Monday, February 25, 2013

Fashion Blog: 2013's Sixties: Modern Day Style Outfit Choice

I wrote recently about my love of the smart, chic side of the sixties style and some perfect pieces offered by my-wardrobe.com to get a modern day sixties look. A look that would be more chic than "dressing up box". I've received a few emails and comments asking about what items I would buy and how I chose those clothing pieces.

In true investment dressing style I thought about what I would be doing this year and chose the clothes according to what I anticipate I would wear most often and items I truly loved. I thought about the year rather than just the summer months, just because I may be travelling between the UK and USA and also in both countries the summer months don't always mean sun and warmth.

As soon as I saw the Philosophy tailored shorts with the tile print in the most exquisite colours, I knew I wanted them. As I did the Tom Ford cat eye sunglasses.

Essential buys:
1. Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Tile Print Shorts £180.00 UK, $297.00 USA. (my-wardrobe.com)
2. Tom Ford Cat Eye Sunglasses £259 UK, $427.35 USA. In Black or Brown. (my-wardrobe.com)

Couturenet also likes:
3. This VANESSA BRUNO ATHÉ BRODERIE ANGLAISE BIKER JACKET £354.00 UK, $584.10 USA (my-wardrobe.com). It really adds something special, by day wear casual and by night add the Dinny Hall Pendant shown. This detailed well made jacket is a nice upgrade from the DKNY WHITE CABLE KNIT 3/4 SLEEVE JUMPER £162.00 UK, $267.30 USA (my-wardrobe.com).

Extra buys that really make this versatile.
3. Raoul Taupe Janine Leather Shoulder Bag £330.00 UK, $544.50 USA. (my-wardrobe.com)
4. SEE BY CHLOÉ SHOES HERA CORK WEDGE METALLIC SANDAL £275.00 UK, $453.75 USA (my-wardrobe.com).
5. DINNY HALL SMALL GOLD VERMEIL TORO DOUBLE HOOP PENDANT NECKLACE £140.00. (liberty.co.uk)

And just for fun... If I was wearing this outfit to work I would definitely want one of these 70's Wild and Wolf Trim telephones £39.95 in Turquoise on my desk from Liberty (shipping worldwide). I also spotted this retro Lomography Diana Mini SLR Camera £50, small enough to fit in a handbag on holiday and stylish enough to have everyone asking where you got it from! In true retro style the Diana Cameras have a funcion for you to switch to old style square format photographs allowing for an incredible 72 photos on a standard 35mm film.

This outfit makes me feel like I could be stepping off a yacht somewhere in St Tropez! Head scarf optional!

So thats the clothes shopping list for me, I would love to hear about your favourite pieces from the original post and why you love the clothes, as well as where you would wear them. Please drop me a line.

PS. Super offers : My-Wardrobe.com are offering £50 off when you sepd £250 or more in the Spring Summer collections for new customers (Code NEWSTYLE50). At Liberty London (online and instore) get a £30 voucher to use when you spend £150 or over.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Fashion Blog: 2013's Sixties: True Elegance Revisited In Modern Day Style

I never tire of looking at pictures from the sixties. For me, true iconic sixties style came in the format of Jackie Onassis, Natalie Wood and Elizabeth Taylor with their polished elegance, luxe accessories, perfect hair and black cat eye liner. I still aspire to the prim and neat Hitchcock heroine style, I feel bold and modern in the sharp sixties monochromes... and I'm excited to see vibrant shades added to today's sixties inspired pieces.

Public Domain Images.
Vintage stores, Goodwill and charity shops are fun for quirky pieces but it's near impossible to find that polished couture styling of sixties, to do this you have to go "specialist vintage" and pay a premium for a one off, carefully loved piece from 50 years ago that may not translate into today's world that well.

2013's trend for the sixties shapes and patterns enables a revisit to the era on modern day terms, from quirky girl about town looks or the opportunity to invest in some timeless, beautiful pieces worthy of Jackie O herself.

Couturenet Picks...

Eight perfect pieces from my-wardrobe.com to create a personal sixties collection of breathtaking elegance with a modern edge. Great clothes that you will be able to wear often and suit today's women when a polished look with a statement piece works without being too "dressy" and out of place.

1. The goes with everything sunglasses

Tom Ford Cat Eye Sunglasses £259 UK, $427.35 USA. In Black or Brown.
These super slick but intriguing sunglasses are a perfect investment piece, they complement the other clothes chosen perfectly but also add something special to an already established wardrobe as a very valuable update.



2. The Statement Dress

 Brunns Bazaar Marylyn Dress £190.00 UK, $313.50 USA.
City chic and fabulously monochrome. For day wear with ballet flats and evening with killer heels shown in the image.



3. The Monti Carlo Print

Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Tile Print Shorts £180.00 UK, $297.00 USA.
I just love these shorts too much, a serious summer staple. Neat tailoring, high waist and super chic pared back with a classic white top.

4. The Sophisticated Spring Dress

Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Crochet Lace Shirt Dress, £322.00 UK, $531.30 USA.
The lace, the colour, the long sleeves and shirt dress style make this a perfect piece for day or evening, showing just the right amount of skin to make this chic and wearable rather than "too sixties".


5. The Ulimate Summer Luxe Hue

Richard Nicoll Collard Silk Jacquard Stella Tunic £420.00 UK, $693.00 USA.
The coral colour and draping silk fabric radiate effortless of-the-moment chic, perfect with a tan and the summer sun.





6.  The Very Modern Classic

See By Chloe Cobra Effect Silk Shirt Dress £486.00 UK, $801.90 USA.
A classic pussy bow dress in a modern bright fuchsia colour. This is a super-luxe piece is worthy of the mainline Chloe collection at a See by Chloe price. So well worth buying.





7.  The Beautiful Piece in Your Wardrobe

Red Valentino Gem Embellished Brocade Coat £685.00 UK, $1,130.25 USA.
A real show stopper, I would easily wear this as dress as well a coat if the occasion required something almost royal!



8. The Goes With Everything Clutch Bag / Shoulder Bag

Raoul Taupe Janine Leather Shoulder Bag £330.00 UK, $544.50 USA.
Such a touchable colour and gorgeous looking! The box shape is a versatile one, as a shoulder bag it looks effortless draped over white jeans and as a clutch it looks like a cherished piece unveiled for special occasions. This bag will complement each outfit featured here and anything already in your closet without any hesitation.


I am still deciding which pieces to buy, I think the tile print shorts will sell out fast, they are just too wearable, look stunning and are great price. I am so drawn to the accessories and the See by Chloe Dress. I'm still on the fence, I just want them all! In true investment dressing style I am going to think about what I will be doing this year, weddings, events, trips, work and holidays and then base my purchases on this.

See more inspirational pictures and glamorous buys from my-wardrobe.com on the Couturenet.com Pinterest Board : 2013s Sixties Trend with My-Wardrobe.com

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Beauty Blog: Beauty Products That Work: Margaret Dabbs Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion



Margaret Dabbs Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion. Not a foot treatment to be put into the same bracket as other foot lotions and creams. This really works, you can really see this in action if you have had a long day or two on your feet in heels or if you have been on holiday. The silky lotion sinks in beautifully and the results are instant and long lasting - soft paws that look beautiful too. I like to take the time to massage the lotion in for about five minutes on each foot after a bath or shower.

Margaret Dabbs Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion is £25.00 and available from Margaret Dabbs Sole Spa at Liberty London.

I asked the Margaret Dabbs Sole Spa to tell me more about the product and also the Intensive Treatment Foot Oil which I am going to try next, I specifically asked if the product contained natural ingredients, parabens and if it was tested on animals. The reply from Lucinda Mabbitt, the Sole Spa Manager, was extremely pleasing and comprehensive, as follows...

"Regarding your query about the Intensive Treatment Foot Oil and Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion ingredients, I have provided you with these lists below:

Intensive Treatment Foot Oil
Isopropyl 
Myristate
Dromiceius 
(Emu) 
Oil

Ethylhexyl 
Stearate
Ethylhexyl 
Palmitate

Backhousia 
Citriodora 
(Lemon
Myrtle) Leaf
Oil
Citral
Linalool

Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion
Aqua 
(Water)
Dromiceius 
(Emu)
 Oil
Propylene 
Glycol
Stearic 
Acid
Paraffinum 
Liquidum
Ethylhexyl 
Palmitate
Glycerin
Cetearyl
 Alcohol
Triethanolamine
Backhousia
Citriodora 
(Lemon
Myrtle )
Leaf
Oil
Disodium 
EDTA
Carbomer
Benzyl
 Alcohol
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone
Citral
Linalool

The ingredients are listed in relations to their quantity (starting with highest).

All of our products are natural. They were originally formulated by Margaret Dabbs herself and then worked on by Pharmasists for safety and quality reasons.

The Oil and Lotion do not contain parabens and they are not tested on animals.

The Emu Oil used in our products is a natural by-product and has been used for centuries by Aboriginals in Australia, where the product originates from. Emus are a protected species and are therefore reared organically and free range. The oil is used for it's healing qualities - it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and has the same irritant level as water when applied to the skin. It is classed as a pharmaceutical product in Australia and can be used for various different ailments. As these are used in our clinics for medical and beauty treatments they are formulated to suit all skin types, including diabetics for example.

If you have any further queries, please do let me know.

Kind regards,

Lucinda Mabbitt

Manager
Margaret Dabbs Sole Spa At Liberty
Great Marlborough Street
London
W1B 5AG"


A great product that works, natural ingredients, parabens free and not tested on animals, what more could we ask for! And the packaging is attractive too.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Time Out: Happy Valentine's Day

Time Out: Delicious Hearts To You All This Valentine's Day!


Aren't these sweet, chic and gorgeous! There's still time to pop into Fortnum's and pick up something delicious for a fuss, free chic treat.

Fortnum & Mason Chocolate Mousse in Sweetheart Set - £32
This is the perfect end to a Valentine’s Day dinner – a pair of heart-shaped ceramic pots filled with an intensely chocolatey dessert made with Valrhona chocolate. Rich, sweet and very romantic.
Made in England.
 


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Fashion Blog: Luxe High Street Find: The H&M Fold Over Clutch Bag

The grab and go, carefree elegance of a fold over clutch appeals to me. It's luxe enough to add something to a smart outfit, but also edgy enough to wear with a khaki jacket. I looked at this piece online today, though it was more of a re-visit as I had spotted this bag in-store and held it firmly in my hands for a good quality check.

I would not expect this piece to stand the test of time, but with care it could complete a few outfits that require the off duty luxe of a fold over clutch for a while. The stitching is good and choice of hardware too, so it doesn't look cheap.

H&M Fold Over Clutch £12.99 UK, $17.95 USA.
Imitation leather clutch bag with a detachable metal shoulder strap, and a zip with a decorative tassel at the front. Lined. Size 20x28 cm. Available in three colour ways, I like relaxed look of the apricot/beige bag and the detailing of the croc bottom half of the black version!





Friday, February 8, 2013

Fashion Blog: Luxe High Street Find: Chic, Easy Jacket and Off Duty Pants In The Zara Sale

The Zara Sale is nearly over, it's a great time to bag a bargain with the super final reductions. Remembering of course, it's only a bargain if it fits properly and will be worn as part of your fashion lifestyle.


Earlier this season I spotted this very light jacket. It immediately reminded me of the stunning Helmut Lang pieces I had seen at Flannels and Shopbop.com.

The jacket is now in the sale reduced from £49.99 to £22.99 in the UK. I ordered it online for home delivery as I did not have the time for in-store collection which I usually favour.


It arrived beautifully folded (along with some other items that I returned) in the usual minimal but chic Zara packaging. The quality far exceeded my expectations, no visible stitching apart from on the cuffs (which were so long that after altering has left me with enough fabric for a small scarf!), the fit was excellent and the gold zipper details just enough to be cool rather than bling. A great grab and go piece. I am going to wear this as a cardigan alternative, as often a plain knit is just a bit too plain.

I also got, in a separate order, these super stylish yet comfortable lightweight Herringbone Trousers with faux leather pockets and elastic ankle cuffs Was £29.99. Now £9.99. This is the perfect off duty easy pant to wear and the ideal alternative to sweatpants (which I loath! for anything except exercise).




Lovely Zara has won my style heart again, I certainly talk about the store a lot in my posts and why not... they fill their stores with good quality pieces, with great style and have a good animal welfare policy. Worth talking about!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Fashion Blog: The Best Loyalty Cards: Liberty London

About a year and a half past Liberty launched their loyalty card.  I got one straight away, all shimmery in gold with the signature purple liberty logo and they even sent me a money off voucher as a nice surprise. It seemed like a good idea to have this fab card as I adore the gifts, unique home stuff and gorgeous stationery, whilst loving feeling totally immersed in the beautiful shop itself when I step through the doors.


But... what I didn't realise was The Liberty Loyalty Card would be one of the best loyalty cards to have. By signing up with Liberty Loyalty for free I have recieved regular worthwhile offers and sale previews. I have been so impressed by what is offered, really good money off spends (eg. £15 off when you spend £100), free money off vouchers, previews to the sales which are excellent and this week a super offer...

Play the Beauty Lottery! Spend over £65* in store or online on beauty and you will receive a beauty lottery prize worth up to £155 from one of our 30 most sought-after brands. And the best bit? Everyone’s a winner! The incredible lottery prize list includes full size products from cult brand Molecule 01, beauty editor’s favourites Diptyque Philosykos and some of our favourite candles from Frederic Malle. Plus there are make-up bag essentials from Bobbi Brown and indulgent treatments from the Margaret Dabbs Sole Spa. Terms and conditions apply.

This offer is only available if you are a Liberty Loyalty member, sign up here.

Liberty Loyalty is for use instore and online, with more generous rewards than ever before, earned every time you shop in-store or online with your Liberty Loyalty card.
- a £5 voucher when you spend £150
- a £10 voucher when you spend £250
- a £25 voucher when you spend £500
...and a further £25 voucher for every additional £500 you spend

How bad can that be!

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