Tuesday 21 December 2010

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

Thursday 9 December 2010

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

Tuesday 7 December 2010

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/

Wednesday 1 December 2010

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/