The Bum-Bag Is Back

And on my Christmas list!
Sciatica is not a pretty word and I don't like it following me around. After years of lugging an overweight, oversized bag around, my self inflicted back pain is screaming at me to give it a break. So my New Years resolution is to ditch the enormous handbag once in a while and sport a rather chic bum-bag. This quilted, black one from Topshop will do just the trick and it's at the top of my Christmas list. Enough room for camera, blackberry, money and lippy, check! Plus the added bonus of keeping my hands free to carry more shopping! Yippee!
BBx

My Christmas Shopping Top Tips

Yes yes, we've seen in the news that this week is going to be crazy busy with online shopping. So many of us have little time to shop around for the perfect gifts. But I say that its all part of the festivities. I love the feeling of handing over my money knowing that a special someone will just love my pressie. So, here are my top tips for enjoyable, stress free Christmas shopping...

• Over a glass of wine, surf the internet to look at what your local retailers are stocking this winter. Compare prices and wise up on their returns policy. This will save on wasted browsing time and keep you from holding up the queue by asking 20 questions.

• Set a budget per person...and stick to it, unless you're rolling in money this will reduce the risk of over spending. Many a time have I spent January eating baked  beans due to getting carried away at the till point.

• Think about transport. If you're doing it all in one hit, I advise you to drive in to town and plan a trip back to the car before lunch. That way you can unload, give your sore fingers a rest and have an enjoyable lunch. If you're walking or using public transport, perhaps plan a couple of trips or get a friend or family member to help. However, don't drag your husband/boyfriend around, even if they don't say, they hate it and will only rush you.

• Get to town before the shops open, park your bottom in Starbucks with a festive hot drink and plan your route. Where will you start and where will you end? You don't want to be flapping back and forth in a fluster. Clever you, beating the rush by being there early, don't be ashamed! Queuing outside the shop for the launch of sale on Boxing Day is shameful!! Don't do it! Stay with your family, that's what Christmas is for, sale will still be there on the 27th.

• When hunger strikes, have a light lunch to avoid that sluggish feeling, of course accompanied by your favourite tipple (one glass...well maybe two).

• Over lunch, tick off your list and plan the rest of your day. Have you overspent? If so, return it now or you never will!

• Pop round your last few destinations, keeping an eye out for a little treat for yourself. Well, you have done so well! Only a little one mind.

• Now home you go to hide all your wonderful gifts. To avoid prying eyes, hide them at a friends house, mine have never been rumbled yet!

• If you've forgotten anything, order online. BUT ensure the website is legit! Some websites have been closed down recently for fraud, but there are still thousands out there. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

So, off you pop! If you haven't done it yet...GO! Happy spending!


BBx

Tracksuit Trousers - Hugely Debatable!

Right, this is a topic that has intrigued me, infuriated me and also astonished me. A so called "look" appeared in the UK around a year ago. It's the "I wear tracksuit bottoms, tucked into fake Ugg boots that sag at the bottom and scuff when I walk, with a hoodie, fake Fendi Spy bag and scabby, un-brushed hair" look. Apparently this look is preppy. But frankly it looks lazy, messy and as if you haven't had a shower in a week. With much relief it seems to be fading but there are still girls walking around like this. If this is you, stop it! You look awful!
Now, on the other hand...Vogue did an article on the new way to wear the tracksuit trouser and this look is fabulous!

 

I hope they don't mind me posting this page but it demonstrates a great way to wear sweatpants without looking like you're:

• A. Going to the gym.
• B. Following the weird fake Ugg boot trend.
• C. Couldn't be bothered to change out of your PJs.

So the rules for a successful tracksuit trouser ensemble are as follows:

• Wear with a heel, no exception. Blogger Garance Dore comments "Without heels, I look like I'm en route to my hip-hop class".
• Wear low-waisted and slouchy.
• Choose a tapered leg.
• Look for a drawstring waist and deep pockets. 

Vogue writer, Sarah Harris also advises that this trouser requires a tailored element, so should be worn with a crisp trench coat, a long-line blazer, a sleeveless jacket or a cropped tux.

Practice this look in private until perfected to avoid looking so, so wrong. I think I will be debating trackie trousers for a while, probably giving in and wearing nothing but. However, you will never see me leave the house looking like a casual retailer has just thrown up on me...I will look tailored, chic, smart and sophisticated. And if you're going to try this look, so should you. 
End of rant.
BBx

Top 5 Tips For Scoop-Back Splendour

1. Nipple Covers

   If you are a smaller busted lady go bra-less, but avoid poking someone's eye out and cover your nips. By far the best nipple covers around are the Nippies Nipple pasties available at Love Honey. They are used by celebrities and come in an array of shapes and colours. From animal print hearts to glittering night fever stars. Watch the video on how to apply.
   
   

2. D+ Perk-Ups

   If you're a lucky D+ the perfect solution is the Faveo Freedom Bra. It is adjustable, supportive, backless, strapless and best of all it keeps your breast friends perky yet comfy. This fabulous "bra" is available online at faveo.co.uk. The website provides instructions, size guide, testimonials and even a demo of a lady jumping around - boobs in tact.
   
   

3. Supreme Glamour

   For ultimate sparkle + added support try the beautiful Splendour Diamante Strapless Bra. The strap on the back is a piece of statement jewellery in its own right. Who wouldn't want to show this bra!?
   
   

4. Daytime Scoop-Back

   For the day, a low scoop-back can be a little racy. Maintain modesty with a pretty cami underneath. Then whip it off when the sun goes to bed.
   
   

5. Finishing Touches

   Ensure you remove your day bra at least 2 hours before your back debut to avoid any unsightly red lines. Get a fake tan to even out any evidence of too much sun worship. Lastly, slap on a shimmering body lotion with pearly bits to make your back look super sumptuous.
   
   

Follow these top tips and you will always look sexy in the Scoop-Back.
BB x

Animal Print – But For How Long?

Well it's nothing new! A trend that comes around year after year, in fact it never goes away, it was huge for S/S 09 and it's even bigger for A/W. So what's different this time? It's now merging with other trends. You can mix animal print with Goth, Punk, Vintage even Parisian. You can wear it with just about anything.

You're an animal!

Mix trends. Animal, Goth, Dogstooth...

But I do ask...after we have crammed our wardrobes for years with all this fabulous gear...will it suddenly be out of fashion? All I can say is when the time comes...keep it, box it up and pop it at the back of your wardrobe. It's bound to come back, you'll save a fortune next time round. But for now wear with pride.

BB

x

This Is What Dreams Are Made Of!!

Err...WOW!!! If I had one wish in the world...!
Just look at it, it's absolutely amazing.



If you look through the amethyst on the top of the ring it actually has a carved intaglio of a rose encased in the amethyst.
Its 24 carat gold with white, yellow and blue diamonds.
But it has a secret, through the intricate cut out panels there are small white pearls sitting loose beneath the amethyst. It's just incredible.

And it's only £19,320.00. A bargain!

If you are reading this, are filthy rich, very generous and want to make a poor blogger extremely happy...just go to BrownsFashion.com and pop it in the post. Ta!
BBx

Trend Tracker - Velvet Va Va Voom

Yep it's back! Big time!
It's luxurious, sexy and seductive. Back in the day, if you wore velvet it showed your wealth, and something makes me think that this is still the way...on a much smaller scale. In these hard times a little velvet makes us feel like royalty. It helps us forget the recession, put on our heels and have a little fun.
BB x

P.S I don't care what people say, you can mix velvet and suede. Accessorize with suede by all means...but not in the same colour or shade.

Mini Trend - The Scoop Back Dress

What a blessing for the smaller busted among us! A way to look super sexy without having to stuff our bras and beg our breasts to look bigger. In fact...go bra-less! There is something very sensual about having a bare back. The scoop back dress seems to be very apparent on the high street, so if you're struggling to find an outfit for that fabulous Christmas party..well then this dress could be your fairy godmother. To incorporate another trend, why not go for a sequin option and team with chunky heels. If you need to wear something underneath, wear something funky like this purple boob tube.

If you don't want to bare your legs try a velvet dress and sequin leggings or lace tights, mix those textures up, tres chic.

It's a racy look so my advice to you is..don't wear it to meet the in-laws this Christmas.

BB x


For tips on how to wear The Scoop-Back click here or visit The Tip List. x

The Hectic Hat Hunt

Every year I buy a hat, don't wear it and then next winter wonder why I don't have a hat on! Bonkers! I bet this happens to a lot of you. Some of us try so hard to wear a hat and for some reason we fail miserably. Some of my friends look awesome in hats but whenever I put one on I seem to look like a boiled egg trying to keep warm . What's so wrong with my head that it can't look good in a hat?

So, off I go...again...on a questionable search for a hat that will not only look fabulous, it will improve me as a human being and I will become part of the happy hat wearing elite. Everywhere I went! I tried on beanies, bakerboys, trilbies, chullos, bobble hats....and nope. Red, green, blue, pink, orange, brown, black, purple, animal print, sequined, beaded....and nope!

I almost bought one but thought will I really wear it? Or will it only sit sadly amongst all the other unworn head attire?...then it dawned on me....

What have I been raving about for quite sometime?...what do I wear everyday?...what do I NEVER leave the house without?....My SNOOD!! And what is the whole point of the snood? The fact that it doubles up as a hood. I've already had my "hat" all along, right under my nose and it looks brilliant. BB x

Lovely Lovely Snoods

Exactly what it says on the tin!

If You Do One Thing - Pop To Wallis

Wallis have a fantastic A/W range. Think sparkle, pearls, sequins and diamonds. Yasmin Le Bon has created the YLB collection for Wallis, however it's their own collection that stands out.

Their accessories selection is wonderful. The jewellery is spectacular and the bags are to die for! To top it all, the staff are smiley and friendly. Go in for a mooch, I bet you don't leave empty handed.

BB x

Looklet.com - Stylish Fun and Games

What fun! Kind of like Shopstyle in the way that you can create looks using items on their website. However, you can actually create a look on a virtual model. You just click the items you like and they upload onto the model so you can see how it all works together. Awesome!
You can spend hours creating looks and styling these wonderful creatures. The only downside is when you click an item it doesn't give you much info about it. The Shopstyle website gives you full description, price, fabric mixes, washing instructions and a quick link straight to the website where you can purchase. Looklet on the other hand only gives the website link.
Don't get me wrong, the two websites have similarities but are very different in their own right. Looklet is a fashion styling website for the creative fashionistas amongst us that allows you to access the source of their fashion finds. Whilst Shopstyle is a shopping website that allows you to create looks and groups. . They are both fantastic and wonderful in their own ways!
It's incredible what you can do online these days. What's next?

BB x

P.S Visit my page

Ankle, Biker, Over The Knee...

In my line of work I don't get a chance to sit down. Whilst I'm a true believer in heels, 12 hours a day, everyday, is a toe crippler.
So, a good pair of chunky boots is an absolute must.
A long lasting pair of leather boots is a fantastic investment, however, if you're shopping on a budget for your A/W wardrobe there are thousands of faux leather boots out there.
Of course, the biggest boot trend this season is the thigh high. Many high street retailers offer a good over the knee boot at hugely competetive prices.
Like these from Oli for £55.



It's not for everyone! It's not for me. Having short legs they only make me look shorter. A calf length boot is a much better style for the more vertically challenged ladies among us.
I have just bought a pair of biker style boots from New Look. They are fantastic for my shape. Having a wider boot with buckle detailing gives the illusion of a slimmer thigh. Yippee!

Biker Boots

For night time, why not try a pair of ankle boots?! Kurt Geiger have some AMAZING styles. I saw these in the window of the recently opened store in Bath and...Oh my!

Boots come in all shapes and sizes, they are a must for a British winter. Especially when you have a long way to trek...like I (maybe not in the shoe boots...well, maybe after a glass of wine).

BB xx

I never leave my house without...

• Clothes on!
• My Elisa Atheniense handbag, I always go back to it. I could probably fit in it if I tried.
• My Tesco Clubcard, my man and I eat out for free all the time courtesy of Tescos. Thanks guys!
• My camera. I might spot someone I can't let pass without a pic!
• Elle, Vogue or Harpers Bazaar, I never know how long I'll be waiting for that train.
• My make up bag, obviously jam packed with slap for every event/situation.
• A chunky black snood.
• A big bottle of perfume, must smell sweet at all times! This month it's Paco Rabanne's Black XS, a passionate, fruity and seductive fragrance, ideal for night time.
• Bangles, lots of! They are my armour.
• My Blackberry...of course!

BBx

Serious Style - Sparkling Sequins

An absolute must for party season! You can't get more glam than sequins. There is sooo much to choose from on the high street. Republic have some amazing pieces starting at just £22.99. These 2 lushious lovelies are ideal for a work Christmas party. The chequered dress looks beautiful on and is bang on trend with super shoulder pads. Currently in their window looking awesome. Go see.



At a higher, but so worthit price, Monsoon Originals have some dresses to die for. This piece for £180 is absolutely stunning.



But there's more...


This one shoulder Saturn Maxi Dress is incredible. It has beautiful draping and would be perfect for a glamorous evening affair.

I love sequins as daywear. To dress sequins casually, wear a sequin tunic with skinny jeans, boots and an extra layer over the top to keep the shimmers at a daytime level.

Daytime Sequins

Or for serious "I need sunglasses" shimmer power go for a sequin jacket over a long tee and leggings. Ooh la la.

Miso at Republic


Or what about sequined leggings..


Whoops! she fell over!

Twice!


There are endless ways to do sequins!! Sparkle and shine your way through this wet and windy winter.

BB x

Paydays Handbag Sensation - Its Free!

Because the next few pay packets are selflessly going towards Christmas pressies, I decided to be economical and customise. I've been suffering from a sore neck and back so decided to downsize this month, no need for all that weight lifting. I dug out this oversize clutch with chain from DPs and raided my endless boxes of bows and beads. Sewing a few buttons on and attaching some old hair accessories with a cameo brooch as the finishing touch. Ta daa! Instantly gaining that new bag feeling...and if you're ever short of a hair clip you know who to ask! BB x

This Season -The Skirt

Whilst a printed skirt can look fantastic, it's probably the least flexible item in any wardrobe. Think "how many different ways can I wear this?" And the answer will be....! Although this skirt is lovely, how adaptable is it?


To avoid the unnecessary expense of a skirt you'll maybe wear a few times, try experimenting with a variety of plain coloured skirts in different shapes and styles. The high-waisted pencil skirt is still on the scene this winter. This black scalloped skirt by Miriam Ocariz is great for day into night wear as it can be styled in many ways. Wear with a crisp white shirt at the office then swap for a sparkly vest and dazzling sandals to take you through the night.



Another key skirt this season is the leather. Although pricey, well worth investment. My absolute favourite style is this pleated skirt by 3.1 Phillip Lim, seen here in my Lovely Leather Look.

Lovely Leather

It's tough chic, such a harsh fabric but a beautiful, floaty shape; you almost forget its leather you're wearing. The styling options for this skirt are endless.
For the lower budget there are some excellent leather look skirts on the high street. This one from New Look (£45) is a great alternative.


So, to sum up; the most efficient way to skirt hunt is to invest in 1 or 2 edgy yet adaptable skirts to see you all the way into S/S 10.
BB x