Winter 2010

I hate to admit it but I actually really enjoy winter, there's something nice about a frosty morning and let's be honest, who doesn't love a bit of snow!? Maybe it's because it means Christmas is around the corner or maybe it's simply because I get to wear all of my favourite clothes.

I personally feel much more comfortable in my winter wardrobe of boots, coats and hats. I much prefer thick black tights to bare legs (shudder) and anyone who knows me will know that I rarely go anywhere without a scarf anyway! So maybe this is why I welcome the colder weather, the opportunity to get some use out of the majority of my wardrobe.

My favourite trend this winter is the camel coat. It's such a classy colour and together with the trend for minimalism (which I also adore - I don't do frills) it screams understated elegance. It's the sort of colour that goes with anything and it will last forever, I'm sure there will be plenty of camel coats walking around next winter!

Thinking about the upcoming Christmas party season, there couldn't be a better trend than gilded brocade for your party dress. Maybe I'm just a fan because I bought one last year for my birthday party and can now get some more use out of it but it is still a gorgeous trend, very luxurious and it's perfect for this time of year.

 
    
          Balmain Gilded Brocade Dress               
 
                   Gucci Camel Coat

A first time for everything..

Six months ago I did something for the first time - quit my job and moved away from home. Since then, there are many things I've done for the first time, most without even realising until I started thinking about writing this post.

Living in Leicester and working for Head & Griffiths for the last 6 months has seen me do all sorts of things for the first time, from writing a blog and owning my own business card to public speaking and meeting celebrities. I've been involved with a photo shoot and watched a friend's designs walk down the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week, both of which were amazingly good fun.

I've been introduced to the world of networking (and survived to tell the tale) as well as learnt how to broadcast my every move on twitter. I've worn a suit (pretty key really) and I now own a little black dress. I've advised men on suit fabric and design and even measured an inside leg!

Not all of my first experiences have been great, for instance I've struggled with regular 5am starts to the point of exhaustion and missed friends and family incredible amounts but they're nothing compared to the fun I've had.

I've been to places I've never been to before, met new and interesting people, learnt how to live in a city and enjoyed every minute of it. I'm looking forward to the next 6 months and hopefully many more new experiences to come.

Stapleford Park Little Black Dress Event

The Little Black Dress event at Stapleford Park went without a hitch last week. Everyone had taken the theme on board and made the effort to wear an LBD, and I have to say that everyone looked fab! We had presentations from onesixeight:fitness, Sheelagh Powell Professional Make-Up Artist and Cleo Lacey from Demi-Couture which were all fantastic.

The audience loved the essential tips on how to get looking great in their LBDs from getting rid of 'bingo wings' to fantastic party make up ideas to the correct underwear to wear! We even had some advice on the 'sheepdog effect' (ladies you know what I'm talking about, and if not ask Cleo!) The shopping on offer was fab too - gorgeous jewellery, shoes, handbags and lingerie and there was even some hair restyling going on!

My LBDs first outing went well too. In this case it was carefully chosen and not thrown on last minute, worn with a pair of shiny heels and some statement black jewellery. I was very pleased with the overall look, I've never felt so glamorous in something so plain! Since the event I've actually worn it a few more times and it is definitely living up to its reputation as a wardrobe staple!

I've included some pictures of the event below, please feel free to comment. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event, a total of £395 was raised for Breast Cancer Care!

Me in my first LBD!

Sheelagh Powell and I posing for the camera!

Sheelagh Powell and Becky White from onesixeight:fitness

The venue

Becky giving her presentation on the Little Black Dress Workout

Cleo Lacey from Demi-Couture showing us all how to make the best of our LBDs

Sheelagh Powell demonstrating perfect glamorous evening make-up