Glamoursleuth

Take a Walk in the Jungle–Designers Gone Wild

2012-02-18T09:08:00.001-08:00

If there was ever a season to buy just one thing, to make a statement, to put your best foot forward, it has to be this one.

Designers such as Charlotte Olympia, Jimmy Choo, Sam Edelman and Rupert Sanderson seem to have been totally in sync in producing collections of totally lust-worthy, sexy, ‘hey look at me’ heels that will, let’s face it, take precedence over anything else you choose to wear.

None of these are penny pinching, and they may well be toe pinching in some cases, but who cares, these are all shoes to stride out in, that will get you noticed, so get ready to make your mark.

Don’t be bashful, slip a pair of these on your feet and prepare to party. There’s no doubt these are the most fabulous, frivolous, flirty and fun shoes in town.

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Pinterest–Diary of a Pinner–2

2012-02-17T08:14:00.001-08:00

I can freely admit, after less than a week, to being totally hooked on Pinterest, for several reasons:

Firstly it’s extremely engaging, a place to put all of your favourite things and keep them together.

The format is very attractive, and Pinterest is so easy to use.

It’s a demonstration of personal style, the items, places, pictures, fashion that you choose are on show, it’s all about you, individual or brand, no matter who or what you’re showcasing.

Whereas putting things down in words doesn’t always come easily to some, when you have unlimited access to the pictures on the web there no excuse for not being creative, you don’t have to think about something to say all of the time, you can say what you think in pictures, and pictures of course, speak instantly.

Finally it is becoming more and more obvious to me that this new fast growing form of social media, and make no mistake, Pinterest is about ‘social’, can be huge for business – for showcasing products, trends, the ‘must-have’ of the moment, new arrivals, items on offer, a place to create desire for pieces not yet available. The potential is huge, and although Pinterest is growing like topsy, it hasn’t begun to be tapped yet.

Once brands realise the captured audience that Pinterest has, already over 10 Monthly Uniques by Feb 7 2012, and that it is ‘The Fastest Growing Stand-Alone Site Ever) it will begin to be monetized extremely fast. Are you there yet?

Now in the US this is food for new board ideas – the wish to update and create is very strong. It’s early days yet so everything is trial and error, to see what followers are interested in, who follows you, who re-pins your pictures and almost too early to work out why, that will come I have no doubt.

Oscar de la Renta, Kenneth Jay Lane and Lanvin -Summer Jewellery: Forget Subtle………Think Bright

2012-02-15T06:42:00.001-08:00

The best of this summer’s jewellery is big, beautiful, bold and bright. Designers including Oscar de la Renta, Kenneth Jay Lane, Lanvin and Emilio Pucci have created collections that are startling on the eye – statement pieces ensuring that whatever you choose to wear them with you’ll stand out in the crowd.

The seriously on-trend pieces such as those below will be in short supply, and don’t expect them to re-appear in the stores once gone. They won’t, so if fall in love with one of these investment jewels do just that, invest, right now. They’ll all work with the simplest of little black dresses or your favourite jeans and white shirt for now, translating to match summer’s brighter hues when the time is right.

Emma Bridgewater–A Brand to Fall in Love With

2012-02-14T05:10:00.001-08:00

Who doesn’t have one, two or a few more of Emma Bridgewater’s wonderful collection? Own up please, if you don’t, then you might want to think about it, in terms of excellent gifts, at-home treats, feel good coffee and just feel good everything Emma Bridgewater takes the biscuit.

Founded in 1985 by, you guessed it, Emma Bridgewater, because she couldn’t find the birthday present she wanted for her mother (and don’t all the best companies start off that way?), Emma Bridgewater’s turnover is now up in the millions. Her collection is idiosyncratic and immediately identifiable, whether it’s a mug, a clock, a glass or a notebook, high quality, beautifully designed and not over priced.

Creating collectibles in this climate has to be an art, and Emma Bridgewater appears to have done just that. Whatever the occasion there’ll be something special to fit in with it, and best of all these are gifts that not only don’t break the bank and will be used immediately, but they last as well.

If you want to browse the Emma Bridgewater collection and have your choice wrapped and sent out for you at high speed, whether for Mother’s Day, Easter or any other occasion, visit www.adventino.co.uk, you’ll find the collection at John Lewis as well.

Now who’s pinched my golden retriever mug? Come along……own up.

Herve Leger, Missoni and DKNY - Precious Metals for Spring

2012-02-13T03:40:00.001-08:00

Whether you’re for or against, metallics, shimmer and shine, lame, sequins and metallic fabrics are part of this season’s zeitgeist, you may want to go the whole way and wear it top to toe or you may decide to be subtle, either way it’s here for a while, on the catwalks, in your face and in every store in some form or other.

The problem of course with this type of glitz in the spring and summer is that when the sun shines you can expect to seriously dazzle, blindingly, and it’s also worth remembering that lame, lurex and sequins, however sexy, will show off every lump and bump available.

If in any doubt at all on this topic the suggestion is to stick to accessories, a subtle hint of sequins, in silver, gold or bronze. You’re going to be finding them everywhere. Stick to the best you can afford, shimmer and shine are never really anything other than stylish, unless you wear too much. Always dampen down the lure of lurex or the glitter of gold with something chic and simple to avoid looking like a Christmas tree…………..

Ugg Boots & Australia Luxe –It’s Never Too Late

2012-02-08T01:59:00.001-08:00

There’s never been a better time, or excuse to invest in a new pair of Ugg boots or something similar. Here we all were writing about Spring – tempting fate I suppose – and down it came. There’s no real dilemma, this is full on winter and it isn’t going to end any time soon. The Christmas spend is over and if I was eyeing Collette by Collette Dinnigan’s gorgeous pink sun dress, it’s gone straight out of my head (kind of).

The point of a pair of boots like these is you can wear them to keep warm at home and when you go out, they’re never going to date, and they’re probably the most comfortable boots you’ll ever put on your feet. The downside is changing back into heels when it warms up, but frankly I’m going to worry about that later.

The Australia Luxe Collective range at Net-a-Porter is worn by celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Sarah Jessica Parker. Luxurious and with chic modern styling if you buy a pair of these you can expect to be asked where you found them….

There are just two days to go to enter our Valentine’s Day Competition with Coast to win a £200 voucher. To enter please send an email to phd@thesiteguide.com with the words Coast Dress in the subject line and your contact details within the body of the email. And visit us on our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/thesiteguide. To read more about this and other competitions just click here to go to our Competitions page. Please note only one entry per person – all duplications will be deleted.

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Scented Candles and Grecian Jewellery by Ancienne Ambiance–Give Something Different this Valentine’s Day

2012-02-07T00:29:00.001-08:00

Ancienne Ambiance is one of those online retailers you may not have heard of until you come across them for some reason, at which time they instantly become a favourite. Having received some of these scented candles myself I know how beautifully fragrant and long lasting they are and there’s a something very special about receiving something you can’t find in the mainstream stores.   So give something different this Valentine’s Day.

Adriana Carlucci, founder of Ancienne Ambiance, established the concept of luxury goods inspired by antiquity, creating a unique collection of superb quality candles with names and fragrances such as Isis – Rose and Lily, Aphrodite – Cypress, Persia – Rose and Jasmin and Assyria – Orange Blossom. With elegant hand-crafted packaging and small inserts made of hand-made Egyptian papyrus carrying the description and ancient associations of the scents used, this is not just a unique collection but cleverly presented as well.



The stylish Grecian dress jewellery is hand made in Greece exclusively for Ancienne Ambiance – if not for a Valentine’s Day gift then treat yourself - there are other jewellery ranges here including carnelian and turquoise.



Ancienne Ambiance offers a range you can’t find anywhere else, with beautiful fragrances and very high quality packaging. Visit it for Valentine’s Day or any other day when you want to give something very special and different. They offer an express delivery service.
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Anglomania, Just Cavalli or Issa? What to Wear for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

2012-02-06T07:15:00.001-08:00

Thinking about it I’m sure I have nothing to wear, were I to be invited out to a romantic dinner on the 14th, scouring through my wardrobe I really can’t see anything. I’m sure that this calls for something new.

The problem is always how dressed up to be as, supposedly, you may not know where you’re going to be taken, somewhere very swish and dressed up or a little cosy intimate and more casual place? Who knows? And frankly you probably don’t want to know in advance.

So the answer has, of course to be a little black dress, sexy, glamorous and elegant at the same time, a little black dress you’d be happy to be seen anywhere in, any time, and a dress that you’ll treasure and wear over and over again. Things to look for are that extra little bit of detailing, lace, one shoulder, the shimmer of sequins, a deeply cut neckline, a strappy back or a flared skirt, anything that makes your purchase out of the ordinary and helps you to look extraordinary.

Which of the above would I choose? I’m absolutely not telling. That would totally give the game away…………………….

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From Fancy Dress and Party Supplies to Garden Products–2 New Websites at www.thesiteguide.com

2012-02-06T02:27:00.001-08:00

There are several new websites in the Latest Websites section at www.thesiteguide.com, and two of the best are undoubtedly fancy dress and party supplies website www.sillyjokes.co.uk and also www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk, obviously for very different reasons.

www.sillyjokes.co.uk is a delightfully designed website, where you can find fancy dress for everyone, from Hawaiian fancy dress and Halloween costumes (and Valentines fancy dress for those who like to party on Valentine’s Day) plus kids and men’s fancy dress. The pictures are all very clear, you can see immediately what’s in stock and if it’s available in your size (request a notification if not) and the prices are very reasonable. Not only that but they’ll deliver to the UK, EU and USA and offer an express service to the UK.

In the Party Supplies section there are balloons, banners, table decorations, bunting, candles……..I could go on, but you really need to look for yourselves. You can choose from themes such as summery Hibiscus and Hollywood Star Attraction tableware etc to plain colours – there’s an enormous amount of choice so make sure you have enough time when you take a look at this great site.

I may not have mentioned that there’s a practical jokes section as well, thankfully my kids are too old for that kind of thing. Or are they? Any practical joke lovers – this website is designed for you.

Hayes Garden World is of course a totally different kettle of fish, offering a wide and varied choice of garden furniture including garden benches, cushions, tables, chairs and parasols plus garden lighting and heating, barbeques by Weber, patio heaters and lots more.

During the winter there are lots of special offers available and you’ll also find your garden furniture covers here – essential during the colder months.

There’s also a Home section carrying on with the dining theme where dining room furniture is one of their main products. With high quality garden tools by manufactures such as Burgon & Ball, kitchenware, rugs and floor covering and garden accessories from wellington boots and gardening gloves to garden clocks, this is a treasure trove for the gardener and home lover.

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Emma Bridgewater to Nina Campbell - Amanda Darley’s Favourite Valentine’s Day Gifts

2012-02-04T11:25:00.001-08:00

Amanda Darley’s website, www.adventino.co.uk, is bursting to the seams with clever, different and gorgeous gift ideas. It is, as she admits herself, a carefully chosen selection of beautiful home accessories and ideas that she would be happy to have in her home. So when you buy from Adventino you’re not just buying a ‘gift’, but something that has already been picked out specially for a person, occasion, or a home.

In her Valentine’s Day Gifts section Amanda has chosen things that she would like to give or to receive, and her top ten include Emma Bridgewater mugs, Gianna Rose soaps, Nina Campbell’s lushly scented candles and a silvered heart bookmark – all gifts that are light-hearted, whimsical and pretty enough that you’d want to use them immediately.

Nothing to do with Valentine’s Day, but definitely in tune with the temperature outside, new in Latest Websites at www.thesiteguide.com is Craigdon Mountain Sports, offering a huge range of outdoor sports clothes and equipment for runners, climbers, trekkers and skiers and lots of casual cold weather clothing and accessories including fleece and thermals.

There are some very good prices here so this website is well worth checking out right now. After all. It appears to be snowing outside…………..
They offer 24 hour delivery on many items and will ship to most places in the EU.

Don’t forget to make sure you’re signed up for our Valentine’s Day competition with Coast, where you can win a £200 voucher and choose from their stylish selection of dresses from day dresses to fabulous full length evening gowns. Click here to find out more.

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Restaurant Reviews–The Vanilla Pod, Marlow, Bucks.

2012-02-03T09:25:00.001-08:00

I used to visit this tiny restaurant in Marlow every month with a friend who then moved to London, so it was great to go back there today. Unsurprisingly, to me at least, The Vanilla Pod was the 2010 Regional Winner of the Good Food Guide Reader’s Restaurant of the Year Award.

The Vanilla Pod is one of the smallest restaurants I’ve ever been to, serves wonderful food, has an excellently low priced set lunch menu and is not the place to take your toddlers, as it is extremely quiet, even when full.

I live outside London and there are many famous restaurants nearby, including The Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, The Waterside Inn and The Fat Duck, however I’m not interested in seeing and being seen, nor do I want a faint inducing bill, so it’s a real joy to visit a restaurant such as the Vanilla Pod where the emphasis is on good company, conversation and great food.

You must book if you want to go there, for lunch or for dinner, you might get lucky at lunch time but then again you might not Incidentally T S Eliot used to live here between 1917 and 1920. What more could you possibly want?

All Saints–In the Sale Right Now–Perfect Cold Weather Warmers

2012-02-02T02:55:00.001-08:00

All Saints is a modern, sometimes quirky, mostly rock-chic brand offering good quality, reasonable prices and designs you won’t find anything like, anywhere else. All Saints’ stores are dark, noisy and idiosyncratic and filled with unexpected pieces you can’t help but desire instantly.

If you match their style you can dress in All Saints all the year round, creating a highly individualistic look. If you don’t you can still fine sexy, interesting, and glamorous dresses and outerwear you’ll wear over and over again.

Particularly right now as it’s freezing outside this is a destination not to be missed, as one of the strengths of this brand is their outerwear, from trench coats and overcoats to covetable down filled jackets and shearling coats and gilets, far removed design-wise from the rest of the high street and still at good prices.

Right now they’re on sale and this is the pick of the crop – if you can find your size snap it up immediately. These are investment pieces you won’t just be wearing in this cold snap, but next winter as well and onwards, and they’ll be universally admired.

Well in with today’s chilly weather theme and new in Latest Websites at www.thesiteguide.com is Brantano, offering well priced shoes for everyone and brands such as Nike, Reebok, Rocketdog, Ravel and Hi Tec. Well worth a browse round when you want a shoe fix but don’t want to spend the earth. There’s a special offer on right now as well so if you didn’t buy snow boots last winter this is an essential destination.

This is a very well designed and easy to browse website, where you can search by category, gender, style, brand and more. There are several pictures of each product and a very good zoom facility as well so have a look.

DvF Zarita Lace Dress–Why you Should Get Your Hands on it Now

2012-02-01T05:58:00.001-08:00

Diane von Furstenberg’s best selling Zarita lace dress has been reinvented in navy and a deep silvery grey for Spring. Having bought it in black in New York a while back I can tell you that although Matches describes it as quaint, I would suggest that there are better descriptions, such as versatile, flattering, form fitting and well worth investing in. I do, however agree that it is very feminine.

The point with this dress is its versatility. You may think being spring/summer that having long sleeves may rule it out, but they are fine, stretch lace and very flattering, particularly if you don’t love going sleeveless. It also has a V neckline at the back and an exposed zip.

This dress will take you everywhere, from smart (very smart) daytime to dinner anywhere you choose. It packs beautifully, and particularly the navy version will carry right on through into autumn and winter, by which time you’ll probably want it in black as well. It is also, in DvF terms, not overpriced, and best of all it will do the job of several dresses as not only can you wear it any time any where but match it with killer heels in winter or gold sandals in summer and you’ll always have the perfect little lace dress.
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Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

2012-01-30T23:26:00.001-08:00

Choosing gifts for men on Valentine’s Day can be quite a task, after all, you’re not going to go down the chocolates and roses route now are you? Are you? Cards are easy to exchange and there are lots to choose from, however gifts are a different matter. We’re all just recovering from the Christmas gift spend and you want to give a Valentine’s Day gift (particularly if you’re expecting something in return) that is not too serious, doesn’t convey too much of a message, probably, and doesn’t break the bank.


You can only give so many heart motif gifts where men are concerned, after all, whereas girls can wear hearts (on their sleeves or otherwise) all the year round, men normally don’t want to be that obvious. My favourite here are Perilla’s heart socks, a very subtle way to wear a heart and a clever gift, otherwise Valentine’s Day Gifts have to be lighthearted and/or colourful and a gift that’ll remind him that if he forgot the roses/candlelight dinner/diamond earrings on the day he better make up for it fast………………..


And just in case you’re of a mind to give a little luxury……..


Competitions ending tonight – click through to each one and sign up before it’s too late………

Win a £250 Gift Voucher with Feel Unique

Enter to win three gorgeous faux fur accessories from Perilla - http://www.facebook.com/events/323330714365026/

Win a velvet edged cashmere scarf from Adventino - http://www.facebook.com/events/306807966028960/

Ronit Zilkha’s ribbed cashmere scarf competition - http://www.facebook.com/events/232579400151061/
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30% off Two Black Knit Dresses at Ronit Zilkha for Lullilu Until January 31st!

2012-01-27T02:03:00.001-08:00

Because it's January, when we all love a treat and there's nothing better than bringing on a bit of ladylike Little Black Dress glamour, there’s a special offer on two of Ronit Zilkha for Lullilu’s favourite black knit dresses just until January 31st - her fine merino wool fit and flare Clover dress, and flattering Cape Dress, both of which are now just £99. Please note that these are both in very limited supply.

We know you'll love her merino Clover dress, not just a little black knit dress but a versatile wardrobe essential that you'll want to wear over and over again, and the gorgeously wearable Cape Dress, beautifully crafted in the finest of knits with a sleek form fitting shift covered with a fine gauzy overlay.

Wear both with high boots during the day and killer heels at night, these two favourites will never let you down and you'll take yours with you everywhere.

As one customer said recently; ‘Just to let you know that my dress has arrived and I absolutely love it. I have been looking for a dress like this for what seems like half my life!'

Special Offer: Quote SG33 in the promotion box at www.lullilu.com for a 30% discount off your order and please remember that this is just until January 31st.

How to Choose Valentine’s Day Gifts for Girls.

2012-01-26T05:40:00.001-08:00

This can be a tricky one. What kind of message do you want to give? If it’s the ‘marry me tomorrow’ kind, then life is easy – book the restaurant – I hope you’ve already done that – order the roses and choose the (conflict free) diamond. Sorted.

Of course most Valentine’s Days are not like that, and it’s about how to say ‘I love you’ or ‘I care about you a lot’. You can just do the restaurant and flowers bit, or the candlelit dinner for two, but most girls love a little something special. Jewellery, chocolates and roses are the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, and here are some of those plus a few more, non bank-breaking ideas.

If you’re going to be specific and buy fragrance make sure it’s one she loves, or a scent that has similar tones – buying fragrance for others is always tricky and on Valentine’s Day you don’t want to get it wrong. A scented candle is easier and a girl can never have too many.

As for buying lingerie? That’s another issue altogether. Coming up soon……………….

Win a £200 Voucher with Coast in our Valentine’s Day Competition

2012-01-25T07:21:00.001-08:00

If the dress is a girl’s best friend, whether it be a Little Black Dress, sleek ‘out to lunch’ dress or flattering ‘take me anywhere’ dress then Coast has to be your store du jour.

Offering dresses for all occasions, and specialising in sophisticated formal wear, Coast has an ever expanding collection of dresses ranging from size 6 to size 18. Choose from their sexy full length form fitting gowns such as the Savannah and Inica which are crafted from luxurious Italian duchess satin. For a cocktail party, opt for the eye-catching Breita bandeau dress or luxurious Alva Dress in deep purple for unrivalled glamour. Be sure to browse their sleek and flattering shift dresses which are available in an array of colours. For that standout dinner date, be inspired by the Joules animal print dress (which sold out totally last season) in an alluring blue hue.
For the perfect Valentine’s Day ensemble, cast your eyes over this chic selection of dresses…

Coast are giving one lucky winner a £200 voucher to choose their perfect outfit for Valentine’s Day, whether you choose to wear a show stopping full length number or playful printed dress there is an abundance of gorgeous styles to choose from gorgeous styles to choose from, and don’t forget to add the shrug, jewels and shoes.

We’ve set this up as an ‘Event’ on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thesiteguide and also at www.thesiteguide.com and you can attend it on Facebook by clicking here. Then just send an email to phd@thesiteguide.com with the words ‘Coast Dress’ in the subject line. Please note that your entry must include a proper name (first name/surname) linked to your email address and your postal address (so we know where to send the prize) in the email itself. Any duplicated entries will be deleted in their entirety.

The event will end on Friday February 10th at Midnight.
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10 Perfect Dresses for Curvy Girls

2012-01-23T13:04:00.001-08:00

I always admire those who manage to put themselves together perfectly each morning, styling skirt and jacket, pants and top (and jacket) and making sure that everything works together stylishly……… Look around you and you’ll see that those girls are few and far between, and that endless sartorial mishaps occur, probably only realised when the wearer catches sight of herself in a mirror whilst out.

It’s for that reason that I am in love with ‘the dress’, be it printed, black, red, knee length, maxi, wrap, whatever. Dresses are friends in your closet you just have to give a nod to, slip in to and run out of the house in, and, as long as you chose well in the first place, they rarely let you down.

For the curvy girl a dress is an even better friend, camouflaging lumps and bumps, adding height to those challenged height-wise and slimming down the ‘wider than they want to be’. Always, as I said, provided a wise choice to begin with.

My advice for the curvy girl is to look for dresses that contain stretch – jersey is such a wonderful, curve hugging fabric and it’s used everywhere, from high street to high designer. Look for dresses that nip in at the waist with a wrap or a ruche and then carry on down with a slim skimming skirt and also dresses with a v neck, which gives the effect of a longer line.

Avoid full-on body-con unless you want to wear Spanx from top to bottom and look for detailing that will hide anything you don’t want to show. Go for the streamlined effect and expect to get noticed. And don’t forget to make sure that the dress stops at the right place, this is something it’s well worth paying attention to, and it’s unlikely all the dresses you try will have been designed for your height.

Thinking of the summer (or any time) sleeveless challenge you might like to read my post on that subject ‘going sleeveless’, and start doing something about it right now, alternatively the cardigan or shrug will do the cover-up duty if you need it to, although the first option is far, far preferable and don’t listen to anyone who says you cannot re-shape your arms. I assure you, you can.

Anyway. My love affair with the dress is not going to end soon, so expect more on this subject, and in the meantime here’s today’s edit – 10 perfect dresses for curvy girls.
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Animal Prints: Spring Trends to Wear Now

2012-01-21T08:53:00.001-08:00

This is a strange time of year for fashion, when the stores are all ending their sales and offering the palest pastels and ladylike pinks for spring which, let’s face it, most of us are not quite yet in the mood for, and when we could still see snow, ice and frost for many weeks to come.

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who’s jetting off to warmer climes, pastels, neon brights and brighter shades of pink, blue and orange don’t quite do it, well at least they don’t for me, so bring on a trend that works at any time of year – the animal print.

With animal prints you can wear anything from just a hint of print to a leopard print dress but one piece at a time, please and bear in mind that although it is very early in the season, the best pieces will be snatched up quickly, such as the Oasis leopard print cardigan, Michael Michael Kors Scarf and Sam Edelman shoes – so if you’re tempted don’t hang about.

Someone is bound to tell me that sssssnake doesn’t quite fall into the animal print category and there is less of it around this summer, with leopard in different colourways taking centre stage, however these shoes by LK Bennett just seem to hit the mark for spring – definitely on my shopping list…………..

Don’t forget to sign up to be in with a chance to win a £250 Gift Voucher for beauty destination Feelunique.com – where you’ll find brands such as Shiseido and Decleor. Click through to the Competition’s Page at www.thesiteguide.com and find out how.

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Beauty Reviews–Shiseido Daily Bronze and Molton Brown Ambrusca Wash & Scrub

2012-01-20T09:41:00.001-08:00

Still on the subject of getting ready for summer – and going sleeveless (or anything else ‘less’) it’s never too early to push the button on smooth polished summer skin.

Molton Brown’s Ambrusca Wash & Scrub can be used as often as you like, both aromatic and invigorating, you can use in in the shower or tub and come away with skin that is smooth, soft and delicately scented. Don’t think that this one’s an effort, it isn’t, and it’s well worth getting started right now.

Along with Molton Brown’s other fragrant bath and body products this one isn’t going to set you back a lot, and one tube lasts a long while. It’s also worth every penny.

On the subject of bronzing moisturisers – naturally following on from your regular exfoliating program (!) comes Shiseido Daily Bronze. I’ve never been fond of fake tans, usually not allowing enough time or effort into avoiding streaks, disliking the scent (even of the newer ones) and not having the time to re-apply once the golden glow subsides.

Which is where this great product comes in, easily evicting long time favourite body moisturisers and fake tans from my cupboard and replacing them with a new, all-time favourite which goes with me everywhere, travelling or at home. It has almost no fragrance, is totally non sticky, leaves no streaks and you can use it all the year round, as I do. Nor does it make you look over-tanned but just imparts a subtle, silky glow.

Shiseido is not an inexpensive brand but try this one and you’ll almost certainly be hooked.

Don’t forget to sign up to be in with a chance to win a £250 Gift Voucher for beauty destination Feelunique.com – where you’ll find brands such as Shiseido and Decleor. Click through to the Competition’s Page at www.thesiteguide.com and find out how.

And for one week only – Ronit Zilkha for Lullilu’s beautifully styled black merino wool Clover dress is now £99 from £148. Described by one customer as ‘I absolutely love it. I have been looking for a dress like this for what seems like half my life!’ this is one Little Black Dress to invest in right now. To get the discount you need to quote SG33 at checkout.

Getting Ready to Go Sleeveless…………

2012-01-19T09:24:00.001-08:00

It’s still winter, and yet spring, summer and the challenge of the sleeveless dress is looming right on the horizon. There are plenty of long sleeved and three quarter sleeved options out there, but how much more enjoyable to be able to bare it all and show off toned arms.

The problem is that you need to get going right now. If you leave it until a few weeks before the sun comes right out you’re not allowing enough time to get great results. Toning up your arms is easy and doesn’t have to take a lot of time, however you need to take a run at it.

I spotted the words ‘move more – eat less’ on Twitter recently and yes that will work from the point of view of losing weight, but it won’t necessarily succeed on those areas that you specifically want to improve, be they arms, waist, core, bum or thighs. To succeed with those as well you need targeted exercises. Don’t listen to anyone who says they don’t work, they do.

I go to a gym when I travel, and work out at home when I’m in the UK. It’s worth building up a small amount of kit to use at home, there are no excuses, you don’t have to go out and you can use any spare moments you have. This is a great Pilates DVD with 10 minute segments and a very good section for arms at the beginning. It works, I promise you.

You’ll need the following to start with;

A decent sized mat – make sure that the one you get is long enough
A set of hand weights - start off light and build up the weight.
And if possible a gym ball, which you can use for core training, pull-overs and in many other ways.

Here is a very good set of exercises to start with published by Fitness Magazine, particularly the first six, including dumbell curls, chair dips and pull-overs.

And if you need any more motivation – think of yourself going sleeveless in just a few months, and that great feeling when you know you don’t need a cardigan, shrug or wrap to cover anything up………,

Designer Dresses on Sale–The Pick of the Sale Rail

2012-01-16T08:26:00.001-08:00

This is the time when the sales are nearly over and if you look very carefully you can find some great prices on designer dresses with most discounts 50% and upwards.

Whatever style you prefer, from ladylike to downright curvy there’ll be something left in your size. The great thing about buying online is that nothing is stacked up close on the rails and it’s much easier to see what you’re ordering, the downside is that there’s such an abundance of choice it’s hard to know where to start. There are the great buys mixed in with those dresses that no one is going to buy no matter how low they go, because of colour, shape or fit, and you can be sure that if there’s one left in every size online it may had one of those problems and got sent back.

Here’s today’s edit of what’s left on the sale rail………..

Don’t expect every dress to be available in every size – it won’t be, and if you fall in love with something snap it up right away or expect it to be snatched away………….

Also and for one week only – Ronit Zilkha for Lullilu’s merino wool Clover dress is now £99. Described by one customer as ‘I absolutely love it. I have been looking for a dress like this for what seems like half my life!’ this is one to invest in right now.

To get the discount you need to quote SG33 at checkout.

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Labradorite Jewellery at Astley Clarke–10 Pieces for the New Season

2012-01-15T10:13:00.001-08:00

Labradorite jewellery practically glows in the dark. It’s an iridescent gemstone which has a dark smoky grey base, but when the light catches it it can reflect blue, green and violet and sometimes also orange, red and yellow. This effect, unique to labradorite, is referred to as labradorescence.

Labradorite jewellery can be very beautiful and is often very reasonably priced, here are ten pieces to consider for a January treat, which you can wear right now, and which will fit in perfectly with ocean blues coming up in the spring summer season. Everyone needs a treat now and again after all……

Also…….spotted in the flagship Neiman Marcus store in downtown Dallas – this labradorite and gold bracelet by Tai jewellery. Not seen in the UK so far. It shows perfectly how the light creates a rainbow of light within the stones.

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Restaurant Reviews–Javier’s Mexican Restaurant Dallas

2012-01-13T09:36:00.001-08:00

If you’re thinking of paying a visit to Dallas in the near future one to put on your list is without a doubt Javier’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant. And make sure you book first as if you don’t you’re likely to be turned away at the door.

I’ve eaten here several times, usually on my arrival to work in Dallas and enjoyed it every time. This is not your average ‘Tex Mex’ restaurant, but somewhere to go for authentic Mexico City dining, so expect delicious food and spicy, sometimes unexpected flavours.

Javier’s is Mexican styled, low-lit, very atmospheric and almost always extremely crowded with foodies and Dallas movers and shakers alike. You may feel inclined to play it safe and order guacamole or nachos as appetizers, but my suggestion, as you can get these anywhere, is to try something different, such as Ceviche (raw marinated fish and shrimp) or their famous Tortilla Soup but be warned. This can really fill you up.

Last night I played it safe and had chicken Fajitas, which were so much more flavoursome than anything I’ve had elsewhere, but their Codorniza a la Talla - charbroiled domestic quail marinated in a spicy chile ancho and garlic sauce which I sampled was seriously delicious also.

I have to confess I have never made it through to desert so I really can’t advise you, other than to say that it includes Key Lime Pie, New York style cheesecake and Kahlua flan, I would be surprised if you make it there either, as the portions are not small and it is the Mexican influences that you’re looking for here after all.

Other than home made Fajitas, which I confess to have given up making since coming here as they simply don’t compare, I have not come across a great Mexican restaurant in London, but then I haven’t looked very hard. If you know of one, pass it this way. Authentic spicy and delicious Mexican food is well worth hunting down.

Oh yes, and the margaritas are world class. Forget all the salt, the frozen margaritas and ‘on the rocks’. Go for straight up and feel the burn…..you have been warned.

What to Wear Now: The Unexpected Little Black Knit Dress

2012-01-11T04:18:00.001-08:00

To celebrate the end of the Christmas and New Year Festivities we’re going to play dress-up. Yes, you heard it right. So forget the ‘it’s January so I’m going to head back into jeans and a fleece’, put that on the back burner and switch off. There’s nothing that lifts the spirits as much as a bit of ladylike dressing up in January.

Perhaps the best and worst thing about this time of year is that everyone is on sale. I walked into Zara earlier this week to have a browse for the daughter (who was with me at the time) and we asked the question ‘why do the stores have to look such a mess when they’re on sale’. They do. Stuff everywhere, piled high, the left-overs, the disastrous colours mingling with one or two goodies, but there’s usually a reason why that coat with the huge collar, that oversized leopard print jacket, that dusty pink dress get left behind. They were bad buys to start with and nothing is going to change that no matter how low the price goes.

So forget about the humdrum and gravitate to something sleek, eye-catching and wearable right now. Hence the ‘Unexpected’ Little Black Dress’, knit rather than woven, charming, sexy and chic all at the same time. Wear with boots for day and heels for night and party right through January.

The only problem with this type of dress is that some will give away every lump and bump, so if in doubt as to which size opt generously.

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How to Wear Prints - From Diane von Furstenberg and Desigual to Michael Michael Kors and Marella

2012-01-10T06:11:00.001-08:00

Choosing the right print can be a minefield. Prints can be over bright, frumpy, make you look wider than you are, shorter than you are, and some prints simply walk into the room ahead of you. But fall in love with a print that really works for you and you’ll wear it over and over again and in many different ways.

A great print flatters your personality and makes you feel totally at home. The colours have to be right for your colouring, and the size of the print also. It’s no wonder we all end up with so many little black, red, navy and white dresses in our closets – they’re frequently so much easier to wear.

If you buy a classic print make sure that the length is not so ‘classic’ as to make the dress look frumpy (so easy) – in any case always make the effort to have your dresses and coats the right length for you, just a couple of inches too long can make you look older no matter how modern the print.

Why buying a statement coat or dress make sure your entrance is not just about what you’re wearing, and that you’re not swamped.

Finding great prints isn’t always easy, there are so many that end up on the sale rails (and on), but it’s well worth finding one to fall in love with.

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Victoria’s Secret–The Push-Up Girls are Coming to Town

2012-01-09T00:15:00.001-08:00

As announced by the Telegraph, the Daily Mail and GQ last year, Victoria’s Secret will be arriving in the UK this year to the delight of anyone who loves glamorous lingerie.

You might think, bearing in mind the stupendously gorgeous models on show, some of whom are bound to be involved in the launch (just guessing), that Victoria’s Secret is only about glamour models, fabulous figures and sexy underpinnings, however, as someone who has crossed the pond regularly over the past few years and shopped from them several times I can tell you that what you will find there is high quality and a choice second to none, and I’ll bet you anything they’re going to give quite a few lingerie retailers in the UK a real run for their money. As they should.

The most important thing with Victoria’s Secret, particularly where the bras are concerned, is to make sure you get the right size, it may not necessarily be exactly the same as what you wear here. In the same way that fashion is differently sized by designer, so is lingerie and you need to get it right. So either go into the store and find your right size or, if in doubt, order two sizes online. You may find they are very slightly on the small side.

In the stores there are always experts on hand to make sure you’re fitted right - think of taking a short cut and not doing this first forget it – this is true, of course, of buying bras anywhere. According to The Guardian last year, a Debenhams survey found that 85% of women wore the wrong size. Girls get ready. This is somewhere you really don’t want to get it wrong.

Don’t be put off by, assuming that the format rolled out in the UK will be the same as the US, by the black dressed staff all with headsets ready to direct you to the right bra (!) nor think that this superb lingerie destination is not for you. Go get measured, try on every style you’re inclined to to see which is best for you, then choose your colours/patterns etc. Then of course you can order online, secure in the knowledge that what will turn up, be it a Very Sexy, Miraculous or Full Coverage bra with anything from subtle to va-va-voom lift will fit perfectly into your lingerie drawer and on your person.

Don’t expect Victoria’s Secret to be cheap, it isn’t, and fits in between the cheaper brands and ‘designer’ lingerie. However it’s worth every penny, not just from the quality and choice point of view, but the simple feel-good factor of wearing something pretty, glamorous and curve-enhancing under your clothes. Expect to get noticed………

Tangerine Dream–How to wear the New Black

2012-01-06T02:23:00.001-08:00

Tangerine and orange are going to be everywhere this spring but this is not an easy colour to wear for most British skin tones, at least not without a tan. Most shades against pale skin will draw out any vestige of colour you have, and over applying the blush won’t help. It does depend on the deepness of the shade but you need to be very very careful or that DvF dress, once home, will never make it out of your closet.

If you’re hankering after a burst of orange and want to play it safe go for accessories, and if you just have to have the dress and you’re not sure if the shade is right hold it up to your face in daylight (don’t rely on changing room lights) and ask a friend. Alternatively and until you get some summer colour (fake or otherwise) wear it with something to diffuse the tone, such as a scarf or necklace.

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Spring 2012 Fashion Trends–12 Scarves and Wraps to Buy in the Sales Today to Wear into Spring

2012-01-04T04:15:00.001-08:00

As the sales heat up and the prices nosedive it’s easy to get carried away and buy something you can wear right now, without giving a thought to what’s coming around the corner, in terms of both season and trends.

We may have at least three months left of cooler climes (and maybe even a return to the freeze of last year) however that doesn’t change the fact that buying for today can be very short sighted when you can cleverly buy for both today and tomorrow.

The accessory on today’s hot list is designer scarves. Can you have too many? Probably not, they work at all times of year and with everything from weekend to work to dressed up glam. Right now is the time to invest in a designer scarf that you might not look at at the full price, but at 40%+ off is worth a splurge.

Look for safari/tribal, geometric, digital and baroque themes (although the latter are coming through right now in the new collections) and colours from tangerine, grape and fuchsia, blues from sodalite to pale turquoise and pastels in sorbet shades.

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Win a £250 Gift Voucher with feelunique.com and thesiteguide.com

2012-01-03T05:30:00.001-08:00

This is the time of year when your skin needs more pampering than usual, the cold, the wind and the damp, not to mention the Christmas festivities all help to reduce your natural radiance at a time when you need it the most. It’s a New Year and who doesn’t want to start it off with a burst of energy and great skin?

As far as energy and natural beauty are concerned we can’t recommend highly enough drinking loads of water, and to help your skin on its way to a new year gleam we have a £250 Gift Voucher to give away at www.thesiteguide.com in conjunction with feelunique.com, a wonderful beauty destination where best selling brands such as Clarins, Decleor, Elemis and Murad sit side by side with Barefoot Botanicals, Bliss and Bare Minerals.

There are so many products to choose from here, from radiance boosters by Shiseido, Gatineau and Caudalie to exfoliators and scrubs by Thalgo, Jurlique and Ella Bache. Then you can browse through the makeup, hair care products, fragrance, skincare and far too much more to list here.

Here are a few favourite scrubs, treatments and cleansers for prepping your skin for January – we suggest you browse www.feelunique.com and put your list together. And keep your fingers crossed.

You’ll find more details of this competition at www.thesiteguide.com. Only one entry per person and any duplications will be deleted. The competition starts on January 3rd 2012 and will end on January 31st at Midnight. To enter please sign up on the home page at www.thesiteguide.com and also send an email to phd@thesiteguide.com with the words ‘feel unique’ in the subject line. If your entry email does not contain those exact words it will not go through.

Good luck everyone!
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Why we Judge on Appearance–It’s not the Book, it’s the Cover

2012-01-03T02:32:00.001-08:00

There’s no question that we all judge people on their appearance. Within the first three to five seconds of meeting someone, we’ve summed them up and put them in the ‘I want to know you’ or the ‘I’m not going to bother with you’ folder. It’s as simple as that, because that’s all the time we have to start with.

This may seem unfair, wrong and inaccurate but it’s a fact of life. And if you want to make a good impression you’ll take it on board and make it work for you. Trying to shrug it off and pretend it doesn’t happen is not going to work.

Featured in today’s Daily Telegraph, Louise Mensch (aka chick-lit author Louise Bagshaw) is photographed by GQ in a sexy black leather panel tight-waisted skirt, white tie front (low) blouse and knee high boots ensemble which scream ‘look how sexy I am’. I’m sure that was what GQ wanted, but put everything together and try to be taken seriously and there’s a recipe for failure.

There’s a balance in creating the right appearance. You don’t have to dumb yourself down and try and pretend to be someone else if you are a sexy blonde bombshell after a job in the City, but neither should you accentuate your curves with a push-up bra, thigh boots and a too short skirt. You may get a job, but it probably won’t be the one you’re after.

The rules are simple, dress well and appropriately for wherever you’re going, always be well groomed and you’ll get the fourth and fifth seconds and onwards to project your individuality, brains and character. Dress inappropriately and look scruffy in any way from hair to shoes and you won’t.

Complaining that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover is a total waste of time, as we always have done, we do, and we always will.

Laura Mercier via the BBC–A Little Pot of Brightening Powder

2012-01-01T02:28:00.001-08:00

A few days ago I was having my makeup touched up at the BBC – as you do and Laura Mercier Brightening Powder was the hero product of the day and has evicted several from my own makeup bag. The reviews are all true.

Having spent several years of my life on fashion photo shoots with the pic of the hair and make-up artists and had lots of free ‘face painting’ I’m pretty good at putting on my face in the morning at high speed, even at 5.30am, so there wasn’t much help needed, however, she did pick up this one little pot off her table with the distinctive Laura Mercier lid. When asked, she told me that it was (you guessed) Laura Mercier Brightening Powder – the very best, she said, for lifting dark shadows and brightening your makeup.

Not that I get carried away and rush into things but there was, girls, a definite difference and I’m all for brightening – overloading the concealer simply doesn’t work and though there are other good products (more later) this one had an immediate effect.

A pot is now sitting in my makeup kit, applied with a little brush, and I can promise you it does the job, just giving that extra lift when and where it’s needed. If it seems like a tiny pot for quite a lot of money a little goes a very long way. Everyone should have Laura Mercier’s Brightening Powder as one of their beauty tools. Shade 1 is very light. Shade 2 is best for medium complexions – many places just sell the one (and don’t tell you which it is in some cases) John Lewis has both. Go for it.

A very Happy New Year to everyone – more shopping, more fun, more travel, more laughter, more music, more writing – my six key phrases for 2012. Not necessarily in that order.

Have you worked out what yours are yet?…………………………………
Our new competition will be launching at www.thesiteguide.com on Jan 4th. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter on our home page and keep checking our Facebook Page. It’ll be a goodie!
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Designer Handbag Heaven……….12 Right Now in the Sales

2011-12-29T04:44:00.001-08:00

There are hundreds of designer bags in the sales, of course, in colours and shapes that didn’t….er…..immediately appeal and prices that hit the sky and that even at half price are over priced. Frequently that’s all that you’ll find the day after the sales have started, and congrats to those who got there on day one, I hope you bagged a great bargain.

Having scoured the designer sales online here are some discounted treasures. Inevitably and again if you don’t click through fast you won’t stand a chance.

We’ll be starting our new competition at www.thesiteguide.com to win a £250 voucher for pampering products from Feelunique.com, who offer brands including Shiseido, Decleor, Clarins, Elemis, Elizabeth Arden. Kerastase, GHD and far too many more to tell you about here. Click through to their website and put your list together now.

The competition will launch on January 4th – just when we all pampering the most after the festivities.

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Preen, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Paul & Joe - Unexpected Pleasures in The Harrods Sale

2011-12-27T05:35:00.001-08:00

Just in case you didn’t gather, the Harrods Sale has just started, and if you, like me, want to avoid London, Knightsbridge and anywhere within reasonable proximity for the foreseeable future you need to go online right now to Harrods to find some seriously good bargains, for anyone who loves dresses, that is.

Moschino Cheap and Chic, Paul & Joe, Preen, Michael Michael Kors and Issa are just a few in the label lineup here but heed my warning and don’t hang about. These are not going to be around for very long.

Having been on BBC Breakfast today to talk about the joys of sending things back after Christmas (in my little red DvF dress, no less) I returned to find three boxes in my room, unwanted gifts that my kids want moi to return for them. Some hope…..at 21/23 and 24 I think they’re really old enough and should be looking after me. So I’ve read them the riot act and told them their rights in terms of returning goods bought online – a subject on which I now know quite a bit) and now I’m in hiding. For a few days at least……………..

Wrap up Warm–The Knitwear Sales–12 of the Best Bargains

2011-12-20T06:58:00.001-08:00

As this is the best time of year to visit the sales, and knitwear has to be at the top of everyone’s list, here are a few of the best offers and knitwear sales around right now, which of course, being online, you can order right up to and on from Christmas Day, ready to cosy up in after Christmas when the snow starts to fall.

Hover over each of these pictures to see the offer or discount at time of writing – the price may go down again, but your size of course isn’t guaranteed to be there when it does, and there’s no point in buying anything the wrong size in the sales.

When buying cashmere particularly in the sales invest in the best that you can, yes there’s loads of cheap and cheerful cashmere around but you can be sure that it’s cheap for a reason, and although it may keep you warm for this season, you may not love it when you pull it out next winter.

20 Beauty Gifts for Girls for Under £55 it’s Not Too Late to Order for Christmas

2011-12-17T04:45:00.001-08:00

Whether you’re still looking for a gorgeous beauty gift or a stocking filler here’s a great selection from stores offering delivery for another few days. Choose from Bobbi Brown, Guerlain, Nars, Urban Decay, Diptyque or Volsupa and make someone very happy this Christmas.

I’ve found that the right kind of beauty gift never fails to be a happy surprise, for girls who love cosmetics, bath and body products, skincare, scented candles or home fragrance. And which girls don’t?


These are all from tried and trusted stores who clearly state their Christmas Delivery dates – stores you’re bound to have heard of and who you know will offer you a speedy and efficient service. Not only that but at time of writing all these items are in stock.



Just one word of advice……although all of these stores offer delivery right up until the end of next week my advice is to get ordering right now, sit back, avoid the crowds, and order online, safe in the knowledge that your Christmas shopping, for this year at least, is sorted.

From Hilfiger to Heattech - How to Beat the Chill in Style

2011-12-16T05:38:00.001-08:00

Living out in the wilds (if you can call them that) of Bucks, I know only too well that the priority, at a certain time of year, comes down to staying warm rather than looking stylish, which is ok up to a point but the temptation to step out in fleece and an old pair of Uggs is all too strong at times and needs to be resisted.

The answer is to have an interchangeable collection of casual but stylish, warm pieces that you can slip on over your Heattech and that turn you instantly into a chic out-0f-towner with a look that works just about everywhere. Heattech, to start with, is fine enough to be worn under pretty well anything, so if you haven’t already I would invest in these below. There’s new stock coming in all the time so keep checking back if you don’t find your colour choice in your size, however the plan is to keep this as your base layer so other than your roll neck you won’t be showing much.

If you like to wear your Heattech quite well fitted, as I do, then go down a size, particularly on the tops.

You can slip your favourite jeans over your Heattech leggings, alternatively invest in a pair of slim stretch jersey pants. I have some by M&S that never lose their shape and you can get to them here, however if you want to go for broke you could invest in a pair of ponte jersey skinny pants by Vince.

A great sweater/cardigan/jacket is next on the list in terms of importance, casual but current and preferably slim fitting and long enough to cover your bum. And cosy of course. Perfect for curling up in but great for going out in too. These are by L’Agence, Duffy, Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply, Brora and Jigsaw.

Then it comes down to a great pair of boots, boots to keep your feet warm and dry and flatter your legs. I’ve never been a lover of the flat original Ugg boot although my daughter loves hers, but Ugg have introduced some new styles which totally fit the bill. The Jillian, the second from the left, is from Nordstrom, where you can order all the sizes to be shipped here, you can also find them at Cloggs. They are far more like the Nordstrom picture (and I know these things).

Finally there’s a coat, an investment number that’ll be keeping you warm for years, so it’s well worth buying something as high quality as you can. For cold weather there are two options, down, and shearling. Buy both if at all possible, you never know when you’re going to need them……….

Many of the items featured here are on sale, so click through fast if you see something you like……………

Gift of the Day - The iPod Tripod–Buy This Now or it’ll be Gone in a Flash

2011-12-14T06:33:00.001-08:00

Having spotted this in one of the in-flight magazines whilst flying back from Dallas a couple of days ago, and seeing that it came from our very own www.iwoot.com I now see that there are only a few of these babies left – so if you’re in the slightest bit interested in giving someone a mini telephoto lens and tripod for their iPhone I’d click through and order it straight away. Or your chance will be lost.

I’m absolutely not your normal gadget nut as I dislike intensely anything that is not functional as well as fun, and so many gadgets are neither but this seems to me something of an obvious hit for anyone who owns an iPhone, and we all know loads of those.

There are loads of clever (and useful) gift ideas at I Want One of Those, from portable chargers and ‘Breathable’ wine glasses to an essential ‘keep him busy all afternoon’ remote control helicopter, so I suggest you click straight through, order your iPhone Tripod and then get shopping for other members of the family and friends…………….

This is also a very clever website in that you can link straight through to Facebook, leave a comment about a product and see immediately what others have said as well as the normal (!) product reviews so there’s no lack of information and input from real people on what’s on offer here – making I Want One Of Those one of the outstanding gift and ‘gadget’ sites on the web.

British Fashion Designer Ronit Zilkha Chooses a Few of her Favourite Things………………and use Promotion Code XMAS10 to get 10% off your Order.

2011-12-12T12:14:00.001-08:00

Designing for her new website at www.lullilu.com Ronit Zilkha has created a small but beautiful collection of clothes and accessories, including flattering dresses, tops that can be dressed up or down and covetable accessories.

With her choice right now being influenced by both the cold weather and Christmas, just a few days away, Ronit suggested the softest of cashmere scarves, ribbed wrist and arm warmers, her beautiful tie neck, bell sleeved top (which comes also in silver and charcoal) plus perfect presents in the form of her spot print scarves, the unique Wayuu Taya cross-b0dy bag and essential pure cashmere hot water bottle covers.

On her pretty website she has also designed a collection for little girls, having one of her own. Here are four of the top picks….

Amanda Darley of Adventino Chooses Her Favourite Gifts and Accessories

2011-12-12T08:34:00.001-08:00

Amanda Darley, founder and owner of lifestyle gifts for the home, accessories and childrenswear company www.adventino.co.uk was originally a chef who trained at the Manoir aux Quatres Saisons and at Prue Leith. After cooking for society weddings and a stint out in the Hamptons she decided, with two young children in tow, that she wanted to do something that involved spending more time at home and less in the kitchen particularly at weekends, and so launched Adventino with a handpicked, beautiful collection of childrenswear, based on the things she wanted to buy for her own but simply couldn’t find.

With superb taste and attention to detail Amanda then moved the collection into both ladieswear and accessories, plus gorgeous, reasonably priced, useful and attractive gifts and objects for the home, for children’s rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, wine and dine and beyond. I asked her to pick out her favourites and here they are.

Bearing in mind some of the gorgeous cashmere accessories on the site I also managed to pick out my favourite four, well there’s just something about cashmere and cosy faux fur, now isn’t there??

Please remember that all the best online stores are now coming under pressure, not just from the huge increase in the amount of orders we’re placing online this Christmas, but in getting the delivery services to have enough time to deliver to you. So don’t hold back. Browse and buy and finish off your Christmas shopping and then sit back with a cuppa and congratulate yourself on a job well done…………..

Chris Morton of The Wychwood Deli’s Top Ten Favourite Food Gifts

2011-12-11T08:38:00.001-08:00

Taste fanatic (and ex polo playing) Christopher Morton who owns and runs www.wychwooddeli.com has created his list of favourite food gifts. Everything at The Wychwood Deli is selected for how delicious it’s going to be on your table. Most food is artisan produced and totally scrumptious, so whether you choose to order one of his whole honey hams, Upton Smokery smoked salmon, luscious and rich Christmas puddings or award winning British cheeses you can be certain that what you’re giving will taste better than anything food-wise you’ve given away before.

Just a word of warning. The last date of ordering is December 18th but some things are running out right now, so please don’t delay to get your order in. Also as Chris includes delicious samples with every order you should probably order something for yourself as well, you don’t want to be out of a gift this Christmas as a result of an extra impossible to resist tasting, now do you?

Last Chance for Competitions and Last Order Dates for thesiteguide.com and Friends

2011-12-11T07:49:00.001-08:00

With quite a number of events and competitions running right now I thought it would make sense to give you the up to the minute low-down on when all the end dates are coming up. As well as the last order dates for some of our favourite websites, which will be added to within the next 24 hours.

Competitions:

Win over £550 of Gifts and Vouchers in the bumper competition at www.thesiteguide.com – end time and date is midnight on December 14th!
all the competition details are here

Win a £100 Gift Voucher with www.adventino.co.uk – end time and date is December 14th at 6pm. All the competition details are here

Last Order Date:

www.wychwooddeli.co.uk – for honey hams, smoked salmon, delicious cheeses and Christmas food gifts. Last date for ordering is December 18th but please order as early as possible.

www.adventino.co.uk – for gorgeous and stylish gifts for the home plus enchanting childrenswear and ladies cashmere accessories. – Last date for ordering is December 19th.

www.lullilu.com – Ronit Zilkha’s collection for Lullilu includes Christmas day and cashmere dresses and knitwear plus accessories that make perfect gifts. Last date for ordering is December 17th.

www.perilla.co.uk – A wonderful collection of alpaca and cashmere socks, plus gloves, faux fur hats and cashmere wraps, stoles and scarves. Everything here is perfect for Christmas Gifts. Last date for ordering is December 19th.

Make sure you’re entered for these competitions to be in with a chance and please place your orders as early as possible to give the delivery services a chance………

Good luck

Patricia

Wrapped Up in Red–Michael Kors, Catherine Malandrino, Joseph and More–12 Little Red Dresses for Christmas Day

2011-12-08T13:11:00.001-08:00

There’s something about a little red dress on Christmas Day, and with every designer from Catherine Malandrino, Max Mara and Joseph to Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Michael Kors and Diane von Furstenberg including something festive in their collections there’s really no excuse not to slip into something colourful come the 25th.

There’s an issue, as always, between sleeved or sleeveless, which very much depends on a) whether you like sleeveless at all and b) whether the Baronial hall you’re going to be celebrating in is centrally heated or not. Either way a shrug, wrap or sequinned cardi should do the trick if you feel the chill.

Most of these dresses are perfect for curvy girls, with wrap and ruching in the right places. So answer the urge to dress up on Christmas day, forget about gift shopping just for a few seconds and make sure that one of these numbers ends up in your closet in time.

Don’t forget our competition to win over £550 worth of Gifts and Vouchers ends at midnight on December 14th so make sure you’ve Attended.
Our prize includes:
a Swarovski crystal evening bag from http://www.perilla.co.uk/,
a £150 Gift Voucher from http://www.accessoriesonline.co.uk/,
a whole ham (!) from http://www.wychwooddeli.co.uk/
Fabulous scented candles, and a mani-pedi voucher from http://www.ancienneambiance.com/,
a beautiful hammered silver jug from http://www.handpickedcollection.co.uk/ and
a £150 Gift Voucher from http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/.

To enter please attend this Event, which will end at midnight on December 14th, and send an email to phd@thesiteguide.com with the words 'Christmas Competition' in the subject line.

Please note you may hear from any or all of the prize donors, plus www.thesiteguide.com, regarding their special offers and promotions, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

If you're new to our Facebook Page please Like our page first and then you can attend the Event. And if you’re already a subscriber to www.thesiteguide.com you just need to send the email as above.

10 Easy Pieces from Me and Em - from Jersey Dresses to Palazzo Pants and a Perfect Cashmere Jacket–30% off Many Items.

2011-12-07T09:06:00.001-08:00

This has to be the perfect time of year to pay a visit to Me and Em and discover jersey dresses, soft and flattering palazzo pants and the perfect cashmere jacket to keep you chic, warm and wonderfully comfortable right through the Christmas season. Not only that but there’s a choice of colours for most pieces and you’ll find 30% off many of the items below.

What puts these covetable clothes ahead of the rest is that they all have an element of stretch, making them not just so easy to wear at a time when we all need it most but if, oh dear, you choose to over-indulge on any given day frankly it won’t matter a bit, as these clothes are designed to skim curves or gently swing around you. The choice is yours.

There are stylish day to evening dresses, ruched tops which, when paired with fluid palazzo pants will allow you to travel and arrive looking as fresh as a daisy and just as ready to party, cosy cashmere blend knitwear and pretty peasant tops to wear with your favourite skinny jeans and heels.

This collection from Me and Em is without a doubt one of the very best yet. You’ll also find Christmas gift ideas from cashmere knits to unique printed scarves making this an essential place to have a browse round. Right now……………..