Friend Friday #21: New Year Resolutions

It is that time of year again, a new year approaches and an old year comes to an end. It is a nostaglic time and it is easy to look back and forget to look forward too. You will probably have already noticed that many bloggers have begun to think about making resolutions: what they intend to do on their blog in the next 12 months, where they want their blog to "go", how they will achieve these goals. It seems only natural then that the Friend Friday group should also be considering their Resolutions for the coming year and share them with you here:

1. What's the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog?

In January of 2010 wrote my New Year’s Resolutions for my blog for the past year:

1. To blog every day - that I can!
2. To be better about weekly posts - like Monday Morning Pic-Me-Ups!
3. To find two new blogs each day and say "hi" to some 'new' bloggers regularly - as well as saying "hello again" to old friends!
4. To dedicate some time to making a proper go of the blog - from February I will have finished my masters and will be able to devote a month or two to this!! :))
5. To get a couple of give-aways up and running
6. I will try my best to reply to comments.

The first five I have successfully achieved. I think. Tell me if you think I’m wrong? But the last one I have been having more trouble sticking to. Life seems to get in the way and I get more focussed on writing a new blog post than going back and responding to comments. Forgive me? I do read every single comment left for me and I love every single one. So thank you. I will attempt to be much much better in 2011 at responding to comments but if you have a specific question you require an answer to, please email me.

2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?

2010 was the year that I really began to take my blog seriously and I have realised that I need at least a minimal html knowledge to keep it going. Therefore, for 2011, I plan to learn more and more about this "foreign language" and to put my new-found knowledge into practice by making the blog more professional than ever.

Oh yes, and to learn what the hell SEO actually is!!

3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?

For 2011, I aim to continue to reach our to other bloggers and to forge more relationships.

My number one aim for the first part of the year is to get to London during London Fashion Week: to soak up the atmosphere, see all of the fashionable people and to meet some of the bloggers whose blogs I have followed for months.

More comments would always be nice :)

And a little money for some new shoes. Of course!

4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with, and what would you like to collaborate on?

Difficult question! A good question but oh-so difficult. There are so many wonderful bloggers who I would love to collaborate with. But I really must choose one, I guess it would be Jill, of Street Style London, on a street style-esque shoot. I love Jill's photos which are always well composed. I'm not sure what part I would play in this shoot. Maybe I could carry her bag?! Haha!

5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?

I have recently run a 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar featuring a different blogger profile behind each virtual door. This series received really positive feedback from the bloggers who were involved and I would like to extend the profiles for the following year, maybe one a month? (If you're interested in being featured, please email me.)


If you are a blogger, what resolutions are you making this year regarding your blog? If you're not a blogger, are you making resolutions? What are they?

To see the other Friend Friday bloggers' resolutions, remember to visit ModlyChic, where you can also find more information about joining the group.

Christmas Outfit

Christmas this year was a real family affair but a little bit sad too. We spent the afternoon at the hospital with my grandma.

I am wearing: Marks and Spencer snood (gift from mum), Purple knit dress (gift from mum), River Island coat and EMU boots.

How was your Christmas? How did you spend the day?

I hope that whatever you were doing and wherever you were, you had a merry Christmas.

Wardrobe Basics #8: Little Black Dress

The Wardrobe Basics series considers those items that form the foundation of a fully functioning wardrobe. They are those pieces that will go with anything else that you might add to your wardrobe and those pieces that you go back to season after season. This series takes each of those Basics and discusses their importance and where to buy them, for every budget. You can see the previous Basics in this series here.

This week's Basic is the LBD. It is your go-to dress for any ocassion when you can't find or afford a new outfit. Add new pair of heels or a piece of statement jewellery and you have a different look every time!

SAVE: ASOS Strap Detail Ponti Bodycon Dress

SPEND: ASOS Exaggerated Bow Shoulder Dress

SPLURGE: Whistles Marline Dress

Do you have a go-to LBD in your wardrobe? (I have more than one... or two!! Shh!)

Happy Christmas

Friend Friday #20: CHRISTMAS Time!!

we heart it

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Before we get to this week's Friend Friday questions, I wanted to add my favourite poem for this time of year:

A Visit from St. Nicholas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,

And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap —

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below;

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a minature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:

"Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer and Vixen,

"On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Donder and Blitzen;

"To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

"Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys — and St. Nicholas too:

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound:

He was dress'd all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnish'd with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys was flung on his back,

And he look'd like a peddler just opening his pack:

His eyes — how they twinkled! His dimples: how merry,

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face, and a little round belly

That shook when he laugh'd, like a bowl full of jelly:

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laugh'd when I saw him in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And fill'd all the stockings; then turn'd with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight —

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

—Clement Clark Moore

1. Your favourite holiday memory:

There is no particular memory that springs to mind, however any Christmas Day when we as a whole family were together is a happy memory for me. Any holiday season before my parents seperated has a special place in my memory.

2. Were you ever a victim of those family Christmas party photo shoots? What do you think about them now? Care to share an old photo?

Amazingly not! My family's not too hot on family photos. Thank goodness!!

3. Best Christmas gift you ever gave:



4. Craziest/funniest holiday family tradition:

This isn't crazy - or really very funny - but it is a tradition that grew from a "funny" moment. My sister and I must have been about 4 and 6, respectively. Every year we'd wake ridiculously early on Christmas Day morning and open our presents in my room. This particular year we were ever earlier, it was about 4am and my mum had been a little silly in that she had put toy whistles or something similar in our stockings and so, there we were in the room nextdoor to our parents, playing these at 4am! That was the last year we were allowed up early. From then on there was a strict "no getting up before 8am on Christmas Day" rule. It still stands!

5. Favourite type of Christmas cookie:

I'm not sure that anyone reading this in America - or anywhere else other than the UK - will know what I'm talking about but my favourite festive food is mince pies. We only have them at Christmas and they make me feel very festive indeed. Try with brandy butter!


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For the past 12 days I have been asking some of my favourite bloggers about their Christmas traditions, now tell me, what are your's?


As always, remember to check out the other responses to these questions and to join in the conversation by visiting Katy's blog, Modly Chic. You can find out how to get involved in the Friend Friday discussions each week here.

ADVENT CALENDER: DAY 24

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!! Are you all ready now? Today, it's time to open the last door of the virtual advent calender:

Behind the door is Susie of bargainista fashionista. I only discovered Susie's blog recently but I have no idea how I lived without it before. In her own words: "I love fashion. And I love a bargain, too. I'm a bargainista fashionista. This blog is about my bargain buys - and about affordable 'real time' fashion. If I've seen it in the shops and you've seen it on my blog, you can buy it right now." As everyone who reads this blog regularly will know, I am all about a bargain!!

I asked Susie:


How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

I've been blogging for nearly two years now. I started in February 2009. The reason? I wanted a creative outlet that I could call my own – to write and to be creative with my photography. Plus, subconsciously, I probably wanted a bonafide excuse to shop. Now I can justify my shopping habit to my husband, the Stickman, by saying, 'It's for the blog...'!

What inspires you?

The people I work with, my friends, street style, magazines, the designer collections and other bloggers. It was Susie Bubble's blog, stylebubble.co.uk, that inspired me to start blogging.

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

Work, sleep and eat! Oh, and shop, of course – I'm always on the hunt for a bargain. The blog does take a fair bit of my spare time. Luckily, I've got the Stickman on board as photographer now so it's become more of a shared hobby.

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

1. A piece of Alex Monroe jewellery. He's one of my favourite jewellery designers.

2. An iPhone 4. I'm fed up of waiting for the elusive white version to come out now.

3. A case for my laptop. It's got to be stylish – and a bargain. Well, actually, if it's a gift, maybe not!

Christmas is all about family and traditions, what traditions do you have for Christmas?

The Stickman's family have a fondue on Christmas Day; a meat one, not cheese, where marinated meats are cooked in a fondue of hot oil. Secretly, I heart turkey and all the trimmings, but the dauphinoise potatoes just about make up for it.

Plus, each year, my friend Em and I buy a Christmas decoration for each other's tree. My tree is all glass and glitz, hers is more crafty and fun.

--

Follow my Bargainista Fashionista blog and on Twitter

I hope you've enjoyed the blogger profiles that have been featured here for the past 12 days. Let me know, would you like to see more? I have been considering making it a monthly feature. What do you think?

If you've missed the other profiles you can find them here.

Now tell me, what are your traditions on Christmas Eve?

Style Icon: Carey Mulligan

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Carey Mulligan was named Harper's Bazaar's Best Dressed Woman in December's issue of the magazine. She beat many of the wonderfully stylish women already featured in this Style Icon series to the top spot (see the full list below).

Since making her acting debut in 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice and subsequently winning the Best Actress in a Leading Role BAFTA at the Awards for her role in the film, An Education, she has been propelled into the spotlight and has risen to her new-found star status. Indeed she looked every inch the film star when she arrived at the BAFTA Award Ceremony:


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In fact, Carey Mulligan has been wowing on the Red Carpet at every event that she has attended in the past few years:


Source

Off the Red Carpet she keeps her looks simple and until recently preferred to accessorise with her, now ex, boyfriend, Shia LaBeouf:


Sources: photo #1; and photo #2.

"Off duty" she certainly prefers the relaxed look, favouring flats over heels and trousers over dresses:


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Her gamine frame and hair cut remind one of icons of a bygone era. When researching this post, I stumbled upon this photo of the actress:

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Does she not look like a young Twiggy from the '60s?

Of course, when Anna Wintour comes calling and asks if you would like to cover American Vogue, as she did just months ago, you know you have really made it as a Style Icon:


Source


What do you think of this starlet's style? Worthy of Style Icon status? And of Best Dressed Woman?

If you have missed the previous style icons featured on the blog, check them out here.

Tell me, who is your style icon?

I am seeking for bloggers who would like to write a guest post for this series (see here for previous guest bloggers on this site) about their Style Icon. Less than half of Harper's Bazaar's Best Dress Women (above) have been included in this series, so I would be delighted if you would like to write about one of these stylish women. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved. You can find out more here.



HARPER'S BAZAAR BEST DRESSED LIST 2010

1. Carey Mulligan - actor

Judges say: 'So Sixties French New Wave - like a Godard starlet - but totally modern'

2. Victoria Beckham - designer

'Victoria has grown into her own style. She has gone from a girl-band star to this chic, ladylike woman with serous fashion clout'

3. Yasmin Le Bon - model and designer

'She always looks polished and very accessible - always true to herself'

4. Alexa Chung - presenter

'She can do smart and she can do dressed-down very well. She's very honest and true to her personality'

5. Florence Welch - singer

'Florence is a flame-haired, milky-skinned beauty who knows how to work a romantic style - part vintage, part rock chick - that is equally sexy, edgy and strong'

6. Kristin Scott Thomas - actor

'Always very well dressed, but I think she can also "do fashion" in a way that many women her age can't'

7. Tilda Swinton - actor

Judges say: 'A strikingly strong woman who pulls off any look with those long, gamine limbs of hers. Her individuality is her beauty'

8. Natalia Vodianova - model

'Natalia has a fresh, ladylike style and an unerring sense of what suits her. She always brings a youthful innocence to whatever she wears - even this sexy sheer lace dress'

9. Natalie Massenet - businesswoman

'She always looks so amazingly groomed. Her hair is perfect. And of course she has the most amazing wardrobe to choose from'

10. Samantha Cameron - businesswoman

'How to champion the British fashion industry, be a working mum and avoid the harsh eye of the tabloid press? Tricky indeed - but Samantha mixes high street and designer with understated ease'

11. Gwyneth Paltrow - actor

'Gwyneth is like a Parisian from New York walking through London. The contrast of the Chanel with the boxy boy shorts, gladiators and aviators is totally modern and cool, but above all beautiful'

12. Andrea Dellal - model and muse

'It's cheating: she's Brazilian; she's a model; she has an amazing wardrobe - stunning'

13. Kate Moss - model

'Whether it's Topshop or couture, she's mesmerising'

14. Bianca Jagger - campaigner

'Her style has never faltered - in a YSL tux or über-glam Cavalli kaftan, she is always elegant, refined and unerringly strong'

15. Stella McCartney - designer

'Stella is the embodiment of the modern woman. Polished and sexy without looking like she has tried. Attractive and strong at the same time'

16. Sienna Miller - actor

'She always looks good - even in her pyjamas'

17. Sam Taylor-Wood - artist

'Sam makes brave fashion choices, but always owns every look. She navigated the sartorial challenge of pregnancy with flair'

18. Charlotte Dellal - designer

'She does that Forties glamour-puss look, but with a very modern sheen on it - she makes it feel contemporary and extremely cool'

19. Shingai Shoniwa - singer

'In the past year, Shingai has proved herself a real contender in the style stakes. Her provocative use of colour and print is sheer showmanship'

20. Coco Sumner - musician

'The perfect combination of straggly teenage boy and nymph, but essentially gorgeous. The contrast of beautiful bare legs and army boots feels totally right'

ADVENT CALENDAR: DAY 23

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve folks!! Can you feel the excitement?

Behind today's virtual door is:

Leia of Leia's Delights. Leia used to blog over at HiFashion (more on that from her below) but she started her own blog earlier this year and it is one of my daily must-reads. Leia's Delights is filled with outfit photos, nail art, recipes and much much more. Make sure to check it out, after you have read Leia's answers to my questions:


How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

I first started blogging in January 2009 with my friend Sherin. We started a blog called HiFashion. We had both been reading College Fashion after I found a link to it on Sherin's Facebook, and we sent her a guest post. She was too busy to post our article, so she suggested we start our own blog, so we did! At the end of May 2010 I decided to start my own blog, Leia's Delights, because I wanted to branch out of solely fashion-related posts and make blogging a bit more personal.

What inspires you?

So many things! Unlike high-profile fashion bloggers, I wouldn't say my main inspiration comes from the runway (although sometimes I try out things I've seen styled in designer collections). I'm usually inspired by the weather, nature, bloggers... anything I see. But mostly I think I'm inspired by clothes themselves - every season I pick two or three favorite hues (e.g. pastels), textures (e.g. lace, sequins), and shapes (e.g. high-waisted, maxi) and try to let the clothes speak for themselves.

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

I can't stand 'doing nothing' - even though I've just finished my studies and I don't have a full-time job yet, I fill my days with plenty of activities to keep me from getting bored. Soon I'm going to be helping my brother out with the social media aspect of his web development company, but I also love playing piano, reading (fiction and, er, political analysis), doing yoga, baking, and traveling.

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

Would you believe that my family doesn't actually celebrate Christmas?! It's just not in our tradition. But if I could have anything I wanted this Christmas, I'd ask for:

1. A donation to an animal rights charity. At this time of year, there are lots of animals who lose their lives - turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and goats and cows for Eid - and as a vegetarian, this is very upsetting for me!
2. A thought given to those who are in need - you could spend time at a soup kitchen, donate unwanted clothes and toys, or raise money for a local homeless shelter. There are so many people who could do with a helping hand, and those of us who are more privileged should really do our best to help them.
3. Oh, and I'd also love a Chanel handbag. Teehee.


There only one more door left to open on the virtual advent calender, so make sure you come back tomorrow to find out who is behind it. If you've missed any of the last 10 days, you can find them here.

Don't forget to go and check out Leia's blog now.

ADVENT CALENDAR: DAY 22

With just three days left for this advent series, behind door 22 is:

Emily of Fashion Foie Gras. FFG is officially your one stop blog for all the very latest fashion and style news. If you don't read Fashion Foie Gras, you cannot hope to be in the know. Updated throughout the day, you will find all of the latest lust-haves, Outfit du Jour and much much more. Emily was very kind to take some time out from her busying blogging schedule to tell us a little about her Christmas traditions and what she gets up to when she's not blogging:


How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

I've been blogging for just over a year now. I started because I love clothes and style. It's really as pure and simple as that. The blog started more as a diary that I could keep for myself with images and memories and it turned into a full blown fashion news site that now provides a whole new motivation for me.

What inspires you?

So much inspires me and it changes daily. I am greatly inspired by my mother who has given me every shred of style wisdom I have. I'm inspired by people who want to do good things for the world and I love the opportunities I have to publicize that on the blog when I can. I'm inspired by my own ability to get three hours sleep and still have the strength to work and write everyday, haha.

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

If I'm not blogging it's because I'm on an airplane. That's the only reason I have for not being engaged online. I am an American gal in London so I get back to the USA whenever I can. Travel is a big part of my life. But I don't think I ever turn the blogger in me off. I'm always looking around wondering if I can write about this or that. I carry a notebook everywhere to write things down because they come to me at the absolute worst times - must be prepared!

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

An iPad (I'm told I'm way behind the times because I don't have one yet), a Ralph Lauren Ricky Bag and a Cableknit cashmere blanket (I'm obsessed).

Christmas is all about family and traditions, what traditions do you have for Christmas?

Our biggest and most cherished tradition is being together. I come from a big family and we are all scattered around the globe. During the holidays when you can all be in the same room, it's a big deal. The presents don't matter, the food and alcohol help, but it's really just being able to hug your mom and dad that mean the most to me and will be a tradition I keep around forever. It's all about family.


Thank you Emily for answering my questions. Remember to check out Emily's blog and to call back tomorrow for the penultimate blogger of this series. See the other bloggers featured here.

ADVENT CALENDAR: DAY 21

Can you believe quite how close Christmas is now?! Behind the 21st door of my virtual advent calendar is:

Shannon of The Simply Luxurious Life. Shannon is not a stranger to this blog, she wrote about her Style Icon for me a couple of month's ago and very kindly featured me in her weekly newsletter last month. If you haven't already been over to Shannon's blog, you are missing out; from weekend inspiration posts filled with stylish photos to interior design spreads, to recipes and a fantastic Why Not...? series. It is not only the inspiring photographs that make Shannon's blog so special but her thoughtful and well chosen words and quotes too.

Here, Shannon answers my questions about her Simply Luxurious Christmas:


How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

I must confess, upon watching Julie & Julia in theaters in August of 2009, I was inspired, but I didn't begin The Simply Luxurious Life blog until December of that year. As far as I why I began - it all started as a need to express myself and my passions, as I found that when I did, people enjoyed the ideas because they too could bring the same beauty and luxury into their own lives. In creating the blog, it was very freeing and a sense of exhilaration was immediately felt because I found so many other people who had similar passions, and in its own way, it was very validating.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by words and ideas of others I discover in books, newspaper and magazine articles, well-written movies, plays and beautifully honest music. Beauty in general whether it be found in fashion, interior design, architectural design or in nature is so soothing and invigorating. I find that when I am able to carve out time to be by myself - sometimes when I take my walks or when I'm enjoying a peaceful night at home - that my mind is able to relax and be open to welcoming in all sorts of ideas that I wouldn't have been able to realize had I been busy scurrying about.

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

When I'm not blogging, I can be found trying new recipes, enjoying old ones, traveling, reading, practicing yoga, walking my dogs, spending time with good friends and family, savoring wines from our local vintners, shopping, dreaming, laughing, journaling, working out in the yard or enjoying a relaxing bubble bath in my refurbished clawfoot tub (with a glass of wine of course).

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

Peace of mind, books, books and more books and a fabulous dress or two.

Christmas is all about family and traditions, what traditions do you have for Christmas?

On the evening of the 24th, our family always has our annual Christmas Eve dinner which is a Surf n Turf affair with prime rib, shrimp and everything in between. My mother is an amazing cook and a few years ago, I began providing the dessert to help out a bit. It is a gathering of friends and immediate family that everyone dresses up for, and I must say I enjoy and appreciate it more every year because I realize how special such holiday traditions are with people who are loving and supportive and have seen you grow to who you are now. Truly an event to be treasured.

Thank you so much Shannon for answering my questions. Remember to check out Shannon's blog and to come back to tomorrow for another blogger's profile. If you've missed the previous bloggers in this series, you can catch up here.

Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up

we heart it

ADVENT CALENDAR: DAY 20

Oh my! Only five days until Christmas!!!! Excited? Much?! Shall we see who is behind the twentieth virtual door? Ok:

It's Amanda, the Online Stylist of 40 Not Out! 40 Not Out is a celebration of life beyond 40 in a wonderful mix of fashion lusts and celebrity fashion. I always always look forward to Amanda's Wardrobe Watch posts and her Meh... Or Yeah! posts. Amanda has a wonderful eye for and sense of style. She has such an enthusiasm for fashion that is just infectious! Go check out her writing at 40 Not Out and I can guarantee you'll be hooked too!

For now though, check out Amanda's responses to my questions:


How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

I started back in May 2008 at my first blog 39 and Counting. I'd always wanted to write and in the run up to my fortieth year I thought a blog was the best solution as I knew there wasn't a book in there! Having started Forty Not Out after the big birthday, it quickly became all about fashion.

What inspires you?

So many things - people I see in the street, magazines, other great blogs, shows like Gossip Girl and Sex And the City, movies, books especially glossy coffee table ones and shops. Even if I'm not shopping, I love to wander around the stores putting together outfits in my head.. or sometimes on myself in the changing rooms!

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

I have a five year old daughter and husband who keep me very busy! Weekends are often spent catching up with friends, doing DIY or just trying to have some quality family time. I love to read and watch movies.. it's the only time I can stop my brain going into overdrive. Otherwise I'm at the computer writing for Upper Street or choosing clothes for Online Stylist clients!

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

Good food, good wine and family time! Apart from that I have asked for some Diptyque perfume and the SATC 2 DVD... even though it's really quite bad! I can't help but love SJP and the fashion!

Christmas is all about family and traditions, what traditions do you have for Christmas?

Decorations go up the first weekend in December, there has to be sherry on hand when wrapping presents, my daughter gets to choose a new tree decoration every year to add to the collection, I cook a ham on Christmas Eve and there has to be smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and Veuve Cliquot for breakfast on Christmas day!


Thank you so much Amanda, for agreeing to be involved and for answering my questions. Please can I come and have champagne with you?! Sounds perfect. You can see the other bloggers who have already been profiled here and come back the rest of this week for the final four bloggers too.

Wardrobe Basics #7: The Breton Tee

The Wardrobe Basics series considers those items that form the foundation of a fully functioning wardrobe. They are those pieces that will go with anything else that you might add to your wardrobe and those pieces that you go back to season after season. This series takes each of those Basics and discusses their importance and where to buy them, for every budget. You can see the previous Basics in this series here.

A Breton Tee is the ultimate in smart casual: it can be teamed with your pencil skirt for a work-wear look just as easily with your favourite pair of skinny jeans.

SAVE: H&M Striped Top:

SPEND: DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Striped jersey top

SPLURGE: A.P.C. Silk-blend striped top

What do you think is a Wardrobe Basic?

ADVENT CALENDAR: DAY 19

There are now less than a week's worth of doors to open on the advent calendar before THE BIG DAY!! So, behind today's door is:

Paula of PinkBow. Paula's blog is filled with wonderful photographs which give the reader an insight into her life, from her vintage-inspired outfits to her Life In Pictures series. I never fail to smile when I see a new post on Paula's blog as her talent for photography means that every post is a treat. If you haven't already discovered PinkBow, make sure you go and explore it, after you have read Paula's answers to my five questions:


How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

I've had my blog for two years now. I was always an avid scrapbooker-er, keeping images of what inspired me. And of course I have always loved fashion since I was very young. So starting my own blog seemed a natural progression to document these loves.

What inspires you?

So many things! Things around me. People around me. Books, films, music and people on the street. I am definitely more inspired by personal style than what is "in fashion".

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

I guess a lot of my life ends up on the blog - I enjoy travelling & visiting new places, eating nice food, shopping at flea-markets. So many things!

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

You know, I actually don't have a Christmas list this year. I'm visiting Barcelona just before Christmas and have been given some money in advance to treat myself. So a bit different to the norm this year.

Christmas is all about family and traditions, what traditions do you have for Christmas?

I couldn't agree more! My Christmas starts with the decorating of the tree. I always have some festive days out planned. And every year my dad and I go out for a few hours on Christmas Eve to visit Bettys Tea Rooms.


Thank you so much Paula, for answering my questions. If you want to see who else has been featured behind the doors of my virtual advent calendar, you can here. Make sure, too, to check out PinkBow and to come back tomorrow for another blogger!

Something For The Weekend: One Week To Go!!!!

Photos: by me; from Bardot in Blue and we heart it.

First off, apologies for the lack of a SFTW post last week (too many things got in the way of blogging for another weekend). It seems only right to explain the one thing that has taken much of my time recently: five weeks ago my beloved grandma suffered a stroke leaving her left side paralysed. She spent a week working on her speech and regaining some movement in her left leg. And then she had a second stroke. My mum, sister and I spent a week with her in the hospital after the second stroke with my sister and I taking it in turns to stay with my mum and grandma. She has now lost all ability to talk or do anything, really. She is able to move her right arm a little and can squeeze our hand when we hold hers. She can also venture a smile now. It is strange how when everything else is gone, something so small is such a joy. It has been a terrible month but it has been wonderful to see her whole family around her. So while Christmas has always been a time for family in our house, this year we will be making sure that family comes first and everything else will take care of itself.

In line with this month's theme on British Style Bloggers I have set up a JustGiving page to raise money for The Stroke Association this holiday season. Christmas is a time for giving and if you feel you can give a little, please visit my page.

The last two weeks have been two of the coldest here in the UK this year, I have spent them, wrapping up warm, decorating my Christmas tree, writing Christmas cards and wrapping gifts to put under the tree.

It seems that I am not alone in struggling to keep warm as temperatures refuse to go above zero:

Retro Chick asked readers, How are you staying warm?

Jill of Street Style London continues to make me wish for a snood with these beautiful photographs;

Haleigh of Bardot in Blue has taken some wonderful photos of Les Jardins des Tuilliers in Paris in the snow;

And Veshoevious of The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe looks cosy and fashionable in her double-layered look.

Make sure you don't miss out on anything on Sugar and Spice this holiday season and subscribe to the blog: either through Bloglovin', on Twitter, via Feedburner (on the lefthand side of blog) or Google Reader (at the bottom of the blog).

Today it is exactly one week until Christmas Day and I couldn't be more excited. Have you been keeping up with my virtual advent calendar? Last weekend the first 12 Days of Christmas came to an end and this past week I have been asking some of my favourite bloggers about their Christmas traditions.

This week I am actually off work, so I will be spending my time catching up with old friends and generally getting into the Christmas spirit. Maybe brunch with a friend and a cinema date with my sis?

I am still dreaming of a White Christmas... Now, wouldn't that be fairly fabulous?

Our Christmas traditions have changed a little in the past couple of years but this year, my sister and I will still convene as soon as we wake (it seems to get later every year) to open the stockings that our mum continues to lovingly fill each year! (She did ask last year if perhaps we were a little too old to still be getting a stocking - the looks on our faces told her she was wrong!) Then we will go downstairs where our dad will have lit the fire and all three of us will open our presents to each other. We will then have lunch together (a proper Christmas lunch with all of the trimmings!) before my sister and I head off to the hospital to spend the afternoon with our grandma, grandfather and mum. This year we have to wait until Christmas Day evening to get our presents from mum!!! It will be torture!

What are your Christmas traditions in your family?

All that remains to be said is, have a wonderful weekend as you get ready for Christmas. Of course, for all those who don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you can enjoy some time with your families too. And remember to check back for the rest of the week for a different blogger behind each door every day.

ADVENT CALENDAR: DAY 18

Behind today's virtual door is:

Katy of Modly Chic. Katy of Friend Friday fame! Yes, Katy is the brains behind each week's topic for Friend Friday. But that is only a very small part of who Katy is and what she does. Katy is a freelance writer and founder of Modly Chic. Katy tells us that her "blog chronicles my daily outfits while offering tips for those looking to work what they have in their closets. It's about being practical; because while we'd all like an endless bank account and rooms full of clothes that's just not realistic. ModlyChic is about working with what you have while remaining current and chic".


Without further ado, here are Katy's answers:


How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

I've been blogging on and off for about 6 years. My first blog was just me ranting about things that drove me crazy but it was mostly negative and it got tiring to always be pointing out the bad and insane. I started ModlyChic in the Spring of 2009 but didn't get serious about it until January 2010. I started because I saw a void in the fashion blogging world- there were all these amazing bloggers who showed daily outfits in clothes that cost more than an entire month's salary as a freelancer. At the time I was helping a number of friends shop for clothes and the usual complaint I heard was that fashion was all trashy looking and it was too expensive to dress well. I beg to differ. So I started ModlyChic as a way of showing people you don't need an endless supply of money and 10 closets in order to be fashionable.

What inspires you?

To a certain extent - Everything. I'm one of those people who walks out the front door and smiles because the sky is blue or the leaves crunch under my feet.There is so many things out there that can inspire and bring joy to a person, we just need to open our eyes and see those things.
In terms of fashion specifically, I think mostly I'm inspired by other fashion bloggers. For the first time in 5 years I decided not to renew my Lucky Magazine subscription because I am finding way more inspiration from my must-read blogs than I do in the 150 pages that come out every month.

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

I feel like I'm never not up to blogging. I blog for ModlyChic, freelance write for a blog called Tiger Print and am slowly starting up a blog as part of my 'day job'. Oh, and I just started my own running blog. But beyond all of this... I work at an independent student residence in Boston. My title here should be renaissance woman because I'm part landlady, part social media strategist, part accountant, part event planner, part RA... I basically do a little bit of everything. Beyond work I enjoy working out and I'm back in gear to train for more marathons. I got out of practice this summer but am now officially back into the swing of things.

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

I am craving a large silver oversized men's watch, the perfect camel-colored cape and a brown pair of riding boots.

Christmas is all about family and traditions, what traditions do you have for Christmas?

My family is full of traditions that my parents started to bond us together - it's the kind of stuff you look forward to each year. For instance, on Christmas Eve our dinner is just a combination of our favorite appetizers. Each person in the family gets to pick one or two items, we prepare them together in the kitchen and then eat them leisurely around the dining room table.

Another tradition was that to cut down on the number of 'things' we got each year. Mom and dad would get us each one present, then we picked names out of a hat and bought a present for one of our siblings and Santa brought us three presents on Christmas morning because that's how many Jesus got from the wise men.


Thank you Katy for being involved and answering my questions. Remember to check out Katy's blog. Remember too to come back tomorrow to find out who is behind the nineteenth door.

Friend Friday #19: Holiday party attire

we heart it

Can you believe it's only a week until Christmas Eve?! I love to feel the excitement that is palpable in the air at this time of year. Christmas music fills the air as you shop for last minute presents, Christmas films dominate the television schedules and, of course, Christmas party invitations have been filling your inbox from the beginning of November. The holiday season is the time for parties - despite it being far from the right weather to be tottering out in tiny dresses, bare legs and killer heels! Naturally, as fashion bloggers we are very concerned with holiday party attire:


1. Which holiday party are you looking forward to attending this year?

Every year I look forward to having a few drinks with old friends on Christmas Eve. To be honest, in the run up to Christmas most holiday parties are more hassle than fun for me. When it's cold outside, all I want to do after a long day in the office is curl up on my sofa and watch Christmas films whilst writing Christmas cards and wrapping presents for loved ones. But come Christmas Eve, everything is done and it really feels like Christmas. My sister, dad and I always go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve so a trip to the local pub beforehand keeps me warm in the cold church later!! It is also the one time each year that I catch up with old school friends who are also home for the holidays.

2. What is your go-to holiday party outfit?

Last Christmas I found the perfect holiday party dress in Dorothy Perkins which is my go-to for this year. You can see it here as I wore it for New Year's Eve last year. The long sleeves make it perfect for the time of year while the sparkle makes it the perfect party dress!

3. Do you go dressed in something that would be impractical to wear at any other time of the year?

I guess I wouldn't wear this dress at any other time of year as glitter isn't really my thing. But as for dressing up in cheeky Santa outfits or anything like that - I think I did enough of that as a student!

4. If you are going to a house-party what gift will you bring to the host/hostess?

A bottle of mulled wine always goes down well at this time of year for a house-party but I also like to grab a small bouquet of flowers as they are a little unexpected and I think everyone loves having fresh flowers in their house (I know I do!) but don't always buy them for themselves. Last year I also took some chocolate Christmas tree baubles to a friend's party, as I thought it was a little different.

5. If you could buy only one trendy piece to update your holiday party wardrobe, what would you get this year?

Actually there is something that I am kind of wishing I had a little extra cash to splash out on at the moment: a very fabulous cocktail ring, like these Yves Saint Laurent ones. Maybe I'll get some money from someone for Christmas and will be able to treat myself...?!


As always, remember to check out the other responses to these questions and to join in the conversation by visiting Katy's blog, Modly Chic. You can find out how to get involved in the Friend Friday discussions each week here.

ADVENT CALENDAR: DAY 17

Behind today's virtual door is:

Maria, one half of Frills 'n' Spills. Maria writes her blog with her house-mate Danni  and together they share their outfits, photographs, recipes and fun musings. As they themselves put it, "If you like all things sweet, stylish and down to earth, read on!"


Here are Maria's answers to my five questions:



How long have you been blogging and why did you first start?

Since 1st October 2009, so just over a year I was reading a lot of blogs and often thought that I had something to contribute so I asked Danni, one of my best friends and house-mate, whether she wanted to write a blog with me and Frills 'n' Spills was born!

What inspires you?

I am inspired by a LOT of things but I think my friends and family and other bloggers inspire me :)

What do you get up to when you’re not blogging?

I watch trashy TV; Gossip Girl is my favourite but also shows like ANTM and I spend time with my friends, family and my lovely boyfriend (and often photographer!) Mark.

What three things are top of your Christmas list this year?

I would love some new books to read and also some scented candles- they are my new addiction! A few bargains in the January sales would be nice too ;)

Christmas is all about family and traditions, what traditions do you have for Christmas?

It's just all about spending time with the people I love, eating lots of good food and watching TOTP on telly!


Thank you Maria for answering my questions. Check out Maria's blog and remember to come back tomorrow for another blogger profile behind the eighteenth door.

Last Minute Christmas dot com

Still searching for that perfect gift for your girlfriend?


Forgot to pick something up for your best friend?


No idea what to get for your sister?

I have the answer: tickets to London Fashion Weekend.

London Fashion Weekend takes place at Somerset House from 24th – 27th February 2011. It is the shopaholics dream: with over 100 ready-to-wear, accessory and jewellery designers, each selling their current and past collections, samples and one-off designs, at discounts of up to 70% off retail price, including Olivia Rubin, Twenty8Twelve, Sass & Bide and House of Harlow!

You might remember that I took my mum with me to LFWE in September (see here and here) and it was a wonderful day out.

Tickets start at just £13.

Style Icon: Cara Delevigne

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Today's Style Icon - Cara Delevigne - is the younger sister of last week's Style Icon, but that by no means diminishes her title as a Style Icon too:


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Cara Delevigne is the darling of the Autumn/Winter 2010 campaigns for more than one high street favourite. First she was seen in Asos's campaign:


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And now she's the new face of A¦Wear:


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Away from modelling, Cara displays a relaxed rock chic at V Festival:


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  I am sure that we will be seeing a lot more of this girl in the very near future. What do you think of her style?

If you have missed the previous style icons featured on the blog, check them out here.

Tell me, who is your style icon?

I am also looking for bloggers who would like to write a guest post for this series, about their Style Icon, please get in touch if you would like to get involved. You can find out more here.