19.12.2011- Monday Must-haves: The Christmas Countdown

With less than a week to get those last minute pressies, this final installment of my Christmas themed Monday Must-haves focuses on gifts which are at the more luxurious end of the spectrum. Extra special presents for extra special people, if you will (or indeed if you're feeling guilty about leaving everything so late!)

Mulberry's book, created to celebrate their 40th anniversary is the perfect present for a fan of the label, and is a great coffee table title. This clutch bag from ASOS is a lovely shade of Christmas cranberry, and the ideal gift to complete any festive outfit. I adore this wall light from Habitat, and it's a really unusual present- if you're buying for someone who has just moved into a new house or flat, it'd be fantastic. Alternatively, I think it's a great option for someone who wants to redecorate or add that special touch to a room. Patrick Demarchelier's recently released book, Dior Couture, showcases some stunning images, and would be a dream present for anyone looking for some fashion inspiration. I've only just come across this amazing Christmas gift set from Liz Earle, and with the cold weather here to stay it's a really lovely treat to pamper someone with- it's certainly one of the items I'm hoping to find under the tree on Christmas morning! This Sonia Rykiel scarf is an instant classic, and the star print keeps it feeling festive. I've included the Westfield gift card as it would make a brilliant stress-free last minute present- they can be ordered and delivered up until Christmas Eve, and can carry any amount you choose. I was lucky enough to win one myself after entering the Westfield Style Notes Blogger Competition, and it can be used across the majority of luxury and high street stores in any Westfield shopping centre, so is perfect for someone who wants a splurge in Topshop or who might be saving up for a luxury treat. Finally, this gorgeous star ring by Swarovski is a stunning keepsake, and I think it's a really special present to give someone who deserves to wake up to a bit of sparkle on Christmas morning.

(Image credit: Mulberry, ASOS, Habitat, Amazon, Liz Earle, Net-a-Porter, Westfield and Swarovski.)

21.10.2011- Westfield Blogger Hunt

A little while ago, I posted my entry for the Westfield Guest Blogger competition, and at the end of last week I had an email saying I'd made the top five! It was honestly really unexpected as I only entered at the last minute (carpe diem and all that!), and to be in such amazing company alongside the other finalists is a fantastic thrill.

I've now got a rather posh looking profile page on the Westfield website, where you can find out more and see the mood board which I've put together showcasing my favourite look for this season. The winner of the competition is decided by a public vote (aaah!) so if you could find the time to 'like' my entry (using the button at the bottom of  my page ) that would be brilliant and I'd really appreciate it! Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 30th October. Thanks my lovelies!

02.10.2011- My entry for the Westfield Style Notes blogging competition

After posting the other day about Westfield Guest Blogger competition, I thought I'd try my luck and enter! I've tried something a bit different with my entry (in an attempt to combine my love of cake and fashion!), so here goes:

Recipe for AW11 Style Success

You will need:
access to a Westfield shopping centre,
a supportive best friend/parent/significant other who can be relied upon for honest opinions, coffee breaks when required and carrier bag hauling,
a comfortable pair of shoes,
and an injection of the top trends from AW11 to taste.

Method:

Velvet Dress with Silk Collar, £230, Jaegar

1) Head directly to your nearest Westfield, where you'll find an irresistible mixture of the U.K's most delicious retailers, from All Saints to Zara and everything in between.

Midi Skirt, £30, River Island

2) Take your inspiration from the seasons top trends- whether it be 70s shapes with a distinctly vintage vibe, Mad Men-esque midi skirts, 1960s shift dresses in an array of colours or an splash of polka dot as seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney.

3) Add the crucial ingredient- a good winter coat. This product needs to have a good shelf life, as it's an essential part of any winter wardrobe. Faux fur, oversized and military styles are all recommended, or alternatively incorporate a vibrant colour to brighten your mood as the sunshine fades.

4) Season your outfit with some staple winter boots. A classic riding style, sumptuous suede pair or a versatile Chelsea design are among the essentials to select from.

5) Marinate with a generous helping of this season's key colours: brilliant burgundy, fabulous fawn and radiant russet. Mix in a dash of emerald, amethyst and sapphire for jewel inspired dressing, and add a drop of mustard yellow for an added vibrant kick.

6) To sweeten, add this season's essential details, whether they be peter pan collars a-plenty, beautiful bows or lashings of lace. Alternatively, spice things up with some leather in a nod to the fetish trend, but allow to blend subtly into your look.

Leather Bag, £69.99, H&M

Double Breasted Coat, £79.99,

 Zara

7) Sprinkle with a dusting of failsafe winter warmers- woolly socks, patterned scarves and hats are all a must as temperatures tumble.

8) To decorate, add statement accessories such as hold-everything handbags and body sculpting belts. Garnish with a classy cocktail ring for an added touch of eye-catching sparkle.

9) Serve daily throughout the winter months and enjoy.


That's it! Thanks for reading.


(Image credit: Jaegar, River Island, Zara and H&M.)

29.09.2011- Be a Guest Blogger For Westfield London!

As if opening another massive shopping centre in Stratford a few weeks ago wasn't enough, those busy bees at Westfield London are once again hard at work bringing you the latest in fashionable fun for AW11. All this week (until Sunday), sees the return of their Car Bootique, which puts a super stylish twist on the traditional boot sale. With treats on offer and prizes to be won from brands including Coach, Ted Baker, Reiss and Twenty8Twelve, the event is one not to be missed.

As if that wasn't enough, Westfield London is also running an amazing competition, offering you the chance to become a guest blogger for their Style Notes blog. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this paid (yes, paid!) monthly blogging gig (and a Westfield giftcard) is compile a post on the Car Bootique event. Your entry can take any form you like, be it a video, trend report or even a piece of creative writing, but must be emailed to Westfield by 5pm on Sunday October 2nd to be considered. To find out more, and to read the full terms and conditions, visit the Westfield Guest Blogger competition page. Good luck!

Have you been to the Car Bootique? And are you planning on entering the competition?

(Image credit: Westfield London.)