The Fashion Feed: Coco Before Chanel Special

With the release of Coco Before Chanel at cinemas nationwide celebs are going crazy for the fabulously understated look that Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel championed so much in her designs. Of course not all of us are on a Girls Aloud pay packet so I've hunted down some cheaper versions of the real thing so you can celebrate the release of Coco Before Chanel in style! My first cheaper than cheap top pick has to be this lovely black quilted chain bag from Asda. It only costs £5 and will add a touch of Chanel class to any outfit. I think this bag would work particularly well as an evening bag as it would give a nice edge to your LBD.


Following in the quilted footsteps of the Asda handbag are these gorgeous pink contrast detail court shoes from Asos. Originally these little beauties would have set you back £74.00 but now you can pick them up for £33.00 and look as cute as Coco herself.


Without a doubt however my favourite Chanel-esque budget buy has to be this gorgeous black bowler hat which literally screams chic. Perfect for the coming autumn/winter season this hat will go beautifully with black dresses and suits to boot. It will only cost you £22.00 from Topshop so there's absolutely no excuse for being yellow-bellied about this rather bold fashion move.

The Fashion Feed: What You Will Be Wearing This Autumn

I know it's almost sacrilage to think about a time when the sun might not be shining as we're all just slipping into our summer maxi dresses but the weather has taken a turn for the worst in England and consequently it got me wondering what is going to be hot once the leaves start browning in Autumn 09. The biggest trend I've read about so far in the Autumn lines is the army cadette look which means it's time to get your Khaki on. Like most trends, it's nothing we haven't seen before on the catwalks and the highstreets and yet it's almost impossible to resist buying new garments and accessories to revamp for the coming season.

A well-made military jacket is the cornerstone of cadette couture and I have totally fallen in love with this utility blue affair from French Connection. It is currently reduced to £92.00 which admittedly, still isn't that cheap but the military trend pops up so frequently that it is worth investing in a garment that is going to last you year for year.

If you'd like to focus on the flirty and feminine aspects of cadetteship then you can't go wrong with this fabulously forward-looking silk khaki dress from Firetrap. This dress is a little bit cheaper than the jacket at £79.00 and is the kind of piece that will seamlessly make the summer to autumn transition with a pair of black tights. You can currently pick this little baby up on Asos alongside some other fabulous khaki coloured garments.

Those of you who are panicking about the fact that all this is just too pricey for your purse, don't worry. I wouldn't write a blog without at least one item that can be bought on a shoe-string and this week, it's this gorgeous vintage medic bag which, in my humble fashion opinion, is uber-cute. It costs a paltry $19.99 from 1st Army and will definitely see you through every time the military theme pops up on the catwalk.

The Shoe Fix: Get The (Electric) Blues

Blue is the colour at the moment, particularly in vivid electric hues making these shoes a wardrobe essential for any savvy fashionista. Their thick cut-away detail allows you to flash your feet flesh and the slim stiletto heel has fabulous sex appeal. This is the kind of shoe with a high cost-per-wear value as they will retro-up jeans, skirts, shorts and trousers quicker than Sony can release yet another 'Best of the 80s' compilation CD! They are now down to just £31.00 from ASOS so it's a buy now or regret it later kind of a deal!

The Fashion Feed: My So-Called Closet

My So-Called Closet by BradshawsCloset featuring Dorothy Perkins

Anyone who watched the fabulous 'My So-Called Life' the first time in the early nineties will be over the moon to know that the 'Angela Chase' look is back in a big way this season and I'm already salivating over some of the gorgeous checkered styles I couldn't wear the first time around because I was too much of a chubby teen!


My favourite checkered item available online at the moment is this gorgeous checkered shirt dress by Fred Perry. It just looks like an over-sized shirt borrowed from the gorgeous Jordan Catalano belted around the middle. You can pick it up at ASOS for £79.25 and is one of those pieces you'll be comfortable wearing time and time again.


If you want to go a bit more flirty and feminine you can't go wrong with this oh-so Angela purple check dress from Dorothy Perkins. It only costs £35.00 and is great for recreating a summery school girl look. It's something you could easily pair with leggings, use as a pinafore dress or wear over a pair of jeans making it muchos versatile.


If you're going to go for a straightforward check shirt make sure it's a really good cut so you can wear it from years to come. I love this one by Wrangler which is currently on sale at Oli for £45.00. For the borrowed-from-my-boyfriend look buy it three sizes too big and wear it baggy or tie it around the middle for shape when you want it.

For full on so-called closet chic you need to finish your look with a pair of Doc Martens, a messenger style school bag and some kind of accessory with the peace sign on it (which Angela would have borrowed from Rayanne Graff more than likely!). When it gets cold cover your shoulders with a faded denim jacket for that left-over-80s look the characters seemed to love so much and you'll look like you've just stepped out of the show!


BONUS ACCESSORY: There was an episode where Angela dressed up for Halloween in some kooky 1950s glasses. If you're into freaky chic they'll be just up your alley and are available at low, low prices from most costume shops!

The Fashion Feed: Patriot Games

Last weekend I went to Clothes Show London for a 2009 trend update. As you can see from the picture above the 'Cool Britannia' look was showcased in a massive way suggesting that patriotic chic is well and truly back in vogue.

It has been over a decade since Ginger Spice sported that unforgettable Union Jack dress and I like to feel, at least as far as fashion goes, that we've moved on a bit since then. This red, white and blue wrap-over skirt is a fabulous way to recreate the 'Cool Britannia' look without it looking that little bit too much. The skirt costs just £40.00 from TopShop and is perfect for a bit of patriotism regardless of which side of the Atlantic you live on.

If you're more of a stars and stripes kinda gal, you can't go wrong with this distressed vest from Old Navy. It costs a paltry $10.00 and would look awesome teamed up with your favourite pair

of jeans and maybe even a denim jacket for that old-west feel. Tees and vests are available in a

range of flag designs online so get searching and hunt down your favourite designs.

If flags are a bit full on for you, why not try dressing in your nation's signature colours? This red 50s inspired dress cost just £80.00 from French Connection. The white shoes are $80 from Aldo and the gorgeous blue feather clutch is just £21.75 from ASOS. Together they make the perfect tribute to Queen and country...or president and country!

The Fashion Feed: Go Graeco!

Go Grecian by BradshawsCloset featuring Monsoon bracelets

Grecian style is a favourite of every goddess to grace the red carpet and this week we're looking at how to recreate the Hollywood Graeco look on a budget.


For full on glamour at a ball, opening or opera night opt for a one shoulder dress with flattering, flowing lines. I love this New York Fashion Week inspired red maxi dress by Goddiva. Its hour glass shape is designed to flatter curves and at just £34.99 it is a total style steal.


This hip hellenistic ring is also on my Grecian wish list as it's such a versatile accessory. It would look fabulous with the Goddiva dress or as a Graeco-inspired addition to a vintage look. The ring is currently available at ModCloth for $11.99 making it the perfect fashion find for fashionistas on a budget.


When it comes to shoes you really can't go wrong with these Gladiator-esque sandals. It wasn't so long ago that they were featured as our Monthly Shoe-Fix and they haven't lost any of their shine 6 weeks later. They cost just £34.50 from asos so get them whilst you still can!

The Monthly-Must Have: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth With A Candy Stripe Clutch

This month's must-have is this sweet and simple candy stripe clutch. Every designer worth their salt is trying to find new ways of bringing back 80s neon shades and this hard clutch bag is just the way to do it with subtlety.

This item is a style must-have because it ticks so many fashion boxes. All the top celebs have been touting hard case clutches on the red carpet of late and the block colour effect of this little beauty keeps it so on-trend.

It is currently on sale at Asos for just £19.75. We're expecting to see a 'sold out' sign on it very soon so we advise you to bag it whilst you can...no pun intended.

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 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.

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!

The January Shoe Fix: Epic Gladiator Footwear

Caged shoes are so Sex and the City, but most of the high street stores are selling theirs for over £60.00 leaving any cash-strapped shoe lovers having to do without gladiator-esque footwear.

We didn't take those high-cost price tags lying down however, oh no. We believe that women everywhere have the right to own the latest shoes and thus have endured an online quest of epic proportions to hunt down the cheapest and chicest gladiator sandles.

There is hope even in this bleak, economically challenged world of owning footwear that will turn heads. At just £34.50 these designer look metallic stripe sandles from Asos will put the world to rights once more and allow women from all walks of life to cage their feet Carrie style. As long as there are reasonably priced shoes in the shops, there is justice in the world!

The Fashion Feed: How to Look Good Nude!

As women we spend a lot of time glamming ourselves up when in actual fact subtly enhancing your natural beauty can be much more empowering. Natural tones are going to be massive on the high street this Spring and consequently we thought we'd give you a bit of guidance on going nude!

The trick is to avoid looking drab by accenting your wardrobe a few key accessories. We love these strappy nude sandles from Asos. Although they're decidedly natural the almost 5 inch heels completely modernise the look. Their neutral shade means that they will go with almost anything in your wardrobe and will be appropriate footwear for almost any social event. At just £18.00 they are without doubt the best value option for natural footwear this Spring.

If you're trying to create a more formal outfit you needn't look further than Scarf World who sell this cute but conservative scarf with a trendy leaf motif. It costs just £9.99 and is big enough to double up as a light weight shawl making it a highly versatile addition to your wardrobe. The best part however is the material. The scarf is made from a beautiful floaty chiffon, meaning it is guaranteed to soften your style and make the perfect finishing touch to office or wedding wear.

Of course the natural look doesn't have to stop at clothing. There is a vast range of natural make-up on the market for varying budgets and skin types. Our favourite is this Maybelline Moisture Extreme Naked Beige Lipstick. This particular range offers a variety of nude shades to suit your preference and moisturises your lips to boot. You can currently buy this product at Boots at just £3.88 so why not give the natural look a go and let people see the real you for a change?

Shopping for Labels or Shopping for Love?

It's true that most women spend their life in search of the two Ls - Labels and Love. Thankfully you no longer have to choose between the two thanks to the latest heart-shaped high street trend. Love hearts are making their way into patterns and are sculpting stunning new handbags and sun shades alike just in time to cheer you up on Valentines Day.

These oh-so retro multi-coloured shades from TopShop will really get your heart pumping especially when you find out that they're just £15.00. Why not match it with their black over the shoulder quilted bag for the full on loved-up effect? It will set you back another £25.00 but isn't it worth it to get the look of love without the hassle of a boyfriend?

The contribution from Asos is this beautiful heart print purse which is currently selling at £14.75 thanks to the lovely VAT discount (thank you Alistair Darling).

The good news is, you don't have to stop at accessories. New Look have printed this adorable tee to show people just how big your heart can be and how much love you've got to give. You can pick it up for a trifling £10.00 so if you haven't got a date this Valentines Day and it feels as though the annual love-in is on steroids why not make a date with your favourite high street labels instead of a date with your pyjamas and your favourite binge food? As Fergie sings: buy a bag and get over it! Does it get more profound than that?

The Clutch of the Matter

If there's one thing Carrie Bradshaw knew how to work it's the clutch handbag. Simple and stylish the clutch is living proof that good things do come in small packages. Thankfully the high street has been quick to catch on to this trend and as a result there are quite literally hundreds of different styles, colours and materials to choose from.

This gorgeous feathered clutch from asos is so NYC style and very similar to one that Carrie used in the show (above). Animal prints and materials are very big this season so sporting them on your new clutch bag will pack a double whammy. Of course there's a lot to be said for keeping things simple and if that's more your style then maybe you should check out this cream and gold clutch from Dorothy Perkins instead.

The beauty of both of these pieces is that they will complement almost anything you have hanging in your wardrobe. Such accessories always become fast favourites as you really get your money's worth out of them and they're so versatile you don't even have to think about how to finish your look it just happens and what women isn't pro-effortless style?

It's a Jungle Out There

When Carrie strutted her stuff in that gorgeous pair of Manolo Blahnik zebra print shoes we all sat and sighed on our sofas, lustfully wishing we could pull off a look like that. Well animal prints are massive on the high street this winter, particularly leopard print so it's time to give it a go. Yes the the torch has passed from the TV screen to the street scene but if you want to get this look working for you you need to forget the tacky splendour of Bette Lynch. In 2008 this look is all about subtlety.

I've seen quite a few girls on the tube getting it totally wrong and teaming a leopard print top with a leopard print coat and leopord print trousers...and maybe even a leopard print bag too. Ladies...it's all just a bit too much. Generally speaking you should not be wearing more than one item of leopard print clothing and you should definitely not be mixing animal prints by wearing giraffe, zebra and leopard all it once. Subtlety...remember?

If you just want a hint of leopard print simply use it when you accessorize. This beautiful hair band from asos (above) merges animal prints and cutesy bows. It now costs just £2.00 making it a definitive item for winter 2008. If you're feeling a little bit bolder opt for this sleek and chic leopard print tunic (right) also available from asos at the bargain price of £25.00. It will look great over black trousers or leggings, or teamed with your favourite jeans down the pub on a Friday night.

If you want to step up the amount of leopard print you're wearing without over doing it, opt for a pair of leopard print shoes. Because they are on your feet they are less noticeable which stops the look from being too overbearing. These adorable leopard print ballet pumps, complete with a little black bow, are built for both comfort and style and are available from New Look for just £20.00. The bottom line is to have fun taking a walk on the wild side but to also keep in mind that simple is always stylish.