20.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide Part Four: The Little Black Dress

The final edition of my Festive Dress Guide focuses on that classic wardrobe staple- The Little Black Dress. A versatile item which is a failsafe year in year out, and which is perfect if you're still stuck for outfit inspiration:

I spied this dress from Zara online a few weeks ago, and was amazed by the £25.99 price tag- the lace sleeves and collar detail make it look so much more expensive, don't you think? This 60s inspired flared design from French Connection is a real classic, and the empire line cut is a really flattering option (especially if, like me, you're prone to overindulging!) This polka dot number from Topshop could be a double for a Stella McCartney design, and I love the bow tie on the neckline. True Decadence's take on the flapper style is another standout design, and with the 20s set to be big style news for next season, it's the perfect frock to invest in if you want to stay ahead of the crowd. And last, but by no means least, this stunning design by Claudie Pierlot is my dream LBD- I adore the embroidered collar and the oversized shape captures an understated elegance which I just love.

Have you got your festive outfits planned? And have you enjoyed this feature?

(Image credit: Zara, French Connection, Topshop, Oasis and Urban Outfitters.)

17.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide Part Three: The Repeat Offender

With only a week to go until Christmas Day, I'm beginning to frantically trawl online shops (I'm looking at you ASOS!) looking for an outfit. However, I'm reluctant to part with my pennies for something which I'll only wear once, a dilemma which has inspired this instalment of my Festive Dress Guide. Featuring a selection of frocks which I've chosen to dub The Repeat Offenders, these are investment buys at their best:

I loved this Designed By Miss Selfridge maxi dress when it landed online about a month or so ago, but it sold out almost instantly. However, I believe it will be making a reappearance on the Miss Selfridge website within the next week or so, so fingers crossed I'll be able to snag it the second time around- I just love everything about it and think it'd be great to have as we move into the spring. The beaded French Connection dress is a beautiful colour and I think it's a really versatile piece- the perfect thing to invest in as a 'go-to' party option. I've also recently discovered Claudie Pierlot's designs for Urban Outfitters, and this space print frock is stunning- a definite keeper. This velvet dress from Boutique by Jaegar has been reduced by almost £100 in their sale, and it's an instant classic which I'm sure would never go out of fashion. Finally, this burgundy design by Dahlia is another really versatile piece which is really wearable, and which would look lovely come rain, snow or sunshine!

Have you got your Christmas outfit planned?

(Image credit: Miss Selfridge, French Connection, Urban Outfitters, Jaegar and Dahlia.)

28.08.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #2: Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld is one cool kid. Oscar nominated for her performance as Mattie Ross in True Grit, recently revealed as the new face of Miu Miu's AW11 ad campaign and LOVE magazine cover star. And, as if that wasn't enough, Hailee has also developed a signature style, showcasing an understated elegance on the red carpet, and even designing her own gown for the Oscars. The thing I love about Hailee's approach to style is how classic it is- simple dresses, sleek hair and makeup and co-ordinated accessories all play a part in creating the effortlessly ladylike look which she's honed over the last year or so:

Miu Miu has become a firm favourite for Hailee on the red carpet (talk about perk of the job!), and the swallow print dress from their AW11 presentation has become one of the most covetable items for the coming season. At a fraction of the price, this gorgeous red version from Warehouse is perfect for channelling some of Hailee's demure style. Embellishments, detailed collars and feminine colours are also key, as is that beautiful smile! I can't wait to see how Hailee's style develops as her career progresses- she's soon set to star in a new adaptation of Romeo and Juliet which I think will be amazing. Watch this space!

What do you think of Hailee's style? Are you a fan? And what do you think of her collaboration with Miu Miu?

(Image credit: Vogue, Look, Warehouse, Topshop, Miss Selfridge and French Connection.)

22.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Hello lovelies! I've just about gathered myself after my earlier post! Hope you're all having a beautiful start to the week. Here's my round up of everything I'm currently coveting (and trying to make space for in my wardrobe!)

I've posted about these paperbag style skirts from New Look before, and, after picking up the dusty pink version for a bargain price of £15 in the sale, I've now got my eye on these other colours- the deep red one is edging ahead at the moment. Another coat from Oasis after last week's post (sorry for being so predictable!) but when I saw this gorgeous 60s style mac I couldn't resist including it. I've posted before about my hunt for the perfect Breton top, and after a few unsuccessful purchases, I stumbled across this one from French Connection, which I've got very high hopes for! Inkeeping with the rather Parisian flavour, I've included these pale pink French Sole ballet pumps...a girl can dream, right? And after seeing this beautiful ring over at the Temporary:Secretary store, I had to feature it- so cute. Finally, this Tesco tote is too much of a bargain to refuse and this lovely lace top from Urban Outfitters has been on my 'to buy' list for ages.

Did you have a good weekend? And what items are you coveting at the moment?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters, Temporary:Secretary, New Look, Oasis, French Connection, French Sole and Tesco.)

02.08.2010- Heading for the Fall...

It's only the second of August, but already some of the Autumn/Winter collections are hitting the high street. As usual, the British Summer weather isn't really up to much, and I'm already anticipating what I'll be buying to see me through the autumn and into winter. With that in mind, here's my list of top five must have pieces for your Autumn/Winter 2010 wardrobe:

The Burberry Prorsum show, where Christopher Bailey showcased a flock of shearling jackets, is surely the show that has launched a thousand high street copies. I've already seen a few good imitations online and on the high street, and the Topshop flying jacket, despite its hefty price tag, sold out in a flash online. I'm loving the look of the Warehouse aviator jackets, and the ASOS version has a really authentic feel to it, with functional zips a plenty.

Trousers are having something of a resurgence at present. Whether they be hareem, high waisted, chinos or peg leg, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Either stick to the neutral tones seen at Chloé, the sophisticated blacks á la Celine or, if you're feeling bold plump for a pair in a bright colour or with a printed design.

What better way to spend a winter's evening than curled up with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate whilst snuggled up in a chunky knit. From a practical perspective, if our winter is anywhere near as cold this year as it was last, I'll be investing in many a wooly jumper to keep the cold at bay! Whether worn with jeans, trousers, a midi-skirt or over a dress, a chunky knit is an extremely versatile way to see you warmly through until the spring.

The dress. A wardrobe staple that never goes out of fashion. This season's dress shapes paid homage to the 1950's (think the costume department of Mad Men), and baroque styles made a reappearance, as seen at Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Balmain. Go for embellishment, beaded details and bold hues for a welcome escape from the winter blues.

The Mulberry Alexa, a sell out when it was first launched, has set the trend for Autumn/Winter's must have bag- the satchel. Whether you plump for a vintage bag, are lucky enough to be able to afford a Mulberry original, or pick up yours from the many available on the high street, the satchel is the key accessory for the coming season.

What do you think? What pieces will you be looking to pick up on the high street for Autumn/Winter?

(Image credit: style.com, TOPSHOP, WAREHOUSE, Rokit, mulberry, instyle.co.uk, ASOS, riverisland.com, Oasis and frenchconnection.com.)