Getting Fashionably Older

Yesterday I celebrated my 25th Birthday and though I didn't celebrate in style with a party (too much work, too little time) I did take the time to look back over the past year, especially the past few moths since moving to London, to consider just what a lucky girl I am.

I've had a great year, with fantastic experiences and I've met some lovely friends along the way. Whilst I've managed to capture most of it on film (see below) I still feel as if a lot has slipped me by.

With that said I plan to take more photo's next year and pledge that Instagram will continue be a major part of that. I can't wait to take a look back again next year at all the memories I've stored up from 25 onwards...



Received: one beautiful birthday present

Enjoying the exhibitions at Somerset House

But skating isn't for me...

I heart beautiful sunny days



and huge first of December Christmas trees

But small ones are great too when decorated with love

 

making my own mulled wine

 

relaxing with a brew at Antoni & Alisons tea room

 

attending a beautiful baby shower - not my own I'll add

 

baking ghostly cupcakes for Halloween

Putting on bling to see the crown jewels

then putting on my PJ's for a magazine reading catch up!



Christmas party Dresses: The High Street Edit

Yesterday I listed my top fantasy dresses for the office Christmas party if money was no object and today I am being slightly more realistic in my budget and looking at what the Great British high street has to offer.

My office party is on Thursday this week so it's a subject which has been preying on my mind a lot recently. After much debate the dress I chose to wear is number 5 - a black and gold baroque number from Oasis, as its the perfect length for my short frame whilst still being glamorous enough for the venue.

There are plenty of bargains to be found at the moment (20% dresses at Karen Millen is one many) so if you haven't got your dress yet it's not too late and hopefully something below will inspire you. Happy Shopping! x

 

1. Sheer panel dress, £30, Dorothy Perkins

2. Arples embellished dress, £175, Coast

3. Blue laced pencl dress, £210, Karen Millen

4. VIP beaded embellished peplum dress, £95, Lipsy

5. Baroque Jacquard dress, £67.50 (with current 10% off offer) Oasis

6. Sequins dress, £250, French Connection

7. Power stud body con dress, £95, Topshop

8. Lace printed pleat dress, £175, Karen Millen

9. Baroque sequin body con dress, £38, River Island

Fantasy Christmas Party Dress Shopping

Regular readers will be well aware there is nothing I love more than indulging in a good fantasy shop where money is no object, from fantasy met dress shopping to creating the ultimate christmas wish list.

So in the same spirit I decided to compile a list of the most desirable Christmas party dresses and, as you can see, though I'm a huge fan of an LBD whatever the occasion I couldn't help being seduced by some colour this season alongside plenty of lace, baroque themes and pretty prom ruffles.

Just for balance I've created a list of more affordable high street styles coming up tomorrow. Happy fantasising until then!

 

1.Nina Ricci, £4,690

2.Lanvin,£2,330

3. Moschino, £2,270

4.Lanvin, £5,195

5. Red Valentino, £675

6. Chloe, £1,725

7. Oscar de la renta, £2,950

8. Kaufman Franco, £2,990

9. Alberta Feretti, £2,530

This Little Girl Loves: Second Female S/S 13

Second Female is the diffusion line of Danish label Just Female and specialises in the thing which I desire above all others: Sleek, Chic Scandinavian fashion. What's more the label will make its UK debut shortly with its progressive Spring / Summer 2013 collection, a teaser of which I was treated to at press days last month.

 

I'd seen the label (and this particular collection before) on its home turf at Copenhagen Fashion Week but every time I end up finding a new hidden gem that gets me excited all over again.

 

 



Candy coloured dresses, floral print shorts, and chiffon blouses are mixed effortlessly with heavy duty jackets, over sized knits and sportswear-inspired separates (didn't I say bomber jackets will be huge news this season) to create a bold and coherent look.

Knowing each item would perfectly slot into my wardrobe, allowing me to mix and match, is certainly one of the biggest draws of the brand for me. The second is probably all the crystal embellishment. I just love that this is still hanging around for Spring!
 

 

 

Biography: The inspiration behind each quarterly collection can be traced back to an old industrial harbour in the east end of Copenhagen, where you’ll find a modern and energetic design team who strive to incorporate their surroundings into the identity of the brand. Confirmed UK stockists for S/S 13 include Anthropologie, Mary Portas & West Village, and in the meantime you see more from the brand here.  

 

Pixie Lott for Rock 'N Rose

I have to admit I wasn't expecting to like Pixie Lott's Christmas collection for jewellery brand Rock 'N Rose but I've completely been bowled over - just look at the crackers below.

A little bit girly, a little bit goth the 23 piece collection screams "Yes this will go with my Christmas party dress!" all over from the floral crowns and bow headbands to vintage inspired pearl collars. I'm especially loving the cocktail rings in emerald and ruby red - they'll work perfectly with the baroque trend this winter.

Pixie looks great in the promo pictures as well, check them out and the full range here.

Mary Katrantzou's Christmas Tree

Yesterday it was announced that designer Mary Katrantzou will be designing this year’s Christmas tree for the Design Museum.

The tree incorporates patterns from her Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection, which was inspired by everyday objects and will be a 2D design on the museum's outer wall from now until the 9th January.

Measuring 3m in height the tree will combine Katrantzou’s trademark bold patterns with Christmas sparkle to create this inventive take a classic, but how does it shape up to your decoration efforts at home?

Don't Miss: The Design Museum is hosting a special late night shopping event, 'Sparkle the Dark Up' this Friday the 7th December, running from 6:30 - 10pm.

Get It Now: Kelly love for Aussie Haircare

Aussie Haircare have teamed up with fellow Aussie womenswear designer and Little Girl lost favourite, Kelly Love as part of a new initiative supporting upcoming design talent.

Kelly Love has designed a silk scarf exclusively for the launch of Aussie's new Miracle Shine range which includes a shampoo, conditioner and a three minute miracle treatment serum.

Taking inspiration from Kelly Love's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, Ethereal Darkness and exotic wildflower prints, the silk scarf is priced at £80 and can be bought direct from www.kellylove.com.

Aussie's new miracle shine range includes pearl powder and Australian Ginseng extract for super shiny hair and I'll be trying it out shortly, just in time for the office Christmas party.

Sneak Peek: Vero Moda Spring Collection

When I was invited along to the Vero Moda Press Day a few weeks ago I was instantly bowled over by the amount of colour on offer - something every other brand seems to have shied away from this season bar some flashes of neon. 

Yet there was no playing it safe here, with neon's, pink, orange, blue and the lightest lemon's all coming out to play. Abstract florals, together with more antique blooms, will work well for their younger customer, especially when paired with coloured denim. Highlights include PU patchworks, Tie Dye's, drawstrings, laser cut's outs, mesh fabrics and multi-layered sequins later down the line in March and April.

 

 

Slightly more design led, luxe sister brand Vero Moda Very, meanwhile took a different tact with a colour palette of neutrals, grey's and oxblood. There were sporty touches, along with some lovely leather pieces, but the best trend, in my opinion, has to be the western 'cowgirl' look they have adopted on shirts - I'm searching for a pair of matching cowboy boots as I type!

 

 

See more after the jump

Trend Alert: My Velvet Crush

I have to admit I have a bit of a crush. Last month it was leather - everything I bought had a leather panel, peplum, sleeve etc - but no more, because there is a new love in my life, and that love is velvet.

Designers and high-street brands alike have embraced the traditionally old fashioned fabric this winter, and where once upon a time there was a danger of looking like some curtains or drapes, now you're more likely to look truly FAB-U-LOUS dressed head to toe in velvet.

 

Though velvet is a go-to fabric for evening wear this month (try a tux and trouser combo) don't be afraid to mix it into your day-wear too. Some embroidered velvet slippers or high tops will pack a punch with basic jeans, whilst Topshop's midnight blue dungarees should be layered over a crisp white shirt for a playful office-wear look. You can even paint your nails to match with Ciate's clever velvet manicure set, available from all good chemists and beauty spots.

 

1. Skirt, £25, River Island

2. Velvet limited edition manicure set, £14, Ciate

3. High tops, £440, Miu Miu

4. Jeans, £15, River Island

5. Tux Jacket, £470, McQ Alexander McQueen

6. Dungarees, £38, Topshop

7. Kitty Embroidered Flats, £465, Charlotte Olympia

8. Oxblood Skater skirt, £28, Topshop

9. Trousers, £190, By Malene Birger