Oh, the weather outside is frightful

Walking through the rainy streets of London this weekend, I realised it is now official...winter is coming. We are currently still at the stage where we can be lulled into a false sense of security by a peek-a-boo sun in the sky, but the reality is....it bloomin' cold. So to keep you warm and of course stylish, I have chosen a couple of the best coats to wear this winter - perfect for a blustery walk in the park, an evening out watching the fireworks or just to keep you warm so you can continue to eat ice cream year round...no? Just me? Anyway, here are my favs...

Boyish Shape - Comptoir des Cotonniers Palette Coat, £300 (www.comptoirdescotonniers.co.uk)

This is without doubt my ultimate buy of any AW collection. The Palette coat - favourited amongst the likes of Millie Mackintosh who purchased one this month - is the perfect mix of so many top trends: tweed, oversized, masculine tailoring, leather. This gorgeous coat gives a masculine and broad shoulder, sweeping into an oversized double breasted tweed coat, with a touch of leather at the collar to give added feminine luxe. At £300 it is pricey, but will last you beyond this winter. So really, there is no reason not to right? Well that's what im going to say to my bank anyway....

Cape - Bershka Shearling Lined Parka, £59.99 (www.bershka.com)

I am a HUGE fan of the cape, but understand that it can be a little difficult to do, well anything at all to be honest whilst wearing one. Luckily the lovely people at Bershka have created this stunning cape with arms!!!! Hooray I say! Shearling lined for extra warmth, with the look of a cape/biker jacket, you really cant go wrong. And with a price tag that is under £60, you are free to shop for more winter wonderland goodies. DELIGHTFUL!

Parka - River Island Grey Faux Fur Lined Parka Jacket, £95 (www.riverisland.com)

Parkas have come on a lot since the days of Kenny's orange one... River Island for example do a fab one that has a faux fur lined hood and added zip detailing to make it prettier and more feminine...something we generally strive for, like, all the time. Also, it has a great cinched in waist which means you don't have to look frumpy or shapeless. 10 out of 10 in my book!

Duffle - New Look Mink and Brown Faux Fur Trim Hooded Duffle, £44.99 (www.newlook.com)


A little retro duffle action is never a bad thing. I love toggle detailing because I think it is a pretty addition to a plain coat. This mink and brown version from New Look is great as it has leather piping, big pockets (for our chilly mitts!) and a pretty faux fur hood. So lovely and SO CHEAP! I will take 3.

Fur - ASOS Faux Fur Coat with Cat Ears, £80 (www.asos.com)


Perhaps with cat ears, a little extreme for most of us, but none-the-less still a winter staple. If you live in London it seems this is your day to day attire, slung over jeans or leather - which by the way is actually a great way to play down fur. If that's too much for those who don't wear glitter on their face to get noticed on the tube, then keep for evening. I am not a fan of real fur, but luckily for me the fake versions are very passable and a hell of a lot cheaper!

Biker - Oasis Colour Block Leather Biker, £160 (www.oasis.com)

 

Bikers rarely go out of fashion, which means it is of the utmost importance that you chose the right one. Oasis have loads, from leather to floral, so head there for a wealth of choice. My fav has to be this colour block version which will go with anything. A little bit on the pricey side, but you have to ask yourself - what is that cute guy staring at you and your new jacket on the bus worth? Wait, how many colours can I get this in?

 

So there you have it, my top coats. To be honest I could go on and on with this - checked, shearling, pink, leather, longline, dropped waist....but I don't want to overload your fashion brains and unload your purses... Just choose well and remember that a decent coat should be a little more expensive. After all it needs to keep you warm whilst you are dragging your bestie round the shops...

Tell Someone You Love Them

Hello,

A few of my friends have been asking me about dresses lately - what to buy and from where. So here are what I see as some of the top dress trends. All you need to do is find a lovely boy who is willing to take you out in one! Enjoy.

THE PEPLUM DRESS:


Ted Baker £159

Peplums are SO flattering. As I have said before, they hide lumps and bumps if you have any, but also create an hourglass shape if you don't have one... Kate Middleton was just spotted wearing one to the African Cats premier she attended with Prince William. Endorsed by the most beautiful woman in Britain... hanging in every single one of our wardrobes.


THE TIE DYE DRESS:



French Connection £160


Tie Dye is a HUGE trend at the moment, but I know it can leave you wondering whether or not you will look like a hippy. If that is the fear buy something subtle and beautiful like this French Connection dress - being 100% silk, dip dye, floaty and stunning, the last thing people will expect you to do is braid your hair and stop shaving. Although...


THE LACE DRESS:



Matalan £25

The lace dress has been in for a while and will continue for another season. Perhaps because it is feminine and flattering, perhaps just because we all have a weird desire to wear things that our nan tells us she could make. Either way, they are the thing of the moment. I love colourful lace, such as this coral number from Matalan, but I am also all about the ones with contrasting fabric underneath. Play around with what you can find. If you are a skilled seamstress, or just happen to like a bit of Gok Wan, remove the under layer of your lace dress and wear with long colourful vest tops/dresses in contrasting colours. That will show your Nan...bless her.


THE FLAPPER DRESS:



Gucci




River Island £100

The flapper dress is all about flamboyance, luxury and extravagance. Its about hearing the beads click together when you twirl, its about having a boyish figure and its about dancing like you were in 20s Paris. I have shown you here that this is a HOT designer trend at the moment as well...and if like me you can't afford the oh so lovely Gucci version, well River Island will work just as perfectly. Would I like to dance? Merci Monsieur.

THE BRODERIE ANGLAISE/LASER CUT DRESS:

The Kooples 175 Euros

Basically you need to get yourself a dress with tiny holes in it.... If you are a pretty girl next door type, broderie anglaise is perfect for you as it is small dainty patterns made out of holes that have been cut and sewn in fabric. If you are a little more daring try laser cut pieces which can see any shape, size or pattern being cut into most materials. Either way wear something contrasting  underneath if there is the option for such. Dazzle in this trend...it will be a HOLE lot of fun. Oh, stop. I also chose a The Kooples dress because they are a fabulous brand that I have been in love with for a good while now. They are all about gorgeous his and her's tailoring...and my life dream is to become a part of a Kooples Couple. There, I said it. ALSO, BIG NEWS!!! They are opening a new store in Cheltenham where Crabtree and Evelyn used to be. Thank you Kooples, it is like Christmas but with less drunk relatives.... oh wait Pete Doherty is their newest spokesman...


THE HANKY HEM DRESS:



Firetrap £95 (House of Fraser)

Dresses with uneven hems all the way round or cascading hems from front to back are fabulous. If you have shorter thicker legs get the dresses with longer backs and shorter fronts because this will create the longer leg illusion. So chic, I might cry....a cascade of tears. (PS - I heart the print on this Firetrap dress also).


THE FULL SKIRTED DRESS:

Anthropologie £128

The full skirt look works for your retro Americana as seen at Prada and the likes, but also for my all time fav...the 50s housewife; as per this gorge creature above. Feel pretty, girly and feminine in this creation, but dont go all creepy housewife from The Help. Cat-eye sunglasses, some cute retro hair and a wee Chanel quilted bag is all you really need for that guy you've had your eye on to tell you that you are just swell. (PS - I have just been informed that Lauren Conrad has put this dress on her blog as well today - thought I should come back and tell you that I am pretty much the bees knees.)

Dresses that are always in for this season and perhaps forever....floral, maxi, one shoulder, pastel, neon (SUBTLE dont dress like a highlighter) and as always the LBD.


I just want to say that yesterday was a sad day for many in Gloucester as a local rugby player died aged only in his early twenties. I did not know this person, but I know some of his team-mates and a few of his friends. Due to this I just want to say to you all that life is hard, painful and at times you may think it is not worth what you put in, but remember you only get one chance. You may be lucky and live to 100 or, like Dominic fate may have other plans for you. Either way just remember the argument you had with your boyfriend/girlfriend/parents/sibling and understand it was pointless. Tell each person in your life that you love them, everyday if possible, because life is a gift and it is one we all are too quick to take for granted. I appreciate every single one of you taking time to read my blog and for those of you who are family or friends, I love you dearly. For those of you who have just stopped by for a quick read, thank you, I appreciate your kindness and hope there is someone sitting next to you who will tell you they love you too.

Best Wishes,
Becky xxx

'Prints' Charming and His 'Eggselent' Followers

Hello Over Indulged Friends!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter, spending time with friends and family....and eating everything egg shaped in sight. I partook in the frivolous and ate and drank with friends and I partook in the meaningful, visiting Gloucester Cathedral which held a floral tribute to my late grandfather and many others friends and relatives past. Easter was therefore particularly emotional for me. But my dear friends, I am ashamed to say it was not only the marking of another Easter without my grandfather that made me a little down in the mouth. No, it was also that APPARENTLY, when you hit 22, people stop getting you Easter eggs. Ummmm, this has to be against civil rights??? I am sorry but the excuse that we now know the Easter Bunny isn't real, doesn't really fly with me. I know that half of Glos are carrying faux designer bags but I am not allowed to rip those poorly stitched Lukey Vuittons and Birdberry pieces out of their hands and set them on fire (the bags, not the people...) which to me seems the same sort of situation. My lovely Mother bought me a little selection of eggs from M&S which were delightful, my wonderful Father bought me a large egg, my Nan gave me an egg with a medal (also made of choc) and my other Nana made 2 chocolate cakes over the weekend on the "off chance" I would pop round....I did, three times. So I suppose you cannot compare my lack of chocolate to that of a third world resident, BUT, what happened to the times when your parents gave you 12 Easter eggs (with you managing to keep those bad boys going until mid July), a Steps CD and £20 to boot??? As I get older I find chocolate has become more of a necessity - especially since that study was brought out which says those that eat choc regularly are more likely to lose weight than those that don't - so I am pretty sure more eggs should exchange hands rather than less. I keep hearing the old chestnut that "22 is too old for Easter eggs" which I until today completely disagreed with... With my lack of choc causing a rumbly tumbly I bought some Love Hearts - old school cool - which like in the good old days I read before eating: "Be Mine", "Love You", "Fax Me" - obvi a 90s cast off. I kid you not when I say this though, at least 1/3 of the packet were "Grow Up". A short, sharp, chocolateless shock to the system. I think I'll stick to sweets that don't talk back next time. I hope you all enjoyed whatever sugary delight you got.

Now being in love with prints as I am and the fact there are SO many available at the moment in all different colours and patterns, I thought I would bring you my top ten. At least if you didnt get any choc this Easter you will be able to fit into these beauties...(Blurbs for each piece underneath image)



Matalan Scarf Print Blouse £16
http://www.matalan.co.uk/fcp/product/fashion-to-buy-online//Long-Sleeve-Scarf-Print-Blouse/51662&resultsPerPage=100&attrList=Dept,brand

Scarf Print: So in for S/S - all the celebs are wearing scarf print dresses, skirts and blouses. Team this shirt with denim shorts, a black maxi skirt or another daring print if you are brave enough!! This blouse manages to hit two trends with the scarf print and the fact it's sheer. Matalan has so much great stuff this season so look to them for other trends that wont break the bank!



H&M Striped Blazer £24.99
http://www.hm.com/gb/product/96893?article=96893-D

Stripes: You cant go wrong with a good striped blazer - well actually make sure the stripes aren't two thick, you don't want to look like Beetlejuice... Its a good staple for jeans and a tee but can also be worn over an LBD or even for work. Prints don't have to be terrifying or garish, so if you aren't into bright colours or loud patterns, try something like this from H&M.




River Island Yellow Sunflower Print Playsuit £25
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/playsuits--jumpsuits/playsuits/yellow-sunflower-print-playsuit-618259

Floral Print: Big, bright and bold flower prints are the best way to liven up your summer wardrobe. Team this playsuit with some cute sandals in the day before making an easy transition to night with a black blazer and black wedge boots.




American Apparel Polka Dot Leggings £24
http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/8328.html?cid=905-1310&c=Truffle

Polka Dot: I love a good polka dot and I love a good legging, so put the two together and what have you got?!! Fashion gold my friends. If you have got a black dress that needs livening up, are one of those fabulously toned people who can wear leggings as trousers or just want to dress like LMFAO then pick these bad boys up. They are my new Spandex crush.




Oasis Bird Print Trousers £45
http://www.oasis-stores.com/Bird-Print-Trouser/Trousers-&-Shorts/oasis/fcp-product/4450002868

Bird Print: I have always loved prints which incorporate animals, birds, fish etc. I think they are so eye-catching as from far away they can look more like a generic pattern; it isn't until you get close that you see the detail. Everyone is celebrating with our winged friends at the moment, so pick up a pair of wide legged trousers, harem pants or these loose fitting beauties and rock out with your chicken out...

Urban Outfitters Renewal O&O Maxi Dress £48
http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/renewal-o+o-animal-maxi-dress/invt/5416465084589/&bklist=

Oriental Prints: This particular dress reminds me of oriental prints on kimonos, rice paper paintings and those gorgeous vases (usually in blue and white). This is a stunning maxi that is definitely a piece to wear to drinks, dinner or a special occasion - and such value for money!! This is possibly my favourite piece of the ten items, it is so simple, yet so beautiful. Check out UO for all your print needs, because lets be honest, they don't really do subtle...




Topshop Morphed Tribal Shorts £35
http://www.topshop.com/

Tribal Print: Some of you might be yawning at this because tribal has been around for a while now. What you have to do therefore is find tribal but with a twist, like these shorts! Love the tribal colours, but go for a blurred look, or another pattern to make the trend fresh again. Zigzags are huge at the moment, so try tribal colours in this print for extra va va voom!

Warehouse Snake Print Skirt £40
http://www.warehouse.co.uk/snake-plisse-skirt/Clothing/warehouse/fcp-product/308234

Animal Print: Lets be honest animal print is always going to be around, so we just have to tailor it to the season. This season pleats and snakeskin are in....oh wait! Here is the perfect skirt for pairing with your highest heels and going partying with your friends. You know you want to...


House of Holland Bone Swim Suit £75
http://shop.houseofholland.co.uk/collections/new-arrivals/products/pc12-bone-swimsuit

Crazy Print: At the end of the day be who you want to be and say what you want to say in a print that you love! This says ... look how skinny I've got from lack of Easter eggs....





Cath Kidston Pinny Cardi £38
http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/p-18021-cath-kidston-pinny-flowers-pointelle-cardigan.aspx

Cath Kidston: If all else fails, turn to the queen of prints herself...

So go out and paint the town patterned!
Becky xx

In Chicago they dye the river green. In Gloucester a lone man pretends to talk in an Irish accent whilst drinking Guinness...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you little leprechauns out there! And Happy Mother's Day for tomorrow for all you scrummy mummys.

I have come home for the weekend, to tell my mother I appreciate her, to enjoy my friend's birthday and just to generally cause havoc with a group of friends I have not seen in a long time. All in all shaping up to be a good weekend. A few more weird things for you to enjoy that happened on the tube this week:

• People have apparently moved back in time and no longer listen to iPods. Instead a man on the tube played the guitar and I sat directly opposite (this is true) a guy practising for an opera...
• A lot of people pray on the tube - all religions
• People make this 'SIGGGGGHHHHH' noise when a pregnant woman/old person/the infirm etc get on the tube and they have to get up to let them sit down - oh social conventions, you lovely little blighters - the best part is when you can see their brain trying to work out whether she is pregnant or just carrying a little extra weight
• Having to listen to loud phone calls about: 1 - why you hate your boyfriend and are breaking up with him, 2 - why you hate your job and will be leaving, 3 - how you have always thought your Spanish teacher looks like Sophia Vergara, 4 - tell your friend how you want to punch so and so in the face and will do so this weekend ... ever the classy city London
• People eating: McDonalds, sandwiches, an ENTIRE pizza, soup!!!!!!
• Realising foreign people don't care what they do in front of English people - most likely because they will never do anything to top the ridiculous things on the tube that we do. On Friday a HUGE, white guy was literally coughing like he had the plague. The Indian couple across the tube from him wrap scarves around their faces and start waving the air in front of them....HILARIOUS!! We are too polite to do things like draw attention to something someone else is doing, but we will cough everywhere, shout on the phone, eat obnoxious food on the tube and generally be gross... once again, way to be classy London.

W

£19.99
(www.faux.uk.com)

£59.99
(www.faux.uk.com)

Fashion Trend: Wild!! By this I mean fur!! Now, I am leaving you to make your own choice about whether to wear real or faux, but you can get some great fake stuff for a fraction of the price! The A/W12 catwalks saw fur: collars, stoles, jackets, cloaks, trim, handbags, boots, gloves, hats....EVERYTHING!! This was also a great theme at Cheltenham Ladies Day (remember you can still read my report of the day at www.jpfestival.com). Pick up something this season, wear it until summer then rock it, knowing you bought it cheaper this S/S, in A/W!! Remember, it's always better to be where the wild things are!! Found a GREAT website www.faux.uk.com which sells anything faux fur you could ever want and it is all SO cheap!!



River Island £100
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/coats--jackets/leather--non-leather-jackets/black-faux-fur-collar-fallaway-jacket-613118

Fashion Item: Wedge - It is coming to spring so we want to leave the clunky footwear of the winter behind. The only problem is, it is still a trend very much in full swing. My suggestion is that you turn to the mighty wedge!!! It is clunky, but summery! You can carry off any trend with a wedge that you are afraid to try in a full outfit, EG: Snakeskin, pastels, heavily embellished etc. Also, you can buy cute pairs from everyone from Matalan through to Mulberry so you can find one to suit your budget! Here are some cute ones:

Maddox Shoe - LK Bennett £175
http://www.lkbennett.com/shoes/courts/CCMADDOX687SNAKE

Princess Wedge Schuh £68
http://www.schuh.co.uk/womens-multi-schuh-princess-wedge-glitter/1137259960

Floral Wedge - New Look £27.99
http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shoes/multi-coloured-floral-print-wedges_247426899


Store or Label: Winter Kate by Nicole Richie - If you haven't seen any of her stuff yet, you MUST look at it before you judge. It is in no way the same creepy stuff she wore running round America with Paris Hilton in The Simple Life show. It is floaty, boho and free spirited. There was a sheer floaty jacket that she did a few years back which I am STILL kicking myself about not buying. Her pieces are the sort of stuff you see on other people and have to ask where they are from; the company is still not so well known in this country, so you can buy something and feel quite safe in the knowledge you wont see anyone else wearing it. I love the separates because you can always guarantee they will be the statement piece of your outfit. Also I think the name of the brand is the cutest thing ever...

Winter Kate Dress S/S12
http://winterkate.com/

Winter Kate Jumpsuit £346
www.winterkate.co.uk

Designer or Celebrity: Madonna - No I have not suddenly lost all ability to understand letters. What I really mean is W.E the movie that Madonna co-produced and wrote. I know it came out months ago and is not released until 4th June on DVD etc, but I have to talk about it here. For those of you who didn't go because you don't like Madge - well I can understand because I wasn't sure to begin with. But, it would be a waste if you didn't see it at some point. The acting is stupendous and the costumes are even better. It is a film about the romance between Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson and how much they had to give up to be together. Described as one of the most tragic love stories ever, there is not even a hint of cone bras or wearing too much make-up over 50... It instead ties in well with the princess/vintage trend circulating at the moment because Wallis Simpson was never known for her beauty, but always remembered for her style. Take tips from her and her future counterpart in the film, Wally, by wearing black shifts with big cream pearls, drip in diamonds and sequins and finish your ensemble with a vintage hair do. We may not all be as beautiful as the royals but Wallis proved we can all be as stylish. Also - My Week With Marilyn came out this week - fabulous costumes, fabulous storyline, Michelle Williams is to die for and Eddie Redmayne is a sight for sore eyes!! Buy it and watch it 9,000 times before W.E comes out.

Have a good weekend!!
Becky xx