If you’re one of the 9.5 million women who don’t wear a sports bra then shame on you! But, we completely understand, it’s hard enough finding the right fit in a day-to-day bra, let alone a sports bra. Then of course you don’t know what support level to choose, or if they really do work. We have been sceptical as well, so we thought we’d give the new Shock Absorber Run sports bra a run for its money (excuse the pun).

Tester 1.

Bra size: 32E

Sport: Running

Review: Shock Absorber run bra, is by far the best sports bra I have come across. I put the sports bra to the test whilst I went running. It felt comfortable and it provided excellent support. The Shock Absorber bra is well designed, practical and perfect for high impact exercise. The top back fastening can be a little tricky to do up but other than that – it’s great.

Score: 8/10

Tester 2.

Bra size: 30F

Sport: Gym workout

Review: I’ve recently started a new gym program which involves time on the cross trainer, running machine and bike. With having bigger boobs, I worry about the movement and really fear getting saggy ones. I tried this bra and was a little unsure at first, but after just one gym workout I was amazed. There was no movement, and I felt really secure.

Score: 9/10

Tester 3.

Bra size: 32B

Sport: Dance & pilates

Review: This bra is made for a more intense workout than I normally do, however I am a gym bunny and am looking for something that can support me whether I’m in a dance class or on the cross trainer. I have never really worn a sports bra, being smaller I haven’t felt the need, but I am aware that I need to start. This bra certainly felt much more supportive than anything I’ve been used to before, and was actually great for more energetic dance routines. I am fully converted.

Score: 10/10

Overall, the Run bra performed really well. Our testers were genuinely shocked at how secure they felt and that there was such little movement. It has certainly been a hit here.

Run sports bra, £36, Shock Absorber (it comes in white/silver or black/silver)

Click here to buy

It’s menswear day today at London Fashion Week, which means yesterday was the last day for women’s ready-to-wear. It’s fair to say that London Fashion Week has gone in the blink of an eye, it’s been action packed and full of gorgeous fashion. For fashion folk everywhere next stop is Milan. But first, let’s round up day 5 part 2.

Jonathan Saunders made another much welcomed return to the London catwalks. Not one to miss out on a trend, Jonathan Saunders’ collection consisted of what is fast becoming the colours of Autumn/Winter 2010; punchy orange, moody navy and gorgeous dove grey. It felt a little urban sportswear, a little bit preppy grunge, with drop waists and jumpers pulled down over skirts, it was fresh and chic. Highlights included the sheer knits, the print dresses and the parka jackets. A lovely show.

Nathan Jenden however was feeling a little on the wild side with an animal and batik theme. If Grace Jones went on safari this collection would probably be the outcome, with futuristic lines, and a combination of form fitting and voluminous styles, it was fantastic show. How Nathan Jenden has made zebra print look chic, we’ll never know, but he has, and we want the zebra print dress. This was a fun and lively show.

ISSA London attracted a number of celebs, including Princess Beatrice, Alexandra Burke, Jodie Kidd, Peaches Geldof, Pearl Lowe and Louise Roe. ISSA London is our equivalent of Diane Von Furstenberg, with the printed wrap dress being the most iconic piece. The show was nice, but it wasn’t breathtaking. Key pieces included the maxi dresses, the printed pieces and the orange leather dress.

Burberry Prorsum was the most star-studded show of the season, Anna Wintour sat front row alongside Kate Hudson, Rachel Zoe, Kristen Stewart, Mia Wasikowska, Olivia Palermo, Mary-Kate Olsen, Claire Danes and The Kooks. The collection was a gorgeous spectrum of colours, starting with an ochre and khaki story which moved onto navy, followed by plums and pinks with hints of cobalt blue. Dresses were heavily rouched, and paired with biker chic ankle boots. Peacoats were sexed up with thigh high snakeskin boots, whilst sheepskin coats and jackets went with everything. It was, as you would expect, glamorous yet wearable, cool yet timeless. Highlights were the sheepskin jackets and the rouched velvet pieces.

William Tempest (main picture) is one of London’s rising stars. We’ve been following him, along with a gaggle of celebrity fans, for the last few seasons. His dresses are always stunning, working with strong silhouettes, Tempest creates a feminine yet powerful look. With a slightly abstract feel, his dresses are sexy yet make a style statement. For us, the duck egg blue was a personal highlight, closely followed by the grey and silver triangle mini dress. William Tempest is the one to watch.

Wow, what a fashion week, our feet are in agony and we are having coffee withdrawal symptoms, but we had a fabulous time. Keep checking back for our round up of New York, Paris and Milan, followed by a sneaky peak at next season’s trends.

It was the final day for women’s ready-to-wear at London Fashion Week today. It was a dizzy day of the very best of London fashion, with some our best exports walking the catwalk today. That meant fashion royalty was in town, with Anna Wintour putting in an appearance. You can smell the mixture of fashion and fear in the air… bliss.

Ashish kicked off the day with his usual sparkly sequins. The vibe this season was a little bit grungy, a little bit granny chic. With sequin striped pyjamas and sequin cricket jumpers it was certainly kooky. Teddy bear prints adorned trousers whilst slinky wet look sequins sexed things up. It was a mixed show with some great key pieces.

What do you get if you cross leather, fur and orange? Peter Pilotto’s Autumn/Winter 2010 show. With soft prints and delicate chiffon dresses, Peter Pilotto’s show was a wonder of abstract lines and patchwork fabrics. There was a vintage feel to this collection, the grey and redcurrant dresses stole the show, with the orange and marble print a close second.

Basso & Brooke (main image) followed with their beautiful array of prints. Jumping from multi-colour creations to monochrome delights, the prints were at their very best. You can never really describe a Basso & Brooke print as there is just so much going on, but due to their skill with tonal colours you never feel overwhelmed. The swirl print monochrome dress and floor length dresses were our personal highlights, but with sumptuous colours from chocolate to turquoise to orange to purple, there were few pieces not to love. A special mention should go to the silk hooded top, a statement look that is sure to spark a trend.

Continuing the sci-fi trend, Krystof Strozyna’s presentation was held today. Krystof Strozyna has always had a very angular approach to fashion, and there seems no better season to be angular in than AW10. The nude and black pieces were particularly striking, and the pointy shoulder jacket was very sexy. Also feeling colour, there was fuchsia and orange on show. A nice collection.

Key looks:

• Orange
• Prints
• Angular lines

Check back for more fashion week coverage of Day 5 Part 2. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof

It’s the last day of women’s at fashion week today, before everyone jets off to Milan. But first we need to round up the second part of day four.

Jaeger London was a wearable yet stylish range. It was a moody palette of blacks, charcoals and plums with hints of tan. There were many strong pieces in this show, the trousers were gorgeous. The majority of styles this season have been dresses, but Jaeger London bucked the trend by sending wonderful array of suede, velvet and cashmere trousers down the catwalk. Other key pieces included the tan leather jacket, the cocoon coat and the fab kimono dress pictured above. A great range for wardrobe musts.

Marios Schwab is having a rather busy season, now being the designer behind Halston Marios Schwab has to doubly impress. His show, was mixed, there were some really strong pieces, but some were not so attention grabbing. Also going for a 19^th Century influence, there was lace up bodices and a modern take on period styles. The length was short and the palette a mix of grey, black, teal, navy and red. There were some interesting cuts, and some nice lines, but it wasn’t as breathtaking as other shows this season.

Paul Smith followed with a vibrant collection. From bright cobalt to orange and postbox red, dark charcoals were lifted. In a similar vein to Paul Costello the look was sexy country chic. Capes, baker boy hats and pencil skirts sat alongside pvc dresses and ripped fish net tights. There were some chic separates, the blazers being particularly striking, but it was the floral 50s style dresses that we want.

Pringle of Scotland was a more sombre affair, with a collection comprising of grey, black and stone. Slouchy trousers were paired with equally slouchy knits, and knee length pleated dresses look great with the ankle boots. Knitwear is going to be huge for AW10, and you can’t go far wrong with a Pringle knit, the dresses were our favourites.

Pam Hogg showed last night with Alice Dellal walking, and Jamie Winstone and Peaches Geldof in attendance. Pam Hogg is all about rockstar style, unfortunately that makes the majority of it unwearable. The other problem is that, Pam Hogg’s style is usually very individual and appeals to a particular niche, but with sci-fi becoming a clear trend for AW10 we are forced to compare with the other designers working this look. Sadly, Pam Hogg cannot compete with the Louise Goldin’s of this world. There were some strong pieces however, the red mini dress and black body worked, but on the whole it lacked a certain something.

In a completely different style, Markus Lupfer held his presentation. Markus Lupfer is the man who does the quirky knitwear; simple jumpers with fabulous motifs. The presentation saw a broadening of his range with some great rouche leggings and motorbike-esque trousers. The tartan worked well, and the cream rouched dress was one of the highlights. We do of course still love the knitwear, the lips jumper, ‘Sunday Best’ jumper and the floral scribble cardigan were serious highlights.

Key looks:

• Knitwear
• Grey
• Velvet

Check back for more fashion week coverage. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof

We’re heading towards the finale of London Fashion Week, but we’re not done yet. Today was cold, wet and not a great day for fashionistas, but come rain or shine you can’t keep us away from those catwalks.

First show of the day was Nicole Farhi. Over the past couple of seasons Nicole Farhi has had a complete design turnaround, from the designer whose jumpers your grandmother buys, to seriously stylish, high fashion pieces. This season saw another stylish collection. It was however a collection of two stories, the demure and the sexy. The demure saw gorgeous camel coats and simple figure-skimming silk dresses. The sexy was very sexy, patent leather dresses and coats, a wet look slinky fabric was seen throughout, and a red leather pencil skirt was seriously hot. One of the highlights of the show was a great hot pink floral print cord dress. This was a show to please Nicole Farhi fans and attract some new ones as well.

From one sexy show to another, Antonio Berardi followed Nicole Farhi with a collection for every aspiring femme fatale. If you love Roland Mouret (and who doesn’t?) then you will adore this collection from. The silhouettes were finely tailored to flatter a woman’s figure, and the velvet floor length gowns were made to turn heads. It was a stunning show.

Osman’s show was a colourful wearable collection. The shocking pink was a luscious shade, and the oversized envelope clutch bags were wonderful. The floor length navy draped dresses were statuesque, but our personal highlight was the dove grey leather dress (pictured). Some strong pieces.

There aren’t many designers who can blend florals, with lace and leather, and pull off a stunning collection, but then not many designers are Christopher Kane. This collection doesn’t have the same easy, wearability factor as his Spring/Summer 2010 gingham range, but the jackets are worth investing in if you don’t feel up to a leather dress. With an oriental theme, the florals are delicate against the tough leather, and toughened femininity is just one theme we can’t resist.

You can always count on Roksanda Ilincic to bring glamour to London Fashion Week. Her collection had a strong 1930s look, and a distinctly Prada feel. Hemlines were mid calf to full length and the fabrics; satin silks and cashmere wools. This was a very grown up collection and perfect for those looking to add some serious glamour to their look. We particularly liked the oyster shades.

Beautiful, decadent, delightful; these are just three of the words which we would describe Erdem’s show as being. It was  a show-stopping display of their trademark prints over a range of equally amazing dresses and separates. The swallow print was our personal favourite, but if we’re being honest, there wasn’t one piece we didn’t love. The whole look just seemed so natural, and so 2010.

Key looks:

• 1930s glamour
• Leather
• Prints

Check back for more fashion week coverage and Day 4 Part 2. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof

All this fashion is making us giddy, here’s the round up of day three, part two.

Meadham Kirchoff’s show was a homage to Courtney Love, and it was a bizarre mix of glitzy grunge. Bright colours, boho lengths, and lots of layering. This was a far cry from Meadham Kirchoff’s usual understated designs. There were some nice pieces, but there was far too much going on to be able to concentrate on any particular style. A confused show.

You would be excused for thinking that Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label show was actually a spring collection. Zingy orange and pink tartans, and bright prints felt light and summery. It was of course a political statement and the theme was an anti-global warming campaign. The clothes and message were true to the Vivienne Westwood style, and there were some really strong pieces; the black peacoat, the silk shirt dress and the leopard print strapless dress were just three of our favourites.

Twenty8Twelve was a star studded affair, it was a presentation rather than a catwalk show, which saw models posing on stages dressed as 18^th Century parlour rooms. There was of course the famous designers Sienna Miller and her sister Savannah Miller, Matthew Williamson dropped by to lend his support, and Twiggy, Jameela Jamil and Pixie Lott were in attendance. As for the clothes, they were the wearable styles we’ve come to love. Highlights included a great black velvet mini dress, which had a low back, the knitwear was gorgeous and the heart pendants were divine. Twenty8Twelve is about stylish wearability, and it ticked both boxes.

Mulberry was also in a summer mood (see main image), and had a really strong jungle theme. Gorgeous leopard print shades sat beautifully in bold violet shades. These were followed by a stunning neutral and camel story which led onto moody charcoals. It goes without saying that we want all the bags, and we have our eye on the super soft violet leather jacket. Fun and wearable.

Key looks:

• Leather
• Colour: pink, purple & orange
• leopard print

Check back for more fashion week coverage. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof

We cannot even begin to describe how hectic today has been. With thoughts drifting between fashion and the BAFTAs, it’s been rather on the crazy side. The celebrities have been out enforce, and only moments ago we were rubbing shoulders with the likes of Matthew Williamson, Jameela Jamil, Pixie Lott, Twiggy and Sienna Miller at the Twenty8Twelve presentation, but more about that later. Let’s start at the beginning.

First show of the day was British institution Betty Jackson. A woman with huge creativity we always look forward to her shows. Key pieces included the floral jumpsuit, and the leather cocoon dress. The cord harem trousers however, are probably best left for spindly long legs. We were really loving the use of orange,  a hot colour for Autumn/Winter 2010.

Fashion darling Richard Nicoll was up next with a softly tailored collection. It was a stunning show, with gorgeous greys, moody blues and wonderful rusts. Velvet was a key feature, as was the maxi length. The jackets will certainly be on the top of every girl’s wish list. A good show.

Alexa Chung was front row for Margaret Howell’s collection, and we can see why. The whole look was very Alexa, duffle coats and a geek chic vibe. A very soft palette, stone and neutral shades were followed with charcoal and hits of tomato red. Some really wearable, natural pieces.

Now onto one of our favourite designers, Matthew Williamson. This was a glorious show, bright cobalt blues, an intense hot pink cocoon coat, as well as nude shades and a decadent bronze. It was indeed a show of colour, and there was plenty of prints and draping to keep us entertained. From simple shift dresses to stunning floor length gowns, there was something in this show for everyone, truly divine.

It’s on to Todd Lynn, who rather surprisingly had Janet Jackson sitting in his front row. This show was the polar opposite to Matthew Williamson, this was all about straight simplicity and incredible tailored. The silhouettes were powerful, and bring hope to those who cannot bear to part with their shoulder pads just yet. The leather jackets were a particular highlight.

Following the structured look, Louise Goldin’s show was truly space age. With Star Trek-esque lines, it was all very futuristic. There are not many who can pull off oversized pointy hips, but we are certainly willing to give it a try.

We normally associate Julien MacDonald with sequins and evening gowns, but this collection was short and sassy with some fab cocoon coats. MacDonald seemed to be continuing the trend for underwear as outerwear, and many of the pieces had a lingerie feel. Once more nudes and midnight blues, do we sense a trend?

Aquascutum was certainly working the trend for maxi lengths, with fitted maxi suits being sent down the runway. The look was actually rather glamorous, and the leather jumpsuit added an edge to the collection.

The presentations were particularly good today, Eley Kishimoto had their fun trademark prints on show. The cute shift dresses might not be particularly groundbreaking, but we can’t resist an Eley Kishimoto print, a perfect winter day pick-me-up.

Clements Ribeiro’s presentation also had a nice feel to it. With brocade, swirl prints and embellished cardigans it was wearable decadence at its best. A really consumer friendly collection, it’s the boots that we were lusting after.

Future Classics was the surprise hit of the day. The photographic print dresses were gorgeous, and the polka dot deconstructed tea-dresses were really lovely. There was a very Opening Ceremony style to the range, and Future Classics could be the next cool kid label of choice.

Wow, could we have fitted anymore in? Actually yes, check back for our write ups for Twenty8Twelve, Vivienne Westwood, and more.

Key looks:

• Cocoon coats
• Draping
• Maxi lengths
• Light & bright shades
• Fur
• Leather

Check back for more fashion week coverage and part two. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof

With so many designers and so many fabulous looks, we can already feel the bruised and battered bank account. Here’s our run down of the rest of the shows from day two of London Fashion Week:

Mark Fast has jumped from fashion obscurity to controversial designer, within the last two seasons. The controversy comes from Fast’s decision to use ‘plus’ or should we say ‘normal’ size models. But we are not here to judge the models. Mark Fast is all about sexy body con knits, and this season was no exception, however his draped cashmere silk pieces were a gorgeous addition. The palette was divine; mushroom, dove grey and midnight blue. This season was really strong, although still very tight, the dresses felt less revealing and much more wearable. A good show.

Mary Katrantzou followed with her colourful array of graphic prints. Firstly, her prints are gorgeous, they’re bold and they’re abstract, and the cuts are really strong. But, it feels like we’ve seen this all before. Graphic prints on structured dresses seem to be everywhere, and after a while they all blend into one. Katrantzou certainly has skill, but her designs have become famous because they fulfil the current zeitgeist, which could in turn end up being a hindrance.

Up next was fashion journalist turned designer Henry Holland, designer of House of Holland. You may remember the trend for slogan t-shirts a few years ago, that was him, and since then he has been creating fashion collections loved by an army of celebrity followers. Last season the theme was Pantone colour cards, this season it was all abit strange. The purple leather dress pictured was the strongest look of the show. The collection consisted of a sketch paisley print and lots of stripes, some of them fluffy. The mint green and purple colour palette was nice, but the overall look wasn’t very strong. It didn’t feel consistent or exciting.

Back to the Topshop show space, and Ann Sofie Back took to the catwalks once more. Her style has a deconstructed feel, and this show was no exception. Lots of holes and rips, and a surprising amount of bare midriffs for a winter collection. This will please Ann Sofie Back fans, but for the average fashion lover it failed to impress.

PPQ was all about black and gold. PPQ has a strong celebrity following which can often make you question whether it’s the celebrities or the designs, which have made the brand what it is. This season had more structure to the designs and the whole look was stronger. We weren’t completely taken with the fringing detail but the little and long black dresses looked chic and wearable. The logo print cardigan is sure to please fans, but it’s the tux playsuit (pictured) that we want.

Holly Fulton was one of the surprise hits of the day. She’s a newcomer to the fashion set and is already causing quite a buzz. Her look consists of strong shapes, and architectural prints. Imagine a geometry book filled with doodles and you’ve got the Holly Fulton vibe. Her clothes are fun, wearable and she’s definitely one to watch.

What a day…

Key looks:

• Pale shades: mint, nude, apricot, grey
• Long lengths: maxi and knee lengths
• Prints: graphic prints

Check back for more fashion week coverage and part two. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof

Day one was hectic, day two manic, we were rushed off our feet, but thankfully wore block heels, so no terrible foot aches for us. It was a star studded day with Little Boots, Nicola Roberts, Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo being just a few of the celebs doing the very fashionable rounds (check out our twitter page for our pic of the gorgeous Olivia Palermo).

The shows today were mixed, and there were a number of surprises of the day, so let’s get started on our round up of day two.

Kinder Aggugini’s last show was a fantastical affair with the invites depicting a rather scary Snow White, and the clothes resembling something from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. This isn’t to say they were bad, but rather they were more suited to a couture catwalk. This season saw a much more wearable collection. There was a 1930s feel to the designs, but with a modern edge. The mohair dresses and oversized knits were really strong, and the military style coats a must. It was a clean and stylish show.

Charles Anastase was another matter, fashion folk expect great things from this designer, but this show sadly lacked a certain wow factor. It felt disjointed, and there appeared to be a nostalgic 70s vibe but that seemed to get lost against the more bizarre creations (see centre image above).

Emilio de la Morena in contrast, was a stunning show. Mid lengths and graphic prints were seen here, and a gorgeous array of blues and nudes. Some pieces worked better than others; the knit dress and parka lacked a certain something, but the printed dresses were particularly strong.

Topshop Unique got in touch with its wild side, in a woodland inspired show. With Luella no longer, this was the closest we have seen to her quirky take on girly fashion. This was a surprisingly good show, the extra long squirrel cardigan is a top of our wish list, whilst the cable knit socks were perfection. Sometimes a show is all about a certain attitude and this show felt cool yet a little eccentric and we were really feeling that. We predict that country style will be big for AW10.

Fashion East took place today, which showcased three designers. Heikki Salonen produced well tailored unusual designs, whilst Michael Van der Ham (pictured centre) was much more feminine with a colourful mix of fabrics. Nasir Mazhar however produced a range of what can only be described as bondage style club wear, lots of leather, lots of flesh, not very much style.

Louise Gray was one of the presentations today, and it was a very colourful affair indeed. The theme was quilting and some pieces were truly bizarre, a furry jacket being one in particular, other pieces were fun and wearable. Models dressed in the outfits danced around the room, whilst the clothes were hung on boards with head slots (think Brighton beach) and stick figure bodies drawn onto the boards. Louise Gray’s vision for AW10 is clearly one big party, let’s hope we’re invited.

Key looks:

• Colour: Loads of colour
• Country glamour
• Dramatic knitwear

Phew, we’re exhausted…

Check back for more fashion week coverage and part two. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof

It was a very action packed day, and here’s our round up of the other top shows from day one of Fashion Week.

Jena.Theo (pictured main image), this design duo are the latest fashion darling, having won the very prestigious Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden, we were eager to see their work for ourselves. Thankfully, they did not disappoint, there was just the right mix of wearability and avant-garde design. Wonders were done with mohair knits, and the billowing maxi dresses looked superb. The mix of blacks with shades of blue and greys was divine. Highlights were the butter soft leather jacket (pictured top left) and the prints, which were reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood, a great show.

It was then onto Felder Felder who shared the catwalk with Hannah Marshall and Jean-Pierre Braganza. We are huge fans of the Felder sisters, their look is girly rock chick and they always create stunning pieces. This season was no exception, girly full skirts were made of leather, and rosettes were given a cheeky twist. There were some pieces which were not as strong as others, the GaGa-esque pants failed to capture the imagination, but the rest of the collection was strong. The longer length styles and skater dresses were highlights.

Hannah Marshall was really working fashion’s love affair with shoulder pads. Her look was boxy and angular, in a similar vein to Balmain. There were some real key pieces here, the body con velvet numbers are sure to become a celeb favourite, whilst the leather dresses also had a real wow factor. The trusty jumpsuit was spotted here and looks set to retain as a strong look for AW10.

Jean-Pierre Braganza was slightly more understated, and brought us our first sighting of plum. Graphic prints were also a key feature here, and worked well on Peter Pilotto style dresses. Jean-Pierre Braganza also went for a more angular style with exaggerated shoulders and cut out detailing.

It was all about monochrome at Sass & Bide, with the jeans brand sending only one pair of jeans down the catwalk. It was a dramatic, and sexy collection, leather dresses, strong shoulders, skin tight dresses and a strong focus on the woman’s body. It’s sure to please Sass & Bide fans.

On/Off Presents, is meant to be the show to see, because this is where stars are spotted, such as sexy knitwear designer Mark Fast. Unfortunately trying to get information about which collection is whose, hinders this somewhat. Instead you’re faced with a four different looks from four different designers. Samantha Cole’s designs (pictured above, third image) were the most promising with a skill for quilted styles and padded leather her work has a certain promise. Txell Miras looked polish but wasn’t particularly revolutionary; Mr & Mr, was fine for fashionista men, but for men hoping to be stylish this was OTT. Whilst Derek Lawlor’s trademark coils are creative, and have a similar appeal as Mark Fast’s knits.

We are shattered, what a busy day, we expect day two to be just as crazy.

Key looks:

• Maxi lengths
• Graphic prints
• Exaggerated shoulders

Check back for more fashion week coverage and part two. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof