kenzo poncho - style that last

Last week we were on about price vs quality with the whole Marks and Spencer vs Primark revenue profits debate that was filling the airwaves.  This week I have been looking for key winter warmers to add to my wardrobe and found this kenzo poncho which just screams buy me, buy me!!!!  Its full of all my favorite earth tone colours and the geometric ethnic design is simply glamorous.  If you want to add drama and style to your look then here it is.  In fact no one would really care what you wore under this poncho as their eyes will be fixed on this designer poncho itself.  Unique fashion accessories wouldn't be absolutely necessary but a copper bracelet would go a long way in adding depth and detail to this look. . 

Made from a blend of fabrics including 15% wool, I could just see myself wearing this poncho for many winters to come.  As much as I try, I can't help myself, I am a quality girl and if I added only one new item to my winter wardrobe this would be it.  Call me naughty but this poncho goes on my christmas list which I will leave carelessly lying around for my husband to see just in case he was void of ideas for christmas gifts for her this year.  Better yet I can have one of Santa's little helpers (my kids) whisper it in his ear. 

Michelle Obama recycles victory speech dress

Another US Presidential election and Obama emerges victor.  I can't say that I have been following the debate as far as political issues put forward by the Democrats and Republicans are concerned.  But I am now up with the political lingo as far as what swing States are.  Remarkably as I stood in the kitchen doing the washing up yesterday, oblivious of the radio playing in the background, my pores suddenly raised as Obama's victory speech suddenly penetrated my consciousness.  What a prolific and charismatic speaker, I thought, making a mental note to have a look at the speech online. 

While Barrack Obama’s speech is simply hair raising to hear, being a fashion blog we are more concerned with what Michelle wore aren't we ladies.  Click on the video below and you will see Michelle clad in a Michael Kors metallic raspberry coloured dress. If you have been following the first lady and her unique choice of clothes and fashion accessories you would recognize that she wore this same dress in 2010 at a military event.

What I always admire about the First Lady is the way she cleverly uses her attire to send a message.  Michelle started off on her husband's campaign six years ago wearing off the rack designers like Donna Ricco which sent a clear message that her lifestyle was attainable, that she was an ordinary american citizen.  Yes she has worn big name designers like Thakoon Panichgul, but also sent less recognized designers like Maria Pinto rocketing into the limelight by showcasing her custom made sheath dresses on the campaign trail.

Now she recycles a previously worn dress which is a clear political statement that we are living in hard economic times and we simply must be frugal; a reflection of the austere economic measures ahead for the American economy.  I have to say that I like her style and can't wait to see what message she will be sending with her choice of inaugural dress.  All Kudos to Obama's political advisers and campaign managers, they have certainly paid attention to every political detail (including what Michelle wears) in securing Obama another four years in office. 

Click here for more Michael Kors dresses
  

Fashion Today by Colin McDowell

"Raindrops keep falling on my head" is the refrain that sounded in my head all of last week as we were treated to torrential rain.  The perfect time for some internet shopping, you would think but as luck would have it, I had to hit the high streets in desperate search of a new pair of school shoes for my son who only discovered that his shoes were leaking once the downpour started.

Since I was already out there I could not resist as you would imagine a bit of retail therapy for myself though not for clothes and unique fashion accessories on this occasion.  Instead I popped into a newly opened OXFAM bookshop and found a massive, hard covered 511 page book entitled Fashion Today written by Colin McDowell.

It will certainly take me a while to get through this detailed interpretation of fashion but short of taking a speed reading course, I intend to slowly engross myself in the subject of fashion over the past 50 years starting with "The Newlook" featuring Christian Dior and other fashion designers and working my way to the last chapter entitled "Fashion, Protest and the War from Within". 

Fashion according to McDowell has been at the forefront of the ideological wars, frequently used to clothe radical attitudes and instantly signal a rejection of the past" (pg 6).  I'm intrigued to find out how social change influences fashion and explore the cultural shifts in fashion which has seen it become part of popular culture globally. Why we wear what we wear and the importance of bending, yielding and adopting fashion trends are all issues that fascinate me.  Hopefully this fashion bible will provide me with some answers.

Tiger print necklace

Tiger print accessories can always add that wow factor to your outfit even if you are not a lover of the trend. I must admit I have not ventured out into wearing entire tiger print outfits as either I am simply not brave enough or it just isn't my fashion personality. But tiger print accessories I do love and the more the subtle the accessories the better if I'm honest. 

This eye catching tiger print necklace gives me enough of the trend to appear trendy and feel like a fashionista. I mean not the entire necklace is made of tiger print beads which is perfect for me. The use of circular and rectangular tiger beads in this beaded necklace is just the right balance and accentuated with colourful disc beads this unique necklace simply pops.

I know many a female shopper would ponder and wonder how they would wear tiger print necklaces and with which outfit before buying it. But not me, if I see unique fashion accessories that catches my eye and I can afford it then and there then I buy it. Teaming it with the right outfit will come later. So how did I wear my new found find? 

This is what I like to call my 70's inspired look.  When I picked up this 70's inspired striped bell bottom trousers in a charity shop in Wales for £3 I had no idea that I would be teaming it with this tiger print necklace three year later. But three years later I still have the trousers and have added this necklace to my wardrobe. That's the thing with me I hold on to clothes for years and years so I usually go for quality well made, classic styles that will stand the test of time and changing fashion. 

Take this white top which I brought at a stall at the Queens Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham, I've had this blouse for more than 7 years and would not be parting with it any time soon. Again it only cost me a couple of quid and I didn't even set out to go shopping, but had a browse on the way to my 20 week scan .  My other half was not impressed as he was already there wondering where I was?  I simply can't help myself  when I see clothes, shoes and fashion accessories as you never know what unique treasure you will find to add to your wardrobe. 

But see how a look can all come together once you have an eye for the right accessories and especially when those accessories are unique and unusual. To this look I added my brown and white slip on high heel clogs, donned my burgundy shades and felt like I was stepping out of vogue even if I was only on my way to pick up the kids from school. 

Cheryl Cole and Xfactor 2010

Sat down with my anchovy paste and toast eagerly anticipating the announcement of the final 12 xfactor contestants 2010.   Well what a let down!!! I always felt that Cheryl had the hardest decision as there was an abundance of talent in her group with lots of range and depth in their performances.

But at the end of the day, she went for the unusual and unique performers which was evident even in their choice of dress and unique fashion accessories.  In Cheryl's defence, it would be fair to say that at least three of her girls were very much a repeat of Alexandra Burke and they are looking for fresh talent.  Alternatively they may be looking for a group to win this year's xfactor with JLS doing so well despite taking second place two seasons ago.  Who knows?

Then of course you have the four wild cards Diva Fever, Wagner Carrilho, Treyc Cohen and Pajie Richardson and the surprise elimination of FYD and Nicolo Festa with Wagner still in.  No doubt viewers will be tuning in next week. 

Picture from http://www.mirror.co.uk/

Shapewear - airbrushing techniques for you and me

As I get older I honestly can't say if dressing is easier now than when I was drop dead sexy and gorgeous and could fit into anything.  Okay the latter part is a matter of opinion and debatable I admit.  But age as my father always says is a wicked thing and try as you might nature will take its course.  That said, I have certainly become more selective in my choice of clothes and fashion accessories which I feel should reflect my unique personality and at the same time be comfortable. So the "teeny boppers" shops are off my radar as I only watch and admire and remember when.   

Items such as high waisted trousers are now must haves for my capsule wardrobe simply because they are great for camouflaging any unsightly bulges.  They can add contour to your shape and are excellent when wearing elastane tops that hug your upper body.  Memories of Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones Diary comes to mind with Bridget (Rene Zellweger) in her contour shaping underwear which Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant)  unduly uncovers for want of a better word.

Not that I have lost my beach goddess focus and goal as I do keep up with my exercise, but there are undergarments, clothes, creams, lotions etc to fix many things we may not appreciate about ourselves be they only temporary fixes in some instances.   As human beings we are insatiable and always dissatisfied with some aspects of our appearance. So there are push up bras for those who want to look more chesty and minimizing bras for those who feel they are too well endowed.  Ironic isn't it?  If only we could just wave a magic wand or airbrush ourselves to perfection.   

When you think about it contour garments or body define shapewear, make up, creams etc are our small way of airbrushing ourselves on a daily basis.  And why not as airbrushing is a natural extension of the fashion industry.  Don't imagine that models and celebrities roll out of bed looking like they've just stepped out a fashion magazine.  Fashion shoots take lots of time and effort.  As you get older some of us come to appreciate that less is more, that you can dress cleverly and feel great and that you don't have to be a UK size 8 and below to be a fashion goddess.  The fashion tip for today is to work with what you have ladies because there is always somebody out there who would love to have some aspect of your bodyshape.

cruise wear wardrobe

Summer shopping may be over for many of us as we have started layering up for the cold dark mornings in  preparation for the cold winter.  We can only hope that it is not as terrible as the last winter.  But if the old wives tales are anything to go by the saying is that if there are plenty of berries on the trees then it is going to be a bad winter.  Only time will tell, though there are an abundance of berries on the trees.  But for those of you planning a winter cruise holiday, winter can't come soon enough and shopping may only have just begun.  Great time to shop too as there are still some amazing online clearance bargains to be had like this ornate neck maxi dress.  You are sure to turn heads in this maxi dress with enough wiggle room for eating as much as you like. 

Selecting your cruisewear is all part of the excitement in the build up to your cruise holiday.  You look forward to dressing up for dinner every night and dream about all the food you are going to eat hmmm. The idea of a cruise always awakens memories of the Love Boat series with the heart breaking love stories where love always conquers in the end, the days out in Acapulco, dining with Captain Stubing.

Taking the time to plan your wardrobe ensures that you have what you need to strut your stuff on deck and more importantly that you are camera ready for the ship's photographer.  Ladies, remember you need both day wear and ladies evening wear. If you like dressing up for elegant evenings out then here is your opportunity to look like you just stepped off the catwalk and stand out from the crowd in your cruise wear.  Perhaps if you dress to impress you may end up at the Captains table - you never know.

Packing a few key and unique fashion accessories to complete your outfit or create different looks is all you need to ensure that you turn heads. 

chunky necklace
drop pearl earrings
evening bag or purse
stunning ring
leather belt
sunglasses
bandanas and headbands

Plus size womens clothes

There was a time when larger women had trouble finding glamourous fashion to celebrate their shape and curves.  Certainly not the case if you are shopping at La Redoute en plus or taillissime. Now I find myself wising that I was bigger to fit into some those georgeous plus size clothing.  This print knit stretch dress by Marianne James for example really grabs me.  I love the colours and the ecletic use of fabric reminds me a bit of Desigual style clothing which I simply adore.

This trendy hand emboidered dress will really show up your curves and enhance your cleavage.  The knee high boots offer practical warmth and style.  Available from sizes 12-28.  Such a unique dress calls for unique fashion accessories or even ethnic jewellery. .

Get sex and the city movie 2 looks from Debenhams

The way in which the story of these personalities is told through the use of fashion is so well constructed and continuously played out. Samantha is your dramatic dresser - your look at me personality while Miranda is your practical dresser in classic, safe black. Charlotte is your romantic personality in girlie pink and Carrie madame eclectic style wears neon lime green in a style as fluid as her personality.

For me sex and the city the movie is a never ending fashion show which gets better and better with every movie. It's truly liberating when you find your own style and know how to adapt trends to suit your personality and style.  It's great to emulate as long as you are mindful that every fad and fashion does not suit you. At the same time I leave myself open to try new styles and expand my capsule wardrobe.

So which fashion personality are you? I like to think that I am a little of all. I love classic fashion as it never goes out of style and simply adore unique fashion accessories that would get me noticed like Samantha. I'm also fast becoming a romantic dresser with the sweet heart necklines, gore skirts, frills and lace as I have been trying out the romantic nude look this summer. I do eclectic by mixing patterns but am afraid I'm not as daring at eclectic as Carrie can be.

 Photos from  the Huffingtonpost

If you're looking to find your sex and the city look then Debenhams is a great place to start. They've teamed up with Sex and the City 2 to bring you some fabulous summer looks inspired by the new movie. From party dresses to holiday glamour, to special occasion to summer in the city you will be spoilt for choice.

The movie hits the big screen tomorrow May 28.   I can't wait to hear what you thought about the movie.

New in at Munique Fashions

Looking for that perfect statement jewellery to wear at your Christmas Party? Or wondering what you can get for your loved one this christmas? Then look no further, Munique has the perfect christmas jewellery gifts and unique fashion accessories that you are looking for.

Here's a sneak preview of what's new in at Munique this christmas. For more new arrivals click here

This luxury charm necklace is very dramatic indeed and the wooden earrings simply stunning.



Visit us at http://www.muniquefashions.com/ for more new arrivals.

Hurry whilst stocks last!