Inspiring accessory sale - some great discounts

I am always on the look out for a bargain and even more so for gorgeous accessories to turn one of my boring outfits into something special. When you put the two together, I find it almost impossible to resist a spend up. I have been on the look out for some quirky accessories that would look great and add a bit of a statement to a plain old pair of jeans and a t shirt or something equally lacking in imagination.

Yummi Glass Jewellery

Hacie Sandals by Faith

Suzy Smith Yellow Bag

Anya Hindmarch Clutch - My Wardrobe

Messy Chain Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Beaded Feather Hairband

Silk Stud Necklaces - Urban Outfitters

Style Eyes Weekly Round Up 28/07/09

picture from Posh Swaps



It has been another busy week of blogging. I have more exciting developments for the next few months so watch this space.

Chic Shopper - I have been discussing this months fashionista film Coco before Chanel and loving Alexa Cheung and her stripey tops, a real classic and sophisticated look with a twist. I reveal the trick to wearing the cropped t shirt for the flat and rounded tummy and it doesn't even include any sit ups. I give the low down on Women's clothes sales and some very stylish bargains and check out some gorgeuos umbrellas in my post about this summers must have accessory - the umbrella. I also explain what is so great about Fairtrade clothes and cotton T shirts.

Posh Swaps Clothes Swap - I have been searching high and low for the best of sustainable and ethical style this week. I check out the new zero waste fashion by Mark Liu. I have also dicovered a great label - NV London Calcutta Ethical Hand made accessories.

Bamboo Baby - I have looked at some very gorgeous organic cotton baby changing bags. I have also posted about the great Bamboo Baby organic baby clothes summer sale.

Weekly Shopping and Goodies 22/07/09

The Fashionable Housewife answers the question, "Do Hair Removal Lotions & Creams Actually Work?"
A Few Goody Gumdrops is totally charmed by this giveaway from luxury handbag designer, Katherine Kwei. Enter to win!
Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy advises on how to achieve an even skin tone
Couture In The City Hip & Chic Men's inspired shoes are all the rave with designer Anyi Lu
Fashion Fille is hosting an awesome giveaway where you can win 2 pairs of We Love Colors tights! Enter today before the contest ends!
Fashion Hippo found best celebrity skin care products
Princess Dominique Dishes Fashion loves white linen with turquoise--so, Enter the Cookie Lee Luxe Turquoise Jewelry Giveaway!
Quinta Trends talks to Chilean designer behind Ropa de Género
Raging Rouge is buzzing about MAC Naked Honey High Light Powder.
Shopping and Info needs to buy Jennifer Aniston’s wishbone gold necklace from her last movie.
SomeoneSpoilMe.com reports on the new trend in jewelry for celebrity moms!
Style Eyes can't wait to see the film about Coco Chanel's life and she blogs about her style in her post Coco before Chanel - the suit, the little black dress and the quilted bag
TheFind Blog is on the on the search for the perfect pair of peep toe boots!
Unfunded is giving away Thevi Cosmetics!
diva in a carry on knows that all you need to perk up your summer travel makeup kit is the perfect gloss! check out their rock & republic favorite for the season!
The Bare Skinny is giving away a House of Harlow necklace. Make sure you enter!

Style Eyes Weekly Fashion Round Up 21/07/09

picture from Bamboo Baby - organic-babyclothing.co.uk/blog

This week, I am getting a bit fed up with this non summer. I am already having to dig out some cardigans and jumpers and it doesn't look like my maxi dresses are going to get much wear again this year. Never mind, I have found lots of fashion and style ideas to cheer myself up, I hope they make you feel happier too!

Chic Shopper - I have been seeking out some of the best shopping finds on offer. I have been checking out the very delightful Louis Vuitton and Murakami film, finding out why Crocs are shedding their reputation for lacking in style with the Croc's comfy sandals, noticing Alexa Cheung in her striped tops and lusting after some very gorgeous leopard print clothes. Finally if you have always fancied becoming a fashion blogger, don't miss my post on how to start your own fashion and style photo blog.

Posh Swaps Clothes Swap - this week I have had lots more ideas on being eco friendly, frugal and stylish. I have written about ways that you can have a stylish Eco wedding, reviewed some exciting eco fashion Sew Last Season - Recycled Couture , found some very delicious organic cocktails for your swishing party and give yet more tips on having a great wardrobe on a budget in my post the clothes swap and the thrifty fifteen.

Bamboo Baby - this is not just a blog about organic baby clothing . This week I have also found an amazing Pure Pod organic bamboo dress and looked the effect of fashion on water supplies in making clothes is thirsty work.

Coco Before Chanel - the suit, the little black dress and the quilted bag

Coco Chanel Pictures

At the end of the month Coco before Chanel, a film about the fashion designers life starring Audrey Tatou will be showing at the cinema. I will most definitely be planning a trip to see it with the girls.

Coco Chanel, whose real name was actually Gabrielle, was such an amazing designer and definitely one of a kind. She started her first shop in 1913 and over the years earnt herself the status of a style icon for her simple, practical and mens wear inspired clothes that were ground breaking in their day. Her designs allowed women to abandon their corsets giving them greater comfort and freedom of movement. She was also the first designer to use jersey for clothing, an unusual choice at the time, but look how many of our clothes are made of jersey now.

What is so amazing about Coco Chanels clothes is that they are still so relevant to women of today. I so often see clothes in the shops that have a Chanel like qualities about them. Whilst Chanel's clothes differed from other clothes of the time (particularly Dior) in being inspired by menswear, they still had very feminine and elegant qualities.

Some of the key characteristics of Chanels clothes that still live on today are the little black dress, a staple in almost every womans wardrobe, simple, flattering and suitable for a multitude of occasions, suits often in tweed with boxy lines, collarless jackets, trimmed with braid and shortened narrow skirts, clothes in black, white and beige, romantic and slimline evening dresses and of course quilted bags (inspired by clothes worn at the horse racing she loved to attend).

Collarless boxy style jacket - Marks and Spencers

Little Black Dress - Marks and Spencers

Quilted Handbag - New Look

Spanish eyes

Music and fashion have always been inextricably intertwined. In the twenties they had Jazz and of course, Chanel. In the 50’s they had Rockabilly chic and Elvis Presley. But today music and fashion have collaborated to bring you something completely different. The powerhouses of Miss Selfridge and Hed Kandi have joined forces to create something so overtly fun and attention grabbing that Style Eyes just had to pay it a bit of attention. Hed Kandi is the ultimate music and lifestyle brand, and the Miss Selfridge shopper is outgoing and trendy. To celebrate ten years of Hed Kandi, the two brands have produced a collection of ten dresses designed to take you from ‘daytime chic to night time clubbing’.

The range itself is colourful, daring and surprisingly wearable. Whether or not it’s your cup or tea, there’s no denying the designs certainly are creative. On first glance I found the collection quite overwhelming. Especially as it’s something I would never usually take a second glance at (maybe I don’t get it, I’ve never been to Ibiza), yet somehow the longer I stared at the collection, the more mesmerizing it became. The designs and styles were incredibly eye catching, oozing glamour with a Mediterranean twist. All designs are a bodycon shape, with an individual splash of colour and sparkle thrown into the mix. My personal favourite was a dress named ‘served chilled’, which features a green and black strapless design perfect for high summer evenings. For those daring enough to give the bodycon designs a shot, I would recommend adding a bit of bling and a large bouffant to your outfit. The dresses are outrageous, flirty and colourful, so make sure your whole look reflects these elements for the ultimate statement outfit. The collection is available in Miss Selfridge stores nationwide from August 2009, and as I myself am considering jetting to Ibiza for my first experience of fun, sun and super clubs this summer, I might just see you in the queue..

This post was written by our guest writer

Alice Kelleher is a 24 year old freelance writer often known to be distracted by shiny pretty things. Fresh off the block after just returning from a five month travelling trip around south east Asia, Alice is slightly obsessed with Noodles, and totally obsessed by boys in bands and the latest greatest fads and trends. Currently she is working in a Deli part time (she loves cheese), until she finds a stable job in fashion Journalism/fashion PR. Alice also writes for her own blog reflection of Alice

Ratna Ho SS10

Due to the vast array of exciting and new up and coming designers around the world, I tend to stick to British and occasionally American designers for fear of being over whelmed. But occasionally some thing or some one, should I say, catches my eye outside of these geographical areas. Ratna Ho is definitely one that has caught my eye with a ss10 collection which was part of the graduation show at Lichting, a catwalk show of the best Academy Graduates of the year in the Netherlands. Ratna Ho graduated from the art EZ Institute for Arts, Arnhem.

The collection stood out for its innovative shapes and understated colour scheme mixing a variety of textures and patterns. The angular shapes and patterns of the collection were a reference to tribal tattoos which the designer refers to as something annoying. They have been cleverly transformed into something much softer and more feminine with a fantasy element, and waht Ratna describes as a 'My Little Pony colour scheme'. I am a big fan of My Little Ponies and love that idea.

I love the way the different elements of each outfit are combined and the huge attention to detail. Just look at the amazing shapes of the clutch and bum bags, the intricate pleating and folding of materials and the spider web like designs on the close fitting tights, body suits and bikini like tops, which are so neutral it looks like the designs are on bare skin.

Ratna Ho looks like a designer to look out for on the international fashion front.

Weekly Shopping and Goodies 15/07/09

picture from Shopping and info

Fashion Fille finally has a new outfit post, and it features a gorgeous handmade peacock feather hairclip.

A Few Goody Gumdrops is "seconds" away from giving this fabulous Orient Watch to one lucky winner. Enter to win!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy shows why Twitter is the modern day newspaper.

Couture In The City shares an amazing beauty product with us ADOVIA a whole new meaning to Acai Spa Treatments.

Fashion Hippo reviews Best Lip Stains: 5 Stains That Will Give You Perfect Lips.

Princess Dominique Dishes Fashion feels like a Celebrity Darling, she has the Official Rules on How to Win Jules Smith Charm School Jellies Find Out How!

Do you like comfortable shoes? Quinta Trends shows very comfortable Argentinian shoes: Juana Pascale.

Shopping and Info loves the black strapless dress worn by Angelina Jolie last week.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com is loving the new Helen Ficalora necklace.

Style Eyes is loving the the shift dress for it's versatility and classic, flattering style.

The Bare Skinny is lusting after the Raparo Double Buckle Python Low Boots.

TheFind Blog celebrates Bastille Day in a luxe embellished military inspired jacket for fall.

Unfunded gets rock nautical with Taylor Momsen.

Monkey business and Christopher Kane's t shirts

Christopher Kane is the London fashion wonder kid. His spring summer 09 collection inspired by more animals than a day at the zoo has already caused something of a stir. His latest project a collection of monkey t shirts looks like a development of his summer collection inspired by Planet of the Apes and Diane Fossey and her Gorillas. Animal images seem to be a bit of trend of late and I have seen so many different animal designs around. The Christopher Kane version uses aggressive and wild monkeys including Baboons, Mandrills, Chimps and Gorillas bearing their fang like teeth. There are no cute and cuddly monkeys on these t shirts, these are much more like nightmare material or the sort of monkey that would happily eat you for dinner. The pictures are large covering the whole t shirt for maximum effect so that no one could possibly ignore you whilst wearing one.

Quite expensive for a T shirt me thinks but then with Christopher Kane designs becoming more and more popular by the minute, this is investment buying at it's best. Also for most of us it may be the only piece by Christopher Kane that we will ever get our hands on. These T shirts are sure to sell out quick with celebs like Rhianna already getting one, grab your while you can.

Gorilla T shirt

Chimp T shirt

Mandrill T Shirt

Baboon T shirt

Style Eyes Weekly Fashion Round Up 14/07/09

picture from Chicshopper

This week has been another busy one on the Style Eyes fashion front. Summer is in full swing and I am loving the opportunity to wear some gorgeous summer clothes. My thoughts are also starting to turn to clothes for autumn and winter but more on this next week.

Chicshopper - I have been reviewing some of the seasons key pieces from wide legged black jumpsuits to the strapless mini dress and a truly versatile and cool item the short sleeved linen dress. I have looked at classic solutions to the style challenge faced by petite women in a post on petite women's black dresses. I also take a look at Beth Ditto's new trendy line of plus size clothing and lust after the most covetable of clothes the Lanvin Dress by Alber Elbaz. Finally, for those lucky enough to be heading off on their summer holidays soon, I pick out the best of the beach kaftans.

Posh Swaps Clothes Swap - I have been having a fairly thoughtful week. I ask the question what is Eco fashion? and try and clarify what to look for in your clothing to lessen the impact on the environment. I also contemplate why the best things in life are free.

Bamboo Baby - as well as the usual informative information on organic baby clothing, this week, I have looked at the amazing properties of clothing, namely absorbent bamboo clothing.

The Shift Dress

shift dress

The shift dress became popular in the sixties and is sleevless dress that hangs down from the shoulders with little definition around the waist. It is an item of clothing that almost everyone has at least one of (or should have). It looks great for an evening out or work and can be worn with leggings for a more trendy daytime look. It is a flattering and simple style that opens up endless possibilities for accessories. If you have a round tummy it is perfect for drawing attention away from your tummy and showing off your legs.

There is a very good reason for the shift dress being a very popular style. It's versatility make it a great wardrobe staple and a classic that will never go out of fashion.

Paisley print shift dress

Jasper Conran grey pleat detail shift

De Lisi jewelled shift

Spot print shift dress

Button detail shift dress

Black oriental shift dress

Fishing inspired fashion

OK I love fashion that makes me laugh. So here is what is making me laugh for the autumn and winter. I am certainly not going to be wearing any of it though! Fishing seems to an inspirational pursuit for designers this season.

At Prada a strange combination of shorts over a cardigan with thigh length wader boots.

At Giles - a dress and pair of trousers both with a fly fishing print. I actually really love the design and colours of the print, the dress looks great but the whole idea of wearing something covered with fishing hooks made me feel quite uncomfortable.

If you would like to wear this micro trend, why not try this 'I'm so fly' T shirt or organic English Spey fly fishing T shirt.

Summer Style – Glastonbury

It’s not really about fashion, and it certainly isn’t about clothes, but over the last decade, fashion has played a major part in the British festival. Doing for summer fashion what a week long break away in Blackpool would have done in the 1950’s, Glastonbury has become a staple summer break for many Britons nationwide. And as always, the fashionistas are getting in on the act. With a third of female festival goers admitting to investing in a new wardrobe especially for the event it seems the scummy chic festival look has become the ultimate, “I can look good in anything” statement, and an annual competition for fashionista’s nationwide.

With the added benefit of fields and fields of amazing music, Glastonbury is THE British festival of the summer. A festival unlike any other, Glastonbury is colourful, vibrant and edgy. With men wandering round in tu tus and old skool ravers draped in fluorescent body paint whilst strutting around topless in combats, it’s clear that pretty much anything goes. But if you really look, amongst fields and fields of butt revealing shorts, lazy trackies and wellies there are some real style gems. 2009 was a year like any other, with celebs galore attempting to spark a summer trend and out style each other, but there was one crucial thing missing this year, the queen of festival chic, Kate Moss.

So the trend setters and I turned our head to other celeb looks. Lily Allen opted for a cape and uber blonde locks, Peaches Geldof opted for a black lacy number with a statement red beret, (nice but hardly summer time chic) whilst Pixie wore a bright orange headband with a leopard print top. All three were viable fashion looks, but there were no festival fashion staples ala Moss. Think Kate 2004, which was also my first ever Glastonbury. On the Sunday, after 5 mud infested days I walked away from the VIP area I was camping in looking absolutely well, rough. 5 days of mud with no shower facilities had really taken its toll, so i'd taken to wearing my boyfriend’s hoodie as a cover up. Whilst trying to get away from the VIP area as discreetly as possible who should come walking towards me but, of course Moss. She flashed an almost sympathetic smile towards my car crash couture, whilst wearing hot pants with the famous Glastonbury belt, and hunter wellies. Looking well, absolutely perfect. Damn her, I thought.

This was also the year she also donned the oh so fabulous but slightly controversial fur number, and the gold dress which she teamed with Hunter wellies. Hit after hit. But after much study of Kate’s festival style I realised all these outfits have one thing in common. They are uncomplicated. By allowing one piece to make a statement Kate let all the other elements of the outfit will simply compliment that statement. Not one of these outfits has too much going on, but they all somehow ooze summer in that relaxed hippy way that is so perfect for Glastonbury.

So this year I tried to keep it simple, and it was clear to see the staple trends people were relying on. Of course, there were Hunters, and then there were crop tops a plenty, high waisted skirts galore, hippie head bands and plenty of summer whites, plus a few floral numbers. Nautical was favoured and of course anyone who was anyone wore the staple American Apparel body con dress at some point over the weekend. I wore mine with a chequered shirt and ripped tights. And then there were playsuits. Usually quite conscious of donning a playsuit I decided glastos was the perfect place to try it out. I wore my spotty Primark playsuit to see the dead weather Jack White’s new band (featuring Alison Mosshart my new style crush), and found it was both comfy and practical for bouncing around to my new favourite band. Sunnier days I donned denim shorts and a white crop top with gladiators. Simple yet effective. So take note ladies and gents, these are the staples of festival fashion, for now. Well at least until Lady Moss pops out for a day in Pilton next summer to change everything around again...

This post was written by our guest writer

Alice Kelleher is a 24 year old freelance writer often known to be distracted by shiny pretty things. Fresh off the block after just returning from a five month travelling trip around south east Asia, Alice is slightly obsessed with Noodles, and totally obsessed by boys in bands and the latest greatest fads and trends. Currently she is working in a Deli part time (she loves cheese), until she finds a stable job in fashion Journalism/fashion PR. Alice also has her own blog Reflection of Alice.