Archive for May, 2010

31 May 2010: 11:00

Spend or save: wellies

Our diaries are full of amazing outdoor events over the next few months. But as ever, the British summer is looking totally unpredictable. Sun or rain – who knows? So we’ve decided to be as prepared as the most organised of boy scouts.

Sunglasses and umbrella – check
Flirty mini and floaty maxi – check
Cute shorts and utility combats – check
Flip flops and wellies – check.

But when it comes to wellies, which kind do you go for?

We’re coveting Jimmy Choo’s fabulous new range for Hunter, but we’re questioning whether we could really expose such exquisite croc-print boots to the extremely harsh realities of festival portaloos.

The original Hunter welly is available in a variety of colours and there’s a new biker-style festival version with buckle detail to look out for (£145 at Office). It’s a classic style, mixing practicality with fashion.

More of a glamper than a back to nature style camper? There are plenty of choices around for you. For girls who like their boots cute and pretty, check out the floral and patterned versions at Accessorize and Barratts.

If you’re looking for something in between, we like the Office mid-length rubber boot with quilted texture and available in cream, berry and even pink.

Bring on the festival season. We’re ready for you, whatever the weather.
Wellington boots
Left to right: Red Hunter welly, Schuh £59.99; Blue Julu Jellies lace up boot, Barratts £25; Jimmy Choo for Hunter croc-print boot, £255; Leopard-print welly, Accessorize £25; Bonny quilted rubber boot, Office £25.

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28 May 2010: 11:48

Hot heels

I’ve had a bit of a wake up call this week. The sight of Carrie and the girls striding around in their fabulously sexy heels made me look downwards. I’ve become very lazy. I’ve been putting comfort first. My Chanel-style two tone pumps have been worn a little too often.

The sunshine has got me donning sandals. Ok, they might be Gladiator-esque with some serious tribal fringing going on, but they’re still [gulp] flat.

What’s happened to my dedication to style? Where’s my fashion forward step gone?

So this week, I’m bringing sexy back. It’s going to be killer heels all the way. There’ll be no more excuses about tricky London pavements and being kind to my feet. I have stilettoes and I’m going to wear them. SJP, Cheryl Cole, Kylie – I salute you and your commitment to fabulously high footwear.

Be inspired – check out these hot heels
High heels

Left to right: Red Brooke Court, Kurt Geiger £195; Black zip back heel, Jane Norman £35; Nautical heel, Limited Collection M&S £29.95; Peeptoe metallic platform, New Look £30; Violet Shiloh court, LK Bennett £140

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21 May 2010: 16:38

Spend or save? Cat prints

When we first saw Miu Miu’s Spring Summer 2010 collection of ditzy prints, we fell for them instantly. Which to choose – cats or birds? The cute designs are just so gorgeous.

Available on dresses, trousers, shirts, wallets, clutchbags and even clogs, prices start from £295 for the wallet to £1295 for the dress.

So we couldn’t fail to sit up and take notice when Zara’s summer collection caught our eye. This gorgeous cat print dress is so Miu Miu-esque but an absolute steal at £19.99.

Get your paws on the Zara dress in store now.

Zara cat print dress

Zara cat print dress

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19 May 2010: 17:16

True blue

Blue is the definitely the colour right now – maybe add a smattering of gold to be politically correct.

After weeks, if not months, of grey, it’s time to break out the vibrant colours. It’s time for change. We’re not talking nautical navy or neutral ice blue, we mean the vivid, strong, royal blue. Add some energy to your wardrobe with a burst of blue.

It’s an easy colour to wear too. Whether you’re fair or dark, blonde or brunette – you can work the blue look. Be bold with a bright blue dress or trenchcoat. If that feels a bit too much, start with smaller touches – a belt, shoes, jewellery or bag. Blue looks great with this season’s utlitiy shades - khaki, cream, black or white.

The blue craze even extends to your make-up. We’re big  fans of blue nails. Blue also works well on your eyes – just be careful not to end up looking like Pat Butcher!

Here are a few of our favourite blue items to brighten up your summer wardrobe.

True blue fashion

L-R Feather drop earrings, £7 Accessorize; Belted A-line skirt, £35 Topshop; Ruffle front shift dress, £60 Oasis; Rimmel 60 seconds nail polish in Blue my mind, £3.49; Suede ruffle platform heel, £40 Miss Selfridge.

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11 May 2010: 14:00

Spring/Summer fashion video

Check out our video of fabulous Spring/ Summer fashions straight from the catwalk.

Like the looks? Find out where products come from just by clicking on them. The video will pause while you get the essential info on the pieces. Restart the video by clicking on it.

Don’t just watch the video – interact with it!

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10 May 2010: 11:42

Gemma Arterton’s red carpet look

Here at Westfield HQ, we’ve been buzzing about last night’s world premiere Prince of Persia at Vue, Westfield London. Gemma Arterton brought some old-school Hollywood style glamour to the red carpet. Her exquisite Valentino gown really had the wow factor. 

Gemma plays Princess Tamara in the all action Disney movie, and she certainly looked every inch the princess on the red carpet last night.

Gemma went for a classic beauty look – showstopping red lipstick with a slicked back ponytail. So simple, so effective. Want to try the look yourself? Make sure you find a red lippy that works with your skintone. Orange-reds are best for those with medium and darker skintones. If you’re fair-skinned, look for a red with a bluish tone. Our favourite is Mac Ruby Woo lipstick (£12) which is a great all-rounder.

A sleek ponytail like Gemma’s is best-achieved when your hair hasn’t been washed for a day. Sweep your hair back with a paddle brush, then use a styling spray to fix any flyaway ends. Look out for Mason Pearson hairbrushes and the all time favourite hairstyling spray by Elnett (£3.50 for 2ooml).

Finally, don’t forget the ultimate accessory – the gorgeous Jake Gyllenhaal!

Check out all the photos from the Prince of Persia world premiere on our Facebook page

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6 May 2010: 09:23

Burberry: Spring/ Summer collection

Just when we thought summer was on its way, along came the rain. But every cloud has a silver lining. Luxury British  brand, Burberry has launched its April Showers collection to brighten up the greyest of days.

Look out for the tailored trenchcoats in bold, primary colours – for her and for him. Couple those with polo shirts and dresses in vibrant shades which will take you through from spring and well into summer.

There’s an array of accessories – bags, wallets, purses, ipod covers, shades and umbrellas. All feature the classic Burberry check but  a brightly coloured trim gives them a modern edge.

Heading to a festival this summer? Grab yourself some Burberry April Showers wellies – the perfect British summer accessory.

Burberry April Showers Collection

Burberry April Showers Collection

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