OUTFIT - My Geek Chic Look for BNTM Live

Here's the outfit I chose for the Motorola Flipout catwalk show at Britain's Next Top Model last weekend. Scroll to the bottom for more photos and a little video that sums up the event. 

I took inspiration from the likes of Alexa Chung and the Marc Jacobs AW10 collection for my geek inspired look. It's grown up geek verging on granny chic. You can take this fashion trend as far as you want or just take little pieces of it and mix with your existing wardrobe. Everything I've selected works on its own as well as in the outfit so you'll get plenty of wear out of it all.

Starting from the bottom up... The boots called Sidesaddle are from an online boutique called Kindred Sole and I went for a heeled brogue boot to give the look a more feminine edge.You can pick up these ribbed socks at Topshop, and the thin, silky material means they look good pulled up, or left gathered around the ankle.

I fell in love with the Warehouse skirt while out shopping. It's a circle style and looks extra geeky when worn high on the waist. Colours like burgundy, bottle green and navy blue are great for the geek chic look as they remind us of retro school uniforms. The bow is a £2 hair clip from Primark which I've just secured with a safety pin. The whole outfit has been kept quite plain so just a touch of pattern here adds some excitement. If you want a skirt that's going to be great for spring summer too then my tip is to try anything with pleats as they were definitely a hit at London Fashion Week.

For the top half I went for a roll neck knit from Rocha.John Rocha at Debenhams. The high street has really bought into the camel trend so there is a huge amount to choose from in that hue, particularly with knitwear. Grazia magazine recently ran a feature of grandad cardigans and to get that look just buy a couple of sizes bigger than you need, I also saw some great Aran style cardigans in River Island recently.

When it comes to accessories you can really have some fun. The satchel is a must-have and I love the colour blocking of this Betty Jackson.Black one from Debenhams which means it goes with any outfit whether you've got brown, black or more natural coloured accessories. Most of the jewellery here is from Topshop, the Oxford Circus store has loads of geek-inspired jewellery and accessories and I picked out this cute camera necklace as the main piece. The geeky specs were a bargain down at Camden Market, I realise geek chic doesn't have to be that literal but we wanted to have a bit of fun with the overall look.

The hair and make-up was kept fairly simple. Hair was by Brad Allen in a cute messy side bun. For make-up we kept it quite subtle with rosy cheeks, neutral eyeshadow and a bit of eyeliner. On the last day the make-up artist went over the top slightly with some deep berry lips... although I do quite like it, very on-trend right now.

I hope you guys like the look, and it's one you can copy without spending very much at all. Read on for a few more pics from the event and the Motorola video they put together to sum up the weekend's activities...

The main show featuring several of the models from the hit TV programme was quite a spectacle with half naked men, fab outfits and music from Jessie J. I saw the songstress a while back when she supported a Girls Aloud show (yes I went to a Girls Aloud show). Check out her videos on Youtube, you won't be disappointed. 

The backstage mayhem looks pretty ordered here as the ladies from Court on Camera get ready for the catwalk show.

The gorgeous Eliza Doolittle was there to perform on the Sunday and sign some autographs. I snapped her in the bloggers area.

Reena from Fashion Daydreams shows of her Vera Moda leather dress.

TREND - Inside my Wardrobe... Leopard Print

Top of my leopard list is this faux fur coat from Rare. The cropped style makes it great for the evening, worn with a little black dress and striking jewellery. The collar is over-sized and makes you just want to cosy up in it. At £59 the price is pretty standard for the high street, but it does feel luxurious, and I got a fair few compliments when I wore it out. 

Leopard print waisted dress -  Prodigy Red - £15

I love the shape of this dress and it's the first thing I've had from bargain brand Prodigy Red. It's really flattering on, but I do feel like I need leggings with it as it's quite short and my rather sizeable handbag causes it to ride up slightly while I'm walking along. It looks great with some long gold necklaces and I'm going to experiment with some different waist belts to give it a fresh look every time I wear it.

When I saw these in Aldo on Oxford Street the other day I couldn't help but buy them. Soooo cute. I'm pretty sure I won't wear them very often, but they weren't very expensive so I'm allowing myself the treat.

THOUGHT - Time to Wrap up Warm

I don't know about you, but I really, really feel the cold. It's ridiculous and when I'm cold I'm cranky. Those poor Twitter folk are probably fed up with my whinging about it not being summer any more, so it's about time I did something about it and got super cosy. Here's how I've been doing it...

Leggings

Black leggings may not be the height of fashion right now, but for winter they are still super practical. I've just picked up a new pair from Miss Selfridge and I've never had a more comfy pair. They are slightly shiny (not wet-look) and cost around £14. The sizing is spot on which is lucky as I didn't try them on in the store. I've now got my eye on the black glitter leggings and crushed velvet leggings, also from Miss Selfridge. I really didn't think I'd warm to the velvet ones, but they are much nicer in the flesh and quite subtle.

Thermals

Seems drastic, but it saves a few bob on the old heating bill. Damart were kind enough to send over some tights, socks and a couple of vests for me to try, no harm in trying these things out. Who knew thermals could look pretty, the vests are actually quite nice. Only problem is that work finally fixed the heating so on the second occasion I wore one, I ended up over-heating. I'd rather that than be chilly though. I just wish someone could make thermals slightly more glamorous... the Damart website is definitely not aimed at my age group.

Tights

I treated myself to a haul of Jonathan Aston tights at Britain's Next Top model Live, for £4 a pair. Much better value than usual selling price. I love the colours and creative patterns although I didn't go too crazy. I Stuck with fairly neutral shades, apart from one bright red pair for when I need a mood pick-me-up.

Muffs

Aussie are currently challenging us Angels to put their 'Take the Heat' range to the test. In the theme of heat, they sent over a box of goodies to keep me warm and cosy including a faux fur muff to keep my hands toasty. Fab! I also couldn't resist buying Aldo's faux leopard fur ear muffs. I can't wait for it to be cold enough to wear them. We'll be heading out for another Aussie event on London's Southbank next Friday night, can't wait to see what they've got in store.

Blue check kilt skirt - Dorothy Perkins - £25

Fabrics

Heavier fabrics are the order of the day and that's one of the reason I nabbed this tartan skirt from Dorothy Perkins. With a pair of thick tights, it's warm and on-trend. It also goes pretty well with the blue coat I recently got. My French Connection tweed coat that I've had for a couple of years is still the warmest of them all though. It's no longer looking its best, but it's still number 1.

And the clocks go back this Saturday night which means an extra hour in bed. Heaven.

NEWS - Clarks Reveal Shoe Story Winner

Remember I posted about the Clarks 'Every shoe tells a story' contest? Well the winner has now been announced... and no it wasn't me unfortunately. The winner is Lisa Hughes from Cleckheaton with her entry “Shoes fit for ‘The King’” - Lisa has gone and won herself the grand prize of a £3000 Trailfinders Gift Card... jealous!


Here was her winning entry:

To be married by Elvis, a wedding in Vegas
A quest for the shoes seemed to last ages
Stumbled across these, my heart skipped a beat
Here were the beauties to adorn my two feet
Price tag ‘interesting’, more than the dress
Definitely worth it, had ‘The King’ to impress!

During the Facebook competition Clarks also gave away 7 pairs of shoes a week during the 6 weeks that the contest was running. They definitely found a rather deserving winner of the main prize though with that fab little poem. Congrats Lisa.

STYLE - TK Maxx Blogger Challenge

I'm taking part in a fab little blogger challenge with TK Maxx. I've been asked to style one stunning red dress for 4 different occasions. First up is a look perfect for a first date.

It's a great look for keeping cosy while walking hand in hand through the park. A luxurious scarf and gloves with flat boots, I'm always so practical... but once you slip off that coat, the striking dress will have him mesmerised.

 Coat: Farfetch
Scarf: TK Maxx
Hat: TK Maxx
Gloves: Hayden Harnett

Here are my other entries... if you like them I'd love for you to visit the TK Maxx Facebook page and hit the 'like' button on my sets. I had a bit of a struggle with this dress for jackets and cardigans because of the fab flower detailing on the neck, but regardless it's a beautiful dress that you can glam up or dress down as I hope I've demonstrated.

FRAGRANCE - Bliss Launches New Scent

I quite like the Bliss brand, they do a mean manicure and they've got some must-have products for firming and toning too. But a fragrance? That's new. Bliss Spa began with a simple mission: to deliver the best possible feeling in the world and this scent is meant to add another facet to that ethos. Its promise is to deliver a spa feeling wherever you are simply by spritzing yourself with the scent.

Described by Bliss...

A fresh, mood-boosting medley of vibrant bergamot, dewy cucumber, and bright florals like lily, ylang ylang and violet, this unique blend is light enough to be your signature spritz—but exceptional enough to wear on special occasions.

• Top notes: bergamot, dewy greens, cucumber 
• Mid notes: lily, ylang ylang
• Base note: violet

Described by me...

The first thing I noticed was the cucumber. It's really striking and definitely a point of difference when compared with a lot of fragrances already on the market. I love ylang ylang and just wish there was a bit more if that coming through. The lily gives it a muskiness that puts me off ever so slightly. It's almost the type of scent I'd choose but not quite. In terms of weight, I think it could work for day or eevning wear. Gotta say though, I love the bottle.

Sound like your type of fragrance? It's £29 for 50ml and available from blissworld.co.uk

STYLE - Geek Chic Take 1

This is what high fashion looks like! Not just on the models, but Matthew and Alize (standing either side) are so damn dapper and deliciously dressed it inspires me. Not that I'll be veering too far from the high street in future, I must admit I love the freedom of buying lots and often. If I was buying designer I'd have to be super selective and I just don't think I'm ready to adapt my shopping habits just yet.

Here is my model, Sophie, posing alongside one of the high fashion models, they are even colour coordinated. The back of one of the Motorola Flipout handsets that the models are posing with also matches the colour of my skirt almost... totally accidental on my part, although Alize had thought of that and coordinated her model's outfit to suit. 

My new favourite colour...

I'll be posting about my entire outfit after the weekend is out, I'm still deciding whether or not I need the cable knit cardigan. It's adding to the geek/granny chic look I was going for but maybe I'll just keep it simple for the other shows. So for now, off to bed I go to get some beauty sleep for Saturday's events. Now all I need to decide is what to wear...

EVENT - First Day at Britain's Next Top Model Live

So my first Style icon session went without a hitch. I chatted about the new motorola Flipout handset with Fraser from the brand and we also chatted about how I use gadgets like my Motorola phone and android apps to help with my blogging (and social media addiction). PixiWoo were doing a beauty tutorial in vampish style at the Style Icon stage and I caught up with Emma Leigh of My Fashion Life as she prepared her gorgeous models for a presentation on working the catwalk trends in your everyday wardrobe.

 

Then I managed to catch Diana Vickers as she performed a live set on stage. Her dress was pretty cool but unfortunately she couldn't remember the designer so will have to update you with that info once I find out. Emma Willis is presenting at the Kiss open catwalk area and she looked stunning in a sparkling minidress and killer heels too. There's tons going on including the chance to walk the catwalk yourself if you enter a contest on the day.

I'm now on the bloggers bus checking emails and ogling all those lovely models who I managed to get a few candid snaps of. Who was your favourite model from the show? I'll be doing another post tonight to let you know how our first catwalk geek chic show goes. Wish me luck...

EVENT - See you at Britain's Next Top Model Live

My name is on a flyer, hurrah! Remember to come see us if you are heading down to Britain's Next Top Model Live.

Design credit: Juliana Cortes

HAIR - Undertoning at the Lisa Shepherd Salon

I recently had my hair cut at the London Lisa Shepherd salon and was really pleased with the results. When Jason from the salon contacted me to ask if I'd like to try their latest hair colour treatment I barely hesitated. The look he suggested was undertoning, essentially, the bottom layers of the hair are coloured in a lighter or brighter shade and it's a look that the celebrities are loving at the moment. Just take a look at Alexa Chung or Drew Barrymore for the perfect example.

This look is great for those nervous about getting their hair coloured for two reasons; the colour isn't dramatic around your face so it doesn't feel like such a drastic change and, also, you don't have to worry about your roots as only the under layers of the hair are coloured, and the colour can be left to grow out more naturally, hurrah!

The actual process is pretty straight-forward, your hairdresser will go through the colour options with you - I chose something warm and quite subtle but you can go for something very light for a more dramatic contrast. Then once you've agreed on a colour it's applied and left to develop. On my hair that took about 45 minutes which was actually quite nice as I got to flick through some fab magazines, something I rarely get time for these days. The London salon has a colour bar where all the colours are mixed in front of the customer, and as with any great hairdressers, the head massages are awesome. I think I'd pay for just that.

Jason dried and styled my hair and I was really impressed with how well the colour blends. You do need to have some layers in your hair to get the full effect, but the look works on everything from bobbed to bottom-length hair. What do you think, would you try this look? I'm regretting living alone as I don't have anyone to grab decent photos, but hopefully my snaps show enough. The Evening Standard website features an article that explores where the trend has come from and of course, the catwalks have played their part, but I also think that the grunge, nineties fashion trends have led to a bit of a revival in the two-tone hair style.

Find out more about the salon at the Lisa Shepherd London website and my fellow Londoners will be pleased to hear that they are open till 9pm on weeknights for added convenience.

So embrace your roots ladies, two-tone hair is back.

ACCESSORIES - The Temporary Tattoo Trend

Chanel did it and now it seems everyone wants to try and sell us temporary tattoos. Beyonce and Tina Knowles have announced that Beyond Productions has partnered with TEMPTU to produce a limited edition collection of temporary tattoos under their Dereon fashion label.The collectible kit of temporary tattoos includes the designs used on set to achieve the "real tattoo" looks featured on Beyonce in the Dereon Fall 2010 campaign.

They call it "60's pin-up girl meets futuristic biker chick", I'm not convinced. What do you think?

OUTFIT - My Geek Chic Look for BNTM Live

So as my earlier post revealed, I'm styling a model for a Motorola Flipout sponsored catwalk show at Britain's Next Top Model Live. But, I also need to channel something geek-inspired in my own outfit. My fellow high street fashionista Reena popped round this weekend and we went and took some snaps in our geek chic ensembles - some of you might recognise the setting as Camden Market.

For the first day of the event I intend on wearing the new Oasis dress I bought in Selfridges the other day. My eye was immediately drawn to it because of that super-flattering, structured waist. I also love the twisted, slightly assymentric neckline. It fit the grown-up geek theme that I was going for, yet at the same time it felt more expensive than it was and also well designed and tailored, something that reminded me of McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

My other outfit for the weekend is a tartan skirt and tee combo, along with my new brogues. This challenge has definitely got me thinking about geek styling and how versatile it can be. While scouring the high street I was presented with so many options of ways to take the look. It also got me thinking about the evolution of what's cool in terms of glasses. I wear glasses myself and remember as a kid desperately wanting to move away from the bigger, rounder styles of specs. I went smaller and smaller until I wore kids glasses as I felt they looked s much better. Now however, times have changed and it seems the bigger your frames the better. You only have to take a walk in Shoreditch to discover that what's considered cool is a more obvious frame not a discreet one.

To add to the news on what I'll be up to at the event, I'll also be doing some Style Icon workshops with Motorola about my life as a blogger and the great technology that makes life easier (and more fun). You'll be able to learn more about Android and the latest Motorola handsets too. My fellow bloggers... I'll have some time to kill at the show, so if you're there let me know.

FASHION - Tesco Post it on Blogger Challenge

I was asked to take part in Tesco's blogger 'post it on' challenge. The idea being, they send me an item I love from their new AW10 collection and I style it and share it with my blog readers. Then, I get to nominate a fellow blogger to get the next item from Tesco. Sounded like fun so I was in.

In choosing my item I browsed all the partywear, and the F&F Couture range, but in the end I gave in to practicality and opted for this smart blue coat, pictured above. It's quite a masculine shape and I love the vibrant colour. It's really cosy and warm too, just the thing now that the temperature has taken a nose dive. I styled this with a checked dress, grey tights and brown shoes and bag which I think makes a really good look for work. What do you think? If you like it too, the coats is available to buy online while stocks last.

I must admit, the choice available at Tesco for clothing seems to just be growing and growing. Definitely not one to rule out and also worth noting that the website stocks a lot more ranges and styles than you'll find in most stores. If I was choosing again, I might have gone for this fab checked duffle coat. It somehow passed me by when I was looking before.

In the spirit of this feature, I'm now going to tag the next blogger to get their hands on some new Tesco clothing... All About Abbie, you're up.

And here's a pic with my camera's flash on so you can see the colours better...

IDEA - Levi's Shape What's to Come

When Levi's invited me along to an event to talk about their 'Shape What's to Come' project, I must admit I wasn't sure what to expect. When I and lots of fabulous, fellow bloggers arrived it was clear Levi's had something quite big up their sleeve. Annie Mac presented a lively and interesting debate with 6 inspiring 'twenty-something' females making their name in creative industries.

• Belfast-born Kathryn Ferguson, a self-taught filmmaker whose work has premiered at institutions including the ICA and the OnedotZero and Birds Eye View film festivals.
• London-based Kristin Knox, the American author and founder of fashion blog theclotheswhisperer.co.uk.  Kristin regularly lectures in art and fashion colleges around the UK 
• Acclaimed DJ and songwriter Ikonika, a young Londoner who is crafting her own unique musical sound with unusual hooks influenced by dubstep 
• Art director Anna Murray, founder of design agency Patternity which specialises in the application of pattern to furniture and fashion, and textiles designer Grace Winteringham 
• Social change campaigner Justice Williams, the youngest black woman in the UK to be awarded an MBE 

And the reason for the debate?  Levi’s® is about to unveil a new global community where women around the world can network and interact with peers and mentors to help them progress both personally and professionally in pursuit of their passions. It's all about doing what you love and helping others to do the same. 

The web community launches on 18th October 2010 and will give young women in the UK, US and Japan the opportunity to make connections and collaborate with like minded women, exchange advice and learn from women around the world. In addition, there'll be contributions from 20 inspiring “ambassadors” from the US, UK and Japan, ranging from up-and-coming artists and performers to young entrepreneurs.

Shingai Shoniwa, lead singer of Noisettes, American actress Zooey Deschanel and American singer/songwriter Janelle Monae will all be hosting live videocasts soon for extra inspiration. We were lucky enough to be given a special acoustic performance from The Noisttes and a DJ set by Ikonika at the event. View more of my photos here.

Shingai Shoniwa says: “It’s really exciting to be part of a community that connects creative young women across the world. It can be incredibly difficult to find the right guidance and insight when you’re starting out in the music industry so it’s fantastic that there’s now a platform for women to talk to each other about their ideas, seek advice – and help others looking for advice.”

ShapeWhatsToCome.com follows on from the the new Levi’s® Curve ID fit system. Based on shape, not size, it was created as a result of studying more than 60,000 women’s body scans and listening to women around the world. I tried out the service and am the happy owner of a pair of well-fitting, Curve ID jeans.

Join the discussion at www.shapewhatstocome.com.

"Discover the women who share your interests and passions so you can inspire, be inspired and turn it into actual connections: the spark of an opportunity, the launch of a career, or the beginning of a great adventure."

COMPETITION - Win My Ultimate Style Experience

Yep, there's more exciting news to reveal. I was recently asked to be involved in a fab new project with Ford Ka and Toni & Guy. The idea is that I dream up an awesome style experience for myself and a competition winner, and those amazing people at Ford Ka will make it happen. So that's exactly what I did. A day of shopping, pampering and treats will be in store for one lucky winner when they set off on my day of fun in London.

I guess you want to find out more, well just watch the video below or read on...

Ford Ka and Toni & Guy have teamed up with us fashion bloggers to help the nation discover a style they’ll love. You can enter this awesome style competition by simply uploading your photo or a video of yourself on the Ford Ka Facebook Fan Page explaining why you think you're the most stylish person in Britain.

The 20 participants with the most Facebook ‘Likes’ will be entered  into the final round of the competition, and a fashion panel consisting of me, FabFrocks, The Clothes Whisperer and MyFashionLife, will pick four stylish winners. Each winner will be sent on an ultimate style experience designed by us, and will be loaned a Ford Ka for two months.

As part of the fab promotion, throughout October and November, shoppers can nab a free hair styling consultation at various shopping centres around the UK and walk away with a 15% off Toni & Guy voucher too. 

Participating shopping centres include: 

• Newcastle, Metro Centre - 15th-16th October
• Birmingham, Bullring - 22nd-23rd October
• London/Kent, Bluewater - 29th-30th October
• Manchester, Arndale Centre - 13th-14th November 

Tell your friends and be sure to enter your stylish selves into the competition! I can't wait to see the entries.

P.S. there's another video with just me in it if any of you want to see more of my grinning face.

STYLE - Britain's Next Top Model Live and Me

I've got some exciting news to report. I've been given the opportunity to style a model at one of the catwalk shows at Britain's Next Top Model Live. And how did I stumble on such an opportunity you may ask, well it's thanks to the awesome sponsors of the show Motorola Flipout. They've given six bloggers a chance to present a geek chic outfit on the catwalk and I'll be sharing the stage with the lovely Reena of Fashion Daydreams in the high street category.

Also taking part in the event are the fabulous Natasha Bailie and Frankie of Swell Vintage, doing a vintage take on geek chic, and the super-stylish Matthew zorbas (un nouveau ideal) and Alize Morand showing us high fashion styling. I'm certainly in fine company.

This week I've been throwing ideas around in my head for how I want my model to look. I think I'm at a place where I feel happy with the outfit... you'll have to wait till next week to actually see it of course, wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. All I will say is that my geek is veering towards granny chic, but I hope in a good way. Just keep an eye on all of our blogs for some sneak peeks and coverage of the event.

I'm terrible when I get a theme in my head though, and I'm referring particularly to shopping. Every time I go in a shop I've got geeky, nerdy looks on my mind and I can't seem to buy anything but items that fit the category. Luckily, it isn't really an issue because geek chic is cool and Motorola's whole Hip to be Square campaign, which they used to launch the Flipout handset, is proof enough. In fact, my fellow blogger Frankie was one of the faces of the campaign and she looked stunning (but then, she always does).

I've been thinking about how my own outfit can fit the theme and have decided to go a little bit grown-up geek. I have bought my very first pair of brogue style shoes - about time I know - and I also stumbled upon another great pair of shoes in the sale at River Island for just £15. I heart the chunky heel - delicious. The flat brogues come without laces, from our bargain friend Primark, so I think I'm going to try out using different ribbon instead of laces to give them a unique touch. What do you reckon of my first attempt?

So back to the event, I know most of us probably watched Britain's Next Top Model this year and at the Live Event at Excel the models will be there along with lots of other fashion, beauty and shopping fun including demonstrations and special offers. You can buy a ticket here, or why not head over to Fashion For Lunch to try and win a pair of tickets. If you end up going, do come and support us bloggers-turned-stylists at the Kiss catwalk area as we turn the runway geek chic.

FRAGRANCE - Be Delicious is 5 Years Old

 

A bottle of DKNY Be Delicious arrived on my doormat recently and although I'd seen it on the shelves plenty of times I'd never gone out and bought it before. My sister loves it and has tried out various versions of the scent which is now celebrating its 5th birthday. I have an endless love affair with perfume but I find it hard to commit to just one. I need  scent to match my mood. What's your take on that - are you a signature scent girl or do you like to have lots of different ones on the go at once?

So I got to spritzing my sample and I do quite like it. For me it's definitely a fresh, daytime fragrance rather than something I'd wear in the evening. You can smell the tangy apple notes but it's not overpoweringly sweet like some fruity scents can be. It isn't too heavy, and doesn't linger too much so it's great for the office.

Other sweet-smelling varieties added since the original fragrance launched include Red Delicious, Delicious Night and Fresh Blossom. Give them a whiff next time you're in the fragrance hall. And even more excitingly, DKNY are running a competition on their Facebook page to win a trip to New York City. Entrants have to design their own Be Delicious bottle and Donna Karan herself will select the best design. Awesome!

If you like the scent or want to try it then enter my 3rd birthday giveaway and you could win a bottle.