SATC Episode 2: Charlotte

This Park Avenue princess is certainly chic, but makes her statement with a more elegant, understated- and certainly more consistent- style than fashion risk-taker Carrie.
This simple, elegant dress from ASOS is the epitomy of understated elegance and is reminiscent of Charlotte's wardrobe.

Charlotte tempers the conservative style of her uptown pedigree with whimsical or girlie fashion choices that reflect her optimistic (some might say naive) world view. Her romantic sensibility often plays out in frills, pastel hues and floral motifs.
I love this satin pencil dress from Karen Millen, and I think Charlotte would too!

Clothes
 Charlotte isn't the one to bare too much skin, but she still knows the power of her feminine form and often flirts it up with spaghetti straps here, flounces there. Every element of the outfit is always just so, even when she's going for weekend casual.
This dress from the Love concession at Topshop is perfectly feminine and flattering.

and this cardigan from Topshop is the perfect conservative finishing touch. Just add pearls!

Shoes
Charlotte continues her feminine fashion sense with her demure footwear choices, guaranteed to match all of those carefully appointed ensembles to perfection.
These classically sophisticated kitten heels from Dune are the ultimate in sassy Charlotte style and perfect for every occasion.

And these mini mary-jane styles are fabulous for a more casual, weekend look.

 

Bags

In line with her fashion credo, Charlotte's not looking for anything too flashy in the bag category.
Classic shapes, simple totes and elegant shoulder bags are her rule of thumb. 
this simple, clean tote from Oasis is perfect for shopping or breakfast with the girls, and this satin clutch from Karen Millen is the icing on the cake for a flawless date night outfit.

So there you have it, we are half way through the Cheap Chic Sex and the City look!
Keep your eyes peeled for Samantha and Carrie, they're coming soon!

x

Bag a Bargain This Week!

Listen up lovelies as I've got a quickly here for all of you with shopping trips planned over the next few days!

H&M are giving out vouchers for 20% off one item in store when you register to the H&M fashion newsletter online. The offer's on until the end of May though there are rumours it may return in July so watch this space!

Once you register you'll receive the voucher in an email, it'll be valid one month from the registration date or until the end of the promo. You can only use the voucher once and on one item so be selective over said item! Perhaps a gorgeous bikini for that holiday you have planned or a summer dress (I hear the weather is going to vastly improve this week!).

I love this elegant leopard print maxi dress which is already only £14.99 without the discount!

I've already tried it on and it looks great loose and flowing as well as with a big thick belt to cinch in the waist!

Also, make sure you sign up to the American Apparel newsletter to get a 10% off voucher code.

It's a bit cheeky but you can up that discount to 15% by providing more information about yourself, just click on 'Tell us more' on your confirmation email, add your full address when prompted and you'll get a 15% off code via email.

One of my favourite items from there is this button up shirt in pink. Also available in other colours this shirt can be worn with almost everything and tied at the middle. 

Like a lot of their products it is unisex, which is good to know if you and your boyfriend like to match your clothes :)

Sorry but you'll have to be quick with this one as it ends this sunday (23rd May) but you can get 20% off in store and online at New Look. To get the discount in store simply print off this New Look voucher. To get it online use the code FFMAY10 at the checkout.

The voucher’s valid on full price items only. It excludes permanently reduced and promotional items, concession ranges, gift cards or vouchers and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers i.e. student discount. 

I love these floral shorts with brace detail. Dress then up or wear them casually with any of your favourite tops underneath!

And finally, fancy shoe lovers can get 10% off Aldo both in store and online by signing up to their online newsletter. Print off the voucher or use the code online. 

The 10% discount applies to regularly priced merchandise only, which is fine as they have some amazing styles in at the moment! 

That includes their version of the revival of the clog. These sky-high stunners are only £60 full-price so you'll have to fight me for them with the discount on top! Only joking... they're also available in brown!

Well that's my summer weekend wardrobe sorted! Bring on the sun!! Please!!!

x

Cheap Chic: The Sequel!!

Ok, I know it's lame that I haven't entered anything on this in ages! But I'm back! and just in time for the launch of THE most fashionable film yet (for the last 2 years anyway!).

Yes, that's right, Sex & the City 2 is released in 2 weeks which gives us just about enough time to get the right outfit for the most on-trend premier of 2010.

But if like Carrie Bradshaw (and me, if my recent entry rate is anything to go by) you have a pretty hectic lifestyle then keep on reading as I have scouted the most SATC-esque pieces from the humble high street for you today!

So if you're a Miranda, Charlotte, Samantha or a Carrie there's something for you all...

Miranda is generally as practical in her wardrobe decisions as she is in her career choices. From her tidy no-fuss short hair to her tailored work wardrobe, Miranda favours clean lines, neutral colours and classic looks. This simple yet sassy jacket from Topshop is a perfect match for her and can be worn with lots of different looks.

 But although she's a bit more buttoned-up than her friends, Miranda isn't left in the fashion dust. On weekends, she'll wear a simple, body-skimming dress, accessorised to perfection, just as naturally as she wears tailored suits during the week. 
This mesh detail body-con dress from Oasis is very similar to a stunning outfit Miranda wore to a wedding in an early episode. The floral detail brings it right up to date!

Clothes
From nine to five, Miranda is most comfortable in flawlessly fitting separates, appropriate for a partner in a law firm. 

This super-sophisticated dress from Karen Millen gives the impression of a blouse and skirt combination and its tailored shape is perfect for the office.

 And this structured trench from Oasis is great for Miranda's muted colour scheme. I love the frill detail as it gives this a feminine touch.

It's not business all the time though, so she'd probably go for something a little more daring underneath that suit. Anything that buttons up and resembles a conservative blazer until she takes off her jacket and shows a little more skin than expected is right up Miranda's street. 

This fabulous cropped jacket from Viyella is reminiscent or the bold prints Miranda wears and is ultra-versatile for a day to night look!  

When the sun goes down, she'd still maintain her Miranda-style polish and poise but loosen up a bit in a sexy slip dress.

This gorgeous blue gown from Wallis is a steal at £135 and is perfect for elegant dinner parties or (ahem) summer wedding?!

Bags
Anything with a plethora of inside zip pockets would appeal to a type-A personality like Miranda.  This one from Oasis is right on-trend with its metallic finish and perfect for a busy-body like Miranda!

A night on the town calls for something a little more refined, though, like a sleek clutch bag. With no frills attached, a leather envelope-style bag is just the kind of no-nonsense fashion statement that a Miranda type is looking for.  This one from ASOS is just the thing and is only £15!

Shoes
Any shoe with a delicate sling back and a low kitten heel is perfect for Miranda's office ensemble. How about these simple yet stylish kitten-courts from Kurt Geiger?

 For an even sassier, more day-to-evening look, she'd probably opt for some more glamorous strappy heels, perhaps like these bronze beauties from Office.

On lazier days, Miranda would likely slip on flip-flops that still exude elegance. I love these suede corsage detail sandals from New Look. They are understated, which is perfect for Miranda, and can be teamed with many different looks throughout the summer.

  

So there is the first installment of my Sex & the City comeback entry!

I hope you enjoyed it.

Keep an eye out for key looks for Charlotte, Samantha and of course, Carrie!

Love Claire

x

Ink is the New Black!?

We’ve all heard the expresssion “Chanel is in my blood” but were we ready for it to be on our skin?  The newest innovation from the house of Chanel is temporary tattoos as seen in their catwalk shows as well as stars such as Lily Allen and Daisy Lowe. 

Sarah Jessica Parker even teamed some with her gorgeous Oscars outfit!

I think they are an interesting concept and are definitely set to be the must have "accessory" for Summer 2010.

If you want to follow the tattoo trend this summer but can’t wait for the Chanel
waiting list to go down or you can’t afford the £49 price tag then I have the answer! 

Inkwear provides fashionable temporary tattoo jewellery in a vibrant range of colours,
designs and sizes. Their tattoos are designed to give the us choice and fun when
customising our look! 
You can colour match the different designs and link different tattoos
creatively to give your tat a unique edge while being right on-trend.

Inkwear’s stylish range includes intricate necklaces, wrist chains and eye-catching
original tattoo collections. The transfers range in price from as little as £2 to £3 for individual tattoos and from £6.99 for sets.

There is a massive choice of over 500 designs available from www.inkwear.co.uk  and all products are non-toxic, skin safe and FDA approved (phew).
Enjoy!!


Love Claire x

The Internet + Outlet x Designer Labels - £1 =?

No you're not back in maths class (thank God!). In fact, there's not really any maths involved in this, apart from adding up how MUCH money you will save and how GOOD you will look!

And it'll all be thanks to the Net-A-Porter online designer outlet, www.theoutnet.com.

Already into it's first year, The Out Net is basically hand-me-down stock from a season or-or-two ago from Net-A-Porter. And as SO many designers have been creating an emphasis on "Investment Pieces" the past few years then I have no complaints about this what so ever.

Still on trend for Spring/Summer 2010

Each month the site hosts time-limited pop-up sales (themed designer sales that will be available for a limited time), giveaways and "going, going, gone" sales (for any fashionista to snap up a designer label at an irresistible price - watch the price drop as the clock ticks but hurry or you may lose it), that will definately give us a "GOTTA HAVE IT NOWWWWW..." kind of buzz. 

Next month is the most interesting in my mind however. When you visit the site (coz I know you will) click on this image...

... and register your details by 11th April to get yourself an invitation to the sale of a LIFETIME.

On April 16th everything in this sale is £1!

£1!!!!!

And with that I don't think I need to say any more :)

Enjoy.

Love Claire x

Just because I love a good sale...

And this is a good one! ASOS have just gone into sale with many things with more than 50% off.

This jacket is one of my favourite things from the sale and is perfect as a spring jacket while it's still a bit nippy!

And from £55 down to £26, I can't resist!!

Also, ASOS offer free delivery when you spend over £75! 

That's £75's worth of bargains if you ask me!!

Click this link to go straight to the sale, no stopping...

http://www.asos.com/Women/Clearance/Cat/pgehtml.aspx?cid=3930&affid=1239

Happy bargain hunting,

Love Claire x

Have New Look Gone Dotty?!

Hi hons, 

So I was in New Look the other day and firstly I saw these gorgeous spotty trousers. The reason they caught my eye, apart from being GORGEOUS, is the fact that they are dead-ringers for these Luella ones as seen in the Spring/Summer 2010 show (except mine were only £30).

They would look great in summer with a boob tube and wedges or on holiday with flip flops and a bikini top...

Well I had to buy then instantly of course!

But when i was at the counter waiting to pay I was flicking through New Look's 'Most Wanted' magazine- it's free- and there was a 20% off voucher on the back page.

If you are a sucker for a catwalk copy AND/OR a discount I suggest you run to your nearest New Look and grab yourself a copy of the magazine (it's got Taylor Momsen on the front).

The voucher is valid all this week until Sunday 11th April.

Although it isn't valid on Giles, Limited Edition and IDOL collections or on permanently reduced items there is still plenty of fabulous stuff to choose from in New Look.

Enjoy!

Love Claire. X

All The Fun of the Fair...

The VINTAGE fair that is!
Every month an aquaintance of mine, Jeannette Laight, organises a wonderful Vintage fair in my home town Birmingham.
It is held at the Hare and Hounds pub in Kings Heath, which is an appropriately alternative venue may I add!
Birmingham doesn't have as much as other major cities in the way of Vintage shopping so it is fabulous to have something like this to breath some individuality into us Brummies!

The Hare and Hounds pub

The fair will run from 11-5 and includes vast assortments of ladies and men's clothing, jewellery and accessories, 20th century ceramics, glass and other collectables, original 50's, 60's 70's furniture, Bric-a- Brac, arts and crafts and a yummy homemade cake stall for when you've worked up an appetite from all that rummaging!

So much to see!

Lunch will also be available at the Hare and Hounds so why not make a day of it!
I can't think of any better way of spending a relaxing Saturday afternoon! Can you?
Even if you don't buy anything it's so much fun to look at all the old bits and pieces.
I would LOVE to know the story behind them- where they came from, who owned them, was it special to them... I guess that's part of the charm of Vintage! 

Lovely, unique piece!

I have already joined the Facebook group so I can receive regular notifications about when the next fair is coming up, I would recommend you do too...
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10150133565100341&ref=ts


Love Claire x

Knit one, design one!?

River Island are always doing loads to support fashion students (woo!) with their constant competitions and support of Graduate Fashion Week.
Now they are collaborating with Fashion Design students to create capsule collections.


The latest edition to their Design Forum is a knitwear collection by Royal College of Art student, Caroline Pambakian which is available this week!
One of my favourite pieces is this cable knit dress!

There are sooo many ways I could wear it if I can get my hands on one... on its own, over a sleeveless dress, with a belt, tights, no tights, boots, heels, sandals (when it's a bit warmer and dryer though I guess :( ), with a blazer... it's one of those pieces that is so versatile and understated. For £119.99 it's a little more than what I usually pay for high street but this is fashion history in the making, and therefore a true investment!


Check out the entire collection and other designer's work in selected River Island stores.
Love Claire.x

Cherry Picked!

I've always had a weakness for sweet stuff and it doesn't stop at food. These cherry print dresses by Moschino look yummy!

Once again that brand I LOVE, Jarlo has come to the rescue and saved my bank balance with these delicious 1950's inspired dresses.

The secret ingredients for the halterneck Sherry dress are a lovely full skirt and a fitted bodice, making it the perfect figure-flattering style. I would wear this with deep red lips for a totally vintage look. It's only £55 and comes in black and white.

Another style I have "cherry-picked" from Jarlo's collection is the Vivien dress. I lurrve a sweetheart neckline because I can wear my favourite necklace for the icing on a scrumptious cake. The Vivien dress is ours for just £60 and also comes in black or white.

Thanks Jarlo, they're truely good enough to eat! 

Love Claire x

Harem Dream

Harem style trousers have become a catwalk classic. They are so versatile in how you can wear them. The stylish drop crotch style looks great with sandals, pumps, tee's and vests for a casual day look or with jackets, spangley tops and heels they are instantly transformed into a timeless, contemporary night time look.

They are the chic-est shape that suits everyone and once again have been gracing the Spring catwalks thanks to designers such as Victor and Rolf.

The harem trouser can be added to your wardrobe for a look that is sleek, sophisticated and sexy.

And guess where I've spotted some GORGEOUS one's not dis-similar to these Victor & Rolf ones...

...In Mark's & Spencer!

That's right, their designer range Speziale by per una offers these slouch silk trousers in a muted pale grey-blue.

They will transport you from the dreary English "Summer" to hot Arabian Nights instantly.

These gorgeous sleeksters will be available in May for just £55 but only at specially selected Marks and Spencer stores.

Grab them while you can!

Love Claire x

Sarah Harding knows how to do cheap chic...

Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has been spotted wearing a lovely anchor necklace on more than one occasion. The necklace in question is by Me & Zena.

Nice necklace Sarah!!

As she has been wearing her blue anchor so much, jewellery designer Zena McKeown has made an exclusive version for Sarah.

The anchor necklace in cream and gold has Sarah’s name inscribed on it and for that extra wow factor, a diamond was placed in the centre of the design.

Zena said “I wanted to create Sarah an exclusive necklace as she has been spotted wearing my jewellery brand, ‘Me & Zena’ loads. I loved that she wore my designs. For the first time, I worked with gold and a special cut diamond to create a truly special piece. The necklace is worth over £500. My most expensive design ever.”

If however you don't have £500 then why not visit the Me & Zena website, www.meandzena.com and get the original ‘Take Me Down’ anchor necklace which is available in cream or navy.

Zena also creates lots of other kitsch and cute pieces including earrings and bracelets and it's all dead CHEAP! (so enjoy!).

Love Claire x