The Golden Girls: Summer Styles With Added Shine

Golden Girls by BradshawsCloset featuring Miss Selfridge shoes

When it came to fabulous fashion picks I always felt that Miranda got a raw deal on Sex and the City. It's not really anyone's fault, the nature of her character was very business like until she became a mum when the fashion relaxed a little bit. Imagine my delight then, when I went to the cinema and saw Miranda strutting down the streets of Manhattan top-to-toe in gold. It was a stroke of style genius by Pat fields as it highlighed Miranda's trademark red hair and pale skin beautifully. Bagging Miranda's big screen look this summer will keep you bang on trend as the industry seems to have forgotten the chav connection and given gold a welcome resurrection.

These golden gladiator affairs from Kurt Geiger are my top style pick for this summer. Granted they are £110.00 but I'm thinking cost per wear. These beauties will look fabulous teamed with your bikini and sarong/kaftan by the poolside but will also look equally as fabulous with your little black dress come Christmas. In short, they are a timeless shoe, nothing is ever going to stop them looking good making them a must-have for all avid shoe collectors. Of course if you're sticking to a budget and you're just wanting a summer shoe to see you through the hot months Miss Selfridge are doing a lovely flat gladiator pair for just £25.00 (shown above). They won't be as versatile but you will be able to bring them back out of your closet for summers to come.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this gorgeous metallic leotard from Wet Seal. It only costs $26.50 and looks as though it's come straight out of Gagas closet. The most likely place you're going to wear this is a club or girls night out and teaming it with a fitted black skirt and massive black accessories would mute it down just enough to be chic rather than freak. Of course, the more daring of you might be able to make this into some kind of beach combo wearing it bathing suit style and teaming it with a sarong/kaftan. Either way it will definitely turn heads for all the right reasons.

Accenting your golden girl look with some jewellery is the perfect way of completing your outfit. Chunky is the word du jour for summer 2009 so if you're going for gold, make it thick chainmail, celtic, or knotted designs for serious wow factor. My favourite pick is this knotted necklace which costs a paltry £8.00 from Peacocks. Come christmas you can team it with a purple dress for a fantastically festive edge.

The Hippy Hippy Shake

Summer of Love by BradshawsCloset featuring GAP jeans

From tie die tunics to groovy headscarves Carrie certainly knew how to work the hippy look and it has come back in a rather shameless way for SS 09.


My favourite hippy-look item on the high street at the moment is this yellow floral skirt by Red Herring. The reason I like it so much is that it is very different from a lot of the other stuff being put out on the clothes rack this season. It's shapely but the mini element keeps it fun. It is currently reduced to just £15.40 at Debenhams.


A more subtle way to give your wardrobe the hippy make over is with scarves and I have totally fallen in love with this coral patterned number from Missoni. At $100 I suppose it is quite a lot to pay for a scarf but if we're talking value for money it's a good buy. It's an incredibly versatile item and could easily be used to jazz up an old jacket come Autumn. You can buy this item at Net A Porter.


The last thing on my summer of love wish list is this gorgeous floral necklace from Dorothy Perkins. It is £50.00 which again is a lot of money to pay for a piece of fashion jewellery but, well, just look at it! This would look fabulous over a tee or a vest and is so well designed in my opinion it's actually reached statement status.

The Fashion Feed: Vamp It Up With Vintage

Vintage Couture by BradshawsCloset featuring Carvela shoes

Carrie was always shopping for vintage but it can prove pretty pricey to get authentic vintage couture, especially if you shop in London boutiques! Thankfully with a bit of clever accessorizing you can blag the authentic vintage look and give Jackie O a run for her money.


Collar necklaces are probably the most affordable way of vamping up your wardrobe and this lace effect number from Debenhams is particularly convincing with it's beautiful drop bead detail. The best part is that it only costs £15.00.


Nothing screams Victorian charm like a bow in the hair and this black and white version from is both cheeky and chic. From a distance it looks like a prim and proper bow but on closer inspection you realise there is a skull sewn in at the knot. It costs just $10.00 making it a real budget buy!


Finally, I've always thought that lockets have a lovely retro charm. It kind of reminds me of war time sweethearts who keep each other's photographs so they don't forget each other. There are a wide range available at various prices but this sterling silver version costs just £35.00 and in shiny enough to really draw the eye. This too can be picked up at Debenhams who seem to be stocking up on vintage-look fashion this season.

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!

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: Follow the White Rabbit - An Easter Special!

Easter Special by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

As if the promise of chocolate eggs wasn't enough, this year Easter Sunday is going stylish with big flowers, baskets and bunnies to boot!

Become a Basket Case. Enjoy country chic at it's best with this adorable floral basket from Accessorize. Although Easter Sunday is an excellent excuse to use it, it is the kind of item that is cute enough to last you all summer long. It's made from 100% straw to give you that authentic rustic look and will only set you back £10.00.

Get Creative With Corsages. Carrie Bradshaw may have been responsible for the corsage revival but fashionistas are increasingly finding new and inventive ways of using them to set off an outfit. Pin several corsages around the collar of a blouse, to a handbag or to the hem of a skirt for an instant customised look! Corsages are currently on sale in every size, shape and colour but we particularly like this over-sized blue version from Johnny Loves Rosie. It will cost you £50.00 but it will also last you a long time because all of their items are very well made. If you're on a budget you can pick up smaller corsages at Primark, H & M and New Look at more reasonable prices.

Follow the Pink Rabbit. Playboy Bunny jewelery is tacky and we're not going to deny that but in the spirit of Easter Sunday we've hunted down the perfect Playboy bunny bling ring. It comes in pink and is so sparkly, it's the only item of jewellery you will need. Wear it with your tongue firmly in your cheek in the Bradshaw I-wear-gangster-style-jewellery-for-fun fashion and you will totally get away with it. The ring costs just £18.00 from Littlewoods making it the perfect guilty pleasure!

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 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.

Retro Looks That Never Die

Retro Looks That Never Die - by BradshawsCloset on Polyvore.com

Carrie and the girls were massive fans of the retro look and for good reason - it never goes out of style! At the moment the high street is going mad for all things 80s and we've got some top picks lined up for you at good old-fashioned low prices to help you stay on trend.

In our post What's in a Name? we talked about how Carrie's nameplate necklace had become a must-have Sex and the City item. If you want to do this look with a retro twist however pay a visit to The Lunacy Boutique where you can pick up one of these fabulous multi-coloured fridge magnet name necklaces! You can order any name you want and it will only set you back £18.00 - a pittance to pay to stay on trend!

If you're looking for a selection of 80s inspired T Shirts you can't go wrong with a visit to 80s purple. Our favourite is this grey retro print which would look fabulous over jeans, a bleached denim skirt or a pair of electric blue leggings. It's the touch of animal print that really wins us over and at just $32 it's an utterly guilt free purchase.

Last but by no means least we come to shoes. Retro look shoes are coming in all sorts of shades and styles at the moment and although it's tempting to get out your walkman, buy yourself a Wham bar and jump on the 80s bandwagon you should bear in mind that the key to a timelessly fashionable wardrobe is the investment in classic pieces. If you have a wacky personality and want the shoes to match that's fine, but if you're a bit more conservative and rarely have an opportunity to wear wacky shoes we'd recommend these beautiful block colour numbers from one of our favourite online shops Boohoo.com. They're a snip at £25.00 and will still look fabulous when the weirder brands of shoes have fallen out of fashion.

What's in a Name?

Carrie's cute nameplate necklace started a massive trend as fans of the show across the globe dashed out to get their name written up in gold plated glory. For those of you a bit hazy on the details the necklace even became a bit of a plot point during the show finale when a devasted Carrie thought she'd lost her cheap but cheerful chain right about the same time that she was feeling like she'd lost herself. Interestingly once she followed her heart she found herself and her necklace again, proving there's more to jewellery than just a bit of sparkle.

If you still haven't got yours yet Punky Pins make a beautiful range of gold and silver mirror effect necklaces covering every name you can think of. You can literally order any name you want at the check out and the necklaces only cost £20.00 meaning nobody has to be without this iconic piece of Sex and the City bling.

Of course style has moved on a little bit since the days of Sex and the City and the good news is that Paris Hilton's gal pal Nicole Ritchie has single handedly moved the name necklace trend forward by sporting a set of silver chains featuring some sparkly initial charms.

We love these large pendant affairs from Diamante Divas. The pendants vary in price but all letters are around the £5.00 mark meaning you can stay on trend and on budget. So why not show people who you really are by shimmering, sparkling and shining all day long, just like Carrie did!

The Fashion Feed: Valentine's Day Special

If you're in a relationship Valentine's Day can be sublime. If you're single however the whole day appears very different and it can be a very isolating experience. Well, we're here to let all you sassy singles know that it's just not worth getting hung up about. Saint Valentine's day is supposed to be a celebration of love, it's not about getting so depressed about being alone that you hang yourself from your shower rail!

This week's fashion feed is a Valentine's Special aimed not only those people who are in such a comfortable relationship they don't even close the bathroom door any more, but also all the single ladies who deserve love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love. We've found three fabulous and fashionable ways to show the world that you've got your love, even if you don't happen to be in love just now.

Valentino for Valentine's Day. Why not ditch the emotional baggage this year and concentrate on the kind of baggage that actually has an off-chance of impressing somebody? We love this Valentino inspired piece from Fashion Junkee. It looks like Valentino could have designed it but only costs $50.00. Whether you're meeting your other single soul-mates for a pizza and a film or are having a candle-lit dinner with a special someone this bag will make the pefect companion to take along with you.

Vintage Valentine. Vintage chic is big business these days and if you want to work the vintage look this Valentine's Day why not pick up this adorable love locket from Dallas-based designer Rebecca Berry? The locket is silver-plated set with a pearlized Lucite oval stone which features a retro style pin-up girl. You can buy the locket for $82 from Plastic Land and keep that someone special right where they should be, close to your heart.

I Want Candy. If you fancy something equally quirky but not quite as pricey pay a visit to The Lunacy Boutique where you can pick up a range of fabulous love-themed accessories at very reasonable prices. We adore this love heart bracelet which features a range of classic slogans from those yummy pastel sweets we used to devour as kids. At only £14.00 how can you resist a little sugar this Valentine's Day?

Play Wear and Day Wear

Pretty much anyone can look glamourous in floaty dresses and designer heels but adding class and style to the casual look is a little bit more of a challenge. Forever in blue jeans (as the song goes) is a fate no fashionista should inflict on herself. Kate Moss may like to live in her size 6's but some of us like to stand out in the crowd and do something a little bit different. The answer? Denim dungarees! I know, I know most people think dungarees are only for pregnant women who need to keep everything secure when they walk but they are actually a very versatile addition to your wardrobe and with the correct accessories they can look fabuous.

Try pairing some dark blue stone wash dungarees with this beautiful peach vest from TopShop. With its lace finish and beautiful muted shade it will keep your look feminine and flirty without making you appear over-dressed for a trip round the aisles at Tesco. The vest will set you back £38.00 but it is such a adaptable adornment that it is well worth the investment. Sometimes you have to think about the cost-per-wear price of a garment rather than looking at the up-front fee. This is definitely one of those instances.

To really glam up your casual look add these uber-cute pearls from Dorothy Perkins, or if you are a bit strapped for cash simply invest in these instead of the peach blouse. You can use any white or pink top out of your wardrobe instead and still look 100% dazzling with a set of pearls framing your neckline and this particular set will only cost you £10.00.

As with any outfit, shoes and a handbag provide the perfect finishing touches to the not-too-grungy dungarees look. This navy blue bow detail tote from New Look costs just £20.00 as do these super-trendy natural tone Sketchers from Barratts. By carefully selecting your accessories you can go from street to chic in seconds without looking over-dressed or out of place. It's exactly the kind of look we love - minimum effort, maximum impact!

Je T'Adorn

,The much-covetted Eiffel Tower bag from the Sex and the City movie gave fans a little reminder of Big and Carrie's adventure in Paris at the end of the series. The real deal by Timmy Woods is going to set you back around $500 or if you want the Swarovski Crystal covered version around $3000. Thankfully once again we've been able to hunt down some Paris inspired alternatives.

If you're intent on a bag purchase then TopShop have just brought out an Eiffel Tower clutch bag for a credit crunching £20. We know, we know it's not covered crystals or even fake diamante versions that you could pass off as crystals but it still says continental chic and won't cost you your life savings...you're saving that for your Vivienne Westwood wedding dress, remember?

There are also some beautiful Paris inspired necklaces to be had that can be used as a tip of the hat to the continental theme. This handmade version from Etsy seller adorn you will have you dressing up in berets and strings of garlic before you can say Aleksander Petrovsky. It will only set you back $18.50 and from here on in the city of lights will always be within reach.