The Holy Fashion Grail: Topshop's Pink Skirt!

Well my dear readers, I finally did it. I tracked down and purchased the wondrous pink PVC skirt from Topshop, which has been evading me for two weeks since they cleverly did a feature on how to wear it.

Suddenly everyone thought it was cool and then, well, it sold out everywhere. By some miracle today however, a very lovely Personal Shopper found my skirt in 'Last chance to buy' and let me know it would be waiting for me after work to try on. Fantastic, right?

Well, kind of fantastic because in my ecstatic state I managed to get the zip stuck to my pants and spent a good ten panicked minutes trying to frantically remove this TIGHT, PVC, SKIN-TIGHT skirt.

After talking the personal shopper into letting me have some scissors, I managed to untangled myself from said skirt, feeling fairly close to tears from the sheer embarrassment of the situation.

I had visions of me waddling down the street in a skirt half done up, overheating on the tube and collapsing in a sweaty mass of vinyl. Thankfully I saw past the horrendousness of the situation, bought a cropped black jumper to go with it and skipped merrily away.

The next big decision to make is how and when to wear it... suggestions please?!

Fifty Shades of Grey cast announced! Thoughts?

After what seems like an eternity, the actors who will portray the lead roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele have been announced... and well, no-one is entirely sure who they are.

Well, to be fair after this announcement we can expect multiple news stories and bio's to pop up about the two, so by tomorrow we will be experts in all things Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson.

Author of the erotic fiction, EL James broke the news to her Twitter followers today after months of speculation about who would play her creations in bestselling trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey.

If you have no idea what I'm on about, you must have been living under a rock for the last 18 months. This piece of literature went global with women everywhere proudly reading their copy on public transport, despite the somewhat racy content!

I got into it pretty late, but can't deny how damn addictive reading it made, so the news that a movie was to follow had me and everyone else in a frenzy in no time.

The two young cast members certainly don't look like my Ana and Christian, but maybe that is a good thing. She's pretty, innocent looking and has already bared her bum in The Social Network, so I'm sure she'll be fine.

What's more certain is that everyone will be clocking her every move in the lead up, during and post production of the movie, so don't be surprised if you see her popping up in random places or gracing the FROW with her fashionable presence any time soon.

Check out the Daily Mail's coverage of the story here

Fashionable Harry Potter

Yesterday I fulfilled a lifelong ambition... to visit the Harry Potter set and to enter the magical world of Hogwarts.

To say it was utterly amazing is an understatement. The work and craftsmanship which went into each set and prop is just unbelievable, but whilst the hubby was in awe of the special effects, I found myself drawn to another type of craftsmanship entirely... the costumes.

Ahh yes, the wonderful, intricate, stunning costumes. From Dumbledore to Bellatrix the wizarding robes and glorious gowns have always caught my eye even from the very beginning of the series, but as the films have become gradually darker, so to have the gothic theme used to inspire the costumes.

Bellatrix and Narcissa's costumes are by far my favourite; the corsetry, the design, all the little details that went into making the two sister's gowns look so gothic and dark.

Then at the other end of the scale you have the pink lady herself, Dolores Umbridge, a thoroughly unpleasant character with a penchant for all things pink. Imelda Staunton's portrayal of Umbridge was just spot on I found. She looks sugary sweet in her twinset and pearls, but underneath all that girliness is a nasty piece of work!

I also adored the Yule Ball costumes for Hermione, Cho and Fleur which were proudly on display yesterday next to a giant ice sculpture. Fleur's pale blue silk and chiffon number was just stunning, but I think Cho's gold Chinese inspired gown was also beautifully designed.

The boys didn't look so bad either, aside from poor Ron and his dress robes, most of the time Harry and co. scrubbed up pretty well! The elder wizards got to steal most of the fashion thunder however, as Dumbledore’s pale silvery robes were the highlight for me, closely followed by Horace Slughorn with his dusty tweed robes and Snape's high collared navy blue (not black!) sweeping bat like robes.

All in all a brilliant day out!

Trend Alert: Pretty in Pink

Forget your burgundies, blacks and muted greys this autumn because the catwalk and high street have other plans in mind. Namely that we will be casting aside the traditional autumnal hues and opting for, ready for it… pink. Yes beautiful, girly and pretty pink (hurray!)

Normally we will have had our fill of this wondrous colour (I’m a fan, can you tell?!) having worn it to death during the pretty spring season of sheer and pastels, but this year alongside the PVC, leather and winter woollens which will ultimately dominate our AW wardrobes, there will be flashes of pink.

Naughty will meet nice as sweet and dolly pinks are sure to be paired with leather jeggings and boots once autumn is upon us, or perhaps you will just embrace this trend in its entirely and think pink skirts, tights, jumpers and tops?

Topshop have totally nailed this style by cleverly incorporating it in their ladylike drops which have just hit the rails. Checked kilts, pastel blouses, futuristic sandles, fluffy jumpers and my favourite, but not everyone’s cup of tea, a vinyl pink pencil skirt.

Granted, it would probably take someone with a model figure to pull it off, but I’m still sorely tempted despite my friend’s desperately trying to talk me out of it!

So I’ll leave it to you dear reader, here are my top high street pink purchases you just can’t live without this autumn...

BGT Live Show 1: A Bit Dull?!

BGT: Ashleigh & Pudsey Awww!!!
So BGT kicked off last night with the live shows, but something felt a little flat. Simon wasn't himself (perhaps the revelations of the past few weeks have really taken their toll?) Alesha was so OTT, Amanda took on the role of resident meany and David wasn't as funny as he had been at the auditions.

A few bad jokes aimed at Simon courtesy of Amanda and David seemed to put Mr Cowell in such a bad mood- so much so, he didn't even stay for the BGMT show. It wasn't expanded upon as to why he rushed off, but could this have been the reason?

Then there were the acts themselves. I was SO bored with most of them last night. United We Stand- a hot favourite for the finals chose the most uninspiring music to dance to, which was so dull they got two buzzers in under a minute.

Zipparah ‘Mr Zip’ Tafari came bounding onto stage singing a beefed up rendition of THAT song, which was fun, but not world changing. Same with the Jive Aces- great guys, really talented but just 'meh' on the night where it really mattered.

Lauren Thalia was the first point of the evening where I felt like the show was worth watching, a trend which continued with The Mend, Ashleigh & Pudsy and Only Boys Allowed.

I'm really glad Pudsy got through because he is the most talented dog we've ever seen on the show, but a lot of people were split on who should get the second place.

Being Welsh, of course I was rooting for the male voice choir, but other people were really taken with the boy band from Manchester.

It's almost a given they will go through on the wild card option, but we do still have four more nights to go and anything can happen.

Tonight I'm praying for a more interesting show, better dress choices from Alesha & Amanda, a happier Simon and a funnier David.

Oh and most of all, can whoever did Amanda's and Alesha's nails please remove the horrendous talons before tonight's show? They were scaring little children!

Gossip Girl: Dair. Sex. That is all!

In what seems like the longest hiatus ever, Gossip Girl finally returns to our screens next week- well in the US it does; the UK is so far behind, we managed to have six weeks off and still be behind by the time we get new episodes!

Anyway, as I'm sure you are aware I have defected to team Dair since team Chair became a little bit of a bore.

When it all kicks off again on April 2nd, Dair are trying to find a suitable place to er, do the nasty and bless them, manage to keep running into obstacles.

Not least turning up at your boyfriend's place in lingerie only to find a whole room of people staring back at you. We've all been there, Blair...

Perhaps the pressure gets to youngs love dream, as the promo shows a less and spectacular first time together. The Canadian promo gives us a bit of hope and some hot elevator sexy time seems inevitable.



With Jack Bass returning, Ivy going to war with the Van der Woodsen's and the return of Liz Hurley also occuring in this episode, it looks set to be a cracker.

Serena XOXO

Titanic lives up to the hype!

The Manton Family on ITV's Titanic
The man behind Downton Abbey had quite a lot to live up to with his mini drama version of Titanic and tonight, as part one finished in a very dramatic fashion, I'd say he has another massive hit on his hands.

Not quite as successful as Downton mind, but a success nonetheless. It was like (as I pointed out on Twitter) a who's who of actors on tonight's debut and I liked the fact that it moved along at a nice pace rather than trying to string it out for four installments.

That said, I'm not quite sure I like the idea of going back in time next week to a different perspective of the voyage, but hey, it's a period drama and I'm a sucker for one of those.

The only family to really make an impression in this episode was Lord Manton, the very stuffy Lady Manton and their rebellious teenage daughter who has fallen for, very bloody quickly, a handsome American chap.

It totally ruined my prediction of her ditching him for the Italian Waiter who winked at her. I thought we were looking at another Leo and Kate type pairing, but annoyingly they made quite the adorable couple and I'm now rooting for them both to make it through.

Other than that, I'll admit I struggled to really tap into the other characters. There was a woman who was 'shamed' for stepping out with a man when she wasn't married, a crazy old bag who loved her dog and a 2nd class couple who were shown into 1st class for the afternoon but actually hated their 1st class companions.

I did pick up on some tension between two of the servants working for said Lord and Lady- perhaps a romance brewing there, or maybe complete hatred. Who knows, we have three more installments to go.

The fashion was divine and the eye to detail sublime- I really can't wait for next week. Bring it on!

X Factor Final: Little Mix vs Marcus

Wow, this has been some final. After a so so series, the right two acts are in the final I think, but if you follow me on Twitter you will know that my heart truly lies with Little Mix.

They are just amazing! After Gary tried to bring them down last week with his 'lead singer' jibe, they have come back this weekend stronger than ever.

Last night they weren't the best, but deservedly they were put through and tonight they have smashed every single song.

But in the interest of fair journalism, let me break down the songs and the acts tonight one by one...

Marcus: Higher and Higher
Good song choice, but his heart doesn't seem to be in it tonight. I think I knows he's not the favourite to win and it has affected him. 7/10

Little Mix: En Vogue
OMG I honestly didn't think they could get better than the first time around, but this song SMASHED Wembley. Well done girls :) 10/10

Marcus: Last Christmas
Again, not the best vocal from someone who can sing so well. I think this wasn't the greatest song choice and it showed. 7/10

Little Mix: Holy Night
Simple, stripped back and a big 'we can all sing, thank you Gary' in the face of the head judge here. Beautiful, despite the horrible styling.

Marcus: Cannonball
Lacklustre and really dull. The big crescendo was the best part of this. 5/10

Little Mix: Cannonball
Even they struggled to make this song sound good. Such a shame that this is the winners song for whoever wins. 7/10

As I finish writing, we're in an ad break and the winner has been chosen. So, who will triumph!? LITTLE MIX TO WIN!!!!

Blair Champions Aneleena!

The Gossip Girl stars are always the height of fashion and now Blair Waldorf, aka Leighton Meester has been spotted with the fab new Aneleena Shopping bag.

I officially have a new bag crush...



Picture Courtesy of Aneleena Press Office

Gossip Girl Returns...5 Questions need answering!

Gossip Girl: Season 5 starts: Copyright CW
Ok so Gossip Girl has already been airing in the US for the past three weeks, but finally it is due to hit the UK shores next week...Yay!

I'll pretend I know nothing which has gone on so far and pose the following few questions to those who haven't been secretly peaking at reviews...

1. Who is Pregnant? Serena, Blair, Dorota, Charlie or Eleanor, that is the short list of options and I know who I would have money on! The reveal comes at the end of episode 1, so you don't have long to wait.

2. Why does Chuck have a dog? The Bass man has been pictured carrying around a pooch, but why oh why? Hint, Dan is at fault for this plot development and it is all part of a bigger plan.

3. What will happen with Dan's book? After Vanessa totally sold out her BFF and former lover out of spite, will Dan come forward and admit he is the one behind the Number 1 bestseller? Oh you betcha...

4. Who is Nate smooching? Liz Hurley, the ultimate cougar is guest starring this season and whore number 1 hooks up with her in the first episode. Does she have a dark side, oh yes and it involves Nate in a big way.

5. Who is Ivy? Well last season it was revealed that Charlie wasn't really Charlie and was in fact an actress named Ivy. In the first episode of the new series, it's revealed that Ivy is working as a waitress in LA and runs into a certain blonde cousin of hers, who is also in LA for the summer. Fireworks ensue!

100 Years of Style @ Stratford!

Westfield Stratford has kicked off the countdown to their opening in spectacular style, quite literally!

This clever video chronicles 100 years of style in the East End- the fashion is unbelievable, as are the dancers!

Check it out and let me know what you think...

Banana Republic Launch Mad Men Collection!

Mad Men @ Banana Republic
Ahhh Mad Men has come to Banana Republic and yes, it really is as good as you expected.

Nipped in waists, leopard print, swishy skirts and pussybow blouses aplenty make this collection a winner!

My fave is this burgundy dress named after the gorgeous Betty Draper. Worn with heels or pumps, all this needs is some pearls and a handbag and you're good to go!

Check out the full collection here

So... It's been a while. Views on Riots and LFW...

Hello one and all. Presumably you all thought I may have dropped off the face of the earth into that well known place called Blogger's boredom.

Well, no that wasn't actually the case- the combination of no spare time and moving home vastly contributed to my two month hiatus, but now I am settled and ready to blog once more.

First things first- hello from London! Yes, I've moved to the Capital and what a week to move.

Unless you have had your head buried in the sand, you won't have failed to notice the horrendous riots that unfolded last week.

A fellow blogger and friend of mine wrote a great article trying to make sense of it all- just how and why was this allowed to happen?

If you want to read his insightful views check it out here. My own viewpoint is similar, although as London returns to normality, you have to wonder- what now?

Much has been made of the bad press that this will give us for the Olympics next year, but I have a question about an event less than a month away.

London Fashion Week. A trivial event to some (which really irks me- they don't say that about Football or Cricket do they?!) but as the second biggest employer in Britain, the fashion industry surely must have suffered as a result of the riots.

We are known for being quirky, being the most scatty of all fashion weeks if you will, but still nurturing some of the best designing talent in the world.

Forget the Olympics for now and concentrate on bigging up the capital for a much more homely institution, which takes place year on year and regularly has the likes of Anna Wintour flying in for the spectacle.

I'm not saying the Olympics aren't of huge importance, because obviously that will be the biggest thing to happen to Britain in a good while and can only give us a huge boost, both economically and socially.

But right now, while the country reflects and calls for tougher punishment on these looters, rioters and vandals, lets put some positivity back into LFW. Let's hope the big buyers, journalists and celebs still venture to the Capital for the week, because otherwise these criminals will have won.

And that will be a very sorry day for Britain indeed...

Emma Watson on US Vogue!

Copyright Vogue US
Wow, hasn't Emma Watson come a long way since the days of playing geeky Hermione in the Harry Potter film franchise?

Now a style icon in her own right, with campaigns such as Burberry and Lancome under her belt, this US Vogue cover is arguably her most stylish to date as well.

Looking sleek and sexy with vampy lips, Emma undoubtedly looks the best she ever has and will have every twenty-something-woman in the country wondering just how she became so gorgeous.

Don't get me wrong, she's always been pretty but ever since she chopped off her long locks and started being a bit more risky with her fashion choices, her popularity has sky rocketed.

This is my favourite cover to date, although the British Vogue cover from last year comes a close second. Check out more pics of Emma on Vogue US here

What do you think of the resplendent Miss Watson?!

X Factor US: Cheryl Back on Judging Panel?

Knock me down with a feather, apparently US X Factor executives have offered Cheryl Cole her judging role back, less than two weeks after she was reportedly axed from the show.

Now, I don't know about you but this seems a very cunning move by Fox to try and distance themselves from the negativity surrounding Cheryl's apparent 'sacking'.

Then again, this could all have been part of a grand plan to generate more publicity and Cheryl was actually never let go in the first place.

Call me cynical, but this seems the more likely option. Remember when Louis was let go from the UK version and Simon Cowell then dramatically brought him back?

If this is indeed the case, I think Cheryl should tell them where to go and move on. She's had bad fashion press from the moment she appeared on the show and has been heavily criticised for her accent being hard to understand.

Hardly the dream scenario is it? Move on Chezza and show them what else you can do!

New X Factor Line Up Revealed!

Finally- with The X Factor auditions due to kick off in the next few weeks, the new judging panel has been revealed for the first time.

Is it a great shock? No not really, all the rumours have turned out to be true. Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa from N-Dubz will take their place next to Louis Walsh when the talent show returns later this year.

There had been rumours that Cheryl was to return following her alleged axing from the US version, but alas it seems Queen Cole is no longer wanted for the UK version either.

I look at this two ways- either, as reports have suggested, she wanted too much money to return, or the ITV bosses simply didn't want her back.

I think it's more likely that Cheryl wanted more money than they were prepared to give. Even despite her popularity waning last year, she is still a HUGE draw and they would be keen to hold on to her.

I'm more upset about Danni being ousted- she was my fave judge last year and the fact that she mentored the winner speaks volumes about her talent.

She won the style wars with Cheryl each week and was all set to sign again, but as the auditions were moved and she was already committed to Australia's Got Talent, it was impossible to get her back. *Sad face*

So, with Cowell already confirming he was all about the US version this year, that just left Louis Walsh, and thankfully he has signed on for another year of cheesy comments and fun frolics.

I think Gary will prove very popular, but is he a match for Cowell? Probably not. Tulisa is obviously the new Cheryl, but will she be able to go from chav to chic like Ms Cole before her?

Then there's Kelly Rowland- with huge chart success under her belt both with Destiny's Child and then as a solo artist, I think she may well be the sneaky favourite to win this years show.

So, what do you think of the new line-up? Should Cheryl have come back? Do let me know!

Nicola Roberts Channels Gaga!

Nicola Roberts in Susan Caplan Vintage
I’m a big fan of Nicola Roberts. The girl knows how to experiment with fashion and plays up to her pale as a ghost complexion, which lets face it, is refreshing by today’s fake tan standards.

Anyway, it seems we now know where she gets her kooky style inspiration from, as she interviewed Lady Gaga for MTV at the weekend.

She opted for a tight beige top with electric panelling down each side, teamed with beige flares- it was an odd choice, but very much something which I could picture Gaga in.

I did love the 80s side ponytail and amazing vintage Chanel Letter Tassel Earrings though, which were divine, despite the £795 price tag!

I don't know about you but I can picture the pair getting on like a house on fire!

The one that got away…

The Apprentice: Episode 2
Apologies for my lateness in blogging on Wednesday night’s Apprentice, but I have only just caught up on the madness.

How the girls won for a second week in a row was a mystery to me, especially when they were led by the terrifying Edna.

The woman’s manic grin was enough to put me off wanting to listen to her ever again, and then, oh lord, those gloves!

Picture the scene, you’re pitching to young, hip kids and you prance around a stage wearing a dominatrix get up, talking so slowly that people are seemingly nodding off all around you.

It was one of the strangest pitches ever featured on the show- it was almost like she was trying to seduce them into downloading the app, only she didn’t explain how it worked or how to get hold of it. Oops.

Aside from the scary gloves moment, which will no doubt be parodied on the You’re Fired show at some point, the girls once again were dull, dull, dull.

Bring back Lucinda’s berets and bright colours- at least she wasn’t the stereotypical business bitch!

This week sees them trying to stock The Savoy with a few items they ‘forgot’ to buy. How convenient!

X Factor Goss: Cheryl bombs in the fashion stakes and has Alesha got a new job?!

It seems like it has been going on forever- probably because it has- but Cheryl Cole has finally made her debut on American X Factor.

Was it all flashy smiles and lots of air kissing? Well, yes of sorts. Paula Abdul lurves Chezza so far if early reports are to be believed, but I was more concerned with her horrendous first day audition outfit.

Purple flares worn with a teal coloured belt and an orange top, teamed with crazy backcombed hair made Cheryl look like she had no style co-ordination whatsoever.

Just goes to show even in designer labels, it can go horribly wrong. Shudder. Check out pics of Cheryl and Paula here

In news elsewhere, rumours are abound that Alesha Dixon is to join X Factor UK, alongside Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh.

Apparently she's been in top secret talks for weeks as ITV try to poach her away from the Strictly panel.

I reckon she's got everyone fooled though, and Alesha is actually in line for the Xtra Factor presenting gig, rather than on the judging panel.

Either way I fully support a bit of Alesha on X Factor- she would be amazing! More when I hear it...

Glee in New York!

Glee "Original Song" Copyright E4
I’ve just caught up with Monday’s fab episode of Glee, which saw our plucky show choir perform original songs and win Regionals. Yay!

One of the best episodes this season- it literally had it all. A fantastic Quinn v Rachel battle, Santana serenading Sam with Trouty Mouth (hilarious doesn’t even begin to cover it), Blaine and Kurt finally hooking up and of course, Sue punching a judge.

I cried for Rachel when Quinn confirmed her and Finn were an item once more, cheered when New Directions won the competition and bopped along when The Warblers rocked to Pink.

The altogether more exciting news however, is that our Glee kids have been spotted filming the show’s finale in New York!

I have seen Rachel in her signature beret and a technicolor coat, Santana rocking a skin tight stripey dress and Quinn in a bright orange trench, complete with baby blue dress.

This complete mismatch of clothes can only mean one thing…. They are taking over this city, baby!

I’ve also seen pics of Rachel and Finn appearing to re-unite, as said boy is seen presenting the lovely Berry with some flowers! Hurray!

So where does that leave Quinn? Well, the natural choice is putting her back with Sam, leaving Santana to openly come out as gay.

As for Brittany, I’m torn on whether I want her to stay with Artie or give things a go with Santana. Puck and Lauren however need to remain together forever- they are the best coupling on this show by a mile!

As the episodes start gearing up towards a fantastic finale, I am now super hyped for Nationals- how about you?!