Search Results for “feed”

Ellie Goulding “doesn’t care” what you thought of her Julien Macdonald X Factor dress

by on 18th October 2013 0 comments

Almost a week after she first debuted it on the X Factor stage, the world is still talking about the barely-there dress Ellie Goulding wore to perform in on Sunday night. We loved the sparkly slashed Julien Macdonald number, and thought it was just right for the stage, but not everyone agreed. The dress received a lot of backlash on social media, but Ellie Goulding wants everyone to know that she doesn’t care. She felt special in it, and that’s all that matters to her. “My stylist finds me the most amazing things,” she began. “There was a choice of dresses and I just felt the best in that one. “I felt so special and I don’t care what anyone says. I wanted to take it up a level.” We don’t think the 26-year-old singer sounds too upset about all the negative Twitter feedback, do you? If everyone had her confidence and attitude, the world would be a far better place! [Telegraph]

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The phenomenon of the the boob job boom

by on 15th October 2013 0 comments

There’s been a boom in breast augmentation surgeries aka boob jobs. Despite the recession statistics reveal a whopping 35% increase in operations of this kind from 2012 to 2013. Now socially acceptable enough for Kelly Rowland to finally admit to having a little help in the chest area herself, there is no longer a stigma attached to the “boob job”….for a more insightful look into the phenomenon check out the blog MYA Space over at cosmetic surgery company mya.co.uk So why are more women opting for boob jobs? With a wide range of padded bras available on the market, that use everything from foam inserts to gel layers and air pumps to create a fuller chest, why are so many women deciding that they want to undergo breast enhancement surgery? For many, simply looking better when fully dressed isn’t enough, they want a more permanent solution and one that will make them feel just as confident with their clothes off as on. Patients who have undergone this type of surgery have reported a range of benefits, such as: • Increased self-esteem • A more symmetrical appearance to their breasts or body as a whole • Increased confidence • Increased feelings of femininity • Improving the appurtenance of their figure following pregnancy or breastfeeding • The ability to wear the clothing and underwear that they felt were previously unsuitable Some people may be surprised to learn that the United Kingdom is seeing a large increase in the number of women over forty who are opting to undergo breast augmentations. Unlike their younger counterparts, who often opt for this surgery to enhance a naturally flat chest, older women are often seeking to regain the size, shape and pertness they had in their breasts when they were younger or before they had children. […]

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How to select art for your home

by on 11th October 2013 0 comments

If you’ve just bought a new home or just want to jazz up your existing one with a funky, chic and expensive piece of artwork but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve simplified the process for you – check out our tips below for selecting art for your home and let us know if you have any more questions. Do your research. Sounds pretty simple but you’ll be surprised how many people go out to buy art without having a clue and end up getting completely overwhelmed. Visit local art galleries and school art shows to familiarise yourself with different types of art and discover what you really like. If you want to know where to find oil paintings for sale, Saatchi Online would be a good place to start. Check the source. If you’re spending big money on a piece of artwork, you don’t want to find out years down the line that you were ripped off and actually bought a fake. This is particularly important if you’re buying your art online from sites like eBay for example. While many reputable artists do indeed sell their work online, so do the fraudsters, so make sure you check the feedback and interact with the seller before you buy. There’s no such thing as “too many questions”. Think of where to put it. Deciding where you’re going to put your new piece of artwork is just as important as the artwork itself. Make sure you have the room for it, and make sure it complements the surrounding décor. If you want to make art the main focus of the room or hallway, play down all the other part of the room such as the window carpet and furniture. Keep the colour scheme simple because a […]

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A prime example of smart casual courtesy of Eva Longoria

by on 20th August 2013 0 comments

Going out to dinner with the boyfriend or to a show with the girls but not quite sure what to wear? Perhaps you have to make a mad dash for it after work and you haven’t got time to change? If you find yourself in this sartorial predicament and are a bit stumped for outfit ideas, we’d like to refer you to Eva Longoria’s latest look for inspiration. The pint sized former Desperate Housewives actress got the smart/casual/sexy balance just right when she was spotted out in LA the other night on her way to celeb-fave Katsuya. She proved that you don’t need to always go for a tight fitting dress or pile on the accessories to turn on the glam factor, as she looked effortlessly chic in a pair of white trousers, a smart loose-fitting printed blouse and wow-worthy Brian Atwood sandals. The shoes definitely did the talking as far as this ensemble was concerned – no one can deny the power of a fierce pair of heels! Taking a fab but versatile pair of heels into the office for last-minute outfit changes is not only advised, but heartily encouraged if you often find yourself rushing off somewhere dressier after work. We love the cute hairband, too! [Image] 

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The (un)importance of the skinny male model

by on 7th July 2013 0 comments

Desensitised to seeing otherworldly bodies stretched across the pages of our favourite glossies, mooching on the size zero debate doesn’t really illicit the same reaction it used to. Media, advertising and popular culture all promote the ‘ideal’ physique, leaving many women so baffled by the (lack of) choice, that when a new(ish) target arrives on the fashion scene, we’re a little oblivious to its reception. Continuing to gallop ahead at frightening speed on his high (end) horse, Mr. Hedi Slimane decidedly caused a stir during the menswear spring 2014 shows. Casting a range of near-malnourished, almost elongated elfin-looking boys caused for much heated debate this week, with noted writer Tim Blanks of Style.com dubbing the Saint Laurent line-up as ‘wasp-waisted, shrunken-chested boy band members‘, suffering from the famed rock ‘n’ roll ‘appetite deprivation.’ Alluding, almost, to the emaciated bodies of bygone rock stars, with his most recent (distant) muses being found in the likes of sweaty, failed public bodies such as Pete Doherty and Blake Fielder-Civil, it almost appears as though Slimane doesn’t see past a 24 inch waist when he takes to the drawing board with those skinny trews. The male models looked in need of a hearty meal, or three, but judging by the backlash to his choice of physique for the show, Hedi’s the winner here. Generating such hype for his latest collection by taking a fashion taboo and effectively toying with it to his heart’s content, Hedi almost forces us to ignore the real underlying issue here: the masculine side of the size zero debate. It’s not just the girls with shrunken waists, y’know. Criticised for sticking to his signature but dated drainpipe silhouette, the emphasis that critics have placed on his choices for this collection distract us from the fact that the boys are too […]

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Dame Helen Mirren for Marks and Spencer?

by on 18th June 2013 0 comments

If we are to believe reports that have been doing the rounds this morning, high street store Marks and Spencer has tapped none other than Dame Helen Mirren for a new ad campaign. She therefore be following in the footsteps of Twiggy, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Myleene Klass. Pretty big news if it’s true, right? The rumours started when the actress was seen posing up a storm for Annie Leibovitz at St Katharine’s Docks in London at the weekend. She was also  joined by Katie Piper (the TV presenter turned charity campaigner who was the victim of a horrific acid attack in 2008) who is also thought to star alongside her in the new campaign M&S reps have decline to comment, but we really hope these rumours are true – keep your eyes peeled for more info as soon as we get it! [Daily Mail] 

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Get Away From It All This Summer: 3 Relaxing Hotspots in the Lakes

by on 18th June 2013 0 comments

The Lake District is renowned for its stunning lakeside locations, breathtaking scenery and picturesque hotspots. It has a wealth of interesting wildlife and cultural heritage and it’s full to the brim with exciting things to see and do; so it’s no surprise to hear that the region attracts millions of visitors every year. You can escape the hustle and bustle of city lifestyle and breathe in the fresh countryside air- it really is one of the UK’s most idyllic places to unwind. But where are the most relaxing places to visit? Kendal Kendal is ideal for holidaymakers that are looking for a beautiful old market town with lively entertainment. It has lots of shops, castles and museums for the daytime as well as restaurants, pubs and clubs for the evening. If your ideal relaxing break involves some sort of nightlife, Kendal is your best bet. Don’t forget to try the infamous Kendal Mint Cake! Bowness-on Windermere If your idea of relaxation is going for gentle strolls, feeding the ducks and taking a romantic cruise on the water, Bowness is for you. It is a quaint little village with a few shops, restaurants and bars but you can also enjoy watersports including canoeing, jet skiing and boat hire. Head into the town Windermere, a 15 minute walk up the road, for more pubs and restaurants but stay in Bowness if you crave evening entertainment. There are no big clubs or karaoke bars but there are a number of nice pubs that are lively. Ambleside Ambleside is a gorgeous town that is bigger than Bowness but smaller than Kendal. It is ideally located near Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, as well as Stock Ghyll Force which is a spectacular 70ft waterfall. It has lots of shops, restaurants, play areas […]

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Rihanna for River Island, take two: Here’s what we really think!

by on 30th May 2013 0 comments

After enticing Ri-wannabe’s with her debut collection for River Island, the queen of everything is back with more fashion to feed our sartorial souls. Following her hotly anticipated London Fashion Week show, Rihanna’s summer collection for high street giant, River Island finally landed in stores and online on May 25, and after sizing up the fashion credentials of the superstar’s wares, we naturally weighed in with our own opinion. Celebrity-retail giant collaborations are often a frightening matter, with more questions circulating through the fashion press than pieces in the collection itself: did she/he design it? Is it a touch-and-go type of thing? It is even a real depiction of the celebrity in question? But Rihanna, a star in the off-stage style stakes without a doubt, knows a thing or two about constructing a dress to perfectly show of her envious bod, or how cropped a crop top should really be, in order to show the extent of work she’s putting in at the gym. Returning to the real stuff, the summer collection is a mix of staple pieces we often see the Bajan beauty sporting, punctuated with splashes of print, statement embellishment and jolts of colour. The collection really is the epitome of summer, with a lack of longer hemlines (probably owing to Rihanna’s love of flesh flashing), and nearly everything is either sheer, or sports a slit or a spindly strap. Much of the collection harks back to some iconic looks worn by Rihanna, which have now become a recognisable part of her signature style. Take the floral boys shorts, for example, which take us back Ri’s Alexander Wang leather shorts and tee look at the Battleship photo call in Sydney. Or the black stiletto sandals from the collection, which are reminiscent of Rihanna’s love affair with the Manolo […]

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Beyonce Boutique at Rent the Runway!

by on 23rd May 2013 0 comments

We just can’t get enough Beyonce at the moment. After all, there’s no such thing as too much Beyonce, is there? Queen Bey, she who turns heads and has the audience in hysterics whenever she walks a red carpet, wants to pass on some of her sartorial success to her loyal fans and fashionistas… hence why she has curated an edit of gorgeous clothes on Rent the Runway in what is very aptly named the ‘Beyonce Boutique’, Rent the Runway (which does exactly what it says on the tin – lets you rent designer pieces for a fraction of their original retail price) is your bank account’s best friend, as it lets you feed your designer dress addiction without breaking the bank. “Making women feel confident and beautiful is something I’ve always been passionate about. That’s why joining forces with Rent the Runway was so organic,” she said. “It’s more than just access to beautiful clothes; it’s about making women look and feel their best.” Amen! We’re thrilled Beyonce has got involved with this – click here to check out her edit. Do you think she did a good job? [USA Today] 

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Five of the best brands to sell on eBay!

by on 23rd May 2013 0 comments

You might be convincing your girlfriend to sell one of her many handbags or pairs of shoes to make some extra room in the house as well as some extra money, but there’s no reason you yourself can’t get in on the selling action either. There’s a host of great brands to buy and sell on eBay, and if you’re a bit of an online marketplace novice, we’re here to assist you with some helpful suggestions for what to sell. Nike – more and more people want to get into shape, especially now the sun is coming out. Trainers, tracksuits, anything with the Nike label is sure to go down well with buyers as they know they’re getting performance-enhancing quality. If it’s good enough for the pros… Dolce and Gabbana – whether it’s aftershave, accessories or clothes, buyers know they’re getting something great when they see something bearing this Italian label. Levi Strauss – what man doesn’t love investing in a good pair of jeans? Jean brands don’t get more respectable than Levi Strauss – as they never go out of fashion and only get better with age, Levi jeans are perfect contenders for eBay selling. Gap – another great brand to sell to fellow men who want something that covers the three “c”s… cool, cheap, casual. Gap does loungewear, and it does it quite well! Ralph Lauren – another designer label that does all the hard work for you. You don’t need to convince buyers to buy a second-hand Ralph Lauren item – the pics and label will do it alone! And if you want to ensure that you’re a credible eBay seller with positive feedback and 100% customer satisfaction, we’d suggest using Royal Mail for sending your packages out to their new homes. You can use the website […]

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Your Summer Essentials Checklist: The Need Now Edit

by on 11th May 2013 0 comments

Not sure whether you noticed, but we’ve already had our flash-in-the-pan summer this past bank holiday. Temperatures went double- digit on us, as sun-starved Brits flocked to parks, and any other open space we could find where the sun would feed our winter-ravaged complexions. However, now that we’re back to the climatic reality we’re used to living with this side of the pond (wholly unfair), we’re not letting grey skies and constant downpours dampen our spirits (pun intended), and instead drawing up bright and bold summer shopping lists ready for when the sun finally appears again! To make the process of leaving behind the comfort of your winter wardrobe (we know, it’s a sorry state of affairs in May!), we’ve picked out 15 summer essentials every discerning style maven needs in her wardrobe this season. From the eclectically printed short, ideal for pairing with a smart blazer, as it is with a louche tee, to pretty printed jeans and the perfect day-to-night blouse option; our need now edit has all your sartorial wants and needs covered. So go ahead, treat yourself, and patiently wait for the clear skies to arrive. And even if the clouds don’t disappear, we promise you’ll want to slip into these delicious wares anyway!   Rag & Bone Cotton Winchester Shirt, £365, Stylebop: A crisp white shirt never goes amiss with any summer ensemble. Wear with skinny jeans, heeled sandals and a dinky shoulder bag. Kurt Geiger Bergonia Clutch, £79:  Make this statement studded clutch your go-to accessory this summer.  Wrap Dungarees, £50, River Island: Dungarees are an undisputed wardrobe winner this season. We love this smart, black wrap version, perfect for work and play. Silk Front Jumper, £95, Reiss:  Don’t dismiss knits as being too hot and heavy for summer. This fine, silk front jumper is […]

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Conde Nast College: A school only for the rich, or everyone?

by on 11th May 2013 0 comments

Aristotle once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”, and that’s the kind of heavy philosophical note we’re starting on. Drummed into us from a tender age is the idea that an education is the way to a better, easier, richer, and somewhat happier life. An educational tale filled with impressive qualifications and peppered with shining references is probably the ideal meal ticket for many, but the current educational climate has left many a student’s pocket in permanent drought, and their minds in permanent frustration. So, when we came across a Q&A with Susie Forbes, head of the controversial and recently opened CondéNastCollege of Fashion & Design, we couldn’t help but ponder over some of the claims made, not to mention the extortion that is the course fees. Earlier when we reported of its inception, CondéNastCollege of Fashion & Design was just a dream in development. Glossy magazines and annual subscriptions are the story of every aspiring fashion personality, but getting educated by Vogue is on another level, maybe of epic, tick-your-bucket-list proportions. In the Q&A, Forbes revealed the initial course offering, Vogue Fashion Certificate, is fully subscribed, and with the October intake for the Vogue Fashion Foundation Diploma set to further bump up figures. But it’s not the implementation of the chic college, or the collective of stellar staff and speakers that’s left us dumbstruck, but the cost of obtaining these non-standard qualifications. Both courses on offer at CondéNastCollege of Fashion & Design are not ‘recognised’ qualifications and seek to give students only a glimpse into a world they may one day want to inhabit. But at a cost of £6,600.00, excluding VAT and £19,560.00, excluding VAT respectively, this could prove a very costly insight. Although scholarships are available (three a year, to be precise), […]

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The Latest Fashion Apps

by on 9th December 2013 0 comments

[noskim] Are you interested in fashion? Do you have a phone that supports the latest apps to keep you in the fashion loop? If you don’t, checking out the best vodafone deals can be a great way to get you started. But what are the best apps around to really make the most of your fashion lifestyle, and how do you make the most of them? Here are a few of the best ones currently available to download: Pose is a free app and has been rated a brilliant five stars by users. This app is great for social networkers because it allows the user to share their fashion finds with friends or even just other people using the app. Better yet, you’re girl friends are even able to comment on your items helping you to look extra fabulous for a night out with cocktails. If you don’t fancy showing off your stuff (and want to keep your finds to yourself) then you are able to simply save the item in an archive of your favourite stuff. The Outnet – StyleCred app is a shopping app which allows users to access hundreds of designers. This app is very easy to use and keeps you up to date with the latest new arrivals which are automatically updated. You can shop items, add them to your bag or if you’re a little short on cash just add them to your wish list. Glamour magazine also have their own app now – Ask a Stylist, which helps to eliminate all those stressful moments when deciding what to wear for your night out. Send a picture of your outfit, type in some details about where you’re going to and let a stylist help you out with what to wear – in minutes! The stylists […]

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Cute Christening Gift Ideas!

by on 31st August 2021 0 comments

As soon as the clocks go forward, we all start planning what to buy the brides and grooms for all those upcoming spring weddings – not to mention planning our outfits for the big day. However, there’s another occasion that tends to take place in the spring that might not get enough attention as it should: the Christening! So, we’re dedicating today to all those little bundles of joy and their special day by helping you pick and choose gifts that they – and the proud parents – will love. And best of all, we got them all from AlexandAlexa – one of your go-to places for baby clothes online. So much choice! Molly Brown Pearl Necklace with Cross Because this is what Christenings are all about, surely? This is the perfect gift for all little girls – give her something her parents will love now, that she will cherish for years and years to come. Armani Junior Dungarees Body and Bow Tie set We can’t cope with how utterly adorable this set from Armani Junior is. And the best part is that you can mix and match and chop and change, as you please. You can dress your little angel in the whole suit (it even comes with a detachable bow tie) or just the babygrow – how’s that for versatility? BamBam Silver Plated Tooth Box Perfect for baby boys and baby girls alike – no parent is going to forget their little one’s first pearly white, so why not give them a chic silver plated place to keep it in? Ralph Lauren Beige High-Top Crib Shoe Get them wearing designer from an early age – don’t let Harper Beckham be the only one with an enviable baby shoe collection! These Ralph Lauren beauties are super-soft and comfy, not […]

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Size matters: The fantasy of fashion doesn’t need to upsize

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The size-related debate never subsides in the fashion world. Be it a daunting picture of a super-skinny Super somewhere, or celebrities looking fleshless, working that French girl rakey décolletage look, critics will be, well, critiquing. A recent article published on the Business of Fashion circulated mixed opinions on social media sites, urging industry insiders and lookers-in alike to comment on whether the current image of fashion’s brigade – that’s the models not the immediate fash pack –desperately needed re-evaluating. Well, that’s not strictly a point of contention, given that models appear near-anorexic, and don’t really promote the best health ideals to a generation of women and girls watching them grace the runways. But, when you look at the issue from a wider fashion perspective, it almost begs the question: does fashion’s fantasy justify its use of unreal ideals? To answer my own question: yes, it does. See, when I pick up the latest copy of a glossy magazine, I do so with the intention and hope that it will whisk me away to an almost unobtainable world – unobtainable being the operative word here, because a) I cannot afford most of the things in there and b) because, personally, fashion has always provided me with a window of escapism, where my imagination could run riot. So seeing a lithe and lean model draped flexibly over beach rocks in the latest minimalist wares, well, excites me. Being an average size 10, below-model-height woman, I don’t instantly want to become the person I see on the page. The fashion editorials I feast my eyes on are supposed to excite me, show me how Givenchy can be worn in more ways than the catwalk could ever explain and make me realise that being stuck between a rock and a hard place on shoot […]

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The different faces of fashion snobbery

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Along with next season’s offerings, this week has been filled with tales of an adventurous nature. Kim Kardashian has been a frequenter on my social media timeline, as has comeback couturier, John Galliano. So what’s the connection between the two, you ask? One of fashion snobbery and its many faces, I say. It was reported earlier this week that Kim Kardashian’s shoot for the March issue of ELLE US was, to a certain extent, hampered ever so slightly by the lack of designer pieces her stylist was able to pull. The stylist in question, Nicola Formichetti, is Lady Gaga’s fashion friend and creative director of Mugler, and a fashion force to be reckoned with in the industry. So, why the problem to pull pieces for a relatively standard shoot for someone of Formichetti’s fashion calibre? Well, his explanation was Kim’s ‘not the ‘It’ girl yet, but she will be’. Really? I guess this comes down to how we define the term ‘‘It’ girl’. With a public profile such as Kim Kardashian’s (given that major brands thrive off even bigger personalities) and her major outreach to an extended fan base (she surely has partial support and love from Kanye’s fans, too) that amounts to a Twitter following in excess of 17 million, it shouldn’t be impossible to figure out. Isn’t an ‘It’ girl emblazoned across everything, everywhere (cue: previously relatively unknown Cara Delevingne now tipped as the next Karlie Kloss/Kate Moss)? Isn’t her name supposed to roll off every tongue, appearance shift a thousand products and boyfriend supposed to be the world’s number one rapper? An argument about Kim’s rapidly expanding curves seemed to have seeped into the conversation, but people like Kate Upton would void such an idea. After all, hips or no hips, Upton isn’t the average size zero […]

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How do you spend Fashion Month?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Being a fashion enthusiast doesn’t necessarily make you a fashion insider. Much like the culture vulture who loves to comb through historical findings at museums for the sheer joy; the foodie who loves to consume food far more than cooking it, and the cosmetics hoarder who buys into the packaging rather than the actual benefits of the product, an unhealthy interest in fashion doesn’t amount to instant editorship. Mother Nature’s unmatched force couldn’t bring to a standstill the dressed-for-purpose fashionistas out in full force for New York Fashion Week, and we expect much of the same unfortunate weather (and fashion action) this side of the pond, warranting sludge-proof heels and frostbite dodging ensembles to combat the climes. Not that weather equating to a mini natural disaster could stop the fash pack from dressing up to the nines. But it isn’t just about the clothes. After all, Fashion Month is like any other month of ‘observance’, if you will. The parties, the social media pandemonium and seat allocation fiasco’s are next to none, and when you have images of super mum Victoria Beckham wearing a £2,000 handbag over her head instead of her arm (a symptom of sheer pre-Fashion Week stress), it begs to question whether the perceived glamorous pace of fashion week is really all that it is made out to be. Social media is like the fashion world’s fridge, full of annoying reminders and important titbits that make devouring the collections rolling onto the runway all the more essential. Show notes and seasonal trend hash tags aside, editors moaning about flight delays, everyone’s-Testino-now ‘selfie’ shots depicting OOTD’s (outfit of the day) and gluttonous updates about privileged seats and fashion friends are also the culprits for fuelling Fashion Month’s four week reign over our lives. To the fashion outsider, this […]

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Jessica Chastain’s off-duty style scoops Best Dressed of the Week spot

by on 5th January 2013 0 comments

With the A-listers taking a much-deserved hiatus from red carpet dressing, save for a few white-hot NYE party looks, we’ve seen some notable off-duty ensembles pop up during the Christmas holiday period. And a particular stylish lady, namely Jessica Chastain, has been feeding our style hungry eyes with a series of uber-stylish, off-red carpet looks that scream laid back without being lazy. Super cosy knits, practical-yet-stylish outerwear and trusty boots were dressed up with two rather fetching pieces of arm candy: the Alexander McQueen Heroine bag and the Yves Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc tote. After an extended period of party wear taking over our wardrobes, a comfy wardrobe retox in the style of Ms. Chastain is more than welcome!

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Megan Fox shows off her post-baby-bod in minty green Roland Mouret

by on 30th November 2012 0 comments

These shots of Megan Fox at the This is 40 photocall in LA probably aren’t the best pictures to look at if you’re having a fat day, bad hair day, or general not-looking-your-best day. Or if you’re not a fan of the ridiculously frosty weather we’re having. Not only does Megan Fox look minty fresh and beautiful in a green tight-fitted Roland Mouret dress, but she appears to have pinged back into her enviable pre-pregnancy shape less than two months after giving birth to her son Noah. Is life unfair? Mm, probably! Jealousy aside, we think Megan looks incredible, and this is a perfect look to reintroduce herself to Tinsel Town in. The capped sleeves, modest length and intricate detailing are totally chic and suggest a more grown up (but still sexy) future wardrobe. We can’t wait to see what else Megan walks the red carpets in over the next few months. Oh and the hair is absolutely flawless… the cut, colour, styling equal perfection! [Images] 

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Debenhams delights to look forward to this SS13 season…

by on 29th November 2012 0 comments

If you follow us on Twitter than you may have already seen some sneaky pics we Tweeted from the Debenhams spring/summer 2013 press day, but we have a whole lot more where they came from today so don’t despair if they got lost among the other images on your feed. The Designers at Debenhams collections are one of our favourite things about the department store, and it’s clear to see why if the new collections are anything to go by. Believe us when we say you’re going to be in for a real treat next year! Some stand-out ranges came courtesy of H! by Henry Holland, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson and Diamond and Star by Julien Macdonald, although we couldn’t find many collections we didn’t lust after at least one item from! Poor bank balances… The No.1 Jenny Packham accessories are also rather exquisite, and we will definitely be snapping some of them up for future events where only the finest shoes, bags and jewellery will do. We wouldn’t be surprised if Kate Middleton rocked that beaded embellished clutch bag at one of her Royal engagements, would you? Oh and the shoes; did we mention the shoes? We feel we should probably mention the shoes… Found anything you like? Good luck not spending every penny you earn in Debenhams this spring. Going to be tricky!

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Jenny Packham wants you to help find a home for Colleen the Husky

by on 27th November 2012 0 comments

We got a lot of positive feedback from you guys about the Collars and Coats Gala in aid of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home that took place earlier this month. If you can remember, 17 designers form the likes of Henry Holland to Jenny Packham created coats or collars for man’s best friend, which were then modelled on the runway. Or dogwalk, if you will. Jenny Packham made a gorgeous colorful coat for Colleen the four-year-old Siberian Husky, and the designer is now looking for a permanent home for her four legged friend. “With her David Bowie-style brown and blue eyes and her luscious locks, Colleen made the perfect model, and as a dog-lover I was honoured that she wore my dog coat,” the designer said. “She is a beautiful dog with a wonderful personality, so I’m hoping she will find a home soon, as she will make a fantastic pet for the right family. “Colleen is one of many dogs needing a new home, but she’s now one of their longest-standing residents, so she really deserves to find the perfect home soon.” Colleen has been under Battersea’s care for 145 days and is looking for a new home with experienced owners who can keep up with and entertain her. Do you know anyone who might be up for giving this gorgeous girl a home? Click here to find out more and watch a video of her in action. [Image c/o David Baird/Battersea Dogs & Cats Home]

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Introducing the PacaPod Firenze Leather Changing Bag

by on 13th October 2012 0 comments

Finding a bag that tends to both our maternal and materialistic needs is unheard of. By this, we mean a bag that brings all of the practicality and loses none of the polish we’d like to imagine in the perfect, multitasking handbag candidate. Well, mums and mums-to-be, rejoice, because we’ve tracked down the perfect option that will allow you to tend to both mummy and fashion duties! Allow us to introduce the PacaPod Firenze leather changing bag; a multipurpose handbag that doubles up as a baby changing bag with three clever compartments: a changing pod, feeder pod and a changing mat. Excited? Read on. The pebble-hued cow hide exterior and complementary gold tone hardware ensures the Firenze stays on the right side of chic, whilst the 3-in-1 organising system and clever little quirks, such as the wipe clean interior and inner cargo hold, which hygienically stores the changer and feeders pods separately, will make baby duties a breeze! However, it’s not just the pretty outside and hidden insides that makes the Firenze bag a yummy mummy must have, but in fact it’s sheer versatility: remove the inner pods and changing mat to use the bag on its own, as it’s roomy enough to easily carry most laptops and folders, making it the perfect accessory for working mums, too. The PacaPod Firenze leather changing bag is a fabulous gift idea for a baby shower, or an on-point investment if your looking for a handbag that’ll effortlessly take your from mummy to stylista mode in a flash. PacaPod Firenze Leather Changing bag, £295.

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Gwyneth Paltrow wears – and is interviewed by – Diane von Furstenberg for InStyle US October

by on 20th September 2012 0 comments

Another mag cover you might have missed due to being swept up in London Fashion Week fever was Gwyneth Paltrow for the InStyle US October issue. And it’s quite a good’un! This isn’t just any old magazine cover though. Not only is Gwyn rocking a very daring purple Diane von Furstenberg jumpsuit, but she’s being interviewed by the main woman herself. That’s right, DVF has turned interviewer! And what did she ask the 39-year-old actress you ask? We haven’t read the full interview yet, but one snippet we’ve seen suggests that the pair talked about Gwyn’s enviable body and the diet she follows to keep it so enviable. “I was very strict for a while,” she said. “I was macrobiotic for a couple of years, then I got pregnant and just ate ice cream. “What I’ve learned is I want to enjoy my life, and food is a big part of it. I love to cook and feed people. I cook every day. I indulge but I don’t like sweets. My indulging is a fresh baguette with cheese and a glass of red wine or French fries and fried zucchini. Or a turkey burger.” Forget body envy, we have food envy right now. Someone get us a fresh baguette with a glass of red pronto! (We know it’s 9:30 am…) Gwyneth Paltrow’s InStyle US issue is out on Friday, so grab it quick before it sells out!    

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5 stylish accessories every woman should own!

by on 19th October 2013 Comments are Disabled

Outfit ‘gellers’, closet completers, or wardrobe ‘uniters’: however you prefer to address them, stylish accessories are the cornerstone of an accomplished wardrobe. Fashionably educated women understand that breathtaking looks are perfectly fine and all, but stepping out sans apt accessories to complement an outfit is, well, pretty much like stepping out naked, really! OK, so this may sound extreme, but it holds true that accessories are often responsible for drawing the eyes of fashion conscious onlookers to a particular person’s style. (That conversation-starting clutch; the gasp-inducing, fashion editor-huddling statement necklace, anyone?) Fashion Week street style photography is testament to this, as are the mounting numbers of pages dedicated solely to accessories that are popping up in our favourite glossies. So, what does the perfect accessory-drobe consist of? On-trend, limelight stealing knickknacks (cue: Anna Dello Russo’s accessory-dripping appearances during Fashion Month), or a tightly edited collection of classic go-to pieces you heavily rely on when an outfit needs a little edge? Bring yourself back from accessory free-fall with our quick guide to 5 stylish accessories every woman well versed in the world of fashion should own. 1. The All-purpose Sunnies No discerning style maven is without her sunnies, be it rain or shine! No longer the preserve of sunny days, sunglasses are toys for grown ups, and so the more fun had with these, the better! Opt for a classic, all-rounder shape in a fun hue for sunnies that add instant glam to an off-duty look. House of Harlow Robyn round-frame acetate sunglasses, £110 £55, available at The Outnet 2. The Classic Bag This classic style tote is the perfect outfit hopper. Flitting between chic and functional; the roomy interior, detachable shoulder strap and minimal hardware detailing means you’ll carry your life’s contents on your arm (or shoulder) without compromising a single ounce of style. Tory Burch Robinson […]

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Michelle Obama’s DNC Tracy Reese dress to hit shelves soon!

by on 7th September 2012 0 comments

So you loved the dress Michelle Obama wore for her speech at the DNC and you need it now?! Worry not. Tracy Reese (the designer behind the infamous dress which was actually custom made for the First Lady) – has officially confirmed it’ll be in stores very soon. The pink and grey brocade dress is expected to retail for around $500, however the power that is the “Michelle Obama effect” means the dress will probably already be sold out before it even hits the stores.   If you just can’t wait to get a piece of Mrs O’s DNC style then head over to J.Crew and you can snap up the pink Everly Suede Pumps she paired with the dress. Now we don’t know about you…while we loved Michelle’s outfit and we must admit we were nearly moved to tears by her speech, it was her nails we were obsessing over. Absolutely fabulous! Thumbs up all round to Michelle Obama! [Image]

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Don’t expect to see Rachel Zoe at London Fashion Week (or Selfridges)

by on 3rd September 2012 0 comments

Just last week we heard through the grapevine that all was not well in Rachel Zoe land after her TV show faced being axed and her couture clothing label was rumoured to be doing badly too… but now there appears to be even more bad news for the famous celeb-stylist-turned-designer. As well as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom reportedly losing interest in her line due to poor sales, it’s also been announced that her collection will no longer be stocked in Selfridges either. And as a result of this, she therefore won’t be attending the Burberry show at London Fashion Week. Yikes! “Her London launch didn’t go as well as she’d hoped,” a source reportedly told The Daily Mail. “Selfridges dropped her clothing line because it was very expensive. They still have her shoe collection but the clothing line wasn’t as successful as hoped.” Unfair? Or is Rachel Zoe’s clothing line far too expensive for this recession we appear to still be in? [Telegraph]

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Lady Gaga’s Vogue September cover… before and after Photoshop

by on 31st August 2012 0 comments

Photoshop is no longer a secret of the industry, we think we can all get on board with that now. After all, we’ve seen so many Photoshop disasters that we kind of have to be, whether we like it or not. So, with that in mind, we knew that Lady Gaga’s September cover of American Vogue would have received a bit of airbrushing here and there, but were in for quite a shock when we saw the full effect of this in some before and after pictures that you can see above. We do like the end result – it’s bold, it’s vivid, it’s memorable… it’s everything a September cover should be – but after watching the video below, can’t help but think a less altered Gaga would have sufficed too. There are some great shots of her smiling that we think could have worked wonders! What do you guys reckon? Photoshop gone mad or just what is needed to keep up with the rest of the publications these days? [Buzz Feed]

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See the rest of Lana Del Rey’s H&M ad campaign!

by on 24th August 2012 0 comments

David Beckham isn’t the only pretty face to model for H&M at the moment. Let’s not forget that the wonderful American songstress and Mulberry muse Lana Del Rey has also lent her face to H&M, and some more of her ad campaign images have just been released. And as expected, we love them in all of their retro, vintage, beehive glory! Props to Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for taking such gorgeous pictures! Lana is showcasing more of H&M’s fabulous autumn/winter delights, our favourites of which include an off the shoulder mint green jumper, a cream winter coat with a faux fur collar, a slightly Carrie Bradshaw-esque tutu and a grey bodycon dress with subtle black pipe detailing. The collection as a whole is looking pretty incredible this season…  and the fact that Lana is showcasing the pieces makes us love them even more. Good for our love of H&M and Lana and autumn/winter fashion. Bad for our wallets! [Refinery 29]

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Let the London Men’s Fashion Weekend Guide Your Style

by on 24th June 2012 0 comments

London has just hosted the first ever Men’s Fashion Weekend, which ran from June 15th to 18th, and its unprecedented success has already injected a new inspirational life-force into men’s style choices everywhere. Not only did the so-uncool-he’s-cool fashion icon Prince Charles open the weekend with a speech, but top designers Dame Vivienne Westwood and Tommy Hilfiger were among the guests in attendance. To sum up: cool people came, cool clothes were seen, you need to let this coolness into your life. Oh, and Prince Charles is stylish… but you don’t need to dress like him. I know, right. Phew. So which looks should you let guide your summer purchases? Here’s my pick of the best designer trends and how they can translate to the real man – that’s you. JW Anderson’s models rocked a classic brand like Fred Perry, which you can get online at Size, are all that’s needed to finish the job. Astrid Anderson’s collection was inspired by hip hop and urban street chic, teaming bright colours with basketball vests. Even if you wouldn’t necessarily wear bright maroon trousers with yours, your wardrobe can benefit from the addition of a neutral-coloured vest. Anderson’s use of bright colours can be referenced in other areas of an outfit; a belt, pair of sneakers, or even – if you’re feeling kooky – a bumbag (

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H&M Conscious Collection: Can glam be green?

by on 13th April 2012 0 comments

Yesterday saw the launch of the Conscious Collection by Swedish high street retailer, H&M. The eco-friendly collection boasts an Exclusive Conscious collection; red carpet ready pieces crafted from sustainable materials, and following in line with the Swedish retailer’s goal to become the leading name in sustainable design. Exclusive Conscious consists of beautifully crafted floor length gowns and dresses drenched in high-end appeal, meeting the demands for au courant cuts and silhouettes, and keeping loyal to the biggest trends of spring/summer 2012. Doused in colour pop neon and mimicking couture pieces with a pocket-pleasing price tag, you can snap up a Katrantzou-esque hyper-floral form-fitting dress for a fractional £39.99, or maybe a Lanvin-inspired printed dress with a front split, detachable skirt is suited to your style palate at a smile inducing £149.99. This is visually pleasing, well crafted fashion with an untainted production conscience that eliminates the purchasing hierarchy, and allows such fashion to spread itself thinly. See, the glam-gone-green concept has been floating around for some time: H&M produces seasonal Conscious Collections, crafted entirely from 100% organic cotton; Eco-Age creative director and wife of Oscar-winning actor, Colin Firth, Livia Firth, is a well-know sustainable fashion ambassador, and some of the Exclusive Conscious pieces have already made their debut on the red carpet. But let’s look at the reality of it all; can H&M, the fashion world’s equivalent of McDonalds, really claim to be greener than the Amazonian rainforest? Or, even more importantly, can H&M solely produced dresses – minus a high-end designer collaboration tag – really cut it as glamorous when, in fact they are cut price and no match to a Zac Posen ruffled hem gown? The latter, you may say, has already been achieved when Viola Davis and Michelle Williams opted to wear dresses from the Exclusive Conscious range […]

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Does the Rodarte – Aboriginal art fiasco call for cultural inspiration to be policed, or even worse, killed off?

by on 16th March 2012 0 comments

We we’re a little concerned after coming across an interesting tale of cultural and commercial conflict, and the restraint this conflict has tried to introduce into the borrow-and –take world of fashion. Frockwriter reported this week, in a post aptly titled Hands off Aboriginal Culture, of the anger caused by the Mulleavy sisters – creative heads behind Rodarte – after their use of Aboriginal art for their Fall 2012 collection. The campaign of cultural ‘anxiety’ is being spearheaded by Megan Davis, an indigenous Australian lawyer and head of the University of NSW   Indigenous Law Centre and an expert member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). It’s clear the lady in question is an expert on indigenous Australian culture, and her argument is this: she found the use of Aboriginal art in the Rodarte Fall 2012 collection to be “insensitive” and “offensive”, later adding that it sickened her to see women parading around in ready-to-wear garments, when in fact the people from whom this art is derived live in abject poverty in remote areas of Australia. She also spoke of her unhappiness at the use of Aboriginal art and culture as a reference point “without consultation” and without entering into a “cultural protocol” with a particular indigenous group. The latter point threw me a little. Given that the  Mulleavy sisters confessed they have in fact never been to Australia, and that the indigenous inspiration “came out of “nowhere” but merely acquired through research and photography; the point made my Megan turns on her argument. She contests that the use of her native Aboriginal culture and art in the fashion collection offended who she was, but would this have been inoffensive or ‘less’ offensive had the Mulleavy sisters spoken with a head Aboriginal figure in a given indigenous […]

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10 New Season Buys that are Perfect for Spring!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The new season doesn’t have to translate as a financial drought when it comes to that all important wardrobe update. Invest in fresh, mainly trans-seasonal pieces which, although complementing the key trends for spring/summer 2012 (fun yet functional), aren’t so trend-centric that they’re deemed ‘disposable’ after one wear. We’re favouring key pieces that will see you through the new season, and if the sun decides to come out of permanent hibernation, they’ll make for some delightful sartorial indulgence. Go! Buy! 1. The Zip Sweater: The perfect answer to keeping cosy during weather tantrums, and the go-to item for stylish layering. We love the mother of pearl button and zip detailing and the grey melange hue makes this an undisputed wardrobe staple. 2. The Curved Shift Dress: This heavy jersey silhouette-skimming shift is bang on boardroom perfect and in the perfect shade of colour pop pink. We particularly like how the asymmetric neckline adds an element of excitement to a simple dress. 3. The Classic Wrap Dress: The most flattering wardrobe addition you could possibly invest in. Slightly referencing Kate Middleton’s gush-worthy royal engagement dress; we love how the waist tie subtly cinches at the waist and the spring appropriate pink rose colour. 4. Essential Tank:  Three words: Essential, essential, essential! You will practically live in this lightweight knit tank in a cool dusk blue, we promise. 5. The Chambray Shirt: Your new season wardrobe hasn’t reached its warmer months prep peak if a cool cotton chambray shirt isn’t part of the party. With endless styling opportunities, this is definitely our favourite spring investment. 6.Cotton Sateen Tux Jacket: Forget limiting yourself to channelling the androgyny trend, a sharply cut tux is now a wardrobe essential. A well tailored jacket can elevate any outfit to seriously stylish heights, and that’s why this single […]

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Yes, paying celebrities to attend fashion shows is a big deal, a huge one in fact.

by on 9th March 2012 0 comments

Sitting front row at a modern day catwalk show is the equivalent of being front of the ration line in the 40s. You have a need(hunger, mouths to feed; fashion, trends) and a purpose (make good use of the ration coupon; deliver on next seasons trend) to fulfil. OK, maybe the example is extreme but the mentality is the same: If you’re in front, you’re perceived as having succeeded – the fashion house that is. Apparently, positioning certain celebrities at the front has been costing fashion houses dearly, whereby hefty fees have been handed out in exchange for about 20 minutes of their forced smile faces and super-toned bums to be parked on the front row. A move deeply condemned by French-born, London-based designer, Nicole Farhi. “It is so unprofessional. I have never paid a celebrity and I will never do it. It’s stupid”, she told Sunday Telegraph’s Stella magazine. Farhi, 65, went on to add that she was set on exposing the practice of backhand, cash-splashing seat-fixing deals so common in the fashion world, even if she risked the wrath of so many of her fellow fashion contemporaries. Even Lady Mary Chateris stuck in with a jibe, telling the Telegraph: “They pay people to be on the front row to show off the clothes where everyone can see them. That is where all of the photographs are taken.” Brave move ladies and one we welcome with open arms. It is almost precedence now, that before collection reviews even hit online fashion portals such as Style.com and Vogue.com, exactly which celebrity made an appearance (thanks to the ‘Front Row’ tab on show reviews), sat next to whom, wore what and expressed what on their faces as the first model walked out is scientifically documented. Nicki Minaj’s Technicolor wig and Eddie […]

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