The Fabulous Miss K

Benefit Boutique blogger event

2012-01-17T07:26:00.000-08:00

In December I was invited to visit the newly launched Benefit Boutique in Debenhams Norwich, and with the events of the past month it got delayed - so better late than never.

Benefit was founded in 1976 by the Ford sisters - Jean and Jane. There are now 12 independent boutiques and Debenhams is the first in-store one they have opened.

Over the years they have developed some cult and must have products in the beauty market, among to those are:

Benetint - a subtle cheek tint that was original made to enhance the nipples of burlesque performers!!

That Gal Primer, There are Real mascara, Hoola bronzer, Smokin Eyes and The Pore-fessional are all best sellers.

As well as stocking the full range of products the boutique offers a wide range of beauty treatments - brow waxing and tinting, spray tanning and a full waxing service. They have a room dedicated to Make-up Masterclasses where you can book for up 5 friends and learn how to use all their lovely products.

I had my eyebrows waxed and tinted - the lovely ladies who all have to have NVQ level training and have 6 weeks training before they can work on in the brow bar. They gave me a perfect vintage arch to my brows and the tint covered up those little grey ones that have suddenly started to appear (eek!), they then concealed the redness with Boi-eng which contains tea tree oil so I could go out into the world with anyone knowing my brows weren't my own!!!

Benefit has a fabulous vintage feel to all the products and the packaging but they are not gimmicky the products actually work.

If you get a chance go along and check it out.

Just one of the yummy nibbles we ate.

The funky chairs in the Masterclass room.

Me and a va va voom Benefit Lady,

(Outfit in case you were interested - Suit made from original 40's pattern bought at Anglia Fashion Fabrics and vintage beret from Looses)

The price list.

The make-up counter,

Where they do their magic to your brows!

Inspiring Ladies - My Mother

2012-01-10T02:33:00.000-08:00

At the end of 2011 I lost one of the most inspiring ladies I had the joy to know - my Mother.

I was always a daddy's girl being spoilt rotten by him at every opportunity but when I look back on my childhood and the influences that have made me who I am my mother is there every step of the way.

She was born in 1930, survived a machine gun attack on her hockey field at her school in Hove during the war, she gave exhibition ballroom dances during the late 40's - maybe that is where my love and talent for dance comes from?

My mum was always a career women during the 50's she worked for Rank Film Organisation and was as glamorous and stylish as the stars that went through the studio!! Although she hated shopping she loved clothes and was a skilled seamstress - only one thing though Mum - why didn't you keep all your fabulous clothes???? She worked from home throughout my childhood so she was always there for me when I came home from school. As a secretary all her working life she was so organised and past on her love of making lists to me, she was a hard worker and believed that if you put your mind to it you can achieve anything you want and that is something I will never forget.

My Mum ran play schemes for kids during the summer, I remember years of 100's of children having the time of their lives playing, running on the beach and creating a making great stuff during the summer holidays.

She loved to cook - and always put on a fabulous party - another skill I get from her!!

Her fascination an love of history led her to trace her family tree back to the 1600's in France and she made me promise to continue adding to and researching - I will.

My Mum has impacted on so many aspects of my life and I owe the success of all the events that I have organised to her - and will continue to honor her with even more fabulous ones that she would have loved.

Barbara Evelyn James (ne Denne) 1930 - 2011 RIP

Dress Up

2011-12-02T06:24:00.001-08:00

I am sooo busy working on plans for both Fabulous Miss K and Blue Skies Vintage Events that I thought that I would just do a quick post of a few outfits for the the festive season so her goes with some fabulous frocks.

Dressing the Season

2011-11-29T04:42:00.001-08:00

Party season is here so what to wear to all those fabulous invites that start dropping on your doormat.

It can get expensive to find an outfit for every occasion so I have a couple of "go to" dresses that I wear with different accessories to change the look so it doesn't look the same way twice.

So here is my guide to how to dress for the party season.

(picture Vogue)

Start with a simple LBD

add a great pair of heels to add a pop of colour

Killer heels from Primark

Glitzy Secrets brooch £32, I would put one of these on each shoulder of this dress or at the waist.

You could also add a cute cocktail hat or attach a chiffon scarf to one shoulder and or to both and drape the ends to the back to create a cowl neck at the front.

Or tie a contrasting scarf around your waist as a colourful cummerbund.

(picture Vogue)

I just had to include this wonderful festive dress in a rich red velvet and with the white fur is sooo Christmassy!!

Work Smart

2011-11-21T05:15:00.001-08:00

I was thinking of getting an office space in town to get me motivated but looking at the cost of this at the moment it just isn't practical or financially viable for me to do.

So I need to create a fabulous area at home to work from - the problem that is always raising it's ugly head in our house is space!!! A two up two down terrace is lovely but as any of you who live in one will know it is soooo hard trying to cram everything you want into a small area.

I really want to turn our spare room into dressing room but I also need to fit in an office somewhere too - such a dilemma?

So here are some ideas that I love and although don't think that they the solution for my space, I will take some of the options as inspiration.

This room is going to be one of my major focus for the New Year, along with one other room that I will talk about later??

This is a fabulous space from B Jones Style, a fashion blogger I love, she has based in the States, she has a totally different style from me but I love the way she has put her workspace together.

Both of these are also from B Jones Style.

Loving this chair covered in the vintage style fabric.

So organised and sleek, I love the dark wood and the whole style.

Style over Beauty

2011-11-14T05:58:00.001-08:00

There are some women that are photogenic and look lovely in all their photos. I am afraid are not one of them!! I hate having my picture taken (although there enough of me on Facebook to dispute that fact!!), but I don't take a good picture, my face is too angular and I have "the James" nose!!

One thing I think that I do have is a certain sense of style, and know how to look polished and elegant on most occasions.

So in this post I would like to pay tribute to two ladies who I admired very much - both of which were not great beauties but their sense of style and elegance is undeniable.

The first - Diana Vreeland, one time Editor of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, she had jet black hair, lips and nails always red, and immaculate at all times.

And I love this quote and why I love vintage and dressing up!

The second lady is Wallis Simpson. Again sooo stylish, she had the future King give up his throne for her and lived the life of luxury in France, giving lavish parties and dinners. Regular trips to the Paris designers helped her with her style but it was still innate - she looked so elegant and regal.

Wardrobe Must Haves III P - Z

2011-10-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

So here are the final must haves for your wardrobe:

Pajamas - So comfortable - I like to imagine a pajama-filled world where Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford swan around in wide-legged satin pajamas, Claudette Colbert in an oversize version stolen from Clarke Gable - the reality is a world full of women in sweatpants, flannels and old t shirts - noooo ban these hideous items from your wardrobe NOW. Replace them with a pair made of silk or the finest cotton - hunt in vintage shops for lovely silk ones or the men's department for soft cotton.

Pea coat - unfussy practical and warm. They are always in style and available from the high - street, designer and vintage. Go for a classic colour - navy, black, grey or loden green.

Pearls - layer them long and opera length a la Coco Chanel, a vintage single strand with your LBD or twin set, mix them with costume jewellery again very Chanel.

Pencil Skirt - immediately conjures images of femme fatales, there is power in the pencil skirt and a certain sophistication. The hemline should fall just below or just above the knee, it should always be snug but never tight.

Perfume - a scent is a powerful weapon, it can take you back in an instant to moments in time. Some women have a summer and winter perfume or change to what is fashionable or a certain celebrity is launching I personally think that it is fabulous to find a signature scent and stick to it - mine Black Orchid by Tom Ford.

Red lipstick - nothing says Hollywood glamour like a red lip and no vintage girl would be without one! The best ones out there are - Mac Rooby Woo, Chanel Red, Clinique Angel Red for a luxury brand, Cover Girl Really Red and Mabeline and Rimmel do some great ones for those on a more limited budget. A fabulous quote from the late great Isabella Blow who never went anywhere with out her flash of red on her lips - "If you don't wear lipstick. I can't talk to you!!!"

Robe - a silk robe is essential for after baths or morning afters. I admire a woman who has good lounge wear - you can open the door or accidentally get locked out without any embarrassment.
Cotton, cashmere and silk are the three standards - no over sizes terry toweling please. Consider a vintage kimono or wearing man's silk robe is very sexy, and for a cosier option I like the idea of a gentleman's quilted one.

Silk Scarf - French women know how to wear a scarf if you ever get a chance sit at a Parisian cafe and admire how they wear them - scarves as belts, tied round the handle of bags, tied through the loops of a trench, and around the neck tied in 100 different ways. They are a great way to add colour to your wardrobe, and can be picked up for a few pounds from vintage and charity shops.

Slippers - the finishing touch to your lounging outfit, think of a sheepskin lined pair for cosiness for winter or Moroccan - style which lets you run to the corner shop without looking like a nut. The ultimate luxury - a monogrammed pair in the finest wool!!??

Stilettos - I am a high heel girl and you can never have too many pairs of shoes in my book. The stiletto is the ultimate statement shoe it makes you feel powerful, sexy and taller!! Introduced in the late 50's, and now available in every colour and shape at every price level. A must have is a classic black, nude - which make your legs look as they go on forever and a bright bold colour of your choice.

Striped Sailor Shirt - French through and through - no French film would be complete without one - think Jean Seberg in Breathless and of course Bardot in Cannes. Wear it with a pair of carpi's or pencil skirt for total French chic.

Suit - what could be more fabulous than a 40's suit with a wide shoulder and nipped in waist or a 50's fitted jacket and a full skirt, whatever your era, make sure it fits your perfectly - it is worth having it altered to get the fit right.
Buy one in a neutral colour and dress it up with bright accessories.

Sunhat - necessary to protect your hair from the sun and put the finishing touch to your summer frock. Wide brimmed, saucer or cloche in straw - accessorize with flowers, fruit and scarves to match with the outfit you are wearing.

Trench - when you are wearing a great trench what you have on underneath isn't important. Catherine Deneuve in The Umbrella's of Cherbourgh or agin Audrey in Breakfast at Tiffany's and any 40's film noir are the icons to aspire too.

Tuxedo suit - a fabulous and sexy alternative to the LBD - think Marlene Dietrich in gender bending style, Louise Brook's with her sharp bob and pearls. YSL did the ultimate in 1965, again with your suit make sure it fits you like a dream, add a brooch to the lapel or if your feeling very daring nothing underneath. Just a note to how things have changed - Nan Kemper a noted New York socialite walked into a restaurant wearing a tux suit in the early 60's and was told that she couldn't enter wearing a pair of trousers - she promptly dropped the trousers folded them over her arm walked in and sat down at her table!!!

Umbrella - weathermen can't be trusted and we know from experience that the British climate is nothing but unpredictable. I have the smallest one I can find that fits into all my vintage handbags (except the tiny evening ones) but it is also lovely to carry a stylish vintage one - or vintage style as some of the really vintage ones are so beautiful it seems a shame to get them wet.

Valid passport - just in case - you never know if your other half may surprise you or you remember to book the holiday but forget that your passport runs out the week before you fly. Buy yourself a smart cover for it in a bright leather so you never loose it.

Vintage - what can I say - the only way to dress in my opinion, not as cheap as it used to be but finding a one off amazing dress or suit makes your heart beat a little faster. If you are a vintage virgin start with accessories such as bags, brooches, and scarves. It is the only way to own a little bit of history and turn up to a function knowing that no-one else will have on the same outfit as you.

Watch - I don't always wear a watch, I tend to use my phone to check the time but I have always fancied a delicate vintage one, I am not one for big chunky men's ones as I prefer something more feminine.

Wayfarers - worn by everyone from Kim Novack and of course Audrey, they were created in 1952 and have been a classic ever since. You can now buy them in many of colours but black is the ultimate chic and the other great thing they come in prices to suit all budgets.

Wide-Leg Trousers - we owe a debt to Katerine Hepburn for the wide-leg trouser. They offer freedom of movement and are glamorous, think Ginger Rogers tapping with Fred Astaire and you get the picture.
Only wear a wide-leg trouser styles with something fitted on top to balance the look. Look for a pair with a cuff and leave the length long - too short is just wrong. A flat front is more flattering and take care of pocket placement you don't want to widen your hips. Go for black, white, camel, a grey flannel or pinstripe for enduring style.

Wrap dress- in the 70's Diane Von Furstenberg made the wrap dress in the go to staple for women of every shape and size. (It wasn't a new thing I found recently an ad in one of my 50's magazines for the "most flattering" of shapes for any women to wear - a wrap dress). It hugs in all the right places and drapes elegantly over others, buy it in jersey to enhance your curves - dress it up or dress it down - it will never let you down.

Zest and Zeal - this is my addition and although not a wardrobe item they are essential in my book. This big bad world can be tough but if you dress up look fabulous and live life with zest and zeal it makes it seem a whole lot better.

Stilettos and dogs!!!

Kate in her trademark trousers.

Jean Seberg

The cutest suit for summer with a raffia bag, and hat.

Another lovely suit.

Sun hat and summer frocks.

Wrap dress from Prada.

Wardrobe must haves part II

2011-10-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

To continue with my wardrobe must haves we go for G - O -

Gentleman's Hat - every women looks sexy in a men's style hat. The fedora - a feature in the Forties for both men and women - wear it with attitude like Greta Garbo, the trilby similar to the fedora but with a smaller brim. They are great on a bad hair day or on damp days when you need to look chic but you know your hair is going to go frizzy as soon as you step outside the door.

Gloves - long satin gloves conjures images of old Hollywood - think Ava Gardner and Rita Hayworth, those were the times when no self-respecting women would go out with out her gloves, they were a symbol of elegance and femininity but went out of Vogue in the 60's and 70's. But a woman wearing the gloves (and I am not talking the knitted fingerless variety here!!) it is still very glamorous.
A chic pair of gloves with a vintage suit or 3/4 length ones with a duster coat is beyond stylish.

Hats - this one is in addition to Gentleman's hats, these are the fun whimsical ones that make a statement. The simple beret that you can pile your hair into and pin a brooch on the front, a chic cocktail hat or fascinator to wear with your LBD.

Investment bag - I am not ashamed to admit I did go through a phase of being a bit of a label whore - I coveted the designs straight off the catwalk (although all the things I dreamed of buying had a vintage influence to them), I do have a few designer pieces in my wardrobe and one investment bag that was bought by my lovely hubby for my 4oth birthday. Now my investment bag would be a great vintage skin Kelly style bag (I do still dream that a Hermes Kelly will turn up somewhere and the person selling it doesn't know what they have - I live in hope!!!) but having a fabulous elegant timeless bag that you know you will have forever and make you feel luxurious when ever you carry it.

Khakis - this is the nearest I get to jeans. I wear them with a white shirt, loafers and little scarf at the neck or with a 50's twin set and ballet pumps.

Lingerie - I am not talking your basic M & S undies here but the frothy frilly things that make you feel sexy, sometimes what you put on before the outfit can make all the difference to how you feel. Invest in a few glamorous sets.
Little Black Dress - very often the perfect LBD finds a girl when she is least expecting it, if you go out on a mission to find one it will elude you. But if you are on the way to some where else it will jump it at you. Now mater what the cost you should buy it if it is the perfect one for you because it is one of the most useful items in your wardrobe and if you do the maths of cost per wear.

Choose the best material you can find, nothing too tight or shiny. Consider your LBD as a canvas instead of a fallback. It demands to be accessorized and adorned. Vintage is great here as there as there are so many icons to take inspiration from. It is said that you only need one but I would say a minimum of 2 - one knee length and one long.

Little White Dress - this doesn't get quite as much press as it's sister the LBD but I think that there is nothing chicer in Summer - I would go for a cute shirt-waister 50's style or a Jackie O style shift, gold, silver and nude are best friends to the LWD.
Luggage - a lucky few can buy a matching set of luggage but for the rest of us it is best to buy one piece at a time. Build up a some classic suitcases and every stylish girls must have a vintage make-up case (I have yet for find the perfect one but I have fun looking).

Man's White Shirt - keep it as close to a man's version as possible with mother of pearl buttons, keep it basic and classic. Think Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or Elizabeth Taylor in Giant.

Mary Janes - these shoes became popular in the 1920's as they looked great and yo could dance in them. They are best in patent but why not try velvet or animal print. They have now become iconic thanks to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City.

Monogrammed Stationery - in this day of technology when we send text and emails instead of letters (don't get me wrong emails are essential for business and we would have blogs without computers), there is something wonderfully romantic and old fashioned about receiving hand written letters through the post Sending "thank you notes" on monogrammed stationery is very stylish chic and old school. Two of the best are Mrs John L Strong and Smythsons of Bond Street - these are luxury versions but there are some lovely cheaper versions on Etsy.
Nail Polish - I am a bit of a traditionalist here and for the best retro look I would always go for vamp red or light pink. I prefer a short square nail rather than long talons and I don't go in for fashion colours of blue or green but maybe a strong burgundy would be OK.
One - Piece Swimming Costume - I am not one for bikinis I prefer the cover up of a swimming costume I always think that it has more glamour and is more elegant. There are so many vintage styles out there now that you can channel your inner Hollywood icon.

Gloves and LBD

LBD, hats and gloves!!

Gentleman's Hats.

A classic day time LBD.

Audrey in Roman Holiday.

Classic red polish.

Want every Vintage girl needs - wardrobe must haves!!

2011-10-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of fashion books, not all of them about vintage. From time to time I pull them out and re-read one.

The latest on is following on from my previous post of putting together the perfect wardrobe - "The One Hundred" - a guide to the pieces every stylish woman must own - by Nina Garcia (Elle fashion director and Project Runway judge). She lists 100 items that every woman should have in her wardrobe - they are the classic items that will work for every occasion. I am not going to list all 100 as there are certain items that I don't feel fit in with my vintage style (and I don't wear jeans or converse!!)

So over the next few posts I will give you my A-Z of wardrobe must haves with a vintage twist.

So here is the first instalment - A - F.

A-Line Dress - it is one of those little dresses that works for all occasions, you can dress it up or down, it is the ultimate dress of every 60's It girl - think Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Edie Sedgewick, Mary Quant and Jean Shripmton. Have one in black as your just "in case" dress - wear it with opaque tights in the winter, knee high boots and in the summer with sandals.

Animal Print - this print is never far from the catwalk and an animal print accessory is an opportunity to be a bit bold with a slight element of danger but a full on leopard print dress on the other hand means you are no wallflower! Beware there is a fine line between looking chic and looking like a bad version of Bet Lynch when wearing animal print.

Too keep it chic:

Wear only one piece of animal print at a time or you will end up looking like fashion road kill!!
Keep everything else simple - pair the print with neutrals such as black, white, camel and khaki.
And animal print does not come in pink, blue or yellow

Ballet flat - chic and timeless. From the sexy Bridget Bardot to the elegant Audrey Hepburn and every starlet in between. Although you can't go wrong with basic black, have a couple of fun bold colours to go with your pretty summer dresses or add a pop of colour to your outfit.

Bangles - the style staple that lets you play around. They are available in precious and non precious materials. They can be bold colours, plain or highly decorated. Try out different versions mixed together - vintage versions in Bakelite in bright colours, hunt them out it vintage shops and flea markets.

Belts - a belt can make you look slimmer, pulled together and accentuate you curves. A thick black belt on a black dress instantly narrows the waist an highlights your figure. A skinny belt on a trouser makes you look polished. Think of your belts as jewellery - look out for unique designs, styles and fabrics. Try an animal print or bright green or red croc one on a white dress?

Brooch - it is the accessory that allows you to show off your creative side and one of my favorite things to wear. They are easy to pick up in vintage and charity shops fairly cheaply and can make an impact on an outfit for very little outlay. Put them in your hair, on your hats, on unexpected places on your clothing - wrap your cardigan around your waits and add a brooch to cinch it in or add one on each shoulder of your LBD. Group 3 together on a jacket or dress.

Camel coat - a true classic coat that looks both elegant and expensive. It is the ultimate uptown coat that will make anything you wear look chic.

Cape - this can be elegant and practical. It is the perfect way to add drama, hides a multitude of sins and a great option to pair with an evening dress. Keep everything else fitted when wearing a cape, it is best worn with tailoring underneath. Find a vintage one in a knit or wool and try a fabulous velvet one over your dress.

Clutch - this is the item that will let you show off your sense of whimsy and glamour. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours and materials. A clutch in a bold colour adds excitement to a black outfit. Try beaded, python skin, bright colours, brocade and silk.

Cocktail ring - flashing a big bold vintage ring on your finger makes a statement. It doesn't have to real in fact some of the best rings are costume - if you can get hold of Kenneth Jay Lane who is the costume jewellery king - the prices are going up now but it may still be possible to pick up something fabulous on eBay.

Cuff - it always makes a statement and will never go unnoticed. Try mixing several together, channel you inner Wonder Woman with one on each arm. Think of Coco Chanel with her Maltese cross cuff - they were made by Fulco di Verdura and are still available today but obviously very expensive but you can take inspiration and find your own costume version.

Driving shoe - rather like a loafer but with a softer sole. Great for wearing with khakis and white shirt - thin Grace Kelly in High Society. Go for a classic tan or skin - you can pick them up fairly cheaply if you ever get a chance to go to Southern Italy and Spain as they are sold in little shops all over.

Evening gown - never buy an evening gown when you need it as it will be an impossible task and you will endlessly hunt for the perfect dress and not find it. Keep an eye on the sale rail and vintage shops for the perfect dress and buy it when you see it not when you need to - the invite will come and you will have the outfit ready to go, don't forget you can add accessories to change it up for different occasions.

Exotic Skin Bag - this will make you look instantly lux. Search out for a crocodile tote or snakeskin clutch (your can go faux if you like but there is something stunning about a real skin - sorry but my philosophy is that it has been dead a while and better to re-cycle rather than put it in landfill and I would never buy a new one but vintage is OK in my book).

Fishnets - originally worn but questionable ladies of the night but in the 20's they were made fashionable by the flappers and Marlene Dietrich made them all the rage. They are at their most powerful when just a glimpse of fishnet is shown - a flash at the knee, or centimeter at the peep toe. Choose a fine mesh and pair with sophisticated clothing - a blouse with a pencil skirt or pants with just a flicker of fishnet at the feet.

Fur - whether you decide on real or faux, make sure that it is fabulous either way, it has to be glamorous and gorgeous otherwise it is pointless. Daytime coats look wrong at night but a fur stole adds drama and keeps you warm. It always adds glamour to a winter coat when draped around your neck.( I have the same feelings here as I do with skin bags - I would rather wear a vintage fur than dump it in land fill and it was from a time when they weren't aware of the issues, again I would never buy a new one but vintage is fine with me - sorry!!)

Belt, Cuff and Fur.

Brooch (and I know it's not a wardrobe staple but every girl should have an other essential "C" a cocktail at least once a week!!)

Amazing bangles and fur.

Fabulous belts to cinch your waist.

A wonderful wool cape.

A great way to add a little glamour with a brooch on your waist and hat.

Classic evening gown.

(photo Julia Holland - All about Image Photography)

Dressing room inspiration

2011-10-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

I have previously talked of wanting to turn our spare room into a dressing room and it is my goal this year to get it done. It is really hard in a small terrace house to create space so I am going to have to compromise but I am determined to get a glamorous room to get swan around feeling like a movie star!!

So lets start with some fabulous ideas that I would love to be able to incorporate into my own room - I will have to talk nicely to my hubby to see if he can work his magic and watch this space on progress and updates.

Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe from her apartment in Sex and the City Series

Love this - a beautiful dressing table to do my hair and make-up, and vintage dresses hanging up.

Would love something like this and the dog is so cute too - but don't know if I would trust one with vintage clothes and shoes!!

Adore this fabric - would love to have curtains made from it - Romo Fabrics -Tea at the Ritz although I daren't ask how much it is a metre?

More ideas to come and if you have any pictures that would inspire me - send them on!!

Capsule Wardrobes

2011-10-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

Now that the freak summer spell has finally given way to the normal chilly Autumn weather it's time to start thinking about how to put your winter wardrobe together. Most women have a tendency to buy on impulse therefore have a mis-match of items that don't seem to go together or pieces they wear as an "outfit" they don't mix and match.
As a stylist regardless of whether I am dealing with a vintage, high street or designer wardrobe the principals of making your wardrobe work for you - building a capsule collection of clothes that you can interchange and by adding accessories change the look of the outfit.

So here is my guide to building your capsule vintage wardrobe - I have cheated just a little by pulling from a previous blog Orchids on a Budget - guide to living well on a budget but it works here too.

Buy your your staples in neutrals - black, brown, grey or navy are good ones to choose for winter.. Once you have your basics in neutrals make shore that your shoes and bag match these, it may sound monotonous but with this plan everything goes with everything else.

Besides there are still blouse, tops, jackets, scarves, belts and other accessories to bring brightness to your wardrobe.

Another rule is never buy clothes that are defiantly one-purpose dressing or even one season trend led items. Its all very well if you have enough money to replace your wardrobe each season but as most of us cannot it is a better investment to buy simple elegant styles that are timeless and you don't tire of in 5 minutes.

Day dresses that have classic lines will take you to work. lunch with the girls and out to dinner. This may sound all unexciting but as a matter of fact you can be just as chic in an outfit that doesn't tell where you are going as in one that does - a little mystery never hurt anyone!!

Pull out all the items that you have in your wardrobe and have a look and see what you have - are there suits that you can wear with another skirt or pair of trousers; is there a jacket that you could wear over a day dress to give it a different look - once you have done this make a list and carry it with you or download photos to your phone so your take your wardrobe shopping with you and buy items in the future that will go with pieces you currently own.

To give you and example here is the original list from 1937 -

Toast brown wool coat untrimmed. Simple well cut, warm enough to wear through Autumn and a good style to wear with separate furs?!
Black wool dress (with brown buttons to go under coat)
Short toast brown wool jacket (lightweight to wear over dress or separate skirt)
Check brown and black skirt
Printed silk dress (with brown and white design to be worn with jacket or coat)
Toast brown hat, bag and shoes
Lighter brown stockings and gloves
White gloves, bag and accessories and jacket (warm weather to go with print dress)

This may sound a little dated with matching shoes, hats and gloves but the basic principal is the same (and I want to bring hats and gloves back because it was just so ladylike and chic!?)

As for evening wear - the LBD is the elegant standby and can be worn in so many ways that you will never tire of it and with a little imagination no-one will realise that it is the same frock time and time again. It can be varied by contrasting jackets, jewels, flowers, scarves and shoes until it dies on its feet - one example taken from the book is the following:

A beautifully cut evening dress and several changes of accessories. The dress is the backdrop for:

An emerald green taffeta jacket and slippers
Two ruby clips and bracelet to match worn with black slippers and bag
Pink chiffon roses and pink chiffon scarf worn with black slippers and bag
A gold lame jacket with black bag and slippers
A black sequin jacket
Gold chunky jewellery

So with some thought and a little creativity you can look elegant and chic on a budget - think of the French they do it very well with a limited wardrobe but fabulous accessories and most of all keeping it simple and classic.

Winter Wardrobe II

2011-09-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am usually a vintage girl I will admit that I should think that over 75% of my wardrobe is vintage. My collection is growing all the time and to accommodate the dresses, bags, shoes, hats and all the other things I can't seem to resist when I go out on my travels - I am going to have to change the spare room into a dressing room and somehow fit the office, clothes and vast collection of Vogues into one space!!

But I diverse from the point of the point of this post (my inspiration for my new dressing room will come in another post).

There are so many vintage influences in the shops this season that I just had to share some of my favourites with you. All of these are really reasonablly priced and can be mixed with orginal pieces or with retro styles to give you a fabulous look for Autumn/Winter.

Watch out on furture posts of outfits that I have worn out and about to see if I actually bought any of these pieces.????

This pussy bow Florence and Fred dress from Tesco £16 I would wear this with a tweed jacket and a pair of brogues and a felt hat or beret. Or with a T bar shoe and a fascinator, my lovely moc croc vintage clutch bag for lunch with the girls.

Tweed skirt Florence and Fred from Tesco £18 teamed with a brown pussy bow blouse, and my 40's red jacket and hat.

John Rocha at Debenhams £60 shoes - these are fairly practical for winter weather but smart enough to wear with skirts and trousers alike.

Wide leg pants Primark £16 - I would team these with a flat loafer and a fair isle sweater, a vintage jacket and a felt hat or beret.

30's style jumpsuit Primark £17 - I just love this glamorous jumpsuit, my idea for wearing this would be to an casual dinner for friends with a vintage brooch on the shoulder and some vintage inspired chandelier earrings and pair of flat ballet pumps.

Weekend outfits

2011-09-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the hubby and I packed our case (vintage of course) and headed to the coast at Sheringham for the North Norfolk Railways 1940's weekend.

We go every year and meet up with good friends and meet lots of new ones. It is lovely to see everyone dressed up in uniforms and beautiful vintage dresses and hats. The whole town gets involved with bunting, window dressing and wartime themes.

Each year I like to wear something fabulous and this year was no exception so here are my two daytime outfits - with the debut of my new hats!!

Saturday Day outfit - hat bought from stall at Gressinghall, Jacket bought for me by my lovely hubby from Lulu Vintage in Norwich, brown skirt part of a suit from Ebay and bag from Prim Vintage, and shoes also from Lulu vintage.

Sunday Day outfit - hat again from Gressinghall, hat pin bought on Saturday, Dress from Break vintage, shoes from Goldfinch's vintage and fur wrap is my mum's.

Evening outfits coming in next post and more fabulous outfits that get showcased during Norwich Fashion Week.

Mad Hatters

2011-09-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

Following on from my A/W inspirations post,I love to wear a hat and Autumn is a great time to top of your look with a fabulous titfer!!

A hat is a must for the damp days of Autumn - if you have curly hair like me and the minute you walk out the door the style that you have spent ages rolling and tweaking goes into a massive frizz ball, don a fantastic hat you will look polished and stylish all day.

Here are a few ideas of hats I love.....

I am starting to put together a rather fabulous collection of vintage hats and am looking forward to wearing them of the next few months.

While I was out and about at Gressinghall Village at War last month I pick up a couple of really cute hats (at a bargain price which is even better), these will debut at Sheringham 1940's weekend on Saturday. So I will post the whole outfit on this blog on my return.

New Season Inspiration

2011-09-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

Summer seems to have finally said good-bye although it never really said hello!!! I was hoping that we may have had a last mintue flourish of an Indian summer but I think that I have to bite the bullet and put the summer dresses away for 6 months or so and bring out the heavier knits and tweeds.

I love the summer weather but do love Autumn/Winter clothes - I love the chic and elegance of a tweed suit, a 3/4 length glove showing under a wool duster coat and hats!

Vintage clothes are so suitable for chilly days - ladies of a bygone eara always looked so well put together with a co-ordinating suit and coat. And she wouldn't have left the house without gloves, hat and bag that all toned in.

I adore planning my outfits at the begining of the season, looking through what I already own and what goodies I can buy to make it feel fresh and new. I always put together a look book of styles that I like and want to wear for the months ahead.

So here are some of the looks I love ...................................

I just love the sharp angles of these styles - the red and black are so striking, adore the hat and scarf.

So elegant!

I need a new winter coat so something like these are on my wish list.

A classic car coat, hat and gloves, also loving the scarf and brooch.

The thought of wearing fabulous outfits like these makes the dark and gloomy months ahead seem a little more bearable.

I will post some of the outfits I put together for Autumn/Winter and where they were worn in future blogs.

Orchids on your Budget - Making a budget.

2011-03-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

There are many more qualified to do budgets than me but the Orchids on Your Budget feels that the miscellaneous section that most budgets suggest should be cut down the most is the reverse with us. As long as you have enough for the essentials this section should be as much as you can afford. Even if you have to cut down to the bear minimum on everything else.

"Miscellaneous" is the item that covers theatres. parties, trips and cocktails, permanent waves (blow dries now) and a Wedgwood breakfast tray set or the jewelled clip you saw in the vintage shop window and lilacs in Springtime.

What works best is to draw the "miscellaneous" budget out of the bank once a week and do as many of the things you want keeping in mind the days you have to cover.

Professional budgeteers minimize this item, true if but if your budget is small - but this section is the fun in your life and should not be trimmed - look at ways that you can save in other places - the coffee every morning, the sandwich at lunchtime, the newspaper - read it one line - all add up and could quiet easily be part of the "miscellaneous" that affords a chic evening purse or good bottle of bubbly.

It is wise to budget one way or another. It seems to be the only sure method of knowing what is coming in and going out. Have a budget and follow it but be flexible with it and make very sure that your budget covers orchids!!

This is the last of the Orchids on Your Budget posts but I will keep returning to it with ideas, tips and photos of how you can have a fabulous life with out spending a fourtune.

Orchids on your Budget - Giving to others

2011-03-28T02:35:00.000-07:00

One that you should not do is giving presents especially Christmas and Birthdays. People on a budget economize and nobly tell their friends and relatives they can't manage presents this year and know that it will spoil it for them.

Your income is in bad way (and attitude) if you can't give a few presents, with thought taking the place of money.

Some of the most wonderful presents I have received have cost next to nothing - gosh presents (the kind that make you go gosh when you open them) are the best ever.

Handmade gifts - a large fir cone tied with ribbon for those friends with fireplaces, pick up an old glass or china in charity shops or antique shops, find a decorative box and fill with sample sizes of beauty products or a basket with food goodies, make some cupcakes or cookies wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon.

Collect unusual ribbon, wrapping paper - use lining paper and potato print or cut stars and stick on. Scraps of fabric can be used as gift wrap, newspaper - especially the FT it's pink!!, old magazines, brown paper tied up with string with a pretty flower or trinket attached. Making the outside look fabulous means that you have taken time and effort to make it special.

Orchids on your Budget - Out and about.

2011-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Don't think that you can't get around on very little money. There are few cities that don't have inexpensive restaurants or deals that can be used to go out for a meal. There are lots of things that can be done for free or very little money. Cinemas are often cheaper during the week and lunchtimes in fancy restaurants do good deals.

Pack a picnic in the park - there are free and using a proper basket, linen napkins and cutlery instead of paper ones will make the simplest of food seem more expensive and chic.

Investigate what public facilities have to offer - free lecturers, or concerts, reasonably priced venues and events in your own area and you will have fabulous interesting things to do which will encourage you to do more and find more ways to have fun on little money.

First nights of plays are often cheaper, are there magazines that want people to review events in return for a ticket?

Thinking outside of the box - and again what seems to be the buzz word running through this blog - IMAGINATION!!

Orchids on your Budget - Entertaining

2011-03-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

As to the matter of entertaining which is something that you shouldn't give up unless your bank account is really alarming.

You don't need to entertain expensively. It doesn't even need to be a lot of work. But entertaining is important. Both the parties you give and go to are stimulating and boost the moral.

Being embarrassed by having the entertain simply is a silly form of snobbery and in these days when simpler meal are smart and a amusing party is far more of an achievement than an extravagant one.

Real hospitality and carefully combined guests are the most important part of any party.

One of the first rules is not to attempt more that you can manage. In these times when money is tight necessity had invented all sorts of ways of entertaining on a shoestring, without the need for 9 course dinners!

Keeping it simple but fun with good food and friends is all you need:

- Sunday lunch - made simple - baked ham, potato salad, with cherries or strawberries for desert.

- a late supper post movie - sandwiches laid out on the coffee table made with a variety of breads and fillings so that people can make their own combinations, bottles of beer or ginger ale.

Sunday brunch is always a great way to entertain especially in the summer when you can get outside - bloody mary's or lots of fresh juice, huge bowls of berries, yogurt, toast some muffins with a selection of marmalade's and jams - wack on the barbie and cook sausages and bacon.

The setting can do a lot for the party and that isn't a matter of cost. A table set in a sunny window or on terrace with a view or under an apple tree can make the simplest china look enchanting.

Hunt out car boot fairs, charity shops or flea markets for individual pieces of china and linen, mix with cheap white china from high street stores - effective but stylish.

Buffet suppers are a triumphant solution to no maid no money solution. One advantage is that everything or nearly everything can be made in advance. The best buffet suppers are planned that everyone can sit down in small groups with a small table to avoid the necessity of balancing plate, glass and fork.

A smart way to do it if you have no dining room is to sit your guest on sofa's and occasional chairs with a number of side tables and each table laid as for a formal dinner. Or serve coffee after dinner in a beautiful coffee pot - you can pick ones up all over the place.

Throw a tea party with china teapot and teacups - simple sandwiches and shop bought cakes. For cocktails - mix jugs of spirit with lots of juice, serve olives. nuts and little nibbles that can be bought really cheaply - £ shops have lots of olives and nuts, or make really simple canapes - cheese biscuits with cream cheese or bean puree - there are lots of quick ideas in books that you can borrow from the library.

In summary - keep it simple, use good ingredients, and some imagination to entertain with style.

Orchids on your Budget - You have to Eat

2011-03-18T01:20:00.000-07:00

There a lot of things you can do when economizing - food isn't one of them!

If you come to a stretch when you have to get all the meals yourself (in 1937 many households had at least two staff), get them as inexpensively as possible and do it with air and no-one will ever know you are cutting back.

Nothing can duller than uninteresting food on the table and beans on toast and all though lovely does get tiresome after a while. But there is a vogue for simple yet interesting (in 1937 and again now) - anything served with chic, can seem like some thing copied from the smartest house. It can also served unattractively seem like poor pickings.

The trick is to have a little knowledge about food and service, to put imagination into your meals and to organise the time you spend on them. If you haven't got the first head to the smartest magazines and books (all available to borrow at the library), and spend some time reading and getting ideas from them. When you got out shopping spend 15 minutes in the linen, china and glass department of the stores you visit to see how they display things and what ideas you can borrow.

See where you can find simple pieces of white inexpensive china - add vintage glasses or plates, find unusual napkins or buy remnants of fabric - sew the edges or fray them if sewing is too much for you. Flowers and leaves from the garden or small bulbs in pots look lovely on a spring table. These are minor extravagances, small orchids on you budget and the type of thing you need as stimulus to keep up enthusiasm seven days a week which isn't easy but can be done.

One obvious bit of advice is go to market - the farmer's market or foreign store - don't be too set about taking a list - see what's available, browse around and buy in season. Look out for interesting spices and sauces that can make food something a little different.

Keep a well stocked larder of essentials that can be whipped up into a meal in a few moments.

Learning to make a few signature dishes that you do well, will soon get you a reputation as a great cook.

A simple but stylish dish - a curry made from a lesser cut of meat, cooked slowly in spices, add a heaped bowl of rice in a lovely vintage dish and served with some or all of the following condiments - chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled eggs (white and yolk separate), green peppers, grated coconut, fried onion and mango chutney - serve these in a mixture of vintage dishes and plates and it makes the most basic meal feel chic.

If dress the table and use your best china and table linen for everyday simple meals it makes it all seem a lot less as though you are economizing and dinner time a little more chic.

Orchids on Your Budget - Things you can't afford to do!!?

2011-03-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Economizing is painful if you keep applying it in the wrong places - you have to be careful where you pinch.

First and foremost in this is "letting yourself go". The women who feel she can't afford to keep herself as young, handsome and chic as humanely possible or she will do it when her finances are in better shape eventually finds that she has made a miscalculation that runs into money. The result plays havoc with husbands, jobs and her opinion of herself. Lean periods as at all times a women needs to be as seductive as possible as since it is only normal for a man to look around for an excuse for his difficulties and a slovenly wife is as good excuse as any other. (Not very women's lib but if you look fabulous you feel better about yourself and he's not going to want a younger model). The kind of women who gets up any old how and slops around the house deserves all she gets - harsh words from 1937 but making an effort around the house always seems a very glamorous thing to do - even Primark do cute little 40's style pj's and silky dressing gowns so there really is no excuse? (and trust me your man will love it and you will probably make the postman's year!!!)

The beauty problem may present more difficulties but with a little planning and system you can still give nature a helping hand - do your own nails in front of the TV, give yourself a facial, or sign up for the local college or salon that advertises for models (Check that they are always under supervision)

Economize on things that you can - toothpaste, body lotion and scrubs, they may have a more elegant smell but they do the same job. A good foundation - less spent on mascara, eyeshadow and lipstick.

Another extravagance is letting your house run to ruin because you think you are cutting back by not doing the jobs that need to be done - it takes a lot of minor repairs to total major ones that result from years of neglect. Getting things replaced or repaired at the first sign of wear before it completely breaks down and costs a lot more to replace.

Cleverly built shelves, minor DIY jobs, a change of paint, a lovely lighting fixture picked up at auction, pretty vintage china or an inexpensive rug to cut out a draft - there are 100 ways to stop you house from being dated and drab and the result is not merely more fun to live in, it may even mean a better price should you need to sell.

It all sums up to the fact that economy should be as nearly invisible as possible. The thing is you can't afford is letting economy stand out like an ugly patch on the wall. With planning and a little ffort no-one need know that your are cutting back at all.

Orchids on Your Budget - Dress Sense

2011-03-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

Practically every women believes in her heart that she cold look a million dollars if she had a million dollars to buy the latest designer label. The truth is that the women that do a look a million dollars often do it on very little money. ( You only have to look at some of the celebrity disasters to know that money does not buy style!!)

It does take time but isn't it worth spending a little time and energy after all you don't get anything for nothing.

Fashion sense is a gift to a chosen few but anyone can learn what suits them and how to build a wardrobe of clothes that works for every occasion. Basic rules for smart dressing on a budget are pretty much the same as they were in 1937 - the styles may have changed but the guidelines remain the same.

The main one about build a wardrobe around one or two colours at the most for instance, how many times have you bought something that doesn't go with anything else you have? Not good budgeting!

Buy your your staples in neutrals - black, brown, or navy (camel or cream in summer - this will also go with other neutrals). Once you have your basics in neutrals make shore that your shoes and bag match these, it may sound monotonous but it is the greatest style economy when it comes to clothes.

With this plan everything goes with everything else. Besides there are still blouse, tops, jackets, scarves, belts and other accessories to bring brightness to your wardrobe.

Another rule is never buy clothes that are defiantly one-purpose dressing or even one season trend led items. Its all very well if you have enough money to replace your wardrobe each season but as most of us cannot it is a better investment to buy simple elegant styles that are timeless and you don't tire of in 5 minutes. Day dresses that have classic lines will take you to work. lunch with the girls and out to dinner. This may sound all unexciting but as a matter of fact you can be just as chic in an outfit that doesn't tell where you are going as in one that does - a little mystery never hurt anyone!!

As for the list of clothes this is the original from the 1937 book - the principals are the same now as then, keep your basis in the same neutrals so they mix and match then add some "whimsical" fashion item for each season. Make a list like this for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter and you will always look chic and no-one will ever know that you are working to a tight budget!

1937

Toast brown wool coat untrimmed. Simple well cut, warm enough to wear through Autumn and a good style to wear with separate furs?!
Black wool dress (with brown buttons to go under coat)
Short toast brown wool jacket (lightweight to wear over dress or separate skirt)
Check brown and black skirt
Printed silk dress (with brown and white design to be worn with jacket or coat)
Toast brown hat, bag and shoes
Lighter brown stockings and gloves
White gloves, bag and accessories and jacket (warm weather to go with print dress)

This may sound a little dated with matching shoes, hats and gloves but the basic principal is the same (and I want to bring hats and gloves back because it was just so ladylike and chic!?)

As for evening wear - the LBD is the elegant standby and can be worn in so many ways that you will never tire of it and with a little imagination no-one will realise that it is the same frock time and time again. It can be varied by contrasting jackets, jewels, flowers, scarves and shoes until it dies on its feet - one example taken from the book is the following:

A business women who can't spend much on her evening wear but has to entertain for work with a smart set - her solution is one beautifully cut evening dress and several changes of accessories. The dress is the backdrop for:

An emerald green taffeta jacket and slippers
Two ruby clips and bracelet to match worn with black slippers and bag
Pink chiffon roses and pink chiffon scarf worn with black slippers and bag
A gold lame jacket and gold bag with black slippers

If she feels her dress can last another season she will buy a black sequined jacket or some chunky gold jewellery or a belt in the new colour instead.

So with some thought and a little creativity you can look elegant and chic on a budget - think of the French they do it very well with a limited wardrobe but fabulous accessories and most of all keeping it simple and classic.

The First Orchids on Your Budget

2011-02-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

This is the first of the blogs taken from Orchids on Your Budget - some of it is taken direct from the book, and some my modern additions. The next couple of blogs will include Dress Sense, Entertaining and Home as well as Things that you should always do any way!!!

Here is the introduction.

It isn't the size of your income or lack of it because whatever your income is you it is never enough for the life you would like to live!!

All of us have to budget whether it means giving up the Jimmy Choos (letting the maid go - we are talking 1937) or not having butter on your bread.

Enough money for what? A house like the Jones's, shoes to rival Imelda Marcos or a trip to the Far East?

We would all like to have them but you don't HAVE them - you will feel no better with a bigger house, more clothes or whatever you think you have to have.

What most of us don't concede is that with a little planning and a dash of ingenuity you might have what you want. Conditions have never been so favourable for those of us who are not millionaires but still want orchids, a wardrobe full of clothes or fabulous parties or attractive apartments and houses.

Don't economize "grubbily", nobody cares or needs to know what your income is - do it with style and subtly so that no-one even notices.

Even dull people can live smartly if they have plenty of money and more often it makes them duller. A slight financial pressure sharpens the wits. It takes an interesting person to have an attractive menage on a shoestring and run it with gaiety and charm.

The trick is to have the right attitude. Most people rundown instead of cutting down not interesting people. They grasp the obvious facts and conquer it with as much zest as possible. Given the right point of view you can have enough fun and make the best of life.

Firstly, do not go around complaining about your lot in life. Whatever your lot in life, it's just a challenge to your resourcefulness with which you work

New Year Resolution Broken

2011-02-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

I know that I said that I was going to do my blog more regularly and have not kept to that - in my defense it has not been a great start to 2011 for us.

To begin my mother has been quiet poorly and then last weekend we had to put our beloved Gemma to sleep - our naughty cat as mentioned on this blog. She has been part of the family for 17 years and the house is not the same without her and I have not been able to think straight and so upset.

Though rest assured I will get back to blogging on a more regular basis and now I have a new toy - my net-book so I can write wherever I am.

More on Orchids on a Budget coming very soon and much much more.

New Year's Resolution

2011-01-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

I resolve to be more frequent with my blog this year and go back to the original idea that I had of living as glamorous life as possible.

I bought a lovely book a little while ago and have re-read again over Christmas, it was originally written in 1937 during The Depression and I thought that in this doom and gloom when everyone is having a bit of a credit crunch it would be fabulous to take some of the ideas and adapt them to now although many of them still ring true in the modern times.

So over the next few weeks I will be attempting to give ways to bring a little glamour into to your life without making a huge dent in the bank balance?!!!

New magazine shoot

2010-10-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

New images from the lastest copy of The Iceni Guide magazine. With photos from the lovely Julia Holland again and models from Modelicious, hair by The Egg and make-up by Claire.

These shoots take a lot of organising to get everyone together at the same time as we don't have the big budgets of the glossies, we now have another magazine to shoot for Fine City - we did our first one for them a couple of weeks ago and I will post as soon as the mag has been released.

We - as in Julia, Nikki and myself has set up a new company The Fashion Collective to organise fashion shoots and fashion shows to indepedant stores and fashion companies so if you need us to create an amazing shoot to showcase your clothes then let me know.

More to come on the fashion shoot front soon. In the meantime you can see some more of my editorial work on my website - http://www.fabulousmissk.co.uk/ - it is still work in progress but if I can ever find the extra two days in the week that I need to get everything done I will make the changes to it and post more on my blog!!!!!

What I have been up to!

2010-09-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

I have been soooo busy and have not found the time to sit down and write my blog so I thought that I would give you a little in sight into what I have been up to.

I am now fashion editor for a wonderful magazine The Iceni Guide edited by the lovley Christina Bellamy working with the very talented Julia Holland from all about image photography and Nicola Louise from Modelicious Model Agency.

I will also be working on another magazine A Fine City.

How much fun can a girl have creating fabulous fashion pages every month??!! I am a very lucky girl to get to play with beautiful clothes everyday and work with very talented people.

A fun forties Sunday afternoon

2010-06-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

You all know by now that both my husband and I love our 40's music and events. Well last Sunday we went back in time to Blythburgh village hall for an old fashioned tea dance. The fabulous Gill and Nigel who run dance classes in Lowestoft (a seaside town on the East coast for those of you who don't know), decorated the hall and made the wonderful cakes and provided us with countless cups of tea - then it was onto the dancing to work off those calories.

Most people dressed up and you know there is no excuse for me to do that! It was great fun and a fabulous way to spend a not so sunny Sunday afternoon.

More Modern Style Icons

2010-05-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Love her or hate her (some people out there do?) But which ever side of the fence you sit on you can't deny that she has a great look very Studio 54 - 70's Halston chic. And how can we not love the lady that brings us fabulous shoes season after season.

Now with a hand in bringing us her iconic style to the fore again with the relauch of Halston and Halston Heritage.

This is a shoe closet to die for!!!!!!

2010-05-12T02:49:00.000-07:00

Images from a photo shoot for Rouge UK.Adam is a fabulous photograher that I met a few months ago and we have done some great shoots together and have many more planned. (check out his work at http://www.apfullerphotography.co.uk/)

It was a lovely summer day, we sat and had a picnic on the top of a multi-storey carpark!!

The white jacket is one of the few items I have for sale - a fabulous 80's number that is soo cool. And the multi coloured dress also for sale - remember Samantha's birthday in SATC movie it is very similar to Carrie's dress?

More from vintage collection to come and pics from the fashion show that took over my life for 3 months.

My lack of posting

2010-04-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

My unloved blog - I am working on a charity fashion show and it is taking up all of my time and I am totally lasp in all other areas of my life.

So once it is over I will get posting with new vigor - with pictures of the show to come.

The sun has started to shine a little more regulary which always seems to give me boost and more energy.

More Modern Style Icons

2010-03-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Carine Roitfeld, Editor in Chief French Vogue has that rock chick meets Paris chic - an edgy style that looks fabulous. Given the fact that she is well in to her 50's she still looks amazing and of late she has softened her normal hard make-up and we've even seen a more colour other than black. She has had no surgery as far as I know but French women have less work done than their US conterparts.

But for her edgy Paris chic and fabulous styling in Vogue she deserves her palce in my hall of fame.

New Camera!!

2010-03-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

At last we have a new camera so I can get out and about to make my blog more personal and start adding some fabulous pictures.

The sun is shining spring/summer updates for my wardrobe need to be bought and old favourites brought out - lots of new fabulous posts of my spring looks and more glamour coming soon.

Modern Icons SJP

2010-03-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

I guess you can't do a posting on modern icons without including SJP apart from giving us one of the best TV shows ever she has her own sense of style aside from her character in the series.

So I tried to find some pictures of SJP not Carrie. I love that she is not afraid of mixing it up - as do all of my modern icons. She has a much more classic approach to fashion than she does on screen but still manages to pull off quirky touches.

Whether she is taking her son to school, out with her husband or rocking the red carpet she manages to look fablulous and I want every pair of shoes in these pictures.

Again with all of the women I am going to feature - they don't work with a stylist, they are confident and strong with a great sense of self.

Their looks are individual but give all of us ideas of how to glam it up and look fabulous everyday.

Giovanna - a true fashion inspiration

2010-03-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

I was catching up with my favourite blogs and one of the first on my list is always The Sartorialist and to my joy I saw that Scott had posted a picture of Giovanna Battaglia Fashion Editor of Italian Vogue and stylist.

I have decided to do a regular "Modern Style Icon" post with images of those people who I think deserve to be in this hall of fame.

One of the first had to be Giovanna. She always looks so stylish and glamourous. She puts a twist on classic and takes a risk with fashion. Some of the combinations she comes up with shouldn't work but she manages to make it look amazing!!

Giovanna has got fabulous personal style and is obviously very confident in her choices. She has a strong sense of self. I know that she has a designer wardrobe at her fingertips but a lot of her pieces are such classics and really easy to put together for us lesser mortals without the high end price tag. The simple grey polo neck that she pulls out time and time again adding a funky skirt or shoes to make the outfit pop. Or the clash of colours and use of accessories is something we can all attemp to replicate with our own wardrobe.

So here's to Giovanna a worthy first on my "Modern Style Icon" section!!

2010-02-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

As everyone else I am in shock - I can't believe that such a talent has been taken from us. Ever since he launched on the fashion scene he has been an inspiration and contast wonder to all in the fashion world.

I remember seeing him in Harvey Nicks a while ago and I never ever go upto celebrities and gush but with him I couldn't help myself and true to form he was very sweet and humble.

The fashion world will truly miss his genius.

Ski Bunnies!!

2010-01-12T03:28:00.000-08:00

I have never been skiing but I have always wanted to go and with all the snow we have had recently I needn't have gone far!!

Skiing holidays are always deceptively glamorous - we have all seen the pictures of film stars swaggering around celebrity packed resorts. If the fantasy is being a 1960's snow siren, like Audrey in Charade, the reality is that most mortal end up looking more like boiled beetroots stuffed into anoraks than alluring double agents in a Bond movie!!

So how do you get to be alluring on the slopes?

Always enrol in a pre-ski class - however fit you are skiing uses muscles you never new your had!!

Give yourself regular pedicures before you go or book in for treatments at a salon - ski boots are hard on your feet so take care of them.

Buy a SPF 25 sunscreen with maximum four-star UVA filter.

Invest in a combined lip and eye block.

Have your eyelashes and eyebrows dyed - it will minimise the need for mascara and your eyebrows will frame you face.

Don't wear goggles unless it's snowing wear sunglasses instead (it's what the pros do).

Do use your ski block as a romantic tool - apply your lip shield alluringly.

You don't need much make -up tinted moisturiser with SPF, clear mascara. cream blush and gloss over your lip shield.

See you on the slopes!!

Belated Happy New Year!!

2010-01-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

A very quick post to say a Happy New Year - I have been laid up in bed all over Christmas with the flu, also my digital camera and laptop died so I need to get new technology for 2010!!

I have got a new job too with lots of exciting things to look forward to so more regular blogs coming soon.

Here's to a fabulous and glamorous 2010.

Brrrgh!!!!

2009-12-15T03:08:00.000-08:00

Our boiler has broken so we have no heating or hot water!! The sky is really bright and I am sure that it must be 0% out there and it is soooo cold. I am waiting for the nice man from the gas company to hopefully work his magic and give me heat!! I thouhgt that I would post some things to make me feel warm?I love faux fur throws and have a few draped over various chairs in my living room and I could do with a couple more right now!!

Oh to be lying here right now - feeling the sun beating down on my face (with a high factor suncream of course!)

We have a wonderful ornate fireplace but unfortunately it is not a working one!

I just loved this picture to be wrapped up warm going for long walk.

I think I will make myself a warming hot chocolate - at least my cooker still works so I can boil the milk!!

Hopefully in my next post I will be able to feel my fingers when I type?

Rainy Day Glamour

2009-11-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here listening to the rain pouring down and thought that I would share some more glamourous fixes to cheer me up:

Veronica Lake - the 40's movie star with her trademark "peekaboo" haircut.

Jimmy Choo shoes - what more can a girl say!

Halston - I am still onthe look out for a fabulous original piece that my bank manager won't have a heart attack over, you never know one day it my turn up. In the mean time I am watching some lovely lookie like ones on Ebay so fingers crossed.

Tom Ford - his clothes really were powerful and glamourous - also on my wish list?

So here are just a few glamour updates. I want to get out and take some pictures myself now that the party season and all the fabulous decorations and window dressing are appearing but my digital camera died on me last week. So Santa if you are reading this a new one in my stocking would be good!!

Glamour update

2009-11-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here on the sofa feeling sorry for myself nursing a rotten cold, so I thought that I would find some more glamorous things to cheer myself up so here they are and I hope that you find something amongst them that you love too - leave me your comments and let me know what you think is wonderful and glamorous!

La Fumoir at Claridges - is a fashion pack favourite but I just love the sheer decadence of it. You feel as though you have stepped back in time to one of the most glamorous eras - the 30's!

Jo Malone candles always make me feel better - I have them all over the house they smell wonderful and you don't even have to light them. My other favourite product is her Red Roses bath oil - just to lie back with a glass of champagne is bliss.

I love this book - all those shoes, diamonds what more could a girl want?

A few movies that always manage to cheer me up and make me feel better.

This film always makes me feel better - the clothes, locations and cosmos!

Another favourite so glamorous!

Cary and Audrey in Charade - need I say more?

One of my most favourite films ever - the ultimate little black dress movie.

To Catch a Thief - everything about this movie is wonderful - the clothes, it's stars, the scenery

These pictures by Cecil Beaton ( I was flicking through one of my numerous coffee table books and came across some of his photos) - I just love the gowns - I just need to find an event so I can wear one similar and the photo of Babe Paley (another of my most fabulous people) and her sister in the 30's.

My Glamour List

2009-11-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

The December issue of British Vogue comes with a Glamour supplement and as this blog is all about glamour I thought I would add a few of my own to the list:

SJP always looks fabulous - her alter ego Carrie may be all about fashion in real life Sarah is totally a glamour girl.

As I have mentioned before I love this lady - she looks so amazing for her age and sooo glam>

Cate takes risks with her looks but manages to pull it off every time and who could forget her as Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator.

What a couple - they look so good together! Quirky but totally fabulous!

One of the most elegant men ever. He always looked immaculate and timeless. My favourite rainy day treat is a glass of wine, box of chocs and a box set of Cary Grant movies.

Capri - one of my most favourite places - sitting on the harbour watching the yachts come in or lunching at Hotel Quisisana. Then at night the island lights all the tourists have gone and the beautiful people come out to play.

I love this picture - such fun to see The Duke and Duchess doing something silly ( and our friends say that we remind them of this couple - with our sense of style and entertaining!!?)

Izzy Blow was never afraid to dress up and look glamorous - I can imagine her looking this good even when putting out her rubbish!

My must visit every time I go to Paris, I just love sitting outside and people watching.

The Blue Bar at the Berkley is a totally wonderful place to have cocktails , it is always a great place to start off an evening when we are in London - lovely barman bring delicious cocktails to your table along with naughty nibbles.

I will keep adding to my glamour list and when I get my self more organised with posting my blog it will become a regular weekly update.

1940's Glamour

2009-09-17T04:50:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the 1940's weekend event at Sheringham Station. It was a fabulous weekend and there were so many people looking wonderfully glamourous. Lots of vintage frocks and fur and if you love a man in uniform there were plently go round!!

This is me and my lovely hubby in his American Army Airforce Uniform and I am wearing a vintage 40's suit, my grandmother's fur and the cutest hat I found at one of the stalls at the event.

Just a few of the folks who looked so glamourous at the weekend.

Stylish Travel

2009-09-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are going to a 40's weekend complete with steam trains and vintage clothing.

It got me thinking of travel of bygone days when women dressed up to travel and luggage came in trunks not rucksacks and tatty suitcases.

Even Carrie in SATC fantasized about glamorous train travel - the reality was quite up to her expectations but the thought was there!

Audrey looking fabulous for travelling in Funny Face.

The ultimate in stylish travel has got to be The Orient Express - it is my dream to travel on this and rest assured it would be glamour all the way!

So how can you bring a little style into your travelling? Now I'm not talking your every day work trip but when you set out on a special trip or go on holiday why not start your trip with a bit of glamour.

Dress up even if it's only a little bit - add jacket to your jeans or jazz up with a scarf round your neck and a pair huge sunnies. (even if the sun's not shining it gives a little air of mystery!) Or go the whole way and slip on a fantastic vintage suit, a fur wrap and a great bag and strut along the platform just like Marylin in Some Like it Hot.

Get some fabulous luggage - it doesn't have to be designer, there are some great value and stylish pieces on the high street. Or go for vintage, try to find a vanity case or travel case.

Pack your own picnic - take a mini bottle of champagne, something really yummy to eat (the buffet car's soggy sandwiches don't really shout stylish). Put it all in a paper sandwich bag with some ribbon on and have a real linen napkin or buy some pretty paper ones if you don't what to have to carry the linen one around.

When we can my husband and I always try to upgrade to 1st class when going by train - it doesn't have to be expensive many companies allow you to pay a supplement on the day or go on The Train Line website and book in advance (two single fares is often cheaper).

So the next time travel is on the agenda glam it up little and pay homage to times gone by.

Vintage Glamour and New Trends

2009-08-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

As a lover of all thing glamorous I can't help having a love of all things vintage.

I guess I wear something vintage every day even if it's only the bag I carry or a brooch that I pin to my lapel. I love mixing it up as all good fashionistas do - a little bit of designer, high street and vintage to get my look.

As we know so many designers are inspired by past collections but I think that it is an amazing way to interpret the current trends whilst wearing something different that you will never see on anyone else. I like to find a fabulous dress from a 50's cocktail frock to a flowing 70's with a pair of great shoes; Tamara Mellon and Rachel Zoe, as well as Kate Moss does so this really well.

A recent article in British Vogue said that their was something out there for everyone and I think this is true - many women feel that vintage is for the young fashionista's and students and that it doesn't translate to their every day work life - but what could be more fabulous for the office than a sharp fitted 40's or 50's suit and how many times have they trawled around the shops for the perfect outfit for a party or wedding only to turn up to find someone else wearing the same dress.

Getting the mix right is the hardest thing to do, you don't want to look as though you are going a fancy dress party (Unless you are going to one!)

One site to check out is Shrimpton Couture - Cherie has a fantastic eye and knows her stuff - check out her blog and unique sense of style. I love the Atelier Mayer site - the Style Me feature is such fun.

So how do you get the mix right - here is some of my favourite vintage pieces and how I going to work them for Autumn/Winter.

Gold vintage skirt - vintage, white shirt Thomas Pink, vintage chain belt and Jimmy Choo's. Runway inspiration - all the metalics.

Teal blue Travilla dress with Nine West platform sandals. Runway Inspiration - teal the hot new colour.

Vintage YSL leather skirt, black polo neck Zara, necklace Top Shop, Black shoes Dune and opaque tights.- Runway Inspiration Michael Kors.

Vintage beige and black trim dress, Moc Croc boots and vintage Dior bag. Runway Inspiration: Bottega Veneta - nude shades and classic dresses.

Vintage grey velvet dress, Top Shop shoes, Primark bag, earings House of Fraser. Runway influence - Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren.

Vintage print dress, belt Primark and shoes Bertie. Runway Influence -vivid shades of teal, viridian and grape seen at Vivienne Westwood Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs.

I am sure that I will create many more outfits throughout the season - I will post some more as I wear them and tell you of their outings.

My new favourite thing - Afternoon tea.

2009-08-19T01:04:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the most recent photo shoot that I worked on my new favourite thing is afternoon tea parties There have been fabulous places to have afternoon tea for ages but one has just opened locally and we used it for this photo shoot.

One of my favourite places to have tea is The Ritz - my husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary with champagne and cakes in their Palm Court.

One place I have yet to go is the Berkeley for their Pret a Porter Tea - I have stayed in one of their fabulous suites and sipped cocktails in The Blue Bar but this is on my to do list.

While the summer is still here - just - I am going to invite a few friends over for a girly afternoon. So here is my guide to create your own fabulous Afternoon Tea Party.

There are so many places doing cup cakes now - even good old M&S are do really cute ones in lemon, raspberry and chocolate and they are only £2.99, or what about the French Fancies that have been around for ever - they look so pretty with all that icing.

Try to find some champagne coups - I always think that they have an old Hollywood glamour about them and make the fizz pink! I float a couple of raspberries in the glass just to add a little extra.

Make some simple sandwiches and to make it fun get some of the kids cookie cutters and make them into hearts or stars.

Have look around your local antique shops for some tea cups, don't worry if you can't find matching ones just go with a theme say all roses or all one colour. While you are there see if you can find a cake stand or some plates to display your cakes.

If the weather is good set up a table in the garden - throw some pretty floral cushions on your chairs, add a vase of summer flowers - use a teacup or little jug.

Ask your friends to dress up - take inspiration from the 40's or 50's and have yourself a fun girly day.

This is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and any excuse for me to get glamorous is enough!

My Fabulous Job

2009-08-19T00:38:00.000-07:00

The great thing about my job is that I get to play dress up nearly every day! What could be bad about a job that lets me go into shops and borrow fabulous clothes then create a story for fashion spreads. The only one downside is that I have to take it all back a few days later although I must admit that sometimes some pieces do seem to end up in my wardrobe!

Although we only have a double page spread it is a weekly paper so we are constantly having to come up with new and exciting ideas so my brain seems to be always switched on. I find inspiration every where and never quite know when it is going to strike!!

When I was fashion editor for Urbane magazine we had more fabulous glossy pages to fill I was looking through my old pictures and came across one of the shoots we did - it was shot in an amazing garden that looks like a tropical jungle; you would never believe it was in the middle of a city!

Pictures Nick Clarke Ekiko Photographic Models Sandra Reynolds

It prompted me to go through some of my archives - here's a few of my favourites I have done over the past few years:

All pics courtesy of Archant Ltd, Models Sandra Reynolds Model and Casting Agency and Power Model Mangement.

The other aspect of my job is to help others look fabulous everyday - as a stylist and personal shopper I love watching the face of clients when they look in the mirror and see how good they look for the first time. It is so rewarding to be able to give someone confidence and make them fell great about themselves.

It is amazing how much a change of image can change your life - a profound statement I know but it really can make a difference. You only have to watch Trinny and Suzanna, or my new obsession Style Her Famous and Style By Jury on Sky.

If you look fabulous you feel great. Wearing the right styles for your body shape really do make you look younger and slimmer.

I'm planning a series of "How to wear the Trends" whatever your shape - so watch this space and if you have any particular questions let me know?

Icon - The LBD

2009-08-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

Following on from Chanel says and after seeing Coco Avant Chanel film; which is fabulous beyond words - so beautifully shot and Audrey is wonderful as Chanel. It made me think of all those iconic, classic items that every girl should have in their wardrobes. We owe her so much for the way that we dress today - I am sure that somehow these items would have found they way into our wardrobes eventually but the Little Black Dress, the simple jersey, the tweed suit, costume jewellery and loads of pearls.

I am sure that you all have at least one LBD in your wardrobe - they can be worn is soo many ways so if you haven't got one this is the time to buy as there were many fine examples for A/W. It can be worn for every occasion and in many many different ways so here is my top 5 ways to wear you LBD -

1) Layer it up with a classic black polo, add this season's statement necklace and killer boots.

2) Chanel it up with layers of costume jewellery and pearls.

3) Add a tux jacket - very Kate Moss or Alexa Chung

4) Throw on a fur wrap and glam it up for evening - very Micheal Kors looks for winter.

5) Add a leopard coat with this season's skinny belt.

Chanel says"Do glamour?!"

2009-07-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Coco says "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccabily they remember the woman"

I've been reminded with the Chanel film Coco avant Chanel of one of her famous quotes; and anyone who knows that I am always in heels, hardly ever in jeans and wouldn't dream of leaving the house in a tracksuit or fleece - I just don't seem to be able to do scruffy and according to Madamoiselle I shouldn't. Maybe it was living in Paris for a little while - some of the French Chic may have rubbed off? (Or maybe it's my distant French heritage?) They seem to have a polish that others can't seem to aquire - I suppose what it comes down to is just taking a bit of effort and caring what we look like.

My favourite chic French women like Ines De Fressenge, Vanessa Paradis, Charlotte Gainsbrough and Lou Dillon mange look effortless and pulled together for every occasion.

I am not saying that you should dress up to the nines every day but just make a little effort every day to be a little more glamourous.

The other great advocate of this therory is Rachel Zoe - those of you who have read her book and I do reccommend that you do as it is great fun and she is so much larger than life but has fabulous ideas on how to bring some glamour to you life and wardrobe.

In these days of recession, doom and gloom doesn't it sound like a good idea to dress up a little when you step out the door - a bright colour instead of black, a fun vintage dress and high heels or even a floral print scarf tied to your bag.

So here are my Top Tips to bring some easy glamour into your life (some credit due to the above mentioned Rachel Zoe) :

1) Wear a red lip - if you are not sure which shade to choose pop along to one of the cosmetic counters in your local department store to try ut a few. You could always try a stain if you are afraid to do the full on mouth.

2) Throw on a fur wrap or shrug (faux or real depending on your ethics) over your jeans or use it to glam up your work suit

3) Add some heels - they will always make you feel glamorous and there are some fabulous ones around and they don't have to break the bank.

4) Buy some bling - costume jewellery can transform the plainest of outfits.

5) Smile - nothing makes you look amazing and confident.

To quote Chanel again " I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little if only out of politeness.

So let's glam it up and make Madamoiselle proud.

My first post

2009-07-14T04:19:00.000-07:00

For my first post on my new blog I thought I would let you know some of my favourite style influences. Apart from the obvious Audrey Hepburn - which women with any interest in fashion and style cannot love her classic look, Jackie O again for all the same reasons but I adore the lesser known contemporaries of Jackie O - Babe Paley, Nan Kemper , C.Z Guest and Slim Keith. As I love entertaining, having friends and family over for dinner is one of my favourite things to do - these women as well as being such style icons to me were all great hostesses.

The amazing Diana Vreeland who changed the way fashion magazines looked.

Diana von Fusternberg for looking amazing for her age and re-launching her company later in life (rather like myself being a 45 year old taking another step in life!)

These are just a few of the women I find inspirational, on future posts I will introduce you to more of my favourite people, places, fashion and share my tips on how to get just a little bit of fabulousness into your life.

I hope that you will follow my blog and sign up, tell me what you think.