Saturday 27 April 2013

Kate Spotted in Topshop

Move over Hermione - it looks like Kate's been working her magic again! The Duchess of Cambridge appeared in a £38 polka dot dress as she joined William and Harry for a tour of the Harry Potter studios - and now it's flying out of Topshop stores faster than you can say quidditch.

If you spot one, better buy it fast. I can just see legions of copy-Kates fighting it out between the rails over this one...



Friday 26 April 2013

Sheer Cheek

Oh Gwynnie! What a week it's been. First she's crowned the world's most beautiful woman by People magazine and no sooner comes crashing back down to earth with a frocky horror moment at the Iron Man 3 premiere. Taking Angelina's leg bomb to a whole new level, Gwyneth Paltrow's sheer Antonio Berardi gown left little to the imagination - showing off her famously toned derriere to full effect. So revealing are the sheer side panels that Gwyneth even confided to Ellen DeGeneres that emergency, ahem, grooming was called for before hitting the red carpet.

This 'look at me' dress has certainly sparked debate, dividing opinion left, right and centre - but particularly harsh comments are said to have left Gwyneth feeling 'humiliated'.

Whilst I can't say I'm a fan of the dress, I don't like so called fashion journalism that solely seeks to criticise. The truth is no-one would have blinked an eyelid at this dress on the catwalk - or had it been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga. The bottom line (excuse the pun) is that it goes against Gwyneth's wholesome America's sweetheart image. There's no question that she's go the figure for it - a punishing exercise regime and strict diet like Gwyneth puts herself through has to be worth the effort - and she definitely shouldn't feel humiliated. We all make mistakes - thankfully not all of us have to have them analysed by the world's fashion press.

What has driven me to offer my two cents worth was the reaction on a certain ITV all female chat show, where their whole attitude was if you've got it (or not) flaunt it. Going on to accuse female columnists who dared to criticise the dress of just being old, ugly and jealous, by saying that aren't they just doing exactly the same thing? Whatever happened to a little bit of sisterly solidarity?

Thursday 25 April 2013

More Mag No More

I'm sad to hear that after 25 years Bauer Media have decided to suspend the publication of more magazine as of this week. This was the magazine that always got the girls (and boys) together to share a cuppa and a good giggle. Once we even spotted one of the guys from our university English Society confessing to his latest, ahem, exploits (actually make that sexploits).

With its mixture of sexy men, celeb gossip, fashion and advice it was also one of the magazines that made we want to become a journo - it's just a shame that now I won't ever get to write for them, but I'll sign off with my very own 'Men Overheard' moment: 'Pucci - that's Gucci for dogs, right?'

More - you'll be much missed.

Monday 22 April 2013

Mulberry Mint

Doesn't the Duchess of Cambridge look lovely in her mint green Mulberry coat. Look closely and you'll see that the buttons are flower shaped - blooming marvellous or what?!

It's been a while since we've seen Kate out on public engagements, but she was back on fine form for the National Review of Queen's Scouts at Windsor castle on Sunday - her neat baby bump barely visible beneath the £1750 summer tweed coat.

I've pretty much fallen head over heels for the entire Mulberry S/S 13 collection - especially the accessories. Topping my lust list has to be the Willow tote. As far as I'm concerned it's pure genius. The envelope shaped front pocket unzips to become a clutch. Definitely fit for a princess - I wonder if we'll see one gracing the crook of Kate's arm any time soon?

Mulberry Willow Tote, £1500
Mulberry Cecily Shoulder Bag, £950
Mulberry Cecily Cuff, £150
Mulberry Envelope Wallet, £295

Saturday 20 April 2013

The Future's Bright...

The future's orange - well for the coming summer months at least, so prepare to be tangoed. If the prospect of head to toe orange fills you with the fear of looking more like an Oompa Loompa than as if you've just stepped off the Carolina Herrera S/S13 catwalk, why not just brighten-up your accessories?

As if their orange perspex clutch isn't enough, Zara have also produced a great orange shopper for £22.99 - and as soon as it's back in stock this baby is being added to my handbag collection.

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Seeing Double: Perspex Clutch Bags

The hottest handbag of the season? Well, if you ask me it has to be a perspex box clutch - but you can forget about having your phone, money, keys and any other unmentionables on display for the world to see, as they do tend to come with a fabric insert so the mysteries of a lady's bag remain just that - a mystery. And isn't that kind of like getting two bags for the price of one?

Well, you may have to tell yourself that over and over again if you opt for a Charlotte Olympia Pandora perspex clutch with spider clasp (£625). But here's a handy tip... although I love the orange version you can get the clear for £595 - and this one comes with 3 different inserts (leopard, linen and gold lame). Of course the other option is to hot foot it over to Zara where their neon perspex box clutch bags come in at £19.99.

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Spotted On: The Mindy Project

Following the love life/work life imbalance of a rom-com obsessed gynaecologist, The Mindy Project is fast  filling the E4 shaped hole left in my TV viewing since the reruns of Friends abruptly ended. In the 4th episode to be aired in the UK Mindy has to find the perfect Halloween costume to wow at a big party and somewhere amidst all the comedy suggestions made by nurse Morgan, I spotted Mindy wearing the Wildfox Couture Seeing Stars Lennon sweater (£208) beloved by the likes of Emma Watson, Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding, Jesse J, Ashlee Simpson - and the list goes on...



I love the grungy feel of this oversized, laddered knit, but if you're star gazing for a more affordable option,  check out Therapy's star placement sweater, reduced from £35 - £21 at House of Fraser. It gets 5 stars from me!


Sunday 14 April 2013

Pandora's Jewellery Box

I've got a feeling I've gone and opened a Pandora's box when it comes to charm bracelets. These things aren't half addictive! Already the proud owner of the Pandora gunmetal finish bracelet, I've given in to temptation and added a braided brown leather one to my growing collection, adorned with a green glass charm, teapot - and you can't have a teapot without a cute little tea cup to match. What do you think?


Friday 5 April 2013

Smoking Slippers

Relax - this season it's all about flats! Even Victoria Beckham has started to kick aside her stilettos in favour of comfy ballet pumps for the first time in years. Smoking slippers may have been around for a while now, but the quirky embroidered styles we're seeing this season really are enough to convert the most hardened devotee of high heels.

Bridging the gap between winter boots and summer sandals, Alexa Chung loves her Penelope Chilvers palm pumps - but there are loads of different designs around to let your feet do the talking and keep you walking. So, will you treat your feet to Alexander McQueen skulls or Del Toro martini glasses, Charlotte Olympia cats or Church's crowns?


Issa, Alexander McQueen, Church's, Charlotte Olympia
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