9 days of Christmas – Day 1

For today 1st December Only Today’s Deal is to get The Lydia Faux Fur Collar Aviator Jacket at half price £20 instead of £40, but only for today

The Lydia Faux Fur Collar Aviator Jacket is a Chocolate brown fur trim aviator inspired jacket

Snuggle up in style in this fab little aviator inspired coat. A rich, chocolatey brown aviator jacket perfect for teaming with this season’s camels, biscuit beiges and earthy tones – enhancing your colour palate and injecting your look with a little warmth.

The perfect piece of outerwear to work alongside a multitude of contemporary trends and styles.

With the weather so cold and wintery at the moment its an ideal choice, go get it now:

How To Wear A Leather Skirt

This winter the leather skirt is one of the most popular and in trend pieces of clothing around. From high waisted skirts to full skirts and even recycled or vintage leather skirts, there is something for everyone. But leather is not always the most forgiving of fabrics, done well it can look chic and stylish, done badly, it may look cheap and nasty. Here are some ideas on how you can make the leather skirt work for you this winter.

Pick your style carefully

One of the most important desicions that you will have to make when choosing a leather skirt is which style or shape to choose. You should choose the style that best flatters your body shape. For tall slim ladies this may be a short or mid length flared style, for pear shaped ladies, an a line and for hour glass a pencil or straight style. Shorter length skirts should only be worn by those who have great legs and avoided altogether in tight fitting styles. It is also worth paying some attention to the quality of the leather. As a general rule, the softer, the better.

Consider colour

The colour of your choice is also really important. For a vampy look or evening outfit choose black, for a more subtle and classic look try a brown, beige or camel coloured  leather skirt. Choose a colour that suits you but also remember that a black skirt can look very stylish but depending on the style and how you wear it can also look trashy. A beige, brown or camel coloured leather skirt is probably easier way to wear this trend. We love the brown leather skirt from Very which is pictured above.

Tights – to wear or not to wear?

Leather skirts generally look best with a pair of classic sheer tights. Fishnets are a no no as they cross the boundary between chic and cheap and patterned tights also tend to look  bit much. With a skirt in a colour other than black, you can sometimes get away with wearing bare legs but this is also best avoided with shorter styles of skirt.

Choosing a top

The leather skirt works particularly well with the minimalist aesthetic so the key when choosing a top is to keep it simple. You could go for a silk blouse or a fitted  cashmere ladies sweater for a luxurious and lady like look. A ladies blouse will look particularly good when worn tucked in with a high waisted skirt or pencil style of skirt.   To give your outfit a more edgy feel try wearing with a plain sleeveless shell top or even a casual sweatshirt for  a more casual and relaxed look. Always avoid tops that are really low cut when wearing a leather skirt. A high necked top will look the best or a v neck if you have a larger bust.

As with any outfit or piece of clothing the key to looking stylish is about balancing the overall look and wearing it with confidence. Combine your leather skirt with pieces that contrast in terms of volume and texture for maximum effect.

Our Top Five Picks – The Black Lace Dress

The black lace dress has been on trend for a season or two since it appeared at the Prada catwalk shows. Ever since then it has been reappearing in various guises which make a great alternative to the traditional little black dress for a Christmas party or one of the most stunning choices of short prom dresses in the UK . The black lace dress is incredibly versatile though and can also work really well as a day dress. The beauty of it lies in its ability to flatter but also its intricate detail, texture and seductive look which make it  our favourite of  all the black dresses for women.

Lace has also been a popular fabric throughout history and it adds a great retro or vintage look to many modern styles of dress inspired by the fifties, sixties and seventies. For winter 2010, there are a variety of styles of black lace dress from the long sleeved mini dress to a more formal party dress with a flared and full skirt. Here are our top five picks.

This vintage inspired Fair trade lace dress is perfect for Christmas parties with its fifties style ballerina skirt and off the shoulder top. For a really on trend look throw on a leather jacket to keep you warm when travelling to and from the party. The dress is by Nomad a company which make Fair trade certified clothing which benefits communities in their own countries.

Another great Fairtrade choice is this Ruby rocks lace dress. It has a flattering empire line and cross over bust style with ruffles and subtle sequin embellishment. It would look great with a pair of wedge heels for any party this Christmas.

This one shoulder lace dress by Oasis is incredibly elegant. When it comes to accessorising it, our advice is too keep it simple. Perhaps a pair of chandelier earrings to compliment your elaborate hair do or a very simple pendant necklace that will not interfere with the neckline. A great pair of heels and a clutch bag are also a must for a great evening outfit.

If you want to channel seventies disco glamour that has become so popular since the recent Halston revival, this lace one shoulder dress by Warehouse  is just what you need. Super stylish but with a loose fitting swing skirt and bell sleeve, which allows for an extra mince pie or two if you wish.

If you are looking for a longer style of lace dress which work well for a formal evening event, we would recommend this http://tidd.ly/8c051bd3. It has a beautiful chiffon overlay and tie at the back. It also has intricate lace detail around the neckline.

The great detail in a piece of lace means that very little in the way of accessories are needed to complete your party outfit when wearing a lace dress. Just a pair of sheer tights and one or to simple pieces or jewellery and you will be good to go.

Our Top 10 Fashion Websites To Find Cheap Dresses Online

Everyone loves a bargain, don’t they? But sometimes with so many options available it can be difficult to find the best fashion websites to shop in terms of both style and price. With Christmas not far away, you will probably be looking for some cheap dresses online to allow you to have some cash left over for those all important Christmas presents.

So here is our pick of the top 10 fashion websites to find cheap dresses online.

1. Boohoo

If you are looking for high fashion at an amazing price then Boohoo is the place to look. They have all of the latest styles of ladies day dresses and party dresses to wow in looks that could have come straight from the catwalk. They also have a great selection of faux fur jackets which are the perfect cover ups for a cold winters evening.

Felicity Animal Print Dress – Only £15 at Boohoo

2. Dorothy Perkins

Top when it comes to stylish and wearable dresses which guarantee quality with a great price tag. We love Dotty P’s for their striking and colourful shift dresses. Their dresses are great for teaming with a pair of opaque tights for a cosy daytime or work outfit.

Closet Grey Red Check Dress Just £30 at Dorothy Perkins

3. New Look

For the best selection of party dresses at the best prices, try New Look. They have all of the most popular styles of the season including some lovely glossy satin dresses in a range of colours and styles.

Hitched Bow Dress Only £22.99 at New Look

4. Motel Rocks

If you love cute retro styles and body con dresses, Motel is definitely the place to look. There are plenty of choices for £30 or under and some amazing colour combinations.

Motel Celia Dress – Peacock Red just £30 at Motel Rocks

5. Rare Fashion

It is hard to believe that you can get such attention to detail at such great prices. At Rare Fashion there is a good selection of opulent and luxurious party dresses with details including, frills and embellishment with sequins and beads.

Chiffon One Sleeved Textured Dress an amazing £35 at Rare Fashion

6. Miss Selfridge

Another favourite for affordable and cheap dresses online in the latest on trend styles is Miss Selfridge. This winter there is a glamorous selection of draped and ruffled dresses.

Ruffle Dress just £36 at Miss Selfridge

7. Wallis

For flattering and sophisticated styles and cuts Wallis is a great choice. Their dresses tend to be knee length of below so are great for those looking for an elegant party dress. They are currently offering 10% off your next order if you sign up to their newsletter.

Black Side Drape Dress only £40 at Wallis

8. MIsguided

A great choice of fun and fashionable dresses which take the best of the catwalk and adapt for a unique look. Their dresses include some great printed and draped pieces.

Becks Floral Lace and Stud Detail Dress In Black

9. Oasis

Whilst the prices at Oasis are slightly more expensive than some of our other picks, they always have some amazing stuff in their sale. At the moment you can choose from a range of gorgeous ladies day dresses and party dresses in a range of colours and prints.

60′s Bow Shift £40 at Oasis

10. Warehouse

Again Warehouse has some great sale picks including a number of variations on the little black dress which would be great for any Christmas party.

Ottoman Stud Detail Dress £35 at Warehouse

Our Top 5 Ways to Keep Warm This Winter With Faux Fur

Faux fur is right on trend this winter and quite rightly so. Not only is it stylish, luxurious and elegant, you can really keep yourself warm this winter with totally on trend faux fur items, what’s not to love? You can take your pick from a wide range of very affordable coats which work equally well for daytime or evening. Or why not add some stylish accessories to add a bit of interest and texture (plus extra warmth) to a minimalist camel coat.

There are plenty of places to take inspiration from Faux fur this winter with the Chanel catwalk shows featuring everything from clothes to accessories with an ice age theme.  At Balmain there was a structured teddy bear coat worn with a party dress and at Gucci fur trimmed coats. Even Peter Pilotto known for their amazing printed and draped dresses managed to fit in some faux fur patches for  a hint of luxury. At Marc Jacobs, an elegant lady like dress was combined with above the elbow gloves and a faux fur shrug.

This winter faux fur or fake fur is available in all sorts of choices from natural colours to animal prints and textured styles. Look out for glamorous, rock chic, seventies, folk, retro fifties and eclectic styles.

The Coats and Jackets

Larna Boohoo Pink Faux Fur Jacket

 With an interesting multi colour pattern, this jacket almost looks as though it has a crimped texture. It will add glamour to anything from an everyday outfit to the hottest party dress.  

The Fur Trim Aviator Jacket – Boohoo

It is amazing how much warmer a little faux fur trim around the neck of a jacket can make you. We love this luxurious version of the seasons must have aviator and the perfect way to wear faux fur in an understated way.

Lace Fur Collar Coat – Oasis

A combination of two key trends for the season, this very glamorous coat is the perfect warm cover up for a winters evening.

Dalmation Faux Fur Coat – Miss Selfridge

So much lovelier than Cruella De Villes, this faux Dalmation coat is definitely a statement piece. Wear over your black or neutral outfit or a great everyday coat.

Faux Fur Capelet – Warehouse

If you are short and feel swamped in the  long faux fur coats,  opt for a short version like this capelet. Great for throwing on over everything from jeans and t shirt to an evening dress.

Trisha Faux Fur Gilet – Boohoo

Perfect for layering a little extra warmth over a casual Boho outfit. This gilet is one of the best value faux fur piece that we have seen.

The Accessories

Brown Faux Fur Scarf- Miss Selfridge

Elegant with a retro feel this faux fur scarf adds luxury to even the most minimal of coats.

Black patent and Faux Fur Shoe – Miss Selfridge

If you are looking for some statement footwear and a great way to feature faux fur in your outfit without going down the more predictable faux fur coat route, then these shoes are for you.

Valerie Faux Fur Trapper Hat – Boohoo

For those who aren’t willing on compromise on warmth and comfort, a trapper hat is the perfect on trend answer. There is absolutely no chance that you will get cold ears this winter in one of these.

Clara Faux Fur Gilet

Finally for a bit of a change, why not try a  kitch faux fur top? This would look great with both leather trousers or jeans.

Five Ways To Accessorise A Little Black Dress

The little black dress or LDB as it is otherwise known is the most versatile piece of clothing in any ladies wardrobe. It can be worn as a simple classic day dress or with the addition of a few strategic accessories turned into a Going Out Dress for an evening out.  With so many opportunities to wear your little black dress it is well worth investing in a high quality piece. Another great benefit of the classic black dress is that it never goes out of fashion. Choose a classic style which will always look amazing and flatters your figure. Black is also a really slimming colour so your LBD is perhaps the best way to hide that Christmas bulge caused by a little over indulgence.  

The Perfect Little Black Dress

We choose this 50′s grosgrain Little Black dress by Oasis because it is the perfect combination of modern and retro. We also love the grosgrain texture on it. The flared skirt also adds a little glamour which can work for both day time and evening.

For the office

Cardigan by Great Plains At Coggles

A pair of black opaque tights and mid height heels will easily transform this into  a day dress or work outfit. if you have air conditioning in your office you can also add a neat cardigan in a bright colour or a short black tailored jacket. A business like hand bag that is large enough to carry everything that you need for the day will complete the look.

For lunch with friends

Animal Print Snood – Miss Selfridge

You can really brighten up your LBD with some coloured tights and a bright scarf or snood for a fun outfit for lunch out with the girls. Add some on trend wedge shoes or boots and you have a look that is bound to get you compliments from your friends.

For a lazy weekend

Elizabeth Lau Lottie Red and Cream Cardigan At Coggles

You can even wear your LBD for a stylish but relaxed outfit on the weekend. Try wearing it with some cute knee high socks and tennis shoes for  a fun contrast between smart and casual. A patterned knitted cardigan will complete the look and of course keep you warm.

For dinner with the man of your dreams

Elaborate Metal Draped Collar – Wallis

This is not an occasion when you want to do things by halves. Go for full on glamour with a retro style up do for your hair and some very sparkly jewellery. Add the finishing touches with a great pair of heels and a clutch bag.

For a night on the town

 

Black Elbow Length Evening Gloves by Debut at Debenhams

If you want to look your best, use a trick used by stylists to the stars. What do you like best about your body and which part of your body do you want to draw attention to. Choose an amazing statement accessory to high light this area. How about some red heels to draw attention to your legs or a collar necklace to draw attention to your neck. You could add a pair of long gloves for some added glamour.