A HELPING HANDBAG
There’s nothing like a handbag to get your heartbeat racing. These bags designed by Alida Boer, former Miss Guatemala, definitely pulled at my heartstrings as they help support women from some of the poorest communities in her native country.
After Alida’s amazing success as an international model she decided to put something back into her country. Always a lover of handbags she decided she would help train women from 16 underdeveloped communities in sewing, embroidery and design to produce premium bags thus creating jobs for them with fair pay. Yay! And so the brand Maria’s Bag was born.
All these bags are so beautiful with their intricate embroidery work, all one of a kind and taking up to 3 months to create. Each region of Guatemala has its own unique embroidery style – geometric shapes, animals, landscapes, flowers and in some cases stories and legends!
Maria’s Bag is an amazing collection of fab soft clutches, bucket bags and totes. Prices start from £75.00. Take a look at www.mariasbag.co.uk you’re bound to find something fabulous for Christmas
FAB AND GROOVY – 70’s FASHION
Lingerie by Figleaves. Kimono and shoes by Rokit.
I love 70’s fashion with its flamboyant psychedelic prints, big floppy hats, shaggy coats and huge sunglasses. So I was really excited to style this shoot. First of all, I had to track down one of the most iconic pieces of furniture from this groovy era – the peacock chair. Then, clothes wise I wanted to mix up original vintage pieces from fantastic brand Rokit with modern day 70’s look clothes from the high street.
The shoot took place in photographer Ian Hooton’s amazing loft studio in central London. It was such a fun day with a great team. Ian had given me one of my first jobs as a freelance fashion stylist so it was lovely to work with him again. Make-up artist Amanda worked her magic on the very beautiful Olga transforming her into a 70’s Brigitte Bardot. I’m thrilled with the results – FAB!
Paisley print dress by Peacocks. Felt hat by Forever 21.
Jumpsuit by Oh My Love at Top Shop. Floral scarf by T K Maxx.
Psychedelic print dress by Rokit.
Leopard Print bustier by Freya. Jacket by Zara.
Sunglasses by Yours Clothing. Jacket by Zara.
Floral dress by H&M. Felt hat by American Eagle.
PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON, FASHION STYLIST -BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE-UP – AMANDA ROBBINS, MODEL – OLGA DATSENKO AT M&P MODELS.
THE OLYMPICS – LEGWORK
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed The Olympics and so proud of Team GB and their amazing haul of medals. So feel I need to flag up these very patriotic leggings that fitnesswear brand PlayerLayer have launched to celebrate this summer of sport. They have a pop-up shop right now in the new Body Studio of London’s department store Selfridges. The range consists of 12 popular national flags. But if your country isn’t one of these, you can easily order your own using iPads and PlayerLayer’s customising platform allowing you to design your very own unique leggings.
Leggings Studio by PlayerLayer is also available online at www.selfridges.com Prices start from £90 for limited edition ‘Fly Your Flag’ print and £100 to customise your own leggings.
KAFTANS – THE COVER-UP STORY
Embroidered cotton kaftan from a selection from Miss Selfridge.
Hallelujah! Finally, I’m off on holiday. I’ve been tearing around the sales in search of the perfect cover-up. Gee whizz the kaftan has come a long way since I first saw one way back when, worn by Demis Roussos on Top Of The Pops. I remember thinking NEVER EVER as I looked at this item of clothing whilst Mr Roussos strained the lyrics to his song ‘Forever and Ever’.
Now here I am, quite a fan (of the kaftan) and cover-ups are a staple holiday piece. They’re a perfect ‘throw on’ especially at the beginning of the holidays when you feel a little self- conscious exposing so much pale skin and very sensible when the midday sun becomes a bit too strong. But as you get more of a tan I think they look amazingly glamorous wafting around the pool. Choose pale colours – white, cream and light tones of grey. The words ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ suddenly popped into my head and this made me giggle as this hit by Procol Harum emerged in the Summer of Love when the kaftan was definitely all the rage! I will leave you with these beautiful images to peruse and fabulous video of the band in 60’s London. I’m sure it’ll make you smile. Bon Voyage Moi!
Long line kaftan, £128 by Eberjey at www.lyst.com
Print, lace up kaftan, £59, by Monsoon.
Embroidered kaftan, £125.40 (in sale) Eberjey at www.beachcafe.com
Lacey Kaftan, £231, by Eberjey at www.beachflamingo.com
Cotton embroidered kaftan, £15, Primark.
Cotton lace up kaftan, £49, Monsoon
MYLEENE KLASS’S UNDERWATER SWIMWEAR SHOOT
RED DRAPE BANDEAU BIKINI TOP, £25 AND RING BIKINI BRIEF, £18. ALL SWIMWEAR SIZES 8-18
Yippee! The weather is meant to be good this weekend – about time too! I’m getting all geared up for a little trip to our local lido. First step, buy a cossie. Whilst trawling through the internet I came across these amazing pictures of Myleene Klass in her fab new swimwear range for Littlewoods. I decided to delve deeper into this underwater shoot….
PALM PRINT DRAPE FRONT SWIMSUIT, £40
It was shot in the very swanky Haymarket Hotel in London. The basement of this hotel has the most glorious pool. I have been to quite a few press launches there and it’s very glam!
BLACK AND METALLIC GOLD STRAP BIKINI, £35
Obviously Myleene is no stranger to swimwear. It’s actually been 10 years since we saw her in that infamous white bikini on I’m A Celebrity’, but these shots are a different class – if you excuse the pun. I’m so impressed how Myleene looks so serene in these images. It can’t be easy doing an underwater shoot in the first place, but coping with swimming with heels and chunky jewellery must have been quite something.
WHITE HALTER MOULDED BIKINI, £40
I decided to find out from the lady herself. Myleene told, “It was the most physically challenging shoot I’ve ever done. We had three safety divers on hand and the challenge of shooting my swimwear whilst maintaining the right level in the water, as well as keeping the look as ethereal as possible in one breath was no mean feat.”
“I absolutely loved the experience of shooting underwater. My Dad was a navy diver, so I’ve grown up splashing in the ocean but this shoot was one I’ll never forget.”
Myleene went on to explain, “I had to micro manage my breath to float at the right distance from the bottom of the pool, remove bubbles from my face for the photographer whilst looking composed.”
GOLD TASSEL TRIANGLE BIKINI, £35
I’ve ordered the beautiful, palm print swimsuit and obviously expecting to look just like Myleene in mine! So what advice would the goddess of swimwear give to us mortals?
“Wear a bikini or swimsuit that gives you the support where you need it, pop on a glam cover up to take you from the beach to the bar and as my auntie would say ‘stand tall’.”
THE PERFECT BRA GUIDE FOR YOUR SHAPE
Simone Perele Saga Bra, £72, 32B-36E
There has been so much hoo-ha about bras this week! I’ve been busy working on a feature for Femail, looking into new research that apparently it’s not our measurements and cup sizes that are important but the shape of our bust!
Lingerie Company ThirdLove has even devised a breast shape glossary specifying the seven most common shapes with advice choosing the best bra. Well in my books all shapes and sizes are fabulous, but as a stylist I strive to make people look as good and happy with themselves as possible. So I’ve made my own list of fantastic bras, one I’m sure will definitely compliment your shape!
1. ASYMMETRIC BUST
I don’t think any woman on the planet has completely symmetric breasts. If you feel particularly self conscious about the size differences these bras will really help to balance you out!
TAUPE EMBROIDERED BRA BY HUIT, PLEIN LES YEUX PADDED AIR BRA, £53, 32A to 36DD
This is a fabulous bra to even out asymmetric breasts as it uses detachable air pads that will boost you up at least 2 cup sizes. If one bust is bigger than the other, you can just wear the enhancers on one side. Lots of women find these air filled pads much more comfortable to wear and they feel so light compared to heavy padding or gel.
BLACK CALVIN KLEIN NAKED GLAMOUR BRA FROM FIGLEAVES, £35, 32A TO 38DD
If you feel you need to balance out your breast shape this bra is wonderful for you. The removable padding can add up to 1 and half cup sizes. The bra straps are obviously adjustable too all helping to create a lovely cleavage.
HOT PINK WACOAL ENCHANTING PADDED PUSH UP BRA, £73, 32A TO 38D
This luxurious bra has clever detachable cookies that can ‘even’ out your breasts. This beautiful bra will give you great shape and boost you up to feel super confident!
2. TEARDROP BUST
This is when the bust is less full at the top. These bras will give you more of a rounded shape.
CORAL WACOAL INTUITION PUSH UP CONTOUR BRA, £49, 32A to 38D
The push-up effect on the lower part of the breast gives a fabulously rounded shape whilst the moulding also helps with this uplift and support. I love this smooth look bra, it’s a flattering and comfortable everyday bra.
HOT PINK SIMONE PERELE SAGA BRA, £72, £49, 32B to 36E
This demi-cup is ideal for those with teardrop shape bust as the half-cup fills and uplifts the bust to enhance a great cleavage. The cut out wide band gives fantastic lift and shape giving super oomph to the bust.
LILAC HEIDI KLUM INTIMATES FOR FIGLEAVES CONTOUR BALCONNET BRA, £38, 32A to 38DD
This balconnet style bra encourages the bust into a more rounded shape by the artful use of underwiring and seaming. The clever vertical lace bias trim form a rounded orange segment effect of which even Nell Gwynn would be proud!
3. EAST TO WEST BUST
When the bust faces outwards these bras are great for drawing in the breast and giving you a great cleavage.
BLACK FREYA HERO SIDE SUPPORT PLUNGE BRA, £30, 28D to 38G
This is such a well constructed bra and just the thing for an East to West bust. It features a four section cup that gives you great fit. The side panelling pulls you in whilst the straps continue down into the bra ensuring that the bust is fully encompassed.
WHITE CALVIN KLEIN IRON STRENGTH PUSH UP BRA FROM FIGLEAVES, £42, 32A TO 38D
The front fastening on this sports inspired bra draws in the bust. The curved underwiring and side padded cups ensure maximum cleavage.
TAUPE BOUX AVENUE JODIE PLUNGE BRA, £26 28A to 36F
All the emphasis on this plunge bra is on the sides with the panels drawing in the breast to give maximum cleavage. There are even side removable pads to give an extra boost, getting those bosoms to a more northerly direction!
4. BELL SHAPE BUST
The bust is slimmer at the top and full at the bottom – especially common in more voluptuous ladies!
BLUE PRINT PANACHE, JASMINE BALCONNET BRA, £32, 28D TO 38K
Ding Dong! This bra is a good bra for a bell shaped bust. The semi-circular underwiring creates a rounding effect. The vertical seams starting from the middle of the cup in line with the bra straps also offer good shaping and support.
CORAL ELOMI, RAQUEL BRA, £42, 38DD TO 42JJ
Classic full coverage bras are ideal for bell shaped breasts as the circular underwiring and cups make the bust look rounder. This bra also has a substantial band and wide straps that will ensure good uplift.
BLACK, WONDERBRA STRAPLESS LACE BRA, £38, 32A to 38G
If you thought more pendulous breasts couldn’t wear strapless bras well think again. This bra’s unique uplifting construction and patented silicone dots give hold and cleavage, mimicking the feel of holding your breasts in your hands!
5. SLENDER BUST
When the bust is smaller and flatter. These styles will give you extra oomph!
LIGHT BLUE AFFINITAS, THE ALISON SUPER PUSH-UP BRA, £27, 30A TO 38D.
This padded push-up bra is great for a slender bust as not only is it super comfy it can offer a larger bust feel by adding up to two sizes to your look. This one is particularly good value too!
BLACK, MAGIC BODYFASHION, THE DOUBLE PUSH-UP BRA, £32, 32A TO 36C
This bra gives an extra boost for even the smallest of busts. I’m told it’s like major enhancement without the surgery! The double soft cushions provide comfy uplift, taking you up to two cup sizes bigger.
TURQUOISE B.TEMPT’D, B’WOWD BRA, £35, 30A to 38DD
This underwired plunge bra can certainly add some va-va-voom! The graduated built-in push up pads really give natural looking enhancement to your bust! I love the colour too – wear it under a sheer blouse for a glam evening out.
6. ROUND BUST
The bust is equally full at the top and bottom. When you have a larger cup size and need extra support these bras are excellent.
BLACK LACE PRIMA DONNA COMFORT BRA FROM AMAZON, FROM £66, 36D to 46H
This bra ticks all the boxes for larger round bust ladies. It’s glamorous, comfortable and fabulously supportive. It has good underwire, really sturdy lower panel and wide straps. This is such a winning bra- practical yet gorgeous enough for date nights too!
BLUE FANTASIE REBECCA BRA, £41, 30 D to 40H CUP
This denim look bra really makes the most of a rounded bust. The moulded cups and wide support band give a natural shape and uplift. This is a perfect T shirt bra for the fuller bust. I’m delighted to see it goes up to H cup too –Hooray!
PALE PINK SIMONE PERELE INSPIRATION BRA, £54, 30A to 38F
This strapless bra is perfect for rounder bust women. The moulded cups enhance your lovely shape, giving you a seamless finish. Some women worry that strapless numbers will creep down the body by the end of the day, not with this one as it has an anti-slip interior which grips the bust.
7. SIDE SET BUST
If you have a side space between your breasts these bras will pull you in and give you an amazing shape.
RED FIGLEAVES BOUDOIR MARILYN BRA, £45, 30B to 36G
This pure silk, plunging front bra screams silver screen glamour. Again the ‘segment’ panelling forms a round look to the bust whilst the underwiring hoists everything upfront to a starring position!
BLACK BOUX AVENUE, LOW PLUNGE U BRA, £28, 30A TO 38E
This seductive bra grips and pulls in the bust whilst the ingenious U-shaped underwiring takes the strain and ensures that the bust stays in place. It also comes with additional straps to convert to a daring low back. Good enough for any red carpet!
PALE PINK ADINA REAY, V-NECK PLUNGE BRA, £120, 32DD to 36G
This beautiful V-neck plunge bra is particularly good for curvy women as it goes up to a G size cup. This foundation wear really supports and embodies a larger bust as the straps are built into the bra leaving no room for side spillage.
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR STARS IN NEW SHOPPABLE POP VIDEO
Wow! This is pretty futuristic – pop star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has released a new ‘shoppable’ pop video to launch the new C. Wonder fashion collection.
This vibrant video sees Sophie strutting her stuff and snapping her fingers as she transforms into eight different looks from this fab collection, exclusive to QVC. Shoppers can simply click on each outfit and be taken to the QVC website to purchase any of this new stylish range.
The film features a specially composed song “Wonder” featuring vocals from new talent Biba and is a great backing track for our wonder woman Sophie’s magical wardrobe change dances!
The C. Wonder range was curated by E! Fashion Show Police panellist Brad Goreski, whose celebrity clients include Jessica Alba and Demi Moore.
Brad told us, “I’m so excited to bring something wonderful to QVC UK as the Creative Director of C. Wonder! This line is all about global travel and exploration and I hope that the C. Wonder woman will love our preppy, bohemian look.” He went on to say, “Wearing C. Wonder means being confident, comfortable and chic – that’s what I love about fashion and style.”
It seems Sophie is impressed too! This energetic mother-of four explained, “I really like the stylish and accessible nature of the C. Wonder collection at QVC. I have a passion for all things 60’s and 70’s inspired so it’s a perfect addition to my wardrobe.”
Take a look at this global inspired collection yourself. At prices ranging from £23 to £65 I could definitely afford to unleash my inner bohemian goddess too!
SUPER STYLISH SKI WEAR
If I wasn’t snowed under with work, I’d love to jet off to some fabulous ski resort, perhaps Aspen, Courchevel, St. Moritz even Klosters. There are so many fashion opportunities slope side!
One brand that has really caught my eye is Superdry. They’re fairly new to the ski world but you have to admit this second snow collection dazzles, encapsulating glacier-cool style for downhill daredevils and chilled out skiers!
The range has covered all bases. For the hardcore skiers and boarders there’s the Full Tech collection featuring the Ultimate Snow Pants and co-ordinating Wind Bombers. This max-performance and thrill seekers collection comes in stylish denim blue, grey and black along with vibrant injections of fluro pink and orange. I love the Ultimate Snow Service Jackets and Ski Pants in Superdry’s iconic camo print as well as the girls zingy Ski Command Utility Hooded Jacket. There’s such attention to detail in this icy attire with fully taped seams, detachable skirts and cuffs plus the durable waterproof fabrics that give serious protection against the elements.
For chilled out skiers and free riders, the Semi-Tech Elements range is perfect. It boasts high visibility branding, detachable layers, inner skirts and snap tabs. Superdry’s best selling Arctic Windcheater and Mountain Marker Jacket are key in this collection both ideal for when the sun goes down and temperatures drop.
All in all, this super stylish snow wear is a winner, ensuring boarders, skiers and powder hounds get noticed even in a whiteout! Available in selected stores and online Superdry
Have a look at the amazing video below. To support the 2nd snow range, Superdry teamed with radical BASE jumper and extreme skier Matthias Giraud. As their official snow ambassador Giraud puts the collection through its paces in the snow covered mountains of Chile. Wow what an adrenalin rush!
https://youtu.be/_CHrHdUW23g
BEHIND THE SCENES OF A BABY FASHION SHOOT
Chelsea wears lace tunic, £49, Soeur at Smallable. Harlen wears cotton bodysuit £10.50 (pack of 2) Petit Bateau.
Hear the word ‘model’ and you’re most likely to think of a tall, willowy figure in striking clothes and Manolos. Well, they’re not always like this on every photo shoot I work on. This month I styled a gorgeous fashion spread for glossy magazine Baby London and our supermodels were newborn Harlen (photographed above with beautiful Mum Chelsea) and 4 month year old Lily and Hunter.
Lily wears cotton knit hat, £6.95 and dress, £29.95 both Gap.
So what exactly happens at a baby shoot you might ask. Well in my case so much happens beforehand. All the clothes and props have to be sourced and as magazines work 3 months in advance I always seem to be working in a different season from the one we’re in. For me it’s swimwear in Winter and faux fur coats in the middle of Summer. It can get very confusing! Anyhow I trundle off to Fashion PR’s who hold all the next season’s samples. Most days, come rain or shine, I’m staggering around the West End weighed down with clothes like a glorified bag lady.
Hunter wears cotton playsuit £91 and Lily wears embroidered cotton dress with matching bloomers, £112 both Bonpoint. Sheepskin rug, £75, The White Company.
After the clothes are sorted I start work on the ‘softs” as they are called in the trade. That’s all the throws, cushions, duvet covers and sheepskin rugs used to make a snug little room set for the baby. This is so important to bolster up babies that can’t sit up by themselves and also gives a soft landing if they’re a bit wobbly!
Hunter wears cotton romper £39.50, Petit Bateau. Sheepskin rug, £75, The White Company.
Then comes the shoot day. The crew – photographer, digi assistant, make-up artist and myself arrive at the studio at least an hour before the tiny talent arrive. Babies get bored and tired very quickly so we try and get them in and out of the studio as quickly as possible. Preparation is key. The photographer perfects his lighting, the make-up artist lays out brushes and I hang up all the clothes and get to work on my room set. The heating is also blasted up so the babies are kept nice and cosy.
Once parents and babies arrive it’s all action! We tend to run around making tea for the parents and making sure they’re happy and relaxed as little ones feed off the vibe of their Mums and Dads and we want everyone to have a really fun time. We get cracking pretty swiftly, the babies are dressed, go through hair and make-up and before they can even gurgle they’re on set ready to go!
Harlen wears cotton bodysuit, £10.50 (pack of 2) Petit Bateau and organic cotton and merino wool booties, £24.99, Aravore.
To get those fabulous baby smiles all the crew have to have a turn entertaining the talent. I have a kit bag bursting with tickling sticks, blowers, cuddly toys and bubbles that even Mary Poppins would be proud of. The photographer takes the lead and then we all have a go, parents included, singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes, pretending to sneeze, in fact we’ll do anything to get a chuckle. The make-up artist and I, tissues in hand, share ‘Dribble Patrol” – drool is quite a liability in baby photography. Yes, I really look a picture of sophistication on kids shoots, armed with Kleenex and long tickle feathers, running around like a mad woman in Sahara Desert temperatures. We do stop for loads of breaks though as babies get really tired and hungry quickly – milk breaks always figure high up on the agenda.
And before you know it, it’s all over. The babies generally snoozing happily in their car seats are ushered out of the studio and the crew, shell-shocked and exhausted, start the grand clear up. It’s a mad way to earn a living but as you can see by the pics really rewarding too!
Chelsea wears silk chiffon top, £60, A Day In A Life. Harlen wears cotton smocked playsuit, £63, Annafie at Childrensalon
PHOTOGRAPHY – JONATHAN MALPASS. HAIR & MAKE-UP – ROSE ANGUS. FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN. MODELS – GRACE & GALOR AGENCY
GHOST’S NEW INTERIORS COLLECTION
I’ve always adored Ghost clothes. In fact, I was wearing one of their beautiful black maxi dresses the day I met my husband at a barbie in South London. Needless to say their designs worked for me. So I was thrilled to find out that they are launching their first interiors collection. I can now feather our nest in their fabulous vintage style cushions, luxurious duvet sets and opulent throws!
The range is designed by iconic interior designer Sera Hersham-Loftus. As you can see in the stunning photographs by legendary Clive Arrowsmith that Sera’s designs draw close parallel to the SS16 Ghost clothing line. I love the dreamy tones of sand, dusty green, powder blue and silver in the collection which really work on these gorgeous satin and lace trim boudoir feel pieces. The images were actually shot in Sera’s house where her fabulous and unique sense of style is apparent.
Hersham-Loftus, founder of Sera of London has so much experience in the world of interiors. Seeking inspiration from all corners of the world and past decades, Sera works closely with 80’s punk style and 90’s boho fabrics. Her work is wildly romantic with a spirit of artistic reverie which I think is perfect for Ghost.
Sera explained, “My work as Sera of London has spanned over 22 years where my interior style runs parallel to Ghost designs. I have vintage fabrics from the 80’s and 90’s which I use in all my designs and I want to emulate this vintage feel throughout the Ghost homeware collection.”
Take a look at this heavenly collection yourself. It’s available in-store and online at www.ghost.co.uk with prices starting at £70-£350.