Archive for August, 2011

Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Features, Gallery

ShinyStyle’s top 5 “back to school” satchels

By emilyborrett on August 2nd, 2011

Pink Max C Satchel Bag

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This rose-coloured beauty is amazing - I'm planning to buy it and move all of my things into it immediately. Find it at Fashion Union.

We’re already halfway through the summer holidays now, and while that might not mean much to those of you working a job all the year round, it means that Autumn is just a few weeks away – and that means that back-to-school feeling of new tights, new coats and smart new bags.

I’m starting my degree in London in a month’s time and I’ve decided to blue a bit of my student loan on a beautiful new satchel to keep all of my drawing bits and sketchbooks in. You should think about a new bag for yourself too – who doesn’t crave that new-term, new-things feeling that comes with the change of seasons?

Luckily you don’t need to go straight to Mulberry with your life savings for a good satchel (though of course it is tempting), as nearly all the high-street stores are still producing high-quality affordable bags in the Alexa style.

Shiny’s personal favourite? The dusky rose-coloured satchel from Fashion Union, which will go with pretty much everything I own and hopefully integrate perfectly into the new Autumn/Winter outfit I can’t afford to buy myself. Check out the gallery above for our top 5 satchels on the high street.



Celebrity gossip, Celebrity Style, Fashion News, Gossip

Fashion rebel Daphne Guinness doesn’t dress for “effect”

By emilyborrett on August 2nd, 2011

Daphne isn't exactly shy and retiring when it comes to daring fashionThe right honourable and extremely fabulous Daphne Guinness has spoken out about her quirky and dramatic style, insisting that she doesn’t put that much thought into her outfits at all.

The silver-haired femme fatale is well-known for her gothic, European sense of style, often opting for nipped-in skirt suits and extravagant millinery for a look that never disappoints. But Daphne hates the the misconception that she spends hours planning each outfit, and doesn’t like the term “eccentric” when it comes to describing her style.

The millionaire and artist explained: “The more you concentrate on something, the more it shows. I can’t get dressed if I think about it too much. I don’t dress for effect, and I think that it never works out when someone does.”

She said on the matter of her style being deemed “eccentric”, “I truly hate the word. I’m actually very grounded. Also, eccentrics are almost asexual, and that is not something you can say of me, by any means.” Certainly not – we think Daphne is extremely sexy, in a Cruella De Vil kind of way.



Celebrity gossip, Celebrity Style, Gossip

“Glee” star Dianna Agron is a huge fan of her shorter hair

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

There seems to be a flux of famous women opting for cropped hair recently, and Glee actress Dianna Agron is no exception. While she actually went for the chop a while ago in May, she’s in no hurry to grow her hair back again, claiming that she absolutely loves having short hair and far prefers it to her longer blonde locks.

Dianna said on the change, “I’ve probably cut and trimmed it six times and it’s changing slightly every time but I love it. I’d been dying to cut my hair for so long.”

But who knows whether she’ll be allowed to appear on screen with her new shorter ‘do when she reprises her role of Quinn on the Glee show, or have to wear a wig to recreate Quinn’s traditional cheerleader look.

We absolutely love that so many stars are opting to cut off their hair to wear it in much shorter styles – who says you need to be wearing a five hundred pound’s worth of extensions to be feminine and beautiful?

What do you think of Dianna’s new hair – do you think she looked better with longer hair or do you prefer her shorter cut? Comment below and let us know.



Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Gallery

Shiny Style loves: Fun, exciting clothes from Fashion Union

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

Blue Closet Stripe Dress

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I’m always excited to find about new up-and-coming affordable fashion stores, so it was a pleasure to learn about Fashion Union, an online fashion retailer who’s speciality is exciting, fashion-forward clothes at extremely reasonable prices. There are about a million different things on the site that I liked (the dress section is especially large – shopping heaven for me) but I eventually managed to whittle down my favourite buys for you lovely people and put them in the gallery above.

Simple shapes and bright jewel colours are hot at the moment and will be throughout Autumn/Winter, something that Fashion Union caters for extremely well with an assortment of full skirted dresses, chinos and city shorts that will lend an exciting burst of colour to any wardrobe.

There’s also a clear love for vintage in Fashion Union’s designs, with 50s-esque sun dresses and brightly coloured blouses that tie at the waist. I’ve already earmarked their adorable blue and white striped sundress for payday.

Even more exciting is their shoe section, which is completely in tune with the upcoming Autumn/Winter trends. I’m obsessing slightly over their loafer heels which come in either patent black or cream – check them out in the gallery, then click through to the site and check out the price. Amazing.

Like what you’re hearing? Have a look at ShinyStyle’s top picks from Fashion Union above.



Celebrity gossip, Celebrity Style, Designer collaborations, Fashion News, Gossip

Florence Welch wants to design her own fashion line

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

Florence is well known for her eccentric and dramatic sense of style, which draws a lot of inspiration from vintage

Majorly exciting news!  The flame-haired music diva Florence Welch, who is known for her quirky and dramatic sense of style, is planning to design her own affordable clothing line as a collaborative effort with the stylist Aldene Johnson.

The singer has been topping the best-dressed rankings for the past couple of years, so it would be incredibly exciting to see Ms Welch embark upon a fashion project. A source revealed that Florence has been inspired by Kate Moss’ previous collaborations with Topshop taking inspiration from the model’s wardrobe, and is looking to do the same herself.

The source said, “She has thousands of unique pieces, everything from vintage gowns to garments she’s been given by Karl Lagerfeld, and would love to work with Aldene to create a line inspired by her wardrobe, like Kate Moss did.”

God, we’re excited. Get a move on, Flo – we are ABSOLUTELY DYING to see what you come up with.



Accessories, Features, Gallery, How to Wear, Trend Alert, vintage

Autumn/Winter Trend Alert: 60s Mod

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

Shift Dress in Colour Block

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This is the best mod-inspired dress on the high street right now. The contrasting tones and eye-popping colour make this dress from Asos an absolute must-buy.

Oh happy days, the mod trend is back with a swinging sixties vengeance and I couldn’t be happier if I tried.

At this Autumn/Winter’s fashion shows the likes of Jil Sander and Burberry Prorsum travelled back into the past to bring us a veritable assortment of swing coats, tunic dresses, ankle boots and ski-inspired knitwear in a bold rainbow of colour.

More wearable than other upcoming trends such as goth, craftwork and (whisper it) zoot suits, the scooter girl look is a cute and girly way to easily sail through the perils of a new fashion season. What’s more, the simplicity of mod-inspired clothes means that it’ll be an incredibly easy look to wear in the winter months when you want to layer up. Snuggly and fashion-savvy, this is a trend we’ll get on board for.

If you’re looking for the definitive tunic dress then head on over to Asos, where we guarantee a rush on their brilliant turquoise tunic with contrasting pockets. Meanwhile, Topshop is all over Chelsea boots and have updated the classic sixties boot style with a few quirky fashion-forward twists such as fringing and studs.

The high street is already all over this trend, so if you’re ready to start planning your A/W wardrobe then check out our gallery above – we’ve had a highly successful search for amazing mod-inspired pieces.



Advertorial

A Guide To The Best Free Online Games

By shinychris on August 1st, 2011

Sponsored post

Fancy yourself as a master of free card games? Are you the best at bingo, or a perfect problem solver? Try a free online game or two to brush up on your skills, win some prizes and meet an online gaming community for free.

Just a click away, online games offer worlds full of excitement, adventure and battles, with endless possibilities to expand your skills and tactics. If you want a new free online game challenge become a bubble shooter and immerse yourself in a magical game that takes you into the depths of the jungle. Jungle Bubble has some funky music (and a helpful aardvark), as you use your skills to colour co-ordinate the bubbles and shoot them down.

Golf Solitaire

Or are free card games more your thing? Try a classic card game such as Ace Solitaire, Midas Solitaire, Hearts or Freecell online now for free. For any golf fans out there, Golf Solitaire is the game for you. Golf Solitaire is one of the many free card games that puts an original twist on the classic. Clear all three courses, reach par or lower and unlock the bunker cards; this is online gaming at its best.

Try classic free card games for the first time in digital form. UNO has now joined the gaming world and is free for you to enjoy. Can you win all three rounds and beat your opponents? If you fancy a card game with a twist try Honey Combo. Honey Combo is a buzzing online version of blackjack where players create card combinations to win. On the other hand, if you want to enter an ancient Egyptian world during your free online game, try Pyramid Quest.

Pyramid Quest is an addictive game where you must skilfully remove all the cards by choosing one value; higher or lower. This is an ultimate free online game and is guaranteed to have you hooked.

For free card games with an extra challenge try Ali Baba. In this game the legendary Ali Baba has been captured by the King of Thieves and needs rescuing. Can you save the day with some impressive Solitaire skills to release him?

Do you have the skills necessary to play a perfect Poker hand? If so, Royale 55 is the free online game for you. Royale 55 is a game that will improve your skills, with some exciting added extras such as ‘wild cards’, that can help you become the ultimate poker champion.

If you want to improve your pool playing skills, give Pool King a go. Pot the nine balls as fast as possible as you make quick and accurate decisions. This is a perfect free online game for any pool enthusiasts who fancy a simple solo game.

So, what are you waiting for? Try a free online game today and enjoy an addictive and exciting world of entertainment at your finger tips.



Celebrity gossip, Celebrity Style, Gallery, Gossip

As Alexa Chung and Alex Turner announce their split, we look over their style file as a couple

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

Alexa has slouchy dressing down to a fine art in this dungarees/shirt combination and Alex looked cool and understated in this simple jersey top with skinny jeans

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If you’re like us you were sad and surprised to read today that UK super-couple Alexa Chung and Alex Turner have ended their four-year relationship (they seemed so happy!), so we are paying tribute to the end of their relationship the only way we know how – a style spotlight on one of the past ten years’ best-dressed couples. After all,we’re talking about Alexa and Alex here!

From the time that they first got together, Alexa and Alex were always right at the top of our style radar, rocking a his and hers blend of indie and Britpop style, jazzed up with a little bit of Alexa’s fashion know-how and magic.

It’s sad news, but they’re both very beautiful, popular and talented, so it will be interesting to see what happens to the pair next. Check out the gallery above for our countdown of our favourite looks from one of the coolest couples from the UK.



Celebrity gossip, Fashion News, Gossip

Alexa Chung and Alex Turner call it a day on their four-year relationship

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

Alexa and Alex in happier times back in 2008

It’s bad news for one of Britain’s coolest couples, as news has reached our ears that young fashion icon Alexa Chung and Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner have decided to end their much-publicised relationship.

We were surprised to hear this – we’ve always thought the couple seemed so solid – but reports have surfaced that the couple have been rowing recently and decided that enough was enough. It’s said to be a sad but happy split, as the pair say that they hope to stay friends.

Having said that, it’s hardly surprising that the two have drifted apart with their hectic schedules, as Alex is frequently on the road with his bands and Alexa has a full diary for the summer as she settles down to work in New York.

For the four years that they’ve been together, Alex and Alexa have been known as one of the UK’s coolest and most well-shod couples, appearing at pretty much every festival worth being seen at in his n’ hers festival fashion.

It’s sad news, but good luck to the couple – we don’t think that either of them will have much trouble finding love again once they’re ready to get back on the celebrity dating scene.



Celebrity gossip, Celebrity Style, Events, Features, Gallery, Spotted, Spotted in London

Spotted: Jaime Winstone, Gizzi Erksine, Lady Gaga, Daisy Lowe and more

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

Glamorous chef Gizzi Erskine was festival perfection this weekend at Bestival in a sweet playsuit and beehive

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It’s been an excellent few days for celebrity-spying as there have been festivals, premières and photo-calls galore. While some of us have been sleeping off our holiday excesses and stressing about our depleted bank balances (thank you Summer, you most expensive of the seasons), our favourite celebs have been up and at it.

Our favourite celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine, who is infinitely more beautiful and fashionable than the likes of Gordon Ramsay or Heston Blumenthal, was spotted at Bestival this weekend looking like vintage perfection outside her Tiki Lounge in an adorable playsuit with her trademark beehive and some quirky pineapple-shaped sunglasses. This is playful fashion at it’s best – we’ll be keeping a close eye on Gizzi from now on.

Meanwhile, back in the Big Smoke, a fashion happening was going on at the unveiling of Pearl Lowe’s new 1920s-inspired collection for Peacocks. Pearl’s feline daughter, Daisy, was there modelling one of the creations, a wine-coloured velvet dress with a beautiful crochet collar. We can’t wait for this lot to go on sale.

There was also a party honouring the launch of a new book on hip-hop going on at the Red Bull studios in London, where Kelly Brook was spotted there looking healthy and happy in a brilliantly-white midi dress with matching heels. As well as Kelly, T4 presenter Jameela Jamil rocked up in a cool zipped corset top teamed up with primrose-yellow hotpants and chunky gothic accessories.

At the ICA in London, celebrities showed up to the screening of new indie-flick Our Day Will Come – Jaime Winstone and designer Pam Hogg turned up flaunting their London street-style credentials in clashing prints and tailoring, as did girl rapper M.I.A. in a huge black biker jacket with a slouchy denim shirt.

At a photocall in Berlin, the Black Swan actress Mila Kunis was photographed smiling like the cat got the cream besides heart-throb Justin Timberlake in a rose-pink silk cocktail dress.

It was all go for the paparazzis across the pond as well, as popstrel Lady Gaga was seen leaving the infamous celeb hangout Chateau Marmont dressed up to the nines as usual in a clinging black dress split up the front with a plunging neckline, with gleaming PVC ankle boots. Someone’s already embracing the Autumn/Winter fetish trend!

In Los Angeles, Freida Pinto was seen at the première of her new film “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”  wearing an emerald-green maxi dress. She looked absolutely stunning, but then she’d look good in a bin-bag.

Check out our gallery to see the best-dressed celebrities from the past few days.



Celebrity gossip, Fashion News, Gossip

New mother and stylist Rachel Zoe issues herself a no-heels ban

By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011

Rachel Zoe, one of Hollywood’s most famous fashion stylists, has surprised us all with the news that she has banned herself from wearing heels while carrying her new four-month old son Skyler. (Yes, we know… Skyler.)

The diminutive fashion power-house is well-known for her passion for ankle-breaking high heels, but has decided to forgo them for now as she adjusts to being a new mummy, with the reasoning that it’s far safer to carry your baby in flats.

Zoe said about the new heel ban: “”I had better balance pregnant than not pregnant. My rule is I do not hold my child in heels.”

Quite right, and good for her, though I bet she’s already itching to get back into her Louboutins.




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