Posts tagged ‘lingerie’
VALENTINE VIBE
Coral lace lingerie, Figleaves. Orange faux fur coat, Top Shop.
Well, Valentine’s Day is nearly here. So I thought I’d do a very glamorous lingerie shoot to put us all in the mood. Being February it’s far too chilly just to wear JUST your bra and knickers so I thought I’d throw in a couple of fur coats (faux of course darlings!) for good measure! Happy Valentine LOVE BIRDS !
Coral lace lingerie, Figleaves. Orange faux fur coat, Top Shop. 70’s print furniture, Monica Rivron Homeware at Hampstead Antique Emporium.
Pale pink lace lingerie, b.tempt’d. Pale pink faux fur coat, Amazon Fashion.
Pale mink coloured lace lingerie, b.tempt’d. Grey leopard coat, Peacocks.
Pale mink coloured lace lingerie, b.tempt’d. Grey leopard coat, Peacocks.
Purple and Red lace lingerie, Figleaves. Faux fur red coat, Zara.
Purple and red lace lingerie, Figleaves. Red faux fur coat, Zara.
Pale pink lace lingerie, Freya. Feather cape, Lalla X RR.
Pale pink lace lingerie, Freya. Feather cape Lalla X RR. Cane furniture, Monica Rivron Homeware at Hampstead Antique Emporium.
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON, HAIR & MAKE-UP – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – CHRISTINE ILIEVA, HIVE AGENCY LONDON.
ORIENT EXPRESSED
LINGERIE BY RIVER ISLAND. DEVORE KIMONO BY FOREVER 21.
I have two beautiful Chinese screens at home that had never been used on a shoot, so it was high time they were put to some good use. Opulent fabrics are abundant this season and I knew they would contrast wonderfully with the dark veneer of the screens. I opted for rich reds, pale petal pinks and some fabulous metallic little numbers to give a magnificent oriental vibe. Our model Sofie was perfect for this story with her glorious auburn hair. Make-up artist, Anna perfected her tresses evoking a pre-Raphaelite feel. Photographer Ian worked his magic with all sorts of innovative lighting and hey presto here are the fabulous images……..
LINGERIE BY MARKS & SPENCER. DEVORE CAPE BY TK MAXX. NECKLACE BY EAST.
LINGERIE BY AFFINITAS. KIMONO BY B by TED BAKER AT DEBENHAMS. JEWELLERY BY ROKIT.
DRESS BY AX PARIS. JEWELLERY BY ROKIT.
SWIMSUIT AND COVER UP BY RIVER ISLAND. NECKLACE BY ROKIT.
LINGERIE BY PRIMARK. ROBE BY BOUX AVENUE. NECKLACE BY ROKIT.
BEHIND THE SCENES…. RAILS OF BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES.
PHOTOGRAPHER – IAN HOOTON, FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE UP ARTIST – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – SOFIE NIELANDER
VALENTINE GUIDE 2017
Image courtesy of Boux Avenue.
It’s that time of year again. The loved up season. Here’s my quick and easy guide for any Valentine……
Valentine stationery by Paperchase.
It’s all about the card really, so get yourself pretty sharpish to somewhere professional like Paperchase, they have the best selection of cards and ‘love’ paraphernalia.
Dirty Great Love Story Photo by Richard Davenport.
Next, decide exactly what you’re going to do on the big night. I hate to be a party pooper, but if there’s one evening I can’t stand going to a restaurant….. they’re so overcrowded, overpriced and NOISY. Why not ring the changes and go to the theatre? I can highly recommend the Dirty Great Love Story on at the Arts Theatre London – ‘im indoors and I went this week, it was funny, clever and really warmed the cockles of my heart which is a good start on Saint Valentine’s Day!
Prosecco, chocolate and love poem Valentine set by The Great Gift Company. Popcorn Valentine’s set and Noodle boxes & chopstick set both by Sainsbury’s Home.
Sometimes I realise it is difficult to get out of an evening, especially if you have kids. I must say my idea of valentine heaven is to stay in with a good bottle of fizz, a big box of chocolates and I’m blushing declaring this but a book of romantic poems – Andrew Marvell SO does it for me.
Otherwise a fabulous film at home with popcorn and more prosecco than you shake a cupid at is lovely with me too!
Home accessories by Cath Kidston.
And if you are eating in, why not go the full Monty in the kitchen and emblazon yourself in love print pinnies, tea towels, oven gloves and table settings. Cath Kidston is embracing the heart this year big style.
Clockwise – Pale pink, lace bra set by Wacoal. Floral print bra set by Freya. Red lace bra set by Freya. Pale pink with black trim bra set by Parfait by Affinitas.
Of course no valentine soiree is complete without the lingerie. I have selected a few sets here all which will give you a cleavage to die for.
Button cushion by Christian Lacroix at Amara. Red lips clutch bag by Lulu Guinness.
Last but not least, just in case Mr E (aka ‘Mystery’ – I still can’t fathom him after 16 years wed!) is actually reading this post and stuck for ideas this year – I rather like the look of either the Lulu Guinness lips clutch bag or Christian Lacroix button cushion. God loves a trier- I know, I know, dream on…….. Happy Valentines LOVE BIRDS!
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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 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.
THE VALENTINE LINGERIE GUIDE
Red lace and silk bra, £45, 32B-36DD, knickers, £30, 8-14 and suspenders, £30 all by Tallulah Love.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I thought I’d do a little research into lingerie and see what’s out there – in both sense of the words!
Red lace bra, £70, 32B-42E and matching knickers, £35, S-L both by Wacoal.
Red lace balconette bra, £27, 28D to 38J and matching knickers, £14, 6-18 both by Cleo by Panache.
Red mesh and lace push up cami suspender, £38, 32A-36DD by Next
It’s always fun to indulge in a smattering of RED around this time. I love the flamboyantly cheeky designs by Tallulah Love with it’s fabulous vintage feel. Other red siren lingerie I particularly like is the very alluring polka dot bra set by Wacoal. This underwired bra really gives a fab uplifting shape to any girl’s cleavage. The fun little number by Cleo at Panache is perfect for any loved up Valentine with its scattered heart shapes. This lingerie also sets my heart fluttering as it goes up to a magnificent J cup – bravo! The push up cami suspender by Next is a real show stopper and perfect to smooth out any lumps and bumps you may wish to conceal!
Black lace and silk bra, £117, 26D-36HH, knickers, £48, 6-16 and suspenders, £89 S-L all by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black silk strappy bra, £111, 26D-36HH and matching thong, £51, 6-16 both by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black lace bodysuit, £90.95, 32C-36E by Le Mystere.
Sultry BLACK is always a winner for Valentine’s Day. I’m a huge fan of Katherine Hamilton Intimates who do amazingly stylish designs that go up to cup size HH – yay! This brand uses such sumptuous silk and lace as you can see in the suspender set and on- trend strappy bra and knickers ensemble. The black lace bodysuit by Le Mystere is really seductive and particularly flattering with it’s slimming front panel that helps to accentuate and flatter your curves.
Leopard print bra, £30, 30D to 40G and highwaisted briefs, £15, XS-XL, Parfait by Affinitas Intimates.
Continuing with the vampy theme – I love a bit of LEOPARD. What better than this fabulous set by Parfait by Affinitas Intimates. The underwired bra gives you a lovely lift and those high waisted knickers are going to hide a multitude of sins!
Floral balconette bra, £32, 30D to 38K and matching knickers, £15, 8-20 both by Panache.
Coral lace underwired bra, £34, 30B -36E and matching knickers, £16 S-XL by b.tempt’d.
Lastly what’s Valentine”s Day with out ROSES? The floral print balconette bra set by Panache is so pretty and again should be commended for going up to a K cup. The coral lacy flower print lingerie by fab b.tempt’d brand also gives such good shape and perfect for low neck evening wear. And lastly if you want even more va va voom the rose print plunge bra set by Next will give you a cleavage to die for! Well I think we’re all set….. Happy Valentines!
Rose print plunge bra, £25, 32A-36DD and matching knickers, £12, 6-18 both by Next.
MARIE HELVIN – LINGERIE SHOOT
Bra, £25, Briefs, £16, by Always Aliza at J D Williams
You have to love Marie Helvin. Here she is looking inspirational at 62 years old doing a lingerie shoot for the Always Aliza range at J D Williams.
In fact, Marie Helvin has always been an inspiration to me. She was modelling in the first fashion show I ever went to as a teenager. Fashion designer, Anthony Price was doing a huge ‘Fashion Extravaganza” at the Camden Palace and my BFF’s and I travelled from Bristol for this monumental occasion. I like to think it was more like a pilgrimage. My friend Sophie had mastered the art of ‘ragging’ where you coil about a hundred sections of your hair in rag strips, leave them in for about 4 hours and once removed you have the biggest hair ever. So we all drove from the West Country in my friend Charlotte’s tiny hatchback car sporting our hair rags, the car hardly big enough to accommodate our heads. Fellow drivers up the M4 must have been fairly bemused at such a sight.
Bra, £25, Briefs, £14, by Always Aliza at J D Williams
Anyhow, it was with perfect ‘big hair’ that I saw Marie Helvin and her chum Jerry Hall on that dazzling catwalk and as corny as it sounds now, I had that Eureka moment and decided my destiny was in fashion. So Marie, I thank you! From then on I avidly followed her career pouring over all those amazing pictures her then husband David Bailey shot of her. Some of them seemed quite ‘out there’ to me as a teenager, especially the one where she wore her stiletto in her knickers!
Decades later and Marie Helvin is still is looking fantastic in lingerie. She says she has to work really hard at looking this toned now. She goes to the gym four times a week – doing 45mins to an hour of weights, rowing machine, bike and floor exercises. Well it’s definitely paid off.
Bra, £25, Briefs, £16, by Always Aliza at J D Williams
Modelling for Aliza Reger’s “Always Aliza’ range was particularly significant to Marie.
“Janet Reger was such an iconic brand throughout my modelling career,” she says, “and it feels great to now be modelling her daughter’s range for J D Williams almost forty years on.”
I love this collection with its pretty pastel shades and floral prints. The size range is really impressive too – it’s available in bra sizes 34B to 50G and knickers sizes 12-32 – hooray!
Marie says after 47 years of modelling lingerie this is definitely her last shoot. Oh no! Why stop now?
“Why?” She laughs, “I’d rather eat pizza…”
Bra, £25, Brief, £14 by Always Aliza at J D Williams
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
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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MYLEENE’S MOST GLAMOROUS COLLECTION
Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to musician and presenter Myleene Klass’s AW14/15 fashion launch in the Sanderson Hotel. By the time I pitched up, hoards of paps were waiting outside the venue all vying for the best position to photograph Ms Klass. No one was disappointed when this mother of two eventually arrived looking stunning and SO shapely in a tightly fitted orange maxi dress and smattering of gold jewellery.
I left the electrical storm of flash bulbs and made my way to the Penthouse where the party was in full swing. Since 2012 when Klass joined force with Littlewoods.com her collection has gone from strength to strength. The Myleene range now includes fashion, lingerie and make-up too.
STRAPLESS SEQUIN LEOPARD PRINT EVENING DRESS £219
It wasn’t long before Myleene breezed into the press show looking radiant. She had changed from her show stopping number into a more ‘girly girl’ 50’s floral dress. Myleene happily mixed with all the journalists, stylists and bloggers. She’s very bubbly and her infectious laugh shows off her great sense of fun.
Myleene was keen to show off the rails of clothes at the launch. I studied the new Littlewoods.com range carefully. There is a great mix of clothes – tight shift dresses to relaxed sweaters, marshmallow pink faux fur coats to sexy red leather shifts.
Marlene explains she wants everyone to be included. “I always try and design for all shapes, all ages, all sizes.”
BLACK LEATHER FISHTAIL BALLGOWN £219
The lingerie range was really impressive. There’s a good array of colours and styles and I was very pleased that the range goes from 32B to 40E. These larger sizes are much appreciated by us more voluptuous ladies.
The make-up range looked beautiful too. Sporting Myleene’s signature leopard print on the packaging, it would look great on anyone’s dressing table. Like me this lady loves a bit of animal print.
MYLEENE’S SIGNATURE PRINT – LEOPARD
But what I really LOVED was the eveningwear collection. Anyone who thought that Littlewoods.com was just for the older lady or great for dressing the kids has to think again when they see this collection. It is Klassy with a capital K !
The strapless, sequin studded leopard print evening dress, £249 and the black leather, fishtail ball gown, £219 are take your breath away stylish and look so current. They really are designer looks at amazing prices. As Myleene so proudly says,
“My collection is designed to provide affordable luxury for every woman – you deserve it”
I’m not surprised these pieces are selling like hot cakes. In the fashion world this is ground breaking stuff, shaking off any old fuddy-duddy catalogue image. People will see the brand in a new light. It has to be praised.
Well I’ve been swayed. I’ve put my order in for the leather dress and really hoping to raise a few eyebrows at the Christmas party – just need to lose a couple of pounds now…..