The S/S Bag Report

So 2009 saw the oversize bag, the satchel, the large clutch, chain handles (wrapped round the wrist), heavily embellished totes...
This year, what bags are we set to be carrying, wearing.... dragging?
So the first and probably hardest to sport is the backpack. This bag looks casual, chic and practical. Unfortunately the high street hasn't really catered for this mini trend. But hopefully they will catch on. Having said that, Topshop have a few cute styles.

More Topshop...

More Topshop...

The second and most controversial style is...wait for it...the bumbag. Re-introduced by Marc Jacobs, D&G, Louis Vuitton...I have to say I love this little number! Fabulous for summer, leaving your hands free for playing beach ball/eating icecream/making sandcastles... Practical yet stylish. Again I struggle to find any on the high street. Fingers crossed.


Third for a mention is the x-body bucket bag. I really love the casualness of this bag, it gives the impression that we just pop in our lippy, throw it on and go. It just screams "I am low maintainance!"
But unless you are low maintanance I suggest throwing the rest of your kit and kaboodle in a fairtrade shopper.

More Alexander Wang...

Another great style is the satchel, this one was around last year and will stick for some time. Best in tan or brown this bag makes us look intelligent. We look like we are carrying books back to the library not carrying 3 make up bags, a huge, unnecessary wallet and a change of clothes just in case we go out tonight.

More Mulberry...

More Topshop...

Now, one huge but practical style is the weekender. I have to say, I'm not partial to this type of bag. Mainly because I pack half my wardrobe for just one night and need wheels to help me cart it around. It is ever popular and sales of this bag still continue to grow.

More Anya Hindmarch...

More Marks and Spencer...

I hope this helps when choosing your very own "it bag" of 2010. I'm being good for a little while...no new handbags for me! Well, we'll see.

BB x

The New Season Shoe

Carefully pack away your painfully fabulous heels...and say hello to sexy yet sensible kitten heels. Yes they are back...probably because there was nowhere else to go. Let's face it, our shoe collections got higher, chunkier and more oddly shaped as the seasons strutted by. Nothing will shock and amaze shoe lovers again! Or will it...?

This season its all about comfortable chic. Pretty little heels, strappy sandals....and clogs (heeled of course). I doubt the average club goer will ditch the sky high heel, but if you're a keen fashion follower I'm sure you will. If you're one of the many ladies who couldn't quite master the killer heel, its your time to shine. Lead the way! It may take a while for the rest us...our feet need time to re-adjust.

BB x

The Biggest Trend - Lingerie

Well, last year we probably all dabbled in the "underwear as outer wear" look. I have to say, it wasn't a look that worked for me. But this year I am very excited about the Lingerie Trend. Mixing pretty lace with smart tailoring is very appealing, and incredibly sexy. Instead of wearing a bra over a plain tee like last year, which frankly looked like you didn't understand the concept of getting dressed in the morning; just replace a camisole for a corset. Or why not wear a chemise tucked into shorts, topped off with a blazer.

Play with the idea until you find a look that you feel confident and comfortable with. This doesn't mean arriving at the office in your dressing gown and slippers. That may be over stepping the line a little.

If you don't master this one, don't panic. It isn't a trend for everyone, if it doesn't work, don't wear it.

Have fun.

BB x

Now We Can All Wear Chanel

Yippeeee!!
Add a touch of couture to your wardrobe with a piece of Chanel for under £50. Ok its not a wear forever investment piece but it's a start.
These stunning transfer tattoos are set to be huge for spring.  Could they be a replacement for statement jewellery?
For all you fashionistas on a budget, join the queue in Selfridges on march 1st to snap up your little bit of amazing.
An absolute must for S/S!


Here you see Peter Philips applying the transfer. 

Thank you to Chanel PR for the photo.

BB x

P.S For any extra info or to be added to their waiting list just call the Selfridges Beauty Counter on 0207 318 3662.

Fringe Is Back...What A Shocker!

Back for round two. Yet again....another trend that is coming back around. Is there ever anything new anymore?
So we saw it, bought it, wore it and fixed it last year and now this spring I advise you to do just that. Before you run around the shops with an eye only for fringe....check your wardrobe. There's sure to be a couple of pieces in there.

I give you a few do's and don't's to consider before you wear:

Do:

• Wear with confidence
• Buy in spring colours
• Invest in a dress
• Team with killer heels
• Shimmy and spin around as much as you like
• Carry a mini sewing kit for any mishaps
• Check yourself in the mirror for any unwanted attachments

Don't:

• Climb a tree
• Greet an excited puppy
• Wear with zips
• Run anywhere near a bush or anything with twigs
• Play with children
• Wear with catchy jewellery
• Start plaiting it out of boredom in a meeting

Have fun and wear with care.

BB x

Winter - Spring Transition

All we can think about is our new spring/summer wardrobes. We've seen celebrities sunning it up in the Bahamas and we just can't wait to get into shorts and strappy sandals. But the reality is, Britain is wet, cold and slushy. So in the meantime try mixing your winter wardrobe with a few key pieces from the season to come. My most worn look at the moment is black jeggings, a soft pink tee, chunky boots (2 pairs of socks!), a grey blazer, pearls and a big bow in my short, curly bob. Greys and pinks work beautifully together and for now I can wear with black. For spring all I need to do is ditch the black for grey shorts and swap the boots and socks for some sparkly sandals. Done.
So just mix it up a little and you'll feel like spring is only moments away. Can't wait.

BB x

A/W to S/S Transition

It's snowing like mad out there, yet all I can think about is the new seasons trends. Inject soft pinks, peaches and golds into your...

Naughty Nautical

So Nautical is back...every year there's a slightly different take on this popular trend. Spots are set to be bigger than ever this summer, mix with navy and pink floral prints. Pink appears to have replaced the usual red this season, a welcome change.
Think British beach time chic. Pretty bows, classic pearls, the ever famous Breton tee, pretty pink florals, navy (obviously), anchors, giant sun hats and tea and sandwiches on the yacht.
So where to buy? Everywhere! Pretty much every shop on the high street will have a nautical collection, whether it be clothing, shoes, accessories or beach wear.
Be daring and mix the big lace trend into your nautical selection by adding a splash of navy lace. Stunning.
We all love a bit of naughty nautical so be creative and make it your own.


BB x

Naughty Nautical

Florals look awesome with Nautical. These shorts are so cute.

The January Sales...Or So Called!

If you've yet to hit the sales...get down there sharpish!

Although titled "The January Sales" most of the best bargains have already been whipped up and are now with loving new owners. Before you go, set a budget with a maximum overspend. Its very hard to stick to a strict budget, so set an ideal budget and a naughty budget. Trust me, it works!

Think about what your wardrobe is hungry for and what is going to be on trend next season. There's no point buying something that will go out of fashion faster than you can say "a tenner".

So here are the thoughts that ran through my mind when sifting through the sale rails...

• The first, and most important thing to run gleefully towards...leather! Not faux leather, not leather look...good, decent, wear it forever leather. I can never afford a good pair of leather boots in autumn so the sales is the perfect time to stock up! But you have to be nifty! They sell out fast. If you're getting a leather jacket in the sale, think soft leather for S/S and go for a classic cut. Timeless.

• What are the hottest colours of next season? This year focus on nudes, pastels and soft neutrals. I will be using grey as black, mixing with creams, pinks and peaches.

• What are set to be the biggest trends this year? I'm not a religious follower of trends but I do like to mix them with my own personal style. Usually with one key item of clothing and lifting the look with accessories. Keep checking my Trend Tracker for updates on the new seasons hottest trends. Here are a few to look for when sale hunting...
• Nautical. Its back...as it always is. This time around its quintessentially British, involving teacups and teapots, clocks and buttons, anchors, pearls, bows and stripes.
• Silk. Trousers, jackets, tops, skirts, scarves.....choose soft tones. My advice though...mix texture, don't wear it all at once.
• The unstructured, loose fitting trouser. They've been around for a while now so there should be some available in the sales. Don't go too baggy though, you're not hiding in them. Ideally they should fit comfortably round your waist and be narrow at the bottom, maybe with a small turn-up.
• Lace...pretty lace. Inject it into your everyday wardrobe by wearing with denim and layering into your look. For evening, wear black lace over nude, oh so chic. Also, keep your eyes peeled for navy lace, it's set to be huge this summer.

• Now what am I going to wear under all this sexy lace? Basics...you can never have enough tanks, tees and camis. I always pick several staple colours, black, white, grey, cream and navy. Boring but essential. Gap are fantastic for basics.

I really could go on forever about what to look for. Underwear, accessories, shoes.... (KG have an AMAZING sale)! But I don't want to keep you from finding those bargains, so quick....get yourself to the sales before it's too late.

BB x

My Three Fashion Resolutions

Every year we all make New Years resolutions we don't stick to. I looked back at my list from last year and I haven't done one thing on that list...not one! So to see in 2010 I have decided to pick one subject and focus on it. The natural choice of course is....fashion. So here are my 3 fashion resolutions.


De-clutter I have so much stuff! I could wear a different outfit everyday for the whole of 2010....but I won't. Instead I am going to have a fun and productive time working through my wardrobe and auctioning anything I haven't worn for a year. With the exception of classics and certain vintage of course.
Watch the blog for a first chance to grab some fabulous, lovely things.


Invest Fashion right now is all about versatility and maximum wear value. Yes we still LOVE throw away fashion....we don't admit it and we aren't proud if it but its true. If you haven't already, now really is the time to think about those key investment pieces. I'm talking wardrobe staples.... perfect fitting jeans, a tailored blazer, loose fitting tees and leather...oh beautiful leather. These are the things that are here to stay. Sure they might vary in style over the seasons but they can be worked with those passing trends to create a look that is personal to you. This is where you should spend your hard earned cash, hand over your pocket money for the short haul trends.


Revive Every week I am surprised by some of the wonderful pieces lurking in my wardrobe...."Hey, if I just take that up and change the buttons, I've got the perfect S/S 10 nautical skirt!" No pocket money wasted there. If you have an eye for it, it takes no time to pop to your local haberdashery, pick up a few buttons and a metre of ribbon and stitch them to last years clobber to instantly update. Be careful though, the aim isn't to look like a haberdashery just threw up on you, keep it contained.


I will keep you posted throughout the year on how it is going...


Right, wish me luck!


BB x

Rachael's Multi-Trend Dress

My fashion fixated friend text me the moment she handed over the cash for her new favourite item of A/W 09. "BB...I have found a dress sooo worthy of a blog post you'll cry!". She couldn't believe she found one dress that ticked so many of my trend-tastic boxes. Excitedly I rang her for full details. Photos where sent and yes...it is blog post worthy. Sequined...Scoop-back....Sharp shouldered...£35....New Look!

So here I am Rachael...taking my hat off to you! Well done! A fabulous find.


Can I borrow it???


BBx