Exclusive: Hot New Designer ...

“It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” - Coco Chanel

It is not often that you step in to a home and over to the right of the front door is a show room, straight ahead is a studio and placed in the lounge sits a table filled with the some of the most creative, trendy and interesting jewellery that's come about.

Welcome to DaniLara ... A name that you may or may not be familiar with yet but will soon be a must, want and need to all.

Here DaniLara gives us an exclusive on how her business came about, where she gets her inspirations from and where the future lies ...

1. How did DaniLara start?

I have grown up with-in a creative family where making embroidered, knitted or crocheted items was part of my subconscious. Years ago, I started wearing the jewellery that I had made simply for myself. As time went on, I began to get so many compliments that then led on to orders and one customer turned into another and through word of mouth a mini business was grown.

I also developed certain skills in Couture embroidery, when I worked at Lesage in Paris. (Lesage not only create embroidery for all the couture houses but they are also now owned by Chanel) I realised that so many women are in need of a wardrobe revamp but don't necessarily have the funds to go out and buy a whole new outfit, therefore, with a few crystals, semi-precious stones and beading, a new look can be created.

2. Define your collection in three words ...

Fun

Dramatic

Elegant

3. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I live and breath what I do. Anything can trigger off an idea, from the entrance to a bar in Paris to leaves falling from the trees in my garden at home. I love antique markets; I buy vintage beads, buttons and Victorian embroidery and together with museums (my favourite being the V&A) these are just a touch on where I gather inspiration. At the end of a long day, I sit down in my studio, gather all my ideas, beads and brick-a-brak that I have collected and then see where my creative thoughts takes me.

4. Which designer jewels do you lust after?

Erickson Beamon's craftsmanship is amazing and so is Dori Csengeri (Israeli designer). Not forgetting to mention my love for YSL jewellery!

5. Where do you see your business in five years?

I would love to see DaniLara in all the major shops; Liberty's, Selfridges, even companies around the world like Fred Segal in LA and Le Bon Marche and Collette in Paris. I want my company to be established in it's own right.

So, you heard it here first. I'm predicting it won't be long until this emerging new talent is on the cover of Vogue! Get your orders in quick ladies ... This designer is set to cause a riot!

For every day or rare occasions, DaniLara’s bespoke embroidery, jewellery and accessories are highly personal and absolutely individual. If you have something in mind, she can create it.

Prices range from £15 to £300, with a typical necklace being around £30 - £45.

For more info - get in touch:
www.danilara.com
info@danilara.com
Tel: 07971 042 816

Lights, Camera, Fashion ...

NET - A - PORTER.COM
the Outnet.com MATCHES
ebay
ASOS.com

If someone asked me how I like to spend my days, the first word that would spring to mind is 'gardening' ... ermmmm ... just kidding, shopping was actually the preferred term I was looking for!

I love being out and about on the high-street, browsing the shops, soaking up the atmosphere, observing what your average trendy Londoner is wearing and most of all, purchasing the latest must-have item.

Having spent a year working for ASOS Life, I began to experience a different way of shopping ... online shopping. The browsing was still involved, the atmosphere was most certainly there, the trendy employees were the trendiest I've ever seen and the purchasing ... well, that goes without saying!

Previous to working at ASOS, I found buying online to be a huge commitment, as there has to be that element of trust and hope that the item you purchase will be suitable and you won't have to spend time (and often money) sending it back.

Having said that - I now make the majority of my purchases online and needless to say, I am one happy ecommerce user!

However, constantly browsing online, consequently leads to buying more online ... So, I have decided, in order to make myself feel less guilty about all the shopping I do, I have picked out my top five online shopping sites in the hope that you can enjoy (and buy from) them too ...

1. ASOS.com - call me biased, but it brings you the best of the high-street, up to the minute fashion, fabulous sales and hot models (woops, did I just say that last one out loud?!)

2. The Outnet - a fantastic concept that should have hit our screens years ago! They sell Louboutins at 60% off - enough said.

3. Matches.com - not only do they provide the latest designer must-haves, but Ruth's daily blogs are a must-read. Be it LFW, PFW or general every week fashion week, the pictures and blogs tell you all you need, in order to be in the know.

4. Net-A-Porter - a lust-have and must-have all rolled in to one. I think my wish list doubles in size each time I look on their site. Fave item at the mo ... Kenneth Jay Lane's topaz ball necklace ... mmmm ... how many days until my birthday?!

Last but by no means least ...

5. eBay - although most of the time I use the site for selling (which I am greatly appreciative for) every so often, an item will catch my eye that I have to have. I bid, I wait and then I hopefully purchase ... Good times.

Get brows/buy - ing!

xoxo

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

Given the opportunity, I can't help but have a little nosey in others' wardrobes. Not just because I want to see what fabulous purchases they have made recently ... but also because it gives me a little more insight in to who and what that person is about.

For example, there are those that like to hang everything up, then there are those who fish their way through the piles of clothes on the floor (you know who you are). There are those that have the labels on half their items and there are those that can't remember half the items they purchase. Whichever category you fall under ... There is one 'thing' you will all have in common and that 'thing' is that I will most definitely absolutely want to give your wardrobe the ultimate makeover!

Hi, my name's Sara and not only am I a shop-a-holic, but I am a tidy-a-holic too.

Be it my wardrobe, the fridge, others wardrobes or the stationery cupboard ... I like to tidy, further to that, I like to colour co-ordinate whilst tidying. So, I thought I would give you a little insight in to the wonderful world of my wardrobe ...

I keep my clothes in two places, one at my parent's house and one at my flat (both still look like I live there permanently!)

Part 1 of wardrobe space is the picture below ... Here's a little peek of my two fave dresses and the beginning of my shoe collection ...

Part 2 of wardrobe space is pictured below along with more of my shoe collection and a couple of ASOS goodies ...

Part 3 of wardrobe space is dedicated to my obsession with perfumes and not forgetting to mention my immaculate dressing table and accessories galore!

Care to share whats lurking in your wardrobe?!

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

xoxo

What Gives You The X Factor?

When Kylie Minogue said on the X Factor last night 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression' although it's not the first time I have heard this expression, this time round it got me thinking ...

Day in day out we meet new faces, some bring us opportunities, others bring us new friendships. Some can open the door, others can close it ... One way or another, the end result had to start somewhere and mostly that 'somewhere' starts with our appearance.

It is statistically proven that first impressions are based on the following:

10% is based on what you say
40% is based on how you conduct yourself
50% is based on what you are wearing

These figures may vary but they give you a vague idea of how first impressions are made.

As X Factor takes over our lives (or is that just me?!) year after year it still amazes me how they whittle the 12 finalists down from hundreds of thousands. Surely ones appearance has a major influence on this decision and who can be blamed for that? These days I don't think one needs a particularly outstanding voice as it has become more about the 'look.'

One of the variety of services I provide is a Personal Shopping experience. Be it for work or pleasure, many need a little helping hand when it comes to deciding what to wear. I am constantly telling my clients that in order to feel good, they need to look good and consequently, they are amazed at the new found confidence this brings.

Never underestimate the power of ones appearance ... It will get you noticed, allow you that first step in the door and ultimately, give you the X Factor!

Keep warm and stylish

xoxo

Designer Diva or High-Street Hottie?

Hands up those of you who have ever been guilty of buying something simply because of the label attached?

Thought so! FYI - I am certainly guilty of it too *blush*

Although I definitely fall under the category of being your high-street kinda gal, at the same time, if I'm going to spend money (and I mean real money) then I want to know what I am buying has a justifiable label attached.

However, a concept I fail to understand though is why people choose a designer label when the high-street version is better? Obviously this comes down to a matter of taste but I for one can't quite fathom someone paying ridiculous money when you can buy a much better version for less.

Take these L'Autre Chose leopard print ankle boots ... They are cool, not necessarily my taste, but at £340 I wouldn't be handing over the cc in a hurry. Whereas these ASOS leopard print booties (or should I say beauties) are a lot more trendy and an absolute steel at £45.

The same goes for this L'Wren Scott dress. It's chic, it's classic and it's also £1,775 ... Jeager are selling something similar for less than a quarter of the price at £350 (although now it has been reduced to £99 - score!)

Designer clothes, shoes and accessories are in a class of their own. They last longer, they fit better and when worn make you feel like a million dollars, so I can completely understand why people would choose to spend more. But what I want to know is... Do they spend that money JUST because it's designer or because they actually like the item?!

Something to ponder over during the weekend ...

Have a good one

xoxo

P.s. Here are some fashion highlights from Thursday night ... See if you can spot who the Designer Divas are or the High-Street Hotties!

Would You Wear The Same Outfit Twice?!

Can you wear the same outfit twice?

It's shock horror everywhere when a celeb is spotted 'recycling' an outfit - true? I guess in the wonderful world of fashion, parties and glitteratis, one must not only been seen in a different outfit each time they step out the door but also the latest one to hit the catwalk - I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Although ... saying that ... I for one have this whole 'thing' (and I use the word 'thing' because I'm not quite sure what to call it) but I have this 'thing' that on a night out I don't like to be seen in something I've worn before - empathise or criticise?!

Being a social butterfly (so I like to think), this can often mean purchasing a new outfit each time I head out - hmmm ...

So what are the rules? Well, here are the ones I try to live by ...

1. Stick with one key piece and team with several different items to create different looks.

2. Mix and match day clothes with night clothes so you get a variety of options.

3. Swap, lend or give (in the hope you will get back) clothes with friends, you will be surprised how different certain items look on one person to the next.

4. Invest in an handful of expensive items, but stick to high-street for the rest, therefore allowing your budget to stretch further.

This is a case of - DO try this at home!

If the rich and famous amongst us can do it ... So can we. All you need is a splash of imagination, a sprinkle of creativity and lots and lots of different friends! ;)

Have a stylish Thursday

xoxo

Wish List Wednesday

In my mind the week pans out as such ...

Monday + Tuesday = beginning of the working week (uch)
Thursday + Friday = beginning of the weekend (yay)

Therefore Wednesday deserves a title all on it's own and I have taken it upon myself to rename it:

Wish List Wednesday

as it doesn't quite signify either end of the week.

Let's be honest, Mondays and Tuesdays are spent catching up with emails, projects and clients ... Thursdays and Fridays are spent planning the events for the weekend ... So Wednesdays must now be a time when we make a list of all the precious purchases we wish to make and order by the time the weekend arrives!

Never one to hold back ... Here's my 'Wish List' for the week:

Hunter's gloss wellies - A necessity to every wardrobe. They are timeless, they keep you dry and are always so trendy. Team with a mini denim skirt and slouchy knit cardi.

Mulberry's Bayswater - it's croc, it's suede, it's emerald and it's oh-so gorgeous!

ASOS' sweat dress- it's reversible, it's versatile and it's adorable - Je T'aime!

Diane Von Furstenberg's sequin jacket - ticks all those trend boxes; sparkly, fitted, puff sleeves and designer *dreamy* oh and not forgetting, on sale from £525 to £258 (at Matches.com).

Now your turn ... What's on your wish list?!

Happy Purchasing

xoxo

Another Day, Another Car-Boot Sale ...

You never have to look too far for a great bargain ...

Sales on the high-street, vintage boutiques, Portobello market, trendy charity shops and car-boot sales, to name but a few.

As my alarm went off at 4.30 in the AM, all I could think about was hitting the dismiss button and falling back to sleep for another 5 hours ... alas ... I dragged myself out of bed, pulled on that reliable A+F hoody that always keeps me warm, grabbed my RayBan's in the hope the sun might make an appearance (woke up my oh-so wonderful bf who had offered his services) and loaded up the car.

It always amazes me the kind of people I meet when doing this sort of event ... There are those that won't pay a penny more than a £1, those that only want designer goodies, those that are uber trendy and come along to seek out some stylish clobber and those that know exactly what they are looking for in terms of arts and crafts.

Being a girl that loves to shop - I have to frequently clear out my wardrobe in order to make some space for the latest purchases. Therefore, car-boot sales are a regular occurrence. The extra money helps my shoe addiction and my wardrobe is grateful for the breathing space!

What's the latest bargain I've purchased? A gorgeous embellished sequin top from Beyond Retro - just £15!

I want to know where you seek out a good bargain ...

Care to share ... What's the best purchase you have made recently that doesn't involve a dent in the credit-card?!

Have a super trendy day ...

xoxo

Whose Got That Friday Feeling ... ?

For me Friday symbolises:

The end of the working week
The start of the weekend
Socialising
Hair washing
Pampering
Chilling
and reflecting ...

As I ate my granola cereal in Pret this morning, observing all the people walking by, it got me thinking ... How do we decide what to wear in the morning? How much impact does the weather have on our choice of outfit? Does our mood play a big role? Or perhaps our weight and state of mind?

Being a personal stylist, I put a lot of emphasis on appearances, as we all know first impressions are vital. It is so easy to reach for that 'reliable' black dress in the morning or those comfy jeans and sweater over a weekend (because we are SO not going to bump in to anyone on our errands, right?!)

My moto - always dress to impress! It makes you physically feel good, it makes you mentally feel good, it prepares you for the day ahead and after all ... you never know who and what might be waiting around the corner!

Here's a sneak preview of some outfits I've been rocking recently ...

Have a fab weekend

xoxo

(FYI, healthy eating has gone well this week, minus a few minstrels the other night - but that's by the by!)

The Big Apple Life ...

'Start spreading the news ...’

Back from my travels and I couldn't have timed it better ... I enjoyed the buzz leading up to New York Fashion Week and I'm enjoying the buzz of London Fashion Week now ... Leaving those flashing lights behind was not so hard after all!

In honour of NYFW, the shops stayed open until 11.00 PM. The drinks were flowing, the celebrities were strutting and everyone wanted to shop shop shop! My friends and I decided to party away in Diane Von Furstenberg, with a glass of champers I might add (ooh I say!)

Did I buy loads? Define loads! Unlike most, I didn’t leave for NY with a half empty suitcase. As I’m sure many of you fashionistas out there can appreciate, previous to my holiday I went out shopping for new outfits to wear whilst shopping for more outfits whilst away (woops!)

Even so, I still managed to fill a whole new case ... But all in all, my shopping habits don't change whilst I am abroad. You know the saying ... Make everyday a holiday!

TTFN

xoxo