You'd better watch out.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

For me today has involved indulging in a delicious dinner, slogging out infront of the TV and exchanging presents with my Mum. We've actually just got back from a trip up to Trafalgar Square to see the big Christmas tree and take a walk (trying to burn off the mammoth dinner!). I won't post my outfit of what I wore today as I've been lounging around in track pants, a tee shirt and wool cardigan. I wanted to share my outfit with you which I wore for some Christmas Eve festivities last night with friends. I treated myself last week to the crystal Lobster necklace from Tatty Devine and OMG how gorgeous is it? Definitely my new favourite thing.

Necklace: Tatty Devine

Dress: ASOS

Wedges: New Look

I must has done something right this year as Santa was VERY good to me. My sack of presents included a new digital camera, mini tripod AND the crystal Miu Miu trainers (SQUEAL!) more on those later this week.

I hope you've all had a fabulous day and I just also wanted to thank everyone for reading These Girls Turn Heads. I've had some amazing opportunities this year through running this blog and have a few in the pipeline for 2012. For now though it's time for Eastenders and Ab Fab!

THAT Topshop jumper and THAT Zara bag.

I've been reading so many blogs recently referring to the blogger's "uniform". The YSL Arty ring (or a copy of, like moi), a Mulberry Alexa bag (yes, I'm guilty) and pleated maxi skirts (we won't even go there on how many I own again). Now wherever I look EVERYONE seems to have THAT Zara bucket bag and more recently the knitted pastel Topshop jumper.

I bought the Zara bag a few months ago in Westfield and fell in love with it. The only annoying thing is there's no pockets inside so I spend ages everyday searching for various things. It's big enough for everything, folders for work, a change of clothes, a small dog? (I joke) Originally I picked up the tan version but I'm actually quite glad my Mum persuaded me to go with the red as I haven't seen too many people with that colour. I'm actually really liking the faux crocodile one too but not sure I can justify another £80 odd on another handbag.

I wore this outfit yesterday to have Sunday lunch. This Topshop jumper is beautiful and so warm. Alot of people have told me how much it compliments my skin tone and pastel yellow (or any kind of yellow for that matter) isn't a colour I normally wear. Again, teamed with my Marks and Spencer khaki maxi skirt (which FYI has actually completely ripped on the under skirt. Think it's through me wearing it so much but I can't bare to throw it away).

Jumper: Topshop

Skirt: Marks and Spencer

Boots: Topshop

Rings: Accessorize and H'n'M

Necklace: Accessorize

Bag: Zara

Excuse the towel in the background!

The jumper actually comes in a pastel pink as well, and what with me going to Frankfurt for NYE for a few days I think it's only fair I buy the other colour - it is going to be FREEZING!

The Ellos Blouse.

So I found my camera!

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely people at Brit Bloggers about reviewing an item for them from One Stop Plus and obviously I jumped at the chance. To be honest I wasn't THAT familiar with the site and presumed it was really similar to Evans - full of frumpy, shapeless clothing that I wouldn't really like. I was given the choice of picking an item off the site and wanted to opt for something I don't really wear that much but could style up and put a twist on. I looked through the jeans section (as I NEVER wear jeans) even though I've asked for some from Santa this year but I'm way to fussy when it comes to jeans, so opted for a blouse instead. There are only 2 shirts/blouses in my wardrobe. My favourite one is a sheer coral one from New Look which is years old, but the collar never sits right and I always find it difficult to really know what to wear underneath it. After carefully going through the site I chose the Ellos Blouse.

What attracted me to this straight away was the ribbon collar and lace detailing around the neck line. When it arrived I noticed there was a loop hidden under the collar that held the ribbon in place (brownie points already) but it wasn't stitched down onto the shirt so could put your own ribbon through if you fancied a change.

The fit was absolutely perfect. I got my normal size, but actually think I could have gone down a size too  as it did come up quite big. I loved the sleeve length on this - perfect for the cold weather as it was quite a thick cotton material. The next time I wear it I think I'm going to try it with jeans (that's if Santa drops any down the chimney) as the length was perfect coming just below the bum.

I wore this with my black maxi skirt from Style369 and some grey wool tights - felt I bit like I belonged back in the Victorian era!

Shirt: With thanks to OneStopPlus

Skirt: Style 369

Bath ring: Topshop

Other Jewellery: Urban Outfitters and Primark

I completed the outfit with a faux fur stole and leather jacket from Primark to go to Winter Wonderland and actually took the tights off. MASSIVE MISTAKE! I was absolutely freezing.

Me and the lovely Jinny

Bag: Mulberry Alexa

I've got to give a massive thumbs up to One Stop Plus for having, maybe just the most beautiful blouse I've ever owned and I actually think £29.99 is so reasonable. Whilst going through the site I did actually find a couple of other bits I may just have to purchase, including this long backed blouse.

What do you guys think? I think this would well really well as workwear too for the office and yet is a perfect day to night item to add with jeans and a big pair of wedges.

Thanks to OneStopPlus UK - I'll definitely be visiting again.

And the obsession continues.

So here's the deal; seem to have misplaced my camera somewhere in the house hence the lack of posts. I know I know, excuses excusess but I am telling the truth and I've also been majorly busy with our SS12 Press Day at work, which I may add was a huge success. I got to meet some of my favourite bloggers (Lara, Clare, Jazmine, Olivia, Abi, Ashanti, Rosie plus many more) and have REAL LIFE conversations as oppose to tweeting or leaving comments on each others blogs.

So onto the obsession. Pleated maxi skirts. I'm so glad that I'm still seeing girls swanning down Bond Street in this horrible cold weather in maxi skirts. I live and breathe in these and have done since the Summer. Recently I paid a visit to Marks and Spencer (my secret haunt at the moment for finding some hidden gems. Ok, not so secret but you know...) and picked up a sparkly gold pleated maxi skirt. Part of their Limited Collection and only £35, how could I resist? I feel so Christmassy when I wear it and am currently looking for an amazing sparkly, reindeer covered jumper to wear with it. Due to the lost camera situation I took some photos with my iphone of me in it which unfortunately doesn't really do the skirt justice as you can't see the sparkle but here's hoping my camera turns up soon.

David Bowie T-shirt: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Marks and Spencer

Gold Converse

Necklace: Primark

Seeing as payday crept up on me again last week I decided it was about time to purchase the Mawi for Disney Couture ring from ASOS that I've wanted since forever. I saw Kelly Rowland wearing it on the X-Factor a while ago and it looked lovely on her (what doesn't look good on KR though!). I also spotted this joint bracelet ring from Urban Outfitters whilst browsing online too.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know I had some colour put into my hair this week. My hair seriously annoys me most of the time and anyone with curly Afro hair - I truly feel your pain with having to maintain it. I had it treated, cut and colour put in all for £125 at a quirky hairdressers in Kensal Rise called Funky Colour. I basically wanted it the same as Rihanna's with the caramel colour she has. Everyone seems to like it so far and I truly am embracing the 'fro!

I managed to make it to the Mulberry sample sale last week too. (My very first designer sample sale!) you can really tell the difference between women who are sample sales pros and those of us who aren't. It took place at the Music Rooms on South Molton Lane and truly was elbows at dawn!! There were loads of leopard print Alexa bags (still quite expensive though) menswear, womenswear, laptop cases, purses, jewellery and shoes - Mulberry HEAVEN. I managed to pick up a patent laptop case for £45 (which I'll be using as a clutch) and a lovely pink and lime green striped jumper for £15 (blog post to come!).

Studs, a bit of vintage and the Company Awards

I first saw these Topshop slipper studs on Clare a while ago and needed them in my life. I opted for the burgundy colour - perfectly suited to Autumn and love the gold studs on them. I actually wore this outfit last weekend but as usual, haven't had a chance to post it until now. To be honest I was a bit unsure about all the prints together but it's all about experimenting and clashing right? My fur belonged to my Mum's great Aunt, who passed it onto my Mum and then onto me. I love it and always seem to get alot of compliments.

Jacket - Primark

Top - Dorothy Perkins

Skirt - Vintage section of Urban Outfitters

Jewellery - Love, Hearts and Crosses

Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that I also attended the Company Magazine Awards at Shoreditch House last week. Company is one of my favourite magazines and I think their fashion pages are amazing. Affordable and full of ideas and inspiration. I was attending on behalf of work had such a fun night. We drank Moscow Mules as Gemma Cairney presented the awards to high street brands. When I first arrived I noticed Pixie Lott and her (hot!) boyfriend walk past - she actually ended up winning an award for her range with Lipsy and as she walked through the crowd I asked for a photo. She was BEAUTIFUL. And made me feel like a toad (lol) but she seemed so nice and down to earth and happily posed for a snap.

I was actually papped for the Evans blog whilst at the awards. I've never had anything like that happen before so it was really lovely when their Social Media Co-ordinator approached me and complimented my outfit. I didn't think it would make it onto their blog, but yesterday I had a little peek and there I was!!  They were super lovely in how they described what I was wearing to and how it flattered my shape - so thank you Evans! 

Top - Topshop

Jacket - Rokit

Skirt - H'n'M

Wedges - New Look

Bag - Mulberry Alexa

You can see the full feature here; 

http://blog.evans.co.uk/2011/11/09/evans-best-plus-size-company-fashion-awards-2011/

The Sparkling Shoe

For the 5th year running Dune is collaborating with the Teenage Cancer Trust to lauch the ultimate 'Sparkling' party shoe. This pink glitter bomb shell will be sure to turn some heads (see what I did there?!) during party season and add ultimate glamour to an LBD.

The shoe is priced at £90 with £50 of every shoe going towards the TCT and available in all Dune stores nationwide from November 11th.

From TCT:
Every day six teenagers are told they have cancer. Teenage Cancer Trust believes young people shouldn’t stop being teenagers just because they have cancer. So the charity builds units in NHS hospitals that offer young people specialist care, bringing them together so they can support each other in an environment suited to their needs.



As well as specialist units, Teenage Cancer Trust also funds a number of services all with the same goal – to help young people fight cancer. These include clinical and research staff, an education programme for schools, family support networks and an annual conference for young cancer patients in Nottingham.

Also, to celebrate the launch, Dune is running a competition on their Facebook and Twitter to win a pair of Sparkling Shoes signed by Nicola Roberts - get entering and start donating!

The Party Dress Issue. No 1.

Sorry I've been MIA as of late. My new job is well and truly keeping me on my toes! Anyway, I went for a browse after work along Oxford Street last night and already the crowds are out in force doing their Christmas shopping. As much as I dread Oxford Street in the lead up to the big day, there's no denying how beautiful it is and I'm rather excited that my office is in the West End so I can soak up the best of the Christmas season. Selfridges already have their lights up and M&S are preparing for the big 'switch on' with The Saturday's in a week or so.

I've decided, starting today, to do a weekly round up of the best dresses for the party season, to hopefully inspire you guys for all the upcoming dinners, parties and celebrations that will take place over the next 2 months. First up, Coast. Not a range I'd usually be drawn to in all honesty but their Christmas collection is to die for and if you're looking to invest in a dress that will see you through party after party, this is the place to shop.

The more sequins the better I say for the festive season and Coast are mixing these with beautiful chiffons and metallics. Best worn with black platforms and a bit of in-yo-face bling - best way to P.A.R.T.Y.

 Elita Maxi Dress £180

Florrisa Dress £160

 Florrisa Maxi Dress £175

Perla Sequin Dress £195

All dresses are available in sizes 8-18 and will go on sale through exclusive in store preview events at 6pm on November 3rd. Please see www.coast-stores.com for further details.

Seeing Stars.

Today has been amazing. Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that I've been waiting for some news with regards to a job interview I had last week. I can honestly tell you, I don't think I've wanted anything more than this job. After being unemployed for 8 months and a few knockbacks I was seriously doubting whether I should give up in fashion industry altogether. But, I ploughed through and good news, I GOT THE JOB. So exciting. The job is actually where I've been interning on and off for the past four months and is my first 'real' PR Assistant role. I had a similar role when I worked for a company last year but my main job there was as a Social Media Co-ordinator so it feels amazing to actually be doing something now that I'm passionate about.

I've been in contact recently with a few of my Twitter followers who have asked for some advice when it comes to interning. I've been a PR intern for a good few years now and can honestly say interning is the way in. Sure some days all you're doing is returns, making tea and running here there and everywhere but both my previous job and this job have come from me having internships within the companies - it pays off! Make yourself stand out, offer to do jobs that you may not necessarily want to do because speaking from experience it really does get you noticed. Anyway, enough of my preaching! Here's what I wore today. My lovely Mum took me for breakfast at The Wolseley which I was not expecting at all. Lovely surprise and a good day all round. Oh, I can finally introduce you to my new Mulberry Alexa bag too. A long time coming but it's finally in my hands.

This star print t-shirt is from Dorothy Perkins and fits so nicely. It has a cute zip detail at the back too. I first saw it on Nicolette (who totally rocks it with her Miu Miu glasses by the way) I put mine together with my khaki maxi skirt and gold converse.

A really cheeseballs photo of me outside The Wolseley this morning...

Jacket: Primark

Star print top: Dorothy Perkins

Maxi skirt: Marks and Spencer

Pumps: Converse

Necklace: Claire's Accessories

Bag: Mulberry

Rings: From a selection at Accessorize, Dorothy Perkins, Forever 21 & Boots

Inspiration from AW Edits.

I'm a sucker for magazines. Aren't we all? I actually dread to think about how much of my money goes on buying magazines. As well as my dose of weeklies (Grazia and Look obviously) I also subscribe to Vogue and Elle. But my favourites always come in the form of the seasonal AW and SS edit magazines. They feel like the ultimate style bibles and I often spend my time jotting notes, ripping out pages and reading word for word to find some style inspiration for the upcoming season.

Company magazine AW11 Edits is fabulous this year. The perfect guide for your must-haves for the season. I've read over it many times, circling the items I want to get. The AW Edit included a section called 'Happy Fashion Families' where Company gave us a complete guide of how to dress like our favourite fashion families. The Kardashians, The Beckhams, The Middletons (not really a style I'll be stealing I have to say) and The Olsens. Mary Kate and Ashley are two of my ultimate style icons and one of Company's features in this get-the-look was this stunning dress from Monsoon which I obviously had to have!

I love this dress. The cut, the colour, the tie-dye effect and the sleeves. Yes it has sleeves because as we all know my bingo wings rarely make an appearance. I went out last night and teamed it with my new leather jacket from Primark and leopard print boots. Must admit, I was a bit unsure about the clashing prints but it seemed to work - what do you guys think?

Personally I reckon I'm well on my way to becoming part of the Olsen clan! I'm looking forward to wearing this dress with tights and some wedges or some knee high flat boots for when the cold weather REALLY sets in. The Courtney Dress is available online and in store now at £85.

Dress: With thanks to Monsoon

Clutch: Giles Deacon for New Look

Leather Jacket: Primark

Boots: Topshop

Cuff: H'n'M

Rings: From a selection at Dorothy Perkins, Forever 21, Boots & Accessorize

Cross necklace: Forever 21

Something to confess.

I am not a shoe person. Shoes really don't interest me. If could spend everyday in ballet pumps then I would but a girl has got to mix it up a bit. I think it may be partly because I have big feet (size 9 to be exact) and for most of my teenage years I found it incredibly hard to find nice shoes that fit these boats on the end of my legs. Luckily now, most retailers go up to a 42/9 - yes Topshop and New Look I am nodding my head to you and giving you a MASSIVE thumbs up.

However my "shoes don't really interest me" line is no longer relevant for I have discovered the Miu Miu Glitter Ankle Boots.

I am completely obsessing over these. I've been checking the Net-a-Porter website a few times every week for the past god knows how long to make sure they are still in my size. Yep, these beauties are available in a UK9 I'll have you know. I don't think I've ever felt this way about a pair of shoes since I purchased a pair of Melissa/Vivienne Westwood jelly ballet pumps.

Seriously I NEED these shoes. The detailing on them is just beautiful and I can tell they'd just go perfectly with everything in my wardrobe. Who doesn't love a glitter heel? I'm particularly liking the curve detail of the heel and the peep toe AND the buckle strap AND, okay I need to breathe.

Small problem, they are £555. However, I do have a job interview tomorrow (I may add this is my dream job) so if all goes well, first paycheck I'm going to treat myself to these (permitting they are still on the website, which they WILL be)

So there we have it. My confession. I am completely head-over-heels in love with a pair of shoes and it's like nothing I've ever felt before. I'm sure once we are acquainted it will be the beginning of something beautiful. Now the question is, which colour?

I took a trip Stateside...

Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that last week I spent five days in fabulous Sin City aka LAS VEGAS! (Extremely sorry if you're feed was littered with "OMG I'M GOING TO VEGAS. YES I'M GOING TO VEGAS. INCASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW I'M GOING TO VEGAS".

Anyway, as I've been such a bad blogger of late, I thought I'd share a few holiday snaps and outfits with you. The weather was unbelievably hot there but it did rain the first couple of mornings which in all honesty was a blessing as it didn't make the air outside seem so stuffy. I also celebrated my 25th birthday whilst being there and was treated to champagne, the biggest birthday cake I've ever seen, a stretch limo and a party at Surrender with LMFAO - yep, best birthday EVER. My friends are pretty amazing.

We stayed at Luxor hotel which is just on the end of the strip next to Excalibar and Manadalay Bay. If you're ever visiting Vegas I would without a doubt recommend the Luxor (which FYI is home to LAX nightclub, where we did spend one night partying with Coolio) the rooms were beautiful and fit in with the Egyptian theme that ran through the hotel. The Luxor is located right on the strip so we were central to everything and managed to visit all the casinos of most of the popular hotels on the strip. I'm already planning my visit again for next Summer as I am in serious holiday slump mode at the moment.

I was planning to visit some of the vintage shops that Carrie mentioned that are hidden away in Vegas but didn't have time. I did however manage to clear out most of the Forever21+ range in the Forever 21 in the Fashion Mall. I will share my purchases with you another time.

Metallic t-shirt: Dorothy Perkins

Collar: Primark

Black Pleated Maxi: Style369

Earrings: Primark

Floppy Hat: Primark

Red Pleated Maxi: Primark

Kimono: Primark

Tee: Uniqlo

Necklace: Claire's Accessories

Rings: From a selection at H&M, Boots and Accessorize

Bag: Alphabet Bags

Maxi: Primark

Kimono: River Island

Clutch: Topshop

Earrings: Primark

Necklace: Accessorize

Kimono: Forever21

Tee: Gap

Rings: New Look and Forever 21

As above.

Skirt: Marks and Spencer

Lips Clutch: Topshop

Yep, randomly bumped into Imogen Thomas outside Chanel who wished me a Happy Birthday!

Maxi: H&M

Kimono: Topshop

Kimono: Forever21

Top: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Wedges: New Look

Extremely-over-the-top Feather Eyelashes: Sephora

Overall I took about 301 photos of the whole holiday and as much as I'd love to share them all with you I have a feeling you may get bored. But here's one last one just to sum up the trip.

Gold Label at TKMaxx

Imagine being able to go through Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe. Are you picturing it? Trawling through rails and rails of beautiful dresses from some of the world’s most fabulous designers. Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I looked through the TKMaxx Gold Label collection. Instead of the New York back drop though I have a dreary Hammersmith King’s Street in London, however that doesn’t spoil the fun of being able to play dress up and drowning in designer luxury.

The thing is, you have to take your time with TKMaxx because you might just miss that one gem that’s waiting amongst the other clothing. Believe me, you will find something beautiful. For example I picked up two Lanvin mesh detailed t-shirts that were hidden amongst a pile of DKNY shirts priced at £60 with a RRP of over £100 – bargain!

You’ll find all sorts of designers in store: Emilio Pucci, Moschino, Luella, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace and Marc Jacobs (these were just a tiny few of those I came across) Don’t be fooled by the sizing either – it’s all about being able to make things work for you. As a plus size I would pick up all sorts of sizing of items I thought might work – for example the below Jean Paul Gaultier fringed cape dress below and the Lanvin t-shirts were marked at a size 14 and they fit perfectly!

A few other items that grabbed my attention:

Manoush Sequin Blazer

Moshino Cheap and Chic Polka Dot Dress: RRP £960. TKMaxx £169.99



Blumarine Sequin Bomber Jacket: RRP £550. TKMaxx: £399.99

Jean Paul Gautier Dress (I think this was around the £300 mark)

This dress was originally £1310 (!!) but priced in store at £199.99

And lastly this Elie Tahari one shoulder dress which I picked up in an 18! This is fabulous and my eyes completely lit up when I saw it. If I hadn't already purchased my Birthday outfit I would have been swayed towards this little beauty. 

Shop the Gold Label collection at www.tkmaxx.co.uk - Happy Luxury Shopping!

I took part in my first ever Q & A - so look out for my little 'interview' on the TKMaxx Facebook page.