If it's good enough for celebs...

It's common knowledge that whatever you buy in Primark it's highly likely you will see it on everyone and their mothers. In order to avoid this fashion faux pas I try and purchase items that won't be favoured by the population and basic wardrobe staples that I can dress up in my own way.

However, on a recent trip to Primark I couldn't resist this beautiful bag even though my stylish sixth sense knew it would be bought by half of the city. So, imagine my pleasant surprise in not seeing any members of Joe Public carrying the same accessory in Leeds, but Fearne Cotton with the exact same bag in cream as she stylishly struts the streets of London!

Well, who can blame her for buying this bargain! Despite being able to afford designer clobber, seeing Fearne with this Primark bag just goes to prove to all of us with a less attractive bank balance that it doesn't matter how much it costs or where its from, its how it looks - and this bag looks fab for just£6! Patent and oversized with a big bow, this bag is bang on trend.

I just have one slight issue in owning the same bag as a celebrity style icon, and its that people will now know where I've got mine from (well, that's if they havn't seen it already)... Oh well, if it's good enough for the famous it's good enough for me! And what's more, I also have the same anchor printed neckscarf that cost £1 from Primark, but can I just state for the record that I bought both items before seeing the picture of Fearne, honest! Not that I'd mind anyone thinking I got my inspiration from Fearne Cotton anyway, she always looks great.

Nautical as a nipper

Looking through some old photographs the other day I came across this cute pic taken of me and my sister in the late 80's. With our nautical tees and Kate Moss fringes, this is proof if ever I saw it that what goes around comes around in fashion!

Living the London Look

Well, I've put in a poor, poor performance lately when it comes to my beloved blog, but I do have good reasons! Some of my time has been taken up by that thing we all call our 'day job' and seeing friends but, not to worry, I've also managed to squeeze in lots of shopping and even a week in London, which obvioulsy involved shopping! Well, it would be rude not to visit the capital and peruse a few stores, so I've got lots to report....

Starting with my new favourite outfit which I've affectionately labeled 'The London Look'.

On my recent trip to the Big Smoke, I decided against getting caught up in the crowds on Oxford Street and took my shopping shoes in the direction of the quirky markets, vintage and high street stores we're not lucky enough to have in Leeds... and it turned out to be up there with one of the best shopping decisions I've ever made!

Obvioulsy, escaping the crowds wasn't possible, I mean it's London I'm talking about, but what was possible was succeeding in my search to purchase items I knew would be scarcely seen outside of the London Boroughs.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, travelling all the way from London to make a rare appearance in Yorkshire is my new favourite outfit "The London Look"!

Tuning in my bargain radar led me to the Illustrated People shop on Brick Lane, where I stumbled across the sale with everything selling for £10 and picked up this fab printed t-shirt. Not only are graphic prints a look to be seen in these days, but funky flowers are a fashion must to step into spring with style.

Apart from the cute pocket detail, the skirt from American Apparel is plain and black - but that's what makes it a great wardrobe staple. This really will go with anything, and because it sits on the waist it covers any lumps and bumps you want to disguise. Also available in lots of different colours and a bargain at £20, so why not collect the whole range?

Fashion Fantasy... sexy satin stillettos

It's official, there is such a thing as love at first sight! How I would love for these Giuseppe Zanotti satin stillettos to take pride of place in my wardrobe. It's the detail that's got me - the front platform with knotted round toe makes for a sexy yet chic evening shoe.

However, with a whopping price tag of £355, I guess I'll have to settle for the similar version in Faith at a more realistic price of £60. Damn you bank balance!

S/S 2008 - Desirable Denim... and not just jeans!

If you're anything like me with dark hair and hazel eyes, blue is a colour that rarely makes it into your wardrobe unless it is a military navy or a shade that lies closer to grey or green in the colour spectrum (I think the 'professional' names would be something like a slate grey and aqua?!). So, for some of us, carrying the colour off isn't easy task but have no fear... unlike other colours we can cheat with a touch of good old denim blue!!!

Spring/Summer 2008 will enjoy a massive throwback to the '70s and '80s, especially when it comes to denim. Not only should everyone own a pair of good fitting blue jeans, but denim is a trend to be worn in every way. Jeans are Spale and super-flared, floral printed blouses are tucked into high-waisted shorts and torn denim jackets have been pre-washed and frayed. These pieces are distressed and effortless and easily worn with prints or plains.

There are some great denim pieces on the high street at the moment, from staples to fashion forward dresses, kick flares and skater skirts. Denim accessories and new washes are also in great supply that will see you multi-trend in style throughout the season. Warehouse comes highly recommended for its latest 'Ware Denim' collection and this floaty and feminine dress in a soft, pale denim is perfect for a lunch with the ladies on a weekend. Wear with pretty lace tights, a neckscarf and kitten heels or ballerina pumps to bring out the girly in you!

More to follow on the great range of jeans in store and the latest trends to buy later.......

Lay off my blue suede shoes

Walking around topshop last weekend I spotted these lovely navy blue leather and suede court shoes, and just couldn't help secretly smiling at the thought of a very similar pair sitting in my wardrobe. Curiosity got the better of me as I strolled across to the shoe section, smug in the knowledge that mine were sure to have cost a fraction of the price.

On closer inspection I was actually surprised to see that they retail at £35, not expensive at all and very reasonable for Topshop shoes - well thats not expensive unless, like me, you paid a mere fiver for the below almost identical pair from a charity shop!

Ok, so don't shoot me, but I have to admit that the only thing I love more than getting an genuine vintage bargain is seeing a copycat version inspired my orginal pair on the high street at more than triple the price! Plus, the two may very well look very similar but I believe I am the one with the advantage knowing that when I wear them I am sure to avoid that dreaded moment... you know the one, that horrendous moment when you're in a bar in a perfectly planned outfit down to every last detail only to see a girl enter in the same dress as you!

That's the best bonus of a good vintage find or a customised piece of clothing, it's highly unlikely to bump into anyone wearing the exact same!

S/S 2008 - The New Tailoring... Riding high in jodphurs

Being just a tab end taller than 5ft with a grand 27" inside trouser leg and short body, finding that perfect pair of trousers or jeans is an almost impossible feat and buying for my bottom half is an absolute nightmare - so much so I would even go so far as to saying I despise trouser shopping (gasp! shock horror!). But, for some reason unbeknown to me, recently I've been caught up in the midst of a black trouser fetish... I think its the backlash from the thrill of the hunt for the perfect pair of black skinny cigarette pants.

Well, however hard I've been looking, I'm still looking... although the search did lead me to a fabulous pair of jodphurs from Topshop's Boutique collection. Like a true horse rider who enjoys the ecstastic experience that comes with their horse winning the Grand National, it has to be said that trying on my new jodphurs was a feeling to rival! Because not only are they a trouser trend of this season but the higher waist and tapered legs hugs me in all the right places, enough to show off my curves but maintain the looser jodphur style around the thighs.

But the most unbelievable thing about these trousers above the fact that they fit perfectly is I picked them up in the Topshop buy-one-get-one-free sale for the bargain price of £20 reduced from £45, and I got a patent buckle belt for free!

For a Saturday night out, once again my love of vintage got the better of me as I stepped out in this 80's inspired outfit that would've given Jane Fonda a run for her money in the era's style stakes (although minus tiny bum, big blonde hair and odour of hairspray). When worn with a plain black vest, the focus lies heavily on the chunky buckle belt, but I have brought the look into the noughties by adding chunky accessories (albeit in brassy gold) and my new beautiful bow gold shoes from Faith. These killer (and I mean literally after dancing the night away) heels from somehow give the impression the even I have long and lovely legs!

For a more dressed down outfit that wouldn't look too out of place at the stables, go for casual-meets-country chic and wear with a striped blazer and boots.

Whilst I was browsing the rails at Topshop I also picked up a pair of navy shorts with big black buttons for the bargain price of £15, another staple buy that will see me through the sunshine of S/S 2008 whilst ticking the box for the nautical trend, and a pleated black t-shirt for free. Now that's what I call a successful shop all round!