Paris When It Sizzles

And sizzle did it just.  We timed to go to fabulous Paris during the heatwave that spread Europe to celebrate my 21st Birthday. 
I had never been (other than to Disney Land when I was 10...) but had been desperate to go to the fashion capital for years.  It did not disappoint.  The beautiful architecture, breathtaking fashions & the relaxed yet vibrant culture were all topped off with some brilliant sunshine. 
This sunshine played havoc with my chosen suitcase items, but nevertheless, I had the most incredible 4 days, discovering the city. 
I treated myself to a birthday present - a Chloe handbag - which I still struggle to believe is really mine.  The delicious food & wine (the macaroons really are to die for) was a tadge expensive depending where you were within the city, however we managed to choose some lush restaurants & cafe's to spend our time in - crepe's, baguettes, cheese, fries - you know the score. 
We did all the touristy bits - Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Mona Lisa, Champs Elysee, Arc De Triomphe, the Padlock Bridge (not sure of the real name...) etc, etc. which were even more impressively spectacular in person than you can ever imagine. 
The shopping was elegant and chic; Chanel, Hermes, Chloe, Dior (and the rest) all with jaw-dropping window displays which lead you to feel you were not worthy of stepping inside their immaculate shop. 
I am desperate to return and Paris definitely gets 5 stars from me, whether you're a fashionista, a culture chaser or an architecture admirer, this is the place for you. 

Spring Inspiration

Here are some images to help you on your way to re-vamping your wardrobe ready for the warmer months!  My Spring/Summer essentials... sunnies & florals - sunnies big enough to block the sun completely and floral prints your Grandmother would be proud of.  Don't be scared to mix match prints either... the more obscure the better!  Take note from Mary K & Chris Kane - the brighter the better!  Pastels & underwater are also big trends for S/S12, as we can see from Versace, but take inspiration from the 1950's glamour pusses too for chic, timeless elegance. 

Moschino S/S12

Versace S/S12

Christoper Kane S/S 12

Mulberry S/S12 campaign

Chloe S/S12

Mary Katrantzou S/S12

opposites attract

Awards season is in full swing and the stars are keeping it monochromley classic.
While trailing through the photos of the SAG awards & the Golden Globes, I saw the girls were rocking the timeless opposite colours.
Here are a few images of my favourite black & white pieces from the red carpet.
Jenny Packham seemed to be dominating both ceremonies with her sleek, chic and enduring dresses.
The first image of Rachel McAdams, admittedly isn't from a red carpet (she was on her way to an interview I think), but I love this dress and thought she looked stunning in this relaxed photo.  It was a mixed reaction from bloggers & critics about this dress, but I think its great shes bringing spring in early with a simple white dress and red lips. I must admit the sleeves are slightly questionable but because of bare legs, plain black Louboutin pumps (not pictured) and stud earings, the sleeves mix up the outfit a little.

My favourite out of these 10 is Rose Bryne in Elie Saab.  Controversially, she chose a jump suit for a red carpet event, but I absolutely love it! The colour and material make it classically beautiful enough for the red carpet, but she introduces her own touch with it being a jump suit.  A plunging neck line and gold clutch would make any outfit, and this is no exception! Props to her for mixing up the tradtional values of an awards ceremony and wearing something she's comfortable in!

Black and White parties are always popular and this 'style' will never go out of fashion, so make you invest in a decent LBD (little black dress) or indeed a LWD (little white dress) for any occassion!

Rachel McAdams wearing Andrew Gn

Zoe Saldana wears Givenchy Haute Couture

Rooney Mara wearing Nina Ricci

Mila Kunis wears Dior

Kate Winslet wearing Jenny Packham

Emma Stone wears Alexander McQueen

Claire Danes wears J.Mendel

Rose Byrne wears Elie Saab

Ashlee Simpson wears Jenny Packham

Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham

Cruise Collection

The time has come for the summer collection from Versace for H&M.
The previous collection didn't really appeal to me so I wasn't sure how I would find this new one... However I was pleasantly surprised while looking at the pre-sale!
The Stella McCartney reminiscent prints are the essence of summer featuring on items such as dresses, bikinis and shorts. The name "Cruise Collection" says it all, and the pieces certainly conjure up images of sun sea and sand.
The pieces are really well priced too. The dress at £39.99 is money well spent as can be worn over a bikini in the day with sandals and paired with wedges in the evening. The rooched waist on one side will flatter most body types and the colour will look fabulous with a tan.
The shorts are a bargain at 24.99 and will jazz up a casual summer look with a white tee and flip flops.
The bikini is also 24.99 and with the signature print is a holiday suitcase staple.
I also love that they have jewellery within the collection too. The bracelet was my favourite as I love the gold and colours together and also the cute little charms.

Looking through the pre-sale has made me so desperate for the summer to hurry up!
There is also a men's collection (they'll probably be pleased to know that the prints are absent in theirs) and the prices mean that you can have a little bit of historic luxury for an affordable price!

"the mean reds"

"You know those days when you get the mean reds" (Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's)
January seems to engulf everyone in these mean reds. However I'm not just talking about emotions; in 2012 fashion has embraced, burgundy, scarlett and maroon to shape both the catwalks and red carpets colour pallet.
Sunday saw the Golden Globes dominate our magazines and tv for the next week with endless images of the best and worst dressed. My best dressed - Emma Stone (in Lanvin), my worst dressed - Kelly Osbourne (in Zac Posen).
Now that it is the middle of January it is safe to say that you can get away with wearing red without looking like Santa.
I have selected a few red items from Asos below and also some dresses from the Spring/Summer2012 runway.
The beauty department is also loving the claret colour this season with deep reds on the lips and nails.  So stock up on the deep wines and Revlon's reds for nails and lips that will go with every outfit! (unless its bright fuschia.. if it is.. stop wearing bright fuschia).  Models Own have some great red nail varnishes, and Chanel's deep lip colours are perfect for the sultry look.