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Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Monday, 1 August 2011
My recent bargains
As you know, I am always on the lookout for high fashion at low prices aswell as staple items for my ever expanding wardrobe. So here are my latest buys:
This flirty and fashionable polkadot dress was only £18 from AX Paris in the sale (www.axparis.co.uk) and I have already worn it twice. This little beauty will see me through to Autumn and Winter with a pair of opaques and my trusty blazer as polka dots are still big news.
I bought this satchel from Dorothy Perkins last week at the bargain price of £20 and I have already used it 3 times. Definitely a wardrobe staple for now and Autumn/Winter.
Another wardrobe staple, these studded Topshop pumps go with everything and at £26.50 they won't break the bank
This pretty floral dress is another AX buy at only £15. I plan to wear this for a BBQ on Saturday if the weather holds out
More bargain buys coming soon...
More bargain buys coming soon...
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Best and Worst dressed celebs; Summer 2011
There are some celebrities that regularly appear on the best and worst dressed lists in magazines. The best dressed regulars are usually Kate Moss, Cheryl Cole, Victoria Beckham and Alexa Chung but a couple of these women don't always get it right. I have decided to compile my own best and worst dressed list for Summer 2011. I can't decide who should be number one in each category so here they are, in no particular order:
Best Dressed
Mollie King
The stylish saturdays singer is a high street girl at heart who rarely gets it wrong. From girly playsuits to pretty dresses, she is always on trend.
Olivia Palermo
The City star Olivia is the Queen of accessories and successfully mixes designer with our high street favourite, Topshop
Fearne Cotton
Presenter Fearne has her own rock chick/vintage style and I love her collection for Very. Recently she has been working simple masculine tailoring and looks fabulous
Blake Lively
The leggy Miss Lively always looks stunning in designer frocks by labels such as Chanel and Marchesca. A modern style icon
Emma Watson
Emma has grown up into a real fashionista, stepping out in glamorous couture gowns.
Have I forgotten anyone? Which celeb's style do you love? Why not comment and let me know?
Worst Dressed
Cher Lloyd
There's no denying that Cher is talented and a good performer, (many will disagree but I've seen her live and she's very entertaining with real stage presence) but her style leaves a lot to be desired. At T4 on the Beach recently she was dressed like a 13 year old rather than a 17 year old and don't get me started on the half-shaved hair do'.
Katie Price
I am actually a fan of Katie Price and think she has good business sense but sadly, bad fashion sense. From tight dresses that overexpose the cleavage to bright, printed tracksuits and T-shirts that would look better on her young daughter, Miss Price isn't the most fashionable celeb.
Lady GaGa
There's no denying that Lady GaGa's style is unique but how many people can actually get away with wearing dresses made from raw meat, see-through body stockings and impossible to walk in heels?
The Inbetweeners
Cheryl Cole
She may regularly top the best dressed lists but Cheryl doesn't always get it right. Her recent colour blocking disaster at the US X Factor auditions is a prime example, aswell as the fluffy white gillet she wore on a trip to LA recently. It may be on trend but it looks like she skinned a small sheep and put it on. Saying that, I did love the sequinned Stella McCartney dress she wore for her birthday bash.
Victoria Beckham
More often than not VB does look stylish but is anyone else bored? I feel like she should push the boundaries a bit more and try something different for a change rather than the usual power dressing and killer heels.
Frankie Sandford
I like it when Frankie goes for the blazer, jeans and hat look or wears cute dresses but once she gets her belly out in little tops all is ruined. Yes, you have amazing abs but do you really need to rub it in all our faces? The belly top and metallic shorts she wore at Chester Rocks were just wrong.
Have your say; Do you agree or disagree? I'd love to read your comments
Best Dressed
Mollie King
The stylish saturdays singer is a high street girl at heart who rarely gets it wrong. From girly playsuits to pretty dresses, she is always on trend.
Olivia Palermo
The City star Olivia is the Queen of accessories and successfully mixes designer with our high street favourite, Topshop
Fearne Cotton
Presenter Fearne has her own rock chick/vintage style and I love her collection for Very. Recently she has been working simple masculine tailoring and looks fabulous
Blake Lively
The leggy Miss Lively always looks stunning in designer frocks by labels such as Chanel and Marchesca. A modern style icon
Emma Watson
Emma has grown up into a real fashionista, stepping out in glamorous couture gowns.
Have I forgotten anyone? Which celeb's style do you love? Why not comment and let me know?
Worst Dressed
Cher Lloyd
There's no denying that Cher is talented and a good performer, (many will disagree but I've seen her live and she's very entertaining with real stage presence) but her style leaves a lot to be desired. At T4 on the Beach recently she was dressed like a 13 year old rather than a 17 year old and don't get me started on the half-shaved hair do'.
Katie Price
I am actually a fan of Katie Price and think she has good business sense but sadly, bad fashion sense. From tight dresses that overexpose the cleavage to bright, printed tracksuits and T-shirts that would look better on her young daughter, Miss Price isn't the most fashionable celeb.
Lady GaGa
There's no denying that Lady GaGa's style is unique but how many people can actually get away with wearing dresses made from raw meat, see-through body stockings and impossible to walk in heels?
The Inbetweeners
Cheryl Cole
She may regularly top the best dressed lists but Cheryl doesn't always get it right. Her recent colour blocking disaster at the US X Factor auditions is a prime example, aswell as the fluffy white gillet she wore on a trip to LA recently. It may be on trend but it looks like she skinned a small sheep and put it on. Saying that, I did love the sequinned Stella McCartney dress she wore for her birthday bash.
Victoria Beckham
More often than not VB does look stylish but is anyone else bored? I feel like she should push the boundaries a bit more and try something different for a change rather than the usual power dressing and killer heels.
Frankie Sandford
I like it when Frankie goes for the blazer, jeans and hat look or wears cute dresses but once she gets her belly out in little tops all is ruined. Yes, you have amazing abs but do you really need to rub it in all our faces? The belly top and metallic shorts she wore at Chester Rocks were just wrong.
Have your say; Do you agree or disagree? I'd love to read your comments
Friday, 15 July 2011
Realistic Holiday Glamour
For those of you who are lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere hot this summer, looking your best by the pool or on the beach is likely to be on your mind.
Many magazines suggest getting glammed up with light, melt-proof foundation, waterproof mascara and golden, stay put cream eyeshadows to look gorgeous and polished on your holidays. But I say let your poor skin breathe! It's smothered in make-up all year round so during the daytime on holiday is the perfect time to give it a much needed break.
Lets be honest, how many non-celebs like you and me actually look like we've stepped out of the pages of a magazine when we're on holiday? Less Beach Goddess and more frizzy hair and white bits. You don't want to completely abandon all pride in your appearance but the beach and pool just aren't the type of places for bangles and lipstick. Especially if you do what the magazines often forget about and actually have a dip in the pool or the sea.
For a much more enjoyable, practical holiday that isn't all about posing follow my tips below.
1. I know it's boring but covering your head from the sun's dangerous rays is important unless you want a burnt scalp or sunburn. Trust me, I've been there.
Luckily, hats, turbans and headscarves are very on trend and cheap. If you don't have the time to buy any of these before you go away try the souvenir shops when you get there. I visited Lanzarote in April and the shops were full of straw trilbys and stetsons aswell as headscarves in bright colours and floral prints.
2. You can't go wrong with a pair of shades. There are so many styles to choose from at reasonable prices on the high street; from classic aviators to fashionable round sunglasses. You can look good and protect your eyes at the same time. Plus, no-one will notice your make-up free eyes. Try asos, Topshop, River Island, Urban Outfitters and Dorothy Perkins for this seasons hottest shades.
3. There are so many lip balms and glosses with an inbuilt SPF nowadays so you can protect and plump your pout at the same time.
4. Hair is best left loose or put in a ponytail, bun or plait which is low enough for you to still wear your hat, turban or headscarf. Your head gear should protect most of your hair from the sun but if you plan on going swimming you may want to apply some leave-in conditioner to your hair to protect it from the chlorine and keep it soft.
5. Save jewellery for the holiday drinks after sunset. Too many accessories by the pool look over the top and they are likely to get lost or ruined. I learnt this the hard way when my favourite charm fell off my bracelet and got lost somewhere in the swimming pool. I never found it and was gutted.
6. Last but definitely not least, make sure you slap on the suncream in a decent factor (at least 15) and reapply often.
So, don't worry about looking perfect on the beach or by the pool on your holiday. Only celebs and people who take themselves too seriously sunbathe in a full face of make-up. How are you supposed to get a tan through it anyway? Holidays are for relaxing so ease up a bit, let your hair down and enjoy yourself.
Many magazines suggest getting glammed up with light, melt-proof foundation, waterproof mascara and golden, stay put cream eyeshadows to look gorgeous and polished on your holidays. But I say let your poor skin breathe! It's smothered in make-up all year round so during the daytime on holiday is the perfect time to give it a much needed break.
Lets be honest, how many non-celebs like you and me actually look like we've stepped out of the pages of a magazine when we're on holiday? Less Beach Goddess and more frizzy hair and white bits. You don't want to completely abandon all pride in your appearance but the beach and pool just aren't the type of places for bangles and lipstick. Especially if you do what the magazines often forget about and actually have a dip in the pool or the sea.
For a much more enjoyable, practical holiday that isn't all about posing follow my tips below.
1. I know it's boring but covering your head from the sun's dangerous rays is important unless you want a burnt scalp or sunburn. Trust me, I've been there.
Luckily, hats, turbans and headscarves are very on trend and cheap. If you don't have the time to buy any of these before you go away try the souvenir shops when you get there. I visited Lanzarote in April and the shops were full of straw trilbys and stetsons aswell as headscarves in bright colours and floral prints.
2. You can't go wrong with a pair of shades. There are so many styles to choose from at reasonable prices on the high street; from classic aviators to fashionable round sunglasses. You can look good and protect your eyes at the same time. Plus, no-one will notice your make-up free eyes. Try asos, Topshop, River Island, Urban Outfitters and Dorothy Perkins for this seasons hottest shades.
3. There are so many lip balms and glosses with an inbuilt SPF nowadays so you can protect and plump your pout at the same time.
4. Hair is best left loose or put in a ponytail, bun or plait which is low enough for you to still wear your hat, turban or headscarf. Your head gear should protect most of your hair from the sun but if you plan on going swimming you may want to apply some leave-in conditioner to your hair to protect it from the chlorine and keep it soft.
5. Save jewellery for the holiday drinks after sunset. Too many accessories by the pool look over the top and they are likely to get lost or ruined. I learnt this the hard way when my favourite charm fell off my bracelet and got lost somewhere in the swimming pool. I never found it and was gutted.
6. Last but definitely not least, make sure you slap on the suncream in a decent factor (at least 15) and reapply often.
So, don't worry about looking perfect on the beach or by the pool on your holiday. Only celebs and people who take themselves too seriously sunbathe in a full face of make-up. How are you supposed to get a tan through it anyway? Holidays are for relaxing so ease up a bit, let your hair down and enjoy yourself.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
My Festival Looks
I can honestly say that Wireless on Friday 1st July 2011 was the most fun that I have ever had at a festival.
I was entertained by the Black Eyed Peas, Example, Bruno Mars, Tinie Tempah and Plan B who were all brilliant and nobody threw any drinks in my direction which was a first.
As festivals are the only time you can get away with rocking lots of bright jewellery, loud head pieces and multicoloured nails all at the same time I fully went for it! Here are the results...
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Ignore the look on my face. Don't you just hate it when the camera flash goes just as you're talking to someone?
My festival look has evolved over the years so I thought I would share my previous festival looks with you.
So, here they are:
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This was at V Festival last year. It was one of those days which was warm but had showers so I threw a cropped river island parka over my river island dress when it rained
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This look was from last years' Wireless. The hat was for both fashion and practicality reasons as there was much bottle throwing last year. Lily Allen even dedicated her song 'f*#k you' to the bottle throwers.
My white Zara top got filthy and was brown by the time I left.
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This was my very first festival outfir as Wireless in 2009. You can't beat classic denim shorts and fringed bags at festivals.
Sadly, I won't be enjoying any more festivals this year but it leaves me plenty of time to plan my outfit for Wireless 2012...
I was entertained by the Black Eyed Peas, Example, Bruno Mars, Tinie Tempah and Plan B who were all brilliant and nobody threw any drinks in my direction which was a first.
As festivals are the only time you can get away with rocking lots of bright jewellery, loud head pieces and multicoloured nails all at the same time I fully went for it! Here are the results...
My festival look has evolved over the years so I thought I would share my previous festival looks with you.
So, here they are:
My white Zara top got filthy and was brown by the time I left.
Sadly, I won't be enjoying any more festivals this year but it leaves me plenty of time to plan my outfit for Wireless 2012...
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Out with the old, in with the new
I am currently on a Ebay tip as I need to make some money to buy into the new season trends and also add some classic staples to my wardrobe that will last much longer than one season.
Being the fashion victim that I am, in the past I have felt the need to invest too heavily in trends. Why have one floral print dress when you can have 7?
But now the time has come for me to sell these items and make room for some fresh, new pieces in my wardrobe.
Business can be slow. There isn't the greatest demand for second-hand clothing despite the good condition that the items are in and it can hardly be classed as vintage when it's only a year old.
But I am undeterred and will keep listing my items. I'm finding that almost half of what I am listing is selling so it's just a case of being patient.
Most of the clothes are still on trend so if you fancy a bargain log onto Ebay and have a look. My user name is Gud_as_new19c. It isn't easy buying new clothes when you're currently unemployed so I need all the help I can get cash wise
Being the fashion victim that I am, in the past I have felt the need to invest too heavily in trends. Why have one floral print dress when you can have 7?
But now the time has come for me to sell these items and make room for some fresh, new pieces in my wardrobe.
Business can be slow. There isn't the greatest demand for second-hand clothing despite the good condition that the items are in and it can hardly be classed as vintage when it's only a year old.
But I am undeterred and will keep listing my items. I'm finding that almost half of what I am listing is selling so it's just a case of being patient.
Most of the clothes are still on trend so if you fancy a bargain log onto Ebay and have a look. My user name is Gud_as_new19c. It isn't easy buying new clothes when you're currently unemployed so I need all the help I can get cash wise
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Festival Fashionista
The likes of Alexa Chung, Jameela Jamil, Kate Moss, Florence Welch and Pixie Lott have set the standard for festival chic. They all have their own styles and rock unique yet practical festival looks.
You can create your very own festival look by using these fashion icons as inspiration by maintaining your own personal style on a limited budget.
This year I will singing (or shouting) along to my favourite acts, fashion spotting and dodging plastic bottles at Wireless in Hyde Park on 4th July.
As the weather has been far from summery recently the festival outfits I've worn during previous sunny years may need some altering. So, here is my outfit plan for this years' festival fun:
Clothes: The playsuit seems to be a popular festival choice this year which looks very cute and on trend but there's just one problem; smelly, portable loos.
Playsuits can be problematic even in the most glamorous club toilets when a loo break can turn into a half an hour event with your mate impatiently waiting for you by the handryer. This is bad enough but add cramped, foul-smelling portable loos into the mix and you're asking for trouble. Might be best to save the playsuits for nights out or BBQs where you can use a normal toilet.
For this reason and other practicalities the best item of clothing to wear at a festival has to be a dress. I wore one at V last year and have never looked back. Rather than the usual brights, whites and florals, this time I am looking for the perfect navy and white Breton striped dress. And it looks like I've found it on the missguided website. http://www.missguided.co.uk/p4774/Layle-Bodycon-Stripe-Dress-In-White-And-Navy/product_info.html
At only £14.99 its a bargain and is exactly what I'm looking for. Lets just hope my size comes into stock in time!
Another alternative is a gorgeously girly lemon striped dress from topshop. http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2446405&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=stripe dress&pageSize=20
At £29 it is more expensive but so worth it!
I plan to wear my stripy dress with my trusty Topshop denim gillet and a pair of knee high socks to keep my legs warm.
Footwear: Gladiator sandals are the perfect summer wear but not for festivals. After witnessing friends' feet turning black with dirt after a day festivalling I will always make sure my feet are covered up in wellies or worker/biker/DM boots. This year I'm likely to wear Hunters as I do every year as apart from a bit of heat discomfort when the sun is out, they are the best footwear to trudge through the dirt, rubbish and empty bottles. Plus if someone treads on your toes it won't hurt. Bonus!
Fluro orange Hunter wellies will look funky and oh so now but will you still be rocking them in the snow come winter? The more practical, long-lasting choice is a black or green pair of Hunters that go with everything. I also prefer the shorter ones as they are easier to walk in and less restrictive. See http://www.hunter-boot.com/ for a wide selection
Cover-ups: As rain is very likely this summer I am going to invest in a rain poncho. My favourites are the Hunter ponchos at a reasonable price of £20. They are classic and you will get plenty of wear out of them if the bad weather continues. There are also more fun ponchos around in bright colours and prints. One of my favourites is a bright floral poncho from filthy fox. http://www.filthyfox.co.uk/floral-rain-poncho.html
Your friends shouldn't have any problems spotting you in a crowd in this!
Accessories and make-up:
I will be carrying my festival essentials in a large fringed bag from H&M which I've had for a few months now. I am currently on the lookout for feathered jewellery to complete my look.
As for make-up, at festivals pretty much anything goes; bright colours, diamantes, body art...
It's the best time to be experimental and have fun.
You can create your very own festival look by using these fashion icons as inspiration by maintaining your own personal style on a limited budget.
This year I will singing (or shouting) along to my favourite acts, fashion spotting and dodging plastic bottles at Wireless in Hyde Park on 4th July.
As the weather has been far from summery recently the festival outfits I've worn during previous sunny years may need some altering. So, here is my outfit plan for this years' festival fun:
Clothes: The playsuit seems to be a popular festival choice this year which looks very cute and on trend but there's just one problem; smelly, portable loos.
Playsuits can be problematic even in the most glamorous club toilets when a loo break can turn into a half an hour event with your mate impatiently waiting for you by the handryer. This is bad enough but add cramped, foul-smelling portable loos into the mix and you're asking for trouble. Might be best to save the playsuits for nights out or BBQs where you can use a normal toilet.
For this reason and other practicalities the best item of clothing to wear at a festival has to be a dress. I wore one at V last year and have never looked back. Rather than the usual brights, whites and florals, this time I am looking for the perfect navy and white Breton striped dress. And it looks like I've found it on the missguided website. http://www.missguided.co.uk/p4774/Layle-Bodycon-Stripe-Dress-In-White-And-Navy/product_info.html
At only £14.99 its a bargain and is exactly what I'm looking for. Lets just hope my size comes into stock in time!
Another alternative is a gorgeously girly lemon striped dress from topshop. http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2446405&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=stripe dress&pageSize=20
At £29 it is more expensive but so worth it!
I plan to wear my stripy dress with my trusty Topshop denim gillet and a pair of knee high socks to keep my legs warm.
Footwear: Gladiator sandals are the perfect summer wear but not for festivals. After witnessing friends' feet turning black with dirt after a day festivalling I will always make sure my feet are covered up in wellies or worker/biker/DM boots. This year I'm likely to wear Hunters as I do every year as apart from a bit of heat discomfort when the sun is out, they are the best footwear to trudge through the dirt, rubbish and empty bottles. Plus if someone treads on your toes it won't hurt. Bonus!
Fluro orange Hunter wellies will look funky and oh so now but will you still be rocking them in the snow come winter? The more practical, long-lasting choice is a black or green pair of Hunters that go with everything. I also prefer the shorter ones as they are easier to walk in and less restrictive. See http://www.hunter-boot.com/ for a wide selection
Cover-ups: As rain is very likely this summer I am going to invest in a rain poncho. My favourites are the Hunter ponchos at a reasonable price of £20. They are classic and you will get plenty of wear out of them if the bad weather continues. There are also more fun ponchos around in bright colours and prints. One of my favourites is a bright floral poncho from filthy fox. http://www.filthyfox.co.uk/floral-rain-poncho.html
Your friends shouldn't have any problems spotting you in a crowd in this!
Accessories and make-up:
I will be carrying my festival essentials in a large fringed bag from H&M which I've had for a few months now. I am currently on the lookout for feathered jewellery to complete my look.
As for make-up, at festivals pretty much anything goes; bright colours, diamantes, body art...
It's the best time to be experimental and have fun.
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