White: Do you dare to wear?

When the sun’s out, we’re all naturally drawn to white, no? A staple of the summer wardrobe, white evokes images of sun-drenched Greek islands, blue skies and golden skin. This season, the fashion world has gone head over heels for this palest of trends, so why are we still so wary of white?

Just this week, I made my monthly trip to Zara, that delicious middle of the road brand via which we can all look like we’re dressed in Celine for a mere fraction of the price. I was there to buy white; presumably that flash of sun we had last week sent me into some kind of over-exposed frenzy. I selected these beauties for upcoming weddings/days I want to be Carrie Bradshaw – and I would have been satisfied had my accompanying friend not said:

‘It’s funny, how things that would’ve seemed horrible a few years ago are okay now. Like white shoes.’

I still bought the shoes. But the thought remained; is white always right?

Well, no, it isn’t. It’s a veritable minefield, but this is not news to anyone. So to assist us all in the hazardous embracing of white this season as the gods at Vogue and Elle decree, here are a few danger zones to beware.

1. Stain street. The first one is obvious. Christ, who hasn’t this happened to? Just one errant swirl from your pasta salad and that dress is a goner (this happened to me featuring a forkful of lasagne, a white trench coat and subsequently an embarrassing visit to a bemused Hermes store in Paris). A misjudged seat on a bus or garden chair and sniggers will ensue for the rest of the evening. Even the gentle tugging of your head through a white blouse and suddenly half your foundation is on the collar. White, you cruel mistress.

2. To tan or not to tan? Secondly, the irrational need for a tan that white seems to inspire. It may have escaped your notice, but we don’t get much in the way of sunshine here, so options are limited. Fake the sunkissed glow, and run the gauntlet of tan transfer – see above. Or, go natural and work the slight browning you’ve achieved thus far. I face this dichotomy in a few months’ time – I anticipate I’ll fake it, lest I resemble a haddock fillet in a shift dress.

3. The price is white. Lastly, is the fact that you’ll probably need to flash a bit of cash to pull off white, or else embrace visible underwear and cheap material forever. Depressingly, I can’t afford Christian Dior; Zara is pushing it, realistically. White on a budget is a risky affair – I have yet to succeed, although I’ve found H&M and Topshop to be regular safe havens.

So, if you’ve got especially delicate eating habits (or a stick of Vanish, just in case) go white. Hey, if it’s good enough for Anna Wintour…

The 1990s Sartorial Graveyard: Three Things I Wish I’d Never Worn

Cast your minds back to the 1990s.

No, not the cool Philip Lim, Rihanna-esque grunge nineties you think happened – the real nineties, whereby everyone looked…weird. Granted, I was in that hideous stage of pre-pubescence, all tracksuit bottoms and ill-advised fringes, so I wasn’t even fashion-bad in the sense of Julia Stiles circa 10 Things I Hate About You. But like any impressionable young tween, Tammy Girl said jump, I said how high.

Now in light of this here nineties revival that has trickled down into the wares of high street stores, I am forced to revisit the wincingly bad trends of the last few decades, if for no other reason than to make me put back the confusingly erect beanie hat in Topshop, and accept that only Cara Delevingne looks good in a Bart Simpson crop top. Let us all learn hard won lessons from the past, because there are some things that should forever be consigned to the bin. My lime green zip-up fleece for one, Mum.

1. Skirt Trousers.

I saw evidence of ’skousers’ (see what they did there?) reappearing on, of all places, the catwalks in February. That’s right: skirts worn over trousers. Now, I see the practicality, Marc Jacobs and Chanel, I do. Tops are permanently that bit too short and skirts are regrettably draughty come an April morning, I can tell you. But the idea veers far too close to a white Lycra pair of skousers my sister owned. They were flared, and ever so slightly see-through, like some kind of stripper Bee Gee. Never again.

Skirt Trousers at Chanel AW 12-13

2. Denim

Fear not, I don’t mean all denim; we all enjoy a good pair of jeans (although, I haven’t bought a new pair since year 10 – they still fit, rejoice!). I’m talking indigo blue denim jackets, shapeless and gawdy, and strange drainpipes in the same shade of blue, stretchy with elastic waist. Christ, denim trainers! All worn together! Sing it with me, ‘say you’ll do what I don’t, say you’re true, say to me…c’est la vie!’

B*witched…as if you could forget

3. Leggings.

Yes, I know they’re comfy. How is it possible to object to innocuous black leggings I here you ask. For many reasons, actually: leggings that are not black, for a start, shudder. Leggings that have stirrups – liberate your pointlessly constrained ankles, children of the nineties! Leggings on anyone with legs bigger than breadsticks. Leggings with perpetual holes, in the knee or bum. The fact that leggings are never as thick as trousers, and thus reveal your polka dot pants. The pairing of leggings with crop tops for anyone other than the cast of Fame – as was outlawed by my old head of sixth form. Justifiably, it turns out.

Inexplicable stirrup leggings

There’s a fine line here folks, be daring and shun the sartorial laziness of leggings, and end up in skirt-trousers. The current decade is not immune to the horror; I’ve already thrown away my flatforms in bemusement.

Do you regret the fashion choices of yesteryear? Or are you a proud trend-follower? Good luck one and all, it’s a fashion minefield out there.

My Best Charity-Shop Buys

I used to shop in charity shops a lot when I was a student, admittedly more out of necessity than a bohemian dress-sense.  I (unfortunately) wasn’t mixing second-hand chic amidst my designer pieces and H&M and Primark also featured pretty highly.  Upon graduating my retailer of choice also graduated to the dizzier heights of Topshop and Zara and hovered in that region before maxing out at Whistles and Cos in the latter half of my twenties.

I’ve recently found myself popping into the odd charity shop again and remembered the joy of stumbling across a vintagy leather bag or the thrill finding an amazing dress miraculously in my size.  Fate.

The usual advice is still best when hunting down hidden treasures; go for affluent neighbourhoods for higher-end designer brands or student areas for budget high-street threads. Although not charity-orientated  pre-loved and e-Bay are also easy ways to locate second-hand, well…..anything.

Charity buys forego the ‘spending guilt’ and if you need further justification, its recycling too.

Here, I’ve listed some of my favourite second-hand purchases.  On reflection many have out-lasted my high-street purchases and remain firm wardrobe favourites.

L.K. Bennett Leather Patent Block Heel Court Shoes £25 – better condition than most of my current shoes.

Octavia Foundation

3 Bute St, London, Greater London SW7 3EY

Tweed Crombie Coat $20 AUD – this hasn’t got any labels whatsoever so I took some guesses at garment care and sizing.

‘Vinnies’ in Paddington, Sydney (short for a charity called St Vincent’s)

Oxford Street 292, 2021 Sydney, NSW

Faux Leather Burgundy Clutch £6.00

Oxfam

93 High Street Wimbledon, London

                   

Follow me @joanna_knowles

The Perfect Prehistoric Love: How to Rock The Dino Trend

Maybe it’s an underlying psychological need of mine to regress back to a time where my dinosaur shaped crayons were the most important thing in my life, but for this reason or another I seem to be drawn to anything and everything shaped like T-Rex and friends in the fashion world right now.

With Land Before Time inspired tees in abundance thanks to Tee & Cake via Topshop (this brand have supplied me with some of my favorite t-shirts ever over the years) I have pulled out a couple which I think are particularly key to the ‘dino-craze’ and relatively affordable for all…

RAAAAAR! Tyrannosaurus Rex Tee £20

Science College Tee £22

I also came across this little gem courtesy of Babbletees.  Anyone else think Droma looks a tad camp?

If you would rather give wearing your Dinosaur literally on your sleeve a miss though, and would prefer to declare your love of the prehistoric a little more demurely, how about check out this bargain of a ring I picked up at H&M for £2.99:

Yes his eyes sparkle with Diamantes!

Next week…SHARKS!

Top Soft Bras On The High Street

I enjoy a good shopping session as much as the next person, but there are a few items that when I am faced with replacing, I literally go cold at the thought.  Jeans, shoes and bras are my shopping kryptonite and I tend to leave it until the very last minute to brave the high street in search of worthy replacements.  Whilst I am fully aware I also bitch about knicker shopping in the UK, bras can be an even worse experience.

Whilst I am not blessed with a Kelly Brook-esque rack, nor the desire to ‘plump things up’ surgically, this does mean that I don’t particularlly need the support of Mr Underwire and his welt-inducing friends.  So if you are like me, and find buying bras a torturous experience, why not opt for the soft variety?  Urban Outfitters and Topshop have been doing a small line of cracking soft bras for a while now (Some of the below I actually have and they are ridiculously comfy you forget your wearing them).  Furthermore, I ventured to the new & Other Stories concept store last week and was delighted to see they too have jumped on the soft bra bandwagon and launched a gorgeous range with matching bottoms to boot…

Urban Outfitters (Approx £16)

& Other Stories (£19)

& Other Stories (£19)

Topshop (£18)

Topshop (£12)

Pretty, pretty, pretty.

5 of the best: Vertical stripe skirts

Five stripey skirts to slip into for Spring.

Stripes were a major trend on the Spring/Summer 2013 catwalks, from de la Renta to Dior, and now that the spring collections are in shops it’s clear the high street has followed suit. Want to try the trend without looking like Beetlejuice, or a Newcastle United supporter? If so, a vertically striped skirt is a good way to go. I’ve got a high-waisted stretchy black and white striped skirt that I got from vintage store Beyond Retro a couple of years ago and I’ve worn it to death ever since. As long as you pick a style to suit your shape (i.e. go for a mini if you’re petite and knee-length if you’re long of leg) then a striped skirt can be really flattering - they’re certainly far more forgiving than horizontal stripes. Here are five vertical stripe skirts to buy online now.

1. Stripe Zip Back Mini Skirt, £9.99, Internacionale

2. Fallona Monochrome Striped Pencil Skirt, £15.99, Missguided

3. Jane Norman Striped Pencil Skirt, £ 28, House of Fraser

4. White Stripe Pencil Skirt, £32, Topshop

5. House of Holland Striped Tube Skirt, £88, Asos

5 of the best: Silk shirts

The silk shirt. It’s been through some tough times hasn’t it, trend-wise? Remember those wide-collared shiny Seventies throwbacks that everyone wore with black bootcut trousers in the Nineties for example? But with the advent of the Peter Pan collared shirt as a staple over the last couple of years, the silk shirt has had a bit of a resurgence, in a much chicer guise. Here are five sweet silk shirts to slip into your wardrobe.

1. Whistles excels at this sort of thing. The Polly Foulard print blouse (£60, reduced from £110) can be paired with its counterpart trousers for the full-on pajama look, or tucked into a high-waisted skater skirt for something a bit more girly.

2. Seeing as they’re made of a rare commodity, silk shirts aren’t ever going to be cheap, but this H&M silk blouse, at £39.99, is about as affordable as you’re going to get. It’s a gorgeous saturated shade, somewhere between tangerine and mustard, that will go beautifully with indigo skinny jeans.

3. NYC designer Alexander Wang knows a thing or two about making monochrome sexy (check out his last catwalk collection if you don’t believe me) and this white diaphanous T by Alexander Wang shirt (£99, reduced from £220) is no exception. Wear it bra-less if you dare.

4. At first glance this Topshop Boutique black silk shirt (£65) looks a bit severe, until you spot the cheeky cutouts on the neck and back. You could still wear it to work with a blazer on top and no one would be any the wiser.

5. There’s something so much cooler, and way less fussy, about a plain white shirt when it’s silk rather than cotton. This Jaeger washed silk shirt (£99, reduced from £140 at John Lewis) has got cute contrast buttons and rolled up sleeves that give it a neat preppy feel.

High-street Brands at London Fashion Week

High street brands are closing the gap between couture and ‘over-the-counter’ labels as more and more high-street brands turn around ever slicker, covetable collections.

Whistles are showing at LFW for the first time, hosting an off-schedule event showcasing the brand’s AW13/14 limited edition premium range alongside core main-range pieces.

Whilst not brand new to LFW, this is the first seated event from the high street brand. Whistles will be joining the ranks of long-serving LFW favourite Topshop and mirroring River Island’s toe-dip into fashion week with the much-publicised Rihanna collection.

The brand is currently bucking the hard-up-high-street trend and opening a multi-floored flagship branch in Mayfair. The new store interior will epitomise the simple elegance associated with the Whistle’s signature whilst using innovative wireless payment technology to add a USP to the new store.

High street brands are becoming less incongruous at fashion week to the dismay of some purists but seen as inevitable by others. CEO Jane Shepherdson said the brand had been moving in the luxury direction for some time and LFW offers the ‘ideal platform’ to showcase the collection to the British and International fashion community .

5 of the best: Snow boots

There’s more snow forecast in the UK in the coming weeks and the pavements are still covered in slush and ice, so now’s a great time to invest in a pair of sturdy snow boots.

We’ve rounded up five pairs of high street winter boots that will provide maximum foot warmth and minimum risk of a bone-breaking fall. They may not be pretty, but they sure are comfy. Plus, with some sales still on they start at less than £30 a pop.

1. Teig black patent snow boots, £26.99 (were £60), Aldo

Waterproof, with a slip-resistant heel, a nice bit of faux fur trim and a practical ankle height – these boots are seriously good value for money.

2. Neeve Ella GTX brown snow boots, £64.99 (were £130), Clarks

Using Gore-tex fabric and something called Active Air cushioning, these boots are way more high-tech than their sensible brown suede exterior suggests. The waxed finish means they’re hard-wearing too.

3. Black nylon Moon Boot, £79.99, New Look

Some people might shudder at the sight of these, the winter equivalent of the Ugg. But given the choice between a Moon Boot and a pair of soaked Converse on a sub-zero day and I know which I’d choose.

4. Helly Hansen Iskoras snow boots, £130, John Lewis

If The Killing’s Sara Lund wanted a pair of boots to go with her iconic jumper, I think she’s choose these. Not only do they have a suitably Scandinavian sheepskin upper, they’re sturdy enough to chase after murderers in.

5. Valenme Snow Flake Bootie, £169, Topshop

OK, admittedly these boots aren’t the best for braving snow-covered roads and freezing temperatures, mainly because they’re made of wool, but look! The little snowflake! Isn’t it cute?

Pleather and Peplum picks…How to nail 2 trends in 1

Two tricky trends that have emerged this season have resulted in a personal battle to find the ultimate in styles I have never before ventured in to.  ’Pleather’ and peplums to be exact. Whilst I have been lusting over a series of real leather skater skirts for the last few months on various internet sites such as Asos, Topsop et al, I didn’t feel at ease with blowing around £90 on a trend that could potentially hit saturation point this winter. Just like my previous deliberations over the Isabel Marant rip-off trainer heels that have subsequently flooded the market (and yes I did ultimately cave) I have been holding out for a cheaper copy, a ‘pleather’ if you will, which wont make me cry when my credit card bill comes. After umming and arring over this version from Rare I discovered in the basement of Topshop’s flagship yesterday, which not only also incorporates the studded trend for AW12-13 but is also a steal at £26, I would have gone for it had I not picked out a size too small and had a MOOOO moment…

However, this did lead me to venture in to Zara, somewhere where I rarely shop to be honest, and discovered something that not only nodded to the leather trend, but also incorporated the ‘peplum’ look which has been absolutely everywhere from SS12 (and which I do not see going away).  This PU gem only set me back £22.99 and although I am yet to road test it out thoroughly, I think managing to nail two trends with one item is pretty good going…

Ring-a-ding-ding, is Primark the new Fast Jewellery King?

Every woman loves jewellery.  Or perhaps every female I have ever met.  There might be the odd few who could argue against me, but, just like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot, they remain nothing more than a myth.  For many, forgetting to put on your favourite bracelet or ring before you leave the house can send you spiralling into a world of panic, and result in phantom itches and pangs of uncertainty all day.  I for one just feel lost without at least three rings on at any one time.  And coupled with my inability to afford Pamela Love, Elizabeth & James or Dannijo adornments as yet, the High Street is where I purchase the majority of my oversized, ‘man-reppelling’ trinkets.

My latest finds are actually courtesy of the new flagship Primark store on Oxford Street (otherwise dubbed ‘Posh Primark’).  Just think of it like when you buy a new car, all shiny and clean.  Give it a few weeks and there are chocolate stains and coke bottles rolling around on the floor.  The staff is, in fact, rather friendly and polite, and I even caught two making friends on the 3^rd floor (awwwww).  No doubt their spirits will be crushed soon enough though.  But anyway!  I managed to bag me this ‘gold’ knuckle ring and this Black stoned beast for a couple of quid combined.  Now I am more than aware these will last me approximately 3 weeks tops before they start turning my flesh a putrid green, but for that price I can replace them.  My problem is that I bought the second one (carbon copy) in Topshop last year for £6.  Clearly from the same distribution company, but it does make my blood boil that Topshop get away with such price inflation.  Never again will I purchase jewellery from Topshop, and instead put my savings towards getting one step closer to the Pamela Love counter at Liberty’s…

Best Autumn/Winter Bags

Ditch your oversized, weekend-style bags full of things you haul around ‘just in case’ and go low-maintenance with a convenient clutch or cross-body bag.

 Alexander Wang Brenda Leather Camera Bag £198

Known for urban cool and the notorious off-duty-model look, this mini camera bag is great for taking to gigs:

 

H&M Leather Bag £39.99

Continuing the colour block theme in an Autumnal colour palette:

ASOS Rabbit Cross Body Bag £20 

Add some colour to winter greys and navy or even better, match to your critter knit:

ZARA clutch with chain £59.99

 Obligatory animal design but not the over-it-now-thanks leopard print:

 

Topshop Studded Bumbag £25

Wear cross-body or slung over the shoulder, a tonal version of a nineties fad:

 

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute bag £415

Sophisticated and smart, wear this to interviews and posh parties (i.e. anywhere it won’t get a pint spilt over it and you’re forced to kill the offender):

Street Style | Floral and pastels at Graduate Fashion Week 2012

Not only did Graduate Fashion Week deliver a whole heap of talent on the catwalks (check out our round up of the best graduate collections) but there was plenty of style savvy on display in between the shows too. While perusing the pathways of the Earl’s Court exhibition centre we found many an attendee nodding to the two of the biggest spring 2012 trends – pastels and florals. Was it deliberate? We stopped a handful of very well dressed visitors to find out.

Who: Marissa Owen, who won last year’s graduate womenswear designer of the year award. Marissa is now a designer at Marks and Spencer.

What are you wearing? Cos dress, PPQ shoes, Topshop socks and bag.

Do the seasonal trends influence what you wear? Not consciously, but because I’m always researching trends for my work I think there is a certain influence.

What have you seen at GFW so far? I saw the UCLan show, that’s the uni I went to, it was brilliant. I loved the collection with the jack-in-a-box theme [it was by Xiaoping Fiona Hwang].

Who: Lucy Nicholls, recent fashion promotion graduate of Middlesex University and blogger on Shiny Thoughts.

What are you wearing? Topshop shirt, trousers and brogues, Lazy Oaf backpack, Me and Zina jewellery.

Are you influenced by seasonal trends? Not really. I like florals and pastels anyway so I’m glad they’re in the shops right now.

What are you looking forward to seeing at GFW? I want to look at other graduate fashion promotion potfolios and see what they’ve done.

Who? Mehbuda Uddin, studying fashion at Bournemouth.

What are you wearing? Warehouse blouse, New Look skirt, Dorothy Perkins bag and accessories.

Are you influenced by seasonal trends? I picked this outfit many because I like the petrol blue colour of the skirt and because it has a retro feel. I flip through magazines so I’m aware of trends but for me it’s more about what suits me.

Who? Charis Younger, Northumbria graduate now designing menswear at All Saints.

What are you wearing? Asos dress, Primark bag, All Saints jewellery.

Are you influenced by seasonal trends? I’m definitely aware of the trends but I usually wear a lot of black and grey, like the All Saints clothes. There’s just so much pastel in the shops at the moment, but I try to wear it with my own twist.

Who should we look out for from Northumbria at GFW? Look out for Charlotte Sowerby and Emily Edge, they’re both great.

Who: Elis, from Bulgaria, studying business and management at Exeter university, currently on a sandwich placement doing marketing at IBM.

What are you wearing? All by  Zara apart from shoes which were bought from a shop called Renkel in Berlin, Germany.

What have you seen that you’ve liked at GFW? I really liked the University of Edinburgh show as they did interesting things with the business suit – it’s something I wear everyday.

Are you influenced by seasonal trends? I’m limited with my work clothes but I likes to wear flowers and colours outside of work.

Stud it to me! Festival Fashion SS12 Update

Having been in search for a functional, yet obviously unbelievably bang-on trend and AHHHmazing festival outfit since I booked my V Festival tickets way back when, I am happy to say I’m sticking to my previous declaration of scouting out the best festival finds so you don’t have to; and here is a quick update people.

Having obviously popped in to Topshop for something completely unrelated (always the way isn’t it, you wily Topshop Visual Merchandisers!) my eyes scanned a table of rainbow-dyed shorts (of which I am insanely jel of anyone who can pull these hot pants off without flashing their arses) and locked my retinas on this incredible studded bag casually placed alongside (and a bargain at £38).

Now, if you are a fan of black, suede, studs and slightly watered down for main stream Goth-inspired accessories, such as those Steve Madden slip-ons I reported on a few weeks back, I’m sure you will agree on how sick this bag is.  With a long detachable strap, it’s perfect for everything from after-work drinks (as a clutch, obs) and, more to the point, due to its zip lock, will make an absolutely awesome festival bag!  Big enough for essentials (phone, money, make up, toilet paper) yet small enough that you can forget about your shiz and carry a beer in both hands.

So there you go gals and boys, and I will be road testing this beast at Field Day on 2^nd June, come rain, mud or shine.  Now just to piece together the rest of my outfit…

Virtual Changing rooms: The future of online shopping?

No, don’t panic dear readers, Carol Smilie is not returning in some new BBC 3D decorating experience.  The ‘Virtual Changing Rooms’ I am referring to is something that seems to be popping up all over online shopping websites.  Now, I know that to most people this isn’t ‘ground breaking’ news, or worthy of Sir Trevor McDonald’s airtime, but it is somewhat of a technology trend worth monitoring. 

If you haven’t noticed already, any new high-street chain store you walk in to will be equipped with access to computers linked up to it’s slick on-line store.  That is because they know that the majority of people now scout out what they want to buy before they try, online.  Been the Westfield lately?  Notice the ipad bench in Topshop?  I read a fascinating article recently on consumer trends in Draper’s Record (The retail Bible, if you will) predicting that by approx. 2014 for young professionals more online shopping will be done on our SMARTPHONES than on computers or in-store.  Their findings are only backed up by the Government’s attempts at High Street regeneration and hiring Queen of Shops Mary Portas to spearhead their campaign.  And boy, she is going to have her work cut out for her.

Now, I am not saying that people don’t love to shop anymore, but more and more people are doing it online, and any technology which makes this an easier experience is now at the for-front of development for many major online retailers.  For internet based companies such as asos.com, boohoo.com and the like, who clearly need no bricks and mortar to see their profits soar (Boohoo’s parent company saw their turnover shoot up by 85% in 2011 to £24.5m) the only logical next step would be developing virtual changing rooms, and cutting edge tools to make your online experience better, and as realistic as physical shopping.  They may be biding their time, and only in the development stages, but it would be silly to imagine the future of online retail without virtual changing rooms. Check out Love Rococo and have a play around with their version, known as the Webcam Social Shopper, a great little tool to get to grips with Virtual changing rooms.

 The only way is up for this type of technology,  and if done well, and done right, it has the potential to revolutionise online shopping further.  So how do you feel about this?  Do you think it has the potential to seriously catch on, or is it just another gimmick?  Would you use it?  Let me know your thoughts y’all! 

My Christmas Wish List | Sophie Caldecott

Style And Then Some Christmas wish list number three coming up. So it might be a little bit more extravagant than Katie’s, and surprisingly doesn’t contain any baking related goodies like Dee’s cute icing flower cutter, but if Santa had unlimited funds to satisfy my every whim, this is what I’d ask for (I’ve been an awful good girl):

1. There’s something really special about having a ‘scent’ that you put on for special occasions. When I smell Benefit‘s Maybe Baby, I am instantly reminded of my 18th birthday; when I smell Chance by Chanel I am taken back to my first year of university. Last May I went to a beautiful ball in my grandmother’s old 1950s Balenciaga dress, and I happen to love the Balenciaga perfume – perfect!

2. Socks are supposed to be the most boring present of all, but I actually really need some, and so would be happy to unwrap this selection of fun patterned woolies on Christmas morning. (Tights and socks from Topshop.)

3. Helen recently wrote about her gold obsession, and I have to say I love this glamorous purse from Topshop. Even if I didn’t have any money to put in it, I’d feel classy.

4. I’ve loved Alex Monroe for ages, and I think this delicate pea pod pendant is my favourite.

5. They come in an unassuming little brown box, but these chocolates by master chocolatier Paul A Young are the best I have ever tasted. He develops at least one new flavour a day with his teams in Camden Passage (Angel), the Royal Exchange, and Wardour Street (Soho).

6. I’ve never really understood why people describe leather as ‘buttery’, but this beautiful ‘Mela’ bag by Danaqa is so soft I almost find myself crooning the word to describe it. Danaqa’s fair trade bags are only made from by-products of the food industry in Ethiopia by local craftswomen, and come in classic shapes with hand woven lining.

7. I am in love with the heart jumper by Goodone. Simple as.

8. The extremely talented illustrator and graduate of Kingston, Frances Ives, did this gorgeous blooming tube map in which every stop is a leaf or a flower. I want a copy to put on my bedroom wall.

9. I’ve been a die-hard fan of Elle Macpherson’s The Body range of products for a while now, mostly because they smell so good. I was distraught, then, when they stopped stocking her range in Boots. I know Jo Malone is expensive, but I recently discovered this Lime, Basil & Mandarin body creme smells exactly like the Elle Macpherson body moisturiser that I miss so much.

10. I’m rather behind on this, but everyone has raved about One Day so much that I want to read it myself. It’s always nice to have a new book to read on Boxing Day to get you through the food coma.

But of course, if you can’t get me any of these presents, Santa, don’t worry, because:

My Christmas Wish List | Dee

Following on from BlondeKatie’s post, I decided to put together my own christmas wish list. Predictably, this soon turned into some full-on fantasy shopping online – either because the item was a tad too expensive or temporarily out of stock.

But I refuse to admit defeat. Christmas is about miracles and magic and all that – so if the consignment boys at Selfridges want to help a girl out, here’s what I’m asking for:

1. This gorgeous Hummingbird Tray from Pedlars comes in at a rather pricey £95 – but the nostalgic feel of the trim and hilarious print makes it perfect for sprucing up my drab little kitchen.

2. As her British Fashion Award win a couple of weeks ago reflects, Charlotte Olympia’s quirky designs are probably the most exciting when it comes to fantasy footwear. I loved that  these Kitty shoes look like a demure pair of flats from one angle and a completely bonkers pair from another. Clever sausage.

3. If I were to have one meal before I died, it would be, without a shadow of a doubt, the humble Steak Frites. Unfortunately, I’m a bit of a shoddy cook and can never hope to duplicate the dishes I sampled at The Hawksmoor in Covent Garden. Luckily, the team behind the restaurants released Hawksmoor at Home in October this year, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a fool-proof way to cook the perfect steak.4. I hate how monochrome outfits seem to become my uniform at this time of year. Yet, with a panache that only Marc Jacobs can achieve, this Havana print iPad case is the perfect tonic to those dreary wintery mornings (and at £60 squid, quite reasonably priced)

5. After a years worth of T.O.W.I.E, Made in Chelsea and, most recently, Desperate Scousewives, fake eyelashes have never been more popular. I love these Paper Eyelashes, made by Paperself, designed to imitate french lace. Yes, they may be a tad theatrical, but they promise to be the perfect talking point when at an awkward crimbo party. Handy.

6. I have loved the smell of the Moroccan Rose range by  REN for years now, but this special Christmas edition of the rose otto bath oil at Liberty is almost too beautiful to use. Hey – who said there was anything wrong with accessorizing your bathroom? I have no shame.

7. These plastic thermos flask’s by Nettlegreen are available in three candy-coloured shades and have a capacity of 1 litre. That’s alot of coffee.

8. Underwear shopping is still as confusing for me as it was when I went for my first fitting at M&S with my mum. Sometimes, though, I come across a piece or two that I soon become obsessive about. This week it’s Stella McCartney’s Irene Gardening briefs and bustier. That springtime print, classic bra shape and the fact that the pants don’t resemble dental floss are but a few of the highlights of this set.

9. Topshop always pulls out the best transitional winter coats and the mod-ish number above is no exception. The contrast sleeves are a nice way to work in some winter leather and I’m a big fan of the pepper-effect on the wool.

10. The above photo may not make very much sense so allow me explain. A month ago I stumbled upon a delicious recipe for a hydrangea cake (pictured) on the iambaker blog. Despite my best efforts, the flower frosting never looked quite right and it turned out I needed to buy some specialist kit – namely a Wilton’s 2D tip. At £5, it’s a little steal for something that can produce some beautiful (and edible) hydrangea bouquets – perfect.

Christmas Shopping Ideas | Vogue.com Online Fashion Week

My advent calendar’s up and has now become a constant reminder that I have 21 days and counting left to get all my Christmas presents bought, wrapped and smugly piled under my (as yet non existent) tree.

Coming from a rather sizeable Indian family, this time of year is never kind to my bank account, given that there are twenty people in my immediate family alone. So this year I have made myself a promise, namely that it is ALL going to be done online and everything will be bought, stuffed and dressed two weeks before Christmas day.

Now, for fear of sounding a bit like a Tesco advert, every little helps – and this year the team at Vogue.com have come up with the brilliant idea of an Online Fashion Week.

Following up on the huge success of the global Fashion’s Night Out phenomenon, the Voguettes announced back in July that they will be organising a scheduled week of exclusive online offers and events – take a look at the schedule here to see just how many brilliant online retailers and shops they have managed to get on board.

Given my personal promise of refusing to negotiate the crowds in bustling department stores, this is a veritable godsend. With brands like Topshop, Matches and Mulberry involved, Vogue.com editor Dolly Jones and her team have hit on a stellar idea for the time-poor woman who wants to bag a bargain in the run-up to Christmas. I know I’ll be logging on tomorrow morning to do a bit of digital splurging.

British Vogue’s Online Fashion Week begins Monday 5^th December at 9am. Check out the schedule here, and tweet us if you are taking part in the online extravanganza yourself!

The British Fashion Awards: Wardrobe Malfunction

Yesterday evening was the British Fashion Awards and it certainly was a swanky affair. Setting up shop in the Savoy Hotel and Theatre, the red carpet was a heady mix of fashion icons, retail heavyweights and the odd glamour model.

About a week ago, I received a phone-call asking if I would help out at the event and my inner celeb-spotter couldn’t help but say yes. Bearing in mind that I would be skirting around the blue carpet (red is so passé apparently) rather than posing on it, I didn’t really put much attention into what I was wearing.

Big mistake. Fast-forward seven days and I arrived at the venue channeling what I thought casual chic – a nice skater dress from Topshop paired with some Chelsea boots and a blazer. Easy, simple and comfortable. I knew I was in trouble when I spotted several Nicole Farhi numbers dotted around the office.

And so I did what I do best – I panic-bought. It seems that some of my most treasured items of clothing have some from these manic dashes to fix some kind of wardrobe malfunction. Luckily, round the corner from my office is Hoss Intropia - a lovely Spanish label that has a real knack for creating beautifully feminine pieces.

Eventually settling on the festive green number above – ’tis the season and all that -  I added a little sparkle with a statement necklace from Accessorize and that much-longed-for Topshop leather I was banging on about last week. Okay, so maybe I did splurge a little, but I think that the dress will see me through party season and highlight of the evening was Christopher Kane complimenting my outfit. Score.

What do you think – has panic-buying ever paid off for your wardrobe in the long term? Or is it just a moment of madness? Tweet us some of your pics of your favourite impulse buys @style_thensome

In search of the perfect winter leather

As the gaudy Christmas lights on my local high street attest, we are flirting on the edge of winter. While the approaching festive season may make it acceptable to start mentally cataloguing present wish lists and walk in public with lips rouged by mulled wine, it also presents a bit of a wardrobe issue: namely, finding the perfect trans-seasonal jacket.

Chances are it will be most people’s big ‘investment piece’ for this time of year, or failing that, a chance to dust off some old favourites. Mine was always a simple black biker jacket bought on the high street a couple of years ago – simple, chic and sadly stolen at a party a few weeks back.

So – the solution? I went looking on the high street and online, in search of the perfect leather. Here are four of my favourites:

The Topshop Biker – £58

This time last year, the nation was still in the throes of a love affair with all things Burberry. Christopher Bailey’s shearling jackets spawned hundreds of copycat designs – but none as wearable as the Topshop version. Fast forward twelve months and the high street mecca has updated it, with a (helpfully detachable) faux fur collar and a tailored shape. Delicious.

Goldie London Studded Leather – £78

I spied this one – made by Goldie London – on the BeFrassy blog. I loved the slouchy-looking fit of it and – as a bit of a magpie at heart – the clever graduated stud detailing around the neckline.

Paul and Joe Sister Leather Trimmed Wool Jacket – £220

Perhaps it doesn’t follow the traditional leather/biker/straps/studs format, but I was inexplicably drawn to this number precisely because it had no frills.  With its lightweight wool base – helpful when on a sweaty commute into work – and subtle leather trimming, I think this is the perfect jacket to wear from day-to-night.

The Rick Owens – £1,515

Nope – that isn’t a typo. This Rick Owens number may be a fantasy purchase, but damn, the man knows how to do lux leather. I loved the soft shape of the shoulder against the graphic felt panelling – although I fear that this one might not be for everyone.

What do you think – is a leather the ideal winter warmer? If so, have you come across one that we have forgotten to include? Tweet us @style_thensome to let us know your thoughts!