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I love the changing seasons and the new fashions that they bring.
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Wednesday 28 November 2012

A BLACK LACE BRA

Lace dresses and tops are so fashionable now but often need some thought about what to wear underneath them.  For very transparent lace, a thin silky vest or body is probably the best solution, whilst a lovely bra is a must for a less see-through top worn on its own.  

Although the shops are full of very attractive bras, most have a disappointing back view - generally a strip of nylon.  I was looking for a black lace bra with lace all the way round and I found this beautiful "push-up", multi-way bra at H&M.  The moulded, padded, underwired cups lift and shape and the straps are detachable and can be worn in different ways.



and the back...........



H&M really do have a good range of lingerie at affordable prices.


Saturday 17 November 2012

BLACK AND GOLD

Autumn fashion has been very influenced by the Dolce and Gabbana A/W 2012/13 collection.  The theme of baroque, opulence, gold, rich brocades and black lace has been picked up by the high street designers.  Whilst H&M, as usual, have a good selection of lace pieces, Topshop have really reflected this trend with their Rock-oco collection, which includes jewellery and embellished corsets.

I have not gone over the top with this look but taken inspiration from it to update my style.  I can always welcome a new lace piece to my collection and this is my new black lace dress from H&M Divided.  The fitted bodice is demure and opaque at the front and glamorously see-through at the back, to match the long transparent sleeves.  The skirt is a pretty, flippy shape.




These Black Fine Pointelle Ankle Socks are from Topshop and will look good with skinny trousers and shoes.


This Mismatch Ring Set, from Topshop's Rock-oco Collection, in gold look metal with black stones is just right for the season's mood.  I like the different shaped stones (circular, triangular and square).


I couldn't resist this beautiful little satin jacquard purse with black bow from Accessorize, nor the Rhinestone Ring Set from Topshop with multi coloured stones.


I've also done a bit of recycling and customizing.  This black H&M corset, originally with some subtle jet beading, was in my wardrobe.  I had a little box of dressmaker's gold beads and decided to follow the shape of the black beading with gold.   



At the beginning of the season, I bought a Midnight Blue lace peplum top from Topshop ("Blues at Midnight", 16th September), and Chanel's Eclairé gold eyeshadow  ("Autumn Gold", 29th August).  I will mix all these new additions with pieces in my existing wardrobe to bring them into the current fashion mood. 

Saturday 10 November 2012

SLEEK AND SLINKY

Calzedonia, the Italian hosiery and beachwear firm, have a really good selection of leggings, including leather-look and denim styles.  I chose this pair in mock-croc leather material, which I liked because they were a little different and less glossy than plain leather-look leggings.  



Leggings, skinny jeans and bodycon dresses all need a smooth base.  There are lots of sleek bras and knickers in the shops now, which aim to give a smooth foundation.  Extra help is also at hand from shaping underwear and tights designed to flatten bulges and support bits that are not so firm.  H&M do a very good range, including Shaping Briefs that sculpt the stomach and hips and various tights that deal with stomachs, bottoms and thighs. Both underwear and tights are all made in materials that are sleek and silky in texture and look attractive in black.  These 30 Denier Shape Up Tights Bottom Lift in the picture below are an example.


So it's not so hard to be smooth!


Tuesday 6 November 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PENNY






Penny, my vivacious P.A., celebrates her eighth birthday today.  I found just the right present for a young fashionista at Waterstone's bookshop. 


Paper Fashions Fancy by the editors of Klutz is a fashion design pack, which even includes trimmings and tiny hangers.  For where to buy see www.Klutz.com  

A COLD NIGHT IN LONDON, A QUILTED JACKET AND CHEKHOV

It was a cold evening in London as I set off to the theatre.  I was really pleased with my warm, Black Quilted Jacket with its flame coloured lining (from H&M Divided range).  I wore this over my black round-necked, short-sleeved jumper and crystal and pearl collar, (both featured in my post "Easy Pieces" on 12th October) with black skinny H&M jeans and black ankle boots.





I went to see "Uncle Vanya" at the Vaudeville Theatre in the Strand.



I enjoyed a good performance of Anton Chekhov's classic play by an impressive cast, which included Ken Stott (Vanya), Samuel West (Dr Astrov), Anna Friel (Yelena) and Laura Carmichael (Sonya).  Certainly Chekhov's characters always know how to feel truly miserable and he can always find some humour and comedy in their depression.