5 Things to buy this week!

So that was the August bank holiday. The last one until Christmas, which is pretty depressing for most people, but for me it signals the start of one thing.... the new season has officially arrived!

With this in mind here are my top five splurges to make this week, which will see you all the way through until the Christmas holidays.

Enjoy! (Promise, there’s nothing pink in my list!)

1. Red pebbled t-shirt: New Look: £17.99

2. Elinor Tote: Accessorize: £42.00

3. Combination cut out ankle boot: Zara: £69.99

4. Biker Jacket: H&M: £34.99

5. Grey Wrap Skirt: Topshop: £30.00

Hello 2012!

Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay in posting over the festive season- I've been a very busy bee starting to plan my wedding! Yes, I can now officially say that my wedding is next march and I will probably be annoying you with this fact for the next twelve months, so sorry in advance!

Anyway, to business- I'm typing this post on my brand spanking new iPad, which is brill because I can update a lot more on the go, although the typing part of this is quite a toughie to master, so bare with me if words are wrong for the first few weeks!

Firstly lets talk about Christmas TV, or there lack of... Seriously, it was rubbish compared to previous years. I hardly watched any of it, but the ones that I did are listed below:

1. Downton Abbey- OMG how did I not cotton onto this piece of brilliance sooner?! I know the whole country has loved it since day one, but since I missed the first episode, I haven't been able to tune in. So both annoyingly and amazingly when my mother in law to be put it on the tv on Christmas day, I was hooked. The box set is definitely calling me...

2. Doctor Who- I always love a doc who at Xmas, and this years offering was just as brilliant as the series before it. Welcome back mrs and mr pond, the doc has missed you and so have I...

3. Poirot- Now I'm cheating a bit on this one, as I got the box set for Christmas and it turned out this episode was in there, so I haven't actually watched it yet but I know it will be brilliant. So there!

4. Elf- Yes I know this was on before Christmas, but how can you not love this film? It was the most tweeted about film when it was shown on channel 4 and rightly so, it is hilarious.

5. Absolutely Fabulous- This felt like it had never been away and I'm so glad they brought it back. Joanna Lumley as Patsy in particular was right on the money and Jennifer s was just fab as well. Can't wait for the new ep tonight!

I heart the John Lewis Christmas ad!

Cutest kid ever!
Last week I lamented how awful I thought the M&S Christmas advert was, and wondered just what John Lewis would pull out of the bag to ensure it was top of the ads this festive season.

Well I have to wonder no longer, as John Lewis debuted their Xmas offering this weekend and the verdicts are in- it is brilliant.

A tear jerker, most definitely, but the humour behind it is just wonderful and what's so great is that you don't see the message behind it coming until right at the end.

Even then, it's a lovely surprise and makes you go all warm and fuzzy inside. So, rightly so for the second year running, John Lewis is top of the Xmas ads.

Here is is then, in all its tear jerking glory...

X Factor: My verdict so far...

The new generation of X Factor
I've been pretty quiet on the X Factor judging panel since it began again three weeks ago, but now it's time to deliver up a verdict on the new series.

Well pretty amazing actually would be how I'd describe it. I loved the new judging panel from the start, as did most people, but as the weeks go on they get better and better.

Gary Barlow... phwoar! and I bet I'm not the first lady to say that given how fit he is looking on the panel each week.

Tulisa....very sweet and a style icon in the making. She may have a tough girl image, but she is really holding her own so far on the panel and is coming across very well indeed. Cheryl who?

Kelly Rowland... I'm not a big fan of OTT American sass, but Kelly is pretty fab and is absolutely stunning to boot. Gal knows her stuff and has a nice friendship with Tulisa, which is a refreshing change this year don't you think?!

Louis Walsh... Ahh Louis, he seems much happier this year now he's not being bullied by the other panelists. Good chemistry with Tulisa as well, this could be the year Walsh triumphs again!

The contestants I have to admit have been less than great. Plenty of crazy people, sob stories and borderline great talents, but no-one who has really struck me as hot favourite to win.

To be fair, last night's Jade Richards has come the closest for me- she was lovely and her gran moved everyone to tears.

A talent, yes she is, but at the moment she doesn't have that Leona Lewis knockout voice, which you need these days to make it worldwide.

Hopefully she will get the best coaching to bring her out of herself, but equally I hope she doesn't go through an X Factor OTT makeover, which strips her of any personality.

There have already been reports that she has been asked to ditch the 'goth look' and take on someone else's persona instead.

Fingers crossed that she tells them where to go, because the last thing we need is another manufactured pop princess with no personality.

Rant over... can't wait for next week and the double bill. The countdown to Christmas has officially begun.

Christmas Style Countdown: 3 days to go!

Diane Kordas at Net-A-Porter
Wowsa… this is a piece of bling and a half in at £1430! Diane Kordas must clearly think this is all one needs for the festive season.

This is the sort of gift I think you give to someone who literally has everything else, because unless you have a magnifying glass and you know the worth, it may be a tad wasted on the wrong person.

Me personally, I wouldn’t say no…!

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 4 days to go!

Miu Miu Party Heels!
How gorgeous are these Miu Miu glitter heels?! And they actually come under my budget for party shoes too…

Ok, so they’re ridiculously over my budget for party shoes, but look how they sparkle!

With so few shopping days left, boyfriend if you’re reading this, I’d love these in my stocking this Christmas.

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 5 days to go!

Shu Uemura's Cosmic Chains Fake Eyelashes
We're in the home stretch now and after coveting bags, bling, and er, shoes for the past 20 days, today I'm all about enhancing my best feature... my eyes of course!

Fake eyelashes are big business at the moment, and arguably the best purveyor of such fine things is Shu Uemura.

I'm loving these 'Cosmic Chains' eyelashes, which just air on the right side of crazy, don't you think?!

Keep everything else simple and flutter your way into the hottest bars and clubs this Christmas!

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 6 days to go!

Jo Malone: Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle
For those of you stuck in the snow at this current moment, unable to move and maybe looking at ways to pass the time- may I suggest a touch of internet shopping?!

Seriously, it may have saved my life this Christmas. Not only have I provided plenty of hints to my loved ones as to what I'd like Santa to bring me, but I've also managed to get a fair amount for other people too.

I know, it's never much fun shopping for other people, but at least I don't feel as guilty spending it on someone else!

Today I'm thinking my cousin would very much appreciate the joys of Jo Malone. Another little discovery of mine earlier this year, let's just say I'm a wee bit hooked on their scented candles.

Lime Basil & Mandarin all the way me thinks...

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 10 days to go!

Rihanna: Loud
If you're still stuck on what to get me this Christmas, clearly you haven't been paying too much attention to my 15 other posts this month!

That aside, here's my pick for today... Rihanna's new album. Shock horror, a gift that Santa may actually be able to deliver this Christmas!

I'm loving this laydee at the moment- actually I've loved her since her 'Pon de Replay' days (ahh, university memories!) but this new sound is so much more mature.

Plus, her red hair is just delish. See Cheryl, if you're going to dabble with colour, that's the way to do it!

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 15 days to go!

Fearne Cotton for Very
How gorgeous is this vintage style tea dress?! My fave style icon, Fearne Cotton has come up trumps again with her own range for Very and this is most definitely a stand out.

I'd team it with tights complete with pumps for a casual look and over the knee socks with heels for the perfect evening look.

With tea dresses being so en-vogue at the moment, this is something I will definitely have to have.

In at £65, it's certainly affordable Santa!

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 18 days to go!

Diane von Furstenberg's silk leaf dress.. oh yes please!
I'm getting very excited now Christmas is so close, so excited in fact that I've started shopping for party dresses.

Mentally shopping of course, as the dresses I'm crushing on are very designer and very expensive.

A Diane von Furstenberg blue silk leaf dress for example, in at £915 is the stuff of dreams, but just think how sparkly I would look at the annual Xmas party...

That's what credit cards are for right?! Hummm.. may have to skip the holiday next year though!

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 19 days to go!

Marni Swarovski crystal chain cuff
Whoop, we're in the teens now in the Christmas countdown, which is both fantastic and frightening if you haven't started your shopping yet.

If like me you're up to date and have some spare time to lust at designer goodies online, then here's another festive tidbit to wet you're appetite.

Today I'm looking at getting me a bit of bling, and they don't come much sparklier than this beauty from Marni.

Swarovski have worked their magic on this cuff to make it edgy but still elegant to rock at any Christmas party.

In at £225, it's a pricey accessory but hey- who doesn't deserve a little treat now and then?!

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 20 days to go!

Christian Louboutin at Matches.com
Every girl needs a pair of Louboutins in their life and Christmas is the perfect time to say: "Sod it- I'm going to get me some of those red soled beauties".

So, now that's decided the real question is- which pair do you go for? Well, with the weather being so awful a pair of boots would really do the trick for me.

Some sky-high heeled military boots for example... Ok, so I'd fall flat on my face in these in the snow, but seriously- how pretty are they?!

In at £695 from Matches, pretty please Santa can you make my dream come true?!

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 23 days to go!

Shoe Lust: Brian Atwood's Balleto Platform Heels
It’s utterly freezing outside, which is how we know December has arrived and Christmas is just around the corner.

I would prefer it if the snow buggered off until Christmas Eve, when it would just be magical, but if I can’t have that wish- how about another designer goodie from my list to Santa?

Today I’m coveting Brian Atwood’s Balleto platform sandals from Net-A-Porter. Oh so cool, quirky and unique from the label which SJP loves so much.

If I had a spare grand and a half this is where I would flash the cash- it would brighten up any Christmas outfit.

See, I’ve nearly convinced myself that shoes are more important than rent. Almost…!

Serena xx

Robbie Williams launches scented candle range

Fancy a Robbie candle for Christmas?!
If ever two things shouldn't be put together, then this surely backs it up: Robbie Williams has designed his own range of scented candles.

Apart from quite possibly being the most bizarre fashion news story this year, when the heck has he found the time to turn designer?!

Fresh from too-ing and fro-ing with his Take That chums and taking the world by storm once again (only after rejoining the boys, I might add) this new little side line has been launched just in time for Xmas.

Forgive me, but he ain't exactly Jo Malone and quite honestly naming your candles after each of your song hits doesn't exactly inspire me!

But if you do fancy giving them a go, check them out here

Christmas Style Countdown: 24 Days to go

Mulberry's Alexa: The Ultimate Christmas Gift!
My tree is up, tinsel has been lovingly placed in odd corners of my house and eating mince pies at elevenses is now thoroughly acceptable, which means Christmas is well and truly on its way- Yay!

Each day I'll be bringing you a bit of fashion lust in the form of my wish list for this Christmas.

Today it has to be something from my favourite handbag designer, the ever delectable Mulberry.

I'm torn between the sensible black Alexa and the purple leopard print Alexa; both are beautiful and both are strictly out of my reach this Christmas... sigh.

Still here's a pretty picture for me (and you) to drool over and if Santa does indeed get the hint, I'm leaning more towards the black ;)

Serena xx

Fashion Website Watch: Prodigy Red

Every now and again I stumble across something which I think has the makings of something big.

ASOS or As Seen On Screen as it was known six or so years ago was one of my discoveries, and after bragging to everyone in high school, look how big it became!

Ok, so maybe it wasn’t just my contribution which made it the massive success it is today, but still, I spotted the potential there!

Anyway, my point dear readers, is this- Prodigy Red is a relatively new website specialising in recreating celeb looks for a fraction of the cost.

Fantastic copies of dresses, boots, tops and jeans worn by the crème de la crème of Hollywood are now available to buy from this website.

Check out some of the AMAZING celeb looks below and then get shopping on the ProdigyRed website. It's never too early to start searching for the perfect Christmas party dress don't you think?!


Lo totally rocks this look to perfection and with Prodigy Red's copycat look, now you can too! Image courtesy of Cherry PR


Distressed florals, bandeaux style and championed by the likes of Saturday's Una? They are on to a winner with this similar dress in at under £25! Image courtesy of Cherry PR

Fashion Flash: Susan Boyle to appear in Glee?!

Could Susan Boyle soon be joining our Gleeks?
OMG- the rumours that were circulating a few months back may actually be true; Susan Boyle is all set to appear in Glee as, wait for it, a dinner lady.

I can totally see Kurt taking her to one side and giving her a fabulous make-over, while unleashing her inner talent as a superdooper singer!

The episode, said to be screened at Christmas is also set to feature songs by Sir Paul McCartney too. Talk about a chance opportunity- here’s what I see happening…

Sir Paul is walking down the hall at McKinley high, you know as you do, when wait, he hears the voice of a (hairy) angel and decides to make her the next big thing!

Susan then flies off into the sunset to become a major star, leaving her dowdy dinner lady days behind her and thanking Kurt for believing in her.

Yes, I think that definitely has potential- Ryan Murphy, you know where I am if you need me for anymore creative input :)