I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny. -- Coco Chanel

Sunday 26 September 2010

It's powder blue for me

I've always loved the colour blue but powder blue has to be my favourite, the colour of disney princess cinderella's ball gown and Alice in Wonderland's iconic dress.

Anyway, I was browsing the Barry M counter and amongst the other lovely vibrant colours that Barry M offers, I spotted it, a striking powder blue coloured nail varnish. I had to have it, especially at just £2.95!



Unlike some colours this nail varnish came out the same vivid colour that it appeared on the bottle, I was very impressed. Another bonus, I only had to do one coat.

I'll definately be buying more of these gorgeously coloured bargain varnishes, how about you?

xx

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Fashion's Night Out. Location: New York City!



Fashion fanatics from all over New York marked a very special event in their diaries for September the 10th and this was for the greatest fashion celebration that has taken over the entire globe; Fashion’s Night Out!

Following on from last year’s hype, Fashion’s Night Out was back for 2010 and it proved bigger than ever, now becoming a global phenomenon. This was a night where everyone could celebrate fashion and be inspired to shop.

This year Fashion’s Night Out pulled out all the stops to create an amazing night full of an array of beautiful clothes, stunning displays and a chance to meet with the designers themselves.

Some would call the night an excuse to shop non-stop whereas others a night to meet with people that share their passion for fashion in an event that celebrates the industry in its entirety. Everyone was welcome to the year’s biggest party from the Designers, shoppers, shop assistants, celebrities, models and we mustn’t forget the endless amount of blogger’s that were tapping away all night long.

This event isn’t just for designer fanatics; this occasion offers affordable fashions for all fashionista’s out there to enjoy and most importantly over 700 shops were open until 11pm exhibiting stunning new collections to lucky shoppers. Customers didn’t feel too guilty spending because they were pleased to know all proceeds from the sales of the FNO’s collections went to New York City AIDs fund.

Women were delighted to hear they could wear their heels and not need to worry about crippling feet because Fashion’s Night Out had dedicated a free bus that made stops throughout the city! This was most definitely the bus to be seen on.

To get people in the mood for shopping indie rock band metric made a special performance at 8.30pm and music mixed by a DJ covered the rest of the night. Guest designer Erin Fetherston offered style tips throughout the night, whilst elsewhere model Karlie Kloss customised cupcakes with shoppers.

Top shop kicked off things by setting up fashion and beauty desks and exclusive vogue tees were on sale to raise money for the NYC AIDs Fund. Top Shop had its very own DJ in store blasting out tunes to get everyone in the spirit to both shop and party. They also called in their very own style photographers, who snapped throughout the night and later uploaded them on Facebook!

Celebrities such as Naomi Campbell and Blake Lively took to their seats for the biggest fashion show in history where all the clothes were specially selected by Anna Wintour. The show was upbeat and energized and saw 170 different looks and over 150 designers that embraced the new trends this season. The show took place outside in a beautiful setting with a lit up water fountain in the centre and models strutted through the runway that was set amongst the seated audience. An array of looks took over the show from the 50’s look inspired by Mad Men to the season’s colour; camel then onto rock chick and military and many more exciting new trends.

Fashion’s Night Out turned out to be such a great success, but it’s not surprising with the amount of hours and work that everyone had put in to make it the event of the year. Fashion, Culture and Music all mixed into one made this a night never to forget. Until next year.


(photo sourced: http://www.styleseendaily.com)

Sunday 19 September 2010

Mad Men Fashion: ladylike chic

Take lead from the Mad Men ladies and be inspired by Pussy bows, pearls and vintage looking hand bags- I don't know about you but I'm simply in love with the Mad Men look!

(photo sourced http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/madmen_fashion.jpg)


After watching the New York's Fashion Night Out show I fell in love with the style. Confident, elegant models with hourglass silhouettes embraced the 50's look perfectly.

Finally a trend that you don't have to be stick thin to wear. In fact, it's even better if you have an hourglass silhouette to pull this look off. Be inspired by the women of Mad Men with A-line skirts and nipped in waists and pearls add an elegant touch.

(photo sourced http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/pub/21publish/fashion/main_1004.jpg)


Vintage pearls and handbags looks great but if you don't feel like going for something second hand, Accessorize have some gorgeous vintage inspired hand bags in at the moment and Miss Selfridge have some cute pearls too. It's always best to mix lots of pieces together, from vintage to contemporary. It's nice to see a great contrast of eras and it adds uniqueness to the outfit.


I saw this bag in Accessorize and thought it was so gorgeous, but I resisted buying it as I have another bag very similar!
(photo sourced http://www.monsoon.co.uk/content/ebiz/monsoon/invt/78961560/78961560_m1.jpg)

Designers from Michael Kors to Thom Browne are being inspired by the fashion seen on the Mad Men set, so much that fashion shows dedicate space for 'Mad Men' inspired looks. Janie Bryant has become so influential that Anne Hathaway approached Janie Bryant at the SAG awards and said “How does it feel to be responsible for changing the face of fashion?” .

I've never actually watched Man Men before but after being inspired by the beautiful outfits that are worn on set; I am simply going to have to watch the next season.

All I can say is Janie Bryant, you style genius!


(photo sourced http://fallbekind.tumblr.com/)



Now let's all dress up!

Monday 13 September 2010

Shopping trip to Southampton...

Don't you just love it when you find something you LOVE and it's an absolute bargain!

Well on my shopping trip to Southampton with my dad (which was supposed to be for finding essentials for my new room at uni) I found a few gorgeous staple garments for my winter wardrobe that I simply loved and had to get, even though I shouldn't be spending any more money!

So, I told myself (for the 100th time) these are the last clothes I'm going to buy now this winter.

This is what I bought on my Primark visit, I've been looking for a bright red cardi for a while now, but I thought this one was different with the ruche shoulders that are raised slightly balancing out my pear shape. I mean Primark's only cheap so I shouldn't feel too guilty, should I? ...







Navy lace dress, Primark, £3
Bright red cardi, Primark, £9

The rest of the outfit I had already:
Ballet pumps, New Look, £8
Navy flower belt, Accessorize
Pearls & Flower, both H&M

I also took a little detour to New Look because I figured I won't be getting my 50% for much longer now so I thought it would be rude not to...







Lacey Bed Jacket, New Look, £24.99
I thought this pretty embroidered top would be a perfect alternative to a cardi, which would work well with many outfits. I wore it out with this dress because I thought the floral pattern showed up really well against the vivid blue colour.

The rest of the outfit I had already:
Bright blue frill dress, New Look


and lastly a few essentials for the winter...



Polka dot tights, £3.99
Navy tights, £2.99
Bow fingerless gloves, £5.99
All New Look


Hope you're all getting stocked up with lots of pretty things for winter! :)

xxx