New Trend Rising?

Vampires. Werwolves. And a danger magnet named Bella. What do these three things mean to you? To a normal person, probably nothing. But to me, a self confessed TwiHard, they mean one thing. Twilight.

Or to be more specific, the sequel to Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon. With my ticket booked, and my shift at work finished, my excitement couldn’t be contained. Not only was I finally getting to see the movie I had so desperately been waiting for, but I was going to a midnight viewing, one of the first screenings of New Moon to be watched in the U.K. I could literally have howled with glee. My mind couldn’t have been further from fashion on this particular night. I was intently focused on the glorious Twilight hunks, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. As an avid member of Team Edward, I was shocked to find I was leaning towards the territory of Team Switzerland when I saw the newly buff and brooding Jacob Black. They really have ruined it for all mortal men.
Bella Swan is a lucky, lucky girl. Two gorgeous, mythical men fighting over her. Swoon.

Anyhoo, enough talking about them or I’ll be back at the cinema drooling in 10 seconds flat.

But all of this got me thinking. Is fantasy the newest trend?

You can see people sitting on the bus, at the bus stop, in cafes or even in lectures, reading the books, but it goes much further than that.

Franchises such as Twilight and Trueblood, which stem from the books, movies and television, based on myths, legends and scary stories, have launched huge fan bases. These fan bases have clothing, home wear, accessories and much more, all dedicated to what they love. I mean, they even have Christmas decorations! (mental note: buy Twilight Christmas decorations).

It’s not hard to walk down the street and see just how big fantasy is becoming. You see the posters and advertisements in bus stops, shop windows, and even on the clothes people wear. Lion and Lamb hoodies, Mrs Edward Cullen t-shirts, or bags which simply say ‘Bite me’ followed by the name of a fictional vampire are widely sported amongst the teens of the world. And not just teens! There is also items for older women, maternity wear, menswear.

Is this a trend for everyone? Will we soon see mothers and daughters wearing matching or opposing Team Edward/Jacob t-shirts?

If fantasy really is the newest must have, then all I want for Christmas is a bronze haired, sparkly vampire and a russet brown werewolf. Oh and Santa? If I’m really good, would you throw in Eric Northman from Trueblood as well?

Mega Winter Warmers

Up to 25% off everything in store. Stores open late, and I mean late, try 2am. For the shopping addict in all of us it sounds perfect, especially in the run up to Christmas. Less queuing, less hassle, less stress.

At least for those doing the shopping.

For the staff at Debenhams, Mega Week represents long hours, huge numbers of customers, running around like a headless chicken and pressure to succeed. But in all honesty, we do love it. The week is busy, but it goes faster and we have fun with each other as the nights go on.
This includes the Personal Shoppers. We have to help out on the tills, and with tidying, on top of the countless appointments made by people in the hopes of finding the perfect outfit (with money off of course), for parties, a winter wedding, or simply to keep them warm and in style this Christmas.

Keeping warm in winter is always easy, but looking good at the same time can be that little bit harder. With all the bulky knits and dark colours, your shape is disguised and distorted, and your mood begins to match the colours you wear. So try finding a classic style of coat, one which wont date and you can continue to wear again and again. Take for example, a black wool trench coat. It is simple and elegant, black is always in fashion, and it is fitted at the waist. This gives a nipped in silhouette, and the illusion of curves, or the enhancement those of curvier girls. With it being wool, it won’t be the most waterproof of coats, this however gives you an excuse to buy a cute and colourful umbrella.

We all know Uggs are some of the warmest and comfiest footwear going around, but they sure won’t keep your feet dry in the winter rain and snow. So why not opt for a pair of riding boots? They’re comfy and stylish, plus keep your toes warm and dry. Perfect for trailing the high street and the Christmas sales, for example the hellish, I mean exhilarating Mega Week!

I know what you’re thinking, this outerwear may show off my figure, but it’s still as dark like the winter sky. Add some of your favourite, bright colours to your outfit, by choosing a colourful bag, or scarves and gloves. They aren’t just a fashion statement people, they keep you cosy too!

This is what I’ve been telling those customers who come in, looking for an outfit to brighten up their winter, while keeping out the chill.
So splash some colour into your outfit, without splashing the cash. Simply add some colourful accessories to warm up your winter.

Head to the shops and the sales, the late night variety, to save yourself the stress and the hassle. Save some money and your winter wardrobe. But do take pity on the poor sales assistants who are happily serving away until the wee hours, we take on the stress to save your sanity.

London Calling

Ah consolidation week. The week in which students are supposed to catch up on coursework and start their preparation for the coming exam season. Yeh...that's what we do.
While most of my fellow students began their weeklong parties or hibernation, I took the perilous journey to the bustling streets and bright lights of London. Yes, that's right folks, London baby!
For a few days every year my mum and myself take a mini break of sorts; take in a show, visit some friends, spend as much money as we can afford. And where better to do it.

I have to say this trip was amazing. Firstly, our flight arrived EARLY, how often does that happen? However half an hour into the flight I did burst into hysterics, confusing and slightly worrying my mother, until I explained I had in fact forgotten to pack pyjamas. Oh well, an excuse to buy new ones…but where from considering we didn’t arrive at our hotel until after 5pm, and shops would be closed by the time we got there. Fear not! For our lovely little hotel in South Kensington, was a 5-minute walk away from Harrods! (Plus a GAP where I managed to find a cute pair of jammies for about a 5th of the price of ones in Harrods).

Now Harrods seems to be very imaginative. They seem to believe that the newest trends this season are green makeup, gingham check, and ruby slippers. Well personally I don’t give a flying monkey’s about gingham, but the shoes I’ll take in a size 5! As my mum and I followed the yellow brick road leading into Harrods, we realised that it was in fact the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, and it was this years Christmas theme within the store. Makes more sense I suppose.

Now as we all know, Harrods is a tad bit expensive. But after months and months of hard work, shopping for other people, I felt that it was about time I shopped and treated myself to something nice. So, as we meandered around Harrods, I was slightly disheartened when nothing immediately jumped out at me. And then I saw it. Soft, cream, gorgeous, and Juicy Couture. With its delicate ruffles, and warm feel, it was the perfect outfit for Christmas time. I tried it on, and it flattered all the right places, it gently clung to curves. It was perfect for my curvy figure.
I had to have it!
So I proudly took the dress to the till point, and handed over my money. It was only after we walked away, with me swinging my bag happily, that I realised.
‘Mum, wasn’t I supposed to get a pound back?’
Harrods had done me out of my change!!

This is the dress, only mine is cream.After the theft from Harrods and the securing of sleepwear, the next order of business was food. So, to Leicester Square we went. In the end we managed to get some cheap tickets for Chicago, so had dinner on the go, pizza slices all the way. Even better, was when we arrived at the show, we were asked to go to the box office with our reduced price, upper circle tickets. Our tickets were then changed to the dress circle! No longer were we stuck in the Gods, but sitting centre stage with one of the best views in the house. All for £20 each. Not bad I say.

The following day was our proper shopping day. Now take heed, for walking around the shopping streets of London, Uggs are required. Not heeled boots from Clarks it seems, no matter how chunky or low the heel. Both my mum and I realised this after we had walked up and down Oxford street for the 3rd time.
After a very succesful day, we sat smiling on the underground, surrounded by our bags from Tiffany, Abercrombie and Fitch, Sketchers (Mum gave up and bought comfier shoes), and good old Debenhams. You'd think that I'd stay away from it on my days off, but hey I get a discount.
After relieving ourselves of the bags and readying ourselves to be seen in public once more, and discovered that the aftershave smell that had been following us all day, was actually from our purchases, we headed out for dinner with a friend of the family. Then after we were sufficently nourished, we were once again 'Off to see the Wizard', as we had tickets for that nights showing of Wicked. Front row of the dress circle, at full price this time unfortunately.

After the show, we had drinks in a small, unknown pub in South Kensington. And I was shocked to realise I recognised someone at the bar. After sitting for a good while wondering where I knew this man for, I finally asked my companions. Turns out I'd been staring at Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols, for a good 20 minutes.

Alas the nxt day, we had to come home. So as the the plane ascended from Terminal 5, I waved goodbye for yet another year. Once again, the flight was early, and we were one of the first groups off the plane. Such a succesful trip.

So what I've learned from my consolidation week this November, is that green is definatley a Wicked colour this season, Uggs are definatley the must have shoe for shoppers, Abercrombie's aftershave clings to clothes and smells amazing, and Harrods are thieves!

Party Time

First and foremost, I apologise for not updating this thing sooner, I have had so many things going on lately. And secondly I have a small announcement.

Sadly the time of astronaut chic is over, before it even began. All because one silly supervisor forgot to order the damn bike.
So I have packed away my jumpsuit and helmet, awaiting the next crazy idea to come out of the Debenhams collective. Which turns out to be making me stand in the middle of the Womenswear floor giving a demonstration on this year’s party wear.

Yes, the time is upon us once again when the twinkling lights and sparkling outfits of the festive season are returning to our high street.
This year is all about the silhouette - body con fits, one shoulder dresses, and cut out detailing - all to show off those fabulous figures, of all shapes and sizes. Add to this the season’s hottest colours, and you have one killer outfit.

Purple is this season's must have colour, it oozes red carpet glamour. Whereas red is dramatic and sexy, a fab alternative to black. Whether they are worn as a statement dress or as fun accessories to brighten up a darker outfit, these are the colours everyone needs to be seen in this season.
Trust me, I pick clothes for other people for a living!

Another great trend for the party season is prints, floral and optical. Accessorise these with gold and killer heels, and you have a look that it chic and feminine. Just watch out with the kind of print you go for, some prints can make a slim girl look tinier and curvier girl look chunky, trust me I know from experience.
Sumptuous fabrics are also a key trend for this year’s party season. Satin, velvet, silk and sequins, just not all at the same time. Team a simple velvet dress with some striking accessories in a trend colour, and you’ll be ready to party.

Whatever you choose to wear this party season, make sure it makes you feel great and give you a sparkle in your eye to rival the twinkling lights.