City Girl Style

Shopping: J Brand Agnes Jeans now at Net-a-Porter

2010-11-25T08:00:00.010Z

J Brand Agnes Low-Rise Cropped Twill Pants in Shark, £245 at Net-a-Porter

I can clearly remember the first pair of skinny jeans I ever bought. It was 2004 and my first year of university. At the time no student worth her fashion salt was wearing anything but boot-cut Diesel blue jeans, then Kate Moss shook things up with those dark grey skinnies and I never looked back. Skinny jeans suit my skinny legs better than any other style of denim, and I feel frumpy in anything looser than tight. Since these Agnes Jeans from J Brand landed at Net-a-Porter I have been obsessed. At £245 they are a little pricier than my usual Topshop Baxters, but that fierce zip detailing and perfect shade of dark shark grey meant love-at-first-sight for me. Santa, are you reading this....?!

A Digital Age: Ralph Lauren 4D Fashion Light Show, Bond Street, London

2010-11-24T21:17:00.004Z

Ralph Lauren stunned crowds earlier this month with an amazing 4D light show, projected directly onto the London flagship store. Using advanced visual mapping technology the seven minute piece took onlookers on a breathtaking visual journey through the world of the label. A decade of digital innovation has totally changed the way brands talk to us - and when I think how far we've come already, watching something like this just makes me very excited for everything the next decade is yet to bring.

[Ok, so I'm a little late posting this but after my umpteenth veiwing tonight and still finding myself blown away I couldn't leave from the blog!]

Musical Interlude: Crystal Castles - Not in Love (ft Robert Smith)

2010-11-23T22:45:00.002Z

I saw your picture hanging on the back of my door

Won't give you my heart

No one lives there anymore

And we were lovers

Now we can't be friends

Fascination ends

Here we go again.

Beauty: Perfect Nude Lips and MAC Lipglass in Feeling Dreamy

2010-11-18T16:06:00.007Z

My red hair and fair skin is a combination I love, but a combination that needs the help of a little make-up. Barefaced and I am pale and non-descript with fair brows and invisible lashes. I have a heart shaped face, and while I love the bold-lip look on others, it does nothing for my petite little mouth. So when it comes to make-up, my rule of thumb has always been to keep my eyes defined and my lips nude.

I seem to be on a constant quest to find the perfect nudey pink or peach lip gloss to discreetly compliment the dramatic eye. I shy away from sparkles, but like a high gloss finish. I want my gloss to taste nice, but stay put. I want my gloss to be moisturising, but not sticky. And I don’t want to pay the earth for it. A lot to ask, you might say - but I feel it always helps to be clear on what you want when you start looking.

The best I’ve found so far has been Glam Shine in Juicy Rose Glow from L'Oreal, which ticks all the above boxes, looks great and feels more like a balm than a gloss. However I can never seem to find it on the high street, and I've been known to resort to eBay in naked lip desperation.

So when my lovely friend S presented me with a big bag of make-up goodies for my birthday last week, I was very happy to see a gorgeous MAC Lipglass nestling in there. S is a make-up artist and has a very skillful habit of always picking the perfect shades for us. And she didn’t let me down with this lipgloss.

Feeling Dreamy is the perfect nudey peach gloss, and as an added bonus smells of chocolate. Had I picked a tube up from a counter myself, I may have been off-put by the subtle pink sparkles – but these actually make the lips look glossier, rather than sparkly. It has a great tone and stays put most of the day. Less so when drinking wine of course. My only complaint about the product is it’s a little sticky – but the high gloss and fabulous shade more than make up for this. This gloss will certainly be seen on my pout for some time to come now.

MAC Lipglass in Feeling Dreamy is from a 2010 limited edition collection. You can find details of your nearest MAC counter on their website.

So what do you like to wear on your lips? What's your perfect shade?

Shopping: Winter Wedge Boots

2010-11-17T18:54:00.004Z

It’s no cliché when they say the British talk about the weather constantly. But I can’t think of a better topic for mindless small talk when our weather is so ghastly and changeable. This week London has been treated to gale force winds, torrential rain, fog, freezing temperatures and biting morning frosts. In Cornwall they’ve had flash floods and landslides, while the papers yesterday announced the imminent early arrival of snow. It’s not been a lot of fun trudging through the streets of London battling all these winter elements, and I've become fixated upon sturdy-yet-warm shearling wedge boots. Here are a few of the styles I’m currently craving, in delicious autumnal neutral hues. If you prefer a boot in timeless black, there are plenty of alternatives around, in many of the same styles.

1. Reiss Suede Fur Trim Wedge Thandi Boot in Thistle, £195
2. ASOS Suede Crepe Wedges with Shearling Effect in Rust, £55
3. Dorothy Perkins Suede Fur Cuff Wedge Boot in Taupe, £43.20

4. L K Bennett Suede Maine Boot in Mink, £225

Fashion News: Forever 21 to open new flagship store on Oxford Street

2010-11-17T18:18:00.001Z

It’s official. Forever 21 has confirmed it has signed the lease for a flagship Oxford Street store, on the site currently occupied by HMV.

The 35,000 sq ft site, at 360 Oxford Street, is located on the west side of the street, next door to the shop which Spanish fashion house Desigual has secured from Disney.

The move forms part of the US retail giant’s plans to open 100 stores in the UK, following on from its debut in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre, last week.

As a brand often spotted on many of my favourite bloggers from across the pond, I’ve been eagerly awaiting Forever 21’s arrival to our shores.

With price-points translating to £9.50 for a cardigan, £20 for a jacket and £10 for a pair of jeans the store is going to be fighting for a share of the affordable fast fashion market from H&M and Primark. I’ll be dropping in for end-of-the-month treats, budget saving basics and maybe some one-season-wonders. Me thinks my lunchtime Oxford Street options are about to get a whole lot more interesting...

Bad Fashion: Blake Lively at Realm Boutique Launch in Manhattan

2010-11-05T17:54:00.001Z

Blake Lively usually can't put a foot wrong in my style book. She got me hooked on nude shoes when she paired satin open toed Louboutins with that gorgeous aqua Adam Lippes jumpsuit, and over all the other Gossip Girl girls I immensly prefer her style. But today Blake has let me down. Here she is pictured at the opening of Realm Boutique in Manhattan with a look that just feels chaotic. She clearly intended to have her shirt poking out from beneath her skirt, but it just makes her skirt look too short and the shirt look too long. I hate the belt, and the shoes just don't feel right. Not good Friday afternoon eye candy. I was so compelled to blog about this it is delaying my departure from the office for home. And I'm having a party tonight that I really need to get ready for. Damn you Blake!

City Girl Style: Olivia Palermo in Cos and Kurt Geiger

2010-11-03T01:23:00.003Z

Photo: http://www.zimbino.com/

For some reason, The City never caught on with me. For all the New York glamour it contained, to me it still always seemed like a poor man's Hills. No other scripted reality show could ever top Heidi's multiple-procedure plastic surgery reveal or Spencer's ever deteriorating mental state, and Olivia Palmermo was pretty unlikeable, wasn't she? However she is pretty, and nobody can deny that she has city girl style. Here she is effortlessly working the minimal trend at the premier for something-or-other, over the pond. Her leather dress is by Cos, the yellow court shoes, complete with Swarovski crystal rock detailing, are by Kurt Geiger, and her necklace is by London based designer Mawi. She looks fabulous.

Troublesome Technology

2010-11-01T15:39:00.004Z

Apologies to anyone who has tried to read the blog over the last week. I have been battling with useless hosting companies (ahem Justhost), tricky transfer processes, nameservers and DNS dash-boards. I am happy to say that City Girl Style is now safely sitting over at GoDaddy, but the transfer process has been more confusing than a Grade 5 music theory exam.

My main reason for transferring was the appalling customer service I have been suffering from over at Justhost ever since I bought my domain. Yes that's right, appalling customer service - if you didn't hear me clearly the first time. If anyone is thinking of going with Justhost, I'd seriously advise against it.

And it's not just been the blog causing me trouble this week. My blackberry has pretty much packed up on me and I've not been able to upload any of my photos from Ireland yet. Grumble!

Anyway, enough of the techno-babble. Normal City Girl Style service to be resumed later. xx

Shopping: Topshop Sale Heaven

2010-10-21T11:13:00.001+01:00

As I mentioned the other day, moving house and a trip to Ireland have left me too skint to shop this month. Combine that with my trip to Ireland last weekend, and I’d say my pockets are pretty much empty. So I was with great delight I opened an email from Topshop this morning to read that the mid-season sale had started. When sale shopping I try not to get sucked in by reduced tat, and buy pieces that I would be happy to pay full price for, such as this yellow dress and khaki shirt that I’d already been eying up. I also love picked up reduced bags and belts as I know I’ll get a lot of millage out of them. All I need to do now is decide how much more I can seriously justify spending this month - although sale shopping is more of an investment because it saves you money in the long-run… right…?!

Khaki Bonded Military Shirt Was £28, Now £15

Navy Blue Oversized Sweat Was £20, Now £12

Yellow Pleated Long Sleeved Dress Was £45, Now £25

Grey Knitted Stitch Trim Cardigan Was £25, Now £15

Tan Leather Tooled Cross Body Bag Was £32, Now £15

Tan Leather Military Buckle Belt Was £30, Now £15

A Peace of Ireland

2010-10-19T02:03:00.002+01:00

I've just returned home from my long weekend away in Ireland. It's late, and I'm tired from a delayed flight and lots of wine, so before I update the blog properly tomorrow here is one of my favourite photos from the trip. We stayed a little out of Dublin, and spent a great deal of our time walking in the cliffs and eating locally caught fresh fish in a village called Howth. This picture was taken just as the sun started to drop over boats in a secluded harbour along the costal walk, and really captures the serentity of vast open spaces a million miles away from the choas of London.

Work Wardrobe: Moschino Cheap and Chic

2010-10-14T17:29:00.007+01:00

Moschino Cheap and Chic Crepe Short-Sleeved Dress £390

I’m not an ‘early bird’ kind of girl at the best of times, and right now it’s killing me to wake up each day to a morning that seems darker and colder than the last. I am increasingly finding myself just wanting to pull the covers back over my head and just stay in the warm sanctuary of my bed until noon. My body clock is not happy, and getting ready for work in this frame of mind this is always a struggle. What I rely on to get me through these bleary eyed mornings are a few go-to dresses that I can quickly pull from my and throw on with out too much of a thought process. Less thought process with my outfit means more sleep-time with my duvet.

This Moschino Cheap and Chic red crepe short-sleeved dress is the perfect example of a go-to piece for your work wardrobe. The gathered waist is figure-flattering, while its elegant lines are unfussy, yet super stylish and super stand-out.

London Cocktail Week: Hendrick’s Horseless Carriage of Curiosities - Pop-Up Bar

2010-10-12T18:41:00.003+01:00

Walking through the urban sprawl of Farringdon this afternoon, I was suddenly greeted by the curious sight of a petal-filled bath tub surrounded false green grass, a green vintage motorcar and the offer of a free gin and tonic. Not something that happens every day in London. Being on my way to a meeting I was unable to accept the drink but the lovely girl I spoke to told me what I’d discovered was Hendrick’s Horseless Carriage of Curiosities, a pop-up bar erected as part of London Cocktail Week. I was sent on my way with a voucher and will certainly be returning tomorrow to sample the delightful Hendrick’s gins on offer.

The Hendrick’s Horseless Carriage Bar will be on Clerkenwell Road until 15 October. Nearest tube: Farringdon.

Monday Blues: The Dreaded London Commute

2010-10-11T10:33:00.000+01:00

I normally take the bus to work, as it is pretty much a door-to-door drop, but after three whizzed past this morning too full to take any more passengers I thought I’d hop on the tube. With trains coming once a minute on the Victoria line, it’s generally more reliable than an over crowded bus trying the navigate traffic lights and cyclists.

However, this was the sight that greeted me on arrival to my local station. Due to over crowding, the platforms had been closed – meaning the over crowding simply moved to the street.

I was over thirty minutes late to work and witnessed more commuter rage this morning than I have seen in the last month.

It’s mornings like this that give me a huge urge to move back to the country and just make chutney for my living.

How is your commute in a morning?

Hangover Survival Kit

2010-10-08T18:02:00.002+01:00

After works drinks last night turned into 2.00am dancing in some after-hours dive-bar in King’s Cross, I’ve not really been the most focussed person in the office today. Our hungover lunchtime dash to Nandos did nothing other than induce food coma, and all I can think of is getting home for a long bath to wash away the sins and excesses of last night. In times like this the only answer is some luxurious pampering and intense relaxation, along with pints of iced water and some serious catch-up TV viewing. Here’s my hangover survival kit to help soothe away the pains of even the heaviest night.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Moisturiser £30

Next Gold Knitted Throw £35

Topshop Pink Checked PJ Short £14

Lush Cosmetics Dreamtime Bath Melt £2.90

The White Company Seychelles Signature Candle £18

Topshop Waffle Ankle Socks £4

Orla Kiely Oval Mug £7.50

Neal’s Yard Remedies White Tea Enriching Facial Mask £24

Four key pieces to update your working wardrobe for autumn winter 2010

2010-10-05T23:53:00.002+01:00

The period following Fashion Week always leaves me unable to think of anything but the clothes I need to buy. Summer is gone and the shops are screaming out with the latest fashion trends for autumn winter 2010. For anyone, like me, who has been unable to buy much for the new season October is a depressing month. After moving house last month, there was not much left over for shopping. My work outfits are feeling especially tired, but this month I’m taking a long weekend in Dublin and any spare pennies will be required to fund my fun over there. I am inwardly screaming every time I open my wardrobe, but it’s a question of making do for the time being.

A few people have asked me what they should be buying this season to update their working wardrobe. If you’re doing this season on a tight budget all it takes are few directional pieces to inject some new season style into your work outfits. Combine these with your existing wardrobe basics and you’ll be strutting all the way to the water machine with true City Girl Style.

1. The slouchy trouser, £45, by Topshop - A directional trouser shape is the most effective way to update your wardrobe for the new season. Look for a slouchy but polished style and keep the look work-smart with an open-toed shoe-boot, or dressed down for weekends with flats. Remember to balance your silhouette out by keeping your top half cropped and fitted. And keep those trouser legs rolled up to sit just above the ankle.

2. The camel cashmere sweater £69.99, by Uniqlo – Unless you’ve been in a coma for the last few months I’m guessing you know camel is the colour of the season. A crew neck is the chic choice and this gorgeous sweater will work hard for your wardrobe. Wear with the slouchy trousers or midi skirt for work, or grey leggings and some fierce peep-toe lace up booties for the weekend.

3. The shift dress £45, by Topshop. – The shift is back. Feminine, simple and classy, this style flatters all body shapes and creates that gorgeous 50s silhouette we’re all loving on Madman.

4. The midi skirt £29.99, by Zara -This new length of skirt is fashion forward, perfect for work and a fabulous alterntive to the pencil skirt.

Trend alert: Camel Coats

2010-08-30T18:26:00.000+01:00

Autumn has arrived early in London, and due to summer’s late arrival we only had a few real weeks of heat. I’ve spent the last few days trudging through torrential downpours in winter boots, and the leaves are now starting to turn. But the clouds of miserable weather bring a silver lining – it’s time to start updating our wardrobes for autumn. I’ve always preferred shopping for the cold than the heat, and love the promise of black tights and cosy knits.

My first stop will be a new coat for my autumn working wardrobe. The timeless style of the classic camel coat has captured my eye as an essential piece to invest in and I’m on the look-out for a slim fitting, buttoned style. French label Carven’s beautiful coat was my inspiration.

Here are a few of my other favourites, at a variety of price-points, in a variety of tones.

1. Sportmax Camel Double Breasted Coat, £598

2. Karen Millen Cotton Moleskin Coat, £225

3. Topshop Camel Raincoat, £80

4. Next Camel Peacoat, £45

It has been a while...

2010-06-05T13:26:00.000+01:00

I realised this morning it has been nearly two months since I last updated CGS. My excuse? Life. Since I returned to London from my Easter break at home I've been keeping myself very busy by going out, quite alot. And I think blogging is a bit like the gym - once you break the habit it's very hard to get back into it. I was supposed to go to the gym this morning as it has also been two months since I did any exercise, but updating the blog seemed like the easier option. I probably should have opted for the exercise route considering the amount of alcoholic calories I have been guzzling recently, but one step at a time I say.

So before I ease myself back into the proper routine of the blog, here are a few pictures that have found their way onto my blackberry over the last few weeks:

{striking sunset taken outside my office}

{spring's arrival in london marked by beautiful blossom}

{did someone mention general election drama?}

{and the threat of strikes at every corner? - trade unions protest outside my office}

{Baby Pig by Abigail Fallis on display at Pangolin London's Fallis in Wonderland exhibition - not really my idea of art...}

{summer arrived in london which means lazy days in the parks}

{of course with pink bubbles and my lovely housemate}

{and finally, how to make the most of 2-4-1 happy hour in a cocktail bar}

Normal City Girl Style service will be resumed shortly! xx

Song Love: Groove Armada - I won't kneel

2010-04-12T23:44:00.001+01:00

Back in London, feeling a little tired and fragile after my ten days at home ended on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. And it was this song got me through the first day back in the office today. Gorgeous.

Shopping for men's jackets

2010-04-07T18:26:00.004+01:00

When one of my readers requested I do a post on men’s jackets I was a little stumped. I know what looks good on a man but I don’t actually venture into men’s stores very often. In fact the closest I’ve got this year has been a spot of late-night window-shopping during a Mayfair pubcrawl… with G&Ts still in hand - hardly the foundation for expert knowledge. So I went straight to my closest man-friend Lee, he of the drunken window shopping, for the low-down.

Always buy the best you can afford – it is infinitely better to buy the cheapest jacket from the best tailor, rather than the most expensive jacket from the cheapest brand.

If you have just one jacket in your wardrobe, make it black. Black is universal and goes with pretty much anything. Black will slim down a wide frame and should be teamed with the crisp white shirt for great contrast.

If you can afford it, you can never go wrong with Burberry tailoring:

Burberry grey wool cotton melange two button blazer - £795.00

Reiss jackets provide a excellent fit that rarely needs any additional tailoring:

Reiss black two-button blazer - £189

Try All Saints for jackets that can generally be worn as a cross over between smart and casual:

All Saints Jargon Jacket in ink - £150

Working cuffs are a good look – go for a one or two-button style, and always leave the bottom button undone.

Finally, three-button blazers and gold buttons are the reserve of retired gentlemen and those residing in stately homes, and should be left as such.

So thank you to Guy for your question for the blog, and to Lee for basically answering Guy's question for me - a guest blogger of sorts! x

Easter lambs

2010-04-05T09:42:00.000+01:00

Super quick post as I'm on my way out for the day. These are the little lambs that live in the field behind my house, they are amazingly cute although a little noisy! Hope you all had a fabulous Easter. x

City Girl to Country Girl: a week at home Derbyshire

2010-04-04T01:17:00.011+01:00

For the next few days I'll be blogging to you from my family home in deepest, darkest Derbyshire where I am currently tucked away for an extended Easter holiday. I hail from a tiny village that sits on the edge of the Peak District, 130 miles north of London, and I always adore coming back for a welcome break from the city's urban sprawl. My childhood was typically rural, with most of my time spent climbing trees and playing outdoors. So for me nothing quite compares to the feeling of being home and once again surrounded by open countryside.

The house is a barn conversion with original buildings dating from the 1800's, and was still part of a working dairy farm until the early 1980's. The picture above was taken during the summer when the garden was not dead from winter. What used to be the cow shed is now our sitting room, my parent's bedroom once held the chickens and the farm bull was kept locked away in the study. I love the character and history of the house - right down to the original barn doors, worn bricks and thick walls that are well over a foot deep in places.

The weather since I've arrived home has been pretty dismal, and due to the long harsh winter the daffoldils are only now starting to come into bloom. But at least the rain held out today, giving us the perfect opportunity to go out for a walk across the fields and for me to take some photographs.

view of the village

the land owner's house

public footpath

bridge across the brook

country lanes

welcome to the village

While I'm here I will be relaxing to the extreme, doing lots of cooking and walking, and seeing as many of my friends still living in the area that I can. Wine will also be involved! Tonight I went for dinner with my parents in Ashbourne which was lovely and I'm now cosy as hell in my lovely home bed. It has only been two days, but London already seems like a distant memory...

Bad Fashion: Topshop Grey Hareem Shorts

2010-04-03T02:49:00.000+01:00

Viscose. Hareem. Shorts. Your ears (and eyes) do not deceive you; they are indeed viscose hareem shorts - hot off the rails from Topshop. And there was me thinking camel toes were something to be avoided at all times. Maybe I had it wrong. Maybe I should have been paying £15 for the pleasure of a massive camel toe all along. Urgh... Jesus wept.

April Fool!!

2010-04-01T13:03:00.002+01:00

April Fool's day never fails to amuse me. When I was little I used to hide plastic beetles in the sugar bowl and leave fake spiders in my dad's toolbox and at primary school I made my friends cry by telling them our school trip had been cancelled. Today I've played a little trick on my Mum. I'm heading back to Derby today for Easter, so text to say all the trains out of London are cancelled and that I'm going to have to fly into East Midlands airport instead - I just received a text back saying "That's crazy - you can't fly back. Just come tomorrow." Oh the small pleasures!

My tricks never go further than silly jokes, but over the years there have been some amazing April Fool's played on the masses. In 1957 the BBC tricked viewers into believing spaghetti grows on trees and more recently Tesco announced the development of a genetically modified whistling carrot. My favorite April Fool's of all however was the 'discovery' of a mummified fairy corpse in Derby, leading the world to believe, just for a split second, that fairies really did exist...

So did anyone have any tricks played on them this year?

Work wardrobe: Theory Mettie silk-blend shirt dress in olive

2010-03-29T00:16:00.001+01:00

If I could treat myself to anything for my working wardrobe this month, it would have to be this gorgeous silk-blend shirt dress from Theory. It nails this season's military trend, and has that effortlessly-casual yet completely-polished look that I love - the kind of dress that is a god-send when you don't feel like tailoring and just need to pull your outfit together quickly in a morning. It's the perfect piece to update your work wardrobe for spring 2010 and can be yours for £245 at net-a-porter.

Hello British Summer Time!

2010-03-27T23:29:00.003Z

The clocks go forward tonight, loosing us an hour's sleep but giving us back light evenings after one of the grimmest winters I can remember. As a child, the clocks changing meant finally being allowed to go back to the park after dinner. I remember my excitement on that day each year, shovelling my roast down before rushing back out to rejoin my friends, knowing that long summer evenings playing cops and robbers in the village were just around the corner. As an adult, BST means regaining my evenings after work and the glorious promise of beer gardens. Even better than cops and robbers. So don’t forget to change your watches tonight – and if your timepiece is in need of a little updating then look no further. I am a big fan of chunky man-sized pieces, and high up there on my wish-list is this gorgeous gold bracelet watch by Michael Kors for £175. Wear it everyday, with some extra gold bangles thrown on to complete look. I think treating myself to this little beauty would more than make up for that lost hour of sleep tonight.

City Girl Style returns...

2010-03-26T17:20:00.011Z

Apologies for my prolonged absence from City Girl Style. The last week has been a blur of St Paddy’s day antics, then a trip away for my friend’s birthday, and then four days or so of recovery. I’m not sure why I constantly convince myself I can still party like a twenty year-old when actually now a night or two of excess will leave me brain dead and exhausted for a week. But still I seem to constantly try.

The birthday celebrations took me home to the midlands, and Birmingham, where 14 of us descended on the city to consume our body weight in wine and dance the night away in a club – although my memory of this stage of the night is somewhat hazy it has to be said. Apparently we met Jodie Harsh…

I am very much a last-minute kind of girl, and always seem to be forgetting something. This time was no different and as I unpacked my suitcase I realised I’d forgotten a bag for the evening, and earrings – so a quick emergency trip to the Bullring (shopping centre for you non-locals) was required where it was Primark that saved the day. I wanted a navy blue clutch to go with my blush coloured dress and after having no joy in my standard high street favourites I found exactly what I was looking for there. All for a jaw-dropping £9. £9 for a clutch?! It was the perfect size and colour, and covered in tiny bead detailing that, according to my friends, felt just like the Bullring.

I wore: H&M blush ruffled mini dress (£14.99 last week), Topshop grey blazer, a brown skinny belt and my favourite party shoes in mink from Dorothy Perkins. Oh and don’t forget the Primark clutch. I really am a high street queen here.

Apologies for the poor quality pictures taken from Facebook - I really need to sort a camera of my own out!

Normal blogging service will resume over the course of this weekend - my brain functions have started to speed up once again thank goodness, and a few early nights in with the Twilight DVDs have sufficiently rested my partied-out body. By the way, is it wrong to harbour lustful thoughts over Jacob? He’s about ten years younger than me, but what a body!

A whole lot of love for that cheeky little ginger monkey

2010-03-15T22:38:00.005Z

Being so new to the blogosphere, City Girl Style is like my new toy that I just can't put down. I'm always peeking to see how many people have been visiting and can't quite beleive how quickly people have started to come to my page. Hitting the 100 mark yesterday was the best feeling - thank you for all reading! My favourite part of the traffic analysis is looking through search terms that bring new readers to me from Google. What really tickles me is that the most popular search term, searched well into double figures this last week, is 'cheeky little ginger monkey'... who knew that little Elka had such a fashionable following!

Topshop Double Wrap Dome Stud Belt

2010-03-15T21:39:00.010Z

I can clearly remember the first belt I had. It was brown leather decorated with a stiched Native American style design, in an array of reds, yellows, black and beige. I remember not really liking it too much, but my mother made me wear it every time I put on a pair of jeans. A few years down the line belts were worn low and wide and the piece to be seen in was a Jocasi Moon Belt. Mine now sits in the back of my wardrobe waiting to emerge a vintage treasure as for the last few years we have been all about the waist. And long may the waist continue to rule! This tan studded belt from Topshop is my pick of the week. I love the hardwear detailing, and efortlessly undone yet polished effect of the double wrap. It comes in at an affordable £20, and would look perfect clinching in something nude and floaty on a hazy summer day.

Banksy or Blanky?

2010-03-15T20:53:00.004Z

Spotted in Fulham on the closed door of an electrical goods shop. Aside from the stenciling, I'm not sure it really looks like his style. But what do you think? Even if it's not, it's still a lovely unexpected little bit of art where you would least expect it.

Dorothy Perkins Day Bags

2010-03-14T23:24:00.009Z

I'm terrible with day bags. I am a firm fan of oversized totes, but always seem to end up carting around a back-breaking amount of useless bits. The answer to my problem, I have decided, is to rotate bags daily - thus avoiding the cumulative build up of stuff. With this in mind I have been keeping my eyes peeled for an affordable new day bag for a while now. Sadly the Mulberry Alexa remains firmly out of my price range. However high-street gem Dorothy Perkins has come up with two fabulous offerings this week. A tan bag complete with brass buckles and front pocket detailing that makes a perfect high-street alternative to the Mulberry, and a classic grey fold top that looks more Marc Jacobs than market stall. With both coming in under the highly affordable £30 mark, my day bag rotation scheme can start right here.

Beauty: Chanel Particuliere Limited Edition Nail Enamel

2010-03-14T19:25:00.009Z

I am a big fan of chocolate browns and greys on my nails - and this taupe nail varnish from Chanel is the like dream shade meeting right in the middle. I want it more than I want roast potatoes right now - and that's saying something for a Sunday evening. It costs £19 and is a limited edition shade, so if you want some I'd advise getting down to your nearest Chanel counter pronto. If that fails there is always eBay...

TOMS Shoes - Ethical fashion

2010-03-13T12:48:00.019Z

I keep hearing about TOMS shoes. A whisper is growing into a rumble that will soon be an unmissable roar. TOMS are going to be the casual footwear choice of the summer. And for every pair that is purchased, a child in need will be given new shoes. See, it's fashion, but fashion that will also make a difference.

TOMS shoes are inspired by the traditional Argentine alpargata, and have a unique slip-on design comprising clean lines and light-weight fabrics. They will be a perfect compliment to my wardrobe - looking great with leggings and jeans, and the polar opposite to my gladiators - which can be fiddly to do up. I will just be able to chuck these on, and off, and on again. Perfect for summer days exploring London and lazing around on the park with a wine or two. Celebrities such as Kyra Knightly, Kristen Stewart, Liv Tyler and Scarlett Johansson have already discovered this for themselves and have been spotted championing the brand.

The concept of TOMS was born in 2006 after founder Blake Mycoskie travelled to Argentina. There he was stuck by the poverty local children faced, and especially by the fact so many had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to do something to help, Blake created the company based on the idea of matching every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes to be given to a child in need.

Children without shoes in developing countries are plagued by health issues, such as intestinal parasites - a horrible condition where worms from the soil enter the body through the soles of the feet and travel up to the intestines. Intestinal parasites will leave a child more susceptible to infections, stunt growth and even cause permanent cognitive damage. Currently over 400 million children are infected or at risk of being infected. It's a terrible condition that can be easily prevented just by protecting the feet with shoes - but so many children are left at risk when they have to go barefoot, due to living in poverty. It's heartbreaking.

However, thanks to TOMS over 400,000 children have been provided with new shoes so far, which is amazing - and this figure looks set to grow.They come in an array of colours and designs, so there is something for everyone, although my tastes prefer the classic canvas styles in white, red or grey. But for those who prefer something a little different there are more quirky designs.

It's a good feeling to know that by treating yourself to just one new pair of shoes, you could be saving the life of a child in need - I know what I'm getting for my feet this summer. Online stockists in the UK include Topshop and Office.

So what do you think to TOMS?

Loving Cameron Diaz's Oscar dress

2010-03-09T21:26:00.012Z

Cameron Diaz looked absolutely stunning at this year's Oscars don't you think? She seriously dazzled in that Oscar de la Renta. Pure Hollywood. And not even a sniff of a ponytail in sight...

Photo: Style.com

Trend Alert: Clogs - Love them or hate them?

2010-03-08T00:38:00.031Z

Photo: Style.com - Chanel Spring/Summer 10

When Karl Lagerfeld sent clog-shod models down that straw covered runway for Chanel's S/S10 show I kind of hoped no one would notice. I hoped that maybe this could be one trend the world would not be following Chanel's lead on. But the inevitable has happened, and this week I have been greeted by the gruesome sight of pair-upon-pair of hefty clogs grinning up at me from the pages of every glossy fashion magazine.

Clogs are back and there is no denying it. Although, I have a feeling this will be the marmite shoe of the season - dividing those who follow fashion into camps of Love or Hate.

Me? I'm afraid I'm firmly in camp hate. And it's nothing to do with issues surrounding their practicality - it is simply because I think they look U.G.L.Y. I had a pair ten years ago and I can assure you I've never lost a moment's sleep over the fact I didn't store them away ready for any future daughter to inherit.

The only style-positive I can see from the return of ladies clogs is their clumpiness will give even the most heavy-set legs the illusion of slenderness. But they will also make you look like a golf-club.

Now I feel I should reel my tongue in a little here - it is late, I am tired and a little grumpy today. I expect for everyone who hates the trend as much as me, there will be others who love it even more. Hence clogs being the marmite of shoes.

Vogue has declared love for Chanel's clogs, as has Alexa Chung. You too can declare your love for the Chanel clog by parting with the princely sum of £550.

I personally would rather spend a month's rent on a timeless Chanel 2.55, or on a pair of Louboutins. Or maybe even a holiday to some far-flung destination, like Greenland, to wait for this dark clod-hopping cloud to pass over us.

But if you must indulge in the season's silliest fad, make sure you get the highest heel possible and stick to tan or black to avoid looking too folksy.

So what do you think of clogs? Love 'em, or hate 'em?

Hair: Aveda Madder Root colour enhancing shampoo for red hair

2010-03-07T12:43:00.011Z

I first encountered Aveda's Madder Root shampoo last year after a friend purchased a bottle without realising it was a colour enhancer for red hair - the bottle was swiftly passed on to me to use on my auburn locks.

Aveda Madder Root Shampoo - 1 Litre £22.50

I had never used an Aveda product at the time - it is more of a 'salon' brand, and not stocked in high street chemists such as Boots or Superdrug. But I was glad the mix-up brought the bottle to me, as I was very impressed with the results.

The Madder Root shampoo left my hair amazingly soft and shiny after just one use. The product is bright orange which I did a little off-putting on the first use, but it smells divine and lathers up wonderfully.

The results were clear to see as soon as I had blow-dried. Every natural tone and highlight within my hair had been enhanced, and my hair was glossy, manageable and completely frizz-free. The natural auburn of my hair had been wonderfully intensified which prompted compliments from friends and colleagues, with some even asking if my hair been dyed. I couldn't quite believe what a difference the product made to my hair.

The Aveda Madder Root is only available to purchase in litre bottles priced at £22.50, but this bottle will last you for months and is well worth the investment.

If you don't have red hair, Aveda's Colour Enhancement range contains something for all hair colours:

Black Malva for black or brown hair. Contains aloe and black tea to brings out cool, deep tones and stamp out the appearance of red or brassy tones.
Blue Malva for grey or blonde. Contains coneflower and adds brightness while reducing brassiness.
Camomile brightens highlights and illuminates lighter shades of blonde and contains nourishing calendula.
Clove for natural brunettes or honey blondes, uses coffee to enriches brown hues.

There is also a full range of colour enhancing conditioners to accompany the shampoos.

The Aveda brand is centred around producing high-performance plant and flower based products. Getting rid of the chemicals found in so many shampoos today leaves a product that is natural, pure, safer to use and environmentally friendly. And you can really feel the difference.

Not content with simply eradicating chemicals from it's products, Aveda is committed to cultivating a sustainable economy through the responsible sourcing of raw materials. The company also campaigns widely to raise awareness for causes such pollution, recycling and cancer. They are also the first beauty company to run 100% on wind power.

Pretty good credentials, and an amazing product! Highly recommended.

Saying a sad goodbye

2010-03-05T01:27:00.048Z

I am proudly English through and through. I love London and I love my Derbyshire countryside home. I survive on morning bacon sandwiches (with cheese) and frequent cups of tea. I can't eat cheese on toast without Worcester Sauce and chutney. I always carry an umbrella just incase. I form an orderly queue - and tut at those who don't. I would always choose the pub over a coffee shop. Roast dinners and the Sunday Times are a way of life. I love everything about home right now except for the Home Office.

My beautiful friend VK moved to London from Australia nearly two years ago. She is a talented PR and has worked constantly, paid her taxes and embraced our culture. Yet because she has neither a Master's degree or a sponsor there is no way to renew her working visa. She is forced to leave our shores within weeks.

I am sad beyond words. A Batchelor's degree used to qualify someone for an extended working visa, but the rules have been changed - now a Master's is required. This means only those who can afford to spend around $10k on a top-up to their degree are able to work in London longer than a year. It just seems so trivial. It also seems silly to me that we are not able to move freely between countries like Canada, Austrailia and New Zealand - we all have the same Queen!

Within weeks my VK will be on a plane home to Australia long before accomplishing everything she ever dreamed of in London.

Just arrived home from her leaving drinks, and tonight and my heart broke many times to see her so sad. What will I do at work without my best friend, without my VK.

I would swap all the tea, bacon and green fields England can offer me to keep her here with us a little longer. x

Trend Alert: Hawaiian print shirts

2010-03-03T13:41:00.018Z

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little bored of seeing lumberjack shirts everywhere. They look great and are really easy to wear, hence their popularity - but it just feels a bit like woodchopper overkill right now.

So this spring/summer I will be skimming past my old-faithful lumberjack in favour of the Hawaiian print shirt. It is the perfect substitute. There were rumblings toward this trend last summer - I had a Hawaiian print bikini, but didn't feel quite ready for the full-on statement of a shirt.

It was Topshop's offering to the trend that coaxed me around this week:

Topshop Hawaiian Print Shirt £70

I love the nudey, muted tones of the colour pallet, which totally smashes any preconception that Hawaiian shirts have to be loud, brash and naff. In addition the shirt is 100% viscose which means no creases after it's been folded up in your bag on hot summer afternoons.

And it must be good, because Alexa Chung is rocking the trend - as seen on Vogue.co.uk.

Image: Vogue

If if is loud and brash that you want from your Hawaiian try this bright blue piece from the men's range at Debenhams:

Debenhams Blue Short Sleeved Hawaiian Print Shirt £21.60

Or for something really individual hunt out a fabulous vintage Hawaiian shirt - defunkd.com would be a good starting point. Just don't go OTT with this trend and start wearing any flower chain necklaces or grass skirts - some things are best left to Hawaii. Aloha!

The Bronze Topshop Gladiator Sandal

2010-03-02T15:29:00.016Z

The sun is blazing over London in all its spring glory this morning. The daffodils have arrived and and the air is thick with the promise of long summer days just around the corner. It's time to draw back those shutters, blow away the dust and clean the grime of winter away from your homes... Oh wait, sorry, wrong decade. What I actually meant to say is that now is the time to purchase your new summer footwear!

My tribal gladiators from last summer have seen better days, and come to mention it so have my feet. So a pedicure and new shoe purchase is required to ensure I'm primed and ready to bare my feet as soon as the air turns warm and we enter 'toe weather'. These beauties were new into Topshop this week, and I snapped my pair up this morning:

Topshop Bronze Haidee High Leg Gladiator - £25

Three summers strong into its reign as the sandal of choice, and somehow the gladiator is still looking fierce. This bronze high leg version is perfect for me and an absolute steal at £25. Metalics go with everything, and the high leg style keeps the shoe feeling a little fashion-forward.

I am lucky to be blessed with skinny pins, but avoid this style at all costs if you have short legs as the straps will cut you off at the ankle.

So what will you be wearing on your feet this summer?

Cheeky little ginger monkey and on making the most of red hair

2010-03-02T01:06:00.014Z

Still looking back through my old magazines… This is Elka, a tiny baby monkey who was last year rejected by her mother ‘for being ginger’. Elka, a rare Francois Langur leaf-eating monkey, was born into captivity at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. Staff at the zoo needed to hand-rear her on formula milk due to her mother’s rejection.

Both of Elka‘s parents have black fur and although the tabloids claimed the baby was rejected ‘for being ginger’, it's apparently very common for offspring of this species to be born with orange fur. This makes it easier to be spotted by their parents in the wild. In fact, a zookeeper said at the time the rejection more likely came as a result of the mother lacking in enough exposure to other females giving birth, thus lacking the social skills needed to care for a baby.

But of course the media loves to have a pop at gingers and the tabloid headlines were always going to claim the baby was pushed out as a result of that dreaded mutant gene.

They say that those with ginger hair are the last group of people it is socially acceptable to openly discriminate against, and to some degree I must agree with that statement.

As a natural redhead I adore my hair – it is the first thing people notice about me and I receive a lot of compliments for it. But I did also have to endure a childhood fielding off playground taunts and wishing I could just blend in with everyone else. Then the minefield of being a ginger teenager of the 1990’s. Home hair-dye kits in ravishing shades of plum, purple or black, and the inevitable bright orange roots that seemed to appear as soon as the purple tide marks had finally faded from your hairline.

But fear not bloggosphere, as I entered maturity I quickly realised it’s rather a good thing to stand out from the crowd. I also discovered that boys actually thought other redheads, such as Isla Fisher, were pretty darn hot. Those dreaded Wella kits were soon discarded and I began to wear my hair long and au-natural. I have never looked back.

I love the fact that being a natural ginger is such a talking point when meeting new people and I love the fact that people covet my hair. It more than makes up for the playground taunts, and just about makes up for the fact I will never, ever get a natural tan.

And it seems that red hair is firmly on the style radar with Fashion Editor at Large, one of my favourite new blogs, reporting it as a key beauty trend of Fashion Week. Nicola Roberts certainly wowed in Vivienne Westwood with her porceline skin and firey tresses. I think Nicola is looking fabulous with her new(ish) look, and my goodness am I pleased someone finally told the girl to pencil her eyebrows in.

So fear not little Elka - be proud of that orange fur, and be proud to be a little different from the rest of the pack.

How about you - what do you think to the red hair? And does anyone else have any home hair-dye horror stories from their youth to share?

Flashback: Kate Moss - How many earrings did one woman need?

2010-03-01T16:08:00.010Z

I threw out a huge pile of old magazines today, but before doing so had a good rifle through to se if there was anything of interest – and of course there was.

It was around a year ago that all the magazines were screaming about pictures of Kate Moss’s multiple new ear piercings. She was photographed leaving a tattoo parlour with the cartilage of her right ear pierced all the way to the top.

Now, I am of the school of thought that anything more than one hole in each ear is a little tacky. Six-rings-in-one-ear is a look I championed during my teenage years and have thankfully left long behind - save for the faint tell-tail dints where the piercings have long been removed. Oh and could that be one in my nose too? Surely City Girl Style would not have done a thing like getting a nose percing as a teenager?! Ahem!

Anyway, I wondered at the time what others thought of Kate’s new look. We are all very aware that where Kate leads in fashion others quickly follow - but was this going to be new jump-on-the-bandwagon trend of the year?

Judging by recent photo’s of Kate, the earrings seem to have been ditched already. It seems this was one trend even Ms Moss couldn’t convinvince the masses of. Did she decide that she had made a terrible style faux-par and remove them? Or was there some other purpose for the original piercing?

And what do you think to the multiple-earrings look? Tacky? Or is it just another trend from the grunge era being resurrected to see another decade?

I know for one I'm not planning on adding more metal to my flesh anytime soon.

Style Crush: Street Style

2010-03-01T12:31:00.021Z

I love flicking through glossy magazines for style inspiration, but in the last year or so blogs have really overtaken for me. Seeing the 'clothes on people's backs' rather than a look put together specifically for a shoot (and of course for advertising purposes) seems so much more real and true.

Street-style blogs such as The Satorialist, Facehunter and Fashionistable are some of my favorite places on the internet and I can while away hours on rainy Sunday afternoons just flicking through and looking at people's outfits. I have always enjoyed people-watching in the park, or outside a pub, but now the internet has brought people-watching directly to my lap. And I don't even need to get changed out of my pyjamas to do it.

While looking through the blogs on yesterday's said perfect rainy sunday afternoon, I came across this post from Fashionistable. Massive style crush moment. I think the girl, named Jessica, looks amazing:

Photo: Fashionistable

This is my perfect style - simple and understated yet a real head-turner of an outfit, and perfect for work. I just love the softness of the blues and greys and the gorgeous suede shoe-boots. I need to get myself to American Apparel for one of those dresses - oh and loving the navy blue D&G arm-candy.

There is a similar leather bag in the D&G online store now, although in black, for £695. The only similar version in navy I've managed to find is from Paul's Boutique (a Topshop concession) for £70 - I'm not too sure about the patent finish though. What do you think?

Hello to my new feed subscribers!

2010-02-28T20:31:00.005Z

Yesterday, under recommendation from a friend in-the-know, I set up my RSS feed for City Girl Style. Having only created this blog a couple of days ago I am currently going through a rather large learning curve getting to grips with how everything works, getting things started and getting my ideas out of my mind and into print. I didn't even know what an RSS feed was until yesterday - but I gather readers subscribe to a feed because they want to read more. Well imagine my delight when taking a look at the feeder today to see I already have four subscribers!

So I just wanted to say hello to you all, thank you for adding me and bear with me while I turn this fledgling little blog into what will hopefully be a decent read!

City Girl Style xxx

Ten work wardrobe essentials for stylish professionals

2010-02-24T20:22:00.009Z

As I was saying in yesterday's entry, getting your work wardrobe basics in place will be the end to those horrible "I have nothing to wear!" moments. The basics are the building blocks to your own personal style. They give you the freedom of choice from having many more outfit combinations to choose from - and they leave you free to experiment with the fun but more risky trend pieces.

Now, I am not about to sit here preaching from my ivory tower to you about exactly what you should fill your work wardrobe with, but I am going to give you a list to work from and show you my ideal set of basics. This formula works for me and keeps me sane in the morning. And trust me, having these ten items in your wardrobe will guarantee you'll always look polished.

City Girl Style's 10 work wardrobe essentials

Click on the image to shop the list
Click here for more work wardrobe inspiration

The tailored dress - Easy to wear, instantly smart and chic and perfect for heading straight for post-work drinks in. Find a grey v-neck and wear with a statement necklace to lift your look.
The pencil skirt - For me, a classic 'can't live without' staple. Keep it simple an elegant and if your body shape doesn't suit a pencil skirt try an a-line. Black or grey is most versatile.
The feminine blouse -Ignore what everyone tells you about needing a crisp white shirt. Find something you like. My preference is a pretty blouse over a starched corporate shirt but it's down to personal preference. The white blouse or shirt is another chic classic and will put the hard-graft in for your look.
The black trouser - My preference is with a jet-black skinny jean but if your company policy frowns upon this find a slim legged trouser. If a slim cut doesn't suit your figure then go with what ever does - as long it is black and stylish.
The blazer - There is a huge selection of blazers on the high street right now. Never go matchy-matchy with your bottom half and keep your silhouette balanced with a slim leg. A grey blazer looks great with your black skinny jeans for an on-trend look that is still office smart. And keep those sleeves rolled up.
The jersey dress - For those days you can't face tailoring. Easy to throw on and effortlessly stylish. Experiment with colour. I like deep jewel tones but again it's what ever suits your skin tone and taste.
The knit cardigan - A longer v-neck button-up cardigan is the most versatile. It looks great with your work separates as well as being a great piece to layer with for your casual looks. Classic colourways such as black, navy, grey and camel will give the most milage to your look. Buy cashmere if you can afford, and if not try to find a wool-mix piece. It is the wool that keeps the chill at bay - even 20% wool will do. Clinch in at the waist with a skinny belt to keep your look on trend.
The trench coat - Instant sophististication and a real classic that comes back year after year. Buy the best you can afford - it will be an investment. Camel is the classic, but black looks good too.
The simple tee - Wear tucked into your pencil skirt or skinny trousers for a modern look. Make sure the tee is fitted with capped sleeves. I pick mine up on the high street for peanuts. Stick to classic colourways such as white or navy to avoid looking like you forgot to take your pyjama top off that morning.
The breton stripe top - An elegant classic that every woman should have in the wardrobe. Super easy to wear for instant chic.

So that's my list - I hope it can help you with a daily stress-free dressing experience. More posts on work wardrobe inspiration can be found here.

What about you, do you have any key pieces for your working wardrobe I've not included?

I have nothing to wear! And other myths from beyond the wardrobe...

2010-02-23T21:30:00.003Z

When do you plan your outfit for the day? Are you the type to plan and lay your clothes out the night before? Or perhaps you sleepily ponder during your morning shower and agonise in front of the wardrobe when you are already running late for work. Perhaps there are multiple outfit changes and the age-old female frustration of "I have nothing to wear!"?

Well ladies, if the latter sounds a little too familiar there is an answer. And it begins with a well stocked wardrobe of key basic pieces.

For those of us who were not born with a natural flair for fashion, building up the basics can seem like a challenge. If you have trouble finding trousers to fit properly (and who doesn't), or shy away from colour favouring the safe solace of black and grey, it can be all to easy to fall into a repetitive pattern of buying what feels safe. The result? A wardrobe filled with bland choices that works against rather than with you.

Trust me on this. Once you have get the basics in place the rest will follow naturally and it will be bye-bye frustration and hello fabulous!

So, I hear you ask, what basics should I be looking for? I list my ten essential wardrobe staples in the next post.

Welcome to City Girl Style

2010-02-22T22:52:00.005Z

Fashion has the power to transform a woman like nothing else. Dress the most confident and capable woman in an ill-fitting synthetic mess and her sparkle will vanish.

The choices we make in front of the wardrobe each morning can be as significant as the arguments we make in the boardroom. Appearance is everything. You wouldn't expect results using a sloppy powerPoint presentation, so why expect results dressed in a crumpled blouse and badly fitting skirt.

I work for a large company in an amazing central London office, complete with floor to ceiling glass windows and an in-house Starbucks. Yet I often find myself sharing the lift with women who clearly spend a sum total of three minutes considering what to wear that morning.

And don't even get my started on all the girls I see on the commute wearing trainers with their pencil-skirts. I mean, seriously? Fine yes, if you have some kind of bone-degenerating condition leaving you in need of a cushioned ankle for the 15-minute walk to the tube each morning, then go right ahead. But the other 99.9% of you really have no excuse.

Some are born with style and others learn it. It is not about being a slave to fashion - it is about having fun and working with styles that flatter your body shape and colours that work with your face. I truly believe everyone woman can and should glow from within when she dresses herself in the morning, and be able to leave the house with her head help high. But sometimes it can take a little confidence to reach that place to start with.

This blog will be an extension of my preoccupation with clothes and fashion - bringing you my own take on style advice and fashion commentary. We all have the style within us it is just a question of chanelling the power!