I love the summer sun and it loves me, as soon as it peaks its head out of the clouds, I start dreaming of beaches and topping up my all year tan. 

My holiday is all booked and now I just have to finish putting together my outfits for strutting along the beach. The high street is going crazy for beach wear this summer, so whether you like to go uber sexy beach chic or keep it cool and casual, there’s something for everyone.

For my day time look I think I’ll ditch the bright bikini and amp up the glamour with a sexy one-piece from Debenhams, dramatic hat from Accessorize and statement wedges from Aldo. In the evening there will be beach parties galore so I have to make sure I have loads of show stopping swimsuits. Paired with some sharp shades and a beautiful pair of sandals I’ll be good to go.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Festival season is here again, so it's time to get my wardrobe prepped for rain, shine and muddy fields. Last year my festival uniform consisted of classic wellies, daisy-dukes in all colours and a graphic tee. Taking inspiration from the California babes dancing to Coachella’s fashion beat, this year I think I’ll mix it up a little. I’ll keep the denim cut-off shorts but swap the tee for a sassy crop top and brave the rain in a pair of jewelled sandals from River Island. I may even and throw some tassels in there somewhere, there’s a tassel fringed bag in New Look with my name on it. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Next time you are at the centre don’t forget to pick up your copy of The Liberty Lookbook Summer 2012, it’s the perfect guide for all your fashion and beauty needs this season.

If you are as excited about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as we are, flick to page 4 to find Celebration Essentials. It’s two pages of fantastic items that will help you achieve patriotic style. As you read on you’ll find lots more style inspiration, from festival fashion that will keep you feeling fabulous even if it rains, to sportwear chic in the spirit of the Olympics.

Then get up close and personal with Daddy Cool himself, Mick Norcross, from hit TV show The Only Way Is Essex as he speaks to The Liberty about his success with Sugar Hut.

All this and more, plus at the back you’ll find special offer vouchers, to enjoy at The Liberty all summer long. 

So what are you waiting for, get yours before they are gone! [[posterous-content:pid___0]][[posterous-content:pid___1]]

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Next time you are at the centre don’t forget to pick up your copy of The Liberty Lookbook Summer 2012, it’s the perfect guide for all your fashion and beauty needs this season.

If you are as excited about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as we are, flick to page 4 to find Celebration Essentials. It’s two pages of fantastic items that will help you achieve patriotic style. As you read on you’ll find lots more style inspiration, from festival fashion that will keep you feeling fabulous even if it rains, to sportwear chic in the spirit of the Olympics.

Then get up close and personal with Daddy Cool himself, Mick Norcross, from hit TV show The Only Way Is Essex as he speaks to The Liberty about his success with Sugar Hut.

All this and more, plus at the back you’ll find special offer vouchers, to enjoy at The Liberty all summer long. 

So what are you waiting for, get yours before they are gone! 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Sienna, Alexa and I haven’t sat down for a girly gossip in ages, so when we heard that Taste cafe had been revamped with comfy sofas and an all new menu we thought we'd give it a go!

I'd heard about Taste, and knew they'd won lots of awards, but I didn’t realise how 'girl perfect' their menu is . Sienna and Alexa were very excited to see a pick and mix salad as they don't like too many carbs. I’m not concerned by all this no carbs nonsense so I indulged in a delicious jacket potato (how they get them THAT fluffy is beyond me!).

And, as it's UK Coffee Week we even got to enjoy a free bottomless filter coffee, which meant our gossiping could go on all afternoon.

Taste is a little secret gem, and we almost didn't find it. Thank goodness the nice lady on The Liberty customer service desk pointed the way! It's actually easy peasy, just turn left out of The Liberty's Lockwood Walk entrance by Sports Direct and there they are, next to the big Paul Fallitricks hairdressers.

Now, off I go to work off my jacket potato doing plenty of shopping!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

When I found out that The Liberty had teamed up with Sugar Hut for this year’s Club Fashion event, I could barely contain my excitement. Unless you have been living under a rock, you must have heard about the reality TV phenomenon The Only Way Is Essex (or as it’s more fondly known TOWIE). Sugar Hut is a popular haunt for members of the TOWIE cast and through the show has become an internationally recognised hot spot.

Club Fashion promises to be a fabulous day of fashion shows, style advice, offers, discounts and giveaways. Plus Sugar Hut DJ, Matty P will be spinning his decks so everyone can get in the party mood and you might even get to meet some of the TOWIE stars.

The Liberty has always been my first destination when looking for a killer outfit, but the Club Fashion event makes shopping for party-wear a glamorous day out.  I can’t wait!

So come down on Saturday 28th April an get ready to party Essex style! 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

I am definitely an advocate of the effortlessly cool when it comes to personal style, you’ll often see me in converse, skinnys and a graphic tee with bed-head hair to finish the look. Despite this, I always thought sportswear was one step too far but what do I know because it seems sporty just got cool.

You’ll be ahead be ahead of the game if you’re rocking sportswear chic this summer. Keep things fresh in bright whites with vibrant bursts of colour on everything from biker jackets to floor grazing skirts. Fling on zip-up hoodies over skimpy crop tops for a cool casual look or give it some edge with a collared shirt paired with luxe joggers. And remember, whether you go for traditional flats or trendy heels, lace up trainers are the go-to piece to complete this look. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

My friends have started calling me magpie because every time I see something shiny when I am out shopping, I have to pick it up. I know all girls love jewellery but for me it has become a bit of an obsession. I have rings for every finger, necklaces in every length, shape and colour and earrings galore but I still keep buying more. That’s why I love The Liberty, pretty much all the womenswear shops have a great jewellery selection plus there are some luxury brands like Pandora and Magnolia if I feel like really spoiling myself.  I think my focus this month will be getting some pretty pastel pieces to wear with the new denim in my wardrobe.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

When you have a bump or a scratch we kiss it better, we help you with school projects, act as your personal taxi service but never collect a fare, give you cuddles when you are sad and have a free 24 hour make-up counter in our bedrooms. We are mums, and this Sunday is Mother's Day, the one day a year that is dedicated to celebrating how wonderful mums are. 

Think about how special your mum is to you and take this opportunity to show your love and appreciation. It could be a small gesture like breakfast in bed, or you could really spoil her with a nice lunch or a girly get away. And if you are feeling really generous don’t be afraid to shower mummy with gifts (hint, hint), be it a sweet treat, sparkly jewellery or beautiful flowers, trust me we love them all. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Bye bye winter wear, hello spring/summer fashion, I’m letting go of the January blues with a well needed wardrobe update. The trend that seems to be leaving the strongest impression is soft pastel shades on everything from jackets to jeans.

On the catwalk everyone (including Chanel, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen) featured sugary sweet shades on beautifully feminine tailored pieces.

Now this trend is everywhere and my must-have item has to be something in pastel denim. I have my eye on a cute pair of rose pink hot pants that will be perfect for my trip to Ibiza this summer.

Here at The Liberty, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, River Island, H&M, Next, New Look and Debenhams have a great range of pastel denim.

There’s something for everyone, so which piece of clothing candy will be sweet talking its way into your wardrobe?

1 & 2 Miss Selfridge, 3 River Island, 4 Dorothy Perkins, 5 & 6 Miss Selfridge 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Last season I developed a minor obsession with knitwear; beautiful embellished sweaters cosy cashmere cardies, cool slouchy jumpers and oversized knitted scarves. 

It’s fantastic when you can mix winter wear comfort with contemporary style, but as much as I adore my sweaters, cardies, jumpers and scarves they are not what you would call sexy.

Sure they are great for work, a day out shopping or even an early dinner with friends but with a second date looming (with a handsome young man, I have to say) I was desperate to find something a little more glamorous.

Then I saw this racy little offering from Dorothy Perkins. It’s knitwear with attitude and I love it. The long sleeves, high neckline, light material and use of navy as the core colour give this jumper a feel that is classic and sophisticated, while the open back adds a sultry edge.

Paired with my favourite super skinny jeans form Topshop, killer heels from New Look and my oversized clutch bag from Primark, I’m sure I’ll knock him dead. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Burberry’s back!

By Sharn Rayment, News Editor at LDNfashion.com

I was lucky enough to get invited to the Burberry Prorsum (Latin for ‘forwards’) autumn/winter 2012 show this season, which, as always, was held in an elaborate tent in Kensington Gardens. Well, not quite a tent - it held 1500 people, including a front row bursting with celebrities, but you get the idea. When everyone had finally taken their seats and the show eventually started I was excited to say the least. Girly bows, feminine peplums and quirky animal motifs quickly shot down the runway, accompanied by updated versions of the classic Burberry trench and the latest additions to their handbag family, the Burberry Orchard and the Barrel.

(How many celebs can you spot in the front row?)

Mixing classic tweed skirts with practical lace-up boots and tailored outerwear, they created pieces that transcend trends, achieving that sartorial timelessness they’re known for - just look at the Burberry trench coat, which is more popular than ever, nearly 100 years on. This collection, called ‘Town and Field’, maintained that heritage feel, overflowing with regal country features – flat caps, duck head umbrellas and quilted jackets – which were not only beautifully crafted, but actually very wearable. That’s not something you can say about a lot of fashion shows now is it?

And another thing they do better than the rest is actually put on a show. Not only did they blare runway music louder than I’ve ever heard before (I could feel my hair vibrating!), but they made Hyde Park rain. Outside, water fell on the transparent pavilion whilst inside golden glitter fell, showering the models as they walked for the finale. Luckily they had Burberry’s stripy new-season umbrellas in hand! Creative and convenient.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

In Henry's House

By Harriet Whiteside, blog owner at The Counter Culture Chronicles

Harriet and her friend Louise 

(Taken before the Henry Holland A/W 2012 show)

Henry Holland's A/W 2012 show was held at The Goldsmiths' Hall. Even through the miserable drizzle of rain, everyone who was queuing outside for the show was excited; paparazzi were everywhere, celebs were arriving, and there was a real buzz. After the PR girls had enough of the continuous abuse from the paparazzi (whilst we were queuing sensibly and without whining even though it was FREEZING) they let us in. All of the calm in the queue vanished; girls and boys clutching each other by their wrists, dragging one another up the stairs, past Poppy Delevigne posing for the front of house paps (she really loved having her photo taken...) and we were finally in, seated and waiting. 

Spotted! The beautiful Alexa Chung, she is my style icon - a true Brit (officially recognised now, as she has been given the title 'British Fashion Council Ambassador'). I was also pleased to note that in the flesh, yes Alexa Chung is slim, and always has been, but she by no means looks ill.

Spotted! Brix Smith-Start was busy interviewing people and enjoying the show. Catch her interview here with Caren Downie.

The show was fantastic...I overheard Pixie Geldof saying that Henry Holland had developed as a designer and she is right. I didn't spot any slogan tees at this season's show, but beautifully structured, popping colours, with a lot of dogtooth. I am definitely a fan of his A/W 2012 collection. (Apologies for the poor quality of the photos - very difficult to capture the models perfectly especially with the ridiculously bright light for the show.)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

I’m seeing yellow, banana, custard and lemon curd. This isn’t a list of foods I packed for the kids’ lunch this morning, it seems designers have been adding flavour to their collections with a splash of all things yellow.

Being such a bright, happy colour you expect to see people wearing it when the sun is shining and summer is in full swing, but recently our fashion-forward celebrity friends have been blazing the trail for this hot trend a few months early.

Charlize Theron walked the red carpet at the BAFTAs in a marigold lace Stella McCartney cocktail dress, Kirsten Dunst brightened up a Rodarte dinner in the label's fabulous metallic embellished yellow trousers paired with a stunning Stella McCartney blazer. Olga Kurylenko looked flawless in a lace panelled Elie Sabb dress at the designer’s haute couture presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Jennifer Hudson looked elegant in a tailored mustard dress at Good Housekeeping Cocktail Party to celebrate the launch of her new book.  

These ladies certainly dispel the myth that only tanned women can wear yellow. That being said I think I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled as I walk the malls of The Liberty, and get myself a little yellow number. If I remember correctly Miss Selfridge had a beautiful yellow playsuit. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Sienna, Alexa and Victoria are three fabulous fashionistas each with their own individual sense of style.

These ladies are like Charlie’s Angels for the fashion world and will be bringing you news on the hottest trends in fashion and beauty plus they have the inside scoop on all the exciting goings-on at The Liberty Shopping Centre.

Sienna is a journalist who writes for a local newspaper, she loves reading magazines and staying in tune with celebrity fashion. For work she dresses smart-casual and her favourite shops are River Island, New Look and H&M.

Alexa is a receptionist by day and a party girl by night, her style is trendy and she loves to shop at Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Primark.

Victoria is no ordinary full time mum; she runs a luxury cleaning business from home. When meeting with clients her wardrobe, full of smart but chic clothes from Monsoon, Next and Dorothy Perkins, never lets her down.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »