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!

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: 11 days to go!

Vivienne Westwood Orb Necklace
Ooo, everyone needs a bit of Vivienne Westwood in their lives don't they?!

I love this orb necklace; quite frankly it will go with everything, so really £190 on a piece of bling is totally justified.

Now all I need is some Anglomania jelly shoes and pirate boots and I'll be sorted...

Serena xx

Christmas Style Countdown: 12 days to go!

Kurt Geiger's Carvela Grow
OMG how amazing are these Dorothy shoes from Kurt Geiger? Red, velvet and with a great big whopping bow on the front... these are the perfect festive pair of shoes.

If Santa was a woman, she'd be in these gorgeous heels, so in the absence of that maybe I can wear them instead?!

Of course they're far too high for me to walk anywhere, but to be honest these are clearly dinner shoes anyway.

Forget dancing till dawn, these heels are to be admired and adored. Stunning.

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

X Factor Trend: Headscarves

Cher Lloyd on X Factor last night: Copyright ITV
What is it with these celebs and their crazy trends?! First the I'm a Celeb lot rocked pink bandanas and now X Factor starlets Katie and Cher are championing headscarves.

Cher sported not one, but two on last night's show, in addition to wearing one all week for rehearsals and Katie has been a fan since day one.

Even Cheryl has been papped in a headscarf fashioned into a headband- maybe it's her copying her acts and their looks, rather than the other way around?!

I smell a major accessories trend brewing for winter if this lot carry on rocking the catwalk looks.

Rebecca can do no wrong with anything she wears and Cher is young enough to pull even the most horrendous colour combos off.

Katie meanwhile is looking more and more strange each week in my view. I'm not a fan or her new haircut or style, but hey- if it's keeping her in the comp, then good luck to her.

Who will go tonight on the double eviction? Well, it's got to be Wagner's time hasn't it? and I have a hunch that a fight between Cher and Katie for a place in the semi-finals may shock everyone.

Let me know what you think!

I'm a Celeb Trend Alert: Bandanas!

Gillian McKeith in her bandana!
It started when Alison joined the I'm a celeb jungle and now all the campmates have got in on it... wearing a pink bandana.

They, by the way, were last in fashion when All Saints were massive in the charts, so for bandanas to now find their way back onto our screens is quite a big deal.

Ok, so I singled out the only fashion movement to come out of the past two weeks, other than Gillian's teeny tiny shorts- and the less said about that, the better- but still, could bandanas now be big again?!

To be honest, the trend kind of got killed for me once Gillian started wearing one and it nearly covered her entire face. Then again... maybe they do have a place in society after all!

The X Factor: Dannii wows in Grecian gown

Singing for survival again? Copyright ITV
I was a bit bored of X Factor last night. The tantrums, the voting saga and the sniping judges really got on my wick, and that was before any of the contestants came on.

When they did make an appearance, it was only really One Direction and Rebecca who had it in the bag on the night, while the rest just got on with it without really making an impression.

As for the judges, Dannii of course came out on top in a Grecian-style one shoulder white gown, complete with stunning turquoise earrings, while Cheryl squashed up her cleavage in a long gold dress.

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great and add into the mix a messy ponytail and half-hearted plait at the front and Cheryl is in real danger of losing her style crown forever.

On to the contestants' style this week, and funnily enough this is where Katie excelled. Headscarf, vintage jeans and a leather jacket looked great on the quirky one. So-so song, but lets be honest- she's on her way out this weekend anyway.

Mary too looked great last night in a midnight blue gown, complete with jewel encrusted headband.

Paige was oh-so cute in a bow tie and pink jacket, but even that couldn't save him from a bad performance on the night. Vocally he was off, but that smile wins me over every time.

I can't remember what Matt wore, but that's to be expected- he's very much the singer rather than the style icon. Whereas One Direction manage to get the balance right every time and are my new favourites to win.

They will face stiff competition from the lovely Rebecca though, who is faultless each week in both style and substance. Her beige 60s shift dress was gorgeous and as always classy- you know she'll land a modelling contract at the end of this process.

Cher looked nice as well, with newly regrown eyebrows and less eye make-up. Very pretty despite the space age pants and jacket; god knows what the stylists are thinking each week!

Speaking of crazy styling- Wagner in a gold tail jacket...there are no words.

Lastly, we come to Aiden, who looks good in most things but a silvery jacket? Nope, not even he could pull that monstrosity off.

All in all, a pretty dull week for my usually faultless favourite show. Lets hope they up the ante next week!

Leighton Meester lands Vera Wang deal

Leighton Meester in Gossip Girl: Image Copyright ITV
My fave Gossip Girl is clearly making waves in the fashion industry; she's just landed a big gig as the face of Vera Wang's new fragrance.

After fronting lines for Reebok and Herbal Essences, this is a major career high for Leighton, showing just how popular the young actress has become.

WWD first reported the news last week that the lovely Leighton would be shooting the campaign in Manhattan last weekend, with images not hitting magazines until next summer.

The youthful fragrance won't be available to buy from department stores until SS11, just as Leighton will be finishing up shooting S4 of Gossip Girl.

Her co-star Blake Lively may be winning the plaudits of the fashion world for her style but clearly Leighton is one step ahead of her rival, by landing one of the biggest campaigns for next season.

No doubt Blake will respond with a big campaign of her own, but until then it's Leighton who wins this round. Let the games begin...

Susan Boyle: Style Icon!

Susan Boyle on Piers Morgan's Life Stories. Copyright ITV
I got a shock on Saturday night when I watched Piers Morgan's Life Stories- it featured none other than Susan Boyle, aka the Hairy Angel.

Only, she wasn't hairy. She was radiant in a fitted pink dress, perfectly quaffed hair and subtle make-up. Gone were the bushy eyebrows, the crazy fashion sense and the home dyed hair.

In her place was a rather nice woman who giggled throughout, made the audience laugh and set the record straight about her 'mad' antics.

Her rise to fame hasn't been of much interest to me, to my mum maybe, but me- well I watched her audition and followed her to the final, but then lost interest. Every other person in the world though, well they just lapped her up.

She appeared on Oprah, sang for the Pope and had the biggest selling album of 2009. Not bad for someone who was nearly laughed off stage at the BGT auditions.

Anyway, I watched it not really caring too much about her story and found myself admiring her style and her poise.

Like Cheryl Cole a few weeks ago, she knew where to be guarded when difficult questions came her way, and like Chezza no doubt certain people will be lapping up her style from that hour long show.

Susan Boyle Christmas No.1 has quite a nice ring to it don't you think? Either way, Simon Cowell's not going to risk another fiasco like last year is he? X Factor or Susan, he's on to a winner here...

What do you think of Emma Watson’s Vogue cover?

Look who's all grown up! Copyright Vogue
She’s been eerily quiet since she chopped off her long locks, but now Emma Watson is firmly back in the limelight by gracing the cover of British Vogue.

Well timed, one might say considering the new Harry Potter is released this month, but I’m more inclined to believe it’s simply a coincidence!

Anyway, back to the cover itself- Emma looks gorgeous and oh so chic with that now well recognised crop.

She does look older than her years though with the styling- a white neck chief may hide a multitude of sins, but on Emma it is ageing.

That’s not to say I don’t like the cover, because A. It’s Vogue, I’d like it whoever they put on the cover and B. It features Emma Watson AKA Hermione. Nuff Said.

She does have a look of Mia Farrow about her on this particular cover, which lets be honest can only be a good thing.

Classic beauty with fashion icon status, or former child actor, known for her frizzy hair and bossy attitude? There’s no contest really.

What do you think of Emma’s new Vogue cover? Does she look older than her years, or is this the perfect transition for her?

Daybreak Backlash: Is Adrian's bad style to blame?

Daybreak: is Adrian's style sloppy? Copyright ITV
I can think of many reasons about what's wrong with Daybreak, but my main problem is Adrian and his casual wardrobe.

Christine turns up every day looking immaculate, well presented and stylish, while Adrian, in my opinion looks like a granddad.

Messy shirt collar underneath a hideous jumper just looks unprofessional- GMTV’s Ben and Andrew wore smart suits everyday to present and looked all the better for it.

I’m not saying that’s the only problem with the revamped breakfast show, but If I’m thinking this about Adrian’s apparent lack of style, so I suspect, will many others.

Apparently he doesn’t like wearing a tie...ok, so smarten up your act in other ways- a suit would be a start, and don’t come in looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed!

If you think I'm being harsh, check out this article on the Daily Mail!

Rebecca does a Cheryl and dyes hair red!

Rebecca Ferguson on The X Factor: Copyright ITV
I loved The X Factor last night, and I know I've covered it a lot on this blog but honestly, it's the best thing on TV at the moment!

Now that The Inbetweeners has finished, this is literally going to be my life now until Christmas.

Anyway, last night I thought the girls rocked- yes, even Katie impressed me with her 'Wanna be like you' tribute, which closed the show to huge applause.

I still wish she'd sort her hair out though, it looks so straw like. Now, Rebecca on the other hand decided to do a Cheryl last night with her new red 'do and looked sensational.

You know that home dye kits sales are going to soar now that both Cheryl and Rebecca have reached for the red bottle.

Cher even had tinges of red in her massive bouffant- maybe it was a job lot done on all three of them?!

As for the rest of the acts, as usual Mary was wonderful but her hair looks too severe in that tight bun- let her have her hair down next week please!

One Direction, as much as I hate to admit it, are getting better each week and even though I hate boy bands, I could stand to listen to them for a couple more weeks!

As for Matt and Aiden, to me they were very average, although I know the judges thought they rocked.

Votes on who is going tonight? My money's on either Wagner or John...

Cheryl suffers backlash over Gamu!

Should Gamu Nhengu have gone through? Copyright ITV
It had to happen sooner or later and now it seems the ever lovely Cheryl Cole may be feeling the harsh backlash from the British public.

There's me thinking it was just me being a tad over dramatic about Gamu being axed from the live shows, but no, everyone is pretty peeved at Chezza.

Surprisingly though, they're more annoyed about Cher going through rather than Katie, which to me seems bonkers.

Cher's an Amy Winehouse in the making- the chav chic fashion sense, big eyes and hair totally say Wino to me, while Katie, well I just don't get her.

Cheryl's mini me actually makes me excited to see what she'll wear each week, how she'll style her hair, if someone will actually be able to tone down those eyebrows...
Cher Lloyd: A style icon in the making? Copyright ITV
No seriously, if she keeps it together her unique vocal style will serve her very well indeed, and the more press she gets the more sales of ripped jeans and headscarves will peak.

In the meantime though, I'm not going to be happy until Gamu gets her moment to shine and if reports are to be believed, I'm thinking next Saturday may be more eventful than I first thought!

If you missed it last night, here's Cheryl delivering the bad news...

Fashion Nostalgia: My Best Friend's Wedding

My Best Friend's Wedding
I had a bit of Julia Roberts nostalgia last night and watched My Best Friend’s Wedding in all its fantastic OTT glory.

Here was a film I got into late; I didn’t watch it until my first year of Uni, which despite what some of you may think wasn’t that long ago!

Anyway, it now ranks as one of my favourite films and by chance it was being shown on E4, so I took a leap of faith on a school night at 10pm and decided to watch it. Stay with me...

So about half an hour in I realised I didn’t like Julia Roberts’s character at all and Cameron Diaz in all her annoying perfection could not pass for 20 years of age.

As for Dermot- what a tool. Seriously, make up your damn mind. No wonder Cameron was paranoid and no wonder Julia was convinced she had a shot!

To put it bluntly I got annoyed and huffy, but I did have a little giggle looking at the fashion in this movie, filmed in 1997.

Bad trouser suits, Ozzy Osbourne shades and big hair made up Jools, Julia Robert’s character. She was supposed to be a ‘power woman’ who smoked like a chimney and was slightly- OK- very neurotic.

Cameron Diaz worked the pastel shades in babydoll dresses, cardigans and pearls complete with a headband or two, and yes she did look adorable.

The looks may have worked in the late nineties but today these ladies would not cut the fashion mustard!

Ugly Betty is back in fashion

Hurrah! Ugly Betty's Back!
Well... it is tomorrow at 9pm on E4. Full style review on Thursday…until then enjoy this fabulous clip which shows Betty giving herself a mental pep talk.

I'm hearing we may be seeing an altogether more fashion conscious Betty in the fourth and final series. Hmmm, interesting.

Has she sold her soul for those Prada pumps or merely had a bit of a style-over to fit in with her new high flying job?

Answers on a postcard please... or you know on my comments page ;)

Top Gear: Top in my style stakes!

Jeremy Clarkson: Style Icon!
I’m thinking of starting a new post called Clarkson Watch each week on this blog, as he really makes my Sunday nights less depressing with his wit and wardrobe.

Seriously, he makes me laugh without even trying these days, all he needs to do is something stupid in a car and that’s it- I’m a wreck.

Last night he spent a hefty amount of time analysing his relationship with Cameron Diaz. Now before you think you’ve missed the most unlikely romantic announcement ever, he was in fact just reminiscing about how many times she hugged him on last week’s show.

His eyes misted over as he recalled the moment, while James May and Richard Hammond teased him mercilessly. Don’t worry Jezza; at least you win when it comes to being the fashion victor!

Another stomping effort in jeans, what looked like a beige linen jacket and stripy shirt mean he’s storming ahead in the style stakes for the second week running. I think we may have uncovered an unlikely fashion icon...what do you think?!

To catch up with this week's Top Gear, visit BBC iPlayer here

Top Gear has never been so stylish!

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz on this week's Top Gear
I know I am four days behind here, but how immense was Top Gear this week?! Seriously, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in one episode- surely TV gold at its best?

Clarkson certainly seemed to think so; he was definitely in his element hugging Cameron Diaz, and now you mention it, Tom Cruise seemed to love a bit of Clarkson loving too!

What struck me was how normal and nice they both were considering they are two of the biggest actors in Hollywood. They were genuinely excited about driving around a track and getting some pro knowledge from the Stig.

And then there’s the fashion… because yes, this is a fashion blog about what was on TV etc, so I should definitely honour this by mentioning Cameron’s nude heels (gorgeous) flattering black top (cute) and skinny jeans (practical) that she rocked on Sunday’s show.

As for Tom, he looked pretty damn hot in a military style shirt and jeans, while Jeremy continues to work that jacket and jeans combo to perfection each week. Seriously, love him and his lack of style!

Back to Tom for a moment- I was genuinely gobsmacked at how fit he looked considering his reputation has taken such a battering in recent months. This may well be the show that propels him to superstar level once again in the UK me thinks.

He was pleasant, polite and most importantly- normal! No jumping up and down on a couch here- he mainly just high five Cameron a lot- and he was a pleasure to watch.

I watch Top Gear for a laugh mainly; and it delivered that once again this week. All it needed was to combine the megastar interview with Jeremy’s Reliant Robin fiasco and it would have won every TV award going.

The image of him keeled over with his face squashed in a helmet was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen- the memory still brings tears of laughter to my eyes. Bring it on!