Being the kind of girl who impulse buys throughout the year, I always struggle when a month before xmas I am hit with the dreaded line... "what do you want for xmas?" So, this year I decided to tap my nearest and dearest fashionable friends for their xmas wish lists to draw inspiration from... First up was the lovely Stacey Dow, Account Executive at my fave fashion PR, Kitch & Honey..... The girls at Kitch always help me out when I find myself in a fashion bind and have access to some of the hottest brands around... so who better to ask?
Here are Stacey's top picks for Christmas.... and a little bit about why she NEEDS them in her stocking this year.. !!
Oozoo Watch - £59.95
Oozoo Watch
"I love everything about this watch and is 100% on the top of my Christmas wish list. I would wear it everyday to give any outfit that modern masculine finish"
By Niya Bracelet - £39
By Niya Bracelet
"For a fresh take on friendship bracelets this Swarovksi crystal bracelet encased in bright blue mesh will make you feel a million dollars. For a subtle shimmer, stack with any of the other colours available within the range for some totally unique arm candy"
Pretaportobello Neon Knit Jumper - £36
Pretaportobello Neon Knit Jumper
"This neon Knit will be the first thing I pack in my suitcase for skiing. Bright and extra cosy it will keep warm through the cold British winter and at £36 an absolute steal"
Charlotte Olympia Pumps - £595
Charlotte Olympia Holly Suede and Patent-Leather Flats
"These cute pumps say it all. Pretty perfect for getting in the Christmas Spirit"
Mulberry Leather iphone sleeve - £90
Mulberry Textured Leather iphone Sleeve
"I love this iphone case - its bright and eye catching, and you know it will last you a life time"
So one list down and I already have at least two great ideas added to my own list, I LOVE the neon jumper from Pretaportobello and it would look great teamed with the Mulberry iphone cover... I hope that Santa is listening!
I was beyond excited when I first heard that high street fave TopShop was set to collaborate with the amazing Louise Gray!
Scottish born Louise obtained an MA in Textile Design at The Glasgow School of Art, and her love for bright colours, texture and print are apparent in her gorgeous designs....
With her first collection for TopShop ready to launch tomorrow, there is already a massive buzz around what's in store for us... having sneaked a peak at some of the pieces I am thrilled that Louise has remained true to her own perception of fashion and has created something exciting and fun, that allows the everyday girl to own something that looks straight off the catwalk!
This Louise Gray for Topshop Tee has already been added to my wish list! A Bargain at £130!
Louise is showing her SS/13 Collection, which is celebrating 'The Modern Woman' at London Fashion Week on 17th September, and I for one am praying that my application for a seat at the show will be approved!!
I only stumbled upon the designs of Kelly Love quite recently, and purely by accident. Having received a #FF (Forward Friday) on twitter from a fellow fashion lover, I checked her collections out and was instantly transported back to around 6 years ago, reminiscing to when I first met a a great friend of mine, a gentleman, older and an amazing artist...
SS12 Lilies in The Water Dress £290
All those years ago, despite my love for fashion, I was only really interested in the high street, occasionally lusted after the odd designer handbag and towering heels but majority of the time, followed the crowds.... My friend taught me how a woman, in his opinion, should dress - with taste, elegance and beauty. While I have still maintained my own sense of style, flitting from high street, to vintage stores and when the bank balance allows the odd designer splurge...he introduced me to my now deep love of fabric, texture, cut and the feeling of slipping on something that has been beautifully made with love!
SS12 Daisies in Bloom Crop Top £210
AW12 Haunted Forest Dress £230
This is why I have exceptional admiration for Kelly Love, her current SS12 collection stirs all of these initial feelings. The design and material are truly beautiful and just looking at it makes me want to pack my bag and hop on a plane to the French Riveria like a movie star!
Its impossible to share all of her wonderful designs on one BLOG post, but check out my selection of favourites that will most definitely be coming with me on my next holiday!!
Tatty Devine have already established themselves firmly at the top of the 'Kooky' jewellery ladder with their perspex designs, however its their new statement shades, designed by Jeremy Scott that have got me hooked right now!
Perfect for this summers festivals these statement sunglasses add a little something to any outfit, I can already picture any of my selection below on both performers and fans, the more outrageous the better I say...
Words cannot describe how much I love EVERYTHING designed by CSM graduate Alice Keswick, although her SS12 collection, Wondaland is truly delicious!
The vintage inspired label, which is already proving a major hit with fashionistas such as Sienna Miller and Poppy Delevigne is exactly the right mix of feminine chic and sassy cool, with something for everyone.
I have selected my favourite items, but check out the full collection on the Wondaland website, or at The Village Bicycle on Ledbury Road,W1..... Hurry, as I am pretty sure it wont be long until these little tasty little numbers are snapped up!!
The lovely guys over at Miss Couture are currently offering followers of my BLOG a massive 10% discount...!
Miss Couture has been created from MD, Joanne Keane's love for fashion and her desire to provide some of her favourite brands from one online boutique. Not items you can easily be sourced from your average high street store, Jo has a quirky and fun taste for fashion and a dedication to providing high quality garments as well as top notch customer service... which can sometimes be lost with some of the bigger online companies.
I was lucky enough to obtain a 'Mick Jagger' T'Shirt from the 'Collective' range stocked by Miss Couture... made from 100% organic cotton it has to be one of the highest quality T'Shirts I own!
'Collective' Mick Jagger T'Shirt
'Collective' collaborated with one to the worlds most acclaimed photographers Terry O'Neill, who has captured some of the most iconic people and brought these images to print on T'Shirts! I opted for 'Mick' Jagger' due to my love of music.. but I also have my eye on the 'Brigitte Bardot' version too!
Miss Couture also stock some other amazing brands such as Rae Jones, who has a unique Shoe and Bag Collection, Brat & Suzie, with some amazing Tea dresses and jumpsuits for the summer and Buffalo Jeans for smart but casual denims.
'Brat & Suzie' Bunny Dress
'Brat & Suzie' Flamingo PlaySuit
Miss Couture also stock my gorgeous friend, Nicola Tappenden's range 'Delicious Couture' whose Slogan T'Shirts and Sweaters I absolutely adore, along with many female celebs including Nicola McLean and TOWIE's Lauren Pope! Delicious Couture are currently on 50% discount on Miss Couture as the new range is almost ready for distribution - so get online and stock up of some of the amazing items before it is too late!
'Delicious Couture' Wild Hearts T'Shirt
'Delicious Couture' Guns Sweater
Miss Couture can be found on Miss Coutureand simply enter Discount Code: Follow10 at the check out to obtain your 10% discount!
Despite whether we openly admit, or if it is our guilty pleasure, no one can deny that TV reality dramas have us all gripped at the moment, and no one has ME more gripped than Lydia Bright of Essex based Reality show TOWIE....
Right from the start Lydia impressed with me with her capacity to stand out from the rest of the Essex crowd, with her own sense of fashion and appealing kind nature. I predicted early on that she would end up being a current fashion icon, and I wasn't wrong! With front row invites to London Fashion Week events and countless fashion parties she has obviously got the fashion world under her spell...
Over the last few months I have met with Lydia regularly at events and have always been taken with how she seems to rather be standing on the sidelines, with friends and family than in at midst it all... It was over cocktails with Lydia and her sister Georgia that it became apparent that their shop, 'Bella Sorella" is a real passion and driving force for the sisters... So I decided to grab Celebrity & Fashion stylist Kalee Hewlett down to the shop to check it out!
'Bella Sorella', which translates into 'Beautiful Sister' in Italian seems appropriately named, not just because Lydia & Georgia are obviously beautiful on the outside... but on the inside as well.
Georgia, who works at the shop 7 hours a day, 7 days a week met Kalee and I there, and while Kalee went around and scouted some of her favorite items of clothing from the ranges the girls stock, I chatted with Georgia about the concept.
It is clear that the girls love to surround themselves with beautiful things 'Bella Sorella' stocks some amazing clothing lines, Jewellery, Candles, Cupcakes, Photo frames, Boards displaying inspirational quotes and vintage inspired tea sets and cake stands.. there wasn't a thing in the shop that I didn't fall in love with, and I left with a few bits that I simply couldn't leave behind!
Both girls have been working since an early age, working several jobs before Lydia shot to fame on TOWIE and Georgia took the reigns at the shop... Georgia stated that she felt that it was her parents guidance that has kept both girls grounded... they were never given hand outs, but always encouraged to follow their dreams... and it appears from 'Bella Sorella's' amazing success that this life lesson has really paid off!
Due to Lydia's outside commitments it is usually down to Georgia to source stock and select items for sale in the shop, even so Lydia always checks through the selections, maybe adding pieces, however as the girls taste is so similar there is rarely any dispute on which collections they go for.
You can tell the shop is a real family affair, with Georgia working practically every day and Lydia or their mother Debbie, who also appears in TOWIE dropping in as much as possible throughout the week to both work and meet and greet customers and fans alike. When the girls can't be in the shop it is usually family or friends who hold the fort.
In the few hours that I spent in there with Georgia I couldn't fault the customer service provided, everyone who walked through the door was made to feel special, and with some of them being young girls.. hoping for a glimpse of Lydia their nerves were put straight at ease by Georgia's friendly nature and they were all informed of when either Lydia or Debbie would be in the shop next... It felt like an open house, which I understand is the custom at the Bright household as well...!
The delicious cupcakes, cookies and made to order birthday cakes are supplied fresh every couple of days by Fancy Nancy Cakes, plus you can order clothing such as the dresses that Lydia wore to The Baftas's direct from the shop from Dynasty for that special occasion such as a wedding or school prom!
After lunch Lydia heard that we were in the shop so swung by between appointments for a quick catch up and gossip, I got her to pull out some of her favorite pieces that are currently in stock and chatted to her about how it is her dream to maybe one day come out with her own range of clothing, having full input into design, material sourcing and finish. I for one hope that this dream, like the dream of 'Bella Sorella' comes true!
I had a great day with the girls down at 'Bella Sorella' and would highly recommend anyone who wants to look at beautiful things, surrounded by beautiful people to get down there and see for themselves! Of course, if it is a bit far away for you to go the store will be going on line from tomorrow, Monday 16th April 2012
It struck a note with me that as I left Lydia chatting and signing autographs for young girls in school uniforms, that if young girls of today are looking at girls like Lydia and Georgia as role models then in a few years time.. this world is quite possibly going to be a very beautiful place...
Dynamic new interview technique exclusively for NET-A-PORTER.COM - Lagerfeld interviews himself! Following some of his most outrageous press yet regarding Adele, here is more of an insight into the man behind the comments....
So, after weeks of behind the scenes work with the Lovely Adam & Simon Ryan the day is now finally upon us!
This is my first appearance at this event, and despite my previous reservations about Essex Fashion week I have to say that I am super excited to be invited!
With my bestie Jeff Brazier opening the show and amazing sponsors this year such as Amy Childs, boohoo.com, Heart FM, Be Somebody, Kosho, RM Mag plus many more I am pretty sure we are going to be in for one hell of a show…
From speaking to all of the team I can see a real passion for fashion, and their dedication to making every last little detail perfect themselves is inspiring, especially considering that they all hold down regular jobs to help finance the events.
It is the assumption of some that Essex Fashion week is just another excuse for the population of Essex to come together for a glitz & glam party, and while I am sure there will be a massive element of this involved… for the boys it is really about putting on a great show and showcasing some amazing brands that wouldn’t normally make it to London Fashion week – which while I love, isn’t always affordable for the every day fashionista on the street.
My prep started last week when I was spray tanned for the first time by the lovely Elaine from Trinitia, who are the official tanners at EFW this year, tanning all of the models and many of the celebs in attendance! You will find more about Elaine and Trinitia over on my beauty blog later this week!
Unfortunately due to a stinking migraine yesterday I was unable to get my top-up tan, although luckily there is still a bit of colour there – now all I need to do is work out what the hell to wear and with my P.I.C and stylist Kalee Hewlett on a shoot abroad its gonna be a tough one!!!
The after party looks to be a corker with Donaeo performing so I am really excited to find my friends from Muse TV on the dance floor and chilling out after with a cocktail or two...
Follow my twitter @KateVonBroad to get updates throughout the day and Check back here to see how the event went later this week – after I have recovered from the party of course!
With the first glimmer of sunshine in the skies, I am already firmly fixated on purchasing my Spring/Summer wardrobe.... Having examined endless magazines, attended countless catwalk shows and made several calls to my P.I.C (Partner In Crime) Kalee Hewlett, who luckily for me happens to be an amazing Fashion & Celebrity Stylist, I know what I need, I just need to find the time to go out and get it!
However, year upon year and despite my efforts to be completely organised, beachwear always seems to slip through the radar and I end up panic buying Bikini's, sarongs and cover-ups from the sale rails of high street stores, borrowing from friends and paying above the odds for something 'not that special' at the airport! Come June most stores are sold out of their nicest ranges and you are usually left with the odd size 6 bikini bottom and a 38GG bikini top... not ideal for the average woman....
With the all day pool parties in Vegas, Miami, Ibiza and Marbella kicking off I fully understand that selecting beachwear is now a VERY serious business, with just as much time spent getting ready for the pool/beach as there is for an evening out! So with big plans of my own this summer I decided that further research was needed....
A great friend of mine, Hayley Menzies has brought out an amazing Spring/Summer 2012 range of resort wear inspired from her love of Ibiza... I have a whole BLOG entry coming soon regarding Hayley as she has so many amazing items, with a great following.. but here are some that I recommend ordering now so check out www.hayleymenzies.com before its too late!!
Hayley Menzies Silk Georgette
Eivissa Shawl - Electric Blue
Hayley Menzies Silk Georgette
Tribal Resort Poncho - Red
I have also been very lucky to come across another website which was recently recommended to me by a friend, and those of you of who follow my twitter page will know that I have been very excited about ordering from them! www.bahimi.com is literally a one stop shop of every glam girls beachwear needs... they stock everything from luxury bikinis, monokinis to cover-ups. This exclusive online boutique was created with the female figure in mind, their site makes it easy to navigate straight to what works best for you and your shape. The team searched the globe to bring unique and high quality beachwear direct to our doors. Its literally impossible to not fall in love with everything on this site, but I have selected some of my personal favourites that I believe will make a real impact wherever you are sunning yourself this year!
L*SPACE Iris Estella Bikini
L*SPACE Stardust Multi Monokini
L*SPACE Farella Bikini
LADY LUX Sweet Bliss Bikini
SUBOO Agua Dreaming Cape
CHIO Tutta Jumpsuit
Now I appreciate that some of the sites where you find such unique and high quality items can be a little pricey so to help try and justify this I spoke to Beverley Webb, the Founder of Beautiful Bosom and managed to get this helpful advice......
"We see lots of cheap bikini’s or swimsuits available and also some very expensive ones, so why pay more?
The answer is simple, because the fabric will be a much better quality which enhances your figure especially when wearing a tankini or swimsuit, but more importantly it’s the fitting of the cups and support/shape for your breasts. As the old saying goes…. You get what you pay for.
I have sat on the beach and seen many women wearing the wrong size swimwear & yet, in the evenings they are wearing the correct size bra when dressed.
Making sure you are wearing the right size and shape, will make a difference between nice to WoW, no matter what cup or dress size you are"
Beautiful Bosom help many women everyday to find the correct size and shape them, producing great results, so if Beverley believes in the importance of buying items that are not only the correct fit, but beautifully structured and well made then I am sold! To find out more about Beautiful Bosom and to book a consultation then visit www.beautifulbosom.co.uk
And if that snippet of information wasn't enough, my friends at Bahimi have offered a discount code exclusively for all readers of my BLOG. Simply type Discount code BAH15 for a massive 15% off and free P&P... when ordering online at www.bahimi.com
Today I had the opportunity to sneak a glimpse at the tasty treats Josh Wayman aka Mr Kandee has in store for the Kandee Shoes Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
The Kandee Team and the girls at Can Associates transformed a function suite at one of my favourite hotels in London, The Sanderson into a little sweet shoe heaven.... Giant lollipops and life size liquorice all sorts decorated the room, and there was enough multi-coloured cucumber sandwiches, chocolate lollies and a full size pick 'n' mix stand would have be enough to keep even Augustus Gloop happy (if your a fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory like Josh and I you will know what that means!)
Charlotte & Loti - My fave Can Associates Girls
The paparazzi were out in force to catch the all important shot of celebrity Kandee fans such as Amy Childs, Kitty Brucknell, Nicola McLean and Harry Derbidge and they were not left disappointed when they all arrived to show their support. I managed to chit chat with Kitty and Amy about their fave shoes from the range plus had a brief catch up with Harry about his new jewellery range for Love Lemonade....
The collection on the whole is fun, vibrant and true to its name... LOUD! I can see it working great in editorials, on fun catwalk shows and going down a storm with young pop starlets in music videos. Due to my seemingly ever increasing age I worry that I will be unable to pull off the new trends coming through, so was happy to see that in this collection Josh has incorporated some flats... I am loving the Ballet pumps and Dirty Lemonade Sneakers with ribbon laces are adorable. However, I haven't given up on the 6 inch heel just yet so also highly recommend checking out 'Pinki', 'Lagoon' and the 'Blue Raspberry Dragee' - all total beauties!
Kandee Shoes 'LOUD' Spring/Summer 2012 Collection
With my last pair of Kandee shoes making their way to shoe heaven after an unfortunate accident involving a cab and too much tequila I was on the look out for replacements so was super happy to find that the 'Peanut Butter Crunchy Bootie' encompasses all that I loved about my old 'Blackberry Crushes' but brings the ever popular trend of animal print into play... perfect for my Spring/Summer wardrobe.... So in my best Veruca Salt voice I scream.... I WANT THEM, AND I WANT THEM NOW!
It was late last year when I was first introduced to Kandee shoes. NYE was fast approaching and my search for the ultimate pair of show stopping heels was in crisis.... luckily my friend Charlotte over at Can Associates was on hand and suggested I checked out Kandee's website.
It is beyond me how CEO and Designer Josh Wayman had managed not to have been flagged up on my radar before, but since then I have been following his every step in my 5.5inch 'Blackberry Crush'
boots!... (pictured below)
Wayman has already been dubbed a bit of a maverick in the fashion world. Despite celebs such as Rhianna, Cheryl Cole, Nicola Roberts, Amy Childs and Millie Mackintosh falling at his feet, plus vast media coverage in Vogue, Look and Grazia to name a few, he is still determined to sustain the Kandee shoe 'High Fashion meets High Street' image.
Apparently it is Josh Wayman's childhood obsession with candy which inspires his shoe design and I hear that the the latest designs are a total Kandeefest, with this season possibly even showcasing a pump and sneakers range too!
Lucky for me, I have received an invitation to the launch party of the Kandee Shoes Spring/Summer 2012 collection, which will take place this Wednesday..!
Although the range wont be launched on line until 1st March, check out my BLOG on the party later this week, I am sure there will be plenty of gossip I can share... until then check out pics below of the previous range and go online at http://kandeeshoes.com to snap up your faves before they become unavailable...
