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 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: 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.

Pale and Interesting: The Power of Pastels

Although most self-respecting fashionistas spend their time devising ways of standing out from the crowd, there's nothing wrong with toning down the high-fashion vibe once in a while and going pallid with pastels. Gorgeous greens, yellows and pinks were most frequently donned by Charlotte and Miranda on the show and pulling off their rather elegant twist on washed-out hues is surprisingly simple.


Green is a colour not many of us would pick out. It's not an obvious fashion trend unlike say blue or coral but it can look just as popping if you accessorize in just the right way. This gorgeous cross- over dress from Monsoon is the perfect example of just how sophisiticated a hue green can be with it's silk ribbon-tie detail. At just £68.00 this classic piece will have you set up for summer weddings and formal lunches for years to come.


If you fancy taking pastels to a super-feminine level, you can't go wrong with this sassy but shapely pencil skirt from Debenhams. It seems that pencil skirts are everywhere at the moment and it's no surprise as teamed with a pair of killer heels they are the ultimate in corporate-esque sex appeal. This timeless item will only set you back £25.00 and will match with everything from a tucked in Tee to a frilly chiffon blouse.


When it comes to shoes I am loving the sling backs available in the shops at the moment. This mid-yellow pair from Dorothy Perkins would set off a monochrome outfit perfectly or, if you're feeling a little bit braver, would clash beautifuly with that pastel pencil skirt from Debenhams. The ribbon-tie detail keeps them flirty whilst the chunky heel gives them a practical edge. They are currently on sale for £28.00 but sizes are already limited so I recommend buying now otherwise you will be regreting it later!

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 Shoe Fix: The Movie Mexicoma Must-Haves

Few of us are going to forget that gorgeous block colour dress Carrie wore during her Sex and the City Movie Mexicoma and these colour stacked sandals from Nine West are just the ticket to emulating her hippified, holiday style. The shoes are made of leather and are high enough to give a pair of jeans or a floaty dress a serious edge for Summer 2009. They are currently priced at £65.00 and are available at a range of stockists including Nine West directly in the USA and Shoe Studio in the UK. Don't be afraid to clash them unashamedly with other colours in your wardrobe as mix and match fashion is so this season!

The Ladies Who Lunch Look

Ladies Who Lunch by BradshawsCloset featuring Dorothy Perkins heels & wedges

It won't be long now before we're tucking into all those lovely chocolate eggs! Having had chocolate for breakfast and elevenses however it seems only fitting that we balance our act of gluttony with an act of grace and go for an elegant lunch with the family. Of course, looking dignified with that much saturated fat inside you can be tricky, so you're going to have to let fashion do all the hard work for you!


The Ladies Who Lunch look is the epitome of chastity, a sort of under-stated bridal look that is classy through and through. Start with a white fitted jacket with nice feminine lines. This tailored jacket from Mango is just the job. It only costs £45 and the tie in waist will do wonders for your silhouette.


Team your jacket with a white flowing skirt, ivory vest and a pair of these little beauties from Dorothy Perkins. These really are the most versatile of shoes withe their neutral shade and cute cross band buckle. The heel is mid-height so they are practical but the slight platform gives them an on-trend edge. They are currently on sale for £28.00.


Once you have your whiter than white canvas all you have to do is accessorize it up to the hilt. I recommend pearls, dusky pink corsages and diamante brooches to keep it classic. If you want to do something a bit different however this ruffle detail parasol will certainly set you apart from the crowd. Brace yourselves for the price because at £107.66 from Brollies Galore this is without doubt an investment piece that you will need to take tender loving care of. If you can't quite stretch to that for such an obscure item you can of course pick up low-cost versions on the likes of ebay or opt for a pair of white lace gloves instead which are just as chic and very cheap.

Pretty in Pink

Carrie was an expert at making pink hues work for her and why shouldn't we get a bit girly from time to time and go for the dolly bird look? It worked well for Barbie!

Start your look with a bold pink dress. This Jasper Garvida Cocktail Dress from Oli is just the job with it's capped sleeves and fitted shape it looks sexy without the need for showing off two much flesh. The flared skirt is perfect for disguising tummies or wide hips and it also brings a nice balance to the shape of your silhouette. The dress costs £70.00 so is definitely more of an investment piece, but the shape is timeless so you will be wearing this for years to come!

Keep it candy with these gorgeous muted pink shoes from Dorothy Perkins. The shade of these shoes is just adorable and the platform design will alleviate the strain the heel puts on your feet, providing some much-needed relief for those long nights out on the dance floor. The shoes cost just £35.00 and are vesatile enough to ensure you get your money's worth.

Accent all your plush pink hues with some white and cream accessories to keep things subtle. We love this braided white stud belt from American Eagle Outfitters. The soft braided leather makes it so Carrie Bradshaw and at just $29.50 it's an absolute bargain for your ever-expanding closet!

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!

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!

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.

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: 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!

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?

Can A Woman Really Fake It?

As you are reading a post from Carrie Bradshaw's Closet and not the lastest issue of Cosmo, you won't be surprised (although you may be disappointed) to learn that the title does not refer to orgasms. We think Meg Ryan made the case for womankind in When Harry Met Sally when it comes to that rather sensitive question. What we're more concerned with is whether or not you can easily and cheaply fake a designer look without being found out.

A few blogs ago (Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue) we were lamenting the fact that the deal breaking Manolo Blahniks in the Sex and the City Movie cost many a pretty penny. And in these hard times, it's unlikely you're going to break the bank for a pair of shoes, even a pair as beautiful as those. This got us thinking, why not just create a replica pair? There are currently some very cheap blue satin shoes, complete with pointed toe, selling on ebay. Handily you can also buy some suitably shimmering diamante buttons to stick or sew (depending on how much attention you paid during textiles lessons) onto your new pair of shoes. The result? A pair of shoes that look the real deal but actually cost you under £25!

We suspect that in these hard times the ability to customise clothes and shoes is going to be the way forward. The pros of this little venture are that whilst you're customising the clothes you already have you're not out buying new ones and racking up major credit card debt, when you're finished you'll have a one-of-a-kind item and you can get replica designer wear at a fraction of the original price. The cons - it's going to take you a little bit of time and effort.

For those of you who really can't face picking up a needle or a bottle of superglue, you can still fake it but you will be doomed to spend your Saturday afternoons trawling the jumble-sale likes of TK Maxx and Matalan Discount Stores. There's nothing wrong with their products but it will probably take you an age to find what you're looking for!

Because we're nice, we've found the perfect item to start off your faking-it collection. This gorgeous quilted white bag from Dorothy Perkins screams Chanel and even comes with a designer look gold chain strap. It will only set you back 12.00 and will look a million dollars. Besides a man who means what he says and a free shopping spree at Prada what more could a girl want?

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!