The Fashion Feed: Black and Gold

Black and Gold - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

I doubt any of us are going to forget the vision of Miranda stepping out head-to-toe in gold with her girlfriends in The Sex and the City film. After six years of strictly business suitage Miranda shined beautifully in her metallic movie hues and we're going to show you how to shimmer too.

Pleat It. Accentuate your curves and shine at the same time with this fabulous shapely corset from Goddiva. This strapless beauty is so on trend and will add a classy edge to any outfit. Wear it over a black shirt for a quirky day time look or with a flirty frilly skirt for an on-trend burlesque ensemble. At only £22.51 you will be getting great value for money as it is such a versatile piece.

The Statement Pendant. This gorgeous gold owl design pendant is the perfect accessory to make you stand out from the crowd. It hangs from an adjustable gold chain so you can alter the length to match all your favourite necklines and costs just $23.99 from ModCloth.

Creating Contrast. Although Miranda looked amazing in tip-to-toe gold we recommend breaking the look up a bit for a subtler edge. Blazers are big fashion news at the moment so you can't go wrong with this black beauty from Miss Selfridge. It would go beautifully with the gold corset and it will provide you with the perfect silhouette. The blazer costs £45.00 and will see you through any job interview, day at the office or even Friday night on the town.

Put A Bit of Flirt In Your Skirt

Moody Blue - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

Carrie and the girls seemed to have an endless supply of floaty, flirty skirts and since we're in the business of emulating Sex and the City style to the letter, it seems only fitting that we follow suit. The secret to the flirty skirt is to opt for materials and designs that accentuate your curves, helping you to really bring out your feminine side.

As far as frills go, you really can't go wrong with one of these fairytale style pettiskirts from Sterling and Pearls . Made from 100% chiffon these little beauties are guaranteed to have you twirling round the bedroom like a Balerina in no time. Our favourite is this Tiffany blue and black number but they come in a range of colours and contrasts so you can find the perfect shade to suit you. At just $67.00 it's perfect for those of you who want to recreate that American Girl in Paris look without having to fork out for the 1000 Layer Versace Sea Foam Gown.

Slightly more on the subtle side is this prim and proper black rose skirt from Peacocks. The calf-length finish makes it super classy and it comes complete with a tie belt. We reckon this skirt will make the perfect throw-on for summer days in the city, especially if you team it with a pair of on-trend heels to update the look. The skirt costs a paltry £10.00 so it really is a buy it now or regret it later purchase.

When it comes to the feminine mystique bows are big business too and we couldn't help but get over-excited when we saw this mono Bella Bow Skirt in the sale at Coast. Reduced from £95.00 to just £45.00 it is a true on-trend bargain that will see you through this season and beyond. The skirt finishes just below the knee and boasts gorgeous black belt and bow hemming for contrast allowing you to double-up on your fashion brownie points. Suitable for all occasions it's one of those garments that you're just never going to want to take off!

The Fashion Feed: Peaches and Cream

Peaches and Cream - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

As mentioned in our Fashion Feed 'How to Look Good Nude' neutral shades are massive themes on the high street this season. This week we're taking a look at peach and cream coloured must-haves all of which come with pretty sweet price tags.

The Dress. First in our virtual shopping bag is this Peach Oxidised Shirt Dress from Miss Selfridge. With it's studded collar and racer back straps it is the perfect smart-to-casual foundation and the bubble style skirt makes it so on trend. The dress costs just £28.00 making it an affordable and versatile addition to your wardrobe.

The Statement Belt. Gently accentuate your waistline with this beautiful wrap tie belt from TopShop. It will break up the neutral hues of the rest of your outfit and is very now with its eye-catching corsage with creamy contrast detail. The belt is a snip at just £20.00 and is something that you can wear over a cardi, blazer or even to add a quirky edge to an evening gown.

The Vintage Hat. Peaches and Cream couture wouldn't be complete without a classy vintage hat and this peach Kangol retro piece from Candy Says is just the job. The rose detail would match beautifully with the TopShop belt and the optional veil makes it an excellent option for summer weddings or for a fairytale themed walk in your local park. This item is a bargain at just 25.00 so snap it up whilst you still can!

The Bradshaw School of Forties Fashion

Forties Inspired Fashion - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

The peplum skirt has it's roots in 19th Century style but didn't really take on until the 1940s. This bulbous trend died out in the 50s but was back again in the 80s, 90s and now, thanks to Ms Bradshaw, in the noughties too. The Peplum is fun because it goes against all the usual "does my bum look big in this" style conventions and looks surprisingly chic.

Our favourite peplum garment at the moment is this gorgeous electric blue number from Miss Selfridge. Not only does it boast beautiful contrast detail in this season's hot colour but the V neck front will be flattering to any figure regardless of shape and size. The dress costs £35.00 which is nothing for such a high fashion item. This look has come back time and again over the decades so it's well worth investing in a piece like this that you can pull out of the closet when ever the trend comes back into vogue.

The only way to finish off a peplum dress is with a pair of killer heels and a cutesy clutch. Our pick of the clutches has to be this feathered number from Asos, also in electric blue. The clutch style keeps it nice and retro but the feathers and the vivid colour will bring your look bang up to date. The bag is currently selling for just £21.75 and can be teamed with any number of outfits.

As for the heels, you can't go wrong with a pair of black skyscrapers. We love this pair from TopShop for their stand-out cross over detail. They will set you back £70.00 but like the clutch will team up with any number of outfits adding extra value to your wardrobe.

The Shoe-Fix: Block Coloured Beauties

Ever since Carrie wore her famous block colour dress during her silver screen Mexicoma we have been blogging furiously about multi-colour trend. With this in mind we simply couldn't resist making these gorgeous peep-toe affairs our Monthly Shoe Fix. The gorgeous grey, white and pink contrast is sophisticated enough for office day wear but could also easily funk up an LBD or evening dress.

There's nothing less attractive than a woman who can't actually walk in her shoes but that won't be a problem with these little beauties. As well as ticking every aesthetic box going these shoes are built for comfort with a nice mid-range court heel. Possibly the best thing about these shoes however is the price. They cost just £30.00 from Dorothy Perkins. Other leading stores are selling block colour items for over double this price so snap up these retro-look shoes whilst there are still some left to be had!

The Fashion Feed: Sports Chic on the Cheap!

Designers are taking inspiration from chav-style garments at the minute with sports stripes and neon vests swiftly becoming major fashion themes. A walk down the high street however is a far cry from a walk round your local council estate as perfecting this look requires two things Vicky Pollard never had: subtlety and style.

Going Nude. The key to this look is to keep it looking neutral and add just the token neon item to liven things up. Start with this gorgeous cream skirt suit from Peacocks. The skirt and the jacket will set you back just £36.00 for the pair and will create a fabulous base for your Sports Chic look. Their subtle colouring and classic shape makes them stand alone wardrobe basics too so you're guaranteed to get frequent use out of them.

Queens of Neon. Accessorise your suit with this gorgeous neon detail bag from Asos. It costs just £17.75 and epitomises the sports chic style with a muted tan base coupled with vibrant flashes of neon. You can pick up a matching belt from New Look for just £5.00 to add the finishing touch to your sports chic outfit.

1990s Remix. It is perfectly acceptable to mix neon colours, if you're feeling daring add in a yellow stripe or even lime green if you're particularly feeling the 1990s retro look. We particularly like this flourescent vest from American Apparel. At just £15.00 it is the perfect bargain buy for creating your own alternative sports chic ensemble. Customising this trend to your own taste will single you out from the hoards of other fashion followers and will allow you to easily mix and match any new purchases with your existing wardrobe so don't forget to keep it plucky and personal.

Perfect the Preppy Look!

Dear, dear, Charlotte. There isn't a minute of the day that she doesn't look sickly sweet and yet somehow you just have to love her for it. Her preppy daytime look is a classic fashion move that is easily and affordably replicated.

Start with pastel shades as a nice inoffensive base. We love this yellow pleated skirt from Charlotte Russe. The buttons give the garment a sensible edge but the shape is super sexy. At just $22.99 it's a bargain buy and because it's such a versatile piece you're easily going to get your money's worth and more!

Shrewd looking court shoes also make a great cornerstone to this look. These Jasmine tie-ups from TopShop are a great example. Not only do they come in a colour to die for but you'll be able to walk comfortably in them making them excellent day-to-night accessories. At £55.00 they are a little bit more expensive that what you would normally want to pay but they truly are an investment piece that you will buy now and love forever.

Finally, round off your look with a pair of signature Charlotte sunglasses. Toppers pull it off once again with this gorgeous pair of tortoise shell shades. They are so Jackie O, you'll feel like the First Lady herself in these little beauties. They cost a bargain £15.00 and now the sun is finally starting to peep it's way out from behind the winter clouds they'll be every day handbag essentials.

One last tip - don't forget a manicure! Charlotte wouldn't be seen dead with unsightly nails, or unsightly anything I suppose, but the nails are a great place to start and the pampering session will make you look and feel fabulous!

The Fashion Feed: I Got The Blues

Got The Blues - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

Fashion is going all Jonie Mitchell on us by bringing back the blues in a big way. Ice Maiden's can go tip to toe in turquoise whilst the more regal amongst us can envelope ourselves in a rich Royal Blue.

Our top turquoise pick has to be this gorgeous quilted cross over bag from Miss Selfridge. It comes complete with a chain mail strap which is so this season and only costs £12.00! Team it with whites and creams for a real Snow Queen look or with deeper richer blues for vivid blue contrast!

Another one of our favourites is this Turquoise Stone bracelet from Oasis. This all-natural looking bracelet will add a lovely hippy vibe to any outfit and will only set you back £8.00. It is currently on sale at Asos.

For a richer and deeper effect you can't go wrong with this gorgeous burlesque basque. Made from luxurious satin with on-trend frills and bow detail you are going to want to wear this little number everywhere you go. You can pick it up at Goddiva for £24.46 and team it with jeans, flowing skirts and boot cut trousers depending on the occasion.

So next time you feel down, we encourage you to wallow in it whole-heartedly...as long as your accessories match your mood that is. Perhaps A case of the blues doesn't have to be such a bad thing after all!

Fashion Safari in the Urban Jungle

Only Carrie Bradshaw could bring the safari look back in such a big way! Her gorgeous Safari style vest from Sex and the City The Movie has got designers thinking about how they can equip women for the style challenges of the urban jungle. The great thing about the safari look is that it is subtle and smart and can be adapted for a hike in the hills or for an evening trek to your local cocktail bar.


The must-have item is the safari jacket. Perfect for teaming with skirts, jeans and combat trousers it is destined to be a Spring staple for any fashionista's wardrobe. The most affordable version we've found is this belt and button sleeveless number in neutral. Made by South, it is currently on sale from Marshall Ward for £35.00. Because of it's nude shading it will match beautifully with almost anything in your wardrobe. Safari comes in and out of fashion so it's worth investing in a classic spring/summer item like this that you will use for years to come.



If you don't think the full on safari look is for you nothing says subtlety more than a statement bag. We love this Elliot Luca Canvas Tote with Tan Detail. It retails at around $280.00 but you can go all Saint Louise and rent it at Bag Borrow or Steal for just $15.00 per week. There are plenty of nice replicas around but sometimes it's just nice to have the real thing...even if you don't get to keep it forever.


Of course traditional safari style can look a little bit washed out if you're not careful. When Carrie worked it she teamed it with a token red vest to bring a bit of vibrancy to her outfit. You can create a similar effect by experimenting with bright reds, yellows and different types of animal print. This thick mustard belt by Vando for example would work fabulously as a colourful alternative over your safari vest and will only cost you a trifling £7.99 from Only Shop! So why not take a walk on the wild side this Spring? It won't cost you the earth and it might even add a sense of adventure to those single nights out in the city.

The Monthly Must-Have: 80s Tropicana Makes a Come Back!

Club Tropicana - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

As mentioned in our recent blog post Retro Looks That Never Die, the retro look never goes out of style and we are delighted to see that the 80s tropical club look is making a come back. Inspired by cheesy retro TV shows like Miami Vice and equally cheesy pop songs by Wham! this look is all about fusing your pinks, greens and aquas to create a sensational tropical explosion.

To celebrate this unexpected tropical renaissance we've hunted down the perfect tropical print dress by Jane Norman. This month's must-have item boasts a beautiful blend of dusky pinks and muted greens making it the ideal canvas on which to create your bold retro look. As with all Jane Norman items the dress is flatteringly figure hugging. It is guaranteed to pull you in at all the right places and accentuate your curves to help you get that sexed-up, whatever goes 80s vibe going on. The dress costs just £40.00 and will last you a life time as this super saucy Samantha-esque look is destined to keep coming around and around for decades to come.

Team your must-have dress with a bright pair of aqua shoes, a stand-out turqoise handbag and a coral hair flower and before you know it you'll be caught up in Tropicana heat, where castaways and lovers meet...sing it George!

The Fashion Feed: Tell Me About It, Stud.

Carrie Bradshaw Searching for Her Stud - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

If we're honest, 21st Century studs are few and far between, at least if we're talking about men they are. Thankfully finding a man to live up to the mantle of "stud" will be the last thing on your mind when you see the studded treasures up for grabs in all your favourite shops this month.

This glossy studded bag for example is very similar to the Chanel Tote Carrie was touting about in Sex and the City the Movie. It's fully lined with a black glossy finish and is big enough to squeeze all your on-the-move beauty essentials into. This bag is on sale at Forever 21 for a paltry $34.80 so you can achieve the designer stud look for much, much less.

One of the top must-have accessories at the moment however has to be the black studded belt. Belts are big news and are currently being sported by all the top celebs over cardigans, coats and evening gowns. You can pick up this chunky black beauty at One Poster and it will only cost you £9.99. It would team up beautifully with the Forever 21 tote and give a modern edge to jeans and a white shirt or a Carrie-style shift dress.

If you feel that the silver studded look is a bit too agressive you may want to opt for a piece which is studded with coloured gems instead. We love this gorgeous turquoise ethnic look bangle from Fantasy Jewelry Box. Turquoise is just as big news as studs are this month so you'll still be right on trend if you do go for the subtler approach to finding the perfect stud.