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: Burlesque is Back in Vogue

Thanks to girl band 'The Saturdays' and their comic relief single 'Just Can't Get Enough' burlesque wear is experiencing a bit of a revival. You are obviously not expected to bear as much flesh as Frankie, Rochelle, Una, Mollie and Vanessa have in their new video but style is always adaptable and with a bit of know-how it is possible to make this look more classy than trashy.

Become a fan of fans. Start with one of these classic Marabou fans from Ann Summers. They cost just £5.00 and will work wonders both in the bedroom and as an accessory for a ball or club night. Our favourite colour is the baby pink fan because it's super-feminine and flirty but the same fan also comes in red and in black if you want to go more for Samantha's sexy siren look.

Relish The Retro Pin-Up Style. Team your fan with this beautiful roakability skirt from Starlets and Harlets for a fabulous retro pin-up edge to your look. The clashing patterns give it a contemporary edge whilst the lace heart detail comes across all coy! The skirt costs just $49.95 and in keeping with the burlesque theme you can buy a matching garter... maybe you should be selective who you show that off to however, you don't want to get too much of a reputation!

Heel yourself. Finish your burlesque tribute with these killer gold platforms from Office. We use the word killer only to describe the look of them as the platform front will ease the strain put on your feet by the 14cm heel. This means you can perfect a sassy burlesque strut without the fear of falling over and without being in a desperate amount of pain by the end of the evening. These leg-lengthening beauties were originally £85.00 but are currently reduced to £55.00.

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?

I put a bird on my head...

Some say Carrie's bridal bird-in-the-hair moment was a fashion faux pas but I think it summarises true Sex and the City style. It was bold, beautiful and, as with all of Carrie's best looks, a little bit unexpected! Admittedly it's not the kind of look you can really pull off on the high street, but it is possible to successfully emulate the idea with some subtle feathered hair pieces and still look right at home in Leeds city centre...this is assuming that you're also willing to ditch the Vivienne Westwood weddding gown, it's a bit OTT for a trip to Dorothy Perkins.

It's really important with a look like this that your head piece is as unusual as possible. The last thing you want with such a unique fashion move is to walk down the street and spot other people wearing exactly the same thing. You can get individual hand-made pieces for low prices at Etsy. My favourite shops on this site for recreating the bridal bird look are Designs by Portobello who make this stunning peacock feather hair band (above) for $38.00 and Chuletin Designs who currently stock this fabulous feathered comb (below) for a mere $12.00.

You don't have to be going to your best mates wedding to dress your hair up. Although admittedly these accessories would be out of place in a grungy club if teamed with the right outfit these beautiful feathered fancies could be worn to a sunday lunch, a Friday night on the town, a family dinner or a walk in the park. You could go boho trendy with your look or up-market chic, either way wearing feathers in your hair is a bold move so you're likely to be the only one doing it. And let's face it, in a land overrun with Kate-Moss-a-like drones who spend their lives trying to copy-cat TopShop mannequins, there's no better feeling than staying at the edge of style and standing out in the crowd.