SHOPPING SPLURGES

My star buy of the week is my new Kate Spade, La Casita Sammie, bag originally $295 but marked down to $137 at Von Maur! It’s a great handbag cos it allows my hands free to carry lots of shopping bags, which is always a good thing. And in this gold leather it’s oh so stylish.


At Macy’s I bought the highly regarded Secret Camouflage ($28) perfect for covering minor imperfections and discolorations. Plus the loose setting powder to help create a ‘soft-focus’ appearance both by Laura Mercier ($34).

WISH LIST

I LOVE this ‘emerald crocodile suede Bayswater clutch’ by Mulberry!! I’m gutted that I didn’t buy it when I had the chance. Now I can’t find it anywhere not even on eBay.

I originally saw Fearne Cotton carry it when she was interviewing Mischa Barton on her show. I thought that’s a fantastic bag and I desperately WANTED it but it was sold out!

Funny enough the following week I went with a friend to Bicester Village and I couldn’t believe my luck it was there!! However I was trying to be really good and not spend too much as there was another Mulberry clutch that I’ve wanted for a while. I simply couldn’t justify buying TWO MULBERRY bags. However I really regretted not getting it, so much so that a couple of days later I phoned the store to see if they still had the bag. Unfortunately they didn’t so I’m still on the look out for one. Let me know if anyone, including you Fearne Cotton, wants to sell yours because I’ll buy it.

Addiction thirty-three: THE SNOOD

For me the key accessory this winter is the knit snood. In case you don’t know the snood is a joined scarf. And Gap ($24.95) have a fantastic one that's very thick and so warm. I got two in my favorite colors grey & navy but if you prefer they also come in classic cream and black. What I love about this snood is it’s versatility, it can be worn with a casual or smart look. I highly recommend getting one this season.

Now if you saw last week’s blog on winter boots and wondered which pair I went for in the end. I’ll tell you I didn’t go for any of them! While I was browsing online I came across a pair by the British brand Burberry and I fell in LOVE! I had to get them instantly. They weren’t the cheapest but they were on sale at
Saks Fifth Avenue.

Also I found a pair of UGG boots that I really like, I know I was surprised too. The Delaine has a converse like sole that make this UGG boot much cooler looking than all the others.

Addiction thirty-two: WINTER BOOTS

Baby it’s cold outside!

With my move from London to Chicago I knew that my wardrobe would have to change. Why? Well for starters the WEATHER is a little different here. They say the British always talk about the weather and it’s true because it’s usually grey and miserable. In Chicago they get all four seasons with bitterly cold winters and scorching hot summers.

As it’s already December I need to start buying some warm cuddly winter clothes and waterproof accessories ASAP. The key for me is to find items that aren’t just cool and stylish but also practical and warm. I don’t want to freeze to death no matter how good I look! However this can be tricky especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune.

My winter check list:
1. Winter Boots
2. Winter Accessories
3. Chunky knitwear
4. Long underwear

This week I want to focus on boots. With there being so many options out there, I’m keen on getting two pairs; one that is waterproof for wet weather and the other that is cosy for when it’s incredibly cold but dry.

Several years ago one of my fav designers Marc Jacobs did a moon boot and I’m gutted that he hasn’t done one for this season. So the hunt is on to try and find something just as cool. A great alternative is the original and retro looking ‘MoonBoot’ by Tecnica. This iconic winter footwear, inspired by landing on the moon, are available in many different styles and colors but I LOVE the navy ($85).

The other option I’m considering is another classic, the ‘duck’ boot. However Sporto has revamped them in fashionable plaid (tartan) fabrics with a fur lining. A great twist on the classic boot ($69).

Another way to go is down the galoshes (wellington) route. The British brand, Hunters, famously worn by Kate Moss is always a great choice. However I’ve fallen in love with the Swedish brand Tretorn. I like how they aren’t too tall and especially love these fun colors ($60-$65).

Now for my cosy boots, the obvious option is the boot but I have to say I’ve never been a fan. I’m not keen on their look however they do seem incredibly warm and for that I’m slightly tempted. My first choice would be the ‘Classic Tall’ in grey ($180).

I’ve been trying to find an alternative sheepskin boot that is stylish. I’ve never been an Eddie Bauer fan either as they’re much more about practicality than fashion but I have fallen for these shearling boots ($179).

NEXT WEEK number two on my winter check list: winter accessories.... WARNING may contain snood images.

Addiction thirty-one: A ROYAL FASHION ICON

With the UK and the rest of the world going crazy over the recent royal announcement this will be the start of a whole new life in the public eye for Kate Middleton. Everything from what she does to what she wears will be scrutinized, if the late Princess Diana is anything to go by.

Ever since we lost Diana we’ve been trying to replace her, we briefly thought the Countess of Wessex might do it but that didn’t last as she had no glamour or style. Then there was Zara who more successfully represented the new face of the royals but we haven’t seen or heard much recently. Even though she could pull off a beautiful frock she essentially is more of a tom boy and athlete than a fashion icon.

The ISSA dress that Kate wore for the engagement interview has already sold out! Which shows this girl’s potential fashion power and soon Vogue will be calling.



Diana herself graced the cover of Vogue several times, I wonder how quickly they will get Kate on it.

Speaking of Vogue in my vast collection of old copies of the mag I have kept the “A Royal Salute” issue published in Dec 2001. It was dedicated to all things royal and I have a feeling that they might be doing something similar very soon.

Addiction thirty: HERVÉ LÉGER

I am so glad to see Hervé Léger bandage dresses back in fashion. I’m loving all the new colors and styles under the design direction of Max Azria.

Hayden Panettiere

Rachel Bison

They’re incredible sexy dresses and even cooler are the ones with a bit of an edge. Check out the fabulous bold shoulders on this dress perfectly styled with a pair of biker boots for the Fall 2009 Collection, I’d simply kill for this one.

Miley Cyrus rocked it when she wore it to her movie premier in London.

Addiction twenty-nine: THE BOYFRIEND TEE

I’m always on the lookout for a great slouchy but sexy tee as they’re so hard to come by. All white T-shirts aren’t the same despite what some people might believe. You need to make sure you get the right cut for your body shape in the correct style with a good fabric. You want them baggy with a low cut neckline for a hint of cleavage. It’s all personal but I prefer a very thin soft fabric in a plain neutral like marble grey, white or navy.

Now how to wear one... I wouldn’t pair it with something else shapeless you need to wear it with a fitted item like a skinny pair of jeans, leggings or a tailored pair of shorts.

What I love about these tees is that you feel both sexy and comfortable at the same time which is a very rare combination.

Now don’t be surprised by the price of a boyfriend tee as a good one can cost $50 or more. Great places to shop for this item include American Apparel, Splendid, American Vintage at My Wardrobe and of course The Gap.

$29.50, The Gap

$29.50, The Gap

$70.95, American Vintage at My Wardrobe

$65, Splendid

$58, Splendid

Addiction twenty-eight: LANVIN

How ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS is this dress that Blake Lively wore to the Scream Awards last week! It came straight from Lanvin’s Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk show in Paris. This look is actually a separate body, suit and gorgeous silk skirt that’s brilliantly accessorized with a leather harness and an insect brooch. A perfect combination for a horror, science fiction and fantasy awards ceremony.

Photos by Getty

Having said that it looks even better walking down the catwalk as it works best with movement.

And as for the rest of Lanvin’s collection it’s AMAZING!!!

All catwalk photos by Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Addiction twenty-seven: FRUGAL FASHION

As I’m not a millionaire or princess my love of fashion can be a costly addiction. I have two big weaknesses, handbags and cocktail dresses. Both these items are known for having expensive price tags and every time I’m in a shop I’m naturally drawn to both these departments. However throughout my years I have learned to become a savvy shopper. With the current dismal economic climate a growing trend is renting designer items instead of buying! This is a very interesting concept and perfect for our times when we are concerned about excess spending and waste. Renting allows us to constantly obtain new high-quality items without hurting our bank balance and here’s the best bit, you won’t ever be seen with the same item twice! Everyone will think you have a massive wardrobe of clothes. My favorite US renting site is Wear Today Gone Tomorrow and when I’m back in the UK I’m addicted to Girl Meets Dress. These sites allow you to borrow ridiculously expensive designer items for a fraction of its retail price. I’m in LOVE with these two dresses.....
Carolina Herrera at WEAR TODAY GONE TOMORROW Temperley at GIRL MEETS DRESS

Latest published work...IN LONDON magazine

Photographer: Perry Curties
Stylist: Jessica Moazami
Hair and Make Up: Aly Hazlewood
Model: Holly Denny at Next