Fashion star of the week

is... Rihanna

She's cool, retro, funky, and totally embraces her own individual style. Rihanna has even made the front cover of this months Glamour magazine.

She is always oozing with confidence which instantly catches everyones eye.

Rihanna looks amazing whether she goes for a super girly look or retro old school outfit.

Not many people would be able to pull of Rihannas fashion forward attitude! Go Ri Ri!

Sorry

Hey everyone!

Sorry I've been so bad at posting blogs this week! I'm on holiday at the moment so don't have as much time as I'd like to dedicate to my blog!

I promise there will be some new posts soon!

Hope you're all having a wonderful winter break!

Mandy X

Daring dogtooth

One of the biggest trends this season is dogtooth, and I'm loving it.

Alexander McQueen totally rocked this fashion fad in his autumn/winter 09 collection, from gorgeous dogtooth suits to retro dogtooth leggigns to sexy dogtooth dresses.

I love Alexander McQueen's edgy take on the dogtooth trend. It's perfect for any winter occassion, and it adds a little funkiness to every outfit. Wear it with attitude and you're good to go!

Here's my take on dogtooth...unfortunately it's not Alexander McQueen, but one day....

Interview: Fashion designer - Bella Bambina

Young British fashion designer, Gabriella , 22, is the face behind the new head turning hairbands - Bella Bambina. She started off with a fashion foundation diploma, moved to NYC for two years and now works for Guess; Gabriella is certainly on the right fashion track. Having that cool creative spark with her Persian, Israeli and Italian culture, Gabriella has always been interested in fashion and design. She individually designs and produces each hairband herself, and they all come at a fantastic price ranging from £6.50-£25.00.

Read on to see how Gabriella started her own label, what she hopes to achieve, and how you can WIN fantastic pieces from the Bella Bambina collection!

Q-How did you get into fashion design?
A-I have always been very creative and I took an abnormal interest in fashion from a very young age. I also love thinking up visual concepts both on a small scale i.e. with my hair accessories line (Bella Bambina) as well as in a much wider context.

Q-Tell me about your brand.
A-Bella Bambina is literally in its baby stages. It has just launched on a very small scale but there is room for a much bigger impact. The hair accessories are aimed at girls and ladies of all ages, who want a little boost, something pretty and fun and versatile that can change their look instantly without breaking the bank. I think the UK market is definitely open to a brand like Bella Bambina because there isn’t too much choice out there at the moment!

Q-How did you come up with the name?
A-Cultural influence. Bella Bambina (Bella was my childhood nickname) means beautiful, and Bambina means girl in Italian. That is what the brand is all about; femininity, and making oneself feel a little bit more special. Each piece is one of a kind, so when you buy an item, you know you won’t walk down the street and see someone else wearing the exact same piece as you. I think people want a bit of individuality at the moment – everything is so mass produced these days!

Q-What is your favourite piece?
A-My favourite piece from the Bella Bambina A/W Pre Collection is the Bella Bambina Signature look ”Bella 1” (left). It is available in almost every color. It is simple and chic, special enough to make a girl feel great and at £8 it is incredible value! It speaks for itself without being overly individual. I am also really excited about the hats that will be available in the main collection!

Q-What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
A-I hope that the brand will grow. It really is in its early stages so we will see where the road takes us. My long-term goal, something I hope to be working on within the next 2 years, is opening my own boutique. G-d willing we will be having another sit down soon to discuss that progression!

Q-What is your philosophy?
A-It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters, in the end – always strive forward with the bigger picture in mind!

To view the Bella Bambina website click here
To join the facebook group click here
To purchase a hairband email bellabambinahairbands@gmail.com

COMPETITION: A signature hairband, a hairband from the new collection and a hat are up for grabs! The top three comments of the month will have the opportunity to win one of these beautiful Bella Bambina pieces.Competition ends 28th January. Get commenting :)

The fashion star of the week is....

Olivia Palermo

Over the past few weeks I've developed a style crush on Olivia Palermo. For those of you who don't know, Olivia Palermo is part of the cast of The City, a reality TV show on MTV.

I haven't really been following The City, so I don't really know what Olivia is like (although I've heard she's umm well not very nice!), however, she does have an impeccable dress sense.

She looks perfect in every outfit whether it be chic, boho, sexy, or grunge. This girl has got serious style.

Poll results: Ripped leggings

Results are in, and it seems you just can't make up your minds!

You were asked: What do you think of ripped leggings? Results....

Trashy 50%

Trendy 50 %

Initially I thought they were quite trendy. I bought myself a pair but returned them the next day...As with everything, it depends how you wear them, but I really feel that ripped leggings will look bad any way you wear them!

However, 50% of you did vote trendy, and I would like to hear from you! What have you paired them with? Have you bought a pair? If you have, send me a picture of you wearing them, and I'll post them on my blog...maybe you'll be able to change my mind!

Luscious lace layered with a little sparkle

I’m the type of girl who likes to look trendy all the time. Whether I’m going to university, out with friends for dinner or to a party, I always like to look like I’ve made an effort with my outfit. Today I decided to go for a chic yet casual look by wearing a black top with soft white lace paired with skinny jeans.

The reason I chose this top is because lace is sexy and sumptuous and all over the catwalk this season. The amazing thing about lace is that it works for everyday wear as well as evening elegance. The alluring yet demure look lace gives makes any woman look seriously chic with sassy style.


In order to vamp up my look I decided to pair my outfit with a black sequin jacket (my favourite statement piece) and sexy sky scrapper ankle boots. I'm very happy with the outcome, what do you think?

Transformer tights

This season is all about trendy tights totally transforming any outfit from simple to stylish.

The purple dress I'm wearing on the right is cute and simple with beautiful beading on the shoulders. In order to spruce up my outfit, I decided to pair it with black dogtooth tights and ankle boots. (I also wore a very tight black dress underneath to add some length to the dress...it was a bit too short for me!)

I think the tights added a cool retro chic edge to my outfit which I really loved. The great thing about these tights is that they go with all sorts of outfits whether it be smart or casual, night or day wear.

They come in different patterns such as lace and criss cross so you'll definitely find a pair to suit your style.

I love love love these pink heart tights I'm wearing on the left. I think they're so cute, and really give my outfit that super girly loved up look. (Please excuse my weird facial expression, I'm not much of a poser!)

These tights go perfectly with an all black outfit, or a black outfit with a bit of pink like a cardigan or jewellery.

Tarten tights are also really big this season. On the right I've paired them with a simple black dress and knee high boots. It gives a bit of attitude to what would have been a very simple and casual outfit.

As you can see I've very easily managed to rock three different pairs of trendy tights, so you can too! All you need is a simple outfit and some funky tights and you're ready to go! Click here to see a range of amazing patterned and print tights.

Which look do you like the most and why?

Comment of the week winner - Isabella

Sparkling in this super sexy sequin dress is comment of the week winner Isabella. The shimmering gold dress really compliments her beautiful bronze skin tone and gorgeous glamorous hair.

I also love how she's paired the dress with elegant gold earrings - it adds even more glam to her outfit!

When asked about her outfit, Isabella said: "This dress was love at first sight!"

"I thought it was really edgy with its bold gold sequins, and gradually changing colour. It was comfortable and something that can be adapted to look more dressy with heels or dressed down with something like gladiator sandals."

Do you want the chance to feature on my blog? Then get commenting and you could be next weeks winner!

Interview: Fashion designer - LHLY

Trendy fashion design student from Singapore, Linda Hao, is taking the fashion world by storm. Owner, designer and producer of fashion label LHLY, Linda is well on her way to becoming a fashion superstar. Read on to see what Linda had to say about her label and latest obsessions!

Q-How did you get into fashion design?
A-Doing fashion has always been my dream, and so once I got the chance to study it, I wanted to learn anything and everything about it.

Q-What inspires your designs?
A-I like to wander on the streets alone and simply watch people and human behaviour. Architecture and books also contribute to my everyday inspirations.

Q-Tell me about it your fashion label.
A-My label is LHLY, and it is created from the initials of my name (Linda Hao Liyuan). It represents who I really am and what I want people to be influenced by. I design a lot of clothes that I like to see girls wearing, however not necessarily things that I would wear myself. Most of my stuff consists of very vibrant in colours. They are available on my website, and I sell internationally.

Q-If you could design an outfit for anyone, who would it be and why?
A-I would say Ai Tominaga as she is my favourite model.

Q-Tell me about your latest obsession?
A-My latest obsession is dresses with ruffled shoulders. I can't control my spending if I see those dress or tops.

Q-Who are your favourite designers?
A-Gareth Pugh, Sonia Rykiel, Meadham Kirchhoff, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs...

Q-What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
A-I hope that LHLY will do well and gain more exposure by having consignments in boutiques or having a store of its own.

To follow Linda visit her blog or website

Poll results: Big Jewellery

Last week I asked you: How do you wear your jewellery?

Here are the results:

Simple and chic 58%
Big and bold 1%
Punk and rock 0%
Pretty boho 0%
All the above 4%

The majority of you opted for simple and chic.

When I think of simple and chic jewellery, Swarovski comes to mind. Although their jewellery is certainly pricey, if you want to invest your money in elegant jewellery that will ensure you look sleek and sophisticated, Swarovski is the best place to go. However, even though simple and chic jewellery is really elegant, it’s also really safe.

Save your simple and chic jewellery for a special occasion, but experiment with big jewellery on a day to day basis. This season is all about big jewellery. It can totally transform an outfit from simple to spectacular. Look at the pictures below...

(Necklace - Topshop £14, Earrings - Accessorize £8, Bracelet - New Look £8)

Fashion star of the week is...

Dannii Minogue

From the X Factor auditions to the live shows, Dannii Minogue has surprised us all with her supremely chic and show stopping outfits.

Last year it was all about Cheryls' wardrobe (which made us green with envy), but this year Dannii's come first place in the statement style section!

She's rocked so many different trends it's hard to keep up! From sleek and sexy to rock chick to pretty in pink; and she's managed to look picture perfect in each and every one of them. That's just not fair.

Are you a fan of Dannii's new fierce fashion forward attitude? Or do you think Cheryl's more fit for the fashionista title? You decide!

Cheryl goes short

Last night I waited with great anticipation to see what the fashion obsessed X factor judge Cheryl Cole would be wearing on the show. Instead of being shocked by her outfit, I was stunned to see Cheryl without her hair extensions! I suppose this didn't come as much of a surprise seeing as there's been so much controversy over Cheryl's hair extensions this past week. The Daily Mail featured several articles on Cheryl's fake appearance, and how wrong it is that she's promoting L'Oreal shampoo while wearing fake hair. It's simply not right.

Could this be the reason behind Cheryl ditching the hair extensions? Well, I quite like her new look. I think she looks more elegant.

What do you think? Does it suit her? Will it be a permanent change?

She's got the glam factor

With a head turning unique sense of style, this fierce fashionista is dressed to impress.

She looks so trendy I don't even know where to begin! The thing I love most about her look is that shes used so many different accessories to really add some funkiness to her outfit.

For starters, I love the yellow flower she's wearing on the side of her head. It's so big and bright and she wears it with cool confidence. She is also really setting a statement by wearing her hair in two massive side quiffs! Very daring, yet she pulls it off.


Her Chanel earrings, pearl necklace and classic big black bag bring pure elegance to her outfit.

I also think it's great how shes accessorized with her belt by wearing it across her green buttoned up cardigan. It's simple yet injects a dramatic colour into her outfit. Also, belts are really in this season, and can clearly totally spruce up any look.

She is certainly fashion forward wrapped up in her light camel skin coat with faux fur. Dainty yet dramatic.

My favourite part of her ensemble are her leopard print loafers. They are just too cool. I think I might treat myself to a pair!

What else can I say? This girl clearly embraces her unique style by mixing up all the latest trends and producing a fantastic ensemble. I simply love it! Do you agree? Or is her look a little too dramatic for you? Tell me what you think!

To follow this fashionista click here .

Interview: Fashion designer - Zozocouture

Zoe is a 19 - year - old fashion designer from downtown LA, with an exotic mix of French, Vietnamese and Mexican heritage. Designing and making clothes from the mere age of 9, Zoes career has gone from strength to strength. Also a model and hair stylist, Zoe is currently concentrating on her fashion label Zozocouture. Read on to see what Zoe told me about her path to fashion and what she hopes to achieve in the future...

Q-How did you get into fashion design?
A-Well, some of my earliest memories were when my mom made my baby blanket with her sewing machine when I was 2, and taught me how to thread a manual needle and sew two pieces of cloth together. I would always play around with different patchwork ideas and try to get the concept of shapes in clothing by making doll's clothes.
When I turned 9, I got my first sewing machine, but it was really cheap so it jammed a lot. I started making cosplay outfits for different animes (a style of animation developed in Japan) - I am a nerd at heart. When I was about 13, I lived with my dad, and we were so poor, I would go to the swap meet and get clothing and fabric (like $1 a yard) and I would make clothes, or alter them. Of course my skills weren't that great but I learned a lot about being resourceful, and now I am where I am today.

Q-What inspires your designs?
A-I have a lot of French and Japanese influence in my designs. I love the way the Japanese make clothes. It’s all about a little detail and a bit of hand sewing involved, and they don't skimp on artistic vision. The French are so bold and yet classic, nothing quite like it. I also think vintage animes really play a part in my inspiration. I try not to look at too many designers so that I don't make myself like them.

Q-Tell me a little bit about your fashion label, Zozocouture.
A-Well, it basically exists for things that I like. I always keep in mind what others would like and if it’s feasible, but in general it’s a lot of dresses, capes and things that I think are art. It's so hard for me to let go and sell these things because of my love and passion for them. I’m tied to each one. When I do start selling, I guess you’re guaranteed to get my love in it :)

Q-What do you enjoy most about being a fashion designer?
A-I enjoy that I am able to make art, and people actually respect it. I also enjoy going through trial and error and adding to my knowledge of design and construction. I just really love the feeling that designing gives me. It’s like, for an alcoholic or a drug addict, designing is my drug.

Q-What is your philosophy?
A-Passion is the most important thing in anything you do, if there is no passion, there is no art.

Q-What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
A-I hope to have my own shop, and actually get paid for modelling. I also hope to be as revered as a serious artist.


Check out Zoes blog here.

Pretty polished look

This look is simple yet uber-cool.

I especially love her cosy cashmere cardigan combined with her patterned flowery dress and funky brown ankle boots.

This is because the floral print brings a sweet and delicate look to her outfit, yet the boots give her look that perfect finishing edgy touch.

In addition, the soft colours suit her skin tone, and add great impact to her image.

She's also shown how accessorising can be easy and fun. Check out her key earring (left) and unusual yet super pretty necklaces!

I think she a has wicked and unconventional sense of style, and you'll certainly be seeing more of her on my blog!

What do you think of her outfit? Is it something you'd wear or ward off?

Poll results: Wacky wedge trend

It looks like the majority of you are ready to indulge in the wedge trend!

45% said HELL YEH
18% said I'LL NEED SOME CONVINCING
36% said NEVER

To be honest, I wasn't so keen on this trend initially, but it's actually starting to grow on me. There are some really cool wedged shoes out there that totally rock this look. Check out what I found...

From left to right: now £40 at Office, now £35 at asos, now £54.98 at aldo

Do you like what I found? You seen any better? Comment below!

The fashion star of the week is...

Alexa Chung

For those of you who don't know, Alexa Chung is a British TV presenter who is currently working on the American MTV show It's on with Alexa Chung.

Alexa started out as a model when she was 16, but changed career path at 20 and became a TV icon. Since becoming famous, she has returned to her modeling roots and is now the new face of DKNY jeans.

She has a quirky and edgy style with that downtown funky look and never fails to look flawless.

Alexa also always looks effortlessly pulled together with a fierce fashion forward attitude.

Are you also a fan of Alexas head turning outfits or are you not so big on the whole kooky cool look?

COMPETITION: Comment of the week!

Here's the deal...the person who posts the best comment of the week will have the opportunity to feature on my blog wearing their trendiest outfit! Of course I'll be commenting on the outfit too :)

Show me your style 101 is becoming so popular with all the fashionistas out there that you'd be a fool to lose out on this fantastic opportunity to show off your unique and trendy style.

Remember to include your email address when you comment.

The winner will be announced next Tuesday.

Good luck!

Mandy X

love love love

I just love this funky ring.

Interview: Photographic stylist - Constance Victoria

British born Constance Victoria ,22, has hit the scene with her unique and edgy fabulous photography. She posts her fantastic images on her blog , as well as items she's selling on eBay!

Read on to see what the budding photographic star had to say...

Q-How did you get into photography?
A-I have always been passionate about fashion and have admired fashion photography in magazines and ad campaigns. I took an evening course in black and white photography when I was 18 and learnt all the skills of working in a darkroom and using film. I loved the course so much that I decided to complete a degree in the subject and pursue it as my profession.

Q-What inspires your photography?
A-I am inspired by so many things. Obviously fashion has a great impact in what inspires me, and the work of other great photographers. Some of the ones who really inspire my style are Paolo Roversi and Tim Walker. I love their slightly eerie and fairytale like images and try to create this effect in my own work.

Q-Whats the best thing about being a photographic stylist?
A-I love creating a concept for a photoshoot and making an idea in my head come to life on the set using the location, wardrobe, models and props etc.

Q-Tell me a little about your blog..
A-I started writing the blog in the spring this year after deciding I wanted an outlet for my creative practices and to promote my work. It ended up becoming more of an outfit and personal style blog but I really enjoy creating it and I love receiving the beautiful comments from my readers!

Q-What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
A-I would say to any aspiring photographers to have fun and be creative. It is a really hard industry to gain work in so its great to just have fun doing it and see what comes your way! I would really recommend doing a very hands on and practical course as well as it really does help to inspire and improve work once you have learned how to use different equipment and cameras.

Q-What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
A-I would love in the future to have built up enough of a name for myself to make a living entirely from my photography - Although my dream for the future would actually be to own my own fashion boutique! I guess I have no idea what I will end up doing but I like that there is a bit of mystery and an unknown element to the future!

Click here to visit the blog!

Jedward future fashion stars?

They entertained us for weeks on the X factor with their wacky dance moves and kooky style, but never did we think of Jedward as fashion icons.


Well, according to all the papers, that's exactly whats going to happen! Apparently they've been approached by fashion magazines Esquire and i-D Magazine, and are planning on signing deals to model for high street stores. They're also going to appear in fashion magazine Grazia this week!

A source told the Daily Mirror: "They've been inundated with requests from brands to model and perform for them. And some of them would surprise you. Big brands want a piece of Jedward and they're currently considering all the options."


I don't know about you, but this has come as a real shocker to me! I mean I really enjoyed watching Jedward on the X factor, and I found them extremely entertaining, but I just don't see them as models!

But, on the other hand, I don't think they look that bad in the picture above. They are really starting to grow on me. Nowadays anything can happen! Who knows, by next year we could be looking to Jedward for fashion advice...watch this space!

Classic clean cut trend

This cool and confident classic look represents all the stylish Jude Law wannabes.

Grey, black and white are very chic and subtle staple colours for a classy manly look.

I think blazers and buttoned up cardigans are neat and simple, and offer a clean cut sophisticated look to the outfit.

Are you into this classic look, or do you think it's too neat and simple? Maybe you prefer the preppy playful trend? Tell me what you think!

Va va velvet

Velvet is one of the biggest trends this season, especially with designers Chloe and Alexander Wang. This classic wintery style is perfect for a simple event as well as for a fabulous one (when paired with killer heels)

Personally, I am loving flowy velvet dresses this season. I think they are really girly and glamorous and super flattering! Topshop and Miss Selfridge have a fantastic range of reasonably priced velvet dresses. Check them out!

Alesha Dixon wore a gorgeous maroon velvet dress with a waist clenching satin and sequin belt to the launch of her new jewellery range in Piccadilly yesterday.

I think the dress is really flattering, and she really looks stylish, sexy and sophisticated.

Are you into the new velvet trend?

Crazy GaGa

Lady GaGa has a unique sense of style. We get that. But what was she thinking turning the hard shoulder trend into a horrific fashion faux pas at her CD launch of 'The Fame Monster' yesterday??

Hard shoulders are totally in fashion and work really well paired with skinny jeans, but GaGa's exaggerated version just doesn't do the trick! It kinda looks like a padded bullet proof shield supporting her back!!

Sorry GaGa, but your outfit needs to be burned and forgotten immediately.

Looks can be deceiving

Fashion magazines are full of flawless models, but what do they look like in reality?

I found this video extremely disturbing, but at the same time really informative. I wouldn't say that the model is initially unattractive, but her transformation is epic!

It's normal for makeup and hair to make a massive difference to a womans appearance, but what really irritated me were the unnecessary changes made using Photoshop.

Thousands of girls (including myself) read these magazines and wonder 'why can't I look as perfect as...’ . It's extremely damaging to their self esteem. No wonder there has been a rise in anorexia in young girls.

Dove ( who made the video) have campaigned against this by using 'average' looking women in their adverts.

Do you think it's okay for magazines and adverts to publish images of fake but flawless looking models? What kind of a message are they giving out to easily influenced young girls?

But then again, would people really buy magazines or products if they were being advertised by 'real' women?

The fashion star of the week is....

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has won the hearts of fashionistas all over the world by flaunting her fresh, flawless and feminine look at New Moon premieres this week.

Famous for wearing converses on the red carpet, Stewart has switched to luscious louboutins and heavenly heels.


She wore a stunning Oscar de la Renta dress (right) to the LA premiere, and an elegant J Mendel dress (left) to the Paris premiere.

Kristens stylist told Grazia: "Few people understand (Kristen's) fearless when it comes to fashion.

"She's comfortable in her own style and has a natural edge to her, but when she's in the mood she likes to go elegant."

What do you think of Kristens new look? Has she managed to pull off the classic girly girl elegant image or should she stick to her usual punk rock style?