Style Saver.

First and foremost.

So we've made it.

2013.

The world didn't end, I managed to avoid putting on 16 stone in mulled wine weight and my festive period was just the right mix of relaxing and party filled. All in all I've had a pretty satisfactory start to the year of my lucky number. No, not 2013 - that's a bit obscure - 13 is my lucky number so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for bigger and better things coming my way.

I'm still on the job hunt and have now entered the last month of my inner city living. Having lived in the centre of Manchester almost constantly since I was 18 the extended move back home will feel a little suburban at first I'm sure but with access to a car I'm sure I'll not be away from it long.

And so we've come to that time of year again - the sales. Not one to ever bow out of such tantalising flurries of discounts I immediately looked at my favourite brands; and then teased myself with some others knowing full well that with my next wage slip out of reach I couldn't go anywhere near some things even at their sale prices!

I'm not one to brave the crowds, partly because I can think of nothing worse that trying to snatch the last scarf from under someones nose and partly because I enjoy the time with my family too much to give it up to angry shoppers and frustrating queues. So it's online for me!

First it was Zara:

I've needed a good pair of riding style boots for ages but never found quite the right pair for me. Well, it turns out if you chuck a load of studs at some leather that'll pretty much float my boat and as they were down to a jaw-dropping £40.00 it was a no-brainer really. I mean £40.00 for leather boots? C'mon!
(They're sold out now...sorry!)

I'd really like to be able to style these a little something like the lovely Annette Tang from The Versastyle (above) and not always plump for the safe ensemble of jeans, jersey top, statement necklace and parka so maybe a post on how many outfits I can pair them with will be up soon.

Then it was Vero Moda (via House of Fraser.)

I have a friend who every time I see her looks great. And every time I ask where that dress/shirt/jumper/skirt was from as I'd love a similar one/pair/seven the answer is almost always Vero Moda. How this brilliant gem of a brand has stayed off my radar for so long only serves to make me feel a little ashamed of myself for not giving it it's dues sooner.

But I have taken the plunge and made my first purchase - a beautiful silk-feel top with animal print sequin detailing on the sleeves. It's a great piece as it gives a day time outfit a glam punch or popped on tucked into a skater skirt and some killer heels and you've got a great bar outfit too.
It was £28.00 and is now a mere £14.00 but with limited stock you'd better snap yours up quickly! Here.

Then it was my-wardrobe.com.

Like the boots I have needed a good pair of black jeans...well, forever. I only own blue denim pairs which I love and wear religiously but it seemed time for a black pair to enter the fray and Michael Kors has sorted me out.

I love the zip detailing at the ankles and that all the metal work is gold. I'm much more a 'gold' person than a 'silver' one so these are just my dream pair. They fit like a glove, are the perfect length for flats or heels and, so far, have received a compliment from nearly everyone I've worn them in front of. Not bad for a week old pair of trousers.

They were £110.00 which is what you'd expect from premium brand jeans but they were down to £77.00 and with an extra 10% off on the particular day of purchase. These are now sold out too I'm afraid but my-wardrobe.com has a ton of similar pairs and today's an extra 25% off so get clicking.

Those are my three main joys this year but here are the others I've been taunting myself with. Enter Zara (again,) Michael Kors (again,) and Mulberry.

As you can tell I'm quite the animal print fan.

The boots were £79.99 and are now £49.99. The jumpsuit was £215.00 and is now £86.00 (but, thankfully, is no longer available in my size.) And those shoes...oh, those shoes...were £425.00 and are now a snip (ha!) at £255.00.

I've been after the Mulberry shoes for months now and am praying they are discounted again as, at the moment, all sizes are still in stock so they appear to be a bit of a niche item.

Here's hoping anyway!

On The Hunt.

I know it's been a while since my last post and you'd be forgiven for thinking I'd been caught up in festive hysteria which led to the abandoning of my blog but unfortunately that's not been the case.

The company I was manager for went into liquidation last week so, as of last Monday, I have been without a job.

I loved the company I worked for and I know my boss would have done everything in her power not to let the closing of the business happen but it couldn't be avoided and as a result I have been left on a major job hunt right before everyone's Christmas and New Year close down period.

Redundancy isn't new to me, I chose a career in a luxury sector - fashion; and while people have to continue to buy food no matter what the economic climate, they don't have to continue buying new clothes every month so I've been in this position before.

But this time it's hit me a little harder; I'm not sure if it's because it's just before Christmas, because I was so happy there or because it's called into question where I will be living in a matter of weeks (moving back to my family home is seeming increasingly likely) or a combination of all three but I've been feeling a little blue about it.

I've been on a strict regime of up early, shower, eat and crack on with job applications. No daytime TV for me!

I'd love to stay in sales but I've also got experience in buying, merchandising, product development and marketing so where I'll end up next is anybody's guess - and really quite exciting.

I'll keep you posted (excuse the non-intentional pun) but if the frequency of articles dips a little please forgive me - I will be back to full capacity in no time, I'm sure!

Now, where did I put that mince pie...?

On the Front Row.

Yesterday I received a very exciting email indeed.

I'm always very flattered when anyone, be it someone I know or a complete stranger, speaks to me about my blog. I am still a little overwhelmed that anyone, other than myself and my Mum, voluntarily takes time out of their day in order to read my stream of consciousness (Hi Mum!) But apparently they do and for this I will always be grateful.

As I said I find it very complimentary to receive messages about my blog and last night I got a lovely surprise in the form of an email from Front Row Society. FRS are a website and company with a difference. They work in a way that allows new artists and designers to submit their designs to the FRS team who then make them up into a style/collection and showcase them to the public. I love the idea behind this - it really feels as though the folk behind this site are doing their bit to help the economy along by keeping the designers and consumers firmly at the front of their minds. They even donate a percentage of every sale to the Ethical Fashion Forum. I mean, c'mon! These guys are ace!

In what I can only imagine was a bid on their part to have me faint with flattery they went on to say they'd seen my blog, loved it and are sending me a lovely scarf of my choice so a few clicks later I'd selected my favourite which should be winging its way to me any day now.

Here's just a few of the beautiful products available on their website and with a range of prices it looks like there may well be something for everyone.

neon clutch

kong fujon print

isaura scarf

acid print clutch

pretty lights scarf

fragments handbag

anna print

The prints, I'm sure you'll agree, are just fantastic and really original - nice to see at this time of year when the high street seems to be united in turning everyone's wardrobes into places that house dark, sombre colours and over-warm knitwear. And I think I'm more than a bit in love with the neon clutch.

Right, I'm off to chase the postman down the street to see if he has mine - as soon as I get it expect another post on these beauties.

A Royal Bump.

A huge congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the announcement of her pregnancy!

Before The Wedding I didn't class myself as really 'interested' in the royal family but since Prince William and Catherine tied the knot and old Queenie's celebrated her jubilee, with all the wonderful hoopla that went with it, I've found myself quite enamoured by them and this is just lovely news.

Here's wishing them a healthy, happy pregnancy and baby to follow.

Dial F For Festive.

So we've made it - November 30th is here which means tomorrow we all officially tip into the month of Santa and my weekend is looking to be suitably festive as a result.

Tomorrow afternoon I'm off to meet my family at the Christmas markets then heading back to my Ma's abode to help decorate and get in the spirit. I mean that literally - she and my Stepdad have a great gin selection.

You'll have noticed some time back that I mentioned the new man in my life and how the sudden love I felt for him almost knocked me over. Well he's become a bit of a Christmas problem. Alfie, my 5-month-old black cocker spaniel (and the man in question) is one of the most excitable things I've ever encountered so as a precaution my Mum has announced there won't be the main Christmas tree at hers this year as Alfie will no doubt try to climb it, eat it, become a decoration, use the decorations as chew toys, chase a cat up it, knock it over or any number of other Christmas crimes.

Some of the 'pre-puppy' Christmas decorations

So this year we are festooning the house with smaller decorations which will hang off door handles, stair rails, frames and fire places - basically anywhere a limber puppy can't get his mouth to.

And I have to admit, I quite like the idea. For some years now the Christmas tree in my apartment has been somewhat lack-lustre and no matter how many baubles and lights I try to stuff on it I just cannot disguise the fact that the branches are a little limp, the colour a little faded and its general demeanour just a little lacking in festive-goodness. So I'm copying. Not for puppy purposes but for my own aesthetic happiness - be gone, Foul Tree, you offend my senses and must be banished.

As a result of my decision I spent last night trawling my favourite websites comparing their festive line ups and picking out the pieces I intend to hang from cupboard handles, mirrors, frames and the living room chandelier. Yes, I have a chandelier in my living room because you know what? A bit of pomp and circumstance never hurt anyone!

So here's the run down:

Debenhams

M&S

Selfridges

I love the Debenhams sign, "Be Merry And Stay That Way." I think I'd find it impossible to see that every morning and not giggle to myself and I've always had a thing for owls so their offering of an owl vase thrills me somewhat.

M&S have a more traditional line-up but a couple of red-breasted robins hanging down from the edge of a mirror is sure to get anyone in the festive frame of mind and that crown tree topper intended for foliage would look equally good placed forefront on a shelf, I think.

Selfridges always have their line-up of iconic baubles and 'merry whatever' really tickled me - at £5.95 it isn't too expensive a laugh either. I also love the silver-plated mistletoe. Is there a chicer way to steal a kiss this Christmas?

But it's safe to say John Lewis have it all wrapped up this year. With pages and pages of decorations to get you in the spirit here's my favourite few:

All these decorations are available on the respective shop's websites so click on and have a shufty and I guarantee you won't be able to resist that Christmassy feeling creeping over you.

Have a great weekend!

Making A Statement.

As a firm believer in keeping your wardrobe current but not always for a premium rate I'm always on the qui vive for quick and easy sartorial updates to see me through changing seasons and a range of situations and one of my favourite ways to do this is with jewellery.

Over the years I have worked my way through various obsessions - anyone who knows me can vouch for the fact I own possibly hundreds of statement rings, earrings, bracelets, watches and even headdresses. But one I've really stuck with is statement necklaces. I can't get enough of them and I think they're the perfect way to add a pop of colour to a t-shirt or draw a favourite outfit into a new trend arena.

Here's my top 10 pieces that are currently available:

1: Gold bib | Nordstrom
2: Satin tie necklace | H&M

3. Mutli bead and chain necklace | maxandchloe.com
4. Grey chain and bow necklace | stelladot.com
5. Neon flash necklace | New Look
6. Yellow bead cluster necklace | modcloth.com

7. Multi peter pan bead and chain necklace | boohoo.com
8. Florets necklace | frockaholics.com
9. Multi stone necklace | jcrew.com
10. Leather ruffle bib | boticca.com

And just a few of my personal favourites...

Happy weekend all!

WINNERS!

Last night I had the honour of being invited by one of the labels I agent for to attend the Drapers Awards with them. Little Mistress are a brand I only started representing 5 months ago and their growth has been astounding.

Drapers are a huge influence in my industry so to be nominated for an award by them is a great achievement in itself but to go on and win is another level altogether. And that's exactly what Little Mistress went on to do - Young Fashion Brand Of The Year 2012. After being labelled 'the noisy tables' by Lauren Laverne for cheering for ourselves as the nominees were announced Myleene Klass then went on to proclaim the wonderful LM as winners and MD Mark and the team were quickly stage-bound to accept the award.

It's safe to say there was much more cheering all round and a lot of bubbles to continue the night with.

It was the first real black tie event I've really attended so I chose my most Bond-girl-esque dress and accessories to complete my look. And I loved it!

Ombre nails | Barry M
Shoes | Zara
Bag | Jimmy Choo
Dress (just seen) |ASOS 

Inside the event
Dessert
Name Card!

Twitter fame
Ridiculous chandelier
The Dress

At the beginning of the night the audience were encouraged to actively tweet using #drapersawards so off I went, tweeting away and shortly after noticed a big screen showing them all. Camera in hand I quickly got a shot of my tweet being beamed out. Ah, fame!

And I wasn't the only one tweeting about Little Mistress...

Here's the official winners picture from the night - couldn't be happier for them all. An amazing night, and even more amazing award.