Bossing it

Dressing for the office can be a real struggle at times. We all dreamt of channelling 'The Devil Wears Prada' when we first started, swearing you'd only ever see us in perfectly tailored blazers, razor sharp stilettos and silk blouses that we'd never spill coffee on. It rarely happens. After a week you forgo outfit planning in favour of an early night and the first pay packet just won't cover the Stella McCartney suit you had circled in last month's Vogue.

Who is this tax man and why doesn't he care how great I'd look in a boyfriend blazer?

Not only are designer pieces pretty, but they achieve an illusion that some highstreet knock-offs simply can't. The effect of laser-cut tailoring in luxe fabrics prove that 'power dressing' is a real thing. These garments give you a confidence that an ill-fitting H&M basic never could. You walk taller and make eye contact- frankly, you know you look good. 

When you get the promotion you may think nothing of strolling in to Lanvin on your lunch break and picking up a leather pencil skirt that wouldn't look out of place on the front row at London Fashion Week- but until then, you need a much cheaper alternative.

Well, here are some key pieces that will upgrade your work wardrobe without requiring you to get a second job. I've focused on tailoring and shoes as they can have the biggest impact on your overall look.  



http://www.theoutnet.com/product/288264



http://www.theoutnet.com/product/327574





• www.theoutnet.com (the outlet sister of Net a Porter) offers fantastic discounts on your favourite designers. How about this Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller blazer? The contrast satin lapel is just the sort of detailing you need to stand out. Or for a shot of colour to catch your boss' eye (in a work context, of course) invest in this Helene Berman tweed jacket. Team them with cigarette pants and a chunky cuff for a modern twist on classic pieces. They are both just over £100- that's both a HUGE saving and smart investment.

•  French Connection may not be a designer label, but I've included it here because eBay has an excellent FC outlet store selling dresses that would work perfectly with your new wardrobe. These two are both under £50 and will hug you in all the right places.





http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-French-Connection-Wool-Blend-Frill-Dress-Brown-/140856245711?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&var=&hash=item6676cb71df
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-French-Connection-Fitted-Dress-White-/110955085500?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&var=&hash=item5f7e386fc2





• At www.javari.co.uk I waded through piles of last season's cork wedges and patterned pumps you can't quite believe were ever commissioned to find these Sam Edelman croc- effect heels. The £182 price tag has been dropped to just £54.60 so they really are affordable- and with sleek lines and managable heel, your prospects will be as lifted as your feet!  




http://www.javari.co.uk/s/ref=dp_msr/?node=213376031&nodes=213376031&sort=price&showDesigner=1&clientPageSize=100#ie%3DUTF8%26cAsin%3DB004I5D4PQ%26fromPage%3Dsearch%26sr%3D1-28%26qid%3D1348502918383%26clientPageSize%3D100%26node%3D213376031%26sort%3Dprice%26nodes%3D213376031%26showDesigner%3D1%26asin%3DB004I5F4AO%26ref%3Dsr_1_28%26pageCode%3Dd





• ....Finally, no self-respecting future Forbes 100 star would be seen dead without a killer handbag. T K Maxx are constantly updating their website with some real gems- today you can pick up this red leather Osprey tote for £48- you'll find it for £245 elsewhere. No wonder their stock sells so quickly! It's another reptile effect though, so don't pair it with the heels above or you'll look like Mrs Crocodile Dundee. Go for the black version if red isn't your thing.

http://www.tkmaxx.com/handbags/red-leather-reptile-effect-tote-bag/invt/11427923

Best of friends.....

Whether you are broke, saving or just don't want to part with your hard earned cash, friend's birthday are often enough to bring on palpitations. Actually, it's not just birthdays any more. Suddenly we've gone all LA with our celebrations; hampers for baby showers, personalised stationary for a new job, bespoke perfume for a promotion...Cartier to get her through that time of the month. Too far? Well you get the idea. No one but no one wants to look cheap to their friends and this can leave us feeling the pressure to splurge.
Don't get me wrong, I adore spoiling the girls, seeing their face light up when they unwrap my carefully chosen gift. But you can't get the same joy out of it when you know it means you will be walking home for the next week. Luckily though, a little planning  means neither of you have to compromise.

The general idea is to give yourself time. Rocking up to a department store a few days before the celebration will invariably result in you handing over a day's wages for a gift box of her favourite smellies. She will like it, but it wasn't worth the money- and you know it. It's simple, get online a couple of weeks before. You may even find the online price is cheaper or a that there is a free gift promotion on. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

nails inc 'Glitterati' gift set
http://www.nailsinc.com/nailpolish/the-glitterati-colour-collection/977/

• If you have two 'X' chromosomes then you love nails inc. It's not your fault, I'm pretty sure we are genetically programmed that way. It's a quality product that any girl will recognise and want to use again and again. At £11 a pop though, buying her one for each mood will soon mount up. The solution? These glam gift sets. 'Glitterati' contains a delectable trio of shimmering shades, while 'Get Cracking' (http://www.nailsinc.com/nailpolish/get-cracking/988/) has an on-trend collection of crackle effect polishes to keep the most demanding of birthday girls happy. The best part? Each set is a mere £18! That saves you £15!

http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=268412298

• There is something so secretly thrilling about being the guest who turns up to the party with a bottle of bubbly to crack open. Of course, Champagne hasn't earned its luxury status by being cheap and in the past the host has been more likely to find you walking through the door with a bottle of own-brand wine tucked under your arm than anything with bubbles. I know it isn't customary to buy your best friend a present from Tesco but when it comes with a black label, this convention can be easily ignored. Until 2nd October, the supermarket have reduced their Lanson Black Label Champagne to just £22.99- and if you spend £50 or more online as a  new customer you will get £10 off! That means 2 bottles of champers and some nice choccies (or even bread and milk for you) for just £40. Alternatively, Waitrose currently has  Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut NV for only £31.99 (http://www.waitrose.com/shop/ProductView-10317-10001-42568-Bollinger+Special+Cuv%C3%A9e+Brut+NV).  It's all about creating an illusion. People presume you nipped to the nearest off license and forked out £50 so the party could go down in style- only you and your bank manager know any different.

Raspberry mini Finsbury
Picture taken from the link below

• A good diary can be the epitome of style. It's like a LBD or string of pearls....the slender stiletto of stationery. The weapon of choice for powerful, intellectual women the world over, these leather bound beauties don't come cheap. At least in the shops they don't. A filofax may not be Gucci, but as far as organisers go, they are a quality brand. The 'Finsbury' is my favourite in the current range and I was delighted to find a seller on eBay asking only £15 for the mini Finsbury. It's around £40 over the counter. They are available in a range of colours and each one is crafted in sumptuous grained leather. I plan to pick it up in raspberry...but I can't pretend it'll be a present. Go to     http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BNIB-FINSBURY-GRAINED-LEATHER-MINI-FILOFAX-RASPBERRY-2012-and-2013-/130770249761?pt=UK_BOI_Office_Office_Supplies_Stationery_ET&hash=item1e7283a821 to see for yourself!

 (NB. Be very careful on eBay. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is. If you hand over a Montblanc pen to a friend who knows you are a waitress she will think you bought her a cheap fake (which you did) or start hounding you for money, thinking you've won the lottery. NEVER buy fakes. Why would you when you can get deals like this on the real stuff?


• Unless you've been under a rock for the past couple of years, you'll know about the fantastic range that ASOS has to offer. I find that their designer outlet is often full of overpriced plain cotton t-shirts from brands I've never heard of- but I do find the occasional gem! This luv AJ ring has a massive saving of nearly £90. It'll set you back just £21.50 at the moment, but still has all the allure and impressive label you think she deserves!



http://www.asos.com/Luv-AJ/Luv-AJ-Crystal-Knucklebuster-Ring/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1920945&cid=11625&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=3&clr=Antique+gold



Remember, none of these images are mine, they are taken from the websites mentioned in the respective captions. Happy saving!

The Closet Covet....

I'm in disgrace. The sample sale yesterday was a dismal disappointment and I feel like I let you all down. How could I? Should I have known? Why me.....

OK, wallowing over because I have redeemed myself in SPECTACULAR style. I don't know why I'm sharing it really because, quite frankly, I want everything on here for myself.

Versace silk crepe cocktail dress
http://sophias-closet-2.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/aa-versace-silk 

Now, how to describe www.sophias-closet.com? 'Discount website' is far too dismissive and 'designer boutique' would scare you off immediately, for fear that your credit card could not handle the treasures you'd find. 

OK, let me set the scene. Imagine you stumble in to a shop- a pretty little space on a quaint side street, with mannequins in the window that make the cast of Sex and the City look like hobos. Naturally, you want everything and, just as you are contemplating forgoing next month's rent in order to get your hands on a divine fuschia Versace dress, you notice the price tag. £250? You know that a beautifully tailoired blend of silk and chiffon like this is going for £800 in Bond Street's finest stores and you quickly bundle the dress to the counter and avoid eye contact with the sales girl, terrified that at any moment she will realise there has been some terrible mistake and order you out of the shop and back to the highstreet, where you belong.
Well, Sophia's closet is that very scenario- and in this case you can shop at ease, knowing that the prices are no mistake, just some divine treat from the fashion gods!

I love it because it is simple. It's a one-stop-shop for all your label needs. You'll find patent Louboutin pumps alongside beautifully crafted Louis Vuitton totes and Cavalli animal print...perhaps you'll need the Burberry trench to go over it...or an Elle Macpherson for underneath....whatever your wardrobe is crying out for, Sophia seems to have it. If you fancy a change you can even sell your own designer pieces through the site and raise cash for another shopping spree! What's not to love?!
So now you know how it works, here's some of my favourite finds to get you started:

Just Cavalli Silk Scarf
http://www.sophias-closet.com/

• A half price Just Cavalli silk scarf. Scarves are fantastic designer investments as they are so versatile- this Autumn it'll immediately upgrade any highstreet coat and look divine knotted above a simple blouse. Why not tie it around the handles of your favourite bag or go rockabilly by wrapping it around your bouffant? So many possibilities for so little cash.

Marc Jacobs Shoulder Bag
http://www.sophias-closet.com/

• This Marc Jacobs bag may be pre-loved but it looks like it's in fab condition. and I had to read the price over and over again to believe it. You save £670 on this beauty! That is not a mis-print! GO, GO, GO!

Black and gold is the ultimate classic so it's another one that will see you through countless outfits. Ohhh and the durable chain handles and spacious body mean it's actually useful too!  

• 

  Haute Hippie Ostrich Dress
  http://sophias-closet-2.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/black-feathers

  I'm furious that I have ever spent over £100 on a high street evening dress. Probably a poorly stitched number that two other girls were wearing and was banished to the back of my wardrobe as soon as I got home. This Haute Hippie Ostrich cocktail dress is my favourite in Sophia's heavenly closet. It is playful yet demure and will go with just about everything. Oh god, I just realised how much I want it.

• Finally, I'm still reeling at the saving on these BRAND NEW Crisian & McCaffery black python pumps. The gold plaque on the sole and textured feel mean that onlookers will spot your designer status a mile off- and they won't know that you got them for less than half price. Again, I've chosen these because they will blend in with your existing collection so seamlessly and can be adapted for so many occasions. Perfection.

Crisian & McCaffery python pumps
 http://sophias-closet-2.myshopify.com/collections/shoes/products/1-python

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these images, they have all been taken from www.sophias-closet.com
I have not been asked or prompted in any way to promote this website or any of its content, I simply like the clothes- and prices- I found.

Leader of the pack....

Today I am taking a look in to the not-so-distant future to help stay ahead of the glam game!

benetint (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk)



• Remember, back in the day, when you were thrilled to get a free lip gloss with your monthly magazine? It was invariably a saccharin strawberry tube of gloop which made your mother worry that you'd chosen to embrace a career as a street walker.                                                                               Where did it all go so right?! I was delighted to discover that 'In Style' are treating readers to a choice of Benefit products with November's issue. They are even offering a choice of three delectable lip and cheek stains- the infamous benetint (a sweet rosey tint that builds to create a sexy blush), chachatint (a delicious mango hue that will transport you to the Cuban sun in one dab) or sunbeam (a bronze tone that perfectly compliments a tan for a lasting glow). I, of course, will be picking up all three! I love Benefit tints and they offer great value, even at full price. They are quality products and so you only need a few dots to do wonders. My own sunbeam seems bottomless and, even if these freebies are only travel size, they will soon be the star of make-up bags up and down the country. Look out for the next issue from October 4th. 





http://www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com/brand-directory/kurt-geiger/index.htm


• Designer Outlets have long been a regular haunt for those of us seeking out the labels we crave, at prices that won't haunt us every time we catch a glimpse of the discarded tags on the dresser. McArthurGlen Outlets are home to some firm favourites of mine and they have some exciting new store openings coming up. While all sites are already in full swing of celebrating 'fashion month', visitors to the East Midlands branch will soon find a brand-spanking-new Kurt Geiger outlet awaiting them! Check out http://www.eastmidlandsdesigneroutlet.com/ for more details. Look out for flashy wristwear on Southern ladies from the end of the month too, as Fossil and Watch Station are set to open outlets in Ashford on September 29th. Watch Station stocks coveted brands from Marc by Marc Jacobs to Michael Kors so is well worth a visit to anyone wanting a show stopping timepiece. Go to http://www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com/ if you want to know more.

•  Two words. Sample. Sale. Some of the finest words in the English language, wouldn't you agree? They certainly bring a smile to my face every time I here them- usually in a hushed whisper over coffee, for fear that a rival bargain hunter will overhear our plans and beat us to the discount Vivienne Westwood. Hmmm...posting this one on my blog isn't exactly keeping it quiet, is it? Oh well, I've decided to share the love! If you are in London this Wednesday 19th September then head down to 'The Music Rooms' on South Molton Lane between Noon and 7pm. You'll be happy you did, with A/W garments from a variety of design houses, as well as bags and accessories to instantly update your wardrobe. Entry is £2 and the goodies inside start at £15. Hallelujah.  

Anyone for caviar?

 There is something so luxurious about the latest craze in nail art. It's the idea that you live such a fabulous, pampered life that you can treat yourself to an afternoon at the salon -where women spend hours adorning your perfectly manicured nails with individual tiny beads- and think nothing of it.

Luckily though, the reality is much simpler. I recently fell in love with the....oh maybe I can't say the brand name...ok let's call it 'fish egg' manicure sets. I wanted one. No, actually,I wanted every colour. I wanted to look like I had fallen hands first into a vat of 'hundreds and thousands'...who wouldn't? Ice cream topping beauty doesn't come cheap though and when I realised each varnish and 'fish egg' duo was retailing for £18 I set off in search of an alternative.

No shop in their right mind is selling these beauties at anything less than the price I'd seen- and when I followed a link to eBay I found I still couldn't get much change from £20. But, after a bit of investigation I found the answer.

Now, I don't usually like the idea of imitating luxury brands and looks I've seen in glossy mags- purely because I have all the creativity of a raisin and just can't ever seem to make it look a patch on the real thing- but in this case it's just not so. In fact, I found the cheaper version offered all the glamour of the look I loved, at a fraction of the cost and oodles more choice! I couldn't believe my luck when I found a 40g bag of beads for just £1.99 + 90p  p&p and you get SO much for your pennies! The girls at 'Gold Leaf Craft Supplies' are to be thanked for this find
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GOLD-CAVIAR-BEADS-METALLIC-COATED-GLASS-1mm-accent-beads-/290692435235?pt=UK_Crafts_Beads_CA&var=&hash=item43ae9e8d23



Using Nails Inc varnish in 'Spring Mews' & gold accent
beads from Gold Leaf Craft Supplies



Now, for me, a self-done manicure is usually a shoddy, streaky affair and anything vaguely fiddly has the ability to reduce me to tears. This was incredibly simple and if I can, you can. Trust me.

Here is how:

(Note: Here you can see I have used a contrasting colour varnish and accented one nail. I preferred this look as I thought the gold would be too much on all my nails for an every day look. However, in another colour or for a glam feel I would definitely try beads on every one)  

• Apply a basecoat and 2 coats of good quality nail varnish to every nail- do use a good one, it doesn't chip as easily and has a better finish
• Apply a third coat to every one (except the accent nails) and let them dry
• One by one, apply a third coat to the accent nail and pour over the beads (in truth, I actually dipped my nail in to the bag- careful not to taint the other beads though if you choose this method)

• Pat the beads in to place and tip off any excess.  Don't roll them around though, or they will be stained by the varnish)
• 

  They stick really easily so just let the varnish dry and coat all your nails in a top coat for extra shine and protection.

 (Oh and psssst- use a gold/nude base under the accent finger -or whatever blends with the colour you use- as it won't be as visible through any gaps in the beads)

They are tougher than you'd imagine too. Mine have survived hours of impact so far but I'll let you know if it doesn't last!








Looks lovely, it's easy and won't break the bank! See, all we need is a little smoke and mirrors!











J.W. Anderson's collection has landed!

I'm not claiming to have unearthed some great secret here- it's been splashed all over magazines this month and Topshop's website is like a shrine to his anchor-embellished goodies.

Nonetheless, I just thought I'd take this opportunity to look at some of the highlights of this new collection and how we can use it to achieve a designer look, whilst taking advantage of Topshop's highstreet price tags! Collaborations like these are one of the best ways to achieve the high-end look we all crave, rather than having to stick to the budget copies that every store in your local shopping centre will churn out in a sea of polyester monotony.

That being said, we still cannot- and need not- rush out to buy up the whole collection in order to convince the girls in the office that really- no, honestly, I am like totally rich and fabulous.

Taken from www.topshop.com

So, here are a  few of my favourites from the lovely Mr Anderson.

This quilted paisley silk t-shirt is a must have for me. Now, when I say it's a steal at £59.99, please don't roll your eyes in disgust and picture me sat here in my cashmere leggings. "You simply must have it daaaahling, it's half the price of a decent bottle of bubbly." No, no, no. All I am saying is that this is a pure silk t-shirt by a well known British designer and it is one of my picks because it will take us in to Autumn/Winter in real style! J.W Anderson's main collection for next season features some fabulous paisley prints and so, when asked where this tee is from, I'll delight in reporting back to my friends that I've managed to get my hands on a piece! I won't mention the slashed price of course. 

I will be pairing mine with black skinny jeans, some chunky boots and gold bangles for a day out and plan to  show it off at the office too with a pencil skirt to smarten it up.



Taken from www.topshop.com

Some people hate to show off their designer goods by wearing anything with labels showing. It's showy. It's vulgar. Well I believe in everything in moderation and, quite frankly, this bag is too pretty to miss out on.

My logic behind this one is that, for £14.99, it's one of the most affordable pieces and a bag will always be welcome in any wardrobe. It's not like the emblem is emblazoned in diamante crystals across the front. It is simple, chic and practical. Pretty much all boxes checked then? I picture  it as a handy bag for the gym (and the prettiest one in the locker room) or for lugging around a change of clothes, offering dignified style that a carrier bag simply cannot. It's also available in black, orange or blue. What a find!

Taken from www.topshop.com

These zebra print trousers are £49.99 and perhaps my favourite item of the lot. 'Zebra print' usually conjures images of dodgy, striped Lycra ensembles- something you might have teamed with fluorescent pink plastic jewellery in your childhood, thinking animal print to be at the height of fashion- but J.W. Anderson has reinvented it masterfully for Topshop's new line. It's a witty take on a classic idea. Black and white will never go out of fashion and a beautiful print like this offers a hint of hedonism, yet bears a price tag that won't require you to sell any vital organs. What more could a girl want?  

 All of the images and product details featured here are taken from www.topshop.com. I do not own these images, I just think they are pretty.