BANANAS...I.DIE - Rachel Zoe to launch her own fashion line

As some of you may know already, I am a Rachel Zoe fan. So of course I was pretty excited yesterday when I found out that her own line has been officially announced!

The name of the line is yet to be announced - some are speculating it will be one of her many catchphrases as featured in The Rachel Zoe Project - but is due to be released Autumn 2011.

The line will begin with clothes, shoes and accessories with the possibility of expanding into home decor.

If her personal style is anything to go by, her line will be a mix of glam 70s style clothes, maxi dresses, great jeans and amazing accessories - If you know anything about Zoe, you will know that that lady has an amazing eye for accessories and a jewellery collection to make you die of jealousy!

I am hoping that we will be able to get her line here in the UK. Can't wait to see the first previews of the collection!


Image sources - the fashion informer, and Celeb Tv .com

Freebie Jeebies

I love a good bargain, and the only thing I love more than a bargain is a freebie! So I was pretty chuffed when feeding my magazine addiction last week and two out of the three mags I bought had freebies!

First up Glamour had a free Benefit pencil (and there are three to collect!) I chose 'Bad Gal' as it was the one I was most likely to use (and I had recently almost bought for £14!!!!)

I used it for the first time today, and I LOVE it! Its really nice to use and gives a really nice even line. I will probably buy one when this runs out because I like it so much! It will be great if I'm in too much of a hurry to put full make-up on, I can still give my eyes a bit of 'oomph'

Second freebie last week was a Moschino Cheap & Chic shopper bag with InStyle, It is really cute and folds up nicely like my other shoppers so it's really handy.

A-Wear competition

A-Wear.com currently have a competition asking for people to put an outfit together in their online fitting room (details & link here)

If you win, you get the complete outfit!

Here is my attempt, inspired by Balmain's SS10 utility look -

Chain trim cowl neck top - £26

Utility pocket crop trouser - £25

Multi metallic bag - £20

Click here to buy complete look

Balmain image from the guilty Hyena

Lottie's Finishing School A is For....

I really don't like writing about me (I enjoy writing about my clothes but not about me!) But Lottie Loves is currently running a fabulous workshop trying to help us all embrace our fabulous side!

This blog post is my entry for the 1st part of the workshop - A is for Attitude...

 Whilst it probably sounds strange as I write my own blog (and therefore totally put myself out there) I have never really been a confident person. In fact, part of the reason I think I got into fashion so much is that it is more about the clothes and the outfits than about me. 

I have had problems with my self esteem and my body image since I was about 13 years old (I'm 26 now) and I have struggled on and off with depression and anxiety disorder over the years. (I wont bore you with the details!) It is only in the last few months that I have got back on my feet, and started to realise that I'm not the worthless person that I have told myself I was for years.

So here it goes...time to be positive about myself!

Style Steal - Billie Piper at Glamour's WOTY Awards

I feel as though it has been a while since I've done a style steal! (was all style stealed out after tackling all four of the SATC girls in four days!)

The Glamour Magazine Women of the Year awards has given me plenty of inspiration. Today's outfit was inspired by Billie Piper:

Black batwing lace dress, £25 - Desire Clothing
Heart locket necklace, £12 - Love hearts & Crosses 
Burnished metallic ring, £4  - ASOS 
Black & goldwrap around cuff, £10 - ASOS 
Chain layer necklace, £12.99 - Miso @ Republic
Black satin box clutch, £28 - Ben de Lisi @ Debenhams
'Tilly' Shoes, £35 - Linzi Shoes

*Images from sites of the stores mentioned, Image of Billie Piper from Look.co.uk

Loving this week...

Apologies for the delay in this 'Loving this week' post! (Due to unforeseen circumstances and I have only just caught up with myself!)

But here it is...

1. My New Blackberry - This week I did the unthinkable (for those of you who know me) I got a new phone! I am not really a gadget person (I love ipods but that's more down my music love rather than my love of technology) I am usually the type of person who has a phone until it dies (It breaks my heart when the little mobile with a face goes into a bag on that advert!) To give you an idea of how much I am not a phone person, my recent phone history goes like this - i got a new samsung phone when I was 18/19 and I had that until it died (when I was about 23), then I had a freebie Motorola of a friend who had a new upgrade so didn't need it anymore until my OH's parents got me a new one for Christmas (about 18 months ago) - So, now aged 26, I have ventured out and actively got a new phone - You see now why it is such a big thing?! I have had Blackberry envy for some time now and with my need for Internet usage on the go (as my blog progresses & my twitter addition rages on) I decided to bite the bullet - so I now have a shiny new Blackberry curve (yum yum!)
2. Muller rice - Me and the OH decided to become a bit healthier some time ago (we have sucked at it for the last week or so because personal things have made eating easy to grab stuff has been necessity and one thing that I most certainly enjoy is puddings...so I searched for something that I could eat that was sweet and not too fatty and discovered the wonders of Muller rice! It is my current favourite comfort food (it stops me binging on chocolate & satisfies my sweet tooth) Totally addicted to them!
3. Ribbon & Asher at Dorothy Perkins - I went shopping with my mum last week & Dottie P's had a sale on (so of course it would be rude not to...) And as they had 20% off EVERYTHING in store, I had a look at their jewellery and found a gorgeous 'Ribbon & Asher' ring. I was so spoilt for choice that it took all of my will not to buy one of everything! The broach pictured above (which I'm totally lusting after!) is £8.50
4. Karen Gillan - The Doctor's new assistant is my latest style crush. (She also has legs to die for but I wont hold that against her) She has been rocking the red carpets of late in some gorgeous outfits.
5. My new Matalan dress - another recent purchase (which I sported last Friday for 'Think Frock') and is my new favourite dress, and a bargain at £18! If you like it, get it quick before it sells out! 
6. 'Bad Science' by Ben Goldacre - for those of you who don't know, as well as a lover of fashion I am a closet geek, and I also like Science. This book is my current bed time reading. It examines Science and the need for evident and looks at the claims of certain health 'professionals'
7. 'Gypsy' - I am a sucker for old movies, and for musicals (they are my guilty pleasure) and 'Gypsy' the story of Gypsy Rose Lee, the burlesque star - is one I could watch over & over. I watched it again in my sick bed this week and it cheered me up no end. 
8. Alejandro - I have to admit that it took me a while to get into the phenomenon that is Lady GaGa. I have always appreciated her love of costume and fashion, but at first I just didn't get it...The last few months however I gave her a listen, and watched her videos on youtube and now I am a total convert! I was so excited to watch her new promo video this week for 'alejandro' and while some have been quick to dismiss it as a madonna rip off, I think that there are nods to her from someone who obviously admires madonna (I have been a bit of a madge fan since childhood as I was born in '83!) 

images from Dorothy Perkins, Mobile phone, Style List UK, Ciao, Google Images, & Matalan

Summer Wedding Outfit SOS!

First up, I have to dedicate this post to the lovely Natasha Bailie, who asked me on twitter last week if I did requests - I thought about it and decided I do! She requested a wedding outfit special & I waved my fashion fairy wand!
If you would like to request a particular theme for a post, or If you need fashion help or advice just contact me. 

If like me you are in your mid-twenties (OK I'm a little over mid, I'm 26) or older, you will have noticed a sharp increase of the amount of weddings you get invited to.

Whilst I love a good wedding, It can be a nightmare trying to decide what to wear. And when you ask other people there seems to be so many rules to what you can and can't wear!

I personally don't believe that the rules need to be followed so stringently these days, but I would advise to check for clues in your invite to help you choose what to wear. For example, if it mentions 'black tie' you know it is a more formal wedding. I would also pay attention to the location of the wedding, and the time of day you will be attending. Think carefully if you are going to be at the wedding all day, you don't want to end up with sore feet because you bought the highest heels you could find (we have all done it ladies!)

My red carpet picks

• Sex and the City 2 London premiere - 
• Cynthia Nixon wearing Narciso Rodriguez
• Kim Cattrall wearing vintage Thierry Mugler
• Kristin Davis wearing vintage Norman Norell
• Sarah Jessica Parker wearing Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy
• Karen Gillen wearing Louis Vuitton
• Emma Roberts

The SATC girls all looked fantastic again at the London premiere. SJPs hat certainly wowed the crowds! 
Emma Roberts also looked chic in nude tones, accenting with accessories.
My favourite outfit from the red carpet at the premiere though was Doctor Who's Karen Gillen, who looked amazing in a simple black Louis Vuitton dress and legs to die for!

•  Krysten Ritter at the LG Fashion Touch Launch Party LA
• Thandie Newton at the Louis Vuitton Maison Store opening, London
•  Paloma Faith at the Louis Vuitton Maison Store opening, London

 Krysten Ritter does glammed up florals, teamed up with more edgy shoes and simple hair.
Thandie Newton has obviously been reading my blog!  She opted for a bright yellow dress with the wow factor.
I always love Paloma Faith, her sense of style is amazing and unique and I wish I could wear the shoes that she does!

• Jessica Biel at the A-Team premeire, wearing Emilio Pucci dress and Sergio Rossi heels
• Rachel Bilson wearing Peter Som dress, Ferragamo clutch and Brian Atwood shoes
• Eva Longoria Parker wearing D&G blouse, Antonio Beradi pencil skirt and Brian Atwood shoes

With a body like Jessica Biel, I guess you could pretty much wear everything you wanted but she looks stunning in this white Emilio Pucci dress.
Rachel Bilson translates her daytime boho look into gorgeous evening wear.
And Eva looks very vintage in her gorgeous polka dot blouse (she has also been reading me blog!) and a pencil skirt, showing off her fabulous curves. 





Images from Look,  InStyle

Save yourself some money girls!

Wallis - Free delivery when you spend £30 or more before midnight tonight

Purple floral prom dress £50


ASOS - Free next day delivery on all orders until 6pm this evening

floral maxi dress - £55

The Body Shop - 

• 2 for £8 shower gels  
• 30% off when you buy 3 selected skin care or make up products
• Free delivery when you spend over £15
• 2 for £15 on body butter and scrubs
• Free cosmetic travel bag when you buy any 4 selected travel minis 

25% off at love thy bag with Look magazine -

Just click the link above to Look for the money off code! 

Burgundy velvet gold trimmed bag, £15.99 - Love thy bag 

Featured blogger - Lottie Loves...

I started this blog to give myself a creative outlet and something to focus on that was just for me. Since starting, I have found a wonderful community of other bloggers, who are passionate and inspiring. My blog would not be moving on the way it is without these fellow bloggers, so I have decided that once a month I will do a post dedicated to one of these fabulous people.

The first blog I decided to look is that of one of the first fellow bloggers I came across, Charlotte aka Lottie - Lottie Loves...

Summer Holiday Style #2 - My ultimate swimwear guide

I find that picking swimwear for a holiday is one of the harder choices when buying a holiday wardrobe. The key is to find the right swimsuit for your shape, and not just go for a particular style because it is in fashion. I also like to pick swimsuits that suit my own style, and choices that fit in with my holiday wardrobe.

Here are some pointers when picking a swimsuit:

• If you have a big bust -    
• When looking for a bikini it is a good idea to look for separates, especially if you have a big bust in comparison to the rest of you! I often find that I have to buy separates so that my bikini fits the way I want it to.
• Halternecks are a great style to go for, as they offer support and show off that cleavage!
• Look for structure in swimsuits, make sure that you will be supported - you don't want to 'pop out' at the beach/pool and you don't want to look droopy either!
• Avoid tiny triangle or bandeau style tops, these will not give bigger busted lady the support that she needs.

1. Spotty Bikini top, £30 and briefs, £15 - Zoggs at Bravissimo
2. Monroe Polka dot halter neck swimsuit, £45 - Panache at ASOS
3. Animal print halter neck top, £7 - F&F at Tesco
4 & 5 Paisley tankini top, £7 and briefs, £4 - Matalan
6 & 7 Floral bikini top, £10 and briefs £10 - Dorothy Perkins
8. Multi coloured bikini top, £18 and briefs, £12 - Debenhams
9. Sailor swimsuit, £64 - what Katie did at For luna
10. Floral print swimsuit, £29.50 - M&S

• If you have wide shoulders -
• Go for bikini bottoms that have print and colour in order to balance you out. 
• Wide shoulder straps, and square necklines are also best for those with a wider shoulder.
• Avoid plunging necklines and tiny bikini bottoms as this will give you a 'V' shape

1. Asymmetric one piece, £30 - Topshop
2 & 3 Blue Bikini top £12, and striped shorts £8 - Resort at Very
4. Aqua Couture Bikini, £12.99 - TKMaxx
5. Zebra bandeau top, £12 and Bottoms, £12 - ASOS
6. tropical pattern bandeau suit, £25 - BHS
7. floral swimsuit, £45 - Cath Kidston
8. Striped swimsuit, £12 - Peacocks
9. under wired tankini top, £32 - Figleaves
10. black and gold bandeau bikini, £25 - Miss Selfridge

• If you have a boyish figure -
• Opt for a one-piece swimsuit with cut out or belted detail at the waist, this will create the illusion of curves.
• When choosing bikini's - choose a cleavage enhancing halter bikini top, and high leg bikini bottoms or bottoms with detail at the hips (eg tie waits, ruffles)
• Avoid dark colours, boy shorts or bandeau tops.

1. Cubic printed Swimsuit, £25 - Limited edition at New Look
2 & 3. Graduated pad bikini top, £10 and loop side bikini briefs £7 - ASOS
4 & 5 Spot swimsuit top, £22 and bottoms, £20 - French connection
6. Animal print 'monokini', £20 - Next
7. Printed halter set, £12 - Peacocks
8. Cut out swimsuit, £15 - F&F at Tesco

9 & 10 50's floral vintage bikini top, £14 and bottoms £14 - Oasis

•  If you have short legs or short torso - 
•  Look for swimsuits that are cut high on the thigh, as this will elongate your legs.
• A plunging neckline will make your torso look longer.
• Avoid boy shorts and ruffle on bikini bottoms as they draw attention to your bottom half and make you look shorter.

 1. Wrap over swimsuit, £12 - F&F at Tesco
2 & 3 Triangle bikini top, £4 and brief £3 - Matalan
4. Gossip plunge swimsuit, £14.99 - TKMaxx
5. Zebra print V suit, £41 - American Apparel
6 & 7 2 pack bikini tops £12, and bottoms £8 - New Look
8. 2 in 1 reversible bikini, £25 -  Resort at Very
9. Smudge print tankini, £15 - Asda
10.  Reno bikini top, £8 and briefs, £6 - John Lewis

• If you are 'plus size' -
• Choose swimsuits which are darker in colour, with chevron stripes or with colour blocking
• Choose thicker straps that wont dig into your shoulder
• Choose a one-piece with built in support
• If you like pattern, choose a delicate pattern rather than something bold and too busy
• Avoid swimsuits that will not give you enough support, thin straps, loud prints, pastel colours and ruffles. 

1. Turquoise stripe tankini top £18, and shorts £12 - Evans
2. Red swimsuit, £30 - Simply be
3. Beach 2 Beach swimsuit, £36 - Fashion World
4. Tummy control body shaper swimsuit, £35 - M&S
5. Bikini set, £30 - Simply Yours
6. Joe Browns bikini set, £34 - Marisota
7. 2-in-1 under wired swimsuit, £39 - La redoute
8. Giraffe sun ray swimsuit, £30 - Ann Harvey
9. Tummy control side ruched swimsuit, £30 - John Lewis

•  If you have a Long body -
• Boy shorts will flatter your slim hips
• You can choose swimwear that has embellishments at the hips and bust
• Avoid vertical stripes, dark solid colours and high necklines 

1 & 2. Pistol Panties polka dot bikini top, £35 and bottoms £20 - John Lewis
3. Two tone swimsuit, £25 - American Apparel
4 & 5 Ditsy print bikini bandeau, £12 and boy shorts £8 - New Look
6. Printed moulded cup bikini set, £12 - Peacocks
7. One shoulder buckle detail swimsuit, £12 - Matalan
8. Blue frill detail swimsuit, £12 - F&F at Tesco
9. Pistol panties hounds tooth bikini £16.99 - TKMaxx

• If you have a small bust -
• Accentuate your bust with under wire, padding and bright prints paired with neutral or dark bottoms.
• Embellished tops are also great to draw the eye
• Halter ties will help create more cleavage
• Avoid bandeau tops and triangle bikinis without padding.

1. Eurofala bikini, £7.99  - TKMaxx
2 & 3 Poppy sling halter, £25 and short, £14 - La Senza
4. Cherry print balconette bikini, £15 - Boohoo
5 & 6 Gel enhancer moulded top, £7 and belted brief £4 - Matalan
7 Halterneck pleated swimsuit, £29.50 - M & S
8 & 9 block floral bikini top, £14 and metal detail plain pant, £14 - Oasis
10 Halterneck swimsuit, £35 - John Lewis

•  If you are a 'pear shape' ie bigger hips,thighs and bottom - 
• Accentuate your bust and shoulders with brightly coloured and embellished tops with plain, neutral or dark bottoms - this will draw attention up your body.
• Halter styles will balance out your shoulders and hips.
• Find a higher cut bottom to lengthen legs. With bikinis, go for adjustable bottom halves to avoid them digging into you and giving you the dreaded 'muffin tops'
• A tankini which comes halfway past your bottom will make your bottom look smaller.
• Choose a sheer sarong as a cover up as it is less bulky.
• Avoid - adding to your bottom half by trying to cover up your bottom half too much, skimpy bottoms, anything that digs into your skin, heavy print/bright bottoms and bottoms that are too low cut on the leg.

1 & 2 Tankini, £7 and tie bikini bottoms, £4 -  Tesco 
3. Leaf print crossover swimsuit, £15  - Matalan
4. 50's halter bikini top, £14 - New Look 
5. Side Tie bikini briefs, £14 Warehouse @ ASOS
6. Red halter swimsuit, £14 -  Very
7. Striped halterneck bikini top, £18 and ring hipster bikini bottoms, £12 - M&S
8. Bright Stripe cut out swimsuit, £30 - Warehouse
9. Print swimsuit, £12 - Peacocks