Fashion and Style Blog

Wednesday 29 February 2012

This weeks wish list!

I am very excited that is once again pay day, and I can go and hit the shops guilt free! However, I want to streach my budget as far as I can, so will always do a bit of shopping around, either pounding the high street or checking online to see what peices I love. (That way I can try and compare prices of similar items)

This week is no different, and I although the list could have gone on and on, but I have narrowed down to 5 of my fav pieces! 
                                                                      H&M  £14.99


                                                                 H&M £24.99


                                                          Misguided £ 22.99



                                                                  ASOS £40

                                                        
                                                                   Boohoo £12

                        Happy shopping guys! xx
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Tuesday 28 February 2012

Dress Deja Vu!

One of the most important questions that any celeb and their Stylist should consider before venturing out on the red carpet should always be has anyone worn this before? Or at least has anyone worn anything like this before?
I know how much I hate going out and seeing another girl in the same dress as me, never mind the whole of the world press snapping it up for the fashion archives! 


 Emma Stone arrived to the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday night in a red Giambattista Valli dress with a big red bow at the neck which was nearly identical to a Balenciaga dress Nicole Kidman wore to the 2008 ceremony. (I literally could not believe my fashion eyes!)



Although the cut and shape of the dress is very different the most distinguishable feature of both of these dresses is the big red bow! 
The first thing that every fashion journo did when they saw Emma was to immediately draw a direct comparison to Miss Kidman and the similarities. 


I am really surprised at Emma Stone for this decision, this was a big year for her at the Oscars, her film The Help was nominated for best picture, she was presenting an award so she knew there would be a lot of attention on her. So why would you chose a dress that everyone would associate you with another Hollywood big player! 
Emma has made some real fashion forward decisions this award season, her Lanvin dress at the Golden Globes was stunning, and there was definitely enough dresses out there that could have helped stamped her own individual style rather than harp back to a previous dress. 
Shame on you Miss Stone, a fashion faux pas! 
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Monday 27 February 2012

Runways Red Carpet Round Down

Well that is it the Awards season is over and we went out with a bang last night with one of the best dressed Oscars for many a year. We sat up with baited breath for each lady to step out of the car, and it was wonderful to be greeted with such an collection of stunners!I can rarely say this, but it was actually hard to pick out anyone for a "worst dressed" list. Normally there are at least 3 or 4 dresses that have you will have to say what was she thinking? but this year the majority got it bang on. 

The big trend of the night was White, a colour I love in dresses so it became easy for me to form my favourite's, but red was another colour that was popping up on a wide spectrum of styles. 

Anyway, I will cut to the chase and give you run down of the highlights for me starting with my Best Dressed Lady! 

Gywneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

It is not often that I will actually sit up and make an audible gasp at a dress, but this dress for me is perfection. The cape is so original and different, but looks completely elegant against the clean lines of the simple dress. The slight asymmetrical edge of at the top of the dress just sets it apart for another bandeau  and Gwyneth's figure looks amazing, I think this is the best I have ever seen her.- Gorgeous!

Winners

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

 How wonderful is this dress? This is exactly how a curvy women should dress, it is the perfect fit. It show cases all the best bits of Octavia's figure the gathering at the waist is beautiful and so flattering. Octavia has not put a foot wrong in the whole Award Season and this was the perfect end. 

Mila Jovovich in Elle Saab

 I love this dress! This was one of the first dresses to hit the red carpet and it was one of the best. The colour looks perfect on Mila and the detail on the shoulder creates and fab silhouette. 

Cameron Diaz in Gucci


The detail at the bottom of the dress is gorgeous and shows Cameron's figure off perfectly. I sometimes think that bandeau tops can be a bit boring, but with a figure like this it looks fab!

Jenifer Lopz in Zuhair Murad
This was a dress that was causing in difference with the fashion critics last night, but I love it. Yes, it would not look good on everyone, but it is so Jlo that it works. (Although there was a slight nipple gate when she presented an award later) but she still rocked this look.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander Mcqueen

This was a huge hit for Jesscia Chastain, black and gold has been big on the runway for the AW12 shows so this was bang on trend. It could be really difficult to pull off a pattern like this around the hips, but Jessica's figure carry it off beautifully. I loved her hair too, possibly the best hair of the night. 

Bernice Bejo in Elle Saab
This is not what I expected from Bernice, it is nothing like anything she has worn before, but I do really like it. It was the only light green dress on the red carpet which helped it stand out and the shape is classic and timeless. 

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton
I had really high hopes for Michelle and she did not disappoint. This peplum dress looks stunning on her frame and the colour was one of the most eye catching of the night. 

Rose Bryne in Vivienne Westwood
There was a lot of sequins on the Red Carpet and this black number of one of the best. Admittedly she is so skinny that I was taken back a bit but the shape of the dress is wonderful and the back had real detail. 

Penelope Cruz in Armani 
This is is classic old school Hollywood. Penelope was channelling her inner Grace Kelly with this dress and I love it. It is not like any thing we have seen her in before, but the dress and hair together was a timeless effect. 

Stacy Kiebler in Marchesa 
Stacy literally looked like an Oscar statue in this dress! The colour was amazing, but the talking point was the rose on the hips. For many women (myself included) it is all about slimming down the hips but for a figure like Stacy, she totally gets away with it and it adds shape in just the right way. And gets my vote for earrings of the night!

Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward

This was one of my sister Katie's favs of the night, she absolutely loved the art deco detail around the shoulder and the colour. Bang on with the white trend of the night.


Losers

As I have said above there was not many real frock horrors at this years event. Where was the Cher's and Bjork's when you need them. But the list below is my pick of the dresses that failed to excite me. 

Penelope Ann Miller in Badgley Mischka

I am sorry, but I did not like this dress. The colour washed Penelope out, unlike some of the other light colour dresses of the night. The fit was slightly tight and was not completely flattering in places. I know she was going for Hollywood glamour but it did not work for me. 

Viola Davis in Vera Wang
This dress was just a little too "booby" for me, there is no question that she looked gorgeous, her hair was stunning. But I feel that the dress just needed to be pulled up a bit. 

Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera
There is a nothing really wrong with this dress, it is just really blah. When you compare it to Michelle Williams Peplum dress, there is no contest. We want more than this for the Oscars. 

Anna Faris in Diane Von Furstenburg
This was sequins gone wrong. The shape is not right, it hangs funny and the sleeves look too long for her. Again compared to Rose Bryne this does not compare. 

Well, that is my round up guys, I hope you enjoy reading and agree with my picks! Bring on next year! xxx

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Saturday 25 February 2012

Budget Birthday Dress!

Last week was my birthday (another year older, not sure if it's wiser!) but as I was down in London for Fashion week I was not able to celebrate with all my Friends back in Manchester. So tonight me and my Twin sister are having our Friends round for drinks and nibbles before hitting the bright lights of the city!
However it being the weekend before pay day and my funds being well and truly soaked up in the big smoke I was worrying about what I could wear for the big occasion. I know it is a bit silly but I always like to get something new to wear for a birthday/celebration night out, but I can't be spending a fortune every time I head out so I have to give my self a strict budget and stick to it.
 
For this weekend my budget was £25, a small amount I know but you would be amazed what I was able to find. For each different occasion I will always budget a certain amount and if the higher or lower it will determine where I shop. This week I was shopping at Boohoo, ASOS, New Look and Primark, and they all had some really nice dresses or skirts that could have been great, but I was looking for something bright and graphic and the shop that came up trumps was Primark!
I found this gorgeous print dress for £13!! As soon as I saw it made me think of Peter Pilotto's dresses from the SS12 collection, the colours are also perfect for this seasons ice cream hues. 


I can't wait to get it on now, and I will be posting pictures of how it looked on really soon and with my change of my £25 I was able to get a ring and earrings too! I love a bargin, so get yourselves down the shops ladies there are great finds to be had! Xxxx
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Friday 24 February 2012

Oscar Count Down!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that this Sunday night is the highlight not in just the film worlds calender but the fashion world too, The 84th Academy Awards! 
Out of all the Ceremonies in the Award Season The Oscars is the only that the people want to get right on the red carpet, as a bad Oscar dress will haunt you for years to come, as Bjork, Geena Davis and Celine Dion will verify. 


I am soo excited about the big night, Me and my Sister Katie will be sitting up to watch all the action as it unfolds passing our critical eye of the winner and losers in the fashion stakes.
There are plenty of ladies to look out for this year, Michelle Williams has so far excelled in her outfits, Emma Stone has been trying new styles for her that have really worked and The Artists Berenice Bejo is another lady who we have high hopes for. 
  A full report will be uploaded on Monday so if you can't stay up or have access to E live at the Red Carpet, we will be your fashion police! (I will need surgically removed from my sofa for the whole event) 


But, to get us all in the mood, I have been looking back at some women who have got it right over the years, and we have gazed adoringly for afar. Let's hope this year produces some gems like these.....


Marion Cotillard in Jean Paul Gaultier 


Halle Berry in Elle Saab


Julia Roberts in Valentino


Michelle Williams in Vera Wang


Jennifer Lopez in Valentino


Audrey Hepburn


Grace Kelly



Enjoy the Red Carpet guys, and check in for the full report on Monday! xxx 

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Wednesday 22 February 2012

Runway Report!

 The best part of any Fashion Week is always the shows themselves, the catwalk is a very exciting place to be, not just for the fashion but to check out who you will be rubbing shoulders with! 
I went to 3 shows this year, Kinder Aggugini, Todd Lynn and Issa London, and all were equally fabulous, but when it comes to guest list the Issa show went A List with Gemma Arterton, and Tinie Tempah sitting just a few people away. 
The whole of London Fashion week was awash of beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes, on my travels I spotted, Susie Lau, of wonderful blog Style Bubble fame, Brix-Smith-Smart, Sharleen Spiterti, Jo Wood, Jameela Jamil,Nicola Roberts the list goes on. 
But, I digress it is not all about the people it is about the clothes, and I was treated to a some absolutely gems on the catwalk. 

Kinder Aggugini

This was a stunning collection of black and gold lace, long heavy coats and shiny black loafers. It was such brilliant showcase of what AW12 will have in store, but my personal highlights were the wide brimmed hats, that gave a retro feel which worked wonderfully against the Kayne and Jay-Z pumping out over the speakers.


Todd Lynn

 This was classic tailoring at it bests, a celebration of the female form. Fabulous trousers suits and pencil skirts created beautiful silhouettes that every body shape can embrace. The use of leather, in teal and burnt orange, not just black was inspired and all finished off with ankle boots, the overall effect was effortless.

Issa London


This collection was such a mix of print, brights and plain and simple elegance. There were audible gasps when a bright red lace evening dress floated down the runway, my favourite a red cape that was so vibrant, it would brighten any winter day. (So, red is sticking around for time to come) Like previous Issa collections there were signature long slinky numbers that only the very slender figures can enjoy,or if us normal sizes get a good pair of spanx!This however did not detract from a beautiful collection that had the fashionista's purring! 

So look forward to the winter girls, there will be plenty to make us all look fab-u-lous. xxx

To check out all the images of these shows go to http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/catwalkreport_v2.aspx?seasonid=27&seasonday=2012-2-18&day=2

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Tuesday 21 February 2012

Highlight of the Week!

In the midst of all my post about the fabulous London fashion week (more to follow by the way) I thought it was time to start whipping up the excitement for the Manchester Fashion Week!!
Massive drum roll!!
This event will be taking place from the 9th- 14th April and will be a must go to event for all fashion lovers, buyers, bloggers, basically any uber stylish person in the North.

I think it is soo exciting that Manchester is going to be hosting an occasion like this, it gives huge support for all local and up and coming talent.
As wonderful as all the big Fashion weeks are, it is really important to look at new fresh new styles and designer's and moving fashion events around the country is the best way to do this. I know I will be getting my tickets pronto!

There are loads more details to follow, which I will update you with as soon as they happen, so you will not miss a thing!

The Manchester Fashion Week site,is updated everyday and newsletter to sign up for http://www.mcrfashionweek.com/
Or you can follow them on Twitter @MRCFashionweek

Get excited with me guys and keep the start of April free! xx


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Monday 20 February 2012

The NEWGENerations

As well as the excitement of the live shows, one of the best bits of London Fashion Week is the exhibitions that are throughout Somerset House of all the up and coming designers in the industry. 
In 1993 The British Fashion Council set up NEWGEN, a scheme to recognise new talent in the Fashion industry. For the past 10 years Topshop have been the sponsor of this scheme, and it has built up quite a long list of wonderful winners such as Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Christopher Kane and Richard Nicoll. 

So with all this in mind the first place I hit when I arrived was the NEWGEN exhibit! Having a real mooch about is the best way to get a feel for each designer and their style. 
Below are my favourite picks (but I am being fussy as they were all fab)



How amazing are all these pieces, all so unique and different.  I Love love love James Long's dresses with the sequins they take metallic's to another level, and Michal van der Ham's clutches would literally style any outfit! 
It makes the future of fashion a very exciting place, and one thing that struck me about all these designers as I was walking round was the wearability of all the items, yes, some were more "safe" than others but all have a real sense of day to day clothing.
And for me, that is what I want to see from new designs, something different and exciting, but still able to imagine how this will fit into our own sense of style. 
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Friday 17 February 2012

London Fashion Week is here!

Well, one of the most exciting weeks of the year is upon us, London Fashion week is due to be bigger and better than ever. With the return of Stella Mccartney and the excitment over the NEWGEN of British Designers there is a real buzz about this seasons shows!
I will be keeping you in the action as it happens, and checking out what we will all be wearing this winter!
I am on route to the big smoke now and so there will be pictures and updates all weekend, so stayed tuned
Hope you enjoy as much as I do. xx

However, before I fill you in on all the things happening at Somerset House and the shows, I just wanted to give you a run down of my London Wardrobe!
As you can imagine it is pretty stressful deciding what to wear to an event that is all about the clothes, but in the end I went for my wet look leggings from Boohoo and a printed tunic from Topshop for the big day. I wanted a big pop of colour so I added a bright blue blazer from Primark to bring it all together and it was really comfy too! 
The other pieces I was really excited about were my new Mary Katrantzou for Topshop canvas bag! The launch of the collection   (my highlight of the week)was on Friday so I was straight to the holy grail of Oxford Circus to check it out. The dresses are stunning but a little out of my price range at the moment, so I was so happy to get the bag, which I have photographed below. 
Also, with it being London Fashion Week I purchased one of the NEWGEN designed T Shirts from Topshop. I will do a feature on these in the next couple of days, but I just couldn't wait to wear mine straight away! 
Finally my new Boohoo bird blouse, is a very welcome addition to my Wardrobe and was great with coloured jeans. All in all a fun few days of dressing!
  

Day One-Outfit 1


 Blouse- Boo Hoo, Green jeans- H&M, Blazer- Topshop, Bag- H&M, Hat- New Look

Day One Outfit 2 (Birthday Meal)


Dress- ASOS, Clutch-Dorothy Perkins, Shoes- New Look, Ring- Miss Selfridges


Day 2 Outfit 1


Cardigan- Dorothy Perkins, Jeans- Primark, T Shirt- Topshop (Emma Cook NEWGEN design) Bag- Topshop Mary Katrantzou, Hat- H&M


Day Two -Outfit 2 (Fashion Week Shows)


Blazer- Primark, Tunic- Topshop, Wet look Leggings- Boohoo, Ring- H&M, Shoes- New Look

Day Three- Outfit 1

Jumper- Topshop, Green Jeans- H&M, Sunglasses- Primark,  Blazer- as above, Ballet Pumps- New Look
 
Hope you all approve! My catwalk reports and photos from the exhibitions will be up really soon, so keep checking in! xxx
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