Sparkle without the sequins this Christmas

If sequins and sparkle aren't your thing this Christmas (and they can't be everyones) then I have some tips and some celeb outfits to inspire you into creating your Christmas look. After all you don't want to rival the Christmas tree decorations; your festive look is your own to play with.

Red is always a Christmas colour but you don't need to wear bright red to look festive, a darker red is much more flattering on most skin tones and doesn't make you look like you are auditioning to be Mrs Father Christmas! Blake Lively's red sequin dress, red shoes and red cocktail ring work well together with her natural wavy hair and glowing skin. No novelty Christmas earrings, just pure sophistication.

The maxi dress' popularity is not waning and is a great look to try around Christmas, keeping you warm and on trend in equal measures. Daisy Lowe shows us the maxi at its best - lacy, alluring and just a little bit goth. Try a black maxi for a festive occasion this year, accompany with slightly messy hair and either flat biker boots or neutral coloured heels depending on the dress code.

Getting a bit sick of the AW trends and looking to next season already? Well you're in luck as many high street stores are filtering in the beginnings of their SS collections. Make like Kate Bosworth and go for a fresh Spring look this Christmas and no one will be in doubt of your fashion credentials. Kate's mint green maxi skirt is simple and elegant and easily found on the high street in stores such as American Apparel and COS.

A favourite look of mine this season is the icy whites and blues of the Chanel show and the above is a perfect Wintery look with a difference. Leighton Meester shows us how to do ice blue for the party season in this dress, accompanied by great hair and (matching) shoes. There's a hint of sequins but it's still far from the typical Christmas party dress and a unique and striking look.

Queen of accessories, Olivia Palermo is always inspiring me to try more exciting jewelry and shows that you can still wear striking accessories with an equally striking dress if you have the desire to pull it off. Try a statement necklace over a eclectic party dress and see the amazing effects.

Lastly, leopard print is a print that is always in fashion but not immediately thought of as festive. However that is no reason not to give it a whirl this Christmas to stand out from the sea of black dresses and sparkly accessories. Red lips or nails are festive enough and there is a large selection of leopard print to be snapped up on the high street.

I would like to wish all readers of Running in Platforms a very Happy Christmas and New Year. The Wednesday Wish List will be back with a bang in January. For now, I am off to stuff my face with chocolates and turkey...

Images all from zimbio.com

Wednesday Wishing

Here begins another Wednesday Wish list and as we are nearing Christmas (a week and a half to go!) I am endeavouring to bring you a mix of items to keep you warm in the cold and items to covet for Christmas (and perhaps add to your list for Father Christmas...)

1. If there was ever a unique party dress then this is it - navy, embellished and in an ever flattering shift dress style. Definitely one to add to your Christmas list! Direct Father Christmas to River Island, £150.

2. I'm sure you shared my sadness when high street shoe brand Faith went out of business earlier this year. Luckily for the brand and its fans it was bought by Debenhams and the Faith range is now available to buy in store and on their website. To celebrate that I bring you a great party shoe from their current collection, these rather lovely leopard print wedges for just £48. Snap them up asap and put them under the tree for someone special.

3. It wouldn't be a December Wish List without a sensible purchase to combat the cold and this week I bring you two! First up is this beige cardi with faux fur shoulders from Matalan. A bargain at £18, there are loads of knits currently on the high street but this one is by far one of the most interesting and also great value for money. Wear with black jeans and some killer biker boots.

4. The second sensible purchase on this weeks list comes in the form of this oh-so-pretty cream jumper from Miss Selfridge. Love the lace sleeves and embellished neckline, cosy and pretty all rolled into one £45 package.

5. Last up this week is my personal favourite, this grey glitter-detailed jacket from Warehouse, £90. Tailored to perfection, try with a backcombed ponytail, leather trousers and some great party shoes. See you at the checkout...

Images:
www.riverisland.co.uk
www.debenhams.co.uk
www.matalan.co.uk
www.missselfridge.com
www.warehouse.co.uk

Hollywood loves Topshop too

Perhaps that title should read 'as much as me'?

I spotted a picture of Hollywood actress Emma Roberts (and relation of Julia Roberts none the less) wearing a Topshop dress for less than £100 and was pleasantly suprised to see a dress I could lust over and actually afford!

Love the unique print and colours of this dress and maxi dresses are currently the most stylish option for eveningwear.

Snap up your piece of Hollywood glamour at Topshop for just £80.

Image from http://www.zimbio.com/

December Wednesday Wishing

If you've been snowed in this week then I have the perfect solution for you: online shopping*. And where better to find your inspiration than from the first Wednesday Wish List of December!

*check before shopping if deliveries are being affected to avoid disappointment!

1. First up this week is the perfect accompaniment to the extreme weather: a snow white coat. Faux fur, oversized and very warm, £40 is a bargain for a coat like this and can be thought of as a sensible buy so no excuses! Get yours at boohoo.com.

2. Love this individual, eclectic looking bag from Topshop, for £45. The amber stone is classic and will keep you company right through into Spring/Summer. Pair with a maxi, an oversized knit cardi and lace-up ankle boots.

3. I am experiencing some serious lust over these Miss Selfridge shoes, £60. Lace up, gold and cut-out details, they've got everything covered and are much more interesting than your standard black heels. Show them off with shorts or a 60's style mini dress.

4. Another bag makes the list this week, this time a harlequin print, bird detail clutch from River Island, £26.99. Bird detail is massive for next season and there's something Angel Jackson-esque about this clutch. Snap it up asap in time for your Christmas do!

5. The perfect antidote to your party heels; a pair of comfy flats. Swap your plain pair for some spangly trainers in the run up to Christmas and jazz up your jeans and a slouchy knit with minimal effort. Converse are available at Schuh, £39.99.

Images:
http://www.boohoo.com/
http://www.topshop.com/
http://www.missselfridge.com/
http://www.riverisland.com/
http://www.schuh.co.uk/

This is a man's world...

Yes, you can believe your eyes, you are indeed seeing Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester in a two piece suit. Leighton rocked the look at the Gotham Film Awards in New York, opting out of the traditional LBD look that a lot of the other attendees went for.

Not only is the masculine tailoring look always stylish, it's also a great look to try out in the run up to Christmas if you run out of party dresses.

Jacket, £79.99 and trousers, £39.99 both from Zara
Shirt, £40, Topshop
Bow tie, £14, Urban Outfitters
Shoes, £80, ASOS

Go for a silky shirt for evening and swap the tie for a bow tie for a more flattering look.
Remember to wear with heels and great hair like Herbal Essences ambassador Leighton to remain feminine.

Images:
www.zimbio.com
www.zara.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.asos.com

The Party Season Awaits...

Not sure about you, but I am bored of the dark mornings and cold weather already and dreaming of Christmas evenings full of sparkle, glamour and champagne. So with that in mind I've compiled a list of extravagant party buys to make sure you outshine even the Christmas tree this December. Get ready to fall in love!

Blouses are such a wearable look when tucked into trousers, skirts or shorts and worn with a statement lip (go for a dark red with this one). The ruffle detail and heart print keep the blouse fun, make sure to try on a couple of different bras with the top before you wear it out to avoid over exposure! £19.99 from H&M.

Christmas is the perfect time to play with statement jewelry and these earrings are just the ticket. Dazzling and elegant all at once, give them the debut they deserve with a messy updo. River Island, £7.99.

Feathers don't seem to be going anywhere this season and the new way to wear them is draped around your neck. Jazz up a plain dress with this grey feather collar and observe everyone's admiration! Miss Selfridge, £40.

Want to do velvet in a flattering way this season? Try a velvet playsuit in the most festive of colours: berry red. Style up with a ballet bun and some mega heels but remember to keep your legs covered up so as to remain classy. Urban Outfitters, £55.

Could these be the perfect tights to keep your legs covered in on many a cold evening? Henry Holland's range of tights for Pretty Polly have proved to be ever popular with fashion press and celebs alike and this suspender pair are playful and reasonably priced for a piece of designer style. House of Holland for Pretty Polly are available at MyTights, £12.

If you're not a fan of looking too polished then this cuff may just be the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. Brimming with attitude, try with black nails but don't forget a festive smile! River Island, £19.99.

Whilst we may not all be blessed with the legs of a supermodel, these sequin shorts are a lot more flattering than you might think particularly when worn with some Christmas confidence! Tights or knee socks are an essential with a white shirt tucked in. Topshop, £35.

Whilst it has become easy to rely on black heels for your evening look, navy is ever flattering and much softer on paler skin. These platforms are practically a work of art with all the detailing and have definitely made my Christmas list. River Island, £69.99.

Embellishment always makes an appearance for AW in some form or another and I am on hand to make sure you do it right! Its always worth spending a little more than usual on an embellished piece to account for the quality of the production and this black number is a reasonable price for a stunning festive party number. ASOS, £120.

If heavy duty shoes aren't your thing then perhaps you'd like a little bit of leopard print in your life, in the form of these leopard print court shoes. The bow is perfect for Christmas and leopard print packs a fair fashion punch when paired with black and neutral shades. Kurt Geiger, £160.

Another jumpsuit has caught my eye and this one is sleek and 70s inspired. The lilac/grey colour cuts a softer look for Christmas and the bow detail will certainly cover any post turkey dinner fullness! Nude shoes and a sequin clutch will be more than enough to set this look off. Warehouse, £75.

A sequin cover-up is an obvious choice for Christmas but that doesn't mean its not a clever one! Jazz up a white tee with this nude embellished cardi and it will take you effortlessly from day to night. Miss Selfridge, £75.

I love a high street bargain that looks more expensive than it is and these faux leather skinny trousers are just that for when jeans aren't quite good enough. Be Beau at Matalan, £22.

You'll always need a clutch come Christmas, but I for one don't like to play it safe with plain colours and standard shapes. Good job I came across this fringed one then; love the dove grey colour and it also comes in black. Accessorize, £30.

Images:
www.riverisland.com
www.mytights.co.uk
www.hm.com
www.accessorize.com
www.topshop.com
www.missselfridge.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.warehouse.co.uk
www.asos.com
www.kurtgeiger.com
www.matalan.co.uk

Happy Wednesdays

It's time for the Wednesday Wish List again and I hope you enjoy it this week! Sorry for my lack of exciting posts recently, I've just started in a new job and am fairly busy but I have lots of exciting posts planned for the festive season so keep checking back! Anyway, without further ado...

1. First off this week I bring you a 'wow' buy - this rose gold sequin knit dress. Traffic stopping, I hear you say? The perfect way to wear sequins by day, toned down with black tights and pumps. I guarantee you won't be short of attention! Available at Topshop for £120.

2. The next item will surely appeal to your cold, shivering side this season. These knitted leggings are practically a steal at just £12 from Boohoo and are the on trend alternative to your black jersey pair. Wear with shearling boots and a cosy coat.

3. Another show stopping dress is up next and this one is perfect for any glam Christmas events you may have coming up. The muted red is much more flattering than a brighter shade and the column shape is glamorous and simple all at the same time. Snap it up at Warehouse for £80.

4. I felt my childish side coming out when I came across the 'Girl from Blue City' range of sweet inspired jewellery on the Truffle Shuffle website. The range encompasses all your favourites including love hearts, jelly babies and iced gems, as seen below. I'll be buying this cute bracelet for £16.99, check out the rest of the range online at http://www.truffleshuffle.co.uk/

5. Last up this week I bring you this season's chic outfit updater, the collar. Whether you go for beads, fur, feathers or lace, they are a purse friendly way to revive a tired outfit and look best paired with a white shirt and skinny trousers for a masculine tux look. Try this crochet one, £28 from Urban Outfitters.

Images:
www.topshop.com
www.boohoo.com
www.warehouse.co.uk
www.truffleshuffle.co.uk
www.urbanoutfitters.com

Make a Wish

Happy Wednesday all, hope your week has been as enjoyable as mine has so far. Here begins the Wednesday Wish List:

1. I bring you the perfect accompaniment to the cold weather - a faux fur gilet. Favoured by celebrities and cold females in general, love the vintage look of this Topshop one, £75.

2. In the midst of all the girly jewelery this season I spotted this kitsch ring, also from Topshop for £6.50. Vampire chic has been popularised by the Twilight franchise so make the most of it and use this ring to liven up a casual outfit.

3. The Christmas lights have been turned on and the decorations are up meaning sparkle is officially acceptable and this Miss Selfridge clutch couldn't sparkle more if it tried! Get yours for £28.

4. This season-appropriate t-shirt has caught my eye this week, who says slogan tees are dead? Wear with some knitted leggings and an oversized cardi and keep warm if and when it eventually does snow, snow snow... £35 at French Connection.

5. To round us off today I bring you these black tapestry platforms from Aldo. The kitten heel may be the shoe du jour this season but it will take a lot for me to give up on my platforms! £60 in stores and online.

Images:
www.topshop.com
www.missselfridge.com
www.frenchconnection.com
www.aldoshoes.com

Give your wardrobe the X Factor

I'm sure I'm not the only one who saw the X Factor this weekend and has an opinion about it one way or another. But I'm not here to talk about the politics of it all but rather the outfits! Not being a massive fan of Katie Waissel's constant attention seeking I did however think she looked rather radiant in a great high street dress on the results show last night.

This metallic vintage look maxi dress is from Miss Selfridge and costs £50, making it your perfect evening dress. Snap one up now before I beat you to it!

Image from www.missselfridge.com

This Wednesday's Wish List

Happy Wednesday everyone, hope your week is going well so far. Here begins the Wednesday Wish List. Enjoy!

1. Love this monochrome blazer from River Island for £44.99. Blazers never really go out of style, and this one is perfect for the upcoming party season.

2. Another hit from River Island this week, this vintage look skirt for £30. The paisley print makes it stand out and the length is spot on for AW. Wear with an oversized cardi for granny chic.

3. My head was turned by this Emilio Pucci-looking feathered dress from Warehouse for £160. One of the more pricier items in Warehouse's AW collection but definitely a statement piece. Wear with sleek black heels and tousled hair to let the detail shine.

4. These lace shorts from Boohoo are a bargain and would look great with the River Island blazer. For £14, you'll get more than your money's worth! Simple and smart and a must have for your wardrobe.

5. This week's Wish List wouldn't be complete without a mention of Kate Moss' final collection for Topshop, launched this week. Her final range comprises of obligatory gorgeous maxi dresses, boho glam pieces and Kate's first foray into Jewelery. She has also re-released some classic pieces from her previous collections, and my favourite is this classic red maxi dress. Who can forget Kate wearing the maxi whilst acting as a living mannequin in the Topshop Oxford Street window? Snap up a great piece of Kate's style for £150 before it sells out.

Images:
www.riverisland.com
www.warehouse.com
www.boohoo.com
www.topshop.com