Mulberrys Spinningfields Party Opens To Ooohs And Aahs!

For those of you that are avid Mulberry fans or are new to the brand and curious to know more, from bags to clothing you are in for a right royal treat as I discovered at a really grand opening of their new store in Spinningfields Manchester.

The opening party put a smile on every guests lips including mine, as it managed to masterfully distil the heady mix of its spring/summer 2011 show - inspired by one of my favourite books, The Secret Garden, cabbage sized hot pink roses were used to frame a secret walled catwalk down which strode copper headed models wearing clothing that gently celebrated their every curve, whilst the simple use of detailing on clothing and bags was like a breath of fresh air. Earthy and ethereal tones played a part in this delicous tale, from rich chestnuts, burnished plum, warm apricot, rose pink, cornflower and washed out blues. I particularly like the use of the humble D-ring detailing which Mulberry have used to great effect in their entire range of shoes for the season and the Polly Push Locket Belt, which I felt worked beautifully to accent the waist on Mulberry's chestnut cotton trench.

Cold it might have been outside but once inside Mulberry's new Spinningfields store you truly felt spring had sprung, after being treated to strawberry cocktail with delicate rose petals and a tiny teeny Victoria sandwich cake in a pretty floral box, the fun beats of the ever stylish guest DJ Daisy Lowe got everyone in the mood to party. Rather fitting that the guest DJ for Mulberry's Spinningfield opening party was Daisy don't you thing?!

Buttery soft bags like the Mila in electric blue were displayed in large glass boxes like captivating bright butterflies. Favourites like the Alexa, Tilly and Bayswater had all been given a touch of the secret garden magic, teaming unexpected colours and textures with utility styling and playful proportions. I loved the way that the creative treatment of the shop walls and floors, combined both textures and colours which reflected urban and natural world influences. Mulberry manages to very cleverly harness this fusion throughout their brand.

After an uplifting performance from Sunday Girl, guests were treated to a surprise performance by Ellie Goulding, both acts were the perfect ending to a great evening. Thoughtfully designed cotton goody bags embellished with the fun design of a white rabbit poking its head out of a Mulberry Satchel and a packet of carrot seeds as a swing tag, full of goodies were distributed by our lovely Spinningfields host's, along with shiny gold Bayswater balloons to light our path back home, it was a magical evening.

Mulberry We Salute You!

Todays post had to be dedicated to Mulberry a company with a British heritage which first began in 1975, they beat off stiff competition from Victoria Beckham on Tuesday the 7th of December at the British Fashion Awards, for best designer brand. With a creative like Emma Hill as companies director, it will come as no surprise to many within the fashion industry that they scooped this prestiges award.

 It is Emma who has with her vision for the company, has generated mass demand for the companies bag's by fronting initiative's such as creating the Alexa Satchel, a hybrid of the companies mens satchel Alexa Chung favoured. The quality of the bag's, attention to detail, longevity of style, fun contempory print's and creative use of material's make Mulberry a firm favourite in the heart' of the British public and world wide, three cheers for Mulberry!!!!!!!!! 

If  I could share two other pieces of happy news with all you Fabulous Followers, as you may know I have been know to get a little excited at the mention of tweed, I own a beautiful piece from the Isle of Harris, that is soon to be made into a cape.

So I thought you might like me to spread my delight around a little and share the news that Mulberry are bringing out this beautiful tweed satchel in January 2011! Remember to form an orderly cue with no barging!

They say good things come in threes, well this ones pretty good,  Mulberry are launching their second store in spinning fields shopping centre, Manchester tomorow! They have kindly invited me along to their opening, watch this space for more on the event! 

 

 Sharon x x

Sharon Smile Clinic - Christmas 2010 Edition

Hi Gals thanks  for joining me for my Christmas edition of my Smile Clinic, which I hope helps put a smile on your face. Often women decide to have a image makeover with me, in the run up to Christmas and the New Year, because they recognise that they are running on empty, after spending the season giving in many different ways and need some fresh inspiration and style guidance to re energise their look and themselves.
 This burnt red leather dashound clutch put a big smile on my face from geekoligie.com 

  I also love this silk tag which acts as a sweet reminder that sometimes we need to give to ourselves as much as to everyone else! Hope my Christmas inspired pick's put a smile on your face and lighten your load a little.

lilsugar.com

                                     This beautiful acrylic pendant was made in the UK  by artist Kim Thompon at Kimthomsondesign.com using the wrapper from one of my favourite tea time treats a tea cake, marshmallow middle with a light biscuit base and chocolate shell, yummy! So what better way to feel beautiful inside and out and celebrate this tea time treat than wearing this gorgeous pendant with an Art Deco sophistcation! Lucky Kim, imagine every time she make one she gets a rewarded with the taste of chocolate and velvety soft marshmallow!  

                                                                          

 Simple but stunning Christmas table design, by poshposydesigns.com   cherry red liquid glass with a mass of frothy white flowers studded with shiny baubles, I love. To me this design oozes kitsch but at the same time has a Japanese feel also. What do you gals think?   

                                                

cherry red swing coat, team with dachhound

clutch?

Talk about a quirk of style! Shiny baubles in your ears in a face flattering shape, superb!

                                                I think these pretty dears are all over come by Mr Red stag and who can blame them!

                                            Know a little one that would like to decorate their own trusty steed for Christmas? Or you if you are looking to theme a big Christmas party bash, how about the Nutcracker?  These recycled card rocking horse's painted up in your favourite bright colours could be just the thing to kick start your fairy tale, secure on strong wire at varying height, for a real wow factor also lilsugar.com

                                                      

                                                    

     

                                         Sharon x x

Tis The Season To Dress Like A Grand Dame!

Hi Gals, December is the season for bold flamboyant dressing, why so? Well it is the season of one of our greatest traditions pantomime dames! If that is'n't the best reason ever to swathe yourself in layer's of brightly coloured lace, pile on the sequin's and fling on a pair of cartoon style shoe's and then top it all off with a hat that looks like an exotic gift then I don't what is! Take a look at my top pick's for styling wanabe pantomime dame's all over the world. Go on indulge your urge to go over the top, it's great fun I promise!

                                                         

  Sharon x x  

Great Style Is In The Details

Hi Gals, nothing cheers me up better than sifting through a beautiful box of vintage buttons, I get so excited about the way that small beautiful detail's styled in the right way, can totally personalise your look and your image and help you stand out from the crowd!

 So I was smitten when on one of my Fashionable Frolicks through the blogsphere, I happened upon the Button Company. I could not resist sharing these fun charming Christmas decoration makes on their site, now your Christmas tree can look every bit as Stylish as you, enjoy! For full instructions on how to make these Christmas tree decorations visit www.buttoncompany.co.uk

  Have a Stylish day!

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                        Sharon xx

Be Inspired To Transform Your Image This Christmas Season With A Wardrobe Workout!

Giving your Image a makeover and stepping out of your comfort zone when it comes to your wardrobe is just what every gp should have on prescription to beat the winter blues. My philosphy as a Style and Image consultant is be inspired by the seasons and the sometimes miserable weather and use it to jump start a whole range of new looks that harness the drama and romance of the seasons and make you feel the power of reinvention.We all have our favourite basics, but playing too safe can get a little dull.

 If I can do this whilst snuffling into a tissue, so can you! So when I think of snow and ice, am I thinking will there be enough grit on the roads? Or will I tramp melted pool's of water into my home?

Certainly not! I'm thinking of casting off slouchy warm hats in favour of 40's style snood's and skater style hair net's, (to channel my  grown up skater girl look) combining with a cheeky luxe caplet, 70a style pants a black roll neck and a faux fur bag that doubles as hand muff for full on sleek winter glamour. Don't get me started on my wardrobe for wet weather! Have fun trying a new style on for size.    

                                                                           

                                        Sharon x x 

Top Tip's To Ensure Your Bra Fits You Perfectly!

                              

Hi Gals, craving a curvy silhouette for this Autumn/ Winter 2010 and the party season? Then you need to follow my top tip's to ensure that your bra fits correctly, the fastest route to sculpting your body shape ready for those figure hugging favourites and for creating the hourglass look that is so on trend at the moment.

Follow My Check List To Ensure Your Bra Fits You Perfectly






1.First take a look at the back of your bra, is your back strap riding high and not in line with the rest of the bra? Then this means that your band size is too big and your cup size maybe too small.






2. Next with your bra fastened on its regular fastening, loop two fingers into the back band or ask a family member or friend if it is awkward. Then pull gently on the back strap, if you can pull it more than 2 inches away from your back, then the band size is too big and you need to adjust the strap to ensure a snugger fit or replace your bra if it is already on the tightest fastening.






3. If you have dents marks on your shoulder's it means that your band size is too large and not supporting your bust properly.










4. Check the underwire on your bra cups, they should be flush with the rest of your body and not raised up away from your body or rubbing against any breast tissue. If your under wire is raised your cup size is too small.


5. If you have a bust is bulging or spilling out of your bra again your cup size is too small.


6. Finally under wired bras should be washed by hand or in a pillow case to keep them performing well and looking good.

                                                                 

                                    Sharon x x 

Top Tips For Party Dressing This Christmas Season 2010!

                                                

As a Personal Shopper and Image consultant based in Lancashire who works in the North West of the UK. 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 heel's I thought I would play fairy godmother by rounding up my hottest Style and Image tip's for adding polish to your Christmas and New Years party look's without busting your budget!

                                                                                

1) Red lipstick has had a revival and help create instant party glam, if your thinking of wearing a red lipstick this party season, follow my two foolproof tips-

a) pull your lower lip out and match the colour red you select to the shade of the your skin tone on your lower lip.

b) 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!

2) 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 ala Grace Kelly, such as the top know.

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,  small hair brush,  stack of long pin's, 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  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 till there is no more hair to tuck under, 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! Foam  doughnuts to build your hairstyle can be bought on Amazon for as little as £1.99.

3) Strong brows are essential for this seasons retro party feel and always add strength to the face, brow kit's 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!

4) For top to toe grooming I often 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 hands! For uber glamour with a modern twist, ditch your washing up gloves, for full length evening gloves in this seasons bright colours! Spanx currently sell a vast range of mouth watering colours on Amazon for just $8.99!

6) Personalise your tights by layering a thick opaque pair with a cheap 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.

7)Finally do you have a whole array of soft clutch bags but want to update them a little? Brightly coloured 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 as well, if you fancy adding a bit of Audrey sparkle to your up do!

You shall go to the ball!

Sharons Smile Clinic

Hi there gals, you maybe wondering why you have been greeted with the image of a smiling woman with pineapple sunglasses today! Well as part of my style blogs weekly post's, I have decided to offer all you lovely readers a regular weekly dose of my very own smile clinic and no its not about getting your teeth whitened although that can help you feel great about your image.The post will offer you a chance to share in my top three favourites for making me feel happy durring the week, because whilst clothes and styling women are my passion, how we feel inside is as important to our happiness and when we feel happy it shows.

 So kicking off in the top spot for making feel happy today, a yummy recipe using blueberries, packed full of antioxidents which are great for the skin, I have nicknamed it the BURBERRY SHAKE of course! So please give it a try!

Recipe for- Burberry Shake!

1 frozen bannana defrosted for 10mins

half cup of soy milk

1 cup of low fat yoghurt

1 and half teaspoons of flaxseed meal

1 and a half teaspoons of honey

1 third of a cup of blueberries 

Blend Everything Together & Enjoy! 

My number 2 for feeling happy this weekend is a wondeful relaxing organic pineapple face mask, the natural active fruit enzymes help exfoliate dead skin cell's, brightening the skin and the smell makes me feel like I'm on a tropical island!

Tropical Face Mask Recipe

 3 tbs of oats

1 tbs of accacia honey

3 slices of pineapple

Bend to a smooth paste

To use cleanse your face thoroughly and spead evenly over your face avoiding the eye area, leave for 15 minuites, you may feel a bit of tingle, which I loved, remove with a warm muslim cloth, splash face with cold water to close pores, pat dry and enjoy baby soft glowing skin plus the satisfaction of making your very own organic mask and creating some me time!

At number 3 for making me smile it had to be creating a sweet berry pizza to share with friends. That combines both lot's of ingredient used already and  a sweet yoghurt topping.

Very Berry Pizza

 Start with your base, this could be anything from a sweet flat bread to pizza dough depending on how thick or thin you would like your base.

 spead sweet vanilla yogurt over the base 

top with chopped pineapple, blueberrie's and scattter strawberry quater's over

for a bit of added visual drama, drizzle warm dark chocolate all over and leave to set 

Then get a group of your best friends together for brunch, tear it up and enjoy! 

                                       Sharon x x

Top Knot- ch Catwalk Trends!

                                        

Are you toying with the idea of whether or not to go to the effort of achieving a updo this Autumn /Winter and creating the kind of cool we see on the sensational set of Mad Men ? Lets not kid ourselves here, if we are looking for a fresh direction for our hair and accessorie's for work, this Autumn/Winter 2010, the beehive above or even a top knot, may not, excuse the pun, be it! It is a sad fact that unless we are a) double jointed, b) have our hair styled every morning for us or c) have a in house stylist, that wearing our hair up for work in anything other than a pony tail is too much for most of us mere mortals!

                                                                             

However these particular up do's really come into there own when worn for the party season this Christmas and new year, the B-hive particularly can be very slimming to the face, as it elongates. Top knot style's are best worn by oval or square face shape's. Now that the bridal season has started up again, if you're a little hat shy, these hot trends in hair, also make a great alternative to a special occassion hat's, creating the right balance of height and formality for the occassion, just check out the bride is not sporting either hairstyle before hand!

 Sharon x x

Wake Up Your Style This Party Season!

I love this seasons penchant for highly textured looks, from woven hair and sheepskin boot's to wool cape's and leather jewellery, this season of texture, fits my style ethic " Great style is in the detail" perfectly! Whilst some people lust after a car or a holiday I lust after a piece of hand woven tweed from the Isle of Harris to incorporate into a new design of my own!!! 

Whether you want to wake up your animal print's or inject a element of luxe drama into one colour dressing, in time for the christmas party season, texturising your look as well as your hair is definately the way to go! Feel like building up your textured wardrobe gradually? Why not opt for a wool bangle or two first?

Gorgeous rust off the shoulder puckered cotton dress from Browns, accessorise with ivory and cream tone's and gold, darrrlings!

                                       Sharon x x

DIY Cape Make - Join My Caped Crusade!

Hi Gals! You're stylish caped crusador joins you today!  Ok, this is a easy peasy cape make, you will need -

Materials

1. long tartan or plain wool A-line skirt with an elasticasted waist and no pockets, thrifted pehaps, or it maybe a old skirt that no longer fits or you have fallen out of love with!

2. Some gothic inspired button, the two I chose were highly domed in a pewter effect

3. Some black iron on tape

4. Some sharp dressmaking sissors some thread to match the dominate colour of the skirt 

5. Tailoring chalk

Method -

 1. First turn the skirt inside out and cut the lining out.

2. With the skirt still turned inside out fold the waist band over once on its self, hand stitch in place, this will create a slightly gathered boat collar to your cape.

3. Next decide how long you want your arm holes, if your cape/skirt has less fabric make the holes longer for freedom of movement, if it is alot fuller you can make the arm hols alot smaller, make sure they are high enough! * If you want a cute short cape about waist height you really don't need arm holes at all as the capelet will just skim your elbows, just team with chic long gloves in a bright colour and throw on a fitted wool pencil skirt for a truly stylish look!

4. To finish, turn the skirt inside out, using the black iron on tape, fold and hold the hem of the arm holes in place by ironing it in on and then reinforce your cape arm holes by using hand stitch or your sewing maching.

5. You can then inject some gothic cool, by adding a pearl and black jet brooch/pin or a celtic knot, if your cape is fairly short and not very full, ring the changes in colder weather by wearing over a white shirt with the collar fastened at the top, flared or fitted wool pants and a double wrapped skinny belt tunic stylee!!

                                                                            

                                                                       

I would love to feature a picture of you here if you do attempt this cape make project! What coat are you going to invest in this winter? Duffle coat, aviator, cape, camel coat? Do tell, it's been fun, see you again soon!