What to wear for New Years Eve??!

Hey guys, 

Now with Christmas out of the way (hope you all had a good one by the way!) New Years eve is fast approaching!  Have you got your outfits sorted?  If not, don't worry there is still time.  I have pulled together some of my favourite party pieces.

1) Off the shoulder top

This is a great piece as it goes really well with a pair of jeans and heels.  Simple but great.  Off the shoulder pieces are everywhere at the moment.  I chose this one because the fabric is very feminine and girly.  Plus, if you want a more modest look this is a great look (your not too exposed!) The flower adds a nice bit of detail and because it is black you are able to play around a lot more with the accessories.

2) The black dress

The black dress is always a great look - timeless.  Its great for the party season, especially if you have some added sparkle or detailing as above.  The bow on this dress nips in the waist giving you a lovely silhouette (disguising the round tummy that you have after all the turkey from Christmas and pudding!)

3)  Dress with animal print

I chose this off the shoulder animal print dress because I though it was quite unusual and it makes a change from the usual glitzy and glamorous dresses out there.  Perhaps if you are interested in something different, try animal print detailing.  

4) Playsuit

If you would prefer to cover up your legs, you could always go for a playsuit.  Again, this is black but you could choose another colour.  Starting plain is always a good way to start and then you can build up your look with accessories.  If you are daring you could always go for a red flower in your hair for a Spanish look!  

Hope these pieces inspire you to find a special look for your end of year party!  

Have a very Happy New Year and I will be back in 2011 for some more style advice!!

XX

Tights, tights, tights!!!

Hey Guys,

Sorry its been a while!  I have been meaning to get round to writing this post!  Now that I am stuck at home because of the weather I have no excuse!  Tights are everywhere at the moment, with all sorts of colours, patterns and styles.  They are great to keep you covered up and they add so much detail to an outfit with little effort!  As its December now it is officially the party season and tights are a great way to glam things up.

I particularly liked the tights that Cheryl Cole was wearing in her music video, 'The Promise'.  A great example of whats out there at the moment!

She wore them for her performance on the X Factor as well...

They are great as they are so simple but they create such a nice effect on an entire outfit.  Check out mytights.com and M&S for some top tights!!  

xxx

1920s glamour

Hey girlies,

I discovered A Wear randomly and love their online collection.  They have some really lovely 1920s glamour pieces which I love...perfect for the party season!  Im amazed by the prices as well...really good value and at the moment they are offering free delivery if you spend £35 or more.

Not only that but they have some great deals for Christmas and at the moment they have 25% off coats and knits (on selected items).

Go and treat yourself to something nice! :)

xxx

Forever 21

Exciting news...American clothing chain forever 21 is coming over seas to the UK!  The first store is set to open this month in Birmingham's Bullring and 2nd at London's Westfield stratford City.  At least 100 stores will be opening across the UK - so watch this space!

The chain was originally founded in Los Angeles, California in 1984 and its clothing styles and prices are similar to that of New Look, Topshop and H&M.

Halloween - 49ers v Broncos

Got back today from an amazing weekend in London.  We went to see the San Francisco 49ers play the Denver Broncos at Wembley on Halloween.

The flag above is of a flag we were all given to wave (cool memento of the game!)

Wembley was crazy!  There were over 80,000 people there supporting their teams...the atmosphere was incredible!  I've never been to anything like it.  The pre-game entertainment was good as well.  My Chemical Romance played and Michelle Williams (Destiny's child) sang the American national anthem!  

Gold Rush Squad

And of course, as it was a home game, we had the 49ers cheerleaders (gold rush squad) running around in their incredibly tiny outfits!  The whole time I was thinking...yikes they must be freezing!  But they were still good fun and they kept the crowd going...and we won!!! :)

Colour

Colour is an important feature to any item of clothing as it's the first thing that attracts you to it.  Any colour you wear accentuates the same pigment colours in your eyes, hair and skin tones.  For example, a blue-green eye will appear bluer when wearing blue and greener when wearing green.  The colours in your skin, hair and eyes are affected by the colours you wear so you will look your best when wearing the right colours for your tone.

Colour theory

Basic colour theory states that complementary colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel, when paired together, visually “pop”.  Red and green appear brighter together than they do apart.  So do purple and yellow, and blue and orange.  To achieve this look:

1) Start with the neutrals: a grey drapey blouse and a black and white textured pencil skirt.

2) Adding to the neutral base, slip on a pair of grey tights and a pair of black boots.  If you're feeling it, you can also try wearing a neutral coloured headband.

3) Layer on the colour: a gorgeous green overcoat and a bright orange textured clutch.  Remember, red and green are opposites on the colour wheel - but move one shade over from red and you get orange.  You get most of the visual pop, but none of the Christmas associations of the red-green pairing.  

1)  

It is very easy to be attracted to a colour that you like but is not necessarily suited to your tone.  At the same time a lot of us know what suits us naturally but don’t necessarily know how to mix and match and instead get comfortable with one particular neutral colour to play it safe.  It’s worth finding out what your colour tone is to save yourself buying a ton of garments that don’t suit you.  A great and fun way to do this is to book a personal shopper session at Debenhams.  They go through your body shape, colour and your likes and dislikes to find the right outfits to suit you.  It usually takes about an hour and a half and it’s very informal with no obligation to buy anything (unless you want to of course!).  You can take a friend and they offer you drinks as well and the best part is it’s free! 

Check it out…

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&userType=G&categoryId=65591

The names Bond...

Right guys, I have been meaning to get round to writing this post, especially as many of you are becoming quite the business professionals…

I have chosen a Bond theme as he in my opinion is the guru of suit wearers, and I know you all secretly want to be like him!

Here are some tips to purchasing a Suit:

These are the four most common suit fabrics:

1) Wool

The majority of modern suits are made of wool.  It is the most versatile fabric, most comfortable, wrinkle resistant and has greater longevity than most.  The fabric is one of the most ideal as well for its ability to absorb moisture, so if you have to wear a suit on a hot summers day it will keep you cool.  The most common types of wool suits are merino, cashmere and angora.

Best season: All year long.

2) Flannel

Flannel is quite a heavy fabric, that doesn’t breathe much therefore you will kept warm in any climate.  It doesn’t last as long as a wool suit either so it’s not very economical.  

Best season: Winter

3) Cotton

Like Wool, this is quite a popular fabric, although not favoured worldwide.  It’s durable and keeps you cool in all climates as it absorbs sweat.  It’s also quite practical, easy to maintain and machine-washable.

Best Season: Spring, summer, autumn

4) Linen

This might look good if you are on a tropical holiday but its not practical to wear as its lightweight therefore it will only be wearable in the summer months when you want to keep cool.  It also creases easily so tread carefully if you are thinking of buying a suit in this fabric.

Best Season:  summer.

Single or double breasted?

The two sides of a double-breasted jacket overlap at the front closing.  There will typically be two vertical rows of buttons, only one of which has a corresponding set of buttonholes.

A single-breasted jacket only has one set of buttons, and no overlap at the front closing.  This more classic, simple look is more versatile and fashionable than the double-breasted and is a better choice for first time buyers.  The double-breasted however, is more elegant and refined and usually earns its place in most men’s wardrobes.  The double breasted suit is more ideal for tall, lanky men as it puts more emphasis on the width of the chest and therefore can make short, stout men look shorter and stouter so please bare this in mind if you are thinking for buying this type of suit.

Which suits should you buy first?

1) Navy

Navy is the most versatile suit and therefore one of the most important suits you can own.  You can wear it to all formal affairs – job interviews, weddings etc.

2) Charcoal

It’s not as versatile as Navy but good enough.  If you own a navy and charcoal suit, nice mix of shirts and ties to match them with you can sustain the illusion of owning many suits for a long time.  Again, solid colour and single breast is best.

3) Light coloured

Go for light brown, khaki or light grey, depending on what colour suits your skin tone best.  This suit is best for the summer to dress down a formal look.  If you can pull off a double-breasted look then this is the time to add some variety to the suit silhouette. 

4) Black

 You might think that this is the logical first suit purchase but in fact their use is rather limited.  They are very heavy and harsh looking and aren’t very suitable for daywear.  Most particularly in warmer weather’s sunlight, a black suit looks quite out of place when you pay attention to it.  Having said that, it does look pretty sharp and on some occasions nothing else will do.  Stick with single breasted for the most versatility. 

 Also, just for fun...I have found this website for bond fans...

http://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com

More on Bonds fashion as well as cars, lifestyle etc!

It's all in the jeans

Here is a quick guide to finding the perfect fit jeans to suit your shape:

Women

Voluptuous Curves: Best fit is classic or relaxed fit worn on the hips rather than on the waist.  Avoid too-tight legs and small, widely spread back pockets that add width.

Curvy with a small waist: Best fit is stretch, straight and tight.  Worn low-rider style.  Avoid high waisted jeans, which make the bottom look out of proportion.

Heavy thighs: Best fit is bootleg.  Worn with an easy, looser fit on the hips.  avoid high, tight waisted jeans at all costs!

Petite: Best fit is straight with a long leg.  Worn on or just above the hips.  Avoid low-cut jeans and wide legs as they have a shortening effect.

Short Waist:  Best fit is the hipster.  Worn low-slung and with super high heels.  Avoid high waists.

Boyish Figure:  Best fit is high waisted or low-rise straight-leg.  Worn either high or low-slung.  Avoid cuts that don't optimise your curves.

Men

Tall and lean: Best fit is straight cut with a flat front and a straight leg.  Boot cut is another option particularly if you have wider hips - as a flared cut will balance out your shape, creating a straighter, streamlined look.  You can also carry off wide-leg jeans, but be aware that they will look very casual on this body type and therefore better suited for weekends than for the office.

Slender: Best fit is straight-cut, low rise jeans that sit comfortably and low on the hips with a couple of extra inches of room through the leg.  Slightly flared jeans also flatter slender figures by creating the illusion of a better defined silhouette.  For a more ample-looking rear, look for back pockets with flaps or extra material as this will add bulk to your behind.  Avoid jeans that adhere too closely to your body as well as wide-leg jeans as you will risk looking lost in your clothes.

Athletic: Athletic and muscular types look best in jeans with a wider leg since looser cuts show off the shape of a toned body.  Jeans cut too close to the body are not as good a choice for muscular shapes as they can make muscles appear overly bulky.  Wider-leg jeans, however, will subtly show off all of your hard work at the gym!

Heavy-set:  Larger frames should stay away from flare-cut jeans, as these tend to make heavier men appear larger.  Wide-leg styles, however, are really great for concealing love handles and thick waists.  Be careful not to choose styles that are too baggy, however, as they will make large bodies appear even larger.  Instead, go with a loose shape that has a few extra inches of room to show the shape of your body without hugging your frame too closely.  Also, bear in mind that deeper pockets will give the illusion of a smaller rear so are therefore a good choice for heavier frames.

A great website to check out is Zafu which matches jeans to your specific shape!

http://www.zafu.com/

Countryside is inside

The big trends for this season are bringing the country indoors, Apres ski and minimalistic.  Ladies, think hiking boots with heels, riding boots, capes, tweed, wooly jumpers, chunky cardigans, polo necks, snoods, faux fur, patterned scarves and leather is also very in.  In particular I am loving the ski print at the moment.  I love skiing and it just reminds you of going off into the mountains, with white all around, sipping on your hot chocolate, dressed all warm and cosy.

Shown below in D&G's fashion show for Autumn/Winter 2010 in Milan...

Kate Hudson sporting the Ski print look -

Shops I recommend for this trend: Zara and Mango


Men, its all about the country gentlemen - Tweed, wooly jackets, flat caps, cravats, brogues, hiking boots.  Instead of denim, try mole skin denim cut trousers which work really well with the camel this season.  Apres ski type cardigans also work well with the look.

Shops I recommend for this trend: Topman

Jason Gardiner sporting the look for the gents -

Its all about layering it up this season.  Whether you are warm or cold it means you always have the perfect look to hand and you just look so cosy...all ready for the winter!

xxx

What is your body shape?

Shopping can be very stressful when you are not familiar with your body shape.  Buying the right clothes makes you feel comfortable and feel good about yourself.  I have found a brilliant website where you can work out what you body shape is and it gives you tips on what clothes suit your particular shape.  For example if you are skinny you are likely to want to create more curves and if you are more top heavy you might want to draw attention to another part of the body. Its all about balance and finding the right clothes helps you to achieve just this and make you feel a million dollars!  Colours also help with this i.e.. one tone makes you appear taller and colours that are broken up help to give you more of a curvy appearance breaking up the body parts.  Also if you do want to draw attention to a particular body part try ruffles or a belt! :)

Have fun with this and forward it to all your friends!!

http://gok.channel4.com/

xx

Bailgate

Hello all from Lincoln!  Moved down here on Thursday so have been sussing out the area (especially the shops!) Its a real market town so its really quaint.  What I particularly like about it is what is called the Bailgate area which is situated at the top of the hill in the cathedral quarter.  It has only recently been restored to its more original state.  The roads and paths have been repaved in high quality York stone to bring back a more historical feel.  Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter concentrates on its independent specialist retailers in the Midlands with over 150 small shops.  Its really lovely and you get all your more nick nacky shops up there.  In fact I was amazed to find the redfoot shoes (which I have written about in a previous post) in one of these shops!  Its so picturesque and defiantly worth a visit if you are up in this part of the country.


Till next time. xx

Camel is the new black

One of the hottest trends of the season...camel!  They say its the new black...and it makes a nice change from the signature staple.  I walk by the shop windows on princess street every day and you can really see that it stands out.  The great thing about it is that it goes with everything and is a really warm and inviting colour for Autumn.  What are your thoughts?

 

Step Up 3D - Hip Street Fashion

I went to see Step up 3D last night...loved it!  Like its predecessors, the storyline is a bit suspect but the dancing has definitely gone to a whole other level.  Aside from also loving both films and dance I want to talk about the costumes which were brilliant by the way.  It was nice to see a mix of sportswear with casual and more formal outfits in the film.  As you can see in the above picture (one of my favourite scenes), the main female lead Natalie is wearing a long eye catching turquoise dress and the male lead, Luke in a casually worn tux.  The dark colours he is sporting really makes Natalie's stunning dress stand out.  The colours of the costumes overall were gorgeous and vibrant.  Very eye catching, with purples, reds and yellows.  The hip street fashion is funky and fresh.

Take a look at the video below.  The song is featured in the film 'This Girl' by Laza Morgon and shows snippets of the film so you can have a look at the costumes and dancing some more!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkLiVhhG0WE

Why buy when you can rent?!

Ladies, you must check out this website:

http://www.fashionhire.co.uk

Why buy a gorgeous designer handbag when you can rent a different one each month?!  Or if you have a special do coming up that you want to look the part for then you can rent a stunning bag to finish off your look!  

It is still fairly pricy however its much cheaper than actually buying one, so check it out!

xxx

Redfoot Revolution

Hi guys,

A friend of mine from work told me about this website and I had to share it with you.  Redfoot sells the original folding shoe...yes folding!  Perfect for tucking away into your bags especially if you want to wear heels to a special occasion and then change into something cute and flat for later!  The picture is of one of my favourites that they have on the website at the moment.   This one costs £44.99 but there are cheaper ones if you don't want to spend as much as that.  This one in particular is from a special Sex and the City collection with designs inspired from the TV series and films.

Go and have a look at the website and get shopping girls!!

http://www.redfootrevolution.co.uk/index.php

Surfs up

Hi guys,

Sorry I havn't written for ages...things have been crazy busy!  I went to a friends wedding on the weekend in Wales which was brilliant! I love the chance to get all dressed up especially in the summer when everyone is in lovely little summer dresses.  I was so excited cause we got to go shopping in Cardiff the day after and one of my favourite shops was there...Hollister.  I first came across this shop in California and if you have been to one of them they look like a surf shack...totally different to anything else that I have seen.  Anyway, one of the main reasons why I like it is because the style is very surfy.  So if you like to surf and are into that kind of style clothing this is a must shop to go and visit!  They have all kinds of cute things for you gals to wear but also some nice mens clothing as well (shirts, trousers, tees, and dresses).  The franchise is growing quickly over here with more stores opening around the UK.  I love America so having this store around is like having a piece of it over here.  I have listed the website on my sidebar if you want to check it out.  The only thing I would say about buying online is that it is much more expensive as you have to add on the cost of postage.  I think its like £20 on top which you wouldn't get if you bought in store but generally the prices are quite reasonable.

For now I will love you and leave you.

XX

Sex and the City 2

I Finally got round to seeing Sex and the City 2 in the cinema this week and it didn't disappoint!Fashion Stylist, Patricia Field is back on board, making sure that the clothes play almost as big a role as Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. There were some beautiful clothes in the collection as the four girls head to Abu Dhabi. As Carrie says in the movie, 'Yes Sweetie, just like Jasmine but with cocktails!'

Here's the trailer for you to have a look at!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vPSR1RlXX8

Go and see it if you haven't seen it...

Welcome to Belle

Welcome to Belle, the blog for all your fashion news and style advice. As a stylist I would like to share my thoughts and views on new trends and be able to provide you with an insight into style and give you some great fashion tips to help you look and feel your best. 

Enjoy and look out for my next post!

xx