My Passport To Style | UK Fashion And Lifestyle Blog

Karl Largefeld | Shares His Bleu Sky Thinking At Paris S/S 12

2012-01-26T14:07:00.002Z

I have a confession to make, I have a bit of a split personality when it comes to colour, perhaps my image above will give you a clue to my type 1 colour personality, for as long as I can remember I have had a fetish for blues of all hues and its never really diminished. I have sadly noted that the colour blue has never really been taken seriously in high fashion circles and in main stream fashion in the UK, it's been type cast as a neutral for office wear in effect a uniform. Luckily for me, my type 2 colour personality demands I wear a clashing candy store of bright colours, whew, at least I won't be cast out completely by the fashionable set just yet!

Is It A Plane? No It's a Runway!

So I don't mind telling you that Karl Largefeld recent triumph at Paris fashion week, left me feeling that my fondness of blue was quite correct and highly fashionable! Seriously though, this man is like the ring master in a big top, each show has to be bigger and better each time, lucky us! To hold a runway show in an aeroplane, was in my opinion the perfect setting to showcase his stunning blue and purple collection; against the backdrop of the silver of the plane, the purple strip of carpet that became the runway for his models and the uniform clean lines we have come to associate with Chanel.

Karl Largefeld Shares His Bleu Bliss With His Passengers

Heavy bead work and scuptural detailing on the sleeves, became seamles caplets and the rouleau necklines combined with his treatment of blue on pieces from his collection created a sense of functional feminine whimsy, hot summer days beckoned. In other words serious chic! What are your thoughts on the subject of blue and Karl Largerfelds latest collection for Chanel? I would love to know!

photo credits -Fashion Gone Rogue, Real Style Network and Harper's Bazaar

Sign up to My Passport To Style fashion posts by email (top right of this page) for your last chance to win a red Gionni satchel, 3 pairs of chic folding leather Redfoot pumps, a vintage iphone case by Cloth Magpie, a vintage Union Jack cushion and much more!

Me And Gran Report On Spring 2012 Trends

2012-01-22T22:08:00.001Z

Hi Gals, todays trend report is a joint effort between me and Granny who was keen to discuss her opinions on next springs latest trends from the sweltering heat of her polka dot sun lounger coated in olive oil, which she swears is the best way to tan! I tried to convince her that she needed to use sun block, but she just chuckled and said what's good enough for the Romans is good enough for me.

So here's our joint trend report courtesy of both Granny and myself featuring the best and worst of spring 2012 latest trends.

Trend - Peplum skirt - designer Jason Wu
Granny says - She loves the shade of pink, but that when she was a young woman, curves were real not faked, perhaps if young woman today drank full fat milk instead of semi skimmed she mutters down the phone in between sips of her expresso.

Me - I love this skirt by Jason Wu, that looks like a giant flower, kept imagining this peplum skirt in a bright yellow though with spring just around the corner.

Trend Orange-designer Jill Stewart
Granny Says - The girls hair is all wrong, it's overpowering the look what has happened to wearing a classic chignon. I like the rich colour combination though.

Me - I'm really excited by this dress, which to me is a modern take on the flapper dress, I love the simple t-line of the upper body, the flirty skirt and the split palm tree in orange that frames the neckline, the use of bright colour blocking is very flattering.

Granny Says- This girls make up is so blah her features look flat and lifeless and since when has wearing a sheet with sleeves flattered any woman?!

Me- I agree with Granny I hate this trend for an white oversized shroud, small breasted women beware!

In contrast we both fell in love with this combination of two classics trends brought together, the grecian dress and polka dots done in a fresh way, the fabric choice and painted irregular spots keep this look the right side of modern.

Trend- Floral blocking on bodycon dresses -designer- Altuzarra

Granny Says- I know this is too short for me, but when can I get my hands on it! How clever is this designer (coos granny down the phone) to be able to combine cool sophistication with such a dazzling hot print!

Me- Loving the way the tropical centre panel creates a boarder cool ivory that emphasises the shoulder line and punctuates the waist and her hair is fierce!

Trend -Neon brights-designer Rag & Bone

Granny Says- Advert your eyes from the screen, this is pretty vile, the shape should be about as flattering as it gets, but this poor girls looks bottom heavy and like she has been dip dyed in a vat of guacamole.

Me- The shiny green leather ruched top looks cheap, the right make up and hair could have rescued this, but this is a tough look for anyone to pull off.

Trend - Aztec -designer Lacoste

Granny Says-This tunic is so chic, I would wear with wide leg ivory trousers, that being said it could do with taking a little of the hardness out of the look, by introducing a petal pink lip.

Me- I like this look, but agree with granny it looks a little bit too pared back, even with the powerful print, the addition of a slimline back pack worn on her shoulder would relax the look a little and it is a cliche, but perhaps powder blue tennis shoes would appeal to the designs Mexican roots.

Love Me Again | The Smartest Fashion Label In Town!

2012-01-21T16:44:00.001Z

UK independent Love Me Again, is set to change how we think about fashion, based in Manchester with an online shop, for just £30.00 you can buy one of their bright jigsaw puzzle designs, custom made to your exact measurements for as little as £30.00 ! These talented fashion magpies take unwanted sweatshirts and woollens and upcycle them into their own contemporary designs, so each is unique and who every buys one of the pieces from their collection, can be sure they are also buying a into a greener planet! I love these Sonia Rykiel inspired pieces and the sporty attitude created from using sweat shirts in their designs. You can even recycle old treasured clothing items, by having them incorporated into a design of your choice, fashion does not get more bespoke than this! Watch this space when I will be back to flaunt my own personal mash up of colour and print courtesy of this Manchester fashion label! Vist http://www.lovemeagain.co.uk/ to check out more of their designs.

Our Love Of Flashing The Plastic

2012-01-17T20:08:00.001Z

Agnes Dean

Black plastic watch Marc Jacobs

Grey plastic stud boots asos

One word plastic, what does it make you think of ? Cheap and nasty or seductive and playful? A grotty loo brush or a state of the art chair you would love to design? I find it fascinating that at a time when bespoke, organic materials and quality are the new buzz words, the luxury world is increasingly turning to plastic rather than leather or silk or cashmere as a material to design from and charging designer prices I might add. So what might the reason be?

Well here's my theory, it's all essentially about what plastic as a material conveys now, think about the barbie doll you owned and her teeny tiny shoes or let's be non sexist here, it could have been your red dumper truck. As a teenager because plastic was so cheap you may have been tempted to buy the latest teen accesories fashioned from brightly coloured plastic. The finale phase of this style evoloution has been the utilising of what has typically been viewed in society as a cheap material crafted in the same way a luxury piece would be, couple this new approach to the use of plastic and the price of this new breed of plastic with the association of youth and it becomes a irreverant fashion statement and therefor you guessed it! Cool. Which is why the Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwoods of this world want to play with it and share it with us.Well that's my very simple theory anyway. What do you think of the stuff? Would you resent spending half your pay cheque on a designer piece made from melted rubik's cube?

Sign up to My Passport To Style by email top right of this blog before the end of Jan 2012 and win a cherry red Gionni satchel, 3 pairs of Redfoot leather folding pumps, a vintage union jack cushion,Me, Me Me! luxe boxed nail polishes and vintage iphone case by Cloth Magpie and much more! Good Luck!

Blue almond toe short wellingtons - Vivienne Westwood

Postcard From Japan

2012-01-16T19:42:00.000Z

Mitsushiy Anaihara in Japan, loving the mad hatter flavour of this shot, with a dash of country gent and a satsuma orange holdall spliced through with patent black. Slightly bonkers but non the less some great lessons in thinking out of the box when it come to street style.

Postcards From Japan

2012-01-16T19:31:00.000Z

David Bowie would approve of this pretty look for menswear by Phenomenon. I think the vest top maybe a little too low, discuss!

Postcards From Japan | The Boys Are Back In Town!

2012-01-16T19:17:00.001Z

Loving this haughty street fashion look by Kohno, from Japan, this is neutral blocking at its best, if you did'n't know there was such a thing as neutral blocking you do now! This guy makes it look super cool with a granite textured t complete with what look like water melon slices floating around the neckline. The deep block of ivory at the base of his t creates a sophisticated edge against his cream cropped wide legs and short black coat.

The Power Of Print In The Right Hands!

2012-01-14T19:49:00.003Z

If your not yet aquainted with Barbara Hulanicki she is a revolutionary designer from the 60s who believed in bringing high fashion and glamour to everyone from the women in the typing pool to the socialites of the time, she drew inspiration from Hollywood and the sophisticated art Deco period. Her style ethic was reflected in her a communal changing rooms at Biba, which reflected her free approach to fashion and her bohemian attitude.

Ok so I admit women may no longer wish to share their wobbly post Christmas thighs with a stranger, but neither do we want to get changed in the equivalent of a rabbit hutch with harsh lights and only a solitary shower curtain for company! We all need a little luxury in our life. Re enter Barbara Hulanicki who not content with reinstating Biba after a long absence in her recent collaboration with House Of Fraser, (as modelled by Daisy Lowe) has also chosen to share her famous prints and flattering lines with supermarket giant Asda! I'm drawn to the colbalt blue, what about you?

Sign up to my My Passport To Style by email now, top right of my blog and win a red Satchel full of Royal attitude and 3 pairs of lush Redfoot pumps, good luck toes crossed too!x

Pasty Winter White? Work It To Your Advantage!

2012-01-12T15:36:00.000Z

Hi Gals, I was inspired to write this post on this seasons colour trends after seeing Torie Jaynes striking Christmas confectionary - bird cage and houses all pretty in aqua and rose pastels. If your a sucker for romance like me, you have to canoodle with pastels this S/S season! Plus they really work for pasty winter faces so that's obviously a big bonus, that being said they look great against black skin tones too.

Marc Jacobs managed to make his show for Louis Vuitton look pretty without looking sickly sweet, largely due to his famed use of modern fabrics, mainly plastics, ouch! As in Torie Jaynes Christmas display here, the trick is, if you do decide to mix pastels pieces together, is to be super stingy with using pinks and focus more on yellow, blues and fresh aqua tones, for baby soft pefection use soft greys along side your pastels, for freshness lots of textured whites and for edge shards of black to add a pretty punk feel.I had to share this photo with you from the Louis Vuitton S/S 2012 show, of Marc passionately kissing what looks like a very bored looking Kate Moss!!

Sign up to My Passport To Style by email top right of this blog and win the Right Royal Handbag giveaway this January 2012, complete with red satchel, 3 pairs of leather folding Redfoot pumps, a cute vintage iphone case from Cloth Magpie and lots of other items for having a glam spring outing! x

The Caviar Of Bags For Pro Fashion Bloggers?

2012-01-11T13:02:00.000Z

This is fashion blogger Emily of Fashion Foie Gras holding a recent bag she collaborated on with Coach, it launched in November designed for buisy fashion bloggers. At £450.00 it is a considered purchase, but when a bag looks this stylish and houses everything from your laptop to your bulky camera and lense cap, secret compartment styley, well methinks it soon migrates from your wish list to your essentials list! For anybody with a love of documenting anything on the move in style, from fashion to photography never mind professional bloggers! So no more fumbling around in the equivalent of a dark giant cardboard box on your shoulder?!

Speaking of handbags, if this one is a little out of your reach, sign up to My Passport To Style by email top right of this blog and you could win this nifty red Gionni satchel below at the end of this month packed full of goodies from a vintage union jack cushion for your fave chair, to 3 pairs of folding leather Redfoot leather pumps, so maybe that bag will wait after all!

Anyone For Making A Meal Of Being On Wheels?

2012-01-10T13:38:00.000Z

Long Architect Wheely Boot

Hi there! I might have just found a new mode of transport for you, that is a whole lot more elegant than the traditional roller scate and lives up to the rebel name Renegade Marmalade the store you can buy it from online or in Manchester! If your more inclined towards a short boot version see below! The designer Kei Kagami is Japanese and moved to London in the late 80s to work with fashion designer John Galliano.

Short Architect Wheely Boot

Nika Urbas | Hot New Designer On The Block!

2012-01-09T08:19:00.000Z

If this label is not yet on your fashion radar sit up and take note because this designer label is one to watch! Maria Moderna is the perfect name for this very modern label. London based designer Nika Urbas who trained at St Martin's uses a special technique called flat quilting to create dynamic shapes and blocks of colour on her garments. Her winter collection is the art deco of 2012, architecture for the body which uses strong geometric shapes, bold colours and contrasting textures combined with exquisite elegant cuts, she is a genius in my humble opinion. Her intuitive sense of colour and design is very sophisticated. I can't wait to see her spring collection, my favourite pieces featured here, are the four pocketed dress at the top and her white, silver and black fitted dress, I'm looking forward to sharing her spring collection here. You can find Nika at http://www.mariamoderna.co.uk/ and at asos.

The One Gift I Won't Be Returning!

2012-01-07T13:24:00.001Z

Audrey Hepburn - Breakfast At Tiffanys

I admit I made a small Christmas list for my husband this year and did not leave things to chance, after all how many boyfriends/husbands would think, ah I know what she needs is a silk pillow case I must get her one! I have a fetish for lux fabrics, silk, cashmere fabrics that feel good when you wear them. All my friends who know me, know that my bathroom is full of the littered corpses of anti frizz products that have simply not made the mark in terms of taming my unruly thick black wavy hair, I have tried everything from washing my hair just twice a week, to only washing hair in conditioner as well as practically every serum on the market. Like the elusive perfect mascara, I'm constantly on the hunt for the perfect product that will help me combat the annoying combination of damp northern weather and unruly hair. So when I stumbled across Silk Perfect in November, the silk pillowcase company that sells 100% pure mulberry silk pillowcases and claims that their silk pillow slips reduce the friction to your hair that causes frizz/bed head, put a stop to growing your wrinkles, aka pillow creases and reduces allergens (I have asthma) I thought to achieve all three would be a miracle and that this had to be up there as the perfect gift to feature on my Christmas list. For just £22.00 the Christmas elf, read husband was able to pick up 2 of these miraculous pillow slips with cotton on one side so they don't slip on the sheets.

I don't think I have ever looked forward to testing out an eco friendly beauty product as much, I even went to bed at 9pm just to try my Christmas present out! The first thing I noticed when I put my head on the silk perfect pillow was how cool it was, add to that the glamour factor and I was sold. After an unusually sound night's sleep, I raced to my dressing room and smirked at the mirror, no mad professor stared back at me, my hair was frizz free and my face crease free. I'm so glad I can ditch my hair serums that irritated my scalp, sleep better and perhaps even reduce the amount of night cream I slather on my face to avoid pillow ceasing.

Prevention rather than cure, is always more cost effective. So apart from being the most glam eco friendly beauty gift I have ever received, it has to be the top of my gift giving list, friends will thank you for a) making them feel glamorous, not everything is about what we wear! b) Saving them money on hair and face products after their Christmas blow out. c) helping them keep their cool on warm nights. My Christmas elf missed out, but right now Silk Perfect is offering a buy one get one free offer on their pur silk pillow slips, check it out here.

Did You Know?
•SilkPerfect silk comes from the Bombyx mori moth, which produces the finest and purest silk, due to a diet that consists only of chopped mulberry leaves. The silkworms are fed every half hour 48 times a day.

How To Solve Sale Rage

2012-01-04T21:42:00.001Z

Ok, so we have all been there, sale fever hits, the changing rooms are heaving, you fear being buried alive beneath a mound of writhing leopard and faux fur coats, so you hastily bag that half price skirt or jumper without a backward glance, scrabble out the revolving door and run for your life! Once home do you try the item on? No, you get a call from your mum, asking have you thanked some distant aunt for your Christmas gift and that coupled with the fact that you then sit on a mouldy tangerine on your sofa leaving you with a soggy bum, means your momentarily distracted!

Three days later you finally go to try the item on, only to discover that the cute little lace skirt you bought is far too tight at the waistband, unfortunately you also discover that you tossed your receipt aside and it is now lost! This is where a little lateral fashion thinking goes along way. A short full skirt makes for a great short cape, if it has a deep waistband which stands up, so much the better, you now have a dramatic short cape, perfect for spring and very couture, wear with a crisp shirt collar poking out in a contrasting colour and pencil skirt or cropped slim fit jeans or flares. Or you could look to investing in a pair of leggings, using the lovely Jens guide from a little bird told me.

If you have grabbed a sweater and the sleeves are just too long, do what I have done and give them the chop, just slightly lower than where they are stitched onto the body of the jumper then hem the arm holes in thread of the same colour to create a tank top. Or why not add drama by using a contrasting thread and running a binding stitch around the arm holes to stop them unravelling.

One of my all time favourite sale saviours, was changing the look of a fitted v-neck cardi that was simply to deep a v, by reversing the way I wore it (no sewing required) so it looked like a fitted 50's sweater with a sexy button up back, again this works well with pencil skirts or cropped slim jeans that are heading our way this spring. Have you turned a sales disaster into something you love? For my ultimate guide to surviving sales shopping click here

Sign up to emails here on My Passport To Style, top right of my blog and win a gorgeous red satchel and goodies including 3 pairs of leather folding red foot pumps to the value of £500.00!

I'm Inviting The Man Repeller,Style Bubble & Olivia P For A Wardrobe Workout!

2012-01-03T11:45:00.002Z

The thrill of the January sales has begun, the chase of that sometimes elusive bargin is here, will fate be kind and ensure that when you click on that designer coat you have waited all year to have, that your size will pop up and welcome you with open arms. I hope so. But in the meantime take a comfy seat in my virtual fitting room, pour yourself a nice hot cup of earl grey, while I play dress up with three of my favourite fashion bloggers each with a very different look. I have decided to select a pair of shoes or two, for each of them under £50.00 from the asos sales that best fits with their personal style, let me know if you think my shoe picks work for each of them or not!

The Man Repeller

I struggled to choose one pair, for this fiesty lady, in the end it was a toss up between this black sandal boot and these bling pair of metalic prince charming (my term) stacked loafers, I think she would work both really well.

Next up Style Bubble

Susie loves to mix things up layering prints and textures for dramatic effect, recently she has been chanelling lady like with high pointy heels and banished her glossy black top knot in favour of loose long hair, but I associate Susie and have to say prefer her slightly tomboy styling with a feminine twist. So these pink brogues with a mix of textured nude panelling might be a good compromise.

Olivia Palermo

And finally no wardrobe workout would be complete with out the polished Palermo, I totally associate Olivias style with the use of classic nudes with an intersting twist, in print or texture so I'm confident that she would dane to wear these shoes which I personally will be teaming with a flapper style dress to keep the look fresh and fuss free.

Sign up to My Passport To Style emails (top right of this blog) today and win a satchel and goodies including 3 pairs of Redfoot folding leather pumps worth £500!

My Passport To Style Wants You To Play Editor!

2012-01-02T17:16:00.003Z

Hi Gals!

At the end of last year I took part in a fun fashion shoot which I styled to showcase a handbag giveaway I wanted to run here on My Passport To Style and for a local poster campaign. The theme was a Right Royal Handbag Giveaway and the idea was that I looked like I could pass as a member of the Royal family, I promised to share the rest of the shots here with you, so here they are. What do you think? Do you think I look like a Royal lady? Would you offer me a cucumber sandwich with the crusts cut off and bob me a courtesy?

As a bit of fun, I would love to know which of the 5 shots featured here you would vote for? It would be great to get your sartorial opinion.You might need to click on the picture to get a really good look of all 5 photos!

If you want to enter the handbag giveaway to win a red satchel and goodies there is still time, simply sign up to My Passport To Style emails top right of my blog. xx

Sharon Sahara wears -navy 50's style trousers, vintage leopard blouse in khaki green, royal blue sparkle lurex Topshop jumper, vintage red wool coat, gold Topshop chain, Redfoot- Diana pumps, pearl earrings, Pilot hat, white head scarf, royal blue driving gloves and harlequin vintage belt. Makeup, hair and photography by Roaniad Levesley

Happy 2012 Fashionable Frolickers!

2012-01-01T15:33:00.001Z

Happy New Year Fashionable Frolickers! I love the start of each New Year a crisp fresh page waiting for new ideas to be scrawled across it. What excites me most about life, is all the infinite possibilities that exist. Meeting new people with their own ideas on fashion, style and the universe, growing something from what seems like nothing, turning an item I might have thrown away, into a piece to cherish forever, watching and predicting how each New Year of fashion, will see the films we watch, the politics we are part of, the culture we live in and even the food we put into our mouths expressed in a unique and original way by fashion designers. Some of it we may love some of it we might not, but we will have an opinion on it, because generally each new trend we see in the shops and online at is made up of tiny fragments of living history that have been transported to us as if by magic and brought together to tell a new story; from ruffles and feathers borrowed from the roaring 20s to the leather and buckles from biker culture, each new season gives us the buzz of the potential to express who we are through how we dress, which is why fashion is so important to us, but more than that we love to keep reinventing our image, why not it's so fun! What will you be wearing this 2012? I would love to know. xx

Sketch by the talented Sophie Griotto

The Cheats Guide To Last Minuite Party Styling!

2011-12-30T17:38:00.002Z

Hi Gals, its that time of year again, no, not when you fall over in bright tights and fab shoes, although you might do a little of that, it's time to celebrate New Years eve in style! If your anything like me you have probably scoffed the contents of a tin of quality street and consumed your own weight in turkey and stuffing over the last few days, add to that being kept buisy seeing friends and relatives and you probably have not had time to think about THE party dress and how your going to style it. So I have decided to play fairy god mother and come up with the cheats guide to looking party ready!

A very happy New Year to all my lovely Fashionable Frolickers!

Lets start with the dress, cascading ruffles are great for hiding turkey belly!

Buisy patterns like this blue leopard print distract the eye from any Christmas wobble and the ruching over around the tummy prevents fabric from clinging in the wrong place.

High waisted scater style dresses with clever side pleating skim curvy bottom, hips and thighs if that's where your trifle has chosen to lurk!

No time to trim hair or style hair at the salon? Slick short hair back with strong hair gel or scape back in a pony tail and add a pretty hairband. These are my favourite looks below.

Next up you necks looking a little bare, nothing says I have arrived, than a statement chunky necklace like this one below, if you don't have one, don't worry, find some necklaces in a variety of lengths and various of textures, pearls and gold chains work well or pretty glass beads.

Next fasten each necklace and using each end as a loop, thread some pretty ribbon through each loop and each end then fasten round your neck, so you get a chunky double necklace effect, repeat with various lengths until you have depth of cascading chunky decadence you require. If you have long hair you won't see the rows of bows across your neck, if your hairs shorter it can look quite pretty, you could use bright colours to work with the colours in your dress, I like to use nude ribbon, which blends into my neckline.

No time for a last minuite manicure? Try some vampish short satin gloves, to create a well groomed look with a retro twist, you don't have to be a vintage girl to use this trick, try it with anything from a jumpsuit to your favourite jeans and bustier for a fun look.

Last by not least if your legs are looking a bit pasty and your keen to shed your 60 denier black tights, these toeless Pretty Polly tights from Tights Please in natural, will allow you to wear peeptoe heels and leave your legs looking flawless with a subtle tan. Add an Art Deco, feel to your favourite comfy dance shoes, with these shoe brooches from Blingbacks.

You Shall Go To The Ball!

The Beautiful Emma Watson, ready to party!

Sign up to My Passport To Style posts by email, top right of my margin and get more free fun style advice for real women delivered to your in box, put a smile on your face and a spring in your step today gals!

Postcard From Japan, The Big Reveal

2011-12-29T15:07:00.001Z

Hope you enjoyed these Japanese street fashion postcards, in between sale shopping! I think the way Anzu Yahagi has set up these shots of herself, was really clever adding an air of mystery to unveiling her final look, the first shot in the series/headshot gave the impression of a really demure look, as you only got a peek of just her shirt collar and the black top section of her sweater, in the finale reveal we see the look is much more complex and exciting!

if you haven't yet entered my handbag giveaway (A Right Royal Handbag Giveaway) to win a red satchel and a ton of fashionable goodies to the value of £500.00 there's still time, all you need to do is sign up to my posts via email at the top right of my blog margin and leave me a message to let me know here or on the giveaway post here

Good luck gals! xx

Postcards From Japan

2011-12-29T14:48:00.003Z

Rich Red and blue rosettes overlap and nestle into the ivory fur on Anzus hat setting of her perfect red lip and bodice on her sweatshirt.

Good luck gals! xx

Style Postcards From Japan - Sharing My Latest Obsession!

2011-12-29T14:13:00.000Z

I just adore how Anzu Yahagi has styled up her uniform look, bringing the unusual and the basic together so beautifully.

if you haven't yet entered my handbag giveaway (A Right Royal Handbag Giveaway) to win a red satchel and a ton of fashionable goodies to the value of £500.00 there's still time, all you need to do is sign up to my posts via email at the top right of my blog margin and leave me a message to let me know here or on the giveaway post here Good luck gals!

The Pain Free Guide To Shopping This Years Sales!

2011-12-28T21:50:00.000Z

1. Always ask about the returns policy before you purchase, I was told by one indie label I could have a returns note or an exchange but not a cash refund, when I changed my mind a day later!

2. If you can't think of at least 3 ways to wear that top or skirt then chances are you won't get much wear from it.

3. When your blood sugar sinks you make poor choices, take some nibbles with you.

4. Remember most changing rooms will make you look washed out, once your clothes are on, top up your foundation, bronzer, pink blush and add natural lipstick, then make your decision.

5. Wear something that you can pull on and off easily and shoes that do the same.

6. Sit down in dresses, skirts and trousers to check for comfort and length.

7. Don't worry too much about trends going out of date, instead focus on quality and the right shape and colour for you. This is the era of clashing decades, mixing vintage with new and high street with designer, so as long as the item really works for you and your happy to mix it up, you can bag yourself a bargin that will actually get worn.

8. Bring some neutrals with you, so you can make brighter and patterned pieces work, shoes, tights and t-shirts are usually a good idea.

9. Good music on your ipod, well it goes without saying.

I'm currently compiling a list of the best changing rooms; read fun/ sophisticated, to feature here on My Passport To Style if you find yourself in one that fits the bill, twitter pic me @ zipbuttonandtuc and include the address and I will link to your blog here on My Passport To Style.

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-23T17:35:00.001Z

Happy Christmas, fashionable frolickers and a very happy New Year!

love Sharon xx

My Passport To Style | big book of fashion illustration!

2011-12-23T12:19:00.000Z

I want this soo much, hope santa thinks I have been bad enough, oops! I meant good enough to deserve this droolworthy book of fashion illustration by Martin Dawber this Christmas, want to sneak a peak? Here you are

You can buy a copy from Amazon if you don't think you can bear to chance Santa slipping up on this one!

Top Four DIY Christmas Gifts

2011-12-20T10:29:00.000Z

HOW TO MAKE STAWBERRY LIP BALM

Hi Gals, it's that time of year again, I love Christmas, but I start running out of original gift ideas for my fashionista friends, that's where do it yourself gift ideas come in, here are my Top Four favourites including the lovely Torie Jaynes HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY LIP BALM

a DIY tote I made from an old stappy dress (in under 1hr!)

a super easy fun belt DIY

and a multi purpose cuff DIY that you can use as a cuff but also to upcycle everying from your Christmas table to that old jumpsuit in your wardrobe that you want to inject some chic into ready for all those new moves you will be showing off on the dance floor!

DRAB TO FAB IN UNDER ONE HOUR!

DIY DRESS TOTE IN UDER 1HR!

CHECK OUT WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY BAG STRAPS

GIVE THIE GIFT THAT TRANSFORMS AT THE DROP OF A HAT!

AND, If your on the look out for that perfect guilt free gift to reward all your hard work this Christmas, then sign up to My Passport To Styles yummy Christmas handbag giveaway featuring a gorgeous red satchel and goodies to the value of £500.00 HERE or below!

A Right Royal Handbag Giveaway!

2011-12-16T17:13:00.001Z

Concept and clothes by My Passport To Style, design and photography by Roaniad Levesley

I had such fun putting this Right Royal Handbag Giveaway shoot together, with talented Fashion Promotion student Roanaid and the generous support of some exciting brands, such as Redfoot Shoes, Tights Please, find Me A Gift and Cloth Magpie that I'm sure the lucky winner will enjoy! Hope you had a giggle at our Right Royal Christmas fashion shoot. Thanks to the Harris Museum in Preston in Lancashire who provided the venue for the shoot.
All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this yummy red satchel and contents, is to live in the UK and enter your email address in the right hand margin of my blog and sign up to blog posts, find my stack of letters below and your there!

The giveaway will be drawn on the last day in January 2012 at random and contacted via email. Big sorry to any lovely overseas My Passport To Style readers and followers, but I will be making it up to you in the New Year with another great giveaway! If anyone would like to check out our new FB page go to My Passport To Style Fashion Blog and watch out for the rest of the photos from the shoot that we will be sharing!

My Passport To Style | Alphabet Chic

2011-12-16T00:47:00.000Z

U IF FOR .........

unusual pencil shaving necklace!

About | My Passport To Style

2011-12-16T00:35:00.008Z

I'm Sharon Sahara, a UK fashion blogger and stylist from the North UK living in an area where the cotton mills used to be big business and Ghandi once visited, wearing his one piece of homespun cloth, I like to keep you guessing!! Karl Largerfeld recently said advertising would have been his alternative career, mine would have been architecture. If you think about it, both great buildings and stylish clothing share a lot in common, balance, detail and impact. That aside, I believe fashion should also have an element of fun, however subtle, from bright colours, to kooky detailing, a touch of the theatrical, that makes you stand out from the crowd.

My theory is my lust for bright colours and potent prints comes from my Asian genes, my love of theatrical larger than life styling and heritage fabrics from my slightly eccentric British roots and my passion for well tailored clothing from my great Gran who went to the Royal academy of sewing and helped embroider the late queen mother's wedding gown!

I love seeking out the unexpected and championing new independent British, eco and luxe labels (as well as unearthing the latest trends the world of fashion and how to make them work for real women of all ages) to share with My Passport To Style readers.

We are moving into an exciting new era in fashion where our wardrobes tell a very different story to five years ago, we care more about where things come from, how things are made and where they were sourced, in a word QUALITY. We understand that the feel good factor goes much deeper than the buzz of a new purchase. We are the next generation of intelligent fashionistas. Join me as we adventure into a brave new world of fashion and style, hold on tight!

Just for the record ......

I don't like jammy donuts or jam tarts without enough jam it's just meanness personified and a complete waste of time my eating them!
Trousers or jeans with over 3% stretch, they might be comfortable but you just end wearing a mass of wrinkles and they bag at the knees.

Likewise PRS who wish to contact me, please find out my name and read a few posts to understand my reader. Also please don't expect that I can drop everything and come to London tomorrow to cover an event, I'm a one woman blogger and stylist, so some notice would be appreciated. If you know of any exciting events you would like me to share here with my global readers. Or fashion related happenings you would like me to cover in the North UK I would love to hear about them. Contact me @ enquiries@zipbuttonandtuck.co.uk

I like answering reader questions, the sound of wood pigeons cooing in the rafters of my attic bedroom early morning, autumn and spring in the UK, chandeliers, toad in the hole, elephants, art deco, beautiful watches, clashing eras, (50 and 80's and 90's, work well for me) hats, lipstick, silk, cotton, wool, a beautifully cut jump suit, sea salt chocolate caramels, travelling on trains and people that smile alot.

I also like it it when PRS contact me with exciting innovative products to review, images and fresh information on new designers, fusion lines and brand partnerships or breaking news on new brand initiatives or launches.

Guest Posting For Fashion Brands
I enjoy writing fashion posts on the subject of style, working as a personal stylist as well as a fashion blogger, I am a mistress of disguise as well as reinvention, meaning, I love to share my knowledge and opinions on the latest trends and styles but also know what works to flatter real womens bodies of all shapes and sizes. So I'm always happy to cover a Q & A stylist slot, either on or off line.

You can contact me here enquiries@zipbuttonandtuck.co.uk

A Pair Of Shoes That Are Lickable!

2011-12-11T11:43:00.000Z

The must have shoe for this festive season, red candy cane stripes!!

Tis The Season Of The Glam Slam!

2011-12-09T12:28:00.001Z

BEWARE THIS IS A SHINY HIGH SEQUIN ZONE!!!

Sequins glitter and sparkle if your going to do high glamour you need to add one at least one of these festive finishes to your party look to look blingtastic.

If your lusting after some high voltage glitz but prefer a more dressed down approach, then you won't be disappointed with the latest in casual sequin attire, check out my top picks below.

Will you be wearing your sequins dressed down or going super glam to your Christmas party?

Super Glam Team Picks

Dressed Down Sequins Team Picks

* All items shopstyle, contact me for further details, all pumps featured Redfoot *

Ladies Join Todays Fashion Debate!

2011-12-05T19:22:00.000Z

created by Maison Roger Vivier

I was shocked to discover that this cinderella style shoe, sold for over $26,000 dollars, it's not that I object and it's intersting that clothing is now being viewed in the same category as fine pieces of art, but being completely objective for just on minuite, if money were no issue would you pay what is the equivalent to one persons salary for the year on any shoe or even on this particular shoe?! I would love to know your opinion, late the great shoe debate commence!

Eco Fashion Tip Of The Day | Shrinking Your Laundry Can Save You Serious Money!

2011-12-03T18:03:00.002Z

How many times have your dyed your white underwear a lovely marshmallow pink? Me too, but there is one way that you can turn washing machine drama to your advantage, if your lusting after a soft pure wool sweater this November but monies tight , scour your local charity shop, designer wool sweaters in extra large sizes are usually the ones that get left on the rails, so take your pick, put it in your washing machine on a cotton wash, anything over forty degrees and you will probably find that your sweater has shrunk at least two sizes smaller than the original garment. I have a whole wardrobe of designer woollies that have been shrunk to fit using this easy method! You can even turn a wool cardigan or dress into a boiled wool jacket or dress, which looks almost like felt, by washing large items on a hot cycle twice and then reverting to a cool wool wash for future washes to maintain the size and shape you want, happy shrinking!!

My Passport To Style | Wardrobe Workout Aviator Style

2011-12-02T17:16:00.001Z

Aviator jackets are versatile to wear, but when it come to hairstyle that's where the compromise stops. Dramatic big collar style Aviator jackets work best with sharp and sleek hair, as this is a look that is all about high impact lines, so if you wear your hair in a bob, pony tail or pixie short you will be able to rule the runway in style. If you have long hair you need to create a more scaled back look, like this smart country casual look by Mulberry.

My Passport To Style | Heritage Happens!!

2011-11-28T11:41:00.000Z

Susie On The Ralph Lauren tweed run

I was thrilled to find this post by top UK blog Style Bubble, which made me feel less alone in my obsession for finding fabrics with heritage. To be honest with you, my non fashion blogging friends don't really get why a smelly piece of tartan in a vintage shop can send me into raptures and have started to make their excuses early if they think I might be about to go on the hunt for a new piece to add to my ever increasing musty pile! I do think though, there is something really special about wearing clothing made from cloth that has been woven by hand for years in the same way, it's not about snobbery it's about knowing that fabric connects you to the people who wove it and story behind it. I am am the proud owner of a poncho that I made from a treasured piece of Harris Tweed I found on one of my heritage fabric hunts.

Susie On The Isle Of Lewis wearing Harris Tweed hightops

My Passport To Style | Is Working From Home Killing Off Our Sense Of Style?

2011-11-24T16:39:00.002Z

I was out with Granny who was scouting for a new silk scarf when she recoiled in horror at two young women dressed in fleecy pyjama bottoms and dressing gowns at the cash point late one Saturday afternoon. I could understand Grannies shock and dismay as a women who comes from a generation where changing 3 time during dinner was not uncommon. The PJ incident got me thinking about fashion, style and comfort, I have always believed that comfort is important, which Granny of course totally disagrees with, but as more and more women a) blog me, b) work for themselves me and c) entertain at home again me also! The lines between lounge wear and work and evening wear become very blurred and the question of who we are actually dressing for raises itself.

If we spend a large part of our working day working from home or even studying, then it follows we don't need to impress anyone, which means we can get away with zero effort. The thing is though dressing up makes me feel better, more alive and confident, I choose brighter colours and bolder prints when the weathers manky or I have a important call to make and it works to give me the boost I need. If you only ever make an effort when your meeting other people then perhaps you're not really valuing yourself and how you feel. I have decided that choosing the clothes I wear for the day carefully, is part of an important ritual in my life that has gained more significance the more my life revolves around my own home not less. Lets face it we are not short of plenty of fashion and style inspiration on the blogosphere!

Is dressing for yourself when you work or blog from home important to setting yourself up for a positive start to your day and your work?

My Passport To Style | Exposes The Myths Behind The | Hourglass Figure

2011-11-21T20:10:00.001Z

With Marilyn firmly on every one lips and some may wish on their boyish hips. I have to share a dark secret from deep within the depths of my stylists wardrobe, ok so I am being a bit over dramatic, so probably best to just spit it out.

I recently went to offer someone style advice to a client and as a matter of course, told her that she was an hourglass, she looked totally shocked and then said 'well why do I find it so impossible to find clothes to suit me?' I sat her down over a strong cup of sweet tea and gently proceeded to tell her that an hourglass figure is not the golden gateway to a life time of effortless dressing despite the inflated myths circulating. Yes we all want a curvy hour glass figure which means in basic terms encase you're wondering, your shoulders and hips are of equal width and you have a definite waist that goes in. The truth is however that hourglasses are a hard body shape to work, they can look super boxy in a blink of the eye, particularly the short waisted variety, that's me!

Boyfriend style jackets are out, as are many casual looks, basic t-shirts cuts and sweat tops that are a staple of many of our wardrobes don't do much either, unless layered with a fitted open blazer or long line belted cardigan. So you can see the style dilemma, casual is hard to carry off for us poor curvy gals, but fine if your movie star from the 50's with great pointy breasts, skinny belts are a must, my casual look is a clean cut romper suit, worn with long line cardigans fastened low down to help lengthen my torso, a denim pencil skirt, fitted shirt dresses, that gently hug my curves most of which can be dressed down with high tops, pumps and shoe boots. The finale word? Yes I may lust after boyish hips but when it comes to full on glamour, well we are the go to girl!

Marilyn Monroe does casual dressing!

credits point six generation and M.O.D

My Passport To Style | Strictly Come Dancings Wardrobe Needs To Work On Consistency

2011-11-20T18:40:00.001Z

For any strictly Come Dancing fans who saw last Saturdays Wembley performance I was in heaven watching Holly dance in her beautifully conceived outfit the combination of gold and emerald green with a touch of leopard looked sharp and sassy and at the same time Holly looked beautiful alongside the handsome Atrtem. I was really confused how wardrobe could go so horribly wrong in the same show, with another of my favourite dancers, Anita and her partner, zero thought seems to have gone into her look and that quantity of cheap pink lycra just looks really cheap particularly with black! Did you have an outfit teeth gnashing moment or a swoon over a favourite dress?

My favourite to win is Chelsea!

My Passport To Style | Alphabet Chic

2011-11-18T12:33:00.000Z

L is for.......... London bus! Londons calling! I'm off for a whistle stop tour of 24hrs, leaving 4am tonight, short but sweet and probably dizzingly buisy.Part of an exciting photo project to be revealed here early December!! Have a lovely weekend x

My Passport To Style | Style Tips For The Christmas Party Season

2011-11-16T08:25:00.001Z

I know that Christmas and the New Year can often be a busy time for most women and with the party season snapping at our heels, I thought I would play fairy godmother by rounding up my hottest style tips for adding polish to your party look without busting your budget. Red lipstick has had a revival and creates instant party glamour, if your thinking of wearing a red lipstick this party season, follow my two foolproof tips-

How To Wear Your Perfect Red Lipstick

Pull your lower lip out and match the colour red you select to the shade of the your skin tone on your lower lip. Remember to use a nude lip liner to stop any bleeding or feathering, apply your lipstick with a brush for best coverage, blot with tissue and reapply, this is the most important part- Put the first half of your index finger in your mouth and pucker up your lips whilst removing your finger. This will ensure that any access lipstick appears on your finger and not your teeth, when you smile!

One of the best ways to achieve instant glamour is with a hair up, this season the catwalks were awash with clean sophisticated hair ups a la Grace Kelly.

Don't Ditch The Doughnuts Just Yet!

Want to achieve the look but don't think your fine or shoulder length hair will allow you to reach those dizzy heights? You need a little boost with the greatest invention since a jammy dodger a foam doughnut, a small hair brush, a stack of long pins, some hair spray and a strong hair elastic.

Using a small brush gather all your hair into a high pony tail, on the top of the back of your head, slide the doughnut over your ponytail, depending on your hair length in front of a mirror wrap the ends of your hair round the doughnut securing with the long pins to match your hair colour. Comb through some hair spray to the front and spray the back, voila your done.

High Brow

Strong brows are essential for this seasons retro party feel and always add strength to the face, brow kits can cost £25.00 upwards, own a good waterproof eyeliner in a shade lighter than your brows? Then why try this budget busting grooming advice, purchase a baby sized tooth brush I usually opt for pink! Lightly stroke on your eyeliner following the shape of your brow, brush hairs backwards and then brush back into shape, dust with translucent powder and your good to go!

Who Needs A Manicure This Christmas Party Season!

For top to toe grooming I would generally advocate a full manicure, however with this season being all about full on glamour, I have the perfect style solution that will save you time and rescue you from feeling guilty about forgetting take care of your nails! For uber glamour, ditch your washing up gloves in favour of full length evening gloves in this seasons brightest colors! Spanx currently sell a vast range of mouth watering colours on Amazon.

Cette Hollywood -tightsplease

Customize Your Look

Personalize your tights by layering an exsisting pair of opaque pair with a sheer glittery pair over the top, great for when the temperature drops! Try purple tights with a glittery silver finish or black tights with a purple finish and dark grey with a silver finish, for a sophisticated after dark look.

clutch bags catwalkfashion.co.uk

Clutch Control RULES!

Finally do you have a whole array of soft clutch bags but want to update them a little? Brightly colored vintage style diamante brooches add instant chic to your clutch or why not glue some black marabou trim to the bottom edge of your bag or even a wide black Alice band if you fancy adding a bit of Audrey sparkle to your up do!

My Passport To Style | Mia Jafari Spring/Summer 2012

2011-11-14T19:57:00.001Z

Watercolour Explode

I'm guessing Mia Jafaris inspiration for this piece of her collection was one of my favourite artists below!

Gaudi

My Passport To Style | I Spy Mia Jafaris Latest Piece From S/S2012

2011-11-14T19:48:00.001Z

Purple Flight Dress

I spy another piece from Mia Jafaris spring/summer 2012 collection Waterlilies done in digi-broidery, methinks that the inspiration for this dramatic butterfly shift is blue lapis shot through with rose gold.

My Passport To Style | I Want Mia Jafari Louboutins

2011-11-14T19:29:00.001Z

Meditation In Louboutins Dress

Hi Gals, It's not often I see a white dress so special and unique that I think I need to get married again! To the same man of course! This unusual embroidered dress by Mia Jafari is such a dress, it's pretty colours dazzle this dress is joy and and despite the modern references, lipstick ect in what we generally deem as a traditional sewing technique, I am transported to corn fields and the country as if in a dream, whilst at the same time the embroidered design and exquisite cut gives this dress a touch of majesty and regal bearing, perfect for a spring wedding. In theory to all sounds a little confusing, in practice Mia Jafari skilfully pulls it off as you can see! I'm going to be having fun later today guessing her design inspiration for some of her other pieces from her spring/summer Waterlilies 2012 collection. Enjoy.

My Passport To Styles | Christmas Tree Makover

2011-11-14T09:51:00.000Z

A Christmas Tree With A Difference | That Can Be Used All Year Round!

I love the idea of transforming useful pretty home ware over the festive season. If you're getting a bit bored with the idea of a traditional Christmas tree and are a bit of a fashionista, you might like my favourite Christmas makeover over yet, transforming my vintage wire mannequin from my bedroom, by weaving some Christmas magic into it, using last year's Christmas decorations and some florist wires to attach them.

Enjoy The Satisfaction Of Customizing Your Manni Tree

Last year I went for a fun multi coloured theme, using pink, purple and gold tinsel woven through and scattered with brightly wrapped sweets. You could use a mix of emerald green decorations and fabric trimmings to create a stuning textured look, weave sparkly green ribbon and tinsel through the wires of your mannequin, fix emerald pompom ribbon using a little wire around the petticoat edge of your wired mannequin for a chic feel, then continue up the bodice and perhaps finish off the top with a dramatic pop of red, like this fuchsia hair clip or why not reuse one of your old fascinators like this red top hat or an old pair of your daughters/nieces glittery tap shoes that you can fix to the top of the mannequin using wire again. A gold dove would look really opulent, against these emerald city trimmings.

Function And Form

The beauty of this unusual tree is there's no mud to worry about, the feet are pretty enough to remain bare until the pitter pat of newly wrapped presents arrives and better still once Christmas is over simply remove the decorations and use your mannequin to display your favourite jewellery or keep tomorrows outfit crease free and ready to slip on. You then have a whole new year to dream up a new look for your mannequin tree!

Art Deco Brilliance At Your Fingertips With BlingBacks!

2011-11-10T15:32:00.000Z

My favourite trend this Winter 2011 is the return to full on glamour and elegance, move swiftly from the 40s to the 20s by swapping your tweed pencil skirt and detachable fur stole for a pearl collar and a simple flapper dress.

I love the ultimate shoe accessory of the season, BlingBacks, this is an ingenious way to give last year's heels a vintage art deco feel, well made and very dance floor friendly, but what I love most about BlingBacks, is the the silicone cushioning on the removable BlingBacks are designed to provide extra comfort and protection for the heels of your feet when your dancing, simply hook them over the back of your shoes. If like me your unlucky enough to have a whole half size difference between your two feet, you will know that a bit of extra cushioning can mean that the shoe which is slightly bigger on the foot does not rub as much. BlingBacks come in a wide range of styles but my favourites are these slightly irregular shaped sweet bows. Visit BlingBacks to see more designs

I was sent some BlingBacks for the purposes of this review

credits- whitneyonthewing.blogspot.com brooklynexposed.com

My Passport To Style | Project Red Coat

2011-11-08T11:47:00.000Z

pillar box red

Hi Gals, as you know red is a big trend this season. So I was thrilled to find a wool pillar box red and black velvet short coat with a gorgeous tux neckline at my local vintage store but I need to alter the puffed sleeves, at the moment the volume in the sleeves make my athletic shoulders look too top heavy and I want to change the double breasted fastening to a single button fastening to simplify the look and play to this jackets potential for a long lean look, the back of the coat also needs taking in, so it is more fitted across my back and less boxy, which won't flatter my hourglass shape.

I confess to being a blue girl, I love lots of vibrant colours too, but navy and grey which flatters my olive skin tone best, forms the basis of most of my wardrobe neutrals rather than black. When my red coat project is finished, I will be sure to share the pictures here on My Passport To Style, but in the meantime I have been scouting for some fresh ideas on which colours to wear with my pillar box red coat. I want to wear the my restyled red coat more casually, which is harder than you might think, red is a colour we associate with full on glamour so we tend to automatically accessorise it with a red lippy and heels. To my amazement there was very little on the internet on how to wear this autumn/winter seasons 2011 red coat trend, but as luck would have it, I happened upon a post on Pink Bow from the North UK, where 10 fashion bloggers took up the challenge to style the same red coat from Next.

Paula from Pink Bow opted for a pink red of course! The other fashion bloggers look very glamorous in the orange red version (incidentally orange red is easier to wear if you have an olive complexion and pink red looks great on very pale skin tones) but I did notice that most fashion bloggers had opted for wearing this red coat with black tights, which is something I wanted to steer away from, simply because I feel it creates a more vampy evening feel.

However Eleanor the blogger on the top left from Pretty Much Penniless has gone for a softer feel which I love, by breaking up the red using a lemon yellow dress and a large fur collar, the sheer tights Susie has chosen give the look a more casual feel and her combination of well chosen accessories and colours mean that the red is not overpowering her look.

rust colours ground true bright reds

midnight blue accessories work well with true reds

Bingo! Aside for the obvious colour choices such as red on red or navy blue or grey , I have decided to take inspiration from Susie's hair colour and satchel and wear rust and conker colours with my red tux coat once its altered, perfect colours to contrast with the black velvet detailing and they will soften the pillar box red for a more casual feel, I'm thinking a large flat navy tweed cap would finish this androgynous look off perfectly and I will wear my hair in a bun at the nape of my neck. Have you dared to wear red this season?

The Winner Of The Limited Edition House Of Holland Tights Is The Fabulosity Factor!

2011-11-07T18:57:00.000Z

Congratulations to the lovely Indy From The FABULOSITY FACTOR who won these gorgeous limited edition House Of Holland Tights!

My Passport To Style | The Queen Of Bhutan Sets The World Of Fashion Alight!

2011-11-05T12:50:00.001Z

For those of you who read my announcement of the royal marriage in Bhutan here you must read this latest fashion post in the guardian it made feel very proud to be part of this rich culture and I have to say, I'm not surprised this wedding and the beautiful bride has taken the fashion world by storm!

My Passport To Style | Tights Please Review And Limited Edition House Of Holland Giveaway!

2011-11-05T11:36:00.006Z

When tightsplease recently invited me to try some of their designer tights on for size, I decided to use the opportunity to not only check out the quality and the fit, but to also create some new looks to share here, using my existing wardrobe. As well as checking out my latest style inspiration using tights from tightsplease in this post, you can win the pair of limited edition Henry Holland tights featured. Just leave a comment or tweet about the competition and let me know here, be sure to leave your email address too, the winner will be announced here on Monday evening and contacted.Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO UK AND OVERSEAS READERS

Win These Today!

Ask For The Moon At Tights Please And They Probably Stock It!

I'm a big of British designer Henry Holland and his quirky designs, so I had to choose a pair of House of Holland crochet print tights, I also chose a pair of Ingie tights by Red or Dead in red, which to me is more a lovely raspberry pink, I love the naive Scandinavian style print. My third, very grow up choice was the Cette Oslo tights in grey, these are grey on the front with teeny tiny black polka dots and black on the back with grey polka dots, creating a two tone effect along the length of the outer and inner leg, which is sliming to the calf and thigh. Both the Cette Oslo and the Ingie tights come in an opaque finish and are very comfy to wear. They do cost a little more than some tights on the high street, but personally I would rather have one pair of tights that fit my style DNA perfectly and don't ladder within

ten minuite of wear, than five pairs of bland tights.

Four Fresh Looks I Created For My Winter Wardrobe Using Tights From Tights Please

Red Ingie Tights worn with maroon, gold & lilac tones

Mixing berry tones is a look I love right now, so for look 1 I teamed my maroon sweater with my biscuit A-line skirt, the raspberry ingie tights and a lilac flat bobble cap, I think the gold tone looks really pretty with pink.

red Ingie tights worn with blackcurrant and gold tones

For look 2 I switched my 1940's inspired blackcurrant boiled wool short jacket with my maroon sweater and teamed it with my biscuit short A-line and ingie tights. The key to both looks is using natural fibres which reflect the homespun look of these tights to create a luxe palette.

House Of Holland Crochet Tights Worn With Egg Yolk Yellow & Blackcurrant tones

Look 3 is really casual and the House of Holland crochet pattern tights I chose, worked beautifully with my egg yolk yellow 60's tunic and the deep blackcurrant of my boiled wool jacket, the orange and grey tones in the tights work well with yellow and I love playing with the lines from a mix of eras, why not mix 40s and 60s together.

Cette Oslo Grey Polka Dot Tight,Worn With Emerald Green, Ivory & Black Texturing

Look 4 was a Biba inspired Christmas party look and utilised my latest thrift shop gem, a George wrap dress with bold emerald green swirls on a black background worn with a Ivory and gold necklace from Top Shop, black suede Clarks wedges, a small angular black clutch bag from Coast and of course the grey Cette Oslo tights, I could have gone for black, but grey is softer and more interesting. I love all the strong deco lines in this look and the fun mix of smaller patterns and angular shapes created using these accessories , like the grosgrain ribbons spouting from my Coast clutch, the square perforations in my black suede shoes and of course the tiny polka dots on the Cette Oslo tights. Visit tightsplease to check out the other colours in this range or more designs.

Biba Inspired Christmas Party Look

*please note I was compensated for this review with tights from Tightsplease

My Passport To Style | Henry Holland Giveaway Announcement

2011-10-30T16:33:00.001Z

Hi Gals, if you love the designer Henry Holland and his fun colourful crochet designs, then hop over and see me here tomorow, from around 4pm UK time, for a chance to win a limited edition pair of these dreamy Henry Holland tights and to check out what I chose to team these tights with and two other looks I created using tights from tightsplease. This giveaway is open to everyone, UK and overseas!

My PassportTo Style | A Little Pink Moment, To Brighten Your Monday

2011-10-30T16:06:00.001Z

pink cherry balloon cake, well, that's what I like to call it!

Hi Gals, pink cherry jelly and cherry mousse cake and my favourite vintage pink and blue stripey beach shorts from the summer, do you think my vintage beach shorts might have been Marc Jacobs fabric inspiration for this latest sweet dress from his girls wear collection? I like to think so.

my pink and blue striped vintage beach shorts

My Passport To Style | Hip Halloween

2011-10-28T15:06:00.000+01:00

My two favourite Halloween couple looks this year, have to be Kelly O and her boyfriend and Henry Holland and Agness Dean. If your stuggling to create a Halloween look, my style tip is start with a great pair of tights for inspiration, tights please does really unusual and fun styles, from giant stars to bingo balls by Henry Holland. I like off the wall Halloween costumes, I once created a costume for my little boy that was a giant piece of moldy cheese with a rat nibling on it!Last year I dressed as poison Ivy and made my costume using green velvet, lots of red feathers and red face paint. Happy Halloween GALS!

My Passport To Style | Alphabet Chic

2011-10-27T10:13:00.000+01:00

L if for ........... Loopy laces, worn for languid walks in your local park.

See stylebubble for more from this collection

My Passport To Style | Reviews Armery| The Solution To Arm Wobble?!

2011-10-26T16:36:00.000+01:00

Mary Portas is taking the 40+ world by storm with her private fleet of red headed bobbed mannequins and her new range of clothing for women at the House of Fraser in London. Mary being Mary she's certainly not a follower of fashion, she is a innovator and as such has come up with some clever ideas regarding varied lighting in changing rooms to mimic office and daylight as well as a range of clothes that flatter a range of body shapes and reflect the need for the 40+ to be catered for.

So I was intrigued about Marys latest partnership with Charnos to produce a solution to dressing one of the areas of the body women hate most, their under arms, in a more flattering way. I had high hopes for what appears to be a really great solution to a problem which prevents some women from wearing sleeveless tops and dresses.

armery comes in a variety of plain colours and black lace, I was sent a small to medium size of the black lace to review. The lace version has the added benefit of the length of the armery sleeves (which represent a pair of footless stocking with the gusset cut out) being able to be cut down to size at home without any fraying. I decided to try them on underneath a simple navy 60's style A-line dress.

To be fair I could have done with the next size up as I have quite long arms and fairly broad shoulders, I like the idea that wearing the armery helps create a firmer look to the arm rather like stocking but without the bulk of a long sleeved vest top under your dress, that would probably ride up and leave ridges under your garment or dress. However the armery left gaps around the front of my arm holes and dress, which looked frankly odd, which is a shame, if you look at the image of the armery being modelled, you might get a better idea of what I mean.

This piece world be fine for wearing under a t-shirt top but didn't work for me under and a basic sleeveless dress, if you can't wear it as flexibly as described because of the fit then you may as well use a fitted shrug to solve this style dilemma in my opinion. The size maybe a issue, but if you look at the models it appears that the fit does not hug the front of the shoulder line enough to provide adequate coverage when wearing a sleeveless dress. I would love to be proved wrong, so do try it out in the correct size, you can always return it if it doesn't work for you.

To find out more visit- House Of Fraser

My Passport To Style | Shares Mia Jafaris Unique Silk Scarf Designs

2011-10-25T08:55:00.000+01:00

I was excited to discover scarf designer Mia Jafari, Mia is a London based Persian who combine themes symbolic of the British seaside with a delightful vivid technicolor palette and bold symmetrical design elements strongly associated with eastern architecture and decor that create a clean, calm, opulent feel ; little fairground horses prance in a circle around a hand with a heart in its palm against a sea of startling aqua blue silk on the Asia Manhattan scarf, the colour intensity of the aqua is so dazzling it almost makes my eyes ache! Purple buckets and spades, aqua lipstick bullets and bikinis punctuate the repeat lime medallions that boarder the central design of this silk scarf.

This a feast of London and eastern culture, is almost baroque in its decadence, though the supreme skill of the design is the marriage of colour and symmetry which mean that the piece does not feel crowded and every element feels like it was destined to be included in the designers vision, like a great plate of food That must have fashion accessory the scarf, just got Karma!

The packaging is pretty decadent too and you might be surprised at the prices that represents such a unique labour of love.Delivary is free worldwide! Each scarf come with a swarovski encrusted swing tag. To see more of Mias stunning designs visit miajafari.co.uk

My Passport To Style | Alphabet Chic

2011-10-23T10:47:00.000+01:00

T is for........ Trunk the kind you want with you when your on a Steamship, half of dressing well, is knowing where to find your things, get that right and you feel invincible!

credits - theconranshop.co.uk

My Passport To Style | Dragon King Of Bhutan Weds Bride

2011-10-16T10:22:00.001+01:00

My love of bright colour and pattern comes from the Nepalese side of my family. Just had to share this happy wedding snap of the dragon King of Bhutan marrying his commoner wife Pema in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.

My Passport To Style | Reviews Sacred Locks Range For Thick And Wavy Hair

2011-10-16T09:18:00.001+01:00

At the risk of sounding a little ungrateful naturally wavy hair is not all about glamorous shiny bouncing waves, I have lost count of the number of damp northern days that have left me with a halo of frizz so big I have dared not venture out of the house without jamming a hat firmly on my head first, I have tried many so called hair smoothing serums, however some of them contain so many chemicals they have left my sensitive's scalp in a mess and the effects have been short lived. Whilst on my monthly quest to find the one, I came across green beauty bible award winner Sacred Locks by Louise Galvin and was able to review her collection for thick or curly hair here on My Passport To Style, much to my delight.

No Nasties Here

The ingredients list which include lemon peel oil, mandarin orange oil, geranium macutalum oil and martini oil sound so deliciously fragrant I feel like sprinkling them over my morning porridge. However instead I decide to put the range through its paces.

With no Petrochemicals, Synthetic, with no SLS, PEG’s, Parabens , Silicone, I felt reassured that no nasty toxins would be entering my scalp or polluting the planet, the smell of the shampoo was subtle but pleasant, like a lot of non chemical shampoos the lather is not as full, but more than adequate. I have only recently started dying my hair and have found out one of the unpleasant effects of this is that my hair goes straw like when rinsed and get matted during the rinsing process even before I used the conditioner my hair did not mat and felt much smoother. The conditioner contains honey and vegetable proteins which is supposed to help with curl definition and the Sacred Locks hair mask has a very nice uplifting orange scent and uses seaside plum a natural silicone which are included to help smooth chemically damaged hair without creating build up.

Blow Dry Time And The Moment Of Truth

Usually I steer clear of blow drying my hair as it is often the enemy of my frizz prone locks and let my hair dry naturally, but wanting to test the range to the max I decided to blow dry my hair using my diffuser, I was left with soft waves that were much more defined, no halo of frizz and lovely sheen to my dark hair. Result! The Sacred Locks shampoo for thick or wavy hair retails at £22.00. the conditioner £24.00 and the hair masque £26.00 which for a specialist carbon neutral range which boasts Emily Blunt as one of its fans is pretty competitively priced.

I was also sent sacred locks environmentally friendly colour removal kit which I will review here next time, as have decided to use semi permanent natural dyes on my hair which are less likely to cause cancer than some of the more aggressive chemical dyes available, but would like to take my base colour back to its true original colour by stripping out permanent dye used in the past. Visit founder Louise Galvin and her award winning green product range here.

My Passport To Style | Jonathan Saunders Auntumn/Winter 2011

2011-10-15T12:04:00.001+01:00

Every now and then you find a designer that knocks you off balance such is their level of skill and creativity, they are not as many designers do, simply reworking the styles of the past into something fresh they are creating purely from within themselves and their own library of creations. Scottish designer Jonthan Saunders with a BA in textile designs is able to do this and the magic ingredient used, is his abillity to elevate the world of print and colour to a whole other level, take this simple shift dress, that is printed to look like a two piece, great for short waisted women like myself as it creates the illusion of a longer waist not using cut, but colour and print.

Bunny In The Headlights!

When I first spotted this dress, I was like a bunny caught if the headlights, (Saunders clothes do that to you, they draw you into their world) when an animal flashed into my head.Want to know what it was? A sleek black panther with brilliant green eyes, before you think I have lost the plot, when I broke it down I realised that my association with the designer and this animal was more than just about the colours used such as the black and the large green diamond used to ofset the tunic top of the dress, the connection to a panther is more about the air of mystery and supreme confidence Sauders designs evoke, the foilage prints are very organic but he has cleverly mixed acid brights with neutrals that give a edgy feel and contrasted that with the bold placement of large geometric shape, that adds up to a sleek sequence of pattern, shape and colour.

Fearless Beauty

These are timeless clothes, for confident women who know who they are and are drawn to the exotic, they are fearless in their approach to life, not suprisingly Saunders stately following includes Madonna and Michelle Obamma. I could lock myself in a room of his prints and be lost for hours in their beauty, this award Scottish designer is a design talent of epic proportions who understands who to flatter a womens shape.

credits Jonathon Saunders

My Passport To Style | A Date With Dr Marten

2011-10-15T10:57:00.001+01:00

With texture playing such a big part in luxe looks this Autumn/Winter 2011 season, I was excited to discover that the iconic masculine Dr Marten shoe which is so current this A/W has been elevated to new dizzy luxe heights, by the addition of some new finishes and materials, Dr Marten have used metalics in their new collection as well as ostrich hide, which adds a really organic feel, almost conker like, which resonates so well during autumn. I have had a faux ostrich pumpkin satchel for years that still works brilliantly when I need to add a dash of texture to a new look.

ostrich and conker skin not that different asthetically

credits for last 3 images style bubble

My Passport To Style | Stella Mccartneys Spring 2012 Collection

2011-10-09T16:13:00.001+01:00

Hi Gals, me thinks Stella Mccartneys latest collection was inspired rather heavily by paisley print, i'm impressed by the diversity of designs she created that reflect the curves of this famous tear drop design that hails from Kashmir, where it was first woven into wool shawls. These are my favourite pieces from her recent collection. Do you love Paisley or hate it? What are your thoughts on Stellas latest collection, gals?

My Passport To Style | Why I Don't Do Denium

2011-10-08T17:03:00.001+01:00

pile of jeans

Believe it or not saying you don't do jeans is a taboo subject in Britain it's like saying you don't put salt and vinegar on your chips. How do I know this because I am one of a growing minority or women that realise that as much as they love denim jeans, they don't do much for their hourglass figure, the thick fabric bunches up in the wrong places. I think perhaps Europeans have a slightly different attitude they don't feel that their sense of style and youth are so deeply imbedded in the denim culture, they enjoy tailored clothing. British women wear more denim than any other country and whilst I have no wish to outlaw denim in the UK, it has become a bit of a uniform, to the point that if I wear a simple A-line dress, my friends think I have dressed up! Hooray for caramel flares and A-line pinafore dresses!

tweed and tartan pinafore dress

My Passport To Style | Alphabet Chic

2011-10-08T15:30:00.001+01:00

B is for.....

Belt Buckle collection, Bellissimo!

credits- victorialouise.co.uk

My Passport To Style | Granny Gives Long Distance Beauty Tips!

2011-10-08T14:36:00.001+01:00

Hi Gals, grannys not around right now she is enjoying the sea air off the Almafi coast, however she decided that readers of My Passport To Style might apreciate her insight when it comes to matters relating to personal grooming and beauty. I have to confess to getting slightly huffy as I had something planned for this slot, however Granny it such a charmer she won me round and her second slot here, given that Granny says a blog is just a inflated word for diary she is doing pretty well to put in a second appearance! So after a long drawn out phone call with granny. She imparted the following hard won wisdom regarding a beauty regime that she credits with keeping her looking the way she does. I was not about to tell her I had been doing it all wrong, but was very was suprised to learn that Granny credits her svelte nose that I have long admired, to nights spent with a clothes peg at the end of her nose! You have to admire her courage!

Grannys hard won beauty and grooming tips

1. Granny credits washing in cold water as the secret to small pores and silky smooth skin.

2.Next she advices to only sleep on your back, if your marital snuggles suffer,so be it she says sternly, this is the only route to reducing the wrinkes around your eyes.

3.Granny says that in her day bloating had never been heard of and neither had passing on the bread basket! She credits her slim tum and tight jaw line to chewing each mouthful of food one hundred times!

4. Next she advocates only wearing fitted clothing or if you are wearing somthing loose to always wear a belt with no acceptions, the reason which was drilled into her by her ballet instructor is good posture, if we are aware of our tummy and our waist we are more likely to pull them in, thus strengthening the muscles which leads to a flatter stomache.

Bellissimo granny!

credits - hubpages.com

My Passport To Style | Marc Jacobs Summer 2012 Collection, At Paris Fashion Week

2011-10-08T13:07:00.000+01:00

ill fitting lady like does not work

The question on every ones lips right now is will Marc Jacobs take over the helm at Dior? Well firstly I need to say I'm a huge fan of the man and his work, but in my opinion there were some pieces that just did not work, you know the saying a model can wear a bin liner and still look great, well it simply is not true, I know Vivienne Westwood will be displeased with me for saying that, sorry Vivienne.

Now to explain my bin liner analogy of course non of Mark Jacobs clothes looked remotely like a bin liner, however some of his detailing in this collection was supersized and as such looked ill fitting in my opinion, such as his collars and some of the skirts, now of course this is pure Marc Jacobs to be playful with proportions and materials which is often what women love about Marc Jacobs, because of his ability to inject a youthfulness into even the most sophisticated of looks and this season is the season of playing with proportion, we are seeing cocoon coats and sloping shoulders popping up all over the high street right now.

But fit never goes out of fashion and where as a cocoon coat might work beautifully to disguise a fuller shaped bottom half and show of shapely calves on a real woman, on a model who is let's face it is pretty angular, where Marc had played with shape by stretching out skirt lines, these dresses from his collection ended up looking like pretty, but rather deflated stiff crisp packets, rendering the models wearing these pieces awkward in their ill fitting garments and helpless rather than carefree.

There was much to love however, in this collection, clever use of metallic's, pastels and primary colours all held together by a variety of textured floral shapes. Mr Jacobs masterfully combined large flower laser cut outs, with a clean sporty aesthetic the crisp white roll neck featured was cut to perfection, the navy and white large broderie anglaise pattern, biker jacket with navy small broderie anglaise print skirt was achingly chic, as was the egg yolk yellow swing coat again in broderie anglaise with large collar cream collar. Marc Jacobs popularity stems from his intuitive sense of knowing what women want from clothing and what men like to see women wearing, the two are of course completely different, but Marc Jacobs genius, is in his ability to combine the two so seamlessly .

My Passport To Style | Charnos 75th Anniversary Range, Helps Women Get Leggy

2011-10-06T11:09:00.000+01:00

If you have always hankered after legs up to your armpits then you might be pleased to know that Charnos have celebrated their 75th anniversary, by launching the most amazing stockings that are literally tailored to your personal leg shape, dressing does not get much more bespoke than this! As a Stylist that helps women find clothes that reflect who they are and that flatter their unique shape I am very aware of the variety of proportions that make up our leg shape, myself included! Below is their very useful guide to flattering your legs based on the six leg shapes above and how could anyone resist the gorgeous packaging, I plan on framing mine!

The Athlete: You have fantastic muscle definition with shapely thighs, cavles and perfect ankles.

• Try the ‘Marilyn’ (RRP £17.00) – Classic and sexy these stockings are named after the one and only, 50s blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe. The luxury flocked lace top, complete with an elegant diamante velour bow will give The Athlete’s legs some ladylike glamour.

The Pillar: Straight up and down – define your ankles, elongate your legs, making them stand proud.

• Try the ‘Jackie’ (RRP £14.00)- Elegant and sophiticated, these tights are inspired by fashionable First Lady Jackie Kennedy. The ladylike backseam on these tights will elongate The Pillar’s legs, and the beautiful diamante bow will help define ankles.

The Compact: Just because you’re pint sized doesn’t mean you should go unnoticed. Good things come in small packages.

• Try the ‘Brigitte’ (RRP £18.00) – These fun and flirty tights are named after iconic 60’s sex symbol, Brigitte Bardot. These sexy sheer tights with fun mini spot pattern have an alluring Swarovski crystal dotted backseam, sure to get The Compact’s legs noticed.

The Flamingo: Long and slim, most would be envious but you’d like some more shape to make your legs stand out.

• Try the ‘Betty’ (RRP £17.00) – These bold and beautiful tights are a tribute to the number one pin-up of World War II, Betty Grable. The pretty filigree printed design will add shape and interest to The Flamingo’s slim legs.

The Show Girl: Perfect from tip to toe. You have the perfect pin proportions no matter your dress size.

• Try the ‘Katharine’ (RRP £16.00) – These strong and confident hold ups are a tribute to Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn. These sheer hold ups with a luxury flocked lace top will show off The Showgirl’s perfectly proportioned pins.

The Wine Glass: Heavy thighs can be a problem in some eyes, so accentuate your amazing ankles.

• Try the ‘Ava’ (RRP £20.00) – These sultry and sensual hold ups were inspired by Hollywood actress and style icon, Ava Gardner. The elegant printed floral backseam with a luxury flocked lace top will draw attention to The Wine Glass’s slim calves and ankles.

To find out more click here

My Passport To Style | Lulu Guiness's Winter 2011 Handbags

2011-10-05T11:39:00.000+01:00

Hi Gals, this winter 2011 collection of Lulu Guiness's handbags proclaims she is a genius, not only in designing beautiful creative bags that draw us into her world of fantasy, but how many other handbag brands do you know that market themselves so effortlessly? Without the need for expensive marketing campaigns and props, Lulu Guiness's range must be every department stores dream. Well this simple display has worked it's magic on me anyway, I want this modette inspired family of handbags including mum top right, with her huge fish like eyes, that I would have to name Beryl, big sister top left and cute little sister bottom right. To not keep the family together would just feel really wrong! I'm guessing Lulu was banking on the strong bond we feel for women in our familes, when she designed the trio and even if my phsyco babble is misplaced, you can bet that there will be sisters, mums and girlfriends out there this Christmas buying these bags for each other! Do you have a favourite Lulu Guiness bag? I would love to know which one and why you treasure it?

My Passport To Style | Alphabet Chic, P Is For .....

2011-10-02T17:53:00.001+01:00

P is for pretty packaging however simple the product, it brightens our day as well as our teeth!!

My Passport To Style | Which Of Your Summer Bags Should Hang Around For A/W 2011?

2011-10-02T16:46:00.001+01:00

wovenpurses.com

Hi Gals, before you look at this elegant raffia tote and remember that you have a similar bag languishing at the back of your wardrobe/closet that won't be seeing the light of day now till next summer 2012. Here is quick style tip to brighten your Monday, this bags shape and fabric is perfect for wearing with this winter 2011 seasons mod inspired looks that featured heavily on the catwalks; vintage inspired mod looks can be in danger of looking a little brassy when teamed with traditional PVC accessorise, the raffia weave adds an element of sophistication. This bag would also work well to add warmth and anchor more futuristic winter whites if your more inclined in that direction this A/W 2011.

Vanessa Bruno

My Passport To Style | Granny Dishes The Dirt On Natural Stain Removal

2011-10-01T15:01:00.001+01:00

favourite A-line blue silk shift dress

With wear it for one evening only dressing, becoming a distant memory and the party season fast approaching. I was discussing the merits of certain stain removers with granny after getting peppercorn sauce down the front of my favourite silk dress. Granny loves to offer her advice when it comes to dressing for special occasions, grooming and keeping your wardrobe in pristine condition. Granny firmly believes that she is more Italian than Italian women when it comes to dressing stylishly and as she spends half the year off the Almafi coast on her sun lounger sucking on huge fragrant lemons the size of a baby's head, (she still believes they prevent rickets) she probably is!

Granny knew that the thought of unleashing a stain devil and all its toxins onto my favourite silk dress and into my home was causing me some concern, so she came to the rescue with her top four natural stain removing techniques. You may be pleased to know gals, if you have the ingredients at home to make your own custard, your more than half way towards saving yourself money and death by chemicals when it comes to stain removal. I have to confess Granny triumphed and saved my dress!

Grannys Top Secret Stain Removal Techniques

1. Remove red wine, by placing tying the stained garment over the top of a large pudding basin and then pour boiling water over the top of the stain, the red wine will run through the garment.

orange 60's kettle with print

2.Remove fresh fat and oil stains by rubbing cornflour gently into the stain and leaving for 20 minutes before washing through.

Great natural stain remover milk

3.Remove biro by soaking the mark in milk and leaving over night then washing through.

palette knife perfect for tough gum that won't budge

4.Remove chewing gum, by placing the garment in the freezer till hard and then gently scraping of with a palette knife.

cornflour to thicken custard can be used to remove fat stains

Glam lady eating pasta politely

If you know of any other natural stain removers that have worked for you I would love to know them!

My Passport To Style| Reviews Nature Shops| Emu, Romani Boots

2011-09-30T10:36:00.000+01:00

I was recently asked if I would like review a pair of Nature Shops black Romani Suede boots, as I love the companies responsible attitude to the environment and with winter on its way, I thought you gals might appreciate discovering more about this comfortable emu style boot . I felt this particular style offered the versatility and detailing to be styled up in various ways in time for winter 2011. From wearing them full length, for a classic biker style look, with a favourite battered leather jacket and skinny jeans, to rolling them down and wearing with chunky colourful long Navajo knits and tights (like my recent purchase from Warehouse below) or even adopting a luxe ski look and teaming them with a long quilted glossy cream coat, black roll neck fun goggle glasses and a wide leather headband.

First Impressions

The Nature Shop boots came beautifully packaged in a brown card box with large gold floral print and a rope handle. Once open I spotted a swish fabric tote with large gold nature shop lettering and logo which I thought was a really nice touch, as the bag has a drawstring also you could choose to use the bag as shoe bag to protect your boots or just as a tote.

The boots themselves are well made from premium sheepskin and 3/4 length with the sheepskin turned over, there is a chunky brass effect ring that fastens at the outer side of each boot, through which an additional strip of suede is looped and attached with a sweet brass heart stud, this attention to detail I felt gives the boots a luxe edge. At the back of each boots is premium gold stitched initialling.

Comfort V Style

For those of you that have worn this style of boot in a different style such as the stinger, you will know they are quite roomy, so great if you want to wear a thicker sock, however unless its sub zero conditions there is no need as the sheepskin lining works well to keep feet toasty and wick any sweat from your feet away. I love being able to just pull on a pair of boots with no zip, fastening etc which sound incredibly lazy but when you're in a rush it's great! The boots have nice big treads on them, having tried them out on the pathways near my home which are now laced with slippery autumn leaves, they do work to keep you upright and your dignity in tact!

The only thing that I found, was I have what I term sporty calves! So rolling the boot up to its full length made the fit quite tight and meant that the fibres of the plush black fleece inner lining stuck up around the outer edge of the boot slightly, so I would probably wear them rolled down as intended or rolled up with straight black jeans over the top.

please note * I received these boots as compensation for writing this review

My Passport To Style | Granny Dishes The Dirt On Natural Stain Removers

2011-09-28T19:42:00.001+01:00

My Passport To Style | DIY Turkish Style Slippers

2011-09-28T15:22:00.001+01:00

Hi Gals, get granny chic and make these Turkish style slippers from crochet squares with http://www.purlbee.com/granny-square-slippers/ I feel a knitted kaftan coming on and the need for some apple tea and perfumed incense!

My Passport To Style | Gets Material

2011-09-28T08:12:00.000+01:00

Hi Gals, me thinks that the recent thirst for heritage pieces such as tartan and plaid has been brought about by the Royal wedding in the UK and a emotional need for sturdy fashion that will stand the test of time! Thankfully tartan offers a heritage solution with a little more than just sturdiness about it!

Whatever the reason If you can wear a dress that feels as cosy as a blanket and it still gives you an aura of regal bearing who can argue with that. Loving this tartan duo and the somewhat unlikely but sweet pairing of Alexandra Mcxqueen and Sarah Parker. If your wanting to buy into heritage with a more modern feel then why not opt for a simple blanket cape or these ear muffs new in from http://www.muji.co.uk/ store, loving the fact that this cape by Muji UK, has not been overworked just a simple pin and armholes, the length is perfect and the colour of the tartan is flattering for all hair shades.

My Passport To Style Has Been Awarded 10 Of The Best By The Fashion Network

2011-09-27T10:11:00.000+01:00

Hi Gals, I just found out some really exciting news that I wanted to share here with everyone one here who reads my blog and supports it, My Passport To Style has received an award

'10 Of The Best' from The Fashion Network for being one of the top 10 best blogs in the North UK.

Designer and Fashion Network judge- Wayne Hemingway

The judging panel included Drapers, John Lewis, The Mail On Sunday and designer Wayne Hemingway. If you're curious to know more about the award, click here. If you like your daily dose of fashion blog's you can check out the other winning fashion blogs there also, as well as fashion blogs, fashion business's both on and off line were selected for awards also.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to My Passport To Style and to you all for supporting my passion for writing on the subject of fashion ! See you soon.