Monday 23 August 2010

"What Do I Wear for a 21st?"

I'm about to turn 21 and I don't have a clue what to wear for my party! I've arranged a huge party and booked out a club for it. I'm quite short, and I don't really want to wear a maxi dress. Is there something glam that I can dance in and look amazing? I don't have much of a bust, and when I go clubbing I always wear massive heels because I am so short. I don't really have a budget, because I really want something beautiful. Any suggestions on where to look?


I have plenty of ideas! A birthday is all about you, so you should feel amazing in whatever you're wearing. I'm going to recommend the Monsoon Fusion Cosmic Parrot dress, because it's a personal favourite of mine - it gives the right amount of leg and you can wear pretty much any colour with it! It's currently at £30 in the sale, but just in case you can't find it, I always say French Connection when looking for dresses. They have everything from ruffles to lace to body con to floral. They do tend to be at the higher end of the budget, but they're worth every penny. I love their Dani Crepe Strapless dress (£80) for a Herve Leger lookalike, or their incredible Violet Thunder dress, pictured (£195) for something completely quirky.

Boys Corner

Diesel T-Carbie Long Sleeved T-Shirt

Let's face it, August in Britain is never quite as warm as it's expected to be. Please don't be one of those guys who pretends to be okay when their shivering and blue-lipped. Cover up with this Diesel long-sleeved top from Republic for £39.99. I love the colour, and it goes great with jeans and biker boots.

The Beauty Buy Everyone Must Have!

No7 Autumn Limited Edition Smoky Eye Liner

I first spotted this amazing creation when it came into the office when I was doing an internship at a weekly fashion magazine. A limited edition, this smoky eye liner is a cross between a kohl and liquid eyeliner, and I'm absolutely nuts about it. In fact, I'm tempted to buy up loads for when it stops being sold in shops! Simply use the liner to dab on over your lash line and blend with a brush. Voila! Photo-ready smoky eyes. It even works as a slightly harder colour (just don't blend). Buy it now from Boots for £9.50.

Pick of the Day

Kade Dress

If structure is the new shape for A/W, this All Saints dress is the new wardrobe basic! It ticks all the right boxes, comes in a fabulous A/W'10 top colour AND retails for just £55. Layer over leggings and even a waist cinching belt. Don't forget the It Bag!

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Q&A Session

So, as promised, here are some of my answers to some of your dilemmas. Don't forget to keep them coming, and even offer your own advice!


I am a 32-year-old athlete competing at a strong level of competition, a bit muscly. I am going to my partner's summer party and need something stylish that shows off my athletic but muscly frame.

Having an athletic frame means that maxi dresses are your dream clothing! Try a simple jersey dress from New Look in black, or something a bit more floaty from Miss Selfridge, like this nude paisley maxi for £55.
If dresses aren't your thing, try some shorts with turn-ups (again Miss Selfridge is great) with a shirt and wedges. Flat gladiator sandals are perfect for your frame too, so invest in a good pair from somewhere like Moda in Pelle. If it's outside, take a denim jacket or blazer for when it gets chilly. Keep this fitted, and three-quarter length sleeves are ideal for creating a narrow waist. And don't forget some ultra-chic sunglasses!
I have had lots of great compliments about my new maxi dress from my friends. I don't usually wear dresses. I feel that wearing this maxi dress every day is a bit formal. What everyday dresses can I wear that won't break the bank?
Cheap maxi dresses are everywhere now, and they're great for everyday too. Try the plain jersey dresses from New Look, and there's a stripy one from Primark that is perfect for cheap and chic. If you don't want to go overboard with the maxi, try the midi - it's the fave skirt length for A/W'10. Aim for A-line skirts that finish mid-calf, in muted colours. Next have the most amazing new range for autumn-winter, filled with lots of keys looks, so definitely try there too for a couple of investment pieces. Once you have your key skirt, just add plain tops (H&M are great for basics), and keep the silhouette simple.
I have been invited to the South of France with some friends for a long weekend. I am a size 14/16, and not confident. I normally live in jeans and M&S tops. What is a good outfit for the day to slouch around in, with a continental look?
A long weekend is perfect for getting a capsule wardrobe in one go! Start with one set of trousers - try to avoid jeans, and go for khaki or camel-coloured cropped trousers (also avoid linen, as this creases easily, look in the more formal sections of shops for perfect trousers). These are your basic go-to item, and then simply team with a Breton top or racer back vest. These can be found anywhere, but Topshop and New Look are best.
Also, to try something a bit different, take a look at floral tea dresses - light and summery, but not too OTT. Again, Topshop is great for these, or Miss Selfridge do some beautiful ones in muted colours.
Gladiator sandals are the must-have for a weekend away, as they're both comfortable and stylish. Try a plain tan pair (New Look do a great range), and add a tan bag to finish the look - think Mulberry Bayswater, although if you can't afford a real one, Oasis do a fab imitation for just £35.

Boys Corner

Shoals S/s Crew Top

I'm always one for a printed Tee on a guy, and this All Saints one is awesome. Get it online for £40 and wear with some dark jeans and biker boots.

Pick of the Day

Black Spotty Mac

Mid-August in England wouldn't be right without the rain. And it got me thinking about making drizzle fashionable - introducing the Miss Selfridge mac, £65. Cheer up this weather with a chic coat.

Thursday 5 August 2010

Boys Corner

Pinstripe Scarf

Every guy needs a scarf in their wardrobe, and this All Saints number for £30 is perfect to add to a jacket for this autumn-winter. Try it now with a Tee.

Pick of the Day

Brown Faux Sheepskin Aviator Jacket

From the second I saw this, I was madly in love! Dead on-trend for this autumn-winter, Next have really upped the fashion stakes - get it now for £75 and wear for the rest of the year.

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Inside My Wardrobe

Hey my fashionable followers! If you're not already a follower on Facebook, join right up here. Keep up to date with blog posts and what I'm up to out and about - share your own tips and ask questions. Also! I have just added a photo album of all my favourite items in my wardrobe right now. I would love to see your must-haves - upload piccies of your own outfits, and get involved.

Enjoy!
XOXO