Icon - Paloma Faith

Is it this time already, this week is going really quickly or maybe just to me, anyway this weeks icon is . . .

The gorgeous Paloma Faith, this vivacious, fun and eccentric lady is one of my favourite people around at the moment. What a modern day icon!

Bringing back and mixing that Hollywood glamour and 50's pin up looks in such an individual way, she oozes glamour and elegance. She also has the most interesting life, she has studied contemporary dance then went on to get an MA in theatre directing. While doing her MA she worked as a sales assistant at Agent Provocateur helping spark and add to her love for underwear and corsets, a singer in a burlesque cabaret, a life model (well she is stunning with a gorgeous curvy body) and was, this is my favourite a magicians assistant. How awesome is this woman!!!

In her style choices she chooses designers who design for the wackier characters, she stands out and rocks everything she wears. Always paired with her shocking orange / red hair she stands out.

This is the kinda girl I want to be friends with she is just so awesome, and looks like she is so much fun to be around!

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Get Your Swimwear On . . .

So it's coming into swimwear season, lets have a look at the great pieces around at the moment.

Whether your a bikini girl, swimsuit or tankini girl I will find you some great pieces to get you in the summer mood. Some sites do not have flats of the bikinis so I have created a big pinterest board with all kinds of swimwear styles and swimwear for girls like me with bigger bust sizes. Look out for the link below.

Starting with H&M who always have great pieces, it's a shame that they don't do cup sizes for girls with bigger busts like me because I would love to have the pieces below but alas it's not to be. Girls who can wear bikini's without under wiring seriously check out these pieces feminine, fun, flattering and even a little bit cheeky. 

My favourite piece from the above is the top left bikini, the floral print is subtle and elegant, in tones that don't overpower the simplicity of the print. All great pieces at great prices, no excuse not to get something from H&M with reasons like that.

Moving on to Topshop's swimwear range . . .

So Topshop have gone for more vintage inspired shapes and styles. Think pin up girls, think showing off your natural curves and shape. I think their swimming costumes are great, beautiful shapes and love the cup detail. My favourite piece from the above is the polka dot set, its just so bold and fun.

The next two are from Swimwear 365, first are my top picks are from their tankini range.

Now I used to be a tankini girl while I was growing up as there wasn't really bikini's for someone my age. They were all aimed for older women and not for a teenager, recently there has been a huge switch in the styles and prints used in bikini's for the +DD girls, which means we do have the luxury of having a bikini that fits and flatters. Anyway back to the tankini's I love the four that you can see above. The print selection is fun and young and dare I say they are even very sexy, remember you don't have to show your body off the whole time. I cannot actually choose just one from the above four, I really would wear all of them.

Finally my top 5 bikini's from swimwear 365, again a great site for swimwear of all shapes and sizes also for all ages. I loved all of these bikinis, some for their print and others for their shape. My favourite would have to be the diamond shaped bikini to the far right of the picture, I love that it is in black and white as it really stands out and is designed in a nice and flattering shape for my size bust.

This isn't it I have found a lot more pieces for you to feast your eyes on, there is a mix of styles and a lot of +DD pieces so please go to my swimwear pinterest page and check them out, you won't regret it.

Click here to be directed to it.

What's your favourite piece?

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News . . .

Great news!!! I am so excited about this news, I'm finding it hard to contain my joy!

The V&A Museum is set to host the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition, which received huge acclaim for its tribute to the great designer after his tragic passing in 2010.

So to mark this occasion I'm going to talk about my top three McQueen moments during the great designers career and the best three pieces from the brands latest collection.

In the number three position we have the now infamous Kate Moss hologram. This spooky illusion was part of his Fall / Winter 2006.

At number two it would have to be the model Shalom Harlow as a human canvas in the Spring / Summer 1999 show.

Number one was the show put together in memory of Isabella Blow. For this McQueen paired up with milliner Philip Treacy who was also a close friend to Isabella Blow. This show was all the more memorable as it was planned and constructed with love for their dear departed friend. Showing McQueen's Spring / Summer 2008 collection named 'La Dame Bleue'. It is also my favourite as it paired two of the most talented craftsmen together and boy was it a show to remember!

Now my top three pieces.

So there are some great pieces in the current McQueen collections, the above are just my top three picks.

Starting with this interesting laser cut dress. Made from cotton, and featuring a grid pattern of laser cutting this dress is very on trend. Have you been noticing all that laser cutting creeping back into stores at the moment?? If not this is a great choice, if you have a lot of money of course, this is not really available on this interns budget. The dress also has box pleats, another thing which is on trend at the moment. Sarah Burton being ever practical has also designed this dress to have pockets, and cut in a halter neck style it is perfect for summer days. Moving on to the middle image, the 90's crop top is back in and McQueen have designed it to be oversized to pack more of a punch. Made from patchwork flocking on cotton popeline this top is incredible I love that it has been done in red and black it just makes it all the more edgy and stylish. Finally we have these uber stylish cigarette trousers. Known for their impeccable tailoring these trousers are no exception, I love the feminine touch from the peplum detail at the waist a great update to any working girls wardrobe.

Are you excited by this news?

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New Buys . . .

So I know its not everybodies cup of tea but I happen to love rummaging though charity shops. I'm currently away in the heart if the cotswolds so my office has become the local pub. Anyway back to the topic in hand, I found some great pieces today in my local chatity shops. Have a look and see for yourself.

First we have this vintage necklace. This gold piece hangs from a small delicate chain and the pendant features three rings, yes I do notice the resemblance to Olympic rings but luckily the pendents main feature is the emerald stone in the middle. Loving this! 

Next we have this metallic ice blue skirt from topshop. Perfect for the pastel trend right now, a look I'm going to take from day to night. It's also the perfect skirt for underneath a jumper in winter too. 

Moving on this brand new dress from H&M, love it when you find something that's never been worn in a charity shop. This dress is cut from an interesting black and white fuzzy print. It also features a zip on the centre front to break up the print a little. A great dress for work! 

Finally these shorts from River Island. Fun for the summer in this striped print, with pleats and sewn down panels. These are bound to stand out against a white top in the sun, definitely going to be wearing these in the french riviera this summer!

What are your new buys?

Do you like a charity shop?

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Wednesday Want

Yes I know it's late but I haven't forgotten about my wednesday want!  This week it's these awesome shoes from, new brand to the uk, number 22.

These suede loafers are rather cool aren't they!  In a striking colbalt blue these loafers feature subtle cat ear details. Not going to lie didn't nessasarily think of cat ears when I first saw these but I think thats quite nice as it can represent what you like, I initially saw zig zags. Anyway this is a cool new brand so check them out click here to go to their website. I'm going to dedicate an entry to them next week so look out for that too!

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Icon - Mary Quant

Another week another icon. This week it is the turn of 60's goddess Mary Quant.

Now this lady was making clothes in the 50's but is distinctly remembered for her work in the 60's. It is to her that we look to for the 'mod' fashions and the original Chelsea look not what we see on that show 'Made in Chelsea'. She had stores on the Kings Road and later in Knightsbridge.  Some of her best sellers included white plastic collars used to modernise old dresses and black stretch leggings and as I love leggings I want to personally thank you Mary for making them fashionable!

Think of the 60's, think of Mary with her knee high, patent plastic, lace up boots,  tight skinny rib jumpers,  stripes and bold checksthese things went on torepresent the London look of the sixties. It is to her we also lookat for the invention of the micro-mini skirt. According to her girls would come into the shop and keep asking the miniskirts to be shorter and shorter so she came up with the micro-mini skirt.

A personal favourite that she designed was the bright plastic raincoats.  Gotta love something like that to brighten up a rainy day!

In the late sixties she brought out and popularised hot pants so another thing most girls need to thank this weeks icon for. Twiggy also found fame with this designer.

She also received an OBE for her contribution to fashion, well deserved I think.

There really is just something about Mary! 

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Coachella Festival

So one of the first festivals of the year has come to an end, with celebrities flocking to america to soak up the sun and immerse themselves in the great musical acts that were taking centre stage.

So lets have a look at some of the best festival looks and trends that came out of this years Coachella festival.

As you can see prints were the main event in all shapes and sizes. Matching print two pieces were also everywhere. My favourite looks are the ones above with such a vibrancy of colour and life even the darker prints were striking against the sunshine. There are some great pieces around at the moment so snap them up before they all go this summer!

Here are my favourite looks from H&M, Boohoo, Topshop and River Island.

H&M Look Click Here For Prices

Boohoo Look Click Here For Prices

Topshop Look Click Here For Prices

River Island Look Click Here For Prices

A look for everyone, I think. What's your festival chic??

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Collaboration Alert

It has just been revealed that the lovely Mary Katrantzou is set to collaborate with sportswear brand Adidas 

This collection is also going to be the start of a long-term union that will comprise of both footwear and clothing pieces.

Adidas have previously had collaborations with Topshop, Raf Simons, Stella McCartney (for the Olympics) and good old Pharrell Williams.

Again seeing as we have no previews of this collection I am going to show my top three picks from Mary Katrantzou's current collection.

For Prices Click Here

Number one is this awesome satin coat, I would love this as a dress too. This jewelled print with added embellishment as well as being a statement piece is also practical with pockets, well it was a coat. Number two we have this jumper. I love the maximum impact that the neon green, bright and light blue make on the black backing yarn. The loose fit of this jumper and the baroque style of the knit make a great statement I just love this piece! Finally number three a true Mary Katrantzou piece, bursting with colour, silhouette and print. Cut from satin-twill this sleeveless high neck piece has been designed like a skater dress but with a flared skirt that falls into stunning pleats.

I foresee that this collaboration will be flying off the shelves when it goes in stores later this year!

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Icon - Iris Apfel

Now this is a lady that everybody should know, this fashionista was born in 1921, yes you heard right! 

Iris Apfel, this lady calls herself 'geriatric starlet' the fashion world calls her a style icon.

Iris Apfel is a interior designer, and renowned American business woman. She has even done work for the White House for nine US presidents, pretty impressive. 

An exhibition featuring lots of pieces from her wardrobe held at the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute in 2005 really helped to raise her fashion profile. Suddenly just through word of mouth it made her a fashion sensation and brought her to the attention of a new age of fans and the fashion community. Not surprising when she looks as awesome as this . . .

This lady is never seen without her oversized glasses and has a jewellery collection that I would very much like to own. This Queen of kooky will continue to inspire generations to come, I want to be like her when I get to that age! 

Do you love her as much as me?

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Collaboration Alert

Another hot newly unveiled collaboration has come to light and this time it is between designer Roland Mouret for Banana Republic. It is believed that the designer is to design a 25 piece collection made up of skirts, tops, trousers and dresses. The dresses are thought to be being priced at $165 a fraction of the designers own label costs so I'm with the rest of the fashion community in thinking these are going to go very quickly! The pieces are set to be in stores in August. Again I have not seen any visuals to be able to share them with you so like my H&M news piece I will show you my top three of both Roland Mouret's collection and of Banana Republic new arrivals. Lets start off this time with Banana Republic . . .

For number one we have this rather cool gingham trench jacket, a nice modern twist on this classic shape. With nice details like buttoned epaulettes, notch collar, double breasted front and tie belt why wouldn't you, in keeping with the traditional style it is nice to see it updated. Love the choice of fabrics too! Number two we have this pretty fabulous necklace,  featuring glass stones in a delicate combination and is finished off with a navy ribbon tie. A stunning piece perfect for day to night looks. Finally number three we have this pretty cool dress, with an eyelet overlay over this red base this is a very edgy piece from Banana Republic. Cut in a skater style this is a great piece for the younger Banana Republic fan. A party dress for all ooccasions.

Now moving on to Roland Mouret . . .

For Prices Click Here

For my number one position I chose this pretty amazing LBD, Roland Mouret is synonymous for his dresses and I feel this dress is without exception. This stunning figure hugging dress really is something pretty special. Cut from stretch crepe this dress has been sharply tailored to give any lady an hour glass figure. I especially love the folded detail on the top of the dress and also the cut out back which adds a little bit more sex appeal, and will show off the wearers body to a T. Moving onto number two we have this rather awesome skirt. Made in white silk crepe, oozing luxury, this skirt features colourful geometric panels in glossy PVC and neoprene fabrics in black, magenta and green. Needless to say there is severe 80's feeling about this piece but I just kind of love it for its garishness. You have to wear this piece with confidence! Finally onto a Little White Dress again a stunning silhouette has been created in this piece, really showing off and maximising the wearers natural curves. This dress again in crepe fabric has black grosgrain straps which give a nice contrast to the front of the dress. The back again is a cut out, but also this time has a back slit to provide ease of movement for the wearer. I just love the bodice detailing again it looks like folds of fabric and reminds me a little bit of origami.

Will you be buying this collection when it is released?

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H&M News

H&M have revealed who their new designer collaboration is with and it is . . . Alexander Wang! The news was revealed yesterday via Instagram, sorry for not writing about this before but yesterday was my birthday so was out enjoying the sunshine in Brighton. Alexander Wang the current creative director for the brand Balenciaga is said to be planning a collection of both menswear and womenswear and also a number of great accessory pieces.

Instagram has played a huge part in the announcement of the last few H&M collaborations, they clearly know how to use their social media to create a buzz. It is also mentioned that Iggy Azalea is set to perform under a banner about this collaboration today at Coachella festival in the US, maximum promotion already I see.

Now we have to wait a while as this collection is only being unveiled on November 6th 2014, date for your diary there, but I'm hoping there will be a few photographic treats for us of this exciting up and coming collaboration. 

Seeing as we have no images for this I've decided to do my top 3 pieces from Alexander Wang's current collection and top 3 pieces from New Arrivals's at H&M. Starting with Mr Wang my top three pieces at the moment are . . .

For Prices Click Here

Number one we have this awesome asymmetric top. This piece is on trend in this pastel shade and adds something a little different to a top and trousers combo. This cotton-pique top is edgy and modern in its cut and construction, the draped asymmetric overlay also conceals a built in triangle bra so very practical. Number two we have this cute and feminine lightweight cropped cotton top. Again this piece is cut in a lovely pastel blue shade, but this time the design feature is the wonderful pleats that form just on the bust line. The pleat detailing on this top is just so simple but really adds so much to this piece by creating wondrous volume and freedom of movement. A great summer piece! Lastly in third place we have one of Wang's accessories, I chose this back pack, which are in right now, this smooth grey leather 'Prisma' styled backpack is perfect for everyday life. Build and designed for practical use it has a central compartment for all your essentials. It can also be carried by the top handle for maybe when you're dashing on and off the tube in rush hour. Wang designs perfectly for city living and compliments the architecture and structure of the city around us in his pieces. I cannot wait to see his collaboration with H&M!

Now to H&M's new arrival pieces . . .

For Prices Click Here

Number one I just love! This long sleeved dress is just so amazing I love the shape of the wide circular skirt contrasted with the tailored shirt like top of the dress. Cut from seersucker and featuring woven stripes it is just so fresh and fun. It features a seam at the waist and buttons up the centre front and on the cuffs, a great dress this is very much going to the top of my H&M wishlist. For number two I chose this interesting spring take on the trench coat. This sleeveless trench is very feminine and would look great just thrown on top of a dress or trouser / top combo. Fastened with a tie at the waist, this coat also has draped lapels on the front, sewn on shoulder tabs and a vent at the back to allow full movement this is an investment piece. Stunning, elegant and uber stylish this should be on any working girls must have list. Finally for my number three position I chose this dress from their new Conscious collection. This sleeveless number is bright and fun, and with the fabric featuring a slight sheen it also looks very luxurious. The dress is longer at the back and drapes from the neck, the front of the dress also features a decorative metal jewel again adding to the luxurious design. This is the perfect dress for up and coming events, weddings and parties. Accessorize with gold bangles and a gold statement ring or earrings and some gold shoes and you are ready to go. I've got my eye on this piece you might be seeing it on my new buys soon.

Are you looking forward to this collaboration?

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Perspex Pieces

Have you spotted this trend great Spring / Summer trend? It seems to be making a comeback this season specifically in the form of great summer bags and clutches. This is a practical trend if your heading off to a festival or on a beach holiday think about it water wipes off, spill a drink no worries it will just run off. Remember you don't have to have a clear perspex bag if you're worried people will look into your bag, just look below there are lots of possibilities around at the moment.

Click for Individual Prices

These bags are at different price points so there is something for everybody. I personally love the Lulu Guinness Neon Pink Gobstopper clutch, it's just so fun and different perfect for an evening out of a dress up party. I would seriously recommend that you invest in something perspex this Spring / Summer you will not regret it and there are also so many great pieces to float your boat, for formal occasions or for just throwing your beach towel and your book into for the beach or pool.

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Gianmarco Lorenzi Re-Launch Party

Last night I was invited to the re-launch party of the Gianmarco Lorenzi's store on South Molton Street.

Now this shoe brand is known for it's cutting edge Italian designs and celebrity clientèle I'm talking Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, J Lo and Rihanna.

Glamour is what came to mind when I walked into this shop, incredible shoes all around, cocktails and champagne in peoples hands and the most delicious cupcakes presented on tiered cake stands.

What struck me the most of course was the shoes, I was amazed at the variety of styles that were available, from the ultra glam to the urban edgy, to the simplistic and classical but all with a Gianmarco Lorenzi twist.

Now for a few pics of the tasty cupcakes, had to try and not get icing all over myself, joked with a few of the other lovely bloggers there about this too. There is also a pic of my rather tasty mojito cocktail, my my it was good!!

On to the main event now I promise, you will all be in shoe heaven like I was last night.

So feast your eyes on some of these wondrous creations!

And my personal favourite's . . .

Of course it was going to be yellow, well I need shoes to match my bag now don't I!

As you can see some amazing craftsmanship has gone into the creation and design of these shoes.

Lastly I want to say a big thank you to the lovely team at Gianmarco Lorenzi and TargetMedia360 for inviting me, I had a wonderful evening.

Which is your favourite? 

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http://www.gianmarcolorenzilondon.com/