GET YOUR SKIN READY FOR THOSE SUMMER DAYS

by Elizabeth Posted on April 19, 2012

Spring is here – well it was, before it left again! But most of us have already put out our hats and gloves ready to welcome in the spring after what was a very cold winter. In recent times, the first rays of spring have given us a nice taste of summer. Now, it’s almost time to push to the back of the closet the jackets and sweaters as well – yippee! Summer is definitely the most awaited season for me, summer brings warm weather, sunny days, fun, new clothes … Yes, the sun warms the body and soul and brings back those delicious long light evenings that are perfect for barbecues and a glass or three of wine – much needed after a long dark winter.

Before the shorts, tops and flowing skirts are ready to come out, I usually pay some much needed attention to my skin care before it sees those summer rays, after all, it is not looking its best after being tucked up all winter! I’m not going to talk about the danger of the UV rays, skin cancer … no, is just about how spend good time taking care of oneself and enjoying it!

Here are some tips that I use to prepare my skin for the sunny days:

Exfoliate: exfoliating your skin with gentle exfoliation is one of the best ways to prepare your skin for summer. This process eliminates dead dry skin cells and refines the grain of the skin, preparing healthy skin for the start of a new season. After that, your skin will look and feel soft and delicate, allowing for a nice even tan. Of course if you are going out there in the sunshine – don’t forget your sunscreen! If you are hitting the bottle, exfoliation is also key for an even finish – you don’t want any ‘flakey bits’.

Yves Rocher Oriental Velvety Skin Scrub
Yves Rocher Oriental Velvety Skin Scrub

 

A great exfoliator that I love to use is this Oriental themed one by French brand Yves Rocher

This scrub combines organic Argan oil with the softness of Moroccan clay and the intense exfoliating power of Argan kernel powder. It gives a really deep and energizing clean to your skin and smell delicious too – perfect for summer skin.

 

 

 

Moisturise: After exfoliating, the skin is really vulnerable that’s why is the most important time to moisturise and re-hydrate your skin. Skin moisturisers allow the skin to receive a soft and silky finish, especially after bathing or the exfoliation process. Not hydrating the skin can cause it to dry, leaving your skin feeling tight, itchy and uncomfortable. Moisturisers prevent that from happening and allow the skin to maintain its elasticity and softness.

Repair Lotion Extra-Dry Skin
Yves Rocher Repair Lotion Extra-Dry Skin

 

A favourite moisturiser of mine is actually another Yves Rocher product. I love this product as because it is designed for extra dry, it is extra thirst quenching for your skin with lasting effects. It also has a really lovely summery smell and is packed full of shea butter – a great tan prolonger! Happily, it is also paraben free, something we all like to hear!

 

 

 

Protect: Finally, it is important to preserve your skins beauty, to prevent cell aging and combat wrinkles before they can even begin! It’s essential to protect the skin against that harmful UV rays that also create a lovely golden tan. Luckily, these days, the stuff that you can get in a bottle gives you the same natural looking glow – without the health risks! A really great way to do this is to incorporate sun protection in to your daily routine. Many moisturisers on the market today include and SPF in them so now you have no excuse! Ultimately, if your skin looks and feels great you will feel great too, so pay attention to your skin’s needs and look after it.

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A LITTLE BIT OF LONDON VINTAGE, BY MISS PATINA

by Elizabeth Posted on April 16, 2012

This week’s guest post comes from the lovely Saba: “I am a thirtysomething city girl, and I simply love dressing up and expressing myself creatively through clothes. I especially love feminine silhouettes that celebrate curves, and feel no woman should be deprived of glamour. I also have a lifelong love of jewellery and gemstones, as well as a fascination with russian dolls. I work at a university library, and am something of a literature boffin.

The thing I love best about dressing up is the potential it gives to transform oneself, and to create bold, expressive looks with a hint of drama.”

With vintage styles heavily influencing current trends and having firmly pervaded the mainstream, fashion’s love affair with all things retro looks set to continue. As any style enthusiast is well aware, trends repeat themselves, and fashion’s tendency to seek inspiration from earlier eras is nothing new. But the nostalgia for retro-era fashions has certainly been boosted by the popularity of shows such as Mad Men and Pan Am, and the rise of burlesque style as a force to be reckoned with.

'Alice in Wonderland' Pencil Skirt £48.80

Luckily for lovers of vintage styling, there are a number of online stores which specialise in vintage-inspired clothing, making it possible to recapture the elegance of the retro era, even if you don’t possess the natural sophistication of Ms Von Teese. One of the most notable of these is Miss Patina, which prides itself on being a ‘UKbased vintage inspired brand that fuses vintage with modern for a contemporary retro vibe’. Featuring garments which are lovingly handmade, with pretty design details and the use of sumptuous fabrics like premium lace, the Miss Patina website is a fashion lover’s delight. With free worldwide delivery on all items, it’s even easier to indulge in retro-inspired objects of desire, with the added advantage of investing in something timeless which won’t date.

A quintessentially London label, Miss Patina was created by a design team graduated from the prestigious London College of Fashion. The Miss Patina collection features ultra-feminine styles, such as floaty dresses, ladylike knitwear, and tailored blouses, as well as their signature design dress, complete with peter pan collar and playful prints. There is a premium collection with ultra-luxurious designs, and the website even features some real vintage items. Miss Patina has given whimsical names to each of their creations.

'Come Fly With Me’ Dress (Ladybird) £68.80

‘Miss Milkshake' Elegant chic lace contrast lined dress (Beige) £68.80
‘Miss Milkshake' Elegant chic lace contrast lined dress (Beige) £68.80

 

With its romantic designs, attention to detail, and friendly design team, it’s no wonder Miss Patina has attracted the attention of retailers and bloggers around the world.

Miss Patina is giving readers of Fashion & Beauty London an exclusive 15% discount on all orders – simply enter IHEARTMP at checkout. 

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PRETTY PEEPERS AND LUSCIOUS LASHES

by Elizabeth Posted on March 20, 2012

Today’s guest post comes from the lovely Janet, a make up and beauty enthusiast. We are lucky to have this great post from her. She loves to read and write blogs about all things beauty.

As the days become longer and the sun makes more of a regular appearance – I don’t know about you but I like to start looking into what new beauty products there are available, what new lotions and potions I can use to get ready for the warmer days ahead.  Spring certainly puts a spring in my step.

Perfecting the art of creating beautiful eyes with make-up is an invaluable skill – from covering up dark circles after partying to reducing puffiness when children are keeping you awake! Like all women, I know dark circles can be incredibly ageing, but there are some tried and tested ways of combatting them to keep your eyes sparkling!

The best way to really open up your eyes and frame your face is to ensure that your brows are in tip top condition. I usually start by plucking my eyebrows targeting the hairs and following the natural shape of the brow, this really freshens up the overall look of my face and provides a polished appearance.  Try not to get too carried away with plucking as very thin eyebrows can look aging. A new beauty trend that seems to be sweeping the nation at the moment is the HD Brow – or High Definition brow.  Examples of those in the public eye that are sporting the style of the HD brow include Kate Middleton and Megan Fox.

Aside from grooming and conditioning our brows, there are additional areas which would benefit greatly from additional care and attention – one particular area which suffers a fair amount stress without conditioning would be our eyelashes. I don’t know about you, but I know my eyelashes go through a great deal on a daily basis, from getting scrubbed with exfoliating scrubs, roughly dried with towels prior to being curled and finally painted with mascara – is it any wonder that our eyelashes may be thirsty for additional nourishment?

 

This brings me onto a beauty product I recently came across whilst watching a variety of beauty YouTube review videos and tutorials, the item that caught my attention was RevitaLash.  This product will give eyelashes a new lease of life – a cosmetically formulated treatment which improves the appearance of fine or thin hair.

 

After a few weeks of using this you’ll see the difference, with fuller eyelashes making eyes look more youthful and beautiful. I even find that mine have more of a natural curl. The great thing about RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is that it won’t impact on your daily beauty routine as it’s applied before you sleep.  This means that come the morning you will be able to go about your day in the usual manner. You won’t need to take a break from using your favourite shadows and liners, and if anything is to be taken from the Spring and Summer catwalk collections this year – there is going to be a great selection of pastels and metallics to experiment with.

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EASY NAIL MAINTENANCE AT HOME

by Elizabeth Posted on March 12, 2012

This week’s guest post comes from Laura, a nail enthusiast who is keen to keep her nails looking tip top when on a budget. There have been a lot of fashion related posts recently so I thought you may all be interested in seeing some more beauty related items! Here are Laura’s top tips on how to keep your nails in shape, from home – enjoy!

It’s great to go to a salon, have someone pamper you and have your nails end up looking fresh and polished. But, especially if you have acrylics and need them filled in every 10 days or so, some of us just can’t afford the time or expense of ongoing salon based nail care. However, it can work out better in the long run to purchase your own collection of nail products and look after your nails from the comfort of your own home – and you don’t have to get out of your pyjamas to do it!

If you just start with something simple, particularly if you’re not well practiced in the art of home nail maintenance, you can begin small and work your way up. The number one rule for home nail care is the same as for haircuts – you can take more off, but you can’t put it back on! Be careful not to go all out cutting and filing, then hide your nails for a fortnight while they grow back. It’s always better to trim a little off, have a look, and (if necessary) take a little more off. As you go, compare your nails to make sure they’re all the same length. Be sure to use a decent pair of clippers or scissors – blunt ones will bend the nail and make it weak, not snip it neatly. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on them.

Decide if you want rounded or square ends, as this will determine how you initially cut and file them.

A good nail file will work wonders – you can purchase emery boards or a glass file (the latter can be used almost indefinitely, whereas emery boards have a limited lifespan but tend to be cheaper and more hygienic if you’re going to share them). Make sure your nails are filed the same – rounded or squared – and they’re the same length, although you don’t need to be a perfectionist! If one nail is one-sixteenth of an inch shorter than its neighbour it probably won’t be noticed.

A decent buffer will enable you to smooth out any ridges and polish your nails so they are nice and shiny. The buffer will most likely have several sides so you can give your nails a decent treatment, starting with the most obvious ridges and working down to the little lumps and bumps. You can leave them like this for a natural and clean look, or apply some colour.

Nail polish always sits best when applied over a base coat. Apply two coats of your favourite coloured polish (waiting for them to dry between applications) and then finish off with a top coat. Sit and relax for the polish to dry and harden – and there you have it, cost and style effective nail care at home!

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BEAUTIFY YOUR WARDROBE WITH A GORGEOUS NEW WATCH

by Elizabeth Posted on February 23, 2012

Introducing this week’s guest writer, Aimee Marhsall.   Aimee  is an interior bathroom designer and believes that even the smallest place can be made luxurious – especially showers and Steam shower cabins!   In her spare time, her hobby’s include writing about the latest fashion trends, hairstyles and accessories for women.

A Fashion and Passion for Watches

Today, there is a large range of watches all over the world, in addition the wearer can mix and match the strap and the face dial, with the wide range of trendy straps and luxurious faces, they can do this quite comfortably – adding to the range of watches out there. In order to meet the fast moving world, women also consider watches as an important part in their daily lifestyle. Time is money!

The watch industry offers a range of watch styles such as sports, luxury, formal and casual designs, all to suit different occasions. Many designers have carefully added some unique elements to intensify the look of women watches by crafting them with gold, silver, diamonds, and stones – adding to that special and unique look. There are endless collections of fine watches which can simply relate to your unique personality and outlook.

Different Types for Different Occasions

Nowadays, watches are not only worn for practical purposes – telling the time – but they are a stylish accessory in their own right. Many competitive watch brands employ skill, creativity, ideas, imagination and style sense of designers to bring a range of beautiful and fashionable watches. With today’s technology, watches are also more versatile, durable and reliable than they were before, with many not even needing batteries any more.

Men’s Watch Designs to Suit Different Personalities

Many men will say that one of their essential wardrobe accessories, is a good watch – believing that it completes their ‘look’ – and of course it is extremely practical. No doubt, the main purpose of watch is to give the time but a well-designed men’s watch always enhances a person’s identity, personality and style.

When it comes to selecting high quality men’s watches, there are several things to consider - men’s watches should be based obviously primarily on the latest fashion, but taking in to account the profession, personality, taste and style of the individual. Another thing to bear in mind is comfort -  a watch is worn on the wrist, therefore it should be comfortable as well as fashionable. If a watch is chosen well, it was not only stand the test of time as far as durability is concerned, but in fashion terms as well – a good watch can be a classic.

You will find great choices of men’s watches in casual as well as formal styles to complement the color and style of their dress and the occasion, although they often come at a price. You can expect to pay a premium price for a good men’s in order to ensure a lifelong guarantee of durability and fine quality. These days, the demand for stylish and luxury men’s watches is increasing rapidly, as a result many brands are adding innovative technologies and designs to their pieces.

There are different categories of men’s watches including military, sports, trendy, expensive, professional or technology based. Similarly to the women’s watches mentioned above, many men’s watches are also made from precious metals, diamonds and other stones.Make sure you pick yours wisely so that you can make your investment really a convenient and ‘time saving’ one!

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FLIRTATIOUS SUNGLASSES FOR YOUR VALENTINE

by Elizabeth Posted on February 7, 2012

Introducing Alden, today’s guest poster. Alden Joel is a writer with GlassesMarket.com who loves sunglasses and eyeglasses and considers them as a must-have fashion accessory. From following celebrity trends to keeping an eye on the latest arrivals from popular brands, he does it all. Read on for his Valentine’s day advice! If you are interested in guest posting or collaborating then pop along to our About Us page for more info.

Love is in the air! So, this Valentine’s day, why not try and ‘woo’ your other half or even capture the heart of a potential suitor with tempting and thoughtful gifts. A gift for the most important person in your world must show them how much they mean to you. If you are overwhelmed by the choices, let’s start with basics.

A way to woman’s heart is through her closet. So, why not drop the hint to your man this Valentine’s day about how much you would love a memorable fashion accessory like sunglasses. So, we know that it is about -5 outside right now (especially here in London!) but a girl is always in need of a pair of sunglasses. They are chic and a must-have daily accessory, whether it be to protect your eyes from sun or snow glare – they will be with you always and remind you of your special someone when you wear them. If you are particlarly good at hinting, or lucky enough to be spoiled anyway, then you may get some designer sunglasses, hopefully that reflect personality and style. Maybe even some classic black wayfarer or aviators with charming details on the temples. These sunglasses go with both formal and casual attires. If you prefer something a bit more fashion concious, then go with these Link 9140′s below.

Link 9140 Black Sunglasses fashin beauty london
Link 9140 Black Sunglasses

 

Gentlemen – if you are entangled in a love affair with a feisty female, then think of something different. Find bright and bold frames that reveal her attitude. Opt for sunglasses in vivid frame colors such as passionate red or serene turquoise or select frames that have striking animal prints. If all else fails, get her solid-pink wayfarer sunglasses.

When your girl is neither of the above, she is feminine and fun; look for sunglasses with retro vibes. Options are plenty – over-sized sunglasses in purple shades, playful cat-eye sunglasses that suit all kind of face shapes and much more. There are also sunglasses with edgy graphic prints for your funky woman.

Ladies – if you like the look of these sunglasses, then why wait around for your man to pick up on the hint and grab yourselves a pair first! Whilst you are there, you could pick up a pair for the man in your life too – he will be sure to love that, and just think how stylish you will look when hitting the slopes or crusing around town together in your matching sunny G’s.

Link 1155 Brown Sunglasses
Link 1155 Brown Sunglasses
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THE SWEETHEART NECKLINE

by Elizabeth Posted on February 3, 2012

With Valentine’s Day soon upon us, why not treat yourself to a sweetheart neckline (in keeping with the theme, of course) to wear either on the ‘big day’ or to a special dinner. Perhaps you can even convince your unsuspecting sweetheart to part with some cash to buy you the neckline of the month.

This week, rather than a direct comparison, I thought it would be fun to just pick a whole selection of delicious dresses from both ends of the spectrum, encompassing all styles. Coincidentally, each of the dresses has exquisite detailing on the reverse and so I had to include images of both!

Oscar De La Renta Gold Threaded Tulle Fashion Beauty London
Oscar De La Renta Gold Threaded Tulle

Starting at the top is this strapless number by Oscar De La Renta. The dress is made of gold threaded tulle and organza within the layers to create the classic shaping. Naturally, the bodice is boned and underwired for extra shaping and hey – no bra! To see the effect of this dress, this picture does not quite do it justice – you need to zoom right in or look up close to get the full effect of this gorgeous shaping and gold threading; everything you would expect with the price tag that is attached. Keep it classic with some courts and jewels or pearls, this dress speaks for itself.

 

 

Alexander McQueen Pink Silk Chiffon Fashion Beauty London
Alexander McQueen Pink Silk Chiffon

Next up is of course, Alexander McQueen with a silk-chiffon bustier gown that is quite simply, stunning. This is also a dressthat is just as important from the back as it is from the front with a mini train floating down the length of the back. Similarly to above, this dress has an internal corset and moulded, underwired bra so no need to mess around with assorted strapless number and bits of tape everywhere. I WANT! Although, I’m not sure when I would ever gain the chance to wear it – perhaps next year’s Oscars or Cannes? Definitely red carpet material right there. All this dress needs is an up-do and some dripping jewels from your ears.

 

Motel Rocks Mesh-Sleeved Bodycon Fashion Beauty London
Motel Rocks Mesh-Sleeved Bodycon

A bit of a step down the price range ladder, but still stylish and lovely, this is a very Motel dress, with their signature ‘bodycon’ style body and skirt. For those a little less keen to show off their underarms (or bingo wings) this dress has a full sleeve hexagon mesh top to cover up any insecurities – or just to keep warm, there is a cold snap coming. The detailing does not stop there – there is a cut out piece in the middle of the back for an extra bit of something (or I suppose it is a lack of something, but you know what I mean). A perfect party dress.

 

ASOS Mesh Topped Bodycon Fashion Beauty London
ASOS Mesh Topped Bodycon

What we consider to be the ‘little black dress’ winner, is this offering from ASOS. With a gathered mesh panel at the top giving this dress a classic feel, we think it would be the ultimate date night dress (assuming you are being spoiled and taken somewhere a bit more up market than Nandos or your local pub). The mesh panel at the back makes this dress sexy (cringe at use of the word sexy, but there isn’t really another that suits!) yet sophisticated as you are not baring all. Dress up with statement heels and a clutch, or causal it down with a contrasting cardigan, some black courts and a side bag.

 

Paprika Heartprint Zip-Up Dress Fashion Beauty London
Paprika Heartprint Zip-Up Dress

Steering away slightly from the evening dresses, I thought it would be interesting to include a sweetheart neckline for the daytime too. Fresh and fun, this bustier, zip up dress by paprika ticks all of the boxes. We love the heart print on the bodice. Team with a blazer or heels to convert this into a dress for the evening if needs be also. Conversely, a chunky knit scarf or cardigan and some boots is perfect for daywear. When Summer FINALLY arrives, this dress will be a hit, just worn as it is.

 

 

ASOS Mesh Topped Body Suit Fashion Beauty London
ASOS Mesh Topped Body Suit

I thought it would be fun to include a top with a sweetheart neckline as well. For the more adventurous (and skinny) amongst us, this bodysuit with mesh top and short sleeves is one to note. We love the scooping back and sweetheart detailing on the front. A very versatile top, this one can be done with black skinnys and some biker boots or heels, but can also be casual with some high waisted, faded denim and bed hair, topped off with some statement gold hoops.

 

I think I will put in the request, hopefully, for each of these dresses… We hope you are succesful too! Let us know your Valentine’s Day outfit by getting in touch via the ‘Contact Us‘ page, or send us a Tweet :)

 

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FANNY PACKS MAKE A COMEBACK

by Elizabeth Posted on February 2, 2012

We are delighted to announce another guest writer: Stephanie. Stephanie is a writer with a passion for finding the best purse . She tends to be extreme and thus goes for an oversized handbag  or a small clutch.  One of her newest must-haves is the Maddox Hobo . When she isn’t searching for the next handbag to add to her collection, she enjoys concerts, travel, reading, and cuddling with her kitten or rabbits. If you are interested in guest posting or collaborating then pop along to our About Us page for more info.

There are some things that shouldn’t be resurrected from the 80s. On that list, I put hair bands somewhere at the top – but hey, we can all agree to disagree. However, when it comes to fashion and style trends of the 80s, we?ve seen a lot of the styles come full circle and resurface. Leggings, oversized tops, and shoulder pads are a few examples. Another item that is weeding its way onto the runway is the fanny pack.

Louis Vuitton Underground
Louis Vuitton Underground

Don’t worry – I’m not talking about the same fanny pack you’d see in the 80s. They are not what you would imagine on middle aged people at amusement parks or obvious tourists in a foreign country. In fact, designers are even reluctant to call them fanny packs.

Phoebe
Phoebe

Instead, they are opting for names such as belt bags, belted satchels, hands-free bags, and apron wraps.

Alligator Rise
Alligator Rise

Call it what you will, but this updated version is much more sleek and chic than its 80s relative. Reed Krakoff, creative director of Coach Inc., included utilitarian leather apron wraps in his Spring 2011 fashion show. Rihanna was seen wearing a Louis Vuitton fanny pack on a trip to London. Vuitton was one of the first design houses to bring the look back to the runway and sold its Monogram Underground Bum Bag for $2,020.  Designer Sang A Im-Propp created an alligator Rise Belt Bag  for the Vogue -sanctioned retail, Fashion’s Night Out. Hermès created its version of the fanny pack, called the Kelly Bandeau in Spring 2011, and sells it for nearly $5,000. Other design power houses to include the look on runway include Alexander Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, Mispelaere, and Marc Jacobs.

Florence
Florence

With many designers embracing the belt bag trend, it’s evident that the fanny pack is making a huge comeback and is here to stay. Belt bags are great for a worry-free night out dancing. They pair well with simple, girly dresses. If you?re interested in getting in on this trend, check out the Phoebe Python Crossbody Bag  or the Florence Foldover Clutch. Both bags have different wearing options, so you can ease into embracing the fanny pack. The Phoebe comes with two different straps, and can be worn cross body, carried at the crook of your arm, or as a belt bag. It comes in two different bright color options: lime green and aqua blue. The Florence is a more simple, toned-down, classic option. It comes with two attachable straps and can be worn as a clutch, shoulder bag, messenger bag, or belt bag.

Hermes Kelly Bandeau
Hermes Kelly Bandeau

What do you think about this trend? Will you be rocking a belt bag for your next night on the town?

Photos: kicentral.com, online.wsj.com, handbagheaven

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HIGH STREET VS. HIGH END – SKIRTS

by Elizabeth Posted on January 31, 2012

Today, I am very proud to introduce our very first guest post. This article was written by Elliot J.*, on behalf of Crew Clothing – A British clothing brand that offer a range of men’s and women’s clothing, and have recently expanded their range to include a junior range.  Enjoy! If you are interested in guest posting or collaborating then pop along to our About Us page for more info.

If you’re looking for the perfect skirt to complete your wardrobe, then you might think that you need to focus on expensive, high-end retailers in order to get value and style for your hard-earned money. That’s not true! The high street has amazing options at great prices.

Black Skirt by Ellie Saab at Boutique 1
Black Skirt by Ellie Saab at Boutique 1

Shopping on the high street will net you some fantastic bargains, and stores will often stock skirts in styles that are similar to what you might find in a designer store or high-retailer’s shop. The only differences might be the fabric or colours used, or slight differences in the design and cut of the skirt, but it can make a world of difference in terms of price. For example, this Ruffled Knee Length Skirt by Ellie Saab from Boutique 1.

 

 

 

 

Crew Clothing Selena Skirt
Selena Skirt by Crew Clothing

A basic black knee-length skirt with ruffles, made from rayon, polyester and lycra, can cost £722 on the website of a high-end retailer! You can bet that brick-and-mortar shops would cost around the same amount. Most people consider a good black A-line skirt to be part of the foundation of any classic wardrobe. So if you want the high-end look, but not the high-end price, consider another option, such as the Selena Skirt from Crew Clothing. Although it lacks the ruffles of the Ellie Saab skirt had, the Selena skirt is made from a light jersey fabric and has a folded-over waist so that you can adjust the length to your tastes. You can wear it any time of the year. For winter, all you would need are tights and shoes of your choice. For summer, just add sandals or flip-flops. You can have all the high-end style you want in a skirt for just £40.

 

Raoul mod skirt cotton
Cotton Skirt by Raoul Mod

 

 

If you’re looking for a casual skirt that can still be smart when it needs to be, a designer retailer always has options available, for a price. If you like the look of a simple navy cotton or denim skirt, then you could pick up the Raoul Mod Cotton Skirt. The pleat details and shape are the perfect accompaniment to a crisp white cotton blouse, if you’re willing to pay £102 for the privilege.

 

 

 

Ultimately, if you’re searching for a skirt that will look great and you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then start by doing your research. Look at high-end retailers for inspiration, but take your wallet to the high street and look for cheaper reproductions of designer skirts. You might not get the exact reproduction of your dream skirt, but you’ll be guaranteed to find something just as fashionable, but to suit your price range.

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LUXURY FOOTWEAR FOR THE WEEKEND

by Elizabeth Posted on January 27, 2012

Seeing as the weekend has come upon us again, what better way to look forward to it than drooling over footwear? While many of us will choose to stick to the city streets this weekend, a few of us will seek refuge in the countryside, perhaps a woodland walk or some time at the beach – cue luxury boots.

dubarry galway
The Dubarry Galway

Without a doubt, Granddaddy of all outdoor and country boots, is the Dubarry Galway – I can vouch for this, I literally adore my Duberyls as I like to call them – I guess I feel Dubarry is sexist, these are ladies boots and so should be named appropriately.

I am so in love with these, that I am afraid to leave them in the front porch incase somone decides to steal them in the middle of the night. This is ridiculous as where I am currently living – every other person already owns a pair, and crime rate is zero; theft is unlikely. in addition to this, I have never heard any fellow owner with a bad word to say about them. they are perfect for trudging around in mud and puddles, and with a quick clean and a polish they make a smart ‘about town’ boot too.

 

fashion beauty london leather country boots for the weekend
The Hunter Balmoral Westerly

I couldn’t possibly write a list about country footwear without including the household name – Hunter. This leather take on the familiar brand is incredibly practical and smart also. The two tone effect is similar to that of the Dubarry and would look perfect with some jeans tucked into them or with a knee length skirt and tights – or sans tights if you are brave, it is January afterall.

 

 

 

fashion beauty london leather and tweed country boot
The Ariat Windermere Baker

 

Whilst shopping around, I came across this absolute wonder of a boot. I literally am in love. the tartan contrasting with the leather makes these really eyecatching but not in an in-your-face way. Put it this way – I’m saving up. I also think that even though they are intended to and are 100% waterproof, I will not be going anywhere near to many muddy puddles. Perhaps a woodland trail at most! I think you will all agree, these are a massive WANT.

 

 

 

fashion beauty london sorel caribou fur lined waterproof boot
The Sorel Caribou

 

A brand that I have fallen in love with this winter has to be Sorel. I really love these Caribou boots, a little bit of every sort of winter boot – all wrapped up in to one. I know they have been a big hit in the States and Canada for a long while now and they seem to be taking London by storm too.

 

 

 

suffolk boot by tuffa velcro straps wider leg size
The Suffolk boot by Tuffa

 

These Tuffa boots are an excellent addition to any Winter wardrobe, with velcro straps at the top, they can be let out to accomodate big cosey socks, or kept nice and tight to exclude any drafts around the ankles! They are also available in two leg sizes – normal and broad. To anyone who finds it hard to get longer boots that fit around their calves – look no further – these boots are for you!

 

 

 

 

There are a tonne of other winter boots out there and it was so hard to pick just a few of my favourites. With the cold snap coming in from Siberia that I heard about this morning, maybe it is time for us all to invest in pair! I have also heard very good things about a range by Aigle, I know they are not entirely classed as leather country boots – they are really just luxury wellies but if wellies are your thing then these are a delight, with a soft and warm spongey lining – no more cold toes.

What Winter footwear staples do you require? Share your thoughts with FBL by visiting our ‘Contact Us‘ page.

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