Luxurious Legs

Let's face it. This summer has been overwhelmingly underwhelming weather-wise for us all. I think it's the first summer I can ever remember where it's actually been this bad - I know we complain every year (what do we expect, sudden Mediterranean climate behaviour?) but this year has really taken the (soggy, rain drenched) biscuit.

I've mourned my inability to bring some of my favourite summer dresses out from storage and dealt with it the way any sane fashion obsessed girl would. By wrapping myself in a fur throw, stropping onto my (cold) balcony and drinking red wine with The September Issue in hand. Don't judge me - you know you've done a variation!

Now my mourning period is over I've decided to look to the future and just on the horizon I can see my shiny new Autumn/Winter wardrobe glistening; tempting me with it's chunky knits and metallic skirts (thank you for the inspiration Mulberry!)

I always feel, however, that with a good A/W outfit there's a key area of the body not being viewed in quite the same sartorially important way. The legs. Brilliantly my idol, Mary Portas, has come up with a fashion appropriate solution.

Introducing Mary and Charnos:

With a huge range to chose from available in House of Fraser and online through the Charnos site here (site links to online retailers) there's really no excuse why we can't all have perfect pins all the way through the darker months.

I'm particularly loving the indigo sheer spot pair teamed with a nice collar detail dress and heels for a trusty work- to -bar look.

Can't wait to get mine!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Just now as I logged into my blogspot backdoor it suddenly hit me just how long it's been since I last wrote.

Too long. This is mainly because my beloved little netbook (named Lovely) finally gave up the ghost about 2 weeks ago and until I replace her my access to the internet is somewhat limited. Happily I have a friend who works for Toshiba and is hooking me up with a shiny new girl so soon all blogging capacity will be restored.

About 3 weeks ago I was very kindly invited to Matalan's A/W preview day in a very slick hotel in Covent Garden in London. It was a strange feeling - looking at Christmas samples in mid July; and it turned out to be an absolutely sweltering day in The City which only added to the slightly surreal feeling of it all!

That said I had an absolutely fantastic time and I think it's safe to say most of my wages from here until the party season is over are spoken for. I want everything from the metal toe capped brogues to the slightly ethereal looking digital print tshirts and jackets.

And the price point is incredible. Shoes for £16 - PU Leather jackets with stud detailing for £35. I almost had to rub my eyes and check I didn't need to make a Specsavers appointment.

Matalan have really pushed the boat out this season and seem to have most of the major A/W trends stitched up for us. (Pun sort of intended...) The colour palette is rich and luxurious while the fabrics used echo those we saw on the catwalks all those months ago - plush brocades, expensive looking sequin detailing, grunge-chic tassles. I cannot say enough positive things about this collection.

Even the homeware was stunning - I've already briefed my housemate on the gold rimmed wine glasses. they will be mine.

I think my favourite bits have to be the following though. The fabric of the crop top is completely beautiful in person ad will look fantastic with a black high waisted maxi skirt I scooped up in the Mango sales recently. Not to mention the special space I've already made in my wardrobe for those cobalt blue animal print Chelsea boots. In faux pony hair they really look so expensive so when I found out they were £16 I nearly fell over.

The whole preview was set out beautifully so I'll leave you with a few shots and simply say...bring on the eggnog!

Sister Sister

Last week Yellowdoor very kindly invited me in to see the new A/W '12 collection of Tula bags and accessories available nationwide in John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenhams.


Tula, if you've not heard of them before, are Radley's little sister range - beautiful leather pieces with more of a design edge for very reasonable prices.


I'm a real fan of organisation and Tula have made it all too easy; with stunning purses, document holders and phone cases I simply can't wait to get hold of these.


Here's a few of my favourite pieces:

I've been playing the do I/don't I game with whether to get an iPad but now I've seen Tula's red alligator cover it may be a done deal - that case is pure beauty!


I also adore the little clutch bags - in gold, silver and traditional crocodile print there's one for every outfit and I want them all.


I can't tell you how lovely these all were in person so get yourselves down to a stockist and have a look. It's impossible not to get your bank card out once you've seen them.

Spiked Revelation

Apologies for the absence.

A myriad of issues has had me away from my blog for just over a week (laptop broke, launched another new label at work, been away working etc. etc.) but I'm starting to get a clearer view and should be up to full capacity again in no time.


Happily the fog has lifted somewhat (from my head) to allow me a small amount of browsing time. And thank goodness it did because LOOK what I stumbled across on the Zara New Collection section.

At only £49.99 I'm hoping and praying these stick around until pay day because I have a MILLION outfits they'd finish off perfectly.


Keep everything crossed for me!

Evil Eyes

Apart from my clear obsession with all things fashion I also have quite the penchant for beauty products. Makeup to be more specific. (My makeup bag is more a small travel case...) And one of the brands I adore for their vast colour palette is MAC.

Just when you thought they couldn't have any more of a detailed range they go and announce this:

A limited edition collection launching in store in August.

In 2010 MAC did a similar Disney Villains collection that was so successful they've decided to do it again. This time with more characters. 

Featuring those well-known villains Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians), Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Mother Gothel (Tangled), Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty) and the Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland) this collection looks set to cover every girls needs.

We all remember these characters when we were children - mostly terrifying us - but I distinctly remember being mesmerised by Ursula's eyeshadow and the Evil Queen's nails and as soon as I learned of this collab I could feel my childhood fascination stirring once more.

Now that I realise, from an adult perspective, these women weren't totally evil - more misunderstood divas - I can totally get on board with their makeup routines! I mean just look at the Maleficent range. I defy any girl not to swoon a little.

With everything from lip glosses, to eye shadows to nail colour I will be beside myself with excitement until I get hold of some of these. And once I do expect another post.

Happy Monday!

Just Cos...

This morning as I perused my usual sites I noticed a link to a sale at Cos.

Now I know the stores have been in sale for a week or two now but I thought it still important that I draw your attention to some of the fantastic pieces that have been discounted by them.

I've been a fan of Cos for a while now - ever since a friend of mine turned up in perfectly tailored clothing. "Cos!" she said with excitement. And that was that; a love story was born.

After a good hour sifting through their offers I have picked a few of my favourites.

What do you think?

I think Cos have it right. Clean lines, classic tailoring and all they need is a hint of this seasons colour palette and they're easily one of the best shops on the high street for keeping your look up to date and stylish.

I'll definitely be ordering some of these over the weekend - not all, mind, as then it's not really a sale if it ends with me in the red...

Shop the sale here

Happy Feet

Mary. My idol. My mentor. My style inspiration (have you seen her Mawi jewellery collection?!) And one day? Hopefully my boss!

Yes, Portas has done it again - gone and brought out another shoe collection that will see me hot footing it (excuse the pun) to Clarks this weekend.

Just in time for the rising temperatures these beauties have landed in store:

My personal favourite is the wedge at the top and upon further research I found this is actually available in not one but two colours. Lucky us!

The vibrant yellow is perfect to add a twist of cool to a relaxed weekend look and the lilac paired with some DVF and MJ and you're bar ready, don't you agree?

Left:

Top | DVF
Trousers | Jitrois
Necklace |agacistore.com
Bag | Marc Jacobs
Shoes | Mary Portas for Clarks

Right:

Top | John Lewis
Jeans | AG Adriano Goldshmeid
Ring |YSL
Bag | Mulberry
Shoes | Mary Portas for Clarks

Of course it's also festival season so I thought it only fair I show some festival looks with the stunning sandals involved.

Left:

Dress | Jane Norman
Headdress |River Island
Bag | Oasis
Shoes | Mary Portas for Clarks

Right:

Top | Miss Selfridge
Shorts | jades24.com
Bag | Rafe New York
Shoes | Mary Portas for Clarks

The former is infinitely more likely for me as I have no time to attend any festivals this summer. So a Sazerac with a side of DVF  it is!