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