It’s that time of year when we start thinking about adding some much needed oomph into our homes. So, imagine our excitement when we found out about Pied a Terre Home… let me paint a little picture for you… “shriek” “squeal” “no way?!” “woop” followed by girly hand clapping (and that was just the boys). Why are we so excited? Because it’s brilliant! House of Fraser has just launched the first pieces today, and there will be much more to follow including glamorous sofas, gorgeous dining furniture and don’t even get us started on the bedroom furniture… deliciously luscious!
Pied a Terre’s background is fashion footwear, and they’ve taken their fashion know-how and worked it into wonderful interiors. The overall look is glamorous, chic and has a real personality to it. We’re currently lusting after the dinnerware and bedlinen, which can be found in sumptuous shades, and beautiful finishes.
The palette consists of a moody blacks and charcoals offset against highlights of duck egg blue, fuchsia and plum. The overall look is feminine without being cutesy or girly. Vintage styling meets modern lines, leaving a superbly timeless yet chic look.
With new products arriving all the time, keep your eyes peeled for some fabulous pieces for your home.
Glam Princess EDT, from £34, Vera Wang
Oh we can’t resist a new fragrance, and we are salivating over this new limited edition fragrance from the queen of girly glamour; Vera Wang. After our deep and sensual woody tones of winter, we’re ready for something fresh and fruity. Glam Princess comprises of top notes of red berries, guava and juicy pear. There are middle notes of orange blossom and vanilla orchid. Which are complimented by the bottom notes of amberette, marshmallow and cashmere wood. It’s a light and delicate fragrance, rather than the sickly sweet you might expect. And if we’re being entirely honest, we are rather in love with the bottle… just imagine it on your dressing table… fabulous!
Our skin is taking a hammering at the moment. The freezing cold temperatures and heating (when it works) is drying our skin out terribly. You only have to look down the office to see each girl inspecting her dry arms or elbows, and trying to slather hand cream onto their shoulders. Yes, this time of year plays havoc with your skin, but we’ve tracked down our favourite body moisturisers.
The fragrance moisturisers
Left to right: Lola body cream, £27, Marc Jacobs. Chloe body lotion, £25, Chloe. For Her body cream, £43, Narciso Rodriguez.
If you love your skin and you love your fragrance, why not combine the two? If you want your perfume to go further then use a body lotion in your favourite fragrance. It will stay on your skin longer, leaving it with a gorgeous scent, and fragranced moisturisers are now super effective. We adore Chloe and so rubbing this in every morning feels like a luxury rather than a chore.
The extreme moisturisers
Left to right: Blood orange & white pepper body butter, £23, Bliss. Exotic fragipani monoi moisture melt, £29, Elemis. Shea butter ultra rich body cream, £25, L’Occitane.
If your skin has been taking a battering, then these creams are the ones for you. They are seriously intensive and will really soften that skin. We are major fans of Bliss’ body butters as they have an instant smoothing effect. These creams and oils are often quite tough to rub in, so your best bet is to apply straight after showering or bathing when your pores are open. Really work the cream or oil into your skin, and massage in round circles to help improve circulation.
The firming moisturisers
Left to right: Hydroform firming body cream, £33, Darphin. FatGirlSleep, £32, Bliss. Prolange for the body, £33, Decleor.
If you want more from your moisturiser, then firming ones are great. For all of us who suffer from dimples and stretch marks, these are the answer. These creams can’t completely rid you of problem areas, but then can plump, firm and add elasticity into those troublesome places. The Darphin cream is a total dream, it’s rich, it’s moisturising, and it leaves skin flawless. Use every night before bed for best results.
Persia jade dinnerware, from £6.50, Pied a Terre
Pied a Terre Home has just landed at House of Fraser. It is entirely exclusive and comprises of some fabulous pieces for your home. More items are to follow so stay tuned, but for the time being the bedlinen and dinnerware is now online. We are head over heels for this Persia dinner range in jade. The art deco styling and wonderful colour has us reaching to smash our perfectly usable dinner plates thus leaving us with an excuse to purchase these lovelies. We particularly like how the gorgeous duck egg blue and silver reminds us of every girl’s favourite jewellers… breakfast in style anyone?
The bumbag debate
Bumbags are back. They have in truth been hovering around in the fashion periphery for awhile, but now the bumbag is due to hit the mainstream in a big way. It is for most, a horrific creation, sitting there attracting attention to your hips and bum, not forgetting the way it flaps about as you walk. Yes, bumbags are far from glamorous. But as SS10 takes on a 90s Brit abroad feel, so do the accessories. Clogs are back, which we are happy about, but bumbags… really?! We hold Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton solely responsible for this resurgence, yes ok, all the ‘cool-kids’ and die-hard fashionistas may invest in one and carry them off with aplomb. But before you buy, think long and hard, because without attitude the bumbag is just the bag equivalent of the legwarmer. [Daily Telegraph]
Dog walking…pah!
In a world of bizarre inventions this is certainly one of them. The Pup To Go, is basically a baby carrier for your dog. Ok, so it can only hold a small dog, one weighing less than 25lb, but this is without doubt seriously odd. So, we see the merit if you don’t want to tie your dog up outside or yours is nervous in busy areas. But what’s so wrong with a bag or holder? At least then you can walk your pup and pick it up and carry it when you encounter such a situation. How many dogs would happily enjoy being yanked up to your chest height, and then paraded around whilst strapped down? We certainly don’t know any. [Daily Mail]
Sex and the City 3 and 4?
The sequel isn’t even out yet, and already rumours are spreading that the girls are set to film another two movies back to back. It’s reported that the rushed filming is because the bosses and stars are worried about their ageing looks. Whatever the reason, it’s sure to put a smile onto SATC fans’ faces. [Marie Claire]
For all you guys Spring/Summer 2010 is bright, bright and even brighter. Yes, 2010 is the year of colour. Forget your moody charcoals, and your basic black, you want colour; yellows, pinks, greens, blues and oranges. Clashing is good, colour is fun. The look of the season is brightly coloured shorts with a clashing check shirt and tie combo. If however, you feel that this is one step too far, then why not dabble in the colour trend with this fab t-shirt from Diesel. The turquoise colour is perfect, and it isn’t so bright you’ll give your loved one a headache. This maybe the best transitional tee we’ve seen yet.
What are the celebs up to this week?
Brad and Angelina set to split?
The glamorous pair have managed to miss all the big red carpet bashes of late, including the Screen Actors Guild where Brad’s film was nominated. Speculation is rife that the Brangelina household is in meltdown. The pair have allegedly visited a lawyer to organise their separation. It is reported that even though they weren’t married, they are facing a £205 million split. With their numerous houses, wildlife reserve and island, they are set to split their assets fairly, as well as having shared custody of their six children. Although it is thought that the children shall mainly reside with Angelina. But, sources are split with some claiming that their relationship is perfectly stable. Only time will tell. [Marie Claire]
Dannii Minogue launching dress collection?
We had heard on the grapevine that X Factor judge Dannii Minogue was set to launch a clothing line with Tabitha Webb of Tabitha Bags. But, according to Grazia, Dannii’s dress line is due out this week. Other than that little tit-bit we know very little, we’re imagining Victoria Beckham-esque styling with an edge. Would you want to dress like Dannii? [Grazia Daily]
Paris Couture Week is here
Couture… a fashion lover’s dream. It is a world of fantasy and make-believe, the adult equivalent of a dressing up box. It shows the designers at their best, and presents at times completely unwearable creations that you can only dream of caressing. Today Dior and Armani take to the catwalk, whilst Givenchy and Chanel will show tomorrow, Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino will also strut their stuff. Prepare for decadence, extravagance, and pure indulgence. [Catwalk Queen]
If you’re already thinking about a break away in the sun, then you’ll want to know about Aguaclara’s stunning range of swimwear. For 2010 Aguaclara has come over all Amazonian, with their Amazonic Andean Collection.
That means rich, luscious prints and exotic shades. Attention to detail makes all the difference, particularly with fabulous beading and embroidery. The swimwear is of the highest quality, so no baggy bottoms on the beach. As for the kaftans, who can resist sheer silk on a hot day?!
Piel y Coral tankini, £120. Piel y Coral Missy bikini top, £70. Piel y Coral Missy bikini bottom, £55.
The collection is split into lines, all set to flatter. The Piel y Coral range has a fab snow leopard and green coral print which is perfect on tanned skin. We particularly love the one shoulder tankini top, a glamorous take on the most flattering shape. If you’re looking to release your inner hippy chick, then Musa Exotica is a stunning paisley print in rich greens and plums. We are loving the kaftan in this particular print. But if you’re feeling really sexy, then the Reina de la Selva line is for you, a deeply flattering chocolate and turquoise shade in a funky zebra print. The beading detail just adds another level of glamour to this look.
Reina de la Selva Missy halter top, £100. Reina de la Selva Missy bikini bottom, £75. Reina de la Selva Cover up, £115.
It can be hard to find decent swimwear, but if you want style without sacrificing wearability and longevity, Aguaclara is the brand for you.
Triangle studded leggings, £45, Oasis
If skinny jeans are still giving you nightmares, why not step into something a little more comfortable between gym/detox/pilates/sneakily-eating-chocolate sessions. These leggings are so catwalk, they could pass as cutting edge designer. Pair with an oversized shirt or under a simple dress for added oomph.
Gone are the days when bargain hunting was a thing to do on the sly. Now, we are prouder than ever of our savvy shopping ways, and so we should be. The only problem is that, we’re all at it. Outlet villages are busier than ever, with fashion lovelies clambering over Mulberry handbags to get a piece of cut price designer wares.
But never fear, if the thought of wailing bargainistas is enough to give you a headache, then have you thought about outlet shopping online? House of Fraser has just launched a fantastic new eBay outlet store packed full of designer loveliness.
The House of Fraser eBay store, has everything from womenswear, to menswear to homewares. As well as products from top designers including Kenneth Cole and Tahari bags. You can also find Motel, Lipsy, Therapy, Episode, Linea and Untold at a fraction of the recommended retail price. What’s more, those items over £50 receive free delivery.
The pictured bag is by Tahari and you can find it with 50% off, now down to £122.50, click here to buy. Each product has a thorough description to make your purchase decisions a little easier.
Other great finds include this great body con dress by Lipsy, now with 52% off and down to £31.20. For men, this Simon Carter single breasted suit jacket is an amazing find with 60% off which puts it down to £80, matching trousers available. And if you enjoy a drink or two, these Dartington New World champagne glasses are fabulous, particularly now that they have 50% off, so now they are only £19 to buy.
So, sit down, put your feet up, and bargain hunt the clever way.