Monday 31 January 2011

SAG Awards

So as the countdown to the Oscars continue, we turn our attention to last nights SAG Awards. Big winners were Natalie Portman, Claire Danes, Christian Bale and our very own Colin Firth for the King’s Speech, but as always I am more interested in the fashion on the red carpet beforehand.

There was no doubting the glamour as these leading ladies pulled out all the stops to get on the "best dressed " list. We saw them dressed in bright colours of hot pink, purple and royal blue to lighter pastel shades and florals. 

Sofia Vergara in Carolina Herrera, Julianna Margulies in YSL, Hayley Steinfeld in Prada, Kim Kardashian in Marchesa and Sarah Hyland in Max Mara.


Heather Morris in Romona Keveza, Hilary Swank in Versace, Jayma Mays in Jenny Packham and Rosario Dawson in J. Mendel

For those ladies who didn't chose a new chic alternative to white, ivory and cream.

Eva Longoria in Georges Hobeika, Amy Adams in Hervé Leroux, Winona Rider in Alberta Ferretti and Natalie Portman in Azzaro.


The big accessory trend were belted gowns in a mix of cool skinny leather to black satin waisted ribbons. Mila Kunis belted her Alexander McQueen with matching leather, Claire Danes' floral Louis Vuitton gown was finished with a wider buckle style, Dianna Agron in Vintage Chanel and Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar De La Renta both chose satin bows, but my favourite by far was Lea Michele in a stunning 70’s inspired Oscar de la Renta, belted with gold skinny leather.
 

Again the cream of Hollywood didn't disappoint and leaves me wondering, just how are they going to top this at the Academy Awards?

Sunday 30 January 2011

A 70's Story

No-one can deny that 2010 was a good year for fashion but with all the 70's inspired trends dropping in store, SS 2011 looks to be even more exciting. From the wide-leg trouser to the large platform shoes it looks as though the biggest decade in fashion is back in a big way.

From Bianca Jagger at Studio 54 to Farrah Fawcett in Charlies Angels, get some inspiration from the 70's biggest fashion icons.



Work you 70's style from daytime to disco with these three looks.

Working Girl 


Boho Chic




Disco Fever

Which one will you be wearing this season?

Thursday 27 January 2011

Interview


From time to time I get the pleasure of being interviewed about my life as a stylist. It is something I really enjoy, being able to share my knowledge and experiences in the world of fashion.

Last week I was interviewed by fashion&beautyhq.com on everything from Spring/Summer trends to dressing for your shape.


Enjoy x

Monday 24 January 2011

Spring Nails
Accessorize your nails this summer with some of the hottest shades around. From rich and creamy pastels to gun metal grey, get ready to transform your fingers with this ultimate guide.

Aqua Blues  


Chanel Le Vernis in Riva & Nails Inc. Limited Edition in Portobello Road



Peachy Pink

Dior Nail Vernis in Pink Boa & Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in I'm Not Innocent


Lovely Lilac

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Violet Diva & Essie in Nice is Nice from Essie French Affair 2011 Collection


Gun Metals Grays

Chanel Le Vernis in Black Pearl & M.A.C Champale Nail Polish in Very Important Platinum


Be Inspired!!






Friday 21 January 2011

Baby Boom
The hottest trend of 2011 is definately babies, we seem to hear of a new celebrity pregnancy every week. I come across pregnancy and the need for maternity wear quite often and I know what a struggle it can be finding something comfortable for my clients, that fits and is also on trend. There is no reason not to feel glamourous just because you are pregnant.

More and more stores are now offering a maternity line and celebrities such as Holly Willoughby and Denise Van Outen have launched their own stylish ranges, so finding something suitable is a lot easier than it used to be. 

Here are a few of my top picks to get you started on your pregnancy journey!


Bottoms

I know jeans can be difficult but there are a lot of options out there. Designer brands such as 7 for all Mankind and J-Brand have some very stylish cuts and claim to be comfortable and easy to wear. My choice are Blue Baxter Skinny Jeans £40 by Topshop. My other recommendations other than jeans are, Maxi Skirt £10 Matalan and black leggings £19.99 River Island.


Tops & Dresses

Ponchos and free flowing shirts will grow with your bump,Poncho £14.99 H&M, Tab Roll Sleeve Shirt £38 Topshop, as will jersey dresses which are great for dressing for a night out,
Wrap Dress £38 Dorothy Perkins.

Shoes

Footwear is normally the most tricky so I suggest alternating between wedges and flats to keep your feet comfortable and swollen free. Flats £90 and Wedges £120 both Pied-a-Terre.


Accessories

Finish of your stylish maternity looks by treating yourself to this super soft coral tote bag, £766 Mulberry and large oversized sunglasses £15 Next.


Wednesday 19 January 2011

Get The Look - Golden Globes

One of my favourite parts of awards season is re-creating some of the looks at a fraction of the cost. As always the red carpet at this years Golden Globes didn't disappoint, the celebrities were sporting some bold colours, sparkling jewellry and of course all those fantastic shoes.

I have scoured the web to find my version of two of this years best dressed.

Anne Hathaway in an Armani Prive Dress, Roger Vivier Gold Clutch & Van Cleef & Arpels Ring

Get the look

Palais Maxi Dress - £279 www.aftershockplc.com
Hallie Shoes - £90 KG by Kurt Geiger
Gold Clutch - £39.50 mango
Vintage Ring - £9.99 River Island



Eva Longoria in a Zac Posen Dress and Sergio Rossi Clutch

Get the look
Calix Maxi Dress - £125 www.aftershockplc.com
Shoes - £150 Karen Millen @ Selfridges
Lia Clutch - £175 LK Bennett



I bet I know what you'll all be wearing at your next party!

Monday 17 January 2011

Golden Globes

People from all over the globe took to twitter and facebook last night to give their thoughts on the red carpet fashion of this years golden globes. 

Emerald green seemed to be the biggest trend and fashions finest pulled out all the stops to dress the likes of Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Elizabeth Moss in the shade. These leading ladies sparkled showing us that old hollywood glamour is back.




Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Catherine Zeta-Jones in Monique L'Huillier
Elizabeth Moss in Donna Karen
Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

As well as stunning gowns statement footwear seemed to be the choice for many celebrities, from gold spikes,suede scattered with swarovski crystals to stack heel canvas platforms.


Get your Golden Globes hottest fashion accessory and invest in some statement shoes



We saw Hollywood's royalty dressed from bright colours to plain white and classic black this year but my choice for this years best dressed has to be Anne Hathaway in a blush colour floor length sequin Armani Prive dress.....Simply stunning


Thursday 13 January 2011

Stylish Snake

Animal print, in the form of leopard was the biggest trend for Autumn/Winter 2010. Spring/Summer 2011 sees us wearing reptile prints and Roberto Cavalli showed us just how sexy and stylish snake can be.  
Roberto Cavalli SS 2011
Snake print is everywhere I look at the moment so I have picked some of my favourite pieces to share with you.

Clock Wise - From left to right
1 - Snake Print Suedette Leggings - £25 Topshop
2 - Snake Waterfall Blouse - £50 Topshop
3 - Bikini - £185 - Melissa Odabash @ Net-a-Porter
4 - Snake Ring - £38 Kenneth Jay Lane 
5 - Silver Snake Ring - £12 Urban Outfitters
6 - Sunglasses - £260 Chloe
7 - Snake T-Bar Platforms - £55 M&S
8 - Snake Print Sling Bag - £250 Karen Millen
9 - Python Satin Skirt - £630 - Lanvin @ Net-a-Porter







Monday 10 January 2011

Ask Closet Queen

The highlight of my work as a stylist is getting to discover new and amazing finds before anyone else and of course, being able to share my knowledge with you. 

I get a lot of style advice questions sent to Closet Queen, some of them more than others, so over the next few weeks I am going to be featuring the answers of the most requested in this ever evolving world of fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Question: I am going for a weekend city break to Barcelona, what should I pack?

Anywhere in Europe at this time of year is going to be chilly, so wrapping up in style is a must. My advice would be to take lots of warm clothes including accessories and layering is key.

1 - Start with a pair of smart leggings and skinny indigo jeans. Both of these can be dressed up from day into evening. 

 2 - Long sleeve T’s and Chunky Knits will enable you to layer should the weather change.



 3 - A feminine top or blouse for a romantic evening meal
4 - My vote for a coat will always be a long trench

5 - Accessories are a must and my picks are a stylish scarf, leather gloves and cross body bag to safely secure your belongings.
6 - My choice of footwear is a riding style boot as all that walking will warrant something comfortable and a chic court for nightime glamour.



All these items are items are day-to-night appropriate so you can walk around the beautiful city in style and also leave you with enough space in your suitcase for all that new shopping!










Friday 7 January 2011

Hot Pink Picks

Spring/Summer 2011 is set to be a colourful one. The catwalk was full of bold colours but one that is set to be a big hit is fuschia pink.

I saw the likes of Emporio Armarni, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Fendi all using the colour in their collections. From clothing to make-up and accessories, this summer is sure to be a bright one.

I have posted some of my favourite looks and a sneak peak of some items we will see in store come February....

Thursday 6 January 2011

Peoples Choice

As we are entering one of the years most glamorous seasons, Closet Queen will be regularly posting and re-creating some of the best red carpet looks from your favourite celebrities straight from Hollywood.


Kim Kardashian - Peoples Choice Best Dressed





Last Night Kim Kardashian sparkled in a Catherine Malandrino Dress, Christian Louboutin Pumps, Chanel Gold Clutch and Rina Limor Necklace earning herself the best dressed gong at the Peoples Choice Awards.




Get the reality stars look for less and show your curves of with this ultra-glam, affordable ensemble.....



Sunday 2 January 2011

Geri Haliwell turns to fashion this month with the launch of her swimwear and dresses line for the Next summer 2011 collection. These affordable pieces are made with the real women in mind and include some very stylish leopard prints.
 
 




These are sure to be a sell out so get yours now!






Closet Queen Competition

It’s competition time at Closet Queen and what better way to kick start 2011 than with an exclusive giveaway.

We are giving you the chance to win a Closet Queen Wardrobe Detox. Carried out by one of our personal stylists your wardrobe detox will free your from ill fitting clothes and mistake buys, give you advice on how to enhance the items you already have and where to buy missing essentials and leave you with a stylish wearable wardrobe and the confidence to look and feel amazing just in time for the summer and your holidays!

All you need to do to enter is send us an email and photograph of yourself to style@closetqueen.co.uk
explaining why you feel you are in need of this Wardrobe Detox, the most creative and deserving answer will win. 


For more information on the Closet Queen Wardrobe Detox visit our website www.closetqueen.co.uk


Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity so enter today and remember "When you look good, you feel good!" 

Closing date for all entires 31/05/2011 when the winer will be announced.

Saturday 1 January 2011

January Steals

We all know January is all about the sales, so to save you from rummaging through endless racks of clothes and shoes Closet Queen has picked out some timeless bargains to see you through Spring/Summer 2011 as well as filling those gaps in your wardrobe.... 
Khaki Print Shirt - Wallis now £25.00

Drop Front Cardigan - Phase Eight now £17.70
Tailored Peg Leg Trousers - Reiss now £65.00
Silk Jacket - Asos now £39.00
Jack Bootie - French Connection now £66.00
Don't forget to also take advantage of Closet Queen's January prices, check out the website www.closetqueen.co.uk and receive £25 from all services booked this month.