High Street Fashion - Outfit of the Week

This weekend I went shopping for an outfit for my post christmas/end of January works party - as my employers didn't think they should do the same as everyone else and have a party at Christmas.
Anyway, I digress...
Out in the Trafford Centre yesterday I realised that the high street fashion stores certainly have alot going for them! Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Topshop are the three I found myself going back to for a second time, for three different reasons.
Miss Selfridge, has a massive, gorgeous range of jewellery; chunky bracelets, dangly earrings, all kinds of necklaces and hair fascinators. My favourite is this rhinestone silver necklace (right) at a bargain for £5.00.
Dorothy Perkins has recently begun collaborating with other designers and giving them concession stands instore. This dress on the right is by one of those designers, Rise, and is a steal at £35.00, as it is completely covered in this leaf design with sequins and beads. And looks heavenly on.
Topshop has always been my go to for shoes that are stylish and will literally go the distance, and there are still some stylish buys left instore in their sale section. These shoes are called 'Stella' and are right on trend for this SS11 as they are platform peep toes. And what more reason could you need than over 50% saving at £35.00.

Get into Ballet Fashion with Black Swan

I'm off to the cinema tomorrow with the other half to see Black Swan. I'm going for two reasons, one, because it looks intriguingly good and two, because the costumes look AMAZING.
I have been looking into the costume design recently as I've been teaching my Year 12 students about it, so looking further into the costume design for Black Swan was more of a joy rather than a chore.

Mila Kunis as Lily in 'Black Swan'

Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers in 'Black Swan'

Amy Westcott and co. certainly have done a marvelous job, however, the more I have looked into this - the more I have seen how this film has taken it's costume design influence from high street fashion. So, if you love the look, then you can get it!
Obviously, you don't want to go the whole hog, unless you are an actual ballerina. But as a quirky addition to a lack-lustre outfit the Black Swan look is the way to go.

So, here are some of my top choices for you to emulate the Black Swan look:

Left: Headband, Accessorize: £12 Right: Headband, Topshop: £18

Above: Scarf, Topshop: £25

Above: If you're feeling slightly more generous, give yourself the gift of Marchesa, which combines both the looks of the Black and White Swan.

Topshop's Swedish Delights

Another email from the lovely people at Topshop revealed another new line from the SS11 collection. Entitled 'Swedish Summer' the collection retains all of the 1970s theme that is so prevalent this season, however; 'Swedish Summer' offers a more youthful and edgy side to the trend. 

Here are some of my favourites...

Topshop are fast becoming the go to in the high street for people who want to emulate the catwalk trends but don't have the disposable income to do so. Everything in store follows the current trends from the clothing to the shoes to the accessories, and the fact that every week something new hits the racks means that you could never find the same thing even if you want every week. Check out the new line in store and online now www.topshop.com

Topshop SS11 - A Love Story

The lovely people at Topshop sent me one of their newsletter emails the other day with the preview of their SS11 collection and I must say, I fell in love instantly. The collection is right on trend taking inspiration from the 1970s theme seen so heavily on the catwalks and shows us lots of vibrant colours and sumptuous fabrics, however, unlike the H+M collection that was previewed last week, Topshop uses lots of pattern and volume.

As you can see from the picture, Topshop has been inspired by Free Love, Peace and Hippies, perfect for a lazy Summer holiday spent on an exotic beach. The design shown uses patterns mixed with vibrant hues of pink in an ethereal design.

This design shows another design that makes the theme perfectly; wide legged trousers are teamed with another volumous top and the key piece to have; open toed platforms. I especially love the the mixture of textures with the sheer blouse, denim trouser and the chunky knit poncho-wrap.


This collection certainly is a dream come true, Topshop takes all the essence of 1970s fashion and combines it with their modern edge to make something simply sublime. Almost a masterpiece, I for one can't wait till these hit the shops!

The must have NYE outfit...

Okay, so it's December the 30th and you're trawling through the January sales in the hope of finding some gem of an outfit to blow everyone away with tomorrow night. Well search no more people - this is it.

New Years Eve is the last blow out of the festive season - and the year for that matter - so it's the perfect time to treat yourself before the long slog of winter sets in.
This outfit is right on trend with open toe boots and a sequin detailed shift dress, teamed up with a patent leather quilted handbag and a bit of designer bling, this outfit is perfect to party the night away and welcome in the 2011!!

Dress: A-Wear £50.00
Boots: Dolce Vita Hamilton
Bag: Topshop £35
Bracelet: Fiorelli £20

January Sale Update - Today's Hot Property: Topshop.com

Flicking through the online sales I saw this gem...
Topshop.com have some designer bargains from their range designed by Meadham Kirchhoff to help you remain in the festive spirit for that little bit longer.
Meadham Kirchhoff is a relatively new designer whose A/W 2010 collection had a heavy Eastern European influence, which his range for Topshop seems to be taken from.
Prices start at £30.00 for a nude silk slip dress and go up to £150.00 for a 100% silk, navy blue sequin detailed dress - perfect for the party season! Here are some of my favourites:

100% Cotton Denim Jacket by Meadham Kirchhoff in Navy Blue with raw hem finishing: £45.00

Double tiered lace skirt with glitter spot chiffon underlay in black by Meadham Kirchhoff: £40

Navy Blue one sleeve dress with sequin detailing, 100% silk by Meadham Kirchhoff: £150

For more information go to the sale section of www.topshop.com