ‘sensible’ shoes with flimsy summer dresses, we’ve decided to search high and low for hot-right-now gladiator sandals every discerning shoe lover needs! The perfect mix between tough and sweet, gladiator sandals are great for the beach or for styling with a summer-inspired look and even your faithful off-duty ensemble will get a stylish hit when you slip into a pair. But we’re not telling you to go all Ancient Greek god on us, and take the literal meaning of ‘gladiator’ sandal with you when shopping (no, Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in 300 was not our inspiration). Opt for sandals splashed in bright colours and adorned with pretty embellishment if you’re looking to make a stylish statement, or do sandals the grown-up way, by opting for muted tones in suede and washed leather. Go on. Step out of those unsightly boots and get summer ready with our roundup of seven of the best gladiator sandals! 1. The soft grey leather and ankle cuff detail is making us swoon -the perfect option for an understated and comfortable look. K Jacques Caravelle sandals, £199, available at My Wardrobe. 2. Who said black sandals had to be boring? This Givenchy pair turns the summer sandal on its head. We’re wearing ours with casual tee and mini skirt for city-strolling cool. Givenchy suede gladiator sandals, £439, available at My Theresa. 3.We love the artisanal, weaved detail against the tough buckle-fastening ankle strap. Haider Ackermann leather gladiator sandals, £538, available at […]

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Lunchtime Buy: Dorothy Perkins Collection Nude Lace Tuille Dress

Dresses are a key staple for any fashion fan’s wardrobe, ranging from the relaxed maxi dress to the perfect party number and can easily be stylishly dressed up with heels and statement jewellery, or can go casual with a jacket and ballet flats. Dorothy Perkins has come up trumps this summer season with a spectacular array of fab dresses to choose from. The DP Collection Nude lace tuille dress is a divine design choice for any cocktail party or special evening outing one may have coming up, and is at a beautiful price too at just £45.00! With the black lady-like lace overlay bodice and the romantic waterfall cream cotton and sheer fabric on top, oh, and not forgetting the cute ribbon bow tied at the back, this darling dress will have you in a delightful daydream all night long. The complimentary colours of the black and cream set each other off really well, creating a gorgeous, timeless look that’s hot on our trend books. Simply style with a pair of black-heeled courts, a black clutch and with a statement ring; you’ll certainly be the prettiest thing in the room, naturally. Collection Nude lace tuille dress by Dorothy Perkins, £45.00, Dorothy Perkins.

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Going to Ibiza for your hols? Here are 5 picks for your suitcase

  Off to Ibiza this summer? The excitement might make you a teeny bit forgetful (we know we forget important things when we’re a little bit giddy) so we’ve compiled a list of Ibiza essentials for you to check off as you pack. As well as your obvious items, i.e. passport, sun cream, sun hat, camera, beach towel etc, here are five items we definitely don’t think you should board the plane without: 1. – Bright clothes aren’t always advised for the gloomy London weather (and standing out isn’t always desired when you’re minding you own business on the tube), but the rules totally change when it comes to your holiday! Go colour crazy in this maxi! Misumi multicoloured maxi dress, £19.99 2. – We know you’ve been waiting for months and months to slip into a new bikini, so we have a feeling it will be one of the first things you pack. We love this studded beauty from Topshop – it’ll make you stand out on a crowded beach, and also offset your tan beautifully. Topshop lime studded triangle bikini, £28. 3. – As much as we love a good pair of heels, we think summer holidays should be about giving your feet a rest along with the rest of your body, so taking a good pair of flats with you is vital. Luckily you don’t need to compromise on glamour with these gorgeous embellished sandals from Dorothy Perkins – talk about Greek goddess! Dorothy Perkins nude heavy embellished sandals, Was £35, Now £22 4. – Don’t be tempted to buy cheap knock-off sunglasses for your holidays for fear of breaking or losing them – protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays should be a priority regardless of the price. The fact that these designer sunnies are chic and […]

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Five lust-worthy pieces from Ark.co.uk

We were looking for a bright coloured pair of flats on Ark this morning, and one click turned to another and before we knew it we had a whole wishlist on our hands. Dangerous stuff, this online shopping business. Luckily the prices on Ark.co.uk are far from dangerous, so we don’t feel as bad for getting tempted by the wonderful products on offer. And don’t think it’s just us girls that can do a whole lot of shopping on www.ark.co.uk; the boys can have a field day on the website too as there are tons of brands that will tempt them to part with their credit cards. There’s men’s Superdry, Religion Clothing, Pretty Green by Liam Gallagher and Fred Perry among others, so make sure you send the bf a cheeky link for him to peruse on his lunch hour. You never know, you might get a present out of it as a thank you gesture. Here are five items that we are currently lusting after; can you blame us? 1. Hearts & Bows Black Janks Playsuit – Forget the LBD, it’s all about the LBP, the little black playsuit. This is both the ‘safe’ black option, and the daring option all rolled into one. Winner! 2. Ark Black Wispy False Eye Lashes – When eyeliner and mascara just isn’t enough, look no further than a pair of false eyelashes; these falsies as cheap as they are attention-grabbing. Stock up – you never know when you’ll need an instant injection of glamour! 3. Ark Pink Orla Leather Look Foil Skater Skirt – Loved the Carrie Bradshaw tutu skirt? Well this is the 2013 update, and we want it in our wardrobes right now! Go casual with a slogan tee or go glam with a sparkly bralet, this hard-working skirt is […]

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Sarah Jessica Parker launching SJP shoe collection

Sarah Jessica Parker will be making alter ego Carrie Bradshaw green with envy, as it’s being reported that she will be designing a shoe collection entitled SJP. Short, simple, and to the point! This is ruddy fantastic news, but what took her so long, eh? SJP will be collaborating with George Malkemus, the CEO of Manolo Blahnik, and the collection will feature flats and heels ranging from £130 to £190, and handbags around the £450 mark. Not too steep – we like it! “In a silly way, I think it’s what people have expected of me most because of Carrie Bradshaw,” Sarah said. “We’re putting new colours together that people don’t typically do, just beautiful combinations that you wish existed in your closet. “And in terms of bags, thinking about that period of the Seventies into the Eighties, what those women were carrying, taking away the bells and the whistles and hardware and really making it about the bag.” We can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve. The collection will be available exclusively at Nordstrom from next year. Excited? [E! Online] 

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Look Good for Less This Summer

Jetting off abroad is expensive in itself, but for many women what is packed into your suitcase is definitely as important as the destination and accommodation choices you make. With so much money being spent on your flights, food and excursions, ensuring you look as great as possible for as little cost as possible is the main aim for many. Creating a capsule wardrobe is one way of lowering the price of your suitcase style. Maxi dresses are ideal for this. Thrown over your swimwear during the day as a cover up they are easy to wear and casually cool for the midday heats, yet they can be effortlessly turned into a stunning evening wear for getaway glam. Pick up some great value maxi dresses at George from ASDA, and while you’re there take a look at their accessories selection. Bangles, necklaces and drop earrings are a quick and effective way of injecting that evening feel into your outfit, while jewel adorned flats add a touch of sparkle to your style for after sundown. The catwalks have been kind to us this season, with SS13 trends focussing on brights and whites. Try not to combine the two. White shades should be worn in blocks – ideal for keeping the heat at bay while you’re away. Thankfully, key items can be picked up at quite a good price too. Choose basic white skirts and shorts, and team these with vest tops and camis for on trend, cost efficient outfits. As with maxi dresses the ‘iridescent’ key trend is also easy to transform from day to night. While these materials often speak for themselves during the day, and create quite a classy but bold image, adding sealife shades to your outfit for the evening will pack some punch into your look. Opt […]

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Steep vs. Cheap: Floral ‘n’ Stripe Vest

You’ve done luxe tees, statement sweaters and gathered enough silk shirts to officially be labelled a hoarder, so we think its time to move onto the next summer-appropriate option. A simple tank top is a wardrobe essential; louche for an off-duty ensemble, or embellished for an evening affair, but finding the balance between over-casual and over-dressy can be tough. So, to put to rest this wardrobe woe, we’ve searched high and low for the perfect tank top at either end of the price spectrum that easily works two different summer trends without being overpowering. First up, at the steep end is the Mother of Pearl Rhondos printed silk and cotton-jersey tank. Perfect for injecting fun into a relaxed look, the tank has a plain cotton-jersey back for those frightened by an all-over print, and is a stylish companion for a weekend spent lazing in a sun-splashed park. But cashing in at £135, it’s not the cheapest addition to your off-duty collection. Budge over budget blasters, and let us introduce a more modestly priced alternative. The satin trim flash floral vest from high street style saviour Oasis is an equally impressive ode to its high end counterpart, and at £16, won’t break the bank. We’re wearing ours with boyfriend jeans and comfy summer flats. Care to splash the cash, or will you be fashionably frugal? Steep: Mother of Pearl Rhondos printed silk and cotton-jersey tank, £135, available at Net-a-Porter Cheap: Satin trim flash floral vest, £16, available at Oasis

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Charlotte Olympia Taurus suede slipper-style loafers: Yay or Nay?

The purveyors of lustful accessories and shoes, Charlotte Olympia is a fashion name to be reckoned with. Dressing fashion disciples in the iconic island platform, and getting everyone hooked on those dinky-yet-desirable Perspex clutches; we’re willing to shed the pounds (literally) for a piece of CO. This week, trying to find its way into our already-bursting shoedrobe is the Taurus suede slipper-style loafer; a new spin on the classic and comfortable shoe fashion bods have to come to love from this brand. And considering we’re in the middle of May, only the horoscopically apt Taurus would do – even better if you’re an actual Taurean! Available in delectable chocolate suede; the almond toe, handmade Taurus loafer is adorned with a hand-painted and Swarovski crystal-embellished zodiac motif, promising a glam polish to any off-duty ensemble, and even comes complete with a horoscope book! Predict your fashion future by taking stylish steps in the Taurus loafer, but before you do so, consider our Yay’s and Nay’s for bagging these beauties below … Yay  Comfort factor – The slipper-style design and 0.5 inch heel makes the Taurus Loafer an ideal option for those looking to balance comfort with style. Dress up, or down – The embellished motif design and gold-coloured trim elevates the Taurus loafer from off-duty option to evening ensemble completer in a flash. Just add a CO clutch for extra oomph. Luxe detail – The handmade element, 100 per cent goat leather upper and delish gold leather-covered heel give bring a luxe feel to an otherwise simple shoe design. Nay Novelty factor – Although the brand’s iconic Kitty flats have remained a fashion favourite, this zodiac-inspired collection could well be a short-lived tale. Would you consider wearing them regularly, or put them under the fashion fad category? Price – At £536 a pop, you’ll […]

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7 neon pieces worth being noticed in

Splashed and splices of neon were one of the biggest colour stories to come out of spring/summer 2013. From Erdem’s angelic lace dresses, updated with shots of zingy floral embroidery in neon orange and pink to Simone Rocha’s blinding neon daisies and delectably charged green and blue at Rag & Bone; it was the certified colourway of the new season, and one we’re not shying away from. Although fashion has a habit of repeating embarrassing mistakes from a bygone era, albeit in a slightly more modern, tasteful way, our top neon picks to be noticed don’t include any 80s disco references, or stomach-turning Day-Glo lycra workout gear. From sweeping dresses to look-at-me accessories and shoes so beautifully bright, you’ll need to get out the Ray Bans (in a good way, of course), shop our top seven neon picks below. Sophie Hulme Geometric Shorts, £278, My Wardrobe: The perfect preppy piece for pairing with a crisp shirt and flats.  Neon Animal Print Tunic Dress, £38, Topshop: This dress is guaranteed to become a festival favourite for all discerning fashionistas! Box Clutch with Gems, £25.99, Zara: Packing a punch like no other, we love the tiny price tag and massive impact this clutch will have paired with a simple LBD. Pleated Contrast Panel Skirt, £110, Reiss: The easiest way to incorporate colour into work wear; pair with a soft knit and suede pumps for a chic finish. Diane von Furstenberg Starr Neon Silk-chiffon Dress, £755, Harvey Nichols: We love how smoothly neon takes on a glam, feminine silhouette – red carpet glamour at your fingertips! Markus Lupfer Lips Sequin-Embellished Neon Knitted Sweater, £282, Net-a-Porter: Nothing comes close to the cheer associated with wearing the loudest statement sweater around. Wear this one with skinny jeans and sneakers for ultimate comfort with a quirky touch.  Charlotte Olympia […]

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Casual Friday! 5 playful spring skirts for office to after work drinks under £20

Working ladies, this one’s for you! We know the importance of making your wardrobe stretch to that extra event, and, well, the most important event of the week has to be post-work drinks on a Friday evening, right? Well, instead of carrying an extra change of clothes, the easiest way to get into work-free mode past 5pm is to slip into one statement piece for the day, which you can easily formalise for work, and take straight to the bar afterwards. OK, so we’re not talking about turning up to work ready for a night out, but a casual skirt thrown into the sartorial mix will prove a game changer come Friday evening. Check out our pick of five super-stylish spring skirts all under £20 (that’s more dosh for drinks), that’ll instantly transport you from behind the Mac to sitting in front of a margarita in no time! £16.23, Vero Moda: The wrap effect and bow detail give this skirt an informal edge, whilst the muted purple tone keeps it office appropriate.  Team with a tucked in, cream silk blouse and pumps for work. Post-office, team with a statement clutch and shoe boots. £9.99, Missguided: Checker board prints are a huge trend favourite for spring/summer 2013, and we can’t find a more cost effective way to invest! Team with a soft black knit and heels for day, and throw on a leather jacket and statement earrings for the bar. £8, Boohoo: If you’re looking for a statement print without breaking the bank, this marble print midi skirt hits the mark. The pencil silhouette says office, whilst the print is perfect for post-drinks partying. £16, Asos: Wear this baroque print mini skirt with tights and ballet flats for work. Slip into heels after 5pm, and brave the elements without tights if you can! £14.99, H&M: The digi-floral print […]

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Festival Fashion for Summer Fun!

As Britain shifts into the spring months, the summer festival season is nearly upon us! Whether you are a regular attendee of Shambala, Sonisphere, Download, V, Reading and other festivals around the UK, you will probably remember the big mud fields last year. We are all keeping our fingers crossed in 2013 for glorious sunshine. However, you should better be prepared for the unpredictable British weather – just in case – whilst staying on trend with these festival fashion ideas… 90’s revival Great news, 90’s fashion is back! This welcome trend not only allows you to revel in nostalgia but this fashion decade was also practical with warm and durable pieces, which are now perfect for a week or weekend of camping! Key pieces include warming checked shirts, dungarees, and cargo trousers. This versatile trend also allows you to express your grungier side with leather jackets, oversized sunglasses, denim and baggy jumpers or go more feminine with crop tops and miniskirts. A good leather jacket will become a valuable investment which will last for years and will also come in handy at any time of the year. You can pick up a lot of grunge pieces with added tassels which was a big spring/summer catwalk trend this year. Floral Try this fun trend from head to toe as seen on the catwalks and celebs this year with long flowing dresses for sunny, lazy afternoons in camp. Alternatively, a short summer dress will keep you cool whilst still being functional and quick to put on in the morning. Layer a floral dress with long sleeved tops and jumpers for cooler evenings. Alternatively, why not wear jazzy floral wellies or boots for fashionable yet durable footwear? Team a floral look with lots of scarves and Contemporary Jewellery as seen at Kenzo and […]

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One jacket, three ways!

The Little Jacket, be it in any form, is an essential part of a stylish wardrobe. Whether you’re a stickler for Chanel’s costly tweed version, or prefer a cost-effective high street hit that’ll see you through a trend without massively spending, the jacket brings great versatility. The right cut and fit are vital, and as it effectively pulls the outfit together, an ill-fitting jacket will mean an unflattering silhouette. We love the Etioloa jacket from By Malene Birger, because it introduces more than one trend into your wardrobe: chic Breton stripes to appeal to your inner Parisian, and tuxedo-style lapels making it the perfect option for an evening look. At a not-so-princely £279, the Etioloa jacket is an investment worth making for its trend-transcending qualities, and the fact that you’ll repeatedly visit this item in your wardrobe. Whether your style preference is dressed up or down, check out three ways to style the Etioloa jacket for any occasion, below. OFF-DUTY Clashing prints doesn’t have to mean excluding the classic Breton stripe. Go ahead and clash to your heart’s content with this cute stripe top, and welcome spring by giving jeans a miss and slipping into a casual mini skirt! A pop of metallic red makes these flats perfect for running errands ever so stylishly. PARTY Forget matchy-matchy evening looks, and incorporate three colours into your evening look with ease. We love a colour pop dress and shoulder bag combination, and nothing will make a statement quite like these embroidered satin pumps. Even Mrs. Beckham is a big fan! WORK Worn with a soft blouse and tailored-to-perfection trousers, the Etioloa jacket slides easily into office-appropriate territory. Have some fun with colour, though, and step out in bright heels for an instant lift. By Malene Birger Etioloa Cotton Stripe Jacket, £279, available at My-Wardrobe.

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Hot fashion tips for your summer holiday

[noskim] If you’re a shrinking violet fond of muted tones and understated designs, it’s time to break out and embrace a new world of bold, bright, statement pieces. This year is all about confident, sassy styles, so read on. Headgear Protect your precious skin and conceal those tresses with a chic, wide-brimmed hat. Choose an oversized, floppy straw hat and you’ll be right on trend. Sunglasses There are a million and one styles to choose from – this summer why not try mirrored aviators, 1960s style retro frames, coloured or floral rims? Beachwear and swimwear Three cheers for the one-piece – it’s back and it suits just about any figure. The bandeau is also big this summer and is great for smaller-busted women. Choose a swimsuit in a block colour, floral or tropical print, then fling on a floaty, sheer kaftan with an embellished neckline for a spot of glamour and tuck your beach belongings into a trendy tote. Statement dress The maxi dress is here to stay, which is good news as no holiday wardrobe is complete without one. Elegant and versatile, a simple maxi dress is ideal for everything from beachside lounging and daytime outings, to sunset strolls and cocktail quaffing. Sweeping fabrics, bold colours and floral prints scream femininity and style. Sundress A cotton sundress is a must for any summer holiday and is sure to have you looking and feeling cool. Stripes are everywhere this season and never go out of fashion, so invest in a nautical striped sundress and you’re likely to wear it year after year. Playsuit A great alternative to dresses, playsuits are fun and stylish. Throw one over your bikini or swimsuit for a touch of poolside pizzazz. Shorts Present those pins in a pair of super-short shorts. They’ll be useful on […]

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5 lust-worthy pieces from John Lewis

It’s Friday, which means we have the whole weekend to tour our local high street and shop ‘til we drop – wahoo! However, as it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday (yes this Sunday – don’t forget!), you might want to spend your weekend doing something more productive – or even something leisurely with Mum – which leaves hardly any time for window shopping. Not to worry though, as the good old internet has stepped in once again and saved the day! Akin to the actual store, we can get lost on the John Lewis website for hours on end, as there are pages and pages of covetable items from clothes to shoes and in particular a great selection of Mischa Barton bags! We’ve comprised a list of five of our must-have pieces for the upcoming spring/summer 2013 season. Take a look at our selection: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Shawl Collar Cardigan, Capri Navy/White We know the spring/summer season is fast approaching, but we shouldn’t lose sight of where we are on the globe… no cropped tops and cut-off shorts on a daily basis for us here in the UK. You can still totally wear your prettiest skater dress to upcoming events, but make sure you team it with a cute cardi to keep out the chill and add some colour, texture and pattern to the outfit. This striped beauty is a particular fave! Hobbs Florrie Suede Bow Ballerina Pumps , Navy/white Wave goodbye to winter boots and say hello to pretty pumps. You can still wear your trusty black jeans, leggings and skirts this season, but mix things up with some navy and white shoes to break the black. Plus the bow is too adorable for words! These beauties also come in the nude/white colour combo, but they’re not recommended for those […]

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Five fab heels guaranteed to put a spring in your step!

[noskim] We’re in the mood for shopping, and nothing makes us happier than splashing the cash on some fabulous pieces of footwear that will put a spring in our step and song in our hearts – with an emphasis on the word “spring”. Now that the weather’s warming up a bit (or at least, it’s supposed to) it’s time to ditch those fur-lined boots that have been our savior in the bitterly cold winter for something lighter, more feminine and best of all, more glamorous. Take a look at then gorgeous designer shoes we’ve picked out for you below. Ok, we’ve kind of broken our own rule and even gone for cheeky pair of Kate Spade flats as well – we couldn’t resist the rich cobalt blue tones, or the inevitable comfort that they will bring after a long, hard night of partying. What do you think of our selection of Kate Spade shoes? Which pair is your favourite? 1. Kate Spade Licorice Pump Pink Snake If you like your colours bright and your heels high, look no further than these beauties. The licorice pump in pink snake is an elegant and feminine shape for all you chic ladies out there, but is still attention-grabbing enough with its snakey texture and pointed toe to add some versatility and wow factor to your outfit. 2. Kate Spade Licorice Pump Seafoam Patent Another shoe in an elegant shape and contemporary colour. Slightly more muted and understated that its pink snake counterpart above, but just as fashion-forward. Wear with similar pastel colours, colour-clash it with some brights or add them to a monochrome outfit to jazz it up, this is a hard-working pump and the styling choices are endless. 3. Kate Spade Karolina Bow Porcelain Patent If ever there was a shoe with […]

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10 Must have pieces for spring

De-cluttering your wardrobe for the lighter spring months ahead is always a joy. Although not entirely ditching, but pushing thick knitwear, snow-proof boots and coats easily mistaken for blankets to the back of your wardrobe is liberating; they don’t say out of sight, out of mind for no reason! So, take your new season shopping cue from our edit of the top ten spring buys to snap up now and, weather permitting, next time you find yourself reaching into your wardrobe for comfort clothing, you’ll be met with the softest blouse, the brightest blazer and the most covetable denim dress imaginable. Go on; put a spring in your style step with our top picks below.   Denim embroidered dress, £42, Miss Selfridge:  The perfect spring/summer dress that acts as a great transitional piece, too. Wear with tights, ankle boots and a biker jacket for chillier days. Tory Burch Miles printed canvas sneakers, £110, Net-a-Porter: Sneakers in all guises are having quite a moment. If you’re not looking to splash out on the obligatory Isabel Marant’s, these printed canvas sneakers will do an equally brilliant job of putting a bounce in your step, not forgetting the comfort factor! 10 Crosby Derek Lam soft white red Mandarin collar blouse, £375, Oxygen Boutique: Far Eastern influences and minimalism were big trends on the spring/summer 2013 runway, and this gorgeously understated blouse is the perfect marriage between the two. Wing-collared blazer, £69.99, Zara: Wear this blazer with a simple white tee and wide-leg white trousers for a fresh take on boardroom dressing. The lemon yellow hue will trick every one around you into thinking summer has arrived (even though it technically hasn’t!). Link jumpsuit, £195, Reiss: This white jumpsuit makes us feel like a Studio 54 darling with a modern slant. Make it office appropriate […]

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Yay or Nay: Charlotte Olympia Dolly Feather Platform Pumps

Her box clutches, Alexa-approved Kitty flats and the instantly recognisable gold metallic platform underlining her quirky designs have acquired a cult following. And taking you into new season, Charlotte Olympia’s creativity once again knows no bounds. It’s safe to say that the Dolly Feather platform pumps more than caught our eye! Exploring a rainbow spectrum of colour, these heels are conversation starters, and we can only suspect to see a few pairs popping up around fashion month. Adopting the classic Dolly shape and heels, goose feathers artfully line the shoe’s exterior to give that 90s tropical tie dye look (see how she expertly revived the era of grunge with not a single plaid shirt or Kate Moss reference in sight?), whilst a red suede platform and blue leather heel amp up the colour credentials. But such out-there shoes do come with their limitations, especially if you’re not a repeat (fashion) offender. Although statement shoes are considered an investment, where do you draw the line with footwear that makes both your imagination and wardrobe run wild? We round up the reasons we’re screaming YAY, and why sensible Sally who lives in the part of our brain dedicated to shopping (that’s almost all of it, then) is quietly whispering NAY to these wake-me-up CO’s: Yay Perfect for amping up an LBD: Yes, just that. If you don’t like to veer into colour territory when getting ready to go out, and prefer an understated outfit, then loud heels or accessories could be all you need. The Dolly Feather Pumps would be the perfect way to pep up a simple party look without adding anything else. Shoe investor paradise: Remember all those times when your mum would gently advise you to stop spending your life savings on in-then-out, bunion-inducing footwear, and instead save up […]

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Dress for less in our top 10 (sale) wardrobe essentials

With the sales approaching their final stages, snapping up stylish bargains has never been more important. High-end pieces come at pocket-pleasing prices, so it’s the perfect time to click home that investment piece you’ve been eyeing up for a while. And the same goes for the high street: fine knits, luxe leather wares and statement footwear accompanied by a low-end price tag are perfect for adding to your high-low mix style. Sale essentials on our radar include a lust-worthy and ultra practical Victoria Beckham shopper tote, statement Kurt Geiger flats for days heels just won’t do and a stunning printed Carven dress definitely worth modestly splashing out on! A classic coat, look-at-me knits and an after-hours perfect embellished clutch are other hot favourites, so we’ll race you to the shopping basket! 1. Camerucci scarf, £85, £70, available at Zalando 2. Carven tribal jacquard one shoulder dress, £710, £143, available at my-wardrobe 3. J Brand Denim Minx mid-rise skinny jeans, £560, £280, available at Matches 4. Reed Krakoff Leather-trimmed suede ankle boots, £610, £305, available at Net-a-porter 5. Mirror stud clutch, £35, £15, available at Miss Selfridge 6. Caro fluffy jersey top, £120, £72, available at Reiss 7. Liquorice flats, £95, £35, available at Kurt Geiger 8. Obvious Intentions coat, £220, £88, availanle at French Connection 9. Victoria Beckham zip panel shopper tote, £1,050, £525, available at My Theresa 10. Breton stripe jumper by J.W. Anderson for Topshop, £49.99, £15

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Five minutes with Aruna Seth

Aruna Seth is an inimitable force in the luxury shoe market. Her designs have adorned the feet of new royalty, most famously Pippa Middleton, who wore one of Aruna’s designs at the Royal Wedding; Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts to name a few. But it is her background, rich in design and paired with an unmatchable work ethic that has driven her to create a brand rolling off the tongues of Hollywood’s elite. My Fashion Life caught up with Aruna to talk about the perfect shoe, favourite holiday destinations and what it takes to make it in the industry. What makes the perfect shoe? The perfect shoe is one you can fall in love with.  I’m a shoe lover so I very much appreciate fine design.  For example, the Swarovski signature bow adorning my designs has crystals inside the bow, and I am the first designer to do this and pay such attention to detail.  My designs feature a lovely curve on the side to help elongate the leg. The perfect shoe is something to treasure, comfortable and something to love. How did you get started in this business? My father has been making shoes for over 40 years and he is my biggest inspiration He has worked extremely hard over four decades to build up a successful shoe empire, so creating beautiful shoes is in my blood.  My father encouraged me to work within his company from a young age, and I spent a lot of time travelling with him to all his factories around the world.  I remember working in the office over the summer holidays, helping out at the warehouse, in the factory and with shoe orders.  My father has a tremendous work ethic – he has built up a multi-million pound shoe empire in Russia, India, Europe and the […]

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Krysten Ritter vs. Delta Goodrem: Who wore Christian Dior better?

Show us a raspberry pink dress, and we’re there. If it’s a raspberry pink Christian Dior dress, we’re obsessed! And that’s exactly how we feel about this week’s one-dress-two-girls situation. Don’t Trust the B***** In Apartment 23 star, Krysten Ritter and Aussie songstress Delta Goodrem both donned the same Fall 2012 Christian Dior dress merely weeks apart, and both leading ladies brought their own. Krysten was first in line, wearing the gorgeous tulle pleated skirt dress to a Pre-Emmy party in West Hollywood, back in September. Krysten opted for black panties under the sheer skirt, and finished off her look with Jimmy Choo heels and clutch, diamond earrings and raspberry stained lips. Last month, Delta wore said dress to the Melbourne Cup in Australia. Unlike Krysten, Delta opted for a lined skirt, accessorising with nude ballet flats (worn due to an injury) and a rather interesting floral headpiece. Glossy waves, a rosy complexion and dark nails completed her look. Well picking this week’s fash-off champ isn’t much of a difficult task… Delta’s cranial flower garden-cum-headpiece is nothing short of RIDICULOUS. We’d expect to see it in a fashion editorial, maybe, or on Anna Dello Russo’s head during Fashion Month, but at a sporting event? Really? From the face down, this look is fabulous, and we think the flats work nicely with the dress’s balletic silhouette. But Krysten’s tough take on this pretty dress is the real scene stealer here. We love the choice of dark underwear and her side-sweeping bangs looks fab, too! The grey heels are a little drab, but top marks for making us sit up and notice this look! This week’s fash-off winner, hands down! Whose look do you prefer?

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Design the perfect shoe with Shoes of Prey

We love bringing you shopping gems all year round, but with the festive season upon us, it’s an even bigger treat! Shoes of Prey is a custom-made shoes service that allows you to design the perfect shoe for any occasion. Giving you free reign over everything from heel height to the embellishment you wish to decorate with, Shoes of Prey is the virtual world equivalent of a candy store for shoe lovers! Ever dreamed of finding your way into Christian Louboutin’s hideaway atelier to design your own perfect pair? Shoes of Prey will let you do just that, but at a price that won’t leave you in state of fashion drought. Choose from a style template gallery of ballet flats, super-high party heels, wedge heels, ankle boots and flat oxfords, amongst others. Even the step-by-step, 3D design process is a breeze! Can’t make your mind up on a personalised design? Just click on the Gallery where you can choose from a wide range of pre-designed shoes to customise as you wish. Prices start from £139, and with free worldwide shipping and an approximate design time scale of four weeks, your Shoes of Prey design would make the perfect treat for sticking to that tough New Year resolution (or not)! Click here to start designing your new shoes today, and check out the brilliant design process video below to see how your personalised design will be put together at Shoes of Prey HQ.

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Your top 5 party season dilemmas solved

The Christmas tree is out, the smell of mulled wine is wafting through the house and you’ve already binged on one too many mini mince pies (they’re mini so it doesn’t count, right?). All of these festive activities can only mean one thing: party season has well and truly arrived and it’s time to get your wardrobe in check! Stylish soireés aplenty, you’re probably fighting your way through a scrum of eager Christmas shoppers in weird winter gear to get to that perfect party dress or bag, but party season can also give rise to a whole load of sartorial situations that require a speedy and stylish solution. So, as an early Christmas present to you, we’ve answered your top party season dilemmas to ensure your social calendar works out swimmingly, without the added worry of suffering a last minute sartorial glitch! (Sorry, but we can’t do anything about the painfully unfunny cracker jokes.) Problem: “I have a few parties to attend, but I don’t want to wear high heels. What other party-appropriate options are available?” Solution: It’s good news for heel-dodgers all round because entry to the latest hip party no longer depends on how many inches you can teeter in! Take your shoe inspiration from British Style Award winner, Alexa Chung, who’s rarely spotted in anything other than stylish flats and low heels. Give sky high heels a miss and pair your party dress with uber-stylish, ladylike kitten heels. But if you want to go completely heel-less, opt for a pair of for glitter-splashed, girly flats for added wow factor (minus the ‘oww!’ factor)! Problem: “I want to stylishly block out the winter chill!” Solution: Covering up when stepping out in your party gear doesn’t have to equal frumpy. There are several stylish throw-overs available to keep you […]

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Take inspiration from our three am-to-pm looks (all under £100)

[noskim] Looking for seriously stylish am-to-pm options but stuck on a shoestring budget? Fear not fashion lovers, because we’ve dutifully searched high and low to bring you three easy, day-to-night looks all for under £100. Transitional outfits are great for those times when you have to dash off to a post-work event that requires a little glam dressing, and also effective money (and packing) savers, because you don’t have to fiddle with outfit changes and tangled accessories come 6pm! Or, maybe you’ve experienced a day spent running errands, only to get invited to impromptu drinks with the girls and panicked because you’re in sneakers not heels. Our am-to-pm looks will be your failsafe fashion saviours, should your social life catch you out this way. Take inspiration from our am-to-pm style options, that’ll ensure you have more time to mingle at that party than worry about what to wear to it! Look 1  The perfect outfit for when you’ve got a busy day of meetings in the office; we love the smart look and standout colour of this bargain-tastic dress, and paired with pretty bow pumps and a statement cuff, you have the required ingredients for a stylish, straight-to-the-party-from-work look. Zalando Collection Dress, French Connection Bracelet and Anna Field Heels, Look 2 Got a busy day on foot patrol but need to sport a stylish ensemble for evening cocktails? Whoever said flats couldn’t work for an evening look clearly needs to climb out of their 6 inch Louboutin heels and try it! Pair a statement mini with a wind-proof printed knit, a sizeable clutch that’s great for daily carrying and flats for a look that’s chic and comfortable in equal measure. Zalando Collection Jumper, Vera Moda Lippa Mini Skirt, Even & Odd Slip-ons and Clutch Look 3 A luxe-athletic vibe can never go down as […]

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Metallic vs. Monochrome – The trend-off!

Another week, another trend-off! After struggling to decide between ankle and knee-high boots, we’re faced with a new sty-lemma, this time involving metallics and monochrome. Sharing a penchant for both M’s, we love the graphic seriousness of a monochrome ensemble: the ensuing element of Karl Lagerfeld-esque mystery combined beautifully with Wang’s sharp street grit is too much to resist. But specks of shimmering thread weaved into our metallic wares also tug at our heart (and purse) strings. We can’t ignore slip-into-me-now metallic boots, and are we really expected to walk away without snapping up that outfit-completing metallic jacket? It’s a party wear staple and, in darker hues, adds the perfect amount of pep to daywear. So that you can help alleviate the symptoms of a stressful fashion situation, we’ve decided to round up our top metallic and monochrome picks for you to choose from. Which piece is your hero buy? Could a metallic Mulberry Del Rey bag entice you with its roomy shape, or are you in favour of a statement monochrome peplum top? Pick away, and excuse us while we continue to decide… Metallic (in order of appearance): Miu Miu Cracked metallic-leather boots, £496, available at Net-A-Porter Metallic houndstooth jacket, £79.99, available at Mango Tall Metallic seam shift dress, £55, available at Topshop Mulberry Del Rey metallic zip top bag, £995, available at Matches Monochrome (in order of appearance): Chloe Double-breasted checked wool coat, £1,935, available at Net-A-Porter Christine flower-print trousers, £535, available at Matches KG Kurt Geiger lola flats, £90, available at Kurt Geiger Rose peplum top, £32, available at Oasis

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Decriminalising double denim

Double denim is a look derided by many fashionistas and considered a style faux pas. Denim jackets and shirts have seen a comeback in recent years, and denim hotpants jeans will never go out of fashion. High street shops and online stores continue to have extensive denim sections and jeans sections, such as the ride range of designer denimwear available at

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Tried and Tested: High Rise Hunter Jean by James Jeans

For someone who’s nowhere near a denim aficionado (I’m a tapered trouser kinda lady), I had my work out when it came to test driving some jeans as part of my job. Befuddled by the sheer choice of shapes, cuts and styles, after much deliberation (and research), I settled for the high rise, straight leg Hunter jean (a brave detour from my usual denim choice) by celebrity go-to brand, James Jeans (fans include Rachel Bilson, Hilary Duff and Zoe Saldana, to name a few). Highly impressed by the super-soft 9oz denim fabric, I was pleased to find that the Hunter jean was comfortably stretchy; far from the deceptive size 10 pairs I have picked up over the years that refuse to slip on without a fight! Being a high rise pair meant the Hunter jean sat quite high on my waist – I usually tend to opt for low rise styles – and I found the effect to be quite flattering around the hip area, almost ‘lifting’ my excuse of a derrière to new heights of visibility! But, my initial excitement was sadly short-lived, as when I opted for the high rise style I didn’t quite factor in the fact that the leg length would increase so much. Being an awkward 5’6.5″ tall with an inseam measurement of 27″ means I don’t have the Kloss legs needed to carry off the extra six inches of the Hunter, causing the jean to gather at my ankles. Being a straight leg cut means folding isn’t really an option, either! I also found that my chosen style gathered in an unusual way at the back of my knees. For me, a certified flats lovers, the high rise Hunter would spell disaster, as I would only be able to carry off this design in […]

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3 ways to update your office look!

Looking for a way out of your work wardrobe rut? Want to add a fashionable tilt to office attire without spending a fortune? Fear not, 9-5ers, because we’ve come up with three fabulous ways to make your work wardrobe scream wow! Often, office apparel conjures up images of dated grey pinstripe skirts and badly cut blouses, but the new season’s polished look and sleeker aesthetic (fashion flashback: Celiné, Jil Sander) means workwear has invaded  Planet Fashion, and making workwear work harder (pardon the pun) is now the job du jour. So if you’re looking to pack a new season punch into your office wardrobe, it need not cost an arm and a leg. Just take on board our three trend-injecting, wardrobe refreshing tips, and you’ll be promoted to cool city chick in no time. 1.Add a statement knit to the mix A statement jumper is your go-to piece for an instant update to drab workwear. Bring block colour, embellishments and interesting textures to the boardroom table and show your boss you mean business with a stylish edge! Pair this Farhi by Nicole Farhi lambswool jumper with a black leather pencil skirt for after-work events, or wear with black, tailored crop trousers and a statement necklace for office chic with a fashion forward edge. Farhi by Nicole Farhi Daliah Yellow Contrast Sleeve Lambswool Jumper, £150, available at My Wardrobe 2. Flats are just as cool for work Hobbling to your next meeting due to heel-induced foot injuries was never deemed professional, so why not dismiss the heels for feet-friendly flats? Slippers, loafers and brogues are huge for autumn/winter 2012, and we love how these Dune Marden loafers are a 2-in-1 trend buster buy: patent and tweed-like fabric bring these loafers bang up-to-date. Wearing flats to work has never been cooler.

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London Fashion Week SS13: Highlights from all five days!

So we’ve officially waved goodbye to yet another season of London Fashion Week and we’re left with mixed emotions. We are partly welling up at the thought of leaving Somerset House and the surrounding fashionable areas for another season, while the other part of us is looking forward to kicking the heels off and slipping back into those trusty and far more comfortable flats. Somerset House cobbles that make it impossible to run to shows – we will not miss you! We won’t be forgetting the spring/summer 2013 season at London Fashion Week anytime soon though… here are our thoughts on the whole experience: Day 1 was our busiest, as not only were we tent-hopping in Somerset House and dashing to the Vauxhall Fashion Scout to check out the emerging designer talent too, but we also headed backstage to quite a few shows. We were presented with elegant, wearable and glamorous collections courtesy of Sass and Bide, Bora Aksu and Corrie Nielsen, as well as more dramatic looks thanks to Fyodor Golan and Carlotta Actis Barone. We loved the ballet dancing at Carlotta too – we might petition for more shows to have dance routines… what say you? Day 2 was a bit of a mix as we got to see some rising talent along with the big guns. The forties were back thanks to Tahir Sultan, which is definitely a trend we’re more than happy to get on board with. Sequins and fairy-tale inspired looks appear to be one of the big, recurring trends of the spring/summer 2013 season, which is exactly what Jeffrey Michael reiterated with his “from the water” collection. Hooray for fantasy! And of course House of Holland was as spectacular as ever – casual, bright, bold and with lots of attitude to boot. We wouldn’t […]

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Hot-to-trot new season boots to snap up right now!

Pretty soon, it will be time to pull out those trusty boots from storage, and slip into them to seek refuge from potential frostbite to your toes! Yes, ladies, it is nearly time to pack away those summer flats you’ve been showing off that flash pink pedicure in, for a more winter-friendly approach to fashion footwear. To stock up, we’ve made a virtual pit stop at Kurt Geiger, our go-to place for on-trend shoes without the eye-watering price tag! Suede, faux snake print, leather and cowboy boots – whatever your preference, we’ve selected the hottest mix of must-have boots to bag right now. 1. Shore boot, £160 2. Sidney boot, £120 3. Single boot, £150 4. Fearne boot, £75 5. Scaffold boot, £150 6. Vanessa boot, £295 7. Floyd boot, £85 8. Susie boot, £160 9. Justhang boot, £140

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Victoria’s Secret finally opens its doors on London’s New Bond Street

We couldn’t be more excited to reveal that the Victoria’s Secret flagship store at 111 New Bond Street is finally open! Let’s pop an imaginary celebratory bottle of bubbly to celebrate! We were lucky enough to be invited along to a sneaky preview of the store yesterday afternoon, and can honestly say that it’s definitely been worth the long wait! A few words of warning though. Firstly, if you’re anything like us, you will be overwhelmed with choice so make sure you allocate enough time to fully browse ever single floor. And secondly, be prepared for your bank account to hate you. A few of our highlights of the store include the stunning mirrored staircase, the fact that the VS Angels are on the walls to remind you how gorgeous the pieces can potentially look, and the actual outfits the Angels wore on the runway of the 2011 fashion show. We love the fragrance and beauty section too – make sure you check out the ‘London’ perfume which was created especially for the new flagship store, as it smells delicious! The store’s staff are nothing but helpful, and professionals are on-hand to help you find your perfect bra in the perfect size. The dressing rooms are also to die for; the luxury ones in particular – equipped with their own en suite bathroom, no less – are probably bigger than most people’s first flats. We hope you enjoyed the few cheeky pictures we took for you, but as cameras weren’t allowed in the store, our images don’t do it justice… so you’re just going to have to head down there and check it out for yourselves!  

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7 sky high heels we’re crushin’ on!

Fed up with flats,  and in need of a little heel-spiration? Take a swiping look at our sky high heel crush edit for an instant shoe-induced high! Go-to online store for hothouse accessories and showstopping shoes, Stylistpick, has us glued to our computer screens, thanks to a scrumptious selection of heels good enough to make your mouth water – without emptying out your purse. With skyscraper sandals, stilettos and court shoes making up the stellar shoe candy line up, at prices that aren’t so sky high, the sky really is the limit once you slip into one of these cloud-scraping beauties! Although running in heels isn’t advised, it won’t stop us. On your marks, get set, credit cards at the go! 1. Brontee tan sandal, £35 2. Diora platform sandal, £40 3. Anais green faux snake ankle strap court, £38 4. Harlow black toe cap court, £38 5. Lois blue rope platform peep toe court, £20 6. Warwick embellished sandal, £45 7. Lizzie green double platform peep toe court, £45

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Alexa Chung gets girlie in floral Anna Sui

Alexa Chung and Janelle Monae, as well as a host of some of the biggest designers, have shown us that dressing like a man has never been hotter! It’s safe to say that our Alexa nails the androgyny trend better than most, but it’s also really refreshing to see her get girlie with her sartorial choices too. We saw a hint of feminine dressing when she hit up the Gossip Girl set for her cameo in the show (still very excited about that by the way!) but this time her Anna Sui floral playsuit from the spring/summer 2012 collection was all for her and not the cameras! Even though Alexa tried something different as she cycled around New York, she still stayed true to herself by wearing her favourite black Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, which add her own personal quirky stamp to an otherwise very girlie outfit. Plus, you only need to look at Choupette Lagerfeld to see how popular kitty cats are at the moment! Do you like Alexa’s playsuit or should she stick to a more boyish way of dressing? [Image] 

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Two fab ways to style the slipper

Trends are often deemed faddish and brushed off due to their temporariness, but some fads turn into fashion favourites, and, well, stay with us for a while! The slipper is a fine example of this. Fad-turned-fashion-must-have, the slipper has made its way into our wardrobes in many guises. Take the calf hair Avec Moderation version we waxed lyrical about a few weeks ago, or the much-famed (and kinda pricey) ‘Kitty’ flats by shoe extraordinaire Charlotte Olympia. Investing in a pair of shoes that remind you of your grandfather’s footwear collection isn’t exactly appealing, especially when they cost nearly £400 a pop! But don’t despair, because we’ve found the perfect pocket-friendly version you’ll want to keep wearing season in, season out! Sam Edelman’s rock ‘n’ roll take on the OAP-esque slipper brings us sparkles, studs and a colour that goes with absolutely everything: black! How to style the Adena slipper outside of ‘lounging’ hours, you ask? Read on to find out… Casual Coolness Keep it comfortable for the perfect off-duty vibe with a hit of soft, sparkly (and spiky) glamour! Kittia Classic Touch Soft Green Wool Jumper by By Malene Birger, £209; Black Rinsed Leather Skinny Fit Trouser by Helmut Lang, £280; Spike Necklace by Anton Heunis, £137; Black Adena Satin Crystal Stud Smoking Slipper by Sam Edelman, £140. Perfect for Date Night  Who said date night dressing was incomplete without heels? We’re digging the comfort factor, too! Colour Block Intarsia Dress by M Missoni, £425; Too Hot To Handle Top Handle Bag by Marc By Marc Jacobs, £375; Loop Of Love Earrings by Phoebe Coleman, £175; shoes as above.

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On-Trend Shoes Can Be Comfortable Too!

It’s so easy to be lured in by beautiful shoes. Often they’re so painful we wear them once or twice and then buy some more. And so the cycle continues! But isn’t it about time we started looking for on-trend shoes that are actually comfortable, or at least shoes that fit? To get the perfect fitting women’s shoes we need to start measuring our feet. The one size fits all width is becoming a thing of the past, with a number of high street stores and online retailers selling stylish shoes in various widths. For a bit of inspiration here’s a quick look at the latest trends: Wedges The ultimate spring/summer shoes are wedges – sky high, platforms, even flatforms. Any colour goes but look out for on-trend blues, from ice blue to navy and cobalt, for a nautical feel. Or try opulent metallic for a more versatile choice, in gold, silver or pewter. Embellished Flats Either pumps, sandals or open toed, these wardrobe staples look great paired with skinny jeans and a casual tee. Or for smarter days wear with a pencil skirt and on-trend peplum top. Shoe boots With the disappointing British weather shoe boots have stuck around this summer. Perfect worn with anything from a party dress to office wear, they’re a must-have trans-seasonal shoe. Stay classic with black suede or for something a bit more eye-catching opt for animal print.

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Pretty in Summer Florals

This summer, florals are a huge fashion trend seen all over the catwalks and now all over the high streets. Plus size clothing website, Style369 has gone on all out on colourful, eye-catching, quirky and fashion-led pieces that boast the most wonderful of floral designs. Some have an edgy, modern feel and others ooze vintage charm. Always feminine and always pretty floral prints are the thing to be seen in this season. A floral plus size dress is the ultimate piece for hot summer days and nights. And Style369 have plenty to choose from. A shorter plus size dress is a great investment piece as it can be worn as a plus size printed top, too. Pop on one of Style369’s floral shift dresses or tunics over leggings to transform from a dress to a top. The Praslin clothing range includes some girlish, floral skater dresses that make a stunning outfit for day or night. They’re colourful, cute and require very little styling. Floral maxi dresses are ideal for making a style statement. They lend themselves to weekend picnics, a day at the races and after-work drinks. Ultra-flattering and comfortable, they sit with heels and flats depending on the occasion. Choose from vibrant painterly prints, grown-up daisies and poppies, luscious yellows, pinks, reds, blue and on-trend monochrome. Lovedrobe’s range of plus size maxi dresses are definitely worth checking out, too. Wearing floral prints head-to-toe isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so a plus size printed top in a floral print teamed with block colour plus size skirts, trousers or jeans is a simple solution to this problem. Pastel jeans and floral printed tops are a plus size fashion partnership made in heaven! The other way to work florals into a look without wearing them wholesale is to embrace floral accessories. Style369’s […]

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Three ways to wear the denim jacket

From the catwalks to the celebs to your very own high street, denim is well and truly out in force! Apart from the obvious choice (jeans, duh) a denim jacket is the best way to express your love for the fabric – and it’s so versatile that absolutely anyone can wear it. Akin to jeans, there’s a perfect denim jacket out there for everyone – it’s just all about choosing the right shade and fit to suit you. We selected this fine specimen from Fat Face, as we think it’s versatile enough to suit a lot of body shapes and go with a variety of different looks. Just what you want in a jacket! Here are a few ways to wear the wardrobe staple: Summery Colourful maxi dress, £12, available at A Wear; Gold sandals, £75, Dune available at Javari; Yellow box bag, £15, available at Boohoo. STYLE TIP: Swap the flats for wedges and go for a block colour maxi dress with layered costume jewellery for the perfect day to summer night transition.  Chic and casual Skinny khaki trousers, £152, Nudie Jeans Co available from Farfetch; Embellished Aztec vest, £45, Oasis available at House of Fraser; Platform wedge shoes, £85, Lipsy available at Isme;  Club and Spade necklace, £18, available at ASOS. STYLE TIP: Wear with your biggest and flashiest handbag for the ultimate off-duty celebrity look!  Grungy  Floral brocade mini skirt, £345, Stella McCartney available at Browns; Summer of love cropped vest, £18, Blonde & Blonde available at Bank; 8 Eyelet leather boots, £95, Dr Martens available at Very. STYLE TIP: Team with quirky pattered tights and layered bracelets for the full-on edgy look! 

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Five Minutes with designer Thuy Duong Nguyen

With an acute ability to effortlessly blend cultures, it’s no surprise Vietnam-born, Germany-based designer Thuy Duong Nguyen’s fantastic brand, Thu Thu, is clocking up space in international glossies and the wardrobes of the fashion elite. Incorporating stunning Vietnamese embroideries, hand-crafted by women of the Hmong ethnic group from Sapa, a mountainous region in North Vietnam, into western silhouettes; Thu Thu brings an artisanal touch to a contemporary wardrobe. My Fashion Life caught up with the hotly-talked-about designer to discuss wardrobe staples, dream celebrities and the comfort vs. fashion dichotomy. What was the inspiration behind your spring/summer 2012 collection? A candy jar of colourful sweets. If you hadn’t become a fashion designer, what would you be? I always wanted to be a singer until I went to Germany’s biggest TV casting show when I was 16 years old. (Wow, that’s actually something that I’ve kept secret for years!). I obviously didn’t get through, so that took all my teenage hope of becoming a famous pop star! But if I think about it now, I guess I would have probably done something botanic or food related because I love exploring plants and trees. I also love good food, so maybe running a restaurant would have been a great alternative to fashion, but that might even be an option for the future. What are your wardrobe staples? I have two pairs of jeans that I always wear, a couple of loose cut t-shirts and some fancy embroidered vintage cardigans. The rest of my wardrobe is mostly filled with THU THU pieces. Who is your favourite designer and why? I don’t have a specific one, but I do like Chloé, Isabel Marant and Dries van Noten a lot. All three are very contemporary, but sophisticated and classic. Heels or flats? Why? Definitely heels as […]

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6 drool worthy dresses you don’t want to miss!

Although your summer wardrobe is probably stocked up well by now, a girl can never have too many dresses! That’s why we’ve done some legwork to bring you our top picks from the hottest drop of dresses at fave Brit high street store, Jaeger, for all you dress-donning ladies to get your hands on. Want to slip into something feminine and flippy? Bag yourself the tropical green Pleated Dress for light summer style. Done with lace? Why not opt for summer’s next biggest fabric crush with the Crochet dress, that’ll have you ticking all the right trend boxes. No dress edit would be complete without a dash of print and hot colour, and that’s why we love the Tile and Dash Print dress for its’ kooky cut out neckline and print detailing, and the Jade Tea Dress is a must have for two reasons: the preppy collar and the hottest shade of orange this side of a TOWIE tan! Go all Alexa Chung and wear your favourite pick with flats for a day at the office, or pair with the wedges or heeled sandals for the evening. 3, 2, 1, Let the race to the checkout commence! 1. Pleated Dress, £160 2. Chambray Pocket Dress, £220 3. Tweed Pleated Dress, £299 4. Crochet Dress, £299 5. Tile and Dash Print Dress, £260 6. Jade Tea Dress, £140

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Channel these celebrities with our top Tuesday shoe picks!

We love seeing an eclectic mix of footwear fashion from the A-Listers, and this week’s shoe darlings are flying the flag high for lustworthy foot candy! In first is everyone’s favourite fash chick, Gwen Stefani. Gwen truly rocks her own style with bravado and that’s why she’d even turn heads in a bin bag! Spotted in this season’s sporty sandals, we love the sexy, not-PE-but-look-at-me vibe these heels give off, and paired with a smart jacket and Gwen’s signature loud pout, they’re perfection. Whitney Port is showcasing the epitome of summer chic here, thanks to her colourful flat sandals. The best way to pack a punch with your summer footwear if you’re not keen on traipsing around in wedges or heels. Everything is so brilliantly glitzy about Natalie Dormer’s outfit that we’re almost squinting! Those metallic shoes are the perfect accessory for clashing with her Nicholas Oakwell metallic mini – metallic-on-metallic, a trend we’re definitely championing!  Alexander Wang is the go-to name for all things sexy infused with a edgy, sporty vibe. Channel Gwen’s style with these Alexander Wang Nadia Peep-Toe Sandals, £345.68, available at shopbop If you’re opting for flats sandals to get you through the summer months, then ensure they’re on par with Whitney Port’s stylish pair.  Light Brown Strappy Sandals, £45, available at River Island  Nothing says party quite like a pair of metallic wedge heels! Do like Natalie Dormer and clash your heels with a metallic dress for blinding impact! Carvela Grass Metallic Wedge Courts, £99, available at Selfridges

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Snap-up-now summer brights at shopbop.com!

Inserting a splash of desperately needed colour into our wardrobes right now seems like the only remedy to rid ourselves of the weather blues. Whether the sun decides to make an appearance or not, we’re storming ahead with the hope that it will and embracing all manner of colourful fashion wholeheartedly! Our favourite online shopping destination, shopbop.com, has once again come to the rescue, with fluoro-splashed-eye-popingly-bright wares in the form of delicious summer dresses, super-stylish and breezy tops, accessories in rainbow shades and a whole lot more to lift the grey mood.  So, before you retreat back to your monochrome/grey/black winter uniform in the middle of May, take a peek at our top bright picks available to snap up at shopbop.com right now, and you’ll soon be giving Joseph in that Technicolor coat a run for his money ! 1. Diane Von Furstenberg Inaya dress, £420.36 2. Equipment Signature blouse, £142.07 3. Noir Jewellery Highlight Spark earrings, £64.52 4. Joe’s Jeans high rish skinny ankle jeans, £110.14 5. BCBGMAXAZRIA Kyle shorts, £96.45 6. Cobra Society Najet tapestry flats, £322.60 7. Holst + Lee Secret Garden bracelet, £101.02 8. KAIN Label Lula blouse, £120.57 9. Diane Von Furstenberg Vintage Collection Saffiano iPhone case, £31.28 10. Rebecca Minkoff Ostrich embossed Beau clutch, £212.07 11. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Jude Wedge Espadrilles. £129.04

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Shoe crush ALERT…Valentino Lace Espadrilles

Valentino: a dream on the catwalk, and now, a dream on our feet! This Monday morning, we’re dreaming of slipping our heel-pained feet into some rather delicious looking flats. But they’re not just any old pair of flats, in fact, for all of you frightened ladies out there afraid of stepping into fashion-less flats, fear not! The new espadrilles for spring/summer 2012 from our favourite high-end designer, Valentino, have left us wanting to take comfortable strides in pretty flats all summer long! What makes them so good, you ask? Well, apart from looking like a stunning Valentino gown just took the form of a shoe, the hand stitched espadrilles are made of a delicate lace-covered mesh, encased in a luxurious leather trim and adorned with crocheted detail at the round toe. The perfect (and super-comfy) addition to your sunshine season wardrobe; the Valentino lace espadrilles, available in Vintage Nude, red or black, will add just the right amount of dressed down charm to a glam summer look, or look equally stylish paired with cropped jeans and a breezy shirt. To get an idea of the unrivalled craftsmanship and utter love that goes into creating every single pair of lace espadrilles, check out the video below to see the Valentino artisans hard at work. Valentino Lace Espadrilles, £310, available at Valentino

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White jeans are back and here’s how to style them!

Unless you’ve set up camp on the Outer Hebrides, you’ll be aware fashion is currently in the midst of a whitewash. No, were not just talking the spring/summer 2012 whitewash, we’re talking about the white-over of the most important wardrobe staple: jeans. OK, for those who have suddenly buried their head in their hands at the despairing thought of being separated from their beloved blues, fear not. White jeans are mega easy to style and look just as good with a casual slant, or as part of a dressier affair. How to choose the right pair, we hear you ask? Well, we looked to denim mecca Donna Ida to find the perfect pair with a great fit and in the softest denim possible, and we weren’t disappointed. The Citizens of Humanity Thompson crop jeans in Santorini white had us at hello, and look perfect teamed with flats or heels. The slim fitting Thompson crop pair feels perfect right now, and paired with either a blouse or a summer knit, it is the ideal addition to your wardrobe for a quick summer update. Check out our style tips below on how to wear your pair this season!  Citizens of Humanity Thompson Crop Jeans, £175, Donna Ida; Oriental stencil shirt, £45, Oasis; Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel, £260, mytheresa; Magda metallic lace up shoes, £30, Topshop Jeans (as above); Tippi Sweater, £59.47, J.Crew; Heeled strappy sandals, £39.99, Zara; Acne Stella leather bag, £270, net-a-porter

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Kick off your summer style with the FitFlop SS’12 Capsule Collection!

For all you heel fanatics already dreading the thought of lingering in vertiginous Louboutins or Choos at the countless summer parties yet to come, and pinching yourselves mid-party to distract from the pain in your sore feet,  we’ve managed to track down the latest addition to the family of shoes that promise ‘a workout while you walk’, whist tending to heel ravaged tootsies. Enter the new Capsule 12 collection from FitFlop. But before you switch off with visions in your mind of unsightly, flat footwear and start dreaming of a pair of pins resembling Gisele’s, let us explain. The Capsule 12 collection consists of luxury leather sneakers, ballerinas and sports-luxe sandals, and is designed to work twice as hard; tending to the footwear needs of heel-addicted style mavens and helping to tone up. Still not convinced? Read on. Introducing the Uno: a ballerina in five different colours with a hidden wedge for added height; Uno Sneaker: the Uno’s slim line sibling available in four colours and the Gladda: the half sneaker, half gladiator sandal, also available in four colours. Making it fashionable to sport a FitFlop pair, the Capsule 12 collection has been designed with a biomechanically engineered triple-density Biomimetix™ midsole, which is ‘an ultra-comfy feel on a sleek silhouette’ to you and me. So, we guess it’s now possible to sport ‘good shoes’ (read: flats) without destroying your high-flying heeled reputation. Bringing with it the original FitFlop qualities: shock absorption, release from underfoot pressure and activating, more leg muscles for that famed ‘workout while you walk’, the Capsule 12 collection will do all of this, but stylishly. Bag yourself a design suited to your style needs from the Capsule 12 collection at FitFlop.

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Tuesday Shoesday with shopbop.com!

To stock up your shoedrobe this week, we’ve selected our edit from top online shopping destination, shopbop.com. Although we’re dedicated heel hoarders, we’ve thrown some comfy Belle by Sigerson flats and Ash wedge sneakers into the mix – perfect for giving your feet a break from heel hell! Alexander Wang, another street-girl fashion favourite we couldn’t resist; and we love the Chloe and Nadia. Never have heels looked so comfy and sexy all at once! Metallic shoes were huge for spring/summer 2012, so bag a pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim Cody d’Orsay heels and add zing to a summer outfit by teaming with sugary pastels. Indulge your mind in our Tuesday Shoesday mix and suddenly the torrential downpour outside won’t seem never ending after all!     1. Luxury Rebel Shoes Dani Colorblock Wedge Sandals, £76.72 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Cody d’Orsay Heels, £380.42 3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Verena Flats, £124.67 4. Alexander Wang Chloe High Heel Sandals, £335.66 5. Alexander Wang Nadia Peep Toe Heel Sandals, £335.66 6. Stuart Weitzman Capsize Mary Jane Pumps, £233.37 7. Ash Bowie Suede Wedge Sneakers, £150.25 8. Report Signature Bruner Platform Sandals, £127.87 9. Pour La Victoire Neysa Two Tone Sandals, £169.43

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Tuesday Shoesday: MFL Top Picks

We don’t particularly enjoy reminding you that it’s Tuesday, but when shoes are involved we can’t help ourselves. In fact, we want to scream from the rooftops and shout about today’s top shoedrobe picks, because they’re just so wonderful. That’s enough of justifying the second most depressing day of the week, and on to the shoes.   We’ve picked out a Miami-Beach-glamour-oozing Charlotte Olympia platform delight, and who can resist a touch of flat, black, tasselled Acne chic? We’re not ones to say no to a heeled neon pair from Zara, and those Jeffrey Campbell studded Madame heels give us a weird tingling sensation in our feet, which here at My Fashion Life HQ, we take to mean ‘get them fast.’ Sneakers are the coolest way to sport flats without sacrificing your fashion girl status and nothing looks chicer than the croc print Kurt Geiger Lumiere pair. We’ve done the homework, now you do the fashion maths and weekly amend-food-budget-for-shoes, and get buying. 1.Charlotte Olympia Isla palm leaf suede and leather sandals, £695, net-a-porter 2. ACNE ‘Azalea’ oversized tassel loafers, £425, Browns 3. Neon yellow high heel sandal, £49.99, Zara 4. Jeffrey Campbell Madame blue denim heels, £120, Office 5. RAVER perspex metallic sandals, £55, Topshop 6. Imitation patent high heel sandals, £24.99, H&M 7. Lumiere Sneakers, £140, Kurt Geiger 8. Burberry Prorsum Sullivan shoes, £750, Matches

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