Payday Purchase

I've become a little more than obsessed with Miss Havisham since the BBC's adaptation earlier this week, add this to the fact that I am a major Marc Jacobs fan and happened to stumble upon this dress on The Outnet and I'm in Havisham Heaven!

This Plunge-front Velvet dress is the perfect mix of vintage and bridal, just like that of the Charles Dickens character.  Obviously this dress is not one for your average night out, but it's one of those that could be adapted to make it t fit for a special occasion, or perhaps just the dress up as a Dicken's Character Occassion.

Expecting The Best

The BBC have always been the best for classic book adaptations (Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice) and the first part of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations tonight was no exception.  

The book centres around the life of orphan Pip, and features several important characters from Mr Joe, Pip's brother in law and guardian, Abel Magwitch, Estella and, my personal favourite Miss Havisham.

While Dickens describes the character as in her mid fifties, American actress Gillian Anderson (better known a Scully from The X Files) played the skeletal Miss Havisham perfectly, breaking away from the stereotype of casting elderly ladies in the role.  Previous actresses have, despite being much older than Anderson, never managed to convey her, I feel, in such a way that really captures the words that Dickens wrote.  Whilst previous Miss Havisham's such as Anne Bancroft have portrayed the spinster as someone hard and cold, yet strong, Anderson manages to get the mix of malice, bitterness and more importantly - vulnerability just right.

     

Dickens describes Miss Havisham as someone who is a cross between 'a wax work and skeleton' and whilst the BBC have changed some parts of the story (namely the fact that Miss Havisham boards up all her windows to avoid letting light in, thus achieving aforementioned look) she still conveyed the eerily 'bride of the dead' look I had always pictured, complete with frail skin, chapped lips and bare feet.

It truly is hard to imagine a better person to fit the role, having said that, we haven't seen Helena Bonham Carters portrayal yet.

Finally, no post about the programme would be complete without a mention of Douglas Booth, the former Burberry model who played the older Pip towards the end of Part 1 and who, thanks to those perfectly shaped lips and chiselled cheek bones, was trending worldwide on Twitter.

     

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Twenty Four

The final items of my Christmas wishlist, and one of my favourites are these stunning Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Pumps new in at Harvey Nichols.  with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Demi Moore donning studded shoes by designers such as Balmain and Christian Louboutin this style is a must for the coming season.

Payday Purchase

Nothing too extravagant this week, what with it being Christmas week :)! I did however dare to trip to the Trafford Centre on Monday and took my first stroll into Topshop since leaving in July and found this gorgeous 3 Row Metal Leather Tube Necklace perfect for the lazy days ahead when only plain tees and skinny jeans will do.

Look of the Week: Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba - Queen of off duty outfits is known for her edgy take on girly dresses but this look demonstrates more masculine look as she stepped out in Beverly Hills for a spot of lunch and shopping with her family.

She teamed a high necked white dress with black opaques, patent brogues and a black blazer.  Simple yet effective.

Ashley Greene Stops Traffic

Twilight star Ashley Greene literally stopped traffic in New York yesterday as she unveiled the new DKNY Jeans billboard in Times Square.  To mark the first look at the soon to become global campaign, the 24 year old actress rode a double decker bus to mark the occasion.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Twenty Three

 Anyone reading this knows how successful Vogue's Online Fashion Week was, with designers and retailers firing offers so fast it made your head spin.  British label Burberry joined in by offering free testers to everyone who registered.  Whilst a tester might only be a tiny sample, I of course registered because, well who doesn't love something for free.

I completely forgot about the sample until I received it in the post on Wednesday and no I am in love.  Not only is the ad campaign one of the best for a fragrance this year but the scent is quite literally to die for.

YSL's New Scent

With Emily Blunt being named as the face of YSL's Opium fragrance earlier this year, I know I'm not the only one who has been anxiously waiting for the video which was rumoured to feature a cheetah!  Finally the video is hear and for once the rumours aren't completely wrong, the ad actually starred not only Emily but a real life Leopard.

2011's Fashion Round-Up

2011 has certainly been a positive year for the fashion industry, from the controversy of Galliano's sacking from Dior to Versace's huge launch for H&M.  Here are my highlights of the year.

Style Crush - Chloe Moretz

She may only be 14, but Chloe has literally had me Googling everyone of her outfits this year, from the LBD she wore at the premier of I Am Number Four to the winning velvet top/pencil skirt combo worn at the Paris premiere of Hugo.

Chloe Moretz Style Crush

E-Tailer - My Wardrobe

A hard choice considering other luxury e-tailers such as Net-a-Porter and Matches but My-Wardrobe won me over with their easy navigation, features and more importantly their Christmas room, a handy little section dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift or party dress.

Story of the Year - Diors New Man

After the suspension and consequential sacking of Galliano after his anti-semantic remarks in February of this year, the fashion rumor mill went into overdrive with news of his replacement.  With everyone from Alaia to Alber Elbaz being fingered as the front runner for the job, it appeared that Louis Vuittons' Marc Jacobs was the definite successor after months of negotiations as reported in credible fashion sites such as Vogue and WWD.  We're still waiting for the official announcement but supposedly Jil Sander's Raf Simons is currently in talks with the French fashion giant and is said to be 'hammering out the final details'.

Jil Sander to Dior?

Cover Girl - Rosie Huntington Whiteley

Rosie has without a doubt had her most successful years yet. Not only is she one of Victoria's Secret's 'Angels' but the 24 year old moved in with beau Jason Statham, starred in Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, became the new face of Marks & Spencer's alongside the perfection that is Ryan Reynolds, won the new Burberry Body campaign and starred on the cover of Vogue in the UK and German. That's only to name a few.

Television Advert - Paco Rabbanne One Million

So it's not a female scent, it's not the best male scent, but put together the gorgeousness that is Mat Gordon and the beat of The Chemical Brothers 'Do it again' and your onto something.  It makes me dance every time it comes on!

Ad Campaign - Chanel

Freja Beha Erichsen showed just how worthy she was of Lagerfeld's approval this year with this A/W 2011 ad campaign in which she was styled by Carine Rotfield in these Parisienne shots.


Duo - Dakota and Elle Fanning

We've known Dakota since she starred in 2003's The Cat in the Hat but little sister Elle only became big this year after appearing in Super 8 and appearing at the MTV Movie Awards in the cutest D&G playsuit.  The duo have not only hit headlines in the style stakes but have also caused controversy when Dakota's 'Oh Lola' ad campaign for Marc Jacobs was banned by the ASA as they described it as 'sexualising children'.

Wedding - Breaking Dawn

It was a year for weddings in 2011 with Kate Middleton, Kate Moss, Sophia Coppolla, Lily Allen and Zara Phillips all tying the knot.  The dresses created were, for the most part, off the charts.  My favourite however was without a doubt, a fictional one.  The fourth installment of The Twilight Saga saw two of the story's main characters, Edward and Bella say 'I do' with Carolina Herrera creating the highly anticipated gown.

Brand - Alexander McQueen

Previously known for Lee McQueens misogynistic yet incredible designs, Alexander McQueen has gone from strength to strength this year.  First designing both the wedding and bridesmaid dresses for Kate Middleton, creative director Sarah Burton went on to show case a SS 2012 collection that wowed fans and critics alike with her feminine twist on outfits that undoubtedly had their creators stamp on them.  She also helped officially boost London to the Fashion Capital of the World alongside the Duchess of Cambridge, won an award for Designer of the Year and dress Kate Middleton a few more times.  Have I forgotten anything?  oh yes, the McQueen exhibition : Savage Beauty in New York's Met also broke records after being visited by over 650,000 people, staying open until midnight on it's final weekend and warranting a petition for the exhibition to return to and be showcased in Lee Alexander McQueens hometown, London.

Designer - Christopher Kane

Not only did he put flat shoes back on the map for SS 2012 but the Scottish designer followed in the footsteps of Erdem to win the New Establishment Award and launched a new collaboration with J Brand. He's not only gone and made neon fashionable again, but was also announced to remind Italian designer Donatella Versace of her late brother Gianni after the two worked together on the brands sister line Versus.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Twenty Two

I'm not usually one for bright colours, but this Romilly dress from Jonathan Saunders is just so stunning I cant help but find myself lusting after it.  It's bright colour are reminiscent of more than one designer from the SS 2012 shows (Jason Wu, Sophie Thealett) and its print is so girly and playful that I cant imagine any female not liking it! The best bit?  There's also a matching cardigan, or is that too Stepford Wives? Get it now from Matches.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Twenty One

As you can obviously tell, I spent quite a lot of time hovering around the Jimmy Choo counter this week, and I have also fallen in love with this Cassidy Quilted Bag.

I'm not usually a fan of Jimmy Choo bags - I somehow find them to be a less-hot-but-somehow-altered version of a current 'It' bag that we already have seen out, or else cheap looking hooker bags (I don't care if Hailee Steinfeld and Blake Lively had the Neon Clutches -they are vile!) - bit the brand has totally swayed me with this boxy leather bag! It's perfect for the office and for trips away!

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Twenty

They're now referring to yesterday as 'Black Monday' due to the massive increase in revenue for high street retailers.  Well in case your sitting their thinking it is a bit of an over exaggeration let me tell you this..Yesterday was my WORST shopping experience EVER. Honestly, it was like Primark on Oxford Street in the middle of July combined with H&M when they launch a collaboration.  Are you grasping just how bad?

That aside, I did manage to spot these Jimmy Pumps.  Now I realize that it is in fact still boot season, but i mean, summer is only round the corner and what perfect way to meet the sunshine than in the beautifully crafted Walsh Ballerina Pumps new for cruise 12. 

The Duchess In McQueen (Again)

Kate Middleton dazzled us again last night in another Alexander McQueen masterpiece.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests alongside Prince Harry for The Suns Military Awards.  Looking back just a few years ago, who would have thought that the misogynistic and highly sexualised brand that was the eponymous label of Lee Alexander McQueen would have proved to put the pair amongst the highest rated in the Fashion Industry.

The gown was a stunning, floor length black velvet strapless gown and accessorized by the duchess with a ruby and diamond necklace and bracelet and simple diamond drop earrings.  Her simple, loosely curled hair finished off the outfit with the elegance and grace that has become synonymous with her growing fashion icon status.

Also in attendance were the Beckham boys, X Factor Winner Little Mix and reality TV star Lydia Rose Bright (in perhaps the worst outfit I've even seen her in).  Quite a guestlist then.

From Paris With Love

Giambattista Valli has this week been awarded haute couture appellation by Paris' Federation Francais de la Couture despite only showing his debut collection in July of this year (designers usually have to show five collections before being granted to official status) due to his work being of 'impeccable standard'.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Nineteen

Every girl should have a trench coat, and no one does them coats better than Burberry.  This Cotton Twill Trench Coat is back in on Net-a-Porter this week at £895.  Whilst the price may be a little steep for us regular girls, along with the white shirt and LBD, the trench coat is one of the most Iconic pieces around, and reminds me of old Hollywood movies starring actresses such as Greta Garbo and Katherine Hepburn.

In other words, one worth saving for!

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Eighteen

Marcus Lupfer is unbeatable at adding twists on to everyday basics and making them into something more glamorous that your not afraid to be seen in leaving the house.  This Saturn Sequinned jumper is not exactly the newest creation but it is certainly one of my favourites.  I'd actually wear this out for dinner with the girls will indigo skinnies (J Brand of course), black suede shoe boots and black blazer.  A low key, but stylish outfit.

Look of the Week: Brooklyn Decker

Despite us seeing the first of this years snow  this week in the UK, Brooklyn Decker was channelling Spring Summer 2012 during her appearance at Spike TV's Video Game awards at LA's Sony Centre.

The 24 year old 'Just Go With It' star wore a lust worthy Nah Kahnh black lace dress witch revealed Brooklyns girly, romantic side and showed just how far a little pop of colour goes with her bright yellow Jimmy Choo Courts which gave the outfit a modern twist.

She accessorised simply with there House of Lavande black and diamond earrings and chose a simple gold clutch with an up do that after months of trying, I've still not managed to perfect.  Jealous? Me?

Welcome to the World (Of Fashion) Lola

So you may remember back in June when I told you my best friend of 11 years was pregnant with her first child.  Well I am sooooo happy to announce that she had her baby on Monday night, little Lola McCann.  

Who Says Pregnancy Cant Be Fashionable

I'd spent the weekend down south after pre booking it off of work, and as luck would have it Kelly went into labour the day I came home, devastated is not the word.  After 36 hours, Kelly's little brother Kane messaged me to let me know I had a new little niece (I realise not by blood, but Kelly and I have been best friends for more than half our lives so surely there's some legal equivalent of a civil marriage right? Naturally being the emotional person that I am I burst into tears as soon as I heard (leaving Lauren a little confused) but I just have to make it known how proud I am of my best friend.  I've never known anyone to mature so much in the space of 9 months and I still cant quite believe that she is a Mum, I mean we used to play  'Pop - Idol' in the front garden what seems like not that long ago, but still all I can say is that Lola is such a lucky little girl to have Kelly for her Mum, because Kelly is going to be the best Mother anyone could wish to have (Although dont worry Lola, I'll teach you how to dance, Kelly only has one single dance move).

Obviously being 300 miles away is not so great, because all I want to do is take her shopping (because your never too young).  But whilst the distance upsets me, it's also a good thing because I get to do lots of lovely online shopping to make sure I get her the prettiest items out there, check these out.

To start with the most important, 'nightwear' because, lets face it, all babies really do is sleep.  Next is one of the best places for clothes for girls up to 5 years and these two all in ones are the best I've found and at £9 each their accessible to everyone.  Jojo is also a great place for children's cloth, and have particularly cute designs.  Baby Dior?  Ok so your child wont be wearing these unless she is Suri or Harper but their cute, so why not throw them in!!

One thing that I love most about baby girls is the dresses you can put them in, and the accessories that come with them.  There is honestly nothing cuter than a little girl with tights that match her dress, I wish I could still dress like that.  Again, the price may be large, but I adore this Fendi dress so much.  I wonder if they do it in my size....

With the winter coming up, coats are a must have for babies.  These days they do not have to be just cotton and pink, you can get fur, printed, raincoats and with high street stores such as Topshop and River Island now launching baby ranges, pretty much anything you can get for yourself, you can get for your baby.  I have to say that I dont think you can beat a fur coat on a baby girl, and this brown one from Mama's & Papa's is now half price and only £24!

Finally, what are all girls known for? Shoes.  Just because she is a baby and not walking yet, there's no reason not to keep her feet looking stylish.  Whilst ballerina pumps look gorgeous with tights and socks, high street stores and even supermarkets such as Tesco now offer alternatives for the cold weather.

Whilst we all wish we could afford clothes for ourselves let alone our babies from designers such as Chloe, Fendi and Dior the highstreet stores do offer great cheaper alternatives.  You no longer have to go to specialist stores such as Jojo or Mothercare for childrenswear, you can now get it when topping up your own wardrobe, or even with your food shop.  Yes we all know there is a stigma attached to buying clothes from supermarkets such as Tesco or Asda, but it's the 21st century (not to mention recession) and affordable fashion is accessible to everyone.  Finally, too tired from the night feeds to leave the house? Joseph M and Alex and Alexa are great e-tailers for designer childrenswear and most high street stores have childrenswear available on their sites.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day 17

With Matches being one of the best e-tailers around at the best of times, their sale was sure to increase lust in many fashionistas all over the world.  I've seen many things to add to my wishlist today, but this Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Bag is by far my favourite thing.

It's box style and brown leather makes for a stunning yet versatile bag that is perfect for those weekend trips or even as an overnight bag when you don't want to carry that unattractive canvas shopper into the office.

Payday Purchase

The first day of snow today in Cheshire, and I'm truly getting into the spirit with this jumper by Ashish's latest collaboration with Topshop.  There's not really been much good knitwear about season so I couldn't resist this jumper, whilst not the most glamorous pieces, it's guaranteed to keep me warm whilst no doubt making me laugh everytime I read it in the mirror (yes I'm that sad).

I might just keep it for the confines of my own home, but I still absolutely love this buy!

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Sixteen

There is something about Erdem that attracts every woman.  I don't care whether they say they 'hate fashion' or 'don't follow trends' his designs ooze femininity and romance.  From his floral designs to his natural palette.  This Aileen Embroidered Dress is Erdem at his ethereal best.

With a cream base and a navy, lace embroidered top half, this is not a dress that could be worn anywhere, more importantly a dress that shouldn't be worn just anywhere - an occasion piece if you like, the type of dress I could imagine myself bringing out of the closet once a week just to admire it's beauty.

It's Erdem at his very best, what more is there to say?

Lagerfelds World Preview

With a timer counting down the days, hours and minutes to the launch of Karl Lagerfeld's new collection, net-a-porter today revealed the world exclusive preview of the collection which will launch on 25th January.  Users can go to the site to preview the collection, sign up to Karls Kult and even download the 'Find Karl App' - a pac man like game where users must collect all 5 Karl heads before the time runs out to win a place on the leader board, from which Karl himself will chose someone to win £1000 to spend on the net a porter site.

Between this and today's snow, I think I'll combust.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Fifteen

Onto Balenciaga today with this amazing marble print dress.  Another seasonal piece which (as a major winter bug) I could literally imagine on anyone at anytime.  I personally would wear it with some grey woolen tights, my Penelope Chilver boots and a nice winter coat for a shopping trip (Christmas eve dash in the Selfridges Sale anyone?).  Perect outfit for a perfect occasion.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Fourteen

I'm going crazy for Lanvin with these gorgeous diamond print canvas high tops from net-a-porter. Whilst they wouldn't be ideal to wear before the sun starts coming out for longer periods of time, they are perfect for spring evening when it's still a little cold but you don't want to wrap up in winter layers.

Wear with skinny J Brands, printed shirt and a black blazer for a simple yet stylish look.

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Thirteen

Moving on to Summer 2012 with this piece from net-a-porter.  This lace and linen skirt simply scream romantic innocence and is a look straight from the September's runways.  The floral detail and neutral colour are typical of Valentino but that's not to say i love it any less.

Wear with flat tasseled loafers and a chiffon shirt for a day at the office, or ad metallic heels and a Mulberry bag for evening drinks.