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.

Going Boho

I'm getting rather used to these 'Today I Wore' posts as you may have noticed, although maybe a bit more practice on my posing. So today I went for a boho vibe to go and have some drinks in the sun (I say sun, but the torrential downpour reared it's ugly head). This maxi dress from H'n'M is my go-to maxi for hot days. It was only around £15 and I've definitely got some good use out of it and always team the dress with this tan belt otherwise it seems to gape quite a bit where the neckline ends. My kimono is from River Island (one of my trusty kimonos to cover up my arms - I haven't really got the courage to get them out. Need to take a tip from Naomi on this one) My beautiful beaded fringe bag is an oldie Accessorize along with my gold bangle and small purple stone ring. I love the colour on this and its kept really well. Not one bead has fallen off yet and it has travelled to many a day festival with me. The sandals (which you can't see) are from Primark. And yes I am wearing my peace necklace and large purple stone ring AGAIN. I just can't not wear this necklace!

The Inbetween

I thought the title of this post was rather suitable as this is what I wore to go and see The Inbetweeners yesterday. If you haven't seen it yet, then do go! It was laugh out loud funny and may even bring a tear to your eye (well it did to mine anyway). I wouldn't say it was as funny as the series but still worth going to see.

This dress is a recent purchase from Primark and a bargain at around £16. I love the pleats and the girly peachy/pink colour of it. Polka dots are in for AW11 so this should see me through the colder months.  Although I'm not entirely sure if this would look that great with tights but I'm going to give it a go anyway. To tone down the girly-ness of the dress I wore some massive gold hoops (a bit ghetto fabulous), a vintage denim Armani shirt and my trusty gold converse. So there we have it, 'The Inbetween' of girly and ghetto. (Okay, that may have sounded slightly better in my head but you can see what I was going for).

I added my (new) favourite glitter belt which I nabbed in the GAP sale. I think it was around a fiver! The yellow pendant is another Primark buy and the brown stone ring is from Mango.

The most beautiful wedding EVER?

I wanted to get an outfit post up today but my attention was swiftly turned to the photo gallery on the Vogue website of Kate Moss' wedding. The most stunning photographs I have ever seen! With guests including Mark Ronson, Naomi Campbell, Paul McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Kelly Osbourne (the list does continue) the photos truly capture the beauty of the day.

All images taken from vogue.com

Step in AW11 with Accessorize

If there's one high street chain to grab all your accessories for the season it's without a doubt Accessorize. Every season their stores become an Aladdin's Cave of beautiful trinkets, bags, shoes, jewellery and gadgets to add a touch of glam and sparkle for your new season looks and AW11 is no exception.

The brands four main trends this season come under Margot, Phoenix, Abby and Lily each nodding their head to the key looks we saw strut down the catwalk. And with alot of the collection available in store and online now there is no excuse not to start shopping!

Margot; this 70s, ladylike trend is full of vintage art deco clutch bags and statement necklaces, beautiful felt floppy hats (this is one to be snapped up immediately) and some regal trinkets thrown in (just incase you get that invite to Balmoral). My personal favourite? The Regal Bow hairclip

Felt Floppy Hat £28

Statement Ring £7

Doctor's Bag £35

Milan Abstract Necklace £20

Deco Cigarette Clutch £35

Mega Layered Chain Necklace £22

Tassle Earrings £14

Phoenix; my absolute favourite of the four trends. I really need to invest in everything in this collection. Think navajo and aztec with a twist of masculine. This range even includes Accessorize's signature furry animal ear hats which are set to hit their stores in September. There's no better way to keep warm than in one of these.

Tepee Pendant £16

Fringe Tassle Hoops £12

Aztec Poncho £35 (in store August)

Bombay Ring £12

Duffle Bag £30

Pharaoh Necklace £18

Ikat Weekender Bag £40

Dream Catcher Earring £14

Statement Cuff £15

Abby; Tapestry, Brocade and Patchwork are the key elements for this vintage inspired collection. Imagine a weekend getaway in the countryside - which you will definitely need this Tapestry Doctor's Bag for! Pretty pendants and vintage gem statement necklaces to hang over your chunky knits whilst cosying up by the fire and beautiful brogues to give a bust of colour to your winter garments.

Brogues £30

Owl Party Necklace £30

Tarquin Drop Earrings £12

Rose Envelope Clutch £45

Tarquin Necklace £18

Floral Scarf £17

Owl Ring £12

Tapestry Doctor's Bag £60

Lily; With the kimono being a huge trend for summer (I should know, my collection of kimono's is currently standing at 9) Accessorize brings us a collection inspired by the orient. The pieces have a hint of Cinderella about them but are given a Japanese twist especially amongst the clutch bags and silk scarfs. And with the stunning ballet pumps - you won't be leaving one of these behind when the clock strikes 12!

Beaded Alice Band £14

Ballroom Clutch £40

Chunky Cable Scarf £24 (in store September)

Natasha Glass Necklace £20

Ballet Pumps £30

Pearl Gem Scarf £16

Jasmine Ring £10

Magnifying Necklace £12

Deco Chandelier Earring £12

All images owned by Accessorize

Peace & Crosses

The Peace pendant seems to be 'the' pendant for every fashionista at the moment and I have been searching for one for a while now. I wanted one on a really long chain and was looking everywhere. Can you believe I ended up finding one in Claire's Accessories for only a fiver and I pretty much haven't taken it off since. Along with the Peace symbol I've been seeing some lovely Cross pendants on the high street too. With Urban Outfitters offering a big selection of both gold and silver, I've picked my top five pendants to add a touch of gothic to your summer style.

Clockwise:

Isme - £50

Urban Outfitters - £16

Maria Francesca Pope at ASOS - £33 (in the sale)

Urban Outfitters - £18

Topshop - £12.50

My Peace pendant from Claire's Accessories - £5

Speaking of pendants I got a lovely surprise yesterday when I received a parcel of A/W goodies from Accessorize for me to style up and review which I'm really excited to be doing. So watch this space...