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Style PS - Times Online - WBLG

Daily updates on shopping, fashion and gossip from The Sunday Times Style Magazine team. Subscribe to a feed of this blog at: http://timesonline.typepad.com/style/rss.xml

13 June 2008

Discount Chloe online until tomorrow - quick!

Catwalk to Closet is one of our favourite websites - a sample sale that runs 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. It's always worth a look, is great for summer dresses, and, most importantly, gives you a very hefty discount on designer garb. For any Chloe fans out there, I'd advise you to log on pronto. Until noon tomorrow, there's a further 20% off the label. So dresses that were being flogged for 900 quid can now be picked up for just over 200.  Just enter the code CHLOE48 at checkout.  But mitts off this one, it's mine.

Chloe_black

www.catwalktocloset.com

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04 June 2008

True Religion lady lumps....

2_copy Could Fergie's song my humps be the inspiration for True Religion new 'Gina' jeans  she sang about her her humps her bumps and lovely lady lumps and how they looked great in her True Religion jeans.

The 'Gina' jeans have been made to enhance your natural curve, create a sculpted smaller bottom and thighs.  Could this be True Religions answer to lipo? I would try them on and let you know if it really works but we were sent a pair with a 26" waist but who has a waist that small?

The jeans have taken the US by storm and are now the best selling True Religion style there.  Celeb fans include Eva Longoria and Bar Rafaeli (Leornardo Di Caprio's girlfriend). Though I don't think they really need them.

So check them out, try them on and let us know if they really do make you bootylicious. They are exclusive to Harrods and are £185.

3_copy

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15 May 2008

Lily Allen's on again off again... bikini.

Well, look at Lily cavorting! With hoards of men around her, Lily Allen is splashed across today's tabloid pages soaking up a bit of riviera sun and attention. But whilst most might have been poking a little peek at her, erm, organ stoppers, we can't help ogling her bikini.

From Heidi Klein, a favourite bikini shopping haunt of endless sunkissed slebs, it is pretty dam expensive - but coming from their chic separates range, practical too. Like Lily, few of us fit into the neat little one size bikinis that most shops peddle us. And normally the separates on offer are of the depressing, double D, drab sort. Not this one. Though careful you don't lose your top Lily, it's worth a few quid, that.

Triangle_top_aubergine_2

Classic_btm_aubergine_2

Top £80
Bottoms £70
www.heidiklein.com
020 7243 5665 - 020 7259 9418

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The high street rules too!

Who would have thought that a frock could provoke so much fury!  Last week, I posted a blog on this new dress from Philip Lim.

Limwhitestyle

It was the final, showstopping piece from his Spring Summer show - a proper, full length and full on big ticket item. And it seems to have rattled a few cages. Well, not 'it' necessarily - but it's pricetag, weighing in at a hefty £1,155.  Now, I know that a grand is a lot to spend on a dress.  And I know that a lot of us simply cannot afford that (myslef included.)  But I also know that there are plenty of women out there who might, on on special occasion, for that one special dress, spend that money.  And for them, and anyone else interested in taking a look at a bit of high fashion for interest's, inspiration's, fun, schadenfreude or just plain jealousy's sake - that dress just might be worth a look.

But, I have read your comments and I hear you. Of course the High Street is where most of us shop - sitting here in Primark and Converse, it is most definitely where I flash the cards.  Of course the vast majority of us aren't going to rush out and spend a grand on a dress just because it looks kinda pretty.  And, luckily for all of us, there is plenty to be found that won't break the bank, but will break a smile or too.  So here are some I've found that come in at all sorts of price points.  And I've put them up here because I think they're all worth a look, too.

Kate Moss's high summer collection is jam packed with dresses and hits shelves next Tuesday. For long and floaty, you can't beat this flattering floral dress. £150

Kate_moss_floral_maxi_150

See by Chloe's dress is right on the money - tapping into spring's asymmetrical and bright trends. Will be fabulous with a tan.  £189 from www.my-wardrobe.com

See_by_chloe_yellow_2

French Connection is generally a pretty good bet for something sparkly. They've done a few this spring - and this is my favourite.  £120 www.frenchconnection.com

French_connection

This is the dress that we've all been waiting for from Banana Republic. It's £95, and it hit the shelves on Monday.

Banana

These romantic white frills from the Kate Moss topshop collection will be perfect for summer. £65

Kate_moss_65

And this flowery number from Topshop is fun and flirty and bang on trend. £50 topshop.com

Topshop_dress

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30 April 2008

Master Lim to the rescue with the ultimate summer party dress.

We know we bang on a little bit about Philip Lim, the man behind the cocktail dress looking good at a party near you right now. But he and his dresses really are worth banging on about.  And today, finally, the showstopping final look from his Spring Summer show goes on sale at Net-a-porter.

Limwhitestyle

The ultimate summer party dress, it's chic and minimal but floaty and sexy all the same. It's not exactly chucked away at £1,155, but it looks a whole bonus load more expensive, and mark our words: It. Will. Work.

www.net-a-porter.com    pic from www.style.com

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01 April 2008

Meerkats are the must have fashion accessory this spring...

Meerkatmanor013

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl in possession of a good fortune must be in want of this season's hottest accessory. You might think you have already completed your spring / summer wardrobe, having invested in all things nautical, floaty and chaotic, but I urge you to think again. There is a vacuum in that voluminous bag of yours that neesds to be filled. Now, step forward the ultimate handbag charm - the meerkat.

Forget chihuahuas and pugs, meerkats are the real deal.

The furry creatures are soon to become the "it" Tinseltown companion. Paris has been spotted parading a meerkat in her customary oversized hand-bag in Melrose, LA, and it is only a matter of time before Lazy Lo, Nicole, Mischa et al follow suit.

Meerkats are no ordinary trophy pets. They require almost excessive attention and should be monitored at all times. As an owner of a particularly adventurous specimen - Rollo the Intrepid, I can speak from experience here. They are very sociable animals and this can get them into trouble.

Their tendency to wander off in search of conversation is notorious - Rollo has only just returned from living it up in the bars and clubs of Cavendish Square, London, over the weekend. I endured sleepless nights - fearing he had been katnapped - while simultaneously feeling secretly impressed by his bravery and spirit.

I will never forget being reunited with my most mischievous of meerkats. I couldnt wait to return Rollo to his sanctuary (his lookout perch in my bag). Never has a fashion accessory so ironically resembled "a symbol of unity and safety" [Tracey Emin].

So, let's immortalise the meerkat in handbags through the streets of London as well as on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square.

Adopt a meerkat at London Zoo, smuggle one into Blighty at Terminal 5 or, if all else fails, emigrate to their homelands of Botswana or South Africa. Your future as a fashionista depends on it...

[image from Turkey Whisperer.com]

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28 March 2008

Alejandro Ingelmo

Even the name oozes sex appeal - He's hot and the shoes he makes are even hotter. So when I met New Yorker Alejandro yesterday at the Harvey Nichols press day, not only did we speak but when he also got me to try on a pair of his shoes that he's designed for next season I nearly wet myself.

His shoes are super feminine, super sexy and super high.  Madonna is a big fan, she wore them in her H&M campaign and then sent him a letter personally thanking him.

Check them out.  You can buy these from Browns. From left to right £305 and £370.   Harvey Nichols also stocks his collection.

Alejandro_91359_1 Alejandro_91360_1

Not only does he do heels he also does sneakers. When I mentioned that I was interested in one of his shoe rivals' range and he told me off and said I shouldn't get them - apparently supporting a New Yorker is the way forward.

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Vive le flat

Carla Bruni has taught us a few things over the last couple of days.  She's taught us how to still look poised should Gordon Brown come at you with mouth open like a fish for a quick peck, how to sit without flashing your knickers (something a sleb or two we know out there could certainly do with paying attention to,) how to look vaguely interested in what people in parliament are saying, and that it doesn't matter if the whole world's seen you naked - make bigger headlines in a bit of designer garb and they'll all soon forget about the nip shots.

But most of all, she has shown us just how sleek and sophisticated and totally sexy a flat shoe can be. Mesmerised by the catwalk's current predilecton for towering heels, we've forgotten the humble flat in all it's practicality.  But Carla has brought them marching on back. Ok, so maybe her smurf size husband encouraged her, but doesn't she look good on em? And don't they look good on her?

Flats are hot. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that flats are hotter than heels in many cases. They don't make you look like you've tried too hard, they don't make you walk with your bottom sticking out, they don't mean that, should you get your bag nicked on the street and want to run after the acne ridden perpertrator of this crime, you are stymied. And in them, you're ready for any situation that may present itself - Rock Star, Queen and President alike. 

Carla_flat

Carla in her Tods.

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06 March 2008

ALICE MCCALL FOR TOPSHOP

Im a huge fan of Alice McCall.  So when I heard she was doing a line for Topshop I nearly fell off my chair cause now I can afford it.

Because this is breaking news there are no images of the clothes till next week and prices have yet to be decided but i'm told a dress will probably be from around £80.

If you don't know Alice McCall then this is one designer you need to get to know - her clothes are super cool, cute and fun, but don't let the cuteness fool you cause they still have lots of edgy sexiness. They are also easy to wear and can be worn with either pretty flat pumps or killer heels.

It's a nine piece collection which consists of dresses, skirts and cami-like tops which goes in to Topshop on 5th May.   Pop that date in your diary bold it underline it and don't go out the night before and see if you can beat me to Topshop.

Here are the exclusive sketches of the clothes to give you an idea of what you can expect from Alice McCall's line.

Blah026 Blah025

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27 February 2008

Cool Bike Helmets Shocker

Far too many cyclists are cruisin' for a bruisin' - why? Because they're too vain to wear their desperately uncool cycling helmets. Two natty new solutions have materialised:

Firstly there's snowboard stylee from Japanese designer Sawako Furuno - a classic case of if-I-can't-find-it-in-shops-I'll-design-it-myself. Helmetchandelier£60.

Then there's Stash for people who don't mind looking the business on the bike, but can't be done having to take a deeply uncool and cumbersome helmet into a pub or somesuch... So-called Stash because the helmet conveniently folds in on itselfStash - like so! £50 including postage and packing. Far less painful than a hole in the head.

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01 February 2008

Cold Feet

I dont know about you but if my feet are cold, no matter how many layers of clothing I have on I will still feel chilly.  And with the weather not behaving itself, my biker boots just arent keeping the warmth in (even with 3 pairs of socks). 

EMU have come to my rescue.  EMU are the new uggs.  They are Australian wool lined, and has this state of the art fabric that resists water and wind chill better than any synthetic so it keeps yur feet warm in winter but then also keeps it cool in summer - Thats the Science.

Cameron Diaz has been seen regularly wearing hers and Sienna has a pair too.  They are so easy to wear, they can be worn with jeans but equally look good teamed with a dress and a long scarf - Thats the Fashion.

And whats so great about them is that they're not as pricey as uggs only £60 at ASOS

So give your feet a treat and cosy up in a pair of EMU's.

Image1xl

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Loungewear takes a beating by the Baresuit...

Now, obviously we can't look fabulous all the time.  In the safety of our own home, behind closed doors and with only Dot Cotton watching, we all like to kick back and relax cocooned in the snuggly hug of a seventeen year old jumper, pair of tracksuit bottoms from our days in the netball team and two knarled at the edges Totes Toasties.  But even loungewear  has limits - and they've just been leapfrogged by the most disturbing 'fashion' garmet I've seen in quite a while...

Bring on... The Baresuit.  Part dressing gown (minus one point for starters), part jumpsuit (not OK unless you're talking of the fashion variety we're all about to try our hands at), made of towelling (unacceptable unless on a towel) and in a dazzling aray of pastel colours (unacceptable unless on a penny sweet) - it is horrific.

I don't care if it's 'luxurious and comfortable,' I don't care if it's perfect for 'mellowing out on the couch' and I certainly don't care that 'adding legs to the garmet gave it freedom of movement.' It's gopping.

Bare4

picture credit

www.baresuit.com

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Olsen's favourite T shirts online now

LNA have long been those fashion gremlin Olsen twins t shirt of choice.  Inspired by their boyfriends' tshirts - and their celeb hanging Hollywood lifestyle, deisngers Lauren and April set about creating the perfect tee.  They've got quite close. And now you can buy them here - on www.bunnyhug.co.uk.

Lna

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25 January 2008

Bless sunshields: when needs must

Oldest trick in the book # 2,743: Treat them mean keep them keen.

Bless

I want these Bless sunshields.

I really, really want them.

Roisin Murphy has a pair (personally, I wouldn't put two visors into the ring together as she has...). But she also has a stylist and a rockstar label. It's unlikely that anyone treats her that mean.

I don't have either of those credentials, but I do have a telephone number for Bless's press office in Paris. "Oh you can get them in b Store in Savile Row". I email b Store. "Unfortunately we are not stocking them". I sigh. I call Bless's press office in Paris. "Well, the Bless concept is that they are hard to find," says the PR, with some glee. "They enjoy the fact that they are hard to get. It's not a bad thing to them that they are hard to get." Do they sell online? I ask. "No." Obviously. "You can order them from the Paris shop though". For a price, course - 192Euros, plus 15Euros for shipping to Londonn (bless.shop.paris@gmail.com). Sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh: #2,743 gets me every time.

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24 January 2008

Dita Von Teese teases them all in Paris...

Dita_and_pouting_posh_2

Some say that fashion shows are all about the front-row and yesterday was no exception. Clothes? What clothes? At Roland Mouret's Couture show in Paris, we were only looking at the audience, where Dita Von Teese and Victoria Beckham were competing for the cameras alongside the usual suspects like Marc Almond and Claudia Schiffer.

Needless to say, the mercurial Ms. Teese upstaged wannabe Posh. The burlesque star radiated chic in Mouret's 'Moon' dress, a new and improved version of his 'Galaxy' dress that wowed the red carpet in 2005. Get 'Moon' while you still can at www.net-a-porter.com for £990.

Teese' choice of colur, midnight blue, reclaimed the dress' cachet. (Mrs. Beckham first gave 'Moon' a high profile after wearing a pink one when David was unveiled to the press after signing for LA Galaxy in July last year).

Yesterday, Posh tried too hard once again. She insisted on wearing an item from the latest Roland Mouret collection and disappointed. Her shift dress may have been new but her choice of grey, one of this season's signature colours, was hardly inspiring.

Ms. Teese and Mrs. B may have posed together afterwards but you know who's perfect pout - read rictus grin - didn't fool us. More, I actually want to kill her, me thinks.

With Posh bizarrely set to be on the cover of UK Vogue, it is great to see her relegated to second fiddle in Paris. I guess you can always trust the Parisians to recognise true style...

[image from www.splashnewsonline.com]

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16 January 2008

ASOS - the online market

Imagine the scene:

Asos Girl A: "Love your coat! Where d'you geddit?" [To self: Bitch. I want it. I want it so much, I'd happily do a Single White Female on you.]

Girl B: "Thanks! I got it from the Laden Showroom on Brick Lane."  [To self: Ha ha, tough titties - you can't have it. You live miles away from this shop.]

Girl B shouldn't laugh so fast - this treasure trove of quirky fashion from up-and-coming designers (think next step up from the market stall) is now all available on ASOS. Yes, that very same erstwhile tat-bin of rip-off red carpet dresses. Thankfully, ASOS had an overhaul last year and as well as delights from the Laden Showroom, now stocks original - yes, all original - designs from PPQ, Prada, Eley Kishimoto, Balenciaga and Sienna Miller's Twenty8Twelve.

But for real originality, our mouse is hovering over the "Independent Designers" button - that takes you straight into the online branch of the Laden Showroom: affordable, limited-edition clothes from the likes of Orion, Chandelier, Chan Chan and Miss Milne. Don't worry - you won't have heard of them. That''s good for preserving the mystique when Girl A is pestering. And there's a moral incentive too: think of this as a digitally assisted version of shopping locally. Click, click, click!

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11 January 2008

Return of the Dunk

New to NikeTown, Dover Street Market and Foot Patrol this week is the Dunk trainer.  Originally a basketball shoe but was so successful on the courts it spread on to the streets.  That was 1985. Now in 2008, the 12 original colour ways are back, alongside literally hundreds of other colourways. Fans are Justin Timberlake (who has nearly every colour), Pharrell Williams, Reggie Yates and Fergie from the Black eyed Peas and Maria Sharapova.

Get yourself down there fast. Im told that when 'What the Dunk?' came out (a trainer that celebrated the launch of Nike's first skateboarding movie) people queued for days. Some queued from the friday and waited till the tuesday to get the trainer.  Nike very kindly provided private cars to these dunk crazed customers so they're precious Dunks would not be stolen on the way home.

These are £Nike_sp0801004292_ret260

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The Best online sale we've found so far - and it's only on for 48 hours

Catwalk to Closet is our favourite secret find - an online sample sale, that's open all year round, and you don't have to queue round the block to get in to. Starting today though, and just for 48 hours, they've got a special 80% sale on their designer dresses. With complete favourite, this McQueen number, being reduced from £2,400 to £500.

Mqueen

Put down yer coffee, and get clicking. Seriously, you don't want to miss it.

www.catwalktocloset.com

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04 January 2008

Harrods sale plays Fairy-Godmother

I promised myself that I would treat myself to one special thing from the sales this year.  I originally had my heart set on a pair of Christian Louboutin booties but even with 40% off they were still out of my price range.  So a little heartbroken and demoralised, I went to Gap instead and had a bit of a splurge - £25 worth. (told you I was demoralised I couldnt even shop properly).

I had to meet a friend in Harrods so thought I would have a nose in the shoe sales. And, as if the Gods or the universe had felt my pain from my broken heart, staring at me was a pair of Marc Jacobs booties.  They fitted perfectly and were in my price range. I have them on now and can't stop staring at my feet and smiling.

Picture_2 So get rid of the January blues and head to Harrods or check them out online  http://www.harrods.com/HarrodsStore/ and pick up something wonderful and feel that happiness glow too.

My boots of happiness. Love Cinderella x

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17 December 2007

The Luella sale starts today. Ruuunnnn!!!

The Luella sale starts today. Yes, she of the London comeback, new Brook street shop, and perfect party dresses with decent price tags worn by celebs from Thandie Newton to Chloe Sevigny to Lily Allen.

Luella_pink

With 30% of stock like this mabel dress (normal rrp £325) you'll find a bargain - well, a designer bargain at least.  So. Put down the nasty smelly soap, ditch the discount DVD, for gods sake return the nasty novelty socks you thought she might find amusing, and get your ass down to Brook Street if you want to make a lady very very happy.

25 Brook Street, W1K4HB, London, W1K 4HB  www.luella.com

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14 December 2007

Time to Shine....

...is a competition Miss Selfridge are running.  Its like a self styling competition and what they're after is a pic of you out having fun, partying.  The only catch is you have to be wearing Miss Selfridge gear (very clever).  They want to see how you've styled the outfit and how you're wearing it.

What you get in return if you win is 'The Ultimate Miss Selfridge Experience' which is a £500 shopping spree (get yourself kitted out for the new season) with a style advisor (although you probably wont need one, cause you won the competition) along with first class travel to London, accommodation at a top London hotel and dinner for you and a mate.

The Competition ends 11 Jan 2008. Log on to www.missselfridge.com for more info.

Theres no excuse to not do this. It's christmas so go out, party, look hot to trot, strike a pose and win a fab a day out on Miss Selfrdige.

2127_5120_2_50882

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Here's what I DON'T want for Christmas.

A T shirt complete with hairy looking armpit...

Hairy_tshirt

For those odd bods out there that do, check out www.missandladysboutique.de .

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12 December 2007

Butt plugs please, we're British

Our friends at Sam Roddick's sex deli, Coco de Mer, reveal some most interesting news.

"British women are the most naughty in Europe." Well, well, well - who'd have thought. Store manager Sarah-Louise tells Style: "I get lots of different nationalities coming into the store [in Covent Garden, in London]. The Americans are the most prudish. French women are quite too. British women, though, are really into spanky anal sex toys." And Coco de Mer's best-seller? This glass butt plug. The small one is £59, the big one £69 (no sniggering). And why is it selling so well? Well... for her: it pushes against the back wall of her "ladylair"; for him: it tightens said lair and he can also feel its hardness through the wall. No sniggering, I said. Praise hallelujah for internet shopping.

Butt

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07 December 2007

Twenga.co.uk

Who?  (thats what i said)

Twenga.co.uk a new un-biased shopping search engine launched just over a month ago. They have about 9 million products on their website, everything from designer labels to loo roll.

Why go there - why not go directly to Brownsfashion for designer wear or Sainsburys for loo roll? (that's what I thought)

a) Twenga may have the same dress from different retailers but not necessarily with the same price tag.  So you can get it for less.

b) They offer a vast range of products so you may see something similiar you prefer.

C) The site gives you lots of product info on everything. So useful for things you may feel too embarrassed to ask the old man at the Boots counter i.e. a pregnancy test.  Yes they sell those too (apparently one of the top 20 best-sellers).

Dont get knackered. Save yourself some valuable time and log on to Twenga.

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06 December 2007

Avoid the trials of Christmas Shopping and save your soul and sanity...

So, it's close enough to my Christmas to finally galvanise me into a spot of shopping for others.  And the thought is filling me with dread. I haven't even set foot on the high street and already I fell panicky and sick and stupid and conned, and all things generally associated with this merry old time full of good old cheer. Thank the lord (for this is what we do in December) for The Shop Floor Project. There, I can shop without feeling like a total mug for several reasons:

1. It's online - www.theshopfloorproject.com - so I don't have to go outside and see the world going mad with plastic bags and novelty socks. I can concentrate on going to my christmas parties instead.

2. It's a website that stocks limited runs of items from a network artists and designers hard to find anywhere else - which means that, not only is it exceedingly unlikely that my sister will get the same present from me, my aunt, my mum and the dog  (again), but also that I am much happier to give them my hard (well, hard enough) earned cash.

3. It is run by a mother and daughter team totally committed to putting carefully edited, fabulous collections on it, and I like them all a lot - especially these Bird in a Cage earrings

Ericaweinerbirdearrings

and this teacup by Tina Tsang

Sexylegs

Seriously, I won't be buying my presents anywhere else, and niether will my Mum if she knows what's good for her...

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05 December 2007

All I want for Christmas... is a pug

Sophie_dahl_and_dali_for_dogmob_5_3As we enter December and Christmas approaches, a pug is number one on my Christmas list. In fact, a pug is the only thing on my list. I have already named my pug to be; Percy on a good day, Percival when he misbehaves. I can't think of a better way to spend £1,000. If I had £1,000 to spare that is.

Lucikly, Dogmob.co.uk and Sophie Dahl have linked up with an initiative to placate pug addicts everywhere. You can sponsor a dog like Dali, pictured with Sophie, for just £3 and in return you receive canine wallpaper, an animated screensaver and ringtone.

There are four dogs you can seletc from, each from Battersea dogs up for grabs; though why you would look beyond Dali is a mystery to me. With at least £1 from each download going directly to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home you can revel in your charitable spirit this yuletide too.

You will also be contributing to the resurrection of pugs everwhere which is no bad thing. For some reason pugs have become a symbol of noughties vulgarity but with Mr Clooney. Jessica Alba et al being proud pug owners I feel the tide is turning.

Georgeclooney

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04 December 2007

Feeling a little avant garde? Buy this bag

Dsm_toga_pink

Is it normal to wear a polka dot puff ball dress and bunny ears to a mince-pie-and-mulled-wine evening at a department store, even if the department store is the maverick Comme de Garcons concept store Dover Street Market, in Londons' Mayfair? One girl did (sorry no photo, the camera was dropped in a jug of gluhwein). You could hear appreciative sighs from assembled fashion eccentrics, including Zandra Rhodes, all the way down the street. Want some flamboyance too? Buy this silky leather number, a £70 limited edition from criminally expensive, highly coveted Japanese label, Toga, available exclusively (and fleetingly - until Christmas) from Dover Street.

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30 November 2007

Elephantitis

Homeware and animals have never mixed well - how many leopard print cushions does the non-WAG world really need? However, this season designers have all been answering the call to the wild in a much more graphic way, using actual animal shapes in designs rather than just striping a vase in black and white and calling it "zebra". Andrew Martin's diffusion line for John Lewis features cartoon-like elephants gallumphing over Union Jack motifs, and his spring summer continuation (of which we had a sneak preview yesterday) takes the theme even further.

But this new candle holder is making the Style Interiors Desk come over all herd-like and rush as one to buy our own:

Elephant_candle_holder_gold

Only £14.95 at www.designmyworld.net it's Christmassy (in that it'll cast a flickering glow around the room) without being covered in dreaded holly berries.

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28 November 2007

Our favourite eco-friendly footwear

Fretting about your environmental footprint? Worried your shoes aint got no soul? Low impact footwear seems to have come a long way since the day I swapped the walking boots off my feet in Nairobi in exchange for a soapstone chessboard and a pair of flipflops recycled (and barely disguised) from freshly wrecked car tyres (which caused near instant bleeding of the foot and a barefoot walk home).

Top of our Pops for eco footwear are:

1. Beyond SkinBeyondskin: "Dorothy", £187

Why? Suitable for vegans, made with vintage fabric sourced from the UK and handmade in England. From www.beyondskin.co.uk

2. Mojo_2 Earth & Wear's Mojo boots, £55

Why: All boots come with a disclosure form detailing information about the people who made the shoes (and their wages and benefits). Registered with the Vegan Society. Tel: 01745 571881

3. Wornagain

Worn Again, made from recycled tyres, car seat belts and e-leather and

made by Terra Plana (aka the Clarks heir Galahad Clark)

4. Go barefoot for proper footloose and fancy free frolicks.

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21 November 2007

KJ's Laundry

Want to know a secret? 

kjslaundry.com has just launched its new online boutique.  Check it out its a secret address book find. A favourite with fashion editors. Kiera Knightley has been in a few times and Shirley Bassey even popped in just before going to Glastonbury.

The shop has an impressive line-up of interesting international labels as well as british ones.  Mike and Chris, Cacharel, Carl, Alice McCall, Rebecca Taylor, Suzannah and Young Fabulous and Broke (Sienna is a fan) are just a few of the labels you can find there. All cool and stylish fashion labels with an edge but also wearbale.

The only trouble is it will be hard keeping it a secret - cause everyone's gonna want to know where you got your gear from.

Interior_1

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16 November 2007

Do French and be Dior'd

Adore Dior but just too poor?  Fear not all would be fashionistas, French Connection have a fabulous solution to your problem.  This bow tie jacket retails at just £140 which is a mere snippet of the price Dior's lookalike.  Ok so it's not a coat but the vibrant colour is the same as is the elegant bow.  No one will miss your entrance and the colour will add an instant uplift to a pair of boring jeans.  Of course you could team it with a tight pencil skirt and go for full on 1940s glamour. This will free up the cash to buy the Dior Samaurai bag - which you will need as it starts from £2,000.

75x5b_olive

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15 November 2007

Buy your J Brand Jeans from America, and save yourself a small fortune. Well, 60 quid.

So. Everyone wants a pair of J Brand Love Story jeans - you know, the ones that Kate wears...

Jbrand

The trouble though, is twofold.  Firstly, they're almost impossible to get hold of. And secondly, they're dead expensive (£155).  Don't panic. Head stateside.  Thanks to the weak dollar (hang on in there, this gets interesting, I promise) the same jeans cost just under £90 on websites over there.  So much chepaer, you might as well buy the indigo and the black.

Head to www.revolveclothing.com to bag yourself a pair to strut forever smugly around in. 

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09 November 2007

Flannels Fashion

Flannels' immaculate selection of designer Men's and Women's clothing and accessories are now available online so you can shop anytime, anywhere.  With Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, Malene Berger and D&G as just a sprinkling of the big name brands, this one stop shop is set to rival the Browns and Net-a-porter monopoly in the months to come.

The website which was launched a week ago presents a capsule collection of Flannels' latest designer selection. So check it out before all the best pieces go!

Marc_by_marc This Marc By Marc jacket at £250 is mine.  Race you to it!

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01 November 2007

FUR ME UP!

FurYou don't have to be cruel to keep warm this season as there is loads of the fake stuff on the market.  Sara and Sharon, up to mischief in the fashion cupboard, have styled themselves up with some of the best fake fur around.  Pop to Fenwick and check out the La Maison de La Fausse Fourrure label (their black jacket is £169 and worn by Sharon) while the grey fake fur bolero, at £99 (worn by Sara) is by Marks and Spencer.  The hats, perfect for skiing are from TopShop and the other is from Warehouse.

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31 October 2007

Contender for the perfect winter coat...

We nominate Aussie/Scot design duo Vidler & Nixon's black felted wool riding coat. Like so:

Vidler

We think it sits in that most rare position in fashion - that of the modern classic, passing the "can you take it anywhere?" test So far, yes you can.

Vidler & Nixon say it's about "masculine elegance and dark femininty". We say yum.

And your reviewer has noted that while it would probably look at its most elegant whilst sidesaddle atop a thoroughbred, a rather fine flyaway effect can be achieved whilst riding a bicycle. And with its graduated length, there is none of the usual bulky-coat-in-the-way drama.

Available from Harrods, £590.

We're ready for you now, oh bleak winter.

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30 October 2007

Cheer up with a chunky knit

Chunky knits are so cosy on, they make you feel warm and cuddly and the more oversized they are the better cause when sitting you can pull them down over your knees.  One of my favs out there is the grey polar bear oversize knit by Stella McCartney £745.  However, £745 is a holiday in the caribbean which lets be honest will give you even more of a warm feeling. 

So here's the best of both worlds - you can have the holiday and whilst your waiting for your flight you can also snuggle up in this similiar one from Diesel £140. Ok so it's a man jumper but its chunky cheaper and will give you that oversized look. Whats more the guys at Diesel tell me that girls are going crazy for this piece (see me in it). Or just buy it for your boy and nick it!  Diesel_2

But don't get too comfy in it - remember you've got to keep your bod in check to look good in that bikini.

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25 October 2007

Launching Lobb

Last night I got to celebrate St Crispins day (the patron saint of cobblers) with the people from John Lobb and a few members of the press.

John Lobb was launching their 2007 limited edition shoe which means it's only available to buy for a year. It was modern and sleek with a smooth finish, available in four different colours and costs only £720.John_lobb_2007_amber_lord_calf_2

As well as the champers and yummy canapes (I was quite hungry) the highlight of the evening was when my mate Abbi from Maxim won a pair of ridiculously expensive men's shoes.  I could see all the men in the room turn green with envy and I knew they were all thinking what a waste!

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