The Style Bite

It’s almost time to buy a summer bag for 2010 and I’m totally torn between the fun, soft look suede bags in Zara at the moment which would’nt break the bank… or…. go for a total splurge and splash out on this totally gorgeous, to-die-for Marcie bag from Chloe!! OK, maybe it’s a little out of my budget at just over £900 but a girl’s got to dream hasn’t she?

How cute does New York socialite Olivia Palermo look in this outfit? The star of The City stepped out in a skirt and shoes by topshop, a vintage blouse and an Alexa Mulberry clutch. So perfect for spring! Olivia has recently released a range of jewellry in collaboration with Roberta Freyman and includes three necklaces with silk ties that are inspired by her favourite Cities. Check out the range at www.robertafreymann.com

Karen Millen is really spoiling us this season by offering not only cute little singlets covered in ruffles but in bright block colours too! That’s two key season trends wrapped up in one gorgeous top! I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to be investing in both of these pretty soon, the coral colour is my favourite colour of all time and a fantastic choice for spring/summer and the emerald green is just so eye-catching! Who wouldn’t turn heads in that colour? You can buy them in store or online at www.karenmillen.com and there is also a pale pink version which would be perfect for weddings.

With less than 9 weeks to go until my summer holiday and I’m already thinking SWIMWEAR! Now Easter and the ‘Eggfest’ is over I can start to think about losing that winter weight and getting myself ready for a week of near-nudity. I absolutely love buying bikini’s and this year have decided that Monsoons beach collection is just a bit further ahead in the competition than it’s highstreet counterparts – but there is plenty of time left until the end of the race! I popped in this weekend and spotted these two cuties that I wouldn’t mind lounging by the pool in.  At the moment I’m thinking that my poolside look will be ‘ethnic’ with wedge sandals, bead necklaces (there is something so glamorous about wearing a long necklace with a bikini) and chunky cuff bracelets.

Courtesy of www.monsoon.co.uk

But did they ever really go away? Espadrilles have been around since the 14th Century. The 14th Century!!! How many other items of clothing in your wardrobe can claim that type of unadulterated pedigree? The wonderful thing about espadrilles for me is that they take me back to the summers of my childhood and our holidays in Spain where a new pair of espadrilles were bought every year. Fortunately, the shoes have evolved over time and now you can buy platform soles, rubber soles, wedge soles… My favourite type of espadrille for s/s 2010 is definitely TOMs. For every pair of TOMs shoes you buy, they will give an unfortunate child a pair of shoes too – a fantastic bonus for buying a great pair of summer shoes anyway. And with styles like these, I think I’ll be investing in more than one pair this year. You can buy from UK stockists such as Office and Schuh or online for a better selection at www.toms.com

The most natural form of makeup on the market today is mineral makeup.  Initially created and sold by boutique cosmetics brands, mineral makeup is now so mainstream you can purchase it in your high street chemist. Mineral makeup has in fact, been used for thousands of years and has been traced back to the Egyptians who would use ochre and malachite to create colourful pastes and powders for their faces and bodies. The method of mining minerals from around the world, purifying them and then crushing them into a fine powder is not a new one. Historically, minerals were used as they were the only ingredient on hand to create makeup however, these days consumers are more concerned with the damaging effects of chemicals on their bodies and are now favouring natural makeup as it is made without chemicals or preservatives. All mineral products are made up of natural pigments and are free from dyes, perfumes and talcs than can irritate sensitive skins. The fantastic quality of modern mineral makeup also means we don’t have to sacrifice choosing a natural product for a lesser quality one. The purity of mineral makeup is such that it can be used soon after treatments such as waxing, IPL and electrolysis as the ingredients will not aggravate skin but can actually help the healing process. Natural mineral makeup is reputedly so pure that you can even sleep with it on as it allows the skin to breath and function normally.

Product ranges have expanded at a rapid pace to keep up with public demand and where you would have easily found mineral foundations and powders in the shops, you will now find lipsticks, glosses, crème blushers and eyeshadows in a rainbow of different colours.

Some of my tried and tested mineral favourites include;

Susan Posnick Colourflo Mineral Foundation www.susanposnick.com

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish www.maccosmetics.co.uk 

Bare Escentuals Prime Time skin primer www.bareescentuals.co.uk

Marchesa are two talented british designers who are responsible for creating some of the most dreamy and delectable dresses around. Specialising in floaty, feminine designs, their creations are proudly worn by celebrities all over the World. The designers set up Marchesa in 2001 and by now you can guarantee that any red carpet event will be graced by at least one Marchesa gown. The designs are absolutely perfect for weddings and not just for the bride! I know that my favourite wedding outfit for the 2010 wedding season will almost certainly be inspired by this little number!

Feather and silk Marchesa dress