Most Promising Newcomer- Emma Watson,the young Harry potter star has catapulted herself to the fashion front rows with her choice of grown up, high fashion glamour.

Best Reinvention-In recent years we have seen images of Gwyneth Paltrow acting out her biggest role as mother of children Apple and Moses  with drab hair and safe and simple clothes .This year saw her chop off her locks to a shoulder length bob , adopt smoky eyes and skyscraper heels. The highlight was her appearance at the London premier of Iron man in an embellished black mini dress, tuxedo jacket and bare legs-tres sexy!Whilst she has made a few mistakes since her reinvention I applaud her for managing to withstand the pain and for revolutionizing her wardrobe.

Male fashion award- I have joint winners in hip hop superstars Kanye West and Jay Z. Daring and fashion forward these two know how to rock the tailoring as well as the casual-wear and make something seemingly geeky look cool, a rare talent. I look forward to seeing what Jay Z wears when he supports Coldplay next year at Wembley.

Sexy Male Award- The excess hair is gone , we can finally see their faces and wow how we had been missing out ! Although some hardened music fans will see it as a shallow ploy to gain popularity and higher chart positions  the transformation is undeniably a successful one. They now embody the sexy rock star image and as long as they keep the amazing tunes coming I’m happy. For those wanting to emulate Caleb and the boys look invest in some plaid shirts, waistcoats, vests, skinny jeans, heeled boots, chains and some interesting, deconstructed tailoring pieces.

Surprise fashion success- You could never deny Cheryl Tweedy’s beauty, sexy chocolate brown eyes, flawless skin and cute dimples but this year we saw her transfix the X factor audiences with her fashion choices. Every week people were tuning in merely to see what the tiny framed star would be wearing. Wearing designs by PPQ and Luella but also ensembles that the viewers would be able to adapt from high street buys she is definitely one to watch in 2009.

Teen idol of the year-The youngsters have gone cockahoop over shows The Hills, High School musical, Gossip Girl etc which has made style icons out of the likes of Lauren Conrad, Vanessa Hudgens and Blake Lively. With another series on the way myself and fellow Open contributer Sophie khan believe Lauren takes the crown, as her style although chic it is extremely accessible and easy for fans to imitate, she has also released her own range in the US which is sure to cement her place in the fashion world.

Fallen fashion idols-Since moving to Paris Mischa Barton seems to have lost her fashion sense. She has become a frequent inclusion in worst dressed list in recent months her biggest offense those ghastly brown leggings.Perhaps since escaping the glare of the LA Paps she feels she can let go or maybe its the lack of Rachel Zoes influence.. who knows!It seems boho has taken a hit in general with the queen Sienna miller being a bit quiet of the fashion front. Whether its due to the unfair negative press regarding her private life or the fact she doesn’t want everyone under the sun copying her look Im not sure but I look forward to seeing what she does in 2009!!

Best post break up makeover-After her legally wayward boyfriend was locked up the Bride Wars star was seen looking younger, funkier and seemingly enjoying her new single status and adopting a shorter hairdo(a la Gwyneth). We were always aware of her old school classical beauty and new her potential as a style icon when we saw her in the Devil wears Prada and that beautiful red Marchesa gown at the 2008 Oscars 

Worst post break up Makeover- While I commend her in so may ways, her longevity , her ability to reinvent, her extremely toned body that green astro turf monstrosity of a dress whilst it may have looked sweet on a bright young thing it transformed the megastar madonna into a character worthy of sesame street and  whilst I ‘m at it  after a certain point I feel it unsuitable to  been seen gyrating and contorting in leotards, basques and pants, -leave something to the imagination.

Uber cool award-Chloe Sevigny and Johnny Depp enough said!

Impeccable male grooming award- Although on the craggy side of handsome Daniel Craigs TV and red carpet  appearances well as looking awkward saw him decked out in the various shades of tweed and grey 3 piece suits with perfectly coiffed hair and you knew just from looking at him that he smelled good too!!

Disappointing red carpet moment- Gemma Arterons dress at the London premier of Quantam of Solace although in a very beautiful(and on trend) purple hue and by a design house I love, Balmain, I feel a different style and cut would have been flattering.  The unusual front section was just a bit too short making it verge nearer trashy than sexy. With her beautiful english rose face and delicious curvy body she could never look bad and she certainly made an impact with this look!

The How could you award?? Being  natural blonde I have always been envious of those with mirror shiny mahogany locks and cant understand why you would ever touch them. Thats why this year I was aghast when the impossibly beautiful and recently divorced Natalie imbruglia dyed her trademark glossy mane a brassy blonde, same goes for Nelly Furtado who is luckily enough to have the winning combination of bronzed skin and rich dark locks- why I ask you, why!!!!

Film fashion moment of the year- Undoubtedly it was the return of Carrie and the gang in the Sex in the City movie. As with every episode of the hit series you loved and loathed the outfits in equal measure -although annoyingly in their world they seem capable of pulling off any obscure combinations.Patricia Fields stamp was clear and we loved the vivid and out-there world that the film let us in on.

Tv fashion moment of the year-This year Strictly come dancing had an array of beauties to dress including Lisa Snowdon, Rachel Stevens and Austin Healey. There were more outfit changes, sequins, beading, feathers and plunging necklines than ever before and the stars dazzles in their outfits even if they didnt with their dance moves. Apart from Rachel who looked like a princess in every show the outfit of the series has to be older man crumpet Cherie Lungi black and white body-hugging rumba dress.

Bad

Stone washed, light, frayed denim-whilst it looked good on the catwalk most appearances in real life were an eighties disaster!!

Neon-Although it looks funky on cool young things right now it tends to be a retro trend that doesn’t look so good in retrospect but at least this time round it was worn with some irony.

Heeless shoes- I would be disappointed if the catwalk didn’t offer the ridiculous and the impracticable and this year we saw an array of unusual heel designs. When I saw Posh in the Antonio Beradi boots I knew this was not a trend for normal folk!

Dipdye/Tiedye- I loved some of the designer versions of this trend but it is a tricky one to pull of in the high street and many options looked cheap.

Stef another Open contributor feels the worst culprits have been 3: the shoe-boot, mocassins and black lace. Having spent a few of my teenage years as a goth, so

anything that reminds her of that time, especially lace ) is a no no. As for shoe-boots she just find them unflattering,whilst mocassins send her to sleep at the mere thought of putting them on her feet.

Good

Florals-Much like nautical and military it is a trend that return every year so it was no suprise to see fashion week blooming with various takes on the look. Whether you adopt the finer ditzy print like Anna Sui or Luella or the larger painterly version such as Roberto Cavalli and Basso and Brooke you will look wonderfully summery.

Folklore- Gucci did this best with paisley prints, faux fur gilets, studded belt and boots.

Plaid- You can embrace many different looks with this trend, from cowgirl chic, laidback lumberjack, to haughty heritage- versatile and wearable and a trend for both sexes!

Romantic-Ruffles, flowers, layers of chiffon,- goddess like creations to make you feel wonderfully feminine and perfect for the red carpet!

Fairtrade /Eco brands- While the high street stores are increasing their selections of fair trade pieces there are more and more brands launching and gaining momentum I just hope the credit crunch wont hinder their progression!!

For those with the daunting task of cramming in all your christmas shopping in the last days before I hope the following will help you do so in as thrifty a manner as possible! For the super organized of you this may be an opportunity to stock up on gifts and fashion for the year ahead!! Enjoy!!!xx

On Now

Antik Batik-Up to 30% off www.mywardrobe.com

Asos-Up to 50% off most stock www.asos.com

Austin Reed-Up to 50% off selected items online and in store www.austinreed.co.uk

Bally-Up to 50% off bags and shoes

Betty Jackson-50% off all items www.bettyjackson.com

DKNY-Up to 50% off www.dknyjeans.com- find great bright t shirts and trousers.

Escada-Up to 50% off pieces and accessories from the ready to wear collection. www.escada.com

Eton Shirts-Up to 50% off www.etonshirts.co.uk

Gieves and Hawkes-Up to 50% off www.gievesandhawkes.com-

Jaegar- www.jaeger.co.uk

Jesire- www.jesire.net

John Rocha-Up to 50% off www.johnrocha.ie

Kurt Geiger- www.kurtkeiger.com

Laura Ashley- Up to 50% off www.lauraashley.com why not stock up on some florals they are bound to be on trend in summer again.

Leona Edminston-Up to 50% off www.leonaedminston.com find great dresses for wedding season

LK Bennett www.lkbennett.com

Mango-Up to 50% off selected items www.mango.com

Matches- www.matchesfashion.com

Miss Selfridge- www.missselfridge.com-great deals on party ensembles

My Wardrobe-Up to 50% off  www.mywardrobe.com- I have been coveting a reduced Hannah Marshall black dress

New Look- www.newlook.co.uk

Oliver Sweeney-Up to 30% off www.oliversweeney.com

Oxfam Boutique- Up to 70% off www.oxfam.org

Paulie-Up to 50% off

Pretty Ballerinas-Up to 50% off www.prettyballerinas.com

Russell and Bromley-Up to 50% off www.russellandbromley.co.uk

Warehouse-Up to 50% off www.warehouse.co.uk

Whistles-Up to 50% off  www.whistles.co.uk

26th December

Ben Sherman-Up to 50% off menswear and womenswear www.bensherman.com

Brittique- Up to 40% off designer clothes

Debenhams- Up to 70% off selected items www.debenhams.com

Diesel- Up to 50% off www.diesel.com

Donna Ida-Up to 70% off selected brands (18th Amendment, Made in Heaven, Sass and Bide) www.donnaida.com

Duchamp- Up to 30% off www.duchamplondon.com

Fred Perry- Up to 70% off www.fredperry.com

House of Fraser- Up to 30% off selected items www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Myla-www.myla.com

River Island- Up to 70% off www.riverisland.com

Selfridges- Up to 75% off www.selfridges.com

Tommy Hilfiger- Up to 50% off www.tommy.com

27th December

Agent Provocateur- up to 50% off (this will undoubtedly lead to many unsuitable Valentines gifts) www.agentprovocateur.com

Anya hindmarch-up to 30% off www.anyahindmarch.com

Fortnum and Mason-fortnumandmason.com

Hacket-www.hacket.com

Harrods-Up to 50% off www.harrods.com

Harvey Nichols-Up to 50% off selected items www.harveynichols.com

John Lewis- clearance sale finishing on the 18th January with up to 50% off selceted lines of fashion, accessories and furniture. www.johnlewis.com

John Smedley-up to 35% off www.johnsmedley.com

Kew-Up to 50% off www.kew-online.com

Lulu Guiness-Up to 30% off www.luluguiness.com

Lyle and Scott-Up to 25% off www.lyleandscott.com

Maxmara- Up to 30% off www.maxmarafashion.com

Next-Up to 50% off www.next.co.uk for the uber prepared why not stock up on gifts for the year ahead

Petit Bateau- Up to 40% off adult range www.petit-beateau.com

The Conran shop-Up to 75% off all www.conranshop.com

The White Company- Up to 50% off www.thewhitecompany.com

YSL-www.ysl.com

January

Chanel- starting on 2nd -up to 30% off www.chanel.com

Rigby and Peller- starting on 6th-up to 50% off www.rigbyandpeller.com

Sara Berman- starting 1st January, All items 40% off, sign up to the mailing list and recieve 40% discount before sale starts www.saraberman.co.uk

Toast-starting 5th January, up to 50% off www.toast.co.uk

A few tit bits to wet your fashion appetite and give you some things to look forward to in 2009!!!

www.theclosetbureau.com - founded by a a former fashion PR Sophie Greene, the site is a place for selling your old clothing on Ebay . For 35% commission it will clean the pieces , take the photos and ship them once they have been bought by a bidder. 

www.theoutnet.com - Net- a -porter has become a firm favourite of celebrities for their great service and up to the minute designer offerings and their newest venture is sure to follow suit. Thanks to Natalie Massenet who always has her finger on the fashion pulse next year we will have  this fashionable designer outlet… yes that means discounted prices!! whoopeeeee

www.atelier-mayer.com  January sees the launch of Alice Kodells and Carmen Haids global luxury vintage e-tailor.Great for the lazy vintage lovers. Having worked with the owner of Decades and Sotherbys they are sure to offer rare and special designer pieces that can be delivered to your home.

We look to the catwalk to deliver theatre,outlandish hyperbole, showcasing eccentricity and ridiculous impracticability but we also look for the wearable and even better, the flattering. When such a piece comes along, not only do the celebs saturate the red carpets in different hues us normal folk endeavor to seek our own , inexpensive versions. So it seems the latest craze , rivaling the hysteria surrounding Roland Mourets Galaxy dress, is Herve Leger bandage dress. 

Fashion is cyclical in its nature so seeing trends or designs return is not unusual but for it to be truly embraced 2nd, 3rd  etc time it always helps if it is red carpet friendly, for nothing sells fashion better in this day and age then the hottest young it girl/ celebrity. The pampered bodies that have managed to squeeze into the’ miracle’ dress include, Lindsey Lohan, Kim Kardashian, Liz Hurley, Eva Longoria, Posh, Kate Bosworth and Kelly Brook.

Last week Kate Winslet, the newly golden globe nominated actress was seen looking blonde, bronzed showcasing her womanly figure in a shimmering silver version. Despite  Britains sweetheart and fashion icon Cheryl Coles appearance in the green dress earning numerous tabloid spreads (due to the dresses power of boosting the geordies already ample bosoms) it is the image of kate that has really made an impact. For years the Golden Globe nominated actress  has been the poster girl for real women, an A lister with curves who vilified a magazine that dared to airbrush and manipulate images of her figure for their cover. It is her appearance that empowered us to believe that we too may be able to carry off the body con with aplomb.

So we have established that this dress can do wonders for the figure but does its contorting abilities leave you with the inability to function as a human being……

Well reports by those luckily enough to have felt like a million dollars in the dress say that with its leg clamping affect ,this is not a dress for those wantingt to walk or sit. For those nights where where you are working the room, mingling with guests or able to lean against the bar this dress will make you the envy of all other women. If your nights is to include  any public getting out of car scenarios , a sit down meal , dancing etc this is not the ideal choice, for the structuring makes the mere act of breathing slightly difficult. With the sacrifices we make to wear our beautiful stilettos I know that real fashion devotees will put up with a bit of discomfort for the show-stopping affect.

So, now for the information that I know you are waiting for, for those who can’t spare £1000 odd the high street has noticed the buzz surrounding the dress and offer some very reasonably priced alternatives. Venture to the bottom floor of Oxford Street Topshops and find great examples by brands Lipsy and Rare or by high end ,high street favourite Reiss. Be warned though whilst they feature the bandage aesthetic they do not have that expensive sheen of Herve Legers or quite the figure compacting capabilities of the real deal.

Image=magenta dress by Lipsy, Purple dress by Rare

www.rarefashion.co.uk

www.lipsy.co.uk

www.reiss.co.uk

 www.net-a-porter.com (to buy the real thing!!)

Did any of you guys go to the Westend VIP shopping day? I was in Oxford street briefly and loved how spacious and less crowded it felt with the roads shut! People seemed to be in high spirits and doing that Peter kay walking to the dance floor walk as they shopped,  the loud speakers blaring out  all sorts of festive songs!!

If I was mayor I would make this a regular thing, I usually end up quite grumpy after an hour there but found myself rather sprightly and upbeat !

For those of you who were also there let me know what you think, did you catch any of the live unsigned acts that played??

Well what a fashion orientated weekend I have had. After work on Friday despite wanting to tear home for a nice comforting dinner I fled the office in the bleak ,  soggy weather to make it the Hospital Club in Convent Garden to try and grab and end of week treat. I arrived in a rather sorry state, my choice of comfortable flat white pumps proving unwise as by arrival they have turned a rather off-putting sludgy brown colour, I assured myself that this at least it would put me off trying on some of the delectable shoes on offer and concentrate on the task at hand(buying a christmas party dress). My rather out of character efforts to straighten my hair also proved wasteful as the rain had transformed it from sleek to Stig of the dump in style. But of course no one will even notice, it is sure to be rammed with people with one mutual focus -grabbing themselves a desirable deal!

I was surprised  when I pushed open the double door and saw a vast amount of white floor space surrounding the alluring clothes rails and none other than the uber cool Henry Holland looking back at me! At first there cant of been any more than about 5 other people scouring the room for bargains, which meant there were minimal amount of people to hide my rather dowdy self behind! Oh well I chose to look on the bright side, here was a room of beautiful (and reduced) clothes that I could rifle through without any of the argy bargy I spoke about at the Chloe sale .

Due to the minimal amount of potential competition in the room I knew I could shop at leisure so I did my usual circuit of the room, looking at all rails and designers to get an idea of what was on offer and then onto a  second circuit to pick out a few items to try. 

There were some beautiful silk racer back tops my Erdem , that I had coveted before when the had been called in for a shoot. Unfortunately when I tried them on although the print was beautiful, due to bosom size they didn’t look sleek and sexy like they had on the models.

I was also tempted by a sheer cream stripy Richard Nicoll jumper but had to keep repeating the mantra, christmas dress, christmas dress, christmas dress…….

So onto Felder and Felder who I always love, they make fab pieces for 20 somethings, wearable but with edgy/cool detailing. The sales girl was very good at her job and persuaded me to try on a few of their shift dresses. I foolishly pointed out that it was hard to tell whether it was flattering without having high heels on so she ‘helpfully” suggested i try on a pair of the Charlotte Olympia heels from the nearby stand. Oh god! I knew that beneath my dampened, browned shoes would undoubtedly be discoloured sweaty, odd socks. I realized I couldn’t get out of it as the sales girl handed me the black high heels , so I whipped off my socks as if my life depended in it and flung them behind the changing room curtain. In my sock panic I had completely forgotten my inability to walk in  4 inch heels and my winter habit of  neglecting my leg hair . So with the gorgeous Felder and Felder  shift dress with leather trim and studding detail, fuzzy legs and bent knees I hobbled across the room to the mirror in full view of Henry and the other chic people in the room.  I had to make the humiliation worthwhile so said ‘ill have it !’.

Hoping that I could leave a bit more of a positive impression I ended up buying a cute tartan House of Holland t-shirt, I was tempted by one of his now iconic Agyness, Daisy, Lily , Giles motto tops but it rather drowned my diminutive stature.When I buy designer I always feel i must buy something that timeless or a statement(usually a dress) but at the prices(reduced from £80-£20) i thought i’d get one of Henrys t shirts which will brighten up my casual wear - I’ve already worn it twice !

Saturday

Another Music Rooms sale, I had a spare invite and took my friend who on entering gazed at the Stella McCartney rail in the same way I could imagine I would look if faced with the impossibly beautiful Jared Leto. We fawned over her chunky knit dresses, A navy chiffon Fendi blouse and a bling Roberto Cavalli belt, but after much soul searching realised we couldn’t quite justify any of these purchases and left empty handed.

We concluded with that with our next destination the Angels Costumerie with its promise of a bag worth of goods for £10-£20 we were going to get more for our money and some real one off treasures!!

Sitting on the Bakerloo line and heading to North Wembley it felt like we were on a pilgrimage to some far away land.I was surrounded by people wondering what amazing wonders would be there on  arrival. Alas we were to be denied wonder and treasures when  we were greeted with grumpy faces and those proclaiming that ‘its rubbish’ ‘ its all gone’ ‘don’t bother’ etc. After our trek we wanted to see for ourselves and passed an annoying amount of people with numerous bags full of goodies to reach the summit and  told that “its sold out, there nothing left, go home!” . It could not have been any later than 2.30 but after much discussion with other disgruntled travelers it appears that many queued from three the previous day and it is suspected that as there didn’t seem to be a limit in terms of quantity for each shopper that perhaps dealers/ebay sellers bought vast amounts of the best items.

So after that disappointment we rushed to Farringdon to go to McQueens sample sale. I worked briefly at their Angel studio and hoped i might be able to buy a piece from the collection that was evolving during that period. This sale surpassed my expectations with a selection of samples including oscar worthy full length gowns, main line velvet dresses , blazers, jackets, jacquard trousers, shoes and some great menswear knitwear and sheepskin coats.  After much trying on and bartering and swapping with other girls trying on clothes I settled on a floor length duchess satin silver gown, cut on the bias with beautiful beaded cowl neck for an unbelievable £100!!!! My friend who vowed she couldn’t really afford to buy anything more than perhaps one item, decided that eating poorly for a month was worth it in order to get  a beautiful rich red velvet dress, an unfinished piece with an amazing hemline, and some amazing diamante encrusted shoes. my new Felder -Felder dress!!j’adore!!

Tip!!

For those with sewing/design skills some sales feature unfinished or spoilt items that with fixing up could not only be stunning but unique and are often very cheap to buy !!!

www.houseofholland.co.uk

www.alexandermcqueen.com

www.felderfelder.com

I would be interested to hear how any of you got on at the Angels sale, what time did you get there, what did you buy etc!!! Please comment!!!

Yes it is all doom and gloom in the papers at the moment with the news of long standing stores such as Woolworth’s facing the chop, but for the consumer these woeful economic times can bring with it great opportunities to snap up ludicrously reduced desirable pieces. As well as the high street offering fantastic sales in the run up to Christmas there are also a vast amount of samples sales happening in the big smoke for those hungry for designer steals.

Do you ever look in your jam packed wardrobe and think ‘I don’t have anything to wear.’ Well I do and I feel my university purse pinching persuasions has left me with an overwhelming amount of non-descript and cheaply made basics, ill fitting or uninspiring pieces that with a wear leave me feeling lackluster or dowdy, or fleeting fancies that will never see the light of day again .

So I have reassessed my shopping habits and adapted them to not only accommodate the credit crunch(yes Im also bored of hearing about it too)thinking more of investing in well crafted/showstopping/classic pieces which may well have a more expensive price tag rather that filling my wardrobe with copious amounts of the non descript and ill fitting .

Yesterday I attended a Chloe sample sale held in the Music Rooms on South Moltens Lane(  a frequent location for these glorious sample sales). I got there right on opening time and was greeted by a queue of hardcore Chloe and designer bargain fans. It was like on your marks get set go as they jovial security guard allowed us to enter the emporium of beautiful leftovers. Leaving our bags and coats in the cloakroom with large transparent bag in hand the scrum commenced.

I found that at a sample sale you are required to either be very patient waiting behind 20 other bodies swishing in front of the only 2 mirrors in the manic space or be prepared to be boulshy, charging your way through. Of course you are also aware that some of the other treasure hunters are stylists and members of the fashion elite (those that get invited to lots of these wonderful things) so you make sure your argy- bargy is done so with a polite smile.

After a good hour and half of contorting my body round various mirror hoggers to get a glimpse of myself in my chosen items I had selected 5 pieces to take to the till knowing that having said amount of items would mean a further 50% off.

So I asked the man at the till to tally it up and it came to a princely £390 pounds, which when you considered I had 3 dresses an embellished knit top and a skirt was a fantastic deal. Unfortunately I got a pang, the annoyingly ubiquitous shopper guilt. I knew the that it was a steal and if I were to do my maths buying 5 items was the financially sensible option (making the most of the great offer) but at this current time and with my dwindling savings and Christmas looming couldn’t justify spending that amount of money(on myself).

So after rather embarrassingly having to ask the man to take 4 items out of my bag i settled on one item,a potato skin finish black dress with unusual zipped neckline at £175. Although a great additions to my wardrobe it seemed a travesty to not have whisked the other four items away with me. I muddled over it the whole train journey home but comforted myself with the knowledge that spending a rather conservative £175 pounds (compared to some who were spending thousands)would mean i could perhaps take advantage of the samples sales happening in the next few weeks(so I not only have Chloe in my chic new wardrobe but Pucci, Dolce and Stella.)

How

For those  of you who aren’t lucky enough to be naturally invited to such sales there are ways that you can attend.

By signing up to sites such as Stylebible, Cocosa and Fashion Confidential you will be made aware of the sales that are happening in the city but also earn access to them. Some do require a joining/membership fee but this is made worthwhile in a very short space of time if you make the most of the offers . Another perk of joining such sites is quoting that you are a member can often gift you with a further reduction.

Where

As well as attending Angels vintage sale next week(which i mentioned in a previous blog) I am going to head down to British style genius Alexander McQueen’s sample sale,rather than the obvious skull scarf  I hope to get one of his beautifully cut dresses  . A large selection of womenswear, menswear, McQ and accessories. Stock replenished everyday to avoid disappointment.

Thursday 4th December (4pm to 8pm), Friday 5th December (11pm to 7pm), Saturday 6th December (10pm to 5pm); The Westminster Room, The Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0NA

For the readers out there who have to suffer the laboriousness of reading about all the thrilling events happening miles away I hope I will be able to deliver some fashion tit bits along the way to answer your fashion queries and satisfy you style needs……………….

French Connection and Nicole Farhi sample sale - MANCHESTER

Scour the French Connection and Nicole Farhi sample sale with ladieswear, menswear, childrenswear and accessories in a range of sizes and all at wholesale prices.

4 December (9am to 5.30pm), 5 December (9am to 5.30pm), 6 December (9.30am to 5.30pm) and 7 December (10am to 6pm); Hale Conservative Club, Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9NE.

Tips

Try and go with a reasonable sum of money to make the most of the discounts.

There are often no changing rooms so try and go in clothes that makes it easy to change in front of people or put clothes on over the top (I.e tight top and tight trousers/leggings)

Lunchtimes tend to be really busy so if possible try and go on a more off peak time to avoid the crowds.

The truly dedicated should go on multiple days as they not only replenish they often add new styles and occasionally reduce more on the last day.

Be aware of the fit of the designer sample you are going to, if you are buying without trying it is useful to know their sizing (e.g Chloe often has little room for chest and small shoulders with dresses often having a sack like shape).

www.stylebible.com

www.fashionconfidential.co.uk

www.fashionconfidential.co.uk

www.chloe.com

www.alexandermcqueen.com

The fashion office has been inundated with invitations to various swish pre christmas parties and events but  causing the biggest buzz is the sample sales and the possibility of finding some treasures at an appealing price…. everyone love a bargain!

Angels has long been a favourite of magazine fashion editors, often delivering unusual and unique period garments and props that enable their shoots to really capture an era, style or theme. My thrifty tendencies and love of vintage fashion meant that the news of Europes largest film and theatrical costumier hosting their first ever Big Vintage clothing sale was the most exciting  fashion news I had heard in a while .Thirty thousand items from the 1930s to modern day are held in three rooms which will be open to the public on December 6th (it is sure to be popular so get there early). For those that worry that vintage can often be quite expensive(due to shops having to mark up on their vintage finds in order to make a profit) take note that in this case the word sale has not be used lightly with a bag of goodies being sold for a £10-20.

Tips

Check for holes and stains and materials( some older materials may be itchy and uncomfortable).

If you fall in love with something but it is the wrong size remember that there are a vast amount of places offering alterations and a belt can do wonders!

Allocate a good few hours to hunt, there will be treasures hidden at the bottom of boxes and in little nooks.

Even if you do not find anything that you ‘d like for day/evening wear the opportunities to find amazing fancy dress outfits to outshine all other party goers is endless.

Think of staples, classics and trends that reappear, buying a vintage version will mean you will always be fashionable but in your own personal way.

The Big Vintage Clothing Sale, Saturday, Dec 6, 9am–5pm Angels Warehouse, 1st Floor, Courtenay Road, East Lane Business Park, Wembley HA9 7AD; www.angelssale.com

One of Fifi Bijoux creations.

‘RE:Fashion is a brand new fashion phenomenon, set to transform social and environmental standards in the fashion industry within a decade.’ Its awards night on November the 13^th was held in the spectacular ShoreditchTown hall, the venue chosen for Elton Johns star studded 60th Birthday. Hosted by fashion wordsmith Louise Roe the night showcased the work of designers who endeavour to make fashion with a conscience not only wearable but spectacular proving that being thoughtful to the environment/workers doesn’t mean sacrificing style. This movement is the most prominent in the fashion world this century so it is only fitting that the success stories should be applauded for their hard work and dedication and I was excited to see whether my favourite ethical brands would be recognized.

As well as giving out well earned awards, the catwalk showcased some of the fabulous clothes, firstly the work of the shortlisted designers then  the grand finale The Iconic Catwalk ,where one-off designs created especially for RE:Fashion were unveiled and modelled by girl of the moment Daisy Lowe (wearing fabulous Vivienne Westwood) and other well known young style icons such as Pixie Geldof, and Portia Freeman. The inclusion of these ‘cool’ young beauties was very savvy move, a great way of raising awareness to these wonderful developments in ethical fashion and likely to mean the news will reach a younger and mouldable audience. As well as Vivienne the girls wore creations by other designers including Zandra Rhodes, Preen, Bora Aksu, Allegra Hicks, Todd Lynn, Aimee Mcwilliams, and Jonathan Saunders.

Apart from a few admissions(Enamore) I was extremely pleased with the results. I have fawned over Fifi Bijoux pieces for ages now and their exquisite jewellery deservedly received the Accessories Commendation. Marie Claire magazine who always feature helpful and easy to follow pages on how we can become more green were applauded with the Consumer award. Designer Izzy Lane has been gaining recognition of late, popping up everywhere including You Magazine and rightfully won one of the most prestigious awards of the night- Designer of the Year and Estethica Prize. Among other winners were Adili -a great one stop for all your eco buys , Made,Amana, Sophie White, Pachacuta , Veja , Mantis/Sunflag,Tescos, Pant to Poverty and From Somewhere who won both Fashion Designer of the Year and the Use Award.

After the success of the night and with the influx of new ethical designers taking the fashion world by storm I am sure next years event will be even better and the awards will become a staple in the fashion elites calender. It is nights like this that really help to transform the industry and have a positive affect on the consumer and their shopping habits.

Trench-River Island £64.99          One Shoulder Dress-Next £55

Red is the colour for fashion followers and singletons alike this winter. Research carried out at the University of Rochester has concluded that a lady in red appears prettier, more desirable and more likely to be asked on a date (and a more lavish date at that) than one adorning another colour –she will also find herself conveniently on trend.

Hues of Crimson, Scarlet, Coral, Rust and burgundy have set the catwalk and high streets alight with the most prominent and desirable being Tomato Red. As with all trends you can use the runways as inspiration tentatively, perhaps just with a tinted Hollywood lip, a hot heel (which adds punch to a LBD)or coloured opaque tights. Alternatively go for impact dressing with gowns such as the dreamy full skirted Alexander McQueen example, the red carpet worthy Marchesa, via suiting a la Dior, or cocktails dresses with eccentric oversized details such as Giambattista Valli. If you wish to adorn a florid dress but wish to dim the beacon follow Christopher Kane and mask with translucent chiffons or adopt materials with mixed thread, beading and patterns such as Balmains body- con strapless print dress or DKNYS metallic number.

If like me you don’t often get the opportunity to don an show stopping gown an easy way to incorporate red into your work wear (part from the tights as mentioned before) is swapping your classic white shirt for a red blouse- Oscar de la Renta and Moschino Cheap and Chic showed wonderful examples with ruffle detail using sumptuous materials that grab the light beautifully. This winter has also seen the return of knits that feature Navaho designs often featuring blocks of red .These often oversized pieces look great with leather boots and skinny trousers, are great for weekend wear and easily adapted for the high street shops(with cheaper price tags).

For those who seek fashion inspiration from their favourite celebrities they too have been a blush with Nicollette Sheridan at the National Television Awards in a strapless Oscar de la Renta fishtail dress, stunning Bond girl Olga Kurylenko wearing an usual Valentino couture gown to the Royal premiere of the new Bond film and Calvin Klein body Eva Mendes wearing a classic satin shift dress by Michael Kors at Macy’s 150th birthday celebration-These very different beauties showing how different bodies and colourings can pull off the tricky colour.

TIP

Black and red look striking together, combine a black pencil or dirndl skirt with your blouses, black tights or leggings with your tunics and dresses, a t- shirt under you jackets and for the fashion forwards and beauty braves among you a matt black lip can add an interesting twist.

For great affordable options try Next, Debenham’s, Rover Island Freeman’s, BHS, and M&S among other faithful high street shops.