Debenhams embraces disability!

This week, Debenhams has become the first High Street store to feature a disabled model within one of their advertising campaigns. Shannon Murray is now appearing on advertisements in the Oxford Street flagship store for the new Principles range by Ben de Lisi. Alongside her, there is also 5'4" petite model, and a plus size model whom wears a size 16 - to me, this is a brilliant starting point in terms of reflecting the population in a realistic way within advertising.

The groundbreaking use of a visibly disabled model within High Street advertising campaigns has come from a partnership with Gok Wan's 'How To Look Good... With A Difference'. He has set a president in terms of getting disabilities to be recognised by other High Street retailers, which in my eyes can only be a positive thing. By putting a fashion conscious disabled woman in the public eye, I hope this will be the key to challenging misconceptions and stereotypes about disability. All women (and men for that matter!) have the right to look and feel amazing, regardless of height, weight, race or disability.

Although Debenhams' actions are a big step for inclusion and representation of disabled people within the fashion industry, I can't help but wonder whether they will end up being a one off. All the right intentions are there, and I think that what Principles have done is amazing, but I hope that other High Street advertisements follow their lead and embrace disability and diversity too. In order to broaden peoples perspectives on disability, it has to be in the forefront of the publics mind at all times, which to me means that more retailers need to be hot on the heels of this campaign; one store simply isn't enough.

I'll finish by saying I have my fingers firmly crossed that this campaign keeps moving forward, as I really believe it could aid the acceptance of different disabilities within our society. It has put an even stronger fire in my belly to ensure that the 'Disabled & Sexy' fashion show is a success and raises awareness of fashion forward disabled people everywhere. At the end of the day, we are all equal and all deserve to enjoy fashion :)

All aboard and anchors away, Captain!

Ok, so I can't ignore it any longer - the High Street has gone Nautical bonkers yet again! The sailor inspired style has been a Spring/Summer favourite for fashionistas everywhere for as long as I can remember, and I see no signs of it slowing - this is one truely timeless trend.

Some of you may still have pieces from previous years that you've lovingly held on to, but for those of you that haven't, this chic look is simple and easy to achieve. The main thing to remember is not to go over the top and risk looking like you're attending a fancy dress party.

To keep your Nautical wear looking authentic, stick to a base of red, navy blue and white. The main patterns used within this style are stripes or polka dots, but more recently prints with maritime motifs such as anchors and sail boats have become popular for a more laid back, casual take on the trend.

If you don't want to dive in at the deep end, simply accesorising your outfits with seafaring style jewellery, bags, shoes and oversized sun glasses will give you a subtle sailor style. A set of chunky bangles in gold, red, white and blue paired with a gold anchor pendant and patent heels will give an instant sailor twist to a plain white tee and skinny jeans.

A simple white dress can also be easily transformed into a sophisticated outfit that would be worthy of the Riviera on a glamerous summers night. Add a thick belt of red, navy, or even polka dot to give you that essential pin-up girl waist, and throw in a pair of sexy heels to match. Put on a pair of oversized shades and finish with hot red lipstick and you're good to go!

Brass buttons are also an easy way to add a Naval edge to an outfit; sewing them onto cardigans, light summer jackets or wide legged trousers is a cost effective way of re-inventing your old clothes and bringing them up to trend.

For those of you that are wanting to add a splash of sailor girl to your clothing collection, I personally think a classic navy or white blazer, a pair of red patent heels and a stripey tee are the essentials for this trend. These can be mixed and matched with jeans, wide legged trousers or skirts to create a great capsule 'Captain' wardrobe.

In terms of make-up, this trend is all about looking polished and fresh, so keep the eyes to a minimum with neutral lips for the day, and adding a little liquid eyeliner and bold red lips come night time. A high pony will give a very chic, screen siren look, while wavy flowing hair will give a more relaxed, natural feel.

Think chic, stay sophisticated and you'll be looking like the Riviera's most stylish in no time.

Summer Sweethearts...

For those of you that prefer a prettier, girlier look than that offered by garish, bold prints and the Military uniform, then this is one Spring/Summer trend that could be for you.

Last summer saw runways bursting with block colour, but this year has given way to a much calmer palette of subtle ice-cream and nude tones. Pastels are set to be the colour of choice for all feminine beauties, with sugary shades such as pretty peach, powder blue, baby pink, pale yellow and soft lilac at the top of the essentials list.

Wear these super-sweet shades in thigh-high cuts with provocative splits, sheer tops, ruffles or heavy drapery to highlight the femininity of this trend. Keep the shoes strappy and girly, but with the heel height cranked up to avoid looking twee.

Here is a few of my favourite runway shots... The outfits really do speak for themselves in my opinion!

Versace S/S 10

Louise Goldin S/S 10

Christopher Kane S/S 10

Soldier Girl... Attennntion!

The Army trend is back with a vengence guys! As Jean Paul Gaultier and Balmain demonstrate below, mixing utility fashion with strong military references is the new way to look smart and powerful, yet remain chic, laid back and sexy. This hardwearing yet sleek look is definately a force to be reckoned with; just a few cleverly selected pieces will have your wardrobe standing to attention in no time!

In terms of where to find this look on the High Street, River Island have a wide variety of Army inspried pieces at the moment. Another way to achieve this trend in an affordable way is to search local markets and also Military clothing websites. Khaki, stone and black are the essential colours for this look, keeping camouflage at the forefront of your mind at all times! Heavy, hardwearing details such as gold and silver buttons and zips are also a good way to accentuate this style.

The biggest must-have for this trend is the tough Military jacket. This can be paired with anything from a pair of cargo pants, to tight fitting ripped jeans. A good way to ensure this look remains rugged and Army like is to bag yourself a pair of worn, calf length worker boots. If you're wanting to glam up your Soldier gear, take a leaf from Balmain's book and wear your jacket with a micro leather skirt, a sequined vest, and finish with studded platform heels. Adding a touch of sparkle will bring the femininity back into such a masculine look.

Keep make-up to a minimum with glowing skin and lightly glossed lips for the day, maybe stepping up the lip colour at night for a more glamourous hit. Also, keep hair looking natural and not too tame, I shouldn't imagine real Soldier girls have much time to spare for correcting the do ;)

High Voltage Prints

It's finally time to start preparing for Spring and Summer by ditching those dull and boring darks and getting in those funky colours and bold prints. On inspection of the Spring/Summer 2010 catwalk collections, it is clear to see that attention-grabbing digital prints and exotic floral brights are set to steal the spotlight.

Perfect for exhibitionists, digitally manipulated images decorated many of the runways most memorable pieces. Gucci (see below), Versace and the late Alexander McQueen approached this vibrant trend from many different angles, but all celebrated a (hopefully!) hot and joyful summer with clashing colours and edgy prints.


For those of us that don't earn an A-list wage package and can't quite afford an expensive designer piece, the trusty High Street are offering their own take on the catwalk inspired trend. Here, you can indulge in the look as far as you like, whether you simply want to go for a high energy tunic and skinny jeans, or a sexy summer thigh length dress and killer heels.

If you choose to work this look on the maxi dress or maxi skirt skirt (another of 2010's Spring/Summer trends), be careful to ensure that the pattern isn't too small or intricate, and instead fairly large and bold as this ensure you are looking fresh and fashionable. If this rule is ignored, you may run the risk of looking too busy, cluttered and intense.

However you choose to rock this style, have fun, be bold and crank up the colour!

"I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!"

It has to be said, if you haven't seen these on your recent shopping spree's, you must have been walking around with your eyes closed! Clock pendant necklaces have made it big on the high street since D&G introduced multiple clocks on their chunky bling collection (below).

The thick chains give the necklace a rocky edge, while the clock-faced pendants add a fresh and fun element that shows Dolce and Gabbana's take on Surrealist art. The clock pendants are also reminiscent of the very current Alice in Wonderlands 'Mad Hatter', whom is famous for his oversized pocket watch.

For me, the clock pendant is a welcome change from that of pearls, which have been lining the shops jewellery stands for a long time now. They can be found in a number of different styles and finishes, from elaborate vintage gold with multiple chains to one simple polished silver chain with a single pendant. I've posted some of my favourites below for your viewing pleasure :D

Underwear... The daring new outerwear.

Up until now, catching a glimpse of the bright white bra strap could be considered as one of the biggest fashion faux pas, but 2010's Spring/Summer collections have turned this blunder into a whole new trend for women. Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs each played on the lingerie inspired look in a different way, but all took on a very romantic feel, some taking a slightly vintage, burlesque angle, yet some were more modern and masculine. Corsetry, boned satin bra cups, and pretty lace details were mixed with layers and jackets in order to achieve this sexy-sweet style.

In terms of how to rock this style on the street as opposed to on the runway, it is actually a lot easier than many people may first anticipate. This trend is suprisingly versatile, and can be approached with varying degrees of dare. For those who do not want to leave the house in simply a bra and those super sexy big Fifties knickers, begin with pieces edged in lace, or step it up to a more racey bustier top.

If you still feel too exposed, play around with lace bodies, tulle layering or sheer chiffon tops to reserve ones dignity! Also, slouchy, fine knit cardigans and jumpers tone down the sexyness of the overall look, which may be more well suited for a day time outfit. Masculine jackets (see above) also compliment the blatant sex appeal within this style, giving a very powerfull, feminine image. Corset style dresses are another easy way to achieve this look, with many high street stores re-creating the hot designer must haves.

To keep the trend fresh, avoid red or black, and instead go for the Spring/Summer's favoured neutral and pastel palettes for a more girly, romantic edge. Nude tones are very now and will keep the look up to date.

Now with Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I'd say it was about time to show those guys just how hot you really are... Whether you have a date or not! ;)