Making Stylish Excuses..

While being fashionably late is one thing, being supremely delayed is tardy, rude and a not good impression. In reality only weddings and fashion shows can be delayed but only to an extent. 

This handy guide will help you choose the right words to say.

0-20 minutes 

- No excuse needed, you arrived didn't you?

20-40 minutes 

- Push off irritated faces with compliments and follow wit a casu "Oh how lovely to see you all again . You look so well. Nightmare getting a taxi/ traffic/ parking isn't it?" (delete where needed)

al apology blaming external factors:

40 minutes - hour

- Vaguely suggest a day of exiting trauma, but be careful not to elaborate! "What a day! You just couldn't imagine. Oh well at least I'm here , so what have I missed?" and so on.

One hour plus 

- This requires a show stopper entrance, as Marilyn Monroe once said, "I have often been on calenders but I have never been on time"

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Finding The Perfect Shoes

When looking for those perfect pair of shoes the amount of us who worry about what will others think of your taste and will they go with anything, are in there 1000's. Shoe shopping can seem like a chore to some people but to others it's an enjoyment, and with these 4 little handy hints you can just look at pair of shoes on your feet and say 'Yes' or 'No'.

1. What's the occasion, do I need heels or flats?

2. What will they do for my posture and will they kill my feet? 

3. Do they go with anything I own?

4. Are they worth the amount they are asking?

The answers to these questions are mixture of what we think and what other think. You wouldn't buy a pair of heels that made you walk funny or that will break after only a few hours (it's happened to the best of us). You want a shoe that is like a man, reliable, sturdy and won't break after a rough night. 

1. What's the occasion, do I need heels or flats? 

This answer is more thinking about what you will be doing, are you able to walk for hours in 6" stilettos or will you need flats for comfortability.

2. What will they do for my posture and will they kill my feet? 

If your walking toe-toe rather than heel-toe and when walking it makes you look like you are in pain then DO NOT BUY they will only do bad things for your legs and back. For the second part of this question just look back to question number 1.

3. Do they go with anything I own?

Only one sentence comes to mind when thinking this question over 'the perfect pair of shoes can make or break an outfit!'

4. Are they worth the amount they are asking?

For some of us this is an easy answer but for the rest its a mixture of 'Are they worth it?' 'How often will i wear them?' and 'Can i spare that much?' but the answer for this one is completely up to you! If they are worth it then head strait to the till.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Body Shapes .. Too short

With the media defining what is beauty now its very rare to find someone who is comfortable in there own body, we all try to make changes on how we style our hair or adjust our hight with heels. We all have the no-shoe zones on out body but there are clever ways we can play with the eye and make them show zones.

 

• Be warned that wearing different colours on your top and bottom visually cuts you in half.
• That can make you look smaller. 
• A much better idea is to wear a single uniform colour to make you seem taller.
• Mid-calf skirts will shorten your legs and swamp you.
• Stick to knee-length or slightly shorter skirts. 
• Trousers that are a fraction too long will make your legs appear longer when worn with heels.
• To create the illusion of height wear prints on the top half of your body.
• Be wary of letting the print overpower your frame. 
• If you want to appear taller, avoid unnecessary details on your clothes.
• keep your look streamlined.

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Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Body Shapes .. Voluptuous

With the media defining what is beauty now its very rare to find someone who is comfortable in there own body, we all try to make changes on how we style our hair or adjust our hight with heels. We all have the no-shoe zones on out body but there are clever ways we can play with the eye and make them show zones.

 

• Revel your curves in a way that makes you feel comfortable.
• Avvoiding the temptation to cover up in a baggy T-shirt and leggings. 
• Tailored and fitted (but not skin-tight) clothes are the ticket to taming your curves.
• Fluid lines will streamline your silhouette.
• Palazzo pants with a fitted top and a more covering long-line jacket or cardigan will work a treat. 
• Silky fluid fabrics are flattering but avoid matt fabrics such as velvet or suede.
• Structured straight-leg trousers mixed with long-line shirts and jackets are ideal. 
• Avoid a cropped jacket as this will emphasise your middle. 
• Choose knee-length coats and summery jackets.
• A-line skirts will make your bottom look twice as big.
• Tailored pencil skirt's will work and looks great with knee-high boots.
• Don't be afraid to show off your waist.
• Wrap tops and cardigans will look great.
• Try a corset-style top to pull you in where you need it and make the most of your bust.
• Keep prints minimal.

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Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Body Shapes .. Short-waisted

With the media defining what is beauty now its very rare to find someone who is comfortable in there own body, we all try to make changes on how we style our hair or adjust our hight with heels. We all have the no-shoe zones on out body but there are clever ways we can play with the eye and make them show zones.

 

• You have lovely long legs.
• Hipster trousers and jeans are amazing for extending short waists.
• Tall with a short waist try belted hipster jeans cut with a bootleg.
• Try not to tuck tops into your waist-band as this is only emphasising your torso. 
• Loose blouses and shirts worn untucked over trousers look elegant tailored correctly.
• A long-line jackets will help make your torso appear longer.
• Avoid wide waistbands.
• Avoid big prints on the top half of your body and high-waisted style.
• Empire-line dresses will focus on your bust and most dress styles work well as they don't cut you in half.

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Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Body Shapes .. Too Tall

With the media defining what is beauty now its very rare to find someone who is comfortable in there own body, we all try to make changes on how we style our hair or adjust our hight with heels. We all have the no-shoe zones on out body but there are clever ways we can play with the eye and make them show zones.

 

• Believe it or not you are very lucky, most styles will suit when you have the height to carry them off.
• Finding longer length trousers and jeans is doubtless a problem but many high street stores are now becoming wise to this.
• Try M&S, Next, Zara, Topshop and Jigsaw.
• Three-quarter length trousers or capri pants don't look like you've grown out of your clothes ­- they should sit just slightly over your knee. 
• A-line skirts look great on long legs but avoid mini skirts.
• Sleeve lengths can be a problem too so if in doubt stick to three-quarter length sleeves.
• Wear bold prints comfortably these will draw added attention to your height.
• Smaller prints can look a bit 'prissy' if you are lucky enough to be over six foot.
• Equally block colours will emphasise your height.
• Be wary of head-to-toe coloured outfits.
• Break things up to help reduce altitude.

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Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Body Shapes .. Top Heavy

With the media defining what is beauty now its very rare to find someone who is comfortable in there own body, we all try to make changes on how we style our hair or adjust our hight with heels. We all have the no-shoe zones on out body but there are clever ways we can play with the eye and make them show zones.

 

• Make sure the bra you are wearing is the correct size.
• High neck tops and T-shirts will make your boobies look bigger than they actually are. 
• Wide scoop-necks show off your collar bone.
• V-necks will draw attention to your neck and face rather than your cleavage but avoid anything too plunging if you want to have a face-to-face conversation.
• Tight tops may cause 'sausage syndrome' where your bust appears to have merged into a single sausage stuck on your chest. 
• Wear a loose top to allow fabric to dip between your breasts.
• Corset tops and empire lines in dresses and tops are flattering as they give structure to your torso while giving extra support to your bosom.
• Try wrap tops and dresses that highlight your waist.
• To wear a strappy vest find those with an invisible bra stitched in.
• Bravissimo has a good selection.
• The Illusion of a smaller bust is made by wearing plain dark colours on top and prints for your lower half. 
• Blouses and tops should be kept simple with no fussy frills or unnecessary detailing.
• High-necked jackets and funnel necks are a NO.
• Slim lapels on a single-breasted jacket are much better and will help to visually minimise your chest.

 

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Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Body Shapes .. Boyish/Petite

With the media defining what is beauty now its very rare to find someone who is comfortable in there own body, we all try to make changes on how we style our hair or adjust our hight with heels. We all have the no-shoe zones on out body but there are clever ways we can play with the eye and make them show zones.

 

• Bias-cut dresses and skirts will give the illusion of curves.
• Wear a belt to emphasise your waist when wearing dresses, trousers or skirts.
• Diagonal stripes will make you look more curvaceous.
• Prints look good on more petite frames.
• Acid wash jeans give the illusion to shape your legs.
• Low-waisted, skinny-fit jeans will emphasise your waist and hips. 
• Shirt dresses that end at the knee will suit you down to the ground
• Wear long tops over your relaxed pants to add curves and layer clothes
• Camisoles and cardigans, to add shape where you feel you need it.
• Be wary of long dresses as they may swamp your frame.
• There is nothing wrong looking in the children's section.

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Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

How To: Get Dressed In No Time

Getting dressed in 5 minutes? Do be serious! 

With these 19 little know-hows getting ready will be a thing of the past, no more faffing around about what goes with what and no more running late (yes, we all do it).

1. Venue - know where your going,  how long your going to be there and who you might bump into, it might be your next boyfriend, best friend or boss.. so dress to impress.

2. Layout - plan the outfit in your mind wither it's the night before, while your showering or when your tucked up in bed. 

3. Point of Focus - less is sometimes more, choose one part of your body to show off like boobs, waist or booty.

4. Teeth - flossy, brushed and scrubbed. There is nothing worse than having bad teeth to ruin your perfect smile.

5. Make-Up (step 1) - wash face (cold water is best for those early mornings), cleanse, tone and moisturise. Learn that routine so you are sharp on the ball and you know what follows what.

6. Underwear - don't have anything you can clearly see, like like line of Bridget Jones under those skin tight legging.. No..

7. Perfume (step 1) - layer a few spritses over the body before putting your clothes on so that it can skin into your skin. But always applied after deodorant.

8. Dress - when getting to this stage you know you have made progress, after deciding what to wear at the 'Layout' stage its time to pull on those labels and love your clothes.

9. Make-Up (step 2) - take a look in that mirror and adjust if the eye make-up is too heavy or the lips need more colour.

10. Hair - up or down? strait or curly? this is the time to decide,

11. Shoes - to sum up in one line 'It is impossible to be well dresses in cheap shoes' - Sir Hardy Amies.. if they look cheep don't go there. But I'm my opinion you tell theses days

12. Perfume (step 2) - to avoid the scent being too strong spray a mist in the air and walk into it.

13. Hair - toss.

14. Make-Up and Mirror - one last check.. teeth? tucked in? pushed up? done up? face, flawless?

15. Smile - the deal breaking to any outfit you have.

16. Bag - Check you have your handbag and contents.

17. Outer-Layering -  Is it raining? Do you need a coat? What's the weather like?

18. Lip-Gloss - There is no point doing it until now, there are too many obstacles

.

19. Finale - 'Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?' .. And your off!

If your still struggling remember a good pair of shoes can make an outfit, but at the same time a bad pair of shoes can irrevocable damage.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Body Shapes - Pear Shaped

With the media defining what is beauty now its very rare to find someone who is comfortable in there own body, we all try to make changes on how we style our hair or adjust our hight with heels. We all have the no-shoe zones on out body but there are clever ways we can play with the eye and make them show zones.

 

• Two different sizes on your top and bottom .
• Wear clothes that balance out the proportions of your frame. 
• Baggy T-shirts and tops will hide your waist and make the rest of your body seem as wider.
• Stay with fitted tops that end at your hips.
• Stay clear of straight-leg trousers they only emphasise your hip width. 
• Stick with boot-cut or high waisted as they will balance your leg shape and skim your hips.
• Stick to dark indigo rather than lighter colours.
• Bias-cut skirts and dresses are incredibly flattering but on your hips they could spell disaster. 
• A safe option would be A-line shape, accentuate your waist while slimming your hips.
• Short jackets are a NO unless dressed correctly
• A knee-length coat or suit jacket will nip in waists.

Read More

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

The Retro Corner .. Review

While looking for the latest news on Facebook a pop-up soon appeared to Vintage Shop, and being a lover of all things vintage I had to check it out. Low and behold I found something amazing!

The Retro Corner is still a growing business but with plenty of potential. the things that are sold are on-off pieces such as watches, clothes and comic books. But hurry because ones its gone, there is no getting another.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Beyoncé .. Heat Rush

In 2011 Beyoncé released her second perfume 'Heat Rush' when asked in an interview the difference between her first fragrance 'Rush' and this one..

 

On the difference between Heat and Heat Rush: “Heat is a spicier  scent and is bursting with the Red Vanilla Orchid. Heat Rush is fresher and lighter and the Yellow Tiger Orchid is the top note in the fragrance. I love them both for different reasons but they both feature my favourite flower, which is the orchid.”

www.theperfumeshop.com/

When I first bought this perfume it was a miracle if I could use it, not in the sense that I'm disliking buying it, but due to the fact that is anyone smelt it on me or saw the bottle in room they turned into a magpie and just darted for it, spraying it and saying such things ads: 'ooh, smells amazing!' and 'How much?!' but when you finally buy this perfume you defiantly don't regret it! If the compliments alone don't make you feel sexy and smelling great it adds that extra spice to any outfit making it pop-and-lock and drawing all the attention to you.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Lady Gaga .. Fame

Hitting the media with a scandal last year Lady Gaga's perfume 'Fame' became the first ever black Eau de Parfum that sprays clear and becomes invisible once released. So exited to try it out and to own a bottle, writing numerous letters the man in red (Father Christmas) i finally had a bottle of the unique perfume to call my very own! 

"The scent is built around three main accords: dark, sensual and light.

 The dark accord was inspired by Belladonna, the deadly nightshade possessed by haunted beauties since the 18th century. From this darkness, the fragrance evolves to a sensual accord of opulence, a fusion of dripping honey, saffron and apricot nectar. And lastly, the light accord whispers magnificence. The rich floral layer of crushed Tiger Orchid and Jasmine Sambac embodies timeless beauty. The accords work together to create a fragrance of floral and fruity elements, with the star ingredient inspired by Belladonna leveling out the whole fragrance and giving Lady Gaga Fame its signature as a scent."

www.theperfumeshop.com/

Having had this perfume now for just under 5 months i thought it was about time to do a little review of it. I use 'Fame' and 'Heat Rush' by Beyoncé on a regular basis, if I'm not wearing one I'm always wearing the other! Considering how much I have used this perfume already I still have over half the bottle left, it is just perfect if you are not wanting to splash out on a scent that will only last you a could so squirts, but will last a good several months.

And trust what it says on the bottle, it most certainly comes out clear and smelling great!

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Shopaholic TAG

Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself a shopaholic?

I personally wouldn't say I am a full blown shopaholic but if you ask any member of my family or anyone I know they will disagree. What can I say? I see shops and I'm drawn to them!

2. How would you classify your style?

A mixture of everything I guess.. its very biker chic with a bit of classic girly thrown in.

3. What store can you not leave without buying at least one thing?

I can't just choose one! There are so many, but to name a few: New Look, Internacionale, Primark and TKMAXX

4. Where do you find the best deals?

Its either strait to the sales for a good bargain or charity shopping.

5. What designer are you willing to splurge for?

I not really the type of girl to splurge on designer stuff as I always feel guilty afterwards but if I had to choose I would say Vera Wang.

6. Do you have a go to shopping outfit?

I wouldn't say I do but if I plan to go shopping I will always wear something comfy so its easy to get on and off in the changing rooms.

7. What is your guilty pleasure? (Not including make-up)

Shoes! I have too many to count..

8. What is one staple clothing piece you cannot live without?

High waisted jeans, it just give a classic look to any outfit.

9. What is a trend you hope never goes out of style?

Not sure about this one as all trend eventually look out dated but then come into fashion again

10. What trend did you love that passed way to quickly?

Boyfriend style.. It was just such a down-to-earth look that if put together correctly looked effortless.

11. Who is your fashion icon?

I don’t have a specific person, there are a lot of bloggers who’s style I love but mostly I wouldn’t wear what they do. Mine is more of a mix between different kinds of inspiration!

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Charity Shops

What do you think of when you hear someone mention 'Charity Shops'?

Old clothes that are out of date and not wanted?

Where old ladies shop and spend most of their time?

junk?

As true as those reasons may be, when looking in charity shops you may only find one item that is worth getting and other times you may find the whole shop is what you want.

If you are determined to find a bargain second hand I would recommend that you have the following in your bag: 

Change - as not all charity shops have card machines.

A List  - of things you hope to find on your phone or a notebook you carry.

Tissue/Wet wipes -  as shoes and bags may be marked.

Socks - you don't want to be trying on other peoples shoes bare foot in case they have a fungal infection.. or worse

Anti-bacterial hand gel - well if your second hand shopping you don't know where items have been. 

Keep it regular

It will take a certain amount of dedication for this charity shopping lifestyle. Many people think you can’t just wander in twice a year and hope to strike gold ,when little trips and random pop-ins are the best way. If you work in a town centre or near why not have a nosey look on your lunch break or, if you have time, after work? 

Wash what you buy

This is a key rule to be broken at your own risk. The world of second hand shopping is full of unknown origins of how items came to be there, a tragic death? sickness? If your in need of more convincing, visit AMP minizine and read some true stories of charity shop nightmares.

Look at the labels on the clothes

What might seem an amazing top, could be one previously from Primark that if it has already been worn it may not last much longer. The labels to look out for are the unknown brands or ones you know are of good quality.

Don’t judge each item from first look

Just because it looks like the scraps of last lessons fashions doesn't mean that it is. Think about it, combining it with something you already own and giving it a bit of re-vamping with some killer shoes and accessories it will look bang on trend.

Be creative

The smallest bit of customising can give an item new life. Adding some studs, gems or ripping it slightly could make one boring bit of fabric into a fabulous creation of your own. Half the time when charity shopping you will find something that you have fallen in love with at first sight and needs no more tampering or customising.

Don’t go for the obvious

We all know about Oxfam and The British Heart Foundation, but the more well known the chain the more expensive trying the local hospice or a smaller charity is most likely to get you the better bargains. Not only is it likely to be cheaper but you can know your money is making a big difference locally.

In the long run charity shops aren't just there as a source of cheap clothing and furniture but they are to help support and raise money for a cause. Sure the low prices are attractive to the customers but I like to hope part of the reason many people shop in charity shops is to give something back.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

The Rules of Shopping..

When your shopping to some people its a whole other world, the labels, the price and the quality. But to the rest of those people its a chance to get up to date with the latest trends, and *fingers crossed* get the one outfit to impress that someone special.

When I go shopping its a mixture of all things I have just mentioned, the clothes come together and arrange themselves in numerous outfits.. nights out.. casual.. holidays .. festivals.. dressed to impress (if you catch my drift). No matter how long you stay in one shop anything you like can turn into something worth having.

Take a black ribbed pencil skirt for example, pair it with some killer heels, a crop top and either a statement necklace or belt and you have a outfit for a night on the town! Or if your just off to lunch/dinner with your girlfriends choose a baggy top that's a comfy fit but still flattering to your body shape and tuck the front in leaving a messy affect at the back and drawing the eye to your tiny waist, now to top off a pair of ballet pumps and a big oversized bag.. and voilà you have yourself two outfits out of one plain black ribbed pencil skirt. Carry this on and the number of outfits you can create are endless.

When your looking around for that one item that will catch your eye it could take many rails and digging under piles of clothes to find it, but when you do you have the start of your outfit already complete by sticking to these rules you can make one boring out-of-date item of clothing in to next seasons couture!

Get there early - You can beat the crowds and find he best bargains.

Set yourself a limit - Leave the credit cards home and use cash. 

Get comfy - Wear clothes that are easy to change.

Think ahead -  Winter clothes in the summer are in most cases a lot cheaper and the same with summer clothes in the winter.

Get connected - Sign up for a newsletter and get the latest sales information and what's hot.

Check out the competition - Place items on hold and check elsewhere, most stores will hold your item(s) aside for you if you ask. 

Buy for needs not wants - Don’t buy things just because they are cheap or you got a deal, buy them cause its what you need.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!