WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

As I’m typing this, I’m currently attempting to get some work done whilst my 11 month old daughter is crawling up my leg. She’s normally with my parents (I’m lucky enough to have them look after her during the week, rather than a child minder or shockingly overpriced nursery), but for the past two weeks she’s been with me whilst they take a well deserved break to Nigeria for two months. I love my bambino, I really do – but bambino and work just don’t mix, so if this week’s instalment appears to be a bit of a slack job, I’m sorry! For more on me attempting to be ‘a Work at home Mum’, check out my latest post on http://www.oprahwannabe.blogspot.com/

Scroll down and let the Fierce List begin...

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… WHITNEY AND BOBBY GETTING BACK TOGETHER!?

Yes, I haven’t made a typo… Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown are rumoured to be rekindling their romance. According to reports from the Chicago Sun Times, the couple have been spotted ‘clearly looking very romantic’ while dining together.

The couple had been married for 14 years before their marriage came to an end two years ago. Whitney’s camp is denying the rumour, stating the couple remain “good friends whose primary interest is the well being of their daughter”.

Now, I’m confused… last time I knew, Whitney was still dating ‘Brandy’s brother’ Ray J? Well, should this be true and she’s left Ray J to go back to Bobby, I couldn’t say I blame her. Having the ‘boy’ sing the lyrics from his ‘wackady wack’ tune ‘Sexy can I’, all day every day in my ear, would be enough for me to head back into the arms of ‘bad boy Brown’.

FASHION NEWS: SIVVY SEQUIN JEANS

Ok, you’ll see from the picture that they are not really denim; however they are from a great denim brand so let’s just pretend they are. With the Christmas party season coming up, you can shun the LBD for something more individual and sexier, (once teamed with some fierce heels and accessories) – you’ll be the envy of your colleagues/friends (yes, there is a difference between the two) for days… Some may say an additional incentive is the fact Kate Moss owns a pair, however, I on the other hand just think they’re fab. The Sivvy Hannah Jet Sequin is available from Donna Ida for £175

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU… MICHELLE OBAMA

This lady is one to watch. Yes, we know she is one half of the most inspiration couple of 2008, but did we know the next First Lady Elect was going to be so ‘fierce’ with her dress sense? If it’s not Narciso Rodriguez she’s wearing on stage for her victory dress, then its casual chic in a Moschino dress and Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. This lady is not only intelligent, beautiful and a total inspiration (did you know it was Michelle who mentored Obama back in 1989 when they met at a Chicago law firm?), but she also passes with flying colours in the fashion stakes. She can do no wrong I tell you… no wrong.

TREND WATCH: A PAIR OF BALLERINA PUMPS I LOVE …

I’m not a fan of the ballerina pump which has been around for a while now (I’m 5”1, so you’ll understand why), however I came across these Contrast Reptile Ballerina shoes (the black pair) in Accessorize on a recent shopping trip to Bluewater with my close friend and I have to say they looked pretty decent on. For someone who has blatantly flat feet, its hard to make pumps work in a way where I don’t resemble a ‘house girl’, however these seem to have done the trick. Priced at £40, I think they’re a damn good buy.

Ooh, I should really big up a clients ballerina pumps here too as they are flying off the shelves having recently graced the fashion pages of Grazia. Check out http://www.arunaseth.com/ for bow flats… a little pricey at £325, however very elegant for those who want to make a statement with a sharp tailored suit or subtle girly dress.

I’M IN NEED OF A …

… Feathered bolero, having not taken a fancy to ANY of the shaggy gilets which have been confirmed as a ‘must buy’ this season by ALL fashion glossies. The feathered bolero looks far more edgy and ‘statement – esque’ than the gilet. Of the MANY followers of fashion I've seen wear the gilet; it just sang out to me they were wearing it because Vogue told them too. The feathered bolero is a harder look to achieve, so will keep some people watching from the sidelines, which I like. I was unable to ‘save as’ on the Topshop Ostrich version in plum from their website, so I’ve screen grabbed it instead… see above screen grab.

BEAUTY BUYS: TOO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM AND THEY ARE ALL FROM SELFRIDGES…

With Selfridges currently offering a voucher discount of 10% off their fragrances and beauty ranges to their customers, I think it would be wise on your pockets to concentrate on purchasing any of your beauty buys there. I’m thinking about treating myself to ‘For her’ by Narciso Rodriguez as I’ve smelt it on four girlfriends of mine plus a client and I must say its divine, however I don’t want to receive a kick in the ass from copying them (as they will do this), so I might just spend the monthly budget on new make up instead? There is a new brand called Illamasqua, whose roots stem from the 1920’s club scene and combines a rich heritage in the manufacturer of make up for film and theatre. (Their blurb, not mine…). They say their brand is for the ‘bolder person hiding inside of us all’ … interesting. I feel a Sasha Fierce moment coming on… Might just have to see if they are as good as they look, visit http://www.illamasqua.com/ for more information.

If you didn’t receive the discount voucher which has been making the rounds on cyber space this week, click the following link and enjoy; http://www.selfridges.com/beauty/voucher.html Obviously exclusions apply, so don’t get your heart set on getting anything for cheaper until you’ve checked what brands the voucher discount applies to in store. I don’t want anyone from Selfridges coming to sue me for false information… (That reminds me, I must put a disclaimer somewhere on this blog)… anyhow, the discount ends this Sunday, so quickly, form an orderly queue…

LAST THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK: MUMBAI, CONGO AND NIGERIA…

Enough fashion talk, lets get serious and think about saying a little prayer for those trying to survive, whilst a war and mindless murder is going on around them. Mumbai Massacre, conflict in the Congo and the child witches of Nigeria… all topics which are too sad and shouldn’t be happening.

Till next week.
X

BEAUTY BUYS: LIP THERAPY

I need to get back into blagging from other PR’s as I’m running low on my fancy beauty buys. One product I’m low on at present is my lip balm and considering the weather has taken a turn for the worst; I’m in need of something ‘top end’ to ensure my lips stay chapped free and plump. The brand I decided to treat myself to this time around was Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 SPF4, £7.50. Yes I know you can pick up a chap stick or a miniature Vaseline for cheaper, but it’s just not the same. This balm really does revive the lips, leaving them soft and supple, so should any of you want to treat yourselves, pop down to Space NK or Selfridges and pick one up.

I’M IN NEED OF A… LEOPARD PRINT FUR JACKET

I’ve been looking for one… like, forever. Well at least since I bought my plain fake fur one from mango a few years ago. It fits (or use to fit), like a glove – it was totally made for me. Fast forward to now, I think I need to stop having Friday night take away if I’m to ever feel that ‘glamour puss’ effect it instantly adds to any outfit I wear with it.

Anyway, back to the fur version, I’ve seen a few about in ASOS, Koh Samui (not that I can afford it with a price tag of £484) and once again in Mango. At first glance the mango one was great; however on further inspection it doesn’t look so hot. They have a brown fur jacket for £70 which looks hot, but that would mean me spending £70 on something I already have at home, which in this credit crunch climate is not a sensible choice.

FASHION NEWS: CHARITY COUTURE

This week sees the opening of boutique Ex-owned. Probably the most glamorous charity shop you’ll ever come across, it’s got some damn good finds. Stella McCartney dresses and limited edition Alexander McQueen bags, I kid you not. Set up by fashion PR agency Exposure all proceeds are to be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital. 10am – 6pm until 22 December; 2 – 4 Little Portland Street, W1; www.exowned.co.uk

THIS WEEK EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT...

... the OLSEN TWINS. As much as I can't stand their annoying pout (a friend in the know told me they whisper 'prune' in order to get the perfect pout for their poses)... you have to give it up to them, for they do know style and how to rock it. With this in mind, its no surprise they've published a coffee table book named Infulence, celebrating the 22 creative people who have inspired them. With the likes of Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Karl Largerfeld and Margherita Missoni gracing the pages, I have no doubt the book will be more than fabulous.

I do believe they've had a few fashion faux paus (the knee length gladiator boots anyone?), but at least they are individual with their style which is what makes them hot. Published on the 27 November (Penguin, £20) this will definitely be on my coffee table... when I buy one.

TREND WATCH: JUMP TO IT!

Yes, I love fashion but I wouldn’t say I’m a slave to it. I follow trends regularly and if I like them and more importantly if they suit me, then yes, I do go out and buy a few pieces to reflect it. But jump on the bang wagon ‘just because?’ No sir, not me. I think a person who has an individual style is much more of a ‘fashionista’ than someone who buys every ‘statement or investment’ piece fashion glossies like Grazia, Marie Claire and Vogue tells them. Anyhow, one trend I absolutely love, adore and have succumbed to, is that of the jumpsuit. It can be day or evening jumpsuits, either way the result is instant, full on glamour. I bought one from the Reiss SS 08 collection (image above to the left) and it’s so damn fierce that I’d happily wear it every time I’m due to go out on the razz.

Luckily for me (or though I wouldn’t care), the jumpsuit is set to be still on trend two seasons after I spent my £135 for my silk version, so happy days! You need to check out designers who have been sensible enough to include this trend in their AW 08 collections. Check the picture of the AW 08 ‘Ready to wear’ jumpsuit from Preen (far right) – it’s a keeper I tell you. Ahhh I’m in fashion heaven…. this eighties throwback is so to die for! Should you not be able to afford the Preen prices, check out Topshop who currently do two versions priced at £35 and £50.

I'VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU... TOLULA ADEYEMI

Tolula who? Well, this name has been off the radar until now. She is an actress/model/DJ (everyone's a DJ now right?), who has been linked romantically with UK actor Jude Law. The pair met last month a London's Bungalow 8 where 24 year old Tolula also DJ's.

Now it seems everyone wants a piece of this 'hot chick' as she's just been named to replace Daisy Lowe as the new face of Hari, the luxe sportswear label from London fashionista Lainey Sheridan - Young.

I see a new star in the horizion...