THE BLUES – DENIM FASHION
A new shoot I styled in a location just around the corner from me in North London. The Belt Craft Studio is packed with eclectic props and furniture, perfect for our Denim story….
Photographer – Charlie Troman. Fashion Stylist – Becky John. Hair & Make-up Artist – Tricia Woolston. Models – Mila M and Gwilym at First Model Management and Marina C at Zone Models.
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Gwilym’s clothes, T M Lewin. Mila, Jacket and headscarf, Betty Barclay. Camisole, Jigsaw. Flares, Bershka. Mules, Sorelle Shoes
- Dress, Vera Mont. Mules, Sorelle Shoes.
- Gwilym’s clothes, T M Lewin. Marina’s dress, Phase Eight, shoes, Clarks.
- Clothes, H&M. Sunglasses, Andy Wolf.
- Clothes, Jigsaw Menswear. Sunglasses, Illesteva.
- Clothes, H&M.
- Clothes, Diesel. Tie, Glendon Lambert.Sunglasses, AM Eyewear. Shoes, Vans.
- Clothes, ASOS.
- Clothes by Bershka. Hat, Beyond Retro
JODIE KIDD – NEW SPORTSWEAR COLLECTION
Full zip softdri hoodie, £60. Active long sleeve tee, £45. Softdri lounge pant, £50
You have to be pretty fit to do this styling lark. Running around studios at shoots and lugging huge bags of clothes can really take it out of you! Whether it’s Pilates or circuit training I try and do a fitness class everyday. Obviously I want to look good too so I’m always on the lookout for stylish workout gear. So I was quite excited when I saw this new Green Lamb Performance Collection fronted by supermodel and presenter Jodie Kidd.
Softdri lounge hoodie, £55. Feathertech space dye leggings, £40
This range seems to have a really good mix of fitness leggings and racer-back tops for more high impact sports as well as lounge hoodies and pants for more leisurely activities. Sporty Jodie seems like a brilliant personality to get involved in this Irish based fitness brand. She’s super fit and a keen golfer and horse rider. We’ve seen her dance her socks off on Strictly as well as show off such amazing physical stamina in the celebrity Winter sports TV game show, The Jump!
Full zip softdri hoodie, £60. Active long sleeve tee, £45. Softdri lounge pant, £50. Studio bag, £50.
How did this new venture start? Jodie told, “I’ve been a fan of Green Lamb golf clothing for a long time and when they approached me to collaborate on a new performance collection it instantly made sense”
The brand was developed specifically to appeal to fashion conscious woman who demand high performance clothing that can take them directly from their fitness class to coffee with friends without changing.
Jodie explained “ Who doesn’t wasn’t to look and feel good after a class especially if I’m meeting the girls for breakfast.”
Exactly. Sounds perfect to me. The Green Lamb Jodie Kidd Performance collection will be available in the UK from this month exclusively online with House of Fraser.
Softdri lounge hoodie, £55. Feathertech space dye leggings, £40.
LITTLE FASHION-EASTER
Here’s to a cracking Easter…..
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Chick tutu bodysuit with hat, £10, 0-18M by M&Co
For the little chicks……
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1. Chick applique, leather baby shoes, £19, Daisy Roots. 2. Chick hooded towel, £18, M&S.3. Easter felt bags, £2.99 each, oakroomshop.co.uk . 4.Bunny ears, £2, Go Create at Tesco. 5. Bunny baseball cap, £6, M&S. 6. Bunny slippers, £24.99, Cuckooland.com
Easter Eggstravaganza……
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1. Personalised butterfly chocolate eggs, £25, biscuiteers.com 2.Golden milk egglets, £5.50, Hotel Chocolat. 3. colourful eggs in nest, £1, Poundland. 4. Bird print Easter eggs with iced biscuits, £1 each Tiger Stores. 5. All Our Eggs in One Basket set, £50, Hotel Chocolat. 6, Colourful chick eggs with chocolate eggs inside ,£5.75, Pussy Home Boutique.
For the Home Bunnies……..
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1. Bunny and cabbage apron, £24, Thornback & Peel at Amara. 2. Tapestry chick cushion, £19.95, Mad In England. 3. Bunny coasters, £13.50 for set of 4, Home Candy. 4. Chick egg cosy, £13.50, Cuckooland.com 5. Rabbit applique cushion, £89, Carola Van Dyke at Amara. 6. Chicken egg cosy, £6, The Contemporary Home.
Easter Bonnets and Accessories…….
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1.18ct gold bunny charm, £120, Links of London. 2. Feather bonnet on headband, £50, Julien Macdonald at Debenhams. 3. Chicken print bag, £45, Sophie Allport. 4. Picture hat, £75, Ben de Lisi at Principles.
STORM IN A DD CUP
Racer back bra, £110 and brief, £55
After doing a review in Femail about a new lingerie range that only came in a B cup, there was an outcry (quite rightly so) from my more voluptuous friends demanding that they get a look in too!
So I was overjoyed when I stumbled across the fabulous lingerie range Adina Reay that comes in bra sizes 32DD to 36G. This luxurious brand designed and manufactured in the UK manages to cleverly cater in fuller cup sizes whilst not compromising on style.
V-neck plunge bra, £120 and shorts, £60
Founder, Sharon Lake wanted to create beautiful lingerie that everyone could wear. As a curvier lady myself I was delighted to find a DD plus range that isn’t made from industrial type fabrics and have those horrid huge wide straps. This collection is so glamorous with its amazing laces, bespoke embroideries, satin, silks and tulles.
The contemporary styling makes this lingerie so unique. The bras give ultimate support with their racer back and v-neck styles. Whilst central panelling and ingenious tuck pleats on knickers and slips are very slimming too. What a fab collection. Quite frankly I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Have a look online www.adinareay.com I’m sure you’ll feel the same way!
Bridal balcony bra, £90. brief, £50 and slip, £130
SOPHIE DAHL – A GIRL WITH PRINCIPLES
Jacket, £55, dress, £35, by Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi
It’s great seeing Sophie Dahl back modelling again. She looks so at ease fronting the new casual collection for British High Street brand Principles.
The last couple of years Sophie has been focusing on her writing. She has been a contributor for Vogue and Men’s Vogue as well penning many a cook book – “Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights” being one of them. Of course writing is in the blood; her grandfather was the fabulous Roald Dahl. As a child, I loved the macabre “Tales of The Unexpected”. The TV theme tune still puts a shiver down my spine. Now a mum I’ve read practically all his books with my daughter – The BFG is our favourite. No prizes for guessing who was the inspiration for main character called Sophie!
Dress, £32, Shoes, Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi
Principles, headed by talented designer Ben de Lisi is doing so well. Such a relief after it’s nose-dive in 2009 when its parent company Mosaic Fashions was placed into administration. Luckily Debenhams came to the rescue in 2010 and brought back the brand and it really has gone from strength to strength ever since. With the launch of the new “Principles Weekend” casual wear collection what better time to have high profile personality Sophie aboard.
Denim jacket, £40, top, £25, Trousers, £30, Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi
Sophie, now in her late thirties, married to jazz singer Jamie Cullum and a busy Mum to two little girls said she really was enjoying the new range.
“The collection is all about ease – for the shoot we really mixed and matched it, in a way that felt true to the way I dress.”
Designer Ben de Lisi obviously is thrilled to have Sophie as the face of Principles Weekend,“Sophie Dahl embodies everything that the collection represents – a beautiful, modern, sophisticated working Mum who always looks fantastic.”
Shirt, £30, Jeans, £32, Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi
Miss Dahl has always looked fab. I can’t believe it’s nearly twenty years since infamous stylist, Isabella Blow ‘discovered’ her. 18-year old Sophie caused quite a stir in the fashion circles as god forbid she was a size 14! I completely related to her Monroe curves. I loved her look with her vintage nighty dresses and marabou feather mules. Such a siren with red lips and that platinum blond hair of which she later said “It wasn’t proper until you had blisters on your scalp from the bleach!”
I was a little concerned when she lost her weight and became a more conventional model size. But she still had that rebellious lovable streak appearing deliciously naked in the very famous YSL Opium perfume campaign.
Parka, £65, jumper, £35, jeans, £32, Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi
Now looking relaxed and more beautiful than ever she’s still one to watch. I really love her blog, At The Kitchen Table where she covers everything from cooking, fashion, beauty as well as including more weighty social issues and supporting loads of worthwhile charities.
So a girl with Principles – they can only benefit from this Dahling gem!
Blouse, £28, Jeans, £32 by Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi
THE VALENTINE GUIDE
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My Loved-Up guide for your VALENTINE…………..
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PUCKER UP! LIP SHIRT, 39.50, OLIVER BONAS
For those who wish to wear their heart on their sleeve or anywhere else –
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Cut-out Heart dress, £49, Simply Be. Lip Skirt, £59, House of CB. Fringed top, £9.90, People Tree. Heart jumper, £55, White Stuff. Heart print dress, £45, Oliver Bonas
For the homey –
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Cake stand, £10 Sainsburys. Jigsaw, £2 and Lap tray, £5, both Tiger Stores. Heart dish, £49, Le Creuset at Occa Home. Heart pillow, £16, M&Co.
If food be the music of love –
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Box of Chocolates, £39, Hotel Chocloat. Red heart box of chocs, £14, Butlers Chocolates. Individual champagne chocolate truffles,£3.75,Hotel Chocolat. Personalised wine, £19.99, Getting Personal. Louboutin inspired chocolate shoe, £35.95, Azra Chocolates.
For those who LOVE to accessorize –
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Heart cufflinks, £79, Amara. Heart Keyring, £50, Juicy Couture. Sunglasses, £15, Monsoon. Socks, £2, Tiger Stores. Phone charging purse, £79.99, Cuckooland. Stack of rings, £6, Accessorize
And Finally the Lingerie Lover
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Red bra set, £16, Tu at Sainsburys. Floral bra, £28 and high waisted brief, £16, Boux Avenue.
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Floral bra, £25 and knickers, £12.50, Marks & Spencer. Cerise bra, £28 and thong, £12, Boux Avenue.
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NEW FACE OF PHASE EIGHT – SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR
I do like Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Someone who enjoys a dance routine as much as fashion gets a big thumbs up from me.
I first saw singer-songwriter Sophie strutting her stuff in 2002 on her video for Murder on The Dance Floor. A decade later and three children on, she still looked amazing on Strictly Come Dancing in the arms of dance partner Brendan Cole.
Norma Floral Burnout Dress, £140
So I was thrilled to see her unveiled as the face of Phase Eight. The beautiful, floral prom-style dresses really suit her. Sophie who has often been compared to Audrey Hepburn looks wonderful in these Fifties looking pieces. A big move for Phase Eight as they haven’t used a high profile celebrity since Yasmin Le Bon in Spring 2003.
Ninette Dress, £140
Judith Bremner, Brand Director says, “Sophie is the ultimate Phase Eight woman – she is successful, confident, loves fashion and interprets it to work for her own personal style. She relates well to our customers who aspire to wear dresses that are elegant, flattering and versatile.”
Chantay Rose Dress, £120
These gorgeous dresses are definitely versatile. I’d wear them to work events and evenings out. My favourite one is the Kimono style, Chantay Rose dress that embraces two of the major trends this spring – The Orient and ‘Flower Power’. This one looks like a winner to me!
Beautifully shot by photographer Damien Weilers, the soft lighting and floral prop styling compliment the very romantic feel.
Elodine Dress, £140
This 22-piece collection is completed with lovely vintage style jewellery, heels and clutch bags. Sophie explains, “This collection provides perfect outfit solutions for summer weddings and garden parties where you always want to feel special and unique. I love how the collection exudes feminine and stylish dressing.”
Well it certainly looks like Phase Eight is coming up roses with this collaboration. I’m popping in-store this afternoon to bag one myself!
Have a look on-line at the beautiful collection – Sophie Ellis-Bextor at Phase Eight.
Loretta Dress, £169
FASHION – WHITE ON WHITE
It was one of those shoots that looks so serene, but behind the scenes there was no lack of drama. The aim was to produce ethereal looking images with a very theatrical slant. So styling wise I mixed up the look, using vintage clothes, period costume pieces and designer dresses. I love the beautiful and magically eccentric work of the photographer Tim Walker so that was a big influence.
But there was trouble ahead…… first of all there was a fiasco with the syrup. For those who aren’t familiar with Cockney rhyming that of course is the wig! We hunted high and low for the perfect one that gave our model Karmen that surreal doll-like quality. After many rejects the perfect one was made up by a fabulous hairdresser ‘Padge’ in Bristol. Then as our photographer Charlie Troman had recently moved to the West Country we decided to shoot our story in a converted Cotswold barn in Malmesbury. Unfortunately we chose a Winter’s day when the conditions were practically Arctic. I picked up our model at 5am in the glamorous location of Hanger Lane roundabout in West London and literally slid all the way to Wiltshire in the snow. So anyhow here is the very aptly named shoot White on White….
Photography – Charlie Troman. Fashion Stylist – Becky John. Make-up – Kat Louise
CHRISTMAS JUMPERS
There’s nothing I like more than a bit of festive fun. Here’s a pick of this Yuletide’s most jolly jumpers for everyone………
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LADIES jumper, £22,NEW LOOK
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LADIES Robin jumper, £14, George at Asda. Elf Jumper. £18, Debenhams. Snowman jumper,£28, M&S. Penguin jumper, £18 Debenhams
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LADIES Snowman jumper, and blue reindeer jumper both £12, Primark. Red reindeers jumper, £35, Simply Be. Pug sweater, £17.99, Internacionale.
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MENS Light-Up Jumper, £39, M&Co
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MENS Blue reindeers jumper, £20, BhS. Gingerbread jumper and sheep jumper both £19.99, Get THe Label. Xmas stocking jumper, £12, Primark.
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MENS Blue light-up jumper, £18, Primark. Candy stick jumper, £25, M&S. Xmas pudding jumper, £20, BhS. Snowman jumper, £19.99, Get The Label
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KIDS Reindeer jumper, from £18, M&Co
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BOYS Bird jumper, £18, M&S. Snowman jumper and Father Xmas jumper, both £17, Littlewoods.com. Reindeer jumper, from £16, M&Co.
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GIRLS cream reindeer jumper,£15 and Penguin jumper, £18, both M&Co. Red reindeer jumper and Snowman jumper, both £18.99, Sophie at Internacionale.
TANYA BURR AND BLOGGING
TANYA BURR AT HER LAUNCH AT THE SANDERSON
I have to admit this blogging malarkey is new to me. Although I’ve worked as a fashion editor on magazines and newspapers for over 15 year, truthfully I hadn’t taken a massive interest in blogs.
Gradually my world is changing. So many magazines that I’ve loved and grown up with are folding and the ones that remain often don’t have budgets for fashion shoots. Today’s technology is spoiling us with choice. On a typical family evening in, it is not unusual for my 14-year-old daughter Lily to be ‘triple screening’. That is watching TV, reading a blog on her tablet and texting her friends on her mobile phone. My down time when I was her age was watching one of the 3 channels on ‘the box’ and perhaps flicking through a magazine or two. The only technology I knew was thumping the top of the telly when the reception was so bad we were reduced to a screen full of fast moving horizontal lines!
So embracing technology I have started my fashion blog. And as I’m not exactly ‘Techy Becky’ it didn’t come easy. On a magazine, the fashion editor is responsible for styling shoots and writing the accompanying feature. From there you hand over the pictures and ‘copy’ to first a sub-editor who proof reads it and then onto the art department where they layout all the images to produce a beautiful fashion spread. On a blog you’re on your own and I was baffled to know how to start. So, one Sunday afternoon I sat at my computer and watched hours and hours of tutorials on YouTube on how to do a blog post until at last I had that eureka moment and took the plunge!
I know you’re probably rolling your eyes now thinking “we’ve been at it for years, where have you been”? Well I suppose I’ve been living in my own little fashion bubble. Mind you, now I’ve started there’s no stopping me – I’m obsessed. I’m constantly reading and devouring information about blogs. I can only compare it to having a new baby. It’s a lot more work than you expect but more rewarding than I ever imagined!
Anyhow all this in mind I jumped at the chance to meet the 24-year-old queen bee of fashion and beauty bloggers, Tanya Burr. So successful is her blog and vlog (with over 6 million viewers per month on YouTube) that this one time make-up artist was having her second beauty launch in The Sanderson Hotel. I was already very impressed with her Eye Candy lip-glosses and nail polishes especially the purple ‘Midnight Sparkles” shade which I wore on my toes throughout the summer. I was now very excited to try out the new luxurious lashes!
I knew this swanky launch would be overflowing with the young blogging and vlogging glitterati so was thrilled when my daughter Lily said she’d accompany me. She’s completely au fait with all things vlog and effortlessly navigated me around the room pointing out all the royalty – Zoella, Casper Lee, Marcus Butler, and Naomi Smart.
Tania and my daughter Lily
Tanya was lovely and friendly to us both. She was there with fiance and fellow vlogger Jim Chapman. She told us how she loved clothes and liked to keep up to date with all the current trends. This obviously is paying off as this season Tanya has been spotted on the front row of many a show at London Fashion Week. Lily and I had great fun at the launch, eating all the amazing cup cakes and trying on all the different styles of lashes.
Meeting Tanya Burr was really inspiring – she really has achieved so much at such a young age. So along with my new lashes I think I’ll continue to give this blogging world a little flutter….. you never know what might happen.