MOST WANTED - Botkier Bag

Botkier Sasha Duffle Bag - $695

This Botkier bag covers two trends which are both very much still en vogue, Snakeskin and metallics; which is why I want it so bad. It is a really practical size, and I am always on the look out for a formidable bag like this one. Not only that, it would go marvelously with all the gunmetals and greys I have in my wardrobe right now! International shipping is available although it may also be useful to have a peek on Ebay for a similar Botkier bag with a bargain price tag.

STYLE AWARD - Corrine Bailey Rae

Corrine Bailey Rae

There is something childlike and angelic about her style yet also elegance. This simple BadgleyMischka dress is so perfect on her. And I love the sparkling shoes as well. For curly hair pinning sections up is a great way to add glamour for a take on the classic up-do, it takes the heaviness away from the face and shows off a shapely jawline.

Photo Credit: www.ibabuzz.com

She wears barely a scrap of make up, but she doesn't have to. Her features are delicate and pretty without any enhancement at all. If only we all were blessed with her natural beauty.

Photo Credit: thewebpen.net

Her signature look, is the pretty dress. Often Strapless and nearly always short in length which accentuates her great legs. It is a great look for a party, perfect in fact for New Years Eve so get your frocks out! Warehouse is a great place to look for a strapless dress especially now as it is sale time.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK - Sabai Wine Spritzer

Sabai Wine Spritzers are a combination of Thai wine and exotic fruits, one variety flavoured with Pomegranate and the other Hibiscus flower. It is trendy too having made its debut at the after parties of London Fashion Week. These drinks have fewer calories than most alcopops and contain vitamin C and antioxidants which makes me feel much less guilty for indulging.


Available in Tesco and Sainsburys.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - ikea.com

Most people have been to an Ikea, and if you haven't make sure you do. Not only do they sell a great range of products, the shopping experience is really fun! So it fits that they would have a great website. One of the best features is that you can check availability of an item before you travel to the store. Really handy if you are after something in particular.

Wardrobe solutions - Stolmen - £252

There are weekly offers starting each Monday, you can view the catalogue of products and even join Ikea Family to get extra product discounts and offers throughout the year. Unfortunately though, you cannot get a tasty meatball lunch online, for that you have to go into the store.

Check it out now www.ikea.com

MOST WANTED - Burburry Hemingway Trench

Burberry Hemingway Trench - £775 - NET-A-PORTER

The colour of this coat is amazing. A Bright blue mikado silk blend, double breasted trench coat. It has long sleeves with buckles at the cuffs and on the waist belt, and epaulettes on the shoulders. There is no other coat quite like it in stores at the moment, certainly none which have quite the impact and detailing that this one does. It is available at NET-A-PORTER, but alas it is more than my budget will allow.

STYLE AWARD - Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth

Photo Credit: modelvolume.wordpress.com

Kate Bosworth has a style which appears simple and effortless, yet at the same time she is groomed to perfection. She has a great bone structure with high cheek bones, which she shows off with creamy blusher.

Photo Credit: javno.com

In the photo above, Kate masters many trends all at once. The hair and make up are in the twenties style and the hairstyle really suits her. I love the metallic heels which compliment her amazing satin, bubble hem dress. She wears very little jewellery which adds to the simplicity of the look, and shows off the dress. Just some vintage inspired earrings is all that is needed.

Photo Credit: Evilbeetgossip.film.com

The vibrant strapless bandage dress above is the perfect colour for Kate, and with her enviable figure she easily carries it off. Again the jewellery is simple in silver, as are the black accessories. The eye is drawn to the dress and Kate's peachy complexion and smile. She even has a trade mark stance for photographers which she knows, best shows off her figure.

Q & A - Shoe websites

Q - Which websites would you recommend for buying shoes, I can't seem to find what I am looking for?

A - I have added some sites below for you to try which have a great selection of shoes. If you are not sure what you are after, most have a list of their best selling shoes to give you some inspiration. Sign up to newsletters to be informed of the latest sales and new product ranges.

www.schuhstore.co.uk
The biggest online shoes store selling big brands with everything from stilettos to trainers. Check out the Xtras section to see magazine featured products.

www.faith.co.uk
A great place to find boots and pretty heels. Sale is now on, up to 60% off.
Delivery: £5.00 for up to five items

www.asos.com
I love the shoes on this site, and they also have a sale on right now. Get there quick before your size goes.
Delivery: £3.75

www.linzishoes.co.uk
If your budget is modest, try this site. Great for summer sandals and flip flops.
Delivery: £2.95 for one item, £5.90 for two or more items.

www.office.co.uk
Gorgeous shoes in the latest trends. If you are after something a bit special this is the place.

www.shellys.co.uk
Great shoes, and not too pricey, also try sister site www.barratts.co.uk for more everyday styles.
Delivery: £2.95

ASOS SALE - Best bits...

ASOS have launched their sale early with many items reduced by 50%. What a perfect opportunity to get your New Year's Eve outfit sorted whilst they still have your size. I have included some of my favourite sale picks below...

Jewel Backed Empire Top - Was £30 Now £10

Patent Pointed Platform Shoe - Was £25 Now £15

Antik Batik Chiffon Print Tie Top - Was £125 Now £75

Diesel 'Lambry' Wide Leg Stitch Pocket Jean - Was £90 Now £54

Coast Pencil Dress With Rose Appliqué - Was £110 Now £75


Click here to browse the other bargains at ASOS

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - Marthascloset.co.uk

www.marthascloset.co.uk

This is a vintage treasure chest. Whether you are looking to add some vintage items to your wardrobe, or buy a one off piece for dressing up in style, then this is the place. They have a great selection of clothes and accessories, which is always changing and they conveniently organise items by decade to make it easier to find what you need. Big designer names can often be found too, but at a price. My favourites are below...

70'e Black Dress - £30

The perfect party dress

60's Cut Out Mini Dress

Great with tights and patent heels.

60's Evening Dress

A chunky belt around the waist of this dress would bring it bang up to date.

WEEKLY HINTS, TIPS & TRICKS

SEXIEST SKIRTS . . . . fashion
Fishtail midi length skirts give the female body a great shape. The skirt needs to be really snug over the hips, bum and thighs, but not at the waist. Hour-glass shapes will look particularly good in this type of skirt, but anyone can work the look. It is a style that transcends office to party and is dressed up with a few strategic accessories and a subtle flash of cleavage. Don't forget the heels as this skirt doesn't work so well with flats. The skirt below from Topshop also happens to be in this season's 'in' fabric, satin.

Satin Fishtail Pencil Skirt - Topshop - £30

DECEMBER WEATHER . . . . health
Women are generally more likely to feel the cold than men. Part of this stems from being set up to bear children (always the reason), we also tend to have less muscle and more fat which contributes to the problem. Dehydration can be partly to blame, so make sure you are drinking enough water. Other ways to warm up are to have a hot drink or hot food. If you are stationary for long periods of time, make sure you get up and walk around regularly which should help, I am also partial to some fleecy socks worn with my boots. Nice and cosy!

Photo Credit: Unneva on flickr.com

FAB FLICKS . . . . hair
Flicks work best on hair that already has layers in it and can be a quick fix for dressing things up. You can either get the look by blow drying hair using a small round brush, curling the ends up and outwards. The easier method though, is with hair straighteners, by running them through the hair and flicking outwards at the ends. It literally takes a couple of minutes, and with a quick spritz of hairspray the style will last all night. I recommend MOP Hairspray. For a less fixed flick, add a little wax or pomade gently to the ends to create some definition.

Photo Credit: cwstyle.com

TRENDS - Twenties

TWINKLING TWENTIES

Photo Credit: joelgillespie1957 on flickr

This trend is perfect for the party season, and is also a flattering and easy look to carry off. Dropped waist dresses skim curves rather than cling. Sequin Shrugs and capes cover up problem arms. The best colours to go for are black and shimmering metallics, with beading, pleats and fringing.

Photo Credit: Photo_Front on flickr

Kate Moss often adopts this trend and her range at Topshop is full of beaded dresses in the Twenties style. The fashionable body shape in the twenties was slim and flat chested. If that is you, then this look will be ideal for your body shape.

Beaded Flapper Dress - Kate Moss at Topshop - £250

Fur, feathers and pearls are the accessories of choice and hair and make up should be groomed and sleek. T bar shoes go well with the pretty twenties dresses of the moment as will a pair of satin gloves if you really want maximum impact.

Solea T-Bar court shoes - ASOS - £110

MOST WANTED - Pistachio Bracelet

Black Linked Hearts Bracelet - Pistachio - £231.95

I love this chunky bracelet from jewellery store www.pistachio.co.uk Chunky hearts filled with resin, set in solid silver make this a different but gorgeous piece of contemporary jewellery. It is pretty enough to wear with a little black dress, yet chunky and edgy making it ideal for everyday. Team with some black nail varnish to vamp it up. Let's hope santa puts one in my stocking!

Check out the Pistachio website for matching items and some other great modern pieces.

STYLE AWARD - Rihanna

RIHANNA

Rihanna is young, modern and fashionable. She consistently gets her make up spot on and it is not by playing safe. She tries lots of different looks, and often quite wild colours. She does have a perfect skin tone to carry it off and others would struggle to copy the looks that she seems to manage so effortlessly. Below, Rihanna was an early trend setter for the body con / bandage dress look.

Photo Credit: rihannaweb.org

As for fashion sense I love the way she adopted the metallics trend early on, with skyscraper silver heels and wide waist cinching belts. She is a care free female and her look reflects this. Not only that, she has a body to die for and this enables her to wear outfits much skimpier than many other celebs could get away with. She is not afraid to go for the boldest of colours but knows to keep the make up toned down when she does, as below.

Photo Credit: rihannaweb.org

Check out the 'Shut up and drive' video below and look out for some killer heels. I am not a fan of the big gold hoops but apart from that she epitomises the sexy look.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK - Jordans Crunchy Bar

This honey and almond crunchy bar from Jordans makes an ideal snack. Considering it has only 139 calories in it, it is extremely satisfying. Not only that, it is high in fibre, with no added salt, preservatives, flavourings or colourings. Yum Yum!

They come in a box of 9 and are available from all good supermarkets.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - www.oli.co.uk

www.oli.co.uk

This website has items for men, women, kids and the home with some great names such as Maria Grachvogel designing for them. The site has super sales, with many items discounted by as much as 50% at any one time. I like the magazine section where you can be inspired by the desirable items, trends and ideas featured. There is also a Christmas shop if you are in need of something festive or gift ideas. The prices are really reasonable too, a chance to pick up a bargain! My favourites from the website are below...

Tie Belt Mac - £50




TFNC Stud Tunic - £30

Maria Grachvogel Large Silky String Pendant - £35 (reduced from £70)

HINTS, TIPS & TRICKS Press ups and glossy hair

WEEKLY HINTS, TIPS & TRICKS

DO BOY PRESS UPS . . . . body
Give yourself a challenge and work your upper body, shoulders and chest. Start off with, 2-3 times a week, doing half press ups (resting on your knees instead of your toes). The spine should still be in a straight line and the bottom not lifted. Once this becomes easier add some full press ups until you have the strength to do full sets. Then impress your male friends by making it look easy! Visit www.shape.com for help on doing the exercise correctly.

Photo Credit: Fazen at www.flickr.com

LACKLUSTRE HAIR . . . . beauty
If your hair could do with a boost try this; once a week wash your hair with your usual shampoo then use an intensive conditioner. Immediately follow this with your normal conditioner and the last rinse should be with cold water. Shiny, gorgeous hair will be yours. Just remember to use heat protection products if you regularly use a hairdryer or hair straighteners.

Tuesday Trend - Feathers

RUFFLE YOUR FEATHERS

Mini Dress with Feathers - £2645 - Browns Fashion

Feathers are finding their way into all kinds of outfits and accessories at the moment. Feather headbands and hair slides add interest to tied back hair styles and bags have feather details too. Black feathered hems in twenties styles are big news and gold and silver feather jewellery is everywhere.

Make sure your jewellery collection includes feather earrings and false feather eyelashes for an interesting twist on the usual falsies.

Feather Tipped Eyelashes - Dark Angel Costumes

If real feathers might be a bit delicate for you then try feather prints and jewellery to ensure you stay ahead of the crowd. This trend will adapt to dress up glamour or dress down boho so there is no excuse. Say no to feather Boas though please!

Unique Boutique Feather Chain Dress - £45 - ASOS

Monday Most Wanted - Lily Gardner Pearl Necklace

MOST WANTED

Lily Gardner Graduated Swarovski Pearl Necklace - £150.00

Pearls are classic and timeless pieces of jewellery and every girl should have some. This graduated Swarovski pearl necklace is a beautiful example, set on a sterling silver chain it is a statement piece and an investment. These crystal pearls are available in four different colours, my favourite though are the classic cream. Team with ladylike dresses, bows and feathers for a look that oozes elegance and old fashioned glamour.

Creator Lily Gardner's jewellery has been sold on the counters of Harrods and The Victoria & Albert Museum in London. This necklace is part of Lily's Bohemian Retro collection. View more at the new website www.lilygardner.com

Style Award - Katie Holmes

STYLE AWARD . . . . Katie Holmes

Photo Credit: Marie Claire

Katie Holmes has in the past few months stepped out of husband Tom Cruise's shadow and come into her own. The new sleek haircut she recently unveiled is gorgeous and even cuter than daughter Suri's! The fringe is back in the limelight with celeb's such as Kate Moss and Cheryl Tweedy opting for the chop yet Katie's version is the best of the bunch.

Photo Credit: American Girl

Katie Holmes always seems to get her make up spot on. She consustantly appears both natural and glamourous. Family life has obviously been good for her but I guess being blessed with that bone structure helps too.

Photo Credit: Daily Mail

As for Katie's wardrobe, I just love this leopard print chiffon dress. She usually tends to opt for plain blacks and creams but this bold design really suits her.

Issue 10 - Chunky Knits, Belted Coats & Earrings

HINTS, TIPS, TRICKS & TRENDS

EAR ADORNMENT . . . . accessories
If you have only one item to take an outfit from work to evening this winter then make it a glitzy pair of earrings. Vintage inspired and shoulder grazing pieces are perfect and mean that you can keep your other jewellery simple. Accessorize are great for interesting, sparkly earrings. Keep a pair in your bag for those impromptu after work drinks and you will always look like you made the effort.


CHUNKY KNITS . . . . clothes
I find keeping warm at the moment is a priority. There are lots of chunky knits about at the moment and they seem to have adopted the volume trend. A longer length, baggy cardigan can be belted to create shape whilst still being ultra comfortable. Chunky jumper dresses with tights and boots also make perfect winter wear. Also go for knitted berets as these are being sported by celebs everywhere. If you fancy a challenge why not learn to knit yourself. www.knittinginstitute.co.uk has great tips and resources for newbies.


SIN FREE TIPPLES . . . . body
It can be easy for healthy eating to go out of the window at this time of year. When it comes to festive drinks try the following... Vodka and diet coke or Gin and tonic (both have around 56 calories each) If having wine try substituting half the glass for soda water, swap milk based cocktails for champagne based ones and you will make serious calorie savings. You can be sensible without missing out on all the fun. You are also less likely to binge on the buffet if you haven't gone over the top with the alcohol.


BELT UP . . . . accessories
The latest way to wear your chunky waist belts is over the top of coats. It will make the most of your figure nipping you in at the narrowest point. This look works best with macs, and long coats in fairly thin materials. On stiffer, thicker fabrics it will add bulk rather than define a silhouette so steer clear.


STRAWBERRY SANITIZER . . . . health
I always keep a mini bottle of hand sanitizer in my handbag. Kids ones are great, and they often have sweet smelling scents. Not only are they great for killing germs they are good for cleaning your hands when there is not a sink nearby. Use often if you have a cold to avoid spreading your germs to the things you are touching. Desks are a known hive of bacteria especially if you eat at your computer.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

www.oliverbonas.com

There are some great items on here. No trash or tack to be seen, just quality gift ideas for your loved ones...(or yourself). I am loving the home items and in particular, the phone pictured (£49) The lighting and clocks are really original and there are clothing, beauty, toy and stationery sections too. The prices are not outrageous and the website is really easy to use with great photographs.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Barbara Daly Oil-Free Foundation - £5.95 - Tesco

In the past, finding a good foundation has been a chore. I am so lucky to have stumbled upon this Barabara Daly foundation as it is one of the best I have tried and at a 'cheap as chips' price too. I use the almond colour which suits my skin perfectly but what I like most about this product is the smooth, silky finish. It is non greasy but at the same time does not leave skin feeling or looking dry. It also comes in a simple glass bottle so looks good on your dressing table.

MOST WANTED

Terry De Havilland Irridescent Wedge Sandal - £270 - ASOS

These suede wedge sandals would be a welcome addition to my wardrobe. The shimmering irredescent colours really stand out and just remind me of a mermaid's tail. They would be the perfect accompaniment to that little black dress at the Christmas party...if only my budget would allow! However, at a towering 5 inches, the heels are probably not to be mixed with several glasses of wine anyway.

Q & A SECTION

I will do my best to answer any questions. Either post a comment or send an email to thestylepa@hotmail.co.uk