THE CHARITY SHOP EVENING GOWN : It is incredible what you can find in charity shops! Often you will leave empty handed but with some digging and patients there are some amazing finds to be had. We have had numerous accounts of people buying their red carpet evening gowns in charity shops (surely every girl needs one in the wardrobe just in case). The dress featured was just £5 from a charity shop in Taunton, Somerset. So don't be shy.

Thanks to Anna Carrington 

FIND AN ALTERNATIVE TO VANS : These F-Troupe Hiking Punched Leather Boots are also on sale at various stores but limited sizes are left.

THOSE STAPLE DENIM SHORTS : It can be hard when buying denim shorts because it is quite impossible to feel as though you are buying something different. Denim shorts are an essential but they don't all need to be the same. Bitching And Junkfood do some really unique customised pairs, be quick because they seem to sell out fast.

Buy them at Bitching And Junkfood

STYLE WOE : WHAT GRINDS HER GEARS

This weeks style woe is one that I'm sure many people have spotted and have also hated, see through leggings.
Basically it is when girls wear leggings that are not thick enough and their knickers or sometimes, their bare bum, can be seen through the leggings.
It is especially common on the commuting girl. Travelling with a suitcase on trains and tubes, logically leggings and a top would be an suitable outfit choice. But when the leggings are see through and your knickers are on show, it turns into a disaster.
Thick, opaque leggings such as these fleece lined ones from New Look, or simple black treggings like these ones from M&S will make sure your knickers are concealed, your modesty hidden and no fashion sin is committed.
But just make sure you are wearing suitable knickers to avoid the dreaded VPL!

By Chellsie Brooks, from The Dame Range Radio Show

 

COOL UMBRELLA : These quirky umbrellas will brighten up everyones day as you pass them by and also make a great gift for someone. Created by London Undercover, inspired by stereotypical British cuisine there are also a Bangers & Mash, Beans on Toast and Chips & Ketchup version.

Buy this at London Undercover 

STYLE WOE : WHAT GRINDS HER GEARS

As you may have heard on the radio show this weeks Fashion Woe is the dreaded kitten heel (or kitty heels as special guest Cat affectionately named them!).
I thought I would start with an easy one as let's be honest, who does like kitten heels?! They are a bane to humanity and in no way resemble their supposed bigger sister, the stiletto.
The pointless 1 inch heel might as well not be there as they have no more to offer than a flat shoe does. Kitten heels don't make your leg look toned and defined like a normal heel does, the only thing they do is reinforce bad taste!
I'm not saying that every day we should prance around in 6 inch heels, but kitten heels are another extreme. If you are going to wear heels but still want to be comfortable there are other acceptable and suitable heeled options. A smallish, comfortable heel, no smaller than 2 1/2 to 3 inches is perfectly acceptable for anytime of day. Wedges are also a comfortable alternative to high heels and are always in fashion.
So next time you go to put on your kitten heel just think, you might as well just be wearing pumps!
(And don't even get me started on pointed or sling back kitten heels!)

By Chellsie Brooks, from The Dame Range Radio Show

FOR THE BOYS : STYLEHUMPER is a fashion community based website for men that is launching in February 2012. Through STYLEHUMPER users can view the most fashionable guys on the street from around the world (London, Hong Kong, Paris, New York) and then purchase the looks they love via links to the relevant shops. This is the first website of its kind that directly links people to where they can buy their favourite looks. We can't wait for the launch of the website and is perfect to keep your boyfriend and male friends in check!

Sign up to a newsletter here STYLEHUMPER sign up

 

STATEMENT ITEMS : To make your party outfits simple it's good to not just buy things on impulse that you are never going to wear. Virgos Lounge do some great stand out pieces at good prices. Embellished with sequins and bead a different, more creative way to the high street. The only annoying thing about this brand is that they charge £5.99 delivery which is pretty excessive. 

Buy this top and leggings at Virgos Lounge

BODY JEWELLERY : Having an item or two like this in your cupboard is perfect for those times when you're at a lose end with your wardrobe. Wear it over a plain boob tube or maxi dress like in the picture and you're good to go with no hassle! There are loads of options at the ASOS Marketplace.

Buy this one from Rouge Pony

THOSE ESSENTIAL HIGH WAISTED JEANS : It is hard to come accross high waisted jeans other than those generic (not so high waisted) pair from Topshop or that you buy some online and they arrive and don't fit you. Miso do an amazing pair of them in three colours (blue, black and beige) for just £30. No need to worry about sizing as they are true to size and they do a range of leg lengths, perfect!

Buy these at Republic