Thursday, 29 May 2008

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - Twitter



For those who have yet to discover Twitter, allow me to explain. Forget Facebook, Myspace and Bebo, Twitter keeps thing refreshingly simple. No silly add ons, just 140 character messages that tell your followers what you are up to. You can keep your profile very basic, but it allows you to keep your friends updated without having to send them all an individual text.

Why not follow The Style PA on Twitter now. It is the easiest way to keep up with what I am covering on the blog, and what is going on in my everyday life. If you set up your phone you can turn mobile alerts on, so that when I update Twitter, you get the message via text. It's genius right?


I am even thinking of setting up a twitter account to keep my food diary. Sending a text every time I eat a meal will help me to make better choices. You could rope in a buddy to review your updates each day to make sure you are on track. There are countless other tools and uses too, like a tweet for every cigarette you have, if you are trying to cut down. Let me know if you have found an inventive way of using Twitter!

Go have a look and I hope to find and follow lots of you on Twitter very soon.

Wednesday, 28 May 2008

TIPS - How to do High Waisted

high waist jeans tipsPhoto Credit: HiStyley on flickr.com

When it comes to high waisted garments, I can do the skirt but am yet to embrace high waisted trousers. I am a believer that trends are only there to be followed if they suit your body shape and personality. High waisted trousers for example just don't look great on me so I steer clear.

To wear your trousers high you really need to be tall. For those of us not blessed with towering pins, it can be very unflattering, making us look shorter and wider than we really are. If in any doubt that you look dumpy, then throw on some high heels and that should give the impression of longer legs.

high waist skirt tipsPhoto Credit: Jamovenkilt on flickr.com

Skirts tend to suit more body shapes, especially a high waisted pencil skirt (Victoria Beckham loves them). Wearing a belt around the middle will also nip in and create curves where you most want them. Tuck in a thin blouse for the ultimate in secretary chic.

The latest high waisted trend is for shorts and voluminous or circle skirts. The shorts are a difficult one to pull off, you really need to be very slim as they are unforgiving to say the least. As for wide skirts that start on the waist, you need to shop around and find a style that is not too bulky. Stiff fabrics can create weight where none actually exists. Look to icons like Katy Perry for inspiration on what to team with your high waisted shorts.

high waist shorts trend

Tuesday, 27 May 2008

5 OF THE BEST - Summer Scarves



Scarves can be worn in summer too, carelessly thrown around the neck to add interest to a plain tee or draped around the shoulders of an evening to keep you warm. There are loads of great ones in stores and the distressed look is proving popular.

My personal fave is my yellow leopard print scarf which was a gift from South Africa. I can't show you where to buy that one, but I will say that prints are big news on scarves; checks, stars, ombre, animal print and tribal in particular. Throw in a few tassels and you will be the trendiest gal on your street.


Monday, 26 May 2008

MOST WANTED - Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets seem to drift in and out of fashion, but when you find one that is of superb quality you know it will last the test of time. Isis Jewellers have a selection of charm bracelets from Thomas Sabo, to suit most tastes. This is the grown up and oh so glamourous kind of charm bracelet. I would opt for the heavyweight bracelet and have chosen a few of my favourite charms below...

Heavyweight Bracelet - £39.95


Sunday, 25 May 2008

THE GRAPEVINE - Bliss manicure

Photo Credit: ElinDilley on flickr.com

A couple of weeks ago I found myself in London with a couple of hours to kill. With a charity event to attend that evening I happened to glance upon my nails and was more than a little ashamed of the state that they were in. I trundled off to Selfridges in the hope that someone would have a gap in their schedule to tidy up my nails and make me feel a little more glamourous. After a couple of 'No's I set myself down on the stool at the Bliss beauty counter.

My manicurist's name was Dina and she started work on my tattered talons straight away. She chatted amiably as she paid lots of attention to my cuticles and softened all the skin around my nails. I very much enjoyed the hot moisturising packs and massage that followed which was especially relaxing and most welcome after the uncomfortable train journey I had just experienced.

I opted for a natural toned polish with a bit of shimmer and was really pleased with the results. I am not an expert on nails, but I knew she had done a good job. The manicure which should last about half an hour actually took a whole hour and I felt completely pampered by the end of it. My friend walked in just in time to get the money from my purse to save me chipping all of Dina's hard work.

But the best part of all was that it cost just £20. I would recommend Bliss to anyone whose nails could do with a bit of TLC. I for one will be sure to go back if ever I get the chance.

If you don't live near a Bliss spa or beauty counter then the Bliss website has lots of products for you to buy. For the ultimate in pampering try this...


Thursday, 22 May 2008

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - Motel Rocks


www.motelrocks.com

Fun, quirky and uber stylish clothing is what this website is all about. Having already been featured in many of the major magazines, this website is definitely on the up! I am always on the look out for the next big thing, and what this website proves is that individual doesn't have to mean expensive.


Tuesday, 20 May 2008

TRENDS - Quirky Heels



Quirky heels are a sure fire way to get noticed, and there are plenty of different styles to choose from right now. Try contrasting colours, cut out holes, intricate details and crazy shapes. Anything goes with this trend, all you need to do is tone down the rest of the outfit to balance out a shoe the screams look at me. Have a look at some of these beauties...



Monday, 19 May 2008

MOST WANTED - Eiffel Tower Bag


Carrie Bradshaw is seen with this bag in the new Sex and the City movie, so of course everyone now wants one. The bag is by Timmy Woods in Beverly Hills and can be yours for $450. The ultimate cute and quirky accessory, you would have to agree that this little taste of Paris would not look out of place on the arms of the A list. If you ever get fed up of it, it would make a pretty good ornament!


Or how about the Swarovski encrusted version, at a mighty $3000. With over 6000 crystals this is a showpiece that is sure to stop traffic or at the very least, make you the envy of every woman around you.

Thursday, 15 May 2008

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - Pistol Panties

www.pistolpanties.com

This website offers a range of ultra glamourous swimwear which the celebs have already discovered and gone mad for. 2008 sees the introduction of 4 new collections featuring a selection of bikinis and one pieces, so there is plenty to choose from for every figure. I must admit, I am glad to hear that one pieces are back in fashion this summer as with all these summer BBQs I could do with a cover up for my wobbly bits!

If you happen to be in London, why not check out the Pistol Panties shop in Notting Hill, or go to the website to find your nearest stockist. The likes of Elle, G
razia and Tatler have all featured Pistol Panties' products so get on the website and start browsing now!

See my favourites below...

Betty - £155
60's style high waisted bikini. Loving the bow at the back of the bottoms!


Raquel
Gold rope detailing on this bikini means it stands out from the rest.


Jane - £149
Classic polka dots in 50's style for a super sexy silhouette.




Wednesday, 14 May 2008

BOOK - The Goddess Guide

The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon is an essential read. From handbag buying tips, to emergency stocking repairs to finding the right jeans to flatter you, this book covers so much ground you probably won't ever need another book like it. If the gorgeous cover weren't appealing enough, you will find the pages brimming with ideas and abundent with glamour. Living the life of a respected fashionista feels one step closer after reading this little gem.



Rumour has it that Gisele has a new book coming out this October and guess who will be first in the queue to order it. Yep, it will be me!

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

TRENDS - Natural Nouveau

Straw hats, basket bags - Natural materials are where it is at when it comes to accessories this season. I must admit I am not a huge fan of the traditional straw bag, but things have moved on since they were first popular. You can get straw clutches and the perfect straw sun hat not to mention a little bit of raffia here and there for good measure. Some of the best on the web...

Wednesday, 7 May 2008

MOST WANTED - Tiered Hem Dress

Zac Posen Iconic Tiered Hem Dress - NET A PORTER - £1360

This dress is body con at its coolest. The twist on the tiered look is really inventive with the cut out holes showing a little extra leg. This vibrant colour is perfect for summer, wear it with a cropped jacket and metallic accessories for smart and stylish wedding wear. Just avoid a big meal in this one as it really is skin tight!




Tuesday, 6 May 2008

TRENDS - Love Leopard


I am trying to remember a time without leopard print being 'in' fashion wise and I must admit I can't. This is one trend that has been sticking around for a good few years now and as long as designers keep adding the look to their collections, we will keep it in our wardrobes.

Mix a little bit of leopard and other animal prints into your 'safari' and 'tribal' trend pieces and no one will ever know you are wearing clothes from 5 seasons ago. D&G and Dior love it, Christina Aguilera never let it go, so here are some inspired choices for you...




DESIGNER - Diane Von Furstenberg

No other designer has managed to design a collection of dresses this season which tick all the trend boxes. Diane Von Furstenberg's collection is vibrant, ethnic and exciting to say the least. Maui styles and floral and tribal prints make for the perfect frocks to be seen in as the weather warms up. Ideal if you have a swanky wedding to attend. See my favourites below.


All the above dresses and the rest of the DVF collection can be seen at Matches Fashion.

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