Miu Miu - so good they named it twice!

What a week ...

blogging, shopping, pouting, working, shopping, socialising, meetings and more shopping *phew* am I glad it's Friday!

As a conclusion of the working week, I feel the need to share a new found love of mine. When I say new, I don't mean brand new, more like a new found appreciation of just how wonderful these designs actually are.

My love affair started a couple of years ago; as I walked through Selfridges something caught my eye, it was like a gravity pulling me towards it, I just had to see more. So I slowly made my way to where it was positioned. I picked it up, I stroked it, I smiled at it and I even posed with it - so many outfits rushing through my mind as I pictured exactly what I would wear this item with. But it was only when the sales assistant politely told me that my new love will cost me close to £1000 - like a kid in a candy store with too many fillings, I had to put the item down and step away from the counter (with great reluctance I might add!)

Without further ado, let me introduce you to Miu Miu - so good they named it twice!

Miu Miu opened in 1992 under the same designer as Prada and is in fact taken from Miuccia Prada's nickname (how cool!)

So for Friday's fix, let me share with you a top-to-toe look put together by me from Miu Miu's latest collection... Start saving ladies, this outfit is one to invest in.

1. Dress - this bustier mini is divine and can be worn day to night. (£711)

2. Socks - bringing out the mag-pie in me, I had to pick out these gorgeous embellished knee-high socks. (£262)

3. Shoes - never one to say no to a pair of heels, these studded boots will work fabulously well with any outfit. (525)

4. Glasses - whatever the weather, these can always be worn - if Audrey Hepburn can do it, why can't we? (118)

5. Bag - complete the look with this arm candy. Black, studded, leather and huge - a perfect combo for a perfect tote! (£891)

As Miuccia Prada once said, "The idea is showing beautiful objects you put together ... "

Have a fashionable and fun weekend all

xoxo

When I die, I want to go to Vogue (David Bailey)

Having weighed up the pros and cons and after much deliberation, I have decided to put my fashion styling career to one side and take up ... Modelling. Yes, that's right ... Ladies and well, Ladies ... You are now looking at the face of Vogue!

Yesterday morning, I took myself off bright and early to The Light Room studios in order to have a few photos taken for my portfolio. I was told to bring along 3-4 outfits, have clean hair and a fresh face, which was make-up free *cringe* Trying so desperately to dodge anyone I might vaguely know on the Jubilee line, I made my way to the studios and began my morning's work.

Shortly after I arrived, I had a consultation with a very friendly young man, who then whipped me off to the hair and make-up studio. Some blusher was applied and I began to look semi-normal again. Once my hair and make-up were complete, I was introduced to a lovely lady called Sally, who I was told would be taking my photos. Having been a model in the past, Sally knew the exact poses I should be making - so under instructions, I pouted, I posed and I smiled and before I knew it, 40 minutes had flown by and it was time to step out of my model-esque role and become well, me again!

I had a fab morning and met some great people, but no fear everyone - although I could easily allow someone to do my hair and make-up on a daily basis, as well as get my Moss-on regularly, I'm not quite ready to hang up my styling shoes just yet!

Same time tomorrow - Ping me
(heard someone say that yesterday and just thought ...
that is so NOW!)

P.s. Keep an eye out for November's issue of Vogue ...
you never know ;)

And so the shopping continues ...

It's Wednesday and this means:

• Only three more days until the weekend

• The Secret Millionaire is on tonight - tissues at the ready

• It's time to make a 'Wish List' (after all, why change the habit of a life-time?!)

Shock horror - my wish list has doubled in size since last Wednesday and it seems for every purchase I make, there are three more that replace it's position! Grrrr.

So, as to not waste any more time, here are my top five must-haves/lust-haves for this week ...

1. This gorgeous ruffled dress gives a flamenco/party girl glamour. Team with black opaques, ankle boots and a leather j for an Alexa Chung-esque look. (goddiva.co.uk)

2. Love the style of this zip tunic. It's so different and can be easily worn day to night. Thank you Olivia Rubin - a capsule piece to take us through to SS10. (my-wardrobe.com)

3. Having whittled it down to just one pair of shoes for this week *boohoo* I have picked these fabulous Salvatore Ferragamo platforms. When these are south of your ankles, who cares what the rest of the outfit looks like! (luisaviaroma.com)

4. Work, rest or play - make a statement with this vintage inspired ring. (Miss Selfridge)

5. There is nothing like a little splash of Lulu Guinness in one's life. This bag is deliciously fun and makes a fab evening piece. (luluguiness.com)

So, there you have it - my top five items for this week.

I saw a person tweet today that is 'only 69 more shopping days until Christmas.' Hellooo readers, what are you waiting for? You have my wish list - get shopping!

Size 12 in clothes - Size 39 in shoes - Love you

xoxo

F.A.M.E

'What a heavy burden is a name that has become too famous' (Voltaire)

As I settled in to bed last night with season two/part two of Gossip Girl - I couldn't contain my excitement. The clothes, the characters, the houses, the life-style not to mention the gossip ... All so glitzy and glamorous - who wouldn't want that?

The typical life of the rich and famous - we all love reading about them in the magazines, watching them on the TV programmes and hearing about them on the radio. We surround ourselves by the good, the bad and the ugly and yet they all have one thing in common - Fame.

As I watched my latest crush since SATC (that being Gossip Girl) it got me thinking ... FAME - at what cost would a person want this?

Ultimately, all we really want is a quiet life (not a boring life - just a drama-free one). Don't get me wrong ... I am extremely career driven, I have goals and aspirations - I have dreams and hopes - I want to be the best at what I do and I want to be known purely for what I do best but would I sacrifice the life I have now for that of a famous person? I'm not so sure I would.

When one signs themselves up for fame are they allowing the media the entrance to both their positive and negative aspects? Is this inevitable? When certain celebrities are scrutinized by paparazzi are we supposed to feel sorry for them or simply succumb to the fact that this is the price of stardom?

Would you want to be famous? If so, at what cost?

'You are nobody until you're talked about' (Gossip Girl)

Something to think about on this c-c-cold winters day.

xoxo

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