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.)

12.12.11- Monday Must-haves: The Christmas Countdown

My pick of Must-have Christmas gifts this week focuses on presents which fall under a £50 price tag. Whilst this array of gifts may be a touch more expensive than the under £20 picks I posted last week, I've tried to choose a selection of things which will last and which I think make for really special presents:

Whilst this lovely little lot might appear more than a little make-up heavy, Christmas always feels like the perfect occasion to invest in some appropriately festive cosmetics! This gift set from Nails Inc. consists of three beautifully glittering shades, and at £25 is pretty good value considering that their individual varnishes retail at £11 each. The Chanel eyeshadow has become a really coveted product, and I think this shimmering white shade is gorgeous- the perfect luxury treat for a make-up obsessive or someone who needs spoiling this Christmas. This set of eyeshadows from MAC is another really great value item as the six shades which are included are really versatile- it's also perfect for throwing in your handbag for emergency en-route make-up application, so I think it would really suit someone who's always in a rush. After spending the last six weeks entranced by Frozen Planet, I can think of nothing better than re-living the series again, and this book and DVD gift set (which is exclusive to Amazon) is amazing value- surely the perfect present for the infamous 'difficult to buy for' relative. This adorable set of cake tins from Cath Kidston are a fantastically practical present, and are ideal for someone who wants to develop their skills in the kitchen in 2012. Alternatively, this collection of Luxe City Guides is a great gift for someone resolving to broaden their horizons next year, encompassing top tips on a range of global cities including New York, Paris, Dubai and Sydney. I'm tempted to buy it for myself and work through a book per year! This stunning wall art from Urban Outfitters would make a really unusual present, and again is something which would last for ages. Finally, these Marc by Marc Jacobs earrings are amazing value at only £30- perfect for any fashion conscious friend.

Would you pick up any of these presents? And are you looking forward to Christmas?

(Image credit: Nails Inc., Amazon, Chanel, Cath Kidston, MAC, Urban Outfitters and my-wardrobe.com.)

05.12.11- Monday Must-haves: The Christmas Countdown

With less than three weeks to go until Christmas Day, it seems fitting that the Must-haves posts which I'm putting together for December should have a festive theme. I'm winning the war against my Christmas shopping at the moment, with only a few more things to pick up before I can sit down and enjoy a mince pie (or three!) However, as I've been browsing the shops over the last few weeks, I've been feeling quite uninspired by what I've seen and have found that the pennies don't seem to be stretching as far as I'd like them to. So, with this in mind, I've put together a little gift guide- this week featuring a whole hosts of items which come in at £20 or under- to offer a bit of thrifty present inspiration:

These cupcake moulds may just be my ideal present, combining two of my greatest loves in life: tea and cake. Perfect for a baking aficionado or a happy amateur (like me!), and a really cute present. I think this ring from Urban Outfitters is lovely too- it's a really great way to give a personalised gift without breaking the bank. I included this beautiful notebook from Topshop as I think it's a perfectly practical gift, whether it's for someone who loves making lists or who has a long list of resolutions which they intend to conquer in 2012. My Week with Marilyn (the book by Colin Clark upon which the recently released film is based) would be a brilliant present for any Marilyn fan, or for anyone who has had their curiosity sparked after seeing the film. This ring from Accessorize is beautifully ornate, and would be a lovely finishing touch to any festive outfit (and perfect for a jewellery magpie like me!) Again, no party season would be complete without the perfect red lipstick, and this offering from Paul and Joe is the perfect shade of Christmas cranberry. Speaking practically once again, this adorable jewellery holder from Forever 21 is an ideal gift, which I'm sure would prove invaluable all year round. This Whittard cup and saucer set is a beautifully ornate present for any tea obsessive- although I almost think it's too pretty to use! Finally, this Yves Saint Laurent colouring book is a steal at under £5, and is the perfect way to incorporate a touch of (affordable!) high fashion magic into Christmas.

How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping? And what do you think of my under £20 picks?

(Image credit: Amazon, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Accessorize, Paul & Joe, Forever 21 and Whittard.)

04.12.2011- Urban Outfitters SS12

Last week I was invited along to the Elms Lesters Painting Rooms to have a sneaky peek at what Urban Outfitters have on the cards for SS12. Whilst it seems crazy to be planning for the summer when we're only three weeks away from Christmas Day (aaah!), it was lovely to escape the gloomy London weather to have a look at the vibrant colours and exclusive designer collaborations on offer for next year...

The amazing location!

Urban Outfitters' own label collection for SS12 consists of floral prints, bold colours and graphic patterns...

...and there are some amazing designer pieces to come for next season- this beautiful Jonathan Saunders scarf immediately caught my eye. 

This stunning printed dress by Australian label Something Else was another highlight...

...as was this exclusive Matthew Williamson design.

Other exclusives on show included offerings from tba and Claudie Pierlot, incorporating cute collar details and luxurious fabrics.

There was also an amazing array of accessories on offer...

...and some beautiful swimwear, including this Missoni-esque bikini.

Finally, this beautiful canary yellow dress was a real ray of sunshine!

I was really impressed with everything I saw- the core collection was really strong, featuring summer staples such as flyaway blouses, simple shorts and a range of really easy to wear dresses. I also loved the look of all the designer collaborations to come for next season (particularly the Matthew Williamson range!), and can't wait to see everything again in store. Thanks to Urban Outfitters for the invite!

Do you like the look of Urban Outfitters' collections for SS12? 

(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)

07.11.2011- Monday Must-haves

This week's Must-haves post is uncharacteristically co-ordinated, but, as we head deeper into winter, I'm finding myself being drawn to darker colours and pieces I know I'll be able to rely upon as the weather worsens:

As soon as I saw this dress, it rocketed straight to the top of my shopping list. I adore this style of clothing- relaxed, comfortable and classically stylish. I've picked up a few pieces from Vaudeville and Burlesque at Urban Outfitters before and have been really impressed with the quality and fit, and the versatility of this smock dress means that it works out as quite affordable (and much less of a guilty splurge!) if we look at it on a cost-per-wear basis. This horse print top from H&M is charming- I adore the photo print, and it's perfect for teaming with a pair of jeans and a chunky cardigan for the winter. I've also been drawn to hats quite a lot over the last few weeks, which has resulted in some mixed fortunes. Embarrassingly enough, I seem to possess an abnormally large head, which means as a rule I normally have to buy hats from the menswear section. Bad times. However, this hat from Miss Selfridge could be the one to break the curse- I just love how simple it is and it would be perfect for the colder weather. This ring from Whistles is so cute, and instantly reminded me of Christmas- I'm thinking of buying it just to remind me that I must start my present buying sooner rather than later! These River Island boots are also ideal for negotiating puddles/snow/soggy leaves, and look to be the perfect halfway house between the ultra-trendy Chelsea style and a more traditional design. Finally, this gorgeous black blouse from Monki is the perfect take on florals for the chillier months, and is another really versatile find.

What do you think of my picks for this week? And have you picked up any winter essentials yet?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Miss Selfridge, Whistles, River Island and Monki.)

10.10.2011- Monday Must-haves

Another week has flown by, and I hope you all had lovely weekends. It seems like I say the same thing every Monday, but I really can't believe how quickly the weeks are flying by...before we know it Christmas will be upon us! With this in mind, this week's Monday Must-haves features some suitably festive items...

As soon as I saw these shoes from very.co.uk, I fell in love with them! They really remind me of a Miu Miu pair, but at £38 are a fraction of the price. The chunky heel is the perfect antidote to falling over and looking like a wally, which, if you're anything like me, you'll be very thankful for (especially at a Christmas/New Year party!) This Pins & Needles Blouse from Urban Outfitters really caught my eye as I love the colour, and I think it'd be perfect for layering as the weather turns chillier. Although some might say featuring two blouses with a bow detail in one post is overkill, after I spied this New Look top on Sarah's blog, I couldn't resist including it...it's so cute and I love the scalloped edges on the collar and cuffs. The sudden change in weather over the last week has also made me realise that I need to stock up on jumpers, and this vibrant pink number from River Island would be a beautiful bright addition to my wardrobe over the winter. I adore this vintage tea dress from Rokit- the floral print is stunning, the style is so flattering and the peter-pan collar is perfectly on trend, plus you know it's the kind of piece that would never really date. Finally, these earrings from H&M are amazing value for £3.99 (there's something a little Mulberry about them too, don't you think?), and I've been after a ring similar to this one from Accessorize for ages- an early Christmas to myself present perhaps?

Have you bought anything over the last week? And what do you think of my choices?

(Image credit: Rokit, New Look, H&M, very.co.uk, Urban Outfitters, River Island and Accessorize.)

05.09.2011- Monday Must-haves: Winter Coat edition

Hello my lovelies! Hope you all had wonderful weekends. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I honestly can't believe it's September already- the year has really flown by. Whilst I'm not really looking forward to the winter (dark mornings are the creation of the devil), one thing I am excited about is shopping for some new season essentials. So, with that in mind, this week's Must-haves post is appropriately winter themed, and features my pick of the best new season coats I've seen so far:

I have to confess, I'm a bit of a coat addict. Every year I vow not to cave in and buy myself a new one, and every year, without fail, I fail! I love this mustard yellow swing coat from Topshop, the bright colour would be the perfect boost during the gloomy winter months and the 60s inspired shape is bang on trend. I've yet to be convinced by capes (the idea of being exposed to a draught is one which makes me flinch!) but this gorgeous brown version from ASOS might just convert me- it certainly looks lovely and cosy. The classic camel coat will be forever stylish, and the belt detail on this one from Diana Vickers' collection for Very creates the perfect cinched in shape, and the colour is heavenly. I love the aviator style collar on this Pins & Needles trench from Urban Outfitters, and the muted neutral tones make it a really versatile piece. Finally, I think this Darling coat may just be the perfect addition to any wardrobe for AW11; it incorporates three trends in one- the collar detail, princess shape and deep burgundy colour. Decisions, decisions...

Have you picked up your winter coat yet? And what do you make of my choices for this week?

(Image credit: Topshop, ASOS, very.co.uk and Urban Outfitters.)

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.)

15.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a lovely weekend. Here we are again at the start of another week, so once again I've put together my wishlist. To be honest, I'm in a bit of a style rut at the moment, but I put that down to the time of the year- jeans are becoming my 'go to' option in this ever changing climate of ours! Nevertheless, I've picked out a few pieces I've got my eye on:

A few months ago I picked up the blue version of this Topshop dress after hunting high and low for it- it's now fast become a favourite in my wardrobe and is really versatile. When I saw the pink version online last week, I was very tempted to order it but I think it's one of those pieces you need to see in store before buying. Every winter I'm always tempted by a new coat and over the last few years have accumulated a fair few. This camel number from Oasis is already a firm favourite; I love the cut, colour and the cute fur collar. Another few pieces from Topshop in the form of this lovely sequin tee (I love the contrast between the blue and gold) and these boots, which I love but am fairly sure would make my feet look even more enormous than they already are (I'm a UK 8!) This jumper from Warehouse is also really versatile and I can see it lasting from the start of autumn right through the winter, and the touch of sparkle is adorable. I'm also really tempted to invest in a denim shirt after seeing Michelle's post on how they can be styled, and these earrings from Urban Outfitters were too cute to resist.

Before signing off, I just want to say something about the terrible riots, looting and arson which hit the UK last week. Croydon is my local town and it was heartbreaking to see places that I know and love destroyed, and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. I realise it might seem a bit frivolous posting about shopping when there are far bigger things going on right now, but I'm a great believer in the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' mentality, so thought it best to post as normal. Just thought it couldn't go unacknowledged, and again massive love to anyone who has been affected ♥.

(Image credit: Topshop, Warehouse, Urban Outfitters, New Look and Oasis.)

01.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Pinch punch! Can you believe it's August already? I hope you're having a lovely start to the month (isn't the weather fantastic?!), mine has been rather eventful so far, with a horrible journey home thanks to a burst water main- cue chaos at every train station between London and the south coast, emergency replacement bus kerfuffle and me nearly exploding when barricaded onto said bus by a mountain of suitcases! Anyway, I'm home now and here with some Monday Must-haves to cheer myself up:

I fell in love with these Dune pumps as soon as I saw them- they are just too cute and the pastel pink colour is adorable. If you're a regular reader then you'll know I'm obsessed with floral prints, so couldn't resist including this dress from Miss Selfridge- the black background makes it perfect for the transition between seasons. I've admired this beautiful perfume bottle from Urban Outfitters from afar for ages, and, now that it's been reduced in the sale, it would be rude not to snap it up as a mini-vase for my bedroom. I spied this metallic shopper from Zara in store last week and it's already rocketed up my wish list- it's such a classic shape and colour that I don't think it would ever date (and as an added bonus it's big enough to fit all of my junk handbag essentials in!) This bracelet caught my eye as I think it's quite unusual and I've been meaning to pick up some new pieces like it for a while. Finally, although it might seem like I'm tempting fate by including an umbrella, I couldn't resist the print- it may also come in very handy should any water mains decide to explode/implode/cause general mayhem in the future!

How has your Monday been? And what do you make of my picks for this week?

(Image credit: Topshop, Miss Selfridge, John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, River Island and Zara.)

16.12.2010- Boutique, c'est chic!

Morning! Today Urban Outfitters launch their Boutique sale, as a very exciting pre-Christmas treat! If you're looking for last minute presents or are still on the hunt for the perfect dress for that Christmas/New Year party, it's well worth taking a peek at what they've got on offer, as some styles are being discounted by up to 50% (madness!)

Here are my top picks:

t.b.a Pom Pom Round Neck Dress, £80 (was £150.)

t.b.a Velvet Antique Collar Dress, £80 (was £150.)

See by Chloé Fat Cat Vest, £50 (was £76.)

Peter Jensen Lace Trim Houndstooth Dress, £80 (was £190.)

Paul and Joe Beauty Mirror, £13 (was £20.)

Vivienne Westwood Sparkles Heart Tassel Purse, £80 (was £120.)

Head on over to Urban Outfitters to snap up the bargains before they disappear!

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters.)

24.11.2010- Buy, buy, buy!

I've got some very exciting news for you! Tomorrow Urban Outfitters is holding a 20% off event online, and all you have to do to redeem the discount is to enter the code 'TODAYONLY' when you checkout. With Christmas just around the corner, this is the perfect way to get organised, by stocking up on pressies early and saving some money in the process. And with such bargain prices, I'll definitely be treating myself to a couple of sneaky purchases at the same time! Here's my wish list for tomorrow:

Vaudeville and Burlesque Floral Dress, £80 (£64 with discount).

A beautiful winter floral dress, perfect for an afternoon of tea and cake I have coming up in a few weeks!

Knitted Cat Slipper, £14 (£11.20 with discount).

How adorable are these slippers? Great if you (like me) suffer from freezing cold feet in this weather, or a great gift for Christmas.

Pins & Needles Fur Trim Cardigan, £68 (£54.40 with discount).

With a winter blizzard expected any time now, this is the perfect winter warmer- I love the fur collar. 

Shearling Mitters, £20 (£16 with discount). 

The perfect accessory to keep your hands nice and toasty during this cold spell.

 Diamante Bird Earrings, £6 (£4.80 with discount).

Ever since I lost one of my swallow earrings down the drain I've been looking for the perfect replacement pair- these might just be the ones!

Metal Leaf Necklace, £12 (£9.60 with discount).

The perfect way to capture the essence of autumn in your outfit.

New York Tee, £25 (£20 with discount).

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in America, and as much I wish I could be in the Big Apple watching fireworks and enjoying the festivities, this t-shirt is sadly about as close as I'll get. 

O&O Paisley Blouse Dress, £45 (£36 with discount).

I love this dress, but then you know I'm a bit of an obsessive when it comes to anything with a print!

Don't forget, all you have to do in order to redeem the 20% discount is enter the code 'TODAYONLY' at the checkout. The offer ends at midnight (G.M.T) tomorrow, Thursday 25th November. 

What do you think of my picks? Is there anything you'll be buying tomorrow? And how are you getting on with your Christmas shopping?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters.)

05.09.2010- A spoonful of sugar...

There's nothing I love more than putting my feet up with a mug of hot chocolate and an assortment of cakes, biscuits and general chocolate based deliciousness. After obsessively getting in to BBC2's new programme The Great British Bake Off, I'm determined to try and make some of the food featured in the show for myself, including these adorable iced biscuits. However, my little ritual is, at present, seriously lacking style. I usually grab whatever mug is to hand and have inevitably scoffed the biccies before the kettle has even boiled. However, after seeing these gorgeous pieces from Urban Outfitters, I'm determined to make tea time a bit more glamorous:

Pip Studio Teacup, £12

Spotty Cake Stand, £20

Pip Studio Rose Plate, £8

Regency Cake Stand, £40

Tea Cup Cake Moulds, £20

What are your favourite indulgences? And what sweet treats would you love to be able to rustle up in the kitchen?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters.)

12.08.2010- To Be Adorable

Regular readers will know that I love tba, a label created by British based stylist Binbin McNiven. For Autumn/Winter 2010, McNiven has come up with another beautifully kooky collection, which again features the trademark Peter Pan collar seen in previous collections, as well as incorporating pom-pom detailing and luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet.

McNiven's approach to creating her collections, is, in her own words, 'to design clothes that make people feel special.' With an already rapidly growing fan base, tba looks set to go from strength to strength over the coming months, and, with a winter collection as cute as this, I can't say I'm surprised. I'm already writing my Autumn/Winter tba wish list!

To view the whole Autumn/Winter collection, visit tba on facebook, ASOS and Urban Outfitters.

(Image credit: tba on facebook.)