The Style PA

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

2012-01-31T22:37:00.002Z

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.

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

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

2012-01-30T23:47:00.001Z

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

2012-01-28T10:26:00.002Z

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

2012-01-22T22:13:00.000Z

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

2012-01-22T21:25:00.001Z

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?

BEAUTY - The Beauty Agenteurs Blog

2012-01-22T20:33:00.000Z

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

2012-01-19T23:03:00.000Z

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

2012-01-16T21:11:00.000Z

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

2012-01-16T19:53:00.002Z

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

2012-01-12T21:27:00.000Z

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

2012-01-10T18:06:00.000Z

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.

REVIEW - Conran Bath & Body Range

2012-01-09T20:19:00.004Z

I was lucky enough to be sent some lovely products to try from the brand new Conran Bath & Body collection. The range is based upon two of Sir Terence Conran's favourite scents which are named, simply, 1 & 2. I tried out the body lotion and shower gel from scent 2, which come beautifully packaged in colour blocked packaging of white, green and orange. The Conran Studio are behind the packaging which has been partly inspired by apothecary bottles.

Fragrance 1 is just perfect for a shower gel as it's fresh and zingy with a nice dose of citrus. A touch of mandarin combines with fresh cut stems and summer lemon for an invigorating final fragrance which is sure to wake you up in the morning. The texture is great too, clear and not too gloopy or sticky. As for the body lotion, it feels very indulgent, rich and moisturising plus you get plenty of that lovely scent coming through. The lotion leaves the skin glowy and fresh looking while the wetness disappears quickly with the lotion sinking nicely into the skin. The fragrance lasts on the skin which makes it just the thing to apply before heading out for the evening.

I was really impressed with the size of the products - the body lotion for example is 300ml which makes investing in the premium collection all the more worthwhile. Prices range from £12 for a hand cream to £34 for a gift set of two products (based on prices at The Conran Shop). It's not what I'd call a day-to-day range of body products, but it's definitely something to put out if you have guests to stay or to buy as a gift for someone special. The fact that the products are unisex is another selling point as anyone can appreciate them. They'd make a lovely gift for a couple (who can sometimes be hard to buy for).

All in all, a thumbs-up from me. I look forward to trying the other fragrance now - called 1 - which is a warmer, spicier mix with an old fashioned cologne feel. I also think the body scrub would be great, I love keeping a nice big tub by the bath at all times. Put these on your birthday list!

TRAVEL - Egypt 2011, Dahab

2012-01-08T19:48:00.000Z

Day 15
We left for the bus station in plenty of time and it was lucky we did as our driver thought we were going to the airport not bus station and had driven part way there - he was far too busy chatting away about London. We arrived at the bus station and were immediately waved over to a waiting bus headed to Dahab which left only 5 mins after it was meant to. Amazing to find some public transport leaving on time. On our drive the scenery got a lot more interesting with open spaces making way for mountains. To our surprise we were at our hotel in less than 2 hours, the sprawling Hilton Worldwide resort. This was to be our relaxation before heading home to England. We were sat down with our welcome drinks while the staff took care of everything and then escorted us and our luggage to our room. Well, I say room but they are more like apartments with 4 making up each pretty white block in Morroccan style. The room was huge with a massive balcony and king size bed... At last! It had been a lot of twin rooms so far on the trip. We put on our beach stuff and did some exploring before settling on some sun loungers to catch some rays. We also arranged a snorkle trip for the following day and played a few games of pool and table tennis. That night we gave the hotel buffet dinner a try and it was pretty good. Chicken off the bbq, fish and plenty of accompaniments and yummy desserts. We also tried out one of the bars which was so lovely but completely dead. The resort can't even be a quarter full at the moment so there are hardly any people about, especially in the evening.

Day 16, Christmas Eve
It was an early start to meet the car for our snorkelling trip. There was us and 4 divers and we started at a shoreline dive site called Canyon. It was one of the most challenging ones we've done as the beach is stony so you have to walk into the water backwards. Then, once in, you have to follow the reef along until you find a 3 metre entrance to a lagoon like area surrounded by reefs and with coral gardens underneath. There was plenty to see but the waves got to me a bit. I panicked that I wouldn't be able to find the exit again. We dried off about 10 mins before the rest of the divers got back. They'd been down to the canyon where there is a deeper crack and seen a turtle who followed them for 15 mins, even trying to get a few bites in. We had a quick drink before driving to our next site called Blue Hole which is quite famous, especially for pople practicing free diving. We sat in the cafe and had Bedouin tea while the divers' wetsuits dried off in the sun. They were all surprised that we were snorkelling without wetsuits but generally the water had been quite warm. This reef was far easier to navigate. It was a drift dive and we could simply follow the reef along with the tide taking us with it. As you get towards the exit point the reef opens up into a deep blue pool over 100 metres deep. This is where people practice the free diving.

We drove back off-road past lots of camels and had lunch at the beach bar chatting to Jamie, who had been diving with us, and his wife. Then we relaxed on the beach. That evening we Decided to head into Dahab to explore and get a nice dinner. I really liked the town, lots of shops but with a little less hassle than other places we had been. We took advantage of Happy Hour in one bar which was pretty good. The restaurants were on a bit more of a hard-sell but we eventually settled on one called 'Friends' offering a good value set seafood menu, especially for Christmas (I also bargained hard on the price and won). Our Christmas Eve dinner consisted of a delicious seafood soup, followed by 5 kinds of salad and bread. Then the staff bought out a rather garish tin foil construction filled with our main course... prawns, lobster, calamari and salmon. Only problem was the group of stray cats we'd attracted. For dessert we shared a creme caramel and the whole meal was delicious and washed down nicely with a bottle of white wine. When we came back we sunk two more glasses of wine each in the hotel bar. Well, it was Christmas after all. Tomorrow... A lie in.

Day 17, Christmas Day
We allowed ourselves a lie-in and then woke up just after 6am... Typical. After lying in bed for a while we turned on the TV and ended up watching The Perfect Storm while we woke up a bit, not exactly festive viewing! Today was the first day I really took advantage of the buffet breakfast. I had eggs, sausages, bread, beans... The works! Probably in part due to the slight hangover from the previous evening's wine. After breakfast we joined the other guests to welcome Santa to the resort... on a camel. His terrible 'Ho Ho Ho' made us giggle as did his Fila socks and black loafers. He was giving out bags of Christmas cookies, but only did it for the kids which I was miffed about (I need to grow up). We followed him down to the beach and claimed our spot while the hotel played the cheesiest music at ear-bursting volumes. During the day we played petanque, pool and ping pong and for lunch we opted for the buffet lunch. Not your traditional Christmas grub, carrot soup, chicken skewers and rice plus some Egyptian desserts. We spent an hour online catching up with what everyone back home was up to. Then, for the evening, we went into Dahab and had some supper and a couple of drinks before heading back around midnight. When we arrived back I saw that we'd been dropped off a bag of Christmas cookies which restored my faith in Father Christmas.

Day 18, Boxing Day
Today was a day of activities! We played tennis, petanque, pool and ping pong as well as hanging out on the beach and trying not to get any more sunburn. My tummy seemed to be rather rosy in particular! At 5pm we headed to the bar for a couple of beers and catch up on the football scores. We saw Jamie in there who showed us his diving pics... amazing ones of the turtle and there were a couple he took of us snorkelling from under the water which was cool. I headed upstairs after that to get my pedicure which couldn't have been any more well-timed. After a long soak the therapist got to work and I left feeling like I had someone else's feet. I think I am going to make sure I get a proper pedicure at least twice a year from now on, I'm a convert. Then it was massage time. James's had already started so I hopped on the bed and relaxed. There were moments of pain but I felt much better afterwards. I was still suffering from the camel ride! We got back to the room quite late and got ready for dinner. We tried out the Portofino, an Italian on the resort which we had entirely to ourselves. It was like they closed it especially for us. After food and a bottle of wine it was back to the room... And a Dolly Parton film which amused me no end.

Day 19
On the last day of the holiday we allowed ourselves a lie-in. Breakfast was a fruit pancake with Nutella... Mmm. We packed and danced around the room the tunes as we did then played ping pong and pool before our taxi arrived. It turned out that there was a mix up and our taxi had been taken by someone else so after half an hour of faffing we finally got underway. We had our final indulgence of the holiday at the airport with mahoosive Burger King, and we bid farewell to Egypt. It was sunny and was definitely an adventure (an expensive one at that). Now I'm already looking forward to another holiday... Italy in August can't come quick enough. That's the problem with going away, it just makes you want to plan your next trip...

More pics can be found at my Flickr account plus I'll be reviewing some of the places we visited on Qype.

TRAVEL - Egypt 2011, Shark's Bay

2012-01-08T19:25:00.002Z

Day 11
I barely know what to write about today as I seem to have spent the entire time on a bus. We made our way to the bus station, not before I had managed to half destroy the hotel room by pulling the curtain pole out of the wall - whoops! Our bus was timetabled to leave half an hour later than we thought, but of course, we didn't actually go anywhere for another half an hour (Egyptian timetables). The bus trip that should take 6 hours maximum took more than 10 hours and my patience wore very thin. We had 3 lots of passport checks and a stop to get our luggage out to be checked by sniffer dogs. We went through more army checkpoints than I care to remember and the seats in the coach were the most uncomfortable ever, especially after the aches and pains the three hour camel ride from the day before left us. Plus, I didn't have much confidence in our drivers. After stopping the bus to check the engine because they smelled fuel, the driver lit up a cigarette before poking his head into the engine. Everyone else, it seemed, also found this the perfect opportunity to light up. Madness! I prayed we would arrive at Sharm el Sheikh in one piece...

Day 12
We did arrive finally after the coach trip from hell and booked into our beach hut at Shark's Bay resort. They were lovely little self-contained rooms on a diving resort by the beach. We spent our first day on the beach and had a dip in the sea. The coral and reefs go right up to the shore so James took a snorkle for a test run. I wasn't feeling well at all and so it was a bit of a waste of a day for me. I was in bed by about 8.15, falling asleep at the dinner table. James suffered the utter boredom of letting me rest it out and I slept for a restless 11 hours. After breakfast I had sent James on a mission to the pharmacy we passed on our drive in to get more medicine. He got lost on route and ended up getting ripped off by a taxi driver keen to make a quick buck. Later in the evening we walked in the dark to the pharmacy for more meds, it wasn't how I planned on spending my holiday, I was just desperate to get over it as soon as possible.

Day 13
I woke up feeling a bit better thanks to tablets, medicine and a nose spray. We decided we had better get off the resort or James would probably go stir crazy. We jumped in a taxi to Na'ama Bay. Expecting some sort of public beach we were disappointed to find out that every square inch seemed to belong to a hotel. We finally found a beach with space and paid 50LE for the use of the beach. Unfortunately for us it was pretty cloudy all day but there was beer and yummy grub so we were all good. We headed back to our hotel late afternoon and enjoyed the last of the sun with some Beduoin tea (and about 100 bloody flies). We decided to head out again in the evening to Sharm el Sheikh old market. There are all sorts of shops there but not a lot of restaurants so we hopped in yet another taxi back to Na'ama Bay for a Thai meal. We wanted to go for drinks too but with every bar seemingly empty apart from the staff it put us off slightly. Even here, in the lively part of town it was sleepy. Instead we opted for rum and diet coke froman off license (Tony's Drinkies) and went back to our room to enjoy it, along with a few quiz rounds. Then, snoresville for me to sleep off the flu.

Day 14
More improvement from my camel flu this morning so we woke up early to go on our planned snorkle trip. The boat, Freedom 1, left the dock before 8.30am with a group of divers and us two lone snorklers. It took 45 mins to get to our first reef called Jackson Reef, situated off the coast of an island. We were briefed on where we coould and couldn't go due to the tide and currents. I hadn't ever really snorkled before and it took a few attempts to get the hang of it, especially with a bit of a cough and cold hanging over me. After I had managed to relax my breathing we got going and it was amazing what we could see... Parrotfish, jellyfish, cornet fish and all sorts of other colourful species I still need to look up. After a while we were off to the second dive site. This one was slightly more challenging with a bit more pull from the current. It was a long coral reef and most of the fish were the same as those we'd seen before but just as bright and exciting. This was a drift dive and the boat couldn't stay quite as close so when we got near the end we were thrown a rope to pull ourselves in. Good timing too as I had just been sucked by a current almost onto the reef and managed to swim away before I panicked too much. The rest of the time on the boat was spent catching rays. We were then served up lunch which was great grub with tuna, pasta, salads and rice. When we got back we haggled for a beach bat and ball which we managed a measly rally of 18, I need more practice. To reward our efforts we mixed up some more rum and coke to occupy the time before dinner. We both opted for the fish as it was really good at the hotel restaurant. A nice final meal before leaving the following day.

More pics can be found at my Flickr account plus I'll be reviewing some of the places we visited on Qype.

And our final destination is next... Dahab!

TRAVEL - Egypt 2011, Cairo

2012-01-08T19:04:00.000Z

Day 9
As we arrived in Cairo on the sleeper train it was clear that dinner hadn't really agreed with either of us. Breakfast was yet more 'beige' and we'd barely slept a wink. Despite the staff on the train urging us to stay in Giza, we wanted to go downtown. It was 9am and we picked a hotel from the guidebook and jumped in a cab there. The hotel, called Pensione Roma, had real character. Faced with a two hour wait or a more expensive room we opted for the latter and went to bed until 1pm. Feeling much better, we got ready to go to the Egyptian Museum. The lady on reception informed us that there were some demonstrations taking place and to just avoid any large crowds. I managed to direct us to the museum without the map but when we arrived we were told it was closed due to the trouble in Tahrir Square. We could see the smoke from where we were, then all of a sudden people started running towards us and the museum worker told us to run too. He helped us get far enough away to send us into a papyrus shop (always trying to sell you something!).

We headed back to the hotel and got a bit lost in the progress. By this time we were starving so after a drink we went in search for grub. We thought it would be far easier than it was but settled on McDonalds (opting for something we knew after our last dodgy meal on the train). I suggested the cinema as something to do in the evening and the latest Mission Impossible film was playing just around the corner. We went back at the time we were told it started only to find it was actually an hour later (story of our life). While we waited we headed for a bar and saw the golden Stella sign. We were ushered up some stairs and it was quickly apparent that we'd been duped into going to a bellydancing club. As soon as they put the napkins and snacks on the table I knew it was time to leave (we'd have been overcharged for those sorts of extras). As we tried to leave, the same men who ushered us up there talked us into staying but at a pub downstairs, exactly where we had wanted to go in the first place. We got reasonably priced Stella, action movies starring Arnie and free bar snacks. Result! Then it was on to the cinema, which in the dark looked rather grand. There were no ads before the film and the tickets cost under £2 which was a breath of fresh air. They even confused us by stopping the film early for an interval (or should I say smoking break). The film wasn't bad and we headed back to the hotel glad that we'd found some decent entertainment for the evening.

Day 10
We got up early and started with a trip to the Egyptian Museum, we hoped that by going early we'd avoid the previous day's demo drama. So, off we went with the hotel's rather measly breakfast of a bread roll and jam in our bellies. The museum seemed almost like an exhibit in itself. It's dusty and old just like the things inside it. We saw as much as we could but I was feeling pretty poorly so wasn't managing to take that much in. I was surprised by how many wood statues had survived and in such great condition though. I couldn't help feeling though that many of the statues lacked the context of the original setting, some of them would have so much more impact if they were at their original temples. We decided to head back to the hotel before visiting Giza and it seems we left the museum just in time. As we walked toward the exits, the barriers were being closed and the armed guards were standing ready for a confrontation. As we hurried past, a large group of angry men arrived at the museum gates and we rushed away in the opposite direction. Our timing was just right, any later and we'd have been stuck in the museum like people had been the day before.

On the walk back I was tempted by a bakery so we got tomato and herb bread and a cake each for lunch. I chose a coconut cake which was delicious and light with sweet syrup. Almost at the hotel we bumped into Omar and his wife who we'd chatted to earlier. He wanted us to go to Giza with him, so we agreed to save on the cab fare. When we arrived we were roped into an afternoon camel ride which we paid slightly over the odds for, but we were kind of glad as we had a great Time. James's camel peed all the way round while mine couldn't stop farting which amused us no end. Our guide let James steer the camels too and actually he wasn't too bad. We got all the touristy snaps and even broke into a run in parts. The pyramids themselves didn't look how I expected them to, even having seen so many pictures. I guess some things you just have to experience in the flesh. The tour ended (as they always do in Egypt) with a visit to a family member's shop. The owner was desperate for us to buy flower essences but his prices were high and the free tea forced upon us wasn't great either. By this time it was clear that either the horse or the camel had sparked an allergic reaction for James and his eyes were bright red amd sore. I enquired about a couple of things in the shop but the shopkeeper insisted on aggressive and pushy sales moves so I left it. Later in the evening we went out for cheap pizza and I was so pooped I fell asleep before 9.30pm. Going from bad to worse, the flu was taking hold.

More pics can be found at my Flickr account plus I'll be reviewing some of the places we visited on Qype.

Next up, Shark's Bay and Sharm el Sheikh...

TRAVEL - Egypt 2011, Aswan

2012-01-08T18:48:00.000Z

Day 7
We started the day with an awesome breakfast on the roof terrace... pancakes, fruit salad, jam, honey, toast, cheese spread, fresh lemonade and tea. We then decided to walk to The Nubian Museum which was easier said than done. We were hassled almost the whole way there by a man with a horse and cart to the point where he sent us the wrong way so we'd ride with him. We carried on walking out of principal and found the museum quite easily, despite the diversion. It's a great building and we pretty much had it to ourselves. The exhibits take you on a journey through Nubian history and end with information about the High Dam project and the preservation and relocation of sites that would have been lost beneath the man-made Lake Nasser. The landscaped grounds of the museum are worth a look too, you can follow a waterway all around them gardens.

We walked back along the Nile for a bite to eat at Aswan Moon. I had an aubergine bake with bread and James had a meat/potato bake. By the time we finished we hoped to go on a felucca with captain Abdullah who we had met the day before but we couldn't see him so James sent a text to see if he was free at 4pm. There was no sign of him in his usual spot but a man came running after us telling us he was his brother and that we had text Abdullah. We went with the guy in the end for a trip around Elephantine Island at sunset. It was a really peaceful trip and we saw the botanical gardens, Nubian villages and lots of different kinds of birds. I also can't believe there were kids floating on bodyboard style floats in between all the Boats... Madness, especially after reading about the bacterial infections that are quite common from the water.

We headed back to the hotel just as the sun had gone down and caught the end of Bad Boys 2 while we had some beers and got ready for dinner. We headed back to our new favourite, Salah Ad Din, and even sat in the very same table. I tried the yoghurt salad with bread followed by kofte and rice. The Nubian waiter showed us a trick with cocktail sticks but I am none the wiser about what it all meant, he found it hilarious though. We were all laughing by the end, it was good to meet someone so warm and friendly. As we left the restaurant it was clear there was a more livly atmosphere and it turns out that Friday is the weekend in egypt. We were invited into a shop near our hotel and the owner was very nice to us and spoke very good english. He told us about marriage in egypt and his own engagement to a woman in Cairo. He said the man must have a flat, pay for 75% of the furnishings and in married life be the sole provider - interesting to learn a bit more about Egyptian life. We bought our souvenirs and were given a good luck scarab each as a parting gift.

Day 8
We had arranged the previous day for a taxi driver, Ramadan, to take us to see some other sights so he arrived at 10am. At breakfast we met PJ who was travelling alone and so he joined us on the little trip. The taxi driver decided to bring his two small children with us who were quite entertaining and enjoyed sitting with PJ and playing with his sunglasses, camera and video camera. First up we drove past the original Old Dam and further up the river to see the High Dam. I was a little disappointed that there was no visitor centre of any sort but it's definitely an impressive structure and feat of engineering. Next we gave the driver directions to a sculpture park in the southern quarries of Aswan and although we found it, it didn't seem to be open for tourists. He wasn't too keen on us exploring uninvited either so we took the advice. Finally we stopped at the Unfinished Obelisk which would have been the largest one ever erected had it got that far. The mammoth structure cracked before they finished carving it away from the rock and so it was abandoned. We said goodbye to our driver friend and got dropped back at the hotel where we decided to take a dip in the (small and freezing) pool before lunch.

PJ joined us at our fave restaurant and I had the most amazing chicken curry with still-warm, fresh baked bread. After swapping stories we headed back to the hotel making use of the wifi and killing time until our sleeper train to Cairo. We met some great people in Aswan but it was time to leave. On the sleeper train we had our own compartment which we were Pretty impressed with. We were served a dinner of 'beige' which impressed us far less. Rice, bread, chips, tahini and chicken goujons which had been all but cremated in the cooking process. I wasn't too fussed though as I had been feeling more and more unwell all day and a cold and cough seemed to have finally taken hold. James amd I entertained ourselves with a Kindle pub quiz book before getting ready for bed. While James seemed to be snoring as soon as his head hit the pillow I had a lot of trouble sleeping. I woke almost every half an hour through the night, had crazy dreams and am pretty sure my legs were attacked by bed bugs. Oh well, you can't win them all.

More pics can be found at my Flickr account plus I'll be reviewing some of the places we visited on Qype.

Next up Cairo...

TRAVEL - Egypt 2011, Luxor to Aswan

2012-01-08T18:29:00.000Z

Day 4
We started the day after breakfast on the roof terrace by visiting Luxor Temple as it was literally just across from our hotel. While looking for the temple we stumbled upon a mosque within its grounds which was built into the temple later on. We were given a whistle-stop tour by one of the men who worked there (for a donation of course). We located the actual entrance to the temple afterwards, wangling a student discount which was nice. We showed ouselves round the impressive ruins and open air museum before checking.out the Avenue of Sphinxes which originally led several kms from there to Karnok temple. They are trying to restore the entire avenue bit by bit but it means many buildings are having to be knocked down. From there, we walked towards the river and paid a few pounds to visit a mummification museum which was rather compact - interesting but not really worth the money. By the time we left our tummies were rumbling so we picked a place from the guidebook for lunch. It was called the Oasis Cafe, set in a 1930s building which was quiet and cool. We both opted for kebabs... pretty much our new staple diet.

We headed back to the hotel to decide in the afternoon's activities and there was a Swiss couple at reception arranging a trip to Karnok temple which was next on our list so we tagged along. Our guide Marmod showed us round explainung some if the historical highlights before giving us some free time to explore. The structures that remain are absolutely mammoth and paint a picture of a vast place of worship adapted through the dynasties by its rulers. The sun was starting to set which gave the stone a warm orange glow, really pretty and atmospheric. We avoided the hassle from traders and staff, we even had to decline the offer of two armed guards wanting to show us a better statue... Nah, fine with these free ones thanks. Who follows a man with a gun past a barrier that says 'No Entry' - not me!

Back to the hotel we went and we decided on another guestbook recommendation for food, following the day's earlier success. This place was in a hotel across town so we'd need a taxi driver (who definitely knew the way). After asking in reception there was a driver sitting right there who knew the place. After a lengthy drive we rock up to a rather dark and closed looking building. The taxi driver asked at the door and it was indeed very much closed... We didn't have a back up so the driver recommended a similar restaurant and took us there, offering to collect us after. The food was traditional. James had a mixed grill while I had veal and a mixture of sides, dips and breads too. We finished with a dessert made from sweet cheese and vermicelli. The whole time we were there we were convinced the cabbie had scammed us, but for closure we checked the picture of the hotel restaurant he took us too and it was the right place. Perhaps out of season they don't open the restaurant which was a real shame as it had great reviews. For the rest of the evening we snuggled up close to a heater on the roof terrace until bedtime playing words with friends. Rock and roll lifestyle right? At this time of year, we were starting to notice that there wasn't much going on in the evenings which was a shame, but we had a great view of the temple so we couldn't complain too much.

Day 5
Day 5 started early for our visit to Luxor's West Bank and we began with the famous Valley of the Kings. Ticket entry gives access to 3 tombs and we went with our guide's suggestions. The vibrancy of the colours and visibility of the carvings inside the tombs is amazing, you can't believe it's been thousands of years since they were put there! We saw one early tomb which would have been hidden so it was just decorated in the burial chamber. Then two which were 19th and 20th Dynasty so were not hidden but had a stone door instead, and these had more decoration. After here we headed to Temple of Queen Hatshepsut which looks very impressive against the rocky mountain behind. Next up was Valley of the Queens where we visited 3 Prince's tombs - boys under 14 or so were buried in the women's burial area. After this we stopped at an alabaster factory where the staff deminstrated the process of working with the stone. James even had a go with the tools. Finally we stopped by some large statues on the way back to the city. We were so starving by the time we got back we opted for a long lunch at the hotel before relaxing and doing some reading as the sun started to set. We went for dinner at another guidebook recommendation called Lotus and I had a yummy chicken curry and BEER. It had been very hard to find in Luxor, so we grabbed some to take away too. As a Muslim country, the more traditional towns don't offer much in the way of alcohol and you do feel like you are getting it on the black market when you do finally locate some.

Day 6
Our alarms were set for 4.30am which was definitely a struggle but it was for a good reason - a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. We were taken first to a boat where we all signed a release form and had to reveal our weight (eek!). The sweeten the deal, we were given tea and cake as we crossed the River Nile to the West Bank and our waiting cars. These took us to a field and we could just about make out lots of balloons not yet inflated, lying on their sides, in the darkness. We waited in the car until they started to inflate and James decided to pop to the loo before we set off. A minute later my group were being ushered to our balloon so there I was panicking, taking the guide with me to find James or else I might have been doing it without him! We all climbed in the basket... some more gracefully than others... and I was surprised that the balloons take around 15 to 20 people each. Before long the pilot had started burning the gas and we were airborn and it was so gentle, in fact the whole trip was. I took lots of pics across the river and the West Bank, of temples we had visited the day before and of all the other balloons in the sky. Breathtaking!

When we came in for landing, our pilot took us across sugar cane fields gliding so close we touched them. It was like gliding across treetops and very surreal. We all prepared for landing, very ready for the basket to fall to one side but the pilot managed to land us standing up, right in the middle of a farmer's field. We had to wait a few minutes for a team to help bring the balloon down but the farmer and his whole family came out to see us, with the farmer even helping hold the balloon down while people got out. It must happen quite a lot this landing in someone's backyard business. It was so nice to see a contrasting side of the Egyptians to the hagglers and hasslers of the city centre too. I had already got out but James was one of the last left in the balloon which almost fell onto the farmer's house before they rectified things. The family all waved us off as we drove back to the boats around 7.30am. What a morning!

We decided back at the hotel we were too awake to sleep so packed up for our next destination... Aswan. Let it be known, no public transport seems to run on time in Egypt. Our 9am train showed up at 9.55, an hour late just like the bus from Hurghada. We bought first class tickets for a fiver and enjoyed comfy seats and great views for the 3 hour journey. We arrived in Aswan not convinced about which hotel to stay in and walked around for over 2 hours looking at different ones. A felucca captain called Abdulah kept giving us directions to the point of hilarity, we bumped into him a few too many times to be cool. In the end we opted for the Keylany Hotel which was basic but with a decent roof terrace and little plunge pool. We'd had nothing to eat since breakfast so had to restore our energy before finding somewhere for dinner. We went for a recommendation... Salah Ad Din. We sat out on their boat terrace just in time for sunset enjoying a beer and some scrummy grub. The best we'd had yet I think. My oriental aubergine salad starter was amazing. The staff were very friendly, our waiter tried to teach me some Nubian and when we left we were invited to sit in the manager's office while waiting for our take-away beers... it was a long day, we deserved them!

More pics can be found at my Flickr account plus I'll be reviewing some of the places we visited on Qype.

Coming up next, more from Aswan...

TRAVEL - Egypt 2011, Hurghada to Luxor

2012-01-08T17:24:00.000Z

You may have noticed the blog has been a little quiet over the last month and that's because I took a nice long holiday with my boyfriend to Egypt. We were desperate for some sunshine and an injection of culture so we decided to spend Christmas there too to make the most of the time off. I kept track of what we were up to each day so I'm publishing a mini diary of our adventures...

Day 1
It was a very dark 5am start but our Easyjet flight was quick and pleasant enough. We'd barely hit down on Egyptian soil (or should that be sand) and we had already had to haggle hard for our taxi to get a price that wasn't blatantly ripping us off. I'm really glad we were persistent though as the taxi driver made up his money by picking up a Russian couple on route and it was a 10 minute journey. We arrived at the Marriott Beach Resort already suspicious of anyone wanting to touch/take our bags but we needn't have been. The staff were lovely and after a fruity welcome drink we took some time to chill out in our room. It was already dark and the view of the pool area from our balcony was stunning, all twinkling and lit up. After some Egyptian beer from the minibar and a good flick through the TV channels we got ready for dinner. We stayed in the hotel that evening as we were pretty tired and opted for the buffet which was pretty good, the highlight being the sweet coconut desserts. We had a wander round the grounds, exploring in the dark before collapsing into bed, well and truly exhausted.

Day 2
After an epic sleep in the super cosy bed we got up for breakfast, buffet style. I wasn't overly inspired by the random mixture of grub so settled on some fresh bread, sausage and egg. We had a walk around before planting ourselves on some sun loungers by the pool. The resort can be quite windy this time of year but the sun is still nice and hot. The pool was about 27degrees too which wasn't bad. After a swim and drink we moved to the beach, literally a minute away and it was a little bit more sheltered too. The sea was cold but refreshing so we had a dip. We love a bit of ping pong so when the table was free we went for it. I'm not that good at it but I do tend to win against my boyfriend, much to his disappointment. We ate lunch by the pool - pizza for me - and then later we both went for a massage. The hotel had a spa attached to it so we couldn't resist. For dinner we decided to head into the more Egyptian part of town, Ad Dahar, and our haggling efforts were improving on the taxi front. Even though I was barely showing my shins the men wouldn't leave me alone. If my boyfriend didn't know he was a 'lucky man' before then he sure does now. We settled on a Greek place for food and I opted for a scrummy chicken kebab complete with a duck made out of vegetables. I swear some staff have too much time on their hands. We stayed for a couple.of drinks and I swear I have never had a mojito quite like the one we were served up, it was like 5 liquidized limes in a glass with some token mint on the side. My cheeks were in pain by the end of it from the acidity!

Day 3
After another good sleep it was down to breakfast and then to the beach. We checked out and then spent a few hours sunning ourselves before hopping in a taxi to the bus station in Ad Dahar... Well, on our second attempt that is. Our driver didn't exactly know where he was going. On establishing that the bus to luxor would leave at 4pm, my boyfriend and I set out to grab a snack and kill some time. Most of the places we passed seemed to just have tramps sitting out front. We stopped in a pharmacy and as I looked round I spotted a clean looking eatery upstairs in one of the buildings opposite. We didn't bother with a menu, it was all in Arabic. Instead, we allowed the waiter to recommend us something and he brought out two dishes plus a tomato based sauce. The first dish was a sort of pasta with minced beef flavoured with spices, I could taste cumin definitely. The second was made up of a kind of rice/noodle/pasta combo topped with chickpeas, lentils and crispy onions. It was such a relief that the food was so good.

After a while we headed back to the bus station and it soon became clear that the bus wasn't coming at 4pm. We asked around and eventually were told 5 which we assumed meant it would be there at 5pm... Not knowing the language made it impossible to know for sure. Just after 5 pm, after we were about to give up, the bus arrived - hurrah! The journey was a lot more comfortable than I expected and 5 hours later we arrived in Luxor. We had envisaged a taxi ride to the budget hotel we planned on staying in but with my eagle eyes I spotted a sign for it directly opposite the place the bus dropped us off, talk about luck! The hotel was right on the edge of a vibrant and bustling souk and by this time it was about 10pm. We checked into the hotel and then did a small circuit to find some grub before settling for the restaurant right outside our hotel. I had a steak sandwich while my boyfriend opted for chicken. Talking of which, the friendly and rather funny waiter decided I was worth a swap and offered James a camel; a chicken and his Egyptian wife for me. After deliberating James thought better of trading me in and we ended our evening sitting on the roof terrace admiring the view of the city from up high. The hotel is so central and overlooks Luxor temple so I'd definitely recommend it if anyone is looking for a budget hotel while there.

More pics can be found at my Flickr account plus I'll be reviewing some of the places we visited on Qype.

Coming up next, our 3 days in Luxor.

MAKE-UP - Urban Decay Naked Palette 2 Exclusive

2012-01-05T19:32:00.004Z

If there's one make-up palette that stands out as a true customer favourite it's Urban Decay's Naked Palette. The good news is the Naked Palette 2 is coming soon and will be exclusive to debenhams.com from 9 January - it's bound to be a big seller. Stores will start selling the palette from 6 February.

Sarah, the beauty editor at Debenhams, has already tried it out and I'll be giving it a whirl on Monday too. Sarah says "The palette proves once again that neutral is anything but boring and features an array of shades ranging from pale to deep and matte to sparkly. The one thing you will notice is that this palette is a lot more sparkly than Naked palette." She goes on to say that she loves "the addition of Blackout, a matte black shade which means you can add depth to create a more dramatic look." Plus, "Every colour is richly-pigmented and easily blendable". Sounds good to me!

Take a look at the shades below:

From left to right: Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease - exclusive shade, Snakebite - exclusive shade, Suspect, Pistol - exclusive shade, Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout.

Shop Urban Decay at debenhams.com
Shop Urban Decay Naked Palette 2

SHOES - New Year, New Shoes...

2012-01-03T21:42:00.001Z

2012 is going to be a big year in the UK and, trend aside, there are two themes that stand out more than any others. The first is The Olympics. Sports and athletics are going to capture the imagination of British people this summer and we're already seeing a lot of sporty shapes and styles within clothing. Plus, January is renowned as the month for kick-starting any health and fitness regimes so you'll need the footwear to match your new health kick. Here are a couple of retro, sporty style trainers in Union Jack colours...

Asics sneakers

Gola Quattro

Gola Harrier Suede

Second is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Last year's Royal Wedding proved how people come together for a big national event like this so expect bunting, patriotism and street parties galore. Fashion will surely follow in these footsteps with shoes being a great way to show a little patriotic pride. When I was in New York for the Royal wedding one woman was wearing the most amazing Union Jack platforms. Thinking pretty pastels, garden party florals and more of that patriotic red, white and blue. I've picked a couple of garden party perfect styles below...

Chie Mihara Tiju shoes

Stylistclick Janelle shoes

Brako Rosaly shoes

What are you looking forward to in 2012 and what shoes will you be wearing when it happens?

Post in conjunction with Spartoo, featured shoes available at Spartoo.co.uk.

BRAND A-Z - Z is for Zatchels.

2011-12-30T16:44:00.000Z

Z is for... Zatchels. Every girls loves a handbag but I like mine to be practical. Zatchels have a selection of fab bags in a wide range of fun colours. I posted about the new metallic range back in November but I also love the pastels for Spring and the brights for summer. How many of these bags do you think it's acceptable to own? Probably not as many as I have in my wishlist. Here are some of my favourites...

BRAND A-Z - Y is for Yumi

2011-12-29T13:05:00.000Z

Y is for... Yumi. Yumi is known for supplying fashion to other big name retailers, but they also have a direct business and website where you can pick out their unique styles. Yumi means bows in Japanese and that is a hint for the pretty prints and details you can expect to find. As always I am partial to the dresses, can't help myself, and there's a mixture of day and evening styles to choose from.

BRAND A-Z - X is for Xti

2011-12-28T12:45:00.000Z

X is for... Xti. This is another shoe brand that I've discovered through Sarenza. As a brand ambassador for Sarenza I picked out the grey, faux fur lined boots pictured below to review and they've become one of my winter staples - comfortable enough to wear all day but high enough to make my legs look a bit longer and slimmer, hurrah! Also on my shopping list are the studded pumps below. The brand has a good mix of wardrobe staples with chic designs so there's bound to be something for everyone.

BRAND A-Z - W is for Wolf & Badger

2011-12-27T12:36:00.000Z

W is for... Wolf & Badger. With fashion, accessories and homeware, Wolf & Badger showcases a plethora of designers from the UK and abroad. It's the perfect platform for emerging brands to get their designs out there. The brand has a boutique in Notting Hill if you want to explore the latest arrivals or take a look at the website. I've picked out some of my favourites below...

BRAND A-Z - V is for Vanessa Knox

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000Z

V is for Vanessa Knox...This fashion label was launched in the Spring of 2011 and is all about affordable, luxury design. The brand also includes a fab maternity range for dressing a bump while still looking glam. The collections are chic, sophisticated and grown up and feature investment pieces that are classic in style and simplistic in design. I think it's perfect for wannabee yummy-mummies.

BRAND A-Z - U is For Urban Outfitters

2011-12-22T12:11:00.000Z

U is for... Urban Outfitters. Around Christmas time I always rediscover Urban Outfitters. As well as clothing the brand has so many great gift ideas, books and home accessories. I always walk in and find something I just have to have. In New York earlier this year I picked up some great bargains in their sale including a sheer black skirt that I had in my head, for just £9. Here are some of my current favourites from the Urban Outfitters sale...

BRAND A-Z - T is For Terry de Havilland

2011-12-21T11:10:00.000Z

T is for... Terry de Havilland. I remember a couple of years back it seemed like every celebrity was wearing Terry de Havilland wedges. In fact, the designer first found fame back in the 60s and 70s making disco glam shoes seen on the likes of Bette Midler and Bianca Jagger. The coverage seems to have quietened slightly but I still absolutely love the brand. The iconic wedges have been copied but no one has ever managed to quite carry them off in the same way. Those iconic wedge heels aren't all the brand has to offer though, the latest collection includes skyscraper heels, shoe boots and chunky platforms plus a range of bridal shoes. Matches have some exclusive styles which I love, pictured below...

BRAND A-Z - S is for Sambag

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000Z

S is for Sambag... if it's fabulous flats and must-have handbags you're after then check out Australian brand Sambag. I'm not that keen on the name (sounds a bit like scumbag) but I can't fault the beautiful accessories. The pumps are a highlight and come in lots of different prints and colours which are a wonder at dressing up a uniform of black and grey in winter.

BRAND A-Z - R is For Rise Fashion

2011-12-19T10:43:00.000Z

R is for... Rise Fashion. Having supplied for lots of big name brands in the past, 2008 saw Rise Fashion launch as a brand with their own website. I love the dresses which are available in the online shop especially the three below. The designs are really feminine with beautiful details like ruffles, embellishment and pleats. The selection is quite small but well edited and includes blouses and skirts too.

BRAND A-Z - Q is for QVC

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000Z

Q is for QVC... yep, I've included QVC because lots of people might not know the brands that QVC offers especially when it comes to beauty and accessories. I recently went along to the press day and was surprised at how many luxury brands they had on board including Lulu Guinness, Butler & Wilson, Elemis, Fekkai and Nails Inc. I took away with me some beauty goodies so expect a review coming up on the blog soon.

Pics from the press day below...

BRAND A-Z - P is For Playful Promises

2011-12-17T10:24:00.000Z

P is for... Playful Promises. Essex-mania continues to sweep Britain and Maria Fowler from the hit show TOWIE has been seen wearing a brand called Playful Promises. It's known for super-sexy lingerie, corsets and has a small selection of clothing too. There are some really lovely and flirty lingerie styles including delicate lace detailing and waspies that nip you in dramatically at the waist. I am not sure everyone would wear the waspies in quite the way Maria does, but over a classic, fitted black dress it could be a really sexy addition.

BRAND A-Z - O is For Orit.

2011-12-16T09:42:00.000Z

O is for... Orit. I think high street jewellers have it tough with so many amazing designer boutiques and independent brands around. Orit is a great one worth a look. I've picked out some of my favourite gold pieces available on the website, the earrings at the top are by Efrat. As they are handmade each pair will be slightly different which makes you feel like you've got something unique. The below three pieces are by Todo Joia and the bangle is my favourite. Stack it with other smaller ones for a great style statement.

BRAND A-Z - N is For Noë

2011-12-16T08:53:00.000Z

N is for... Noë. Court shoes have never been so popular and Kate Middleton and all the focus on the royals this year has definitely accelerated the trend. One of my favourite brands is Noë which has court shoes in a range of fabulous colours. I picked up a pair of burgundy ones earlier this year which were perfect for the berry trend of AW11. Plus, there are a range of heel heights so the lower ones are great for work. Definitely worth a look for your working wardrobe.

Noë is available at Sarenza.

BRAND A-Z - M is For Me Me Me

2011-12-15T20:55:00.000Z

M is for... Me Me Me cosmetics. I can't help but be drawn to fabulous eyeshadow pots and this cosmetics brand has just launched a new range - the dew pot dragonfly collection. The name perfectly describes this jewel-toned plethora of eye paint pots which will be available from Superdrug from 4 January 2012. They'll be a lovely little treat for a new look in the new year.

If you want to find out more, check out my previous blog post reviewing some of the make up brand's other products.

BRAND A-Z - L is For Liam Fahy

2011-12-14T06:30:00.000Z

L is for... Liam Fahy. When these gorgeous shoes arrived in my inbox I couldn't wait to share. Not only is the collection filled with the most beautiful and on-trend plum colours, those killer heels are made to make a short girl, like me, decidedly leggier. The pictures are from the upcoming SS12 collection which is meant to be all about the 'seasonless shoe'...

“The increasing pace of commercial fashion is restricting

genuine creativity amongst so many designers, as a result the

boundaries of seasons have become blurred, so why not create a

collection embracing a schizophrenic season. It’s about having

the confidence not to change so fast.”

BRAND A-Z - K is For Kiss Me Deadly

2011-12-12T22:24:00.000Z

K is for... Kiss Me Deadly. Fancy some striking new lingerie? Kiss Me Deadly definitely has some showstopping styles to catch your attention. I love all the vintage-inspired lingerie especially that amazing suspender skirt pictured below in blue. The online store includes 6 strap suspender belts with metal clips, girdles, cinchers, corselettes, basques, bras, stockings and more. It almost seems a shape to cover them up with clothing...

BRAND A-Z - J is For Jarlo

2011-12-11T10:30:00.000Z

J is for... Jarlo. Vintage clothing is all the rage, but there are plenty of brands appropriating the look of vintage clothes and creating fab new collections with those very same style signatures. With celeb fans like Nicola Roberts, Una Healey of The Saturdays and Anna Friel already under their belt, Jarlo is set for great things. I've had a good old look around the current collection and it's the maxi dresses that I think are really worth a look. The seventies styling is to die for. Also take a look at the tea dresses and capes for great weekend style solutions.

Here are some campaign shots to give you a feel for the collection or shop the Jarlo online boutique now.

BRAND A-Z - I is For Isabella Oliver

2011-12-10T10:30:00.000Z

I is for... Isabella Oliver. I've been following this brand for ages and they are particularly good at timeless pieces to update your wardrobe... but that doesn't mean they can't also be glitzy and glam! Little sequin dresses and skirts are perfect for party season and the label is also well known for their fabulous jersey dresses which are great for work and weekends. The head of the brand is passionate about quality and fit, something that came across when I had the pleasure of meeting her last Christmas.

Any mums-to-be will be pleased to check out the fab maternity collection too as seen on countless celebs. Shop Isabella Oliver Maternity

BRAND A-Z - H is for Howkapow

2011-12-09T18:12:00.000Z

H is for... Howkapow. Considering the originality of the designs, the products sold on the Howkapow website are really good value. The unique and colourful designs make great gifts and come from a variety of independent designers.

The Ruth Hawkins (Minature Knit Shop) designs are my clear winners. The animal-inspired knitted pieces are fabulously cute! A mermaid or shark sleeping bag perhaps? Perhaps dressing your little one as a crab or flamingo is more your thing. Such a fab idea and there are plenty more over at Howkapow including prints and posters and women's accessories - bookmark the site now!

BRAND A-Z - G is For Giorgio Armani

2011-12-08T08:30:00.000Z

G is for... Giorgio Armani. I'm a big fan of ladylike dressing and this is one designer label that carries it off well. I love the steely metallics that ran throughout the SS12 collection when it hit the catwalk back in September - it gave traditional and classic shapes just enough of an update to make them totally desirable. Now, if only I could afford my own outfit...

BRAND A-Z - F is For F&F

2011-12-07T19:52:00.000Z

F is for... F&F. Yep, good old Tesco is getting a mention. I recently went and had a look at their SS12 collection and there were so many shift dresses I wanted it seemed only fair to spread the word. The swimwear was also a highlight with fab fifties style costumes and printed bikinis. There is something I love about going food shopping and sneaking a handbag/dress into the trolley... I just can't help myself.

At the event us bloggers were asked to pick out a favourite piece and my one was a gorgeous navy blue shift dress. Some might call it a safe and simple option but you can't go wrong with a classic cut for your working wardrobe. Simply add heels and jewellery and you're ready for post-work drinks or dancing - hurrah! I also loved the tribal printed pencil skirts and clashing printed tops. That's a look I will definitely be working next season.

BRAND A-Z - E is For Eastern Mystic

2011-12-06T12:30:00.000Z

E is for... Eastern Mystic. If you love jewellery bit fancy something a little different this brand has some great statement pieces. Plus, this week they are launching a new product every day as part of Vogue's Online Fashion Week. If you buy an exclusive item, you get a free Divine Deco necklace.

These are priced higher than costume jewellery, but with gems like Quartz and Swarovski crystals there's plenty of bling for your buck. My fave is the first bracelet which also happens to be on sale right now. The necklaces are great for jazzing up plain tees or little black dresses.

BRAND A-Z - D is for Das

2011-12-05T23:32:00.001Z

D is for... Das. Counting Amber le Bon and Olivia Palermo as fans, Das has plenty of fashion credentials. The label shows at London Fashion Week and has just launched in Harrods. You can tell that the collection has been influenced by gorgeous, Grecian gowns and the colour palette is beautiful. The dresses are traditional in a Middle-Eastern style offering lots of coverage, making them great for holidays abroad in to countries with more modest dress codes.

GIFTS - Expensive and Odd Celebrity Gifts

2011-12-05T16:35:00.001Z

I love a bit of insider celeb info and this infographic from the Debenhams blog shows some of the amazing, expensive and absurd gifts that celebs splash out on when money is no object. Which displays of affection are a step too far and which ones are worth every penny do you reckon?

Take a look at the infographic below for some interesting facts...

Gifts

BRAND A-Z - C is For Coolway

2011-12-03T12:27:00.001Z

C is for... Coolway. Yet another Spanish brand has hit the UK high street, it's like they are taking over! But, more fashion can only be a good thing if you ask me. Coolway have just opened a store on London's Oxford Street and plan three more European shops early next year. The brand is laid back, and falls into my own coined fashion genre of urban-country - featuring macs and duffle knits that we might expect from a more rural-inspired collection with all the wearability of urban fashion. Definitely worth a look for casual pieces.

Take a look at some of the lookbook pics below...

BRAND A-Z - B is For Bill Amberg

2011-12-02T22:39:00.001Z

B is for... Bill Amberg. Hand-made in Spain, these luxury bags are inspired by traditional medicine bags which gives them a vintage styling. It's all about the attention to detail with these bags - the team that makes them is small and you can see each stitch which has been lovingly crafted. Plus, they're lined with suede not cotton for extra durability. Expect the leather to burnish and wear quickly to give it that lovely, lived-in look.

Take a look over at the Bill Amberg website. Want to see them in the flesh? Visit their shop at 9 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London.

BRAND A-Z - A is for American Vintage

2011-12-02T17:06:00.000Z

A is for American Vintage... with a mix of French and American influences, American Vintage for next season features some fab colour palettes including pretty, sorbet shades. It's a collection filled with effortless casualwear that is ideal for long weekends in the city, especially when worn loose and care-free. The basic tops are great staples to build your summer wardrobe upon. I've included a few outfits from the SS12 lookbook below...

American Vintage is available at my-wardrobe.

BRAND A-Z - My December Blogging Challenge

2011-12-01T22:02:00.000Z

I've challenged myself to come up with 26 brands for a special A-Z series on my blog throughout December. Some you might have heard of, others you may not have, but the idea is that by the end of it you'll have at least discovered a few new brands. It will be mainly visual (I'm off on holiday so I have a lot to get done before I go). I don't often do these sorts of sets of posts and that's because I run out of time to do them. But I like a challenge, so here goes. Wish me luck... I'll kick things off tomorrow with the letter A.

Photo credit: Howell2photo on Flickr.

HAIR - My Restyle at House of Rush

2011-11-30T20:40:00.001Z

I've had long hair for quite a while now but I've never been afraid of a change. I've had hair down to my waist, a Tinkerbell crop and even bright red with blonde streaks. So when I got fed up of my hair and booked a cut I knew I was going to have quite a lot lopped off.

I recently went along to the House of Rush, a new salon in London's Piccadilly for their launch event and was invited back to give a treatment a try - the perfect opportunity to try a drastic new 'do'. The salon itself is amazing, with a blow-dry bar downstairs and a huge upstairs area for hair services. There's also a nail bar and treatment rooms with all the beauty services you could want.

So will I be going back? Definitely! My hair stylist chatted to me and completely understood what I wanted to the point where she actually did something slightly different to what I originally asked for - and I loved it. The head massage is always a highlight at the hairdressers and this time was no exception... they've got great massage chairs too. The stylist took her time and even gave me tips on how to style my hair once home and I left the salon feeling amazing. I have been sternly told that I'm in desperate need of a nourishing treatment and I totally agree. I'll be heading back in Jan for a trim and some hair TLC.

So far all the comments have been positive. My boyfriend didn't seem keen on me cutting my hair at first but I think he's got used to it already too. Prices start at £49 for a cut and blowdry but new customers can take advantage of a 25% discount for their first visit. Worth it to give them a try.

View hairdressing services
View beauty services

The before and after pics below...

NEWS - Patrón XO Cafe Noir Pop-up Speakeasy

2011-11-27T21:17:00.001Z

There's a special speakeasy coming to Soho next week hosted by Patrón XO Cafe Noir - check out what you can make with the tequila over on The Style PA at Home. Yum!

It all kicks off on 29thNovember with cocktails and cabaret, in fact, it promises to be 'a visual extravaganza hosting the best of the cityʼs alternative and cabaret entertainment'. Sounds interesting right?

For three days only, Patrón XO Cafe Noir is taking bookings for private booth mixology master class sessions from 3pm. Guests will learn to mix delicious Christmas cocktails. Personally, I'm looking forward to ʻJonnyʼs Christmas Quizʼ The full flyer is below...

Opening times: 3pm, 29th November – 1st December 2011 to over 18ʼs only.
Address: Bureau Club Unit 2, 13 Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW.
To book your place: visit patronsocialclub.co.uk

SHOES - Can Sneakers be Glam?

2011-11-27T11:35:00.001Z

I recently fell in love with a pair of spangly sneakers. Now, I'm not usually the type to wear sporty shoes unless I'm heading to the gym, but I am willing to make the occasional exception if a pair bring out the magpie in me. That's what happened when I saw this shiny pair of Buffalo shoes.

Buffalo Canvas Pewter Shoes - £49

Buffalo, you ask, isn't that who made those platform trainers worn by the Spice Girls in the '90s? Well yes, It would appear that it is one and the same brand, but they've diversified a little since then. They make all sorts of shoes plus clothing and other accessories. In my vast shoe collection I did have a pair of gold sneakers that I loved the look of, but alas they weren't very comfy. As soon as these arrived those gold sneaks went straight to the charity shop as the role of glitzy sneakers has been re-filled. The sneakers also come in black, although they are a bit more boyish so I'm not quite so keen on them.

Buffalo Canvas Black Shoes - £49

I also chose a pair of ballerina style flat shoes from the same brand which have turned out to be the most comfortable pumps I think I've ever had. Any pumps which aren't soft around the edges end up really rubbing my feet (I've got bony feet with not enough meet on them to deal with really solid shoes). These have a suede effect with a subtle contrasting edge and pretty little bow. These are the sort of shoes that you carry in your handbag and can't wait to get out of your high heels for (we've all been there right?).

Buffalo Baby Bill pumps - £46

Best of all, they come in a range of colours and as I'm working with Spartoo on trying out their shoes I think my next order might just be for a couple of different colours. All the basics are covered like tan, browns, nude and grey plus the two black pairs below. Plus, some colours are reduced at the moment including a fab blue and an olive green pair. Definitely worth the money.

Shop all Buffalo shoes

All featured shoes are available at Spartoo.

SHOPPING - The My-Wardrobe.com Christmas Room

2011-11-19T20:00:00.001Z

My-Wardrobe.com is one of my ultimate fashion websites for lusting after beautiful things. With luxury brands, fab designers and plenty of inspirational content, it's more than a little dangerous for the bank balance. I headed along to the company's showroom to check out what they're offering for Christmas, that's probably the one time of year I could justify throwing caution to the wind and splurging.

Check out the My-Wardrobe Christmas Room for stunning partywear and gifts. Plus, you have the option of getting your purchases gift-wrapped in special designer wrapping paper. The women's wrap is a leopard print created by ALICE by Temperley and YMC for him are behind the men's version. You can see a pic of the paper on the gifts under the tree. Even if your budget won't stretch to the highest priced designers, you can still find lovely little luxury gifts. I treated myself to some falke Fair Isle socks and they are heavenlu to wear.

If you aren't good at resisting temptation, don't look at these pictures...

SHOPPING - On my November Wishlist

2011-11-15T22:32:00.001Z

1. Ariel Flame Side Mesh Boots - Topshop - £75

That's neat, I really love your tiger feet... well, your tiger shoes anyway. These fab heels are from Topshop and feature in this week's 'edited' selection as picked by a senior designer and buyer from Topshop. They give the effect of sandals while offering a little more fabric, structure and support, which is great when the weather's cold.

2. Marge Dress - Erdem at Matches - £870

I wish I could afford to fill my wardrobe with brands like Erdem, but for now they'll have to stay on my wishlist. The painterly print is like a masterpiece from one of the greats and the simple shape is figure flattering and classic, just how I like it.

3. Giorgina Boots - UGG Collection - £475

I recently went along to the store launch of the new UGG flagship store in Knightsbridge (right by the tube station which is handy). I've been very wary of UGGs in the past as those foam-looking boots just don't do it for me but I was hoping to discover that UGGs aren't a one-trick-pony. Luckily I did find lots of lovely styles to excite me, including these leopard print boots as worn on the night by fashion blogger Kristin Knox, AKA The Clothes Whisperer. What do you reckon, are you sold?

4. Down Coat - Uniqlo - £109.90

Anyone else noticed how bloomin' cold it's got this week? I hate the cold so much and warmth is not something I can compromise on. That's the main reason why Uniqlo's down coats with faux fur trim hoods appeal to me, they just look so cosy. It wouldn't be top of my list for style (even though puffa jackets have been seen on the AW11 catwalks) but if it keeps me toasty I'm in!

5. Sensuous Nude fragrance by Estee Lauder - Debenhams - From £34

I tried a sample of this fragrance the other day and I fell in love with it. I'm a total perfume addict and always have quite a few on the go at any one time, but this is definitely next on the list. It's quite light and actually feels quite summery, a perfect holiday scent.

6. Rosalie Dress - Rise Fashion - £60

I love this twenties style beaded dress from Rise Fashion. The colours are really soft and elegant, plus the touch of sparkle is just perfect for party season.

What's on your wishlist this month?

OUTFIT - My Style on Sunday 13.11.2011

2011-11-13T12:43:00.001Z

Today is a lazy day, I've already done my chores so I can relax for the rest of the afternoon. I'm currently watching Charlton on TV and then it's off to the pub for a nice big Sunday Roast. I hope you've all got something just as lazy and indulgent planned.

As for the outfit., this dress is from H&M and I got it for £3 in a charity shop. It's so comfy and I love the voluminous sleeves which hide my pesky upper arms. The necklace is my current fave and cost me 50p in a sample sale - bargain!

But my favourite part of the outfit is my new fur trim, wedge ankle boots from Sarenza. They're by a Spanish brand called XTI and although I hadn't really heard of them the boots I chose are great quality. I slipped my feet in them and the cosy fur trim hugged my skinny little ankles keeping them warm and cosy. The wedge heel isn't too high and I've been able to wear them all day at work and then out for the evening too - hurrah!

The boots cost £60 from Sarenza, plus they've got loads of other similar styles online at the moment. Take a peek...

GIFTS - A Rose Gold Watch For Christmas

2011-11-12T21:00:00.000Z

I've noticed how much rose gold is rising in popularity, particularly for watches. I've been to lots of press days lately where alternative coloured metals took centre-stage. What I love about rose gold is that it sits less harshly against the skin in terms of its colour, it's warmer and softer. My current watch is horn instead of gold or silver and I get loads of compliments on that too - Michael Kors rocks!

When I had the opportunity to choose a watch from Time2 to review I knew I wanted to go for a rose gold one. I opted for the bracelet style rose gold watch from DKNY above as I thought it would be perfect as a gift for my mum's birthday. She tends to prefer dainty, simple watches so the sleek styling of it was ideally chic. Glitz is great but if you are choosing a watch to wear day in day out then sometimes it's better to keep things simple.

Watches from Time2 come perfectly packaged and well protected to ensure they're immaculate when you give them as a gift. The DKNY watch I chose comes in at a fairly reasonable £89 but it's good quality and feels nice and heavy. Growing up I often went for a DKNY watch because they had plenty of smaller styles - I've got tiny wrists so anything too big looks a little bit ridiculous.

This year I'm away for Christmas for the very first time so I'm doing my shopping as early as possible. In fact, I've been saving bits up for ages. As a busy blogger online shopping is a life-saver, so even though Time2 has stores in the likes of Westfield, it's great that they've also got an easy-to-navigate website. One day I might even be able to browse the over £5000 category (I can dream).

Here are a few more rose gold styles from the women's watches at Time2 that caught my eye...

Rose gold plated watch - Armani Exchange - £180

Rose gold plated watch - LTD Watch - £95

Rose gold watch - Michael Kors - £259

Rose gold plated bracelet watch - Michael Kors - £199

FASHION - SS12 GANT For The Girls

2011-11-10T23:00:00.001Z

I consider GANT to be more well known as a menswear brand, and although the womenswear isn't all my cup of tea there are some fab SS12 pieces I couldn't keep to myself. The palette of navy, bright yellow and cream is one I've seen before but it's a more interesting take on Riviera style. I don't think there's anything wrong with reinforcing brand identity and sticking to a chic look that you're known for and that's what GANT do well.

More yellow with this cute sundress. I realised recently that I was getting older when I found myself moaning that some brand's seem to only sell the shortest of dresses. This one is a great length for summer, short but not bottom-skimming. It would look great with a white tailored jacket.

I'm not so keen on the styling of this outfit, but I do love the top. At first glance it's very plain and demure, but the little holes will show just a glimpse of flesh for a subtle way to do sexy. A hot pink bra underneath would give it some edge.

I was surprised to see toggle details popping up in a spring collection as they are usually associated with winter duffle coats. That said, I quite liked the waffle hooded jumper as a relaxed evening cover up for spring. I'd buy a size bigger for extra-slouchy comfort.

Prints featured plenty of colour, including these more autumnal stripes and the striped garment in question was a straight fitting skirt. Brights were the order of the day though as we've come to expect from GANT. To complement, there was a Morraccan inspired collection too which was a lot softer in terms of colour with linens and cottons - perfect for holidays to Egypt and the like.

But my favourite pick from the new collection was the cute conversational prints on these brightly hued trousers. Seahorses = cute, cute, cute! I'd team the trousers with a fitted white shirt and pumps for preppy chic.

Explore the women's GANT collection

ACCESSORIES - Tods SS12 Preview

2011-11-09T08:30:00.000Z

I've often seen Tods advertised and know a little bit about the brand but I'd never really had a good look at the product close up until recently. They are well known for their loafers which are a classic style that has seen a hike in popularity generally in recent seasons. I headed along to the SS12 press preview to see what is next for the brand as we hit the new season.

I didn't get pics, but the clothing range seems to be expanding. Leather goods are at the core with a buttery soft, blush coloured leather mac taking centre-stage. This was shown next to a matching bag and it was explained that this is how Derek Lam (creative director) is suggesting we wear the ensemble... matchy matchy! Each season there are new 'fashion' bags which complement the core range. For SS12, tassles are big news for the bags and it's embellishment glamming up some of the casual flat shoes. Those will definitely go down well with customers!

I also loved the Signature Collection of bags which have been spotted on numerous celebs. The texture is what I love most though, it's like an alternative quilting effect which just begs to be touched. I've got the envelope clutch bag on my wish list.

The owner of Tods is very famous in Italy (and beyond) and when I visited Italy our friends drove us through the town where he lives. The whole area has benefited from the growth of his companies and my friend's boyfriend even works for a local company supplying hardware for the brand's bags and leather goods. But that's not all that's benefitted from his success, he is funding the restoration of the Colosseum in Rome through the Tods brand.

One of the new shoes for men is named after the boat that Diego Della Valle owns which belonged to JFK Kennedy. It's apt as the deck shoe style would be perfectly at home on the glossy decks of the famous boat. Tods definitely sell a lifestyle, and you can just imagine Diego wearing his Tods deck shoes on his boat cruising around the shores of Capri with martini in hand... you can tell I am looking forward to my sunny holiday in just over 4 WEEKS!

MOST WANTED - Metallic Satchels From Zatchels

2011-11-08T19:13:00.001Z

I must be feeling festive, why else would I have been so drawn to these metallic bags from Zatchels? At £104 they aren't too far out of reach for those of us with modest means or even better just drop some Christmas list hints. My favourite of them all is probably the plain bronze bag though, definitely much easier to work into your wardrobe.

Are you a fan? Shop the stars collection or the plain metallics.

EVENT - Partying with Aussie at the Century Club

2011-11-06T21:45:00.003Z

I've worked with Aussie shampoo for quite some time and every now and again they get all their Aussie Angels together for some pampering and partying. Last weekend, we all gathered at the Century Club's rooftop bar. We even had the roof open to the elements, something that was probably only possible because we've had such mild weather. There are great views of the Leicester Square area from the bar which is a really unique space in the city.

Not that us girls need a reason to celebrate, but Aussie did have one - their special limited edition bottle designs which you may have already seen. While I was hanging out I also had my nails done. I really don't get them done enough, and opted for a metallic red shade because it seemed rather festive. When it went on though it was just like the colour of Iron Man, so cool. I am pretty sure it was the colour below by Jessica... although this Essie one is cool too.

As it was also Halloween, some of the lovely ladies couldn't resist a bit of a costume. Take a look at Frankie of Swell Vintage, Reena of Fashion Daydreams and Fiona of Save Our Shoes below. Dreamboats the lot of them!

Last year I spent Bonfire night with Aussie but this year I went to the free firework display at Brockwell Park. It was a really great display with fireworks themed and set to music. They also went on for half an hour which is about double the length of time you'd usually get. Loved it! A couple of weeks ago I went back home to Hastings for the town's annual Bonfire celebrations which include a procession through the town. Where did you watch fireworks this year?

TRENDS - The StyleSight Fashion Debate

2011-11-03T23:16:00.000Z

An invitation to sit in on a fashion debate hosted by Paula Reed is definitely not something you politely decline, so when asked to attend the Style Sight event at the Fashion Retail Academy I was there in a flash.

On the panel were: Paula Reed – Style Director of Grazia Magazine, Gordon Richardson – Creative Director of TopMan, Tim Soar - Menswear Designer, Navaz Batliwalla – blogger Disney Roller Girl, Alexis Knox – T4 presenter and stylist and Isham Sardouk – SVP of Trend Forecasting at Stylesight.

I moved into a role in the fashion industry over 2 years ago and it's in dealing with our buying and design teams that you realise how far ahead people are looking at trends. Most major trends can be linked to wider events and mindsets which include the political climate, music, architecture, art and much more. It's the bigger picture that really allows these predictions to take place. The evening started with an intro from Isham about StyleSight explaining what they do and how they go about it. Big name clients rely on them to provide foresight into what the key trends will be moving forward and they are already looking at 2013/2014 while we probably haven't even finished filling our AW11 wardrobes.

One of the major topics debated was whether identifying trends is about analysis or intuition and I think by the end of the debate the panel had proven that it is most definitely a bit of both - one doesn't really work without the other and StyleSight have both methodical and intuitive forecasters working for them. In order to support research, teams build 'walls of evidence' that back-up the megatrends and sub-trends for a particular time period. A wall of evidence will include cuttings, art and even music playlists - it's not just about identifying prints, colours and key pieces.

Tim Soar explained how high fashion design has to work differently to the high street citing uniqueness of thought as really important rather than just following trend foresight. He also raised an interesting point in that designers should be willing to repeat themselves more than they think they should to build brand identity. One thing that popped up repeatedly was the talk of the East of London being the place where trends emerge before they are fully adopted. Alexis in particular was vocal on this point suggested that the early adopters often wear a trend with a touch of irony or sense of humour.

TopMan's Gordon Richardson admitted that retailers can and do get it wrong from time to time. One such example was the rise of the skinny jean for guys. After seeing men wearing them in 'hip' London areas for years, TopMan were convinced that the time was right to buy big. It turned out that they were too early, but now they are struggling to encourage men to buy anything but skinny denim. In a way, being the first to do something does give an element of kudos but can also be risky and result in losses. Multiple retailers stocking the same look isn't necessarily a bad thing though, it reinforces the trend and encourages the customer to give it a go. My favourite quote from Gordon was "We're not inventing jackets with 3 sleeves" and I think it's important to remember that function and fashion have to co-exist on the high street. Having the latest trend info is great, but never losing sight of the customer and what it is they want is also of utmost importance.

I left the event feeling that being a researcher for StyleSight would be one of the best jobs ever, I'd love to be the one pulling together the trend boards. The StyleSight online tools are available by license and include everything from design tools, moodboard software (featuring 8 million images) and trend reporting. I could probably chat forever on this topic but I will park things there for now. If you've got something to add to the debate though do leave a comment.

Below are some pics which give a flavour of what StyleSight is about...

STYLE - A Mango Outfit for a Christmas Party

2011-11-01T22:31:00.002Z

I recently went along to one of Mango's fashion evenings in their Oxford Street store. As part of the event I was asked to pull together a look based on a scenario which I would select at random on the night. Always up for a challenge, I of course said yes.

I fell in love with this sheer &, spotted panel black dress with sleeves. I'd of course wear something underneath it although my mannequin didn't really need a bra. It really needed a belt but I ended up putting two together for a glitzy disco style belt with mirroring and glitter - Christmas parties deserve some glitter and sparkle. These round neck dresses look great with a statement necklace so long as the necklace fits closely around the neckline. It almost becomes part of the dress that way. The finishing touches were a glam solid mock-croc clutch bag and silver dancing shoes.

I don't think my look is the bravest or most fashion-forward, but it's something I'd love to wear. Before the evening was through two people had asked me where to buy the dress and belts via Facebook so I must have done at least something right. I ran around the store with Tor of Fab Frocks and she went for a glam gold jacket and lace dress combo. We both struggled to choose the perfect handbag to complete our looks but it wasn't for lack of choice.

The last thing I bought at Mango was my blue and yellow dress back in the summer, but it's definitely somewhere I pop regularly for a look or when I need something. I also spotted they've got Tali Lennox modelling for them at the moment - she looks fab. I just wish the Mango denim range catered for the curvier behind, then I'd be entirely contented!

SHOES - Warm and Cosy Footwear

2011-10-30T17:44:00.001Z

Shorter days, colder weather... winter is definitely here now. So how can you keep warm and cosy while you are out and about during the winter months? Personally I've got 2 pairs of borg-lined boots and Hunter wellies in my kit. Read on for further tips...

For rainy days

BeOnly Cavaliere Croco wellington boots - £52

When it's really wet, avoid the puddles or wear wellies. Wellington boots have come a long way the last couple of seasons and you are just as likely to see adults wearing them as you are to see kids splashing about in them. The best thing is that the styles have been updated too with a lot more feminine designs and pretty details. It's not just the khaki green fishing wellies that we have to choose from and if you can keep your feet dry that's the first step to keeping them warm too.

For snowy days

Clarks Nemo Thrill GTX - £151

At some point this winter we are bound to have snow, and when it does arrive it tends to bring the country to a standstill. Ensure you are still able to walk around by investing in a pair of cosy snow boots. The grip on the soles of these is sure to help you get about on the ice and in deep snow - so even if you can't get the car off the drive you can at least get about yourself. The also usually have a well insulated upper to keep you warm and dry.

For cold weather

Gabor Afrai boots - £155

If you don't have rain or snow to contend with, you'll probably still benefit from something nice and warm as we hit the height of winter. Go for a boot that has a borg lining for added warmth. My lined boots are so toasty I even have to make sure it's cold enough to wear them or they can keep me a little too cosy. Alternatively, faux fur is a huge trend right now and will be sure to keep you lovely and snug.

Plus, don't forget the socks

If you aren't ready to upgrade your winter boots but need some extra warmth then upgrade your socks instead.

All shoes featured available at Spartoo

FASHION - What's New at Oasis

2011-10-26T22:36:00.002+01:00

I am a big fan of Oasis, namely their fab range of day-to-evening dresses. I can almost always find a frock to fit and flatter my figure which is a such a relief when you've got an event to dress for.

Last week I popped along to a little blogger soiree to find out what Oasis have got up their sleeves at the moment. It coincided with the revamp of the brand's Argyle Street store in central London which is looking rather snazzy nowadays. We sipped some champers and perused the rails of product creating a mental shopping list. I was instantly drawn to a teal chiffon overlay dress and the hero piece from the lookbook is the coral chiffon overlay dress, both pictured below. It's nice to see some bright colour for autumn/winter.

With a new design team in place there's a little bit of a change in direction to be a bit fresher and more fashion-forward. Secretly I'm hoping that they don't change too much, there is so much they do well already. I did have an opportunity to chat to one of the designers and that was quite interesting. They've paid real attention to the fabrics and quality of the new collection including silks and embellishments throughout... the one downside to that of course is that it does push the price up. What was my day-to-evening dress before, might be more of a special occasion dress at the new prices.

Oasis are also celebrating 20 years in the fashion industry and and have launched a collection of 20 limited edition pieces especially for the occasion. Featuring inspiration from the archives, items have been re-worked for today's woman. Expect luxury workwear and timeless outerwear all with a limited stock that can be found in flagship stores and online.

Here are a few of my faves:

Don't forget you can also shop Oasis at Debenhams.

JEWELLERY - Chatting Gemstones With Astley Clarke

2011-10-26T22:01:00.002+01:00

I don't think there are many women who don't like jewellery. Most of us love it, but I'm not sure I will ever want (or could afford) to be covered in diamonds, as pretty as they are. That's why an event to look at coloured gemstones with Astley Clarke appealed to me. It's not just rubies, emeralds and sapphires, there are a plethora of beautiful gemstones in all sorts of colours just waiting to be discovered.

One of the women who helps bring these jewels to our attention is gemstone trader and expert Amanda Good who spoke of her travels across the world finding and dealing in beautiful stones. If anyone could inspired me to become a complete gemstone geek it's her. Her experience was impressive from living in Sri Lanka dealing in sapphires for two years to working in London's Hatton Garden, well known and respected for its fine craftsmen and women.

Here are a couple of key points that came out of our discussions...

Inclusions: These are the imperfections through the stone. In diamonds, inclusions are generally bad, however in coloured stones they can actually add to the beauty, and, therefore, the value. Some stones are even defined by the inclusions within them, sometimes other gems are even found within stones. Emeralds have a lot of inclusions which means they are prone to breakages while being worked with.

Carats: 1 carat is 1/5 of a gram. With coloured gemstones, sometimes a smaller carat gem can actually be more valuable than a larger one depending on how practical and desirable it is for jewellery making.

With coloured gemstones the citeria for what makes one great isn't the same as diamonds. Each stone cannot necessarily be judged against another of a different gem family because they vary so much. This is what makes shopping for gems so fabulous. You get to just choose something you love, a colour that stands out for you or a style that gets you excited rather than having to worry too much about carats and clarity.

We had the opportunity to take a close look at a selection of gems at the event set in different types of jewellery from delicate bracelets to statement rings. The most surprising part of the session was seeing that many gems which are known for being a particular colour can also be found in many different colours.

I loved far too many of them! But the bright blue Lapis Lazuli styles were a highlight. I also discovered Spinel, which I had never heard of before but after looking on the website the ring I've fallen in love with is this Cadenza ring by Astley Clarke Colour. I'm going to read the Gemstones book that we were given, it really is a fascinating subject which I would love to know more about.

At the event, it was great to meet Bec, the founder of Astley Clarke who spoke about the business. We were invited to a small, beautifully decorated showroom in London but this is not how most of their customers shop - Astley Clarke is an online business. The website is lovely with clear and effective product photography and great inspirational content too. It would be easy to get carried away and go on a gemstone shopping spree, especially as a lot of the prices are really reasonable. The great thing about Astley Clarke is that they not only design and create their own collections, they selectively edit a range of other jewellery designers to be stocked on their website too.

Do you have any coloured gemstones? Which are your favourites?

HAIR - Friday Night Frolics With Aussie & Adam Garcia

2011-10-24T23:31:00.000+01:00

It's not often you get invited out on a Friday night as a blogger, but when the invite hints at fab food, drink, Aussie shampoo and a quiz hosted by Adam Garcia you can't really say no, can you?

So that's what I did on Friday. Held at Guy Ritchie's pub The Punch Bowl in Mayfair in a beautifully decorated little room I mingled with other bloggers and the lovely peeps at Talk PR. I spent most of the evening chatting to Sarah from Beauty Geek - check out her fab blog! I should have known to do a bit of research before the quiz as it was largely 'Australia' themed. I'm quite competitive, so coming last was not my finest moment, but my team '3 Minute Miracle' ended up last out of the 3 teams. Whoops! I'm blaming it on the obscure music round, music rounds are usually my specialty.

All you do need to know though is that Aussie smells delicious and works like a dream. I never let my 3 Minute Miracle run out. The Take the Heat spray is also the quick route to a hair style that stays where you put it, especially when it comes to curls created with hair straighteners. I think over the past few years I've tried almost every product... if you've ever got any questions, just shout!

Oh, and my quote of the evening was definitely Adam Garcia saying: "I love Fern Gully'. What a movie, and what a witty, lovely man!

CELEBRITY - As Seen on Celebrities This Autumn

2011-10-23T20:39:00.000+01:00

Celebs wear designer, they wear high street too, but regardless of what it is we seem to have an endless fascination with who's been spotted wearing what. With that in mind, here are a few pieces which celebs have been papped in over the last couple of months.My apologies for the numerous X Factor contestant appearances, but we are all talking about them...

X Factor's Janet Devlin wore Paperself false lashes on the show last week. I've got a pair to try out but I haven't been brave enough or found the perfect occasion just yet.

Janet Devlin also wore this lace front Peter Pan collar blouse from Warehouse. You can steal her style for £45 and it's also available in ecru and yellow. The X Factor stylists are getting a bit of a battering on Twitter this week, but this top and the lashes are two decisions they got right in my opinion.

Sisters Sam and Billie from The Only Way is Essex have been wearing a lot of Liquorish on the show. For Billie it's this cowl neck dress (also featured in Look Magazine recenly. While both Sam and Billie have been seen out wearing the brand's leopard print jumpsuit, although they've added a wide waist belt, no doubt to show off their curves.

Molly Sims has been hitting the red carpet in an Alexa Chung for Madewell dress. The silk crepe dress with delicate pleating looks fab on her. It's currently priced at $179 reduced from $260.

Model Poppy Delevigne has been sporting these Aldo wedges across the globe's fashion weeks. They've also been spotted on Sunday Girl and Lily Donaldson.

The Saturdays singer Vanessa White went to the Price of Britain Awards in ALDO accessories, in particular these metallic MERO heels and this HUSUL clutch bag.

This skater dress from RunwayRoute has been papped on X Factor judge Tulisa, granted she was wearing it when it was slightly warmer weather outside.

Fancy TOWIE star Lydia Bright's Natalia Kipling bag? It's available now for £204. She's definitely the most stylish of the Essex crew featured within the show.

Rihanna is a woman of good taste, not only is she wearing the most on-trend coats style of the season (contrast leather sleeves that is) she's also been wearing these Jimmy Choo shoes. Swoon! If only I had £550 to snap them up myself... I don't.

SHOES - My Duo Boots for Autumn

2011-10-22T20:24:00.000+01:00

Every Autumn I search desperately for a pair of knee-high boots that will fit fabulously and see me through winter. It usually takes me an age to find ones I love, but since last year I've had a saviour. I discovered Duo boots which come in a range of calf-sized fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Whether you've got fuller calves or skinnier calves, Duo makes it easy to find a pair you love.

This year I was lucky enough to get invited back to check out the latest collection and pick out a new pair of boots. With a pair of tan over-the-knee boots from Duo already in my wardrobe, I was looking for a black knee-high pair in a style that could look smart as well as casual.

After trying on several styles in the new shop in Covent Garden, I opted for the Ziller black biker boots, They are cut narrower at the ankle which is perfect for me as I have the skinniest ankles ever but fuller calves. Having worn them a few times this week already I can tell they are just going to get more and more comfortable as I wear them in.

Boots are one item that I would be prepared to invest up to £200 on, because when you get the fit spot-on it's a revelation and you'll wear them to death. It still surprises me that most boots on the high street come in a 36cm calf fitting, my calves are 37-38cm and although only a small difference it makes it impossible to wear 90% of knee-high boots available in mainstream shops. Add to that the fact I am quite short and there is practically nothing for me. When will stores give us some more flexible sizing options for this big investment piece? It's about time, even if it just means a small/medium/large option on calf fittings.

Anyway, I'll stop ranting now. I'm just lucky I've found my dream boots for winter. If you've struggled in the past finding boots then it might be worth paying a visit to Duo. Take a look at pics below...

GIVEAWAY - A Goodie Bag for Someone Special

2011-10-22T14:38:00.000+01:00

As a blogger I get to try out lots of lovely things, but there's only so much room in my little flat to store everything so I give things away from time to time. It's a win for me as I get to claim back my clutter-free bedroom, but it will be a win for one of my readers too as one lucky so-and-so gets all the pictured goodies posted out to them. I feel all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.

Here's a run-down of what's included:

Tote bag and necklace from Oasis
Volume lashes from Superdrug
2 pairs of Luscious eyelashes from Claire's Accessories
Polished false nails in Delight by Elegant Touch
Deluxe foundation sample from bareMinerals
Hand cream from Vaseline
Floral & flirty dry shampoo from Batiste
Show-off body lotion from Bombshell Body
Heat Defense spray from Tresemme
Compact mirror from MOOD by Jon Richard
Cream Puff lip cream from Collection 2000
Matte powder foundation from NYC
50+ supplements from Wellwoman
Nail file from MeMeMe Cosmetics
Notebook and pencil from Metro
Lessons in Heartbreak novel by Cathy Kelly
Plus a few little extras too...

To enter the giveaway you can enter in one of three ways (or all 3 for extra chances to win):

Email jenny@thestylepa.com with your name and address saying why you need a treat
Complete the sentence and tweet to your followers 'I need a treat from #stylepagiveaway because... ' with a link to this post
Leave a comment on this post saying why you need a treat.

I'll be picking my favourite entry after 30 October 2011. UK and Ireland entries only I am afraid (overseas postage gets a bit pricey).

Good luck everyone!

PHOTOS - My September & October Twitpics

2011-10-21T00:23:00.000+01:00

Here's a little snapshot into what I've been up to over the last couple of months, all brought to life by Twitpics... if you can guess what things are or where the pics were taken then feel free to leave a comment and I'll tell you if you're right.

GIVEAWAY - Win Tickets to Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model Live

2011-10-18T21:31:00.001+01:00

Models know there’s one thing that never goes out of fashion and that’s an attractive bright white smile.

Colgate MaxWhite ONE is a proud sponsor of Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model LIVE. To celebrate, Colgate is offering 3 lucky readers of The Style PA the chance to win 2 tickets, so you & a friend can go to the exciting LIVE show! I went last year and there's lots to see and do (and buy!).

All winners will be invited to come down to Colgate MaxWhite ONE’s photo-studio (stand HBW065) for a shot taken by a professional photographer. If the model panel decide that you have the most stunning Model Smile then you will be selected to strut down the official BINTM LIVE catwalk, and have a chance of winning some further great prizes. Hurrah!

The event is held at The Excel Centre in London from 28-30 October.

To enter the ticket giveaway just answer the following question:

Which famous model hosts Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model?

Agyness Deyn
Lily Cole
Elle Macpherson

Email your answer to jenny@thestylepa.com along with your name, address and telephone number. Giveaway closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 23 October 2011 (UK time). Good luck everyone.

For more information on how to make your smile your best accessory, visit: www.colgatemaxwhite.co.uk

NEWS - Autumn Beauty Bits & Bobs

2011-10-18T20:36:00.000+01:00

What's new in nails...

I have to admit, most nail products I get reach me via a goody bag of sorts. I've notice lots of berry shades from rich pinks to burgundy and also marine greens. Here are a few that I've tried lately...

The Saturdays for Fashionista cosmetics, Magnetism nail lacquer in All Fired up Red (1) and Ego Green (4). This nail polish reacts to a magnet to create an interesting wave effect which almost looks holographic. The nail varnishes also have a metallic look to them and come in 5 shades. The look is pretty cool, the quality is just average. (Do check out the custom cosmetic palettes from Fashionista though, they're amazing!)

Zoya nail polish in Marina (2). Zoya nail polishes are natural which is an extra selling point. The colour I tried went on evenly and had a subtle shimmer to it. Thumbs up from me!

O.P.I nail lacquer in Can You Tapas This? (5) and Dim Sum Plum (3). Both these colours are perfect for AW11 as they are on-trend berry hues. I can't really fault O.P.I nail varnishes as they are good quality and come in a fab array of shades.

I asked my Twitter followers if they tended to change nail colours to darker shades for Autumn/Winter, the verdict was mixed:

Sara_lola92 said: "I tend to switch to darker nail colours for A/W but I stick to corally reds for my lips all year round"
Lauraappleyard said: "I like to have bright nails to make me forget the winter weather!"
Iflorrie said: "My nail colour choices are somewhat random all year round!"

Pond's Cleansing Softening Cream

All I could think of when I got info through for Pond's Cold Cream was Mad Men, where the ad agency are tasked with finding out what it is that women want their beauty products to do. Back in the episode's setting of the 1960s it was concluded that 'getting a husband' was what Pond's needed to help a woman do. Now however, I think us gals just want to look good, feel good and look after our skin.

Value is another big consideration, and Pond's suggest that their cold cream cleanser can replace several products in your beauty drawer. So I tried out their suggestions:

A Cleanser - This is definitely what it does best, it seems to lift dirt, grime and make-up away from the skin so it's easy to wipe off and the skin feels nice and fresh afterwards
An eye make-up remover - although quite heavily fragranced, it feels gentle on the eyes and is effective at removing make-up
A face mask - skin feels amazing after you've left the cream on for a while
A hand cream - lovely rich texture but perhaps a little greasy for a hand cream.

All in all I have to say it's worth keeping close at hand. It suits all skin types, costs just £3.99 and can be used for lots of essential beauty tasks, even if you only dip into it as other products run out. Word has it even Kylie's a fan. Bargain!

Beauty sample boxes

I recently got asked to try our a beauty box from Boudoir Prive. Essentially, this seems to be a new trend where you pay a monthly fee for a box of surprise beauty samples - sometimes these are even full size products. Glossy Box is another brand which offers the service. Is this something I can see me spending my hard earned cash on though? Probably not to be honest.

Out of the whole box there were two full sized products but even then there is no guarantee that they are going to be for you. If you are paying to get samples of very premium products which you couldn't otherwise afford to try then I reckon there's a market for, otherwise I wonder if this idea has really got legs...

Let me know what you think. Would you use it even though you don't know what you'll get or is that half the fun?

LFW - Pierson Lawlor for SS12

2011-10-17T23:20:00.000+01:00

One of my favourite shows from September's London Fashion Week was the amazing catwalk show for collaborative project Pierson Lawlor. The catwalk show for the collection called ‘The Mobius Strip’ used ballet dancers from The Royal Ballet to show off garments - a truly inspired idea which demonstrated the fabric's movement beautifully in an almost animalistic way.

The debut collection was a joint project of Jayne Pierson and her friend Derek Lawlor and it was part of The Coterie event which also showcases hair-styling in fashion. The event was sponsored by Sebastian Professional which I've covered plenty of times on this blog.

In terms of the clothing designs I simply loved the colour palette and detailing. Bright orange set against soft natural tones was something that I also saw at the Fashion Fringe show. I can definitely see myself wearing that combo next summer. The knots and tassels are another strong theme that ran throughout the collections shown during Fashion Week - we'll all be wearing them next season. I took loads of photos because I was so entranced by the movement of the dancers I wanted to capture as many little moments as I could.

Jayne Pierson has in the past created bespoke pieces for La Roux's tour and counts many celebs as fans. Before becoming a fashion designer she studied performance art and drama and even enjoyed success as a singer and songwriter. I think this background in entertainment as a whole makes for a much better overall catwalk show experience, the whole thing was a more unique performance and I'd jump at the chance to go to next season's show.

Here are a few of my fave pics...