Just for you

Don't you hate it when you just have nothing to wear, when everything you try on either doesn't fit, isn't right for the occasion or isn't 'you'- well now look no further! One of my best kept and favourite secrets is now yours.

Take a look at Style Shake http://www.styleshake.com/user/

You design the dress, they make it and in 10 working days, a brand new dress designed exclusively by and for you arrives!

Theres a whole range of fabrics from wardrobe staples like cotton to linen (a summer essential) to silk and metallic silk in a range of colours from the ever classic black, forest green, electric blue, orchid and poppy red. Once you've chosen your fabric, next up is the fun part- designing the dress. You can chose the upper body (empire, yoke, hips, waist to name a few), neckline (the newly added off the shoulder and off the shoulder gathered is so now it hurts!), sleeves, waist, lower part of the dress, as well as add trimmings and detailing like pleats and embellishment.

My newest creation is this Bottega Veneta inspired dress with bandeau neckline with stone embellishment, a fitted box pleat detailed waist with a full flared knee length skirt, all in a very wearable, very understated black cotton- all for £99! What more could I want?

http://www.styleshake.com/user/Dress.aspx?name=Dress&ID=42211

And to make it even better they even do tops!

New In!

After being rudely awoken by an early morning phone call and without anything to do for a few hours I decided to hit the net and look at pretty things and as always Topshop was on my port of call (I don't often buy from there but every now and again they have some great pieces- just ignore the tween stuff!)

This sequin mini skirt is very Elle MacPherson (goddess of minis and flat sandals- she wears them even in Winter!) and would look fantastic with bronzed skin, flat sandals (something simply) and a basic white t-shirt





Because I adore all things ruffley, this dress is pure indulgence for me- its red, ruffly and just looks like fun to wear! It would look amazing with thick black tights and mary janes and a black trench coat






Speaking of coats, I love this waterfall frill front belted coat- the mustard colour is very on trend and adds interest to an otherwise neutral outfit, the full skirt is just adorable especially with dress and mary janes or t bar shoes for a retro vibe. the puff sleeves are gorgeous and the frill front makes it look very designer (but alot cheaper!)







And finally are these light grey t bar heels- the light grey colour is a fantastic year round shade and the ruffle front detailing is gorgeous and will add interest to any outfit (they'd look fabulous with a black tea dress and tights- let the shoes do the talking!)

More new thingys!

Well today turned into an impromptu shopping trip after visiting a friend (not that I need an excuse to shop although in my defense since putting on 1.5 stone, nothing fits so I have alot of clothes to replace and even more to put on ebay!).

I bought- as well as picking up an Estee Lauder advanced repair night duo set for £40 (such a bargain!), I also bought a striped nautical style blazer, nautical striped blue and white full skirted dress with collared bust, yellow and white striped full skirted dress with collared bust and cross over straps and a patent vinyl nautical style tote with red detailing and anchor print!

Only trouble is now I'm even more unsure of what to wear to the upcoming Christening (OUSA F&B forum readers will know all about my ongoing dilemma!)- do I stick with the black fit and flare dress with mary janes and pink tote bag, or go for the H&M fit and flare striped dress with mary janes (for a vintage dolly look!) or one of the new nautical dresses with a fitted black cardi and mary janes?

New shiny things!

Well today I had a major set back- I tried to put on what I had planned to wear only for the trousers to be too small (the drawback of putting on 1.5 stone in 6 weeks is nothing fits including my 5 pairs of Killah black skinny tsubi lookalike trousers). I then tried on my jeans I was wearing only a few days ago- same problem except this time with overhang! I then tried my much loved tsubi lookalikeys and couldn't pull them past my knees- 7 pairs of jeans/trousers gone in an instant! (If there are any size 6 and 8 lovelies who are looking for some new trews including brand new Killah trousers and wants to make me an offer/get more info- just give me an email and look out on an ebay screen near you for my clothes *under my name blue_barbiekiller*. I've got 5 pairs of Killah black jeans to list (3 brand new, all size 26), one pair of black tsubi copies (size 6), one pair of black skinny jeans (size 8) that are a dream fit and a black and grey leopard print pencil skirt with zip detailing (size 8)- if you want any piccies/details etc, you know where to find me- plug over now!

So to console myself after 4 hours, 3 choc muffins and cream and 2 servings of roast lamb with the works, I'm very full and am pretty sure nothing else will fit soon! I did however receive my Boden Mini ballet pumps- check out these babies- best design feature ever- the bow is adjustable and tightening it actually changes the shape and size of the shoe to fit all feet/ankles so if they're abit loose, just pull the cord and hey presto they fit!

And I managed to get some great new season pieces from Sainsburys (I seem to get alot of my basic staples from there- I have a plethora of their tees and highly recommend the ruched v neck 3/4 sleeve tops, fairtrade cotton crew necks and 3/4 sleeve v necks). I bought this fabulous zebra print sweater in the sale for £7.50 which is just gorgeous and adds a little bit of life to an otherwise boring outfit. Safari is a HUGE trend this spring/summer so I knew I had to have this khaki military style fit and flare shirt and just because I adore nautical and cardis, I couldn't resist this longline black and white striped belted cardi (I also picked up 2 black 3/4 sleeve V necks and 2 Khakis and everything came to a massive budget friendly £54!)

It has spread!

Now when I joked about jumpsuits not once but twice, I really didn't expect it to go anywhere............BUT NO, the holy grail that is Net A Porter have now got a dedicated category to the damn things! Containing not 1 but 12 of them! (Ok I will admit that at least 2 of them are actually very nice and I would wear the Stella McCartney all in one, Paul & Joe Sister playsuit and the Marc by Marc Jacobs cotton playsuit with my gladiator sandals and rock it) but who would wear these:







I am shocked and sickened that Tibi, my beloved label would create this black 80's MC Hammer throwback and the Anti Batik printed number looks like an odd geometric clown suit! (And the yellow Paul & Joe jumpsuit is just gross!)

If designers could resume normal services of taste and decency soon that would be fantastic, until then could we just burn all the jumpsuits (*note Miss Lauren is not advocating or condoning pyromania or the burning of disgusting articles of clothing, which are pure crimes against fashion and women everywhere*)

Why?

Now I get it- Chloe Sevigny's kooky and quirky and alittle bit different yadda yadda (Take MK Olsen- I love her and even when shes wearing things I wouldn't personally wear- shes working it and owning it and looking fierce and you know people are going to be copying that at home) but for the love of god, who gave her a fashion line and whos going to buy it?

Don't get me wrong, I admire someone with individuality and breaks the rules and I sometimes find myself thinking she looks good but her clothing line called 'Opening Ceremony' looks like someone threw up the 80's/Clueless wardrobe department on her! Since when did women look in their wardrobe and think 'you know what I need- floral high waisted pegged jeans and a matching too short bustier top (oh and I'll team it with leopard print heels just to offset the look)'- I for one do not! (although I am all for leopard print heels!) As for the floral bustier detail dress over a t-shirt- has she ever heard of Luella Bartley (who does it so much better!) and the sleeveless tucked in blouse with super high waisted check skirt and leopard leggings and shoes- firstly sleeveless blouses don't appeal to the majority of women (bingo wings anyone, although Chloe obviously has never heard of them judging by that picture) and for those with breasts tucking shirts in is just a no no. As for the high waist under the bust skirt, how many real women have a waist so slim they could do that and not look like a barrel or a large uni-boob (I'm a size 8 and I'm pretty sure not even I could pull off that look!) and don't even get me started on the leopard print leggings/check/knee length skirt/leopard heels look- its just WRONG

See now if they gave Selma Blair a fashion line, then we'd be talking........................and in a good way!

Mothers Day Shopping Trip

Well what else would the woman who created such a fashion addict want to do on Mothers Day but shop? On a trip to Next of all places, I managed to buy 2 pairs of shoes, a bag and a watch- all in the space of 3 minutes of walking in the door- the sign of a true fashionista?

Anyway as always I like to share and allow others to bask in the glory that is shopping, so here's the latest additions to my bulging wardrobe:



The Mother's Day present- these elastic peep toe sandals are gorgeous and have fantastic curved heels- very designer inspired (and very comfy!)- sadly they're not mine nor in my size but they're pretty to look at!



These little beauties are my first pair of proper high heels (I have size 2 feet so my only other pair of heeled shoes are from the now deceased Ravel children's range and are Miu Miu sparkly mary janes lookalikeys) as they're from an actual 'adult' range and are black leather mary janes with buckle and stud detailing and sole reviver soles (allows for flexible, breathable soles which are cushioned for comfort- they obviously work as I've been wearing them for the past 4 hours and they're still comfy!)



This is my new bag- its a bright fuchsia patent pink tote bag with buckle detailing and stitch detailing on the strap. It also has two main compartments as well as one zipped and very pretty white and fuchsia floral lining- who knew the girl who only ever wore black accessories would buy a brightly coloured bag, 2 weekends in a row? All I need know is the Barry M liquid eyeliner in pink and my outfit is complete (I'm wearing it with my new mary janes, navy matalan trench coat, black dress and new pink bag!)



And finally a new watch to replace my much loved turquoise Next watch that has departed this world. Note the turquoise stitching on its replacement- it perfectly matches my new turquoise bag! Oh and it tells the time too but that's always secondary to what it looks like!

Next up to arrive will be my La Redoute parcel- fingers crossed it fits and you'll all get to see what other delights I've bought! (Well that and I bought a pair of leopard print ballet pumps from Boden but they haven't arrived yet!)

My Fall '08 loves

Well the pictures of the Fall '08 shows are slowly being posted online and I thought its only right and my duty to show you whats going to be hot next fall and show you a few of my favourite looks

First up is Balenciaga- his current floral warrior dress does nothing for me but I actually liked some of the fall 08 pieces including this dress above (note its black, a dress and has a ruffle so i was bound to love it). I adore the neckline and the fitted top which flows into a tulip skirt, the ruffle is just fabulous although personally I'd prefer the thigh split sewn up to create a much more elegant, breakfast at Tiffany's style dress!

Staying with Balenciaga is this- now nothing does too much for me here, the top is blah and I'm not overly keen on the choice of fabric for the pants but it was the cut that got me- skinny and cut at the ankle is my all time favourite cut for trousers (so much so I own 5 identical pairs of Killah black skinny ankle length trousers with side zips) and makes the legs look long and lean (and is the perfect way to show off your shoes without looking too tried hard, although be sure to get a pair that fits right otherwise you may end up looking like you've just bought too short trousers!). This is one trend I've already been rocking for the past 3 months and will continue to do so, so good to see the designers taking notes from me- i like it!

Next is this gorgeous ruched, twisted detailed olive green dress from Burberry- Burberry make some fantastic dresses (and with Agyness Deyn as their main model wants not to love!) and I thought everything was right about this one from the gorgeous colour, to the wearable shape (and i adore those bracelets, bags and shoes!).

Now our next designer was my first ever 'The jurys out post' with his candy shift dress but for fall '08 Isaac Mizrahi had some fantastic pieces including lots of bursts of colour which was great against so much of the black that was shown elsewhere (i know I'm a black obsessive but even I need colour sometimes!) First up is this fantastic sienna coloured dress with coral waist and bust detailing. I adore the full skirted style of this dress and the way the contrasting colour at the band not only draws your eye to the waist but the way the fit and full skirt makes you waist look tiny. Plus the neckline is a must for showing off a gorgeous decolletage and a fantastic piece of jewellery while the blouson sleeves make your arms look thinner (and keep you warm!) Personally I would have put this with very thick black tights to really make the colours pop (love the shoes though!)

Staying with Isaac, I adore this outfit- the full purple woolen skirt is just stunning (i want it so badly!), while the black leather belt is just the perfect contrast with the purple (without looking like a bruise) and again makes the waist look smaller when contrasted with the fullness of the skirt. My only criticism is again the tights (i don't do opaques- its thick black tights or nothing!) and I'm not overly keen on the top which reminds me of a ballet leotard- I would have gone for a scoop neck top- not overly original but its every women's staple and could have made the outfit appeal to us ordinary women. I'd also love to see this skirt in black, a red and a bold print as I think its one of the most versatile skirt shapes and one that makes women feel both feminine and sexy.

My final Isaac pick was this one above- its so un-me- the pastel colours aren't usually my think but i saw this and thought it was darling and very grease (but in a good way!). I adore the silhouette and think it just looks fabulous although maybe more of a spring outfit rather than for fall as I think adding a coat for warmth would swamp the outfit and it'd lose its shape and impact (I would adore a version of this in either all black or black and red or even black and white- just imagine how good that'd be!)

Now for a lady who I love- I adore Alice Temperley- i think shes fantastic and lovely and just amazing (plus shes a Somerset girl so I feel kinship with her!) so I had to make a few picks from her '08 show. The above dress is just gorgeous (although do ignore the blouse and boots which are horrid!)- I adore the colour and think it really perks up the winter mood (and would look fantastic with black accessories which are every women's winter staples) while the tiered tulip skirt is very fashion forward but still wearable. I would add a black cashmere or fine knit scoop neck top underneath it and some black patent ballet pumps (with thick black tights of course)

And these black leather trousers are just yummy- they're so Kate Moss and would be perfect for anyone daring enough to re-create her leather trouser/black tuxedo jacket ensemble- personally I'd just wear them with a simple white t-shirt and sweater and let the trousers do the talking (doesn't Lilly just look divine in them though and that hat really suits her! Not sure about the blouse and waistcoat though!)

(all photos courtesy of http://www.style.com/)

The jurys out yet again

Now Viktor and Rolf are known for their unusual designs and quirky ideas but I think theyre Paris Fall 2008 catwalk collection took things just that little bit too far

Where does one wear a trench coat with 3D foam lettering and gold staples detailing or the yeti coat with WOW written on it (I'm pretty sure the wow is ironic but with these guys you just never know!) Also just think how cute the 'no' trench would have been without the foam lettering- it would have been gorgeous- also it makes her look like she has a giant concave breast which I'm not entirely sure is the best way to get you noticed? And how on earth do you get through small doorways wearing them 'dream on' trench- imagining get stuck in a tight space wearing that and having to be rescued by the emergency services! I have nothing good to say about the yeti coat- it looks like a gaint cat threw up a massive fur ball on the model! Although I am kinda loving the padded olive boots- its futuristic solider warrior to the extreme..................

Ahoy me hearties!

As always Nautical is going to be big again this Spring/Summer (and yes for the likes of me that does mean dressing like is officially fashionable so time to don your eye patches and parrot) and as always I'm on hand to provide you with alittle style inspiration ranging from high street to alittle bit more high brow but all with a common nautical theme!

For a casual nautical style, nothing beats tops and here are a few of the alternate options to your standard stripes



Both tops are from ASOS and the one of the left is a fitted cotton top with V neck collar and bow with double button front design and a concealed zip fastening (perfect with jeans), while the other is a low cut cotton vest top with eyelet and rope detailing (pefect again with jeans or full skirts and sandals)

Another way to capture the trend is to opt for a dress- these two dresses are very different but both capture the nautical trend



This on the left is a Paul & Joe sister dress from ASOS and is a stripe silk wrap dress with frill sleeve detailing (perfect for anyone wanting to throw themselves fully into the deep end of the nautical theme), while the other is the Milly Doris V neck dress with contrast banding (this classic styling of white and navy just subtle screams 'at the yacht club' and is perfect for anyone wants a stylish, but on trend dress)

For nautical inspired skirts, then look no further than this Milly Terry Newport skirt-its a white drawstring skirt with gold eyelet and rope detailing and is th, e perfect casual skirt this summer



And a super easy way to channel this trend is the Warehouse stripe belted mac- its white with navy stripe just looks the nautical part- pair with jeans and wedges for a stunning summer look



And finally what round up of nautical fashion wouldn't be complete without the usual stripy jacket and this one from Topshop is perfect as its 'boat stripe' name implies it captures the essence of the nautical trend but is subtle enough to be able to through on over dresses and jeans alike and not feel stupid or too try hard




(Items from http://www.asos.com/, http://www.net-a-porter.com/, http://www.shopbop.com/, http://www.topshop.com/ http://www.warehouse.co.uk/