The Perfect LBD

Do you ever see something in a shop window or a magazine and get that instantaneous feeling that you just have to have it? Well, I got this exact feeling today when reading the September issue of Cosmopolitan.

This gorgeous dress is featured in Cosmo's 'S is for...' editorial and is from Marks and Spencer. Can you believe it? Priced at £65, it's a bargain and will see you right through the Winter party season (yes, I know it's a long way off yet but you can never be too prepared). The high cut neck and sheer sleeves are right on trend whilst the slightly loose style keeps it comfortable. Finish off your look with simple accessories and either a silky white blazer or the wardrobe staple of the century - a leather jacket and you are good to go.

Z x

LOVE

20 must-haves from the high-streets most popular retailers

OASIS
SATIN CREPE JUMPSUIT £75

TOPSHOP
MUSTARD CURVE BACK TOP £28

TOPSHOP
DEVEROO DECO TEE £32

TOPSHOP
PRITI SANDALS £75

TOPSHOP
SHEEPSKIN CONTRAST BIKER JACKET £325

TOPSHOP
DUSTY PINK FLAT TOP SUNGLASSES £16

TOPSHOP BOUTIQUE
SILK JACKET £100

TOPSHOP
ALDGATE TAN CHELSEA BOOT £75

ASOS
PUSSYBOW BLOUSE £30

ASOS
SWING DRESS £65

ZARA
PINK SWEATER £35.99

ZARA
POCKET BLOUSE £39.99

ZARA
V BACK DRESS
£39.99

ZARA
SHINY PEEP TOE ANKLE BOOT £89.99

RIVER ISLAND
YELLOW SHIRT DRESS £40

RIVER ISLAND
CROCHET MINI SKIRT £40

RIVER ISLAND
CROPPED FISHERMAN JUMPER £32

RIVER ISLAND
BROWN SUEDETTE MIDI SKIRT £30

RIVER ISLAND
SLINKY PLEATED MAXI SKIRT £35

RIVER ISLAND
GREY V NECK CARDIGAN £35

Z x

It's A Girl/Boy Thing

Although it's only mid-July I find myself planning my Autumn/Winter wish list already and the fact the weather has taken a turn for the worse doesn't help. I can't help but get excited over what the new season may bring and my head autopilot. Putting outfits together as soon as previews from the high street are released. 

Autumn/Winter 2011 is, of course, going to bring many different trends but one which I think will stick and that i'm going to try is the androgynous/boy/girl look. Seen across the catwalks, from DKNY to Ralph Lauren, masculine tailoring is sexy this season and I don't thing there's much sexier than a girl who can rock a well tailored suit. Ok, so a suit may be a bit much for us 'normal' folk but simply adding a bow tie to a crisp white shirt or pairing straight leg trousers with a basic sweater will help to reference this trend. Whichever way you choose to portray this look, as long as you're wearing it with confidence I can assure you'll be oozing sex appeal.

DKNY A/W 11
Style.com

Topshop £98

Yves Saint Laurent A/W 11
Style.com

Zara £35.99

Ralph Lauren A/W 11
Style.com

ASOS £18

 Z x

My latest wishes....

I'm super impressed with Warehouse's new arrivals. Here are just some of my favourite's, if only I could buy them all.

Mod Print Dress £60

I've been trying to manage my money more sensibly and so have been looking for a double-duty dress, one which I can wear both in the day and at night and I think may just have found it. This gorgeous patterned one from Warehouse has everything i'm looking for. The pleated skirt adds a touch of girlyness but it's loose fitting style and simple shape helps to keep it suitable for daytime. I would pair it with a denim jacket and sandals for the day but toughen it up with a cropped leather jacket at belt for the evening.

Silk Clean Shirt
£50

I'm loving the trend for bright colours at the moment which explains my attraction to this luxurious semi-sheer shirt. Lately, i've been very aware of how much black i've got in my wardrobe so, have been consciously trying to pick up things in colours I wouldn't normally choose. I'm also a great lover of gold so the added buttons are another attraction.

Embellished Placket and Cuff Blouse
£55

I guess i'm a bit like a magpie when it comes to clothes. I fall 'in love' with pieces that have intricate detailing or embellishment and I tend to get giddy over a piece which has both. Hence my reasoning behind picking this shirt. The silver beading attracted me instantly and the fact it's collarless with loosely fitting sleeves helps make it a nice alternative to the more traditional style. This shirt is ideal if you're after something easy to throw on over a pair of jeans and killer heels. Instant wow factor! 

Spot Mesh Top
£45

I really like this top for it's sheerness, it's ruched sleeves and it's hemline. Choose a pair of brightly coloured, cigarette pants to help update this vintage style. 

Z x