Last time, I gave you some tips on recreating that deceptively fiddly ‘natural make up look’ our Chelsea lot wear, bar Ollie. You can check it out here.

Made In Chelsea – how to get their style

This week, I’m going to tell you how to recreate the Made in Chelsea style. Don’t worry though! You don’t need a gargantuan bank balance to replicate it. In fact, you might be surprised at how many high streets brands our Chelsea girls wear. Apart from the occasional splurge on Acne boots, a smattering of Aspinal accessories (or the Alexander McQueen miniaudierre that popped up last night!) and a few extravagant evening dresses, the Made in Chelsea look can be recreated on any budget.

I’ve chosen Caggie and Millie as inspiration this week, as they represent polar opposites style wise.

Caggie Dunlop

I’m starting off with Caggie again because I adore her style. She probably has the easiest look to recreate and isn’t afraid to wear hefty doses of high street. She tends to work a very modern take on the bohemian look (that’s bohemian, not boho, banish all thoughts of Sienna Miller circa 2004.) In breezy pale linens and chiffons paired with cut offs in Summer, and cosied up in Autumn and Winter, Caggie always looks comfortable in her own clothes.

Caggie Dunlop

In last night’s episode, on her completely spontaneous and not at all staged date with French musician Thomas, Caggie wandered the streets of London in oversized leopard print coat, leggings, denim shirt, black wedged shoes, and aviators. It doesn’t get much easier than that. If you’re terribly good, I’ll let you in on a secret. Oh, have it anyway – the leopard coat is from New Look. NEW LOOK. And it retails at the completely marvellous sum of £44.99.

How to get Caggie's look

Now you’re all sorted in the coat department, let’s address the shirt issue. Caggie has virtually set up home in her oversized denim shirt. You’ll either love or hate this, but if you want to nab one yourself, Asos has a wide selection to suit any budget, but I would opt for the Diesel version pictured, currently at £80. A little pricy perhaps, but if you wear it anything like as much as Caggie, you’ll be laughing.

If the Winter sun really is just too blinding, pair with aviators like Caggie. Throw on a pair of black leggings (if you need help locating these, then we’re in trouble), and a pair of black wedged boots. Most high street shops should carry a pair of these versatile beauties, but New Look has come up trumps again with a plain pair at £24.99, or these slightly jazzier versions with a glitter heel. Ooh, sparkly and £29.99.

Millie Mackintosh

Millie is a completely different kettle of fish, so to speak. While Caggie looks charmingly dishevelled and like she’s been touring with an indie band, Mille’s style is more polished and exacting, with a touch of 1970s glam. She’s still quite diverse with her choices, going from a vintage floral print maxi to a Hervé Leger bandage dress fairly effortlessly. If you’re not feeling brave enough to navigate the world of leather hot pants (and, quite frankly, who could blame you), there are other options. Topshop is a perfect high street shop to get Millie’s luxe look for less, as long as you choose your pieces carefully.

Millie Mackintosh, Made in Chelsea

I’m going to chop together a couple of classic Millie looks, so you can pick and choose. Skinny leather leggings or trousers are actually a surprisingly useful piece to have in your wardrobe. You can style them with a prim white shirt to keep it clean, or with a lacy top like Millie if you’re really daring. Keep your bra black though – we don’t want a Towie style hot pink number ruining the whole outfit. For a more conservative take on the lace look, snap up Warehouse’s lace insert top, £25. To emulate the look, check out Topshop’s skinny (faux) leather trousers at £32.

How to get Millie's look

Try and keep colours neutral and tasteful – that’s pretty much the key to Millie’s look. To top off the look,  go for sleek tailoring or a cheeky bit of fur. Again, Topshop is king, so take your pick from the boyfriend blazer, £65, Chanel-style boucle jacket also at £75, or even this tipped Mongolian gilet at £185. Go forth and stay classy, pretty ones.

Chanel - TopShop Style!

What do you think of Chelsea style? Should denim shirts be consigned to the great fashion bin in the sky?  Or Should we have written a whole article on Ollie’s love of Union Jack print?

Would you like to see more looks recreated? Comment below or tweet us: @LadyMPresents and @AmeliaFSimmons.

The Bag Makes the Woman

Women carry more than just lipstick, mobile phones and purses in their bag, it is a private repository of personal items: photographs, lucky charms, seashells, love letters – treasures that comfort or inspire. Items that can help women to feel empowered during their day. Media commentator Yasmin Alibhai Brown may have been only slightly overstating it when she observed that handbags have become potent symbols of “politics, economics, social mobility, pre-feminist proclivities or post-feminist liberties, ethical living, advanced capitalism, the ebb of socialism and possibly the end of history”.

It’s true that the handbag can be a very public statement about the image a woman wants to project. It can be a deeply coveted object of desire, with some women going into ecstasies over Alexander McQueen clutches and Mulberry’s shoulder bag in “hot pink ostrich”. There is something intensely intimate about a woman’s handbag; in some ways, it is a microcosm of her life. The outside may be for show but the inside is extremely intimate.

A fashionable handbag is now as important to a woman as a good hair cut or a nice pair of shoes.

Choosing the right bag

There have even been commentators who claim that a tattered, unsuitable bag can add ten years to a woman’s appearance. Choosing the right handbag is not easy, a woman must consider what she wants to carry, does it fit with the rest of her wardrobe and does it send the right message. Women have to be particularly cautious when it comes to size, the size of the bag should compliment your figure.  Of course the bag and outfit wouldn’t be complete without accessories.

Symbol of Power

The handbag has even been a symbol of power and authority. Margaret Thatcher was often indispensable from her handbag. She would use it to make other ministers nervous as they waited for cabinet meetings to start by placing it on her desk. The media would also write about ministers being beaten with her handbag, not literally of course. The bag itself – a simple black Asprey, now a piece of political history – will be auctioned for charity, with a guide price of £100,000 (€115,000). There can be something vaguely menacing about the sharp studs, chunky straps and ornate buckles of many contemporary bags, not to mention the outsize scale. Alexander McQueens latest range of purses even features knuckle duster style clasps.

The Georgio Armani spring/summer collection combines high street fashion and the mysterious nomadic lifestyle. Nina Ricci has a range of exciting colour use and patterns that fit in with the feminie charm that is trendy this season.  Balenciaga have a more wearable and practical range of bags in their spring/summer collection.

We unfortunately can’t all afford top designer bags, but online store Zalando has a fantastic range of bags as well as shoes and accessories.

The Royal Wedding – 29th April 2011

There’s something about a Royal Wedding that creates a buzz, an excitement, we know not everyone will agree but we suspect the vast majority are planning an event to mark the 29th April 2011, event if it just means a day off work.

How it all began

On the 18th March 2011, a dress, a simple piece of near see-through fabric sold for £78,000. You may think that’s expensive but its a small price to pay for a piece of history. The dress in question was worn by Kate Middleton in 2002 at an Oxfam charity fashion event. Designed by fellow St Andrew’s University student, Charlotte Todd. Apparently the evening she wore this dress what the night that the romance with William Wales, otherwise known as Prince William, began.

Charlotte Todd with the dress that wowed Prince William

Charlotte Todd describes this moment in history, “I’m thrilled. Everyone says that the fashion show was when the romance started and when she bagged her Prince, so a small part of me will always be part of royal history”.

The slightly risqué dress worn by Kate that night attracted the attention of the Prince and her involvement in the catwalk show was just the start of her presence in the world of fashion.

Kate – A Fashion Icon

We have to admit it, we’ve fallen slightly in love with Kate Middleton! She exudes a level of class and sophistication and reinvented her looks. Gone are the days of knee-length skirts and knee high boots, back she is to form, poised, stylish and maybe a little too slender after her bridal bootcamp regime.

Her look is one of elegance and as Julia Lawrence of the Daily Mail wrote “some serious work has gone on behind he scenes to transform the Home Counties girl into a credible Princess-in-waiting.” 13th April, 2011

Highlights of Kate’s graduation to a style icon include some key moments;

Issa at the Engagement © Getty Images

The navy Issa dress worn at the official announcement of the couples engagement. This dress by Brazilian designer, Daniella Issa Helayel sold out within 24 hours and is just pure “Kate”, simple but elegant, desirable and achievable to the masses.

Reiss for the official photographs ©Mario Testino

The Nannette, by Reiss,(£159) sold out last year after the bride-to-be caused hysteria when she was pictured wearing it in formal portraits by Mario Testino.

Titan by Temperley

Kate wore the cream and black silk chiffon ‘Titan’ dress by Alice Temperley at a charity gala event in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. This link to Alice Temperley as the first dress to be worn post-engagement buts Temperley in the line up to be the Royal Wedding dress designer.

Burberry Trench Coat for Belfast visit

Recently the beige Burberry £650 trench coat worn at a recent Royal engagement, which sold out across the country within the day. It has been stated that since Kate Middleton wore the Burberry trench coat to the royal outing Asda’s cheaper version’s sales have increased by 300%.

The Hair for a Heir

Kate’s hair has become the new style requested in salons across the country, and more popularly in the USA. Her hair stylist Richard Ward has enhanced her tumbling, natural locks to be loose and fabulous. For her big day we imagine that this concept will not be lost. It’s been rumoured that Kate will wear flowers in her hair rather than a traditional tiara, maybe bringing it all together with a natural look, hair slightly pinned back off her face but without turning into a severe, hairsprayed to death “up-do”. Relaxed radiance is what we are expecting from the blushing bride.

The Wedding Dress

It’s been rumoured by Handbag.com that Kate Middleton “had had two back-up wedding dresses created in case her first choice gown is leaked to the press before the eagerly anticipated nuptials”. There’s already three names being discussed in the race for the coveted spot of Royal Wedding Dress Designer.

• Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

Is who we think it will be and really hoping that when Kate steps out of the car, it will be McQueen that she is wearing!  According to Grazia Magazine (18th April 2011) there seem to be many signs at McQueen HQ that the dress is being made there “those working on the wedding dress won’t actually know who its for” It is likely that the seamstresses are each working on different sections, so aren’t aware of what the final gown will look like”.

• Bruce Oldfield

Who designed many dresses for Princess Diana from 1980 until her untimely death. The royal bride-to-be’s mother Carole and sister Pippa spent nearly an hour and a half at one of the designer’s London boutiques in early January, fuelling rumours of the wedding dress being designer by Oldfield.

• Alice Temperley

Described by Vogue as “Classic with a twist, Temperley’s dresses possess the quintessential Brit girl nonchalance that Kate exudes on her dressed-down country days”, but there is feeling that Temperley’s designs may be too relaxed for the event that is the Royal Wedding.

The first time we will see the dress and the designer that Kate has chosen will be when she steps from the car outside Westminster Abbey on April 29th and we will be waiting, holding our breath.

What would LadyM wear to the Royal Wedding?

For the Royal Wedding, you want to be fashionable, stylish but without being too predictable. This moment will go down in history. You don’t want to be wearing something very “Spring/Summer 2011″, when the photographs are reviewed at their Ruby Wedding Anniversary!

We suggest going for colours such as the nude and pastels from this seasons palette that remain traditional and elegant. Since the Queen will be in attendance we suggest not going for anything too revealing. If a dress is to be strapless it needs a wrap or a cropped tuxedo jacket to be worn with it.  Accessories should work with the outfit but not be the traditional chintzy matching handbag and shoes ensemble.

Look 1

Simple elegance. We love this Project D Domino dress from Girl Meets Dress, perfect length, perfect colour – you’ll make an impact without upstaging any bride. With Alexandre Birman Braided leather sandals from Net-A-Porter and a divine clutch from Wilbur and Gussie.

Look 2

Summer Style. This Karen Millen dress is a perfect touch of colour without being too trend dominated. A simple floral print pencil dress, that requires the shoulder to be covered with a Karen Millen ruched draped jacket in shot silver. Team with elegant embellished heels from Lanvin via Net-A-Porter and a delightful Anya Hindmarch Carker embellished fringed leather clutch from My-Wardrobe.com.

LadyM will be reporting live from Leeds Castle, Kent from 9-10am for BBC Radio Kent (96.7FM & 104.2FM) as their fashion correspondent and from 12:30 to discuss the wedding dress itself.

The awards, hosted by the ever charming Claudia Winkleman, at the decadent Savoy Theatre, London were a true celebration of the best of British fashion. LadyM attended the event, accompanied by Robin Budd and the ladies had an truly spectacular evening at the black tie event.

The hottest ticket in town!

British Fashion Awards 2010 – A celebration

Howard Tillman, the British Fashion Council Chairman opened the ceremony with a rising speech about just how important the British fashion industry is to Britain’s economy, injecting £37 billion into the economy each year. He spoke of the industry “enriching the country’s culture and agenda”, detailing that Britain is at the “heart of fashion and innovation’.

LadyM & Robin Budd at British Fashion Awards 2010

The Winners

BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion

The awards opened with Samantha Cameron who has been hired by the BFC to promote UK designers. Mrs Cameron announced the award of BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion going to the late Alexander Lee McQueen. An amazing and moving showcase of McQueen’s work was put together by Nick Knight, the audience watched and appreciated in silence the work of a fashion genius.

Accessory Designer of the Year

Previous Emerging Talent Award and leading British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood collected the Accessory Designer award from Claudia Schiffer. Finalists – Camilla Skovgaard and Emma Hill for Mulberry.

Model of the Year

Lara Stone was named Model of the Year as a British model who has emerged as a leading name in the modelling industry and is making a strong mark on the international fashion . She humbly accepted her award, even making a joke about being called Matt Lucas when she is seen walking down the street with her husband David Walliams.  Finalists: David Gandy and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Menswear Designer of the Year

This award, presented by Daisy Lowe who wore an amazing, embellished floor-length black dress, went to Patrick Grant of the label E. Tautz. The award recognises a leading British designer of who can take street style mixed with Saville Row vintage tailoring to enhance men’s fashion over the last year. Finalists – Christopher Bailey for Burberry, Margaret Howell and Paul Smith.

Patrick Grant of the label E. Tautz, Menswear Designer of the Year

Emerging Talent (Ready to Wear)

Presented by the ever stylish Alexa Chung, the award that was created two years ago by the British Fashion Council, recognises and financially rewards designers as they establish their emerging fashion businesses. This year’s winner was Meadham Kirchhoff, the designer duo Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff, who showcased some fabulous prints and strong colours at S/S11 LFW. Finalists- Mary Katrantzou and Michael van der Ham

Emerging Talent (Ready to Wear) won by Meadham Kirchhoff

Emerging Talent (Accessories)

The award described as “An innovative and directional accessories designer who is emerging as an influential force in British fashion”, was won by Husam El Odeh having beaten off stiff competition from Charlotte Olympia and Jessica McCormack.

Husam El Odeh talking to Chic TV

Special Recognition Award

This Special Recognition Award was awarded to Naomi Campbell, as an individual who has greatly contributed to the fashion industry in the last twenty five years. Edward Enninful gave a heartfelt and warming speech about his friend Naomi and how she has become an ambassador for British fashion.

Naomi Campbell, Special Recognition Award

Digital Innovation Award

This award is for a brand that has pioneered digital initiatives and is voted for by the BFC Digital Committee. The winner was Burberry and a fabulously put together video showcasing their use of digital technology, to the soundtrack of Adele’s “Home Town” about the history of Burberry’s legacy.

British Style Award 2010

Decided entirely by public vote, the British Style award “recognises an individual who embodies the spirit of British fashion and is an international ambassador for the UK as a leading creative hub for fashion”. (www.britishfashionawards.com) To be honest we all thought the gorgeous powerhouse of fashion that is Victoria Beckham was going to win this award. But Alexa Chung won over the public and was very gracious in collecting her award.

Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator

Close friend to Isabella Blow, Daphne Guinness presented this award. With a fabulous, shimmering silver evening dress and amazing beehive, the emotional fashion icon in her own right said “I wish Isabella was here to give this award herself”, before presenting it to Nicola Formichetti, the renowned stylist with a unique vision. Finalists – Nick Knight and Rankin.

Claudia Winkleman and Daphne Guinness

Designer Brand of the Year 2010

Presented by the newly brunette, model Lily Cole, this award goes to the designer brand who has made the biggest impact 2010 in the British industry. Burberry, Pringle of Scotland and new entrant Victoria Beckham were included in the nominees but the winner on the night was Mulberry.

BFC Designer of the Year 2010

And finally the biggest award of the night for BFC Designer of the Year went to Phoebe Philo, Creative Director of Celine. This is the ultimate accolade, which the BFC describe as recognising “an internationally acclaimed British designer of couture, ready-to-wear, knitwear or accessories who has made a significant impact in the past year both in the UK and internationally”. The divine Bianca Jagger presented the award to Phoebe in a sumptuous lime green maxi dress, the most colourful dress of the evening.

Bianca Jagger congratulates BFC Designer of the Year 2010, Phoebe Philo

“Incredible! The stuff magazines and dreams are made of” Robin Budd, on the fabulous British Fashion Awards, a night to remember.

Brix Smith Start leaves the awards followed by Erdem Moralioglu and Noisette's singer Shingai Shoniwa

Photos from the red carpet can be found at Fab Sugar, thank you to the British Fashion Council and Savoy Theatre for an amazing evening celebrating the success of British Fashion.