Lizzie Loves...Last Minute Outfit Success

LAST Saturday I went to my friend Ruth's wedding.

Ruth and I have been friends since we were three years old so as you can imagine choosing what to wear proved a big decision.

Such a special celebration warrants an extra special outfit and as the big day approached the urge to go out and buy a whole new ensemble -dress, shoes, bag the works - grew almost unbearable.

It pains me to admit it but I, like many of my peers, have fallen victim to today's throw away culture -a culture that demands a brand new outfit for every occasion.

I mean is there anything worse than being snapped in the same dress two nights out in a row and having the damning evidence plastered all over Facebook??

Yet, as I have been harping on about in past posts, I am trying to adopt a more thrifty and ethical approach to shopping.

My resolve was strengthened at a recent meeting of Knit and Natter, when my friend Vanessa told me the average wage of a Primark factory worker -I think it is about seven pence an hour!

"I can't understand the throw away attitude that exists today," she said."For me, when I find something I like, I wear it again and again. It becomes like an old friend."

I left the pub with renewed enthusiasm for the black dress I wore to The Westmorland Gazette Christmas party.

Unfortunately, this enthusiasm did not last long, as mulling over the merits of the LBD led me to label it as boring and dismiss it altogether.

Instead, I plumped for a high waisted skirt in cream lace, which has been hanging in my wardrobe with its tags on for about six months.

My plan was to wear it with a black blouse, pearls, patent leather heels and a black and cream fascinator made by my talented Aunty Shirley.

In my head, the outfit looked fantastic and so confident was I in my stylist skills that I didn't bother taking any other options with me.

Big mistake!

The outfit was a disaster.

The blouse looked too prim and proper for the skirt, which was too short and the wrong kind of cream, causing it to clash with the fascinator.

I suppose it didn't help that when I tried it on the day before the wedding, I was still wearing my biker boots.

I looked like a cross between Avril Lavigne and a overdressed librarian.

Naturally, tears, a fraught shopping trip and a last minute purchase followed.

So there we have it, I failed.

Despite my best intentions, I was drawn back to the high street and the guilty pleasure of the retail high.

However, all in all, I am pleased with my outfit choice.

Yes, I bought something new but that something was an LBD and every woman knows an LBD is an investment.

Plus, I can feel proud of the fact I helped boost the British economy during these difficult times.

Okay...perhaps TK Max has not felt the pinch of the credit crunch as greatly as smaller independent boutiques but desperate times call for desperate measures!

Lizzie Loves...Beyonce Even More!

OH MY god last night was the most amazing night ever.

Beyonce was sensational and she seemed like a really lovely person too :-)

Just as I expected her outfits were worth the ticket price alone and looking around at the other girls in the audience I was gutted I hadn't opted for a little more sparkle myself.

Playing on the leotard theme that worked so well in the Single Ladies video, Beyonce, aka Sasha Fierce, flashed some leg in a host of revealing ensembles.

My favorites included the gold number pictured below, and a studded leather jacket, which she rocked to perfection while performing If I were a Boy.

She also wore some beautiful evening gowns and combined with the fantastic dance routines and lighting effects, the whole evening was truly magical.

Here are some of my best pictures from the night.

Lizzie Loves...Beyonce!

OOOOOH I am so excited! Not only is my friend Ruth getting married on Saturday but tomorrow night I am going to see Beyonce in concert.

The sensational star's I AM tour is stopping off in Newcastle and me and my friends can't wait to shake our booties to "Single Ladies" and "Crazy in Love."

I am also brimming with anticipation over what outfits she will strut her stuff in.

If her recent video for Sweet Dreams is anything to go by I am sure they will be amazing!

I will take my camera so hopefully I will capture some classic examples to share with you guys.

In the mean time I have selected some of Beyonce's best red carpet moments to add a touch of diva glamour to my blog :-)

Here Beyonce is wearing a stunning beaded evening gown by Versace. It shows off her enviable curves to perfection. Jealous anyone??? (Picture courtesy of stylenews.peoplestyle.com).

In this dress, Beyonce looks like a beautiful mermaid (Picture courtesy of bauergriffinonline.com)

Keeping it simple- Beyonce proves she's the golden girl of pop in this plunging LBD (Picture courtesy of Juicefriends.com)

Lizzie Loves...Little Black Dresses

DELIBERATING over what to wear to my first winter wedding on Saturday has once again left me weighing up the pros and cons of the little black dress.

It is a subject that has been debated by fashion journalists, designers and style savvy friends the world over.

A subject that has perhaps been done to death.

Yet while I don't pretend my own observations are particularly groundbreaking I am intrigued by the LBD and often find myself returning to it when planning outfits.

Last year's Gazette Christmas party saw me sporting a pretty black prom dress adorned with black sequins.

Similarly, for my interview with CancerCare I wore a fitted black dress over a white shirt.

Looking back, my relationship with the LBD started when I was 16 and I first started clubbing.

My favourite outfit was a tight black dress I bagged for £15 in a Warehouse sale and believe me I got my money's worth.

I wore it until it could be worn no more and I always felt amazing.

Slimming, sophisticated, smart and safe -the LBD has solved many a last minute clothing crisis.

But as I have got older I have found myself questioning its suitability.

Is it really a simple solution or has the quest to stand out in black turned the LBD into a minefield of fashion faux pas'?

After all, the starlet who sweeps down the red carpet in a stunning emerald green gown can rest assured her image will be splashed over next week's Best Dressed pages; the celeb who opts for black is taking a gamble.

Will she be labelled drab and criticised for playing it safe or will she be hailed as the vision of elegance -a modern day Audrey Hepburn in an era of footballer's wives and glamour girls?


In 2003, the decision to give Nicole Kidman an Academy Award for her performance in The Hours was welcomed by film fans.

However, her choice of dress divided opinion and set tongues wagging.

There is no denying she looked fantastic in her beautiful black Jean Paul Gaultier number and many journalists applauded her decision.

They claimed it reflected the subdued atmosphere at the time caused by the outbreak of war in Iraq.

Others, however, criticised Nicole for a lack of imagination and for looking drab at the biggest bash of the year.

It seems that for many style observers, when it comes to the red carpet, black just doesn't cut it.


Yet, for one British beauty, it was the appropriate airing of a Versace LBD in 1994 that catapulted her from a film star's girlfriend into a celebrity in her own right.

I am of course talking about Elizabeth Hurley and the infamous safety pin dress.
Yes, anyone chronicling the lovely Liz's rise to fame could be at no doubt as to where to start.

Daring and different, this was high impact dressing at its greatest and fourteen years later a survey by Debenhams voted it the greatest red carpet moment of all time.


So what makes a black dress hit the right chords? Surely in something so simple it is hard to go wrong?

In Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me, journalist Lucia Van Der Post has this to say on the subject:

"The little black dress is but a chic, anonymous vehicle for drama elsewhere. With Audrey it was the hat, the shades, the long gloves, the umbrella, the shoes. Could you honestly describe the dress?......If we're going to wear black -and we surely will because black is the new black more often than it isn't and it certainly won't be going anywhere for long -we've got to learn how to wear it. It needs drama."

And how do we create this drama.. well Lucia suggests sexy shoes, amazing jewellery, great hair and makeup, a statement handbag, a colourful scarf and just the right amount of bare skin.

Do you see what I mean? With so much to think about, is an LBD really such a stress free choice?

At least when you wear a vibrant colour such as red or fuchsia your dress does all the talking; wear black and it's the cut and the accessories that make or break the outfit.

Get it right and you can cause a sensation; get it wrong and you can end up feeling like wallpaper.

Yet, the versatility of the LBD is great news for those on a budget as -while there are only so many times you can get away with wearing a scarlet gown - a black dress can be transformed for weddings, birthday bashes, Christmas parties and even funerals.

You see ...the LBD is a complex beast and with designers reinventing it in collection after collection I am sure the debate will continue for years.


So what about me and my search for the perfect wedding outfit?

In a bid to save money I had been contemplating pulling out an LBD of my own and jazzing it up with some coloured tights and a matching fascinator but now I am not so sure.

Is black appropriate for such a joyful occasion? Will I feel dowdy around girls in more colourful attire?

Hmmm ....I think it's time to call my friends for help!

Lizzie Loves...Party Dresses!

CHRISTMAS is on the way and my enthusiasm for shopping on a budget is deteriorating by the day.

I blame my Limited Edition fashion page.

During the last week or so, I have been trawling the web and hitting the high street in search of the glitziest festive fashion for a Lizzie Loves Christmas special.

My search uncovered so many lovely dresses, fabulous accessories and sensational shoes it has left me with an insatiable urge to go shopping and splurge next month's rent.

Of course I can't and remain committed to my new thrifty ways but surely the odd treat wouldn't do any harm?
Top of my treat list has to be this gorgeous fuchsia mini dress from Marks and Spencer.

Image courtesy of prshots.com.

Is it just me or does this former refuge for the twinset and pearls brigade just keep getting better?

Not only does it fit perfectly with this season's love affair with opulent colours and eighties excess, it's less than £40 and will look great with black opaques and heels.

As always, my high street favourite Miss Selfridge has not failed to disappoint with it's Christmas collection.
Sexy dresses, slinky camisoles, leather look leggings, shoes to die for and sequins galore -what this well thought out offering lacks in colour it makes up for in sparkle and sultry glamour!
Some of my personal favourites include the Jersey Lace Top Dress, the Embellished Studded Body Con Dress and the Aqua Wave Batwing Top.
Another thing worth noting about the collection is the stunningly effective way it is presented on the Miss Selfridge website.
I love the way the model struts her stuff on each page, meaning the customer gets to see the way the garments move rather than just stare at a static image.
The technique works particularly well for a collection dominated by sequins and shimmering fabrics.

My quest to become more ethical in my shopping habits also led me to explore the People Tree website.
With its own Topshop collection and loyal following of green fashionittas, the company has proven organic fair trade is not just for hippies.
It's a great place to stock up on daywear and accessories and also boasts a truly scrumptious range of party dresses.
In one of this season's hottest hues, this flattering prom dress will turn your friends green with envy.

Image courtesy of prshots.com

Lizzie Loves...Carrie's Jewellery

CHECK out my friend Carrie Allen's latest collection of handmade Jewellery on her fab Etsy site.

Carrie has a real eye for colour and sources beads and gems from all over the world to create amazing one off pieces.

I am a great fan of her charm bracelets and these two treasures are simply to die for!

Lizzie Loves...Going Green

OVER the last year or so I have started to think more carefully about the clothes I wear -well to be honest I have started to feel guilty.

I love shopping and nothing thrills me more than a bargain but recently my retail highs have been tainted by doubts over where and how my purchases were made.

In the past, walking into Primark would cause my heart to beat faster at the prospect of cramming as much stuff into my basket as possible.

I rarely bought anything full price, avoided charity shops and flitted my cash away on cheap, unneccessary garments.

However, several things have made me think twice about my shopping habits.

Firstly, I have actually found some great items in charity shops, after getting over my fear of the old person smell I associate with them.

Secondly, I have watched documentaries about child labour and terrible working conditions in developing countries.

And thirdly, I have written features about Fairtrade and ethical comapanies, striving to sell lovely, reasonably priced clothing, while protecting the environment and the rights of those who produce them.

Companies such as The Earth Collection, which has a store in Bowness-on-Windermere, Kendal's Betty and Babs, and Cherchbi -a luxury accessories company selling high quality items designed and manufactured in the UK.

The feature I wrote on Kendal's latest vintage shop Revival also brought home the importance of investing in garments made to last, rather than those that fall apart after a couple of washes.

Yesterday, I once again felt ashamed of the contents of my wardrobe.

For a feature in the Christmas issue of Limited Edition, me and the Gazette's chief photographer Mark Harrison travelled to Lazonby, near Penrith, to meet Victoria Stapleton, the owner and founder of Brora.

The company specialises in top quality Scottish Cashmere and tweed and all of its products are made in English factories and mills.

Meeting Victoria, who was brought up in Cumbria, and has a gorgeous home in the Eden Valley, was really inspiring.

With shops all over the country, over 60,000 mail order clients and customers that include Kate Moss, Prince William and Daniel Day Lewis, her business is a great success, yet she remains committed to her original aims of producing well made clothing at the most affordable prices she can.

Clothes with a rich heritage; clothes that celebrate the 'best of the UK'; clothes that look and feel amazing.

Sat across from her in my New Look boots and Primark top I felt embarrassed.

For years, I have pushed these thoughts to the back of my mind but in a year of career changes, maybe it's time to address the skeletons in my closet too.

My current financial position has already prompted a commitment to making do and mending and charity shopping -so perhaps the timing has never been better.

In Green is the New Black, an eloquently written guide to changing the world with style, fashion journalist Tamsin Blanchard gives lots of helpful hints for the fashion conscious with a conscience.

She also quotes Rogan Gregory -the co-founder of organic denim specialists Loomstate Jeans- and, for me, his words really sum it up.



"It's a luxury to feel guilty because most of the world is just trying to survive."



The book was a birthday present from my friend Vanessa and for months it sat unopened on my bedside table, as I buried my head in the sand and stocked up on cheap bargains.

However, I finally started reading it the other day and it has strengthened my resolution to adopt a more ethical attitude.

I know I will never be perfect, I am still going to shop in some high street shops and there is no point getting rid of the clothes I already have, but from now on I am definitley going to try harder.

Lizzie Loves...Thrifty Fashion

YESTERDAY was my first day as a part time fundraiser and, after much deliberation, I finally opted for a cream, high neck blouse, with a floral skirt, purple tights, brown kitten heels and pearl bracelets.


I always feel confident in this skirt as I love the length and the pretty purple flowers. It was also a total bargain -just £15 in the Dotty P's sale :-)

My current job predicament has made me think a lot more about money and the amount of it I spend on clothes. Working a one day week is not going to generate enough cash to cover my rent, bills and irresponsible shopping splurges.

Although I plan to line up some freelance work and get another part time job, it is clear that something has got to give and, unfortunately, that something has got to be clothes. Yet, surprisingly enough, I don't feel that depressed about it. In fact, I am actually excited by the challenge of trying to look stylish on a limited budget.

As if aware of my financial plight, this month's issue of Vogue is a More Dash than Cash special. From 380 tips on how to look glam for less and clothes that are made to last; to "Thrift Chic Heroines" and DIY couture -this is fashion advice for the credit crunch generation.

In her article The New DIY, journalist Chloe Fox shares her experiences at her local Stitch and Bitch club -a group of glamorous city dwellers who meet weekly to set the world to rights over a cable knit jumper. "I can't quite shake the feeling that it's all deeply uncool," she writes. "But then as Georgia, an actor's agent in a Marni dress tells me over the clack-clack of her needles, it's all the rage -Kate Moss, Madonna. Julia Roberts and Winona Ryder are all keen knitters. So, bizarrely, is Russell Crowe."

Chole is writing about the resurgence of interest in crafts and traditional pursuits, which is sweeping the country and has certainly taken hold of Kendal. While I was working at the Gazette, me and the other reporters write numerous articles on everything from rocketing waiting lists at the WI, to an increased appetite for jam making.

The opening of a new wool shop, William's Wools, is also testament to the growing popularity of crafts in the area.

I too have been bitten by the bug. Just over a year ago, my friend Karen, who incidentally makes gorgeous bags, purses and soft furnishings, taught me to knit and since then I have been hooked. I even joined Kendal's answer to Stitch and Bitch -Knit, Natter, Stitch and Chatter and got a sewing machine off my mum and dad for Christmas. So far, I have just used it to make one shift dress but now I have the time and the motivation to put my good intentions into practice.

Fashionittas the world over have embraced the Made Do and Mend mantra of their grandmothers and I am determined to join them. I am excited at the prospect of trawling through charity shops and making and modifying clothes.

Maybe I won't be able to raid the high street every pay day but -hopefully- the satisfaction I glean from creating my own couture will be all the greater!

Lizzie Loves....First Day Fashion

IN MY opinion, deciding what to wear on your first day of a new job is more intimidating than choosing your interview outfit.

At least when you go for interview there are some basis ground rules to follow.

A suit usually does the trick, add a few choice accessories, a stylish hair cut and Bobs your uncle!

Dress to impress, keep it simple and you can't go wrong.

But once you have got the job and it comes to selecting your first day attire, it's a whole new ball game.

It's when you set the tone for all the outfits to follow.

You can create a whole new look, reinvent yourself and nobody will know any different.

Tomorrow, I start my first day as a part time fundraiser for CancerCare -a charity that provides support, advice and therapy for people affected by cancer in the Lake District and North Lancashire.

It's only one day a week but I will be organising a new fundraising event -The CancerCare Big Book Bonanza (Basically a sponsored readathon with local schools).

http://www.cancercare.org.uk/

Yet, although I have met the team several times when I covered stories on the charity for the Gazette, I still want my clothes to create the right impression when I walk into the office tomorrow morning.

Yes, I want to showcase my own style -whatever that maybe- but I think adapting your look to suit your situation is all part of the fun of dressing!

One of my best friend from uni, Vicky, is a firm believer in dressing to impress and, as a trainee lawyer in Leeds, she is in the perfect environment.

With gorgeous big hair, fitted shirts, sky-high heels and more than her fair share of sexy pencil skirts, she always looks amazing and has no problem with being more dressed up than other girls at work.

"I have dressed like this from the outset," she says. "I have to maintain it now. Choosing what to wear is one of the best parts of my day."

My flatmate Rec also looks lovely for work but her job presents different clothing challenges.
As a Fix the Fells footpath officer in the Lake District, she splits her time between the office and the fells, so naturally her outfits vary from day-to-day.

"I spend a lot of time wearing fleece and outdoor gear so when I know I will be in the office I like to wear nice things," she told me.

And very nice her clothes are too -polka dot shirts, purple heels and pretty floral blouses -even her fleeces come in a range of colours and are complemented by matching earrings!

So what about me..

At the Gazette I could wear what I wanted so long as I looked smart. How dressed up or quirky I looked was usually determined by what time I got up in the morning, how much porridge I had eaten and whether it was raining.

As for tomorrow, I want to look smart but not formal. The project will involve working with kids in a creative environment so I was thinking maybe something a little boho or trying to recreate that effortless yummy mummy look- without the pushchair of course!

Perhaps a floaty Laura Ashley skirt or a classic Betty Jackson wrap dress with thick tights? Hmmm, decisions decisions ....

Lizzie Loves...Miss Selfridge's Christmas Shoe Collection

BROWSING my favourite high street stores' websites this weekend led to a chance encounter with a pair of adorable ankle boots.


Yes, Miss Selfridge, a shop that never fails to impress, has released its new Christmas collection and its Ohio Buckle Boot (£50) has rocketed straight to the top of my festive wish list.

(Image courtesy of PRShots.com)

At 5ft11, I usually avoid high heels during the day, so the small but chunky heel is perfect for me.

I also love the gorgeous gold buckles and, even the name itself, tugs at my purse strings as one of my best friends from university hails from Ohio.

They would look great worn with indigo bootcut jeans and a fitted black shirt.

http://www.missselfridge.com/

Lizzie Loves...Compliments

I AM sure there are women out there who require no assurance of how fabulous they look -a rare breed of lady with the confidence to wear what ever she feels like without a care in the world.

Women like Agyness Deyn or Lady Gaga perhaps.

Yet, for those of us who sometimes need a little bit of reassurance, there is nothing quite like a compliment to put a spring in our step.
Don't get me wrong, I am not implying the majority of women are racked with insecurities and self doubt, I just mean a few kind words every now and then rarely go amiss.

Take the other day for instance when I was rushing around Kendal on my fruitless search for a purple handbag.
With the chill of winter in the air, I had decided to give my new grey coat its first official outing but, as it had been a spur of the moment purchase, I was still a little unsure about it.
I knew I liked it -I just wasn't 100 per cent convinced it was me.

Anyway, as I scanned the shelves of Lakeland Ltd, the shop assistant came over especially to tell me she liked my coat.
I left the store with a big smile on my face, my frustration at being unable to find the perfect bag forgotten.

I must say, I am very lucky, as my flatmate and I always remark on each others outfits as we leave in the morning.
But when the warm words come from a complete stranger you can feel extra smug in knowing there are no ties of friendship influencing their observations.

Is it wrong to crave the odd compliment? Does it make us weak or pathetic? I certainly don't think so.
Ask any girl who has fretted over whether her bum looks big in her skinny jeans -a simple 'you look nice' can provide the confidence boost she needs to walk tall and celebrate her curves.

If you decide to make a fashion statement with a bold piece of costume jewellery or pair or patterned tights -it's nice to have that statement noted and noted in a positive way.

This brings me to the point of my post, next time you are stood behind someone in the supermarket queue with a gorgeous bag or stylish trench coat why not tell them how much you like it?

Similarly, on Saturday night when you and your friends spot a girl rocking this season's must-have Topshop dress, rather than enviously muttering about it to one another, go over and tell her how great she looks.

Sisters should stick together and I am sure you both feel all the better for the exchange :-)

Lizzie Loves ...New Starts

Right here goes...My very first post -a post to mark the start of what will hopefully be an exciting new phase of my life. It's quite fitting really because I feel the same mix of fear, excitement and uncertainty about writing this post as I do about my future.

I mean is there anything more daunting than a blank page?

I have just left my job as a general news reporter at The Westmorland Gazette. It was a tough decision to make but I have to believe my risk will pay off.

Basically, I love writing, although from the disjointed ramblings of this post you might not think it (please ignore any spelling mistakes of commas that are in the wrong place!)

I especially love writing about fashion.

Like most girls my age, deliberating over what to wear on a Saturday night, to work, on a date, to the shops etc is something I devote a great deal of time to. I love reading fashion and celebrity magazines and scrutinising what the stars are wearing; I love scouring the high street and charity shops for bargains; I love watching makeoever TV shows; I love co-ordinating accessories; I love experimenting; I just love clothes.

I am by no means a fashion expert and I don't think I am particularly daring or revolutionary in what I wear. All I know is that I am happiest when I am thinking , writing, discussing and -let's face it-buying clothes.

While working at the Gazette I was lucky enough to have my own fashion page -Lizzie...Loves Fashion. The page, along with a number of fashion-related articles, featured in the paper's fabulous glossy lifestyle magazine Limited Edition.





This link takes you to the latest online edition (My pages are 56 to 58)

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum=&refresh=fN1580qHwR03&EID=d651285f-aa75-40e1-a921-57c589a8e4e4&skip=

The good news is -well for me anyway- Gillian Cowburn, the lovely lady who edits the magazine, is allowing me to keep writing it :-) In fact, it was Gillian who recommended I start a blog, kind of like an online edition of my fashion page.

So there we go...my first post and it wasn't as bad as I thought. When I was writing stories for the Gazette there was nothing worse than staring at a blank page waiting for inspiration to strike. Yet, as soon as I wrote the all-important intro, the rest came easy.

Well my intro is over and the fun fashion stuff awaits!

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