Get the look: Beyoncé

With her new album selling more than 1 million copies on iTunes, chances are you've seen those music videos. It seems Queen Bey is back, and with a whole new wardrobe. Here's how to work her iconic style and make it your own. First up, is the fancy fur of Blow:

In her video, Mrs Carter rocks vintage DKNY leggings (similar here) and a Versace mink coat (available here) Warning: It comes with a hefty price tag. There is a real trend at the moment for bright outerwear and, in particular, fur all shades of the rainbow. Charlotte Simone offers faux and real accessories depending on your preferences, and Shrimps has been getting good press from all those in the know.

Next, in Heaven, Bey wears (who else?) Dolce and Gabbana (available here) to set the emotional scene.



Black lace works for both winter as well as spring, but you can create a lacy ladylike look with any palette. Just do as above and top it off with a wide brim hat and pared back hair and make up. You can steal the look from pretty much every high street store, but my favourite copy cat dress is here on etsy.com

Finally, in Pretty Hurts, Beyoncé is the champion of a healthy body image whilst flaunting those famous curves in a Norma Kamali swimsuit (available here).

Always one to tell the world how it is, I love her style and ethos. While I can't give you a link to being a better person, I can give you a great substitute for her figure-flattering swimwear. Find my solution at Seafolly.

Photo credits: Columbia

Brolly good show

The trouble with December in the south West of England is that more often than not it is lashing with rain, gale force winds and no sign of any picturesque snow. This means your faithful sidekick to see you through the grey skies is, by beyond compare, the humble umbrella.

Here is a selection of the prettiest and most spectacular array of umbrellas out there, proving you can be chic in the winter, and beyond. They may be so nice you can't wait to step outside just to use them!

Cath Kidston, £32

Fulton, £30

Ted Baker, £29

Totes, £28

Rihanna for Totes, £15

Lulu Guinness, £32

Alexander McQueen, £395

Photo credits: asos.com; House of Fraser, Totes, Lulu Guinness, Net-a-Porter.com

Distressed distress

When it comes to the 'undone cool' of recent denim trends, how far should we go to distress our look before undone becomes run-down? With distressed details working hand-in-hand with boyfriend cuts, I am a fan of rips so large you can see a comparatively skinny leg peeking through to give the illusion of perfect pins. On a skinny jean, however it doesn't work so well and borders on lewd.

With the help of some style snaps, here is my 'how to' on avoiding any distressed distress.

Thumbs up to dashing distressed

Say no to disastrous denim

Ringspiration

The popularity of decorating fingertips to the hilt is still staying strong this winter, which is convenient seeing as the party season has only just begun. Instead of searching the shops for your perfect LBD, it's time to hunt out the ultimate digit jewels. See this run of beautifully adorned hands for inspiration.

 

 

Photo credit: All via Pinterest

Why gamble?

Every season designers take steps to bring something new to the sartorial table, taking risks and pushing boundaries. But how much of this ends up in our wardrobe, and when you know what works for you and what doesn't, why do we continue to gamble with our style, buying into alternative and trend-led style instead of sticking with the 'old faithful'?

In the wake of the latest Paris-meets-Dallas hybrid spotted on the Chanel runway, it seems even the most predictable fashion houses are mixing things up and will take a chance on something new. Receiving mixed reviews, the likelihood is that it will still pan out to be a trend that lasts - need I remind you of the ubiquitous gladiator sandal or the pervasive military coat? Both were expected to die out after the first season, and look at how that prediction turned out!

Perhaps we continue to take part in the fashion gamble because we are too afraid to pull our highest bet off the table and miss out on what could become a new age classic. So when you next find yourself admiring a cutting edge piece of design, don't fold too soon. Odds are, it is a look worth gambling on in the hunt to find the jackpot.

Photo credit: Charlotte Olympia, Refinery29

Paint by numbers

If, like me, your nail art abilities are somewhat less than up to par, try this quick fool-friendly approach. BEWARE: may make some mess, may cause side effects such as having too much fun.



All you need to create the desired effect is various colours of polish, a wipeable surface (or newspaper) and masking tape. Before you know it, you'll be a Jackson Pollock in the making.

My verdict: the tried-and-tested approach has led me to be a true fan of this technique. You don't need a steady hand and, in fact, it can look great the less careful you are. Just make sure you file your nails to a good healthy-looking shape, and avoid using watery polish lacking in pigment. Finish with a top coat, then sit back and enjoy the compliments.

Photo credit: hawaiidermatology.com

The Beautylish buzz

A new App has landed on my homescreen, and it's so good I thought I would share it with all you beauty-addicts out there.

Beautylish is a do-it-all-in-one-place tool which offers mini editorial blogs, videos, tutorials and reviews on everything you can imagine, from detox to manicure-101. It does have a shopping tool, but being based in the USA, it isn't exactly geared towards the international users.

I cannot tell you how many hours I have spent on YouTube surfing beauty tutorials, reviews, hauls, inspiration and interviews. Many a sleepless night I while away the night pressing my nose up to the screen to get my fast fix of top tips from those who actually know what they are talking about. And, if you know your friends need to hear about a particular post, you can share each entry with the power of social media and email. Long live technology, and may it continue to help all those in a beauty crisis.

 

The only setback I can really find with the usability of the program is the list-setup of the posts. This means unless you search for something in particular, you have a huge amount of posts to run through, and it always sends you back to the most recent entry instead of placing you back where you were before in the page. This is a minor criticism, however, as it crams a huge amount into such a simple interface.

So, join the Beautylish community and say goodbye to the forums of the past, as you have all the inside know-how in the palm of your hand. 

Photo credit: oneclickroot.com

Goodwill's gone viral!

WestJet airline has outdone itself this year, an impressive feat after last year's Toronto-based flash mob. By placing an electronic Santa chatbox at the departure gate of two Canadian airports, passengers were brought to tears (of joy) when their Christmas wishes were made into a reality.

The short YouTube clip has taken this story worldwide, and over the course of the day the WestJet Christmas 'miracle' video has received over 7.6 million hits.

It was a wonderful PR stunt which left me with a warm feeling inside. Watching men, women and children of all ages enjoy the spirit of giving, it was just last night I was having a conversation about how the Christmas magic sadly disappears after childhood. I am happily proven very, very wrong.

All I want to know is, what will they do next year?

Video credit: West Jet

Office party prep

With the majority of all office parties taking place this week, time is running out on the preparations for conquering the Christmas party.

Women in the UK have been found to spend on average 49 hours planning for the office bash. Starting as early as November 11th we will prep, preen, and sculpt our bodies to within an inch of our lives. Research by Blanx found that 21 hours are spent trawling the shops for the perfect ensemble, and 18 hours at the gym ensure that said dress will fit.

With my preparations starting somewhat later than November, and with only 2 days to go, I decided to rummage in the depths of my wardrobe and pull out some old favourites, rather than buying something new. I experienced the mounting stress of an impending party where you battle between professional and cool, casual and formal, festive and fun. Nobody wants to be sat across from too much cleavage, or too short a hemline. Play it right, and you can walk into the party feeling confident and looking effortless.

Here is a sneak peek at my own work party outfit for your own inspiration, I would love to know what you'll be wearing!



Silk top: Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti; Faux leather skirt: River Island; Clutch in rose gold: Whistles; 'Margie' rainbow sandals (just seen): Brian Atwood

 

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

The BFAs low-down

Yesterday saw the arrival of this year's British Fashion Awards, the only place to be and to be seen this side of, well, anywhere.

With many famous faces spotted on the carpet in all their finery, it looked like everyone involved had a calm, enjoyable night with smiles to be seen all around.

The show stoppers of the night were, for me, Alexa Chung who dazzled in her winter whites, Clémence Poésy who was elegant in Erdem, and Christopher Bailey who not only looked dapper in Burberry (of course), but also took home two awards on the night.

See below for all the highlights, including Kate Moss, Tinie Tempah and the Queen herself, Donatella Versace.

Credits: BritishFashionTV

10 of the best... Christmas Cards

It is now officially December, which means you no longer have an excuse to ignore the list of people you want to send Chritmas cards to. Yes, it is the most mundane part of the season, but for me it is one of the most important. It's the only time of year you have an excuse to write to people you never see but care very deeply for, without seeming rude or irritatingly clingy. Plus, what is Christmas for, if not to remind loved ones they are in your thoughts?

So, avoid the tacky 'pose and smile' family cards, because nobody wants to think your family is perfect while theirs is dysfunctional. Also a no-no are cheesy pictures of seasonal paraphernalia covered in glitter to make it look less cheap, and a definite no is the writing 'Dear X, from Y'. If that's all you've got to say, don't waste money on a stamp.

With that said, stop procrastinating and write those cards!

Selfridges, £5.50 for 6

Lanvin, £55 for 10

Marks & Spencer, £8 for 5



UNICEF, £6.99 for 10

WH Smith, £2.99 for 10



ASOS, £9 for 9

Paperchasae, £3.50 for 8

John Lewis, £5 for 5

WH Smith, £2.49 for 10

Harrods, £9.95 for 6

Feel-good fashion

Transforming your wardrobe, but changing lives. With these few pearls of advice you can embrace the season of goodwill and truly save someone today.

Victoria and David Beckham among many, many others have donated a shed load of goodies to London's Red Cross this week in aid of the Philippines, and now you can donate too. But, it's not just out with the old and in with the new, it's worth so much more. So, here is my how-to for doing your bit for people here in the UK and the rest of the world.


@VictoriaBeckham

The Syria Crisis appeal is spearheaded by Oxfam, and will see every pound you give matched by the UK Government, meaning your money really does go that little bit further. Donate as much as you can, from £1 to £100 if you like, between now and February to help the refugees in Syria. This includes shopping in store, so pick up some vintage goodies for some feel-good fashion.

Tomorrow marks World Aids Day, and 30 years of the red ribbon. This year, NAT have introduced the wooden ribbon, available alongside a sparkly (and very festive) option which would look brilliant as a scarf pin or hat accessory. So, wear yours with pride and a sense of stylised know-how.

From the Green Carpet to the rails at Edun, fashion is fighting for a good cause too. It is an expensive time of year for many people, but it doesn't cost much to share your generous heart with someone who may be struggling. John Lewis commits to local community charities, as well as to emergency overseas relief. Customers can use tokens to decide where the money is spent locally, so ask about what they do and how you can help in store.

As a country we can do great things. As a global community, we can do immense things. There are so many charities who need help, beyond the ones mentioned here. Let's change the world one step at a time, and it really is as easy as opening your heart to so many others, to people you may never know, all in the name of selflessness.

Review: Chanel le Volume de Chanel

I, like so many others, am very fussy about my eyelashes- and therefore mascara. Too clumpy and they look short and false, too dry and they flake over your cheeks throughout the day, and too wet it feels like your are swimming in a sea of grime. I guess that makes me Goldilocks.

I first tried Chanel le Volume de Chanel five months ago. I'm still using the same tube, and it hasn't yet run out or dried up. I consider this not only impressive, but unheard of. Since then, I haven't felt the need to try another brand, or race out to get any more for fear of being left without any mascara at short notice. It's smooth sailing, and blue horizons.

I therefore thought it had earned its stripes and deserved a review.

via Chanel.com

Price...
At £24 it's not cheap, but it is averagely priced in the premium make up market. Having said that, it has lasted three times longer than any YSL mascara I have tried, and its performance to date has not made me regret the spend. What's more, think about the Boots points...

Colour...
It's not the blackest of the blacks, but I like the range of colours available. Available in Khaki Bronze, Bleu, Noir or Prune, it sure beats the pointless array of the usual 'black', 'jet black, 'midnight', 'coal black', 'true black' etc that so many other brands find an excuse of supplying, all on the same shelf. It's far less confusing, and it perhaps helps to explain how they have managed to focus more on the product quality, and less on the colour selection.

Staying power...
It doesn't budge. Truly. For a non-waterproof mascara it sure is a sticker. It takes a while to dry, but you can control the amount you put on your lashes fairly easily depending on the look you are after, and once it's on, you can guarantee it will still be in place where you last left it (and where you intended it to go) no matter how much you sweat, rub or cry.

Overall satisfaction...
I hugely recommend this mascara, and not just because I am a Chanel make-up user. You get what you pay for, and you don't have to worry about any panda eyes in the gym, on the dancefloor, or on your pillow when you just can't be bothered to remove it. It's OK, we've all done it. I will say that £24 is expensive for mascara, though, and there is no brown colour either. But, if you want a volumising mascara, you've found it.

4.5/5 Stars

Christmas jumpers? Don't sweat it

Are you a Scrooge in the making, or a Santa's little helper? Whichever camp you belong to, there is always a special sweater to sport. Come Christmas morn, when the snow is crisp and white (unlikely here in the mild climes of Devon), you can pull on something warm, cosy, and very festively appropriate.

Here are my top picks to wrap up in, now.

Marks & Spencers, £35

 

Topshop, £55

Mary Katrantzou for Save the Children, Bid here

 

Zoe Karssen, £43

Meadham Kirchoff, £375

Magpie moment

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there lived a girl with too many shoes...

Yes, I buckled under the pressure of Christmas magic and sparkle, and I fell head over (quite literally) heels for another pair of evening shoes. I maintain they were necessary for both my office Christmas party, and for my ego. Sure, they're not particularly practical, but they are just oh so pretty. Now, what is it they say about girls and magpies?

I initially saw a pair from René Caovilla, the opulent Italian shoemaker with it's signature silver glitter sole, but crumpled at the sight of the price tag. With a pair of Caovilla's setting you back in the region of £750, I quickly realised they would forever remain on my imaginary 'wish list'. So, imagine my delight when I stumbled across these sandals one particularly 'blah' Saturday morning!

Found in Covent Garden's Kurt Geiger store, these Carvela's created a frenzy the minute they hit my Facebook wall. Clearly my friends share my substance abuse problem (pretty footwear) and so, as my fellow magpies hit the 'Like' button, it seems birds of a feather really do flock together; particularly where shoes are concerned.

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

AMAs: The best of the dressed

Taylor Swift may have done astonishingly well picking up four awards at the American Music Awards (AMAs) this year but, more importantly, who triumphed and who trailed behind when the stars hit the ruthless Red Carpet? Let the 'best of the dressed' games begin...

Best Dressed Nominees

She knows just how to dress for her own body, and tonight was no exception. Nicole Richie shows us how to put white with cutouts and chunky gold jewellery- and avoid the trashy tag. On anyone else, this would look terrifying. On her waspish- boyish figure, it works. Just.

Rex Images

It's simple, it's not particularly exciting, and it's definitely not groundbreaking. What it is, however, is age-appropriate, and it shows girls everywhere that you don't need to have everything hanging out to look fantastic. For this very reason alone, she deserves to be on this list. Bravo, Kylie, and let's just hope it catches on.

My final nominee is, shockingly, Her Royal Highness Lady Gaga. As the newly appointed face of Versace, she did the fashion world proud (for once) in both the lavender number, and even more so in the bombshell silver gown. There's a first time for everything, right?

...But the winner has to be
Zoe Saldana. She doesn't just look like a movie star, she looks like a lady. Although her hair could have been pulled back off her face, she is memorable and has avoided the boring LBD look of so many others.

Worst Dressed Nominees

The worst offenders all have something in common. No matter how skimpy the outfit, it still manages to be ill-fitting. Even Red Carpet royalty, such as Ms. Kelly Osbourne (who should know better being on Fashion Police, and all) could have done with chopping several inches off the hem. Kudos must be given, however, for her very on-trend hair. The of-the-moment crown has been given the Kelly O. twist!

Rex Images

Heidi Klum failed to impress in her gown which had clearly been hacked by a chainsaw then sent through the shredder.

via Metro UK

And Aubrey O'Day appears to have forgotten the vital parts of her dress. It's enough to even make Bridget Jones' Daniel Cleaver blush.

...And the worst dressed is
TLC. Not a single one of the three girls hit anything close to acceptable, as they were stuck in a 90s time warp not once, but TWICE. If you want a comeback, sack the stylist and come back better dressed.

via Metro UK

Shock and ore

'Tis the season to sparkle, and if this means embracing all things gold, silver and metallic, then I'm on board. After all, if the Three Wise Men were wise enough to bring Gold to the party, that's a good enough excuse for me- particularly with Christmas office parties on the horizon. So, embrace all things radiant, and shine on.

Clockwise from top: Knitted sweater (H&M); Mirrored sunglasses (Ray-Ban); Satin V Cami (Topshop); Chain (& Other Stories); Full pleated skirt (Lulu & Co at Matches); Lustrous brogues (Dune); Metallic cuff (Freedom at Topshop); Bag (Pierre Hardy).

Clockwise from top: Necklace (Lulu Frost at Net-a-Porter); Blazer (ACNE) Shoes (Robert Clergerie) and Trousers (Emilio Pucci) all from The Outnet; Bag (Cambridge Satchel Co exclusive to ASOS).

Clockwise from top: Fur wrap (Charlotte Simone); Dress (ACNE at The Outnet); Perspex clutch (Charlotte Olympia); PRONE metallic heels (ASOS); Necklace (Freedom at Topshop).

Architecture meets fashion

On the first Monday of October, which conveniently happens to be today, is World Architecture Day. As architecture is often inspired by- and in itself inspires- fashion design, I have put together a selection of architecturally fashionable pieces in homage to this annual event.

Kicking off the architectural fashion feature, Skyscraper heels have always held a special place in my heart for those special parties where there is little walking to be done, and a seat never more than 100 yards away... Think skyscraper heels, think Charlotte Olympia.

Windowpane checks are big news once more thanks to J. Crew and Stella McCartney. Pick up a pair of smart office-to-bar-friendly trousers for the new season, like this pair from J.Crew. They tick two structural boxes: minimalist lines and windowpane checks.

In architectural terms, Fleur-de-Lys is a very feminine baroque-inspired style which always serves well to counteract the androgynous and minimalist styles prominent on the catwalks and street style stars of the last few years. Hunt No More, a young and playful Australian brand, has created a Fleur-de-Lys themed collection for AW13/14; with one particular dress named just so.

To add a sense of drama to this season's key cocoon coat, throw a decadent baroque scarf over your shoulder and fasten with an art deco brooch. This Kenzo scarf is available here.

Iconography is literally iconic this season, with Dolce & Gabbanna amongst others creating a collection inspired by religious icons, church architecture and the luxurious decor of the Byzantine mosaics. Some may consider this dress out of budget at over £10,000, but I still think it's beautiful. Surely it can't hurt to look..?

Photo credits: theoutnet.com, net-a-porter.com