The Sales Are Calling!!

Hello my lovely readers, I'm sorry I have been out of touch for so long - but now the majority of the xmas hubbub is over, and we have a couple of days to prepare ourselves for new year's eve - I thought it was time to return to blog land.

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas, and that you got everything you wanted. I had a lovely few days with family and loved ones, as well as more food than I needed to eat and more xmas movies that I've seen a million times each! But it was all in the name of xmas fun.

Obviously my parents read my blog, as they scoured previous posts and bought me things that I have gushed over - a very effective way of writing a wish list I have discovered - including knits from Zara, great pieces from Gap and some gorgeous faux fur lined boots from River Island. My favourite gift though was from my lovely boy - an Amazon Kindle - an amazing present as I am a huge bookworm, and have a habit of lugging heavy books around in my handbag. If you are like me, you'll love this little baby!

Now, enough about my presents - and onto what usually comes next after Christmas - THE SALES!

I am usually not a big fan of the sales, some shops (cough - River Island - cough) seem to only drag out the dregs that never even made it onto the shop floor over the season. People get manic, head to the stores the night before to get in a queue to get their hands on some toot that they really don't need, and knock other people out at the same time. All the festive cheer, and goodwill to all mankind goes out of the window when those sale signs are produced.

I don't usually go to the sales, but this year, I thought I should check them out, as there were several things I saw (well, about a hundred) over the past few months, and I wanted to see if any of them had made the cut. We got up stupidly early and headed to the Brent Cross. Happily for me, I was able to find a bunch of items which I have wanted and they were all half price! I didn't go crazy - the sequin skirt from Gap and a couple of dresses from Zara - just enough of a shopping fix to give me that satisfied feeling!

Now, for the rest of you, if you haven't braved the sales, but want to, please make sure you follow the sales rules:

The January sales are a game of skill, a challenge that requires both self discipline and physical endurance, so make sure you head out early so you can be back early with your feet up watching whatever DVD you got for xmas this year (Eclipse...mmm...thanks mum!).

Make a list! If you have seen things over the months that you really loved but could not afford, make sure you head to the stores to find just that. Do not get sucked into the vortex of cheap crap that you really don't need, don't want or don't even like that much, just because it's 50% off.

Read the fashion mags - the fashion folk are there for a reason, they know what will be in season and on trend in the new season, so use the sales as a reason to invest. I bought two dresses from Zara - long sleeve, knee length styles which are a light weight fabric, perfect with woolly tights, boots and cardigans now and then for Spring, knee high socks and brogues - great transitional pieces!

Buy investment pieces. It's unlikely that a shearling bomber jacket will be on trend next autumn winter, it was a bit of a passing trend, so bypass the Burberry version or cheaper Topshop version, and instead, opt for something with a bit of longevity. A tailored coat with a faux fur collar, or a camel coat - items which are timeless and classic.

Be prepared! It might sound stupid, but you need to be armed and ready for the sales. Wear comfy flat shoes, an outfit that you can whip on and off quickly (if fitting rooms are open) and make sure they are lightweight so you don't get too overheated! Take a small bag which you can sling over your shoulder and a bottle of water.

I'm going to be posting a blog of the best sales shortly, but from what I have seen, avoid River Island and Topshop - rails of unwanted and unloved mismatched items, and head to Zara, Mango, John Lewis, Fenwicks and Warehouse. Of course, you could be even more savvy and just do some Internet shopping - lines are added daily and you don't have to worry about the nasty crowds!

Be safe, buy wisely and enjoy! x

Twas the Night Before Christmas

No fashion musings tonight - as it is Christmas Eve, I thought I would share with my lovely readers, the ultimate bedtime story for the season. My parents and brother and I have read this poem every night before Christmas, and it is a tradition I hope we'll always keep. It doesn't matter what religion you are (I know I am not technically supposed to celebrate xmas, being a Jew girl) this is just an amazing bit of literature that gets the imagination going and everyone, no matter what age, can enjoy.

So, I give you "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore...enjoy and Happy Xmas to you all xx

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

The Perfect Party Skirt?

Just wanted to do a little post for now (bigger one later) as I have found the ultimate party pieces. Every festive season, it's a battle to find that perfect outfit to wear over the party season, and this year, instead of opting for the usual dress, I have found something even better!

Introducing two of the most perfect party skirts from Topshop! Up first, this gorgeous gold ballerina style skirt by Jones and Jones - on Christmas day, team it with a gorgeous knit, woolly tights and a pair of fabulous boots, and on New Years, vamp it up with a lacy top and a faux fur gillet over the top. Add to that a gorgeous pair of shoe boots and you have got a note worthy and head turning New Year's outfit.

Up next this cute chiffon and sequin number. Again, perfect to team with knitwear and it's sweet flippy hem is the perfect tribute to the oh so fashionable skater skirt.

These are great skirts, real statement pieces that have some real fashion credentials, and will see you through the season to come. I love something a bit different, and these skirts are modern, quirky and the ballarina and skater feel gives them something a bit extra special. At a bargain price of £45 and £55, make sure you grab these little beauties, as they are sure to be a sell out. Enjoy x

Cindy Skirt by Jones and Jones at Topshop £45

Premium Sage Chiffon Sequin Skirt Topshop £55

Christmas Party Dresses!

Sorry I haven't posted in so long, it's a bit lame to blame it just on the snow, but combine that with a very hectic week, and that leaves very little time to blog...but, I am back now, and have a little treat for my lovely readers.

As it is so close to xmas, and I'm sure you have parties a plenty to go to, how about finding yourself the perfect party dress, at a discounted price, with a further 10% off? Sound good? Read on...

I was informed of the website Get the Label and the lovely people behind it have offered my readers 10% off when spending £50 and over. It's a great website, who offer discounts on brands including Levis, Pauls Boutique, Rare, French Connection, Lipsy and loads more - some prices as low as £15! They even have UGG and Just Sheepskin boots (an absolute necessity in this weather!) starting from £99 and £79.99, a perfect pressie for xmas.

By pass the sportswear and you'll find some great pieces that are perfect for the festive season. They have accessories, jewellery, coats and footwear, so you'll be able to piece together a lovely look (or several) to keep you looking fierce from now until New Year!

To take advantage of this offer, once you've done your shopping on the site (remember, to get the further 10% discount you need to spend £50 or more) simply pop in this code: RPRBTZ

I've put a selection of my fave pieces from the site below, and in this weather, you might as well stay nice and warm and have a bit of an online shop! It's either that or watch It's a Wonderful Life for the millionth time!

Enjoy x

Dress by Elise Ryan £24.99

Faux Fur Jacket by Clubl £34.99

Dress by Clubl £19.99

Dress by Lipsy £19.99

Skirt by Rare £29.99

Sheepskin boots by Just Sheepskin £79.99

I GLOVE Angelina's Premiere Dress!

Now here's the dilemma - when it's cold outside, how do you look utterly fabulous and keep important bits of you covered and warm? Just ask Angelina Jolie!

I am not normally a fan of Miss Jolie - too much pout and too bony for me, but she scored points with me at the Berlin premiere of her latest movie (apparently a bit of a snore fest despite having Johnny Depp in it) The Tourist. Angelina challenged fashion critics with a bold choice of ensemble by Versace. Not only is the dress a gorgeous sumptuous black velvet (the fabric to indulge in this season) but it has built in gloves! On a bitter cold German night, surely this is the best and most chic way to keep your digits warm.

I'm sure a lot of people won't get this dress - a bit too Cruella De Ville for some perhaps - but it is nice to see Miss Jolie (or Mrs. Pitt...I get confused) trying something a bit different for once!

Anyway, would love to hear what you think, pics are below...enjoy! x

Pics courtesy of Grazia Daily

The Princess Wore High Street

How much am I already loving the future Princess?

Here is a girl that has her pick of the fashion world. For her official engagement pics with her betrothed Prince William, she could have worn anything from Dior to Chanel, Lanvin to Burberry, she was after all, shot by legendary fashion photographer and Vogue favourite Mario Testino (jealous, moi??) What did our girl choose to wear? Out with her usual fave Brazillian designer Daniella Issa Helayel and in with British High Street hero's Reiss and Whistles!

Yes, Miss Middleton proved she could be equally as elegant wearing off the rail high street as with one off designer pieces.

In the first of the official pics, she wears a white knee-length belted dress with a draped collar and a curving petal skirt, by Reiss, costing around £175 and the white embroidered "scallop-edge" blouse which she wears in the more intimate photograph of the couple having a little squeeze, is from next season's collection at Whistles and costs £95.

With the way she's going, Kate is well and truly on her way to becoming a role model for British girls everywhere, and I can only hope her style and support for the High Street continues!

Oh, and William looked nice too!

British Fashion Awards

The British Fashion Awards 2010 took place on the 7th December at the Savoy Hotel, where 12 leading fashion figures took home the nights prizes. Amongst the winners were Celine creative director Phoebe Philo who won Designer of the Year, Nicholas Kirkwood who won Accessory Designer award, people's choice Alexa Chung won herself an award (sporting a lovely cropped hair do - looking slightly less messy than normal!) Lara Stone won model of the year and Mulberry won designer brand.

Enough about the awards, I know what's most interesting to you lot, who wore what, who looked the best and what can us common folk hope for High Street copies. I've put a load of pics of my favourite looks of the night, there are some gorgeous dresses going on and some fab styling. Get inspired - and maybe get some ideas for the party season! Enjoy x

Alexa Chung

Naomi Campbell

Daisy Lowe and Kelly Brook

Erin O'Connor

Lara Stone

Lily Cole

Victoria Beckham

VV Brown

Give a Gift from the Heart!

If you haven't started already, it's probably high time you started your Chrissy present shopping. If you're like me, buying presents is a joy (I'm not just saying that, I love buying presents) but hitting the shops in the Christmas rush, perhaps takes the fun out of it. It's always hard to think of the perfect present for your mum, dad, brother, sister, aunty, cat...whatever, so this year, instead of driving yourself bonkers trying to think of something fun, unique and thoughtful, might I suggest a little something? Give a gift from the heart!

The British Heart Foundation (a charity that means a lot to myself and a number of loved ones) has an absolutely fabulous gift section for the holiday season! The girls at the BHF were sweet enough to send me some examples of their presents, which range from cute stocking fillers for him and her, to slightly more substantial goodies.

There really is something for everyone on the website, ranging from cute heart themed jewellery, bath bombs, keyrings, clothing and teddies...and loads more! They also have a great £5 and under stocking filler page, which is perfect for last minute gifts, secret santas and maybe even a little something for yourself.

To be even nicer, you can buy someone an alternative gift voucher – you choose the value of the Alternative Gift voucher, select your free greetings card and they deliver it to you. Once your friend or loved one receives their Alternative Gift voucher they can choose to invest it in one of four areas of the BHF's vital work, by returning the voucher to their freepost address.

The best thing about buying a present from the British Heart Foundation - every penny they get from our Christmas shopping goes straight to their life saving work, so what are you waiting for? Get shopping and help save lives (I always knew shopping was good for your health!)

Enjoy! x

Keyring £4.50

Bracelet £4.99

Love sign £9.99

Umbrella £8.50

Fall into the GAP

I have to admit, I haven't always been the biggest Gap fan - i usually find their collections a wee bit bland. They occasionally hit a winner with a fab designer collaboration or some great knitwear, but this season, I am in love!

It's still the signature Gap simplistic style, but there are a few hero pieces that are absolutely fab - touches of pixel designs, a smattering of sequins and a heap of gorgeous knitwear. Top those off with some cute socks, cosy scarves and faux fur and pom pom adorned hats, and you have a selection of goodies that make up a pretty perfect present list.

I've chosen some of my favourite pieces and popped them below - the majority of them are now on sale on the website so you better hurry if you want to snag them! Oh and mum and dad, yes, they are on my present list...better start shopping! Enjoy x

Christmas Jumpers Rock!

People have made fun of tacky Christmas jumpers for years - they have always been the stuff terrible Christmas presents are made of "my grandma gave me a knitted jumper with a reindeer on it" - that kind of thing. I never received one of those jumpers for Christmas, but, this year especially, I have found myself buying them by the truckload!

I LOVE Christmas jumpers...well, not Christmas as such, but lovely knitted, oversized jumpers and cardigans, adorned with deer, snowflakes and other festive images. I think they're gorgeous, and seeing that D&G's Autumn/Winter show was made up almost entirely of these festive beauties, and that the high street is now chock-a-block with fab copies, there is no excuse not to get into the festive jumper spirit.

To create the look, without over doing it, is simple. Get yourself either an oversized cardigan or knitted skirt featuring the designs (Zara has some amazing ones) and make that your statement piece. Keep the rest of your outfit simple - leggings, a great pair of winter boots and throw on some ear muffs to make the outfit extra "awwww!" If you opt for an oversized cardi, try belting it and making that your dress - who needs anything else when the festive jumper look is such a statement!

I've scoured the high street and have found some great pieces for you to try out. Enjoy! x

D&G AW2010

Mango

Mango

River Island

Zara

Zara

Zara

Zara

I Love Me Some LUSH!

When it is as cold and blustery as it is at the moment, and you're left shivering in your Uggs, there is one thing I love more than anything, and that is a hot, bubbly Lush bath.

I have been a huge fan of Lush ever since my young teenage years, and have even worked there during my university summer holidays. Basically, I love Lush, so, I was very happy when the lovely people at Lush sent me a beautiful box of Christmassy themed goodies...heavenly. So, as trying as it was, I tested out each and every product to bring you the best of what Lush has to offer this festive season. Pay attention, get to Lush and treat your loved ones to some oh so lovely smelling goodies this Chrismakuh.

First up, Winter Bath ballistic. Taking inspiration from Japanese bathing traditions, this warming beauty smells good enough to eat, and the added soya milk will make your skin super soft! There are spicy ginger oils and clove bud to warm your body and get your circulation pumping again.

Winter Warmer Ballistic

Next up, Once a Year massage bar. All I can say is mmmmmm...This moustache adorned bar of cocoa butter is infused with brandy and cinnamon and is the perfect treat to massage into your aching body...or someone elses, if you're feeling generous!

Once a Year Massage Bar

Moving on, we have the Lil'Lush Pud Bath Ballistic - this is such a cutey! Looks just like a weeny Christmas pudding. It's full of aloe vera, lemon peel and spicy clove powder - be warned, it'll make you want to drink the bath water!

Lil Lush Pud Bath Ballistic

A lovely little ballistic next, So White will make your bath look like a blanket of snow, and make it smell like beautiful fresh apples. There are small bits of bubble bar in here which makes it even frothier and soft...so refreshing!

So White Ballistic

Next, Christmas Eve bubble bar...Ooh this is just lovely. Not only does it look gorgeous, but crumble this bad boy under hot running water, and you are sure to have a restful nights sleep. Full of jasmine and ylang ylang, the sparkly (yes, there are sparkles) bubbles will soften your skin - thanks to irish moss - and relax your body and mind...bliss!

Christmas Eve Bubble Bar

Finally we have the Boogg! Great name eh? Every year the Burning of the Boogg festival takes place in Switzerland just after Christmas. The locals fill a snowman's head with fireworks and place it on a bonfire - the longer it takes for his head to explode, the better the following summer will be. This gorgeous ballistic will fill your bath with colour and a lovely herbal fragrance.

The Boogg Bath Ballistic

What else can I say but, enjoy! x