Pretty Stylish London is pleased to announce the Isabella Oliver 365 giveaway! You all know that I'm a big fan of the brand so I'm excited to giveaway this oh-so stylish Multiway Maxi Dress, as featured in Grazia magazine! This is one item that comes in three gorgeous colours and can be worn at least 6 different ways. The possibilities are endless with the extra long halter wrap ties. Wrap, tie, bow or let fall, but above all have fun with it!

Isabella Oliver 365 is perfect for the busy modern woman. The collection makes it easy to invest wisely in fashion and purchase pieces that can be worn for more than one season or one part of the day. It's all about versatility - multitasking pieces that can be easily dressed up or down simply by adding a statement piece of jewellery and heels. See the entire collection at: www.isabellaoliver.com

How to Enter
To be in with a chance of winning, complete your details below, then leave a comment in this post telling us your favourite Isabella Oliver piece. Be sure to include a web link to the item and all entries must be in by JULY 31st 09. One lucky winner will be picked at random. Good luck!

This Competition is Now Closed.

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Westfield Shopping Centre has joined forces with Getty Images - the leading news and media photo resource to place a little art and culture within London's largest retail hub. The Getty Images Gallery, will be regularly showcasing their world famous collections.

From the 7th of July to the 3rd of August, the gallery will be exhibiting artwork by British photographer Terry O'Neil - best known for capturing 1960s fashion and pop culture through the lens. With a career that spans over 45 years, O'Neil has significantly contributed to showbiz iconology and the way we visually engage with celebrities today.

Entitled 'Behind The Scenes', the collection features photographs of celebrities in never seen before settings, including the Beetles, Muhammad Ali, and the famous image of Fay Dunaway (his then girlfriend), the morning after she won the award for best Actress at the Oscars.


Admission is free.
Open daily from 12:00 - 19:00, except Sundays when it closes at 18:00.

For a luxurious party experience, a visit to Jewel in Piccadilly is just the place. The bar & club is a regular haunt for both celebs and socialites, and its reputation for being one of London's beautiful venues is completely warranted. The plush seating, chandeliers and rich fabric ceilings all add to it's glitzy appeal. But unlike other luxe clubs, this venue has that air of exclusivity minus the intimidation factor.

You have to try a cocktail or two, prepared by their expert Mixologists, and with prices starting at just £3.95 during happy hour, Jewel is great for after work drinks or a Saturday night chill out. I highly recommend the Vanilla Kiss - my favourite Jewel tipple to welcome to weekend.

On Fridays Jewel puts on a party night Glitteratti - expect plenty of funky, global house music with a little edge. On Saturdays it's all about high class glamour with an evening entitled La Boutique. Rotating DJs on the night include Ministry of Sound's Paul Mako and Bary Obzee of Pasha, Ibiza.


Jewel
4-6 Glasshouse Street
Piccadilly
London, W1B 5DQ
Telephone: 020 7439 4990
Web: www.jewelpiccadilly.co.uk

Dates: 4th June - 26th June 09
Location: Westfield Shopping Centre

Retail guru Mary 'Queen of Shops' Portas, has been doing her bit for charity by running the Living and Giving shop at the Westfield shopping centre. The project presents a fresh look at second hand retail, encouraging high-street and designer lovers to enjoy a little 'thrifty' shopping. Stocked with classy cast-offs by fashion belles and industry personalities, the shop has already been open for 3 weeks and closes on the 26th of June - it's your last chance to visit!

Sales will be donated to charities Save The Children, Barnardo's and Mind. You'll find the Living And Giving shop located next door to Donna Ida and Twenty8Twelve on the first floor in The Village. If you visit I'd love to know what goodies you find!


Image Credits: Photos by Tim Whitby/Getty Images Europe, sourced via zimbio.com

Back in 2006, I remember watching a short documentary entitled Tricky Business. It focused on the rise and challenges of a budding designer label - Belle and Bunty. At the time, I was fresh out of university, interning at my first editorial role and still very much an aspiring journo. Watching the programme, I was fascinated by the journey that Belle and Bunty were embarking on and I've continued to follow the brand, which remains an inspirational story to me.

Since the launch of their first collection in April of 2003, designers Alice & Hannah have consistently produced a stylish carnival of designs; combining print and embroidery in a refreshing, modern way. They've also generated a strong celebrity following with the likes of Kate Bosworth, Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters and Fearne Cotton coveting the brand's wardrobe essentials.


Their collection for Spring/Summer 09 has to be their most exciting and stunning to date. Surprisingly, Charles Dickens and the story of Great Expectations played a major conceptual role and the designs pay homage to the character of Ms. Havisham; A woman whose memories of the good the life, the joy of people and parties remained with her, even when all that remained were broken tea cups and wine glasses entwined with ivy.

Much like Ms. Havisham's nostalgic romanticism of life, the collection fuses a vintage style with a modern twist; Estelle rose and delicate daisy lace prints combined with youthful raspberry, somber grey and antique blues will leave you feeling ardent and enchanted. Entitled "She'll Only Break Your Heart", the pieces have that all important wearability - key to Belle and Bunty's appeal. You'll find kaftans ideal for Summer lounging, flirty jumpsuits excellent for drinks on a long summer night and dresses, perfect for garden parties at the weekend.

Here are more of my favourites:




Belle and Bunty Boutique
45a Brecknock Road,
London, N7 0BT
Tel: 020 7267 3322
Online Shop: www.belleandbuntyboutique.com
Web: www.belleandbunty.co.uk
Also available at the ASOS Outlet

If you're a chocolate lover like me, you're bound to love some of these beauty products I'm about to share with you. Over the last month, I've been testing yummy body butters, lip balms and spa treatments that have left me with quite a sugar rush. Here's my pick of the top 5 cocoa delights:


1. Chocolate Body Wrap with Massage
Savana Spa, Westbourne Grove, London
£98.00

The chocolate body wrap is an hour of pure bliss! I experienced this at the Savana Spa in London. They use pure cocoa butter with natural sugars to wrap your skin in a cocoon of chocolate goodness! The wrap conditions your skin whilst you're indulged in a hydrating chocolate face masque and relaxing head massage. The treatment really does help to lift the spirits as I had a pretty bad start to the day but left the spa feeling upbeat and delicious. You can book online via View London for the lowest price.

Web: www.savanaspa.com



2. 24 Hour Naked - Coco de Mer Body Butter
£4.80

This is just pure, gorgeousness in a jar. The scent alone is enough to satisfy your chocolate craving and with the added benefits of Shea butter, passionflower extracts and coconut, it really does what it promises and keeps your skin moisturised for a full 24 hrs. What's more it contains 97% natural ingredients and minimum preservatives, just enough to make it last the distance but gentle enough for sensitive skin like mine. Be careful with this one girls - it's addictive.

Buy Online: www.nakedbodycare.co.uk


3. Jelly Pong Pong Gourmet Lip Therapy
£12.72

Blended with real sugar, honey and cocoa, this tinted lip glosses is heaven on the lips. It costs a little more than I would normally spend on a gloss but after trying it myself, I think it's well worth the money. It hydrates the lips far better than some of the cheaper alternatives and it leaves the lips looking soft, supple with a little bit shine that's not overly sticky. You only need a little to get your chocolate fix and with the delicious scent on your lips, you just may find that you can say no to that tempting packet of Minstrels. Is Gourmet Lip Therapy a new way to curb those chocolate cravings? It just might be....

Buy Online: www.jellypongpong.com
Or visit the Jelly Pong Pong boutique in Seven Dials, London


4. Ciaté Paint Pot - Guest list
£9:00

It doesn't smell like of cocoa, but it sure does look a chocolate explosion on the nails. This mouth-watering shade looks terrific against tanned skin and I found the flat brush a doodle to use in applying the colour. Not only does it look fab on the nails, the packaging is adorable with its chic little bow. This is definitely a bottle to display on the dresser.

Buy online: www.ciate.co.uk



5. Ishi Gianduja Chocolate Body Oil
£18.75

Ooh la la! This oil has a lovely nutty, chocolate aroma that is wonderful on your skin or indeed on someone else *Ahem!* It's light and non greasy which helps it to absorb easily and it's great for sensitive skin. I used it after showering and it really does lock in the moisture and leaves you smelling good enough to eat.

Buy Online: www.wonderproducts.co.uk

Dates: 20th - 21st June
Time: 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, London E3
Admission: FREE - except Circus Ronaldo Shows

This weekend Victoria Park will be transformed into a modern-day pleasure garden with circus, live music, DJs, street art and dance. The family-friendly event promises exciting activities for all ages including sideshows by one of the world's last remaining Wall of Death; and Boredbrand's Digital Funfair.

Other attractions include music from The Dynamics, Avant Garde Dance, the world's smallest nightclub - aptly named 'Miniscule of Sound' and the outdoor premiere of Circus Ronaldo's La Cucina Dell'Arte; a theatrical, comedy performance by the sixth generation circus act.

Don't miss the exhibitors at the Village Fete featuring dozens of stalls selling food and crafts from all the world. Up and coming fashion boutique 7Ribbons will be selling a range of contemporary accessories - check out their stand for shopping bargain.


Tel: 020 7387 1203
Web: www.paradisegardens.org.uk
Circus Ronaldo Image Credit: Benny Degrove

Dates: 18th - 21st June
Location: Regents Park
Admission: £21 for adults and £12 for children 6-14 years.

The yearly taste festival is back in London with 40 of the capital's finest restaurants dishing out signature cuisines and sharing their kitchen secrets. See the likes of Gary Rhodes, Matthew Albert and Masaki Sugisaki in action and sample the extensive choice of food prepared by Michelin star restaurants.

It's all about top level feasting, wine tasting, learning tricks of the trade and of course a little bit of inspiration for your own culinary creations. Musical entertainment will include Groove Digger, SugarSnap Sisters and Metropolitan Jazz Quartet. The weather will be promising for Alfresco dining so this event is a must-go for all foodies. To buy tickets online, click here.

Tel: 0871 230 7132
Web: www.tastefestivals.com

This weekend is my best friend's wedding and for those of you who have been following my twitter tweets you'll know the stress I've had trying to find a dress to wear. My dilemma of wanting to look fantastic but not like one of the bridesmaids, led me to conversations with fashion designer, Sabrina Ali of Motasem.

After scouring the high street for a dress and failing miserably, Sabina introduced me to some of her designs, and in doing so, inspired me to think outside of the wedding outfit box and wear a dress, I'd probably wouldn't have opted for.

Motasem was launched in 2007 and has had great success with brides who prefer to buy a simply classic yet contemporary dress - nothing overly extravagant and one that can be worn again after the nuptials. And it's not just brides - many women much like myself are loving her savvy cocktail dresses; pretty enough for a special occasion but equally fitting for after work drinks. Intrigued to know more about the designer behind the brand, I met up with Sabina for a chat about her fashion loves and business.


Sitting in Café Rouge, as she sipped on coffee and I indulged in a little chocolate banana crepe, we candidly discussed how it all started: I learnt that Sabina developed her passion for making clothes from an early age; picking up the skills from her mother who she beams was quite a whiz on the sewing machine. After years of experimenting with cutting patterns and her own clothes, Sabina took her skills to a degree level at DeMontfort University with a course in textile and knitwear.

Interestingly, from there, the path she took in owning her own fashion business was an unconventional one. Previous jobs include working as an editorial and photographer assistant, a fashion stylist and graphic designer at Lehman Brothers for 8 years. Her moment of enlightenment came when she designed a wedding dress for a friend. Sabina told of how difficult the bride had found it to find a dress that was re-wearable and special at the same time. Soon after, the demand for her designs grew, and her quest for launching Motasem was ignited.

Now with a studio in Brick Lane, business is flourishing and Sabina has continued to develop her range of understated sophisticated dresses. When I asked her to pick one piece that she covets the most, she chose the Cecaelia dress; elongating and universally flattering with contrast coloured satin bands. And it's no wonder she chose it, given that it's one the first dresses she made!


My next question to her was whether she had a style muse, which she answered no - but her style crush is Natalie Portman who she described as funny, sassy and confident. "It's women like her that I have in mind when I make my dresses" she considers. She goes on to liken her customers to the girls from Sex in the City but without the frou frou flamboyancy.

So what's next on the agenda for Motasem? There are big plans in store for Autumn 2009. We can expect a limited edition range of day-to-evening dresses, a debut line of accessories and an expanding distributor list. Sabina has already secured distribution with a number of boutiques in the UK for nationwide reach.

It was a really inspiring to meet Sabina and I look forward to wearing one of her creations myself. But for now, here's my pick of day-to-evening Motasem dresses that I'm loving right now:

Web: www.motasem.co.uk
Keep up with the latest news with Motasem tweets on twitter.

Oh I do love a mid season sale, and they are popping up thick and fast this week. Online retailers Matches, Asos and Kurt Geiger are having some impressive reductions on key summer items. Meanwhile at Westfield shopping centre, there's 50% off at the Prada store and big sales at Gucci and Emma Hope. It's all very exciting! See the sale diary, with best buys below.

Westfield Shopping


Gucci
Sale Now on: Grab a little bit of exclusive modern glamour at the Gucci sale. As well as fabulous eyewear and jewellery, their bags are a must-have for all label lovers.

Prada
From 12th June, the Prada store at The Village will have selected items in their sale. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up some of their sophisticated and elegant designs, as some items will have up to 50% off.

Emma Hope
The big sale starts on Thursday 17th June at Emma’s shop in The Village. There will be up to 50% off her gorgeous collection of shoes and handbags – all of which are made by specialist craftsmen in Tuscany, Italy.


Online Sales


Matches
Up to 50% off Spring Summer 2009 Collection
Web: www.matchesfashion.com

Best Buys:

Issa Lucky Dress
Was £618.00 Now £398.00
This is a dress that speaks of summer, soft and white, pretty and fitted.


Herve Leger Pink Bodycon
Was £1,478.00 Now £998.00
Stunning pink dress with bi-colour yellow strap. Featuring a fitted bust and cross over back detail.


Kurt Geiger
Up to 60% off - fantastic savings in the Summer Sale.
Web: www.kurtgeiger.com

Best Buys:

Alexa shoe by Carvella
Was: £75.00 Now: £49.00
Vintage inspired mary janes with bow detail by Carvela


Shoe Studio
Get up to 70% off during the Shoe Studio summer sale.
Web: www.shoestudio.com

Best Buys:

Pied a Tere Carni Shoes
Was: £120.00 Now: £59.00
Peep toe brogue lace up medium heel court by Pied a Terre

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ASOS
Up to 30% off Summer Accessories
Web: www.asos.com

Best Buys:

Marc B Quilted Snake Bag
Was: £35.00 Now: £28.00
Faux leather quilted bag with all-over printed snake skin effect by Marc B

ASOS Set Stone Engraved Cocktail Ring
Was: £10.00 Now: £7.00
Coloured faceted stone to centre with contrast multi stone surround


MyWardrobe
30% off Spring Summer 2009
Valid until midnight on the 22nd June
Must type code:MYPREVIEW30 in promotional box at receive your discount.
Web: www.mywardrobe.com

Best Buys:

Tom Ford Cream Lilianna Cross Sunglasses
£239.00
Must type code:MYPREVIEW30 in promotional box at receive your discount.
Lightweight with cut-away lens. Would look great with gold accessories.

There's rich pickings for brides-to-be at the sample sales this month:

Vera Wang Sample Sale
The Vera Wang Sample Bridal Sale in now on at Selfridges with reductions of up to 75% off on that all important gown. From Thursday 18 June until Saturday 20 June, there will be beautiful pieces at credit crunch prices starting from £750. No appointment necessary.

The Wedding Shop
Selfridges London
400 Oxford Street
London, W1A 1AB

Web: www.selfridges.co.uk


Pronovia Sample Sale
Bridalwear specialists Pronovias' sample sale is on Saturday 27th June. Save up to 75% on Elie by Elie Saab, Valentine Sposa and Pronovias' signature dresses. Highly sought after gowns will be available at a fraction of the RRP. By appointment only. To book your place, RSVP online.

Pronovias
Flagship store
94 New Bond Street
London, W1
Tel: 020 7518 8470
Web: www.pronovias.co.uk

Today I had the pleasure of being followed on Twitter by British womenswear Kirsty Doyle, so I say what better time to share my thoughts on her work.

Since receiving wide-scale recognition for her talent on Sky One's Project Catwalk in 2006, she has gone on to produce four collections and when you see them, you'll completely understand why she won the show.

Strong, structured with a distinct look of luxury, her collections are somewhat architecturally inspired. Kirsty has a tendency to pair chiffon and silk with sharply tailored pieces, and though her style is highly structural she still achieves that all important wearability. I like to think of her work as The Hills meets Gossip Girl meets metropolitan London.


Referred to by The Sunday Telegraph as the female Roland Mouret, Kirsty runs her business in Liverpool, but her design roots are firmly in the UK's capital where she studied at Central St. Martins.

Not content with her self entitled fashion label, Kirsty has expanded to lingerie with a new intimates line; Kiki by Kirsty Doyle. The latest collection featuring hollywood inspired babydolls, peek a boo knickers and the most amazing silk trench coat, described as the 'flashing mac'. Her ready to wear garments are sold exclusively via My Wardrobe and made to measure orders are available directly via the website.

I look forward to seeing her style offering for AW/09, but in the meantime, I'll leave you with pics from her Spring/Summer collection, enjoy!

Today's post is dedicated to the work of photographer Julia Kennedy. Based in London, she produces incrediably dynamic images, tapping into the spirit of every moment; capturing style and substance in equal measure.

Her client list is impressive having been commissioned by publication TANK, as well as retailers ASOS and MYLA . She's also worked with musicians The Dandy Warhols among many others.

Prepare to be inspired....





Web: juliakennedy.com
Image Credits: © Julia Kennedy

A big congratulations to Myrto Samou of UCA Rochester who won the fifth annual River Island Gold Award. Yesterday's Gala was a highly anticipated event with an array of fashion luminaries in attendance including models Claudia Schiffer, Erin O'Connor and designer Giles Deacon.

The Gold award, which is the most significant and prestigious prize for Graduate Fashion was greatly deserved by Mytro for her beautifully feminine, Grecian inspired, minimalist collection.

Praised for it's distinctive style, Richard Bradbury, CEO of River Island was brimming with enthusiasm for the winners' work, saying: “I thought it was a beautiful collection with a distinctive style. All the judges agreed that you would not be surprised to see this range on sale tomorrow. The quality, the attention to detail and the clarity of the focus of the collection made it hard to believe this was the work of a graduating student.”


The judges who included Lorraine Candy, editor of British Elle and fashion mogul Matthew Williamson all came the a unanimous decision that Mytro's designs were a cut above the rest embodying a certain quality parallel to that of an established designer. Mytro impressed the judges consistently enough to also walk away with the Womenswear award.

The Menswear award went to Mehmet Ali, who in describing the influences and direction of his collection won over the judges. Lorraine Candy described his design thesis as "very intelligent" and hailed him a great all rounder with a shining portfolio.


Other winners on the night included Charlotte Simpson who won the Zandra Rhodes Catwalk Textile Award and the Fashion Innovation Award went to Nicola Morgan both graduates from Northumbria University.

The celebrities in attendance were endorsing some key trends for the season; Claudia Schiffer looked fantastic in a boyfriend blazer and nude top, Erin O'Connor and Dasha Zhukova wore statement prints, whilst Amber le Bon achieved 'Olde English' sophistication with brocade shoe boots and a tailored jacket.


Web: www.gfw.org.uk

The global recession may have tightened its grip, but this hasn't stopped savvy shoppers from
purchasing designer accessories and luxury clothing. The secret is in the exchange; it seems that the concept of becoming a seller of fashion as well as a buyer is a crucial part of surviving the credit crunch. Selling your pre-loved items to pay for lust-haves of the present is proving an intelligent way to shop without breaking the budget.

If you're familiar with London swap shops like The Exchange in Belgravia and Bang Bang, then you'll be excited to know that there's a new dress agency in town. Frankie and Lola is located in Crystal Palace and stocks a treasure trove of brands and labels, available for a stitch of the original retail price. Similarly to The Exchange, the shop doubles as a dress agency, selling nearly new clothes - all in excellent condition and completely desirable. Sales are split 50/50 between the shop and the seller.


So if you're looking for a return on previous fashion investments, the girls at Frankie and Lola can visit you at home to help sort and collect items for re-sale in the shop. They call it wardrobe cleansing. Your pieces are priced at an agreed sum and placed on display for 6 weeks, if after this time your clothes haven't sold, they can be returned to you or sold at a further reduced price. They also drop off any unsuitable garments to a charity of your choice - handy!

The shop itself is both a bargain hunter's haven and a label lovers dream. The advantage of it's quiet SE19 location is that the boutique can offer a more relaxed setting to browse brands like Misonni, Prada and Jaegar than it's central London counterparts. However, what makes Frankie and Lola stand out above the rest is the additional service of personal styling. Owners Francesca Franesi and Gail Rickard have a keen fashion eye and their previous experience as stylists enable them to show you how to look your best with the bargains on offer. A visit to Frankie and Lola is the smarter way to shop.

The personal styling service and wardrobe cleansing are available by appointment.

Frankie and Lola
16 Westow Street,
London, SE19 3AH
Tel: 020 8771 7719
Web: www.frankieandlola.co.uk