Oscars 2011

We all have our own opinions of what we love and hate when it comes to red carpet gowns and I certainly predictable in my love of blush and nude tones, ruffles and sequins and the fact that beautiful gowns should not be over accessorised, if they are that stunning, then they can do all the talking...

So who got it right....

Michelle Williams in a pearl encrusted Chanel Couture gown, totally got it right this time.  Her hair looks perfect and the lack of accessories means the dress does all the talking.

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier, I don't think I have ever seen a gown by this designer that I have disliked. 

In the absence of a necklace, Hilary Swank's Gucci creation deserved chandelier earrings.

Jennifer Hudson brings a "pop" of colour to the proceedings in this Versace Tangerine Gown with Origami Train.

I am more interested in Scarlett Johannson's hair than her Dolce and Gabbana Dress.  We have seen side partings on many Catwalks for A/W 11 and I am in desperate need of a haircut, it grows so quickly and I hate it when older women have long hair, so feel this tousled style fits the bill for my next appointment with the scissors.

Host for the evening Anne Hathaway in Valentino, had a different hairstyle for each gown and I was quite surprised as I worship at the alter of Rachel Zoe, Anne's stylist, that I didn't love every look.

Anne opened the show in Givenchy Haute Couture.

I am sure this Oscar De La Renta gown looks gorgeous when standing still.

Glittering in Atelier Versace.

Although I love the colour, this Armani number doesn't get the thumbs up from me.  Its just not special enough, she should be in something floaty and fairytale.

Giving the thumbs up to great British design in a number by Dame Viv.

Anne ended the show wearing Tom Ford.

I loved the concept of Livia Firth only wearing Eco friendly dresses for the 2011 awards season and her choice for the Oscar's and the story behind it, was almost like a fairytale come true with husband Colin winning the Oscar for best actor. Livia's eco friendly gown was designed by Gary Harvey and comprised of 8 - 11 (reports are all different) gowns from the era of King George VI.  Not loving the shoes though, they look too clumpy and the dress could do with being an inch or two longer.

Halle Berry gets more beautiful by the minute in Marchesa.

With his wife Katy Perry currently on tour, Russell Brand decided to take his Mum to the Oscars and although I wouldn't normally think that a black round neck gown would work against the complexion of a more mature lady, I have to say, I think she looks Fab in this black lace, long sleeve gown.

and who got it wrong......

As anybody who reads the blog knows I am a massive fan of sequin and sparkles and although I love this L'Wren Scott Mermaid dress, the cartier necklace ruins the look, the high neckline doesn't need accessorising, the bracelet should have been enough.

Melissa Leo, Winner of the Best Actress Oscar looks stiff in a Mark Bouer dress which to me screams "Doily".

Sorry Florence, I know my three daughters adore you, but this Valentino dress looks as though it should either have a light bulb or toilet roll underneath it, I'm not quite sure which!

I was amazed by all the different opinions on Twitter this morning, with people hating what looks I loved and vice versa, so let me know what Red Carpet looks were you loving or hating?

Summer Shoe Porn - I need them, I want them, I gotta have them!

Although it has been a horrible half term weather wise and the weathermen promise a drop in temperature again for the next few days, my thoughts turned to summer sandal planning a good few weeks back, despite the current climate.  My Missoni and Moda in Pelle favourites are both on their last legs and although I fell in love with a tan Rupert Sanderson pair last summer, they never went cheap enough in the sale for me to buy them, so the search continues.

I have been keeping a regular eye out on the new arrivals at the outnet but alas, what hs been in my size hasn't been within my budget and vice versa, so I am still looking, well I was, until I clicked on over to net-a-porter the other day and fell in love with the Kors Michael Kors sandals being worn by Alexa Chung in her photoshoot for the NAP magazine.

£115 Kors Michael Kors at Net-a-Porter.

Oh my God!  They are to die for!  Laid back Luxe as only Mr Kors knows how, and a metallic sandal goes with everything but looks especially good with white and cobalt blue. 

To be honest if I had just seen them on the sandals page, I wouldn't have batted an eyelid as they don't look anywhere near as special as they do on Alexa's feet.  The gold straps look like they have a mirrored effect, just imagine what they will look like when the sun is shining!

Are you lusted after new sandals this summer?

Something for the weekend - A roundup of this weekends best discount codes and special offers

Middle Daughter in FC LFW Dress.

I mentioned in last weeks "Something for the Weekend" post, the French Connection London Fashion Week dress and I knew that at only £35, My Uni Girl wouldn't be able to resist, being a huge FC fan and I was right!  She ordered at the weekend and received it on Tuesday, so was very impressed!
Cobalt blue is a huge colour for the coming season and looks fab on both blondes and brunettes.  The LFW dress is still available to buy here and for every dress bought, you automatically have the chance to win a £1,000 Shopping Spree.  With Student Discount she only paid £31!

Over at Space NK, spend £75 online to receive a gorgeous gift set of colour and scent by entering the code EXPRESSION at checkout. Ideal for all Eve Lom skincare lovers, this would be a great time to try out the two new serums which have just launched, one for firming and one for extra hydration.

Click here to shop all your favourite products and the Eve Lom range at Space NK.

Isabella Oliver are running a series of discount codes off of individual items and running up until Midnight Sunday 27th February you can receive 20% off the everyday Tunic dress by using code TUNIC20 at checkout.  The Tunic dress is an invaluable item for your wardrobe, wear with opaques, shoe boots and statement jewellery for evening or leggings, leather jacket and ballet flats for cool girl daytime style. Purchase yours here.

Karen Millen continue with their £50 off coats promotion.  My favourite has to the Urban luxe Trench above.  Just enter code 50OffcoatsUK here to take advantage of some gorgeous trans-seasonal outerwear.

Lavender Bouquet £65

Mums are special, you don't need me to tell you that, so don't leave it till the last minute to buy your Mum a gorgeous gift to show her how much you love her.  Selfridges Mothers Day shop is now open and has a massive range of gifts from flowers to perfume, scarves to stationery, purses to wine - you won't be stuck for ideas.  Check out whats instore here.

My-wardrobe.com have relaunched their website to give shoppers the ultimate experience in online luxury shopping and have bought in a range of new Designers to the my-wardrobe stable.  Check out the new look site here and have a browse at their Daily Buzz feature covering a range of fashion topics and styling features.

In line with the launch of their new spring collection, LK Bennett lovers will be pleased to hear that the brand are offering 15% off of all orders placed until Midnight 27th February, just use code LAUNCH to checkout on a range of sumptuous shoes, classic dresses and delicious arm candy here.

Have a great weekends shopping and don't forget to let me know what you buy!

A dress for all Body Shapes.

It doesn't matter how much fashion and style advice I give as a Blogger, either via the Blog, or from the personal email requests that I get on a regular basis, there is only so much I can say to make you believe me, when I insist a particular garment is good for your body shape, height, budget etc.
On that basis, it was with much excitement that I saw an article from the Daily Mail, featuring the classic wrap dress by Isabella Oliver, with a photo shoot showing how this really is a dress that suits all shapes and sizes.  You no longer have to take my word for it!
The author Liz Jones (you know, Batty City Dweller turned Prada wearing Country Bumpkin) not only had the dress in a range of sizes at her disposal, but also an array of models with various body shapes, something that I can't provide on the Blog, so incase you don't read the Daily Mail online, I feel it is my duty to spread the word and show you how this dress really works, no matter what your body shape!

Athletic or Boyish.

Busty.

Hourglass.

Petite.

Plus Size.

Pear.

Liz Jones modelling the dress.

I know I am constantly waxing lyrical about the Isabella Oliver brand, but that is because I am obsessed with good quality wardrobe staples, beautiful dresses and trans-seasonal outerwear. I adore brands that offer Designer quality at what amounts to no more than a High End, High Street price band and with this classic jersey wrap dress costing only £99, and coming in a range of great colours, it is sure to be a fail safe, go to option for any occassion.

Purchase the Classic Wrap Dress here and the Cap Sleeve version here.

Do you have a classic wrap dress?

Wednesdays Wardrobe Staple - The basic t-shirt.

With so many bright, bold block colours and beatiful prints around for spring and summer, along with all the weird and wonderful collections we are currently seeing coming down the Runway, I appreciate it can be difficult to get excited about a Basic T-shirt.  But get excited you should, if only you take a little time to think  about the options one basic item can give you. 
Just as you would wear the right foundation undergarments when wearing a fitted dress (to avoid VPL) then think of a range of  basic t-shirts as the foundations, or building blocks of your wardrobe.
One is never enough and to achieve a range of different looks, I would suggest you invest in white, black and grey, long sleeved for winter, short sleeved and tank styles for summer. 
Think about the neckline before buying.  If you intend to layer under v-neck jumpers in colder weather you will need a crew neck style but for wearing under blazers for the office, sequin jackets for nights out with heels, boyfriend cardigans and pumps for school runs, or with Maxi skirts and sandals for holidays etc you can go for a slightly scooped or v neckline. Tight fitting or a more relaxed fit will depend on body shape and what looks best on you.  A Line styles although harder to find, are out there, for those that prefer a top that will skim the tummy in more of a tunic style.

Styling Tips

1. Don't be afraid to dress up a short sleeve t-shirt and jeans with a statement Bib necklace or longer chain or beaded version for maximum impact to take your look from school run to lunch with the girls.  A range of different coloured belts, tan, black or leopard print also help to complete your look and take it from daytime to playtime.

2. Update your basic jeans and t-shirt combo's with a range of waistcoats, denim, knitted or suit style or shearling and furry gilets.  This is something I do to hide any muffin top exposure and means that despite my body shape, I can still wear a t-shirt and jeans!
3. Do include a Breton top as a basic essential.  Just like the plain colour basics, they look fab with chino's as well as jeans and layer perfectly under blazers and leather jackets.
4. Wear basic t-shirts with bright colour skirts or red jeans to embrace current trends, just add chunky coloured platforms or wedges.
5.  For more inspiration on ways to wear the basics when buying online, do take note of  the pictures showing how the Stylist has put together an outfit using the item you intend to purchase. Net-a-porter, my-wardrobe and Isabella Oliver are best for this.

An outfit worthy of the Front Row or a trip into Town using the Splendid Black Short Sleeve T-shirt £55 at net-a-porter.

Weekend, School Run or Supermarket Shopping Chic using the James Perse Loose Fit T-shirt £40 at net-a-porter.

Lunch out with the Girls using the American Vintage White Tank £33 from my-wardrobe.

Get the good quality budget options in a range of colours from Uniqlo Grey Crew Neck T-shirt £6.99

For those that prefer a slightly loser style try the Relaxed Fit t-shirt 2 pack £66 from Isabella Oliver.

Also check out the selection by Splendid, Vince etc at Browns Fashion as they have a lot on Sale.

What do I wear?  Mine were bought from Jigsaw a couple of years ago and are still going strong, so what you spend will be dependent on you and your budget, but no matter how much you invest, to make your garments last longer, do wash and dry according to the manufacturers instructions, I have shrunk many a new t-shirt when they have accidently slipped into the Tumble Dryer and usually they belong to my Girls and I end up in Deep Shit!

Other posts in this series:  The LBD, The Trench Coat, The perfect Jeans. The White Shirt.

Do you have a range of basic t-shirts?

Spring Style Staples at The Outnet with up to 60% off!

So much love for The Outnet this morning, I have decided to put the housework on hold and share the Designer bargain love with you all!

Whether you are lucky enough to be attended Fashion Week or not, this Trench coat is a spring essential cover up, and has been seen on a multitude of Front Rowers both in New York and London. Good outerwear that will see you through season after season, is well worth investing in and at 60% off and going up to a UK 16 (US12) whats not to love?  Tory Burch Trench Coat Was £460 now £184.

If they had these gorgeous Red Fendi Banana Ballet Flats in my size, I would be locked up for Crimes against my Debit Card! 

Having bought a pair of black flats in the January Sales, Red is the next colour on my hit list!  I can just visualise them with my breton top and jeans and red is the perfect way to add a pop of colour to white/navy/grey/black wardrobe colour palette.

Fendi Ballet Flats. Was £285 now £142.50.  (Also available in Black).

Leather leggings and trousers are real fashionista's favourites this season and you can be sure if you invest in a pair now, this is one item that crops up on the fashion radar every few years,  so if you are looking to add a rock chick edge to your wardrobe then you can't go wrong with black leather. 

Team with a crisp white shirt and heels for evenings out, leave the leather jacket at home and add a smart blazer or swing jacket.  Avoid cheap High Street imitations, somebody blogged that their's split on the bum at a party! #fashionfail!

Tory Burch Leather Leggings. Was £860 now £387.

I can't even remember the amount of times I have lusted after a sequin jacket for its ability to dress up a basic white t-shirt and jeans or Little Black Dress.  Grateful its not in my size as its another wardrobe hero worthy of its place in any wardrobe and can't believe I have all this Tory Burch love today!

Sequin Tory Burch Blazer was £770 now £308.

Premium Denim at High Street prices?  You know you got to! 

Start working on the Summer wardrobe with these white stud pocket Skinny Jeans by Current Elliott.  Was £229.56 now £68.87.  I have a cream pair and must say I find this brand generous, I usually take a 32 but can wear a 31 in C.E.  Also another note, my daughter paid £40 for a pair of jeans in River Island yesterday - enough said.

View all of todays new arrivals including Bikini's by Melissa Odabash the celebrities swimwear of choice here.