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Thursday, 31 March 2011

Style Alert: Spring Fashion Trend

Shopping for your Spring wardrobe and checking out the open air markets and fairs will leave you with lots of bags to carry.  Don't let your purse be one extra bag weighing you down! Keep shoulders from getting sore and go hands free with a "fanny pack" or "belt purse" because, not only does it help accentuate a narrow waist, but they are extremely versatile and sexy:












APRIL FOOLS!


"Belt Purse"? Seriously, folks? While it's true that fanny packs having been making a comeback and have been recently spotted on the runways, the fact that you need to constantly ask yourself if it's cool or not means that it's probably not. Sure, maybe we secretly think it would be fun and convenient, but it makes walking and sitting kind of awkward and just looks so silly that we would never condone this.  


XOXO
Jen & Saira

If you love it should you put it on your credit card?

Hi guys,
Question: If you like it then should you put a ring on it? Answer: Yes. Question: If you love it should you put in on your credit card? Answer: It depends. My credit cards have never been used so much since I got engaged. My wedding dress, deposits for our wedding venue, deposits for our photographer…the list of things I have put on my credit card is endless. And for good reason: you’re better protected if your vendor cancels on you when you pay with your credit card than you are when you pay by cash, and with something as important as a wedding this security is essential. The credit cards make the payment, then the cash in the savings account cleared the bill at the end of the month.

So far, so sensible. But what about if you’re out shopping and you see a dress you really really love? Is it OK to whip your credit card out and have a treat? My immediate answer to this question is yes (I am, after all a shopaholic!) but only if you can afford to pay it back. And when I say pay it back, I mean at the end of the month, not in 50p instalments! Shopaholic isn’t a byword for reckless! If I see a dress I just have to have, and it’s in my size, and I love it and it feels like fate (we’ve all had that feeling)……but its 3 days before pay day then I announce “Its credit card time!” but only because I know I can pay it back when I pay my next statement, as soon as I’ve been paid. I have even been known to treat myself to something a little more expensive and pay it back in two instalments, by using my ‘treat money’(am I the only one that has treat money?) from the following month.

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Credit cards can be wonderful things, but only if they’re used sensibly. There isn’t a shoe in the world that’s worth getting into a lifetime of debt for (No. Not even those Jimmy Choos. Although you can see some pics from my fantasy credit card shopping list above) So my credit card advice (if you want it!) is to only ever buy what you can afford to pay off. And don’t forget that owning a credit card can help improve your credit rating, even if you rarely use it: just don’t fall into the trap of using it to pay for everything. It isn’t free money!

Love, Tor

*This is a sponsored post

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Lulu Guinness Press Day: Lippy Lust!

Hi guys,
Well, Press Day season is officially upon us: my inbox is bursting with all of the press days coming up, and trying to organise them makes my head hurt. I started my morning with a Press Day crawl, spending a couple of hours fingering lovely silks and soft leathers. And the most exciting one of them all was the Lulu Guinness press day. I'm a massive fan of Lulu Guinness (i'm on my second bird cage umbrella) and I especially love the lips bags: I have no idea how something can be so quirky and so sleek at the same time, but they absolutely manage it!

Here are some of next season's bags that i'm already lusting over:
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I love the studded bow bags, which are the hero bags of the season: they're the perfect mix of feminine and girly, and the rock chick look which is my staple. I am also completely obsessed with the doll face bag: with her cherry red hair and look of wonderment I just want to take her home and look after her! My final pick? The vibrant yellow lips clutch. You cannot fail to be noticed with this tucked under your arm, and its the perfect piece for black addicts like me to brighten up their evening looks.

Love, Tor xx

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Color Day Themes: Butterfly Garden

Springtime brings flowers and flowers require pollination so..bring on the butterflies!  Butterflies are delicate, beautiful, perfect for a whimsical springtime garden wedding. Sure having butterflies adorn your cake and tables is making a truly feminine statement, one that your guy might not be too keen on, but we say go for it anyway and celebrate your inner girly girl!  Go colorful and bright or light and muted, either way your sure to create a carefree and romantic look.




XOXO
Jen & Saira

The Big 5-0!

Omg! We just hit 50 followers. Yay!


 Thanks for all your support, dolls!


XOXO
Jen & Saira

Monday, 28 March 2011

Buy of the Day: Betty Jackson Black Satchel

Hi guys,
Yesterday I went on a mini shopping spree on Oxford street with lil sis. With Mothers day, and my mum's, dad's and other lil sis's birthdays all being celebrated this month, I had a lot of presents to buy! But I also managed to pick up a little gift for myself, and I am completely obsessed with it:
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This yummy satchel is from the Betty Jackson. Black diffusion range at Debenhams. It's 100% leather and has a great tan pony print design all over the front panels. Without sounding like a complete geek, it is the most lifestyle friendly bag i've owned for ages: it has hundreds of pockets and compartments for all my handbag junk, and even has a built in key hook, so i'll never have to rummage around in my bag for my keys ever again!

It was also an absolute bargain, reduced from £150 to £75 in Debenhams current sale.

You're going to see a lot of this bag in coming months: its so light, roomy, and easy to carry that it is going to be my go-to everyday bag for the spring/summer months.

Love, Tor xx

Sunday, 27 March 2011

Saira's BHLDN Dream Wedding

Now that you saw Jen's "dream wedding", it's time for Saira to share. While we both have similar styles, Jen's look is a bit more soft and romantic, while Saira's can be more casual or hip. The wonderful thing about BHLDN is that it encompasses both our styles, and everything in between, to create unique bridal fashion that everyone can enjoy.


The Dress:
Traditional wedding gowns are gorgeous, but not for everyone. If you're a hippie chick or love the vintage look, then this burnished organza gown is perfect for you. It has a bronze sequined bodice which adds some personality and color to the dress, without being overwhelming or gaudy. The five tiers of silk create a wonderful silhouette, perfect for gracefully swishing down the aisle.





The Jewelry:

Because the neckline of the organza gown is so embellished, we suggest wearing a bracelet rather than a necklace or earrings, in order to avoid too much clutter in the neck region. We think these simple moonstone bangles are a perfect compliment, dressing up your bare arms with just a touch of gold.





The Shoes:



 These peep toe sandals would work for both the brides and bridesmaids (below), adding some color to both ensembles.





The Accessory:

If you can't tell already, a pea / lime green is Saira's accent color of choice.  It would look great with the bridesmaid dresses (below) and tie the whole look together.





The Bridesmaids:
If the bride is dressed simply, then so should the bridesmaids. This short and sweet pleated dress is wonderfully simple, but chic! It is in the same cream colored family as the organza gown, with a pea green sash to add some color. The chiffon neckline gives it a vintage feel, making the bridesmaid the prim little sister to the free spirited bride.



Happy wedding, dolls!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Saturday, 26 March 2011

Prada v Zara: Highstreet copy alert!

Hi guys,
Spot the trend?! As soon as I saw this display in Zara I immediately thought of Prada S/S11. So I took a snap, logged on to Style.com, and it looks like I was right! This is one serious highstreet homage!
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Left is Zara, Bond Street. Right is Prada, SS11.

I'm never really offended by a good high street copy: I loved the S/S11 Prada collection and have had stripes on the brain for this season. Of course, I can't afford Prada, but I can afford Zara. If I could, believe me i'd be buying the real thing! But I think the point i'm making is that when the highstreet copies designers trends, it isn't losing the designer any revenue from poor folks like me! It's just making them lust after your brand all the more, and when the money comes in, they'll know where to turn!

As you're reading this, i'm in Norwich visiting our vicar. We're meeting all the other couples that are getting married this summer, discussing our musical options with the organist, and having the vicar approve our readings. As I write this, I have no idea which readings we'll choose: but i'm sure a three hour car drive talking about in nonstop will help us make our minds up. Lucky old Mike!

Love, Tor xx

Friday, 25 March 2011

Daily Wear: Florals for spring (obviously!)

Hi guys,
I know it's a big fat cliche, but when the sun starts shining and the birds start singing, I have a compulsion to start wearing florals. Florals= the start of spring, as far as i'm concerned. I'm still wearing closed shoes (despite what all the girls wandering down Oxford street in sandals think, it's just not that warm yet!) but i've switched to the footless tights, and it feels amazing to feel the breeze around my feet:
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I was stupidly excited on leaving the house to realise that I could put my sunglasses on before 9 oclock in the morning (they're Spitfire ones from River Island) I love wearing sunglasses, and have far too many of them, so it's great to be able to dust the collection off and bring them out.

It's only when I started writing this that I realised just how much Primark i'm wearing today! My dress, shoes, and belt are all from Primark (but not all this season). My jacket is Topshop, the bag is from Joy, the necklace is from Urban Outfitters, and the brooches are both vintage. Here's a close up of the brooches, because they're too ridiculously cute for words:
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The little bird was a gift from my mum, and is the twin of the one that sits on the handle of my brooch bouquet. Mike got me the owl from the John Lewis vintage jewellery counter: I find it horribly expensive, but he was just too cute to miss out on! I've attached them so it looked like the owl was catching the tiny little bird: small things amuse small minds, apparently!

Love, Tor xx

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Jen's BHLDN Dream Wedding

If you read our blog regularly you may have noticed we tend to focus on items from a handful of stores that we find stylish and unique.  One of our favorites is Anthropologie, so, you can imagine our excitement to hear that  Urban Outfitters (the overarching company for Anthro, Free People, etc.) has launched a brand new BRIDAL LINE called BHLDN (pronounced "Beholden")!  Although we agree the name is pretty terrible, we can ignore that small detail because the clothes and style is simply wonderful. To share the wonder that is BHLDN, we've decided to put together our "dream weddings" based on what we found while exploring the new site. Here is "Jen's Dream BHLDN Wedding".  Be sure to check back next week for Saira's BHLDN picks:


The Dress:
 Be a carefree, bohemian goddess in this Cascading Goddess Gown. Light, airy, and flowing, this dress suits Jen's relaxed and romantic style and is perfect for an outdoor garden or beach wedding.


The Jewelry:

Sweet and delicate, these tiny gold floral studs, accented with freshwater pearls, are the perfect understated accessory to the whimsical and  enchanting gown above. 


The Shoes:
These bronze shoes, with pretty floral cutouts, go along nicely with the gold and cream tones to create a look that is earthy and ethereal.  


The Accessory:
Sticking to neutrals, this kisslock clutch is just the right combination of bohemian and romantic with its brass, kind of rustic looking, floral and pearl applique and soft, muted taupe/grey color .


The Bridesmaids:

Why should the bride get to have all the fun? This blush pink dress would compliment the bohemian bride nicely and add a subtle pop of color to the ensemble.  This dress is features beautiful sequins, velvet, and fun appliques all in a silhouette that is practical and a material that is light and comfortable.



Offbeat brides, rejoice!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira


Wednesday, 23 March 2011

In the changing room at Pepperberry

Hi guys,
A couple of weeks ago I went to the launch of Bravissimo's new clothing line, Pepperberry, and I promised you guys I would go back once the stores were open, to try on some of the range and write a proper review. Well, a promise is a promise, so here it is!

I picked up four dresses and headed to the changing rooms (which like Bravissimo changing rooms were refreshingly massive, and had plenty of mirrors) I couldn't decide whether I would need a 14 RC (Really curvy) or a 14 SC (Super curvy) so I took a mixture of both.
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The Pepperberry range immediately solved my often-whinged-about sizing problem: It was so amazing to feel the dresses nip in nicely at my waist without squashing my boobs: normally I have to size up for boob comfort, but the payoff is a wide and gaping waistband, and clothes that don't really fit properly. With the Pepperberry dress my waist was cinched in, my boobs had room to breath, and the dresses skimmed my hips, creating really flattering hourglass shapes: If you want dresses that will give you a 50s movie star figure, then this is the shop to go to! Photobucket
Another problem the Pepperberry range solved was the under-the-boob issue. In dresses that have panels which are supposed to fall just under the boobs, I usually find the line sitting half way across the fullest part of my boobs looking unslightly: if your slightly fuller busted then anything on an empire line from the high street is a massive no go. The spotty dress in particular surprised me: the panels fit perfectly and the waist started at exactly the point it should, creating that much-longed-for hourglass shape.

Pepperberry very kindly gave us a voucher for one item of clothing when I went to the launch event. I immediately chose the blue full skirted dress: I loved it on the night, and I loved it even more once i'd tried it on. I'm going to wear it in a seventies fashion with retro wedges, replacing the sash with a tan leather belt, and slinging a vintage satchel over my shoulder.

I could've quite easily opted for any of the four dresses I tried on though: they all fit incredibly (In the RC not the SC variant, if you're interested) and i've got a feeling I will be visiting this store again soon!

Love, Tor xx

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

Color Day Themes: Life's a Picnic

Springtime weather allows you the comfort of relaxing in the sun while enjoying the cool breezes, making it the perfect time for a picnic.  We love the feel of picnics - cuddling up on a blanket, watching the flowers bloom, filling your belly with homemade snacks, and really just enjoying the fresh air after being cooped up all winter!  Picnic parties are casual, low key, and fun for all.  Grab your blanket, your basket, and as much gingham as you can find, and have yourself a cozy little picnic.


Blue and White/Gingham/Picnic Inspiration Board




XOXO


Jen & Saira   

What's in the window: Winter has gone!

Hi guys,
Well, winter has officially gone! Yesterday was the first day of Spring, and I am honouring it by wearing floral trousers and pumps: yes, my boots have gone back into my wardrobe, and hopefully that's where they'll stay! I know March is too early for flip flops, but I really can't wait until I can wear sandals again: I love feeling the breeze around my feet and the absolute comfort you get with sandals that I don't get with any other shoes.

I'm not the only one feeling summery. On my wanderings around town yesterday I didn't see a single shop that was still promoting its late winter finery: Spring was everywhere, and in full bloom:

Mulberry:
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Reiss:
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Zara:
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Stella McCartney:
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I love the Mulberry and Stella McCartney windows best, although this isn't the finest Stella window I have seen. I walk past both of them on a daily basis, and always slow down a fraction to admire the window displays (and the delicious clothes of course!) Working smack bang in the middle of hundreds of beautiful shop makes me want to spree, but I am very very restrained.

I'm going to try and make do with my summer clothes this year. I've bought some new holiday clothes during the sales in the winter, and I will be combining those with whatever else I have in my wardrobe that looks summery. I will be being innovative, and already have a couple of dresses I am going to alter to make more on trend: shopping spending is officially halted. But I still love looking in shop windows and indulging in a little virtual shopping to get an idea of the styles i'd like to recreate. And to create virtual shopping lists, of course!

Love, Tor xx

Monday, 21 March 2011

Topshop outlet: In search of trousers!

Hi guys,
I am a dedicated dress addict. I love to wear dresses in all their many forms: floaty, tight, short, if it's got a skirt, it's in my wardrobe. But this season is the season of the trousers. They're everywhere, and everyone is wearing them.

I don't want to spend a lot of money on a trend that I might not be able to make work with my wardrobe, or even feel comfortable wearing more than once or twice. But I do feel like I should open my mind and give this trouser thing a go. So where did I head to look for cheap trousers without compromising too much on quality? The topshop outlet of course!

Palazzo pants
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The more I look at myself in palazzo pants, the more I realise that they just don't suit me! I'm just too short and too curvy to pull these off. Which is a shame because I loved these cotton and velvet evening ones, and they were a bargain at just £10. Just not right for me.

Peg leg trousers
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Another pair of £10 trousers (which means if you got the palazzo pants too the bogof offer would make them an amazing £5 each!) These made my thighs look ginormous, but on the bright side, at least I now know cinamon coloured peg leg trousers aren't for me!

Floral trousers
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These floral trousers were £15 (with that all important BOGOF) I've rolled my black top up to show off the paper bag waist band. I really liked these, and with sandals, a black silk vest and baggy cardigan (or fitted jacket depending on my mood) these would be perfect for work and play.

Slouchy shorts
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I do not have good legs. In fact they have been certified as my worst feature. So you definitely wouldn't find me wearing these £15 shorts about the city this summer. But for lounging around the pool on my holidays? I actually quite like them! Much more flattering and lighter than my usual denim options. Definitely worth a try!

How do you guys feel about trousers? Will you be embracing the trouser trend, or sticking to skirts instead?
Love, Tor xx

Sunday, 20 March 2011

Spring Fever

Dolls, rejoice! It's officially spring, so let's celebrate the season with some lovely floral looks available this year.  While floral prints usually exude all that is soft and feminine, it's easy to make these pieces more hip and edgy, or glamorous and stylish.  It's all about the attitude and accessories.  Here are some ideas:





A soft floral printed dress, like this belted dress from Forever 21, can be worn with a light colored cardigan, flats, and soft curls for a very sweet ensemble. But add some stockings, military boots, and eye liner, and all of a sudden you're Little Miss Grunge-Shine, à la Angela Chase.




Who said florals are for kids? Throw on this gorgeous sparkle necklace from  J. Crew, and you'll dazzle even Edward Cullen.  It would look great with a crisp white blouse and pencil skirt for some major style at work, or with your trusty LBD to make a major statement out on the town.






 We consider this dress to be our Dream Dress, as both of us separately fell in love with it on Mod Cloth and are still dreaming of excuses to purchase it.  The soft floral print, lovely pastel colors, and perfect vintage style fit is exactly what we dream of in a springtime dress.  The only downside is the price, but if you have an event in mind to wear this too, then there should be no stopping you.



The wonderful thing about Target is that they tend to have the cutest shoes and accessories, even if for only a limited time. These floral flats by Xhiliration are one of the cutest shoes we've seen at Target for a while, so make haste and grab yourself a pair before they're out of stock.  Saira's already invested in a pair, and for $19.99, so should you.







This floral skirt from Top Shop is so Kelly Kapowski, and we love it. While we don't suggest wearing this with a giant scrunchie, rolled down socks, and keds, we do think this would look great with nude colored peeptoes and a racer back tank, with maybe a long necklace to complete the ensemble.





Crossover bags are very in right now, and we can see why.  They're a nice change of pace from our oversized bags that can be used as a miniature weapon, resulting in an accessory that has both form and function.  If you plan on traveling this spring, or just don't want to feel weighed down, then go for this tapestry crossbody bag by Ecote.  It's just the right size to fit your cell phone, camera, lip gloss, and a pack of tissues (if you have nerdy allergies), and has a rustic tapestry print that is perfect for the spring.





A floral, flowing mini is pretty much our go to outfit for warm weather.  Just wear a plain tee or tank, and you're ready to go.  Delia's has a few nice choices, just remember to go for a size up because we're no longer 16!  Forever 21 is also a great place to look, as they have a number of different prints and colors available, the majority of them for less than $20 a pop!





Just because you're stuck indoors all day doesn't mean you don't appreciate seasons!  For your work wardrobe, incorporate florals with a simple patterned cardigan.  This would look lovely with a pencil or full 50's style skirt and is seasonal but subdued, perfect for a stodgy office. 





Spring is in bloom!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Thursday, 17 March 2011

Glee Character Inspiration: Emma Pillsbury

Stylish Emma Pillsbury, McKinley High's germaphobic guidance counselor, rounds out our Glee character inspiration series.  Easily the most polished dresser, she flawlessly coordinates colors, patterns, and styles that keep her looking fresh, bright, and cheerful.  A perfect blend of modern and vintage, Miss Pillsbury has a style perfectly suited to mimic her upbeat and quirky personality. 




Miss P may be afraid of germs, but she is certainly not afraid of color and prints.  Emma would shine in this teal and chartreuse Anthropologie frock with its fun polka dot print, pleats, and button details.  Pair it with your chartreuse cardigan for a totally coordinated look.




We are pretty sure Emma has every color cardigan imaginable but the allure of her style isn't just color, it's also the details!  What we love most about her tops is the fact that many of them have special embellishments on them that add a bit of vintage charm or romantic flair.  The above cardigan, with it's big romantic bow, would be welcome additions to what we imagine to be Emma's obsessive compulsive-ly organized closet.






A crisp white pussy bow front top is quite possibly the most important piece of clothing that you will need to add to your wardrobe if you want to dress like Miss Pillsbury.  Emma is seen over and over in tops like this (in all different colors and prints) that button all the way up and tie into a feminine bow.  This top is the perfect basic to go with your pencil skirt and matching cardigan!





What better to pair with your boy tie blouse than this sweet pencil skirt?  Not only is the color bright and bold but those bows are just too adorable!




   Emma has a wonderful, vintage style full of bright colors and bold prints. This sky blue and red cardigan is straight out of the 70s, and would look great with Emma's fiery red hair. As she's all about color coordinating, we can see her pairing this with a red pencil skirt and some sky blue jewelry.




Emma would also match her shoes to her colorful sweaters!  We particularly think she would love these red patent leather mary jane style pumps to with the above cardigan and some vintage blue baubles.  They are feminine and dainty and feature an adorable vintage inspired button detail on the side - simply charming!





 Emma looks delicious in peach, which is why she often wears it. This slim fit, trim cardigan from Forever 21 is straight out of Emma's closet, and would look great with a collared blouse peaking out underneath. We also recommend wearing this with a red or coral lip color... no dark purple (sorry random Forever 21 model!)





 Emma looks lovely head from toe, literally. She has flawless taste in footwear, and coordinates her outfit perfectly. This two-toned, low heel by Franco Sarto is perfectly Pillsbury, with the vintage style and dainty bow. She'll be stomping over Mr. Schue's heart with great style.





"A nooner is when you sneak out for desert in the middle of the day... right?" Oh, Emma!



XOXO

Jen & Saira