FASHION - A Burst of Colour at Very.co.uk

If you are fed up of January then the antidote is on its way. Fill your wardrobe with loads of bright colours and your mood is bound to be lifted. On Friday, I popped along for a peek at the SS12 range for Very, including their celeb ranges, and the future is definitely bright.

WIN A piece from the new VERY collection
The lovely folk at Very have offered one lucky reader of my blog a piece from the new spring/summer range. All you need to do is send an email to jenny@thestylepa.com telling which of the styles below you want. A winner will be picked at random. *UK and Ireland entries only please. Giveaway closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 5 February.

You can also Tweet your entry to @The_Style_PA, make sure to include #thestylepagiveaway

Here are the items you can choose from (dependent on size availability)

• Love Label Peplum skirt
• Diana Vickers Giraffe print tunic dress
• Love Label one shoulder dress
• Love Label colour block wedges
• Vintage leather snakeskin print bag

I've included a few more of my picks below, and most of the pieces are already available on Very.co.uk if you see something that catches your eye...

The fabric pictured above was one of my favourites because it really did look and feel very vintage - the style was a short, boxy shift dress with pretty buttons on the back.

I love this red and cream lace dress from fearne Cotton's range. It isn't particularly original (the last couple of seasons we've seen a lot of this red lace, like the skater styles by Erdem) however, the short, shift-dress shape is fresh and very covetable. 

The colourful splodge print on this dress stood out for me too and it's also from Fearne's collection. A great one for an informal wedding or summer party.

This jumpsuit is from the slightly higher-priced, more premium collection at Very. The beading and sequin detailing really reminded me of All Saints. Not sure I could pull it off myself though, too much in the way of hips and a curvy bottom for the jumpsuit.

Diana Vickers's collection takes on a totally '70s feel for spring/summer and the stand-out piece was this red, turned-up cuff dress. I like this style of dress with a slightly stiffer fabric as is gives a bit more coverage to curves.   

Reena of Fashion Daydreams spotted this beauty of a dress featuring shimmering embellishment to a soft, pink chiffon. Perfect for special evenings out this summer. 

Finally, I'm not sure if I would actually wear this one, but I love orange this season. I saw it teamed with navy at Victoria Beckham and with neutrals at various other catwalk shows, so it can be easy to wear. I'd wear this dress with nude shoes and clutch bag or clashed with hot pink. 

SHOPPING - On My January Wishlist

1. Phillip Lim Splatter Print Maxi Dress - £735

It's not within my current budget but this dress from my-wardrobe has definitely caught my eye. Great for a summer wedding because a) the splatter print will make sure you aren't mistaken for a bridesmaid and b) the splatter print will potentially hide the occasional spillage or mud splatter as you teeter across the lawn in stilettos. Plus of course, it looks gorgeously feminine and fashionable. 

2. Pistol Panties Snakeskin Swimsuit 

This one fab swimsuit doesn't appear to be in stock just yet but it's my favourite swimwear piece that's been sent via a press office so far this season. Now I just need to work on that summer body... 

3. Guess Bertane2 shoes at Sarenza- £153

I'm still a sucker for colour blocking and these shoes ooze sex appeal. I'm not sure I could handle those teetering sky-high heels, but I'd give it a go for the leg-lengthening effect they'd have. 

4. Knitted Tailored Jacket - La Redoute - £35

Something a little more on budget, this blazer is a fab colour for spring. Whether teaming it with other, similar shades or simply black trousers and a white vest, it's classic yet modern all at once. 

5. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Jaffa

I cannot believe the weather has turned for the worse again, so to continue in utter denial at the situation, I'm going to paint my nails in the prettiest spring shades. With tangerine being Pantone's colour of the year, orange is on my nail hot list! 

CAMPAIGN - Dr. Martens First And Forever

On Thursday evening I went along to the launch of Dr. Marten's new spring/summer campaign, shot by Gavin Watson, featuring the gorgeous Agyness Deyn and Ash Stymest (drummer, skateboarder and model). The concept is the idea of your first love, especially in relation to your first pair of Dr. Marten's boots, which for some people is a experience they'll always treasure. The brand has always been closely linked to the idea of personal style, identity and self-expression and the campaign builds on this heritage.

Heritage is an important word to touch on too, because over the past 50 years, Dr. Martens shoes have changed very little. What changed at the outset was the consumer. What started life as a practical boot for postmen and police officers, was soon adopted by subcultures, all taking the shoes and using them to express their own personal identity.

The campaign shots and new season advert really capture that 'first love' feeling. You spend every minute with each other, whether it's healthy to or not. More often than not, a first love is what teaches you about relationships, and teaches you about yourself. My own first love was a long and pretty dysfunctional relationship, but it's what got me where I am now. It's those steps we have to take to gain our own identity and when it comes to Dr. Martens, many of us look back fondly on a pair that helped us carve a new style identity for ourselves.

My first pair of Dr. Martens were given to me when I was about 12 years old. I went through a style phase where it was all about the chunkiest boots, worn with skinny jeans and a bomber jacket so I was handed them down from my auntie. I don't think I'd seen the look on anyone, I just saw the pieces and wanted to wear them together. At school, I stood out because I wasn't wearing what the other girls were, I even cut off my hair into a messy crop and dyed it plum. But as I've grown older my identity has changed, mainly because my body has too. I've learned to work with my figure, rather than just what I love, so my look gives way to the sensible side of me sometimes. That said, you never forget those first loves and they are key in making us who we are.

We were asked to submit a photo for the event on the theme of 'first love'. I chose to send in a pic of sparklers, showing that spark of passion you get first that can become a longer-lasting flame. There were some great entries. If you want to share your #FIRSTANDFORVER moment, there's a fab website compiling all the tweets and submissions too.

Take a look at the campaign shots below... they really remind me of where I grew up back in Hastings and I thought some looked to have been shot at Cooden beach.

FASHION - Fashion From The Fold

Back in November I went to a fab event for a fashion label called The Fold. I can't believe I am only writing about it now but the concept of the brand is just perfect for January. It's all about flattering dresses that give your working wardrobe a glam-over, and with January being the month for fresh starts what could be better. All the fabrics were beautiful with plenty of coverage to make the curvier girls among us feel confident. The detailing on almost all of the dresses highlights the waist and makes the most of a woman's figure making them super flattering. 

The price points are quite high, so it would suit those women who are expected to look very professional for their job, or anyone who appreciates quality over quantity when  it comes to their working wardrobe. I wore the black Astor dress, and posed for an illustration (Clara was very kind to me!) I love the other dresses too, especially those in navy with black leather panels and detailing. 

The Astor dress I wore for my sketch

Another couplr of faves, the Ledbury dress and Madison dress pictured above. 

Here are a few more pics from the event.

And finally, here I am posing for my sketch with the lovely (and very pretty) Clara Gomez... a really talented lady. 

FASHION - Ralph Lauren's Colourful Cable Knits

I'm loving the injection of colour that's cropping up all over the web as new-season collections start to come in. Candy colours were huge news on the catwalks for SS12 and Ralph Lauren are leading with a hero piece in a range of bright hues, the cable-knit sweater. As far as spring transitional pieces go, it's great for the UK because it references summer trends without needing summer weather. It's a simple classic in fine cashmere updated with modern brights. 

My fave colour is the orange and it's probably the shade that would suit me best too - which is your fave?

Read more about the RL cable knit

BEAUTY - The Beauty Agenteurs Blog

There’s a new blog in the blogosphere and I love it already. Two incognito beauty experts are sharing all the things they covet, the things that we'll soon all be coveting too, on a blog called The Beauty Agenteurs.

Expect lots of beautiful things from fashion, lifestyle and beauty, with news, tips and advice too. The women behind the blog say: "We created the blog because we wanted to share our passion for all things beauty and fashion. It was when we first saw Alberto Guardiani’s ‘lipstick’ heel shoes that our blog ‘the beauty agenteurs’ was born. This iconic image represents everything we love – shoes, lipsticks and a sense of humour. We salute you Alberto and thanks for inspiring us."

Follow the bloggers on Twitter @beautyagenteurs and on Facebook too.

Fellow bloggers might also be interested in future opportunities to become guest editors.

HAIR - What's New With Shampoo

Tousle Me Softly from Herbal Essences
The tousled look for hair is something we've probably all tried from time to time. It's a great style for holidays, to get the beachy look, plus it gives hair an effortless appeal... sometimes poker straightened hair is a little too stark and overdone. Herbal Essences have great fragrances too, and the new shampoo and conditioner range comes in nice big bottles that will last and last. I haven't tried mine yet, but I'll be giving it a go and will report back soon. There is also a styling range to help you achieve laid-back, tousled waves.

Head & Shoulders 'Fresher for Longer'

Head & Shoulders have been doing research into how long it takes us to lose that 'fresh feeling' in an average day. The results suggest that by 12.24 the fresh feeling is long gone. Personally I usually lose it even sooner, especially if I get the tube into work. My office also has a habit of heating up to furnace temperatures throughout the da,y which only causes me to feel more hot, bothered and grubby.

I was challenged recently to wash my hair with the Classic Clean shampoo and conditioner and change a few things in my routine to extend that fresh feeling further. With clean hair, spritzes of Ren facial mist, lemon tea, mints and a fresh and tasty lunch and fruit smoothie I can definitely say I felt the difference. Best was the icy cold smoothie in the afternoon when the office gets hottest. I sometimes wash my hair the night before work to save time, but paying attention to how I felt during the day has convinced me that it's worth getting up early to feel energised and refreshed, and clean smelling shampoo is definitely a factor in feeling ready to face the day too.

Aussie big bottles

Finally, Aussie shampoo is available in huge bottles that last ages! I've not even made a slight dent in the supplies I've got, I can't believe they didn't do it sooner. The ad campaign asks if 'my Aussie looks big in this" which of course it does. Great news for Aussie fans everywhere, including my mum who'll be stocking up, I've no doubt.

CELEBRITY - Girls at The Golden Globes 2012

Revlon ambassador Emma Stone smoulders with a gunmetal and deep purple smokey eye to match her gorgeous gown. The look was created by CHANEL make-up artist, Rachel Goodwin. 

Rachel Zoe hangs out with Jessica Alba, in a glittering dress that I almost prefer to her Gucci gown which she wore on the red carpet, and Chloe Sawyer who can get away with canary yellow (not many can). 

Dianna Agron looked fab in GILES DEACON. His show was my favourite from September's London Fashion Week (check out my GILES post) and you can really see that delicate, cut-out detailing - complete with swans! I always love her hair too, swept aside but looking glam and gorgeous. 

I really liked Zooey Deschanel's Prada dress and check out that doll-eyed make-up and big hair. It was a great look on her.

And here is another reason to love Zooey Deschanel... She tweeted this pic saying: “I am wearing a gown but my nails are wearing tuxedos!!! #goldenglobes” Hurrah to someone for doing something mildly different. 

NEWS - Harvey Nichols Launching New Concept Store

Harvey Nichols has announced they will be opening a new concept store at Liverpool ONE this autumn. It will replace Habitat and take over about 22,000 sq ft. Interestingly, this is Harvey Nichols’ second store launch in Liverpool ONE in the past year. In September, Harvey Nichols Foodmarket pop-up shop was unveiled in Liverpool ONE’s Peter’s Lane. They've had great feedback on the temporary store, so I hear, so it looks like Liverpool's affluent elite are still spending, even if some of the rest of us are tightening the purse strings.

I was in the Knightsbridge store before Christmas and picked up some lovely gifts which were actually very inexpensive, however, the London store is looking a bit shabby round the edges these days. It no longer has the glitz on the inside to rival nearby Harrods. In fact, I'd much rather head to Selfridges which is glossy, shiny and always looks new. Let's hope that in the rush to launch new stores, Harvey Nichols don't forget about the existing stores that could do with a little TLC.

SHOES - Beat the January Blues With Shoes

In the dull depths of January, every girl could do with a new pair of shoes to brighten the mood. My latest picks from Sarenza are pictured above and I love them both. I opted for one pair of flats and one pair of heels (just like my personality part glam, part practical). The flats are leopard print pony skin by Antik Batik and it's taken me ages to find a pair of leopard pumps that I love. They are really comfy and not too tight around the top of my foot which is good. Alas, if you love them too it would appear they aren't available online any more. These Emma Go pumps are a stylish option too.

The second pair was by Miss L Fire, another brand I'd not tried before and I was drawn to the fab chunky, shaped heel and tortoiseshell plastic bow. The whole plastic shoe thing has become a little overdone as brands copied the Melissa style signature en-mass. However, I liked the more subtle take on the look with these shoes. Tor from Fab Frocks and I must have similar taste too as they also caught her eye. They are also available in purple which is great if you want to make a bit more of a statement.

I'll try and work them into an outfit post very soon...

FRAGRANCE - A New Scent For 2012

If you're looking for a fresh new start in 2012 then a fresh new fragrance could be the thing to help you emulate that 'new you'. Personally, I don't need much of an excuse for a new fragrance which is probably why I've tried so many. Here are a few that I've tried out lately, perhaps there's one for you in this bunch...

Philosophy, You are Divine
This scent is exclusively available at QVC and was my holiday perfume for my recent trip to Egypt. The bottle is simple and classic, much like the fragrance itself. It's floral but not too fresh, quite warm but not spicy. It felt romantic and very wearable either at day or (with a few extra spritzes) at night. Very elegant, sophisticated and with a subtle sexiness. My fave of the bunch.

Guess Seductive, I'm Yours
This fragrance is oriental and sexy with fruity elements. I'd imagine the woman who wears it would be confident and willing to stand out and it's definitely an evening fragrance to be worn with your favourite party dress. I'm saving this one for Valentine's Day.

Lacoste, Touch of Pink
Touch of Pink is an established and popular fragrance but I only tried it out quite recently. It's young, floral and easy-to-wear, making it a great daytime perfume. It's light and makes a good summer fragrance too. It might seem odd, but it smells like 'pink', totally girly and carefree. I personally prefer something a bit heavier, but I reckon this one is a great gift idea for teens or girly girls.

Christina Aguilera Secret Potion
This perfume is another pretty fragrance which is very sweet and seductive. It's not too overpowering so could be worn at day or evening. It features notes of passion fruit, orange blossom and musk which combine to create a pleasant and very feminine fragrance.

Boss Orange
This fragrance from Hugo Boss is based around creamy vanilla with citrus top notes and heart notes of orange blossom. The campaign famously features Sienna Miller who is said to capture the care-free spirit of the scent. It's been around for some time but is hugely popular and it definitely wins the 'looks good on your dressing table' prize.