Countdown to Christmas

As it's the 1st of December tomorrow I thought I'd share some of my favourite luxury advent calendars perfect for counting down to Christmas in style! 

Selfridges 24 Days of Luxuries Beauty Advent Calendar - £80.00

This exclusive beauty calendar features a mini treat for each day. Following its popularity last year it flew off the shelves as soon as it was launched! The little luxuries include Lancome Hypnose Mascara, Kiehl's Creme de Corps and YSL Belle D'Opium eau de parfum.

Liberty Advent Calendar - £7.95

Liberty's chocolate calendar features a traditional design displaying their iconic store in London.

Fortnum & Mason Chocolate Advent Box - £60.00

Treat yourself to a delicious luxury chocolate calendar from Fortnum & Mason's, each chocolate is wrapped in gold foil and packaged in numbered boxes to countdown to the big day.

John Lewis Advent House - £45.00

This cute wooden house has 24 windows for you to hide your own treats behind. The calendar can be used year after year to countdown to Christmas. 

Harrods Advent Calendar - £19.95

Open the windows on this special calendar from Harrod's to reveal a glass decoration behind each one to hang on your tree in the run up to Christmas. 

Fortnum & Mason's Biscuit Advent Calendar -£30.00

Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with a these handmade iced biscuits. They feature festive shapes and include Fortnum inspired designs such as hampers and champagne bottles. 

Do you have an advent calendar this year?

How are you counting down to Christmas?

Shimmer and Shine

Who doesn't love a little sparkle at this time of year?! With Christmas parties fast approaching it's the perfect time to invest in a glitzy sequin dress. 

The trend is ever popular on the red carpet with stars dazzling in sequin gowns

Carrie Underwood chose a shimmering Reem Arca sequin dress for the red carpet as host of the Country Music Awards earlier this month. 

Zoe Saldana looked stunning in a green sequin Elie Saab gown at the Bambi Awards in Germany.

Sandra Bullock was recently snapped in a sparkling All Saints sequin mini attending a charity gala in L.A.

I love all the sparkle in the shops at the moment! A sequin dress is perfect for keeping you looking glamorous throughout the festive season. Wear with a blazer and heels like Sandra for an instant stylish party look! 

1. Black Sequin Dress - H&M - £29.99

2. Gold Sequin Mini Dress - River Island - £60.00

3. Nude Sequin Bodice Dress - Miss Selfridge - £65.00

4. Glitz Sequin Bow Dress - Oasis - £130.00

5. Sequin Peter Pan Collar Dress - Rare at Topshop - £49.00

6. Silver Sequin Dress - Oasis - £80.00

7. Sequin Embellished Dress - New Look - £59.99

8. Sequin Mesh Dress - Rare at Very - £47.00

If you're not sure about wearing an all over sequined dress a sparkly cover up is the perfect accessory to update your favourite party dress and give it a glamorous new look!

1. Sequin Embellished Jacket - Warehouse - £75.00

2. Sequin Bolero - Debenhams - £28.00

3. Sheer Sleeve Sequin Cardigan - Biba - £95.00

Are you looking for a party outfit? 

Will you be sparking on the dance floor this Christmas?

Christmas Gift Guide: Secret Santa

This is the first in my series of gift guides appearing every Friday over the next few weeks in the run up to Christmas to help inspire your Christmas shopping!

It's that time of year again when many of us are taking part in Secret Santa at work, or with friends in an effort to save some money! 

It can be hard, especially with colleagues that you might not know so well, to find a suitable gift on a budget.

These are some of my favourite ideas for both men and women all under £5.00! 

1. Egg Cup & Soldier Toast Cutter - £5.00

2. Cath Kidston Luggage Tag - £5.00

3. Whittard's Christmas Hot Chocolate - £5.00

4. Eye Mask - £4.00

5. Mini Camera Tripod - £5.00

6. Chalk Board - £4.95

7. Snowman Slipper Socks - £5.00

8. USB Coffee Mug Warmer - £4.49

9. Retro Space Hopper Stress Ball - £4.00

10. Burt's Bees Bee-utiful Treats Set - £4.99

11. Penguin Mini Hot Water Bottle - £5.00

12. Cath Kidston Set of 3 Emery Boards - £5.00

13. Finger Penalty Shoot Game - £4.00

14. Wind Up Robot LED Torch - £5.00

15. Pop Up Speaker for iPods & MP3 Players - £5.00

Are you taking part in Secret Santa this year? 

Next week: Gifts for her, stuck for what to get your mum, sister or girlfriend? See my suggestions of top gifts for girls!

Gossip Girl 100th Episode Party

The Gossip Girl stars gathered at the stylish Cipriani Wall Street in NYC over the weekend to celebrate the 100th episode of the popular show

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Blake Lively dazzled in a sheer Marchesa dress with silver embellishment from their Spring 2012 collection teamed with gold Versace platform heels. 

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Leighton Meester opted for a figure hugging cream Balmain mini dress paired with sparkling diamante Jimmy Choo Lauren Sandals. 

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Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford looked as handsome as ever and dapper in their stylish suits!

The 100th episode is due to air in the new year. I can't wait to see if Blair will go ahead with her royal wedding!

Are you a Gossip Girl fan?
Do you admire the girl's style?

xoxo

What They Wore... American Music Awards

Stars from the music world gathered at the Nokia Theatre in LA on Sunday evening to celebrate the American Music Awards

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JLo appeared in a sequined covered nude catsuit to perform her hit song 'On The Floor' during the ceremony and changed into a sheer Zuhair Murad Couture dress with black beaded embroidery for the red carpet where she showed off her award for 'Favourite Artist' in the Latin Music category. She completed her elegant look wearing her hair in a high bun.

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Katy Perry had numerous outfit changes throughout the evening. My favourite was the oriental inspired Vivienne Westwood gown she wore on the red carpet with bright blue Jimmy Choo snakeskin vibe peep toes. Her candy pink hair was accessorised with a floral Vivienne Westwood headpiece. She picked up the special achievement award for being the first female singer to have five number one singles off one album. 

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Brit Ellie Goulding opted for a black dress from Christopher Kane's A/W 2011 collection with cut out waist detailing. She teamed the LBD with ankle strap Louboutins and a black studded lips clutch by Lulu Guinness. 

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Known for her colourful outfits Nicki Minaj stood out on the red carpet in an Oscar de la Renta black lace bodice with green silk gown. The raised hemline showed off her Alexander McQueen armour wedge sandals. She kicked off the awards performing a duet with David Guetta. 

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Taylor Swift glittered in a floor length gold Reem Arca gown embellished in sequins. She took the awards for 'Favourite Female Artist' and 'Favourite Album' for 'Speak Now' in the Country Music category. Her hair was styled in a sleek side ponytail. Her outfit was complete with dazzling emerald green earrings. 

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Metallics were hot news on the red carpet with numerous stars including Selena Gomez and Heidi Klum rocking the trend. Jennifer Hudson showed off her figure in this silver metallic Jenny Packham mini dress with draping detail. Her feet sparkled in glitzy black Louboutin heels and she finished her glamorous look with bright pink lips. 

Who was your best dressed at the ceremony?

Are you wearing Metallics this season? 

Pudsey Goes Designer

Designer Pudsey Collection

The iconic Pudsey bear has had a makeover! In honour of Children in Need fashion designers including Erdem, Mulberry, Patrick Grant and Giles Deacon have created their own individually styled Pudsey's to be auctioned to raise money for the charity.

The traditional yellow bear who wears a spotted eye patch has been transformed using a variety of fabrics and colours. Pudsey's stylish new looks are an insight into next season's hottest fashion trends featuring leather, metallic's, floral's and tartan prints. 

Pudsey's never looked so good! 

Giles Deacon

Giles Deacon took inspiration from his Spring/Summer 2012 collection and used silver leather to create his metallic bear. Pudsey is wearing a Swarovski Elements crystal eye patch and has added fringing detail.

 

Henry Holland

The House of Holland bear is made from three colours of House of Holland tartan. Henry has given Pudsey a punk edge after being inspired by his preparations for his Spring/Summer 2012 show. 

Liberty

Liberty styled their unique Pudsey using their famous printed fabrics. Pudsey bear is emblazed in kitsch floral prints and is holding a Liberty shopping bag. 

Mulberry

The Mulberry bear is made from the same soft leather used to make their popular 'Alexa' handbag. The brands creative director Emma Hill chose the iconic oak and chocolate Mulberry colours for their Pudsey. 

PPQ

PPQ styled a luxury Pudsey ready for his big night raising money for Children in Need. He is wearing his best party outfit, dressed in black velvet with a bow tie with a crystal.

Jonathan Saunders

Jonathan wanted to create a bear with an offbeat style whilst still in keeping with tradition. He chose bright prints in blues, reds and greens inspired by his Autumn/Winter 2011 womenswear collection. 

Louis Vuitton

The Louis Vuitton Pudsey was born from the concept of a punk style Pudsey with a Vuitton twist. He is wearing a red leather waistcoat with gold zips and studded detailing. Pudsey is sat on his own custom made Alzer suitcase ready for his adventures!

You can see the full designer Pudsey collection on display at Liberty in London until Saturday.

To place a bid or for more information on fundraising and how to support Children in Need visit their website

Don't forget to watch the 'Children in Need Rocks' concert on BBC1 at 8pm tonight ahead of tomorrow nights telethon!

Which is your favourite designer Pudsey?

Are you doing anything for Children in Need this year? 

Pearl Lowe Christmas Collection

Designer Pearl Lowe launched her Christmas collection at high street store Peacocks last week. This vintage inspired range is expected to emulate the success of her previous collaborations with the chain.

The collection was inspired by Pearl's favourite old movies and Hollywood starlet's glamorous style. Pearl wants her customers to feel stylish and confident and she ensures this is achieved with the flattering fit of her dresses. 

She has also created her debut children's collection with a range of perfect party wear for little girls.

With Christmas parties on the horizon when could be a better time to indulge in a new dress?!

All dresses are available in sizes 8-18 and priced from £40-80

Lace Panel Dress - £45

This LBD is one of my favourites from the collection. I've been searching for a lace dress and this has a gold satin lace covered panel running down the front. It's an A-line shape creating a flattering silhouette. I love the cute puffed sleeves with gold and lace covered buttons. It'd look great with some flats and a cardigan for daywear and dressed up with heels in the evening.

Corsage Shoulder Dress - £50

The emerald green coloured gown instantly caught my eye. This glamorous design is inspired by 1940s screen sirens. The chiffon fabric creates a feminine look whilst the cinched in waist offers a flattering fit. The shoulder corsage is the perfect finishing detail.

Star Print Dress - £40

The popular star print is one of my favourites and perfect for Christmas. This gypsy style dress in sheer chiffon is truly versatile, pair it with boots and some chunky winter knitwear for a casual daytime look or add some sparkly accessories for a glamorous evening out. 

Crochet Black Dress - £60

The deep velvet adds a luxurious feel to this classic black dress. The flattering cut is designed to slim your figure and Pearl has used crochet as an alternative to her trademark lace to create a shrug which is perfect if you'd prefer to cover the tops of your arms. She suggests teaming it with a faux fur stole to achieve an opulent, sophisticated look.

You can view the full collection including the children's line here

I discovered a voucher code in Peacocks Christmas magazine for 20% off your first online order: PMAG20 .. so now you can feel less guilty about treating yourself!

Which are your favourite pieces from the collection?

Have you started shopping for your Christmas party dress yet?

The Only Way Is GraciEve

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Sisters Sam and Billie Faiers from the popular reality show 'The Only Way is Essex' launched a limited edition ready to wear clothing line, 'GraciEve' at House of Fraser last month.

The collaboration follows their success with 'Minnies' Boutique in Brentwood which since being featured on the show has seen business boom as fans flock to Essex to meet the girls and shop for the latest fashions the TOWIE stars have been snapped in.

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GraciEve is designed in partnership with Essex based stylist Jeff Mehmet. The collection takes influence from the runways and is inspired by the sisters own style. It comprises figure hugging dresses, luxurious knitwear and quirky tailoring, mixed with a touch of Essex glamour with sequins and leopard print.

GraciEve is described as a "fast, fun fashion line for girls and women who love shopping, styling and making a statement."  


The collection is available to buy online and in 15 stores

These are my favourite pieces from the collection

1. Cropped Jacket With Pearls - £60

2. Pussy Bow Star Print Dress - £80

3. Fit and Flare Dress - £52

4. Long Cashmere Mix Cardigan - £60

5. Body Con Heart Mesh Dress - £60

6. Leopard Print Dress With Lace Trim - £60

7. Oversize Sequin Knit Jumper - £54

The pearl encrusted jacket would make a great cover up to add over a dress for a party and reminds me of something you would see Blair wearing with a cute shift dress in 'Gossip Girl.' The shape of the fit and flare dress is designed to flatter your figure and is available in this seasons rich autumnal colours. The sequin jumper is perfect for pairing with trousers or styling over a dress. 

Do you admire the TOWIE girls style? 

Will you be snapping up a piece of Essex fashion?

Tried and Tested... Garnier B.B. Cream

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I keep seeing lots of adverts and reading in the press about the latest beauty wonder product, Blemish Balm cream. It's designed to even skin tone and lighten any blemishes.  As I always seem to opt for that extra few minutes in bed I thought this could be a great addition to speed up my morning routine, combining skincare with make-up in an all-in-one product designed to give a flawless finish. 

When I saw Garnier were offering a sample of their Miracle skin perfector B.B. cream I immediately signed up and was pleased when it arrived a few days later containing 3 sachets of the product along with a voucher for £1 off your next purchase. 

The product claims to give even coverage, illuminate, hydrate and protect the skin with SPF15.

Each sachet contained plenty for one application meaning I could try it out on 3 different occasions. 

The cream appeared to be quite thick at first, however it smoothed out on application.  I requested the light shade but when blended it still left my pale skin looking rather orange which is not quite the look I was going for! 

I found myself having to apply more powder than usual over the B.B. cream as it made my face appear quite shiny. 

It was simple enough to blend but didn't really hide any blemishes. I found it to be more like a tinted moisturiser and think it would be better for using during summer when you want a light coverage. 

A definite bonus was it left my skin feeling smooth and able to breathe as if I wasn't wearing any make up, however I won't be throwing away my regular foundation just yet!  

I think it could work well as a primer as I felt as if I would need to apply foundation over the top to even out the colour, yet this slightly defeats the object of it being an all-in-one product.

I would be interested in purchasing it to try again if they bring out more shades that may match my skin tone better.

Garnier B.B. Cream is available in light or medium and retails at £9.99 at Boots and Superdrug.

Have you tried Garnier B.B. Cream? 

Do you have any recommendations of other B.B. Creams to try? 

What They Wore... MTV EMAs

The MTV Europe Music Awards took place in Belfast last night and was certain to be a star studded affair...

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Host Selena Gomez had numerous outfit changes throughout the ceremony but opted for an elegant ivory Marchesa lace gown for the pink carpet, teamed with Casadei jewelled peep toes. 

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Katy Perry picked up the award for Best Live Act, she wore a sunglasses print mini dress with a pink leather studded jacket designed by Jeremy Scott, with stacked brogues and bobby socks. Her candy coloured hair matched her pink ensemble.  

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Model Bar Refaeli showed off her perfect pins in a custom made Replay gown which displayed an ombre train over a denim mini dress. Her hair was styled in a fishtail braid. 

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Actress Hayden Panettiere played it safe in a monochrome patterned Tibi silk dress paired with black satin Louboutin's.

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Jessie J opted for a fishtail leopard print Dolce & Gabbana floor length gown. She finished the look with scarlet red lips. She changed into her trademark catsuits for her performances during the ceremony.

 

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Lady Gaga dominated the evening picking up four awards and showcasing her renowned outlandish style. Her outfits were designed by Paco Rabanne and all made out of paper. 

She performed her new single 'Marry The Night' in a red metallic creation on top of a moon.

She appeared in a more demure emerald skirt suit teamed with a Philip Treacy hat to collect an award.

The futuristic theme continued on the pink carpet where she dazzled in a silver chainmail gown and sported blue glittering lips.

Who was your best dressed?

Which was your favourite Lady Gaga outfit? 

Faking It

I've recently seen lots of gorgeous faux fur stoles and collars that have caught my eye. If you like the faux fur look but are unsure about investing in a faux fur coat these are a great way to try out the trend and transform your outfit.

They are perfect for layering over a coat or knitwear and add a luxe feel.

These are my top 10 faux fur collars all under £20.00!

1. Dark Blue Faux Fur Collar - River Island - £13.00

2. Faux Fur Collar - H&M - £12.99

3. Leopard Print Faux Fur Scarf - Peacocks - £9.60

4. Dalmatian Faux Fur Collar - River Island - £13.00

5. Grey Faux Fur Stole - Topshop - £20.00

6. Faux Fur Shrug - Peacocks - £8.00

7. Black Faux Fur Stole - Dorothy Perkins - £16.00

8. Leopard Faux Fur Tippet - Oasis - £20.00

9. Purple Faux Fur Scarf - River Island - £18.00

10. Faux Fur Bow Collar - Miss Selfridge - £16.00

I adore the cute peter pan style of the dark blue and dalmatian print collars, I also really love the look of the faux fur stoles and think the ribbon tie bow collar from Miss Selfridge would look great with a dress for party season! 

Will you be adding a touch of faux fur to your winter wardrobe?

The Perfect Fit?

Marks & Spencer have recently launched a 'personalised fit' service meaning online shoppers can customise certain items to get the best fit for their body shape. This is currently available for jeans, black trousers and a black dress.

You can create your own perfect fit little black dress, their website guides you through this process step by step helping you choose the style of your dress.

You can choose from a V neck crossover dress or a square neck fitted A-line style, it points out which shape would best flatter your figure if your unsure which option to choose.

It also lets you select the sleeve length which is ideal if you'd prefer to cover up with a longer sleeve or opt for a shorter sleeved dress.

You can select the length of the dress which is perfect if like me that a dress that's meant to be a shorter style often ends up falling below your knees!

The black dress costs £35.00 which I don't think is too bad for a customised fit staple LBD that could last you many seasons. 

I think the principle behind personalised fit is a great idea. I hate falling for an item an item only to try it on and be left thinking if only it was that little bit longer / shorter or cut slightly differently then it'd be perfect! This service appears to resolve some of these problems. 

I hope more retailers catch onto this idea of letting the customer personalise the fit of their clothes. It would make shopping much easier and mean you could buy that must have item knowing it would look good on you!

Do you get tired of not being able to find the right fit when shopping?

Would you like to see more stores offering a similar service?