THE FIFTH OF DECEMBER- A GIRL CAN ONLY DREAM!

Ever since walking into my first Alice Temperley store two years ago I have developed an unrequited love towards all of her beautifully embroidered and incredibly elegant greek-goddess inspired designs. My love is unrequited because I can only stare, sometimes run my hands through and admire the silk and chiffon items. I can't try them on because I can't resist the temptation that faces me once one of her lovely dresses is resting on my. I'd have to go on to place the utterly adored dress on the till counter and then hand over my pining bank card. Unrequited love is horrible and harsh. The pains caused by unrequited love will, however, be rewarded one day when, fingers crossed, I am an incredibly rich fashionista marching up to the Alice Temperley till counter throne with one of her designs and, without feeling the shock that zaps through my body everytime. I will hand over my very happy bank card and buy the dress of my dreams. I only want one. No more, not two or three, just one Alice Temperley dress (this does exclude the Alice Temperley wedding dress I will hopefully also buy one day!). I will be the happiest girl alive when I can buy an Alice Temperley dress.

So today I have decided to post a picture of three Alice Temperley dresses from her most recent collection so you can understand my current suffering.

Mini Bea Dress. £995

A heavily embellished T-bar strap down the back, draped neckline and beaded waist details make the Mini Bea Dress a cocktail dress to remember.

Bellini Dress. £640

A glamorous modern gladiator beckons with the Bellini Dress. Its contemporary use of twisted contrast colored knit loops and large gold studs cut a striking figure.

And Finally, the renowned Grecian inspired, feminity oozing, ABSOLUTELY DIVINE Maxi dress.

Long Zeus Dress. £740

The Long Zeus Dress in sublime tangerine jersey will seduce the eyes with its draping and sexy one shoulder shape. A dress to cherish in your wardrobe forever.

You can wake up now.

Emma

JUST FOUR YOU!

Wrap yourself up into a very chic and sophisticated bow with this dress. The monochrome colouring is simple but striking.

Huge Bow Bandeau Dress. £38. Asos.com

Emma

THE THIRD OF DECEMBER

For those of you that love really splashing out on that one special Christmas dress here is a match made in heaven for you! It ticks all the boxes for this years top trends and is an absolute show stopper.

Abstract Animal Print-TICK

Cut out detail-TICK

Sequins-TICK TICK TICK!

No one will be able to take their eyes off you as you walk around the room with every light bouncing off the silver sequins that swarm every inch of this dress.

Stardust Dress. £200. Monsoon

If you can't (like me) quite stretch your bank balance then I suggest putting this at the top of your Christmas list in blod, capital letters surrounded with stars and written in bright pink pen...just in case you know who doesn't quite get the hint!

Emma

SULTRY SECOND of DECEMBER

This dress seeps sexy with its crushed velvet texture, delicate off-the-shoulder fitting and rouched detail. The puff ball sleeves add a touch of glamour to the sultry look this dress creates. Apply some deep red lipstick to make it even more chic. Keep hair and make up simple and let the dress show you off. Make sure you hold your shoulders back and walk with your arms on your hips to really accentuate the cut and shape of this incredible dress. Perfect for visits to the theatre or opera and champagne drinks receptions.

Rouched Velvet Puff Sleeve Dress. £45. ASOS.com

P.S sorry this was a day late. My internet awkwardly crashed on me!

Emma

ONLINE FASHION CALENDER

The feeling of walking outside to a bitter chill this morning and seeing frost on car windows and endless students wrapped up to their foreheads in knitted scarves signalled the start of Christmas!I felt so Christmassy this morning opening my advent calender to find a chocolate snowman inside. I love Christmas, I love the tinsle, the carols, the mince pies, the drinks parties, the baubles and the mistletoe but, above all, I love dressing up in a beautiful dress and walking outside in the icy air with Christmas lights sparkling around me. The first of December means one thing (other than opening your advent calender), it is time to start scouring the shops for that perfect Christmas dress. As a result of the tight schedule we have to carry out this vital buy-only 24 days-I thought I would make everyone's lives that little bit easier and save you from bracing the bitter winds and bustling shops by setting up an online calender of dresses.

The christmas countdown begins.

You have 25 days to choose the perfect dress and 25 dresses to choose from.

NUMBER ONE

Sequin Harness Babydoll Dress. £65. Lipsy

This dress is elegant and very beautiful with its sequin and silk cup detail and its floaty pale pink skirt. The delicate and very flattering neckline is definitely the key feature of this dress, followed closely by the crossed back. It reminds me of the dress Baby wore in Dirty Dancing. It would look perfect with a glass of champagne waiting under the mistletoe for Patrick Swayze to scoop it into his arms. One can only dream! The best thing about this purchase is that you can sit in your comfortable armchair by the fire and buy it without even stepping outside! Just visit http://www.lipsy.co.uk/. Did anyone say mince pies?

Emma

BE WARM BUT STYLISH

After having no warm clothes to brace last years winter wonderland blizzard which turned Hyde Park into an ice rink, I have decided, this year to plan ahead and invest in some winter warmers. This post is a warning to all Fresher's. IT ONLY GETS COLDER AFTER CHRISTMAS! There is something very satisfying about piling on more and more layers as the weather gets colder and colder. Big wooly knitted jumpers are vital, however, your winter wardrobe shopping spree shouldn't stop at fur lined coats. I am sure all students can agree with me when I say that the temperature inside your house is probably degrees colder than the temperature outside. For this reason, the scarves and gloves that you buy after reading this will probably be the most useful things you have purchased in the last year. My housemate Olivia spends her whole life in her leopard print fur coat and I personally can't get enough of my Dad's old knitted jumpers that I pulled out of the attic a few months ago. However, the moth eaten wool doesn't quite give off the stylish aura I wish for.

I want bright colours and interesting patterns.

So, I have decided to buy some winter accessories that will keep me snug both inside and outside whilst, at the same time, ensuring I still remain fashionable. Walking past the shop window of Accessorize the other day I was drawn in by the chunky, richly coloured scarves, fleece slippers and patterned ear muffs.

Becca Fairisle long pom pom gloves. £14

Crochet Lurex Flower Cut Off Gloves. £12

Cable Bobble Mauve Beanie. £16

Knitted Fairisle Ear Muffs. £12

Tapestry Regular Stripe Scarf. £16

Scalloped Lace Heart Vest. £12

Bi Colour Stripe Bed Socks. £12

And finall, my favourite:

DIAMANTE BALLERINA POLKA DOT SLIPPERS. £12

YOU'LL BE SO WARM AND SNUGGLY THAT YOU WILL NEVER WANT IT TO BE SUMMER AGAIN!

Emma

An LPD is the new LBD

I know everyone has to have one or two jaw dropping Little Black Dresses in their wardrobes but after X Factor this weekend the wardrobe evening essential seems to in fact be a Little Pink Dress! This post is for all the avid X Factor viewers, fashion lovers and Cheryl Cole obsessers that read our blog because, this weekend, as you may have guessed, CHERYL COLE blew everyone away with not one, but two stunning, show-stopping bright pink dresses

CHERYL COLE ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT

Here are some beautiful pink dresses available on the high street-I think it is definitely necessary to have more than one LPD. After all Cheryl did have three!

ASOS Frill Sleeve Zip Frills. £38. Asos.com

ASOS Bow One Shoulder Slinky Dress. £25. Asos.com

Bandeau Peplum Dress. £45. Topshop

Bandeau Beaded Dress. £85. Lipsy.co.uk

Bubble Hem Dress. £55. Lipsy.co.uk

PINK PINK PINK PINK PINK PINK PINK PINK PINK PINK

Emma

UNDISCOVERED TREASURE

Whilst travelling in Costa Rica a year ago I came across this fantastic beach-front market in Manuel Antonio where hundreds of colourful cotton wraps blew upwards carried by the wind and an endless array of beautiful stone and shell necklaces adorned the pavements.

After spending a while 'pavement shopping' I was about to head back to my hotel when I spotted this tiny stall selling beautiful unique, handmade silver rings set with precious stones. I stood at this tiny table trying on hundreds of rings for ages-I just couldn't decide which ring to buy. In the end I went for one set with a large red and small turquiose stone which hasn't left my finger since. I absolutely love it because it is ONE OF A KIND. People always compliment me, and ask where I bought it and sigh deeply when I say Costa Rica. Ever since leaving Costa Rica I have spent hours searching through endless rings but they all look the same-nothing ever stands out, UNTIL this weekend when I came across this fantastic stall in the O2 arena.

Kale Ring Turquoise

Whilst perusing around the O2 arena in London before watching Beyonce in conert I came across, once again, a small ring stall held by a lovely lady who designs all the rings herself, has them made from silver and precious stones and then sells them. They are all uniquely hand made and crafted to be one of a kind. She showcases and sells some of her designs on her website.

Flower Ring with Turquise and Coral

Sarah Ring - Amethyst, Lemon Topaz and Carnelian

www.shiningseren.com

You will spend ages choosing which stone and colour combinations to have as each ring is different. Designs span from simple to very decorative. I recommend everyone pays the site a visit-the rings will make great christmas presents!

Dina Onyx( tall)

Krissy Ring, Turquoise, Topaz, Garnet, Pearl, Labradorite, Amethyst

Prices range from £5 to £55 depending on designs

Silver Seren has a stall in Camden Lock Market where more designs can be found in a greater varitey of stones.

I JUST LOVE THEM

Emma

RAVE ABOUT REPUBLIC

My student loan is seeping out of my bank card faster and faster every day. I am a shopaholic. Sholpaholics need to shop which is why I am so happy to have, in the last year, discovered Republic. I have a massive obsession with evening wear, particularly dresses and Republic has some beautiful items for very reasonable prices. Republic was established in 1986 as a men’s denim only retailer trading from a single store in none other Leeds!It has developed over the years and now has 97 stores all over the UK. The brilliant thing about Republic is that it fills the needs of most styles from supporting surfer brands such as Soul Cal, Henley's and Fenchurch to more catwalk inspired brands like Miso and Jessica's Attic.

At the moment they have a brilliant collection of shoulder padded dresses, lace designs and sequined dresses and skirts.

THE DESIGNS HIT EVERY TREND

SEQUINS

Sequin Skirt. £19.99

Keep the look smart with a black or grey blazer and simple vest top-let the skirt do the showing off!

Mix textures, volume and sequins with this cross back dress:

Two tone sequin dress. £34.99

Add some colour to your wardobe with this striking, electric blue top. Team with black jeans to bounce off the brilliant blue.

Miso draped vest top. £29.99

FLORAL

I bought this dress the other day-the bold, feminine pattern attracted me.

Miso photo floral top. £16.99

THE VERY USEFUL BLAZER

!I have two blazers, one grey and one black and they are without a doubt the most useful, staple item in my wardrobe. You can throw them on top of any item make an outfit smart and sophisticated. You can wear them in the day with jeans or over a dress like the floral one above or at night over an embellished, decorative dress or skirt. THIS IS A MUST HAVE ITEM! It will remain timeless I promise!

Miso Jersey Blazer. £29.99

STRIPES

The nautical look will never go completely out of fashion. Stripes make appearances and reappearnces in shop windows year after year. They look great the summer The key thing is to not go stripe crazy-the aim is not to look like a captain of the seas but rather the captains elegant sailor. Keep it simple but bold. Stripes look great with plain, blocked coloured items like a white t-shirt and jeans. Never wear stripes with cowboy boots-things start to get much more complicated if you do!

Miso striped waterfall top. £19.99

and finally

THE CROPPED TOP

Crafted crop top. £19.99

Something I am yet to have invested in but will definitely be purchasing soon in a cropped top mainly for the reason that they are incredibly versatile. Wear on its own with jeans or a high waisted skirt or shorts otherwise, wear over a simple vest top and create a layered look. The fantastic feature about this one is its cut-out effect which gives it an interesting, feminine edge.

Visit www.republic.co.uk to look at more items.

Emma

STUDS STUDS STUDS!!!

When I was about 13 I went through a pretty bad teenage fashion crisis (as everyone does). After my reality check finally clicked I immediately threw everything I had bought in those few, highly damaging months as away far away as I possibly could. The baggy jeans which were big enough to fit my head through one of the legs were thrown into the bin alongside all my incredibly bland and boyish hoodies. However, one thing did survive. My then incredibly treasured silver studded belt made the cut and, for the last 7 years has been collecting dust under my bed. Now, 7 years later I credit myself for judging the studded belt to be a valuable collective item. I guess you could say I'm well, let's not beat around the fashion bush, I'm a fashion fortune teller because...

STUDS ARE EVERYWHERE

This past season and, I warn you now, the coming season is all about EMBELLISHMENTS

Sophie's post on sequins made me go a little OTT-I went out and bought sequin leggings, a sequin body-con skirt, a sequin dress and a sequin jacket. As a result, I am now a walking disco ball! Don't get me wrong sequins are fantastic and will never fail in making sure you feel and look great on a night out, however, they do turn you into a bit of a disco queen! Sequins-think Kylie Minogue. Studs-think someone a little more hardcore and not so twinlky around the edges like, for example, Rhianna.

Rhianna in studs and leather at American Music Awards

STUDS guarantee ATTITUDE.

TOPSHOP

Premium Gold Studded Body Con Skirt. £35.

RAVEN Caged Stud Sandel. £65

Something a little more adventurous-wear over leggings-I RECENTLY BOUGHT AND LOVE!

Diamante Knicker. £25

FRENCH CONNECTION

Platinum studded dress. £65

LIPSY

I KNOW SOPHIE WILL LOVE THIS...

Stud and Sequin Jersey Dress. £45

SPLASH OUT...

VIP Studded Feather Dress. £260

AND FINALLY!THE ULTIMATE ATTITUDE ITEM-LEATHER AND STUDS!

Studded mini skirt. £45

How to wear Studds

This must-have trend is best worn in the evening-gold and silver studds look most striking against black. For a full-on launch of attitude team with leather, for example-a leather jacket or leather leggings. For a more classic, sophisticated look wear with a blazer. Don't overdo as you might risk looking like a dominatrix-keep it subtle. Choose items that have studds in key areas such as around the shoulder. Don't buy the first studded item you see, look around, there is so much to available and remember-you are investing in something which will remain timeless.

I'm warning you!buy something studded now or regret not buying that studded leather jacket in seven years!

And, just in case you don't have one of these under your bed...

Studded Belt. £7. New Look

Emma