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 Fashion Feed: Somewhere Over The Rainbow...

Rainbow Brights by BradshawsCloset featuring Forever21 bracelets

A good twitter friend of mine, GoddessSammy sent me a link last week about rainbow hued accessories dominating the high street and since seeing my computer screen awash with vibrant colour I've been dying to write a blog post about them. With summer drawing ever closer it's only right that your wardrobe should brighten up as much as the weather so I've made a list of my top rainbow picks.


First on my list are these gorgeous gummy bear necklaces from Lunacy Boutique. Not only are they fun but they really pack a colour popping punch, especially if you wear more than one at a time! They cost just £5.00 a piece and are perfect for adding a kitsch element to any outfit.


For true celebrity glamour you can't go wrong with these gorgeous pleather peep-toe heels in the style of Beyonce Knowles. Not only do these shoes tick several on-trend boxes with their buckle fastening and canvas detail but they also come in a fabulous zingy orange shade! The shoes will set you back just $39.90 from Fly Jane making them an absolute star style steal!


Finally I'm going mad for electric blue at the moment and as far as this season's key colour goes I don't think fashion investments get any better than this beautiful clutch bag from Debenhams. This handbag will see you through a Saturday night in the club and act as a quirky accessory for a wedding or formal dinner. It costs just £28.00 and will quickly become one of the staple fashion items you reach for to give your outfit a contemporary edge.

Born to Shimmer, Born to Shine

Sequins by BradshawsCloset featuring Betsey Johnson jewelry

Carrie was a massive fan of sequins and admittedly whether it's Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall it's always nice to add a bit of sparkle to your wardrobe. It's true they are a fashion move to be used with caution, but if worn correctly they can turn heads like nothing else.

This gorgeous little number from Almost Famous London is made from silver silk with sequin detailing on the central panel. At £135.00 it is more of an investment piece but with it's sheer lines and shapely design this little baby will be earning it's place in your wardrobe for years to come.

This sequin adorned clutch would make the perfect accessory for your dress. Clutch handbags are not just big in the world of Sex and the City they are also this season's must-have handbag design. You can pick this one up for £27.99 from Isabella's Handbag Shop.

Last but by no means least you can finish off a sultry shimmering look with this gorgeous Betsey Johnson ice-queen-esque bangle. It is currently reduced at NordStrom from $35.00 to just $22.90 making it an absolute bargain for those looking for a timeless bit 'O' bling.

The Fashion Feed: Go Mad For Monochrome

Mono Mania by BradshawsCloset featuring Via Spiga heels & wedges

Style this season is developing a bit of a sixties swing, maybe at least in part due to the fabulous British film 'The Boat That Rocked' that is currently showing in cinemas. Whatever the reason for the retro twist when it comes to sixties chic you can't go wrong with the monochrome look so it's time to start looking at the world in a more black and white fashion.



Dress Spotting. This fabulous spotty dress is an absolute monochrome must-have. The shift shape and the round neckline makes it so sixties and the conservative skirt length makes it super-elegant. It is currently on sale at Oli for £60.00.



Tout Your Tote. If you're feeling a bit Saint Louise and haven't got the cash for a new handbag why not rent this gorgeous Betsey Johnson mono tote bag from Bag, Borrow or Steal. It will only cost you $12.00 per week and will give you the opportunity to tout some serious designer baggage about.


Pump It Up. Finish your mono look with this gorgeous pair of Chanel-esque quilted ballet pumps. You will be able to pair these little beauties with just about anything in your wardrobe and they'll only set you back a paltry £12.00 from Dorothy Perkins.

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!

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 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.

Become a Frill Seeker!

An American Girl in Paris - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

Perhaps the most unforgettable dress that Carrie ever wore was that amazing sea foam, 1000 layer Versace gown. It was beautiful Sex and the City irony that just when it looked as though Carrie was going to miss out on her fairytale ending she decided to throw on fairytale couture.

Versace gowns aren't known for their reasonable prices but there are still some gorgeous garments to be had for all you frill seekers out there that don't come with a designer price tag. The closest you'll probably get to recreating Carrie's lush layers on the high street is this slate green beauty from Monsoon. We're not going to lie to you, it's not going to cost you as much as a Versace gown but it's not going to be cheap. This ruched and ruffled prom dress is currently on sale for £200.00. It's well worth the investment if you can afford it, but if you can't there are other ways to frill seek on a budget.

For a subtler effect and a smaller price tag, try on this delicious satin ruffle dress from Lipsy. Not only is it slightly more versatile than the Monsoon dress but it will only set you back £70.00 which is a big reduction! The bustier design will pull you in at all the right places and emphasise the big ruffle effect at the bottom.

Frills and ruffles aren't exclusive to dresses and skirts of course, they've been appearing on all sorts of garments and accessories. Our favourite is this beautiful Fiorelli clutch bag in one of this season's hottest colours: coral. It is currently available at John Lewis for £35.00 and is versatile enough to wear day or night. Use it to modernise a jeans and T shirt look or match it with your favourite little black dress. Either way it will look fabulous, flirty and fun.

The Fashion Feed: Confessions of a Shopaholic Special

We are counting down the days until the release of Confessions of a Shopaholic this Friday and to celebrate this New-York-set-Fashion-Fest we've put together a Fashion Feed special on re-creating Becky Bloomwood's gorgeously garish style.

Unashamed clashing is the key to creating the 'Confessions' style. Start simple with this gorgeous yellow handbag from Marks and Spencer. It may be big enough for a weekend-sized break but oversized handbags are a massive trend this season so it could easily double up. Priced at £49.50 this is probably more of an investment piece for most recessionistas but since it's made of high quality leather it is without doubt worth the extra pennies.

Whilst you're in the mood for solid fashion investments why not splash out on this fabulous tangerine coat from the Star range by Julien Macdonald. Military jackets are big news in the world of fashion at the moment so this coat provides two-in-one trend value. It will set you back £85.00 but this piece will last you a life time. Tangerine may be this month's colour, but even once the trend is over it will look timelessly bold and beautiful. This piece is currently on sale at Debenhams.

Recessionistas on a budget needn't be without their homage piece to 'Confessions' however as New Look have brought out these perfectly pink peep-toe heels for the bargain price of £30.00. Clash these little beauties with anything else in your wardrobe and you're guaranted to turn heads on the high-street. We all thought Carrie was experimental in her time but Becky Bloomwood is without doubt the next generation in statement moves. The good news is, just like the Sex and the City crew, this girl knows how to have fun with fashion so following suit should be a blast!