Magic moments

Ever made the mistake of buying a pair of trousers, skirt, top or jeans that are way too tight, but you persevere and wait until you've shifted those last few pounds you always meant to exercise off, but needed a bit of motivation to do it? I have.

My 'motivation' trousers are a lovely summer cropped tailored, flat-fronted pair by McQ Alexander McQueen. Bought at my usual UK 8, I was heartbroken when I got home to find they were small to size by almost a whole dress size. Not ideal. They waited patiently, unworn, hanging in my closet (still with tags attached) teasing me and splitting my heart between my two loves: food and fashion.

It is shameful to admit that I have had these trousers for two years and, up until now, I have been unable to do up the top button (resulting in a very un-graceful dance to wiggle them on and then straight back off again). This morning, one very rare 'slim'-feeling day, I reached into the depths of the wardrobe to pull them out... et voila!!!

Forget Magic Mike, this is Magic McQueen. They both know how to make a girl feel good, but the big difference is one is about taking clothes off, the other is about putting them on. But with these trousers? I'm Team McQueen- can you blame me?

Features: Castor Jacket by RM Roland Mouret; Pink stretch-crepe cropped zipped shrug by Narciso Rodriguez; Faux fur clutch by Ceannis; Striped cotton trousers by McQ Alexander McQueen; Heels by Aldo Rise X Preen

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Old dogs, new tricks

A moisturiser, but not as you know it. The LBD without the 'it's all been seen before' tag. Black stilettos that punch well above their weight. Keep reading to see the new generation of reworked staples.

Not quite a moisturiser, not quite a balm, and with a hint of tint, this miracle product has earned Bobbi Brown a few extra brownie points in my book. Spread the love, this summer, for a dewy complexion with that not-wearing-any-make-up-type-of-make-up look. It's just the right amount you want on a summer evening when the sun goes down, and it's worth the £34 price tag for that glow which could, up until now, only be achieved by industry insiders.

Roll up, roll up, and head to your shoe closet- because you're going to need to make room for one more pair. They will fit- they have to. If I told you this pair were well over £200, you would believe me, wouldn't you? With just the right amount of hardware, a cheeky bit of toe cleavage, and a sensible 100mm heel without frills, these are a very pretty pair of pumps. Well, the wait is over. I can reveal that these heels are £35 from Miss Selfridge. Bravo, Great British High Street, bravo.  

Last but not least is the best LBD I own. made with a neoprene-esque feel, this Marc Cain Sports dress -similar here- is my go-to for everything from smart functions (layered with a crisp white shirt underneath) to cocktails with friends (paired with crazy print heels). the mesh panelling on the side is more about texture than sex appeal, and the zipped front looks great done up or left down. I'm a huge fan of any athletic shapes and the way the dress has been seamed is a life saver for when you have hit the h'ordeuvres too hard.

Photo credits: Bobbi Brown; Goody Two-Choos; www.angelabeer.com

Review: Chanel Éclat Lumière

I had been holding off buying anymore highlighter/illuminating pens until my YSL Touche Éclat had run out, and I was ready to try something new as I always think that it's good to explore other products and not let your make-up bag, or routine, get too stale and same-y. Seeing as I was at the Chanel counter anyway, I decided to give their Éclat Lumière a try.

Price...
£27.00 which is very disappointing as there is only 1.2ml- approx. half the amount of product than in YSL (2.5ml) and, at £2 more, this is a tough pill to swallow (the woman at the counter couldn't offer any explanation as to the difference in volume).

Colour...
The colour selection is small, but perfect for me. The make up artist at the counter knew straight away which shade would suit me (30 Beige Rose) and, with my red-based skin tone, it was refreshing to see a highlighter that isn't just yellow.

Staying power...
I found that you have to use a fair amount to get the desired effect to last, but once it's on it blends into the skin with no creasing or cracking occurring throughout the day. With my oily/combination skin, I also suffer a lot of make-up slipping, which didn't happen with the Éclat Lumière.

Overall satisfaction...
It's not the best highlighter pen for value, but it's a lovely colour tone and feels light-as-air. Will I repurchase it? Until there is more product to match the price and Chanel's competition in premium beauty, no.

3/5 stars

Photo credit: Polyvore

Seeing double

It was reported recently* that Kate Moss was seen out and about with a body double, and it begs the question of do we all have a doppelganger somewhere out there? It was only last night, weirdly, I was having this very same conversation with a friend. With the entire global population, how likely is it that your body double is walking about somewhere in the world, without you knowing?

One of my own family members made the error of mistaking a woman in a German airport terminal with an old friend. It wasn't until they were in a friendly embrace that this poor unsuspecting woman wasn't, infact, said friend, but rather a very surprised non-English speaking tourist. Woops.

To put my own face to the test, I used an app- called My Heritage- to find my look-a-likey celebrity. As I uploaded the photo and waited nervously, praying that Marilyn Manson's face wouldn't pop up,  I hoped that I would be more Holly Willoughby than Mowgli (à la The Jungle Book).

My result? Somewhere between Daria Werbowy and Kate Hudson, which will do nicely.

It is interesting to think of your body double who is potentially living somewhere closer than a parallel universe, and may just be one street away. Just don't go hugging them without permission first.

Photo credit: Rex Features, sourced at Vogue.co.uk
*Vogue.co.uk- here

Summer sale hitlist

"Who ever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping"

- BO DEREK
Now that the Great British high street is starting to get in the summer spirit, the sales have well and truly taken off- just in time for you to start thinking about those jet setting plans.

Many stores have not only gone into sale but, shock horror, have begun their further reductions already! These days it really is a buyer's market. So go and do your bit for the economy, and spend some of your hard-earned money where it counts: your holiday wardrobe.

This morning Matches online announced further reductions on many of their sale items, now up to 50% off. I love their selection, as most of it is easily worn well into autumn, such as this trench coat by Hancock, or these adorable Del Toro evening slippers which are heading straight into my shopping bag.

I was disappointed with the selection at the local John Lewis, but I did manage to shop at the Chanel counter on their final day of 10% off, so managed to pick up some of their summer collection and the Soleil Tan de Chanel cream bronzer with money knocked off- every little helps, right?

Finally, it's always worth heading to Topshop, where you will find rail upon rail of quirky finds that work as a little pick-me-up on your lunch break. Like this totally irresistible leopard print fedora, or this neoprene backpack which will be your hero piece come autumn.

Photo credits: Matchesfashion.com; Topshop.com

The desirables

Everyone has a wish list.
Some people like cars, some prefer the latest hi-tech gadgets, and many seek sandy shores and exotic places. Then there are some who, like me, lust after the beautiful craftsmanship of luxury fashion. So, without further ado, here is my wishlist.

1. Lucy Choi "Adelite" pumps (in red croc) - here

2. Chanel tote - here

3. Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 - here

4. Etro print dress - here

5. Acne "Mape" green biker - here

6. Three Floor "Asia" dress - here

Bargain hunters

I am often known for sniffing out the best bargains whenever I step into a store. It began many years ago when I would head straight to the 'sale rail', and take great pleasure going through the rack to find a special piece- I saw it as 'the hunt', very hunter-gatherer-esque. Things have now changed, and I hate sale rails with a passion and I avoid any store which looks like a jumble sale like it was the plague (take note, H&M). If I can't see what the store has to offer without having to rummage, I feel claustrophobic and march straight out of the door. As a result, certain stores get blacklisted, never to be revisited again.

This is reflected in my closet which is organised with a military precision so fierce that it would put MI6 to shame. For me, it's important that I know where everything is, what I would need it for, and what I would put together (or what I wouldn't!) so I have very little to think about in the mornings when I stand infront of the wardrobe scratching my head. But while my shopping likes and dislikes may have changed, one thing remains: I love a good bargain.

My biggest 'steal' is by far my white RM Roland Mouret "Castor" jacket, purchased at the 1st anniversary sale of TheOutnet.com and, with a price tag of just- I kid you not- £1, it was a total saving of £1,135!

I know that many people who tried to access the sale were unlucky and experienced a blocked site. The website simply couldn't keep up with the amount of traffic generated by the sale, leaving many customers disappointed. This makes this jacket even more special to me and a reminder of the result of perseverance and pure luck.

Further deals in my shopping repertoire include a Michael Kors "Hamilton" bag, worth £370, that I managed to find for £160, a pair of Paul by Paul Smith tan boots, reduced from £500 to just £100, and a Tibi "Mila" silk dress with a price tag of £250, bought at the very impressive cost of just £49.99. Who said student life has to be tough on your style?

I believe that most things in life are accessible, it's just a question of throwing yourself head- and heart- first into the (often infuriating) waiting game. I also think that when hunting for a bargain, look to the classic staples that will work hard for you, get better with age, and generate comments from others regardless of where you are, how long you've had it or your age. I can happily see myself wearing my Castor jacket in my 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

So, with that in mind, ready on your marks...get set...

Photo credit: TheOutnet.com

Encore

More recently I have become obsessed with finding second hand treasures through dress agencies and online swap shops. I am very particular and often sceptical of the photos and quality of descriptions, as not many details are provided and you never know how well cared for they may be. So, more often than not, I end up just selecting the unworn or BNWT items to save both time and that broken-hearted feeling you get when you fall head over heels for something that just doesn't work out.

It all began as an opportunity to get my hands on collections from past seasons- you know, the few pieces you wish you had bought, like that Isabel Marant broderie anglaise dress you would have grabbed off the rails, were it not for your bank balance and inclement British summer weather preventing you. Then, before you know it, it's sold out everywhere and that plan you had about getting in in the sales? No chance.

My first purchase were a pair of Christian Louboutin Formentera 130, where the red sole was untouched, yet the price was a bargain and very much worth the risk of buying online (something I would never recommend with Louboutin, as sizing varies between styles). They have proven very handy this summer, and the ribbon tie has a knack for making your ankle look very narrow and ladylike (I bow down to you, Monsieur Louboutin).

I was also incredibly lucky to land my second steal, a pair of never-been-worn polka dot Miu Miu sandals from the summer 2011 collection. In a stunning lime green, they truly are a memorable piece; so memorable, in fact, that after 18 months I still couldn't get them off my mind. So, after too many hours scouring every website known to man, I managed to track them down. One pair. Green. In my size.

Paired with a simple slogan tee, tuxedo jacket and the boyfriend fit Phoebe jeans from MiH, I managed to wangle more compliments at a girly get-together than one person's ego can handle in one evening (being English and receiving compliments somehow doesn't mesh too well). In the space of 30 minutes they had more than earned their stripes- and I knew from that moment on that I had gotten my money's worth.

So, the moral of this story is that sometimes it really is just as exciting to find that odd special item you never forgot about as it would be getting brand new off the shop floor. Finally, if you still think that pre-loved isn't for you and you need more convincing, it also sounds good when you say: "Oh these? Well, I had them shipped over from Paris, darling".

Photo credit: Net-a-Porter.com; Goody Two-Choos

Jeans dreams

My latest denim crush is the genius jeanius of Rag & Bone, the NYC-based duo who are making tidal waves across the denim industry with their everyday luxe collection, Rag & Bone JEAN.

Now, I wasn't gifted with the ultimate denim clothes-horse legs. My body is longer than my legs, and I'm somewhere in between a petite and regular length. This doesn't help the already mammoth task of jeans shopping which, on the scale of 0 - 10 ranks at about 20 for difficulty and its ability to demoralise even the most confident of shoppers. Yes, denim is right up there with swimwear and underwear in it's nightmare notoriety.

When I began noticing Rag & Bone popping up on the 'Best Dressed' lists last year, I didn't hold out much hope when thinking about the place it could potentially hold in my own denim drawer. I am no Miranda Kerr or Karolina Kurkova (who, among others, took the helm of the Rag & Bone DIY 2012 campaign), after all. However, with all this in mind, I merrily trotted over to my nearest Harvey Nichols and dared to enter the changing room clutching a myriad of styles, sizes and colours- everything from distressed skinny to boyfriend cut. It's funny what determination will do to a girl. It seems perseverance won, as moments later I wiggled into what would then become my first pair of dream jeans, and from that moment on- I never looked back.

Since that moment I have reignited my love affair with denim which, until recently, I have been trapped in the mindset which closely resembles that of a troubled marriage. But, I am very glad to announce that it's nothing but calm seas and a balmy breeze ahead for this love boat, as I take my Rag & Bones off into the sunset. My personal favourite is the Jodhpur mid-rise style, which look oh-so-chic with a white cami, black sandals and tuxedo jacket, and are (luckily) on sale- available here.

Photo credits: Rag & Bone, Matchesfashion.com

Let's start at the beginning

As my student days are numbered and my graduation date draws near, I felt compelled to mark this momentous chapter of my life with a new addition to the shoe closet. I'm talking Choos.

It just so happens that Net-a-Porter.com has been kind enough to time their summer season sale alongside the run up to graduation week- and the beginning of my new found adulthood. So far, I am very much enjoying being a grown-up.

It's ironic, really, that it was only three days ago when I was walking around Jimmy Choo's department in Selfridges, being crowded by women with freshly sharpened elbows and a shopping stamina which can only equal that of an Olympic athlete, thinking to myself that it would be many years before I could finally own a pair myself. Yet I sit here, refreshing the DHL tracking web page every five minutes, watching as my precious new jade Jimmy Choo Linda Watersnake sandals are passed from courier to courier until, finally, they reach my front door (embarrassingly, by the same courier who was stood in my door last week, post more online shopping).

When they do arrive, after what seems like a million hours, I am not disappointed. As a first pair, I know they are not 'classic' in the sense of being black, nude or navy. They are not a closed toe pump, nor are they in a patent or matte leather. The vibrant colour makes them very difficult to wear in winter. However, this does not make them any less of an investment, or any less fabulous.

In our troubled economic climate, it is very easy to get swept up in the notoriously classic four inch, black patent Pigalle-esque footwear which appears to have dominated both the Red Carpets and street style blogosphere alike. Left by the wayside are those pieces which are show-stoppers, an evening shoe worn in the midday sun- just because you feel like it. Suddenly, those extravagant skins, summery bright colours and dazzling prints seem far more alluring than ever before. So, before I instinctively reach for my black patent Fifi 100 Louboutins, I will stop to reconsider my choice du jour. Because, let's face it, a girl in the 21st century- economic crisis or not- has a right to choose Choos.

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos