Winter Coats: Don't wait until its cold.

I know some may think it's too early to begin thinking about your winter coat, but trust me, its really not. And I'm not going to tell you to look out your window and think that its because of the rain that I'm telling you this. Because as we all know, the weather is a bi-polar bitch and it will be sunny by next week.

So, my main reason for telling you to start thinking about your winter coat now is because, they are the ultimate winter staple. When you're out and about, people don't see what you're wearing underneath (that new jumper, skirt, whatever...), they see your coat. Full Stop. End of.

So don't you want your coat to be a statement? To be something reflective of your personality? I sure do.

Another reason to start early is because you want to be first wearing the best stuff. If you love that new coat from Topshop, buy it before that cow up the road does, meaning that you no longer can. We all know the rules LOL.

Lets just go through whats 'in' for A/W 11...

Last year, it seemed like we were literally choking in a sea of shearling and faux fur coats. And while shearling is no longer so much on the radar, faux fur is...meaning that you are all lucky girls who get to recycle last years coats (assuming you had a fur to begin with). And this year, its not all about the full fur coats, but also focusing  on fur trim around the collar and sleeves.

Gucci has been a big inspiration for the coats you're soon to be seeing in a shop near you.

This Gucci coat which seems almost simple is updated with a purple fur trim. Its not all about browns and leopard prints this time around.

You can update a simple coat you already own, by visiting John Lewis or your local fabric shop, buying some fur trim and adding it to your collar by hand sewing with needle and thread, or using a sewing machine if you have one.

I also had a look through the Topshop A/W 11 collection:

I know some don't like to wear full coats in Winter. So, this black fur biker jacket is kinda the best of both worlds. Its edgy but will still keep you warmer than your average leather jacket. Also, texture on a jacket is a big attention grabber.

Yes, this is very 70s and I love it. Its also a statement, but 'not too much' if you know what I mean.

You can also continue the trend of colour blocking into your winter wardrobe :) I'm in love with this green fur scarf. This look is all about versitility; wear your coat two ways.

For those who are a little bit braver, you may want to go for a full fur coat, or perhaps an animal print:

£90 from River Island.

But like I've said before...because its leopard print be careful! Try not to wear this in an obvious, sexy way. Wear instead with distressed jeans and converses.

So, while the fur is your glamourous, sophisticated look, I also love a preppy look. And luckily for me, quilted jackets are still a good look...you can update the look by getting a quilted gilet instead.

Its also from River Island. Although at £40, its only £10 less than a full jacket. Not sure if that makes any sense at all lol.

A couple of other looks to choose from:

The Mackintosh a.k.a the Trench Coat

I've never owned a Mac, but I've always wanted to. And when I saw this Burberry inspired one in Topshop on Saturday I nearly jizzed. This Mac is kinda the perfect way of staying classy, but the leather edges it up a bit; means you can wear it in more ways.

See what I mean?!

Last but not least The Parka...for your 'trampy, its raining and I need to protect my freshly relaxed hair' days. For me, a hooded coat is a must in the Winter. But it doesn't always have to be a classic green. I really like this one from Asos...its on sale for £56.

After all my jabbering, has this inspired you to start shopping early? Or would you like me to disappear and come back in October? lol

Jadeybaby xXx

High Street, Je T'aime?

Most of us shop on the high street, because really we don't have any other choice.

Personally, my age, size and lack of money in my purse dictates that I shop in River Island, New Look, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, H&M, Zara, Primark? I'm 21 and therefore want an aesthetic that reflects my age, so no, I won't be shopping at M&S for cashmere cardies and bootcut jeans. I'm a size 14 and it is mainly high street shops that cater for the 'larger sizes', especially for my big boobs. I've tried looking at Vintage clothing and Asos Marketplace, and trust me, the nicest things come in a size 8. And lets be honest, the main reason is simply because I can only wear what either my parents or my wages will afford me. Which is basically nothing at all.

I actually love the high street, but in some ways its just become a bit 'tired' now. I'm sick of seeing Topshop being ripped off by River Island. River Island being ripped off by New Look. And New Look being ripped off by Primark.

So I'm just going to analyse a few of the 'main players' and analyse some of their pros and cons. I'll tell you what my favourite high street shop is, but ultimately I'm going to leave it up to you to tell me what yours is.

First up: River Island

Ok so everyone who knows me, knows that I'm a River Island whore. They may have also noticed that in the two years that I worked there my 30% discount meant that I basically only wore River Island. Before I worked there, I wasn't really a big fan of their clothes, I saw them more as experts in expensive demin and bags that every Hornsey Girl craved. HOWEVER, once I started working there I actually began to fall in love with their clothes. Okay, so they're just a tad  a lot expensive, but I can vouch for them when I say that their clothes last FOR AGES. They've also become more fashion forward, moving away from satin party dresses, and more into this territory:

I HAVE TO HAVE THIS!!! CLOTHING ORGASM!

Next up: Topshop

Where do I start with Topshop. They're sometimes seen at the 'couture' of the high street. They're cutting edge, pretty and attention grabbing. Its for the boys and girls with a bit of money and a lot of personality. You almost feel special when someone asks you where you got your dress from...and you can smugly answer "Topshop" LOL Also, the Flagship store on Oxford St is a tiny bit of shopping heaven. And even if you can't afford their clothing, you may be able to buy a piece of jewellery...to own a little part of the Topshop dream. My favourite piece from there at the moment is:

This winter is going to be all about Mustard Yellows, get to know LOL

New Look

A couple of things to say about New Look. Its a place I go when I have a little bit less money to spend. You can get something similar to other stores for sometimes even half the price. The one thing I have to rave about New Look is their shoe department. So basically you can get a variety of heels, some which are actually pretty great...all for under £30. Because lets be honest, I can't afford Office shoes, let alone KG. Another thing is that although New Look has often been seen as pretty basic, they're coming more to the forefront of fashion with pieces that are a little bit more risky. And their bags are actually grabbing my attention:

Image is a bit small, blame the website folks.

Finally: H&M

All I'm going to say is that I'm absolutely done with H&M. Its like they're not even trying anymore. And collaborations with every designer under the sun is not really enough to save them in my eyes. Sorry.

So you can pretty much tell that River Island is what I've voted as my favourite High Street Store. 

Erm yeah. So what do you guys think? Do you agree? And what's your favourite high street store?

Jadeybaby xXx

What I wore today: Jadeybaby (Part zwei)

I'm just a tad bored, sitting in bed watching Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, so I thought I'd do another 'What I wore today' post. So here goes:

(Apologies for the quality of the pictures. Yes my blackberry camera is my only camera at the moment *tears*)

I guess the look I was going for was 'Lets combine two styles together and see if it works'. I think it kind of did right? Feel free to disagree of course. So a rundown of what I'm wearing:

• Leopard print shirt from H&M...bought last year for around £15. I know I said I was 'sooooo over' leopard print, but sometimes I think it can work if you wear it with something unexpected i.e not skin tight pencil skirt and glossy red lips. The shirt is actually quite long but I tied it up into a cropped shirt so the shorts would be on show.
• The high wasted denim shorts are from New Look and are £19.99...I posted about them yesterday. However much I do like them, I am also considering taking a pair of scissors and some bleach to them, just to amp up that 'vintage' look.
• And to top it all of a pair of Converses, which were on sale in Office for £20...bargain! I know they don't necessarily 'go' with the outfit, but I like I said, sometimes its nice not to be obvious. Also because I had on a full face of make up + weave + eyelashes, it just seemed to me that heels would be WAY over the top.

You can't really see it clearly in the pictures, but the necklace I'm wearing is actually a belt from New Look. Its all about improvisation for the broke girls like me lol

Jadeybaby x

What to (and what not to) wear: Interviews

This post is kind of self-explanatory. So those of us who are graduating in a couple of weeks, or even the younger ones looking for summer jobs know that this summer and beyond is a huge time for interviews. And the first thing I always think about, even before what I'm going to say, is what I'm going to wear. Call me shallow, but I really do believe that people judge you off your looks first and THEN start judging you by your personality.

The first thing that most females think might be best to wear when going to an interview is a suit (or a variation such as white shirt and pencil skirt)...and not even Janelle Monae style...something more like this:

And while some end up looking very 'sexy secretary', lets face it that most of us don't. Don't get me wrong, the suit does perform a certain function, it's smart, people will probably take you very seriously. But it is kind of boring.

Different types of interviews call for different dress codes so lets start with...'The Business Interview'

I suggest obviously something which isn't revealing, so how about a blouse instead of a shirt? To play it a bit safe, you can still go for something white or cream, ruffles and embellishments add character. 

This shirt is £35 from River Island, and the material is light and flows, rather than that starchy M&S material. The baggy sleeves are also a nice touch. 

If you're feeling a bit brave and are also into colour blocking then why not try a statement blouse like this one from Topshop for £36.

Now what for the bottom? Ok, so I said no pencil skirts, but this one I actually love because of the leather trim at the top. It makes it sexy, if you're into that kinda thing lool

And heels like this! 

You could go for flats but I'm really hoping you won't lol.

P.s. Bare in mind that these smart outfits can also be applied to more traditional retail outlets such as M&S, John Lewis etc etc.

NOW...for the fun part: Retail!

When you're being interviewed for places like River Island, Topshop, New Look etc you have to remember that fashion personality is key. I remember I wore hightops to my interview! Remember they want to see style that will make their customers want to buy what you're wearing, you have to be inspiring! So I've picked out a    few pieces which might give you an idea of what you could do. Think colour, think layering, THINK HEELS. 

Asos £40. Wear with chunky black heels, vest top and a leather or denim jacket.

Asos. So at £145 they're a tad expensive, but soooo worth it. It's very Jessie J. Wear with a huge, oversized white shirt or similar. Keep everything else simple.

New Look £19.99. I love this vintage style hotpants from New Look. In fact I own a pair lol. Wear with lace tights? Simple black vest top, overload on chain necklaces, chelsea boots and a loose blazer of some short, printed or plain.

In terms of heels here's a selection from Asos:

Just remember: NO GUTS, NO GLORY. Make sure that your style is indispensable to them.

Jadeybaby x

Mummy I want to be a Visual Merchandiser!!!

So today at Head Office, me, Mitra and a couple of other interns had to merchandise the Showroom.

So to explain: The showroom is a room which displays all the clothes for the upcoming season. So right now the showroom holds Autumn/Winter ladieswear, menswear, shoes and accessories. Its function is that its basically a big party room where magazines, newspapers and stylists can come to chill, check out the clothes for next season and even kinda party (the room includes a sound system, gold sofa's and a bar lol). Therefore the room has to be looking good at all times and the displays always have to be kept fresh and interesting.

So today, somehow they decided to trust us interns as Visual Merchandisers, which meant we had to update the Autumn/Winter stock on display. Yes a dream but could also be a nightmare if I was absolutely shit and the asked me to change everything. Yes I did Art A Level, but I've also spent the last three years writing about slaves and dead American Presidents...hardly creative.

Below are a few pics of what we did. Some were created from scratch and some we just updated. Each 'window' or 'box' had to embody a certain trend or 'look' or represent a colour scheme. There was also a large table which can only be described as compilation of accessory imaginable. From chunky knitted scarves in autumnal colours, antique styled gold jewellery to thick heeled boots and spiked heeled platforms.

Also this is an exclusive for you since all of this stuff are samples and none of it is out in shops yet. You lucky things! lol

Styled by Mitra - faux leather bags, belts and shoes with feather earrings in blue jewelled tones.

Scarlet reds. My favourite are the shoes on the bottom left; patent heeled brogues with gold buckle.

Styled by me. Tried to utilise one of my favourite colour combinations; pink and dark grey - with a flash of orange just to be that little bit extra lol. 

Very autumn. The necklace is amazing in the flesh, like an antique orange. The smaller stones are a deep purple.

Something simple.  Love the Satchel and the embossed leather on the purse.

More jewel tones.

Love clashing colours.

My personal favourite designed by Krystle.

Hope you enjoyed and feel free to comment on your favourite looks! :) 

Jadeybaby x

What I wore today: Jadeybaby

So maybe we'll start this thing where we take pics of and describe what we wore today. Or maybe we won't. But for now lets just pretend like this will be a regular thing. It probs won't LOL

Today, me and Mitra braved the sunshine (I pretty much hate the hot weather) to go the Sample Sale at New Look Press Office, which didn't turn out to be that great in the end.

BUT, what is more important is what I chose to wear for this momentous occasion, since I know you all care so much. NOT. It had to be something quirky yet pretty, yet wearable in the sunshine. And this is what I ended up in:

Odd pose...I know. Ignore the garden. Bitte.

So basically a run through of what I'm wearing? Sure why not...since you asked. lol

• Dress form Primark. Think it was about £15? Or somewhere around that mark.
• Denim Jacket was £15 from H&M (bought around a year ago though)
• Red Wedges were free from work. Yippee! But can also be found at Chockers shoes.
• Silk Scarf/Headband from some shop in Norway.

A couple more shots. I feel like such a vain bitch.

 

 

A special thanks goes to the younger brother Daniel Tucker, who was successfully bribed into taking these photographs. Couldn't have done it without you. 

Jadeybaby x

Cupid's Fashion Spotting

So whenever we're out and about, me and Jadey Baby always find a way to snap a couple shots of the best dressed beautiful people out there! So if you find your picture here then you know we love your style! :D
This post will be updated on the go as we will add more and more of you crazy loving Fashionista's on here! If you want to feature us and have a whole post about you on here and become famous :P haha, then email us on poisonedcupid@hotmail.co.uk!

These two are my FAV of the day!

A sweater with shorts and espadrilles can never go wrong. Not for David anyway! =D

And for the model on the left 'AMAZING LEGS' need I say more?

Red high waisted shorts, baseball jacket and a gold clutch bag..I'm feeling this girls swagger!

















 Basic black vest top with bright floral chino's and matching coloured accessories and shoes, simple but stylish.

All black. Denim Jacket, Heart shaped printed tights and Doc Martens. Your Emo look sorted for the day!

Sports Bra (ladies on the go!) high waisted white skirt and a pair of Doc Martens, sporty but yet again these people are keeping it stylish.















Mitra xx

NAILS!!!

Here come the nails!

It's been ages now since I last wrote anything! I apologize :(

The thing is, I've actually been trying to upload a quick tutorial on how to do leopard prints, but  somehow it just doesn't work. Don't worry guys I'll find out a way to get it posted cause I know how much you girls (and guys) wanna DIY!

But here's a collection of my favorite brands in nail varnish, and also a couple snaps of my nail art.

TOPSHOP

 Topshop nail varnish's are only a fiver not too expensive, but not so cheap either, so your stuck in the middle :/ but honestly they are so worth the penny! they even glow when its kind of dark! one coat and your sorted!

 BARRY M

Barry M, of course have been the best for many girls out there, cheap in price and also do a great job, only problem which I find in Barry M is some colours you have to add a few coats to get the strong bold look, and also the big problem is the do get a bit blodgy (if that's even a word lol) quite quick. Quick tip I can give you guys is to add a lil tad of nail varnish remover to the colour and give it a little shake and bob's your uncle!

NAIL EFFECTS

The Barry M nail effects, its like Marmite...you either love it or you hate it.  I personally think it looks quite cool on, but a lot of girls seem to disagree. For me it works great, on my lazy days or if I have no time to do designs I just whack it on! It's only 3.99!

Here are all my little bits and pieces 

Mitra x