Weaving Magic.

Well, I've not done this in a while. Through no other reason than I simply forget to document my outfits more often than I remember. I usually end up pyjama'd, in bed, and thinking, "Not so sure it will photograph as well now it's in a heap on the floor."

But today I remembered in time so I'm sharing my garms with you. Let me know what you think.

I'm extremely lucky that my job means I have access to styles up to 6 months before they hit the shops and while this sounds like a total dream I have learnt that the key is to exercise a degree of restraint and actually only focus on styles that suit my body type and will fill a gap in my wardrobe. And I think this dress and jacket do just that.

Both from VILA (the beautiful brand I work for), the dress is set to land next January and the jacket in February; which makes them sort of perfect to wear now while we're enjoying a bit of warmth. I have wanted a denim dress for as long as I can remember and this style actually comes with a skinny black belt to waist it if that's your taste. I'm more a loose and comfy gal when it comes to office clothing so I like to leave it un-belted and flowing. The jacket is an incredible tapestry-esque creation with a solid black back to stop the wearer looking like a carpet all over. It's light enough to wear now but will comfortably fit a knit underneath in those colder months so I'll get my wear out of it!

I know that they're quite irritatingly far away from retail-readiness but what is available now are my shoes. From high street legends Zara and in the sale. Unfortunately they've now sold out but very similar styles available here and here. I love those leopard ones.

My necklace is Topshop but a few months old now - similar here.

The ring is &Other Stories and is still available here and in the sale. Excellent, I've been wanting the gold version...

So that's me today. I'm off now to see my friend for pizza, wine and girl chat. Have a great evening, all!

I Heart Little Mistress. I.D.S.T.

You'll have noticed that recently I've mentioned the launch of several new brands at my agency in Manchester but I've never really bothered to name them.

I'm not usually one to love pics of myself but this weekend at Pure (fashion trade exhibition) in London one of the girls at one of my newest labels took a shot I actually like so I thought it only fair I give them credit.

The brand is Little Mistress who, incidentally, will be in Drapers tomorrow short listed as Young Fashion Brand Of The Year 2012. Couldn't be happier for them - they're an amazing label who are going from strength to strength.

And here's the shot...

The trousers are my absolute favourite printed pair - they've featured on the blog before; and so have the shoes.

But what you've not seen on here before is the gorgeous top from Little Mistress.

Black chiffon with beautiful gold beading round the neck and cuffs. I wasn't so sure of it on the hanger but as soon as I slipped it on I felt a million bucks. Teamed with my solid gold glitter nails and YSL ring this may be my new favourite outfit.

The top itself will be in stock later this month/early September - I'll try to remember to post a link when it's up. As their agent I have the lovely perk of having the sample to wear. Lucky me!

Special thanks to KK for the great shot.

Fashion Conscious

They've gone and done it again.

I don't know why I even shop anywhere else. Time and time again they have it in the bag. (And by 'it' I mean garments in exchange for my life savings.)

What am I referring to? H&M..and their new Concsious Collection - to be precise. An entire collection dedicated to making a better future for sustainable fashion - basically responsibly sourced products from responsibly run production lines. Refreshing, non?

I only popped in to buy my usual stock up of Basics tank tops before the summer begins and there it was. All laid out in front of me glistening (in my eyes) and urging me to come a little closer and 'just look.'

I didn't 'just look.' I never do.

A flurry of hangers, baskets and changing rooms later and I had newness. In a shiny plastic carrier, of course.

I strode home with that glow of 'I have fresh and exciting things to create looks around now' and quickly got to work.

I opted for the hot pink lace knee length pencil skirt and a pink, split to the thigh, silk-mix maxi skirt. I'm feeling pink of late - I like the way it looks when teamed with my heavy metal jewellery and, usually, Converse high tops.



At £14.99 this is a bargain..hence the second buy.



There is no online image of the maxi skirt (no idea why) so I will try and get a good shot uploaded this eve.

But for now here are my other favourites and what I'd buy if I had never ending pennies to chuck at sparkly, new garms.



Is it bad I want to wear these together...at the same time?!



Seriously. Most beautiful high street evening wear award goes to H&M.

These two are...oh, just delightful in person. I almost proposed to them when I saw them in store yesterday.

In fact I might visit them again this evening.

What do you think to the new collection? Rocking your world or your boat?

Cannot Take A Step Backwards: EMU

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of being invited to the press evening to preview Emu's A/W 12 clothing and shoe collection.

Now, as thrilled as I was, I have to admit prior to the event I knew relatively little about the brand as I'd always been smothered by popular culture into believing Ugg were the thing. In actual fact I only own one pair and those are for the truly frosty days Manchester can sometimes deal out. And when it's a 20 minute walk to work they are, at times, essential to ensuring I have feet at the end of the day.

Having now been to the press evening and viewed the array of product available from Emu I can happily say I am converted and don't ever want to look back.

Firstly I adore the brand name: Emu. The reasons behind it are all based around the characteristics of the bird but perhaps my favourite is that an Emu cannot take a step backwards so always remain moving forward. I think such a strong foundation line to a brand is essential and really reminds everyone what they're about: progression.

(A selection of the children's range of shoes. I don't know about you but I can certainly see Kingston Stefani rocking a pair of these!)

Obviously I had to ask the obligatory question: What makes your boots better than Ugg? And I was quickly answered. Anatomically correct insoles, rubber soles (very hard wearing - anyone who owns some Uggs will be familiar with the irritance associated with realising your soles no longer possess a crisp edge but a lazy worn away curve where the pressure's been on them), a moulded heel cup to stop that awful sideways slant you sometimes see people sporting, and brilliantly they are water resistant. I can vouch for this as the agent showing me the boots went on to pour a glass of water on the particular pair he had in hand and the moisture merely trickled off leaving not a mark. I was impressed.

I have to be honest...the typical ugg shape is not my favourite look for my feet so I was excited to see the huge variation Emu had to offer in terms of sheepskin lined lovelies. Biker boots, lace ups, moccasins and perhaps my favourite - the first fully sheepskin lined wellington boots on the market! Goodbye current Ugg boots, you are being replaced with these beauties as soon as I see the first leaves fall from the trees.

(If anyone's feeling generous I'm a size 6...in love with these!)

And in case the above wasn't enough to make you click onto Emu's site just wait until you hear the uber celebs who treasure theirs: Kate Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Courtney Cox, Alexa Chung, Louise Roe...I could go on.

I haven't even mentioned the accessories and clothing!

Fur gilets, leather jackets and knitted capes galore. I am in love. And I am counting down the days until I can get my paws on the beautiful ear muffs. I want them NOW!

It is safe to say I am already excited for this to hit stores and until it does I'll be clearing space in my wardrobe. Expect to see me in head to toe Emu come September. Delicious!