Happy Shopping at Bicester

I recently travelled back to Bicester Village for a pre-Christmas shopping trip. My only problem was that for each "gift" I purchased, I also got one for myself!! (I don't think the Spirit of Christmas is intended that way?!) But with so many incredible designers, fashion, home and lifestyle on offer, I defy anybody not to cave in!

My favourite stores included Prada (except for the crowds!), Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren HOME, Anya Hindmarch, Mulberry and the new Tory Burch and Rupert Sanderson. So much so, that this little Mulberry Christmas bundle had to come home with me (with a few other friends)!

Just in time for last-minute gift shopping, its open until 9pm on Thursdays...

In-My-Bag Bimba & Lola ANYTHING!

Regular readers will know that this post is usually for a branded item I have seen and love, specifically at  more reasonable price-points. I have recently discovered, in Westfield, a wonderful Spanish store (I think I have a trait for loving Spanish brands! -> my love for Zara and Mango is well documented in my posts) called Bimba & Lola. it has a great mix of everyday fashion with great prints, fabric-mixes and accessories to die for with influences from Marni and Prada.

I bought these three items which I have already worn and loved...I have so much more already on my shopping list!

Collar top, (full price) £100

Silk and wool knit, (full price) £105

Printed elastic hem skirt (full price), £110

The great thing about the shop, is that on top of amazing designs and fun accessories, the have very tempting sales, almost all of the time, as well as offering new customers (who sign up to their newsletter) up to 40% off clothing, and less discount on accessories...get down their now to discover it for yourself! Also as it is not as prominent on the high street (it has just opened its second store on the Kings Road), it has a designer edge, because not everyone has seen it.

From a fashion stylists's point of view, their campaign and photography is unparalleled on the high street...

Insider secret...

Models and make-up artists hold many a secret to looking amazing, and the latest I discovered whilst on a Summer photo-shoot, was this beauty - Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil, a bargain of £5.33 (was £7.99) at Boots.

It smooths, hydrates and adds just enough oil without looking greasy. With a spray that works well, it's a must-buy!

I-Spy Something Beginning with W

This may not be the brand or product to revolutionise the world, but Wolford has made the legs of the world much sleeker and chicer. No longer a one-stop-shop for (the world's best) tights, the brand has been trading since 1949 and ranges now include bodysuits, lingerie, shapewear, swimwear and ready-to-wear.

Like most women, I love my opaques for winter-time, and only Wolford Velvet Deluxe 66 can stand the test of time and machine washing...

Their experience of smoothing shape-wear has been included in their swimwear, with stylish results

Estrella Forming Swimbody £155

When you are browsing online, don't forget to check out the Clearance tab for amazing sale items.

Much love for Mango

Yes, I know Kate Moss is one of the worlds' most famous and in demand models, but in the latest ad campaign for Mango she adds a sexy and very cool edge to the brand. It has a nod to the uber-cool French Isabel Marant designs, which is never a bad thing!

The knitwear and sexy tweed mix jackets are on my festive wish-list....

The tux is sexy this Christmas....

Kate Moss isn't the only supermodel working for the Spanish brand - Karlie Kloss, catwalk and campaign favourite for many top designers, also makes an appearance as the girl who every woman wants to be, or be friends with...

*** NEWS Miranda Kerr has been announced as the new face of Mango Spring Summer 2013....very exciting!

Mango is definitely having its moment right now with designs and styles that are modern yet not fashion-victim. Get online now....free shipping for purchases over £30!

Feeling the chill??

Winter is definitely here and Jack Frost is nipping at our fingers and toes...for beautifully cut and stylish clothing that will double up as a thermal layer, head to Hot Squash. A unique fashion brand, who makes both warming thermal clothes for everyday and smart occasions, as well as cooling pieces for when Summer arrives.

I love this Little Black Dress - especially for this time of year. Its a hard-working multitasking dress! See how it can be styled in three different ways...

I can give you a heads up....the upcoming Spring Summer 2013 collection is very exciting with lots of new product! Follow them on Twitter @HotSquash for news, discount codes and giveaways.

Heading for some Winter Sun? Their cooling collection is available all year.

Comfort is key when travelling

Cooling collection is perfect for fitness and sport fans too

Curiouser and Curiouser...

Like Alice in Wonderland, I'm a fan of all things strange and curious. At a recent appointment at the Sanderson Hotel, I found an intriguing gift shop like no other Luna and Curious. (It also has a stand-alone store on Calvert Avenue, E2) I love the varied mix of home-ware and fashion accessories and weird and wonderful jewellery...perfect for interesting and personal gift ideas!

My favourites from their online shop are:

Dip-dyed feather necklace, £95 by Rheanna Lingham 

The Plantini (plant-house) £24.95 by Another Studio

Child's jumpsuit, in the sale £38.50 by  BangBang Copenhagen 

Bone china bathroom accessories, shampoo and conditioner £30 by Polly George

Ink blot bone china with 22 ct gold, £20 each by welovekaoru 

Silk jacquard shorts, in the sale £98 by Colenimo

Want Rosie's undies?

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is one if the most famous and beautiful supermodels and actresses at the moment - she was the face of Burberry and starred in Transformers - and now she has designed her own range of lingerie for high street favourite  Marks and Spencer.

Featuring a selection of pretty lace and silky pieces and vintage-inspired cover-ups, this is the first collection for the model-turn-actress. Working with Marks and Spencer means that the price points are great - ranging from £12.50 for bottoms, up to £65 for a kimono.

The collection is available to buy in-store and online from August 30th.

I-Spy Something Beginning with V

A designer treat starting with V is a tough decision - my first option would be the cool and sexy designs from Valentino ...

Leather studded tote, £1,160 Valentino at www.net-a-porter.com

or a cool weekend knit from California must-have label  Vince  ...

Cashmere mix sweater, £255 Vince at www.net-a-porter..com

BUT without a doubt, my favourite designer has to be  Victoria Beckham . Her career move into fashion designer raised a few eyebrows, and negative comments. But I am so pleased she has silenced her critics, her  denim label flew off the shelves and now encapsulates strong colours, slim shapes and leather. Her catwalk line is a sell-out around the world and tickets to her show are the hottest each season in New York and she is the best advertiser for her chic bags.

Leather bag, £1,650 Victoria Beckham at www.net-a-porter.com

But her newer addition to the house Victoria, is already a celeb favourite. Everyone from Michelle Williams, Jennifer Lawrence and Katy Perry have been spotted in her cute and fun printed frocks which are less pricey than her main-line.

Drop waist silk jacquard dress, 675 Victoria, Victoria Beckham at www.net-a-porter.com

Wow, love them all - what a role model!

Hot jewellery designer Diane Kordas

During a recent appointment at Harrods, I allowed myself 10 minutes to wander into the jewellery rooms. As the fine jewellery rooms are so out of most people's budget brackets, I much more enjoy the fashion jewellery rooms, where I have found some stunning and interesting pieces and designers at achievable price points. My most recent love sits with Diane Kordas whose feminine and delicate designs are also edgy  must-haves. Don't you agree??

Rose gold diamond ring, £1,320 www.net-a-porter.com

Rose gold ruby ring £780 www.net-a-porter.com

Rose gold diamond earrings, £9,530 www.net-a-porter.com

Blackened gold diamond ring, £1,665 www.net-a-porter.com

Annoushka's new home on South Molton St...

One of my most favourite jewellery designers is Annoushka for her delicate designs and fun use of colour - she has spear-headed the trend for stacking fine rings...She now has a new store opened at the bottom of the  trendy South Molton Street. Her fashionable neighbours include the must-haves Sandro, Maje, The Kooples and the unmissable Browns, as well as being a stones-throw from celeb haunt Claridges.

And the celebs turned out to celebrate the new opening - Daisy Lowe and Denise Lewis were among the well-wishers and super-stylists.

She stocks mostly her own designs, which are feminine and eye-catching. But she also promotes guest designers Bochic, Dickson Yewn, Selim Mouzannar and the incredible Wendy Yue who show bold, large pieces of jewellery which are more like pieces of art! On my growing wish-list are:

18ct yellow gold and brown pave diamonds pendant, £395

18ct rose gold and pink sapphire ring, £595

18ct rose gold and brown diamonds, £5,300 by Selim Mouzannar 

The Perfect Wedding Guest

I have a fun summer wedding coming up, and although I would never dare try to upstage a bride ;) I am very tempted in getting this dress from Mango. Kate Moss certainly has the midas touch, and this beaded gold chiffon dress is stunning....

Beaded chiffon dress, £109.99, Mango

The dress has a rather saucy back...

Add these vintage looking sandals to finish your look....

Strappy sandals, £69.99, Mango

GORGEOUS!!

In-My-Bag L L Bean bedding

If you like J Crew and Lands' End, then you will love L.L.Bean. Classic and slightly preppy, they have some great pieces to check out - but my favourite section is their homeware. In my wish-shopping-bag right now is this cute whale bedding...not too feminine but nice and nautical...

King flat sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases, $164 (inc. shipping to UK)