BEHIND THE SCENES: Michigan Avenue Magazine

Yesterday I was at the W Hotel styling the up and coming actress Danielle Campbell for Michigan Avenue Magazine. My brief from the magazine was “young, fun and bright” so I knew straight away I wanted to feature clothes from Marc by Marc Jacobs , DVF, Milly, Miu Miu and Kate Spade .

This beautiful and gifted girl has been in several TV productions like StarStruck and Prison Break. She is making her big screen debut in the Disney movie, Prom, coming out later this year.

It was my first time working with the very talented and lovely photographer, Heather Talbert, who took some amazing photos of Danielle. The creative and hilarious Carley Martin did a fantastic job with her hair & make-up.

Addiction thirty-four: JANUARY SALES

I love post holiday shopping, It’s a great opportunity to nab some fantastic designer bargains. Department stores can do great discounts and some of my fav designer pieces were found in the Jan sales. Now I’ve searched the major department stores online and found some items you would be crazy not to grab.

Save on this oversized crochet tank by Jean Paul Gaultier at Bergdorf Goodman, Original price $395, now $158. Worn with a pair of black leggings (a key item in any woman’s wardrobe) would look effortlessly cool.

I would be quick and snap up this fabulous Marc by Marc Jacobs bag before someone else does from Barneys.com. On sale for $169 this very cool gold zipper leather bag was originally $428!

I could see this distressed leather belt being a versatile accessories for so many great outfits. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue this Michael Kors’ belt was $395, now only $118. I think I just might have to get this one for myself.

HAPPY SHOPPING and GOOD LUCK!

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.