Northern Fun and Frolics!

A girls weekend was in order and what better way to spend it than a trip to lovely Leeds to see my besties!

Having chilled most of Saturday, the day turned to night and it was time to get glammed-up, watch our weekly dose of X Factor and sip on some g+ts before hitting the town!

Once Stacey Solomon had finished the last note for the night - we were out the door and headed straight to a fabulous bar called Boutique.

One club, four bars and many drinks later, we decided to hit the hay - after all it was 4 in the AM and our tired dancing feet were in need of some well deserved rest.

Never one to miss a fashion opportunity, I kept my eyes peeled for any fabulously dressed Northern lasses and let me tell you, there were plenty. A mix of high-street, vintage, designer and ancient (I wore my grandma's chiffon blouse that still has the old school St Michael's label on) Everyone looked fabulous!

Here is just a sneak preview of some of the trendy, sparkly, creative and glamorous outfits I saw ...

Only five more days until the weekend ...

xoxo

'What happened to ageing gracefully? It got old!' (SATC)

As you may or may not know, I am an ever-so-slightly Sex and the City fan. I like to refer to the programme as my personal 'bible' in which I believe every woman (and some men) should live by. It teaches you about all sorts, but most of all it gives you an appreciation for friendship and fashion - two vital aspects in life.

As I watched the four girls the other night (as Miss Bradshaw would say) 'I got to thinking...' at what age does fashion become more about what 'suits' you and less about what's on the catwalk?

Let me explain ... Samantha and Carrie, women in their late thirties to early-forties, both with fabulous figures that more or less allows them to wear whatever, whenever, are often in outfits that are a whole-lot-of nothing, but to me they look fabulous, because they have the bodies (and the confidence) to pull it off.

As I tried so desperately the other night to persuade my mother to get rid of some of her 'less-fashionable' shoes, she pointed out that at her age, it becomes less about fashion and more about 'comfort' - surprisingly I disagreed. Don't get me wrong, there are some woman that I could never picture totting around in the likes of 5.5 inch heels (my mother being one) but on the other hand, there are some that do and look good!

Does age define what you wear or is it purely your state of mind, your figure and how you feel about what suits you? Someone once told me that 'once you are over forty you have to spend twice as much to look half as good,' I found this an interesting concept. Why is that? Does that rule out ever shopping in Primark again? (shock horror) Or does it mean you have to choose your clothes more wisely?

As Samantha says 'Who cares what you are, just enjoy it!'

I like to think that when I reach forty+ I will still be as fashionable (if not more fashionable) than I am now.

With age comes wisdom, with wisdom comes understanding, with understanding comes fashion and with fashion comes a whole lot of fabulous outfits!

Have a fabulous Friday all

xoxo

'If the shoe fits, wear it' (Proverb)

Today, I want to dedicate my blog to a true love ... They make me smile, they make me happy, they comfort me even on the dullest of days and they are always available to be loved back ... Yes, you've guessed it - Shoes!

It's like ... no matter what clothes I try on whilst shopping, shoes will always fit perfectly and ultimately always look good! Regardless if I set out to the shops for a particular item or if I'm just browsing - I will always find a pair of shoes that I just have-to-have.

SHOES - 'A shoe is an item of footwear evolved at first to protect the human foot and later, additionally, as an item of decoration in itself.' (Wikipedia)

I do believe that in a life-time, one will never be able to buy or wear all the shoes they wish to. There are just too many divine showpieces that one can only dream about owning and wearing. So ... as a dedication to the item that steals my heart each and every time, I have picked out my top-ten best pairs (for this week that is!)

As they say on X Factor 'in no particular order'...

1. Carvela's divine studded ankle boots (£150)

2. The ultimate killer-heel - YSL's tribute shoe (£503)

3. Topshop's peep-toe ankle boot (£90)

4. All 5.5 inches of pure Christian Louboutin (only £845)

5. So on-trend - Dune's over the knee tassel boot (£160)

6. Always a yes to Fendi's t-bar platform shoe (£490)

7. For pure comfort the infamous UGGs (£190)

8. Add that edge with Brian Atwood's suede pump (£430)

9. None other than Dorothy Perkins biker boot (£40)

10. For something a little different - Nicholas Kirkwood's sculptured shoes (£560)

So, there you have it - a total of £3,458 and that is only for a week and three days worth of shoes ... Hmmm, I've always wondered what the term high-maintenance actually means?!

From designer to high-street ... Every girl can dream.

xoxo

An Ode To Gok ...

As I watched my fave aunt Gok on HTLGN (How To Look Good Naked) last night, it got me thinking ...

Who decides what is perfect?

Perfect has been defined as 'conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type.' (English dictionary)

The 'ideal' type - what does that mean? Surely one should then go on to look-up the word ideal but then who knows if the ball would ever stop rolling?!

Personally, I know how I would define perfect and the majority of women I speak to feel the same. All you have to do is look at one of the hundreds and thousands of models there are in this world and categorise them as having the 'ideal body'. Their curves are in the right place, their stomachs are wash-board flat, their legs go as far as leg heaven and their features are all in proportion ...

Having said that, as I watched Sharon last night (the lady on HTLGN) I was in awe and couldn't get over just how wonderful she looked as she strutted her 'real' womanly curves down the catwalk in nothing but her bra and knickers!

It took a whole lot of Gok confidence to persuade Sharon to start looking at herself in a different light; a more positive and beautiful light that is but she got there in the end.

We've all heard of the expression 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' but surely confidence plays a major role too.

Perfect, ideal, beauty and confident ... What comes first and what comes last? Is it a catch twenty-two situation? Does one need to feel confident in order to be beautiful, or is one beautiful and as a result more confident?

I will leave you with that thought...

In the meantime - take a peek at the link below ... It's Sharon, a 52 year-old grandmother whose transformation is inspiring!

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/how-to-look-good-naked/4od#2973002

xoxo

Shopping Shopping Shopping ...

'Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping.'
(Bo Derek)

Oxford Street was a mass of shoppers, tourists, city employees and all sorts yesterday. I arrived in town at 10 AM and didn't stop shopping until 9.30 PM - surely that should set some form of world record, no?

In between two happy clients - I took some time out to walk around the shops and take note of all the fabulous items we need to start purchasing.

Here is my must-have list:

Taking inspiration from Burberry's leather lace-up platform biker boot (£550) I found an almost identical pair for a mere £70 in Miss Selfridge. I'd love to see these teamed with thick opaques, a mini pleated dress and leather j.

Spotted - Topshop's arm candy. A similar copy to Mui Mui's leather coffer bag (£705) but slightly cheaper at £65 and just as irresistible, don't you think?

It's accessories week and I couldn't help but notice Primark's statement necklace as it is not too dissimilar to Marni's showpiece. Just think, if you start saving all those 1p coins that are forgotten about around the house, after 400 of them, you can purchase Primark's necklace at £4 ... add a few more and you can then afford Marni's for £780!

Now on to my lust-have list:

It was love at first sight. Admittedly, I must have walked past these at least three times, just so I could have another stare ... Call me fickle but these have now replaced last Thursday's favourite shoes! These Brian Atwood leather ankle boots (£491) possess that quality that will ensure I revolve every outfit around them.

Love, love, love these Hermes bangles. They are colourful, different, chic and classy all in one. Although at £350 each, it will be a while until I possess all three!

This Camilla and Marc Elodi silk tiered dress (£344) caught my eye. It's so versatile and can easily be worn with bare legs and sky-high pumps or black opaques, ankle boots and a boyfriend blazer.

So, there you have it - my must-haves and my lust-haves ... Now all there is to do is dreeeeam and start saving!

Keep smiling

xoxo

Under My Umbrella

Monday Monday ... Doo, doo, doo du doo doo ...

The weekend has been and gone and Monday morning has made yet another appearance. Normally I'd let out a huge *sigh* - but not today, reason: I am taking two clients shopping, which also means I get to spend the whole day in town! Woo.

With a few hours to spare in between each consult, I shall be browsing the shops, picking out the latest must-haves, as well as getting the low-down (or fashion-down) on what all the trendy Londoners are strutting down Oxford Street in.

Rain, sun, sun, rain - the weather is about as indecisive as I am when choosing what to wear on a 'fat day' ... Therefore must one always be prepared and I have decided that this takes the form of the following:

Layers - best to dress in layers; vests, long sleeve tees, cardis and jackets.

Umbrella - when October arrives, this becomes a necessity to every hand-bag.

Water - always carry a bottle; it cools you down, it keeps you hydrated and it gives your skin a glow even on those rainy days.

SPF Cream - having worked part-time in a cosmetic surgery company, I was told by several members of staff that regardless of the weather, one must always (and I mean 365 days of the year always) wear SPF on their face - Who knew?!

Hat - ensure it's trendy, versatile and always kept in your bag - will keep those locks in tact and adds a bit of glam to your outfit.

Hope the sun shines for all, the day goes well for you and the shops are booming with fabulous purchases for me!

Same time tomorrow

xoxo

Fashionable Friday

Every Friday, regardless, there is a certain buzz in the air ... The working week has come to an end and the weekend has begun.

Over here at SSS (Sara Segal Styles) I never like to disappoint and being a lover of all things worth buying, I thought I'd give you a little taste of designer vs high-street ... Let's call it a mini Fashion Face-Off!

Whether you are saving up those pennies to splash out on some designer numbers, or looking for a high-street equivalent ... Here is the answer for all.

Outfit no.1 - Twenty8Twelve print dress (my-wardrobe.com) I've teamed this with a Stella McCartney wide quilted waist belt (net-a-porter.com) and Fendi's lizard print platform shoes (Browns). Total cost: £1,125

Outfit no.2 - I've teamed Topshop's lace inserted smock dress with Fiorelli's tripple buckle waist belt (USC) and Tan Jagger's platform shoes (Debenhams). Total cost: £106

Complete the look with these gorgeous lace chopin knee high socks (£8.95 - mytights.com) Oasis' dark drape front jacket (£160) and this fabulous French Connection embellished clutch (£80).

Two looks - two budgets - two fabulous outfits!

What will I be wearing this weekend? Hmmm ... Anything that goes with my new fave shoes I guess ...

Have a fab fashionable weekend all

xoxo

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