13.12.11- Festive Dress Guide Part Two: The Christmas Treat

As far as Christmas Day dressing goes, for me comfort is key. I'd happily spend the day in my pyjamas (accessorized with tinsel, of course!), but this probably isn't the most appropriate of outfits when it comes to welcoming the family round- the sight of me in my dressing gown and slippers would be enough to make them run for the hills! The selection of dresses I've chosen for this second instalment of my Festive Dress Guide are perfect for the day itself, combining comfort with a touch of Christmas opulence:

This stunning beaded dress designed by Fearne Cotton for Very is Christmas personified- the deep cranberry colour and glittering details are simply perfect for this time of the year. I love the relaxed shape of this design from New Look, and think it captures a really effortless festive feel. The blush colour is a nice alternative to white, and I like that the embellishments are quite simple too. I adore the deep burgundy shade of this handkerchief hem dress from Dahlia, and think it would also make an amazing transitional piece- perfect for seeing you into the New Year in style. This forest green beauty from Oasis is also another really bold statement frock. The colour isn't something I'd ordinarily plump for, but it immediately makes me feel festive and I love the classic cut. Finally, this velvet halter dress from Topshop is sheer Christmas opulence- although the style is quite tricky to pull off I think it would look lovely if teamed with a few statement accessories. It also really reminds me of a certain purple festive chocolate, which can never be a bad thing!

Have you got a special outfit planned for Christmas Day? And what do you think of my choices?

(Image credit: very.co.uk, New Look, Dahlia, Oasis and Topshop.)

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.)

07.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide- Part One: The Showstopper

Christmas always throws up a whole host of dilemmas, doesn't it? How long to cook the turkey for, which presents to buy and how to move off of the sofa after eating your entire body weight in chocolate. One of the more crucial conundrums to arise at this time of year, however, is a perennial favourite- what on earth do I wear? The sartorial dilemma of what to put on for lazing around the house is one which presents no problems at all- pyjamas and a Christmas jumper of your choice become a 'go-to' option (and all the better for an elasticated waistband!) However, there are several instances where a slanket isn't really considered de rigueur- office parties, pre-Christmas drinks with friends and even Christmas Day itself- each occasion presents a minefield of seemingly endless wardrobe options. If you're stuck for an outfit this festive season (and I know I am!), never fear. Over the next few weeks I'll be posting my Festive Dress Guide, showcasing a selection of top frocks and attempting to prove that getting dressed up at this time of the year doesn't always have to mean competing for attention with the Christmas tree. First up, The Showstopper:

The Showstopper- an instant head turner. A tricky look to pull off- keeping things simple with minimal accessories is key. This dress from Topshop is probably the most fashion-forward of the pieces I've selected, but teamed with a pair of heels I think it would look amazing- I love the muted silver colour. You really can't get more sophisticated than this classic monochrome number from Rokit- a vintage design that would surely never date. I've also admired this dress from Whistles for ages, and although it's quite trend-led with the embellished collar, I think it's a piece you could pull out of your wardrobe again and again and never tire of. This beautiful offering from Oasis is ultra-feminine and perfectly subtle- the embellished bodice adds just the right sprinkling of sparkle to an otherwise really simple dress. Finally, this piece from Next is probably the most overtly festive of this little selection, but I couldn't resist the star details and 20s inspired shape- the classy combination of black and silver also saves it from being too over-the-top.

Are you struggling with a festive frock dilemma? And would you wear any of the dresses I've picked out?

(Image credit: Topshop, Rokit, Whistles, Oasis and Next.)

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.)