December Daily Outfit 20 December 2008

I tell you, these red dresses, their like the London buses: you wait for ages for a good one to arrive and two come at the same time. This lovely sequinned, one shoulder number is from Dorothy Perkins is now sadly sold out. Boo!

It is so bling and so strident with it's shouty "PARTY DRESS OVA HIA!!!"-ness that I decided it didn't need much by way of accessorizing. Gold shoe boots, matching clutch and a bling ring are about all that's needed. I do think it would be a travesty to dress this dress down with black.

Dress, Dorothy Perkins
Clutch, Miss Selfridge
Shoe boots, ASOS
Cocktail ring, Accessorize

December Daily Outfit 19 December 2008

It is ridiculously hard to find a decent red dress on the high street. Believe me I've tried. This one comes from Ducie (which for some strange reason counts Katie Price AKA Jordan amongs it's fans, yet has nary a split crotch in sight) a brand I've never heard of and that doesn't seem to yet have it's own website but you can find it at outlets here and there.
It's beautifully simple, which is exactly what you want in a red dress. For Christmas party drama, I've added gold accessories. But it would look just as good with all black accesories for the office.

I'm calling this one: Red, Gold, No Green because it amuses me to make up these silly names for Christmas outfits.

Dress, Ducie see more here
Necklace, Miss Selfridge
Bracelet, Accessorize
Quilted bag, ASOS
Shoes, Office

December Daily Outfits 18 December 2008

Christmas feels so close now, I can feel it's fluffy fake snow choking me, while the spiky tendrills of tinsle strangle my very soul. Yes, people, I am in a dark, dark place, where I realise there are simply not enough hours in the day to have a life and do December Daily Outfits posts.

On a happier note - and looking forward to New Year's Eve and a new year in general - I've been invited to a NYE party where the theme is decades. This has sent me off into a spiral of indecision: do I do 80s Madonna? Should I be a flapper girl for the night? Should I do my ol' 70s staple Foxy Brown with afro wig and fringed shorts? Decisons, decisons...

Anyhoo, my current state of mind is what's brought me to this outfit. It's pretty much 80s. Well as far as you can do 8os without having to scout around for actual vintage finds. So, I guess I'll call it: 80s redux (and I don't know about you, but I really, really like the word redux. Am I the only person who thinks that words are just as awesome as shoes and just as worthy of collection and catalogueing?)


Note the use of matching accessories. I distinctly remember having a pair of gloves that I wore come rain, come shine in the 80s. And an armful of colour coded plastic, bangles. And various pairs of alternately ridiculously long or ridiculously large earrings (pretty much the size of a saucer. I do not exaggerate. I wish I did.) And big, BIG hair. So, I know whereof I speak.

Top, skirt and bangle, Miss Selfridge
Shoes, Office
Gloves, Maison Fabre @Lindestore.com
Earrings, Topshop

December Daily Outfits update

Apologies to all of you who've been waiting with baited breath for the last few daily installments of the DDO (yes, all three of you!). I have been so busy with last minute, end-of-year work stuff and, I'll admit, over-imbibing of the demon drink, that I've just not had time to do the necessary internet surfing and photoshopping. Yes, I suck.

I promise this will be fixed soon with four new outfits in one bumper day of postings and then - please God - I'll have the rest covered up till December 25.

December Daily Outfits 17 December 2008

So the question is: what do you do with a harlequin dress? Well you could go all understated and dress it down with layers of black. Or you could have a little more fun and play to it's obvious kookiness. Guess which option I chose? Ah, gowannn!

I call this one: And Here I Am Without a Top Hat.


I've basically run amock with the pinks and purples, pulled out the high shine and the high drama with fascinator, shoulder-high PVC gloves and gorgeous embellished collar, and tried my darndest not to do the obvious thing by finishing it all off with boring black heeled pumps. You like?

Dress, Oli
Tights, Love Colour Love Tights
Gloves, Gloved Up
Embellished collar, Topshop (!!)
Bag, Lipsy@Oli
Fascinator, Star by Julien MacDonald@Debenhams
Frilly, shoe boots, Faith

December Daily Outfits 16 December 2008

Well here's the thing: I liked the Matalan lace applique dress from yesterday so much that when I saw there was also a skirt, I thought, why not? So, here's an outfit that's not all goth. In fact, I think it's rather fun. I'm calling this one Black and White's Alright.

Skirt, Matalan

Top, Coast

Shoes, Miss Selfridge

Bag, Diesel@Oli

Earrings, Dolly Dagger

December Daily Outfits 15 December 2008

Oh, go on then, it's time for a bit of goth. We've got lace - provided by this rather yummy dress from Matalan of all places. We have OTT jewellery, we have plenty of black and some rather natty frill cuffed ankle boots. It's dark, it's glam, I believe my work here is done. All you need's red lips and black nails. Think I'll call this Dark Night

Dress, Matalan

Long cardigan, necklace and earrings; Coast

Bag, Mikey@Oli

Ankle boots, Miss Selfridge

December Daily Outfits 14 December 2008

Here's a party outfit that's got a bit of a modern 80s feel to it. Sequinned leggings and a printed top are the main ingredients to which I've added this rocking pair of shoe boots, a fringed, crossbody bag and a trendy chain headband.

Since you have actually got to go out and brave the cold to go clubbing, I think a cape is fittingly on trend with some long woolly gloves and pink lurex socks to keep warm. It's part disco, part 80s and part rock chic. For some reason it makes me think of Chrissie Hynde and Studio 54 (and before you ask, no, I am not old enough to have attended Studio 54. And if I had been old enough, I doubt I would've been cool enough. So that clears that up).

Shall I call this outfit 80s Rock in a Hard Place? I think I shall.


Leggings, Boohoo
Top and lurex socks, Topshop
Shoe boots, Faith
Head band, Accessorize
Cape, Ted Baker
Gloves, Dorothy Perkins
Bag, Warehouse

December Daily Outfits 13 December 2008

I know it's not everyone's colour but I really like yellow. This dress from Betty Jackson is a more wearable than most Ochre shade. It comes with a a skinny black belt which I've replaced with a red skinny belt.

Yellow also goes great with navy blue, so I've added cute little flat pumps with a bow and this great chunky cardigan. I've used the red beret once but I like it so much I'm using it again. It's the kind of chic little outfit you could wear for after-work drinks or for a relaxed weekend thing. I'm calling this one Paris Mix 'n' Match (I'm on fire, I tell you).

Dress, Betty Jackson@Debenhams
Chunky cardigan and flat pumps, Urban Outfitters
Belt, Dorothy Perkins
Beret and tights, Topshop

December Daily Outfits 12 December 2008

First up, more apologies that this daily outfit experiment isn't going exactly to plan. Nevertheless, I'm nothing if not persistent. Here's one for the outdoors again. It's a little bit boho and perfect for those after Christmas walks. I'm calling this one Merry Christmas Boho ho (I know! So wrong.)

Dress, Warehouse
Skinny jeans, Dorothy Perkins
Coat, Maine New England@Debenhams
Poloneck, Uniqlo Heattech
Hooded snood, Orion London
Gloves, Rocha John Rocha@ Debenhams
Boots, Dorothy Perkins
Bag, Faith

December Daily Outfits 10 and 11 December 2008

Yes, it's a double whammy people. When I set myself this task did I know how truly time sucking it would be? No. But I do this for you dear readers, only for you. And as the man said, I've started, so I'll finish.

Now that I'm running a bit behind, I have to pull back into the game, so I'm taking the same purple strapless prom dress from Oasis and I'm making it twice as nice.

First up, it's a bit park avenue princess and it's a lot of purple. I've added different textures and hues for interest. Presenting... The purple princess.
And just because it's fun to play with these classic shapes and add a shot of the unexpected, here is... Nice turquoise (I know, it doesn't quite rhyme but it's way past my bedtime and I. Am. Trying!)

Both Outfits
Dress, Oasis
Purple tights, Miss Selfridge
Belt, Dorothy Perkins

Outfit 1
Faux fur shrug and earrings, Accessorize
Clutch, Miss Selfridge
Shoes, Irregular Choice@Schuh

Outfit 2
Shoes and top, Dorothy Perkins
Clutch, Miss Selfridge
Earrings, Accessorize

December Daily Outfits - 9 December 2008

Sometimes, I just feel like dressing up in a way that won't necessarily be expected or even conventionally pretty but just impactful and fun and well, different. It's not to everyone's taste but then vanilla ice cream is to everyone's taste and that's boring too.



So, here I'm channelling Sally Bowles out of Cabaret via Alice in Wonderland, so I guess you could call it "Sally in Wonderland". The, frankly, fantastic red faux snake sandals are from an online shop called ami club wear, which I recently discovered and have now totally fallen in love with. Sadly, it's US based and I can't bear the shipping/tax hassles but you can check it out.

Skirt, bowler and sequin playsuit, Topshop
Jacket and bag, Miss Selfridges
200 denier black opaques, Accessorize
Fabulous platform sandals, amiclubwear.com

And, yes, the outfit's a day late. I've been busy. Soz.

December Daily Outfit 8 December 2008

There is always at least one gig to go to before Christmas, which usually means dragging on a pair of jeand and a fancy top. But if you generally like to make a bit of an effort, thereby standing out and looking infinitely cooler than anyone else, try this outfit.

Click on image to enlarge

The prissy little peplum skirt from River Island is just begging to be toughened up, the rocker tee does just that. Flouro may well be passe in some circles but layered under the net tights an dteamed with these gorgeous zipped and buckled boots, it looks just right. The cardigan is for warmth and a bit of sparkle. Afterall, it's Christmas time.

Skirt, River Island

Tee, Topshop

Flouro and net tights, both Love Colour Love tights.com

Chunky bangle, ASOS

Skull bracelet, Topman

Boots, Aldo

December Daily Outfit 7 December 2008

The moment I saw this dress from Coast, I was struck by it's vintage, flapper looks. So, of course, that made me want to pile the pearls high and team with vintage-feel accessories. I dub this Noughties Flapper. Would look good at a chi-chi soiree, no?

Click image to enlarge

I really like the pattern on those tights the taupe background makes them feel like a neutral and the blue flowers, echo the dress and also remind me of old wallpaper.

Dress, Coast
Shoes, Miss Selfridge
Pearls, (with cameo) ASOS, (with monkeys) Marianne Anderson, (two strand) John Lewis
Tights, Joy of Socks
Vintage clutch, Polkadot Jewellery

December Daily Outfit 6 December 2008

Ah, the office party... free bar, cocktail food, your boss dancing the boogaloo (badly) and Kevin from accounts trying to cadge a snog at every turn. And on top of all that it's such a faff to dress for with the whole last minute toilet scrum.

Keep it simple, wear a cute dress layered over a long-sleeved top or under a cardigan for the office with daytime shoes and tights. For evening take off the cardy and top, and whip out the coloured tights, the OTT bling and the high, high heels. Instant impact. It's that easy.

Blue dress, Oli
Yellow tights, Miss Selfridge
Shoe boots, Carvela
Bangles and earrings, ASOS

December Daily Outfit 5 December 2008

Right. I've been doing these outfits all week, yet have failed to do any party outfits. So to rectify matters let's start with one I'd like to to call the shiny party outfit AKA the "Have you met my legs yet?" outfit. Obviously it's for attention seekers only. Attention seekers with great legs.


Thanks for all the comments so far. Please bear with me if I haven't replied. The run up to Christmas is my busy period workwise and it's been no rest for the wicked.

Jewelled shorts, Topshop
Sequin top, Peacocks
Cherry red tights, Miss Selfridge
Shoes, Irregular Choice
Clutch and ring, Accessorize

December Daily Outfit - December 4, 2008

I'm pretty sure that anyone who saw Emma Watson's outfit at the opening of Somerset House ice rink would agree that she looked super cute. It the perfect example in how to bring some style into Christmas proceedings. I thought I'd try my take on dressing for a skater date.

Click on image to enlarge

The main objective of an outfit like this is to look goo while being toasty warm. I think this skater dress by Louise Goldin for Topshop is quintessentially skater date and is sort of the centrepiece of the outfit. I would layer another skater skirt in a complimentary colour (this one's silver) underneath for added warmth and interest.

I'm digging chunky snoods as an alternative to scarves, and you don't have deal with getting your scarf caught in your skates. The wooly legging add texture and the legwarmers could be use as arm warmers. The coat is warm and funky-utilitarian and the high tops add a dash of colour.

Dress, skater skirt and wool leggings, Topshop
Coat, snood and legwarmers, H&M
Converse high tops, Office
Beanie hat, River Island

December Daily Outfits - December 3, 2008

Over the Advent season, chances are that you'll spend at least one weekend playing "hostess with the mostess", inviting friends rounds for dinner or Sunday lunch. I think it's always fun to dress up on these occasions and it's a good excuse to break out the 50s housewife gear. So, here it is, the hostess outfit.

Click on image to enlarge

It's a cutesy outfit, isn't it? All polka dots and bows. There's nothing like a cute pinny to put you in the mood for fiixng endless rounds of vodka tonics, while simultaneously baking a vat of cupcakes and turning out the perfect roast.

I also reckon that if you're in your own home and you must wear shoes, you might as well wear comfortable ones but there's no need to stint on the pretty. Likewise, the neck bow is a nice laid back accessory, which adds to the outfit without having to resort to the stuffiness pearls or a statement neck piece.

JJ Park spot dress, Oli
Heart pocket apron, Dolly Dagger
Todd Lynn Bill Carson bow tie, Net-a-Porter
Demi-wedge, t-bar, ASOS

December Daily Outfits - December 2, 2008

Okay, this is going to sound weird - and also probably bad - but I loathe Christmas shopping. Some of it is my fault. I always leave it too late then work myself up into a frothing frenzy of madness.

But some of it is, well, other people. Other people and their dead, gormless, shopping eyes, who run around grabbing stuff from the shelves as if the world is approaching a 10 year famine; who bump into you and tread on your toes without apologise. And the massive, massive queues for everything and then the long sodden, freezing journey home.

Call me Scrooge, if you will, but Christmas shopping sucks. Still, if it's got to be done, might as well do it in style, eh? Presenting, the Christmas shopping outfit. Flat boots, lots of layers, cosy accessories, thick socks and a touch of colour to keep the spirits up. Like wearing a mug of hot cocoa - with a cheeky dash of brandy in it. The bag is cross body, ideal for keeping your valuables close. Looks good too.

Click on image to enlarge

Coat and grey long waistcoat, All Saints
Yellow cardigan, Urban Outfitters
Grey top, gloves, slouchy beanie and scarf, Dorothy Perkins
Jeans, Topshop
Tassled bag, Miss Selfridge
Socks, Uniqlo (men's)
Boots, Rocket Dog @ Schuh

December Daily Outfits - December 1, 2008

When I was a kid, I loved Advent calendars: all those windows waiting to be opened with treats or secrets behind. I couldn't wait to open one window a day to see what came next and I don't know how I managed to be disciplined enough to not just go crazy and open the entire thing in one seating. I guess I liked the anticipation more than the prize.

Now that it is December and you can actually say Christmas aloud without someone giving you the "drop dead" look I thought it would be fun to post an outfit everyday until Christmas, much like revealing a new window on the Advent calendar.

First up it's the dinner and a movie outfit, ideal for meeting up with friends for a casual week night out.It's slightly punky- with the boots and the knee socks, and slightly Parisienne, thanks to the stripy dress and red beret. I know it's a bit of a style cliché to team red with black and white stripes but there's a reason why it's a cliché - it just works.

Stripy dress, Miss Selfridge
Black poloneck, Uniqlo Heat Tech
Red beret, tights and boots, Topshop
Berry patchwork bag, Dorothy Perkins
Stripy hold ups, Dolly Dagger