So I am wearing houndstooth leggings, get over it

Afternoon crazy ones.

We are today back to the alphabet - like Sesame Street but with more feathers and less child labour. Before that I feel it is my duty to tell you I am starting my internship in SIX DAYS AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! I am the most nervous. You may remember the sheer panic that was caused by me trying to find an interview outfit and that only got seen by one person....(she liked my shoes by the way) but the first day outfit will be seen by all...seen and judged. So you have to make the choice - do you:
Option One - Wear joggers and have everyone think you are a douchebag, hate you for being apparently unfashiony and resolve to give you the nickname Pat Sharpe. Everyone thinks you must be best friends with the CEO of the company to have gotten the job because you smell like Snookie and look like MC Hammer -  but then dazzle them a little bit each day by wearing something more fashiony and having them think you have been inspired by them...
Option Two - Wear the most fabulous black dress, black blazer, skyscraper black heels and black sunglasses inside so people think you are a douchebag and hate you for being pretentious. You will get the nickname Prada as in "The Devil Wears" - but then slowly start wearing less stern clothing each day causing people to possibly thaw out and stop putting salt in your coffee...
Option Three - Wear the most fashionable outfit you have - bordering on fashion insanity - people in the street look at you and think you are cool - people in the office think you are a douchebag and hate you for trying too hard. You will get the nickname Harper (not because of the fashion magazine) but because you look like you have a stylist dressing you like the Beckham's child. The other problem with this is people will expect you to dress as fashiony everyday and that is hard to keep up therefore you have to slowly un-dazzle them each day until you are eventually dressing as option one...
Option Four - Wear moderately fashiony clothes so you can go up or down in the fashion stakes each day. Remember everyone will hate you for the first week anyway because you are interning in fashion - but at least they will call you Becky.

P

Snakeskin Printed Denim
French Connection
£98

Fashion Trend: Printed Denim - You have to be loving this trend - it is basically any kind of denim with any kind of print. You can work mixed prints in a whole new way by wearing printed jeans with a normal printed top. It gives a whole new life to our staple blue jeans!! Literally EVERY store has jumped on this trend so you can spend as little as £15-£20 on getting a pair. If you are adventurous go for a crazy bright pattern that will draw the attention to the jean or if you want to be a little more subdued go for a darker pair with a darker print - you really have free reign when it comes to this trend. If you want to go darker then kill two trends with one stone and get the snakeskin print jeans from French Connection - the print is difficult to see on the picture but is obvious in real life. http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/Woman+Collections+Jeans/74XA7/Snakeskin+Printed+Denim.htm

Floral Skinny Jean
New Look
£22.99

If you are wanting to try a bold colour look no further than New Look who have really cute printed denim in all colours, prints and sizes. Not only can you look at printed denim, but also try acid washed denim and tie dye which are equally as cute! All New Look jeans from http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jeans_20017?trail=1002%3Acat20017&icParent=subCategory&icCategory=cat20017&prodLimit=100&selectedFilterSize=&icStartPage=1&icSort=

Parisian Acid Wash Spotty Skinny Jeans
New Look £24.99

A.P.C Paisley Print
Cotton Dress
£250

Jil Sander Paisley Print
Jacket £1,160

Fashion Item: Paisley Printed Anything! - I suppose this is a tiny bit of a cheat because this should be in the trend section but I thought you guys would understand. Paisley will be a fad for a while but it is BIG at the moment. It was seen all over the runways on dresses, skirts, trousers, accessories, so you really can do what you want with it. No longer is that ugly old tie your dad wore ten years ago an embarrassment! Tie it in your hair, wear it as a belt, put it on your handbag, just be seen with it!! Liberty are doing a range of the most gorgeous paisley fabrics if you are daring and skilled enough to make something for yourself http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/fabrics_paisley. If not why not try a Jil Sander jacket or an A.P.C dress. Both available (and pics) from http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Search?keywords=paisley&x=0&y=0. The Stella McCartney pyjama suit I want is also blue paisley - yum - another double trend!

Highness 160 Suede Pumps
Louboutin £635
Net-A-Porter.com

High Power High Waisted
Briefs Spanx £34
Net-A-Porter.com

Store or Label: Porter group and by this I mean Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter. If you have never taken my advice and looked at these sites then I cannot even explain to you how magical they are. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk down Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, stroll down Miracle Mile in Chicago, totter down Madison Avenue in NYC or just flit through the stores in Paris? Well these beautiful people have made that a possibility without you ever having to leave your living room. They have stock as soon as possible after it being on the runway - my McCartney paisley pyjama suit is already on there for example... Every designer you have ever loved is on there (for men and women) from Acne through to Zac Posen. They have a huge range in price point, so don't think it is just for the rich gals and guys - they sell Hunter and J.Crew right alongside Louboutin and Chloe, so give it a look. I will warn you though it is addictive and it is best not to have your purse ANYWHERE near you if you can't afford anything.... All designers, pics and purchases from http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/AZDesigners

Celebrity or Designer: Paris Hilton - whether you love her or hate her (I secretly love her...shhhh) this girl knows what she is doing when it comes to getting media attention. Earlier this month she turned 31 and threw a bash for her and her closest friends - namely Wiz Khalifa, DJ Afrojack and others of the like. Paris not known for small birthday bashes hosted an 'Eyes Wide Shut' themed party where guests were invited to a modern masquerade ball. To be honest isn't pretty dresses and jewelled masks all of our fantasies! Tons of celebs, tons of booze and tons of fun no doubt. Masks were handed out on arrival and would have caused a lot of random hookups i'm sure... I just think on your birthday you should be who you want to be and wear what you want to wear - so go get it Paris!

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/inside-paris-hiltons-eyes-wide-shut-themed-birthday-bash-2012252

See you all tomorrow giggle monsters.
Becky xx

I would like to thank my stylist for dressing me like a cracked out sparkler



Quicker than a speeding bullet it is over. The Oscars has come and gone. The biggest fashion moment in the year and there is no looking back. Some of the stars got it bang on trend, some of them fell by the wayside. Naturally I am putting a hold on the alphabet today to bring you the best and worst from the red carpet. So without further ado let the Joan Rivers firing squad commence:

Emma Stone (L) - FAVOURITE!!
Jane Seymour (R) - Too cruise ship

Michelle Williams (L) - Peplum great, everything
else too much
Natalie Portman (R) - Chic vintage

RED: Once again red was seen all over the red carpet this year and then also on the celebs wearing it....ha. Seriously though, this is a DIFFICULT look to pull off because of skin tone, hair colour and the fact you are stood on top of a river of the same colour. It's difficult to stand out when people can't tell what is the floor and what is your dress. But some of these lovely lasses managed to do just that. My absolute FAV was Emma Stone with a red floor length gown with large bow on her right shoulder. Those of you who are observant will say - "heh didn't Nicole Kidman wear this dress a few years ago to an award ceremony?" Well she wore a similar dress in a brighter red and the bow fell all the way to the ground. To be honest Emma Stone looks impecable in it - with her colouring - so I will not take this away from her. There are less flattering things than to wear the same dress as Nicole Kidman right?? Natalie Portman wore a vintage polka dot strapless Dior piece which the 60s housewife in me loves. I was so disappointed with Michelle Williams though - I didn't like her dress at all =( It was inbetween orange and red and just had too much going on - it looked a bit prom-esque. The only good thing was that she worked a peplum which, as I have told you before, is fabulous! Wasn't a fan of Colin Firth's wife Livia's dress - too shapeless, nor Jane Seymour who looked like she had stepped off a cruise ship... Leave red to the pros ladies. Both photos taken from http://style.uk.msn.com/fashion/oscars-2012-fashion-face-off

Rooney Mara - Love the train
on this - maybe a little
big in the body for her.
Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci

Milla Jovovich - vintage
look with lips and hair
Elie Saab




WHITE: Monochrome and their separate counterparts are very in at the moment, so red wasn't the only block colour seen on the red carpet. Milla Jovovich and Rooney Mara did this look to perfection - ice white floor length gowns with dark hair and red lips - so vampish. They both looked stunnning with lots of pale white skin on show to add to the look. Gwyneth Paltrow went in the opposite direction and had lots of white fabric with little skin showing but looked gorgeous; it is all about style not how much you can glue gun onto a dress. Unfortunately Jennifer Lopez has once again decided to show everything she has got in a white and sheer striped dress. I don't like when people show too much at the Oscars - it is the grown up awards. I don't like it and you can't make me. White dress photos from http://www.entertainmentwise.com/photos/70510/3/Oscars-2012-Milla-Jovovich-Rooney-Mara-Gwyneth-Paltrow-Jennifer-Lopez-and-Cameron-Diaz-are-all-white


Gwyneth Paltrow - FAVOURITE She wore a long
white cape with this - note gold
shoes! Perfection! Tom Ford.

Jennifer Lopez - too low cut
too many cuts outs, too sheer
Not classy enough. Zuhair Murad

GOLD: Meryl, Meryl, Meryl how can you be so fabulous all the time???!!! She knows how to work it so much better than so many younger starlets. She wore a dark gold wrap dress - being swathed in gold fabric she looked delicious enough to eat. Meryl shows her body whilst being demure and fabulous - we don't want a lot of leg when you are over 40. Jessica Chastain also worked the gold trend (and the heavy embellishment trend) with an old romantic black and gold floor length dress. She looked just stunning and yet somehow understated. The low bodice made her body look longer and sleeker and the gold colouring really set off the colour of her hair. Ten out of ten Jessica. The lovely gf of George Clooney, Miss Stacey Keibler wore a Marchesa gown that left me a little deflated. If it had been straight to the floor it would have been delectable (the draping alone is out of this world) - but it had this huge rose thing on the waist which looked kind of cheap and a bit off balance on her small frame. She still looked beautiful but I wasn't taken with the dress - a first for me and Marchesa! Gold photographs taken from http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG9107454/Oscars-2012-fashion-red-carpet-trends.html

Meryl Streep (L) - Perfection in Lanvin, Stacey Keibler (M) in disappointing
Marchesa and Jessica Chastain (R) in gorgeous Alexander McQueen - FAVOURITE

PASTELS: The Oscars was a bit of a confirmation for me - loads of my A-O (not got all the way through the alphabet yet!) trends were worn. It makes a girl blush! Pastels were not left out. Part of me wasn't sure if pastels would be seen on the red carpet because they wouldn't be as dramatic as black, gold or red. Never to miss a challenge though some starlets worked the trend like the troopers they are. Some people are hating on Penelope Cruz's dress because it is old Hollywood looking - especially with the hair and jewels, but isn't that what we are striving for this year?? The prissy, princess trend is huge this summer, so I am all with classy Penelope! The colour looks beautiful against her skin and she is as always subtly stunning. I give her a high five. Berenice Bejo (the actress from The Artist) wore mint green which could of gone horrible wrong with her pale colouring, but luckily she looked dazzling. It was low cut but had full length sleeves so it in no way looked trashy. Photos for the rest of the piece taken from http://www.stylebistro.com/Best+Worst+Dressed+at+the+2012+Oscars/articles/YT9gegldw3F/

Berenice Bejo in Elie Saab
FAVOURITE



Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Boring

Anna Faris in DVF - Dislike

BLACK: It is not often I will say this - but the black dresses left me feeling bored. I am rather fed up of Angelina Jolie and her high split gowns in one colour....so the black velvet number did nothing for me. Equally didn't like Anna Faris in a boring DVF (also two things I thought wouldn't be in the same sentence). It was too old for her, too boxy for her and completely styled wrong with the harsh blonde bob. Im guessing it doesn't photograph well and looks better in real life....well I am hoping... Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids) did the same head to toe black sequins - one shoulder this time so easier on the eye - but I just feel this is a little last year. Also disappointed with Sandra Bullock's monochrome dress which look like it was shop bought from a prom shop.

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES - I am talking Maya Rudolph in Johanna Johnson (custom made) and Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel. Both girls took it to the next level. I love nude colours on Kristen - and luckily so does she and she wears them a lot. The dark nail polish is so cute next to the dress. I also love the difference in the back and front of Maya's dress - great from every angle. The only thing that worries me is the high neck makes her look very chesty, but all in all very chic. She was also wearing a colour that a couple of other stars wore - grape purple. A nice change to the pastel purple.

Maya Rudolph in Johanna Johnson
Just peachy - I mean grapey

Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel
Nude sophistication



Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Viola Davis in Vera Wang

THE HELP: My two main girls - Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were out, smiles in full force, looking chic. I LOVED what Octavia was wearing. I'm pretty sure that girl's smile would carry off even the ugliest of bin bags. Luckily she was wearing a white beaded cap sleeve Tadashi Shoji dress so no bin liner necessary. I wasn't a huge fan of the dress Viola was wearing but the cropped hair, jewellery and emerald colour are to die for - so I can forgive the dress. It is Vera Wang as well, it's not like she turned up in Forever 21...


So, there you have it - some great, some not so. But all will be remembered - except maybe you Jolie - yours all start to look the same after a while. Anyway, hope you liked this little style update, see you all tomorrow!
Becky xx

"Ask to borrow his wand, I will just die"

Oh emm gee guess who we saw in a bar last night??!!! That is right friends, Fred and George Weasley (or James and Oliver Phelps as they are really called) were out celebrating their birthday with a group in Vodka Revolution, Cheltenham. It was a very surreal moment when I nudged my friend and said "is that a Weasley brother behind us?" to which she did a very unconvincing sly look before deciding it was. Without their dyed ginger hair and now with different haircuts they aren't instantly recognisable as the famous twins: one has short spikey hair and one has a kind of Ben from A1 look going on - so they move about pretty unnoticed. They queued for 13 (a local club) which we thought cute - let's be honest with the money they make they could have just hired the place out and from what we saw generally seemed unpretentious and subtle in their movements. One was wearing a blue shirt with tie (shorter hair) - rather good looking guys in real life and the other was wearing a lumberjack red check shirt (longer hair); showing their personalities differ somewhat from each other and their HP characters. Naturally I made this my FB status last night and got a large amount of feedback, including the above quote from my best friend. I think it just shows that however famous you get, however many countries you travel to and whoever you meet along the way, you can't help wanting to be with those you grew up with on your birthday - those who saw you through the puppy fat, spotty, awkward teen years and made it through with you to the other side. Well we have to stay friends with them don't we, they know too much.... Happy Birthday Oliver and James Phelps for yesterday!!

O

Joggers - Topshop
£35

Fashion Trend: Off to the gym (in my heels!)... I know that was a stretch, but I seriously can't think of any fashion trend beginning with an O that isn't orange....no one cares for you orange. So instead I am putting in a trend that I wasn't sure where else to put: the new fancy sportwear trend. Basically for those of you who just thought Rihanna had gone even more insane and started wearing Addidas shorts with heels, she has not, she is the leader of the trend! All the stores are making casual luxe ranges where sportwear comes a little bit more fitted, in nicer fabric and with a more exciting colour than white. You then team with heels, big hair, big jewels etc and rock out with your...shuttlecock out. Tapered joggers, silk tees and cute caps are what we are talking about. So tell your gym instructor to shut up, for once you ARE going to run in heels. I am loving these Topshop Co-ord Jacquard Panther Joggers to be worn with skyscraper heels or fashion sneakers - surprisingly they are also very flattering on. http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=4608086&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208528&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200

Oyster Card Case - Orla Kiely
£38

Fashion Item: Oyster Card Case - Orla Kiely. So you all know I am moving to London at the end of the week and the only thing (WAY more important than your house keys) that a Londoner cannot lose on a night out is their Oyster Card. Not only that, covers are as fashionable for your card as they are for your iPhone. Now I have found this GORGEOUS one which is by ORLA Kiely is cut OUT plastic and is in ORANGE (damn im good). It attaches to your handbag by a little chain, so you cannot lose it! Brightens up those oh so lovely journeys with your head in the armpit of the only man in London who thinks Dress Down Friday means Dont Wash Friday.



Kosslyn - Oliver Peoples

Store or Label: Oliver Peoples - This is a sunglass designer that I love but who often gets overlooked for the bigger and more commercial stars such as D&G and Ray Ban. The last few days have made us realise that summer is most definitely on the way and therefore we all need some new sunnies. Oliver Peoples do the most delicious kinds for men and women with the cutest and most colourful frames and lenses. They also do some really quirky ones, like their Gregory Peck pair, which will please the most hardcore of fashionistas. I am really into catseye sunglasses at the moment so have a hankering for their Kosslyn pair http://www.oliverpeoples.com/shop/women/sunglasses/kosslyn.html. They have a shape and style to fit everyone so check them out - they aren't cheap but they will last a lot longer than your Primark ones....and not every Tom, Dick and Sally will be wearing them.

Celebrity or Designer: Oscars - I am cheating a little bit here because I know this isnt a person - but it just so happens it is on tonight in America and today is my O day!! Coincidink!! This is the highlight of all the award shows - the night where the celebrities pull out all fashion stops to make sure they trump the other celebs in their categories. The Best Female reads like a Best Dressed as it is: Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams. The gowns will be decadent, the jewellery will be sparkling and the failures will be HUMONGOUS!! I cannot wait to see Joan Rivers face on Fashion Police tomorrow when some poor, unsuspecting movie star wears a last year Givenchy. I heard when she starts dissing what you are wearing it is like a ghost walking through your body... Anyway, im all about The Help stars winning and especially (and aptly) Octavia Spencer for her supporting role as Minnie. She is such a shy little thing on stage and I loved what she wore to the Baftas - she went all Sharon Stone and wore a white shirt with a black satin floor length skirt (note the colour choices - something of a metaphor seeing as the film is about the coming together of black and white). So good luck to all and I'll give you a head start if I see Joan coming....

Now, go fill those tummies with roasts and settle in for the Oscars - it's going to be a late night.
Becky xx

If it aint broke....sell it at a vintage fair for £100

Cute Ballet Style Jumper
(£14)

Audrey Hepburn Necklace - not vintage
but obvi cute (£6)

I am a terrible friend. The worst. You must just hate me. I completely forgot to tell you that there was a vintage fair in Cheltenham Town Hall today. Now, before you all shut your laptops and dismiss me out of hand I want you to know I went on your behalf and am willing to report!! This was the first vintage fair I have been to in this country and it was good - if not a little expensive. Apparently in previous years there have been £10 bins etc but there was not much of that this year. Loads of gorgeous floral 50s housewife dresses, big fur coats and the odd quilted silk smoking jacket for the gents (or ambitious female). In general a lot of great stuff, but very highly priced - most things were priced between £50 and £100 with a great portion of the dresses up to £200. It would make you think vintage is becoming more fashionable (which in some circles it is) and therefore a rise in demand causes a rise in prices - but the fair was not very busy and there was A LOT of stock left at the end of the day. I did purchase a couple of things... Also pre-vintage fair, due to it being such a nice day I had lunch with a friend in Tewkesbury and found this little album gem in an antique fair - have become obsessed with Billie Holiday thanks to my old room-mate being her number one fan - thanks Alex!

Bought from an antiques shop in Tewkesbury today
(£3)

Unfortunately we cannot always live in the past and therefore I bring you trends for the future!!

N

J W Anderson S/S12

Fashion Trend: Nightwear in the day - ok I know I told you I wasn't liking this trend, but being the fickle fashion mistress that I am, I have changed my mind. Every since Stella McCartney brought out her pyjama pant suit as daywear I have been seeing more and more people rocking this look. It is more the case of wearing a patterned, flexible matching shirt and trousers in a canvas or silk fabric. It is all about wearing prints that you love from head to toe. If you don't like huge floral print or scary stripes then just go for tiny polka dots or even just a block colour. It is better to tuck the top in to create the silhouette you are looking for. Put with HUGE heels, HUGE cat eye sunnies and your Bayswater and strut right into the office - a total different meaning to dress down Friday heh? J.W Anderson knows how to work it showing the pyjama suit in paisley - 2 of the HOTTEST trends for this summer. Catch more of J.W at http://www.youngbritishdesigners.com/designers/newgen/j.w.anderson&site=Google&src=Ad&match=j.w.anderson/?gclid=CMCCrtGIuq4CFcENfAodbxQp4A

Nail Rock -Tribal Print £6.70

Fashion Item: Nail Varnish. I like to paint my nails - my toes are NEVER without colour. Now usually I am a black varnish girl and rarely stray from this. But I have found something magical!! Now there is a bit of a crazy trend at the moment to have crazy things on your nails - faces, animals, prints etc. So I  have found tribal nails!!! They are tribal prints that literally just stick onto your nails!! All the fun without the lovely not-so-English nail technician saying "oh hunni why you no got boyfriend, you so preddy". Buy from http://www.asos.com/Nail-Rock/Nail-Rock-Tribal-Print-Nail-Wraps/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2068988&cid=5607&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Tribal

Christopher Kane Mirror
Disk Tee £30
Newgen - Topshop

Store or Label: Newgen at Topshop - This is a talent scheme created by BFC and sponsored by Topshop for 10 years this year. The scheme gives mentoring, financial help and offers space for fashion shows to get the new talent started. Some now HUGE names such as Mary Katrantzou, Matthew Williamson and Christopher Kane have been supported by the NEWGEN project (read more at http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/newgen). Topshop has teamed up with 20 of the past designers this year to bring out some limited edition t-shirts. My favourite is the Christopher Kane Mirror Disk Tee, but there are heavily printed ones, one with a doll face and a crazy Donatella one!! Check them out!


Celebrity or Designer: Nicki Minaj - everyone is supposedly asking if she is a sell out because she did that pop song with Madonna now her new single sounds less hip hop and more hip hip hooray!!  To be honest I think we should be worrying less about that and more about the fact she thinks she is Lady Gaga. She has been wearing a few too many similar outfits to the Gaga lately and I don't like it. I thought the stunt of bringing a pope look-a-like to the Grammy's was just too Gaga to accept. I think she is a great entertainer and I quite like her quirky music - so don't go all Kanye West and try to steal a blonde girl's limelight. Work it out gf.


Nicki Minaj at the Grammy's

Lady Gaga at the Brits (specifically notice dress shape)

Now it's Saturday night, do you not have someone to show your pyjama suit off to??
Becky xx

I Got Them Moves like a silver clad Georgia May Jagger!!

Hello!!

I have spent the day with many little people - not dwarves, actual children. I am not going overboard with this whole Snow White obsession I am going through...don't worry. Those of you who have children of your own, or nieces, nephews, friends with kids etc will have at one point or another realised how lucrative the kids fashion industry is. My niece has more than a handful of pairs of shoes and she is just over a month old. Although I would like to say she is a medical miracle and can walk at such a young age, this is not the case. Instead she is dressed in the cutest 'Sunday Dresses' (the only thing I can think to describe them as) with matching leather cut out ballet flats. Now she looks just gorgeous in them, but they were at least £30 and she will neither walk in them nor in 18 years time call out to her Mum and ask where they are when she is packing her stuff up to go to uni. So what is the point of all this finery? It is because our kids/nieces/nephews etc are an extension of us. People will judge us on what they are wearing. The problem is however, that I see this as a legitimate excuse to spend horrific amounts of money on clothing for my niece and will also do so for any children I have. I bought my niece a pair of Nike Baby Air Force Ones and Converse Baby Hightops - which by the way really aren't that much cheaper than adult ones.... She will be fly, I will be poor. Alas, I currently have no kids of my own, so until then I will have to spoil my niece and continue bringing you advice. And so, on to...

M

Marc Jacobs A/W12

Fashion Trend: Metallics and monochrome - these are the new non colours to be wearing. If you go bright in the day, make sure you go silver, gold or monochrome in the evening. Everyone had an abundance of these looks on the runway - I have told you about Gucci's gold extravaganza before. Georgia May Jagger is in head to toe silver on the front of March's Haper's Bazaar....so you know shit just got real. We have all moved on from a full on cleavage showing sequin dress a la Beyonce at Glasto, so if you are going for silver or gold...or even gunmetal as I have told you before...look for unique pieces - jackets, skirts, tops etc. If you are nervous just get a bag, shoes or layer on the gunmetal necklaces. Monochrome works for everyone and we all have black and white pieces in our wardrobes, so get working on that. With it being such an easy trend, try and make yourself stand out by wearing a crisp white shirt under a black evening dress like Marc Jacobs did for his A/W collection. Marc has got it in the bag - do what he does and make the LBD into the LmonochromeD or the LmetallicD - it's just fabulous dahhhhling. [Photo from http://www.littleblackdress.co.uk/trend-style/show-report-marc-jacobs-aw12/]

Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Henry Holland £120

Fashion Item: Maxi Dress - Henry Holland. I will NEVER allow maxi dresses to go out of style if I can help it. I am in love with them. I feel like a princess when wearing one and even though all of my body is covered I usually never feel sexier than when I am in a maxi. They are indispensable during festival season as they cover up an unwashed body - they are also a wedding staple. I on the other hand like to throw a denim jacket over them and go out shopping. However you wear yours, please make sure you have an arsenal of them in your wardrobe this summer because bare legs are so passe....well for me they are anyway and who else are you going to take fashion advice from heh? I am a Henry Holland fan because he doesn't take fashion too seriously, which is the point isn't it? So naturally I am gunning for this sleeveless bone emblem maxi. Not a bad price either... Also...it is sheer, YAAAAAAAAAAAY!! http://shop.houseofholland.co.uk/collections/ready-to-wear/products/pre-ss12-sleeveless-maxi-dress#!gallery

Necklace Marni at H&M
£34.99 

Trousers Marni at H&M
£59.99

Store or Label: Marni for H&M - It is that time of year again...when the designers reach down and pat us little people on the head by creating a capsule collection for a highstreet store. H&M is the daddy of these collaborations with Stella Mccartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Versace being among those to have created designs for them in the past. I am sure Marni will be just as great - especially because Sophia Coppola photographed and created a small film about the collection. Tantalizing trousers, daring dresses and adorable accessories are what is on the menu. Metallic separates, leather tops, detachable jewelled collars and plastic necklaces are all on my wishlist - what is on yours? (http://www.hm.com/gb/marni?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-20120223-_-GB-_-marni#collection/ladies/1 - all images and collection from here). It is available online and from select stores from 8th March - get your fashion sneakers on girls and get ready to run to your nearest stocking store...

Leather jumper Marni at H&M
£79.99

Mary Kantrantzou A/W12

Celebrity or Designer: Mary Kantrantzou - you all knew I was going to do it!! Especially because I did not write mix prints as my fashion trend - but I REALLY wanted to. I thought instead I would roll it all into one. Mary K is the QUEEN of mixed prints. Not only does she do it by wearing different printed separates, she also mixes prints within one item of clothing - it blows my mind. The entire fashion world is literally raving since her LFW showing at the beginning of the week. She not only has the mixed print trend completely under wraps, she also is a gold medallist when it comes to shapes, different materials and general uniqueness. She has done a collection for Topshop which has naturally sold out online - but you can still purchase pieces in NYC and Vegas from March - TAXIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! If you still haven't checked her out, do so now....or be left behind in a one colour, shapeless dress. http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_catwalk.aspx?designerid=939&seasonid=27

Right, it is Friday, do you not have a LmetallicD to be wearing?
PS - Congratulations to one of my closest friends Alex Barnard on her great internship offer today!! This lady is going to be the next Rachel Zoe so watch out for her! Get it girl!
Becky xx



Not everything that sparkles is....a gypsy wedding dress

Hola,

Last night was a rather dull night for television - what with the Brits still being so fresh in my mind - usual tele just didn't do it for me. ALAS!!! I had completely forgotten to watch this week's Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!!!! YAAAAAAY!! After the just BEAUTIFUL pineapple and palm tree combo last week I knew I couldn't miss this week's offering. I was not disappointed either. HELLO FAIRY LIGHTS. Is there anything classier than a bustier with a tiny ballerina skirt that lights up? No. Vera Wang I reckon you have a few years til I get married yet, so that gives you the opportunity to get on this bound to be fast moving trend and make me something. I tell you if I had to wear that down the aisle...well I would be looking for the next gypsy horse race to tie myself to. If...and I mean IF you are not so keen on being dressed like a meringue on crack, then please feel free to peruse my other choices. I on the other hand will be going to work out how to thread a Happy Christmas light up sign to my new Topshop dress.

L...

Zara Feather Top

Erdem Lace Trousers
£730

Fashion Trend: Light as a feather, lace and leather!! - Feather skirts!!! Lace shorts!! Leather dresses!! I am a big fan of wearing something really feminine with something quite harsh and manly - luckily feathers, lace and leather are in for S/S and A/W so wear them together!! I think there is nothing sexier than mixing genres like that. Because this is a trend everyone can get hold of ALL the highstreet stores are jumping the bandwagon too!! Zara has a cute feather top which could easily be worn with tight leather trousers or a cute lace skirt or shorts. Wear this Zara top (http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/zaras-ss12-fashion-collection-see-all-the-pics/zara-ss12-black-feather-top#./zara-ss12-black-feather-top?&_suid=133000624984308626141155653852) with these Erdem lace trousers (http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion//erdem-ERD-C-6031LN-trousers-NAVY/55021?qxjkl=tsid:30065|cat:etT1jgERWYw)!!! If you are feeling a little more rocker, screw the feminine stuff and just go straight to the Henry Holland Leather Dress (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2103199/London-Fashion-Week-2012-Pixie-Geldof-Alexa-Chung-girly-catch-House-Holland-show.html). Work it.

Henry Holland Red Leather Dress with matching Cap and Gloves

Leather Frame Hobo
$495

Le Cirque Dress $348 -
Pleated, purple and with
concealed front zip. I. Die. 

Fashion Item: Leather Frame Hobo and Le Cirque Dress: Nanette Lepore - If you are ever unsure of where I am, there are usually three places to look: the local zoo, watching Les Mis in London or at home on the Nanette Lepore website. A good friend of mine introduced me to this designer when we were shopping together in Vegas - Nanette is so Blair Waldorf it sometimes hurts me. She does perfectly preppy dresses, luscious leather bags and sexy swimwear. I am currently stuck between which of these I want as my L - so instead I will put them both on here and you can wear them together (both items and pics from nanettelepore.com)!!

London Scarf L'Avion
Approx £102

Store or Label: L'avion.com.au - I just stumbled across this a little while ago and have become pretty obsessed with it. It is an Australian company (dont worry they deliver internationally) that sell the cutest scarves, hand bags and cosmetic bags for really rather reasonable prices - silk scarves aren't cheap girls. A silk scarf is a good investment - they wont ever go out of fashion, they will just be bigger in some seasons than others. If you treat it well, it will last for a lifetime - my grandmother gave me one that is 80 years old and looks great. I am especially loving the cute London collection scarf http://lavion.com.au/shop/item/wsc001. It must be nearly your birthday - you should probably ask for one...

Celebrity or Designer: Lily Collins - Rooney Mara and Felicity Jones need to keep an eye out because there is soon to be a new 'it' girl in town. Actress Lily Collins - best known for her role in The Blind Side - is now starring in an up and coming - eagrely awaited - adaptation of Snow White: 'Mirror Mirror' (out March 16th). With a cast boasting the likes of Julia Roberts and Kristen Stewart, I know I am not going to be the only person noticing Lily. She has already caused a stir in the fashion world, making headlines about her classic, beautiful style of dress. She is Chanel's dream girl and has been spotted wearing some of their most stunning creations. Watch out for this girl because soon we will all be carrying an apple round to look like her. Mirror, mirror on the wall, is Lily Collins more a Alexander McQueen or Mary Kantrantzou girl?

Now, I am going out to enjoy this glorious day - and I think you should do the same!!
Becky xx

Fashion... Just for a BRIT of a change...

Hi!!

So what have you all decided to give up for lent? I am sat here eating Twirl bites and watching Les Miserable clips on Youtube, so you can clearly see I have given up none of my favourite things. And I can't give up fashion because it will interfere with my work - sooo... What I would like to give up is going to the Job Centre - I went today to see about backdating this whole Job Seeker's Allowance situation. Henry VIII was still there - see previous post for explanation - and he greats me with "first claim - are you excited" to which I give obligatory but forced laugh - he then asks me again as though answering this question is imperative to my claim. I said no. What? Pancakes and lies don't mix well. He then said "are you nervous... because you should be" and then laughed to himself. Unless we have slipped into a parallel universe where instead of being in the Job Centre I am actually in a pub waiting to go on a date with you, then no I am not nervous. Even if I was in said parallel universe, nervous wouldn't be the correct word...nauseated would be. Anyway, all in all was a pretty pointless experience - will let you know if I get anything from it.

BUT!! I cannot be down in the mouth because last night was the BRITS!!! Firstly we just need to deal with the fact that this Adele quitting for five years thing seems to actually be true seeing as when she picked up her award for best album she said "bye, see you all next time round I guess!" to which the crowd naturally booed. Please do not go Adele, you are our broken heart fixer. How else are we going to explain when we sometimes feel the need to have a little cry in the car, then stop next to the boy we used to date and have to explain - "Just listening to 'Someone Like You'" which they then think is about them and decide to ask no more questions??

Right - the Brits is tooooooo important to squish into a little post - so I am postponing L until tomorrow. Please send all complaints about this to the Job Centre. Anyway, lets break this fashion extravaganza down into people and trends (all images lovingly borrowed from The Guardian unless otherwise stated http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2012/feb/22/brit-awards-red-carpet-arrivals):

Jessica Rabbit - Lana Del
Rey

RED!! Besides walking on the red carpet, quite a few of the lovelies were wearing it. I am still unsure what I am feeling about the red sheer/embroidered gown Jessie J was wearing. I can't decide if it is her or the dress I am rebelling against. With the hair and the eyes it was all just a little Christina Aguilera in the Lady Marmalade video.... Lana Del Rey did however look like the real life version of Jessica Rabbit in a stunning but simple red Vivienne Westwood gown. With her hair that colour, just flowing simply and with her uhum full lips, well she is a female force to be reckoned with. Christina Perri did the same thing as Jessie with sheer and embroidery/sequin cover ups - I like Jessie's more - I know I even surprised myself with that. Jessie's looks better made and classier, Christina's looks kind of cheap... I really liked that Pixie Lott had gone for a classic black number and paired it with bright red accessories - another twist to the all red look. The look was perhaps a little too old for her though? She looked beautiful, but maybe could have gone with something more youthful and fun.

Dazzling - Rihanna

Highly/unusually embellished - Rihanna: girl where have you been!! I really liked what she was wearing last night - a heavily beaded long dress - not too dissimilar in cut to the one she wore to the Grammys (which I wasn't keen on because it was rather plain/cheap looking). She look striking in the dress which matched her skin tone...and her shoes! Get it girl. If this is what her Giorgio Armani capsule collection is going to be like I have judged her too soon (this dress is Givenchy - not from her collection). Also Alexandra Burke was wearing a creation embellished with a wooden neckline, which is SO on trend. Get wood in any part of your ensemble - bag, heel, jewellery or clothing if you can. So cute, so sustainable. Nicole Scherzinger (the only Pussycat Doll we remember according to James Corden) also pulled out all the trend stops with a pastel (YES!), lemon (YES!!), highly embellished (YES!!!) strapless dress - damn girl.

Woman in Black - Adele

I was disappointed with Kylie's dress - I thought it was boring and rather prom looking - royal blue strapless YSL dress. And, however much I LOVE Adele and everything about her - I wish she would try something that wasn't a long black dress. Don't get me wrong she looked absolutely STUNNING!! Maybe when she pops back in a few years she will have met Mary Katrantzou...

Someone needs to explain to me how Florence is the only woman in the world who thinks she can wear pale colours and not look dead. Maybe it is just because she always goes with Chanel or (like last night) Alexander McQueen creations. I <3 your designer choice sweet girl, but not the colours - get some vibrant red or emerald green on you and watch everyone hate you for being so fabulous.

A Little Too Mixed Up

You will either agree with me or hate me for this next statement - I was SEVERELY disappointed with Little Mix - their outfits did not co-ordinate in anyway and the colours clashed - not in a cute edgy way either. There were too many trends - snakeskin, pastels, tweed, clunky shoes - but they were not done right. Just choose one or two and make sure you focus on those... I know they are new, so I will let them off, but this time next year I want to see a HUGE improvement - got it!!!

Work It Ed

I thought the boys all looked cute - Tinie Tempah always cracks me up. All the boys but Plan B I should say - who to be honest seemed kind of out of it - and I think was wearing a suit he had worn before....ewwww. I LOVED that Ed Sheeran sang in a t-shirt and jeans but then came on in a 70s looking prom suit. He really is just the love of my life. The One Direction boys looked nothing if not dapper - maybe they can speak to Little Mix about co-ordination.

CHER-ing my sequins with...

...Louie Spence

Luckily stars were all for eco-friendly clothing this award show and Cher Lloyd and Louis Spence made sure nothing was wasted when they created their outfits. Share a bolt of fabric, save the world. How about use your own fabric, save the world from a terrible outfit... Worst dressed by far (bar the foxy Louboutin spiked shoes Cher is wearing) [Cher image from The Sun online and Louis Spence from holymoly.com]




Hope you all enjoyed the Brits as much as I did. Now to think about whether I should give up carbs for lent....hmmm do I enjoy pasta or body con more...on that note I think I better pop to Jane's Pantry before it closes. Ciao.
Becky xx