Keep your future bright this summer

Whether looking for occasion dresses or the perfect style for those summer days (and nights), it’s time to keep your future bright!

Check colour combinations

The first step is to make sure you pick colours that complement each other. Think about pink and purple, red and cobalt blue, or even orange and blue – perfect for making a real fashion statement. If you brave enough in the fashion stakes to colour block from head to toe; remember the brighter the better!

Block without the clashing

If clashing big bright colours together seems just that little bit too daunting for you, start with a long dress in one bright colour. We’re thinking along the lines of a bright pink or yellow dress – you know you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons.

Then it’s time to accessorise…

Accessories

Colour blocking can be as simple and subtle or as loud and proud as you make it. It’s really up to you! To keep things a little subtle try adding a few accessorise to one bright coloured piece of clothing. If you don’t quite think you’re ready to make things too bright start by wearing a long black dress and build on it with some eye-catching accessorises – the perfect way to start colour blocking.

Wear it with pride and confidence

To really colour block to your full potential make sure your outfit both contrasts and coordinates. That means making all your flashes of colour noticeable.

We think if you’re going to do it, go brave and bold as it always looks best when worn with confidence. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to colour blocking. It’s all about finding a style that works for you – but by wearing vivid shades with confidence, you know you can make the look really work for you.

Five Essential Tips for Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses

Settle on the Bride’s Dress first

It is very important that you first of all choose your own dress prior to even thinking about what your brides may wear as you don’t want clashing colour schemes or styles because it is your day. Try to create the bridesmaids dresses around your own vision but don’t be afraid to listen to your bridesmaids either as it is important that they feel comfortable in what they are wearing as well.

The Matter of Money

Weddings can be a costly business, and upon asking your friend or family member if they would like to be a part of your big day, they may expect in this economic climate to be asked to contribute towards the cost. Of course, this can work the other way, it is only fair that if no help is given towards the cost, then the style, design and colour are left up to you.



Style and Designs

Bridesmaids are usually chosen because they are a close friend of you or your husband to be. Bearing this in mind and the fact that there may be several bridesmaids, it is important to consider the individual styles of each one. Are they adults or are there children? If there are younger bridesmaids, will they have the same dress or a different version?

Cocktail dresses are trending right now and are an appropriate and modern design for a bridesmaid dress. The style of a cocktail dress does have the advantage of suiting most ages and shapes, leaving everyone happy. In order to give you some inspiration, here are five cocktail dresses that you may want to consider as a bridesmaids dress.

Hair and Accessories

Each bridesmaid’s hair is likely to be different from each other and it is here that individuality can be celebrated, rather than trying to clone everyone. One way to keep everyone happy may be to all agree on a standard cocktail dress, but perhaps altered or accessorised according to the individual who is wearing it, and experimenting with different hairstyles. By choosing this way of working, the whole set up of bride and bridesmaids will be cohesive, but will still show a little of everyone’s personal style.

The Brides Big Day

You may have compromised and cajoled and worked hard to please everyone, but on occasion it may be necessary to remind your bridesmaids whose day it actually is! All in all, your bridesmaids will have been thrilled to have been hand selected by you to be your ladies in waiting for your special day, and they will understand that their dresses are there to compliment your bridal gown, and not upstage it!

Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 at the V&A

As the recession continues and ‘austerity’ is a word consistently lodged in our vocabularies, some designers have begun to shape their collections to reflect the changing economy. Other parts of the fashion world remain unchanged: bold, beautiful fantasy lands unconfined by practicality. The ballgown is one such garment. What could possibly be more outlandish, decadent and deliciously out of touch with reality than the ballgown? Not an item to be found in many wardrobes, as a generalisation, and yet quite the British institution. A ballgown invokes images of debutantes, society hostesses, and old England. While it’s true that the V&A celebrates this cultural heritage, the exhibit is also very much focused on the modern incarnation of the ballgown, which is the red carpet dress.

The exhibition holds more than 60 ballgowns from 1950 to the present day. And by present day, they really mean ‘present day’. One particular Christopher Kane gown had been worn at the Met Gala on the 7th May, and yet still appeared in the exhibit, perfectly pressed and polished yesterday. The exhibit consists of two levels, the first of which is a broader chronogical look at fashion, with an inner sanctum which contains beautifully curated sections displaying the gowns to their best advantage. You can even take a peek at Princess Diana’s ‘Elvis’ dress. Gowns are draped perfectly on mannequins who are posed in lively poses. The mezzanine level is a collection of increasingly recognisable names of British designers: Holly Fulton, Gareth Pugh, Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders and Osman Yousefzada. The upper level charts the move of the ballgown into the ‘red carpet’ arena.

The exhibit has a completely different feel to any other fashion display I’ve ever seen; it feels full of life and movement. Fashion seen behind glass or from a distance can often seem stiff, strange, and distant. The curators of this exhibition, Oriole Cullen and Sonnet Stanfill, clearly had a vision, and it was an incredible space to move into. Walking around this exhibition could take hours, and time needs to be spent examining each gown. I instantly gravitated towards a few favourites: a searingly gorgeous silk printed Nicolas Oakwell gown featuring a Van Gogh-esque inky sky; a Marchesa mountain of pale net, topped with a tinge of forest green, and a sky blue Galliano gown with sequinned ladybird-esque spots and stunning draping.

The gowns are incredible, and the setting of the newly lit and restored Octagon Court creates an experience that transcends simply wandering around an exhibition. Whether you go to see the glorious gowns from the 50s and the Pathe news reels, whether you go for the gown that looks like lace but is actually latex by Atsuko Kudo, or whether you go for the Gareth Pugh sweeping creation that looks like armour, this is an exhibition that anyone with an interest in fashion should see. I asked curators Oriole Cullen and Sonnet Stanfill what they thought the future of the ballgown was: they commented on how designers were using intriguing new techniques, creating something apart from catwalk trends. Oriole described the ‘fantasy land’ quality of the ballgown; a place for experimenting and truly clarifying the vision of the designer. Ultimately, this is a gorgeous exhibition, and feels a bit like stepping into another world.

Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 runs at the V&A from 19th May 2012 to 6th January 2013. The V&A opens daily 10.00-17.00, and until 22.00 on Fridays. Tickets for the exhibit are £10 (£7 concessions, free for V&A members.)

The éditeur – fabulous online fashion

The perfect online store to get your holiday wardrobe from is the up and coming The éditeur. The online shopping clothing and accessories boutique started life as a lingerie retailer, launched in February 2011. In their first year the company reached the finals of the Drapers lingerie retailer of the year, losing out to John Lewis. Due to the success of the business, they took the next step and expanded into clothing, footwear and accessories – with great results!

The éditeur is an edited selection from the world’s most covetable designers that are clasically timeless and effortlessly on trend; underpinned by fabulous craftmanship each piece is guaranteed to become a treasured favourite in your wardrobe.

The éditeur stocks fabulous designers including: Michael Michael Kors, Farhi by Nicole Farhi, Red Valentino, MW Matthew Williamson, Alice by Temperley, Tibi, Halston Heritage, Issa.. the list goes on and they are all on our “to covet” list.

Our holiday highlights

So the flights are booked… packing has begun – but you need a few more holiday essentials. Here are the LadyM Team’s picks of The éditeur’s offers for the summer months.

The ultimate bikini

On trend for the print detailing this summer. Look hot on the beach or by the pool with this Melissa Odabash Paris Bikini in crocodile print.

Gladiator Sandal

Make a strong statement in the sun with these beautiful Red Valentino Studded Metallic leather ankle strap sandal.

Handy hand luggage

The perfect size for taking all your essentials on the flight with you, and in gorgeous orange to work the colour block trend. Get carried away with this Maxmara Libero Bag.

Nautical Chic

Follow the seafaring trend with this Farhi by Nicole Farhi Cotton Stripe Tshirt and Farhi by Nicole Farhi Capri Pant in white.  Team with a cute pair of wedges and you’ll look fabulous.

Midnight Blue

THE colour at this years Met Ball in New York, Midnight Blue is the way to go – get bright, go bold and wear with your tan at sunset cocktails.  The Acne Moreau Crepe Dress in Klein Blue is the way to go.

Win a Sportmax Fine Hat!

To make sure that your holiday wardrobe is totally complete – finish it off with this gorgeous Sportmax Fine Hat.

A natural tone fedora style hat with thick black ribbon, that will look perfect on the beach to the bar. Worth £110, you can win it by answering the question below.

Don’t forget to also check out The éditeur’s competition on Facebook to win a Melissa Odabash dress – just click on the image below.

Good Luck!

I used to be really into my running, but lately after a few half marathon injuries, I’ve lost my running “mojo”. So I’ve decided to take action, to get in shape for summer and get motivated, with the help of International Personal Trainer, Aimee Stevens.

Aimee Stevens, International Personal Trainer

Aimee Stevens, Msc Bsc is a registered biosignature practitioner and personal trainer in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge in Kent and is going to be my motivator and trainer for the next ten weeks.

Aimee is one of the fittest women I’ve ever met, and is one of the few female trainers who focus on strength and resistance. But most importantly, she is not a scary, shouty personal trainer. She is lovely, easy to talk to but I know she will work me hard.

Aimee is a registered biosignature practioner, holds credentials from top UK universities, further certification from the Australian Performance Training Institute, and has worldwide experience of training clients across 3 continents. Aimees’ lively personality, energy, and genuine excitement and love of training led her to be a top trainer at the largest health chain in New Zealand. This is how I got to know of her, my twitter fashion buddy @pradajunky was trained by Aimee in Wellington, New Zealand. When Aimee moved to Kent – she was recommended to me and now she is working out of The Gym in Tunbridge Wells, it was a perfect time to get training.

Biosignature Modulation Testing

Starting out on my trail to peak fitness, I had to have the standard weight recording and my measurements taken, but also the callipers came out – I got a bit scared and and concerned, as 12 site specific areas were tested for body fat. This is Biosignature Modulation™ by Charles Poliquin. Who knew you could have fat knees, but this is a great test to reflect hormonal imbalances and to receive comprehensive feedback on your body composition and fitness level and let your training take a new direction with Aimee’s advanced training programme.

My goals

My goals during this ten week focus on my fitness is to up my running game;

• To reduce my running times for 5k and 10k’s and maybe get that elusive PB.
• To tone up my arms, stomach and legs
• To get that running mojo back so I can get pounding the streets
• To be stronger

Back in 2009, at the top of my running game

Week 1

I’ve had my initial session with Aimee last week – it wasn’t as scary as I thought and The Gym is a great place to work out. There are a lot of crazy machines, but Aimee showed me the way and I even found myself pushing a giant three prong sledge with weights on up and down the sprinting track!

This week:

• I find out about my body fat composition with the results of my Biosignature Modulation Test (eek!)
• I get sprinting with my new found love for hill interval training
• I focus on nutrition by keeping a food diary (mental note, must reduce coffee intake!)
• Session 2 with Aimee – what new tricks will I learn?

Keep following my updates as I get fit for summer and give you some inside tips for keeping motivated during your training.

You can find out more about Aimee and her Personal Training at www.internationalpersonaltrainer.com and by following Aimee on Twitter .

No backpedalling – it’s Sky Ride time

British Cycling and Sky came together four years ago to inspire the nation to become fans of cycling and to try to get the general public, on their bikes.  Together, they created Sky Ride to help people, to get on their bikes, get outside and have some fun. The Sky Ride is a free bike ride event across the country that can vary from mass-participation events to weekly local rides.

Sky Ride City Events

Once again Sky are working with British Cycling and partner councils to open streets and parks for days of completely traffic-free bike riding across the UK. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time cycling in public or you’re a keen enthusiast: Sky Rides have something for everybody.

Last year, over 200,000 people took part in Sky Rides across 17 UK cities. This year, there’ll be 18 Sky Ride City events nationwide, including towns and cities like Plymouth, Ipswich and Birmingham.

There’ll also be plenty of Sky Ride Locals: quieter rides off the beaten track taking in parkland and countryside. They’re led by trained British Cycling Ride Leaders so they’re perfect for cycling newbies, and are a great way to explore the serene scenery near where you live. This year, there’ll be 40 locations across the country, so you’ve no excuse for not taking part!

You might have seen the yellow high vis vests on mass moving through a city near you, now you know what it’s all about. Forget your cycling shorts of the 1980′s, here’s our pick of what to wear on a Sky Ride near you.

For Men

• adidas Team GB Lion Head Mens T-Shirt at JJB Sports
• Esprit Chino Shorts at ASOS
• Converse Slim Low at Next

For Women

• River Island Stripe & Safari Print Vest Top at ASOS
• Nike Pro Sports Bra at JJB Sports
• Women’s Run Three-quarter tights by Stella McCartney for adidas

Sky Ride City – Kent Sunday 27th May

There are two local events in Kent on Sunday 27th May – Ride the Darent Valley, a leisurely 6 miles, fun for all the family and The Camer Classic, a brisk, 13.1 miles that might be for the more dedicated cyclist. Check out all the events across the UK online and register there, so you don’t miss out on your place in the event

It’s a safe, family friendly way to get some Vitamin D, exercise, fresh air and an alternative view of the countryside and towns near you. Register for a Sky Ride now to be a part of it. There are loads of fantastic prizes to be won simply for registering. For instance, you could have an amazing cycling experience with Sir Chris Hoy at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester or you could win a brand new bike or get a fantastic Sky+HD package.

The Fold – Powerful dresses for the office and beyond

The Fold is a sophisticated, stylish new fashion label that embraces the modern, high-flying woman. The Fold is the foundation of your wardrobe, it’s where it all starts. A dress or pencil skirt, which, when teamed with killer heels and statement jewellery, works as well as with a leather jacket and ankle boots. The Fold concentrate on good cuts and quality fabrics, and each piece encourages you to make it your own by dressing up or dressing down.

“Good dressing is where The Fold begins; pieces which slip into your wardrobe, work with what you have and make you feel like yourself at your best.”

Cheryl and Polly are the founding force behind The Fold. Two international, high-flying women, who shared a passion for fashion and lacklustre experiences of shopping for fabulous outfits to wear to work. Polly and Cheryl met during their MBAs at London Business School, and founded The Fold in January 2011. They both know what it takes to make it to the top and they clearly have an eye for detail and delectable fashion.

The Spring / Summer collection

This collection embodies versatility, with chic dresses that work effortlessly from Shoreditch to Chelsea, New York to Shanghai.

We love that the dresses in the collection are named after fabulous places in London, New York and Melbourne. The dresses look gorgeous and comfortable whilst the names sound powerful, strong and give depth to the dress.

The Astor

The Astor dress is The Fold’s best-selling shift dress. With a three-quarter length sleeve, this is a go anywhere versatile piece.

The Astor, from The Fold

Sharp pleats and gold exposed zip add a contemporary twist, available in Heather (shown here), Sesame, Navy and Black. The Astor is named after Astor Place in New York in-between the bisecting East and West Villages and is the home of The Fold’s co-founder Cheryl.

The Bond Street

The Bond Street dress is all about a day to night luxury look, named after one of the world’s leading luxury shopping streets, in London. Superbly tailored with stunning leather and fabric panels creating a flattering, fabulous style.

The Bond Street, from The Fold

In leather this dress will wow at any occasion, or choose the chic fabric option for a more understated look. It’s available in Navy and Leather (as shown), Navy, Sesame and Suede or Sesame as a fabric option.

The Jermyn

The Jermyn dress really is for the girl about town. With elegant draping, a flattering cut and a soft cowl-neck.

The Jermyn, from The Fold

This is an elegant cupro and silk mix, shown in coral silk but also available in Black, Gunmetal, Olive and Sand Cupro. Named after Jermyn Street in the heart of Mayfairm that was traditionally known for Gentleman’s shirt-makers.

The Swanston

The Swanston is light as a feather in beautiful 100% silk. Beautiful detailing with an asymmetric neckline and cap sleeves. You will want this dress in every colour, shown here in Coral.  Also available in Sand, Mink Grey, Navy and Black Silk, which one will you pick?

The Swanston, from The Fold

Swanston Street runs through the central business district and across the Yarra River of Melbourne, Australia. Showing the international element of the inspiration around this collection.

Inspiration & Design

The Fold is all about being inspired in the morning as you decide what to wear to work. You can feel confident when you walk into any boardroom, interview or presentation, wearing The Fold. What is great to know is that The Fold design and manufacture all their garments locally, in the UK and US. London and New York are the world’s hubs of new, edgy designers, education and training. The Fold source their fabrics from the best that Europe and North America have to offer, you will feel truly indulged in fabulous silk, wools and jerseys, to really make an impact in the office and after hours in the cocktail bar.

Photography by Rob Harper www.robertharper.co.uk

SS12 catwalks were full of clashing prints from Dans La Vie and Mui Mui to Mary Katrantzou. Although the concept of clashing prints is commonly associated with an eccentric style, SS12 collections incorporated clashing prints and colours into the trend and created a stunning array of outfits which looked right at home on the catwalk.

The thought of making the clashing prints trend a part of your everyday look may seem a tad intimidating but it can easily be worn for casual, work and evening wear and isn’t just for the bold fashion fans. However for those of you who want to take a more daring take on the trend you can take bold risks to create an exciting and eye catching outfit. The key thing to remember to avoid looking garish is to stick to two contrasting prints; anymore than that and you’ll risk giving people a headache!

For a suitable work outfit you could team a pair of black harem pants with a printed blouse and a clashing belt or heels. Or try a printed blouse with a contrasting print scarf.

For an everyday look, try wearing a skater fit skirt in a floral print with a Breton top. Optionally you could team a printed top with a stack of clashing print bangles.

With an evening outfit you can really push the boundaries of this trend. Wear a striped bodycon skirt with a clashing print blouse such as a polka dot or graphic print. Or try an animal print dress with a clashing print shoe.

Check out my selection of printed pieces and get start getting creative for SS12!

Shopping List:

• Primark, Blazer, £25.00
• Primark, Printed Shorts, £13.00
• Schuh, Chomp Roched Floral peep toe, £22.00
• ASOS, PROP Pointed Platform Court Shoes, £50.00
• ASOS, Leather Floral Satchel, £55.00
• Topshop, Scarf Print Zip Bracelet, £18.00
• Topshop, MOTO Vintage Floral Jamie Jeans, £45.00
• Abbey Dawn, Red and White Picnic Print Sunglasses,£24.99
• boohoo.com, Rochelle Snakeskin Clutch, £10.00
• Vaudeville and Burlesque, Printed Dress, £85.00
• H&M Exclusive Conscious collection, Vibrant floral print fitted dress
• H&M Printed Shorts
• Internacionale, Stripe Cap Sleeve Top, £14.99
• River Island, Donatella print silk trousers
• River Island, Jasmine Blouse, £30.00

Top 6 Shoe Picks from Next

From Metallics, Flats, Wedges to Colour Block, Animal Print and Glitz you are bound to love some of the dancing shoes at Next this summer!

Wedges

We’re all for a bit of height without the pain. Wedges are perfect for giving your calves definition, adding inches to your height but usually being rather comfy.

We love these Caged Raffia Wedges.

Metallics

Love to make a statement on a night out? Try these Silver Mirror Peep Toes. Striking yet subtle – who needs embellishment. Peeptoe your way through the night and you’ll be dancing in the moonlight. Team with skinny jeans and a black backless top for the ultimate look.

Flats

Be right on trend with sumptuous pastel shades on your feet this season. Gorgeous sweetie coloured ballerina flats will fit with a whole host of outfits. We can’t decide which colour we love the most… we might have to get all four!

Colour Block

The summer is all about colour – make the sun shine with these bright aqua blue ankle tie wedges. Mix it up with bright orange, fuchsia pink and luscious greens or play it safe with white linen trousers and a simple teeshirt.

Animal Print

Prowl around the office with these mid point court shoes in delightful leopard print suede. These will look great with a black pencil skirt, a cream sleeveless shirt tucked in and why not add a leopard print skinny belt to complete the look?

Glitz

The ultimate in glamour. Stand out from the crowd with these nude satin feature heel shoes. Perfect to give the finishing touches to a wedding outfit or to wow in the cocktail bar!

Whatever your style, whatever the occasion – Next have shoes to make you feel like a princess this summer.

Article sponsored by Next

Online shopping has grown massively over the last year and will continue to go from strength to strength. A PriceWaterhouseCooper survey last year found “that 14% of people buy online more that once a week nowadays, compared to only 4% in 2007. 60% of shoppers expect to spend more online in the coming 2-3 years. Why do more people choose for online shopping? Convenience – is the main answer (80%)”, Online source.

Nikki Bull – eBay entrepeneur

We thought it would be the perfect time to introduce you to Nikki Bull. She knew the internet shopping phenomenon was here to stay and has a great business concept. Nikki featured in In Style magazine last September, in their feature by Grace Saunders on “decluttering your wardrobe” and she is recommended as an individual who sells others items on ebay. What more could you want – you have the fashion stash, you don’t have the time to sell it and Nikki has the know-how, a perfect way to declutter and make some money on your wardrobe!

Nikki Bull, eBay Entrepreneur

We interviewed Nikki about how her venture came about and how it all works:

Q. How did you get involved in selling other peoples items on ebay?

Having worked in the fashion industry for 13 years I left my job to start a family. After giving birth to twins I was looking to do something flexible from home that involved my passion for fashion. I am always de-cluttering my house and tried selling a few items on e-bay – I was surprised at the prices I was able to achieve for some of my designer handbags, clothes and shoes. A few of my friends asked if I would try and sell some of their things and I again had great success at doing so. It was at that time that my new venture was born.

In the early days my business focused on fashion items but over the years has developed and I am now also selling kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms and other furniture on behalf of clients who are looking to move or renovate their homes.

Q. So how do I get items sold at the best possible price?

I always do a detailed, precise description for my clients. I upload great images and display clothing on a mannequin so that they look their very best. Because of my experience I have a detailed knowledge of the value of most goods and, therefore, market the products at the appropriate starting bid. There have even been occasions when an item has sold for more than the owner paid for it year’s earlier!

Q. What trends/most popular fashion pieces have you seen recently?

Recently I have seen a big increase in the sale of nearly new Louboutin, YSL and Miu Miu shoes as well as top end designer dresses and handbags.

Herve Leger dress currently selling for £330 on eBay

Q: What is the strangest item you have helped someone sell on ebay?

The strangest item I have ever sold was a Rolex watch box which fetched over ￡100!

Q: Why do you think it has become a great service to provide the public?

In this day and age people lead incredibly busy lives, juggling motherhood with work and other commitments. I understand this and help these women by taking away unwanted items and giving them cash once the goods have sold enabling them to purchase the new season’s collections. It is a hassle free way of de-cluttering and making money at the same time.

Over the years I have established great working relationships with many of my London based clients who have recommended me to many of their friends and colleagues.

Q: How do you see the world of online shopping developing?

In the coming years, I see on line sales continuing to grow massively as people look to find ways of saving time and money.

For enquiries about my e-bay services please contact Nikki Bull at nikkibull2000@yahoo.co.uk

You can view Nikki’s pieces on ebay via her seller id 1176nikki