Let's Talk Lingerie . . .

Underwear, a basic necessity for all ladies regardless of size and shape. Now making sure you are wearing the right size lingerie is of the utmost importance, wearing the wrong size lingerie can either make you look much bigger, and not in a good way ladies I'm talking about popping out, or it can make you appear to have saggy boobs, which is something no girl wants! Most shops that stock bras will have someone who can size you for example M&S, Debenhams and other department stores, but I would recommend going to a specific lingerie shop, for example LaSenza, AnnSummer's (remember they do proper lingerie too), figleaves or more high end with Rigby&Peller and AgentProvocateur. Of course there are a lot of other brands out there to look at but those are just the few I would recommend in my experience.

While every bra looks pretty and dainty in small sizes, its hard once you hit the +DD size to find bra's that you can feel really sexy in as most look like something your grandma would wear. How do I know this, I have that problem, I'm a size 10 who lets just say is very well endowed and growing up my boobs were always bigger than my friends, so there they would be in lovely pretty bras and there would be me feeling unsexy and almost ashamed in a horrible nude granny bra.

 I chose to settle till I was a little bit older and moving further up senior school before I decided that I would make it my mission to find nice girly bras for a girl my age, I mean who wants to go to a school dance, yes I feel old saying that, in a amazing bodycon dress or LBD with a granny bra underneath. I'm lucky that my mother was able to take me to Rigby & Peller, where I was able to get my first really stunning black lace bra, and boy did I feel good in it, it fitted perfectly, put my boobs up where they should be and you could notice my confidence levels just went up. As I've gotten older more brands designing for sizes +DD have opened and now there is so much more variety for girls like me. Lingerie is something that we have to wear everyday, we might as well look stunning and feel sexy and confident in it.

Once you know your size there are of course tonnes of wonderful online lingerie boutiques to look at for example the wonderful BouxAvenue, ChantelleLingerie, and LonelyHeartsLabel. I would advise really knowing your size before buying online though as it just saves so much time.

Now I've done some searching and have compiled my top 4 from four different brands, and also price points for sizes +DD, also clicking each brand I've mentioned above will direct you to their websites and or lingerie pages so you can see their full stock regardless of cup size.

For prices click here

Starting with good old Debenhams, who stock a variety of boutique lingerie lines for sizes +DD. The four above are my top picks. All different price points too. They do have a much varied range, but these are just my top four.

Next we have online retailer Boux Avenue, who I do love, I've bought several pieces from them since they launched. Feminine luxury at affordable prices, they normally always have a deal for buying the bra and getting the matching bottoms for free so definitely worth a look if you like to match.

Figleaves also stock a nice variety of +DD ranges as well as all other sizes of course. They also do good bikinis and swimwear for +DD so have a look before they all go this summer, get in early because trust me they will all be gone!

Lastly Rigby & Peller my favourite, ok yes they are expensive and I cannot afford them myself, I'm lucky in that my mother gives me tokens for this store once a year. The quality is outstanding in this store, in all honesty no other bra I have bought has ever been as good as my ones from here. They last pretty much a whole year if you look after them properly, longer then any of my other bras from more high street brands. So yes they are expensive but they are an investment piece.

Where do you shop for your lingerie? Any tips I haven't thought of?

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The Shoe Thing continued . . .

Again another celebrity to release a show collection. This time it is signer Gwen Stefani who has branched out into accessories specifically footwear and handbags. This collection is going to be a budget line, that promised to deliver on comfort as well as style apparently anyway. This collection is to be sold through ShoeDazzle.com

Gwen Stefani has said that she watched to design shoes that you can wear all day long without feeling any pain. Her collection is said to be priced between $69.95 and $110.95 The collection named gx is said to include 7 handbags and 24 footwear styles, that are said to encompass elements of 'pop, punk, tribal and street' style.

Gwen Stefani has already launched her own clothing company called L.A.M.B in 2004 which does stock shoes and bags but at a much higher price point.

Some images have been released to give us a bit of a taster. What do you think?

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Paris Fashion Week Day 2

Day two of Paris Fashion Week, did you wow us?

Starting with Sonia by Sonia Rykiel.

Read between the lines, comes to nice when looking at this collection filled with colourful stripes in all kinds of styles and varieties. Very strong sixties feel to this collection, I love the inserts of the bright colours, either through a statement piece in the outfit or details on pieces in the look. I love that the styling for this collection is a perfect match for the looks, especially the lines being continued through the boots.

Moving on the the Dries Van Noten, whose lines reminded me of those by artist George Tjungurrayi. The almost optical illusion created by these lines adds interest to these pieces. This designer chose to clash colours and paired really bright, almost acidic tones with each other to create an unavoidable burst of colour. Floral prints in bright colour on trousers or in silver on black made a statement. A very exotic inspired collection, nice to see the floral prints done in this way, even showing them as 3D details on garments. Dries Van Noten also chose to add visible metallic zip details to add interest to the back of simpler pieces.

Floating, flared, and feminine pieces were all that was to be seen at the Alexis Mabille. Again another designer who chose to show a more slouchy feminine collection, with garments cut in silky fabrics to show off the wearers body as they walk. Mabille choosing to use also more revealing sheer fabric encrusted with clusters of embellishment, covering up just enough to protect the wearers modesty. Another fashion week, yet more designers showing capes in their collection, I love the thin leather trim around the edges. The introduction of the tartan was also a nice edgy twist to the collection. I love the twisted detail on the front of the tartan dress it just updates the style of the dress.

Oh Rochas, I love your finishing details. The stunning heavy embellishment on some of the pieces, the shoes and the amazing gloves. I have to say honestly I prefer the finishing and close up details of this collection over the overall collection pieces. I love the finishing details of the embroidery on the jackets as seen above and the stitch detail and carefully placed embellishment as seen on the green dress above.

Now Gareth Pugh, I have to say I'm a little disappointed. I am a fan but I feel this collection is just a bad imitation of Alexander McQueen. I like some pieces from the collection like the second one in the above picture I love the metallic toned silver effect. It does look a bit like vinyl carpet though.

What did you think of Gareth Pugh's collection?

Undercover, wow the the Indonesian theme, the oriental china patterns, Scottish tartan, and extreme and elaborate florals. This collection has everything and somehow it manages to pull it all together. I think this is my favourite so far from Paris, I love that it is just so out there and in your face. Excited to see what comes next!!!

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Paris Fashion Week Day 1

Bonjour Paris, lets see what you had for us on day one of Paris Fashion Week.

Starting with the designer Devastee.

This one such a great show to start of Paris Fashion Week it just oozes Parisian laid back chic at its finest. I love the black and white monochrome look that carries through the entire collection. Blazers over shift dresses in black and white digital prints, Smock dresses in mixed prints, sixties inspired coats and slouchy jackets in load black and white prints. Extremely wearable collection, I love that it is even styled with plimsolls trainers, Parisian chic that everybody can wear.

Next we have Jacquemus whose oversized shapes caught our attention. With interesting mix of fabrics, and styles all in extremely oversized patterns, or with oversized details. Geometrics were also carried through into this collection either through the shapes or the fabric choice. An interesting designer I have not seen before, I will be looking out to see what they come up with next though.

Who did you like in day one of Paris Fashion Week?

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Global Traveller

A trend for Spring / Summer 2014, the global traveller has arrived. This season it's all about colourful head wear, embroidered tunics, shorts, kimono's, weave backpacks, crochet and raffeta bags, homemade or d.i.y all the better. African and Aztec prints, scenery from across the world thrown on all types and styles of garments. Pile on the prints, as many as you dare! Customization is key too in this trend, the easiest way to do so is of course through your accessories. Rings and bracelets pile them high, stack them up, the more the better.

I've searched around and found the best pieces from three shops. Starting with River Island.

For prices click here

The pieces above range from shirt dresses, maxi dresses, play-suits, skirts and jumpers and some floral head wear. River island has the most varied range I've seen so far for this trend so would be a good place for you to start shopping for this trend.

The next shop I've searched through is ASOS, which can be seen below.

For prices click here

ASOS has provided us with a source of smaller brands as well as asos own named brand to search for trend pieces in. What an interesting range, its difficult to pick a favourite from the above picture, but I have to admit I rather love the ring, the metallic sheen on it just catches my eye. ASOS provides us with more accessory choices compared to River Island but also provides us with more African like prints, which really boosts the idea of this trend with more exotic range of prints and colour.

Topshop is the last brand I explored for the globe trotter trend and my findings can be seen below.

For prices click here

Topshop, of course as always have a number of on-trend pieces stocked in their stores and online. This trend really is no difference. Over all there are pieces that I really love in all of these stores, and with such a good range around where will you be going to get your global on ?

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Icon - John Galliano

Ok before I go into this icon I just want to say, I do not condone his behaviour a few years ago or his actions, but as a designer myself I find his fashion designs and catalogue of work visionary and it is in that light that I find him an icon.

John Galliano was one of the designers who really inspired me to go into fashion and specifically into specialising in design. His visions and catwalk shows for Dior were sensational to say the least, every detail imagined and placed with careful thought.

Galliano was born in Gibraltar but moved to London with his family in 1966. Moved from the beautiful Mediterranean wonderland to London. Galliano studied at Central Saint Martins, his final collection called 'Les Incroyables' received acclaim, and was even instantly snapped up and put in the windows of Browns boutique.

Starting his own label in 1984, he continued to receive critical acclaim with his specific visions of romanticism, shown through delicate yet superiorly tailed garments. He went on to win the 1987 'British Designer of the Year Award' unfortunately he lost backers and left London for Paris after not showing collections at several seasons. Luckily he had friends in high places models like Kate Moss and fashion editors came to his aim to try and find him work during this period.

In 1995 he became the first Englishman to head a French couture house and that was Givenchy, again he received adulation and praise for his design genius. In less than two years he was moved to Dior as the head designer.

He shared designer of the year with McQueen back in 1997, McQueen went on to replace him as head designer of Givenchy.

In 2001 he was awarded a CBE from the queen.

His visionary designs have inspired decades of designers, and his work continues to inspire new designers. Also dare I mention his outfits for his walk down the catwalk?? You can't say he doesn't have fun with fashion.

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Wednesday Want

I am in love with this New Look backpack, love that it comes in white or green. Unusually for me I'm going for the white one, green's one of my favourite colours. I just love the structure and shape of this backpack, modern, stylish and edgy, and yes practical. Might have to go to my nearest New Look.

What do you think ?

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Alice + Olivia . . .

As a designer there are always brands that I feel inspire me to push myself and my designs. While studying at university I spotted the designer Stacey Bendet who is the designer behind the brand Alice + Olivia. This is a designer that I am always in a rush to see at fashion week, and this season was no exception, and my god did she deliver. This is the kind of designer that I find extremely difficult to even pick my top three looks, I adore each and everyone and maybe you will too.

Opulent, desirable, stunning, so many words come to mind when looking at this collection. I think this collection is awe inspiring to say the least, and the designer a visionary. This designer continues to inspire my design juices and makes me want to be a better designer. British eccentricity at its finest. 

To see the entire collection click here

What do you think about this collection?

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Milan Fashion Week Final Day

The final day of Milan Fashion Week had a few last surprises in store for us.

Starting with the DSquared2 collection.

This collection had a distinct 60's feel about it with the style of dresses that the designers chose to show. The first outfit in the photo above appears to be made of fur, and seems to be almost like a sixties print in terms of the position of the multicoloured fur segments. The second dress has serious embellishment detail on the bottom, with a matching jacket made of sheer fabric to make the embellishment detail stand out even more. The stunning white simple shaped dress is topped off with a feather collar, which falls almost like a cape on the models shoulders, a simple addition but it really makes this outfit.

 My favourite piece is the emerald green cape with appliqué details, almost petal or feather like in size and shape. Absolutely stunning! 

Finishing up Milan Fashion Week with a stellar show, pardon the pun, from Stella Jean.

This show was a mega-mix of Italian, Japanese and African cultures. Each look bursting with busy prints, in a mix of simple and complicated shapes and styles. You definitely have to have the matching confidence to wear these bold outfits and give them the attitude which they deserve. This collection featured full length knits in a mixture of fine knits and chunky knits, mohair coats, lampshade shaped skirts, sculptured jackets. A great way to end Milan Fashion Week, on a definite high note, lets see what Paris has to offer us . . .

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Dolce & Gabbana MFW

Where the wild things are?? I can safely say Milan, if the collections we have seen are anything to go by . . .

This Dolce & Gabbana collection is out of this world, you could even say it was from a fairyland. The enchanted forest never far from the designers mind, animals graced the garments with foxes, almost cartoon like owls and squirrels. The collection also included elements such as appliqué on lace shift dresses, huge fur hoods, bejewelled dresses, ruched silk jersey, matched with laced corsets, a heavy use of brocade and lace to top it all off. I love the use secret keys hidden in the floral prints, and as statements featured on dress and jackets.

Little Red Riding Hood seemed to appear a lot throughout this collection, appearing in a number of different ways as you can see below. Ranging from red fur hooded coats, embroidered dresses, appliqué lace skirt suits with a black fur hood, and a red fur hood paired with flowing red chiffon dresses.

The evil queen was even included in this extraordinary collection in shimmering dresses with matching jackets and encrusted gloves.

Gallant knights, then seemed to come to little red riding hoods rescue in the finale. The army of models appeared in striking and stunning heavily embellished mini dresses and play-suits. Definitely the best way to end this show. 

Breathtaking!!

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Milan Fashion Week Day 5

Day five, nearly coming to the end of Milan fashion week but we still have some amazing collections to see.

Starting this entry with designer Philipp Plein, with Rita Ora performing and Naomi Campbell walking down the runway this was a show to watch!

This collection was a mix between a tartan clad rock chic, military glamour and a denim and leather clad cowgirl? Unusual yes but somehow it all worked together. I personally preferred the Tartan and military inspired looks, which can be seen above. The studded details and fur collar on the tartan coat to the left of the picture is stunning and definitely a stand out piece even if its just being compared to the more subdued coat to the right with just a simple quilted leather collar. Another collection to flash some fur, again it was used for finishing touches to jackets or was used in full to create statement jackets.

Moving on to Marni's show . . .

Heavy wool coats with neoprene layers, multicoloured fur, frills, feathers and embellishment were all that could be seen in this show. Styles of garments varied between voluminous wool coats, sporty bomber jackets, a silver leather parka with a sheepskin hood, boiled wool tunics paired with matching trousers, and finally little corsets with stiff peplums to try and show of the models figure. The chosen colour palette for this collection was a mix of yellow, mint green, blush, black, tan and burgundy. One of the more memorable collections mainly due to the introduction of feathers used in a combination with the fur.

MSGM

Dark florals, interesting digital prints, clash of prints and styles, an overall top class collection. Sharp tailoring, cigarette trousers in matching prints as the jackets, short dresses, sheer panels, slouchy jumpers. A very wearable collection with an edgy digital prints at the heart of it, go and see the other looks, I think it really speaks for itself, one of my real favourites so far at all the fashion weeks.

What did you think?

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Milan Fashion Week Day 4

Day four so far ... 

The first show to wow me today was from Roberto Cavalli.

Now I'm not normally a huge Roberto Cavalli fan but I just love this collection, the fluidity of the lines over the curves of the body, shown on the trousers and the dress, both in the middle of the above picture. The almost intricate Aztec prints and digital prints. It reminds me of some clover canyon dresses inspired by the Great Gatsby. The fur adds a more decadent feel to the overall rather edgy collection. Not too blingy which is nice, but just enough detail on the elegant almost 1920's inspired gown (first in above picture). Yes, another cape I'm afraid but how nice is this grey and black print one. Its nice to see a more casual cape compared to the more elaborate and evening wear ones that we have seen previously.

A nice well developed collection, I may have just been converted to a Cavalli girl . . .

We shall see.

Update, just seen the Antonio Marras show, there's a she wolf in the closet, open up and set her free. Shakira's words not mine, but apt I think this collection definitely had elements of the wild about it. See for yourself . . .

 I love the detailing in this collection, forest and wild flowers themes embroidered into a number of garments. Fur added as collars, hoods, lets us show our inner animal, especially when used in a hood. I love the different panels used in the second dress and the mix of earthy colours and tones in the remainder of the collection. Again lace crops up. this is going to be my favourite Autumn / Winter yet, velvet and lace I shall be in my element.

Emilio Pucci, what a show, one of the hottest tickets of Milan Fashion Week and no wonder!
Like the wild theme seen in Antonio Marras collection above, Pucci have named this collection called 'Call of the Wild'!

This collection seemed to embody all that we associate with Pucci, heavily embroidered mini dresses, beaded almost sheer jersey, Pucci house print in gold was a predominant feature, second skin leather trousers, with side stitched to match the boots. Huge dense furs were an obvious statement in this collection in different tones and colours. Tailored cut items were juxtaposed by oversized outerwear items, for example the stunning Navajo knits. Not as revealing as Pucci collections usually go but a stunning mix of laid back glamour and a dash of sex appeal.

What did you think of today's shows so far?

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Milan Fashion Week Day 3

Day three has come around and there was at least three shows that caught my eye. Starting with Blumarine.

I love these Blumarine designs, the rich jewel tones and luxurious range of fabric. This collection featured fabrics and details such as fur, velvet, silk, satin, with embellishment and embroidery to add a finishing touch. The cape in this collection is sensational especially paired with the dress underneath with matching details. Capes have been seen in a number of collections so be expecting to see a lot more of them next year, especially floor length capes. The fur details on some of the dresses set the mood for autumn / winter. I love the middle look mainly due to all the colours used the royal blue, emerald green and gold detailing such a beautiful colour way, classy, elegant and sophisticated. The electric blue number made in velvet and lace is beautiful, the carefully placed panelling to insure the wearers modesty is cleverly done, and in such an unusual way. The gold dress reminds me of some Versace dresses from a few season ago but I still love the waist zig zag detailing. The final dress again is inspired by a tuxedo jacket, another trend we are going to see a lot more of in 2015.

Next we have Sportmax, whose interesting mix of patterns and colours were fascinating. I love the multicoloured woollen fabric used in the coat and the skirt of some of the pieces. Electric blue again is a colour that pops up in yet another collection. More long capes were shown in a variety of colour but I liked this electric blue one best, as it looks like an oversized tuxedo. The contrasting use of black and white helps calm the mix of patterns and designs. I really like the use of leopard print in this collection, it almost makes it stand out more pairing it with bold and bright prints. Velvet, in a darker blue than the one we saw from the Blumarine adds to the luxurious feel of this collection. There is no doubt that expensive tastes will be in next year, in particular items like velvet, lace, embroidery and heavy embellishment pretty much all that you would associate with a luxurious lifestyle.

Versace with their sharp tailoring, and sex appeal. Sharp suits and jackets, paired with short dresses and knee high lazer cut boots. Fur jackets showing all that is decadent and opulent about Versace. Of course Donatella would choose to feature short and heavily embellished dresses, I love in particular the black one above which gives out a rock chick vibe, the red is also awesome and will be one of the colours of Autumn / Winter 2015.

Another great day in Milan, lets see what tomorrow brings.

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Brit Awards 2014

So at the 2014 Brit awards there was quite a few bad outfits, I have to say I somewhat expected more in the fashion stakes at least a few show stoppers but thank goodness there are a few good dressers or stylists out there! My top four dresses of the night were worn by . . .

Rita Ora, Lily Allen and Ellie Goulding. Lets start with Rita, now I absolutely love this singer, she seems fun, outgoing and she can actually sing, and what a voice she has. She looked absolutely stunning in this acid yellow Prada dress with subtle side embellishment, although she had Cartier accessories I think you might agree that her best accessory was her boyfriend Calvin Harris looking rather dapper next to her for the majority of the evening.

Next we move on to singer Lily Allen who wore two amazing sequinned adorned dresses during the course of the evening. Starting with the black number by 1965 Norrell 1965 from William Vintage. This dress shows off her figure to a T, paired with a yellow Chanel clutch to add a flash of colour and to match her yellow hair streak. She later changed into a Henry Holland dress which was straight off the runway, helps to be best friends with the designer. This fun, bold and multi-tonal dress with sheer shapes and netting suits her personality and again shows off her natural curves perfectly.

Finally Ellie Goulding, although this dress I'll admit was taken from the after brits do it has the wow factor. I love Vivienne Westwood but I wasn't a fan of the dress that Ellie originally wore to make her entrance. This LBD with interesting nude panels really packs a punch, she looks stunning, much better choice than the Westwood dress.

Which dress is your favourite?

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Friday Favourites . . .

So once again Friday has come around, I've had a very strange week this week so sorry for delayed fashion week posts through London Fashion Week. Anyway this weeks Friday favourite are these new in from Topshop.

For prices click here

This navy lace coat is stunning and would be a great coat to snap up as lace has been a big feature in the fashion shows of the last week. Also yes I am a lace fan so I would go for it but this would be an investment buy. The print shirt perfect for an interns wardrobe paired over black trousers, jeans or leggings you could even be a bit daring and clash it with another print like the leggings below. The leggings practical, modern and to die for. The statement necklace is very glamorous, but remains edgy and could be work to transform an outfit from day to night. The nail polish is partially in a pastel shade but with a metallic sheen, awesome. It will be on my list next time I go into H&M, (yes sorry it is the only item from H&M all others are Topshop). Next we have the Duffle backpack I just love the weave on this fabric, even though it is in black and white I love the simplicity almost of it. Bold yet subtle. Velvet boots, fabulous addition to any outfit, if I could wear them everyday I would.

What pieces do you like from Topshop?

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Milan Fashion Week Day 2

Moshino, Moshino, Moshino, oh we love you! 

With references from pop culture, social culture and childrens culture, this is a really lively and entertaining collection. See for yourself . . .

These outfits obviously inspired by sponge bob square pants, fruit loop packet and their own reinvention of the McDonalds M. The two at either end more laid back than the centre image. These fun, cheerful pieces would cheer up any Autumn, Winter's day.

These wonderful gowns inspired by food wrappers really stand out. I love how they have formulated the pattern and design to convey the idea of the packet / dress being crinkled together as if it has just been twisted into shape. Again another collection that makes me want to go and get a snack, seems to be a reoccurring theme here, are they trying to tell everyone to eat, I hope so!

What did you think of Moshino's collection?

How good would these dresses be paired or styled with Anya Hindmarch's bags from the last day of London fashion week? Answer, match made in heaven!

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Milan Fashion Week Day 1

So its finally Milan's turn to wow our fashion taste buds.

On the first day there was one collection alone that stood out to me and that was from designer Fausto Puglisi.

This designer provides us with a flurry of colour and multiple colour ways. The above set is a sensational mix of styles and cuts. The first dress is dynamic and interesting in its cut and construction, the second look is edgy and geometric. The third outfit is really interesting and may be my favourite, the skirt especially is eye catching and would be a conversation starter with its curved and varied geometric shapes. The fourth piece might mean you get stuck in a door or have to walk through sideways, but is effective at portraying the ongoing geometric theme. 

These four outfits have continue with the geometric theme, although had you noticed that the statue of liberty pops up occasionally in these pieces? If not have a look and see for yourself.

A fun, vibrant and energetic collection a great way to start Milan Fashion Week.

What did you think of day one?

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