Here's my little Seasons greetings to you all. Here's wishing that your Christmas is filled with good food, family, friends and plenty of laughter.

This is a special Christmas card that I created just for my readers. I fell in love with this scenic image taken from JOY's Christmas collection look book. JOY is a brilliant boutique chain featuring quirky, eclectic fashion and accessories, there are four branches in London and several dotted around the UK so visit the website; www.joythestore.com to find your nearest store.

I hope that you've enjoyed my series of festive posts and I'll be back shortly with all your favourite things; Fashion, Beauty, What's on, and of course more fabulous giveaways to kick-start the new year.

Until then, don't forget to check out my first ever podcast! Giving you some food for thought on the best restaurants to see the fireworks in London town this New Year's Eve. Would love to know what you think about it! If you like it, I'll continue to do more in 2010, so please leave a comment and give me your feedback.

Thanks to everyone who entered the latest giveaway to win the gorgeous Kipling clutch bag and OPI goodies.

To win the prize all you had to do was was tell us what your coveted party outfit will be this year. A big congratulations to reader and fellow blogger Charlotte. Her comment was picked at random this evening and it read: "Ohhh any excuse to wheel out that LBD! It's so cold that I'm going particularly wintery this year and combining with a faux fur shrug and thick woolly tights."

With the weather as freezing as it is right now, her party outfit sounds like a very good plan! And now she has a brand new clutch bag to accessorize the ensemble. Charlotte's blog Lipglossiping covers all things beauty with a special dedication to lipsticks, so check out her beauty musings at www.lipglossiping.com.

There are more fantastic giveaways coming up so don't forget to follow the blog and you won't miss out.

Date: Saturday 19th December
Time: 12pm - 6pm

Location:
St Aloysius Social Club,
Phoneix Road,
London, NW1 1TA

Admission: Free

The London Designer Makers sale is on this weekend featuring 30 stalls of unique handmade goodies and gifts.

From jewellery to homeware, you'll find some of the best work from London designer makers on display. The lineup includes UglyLovely, Natasha Salkey and Ting Low.

If you get a chance to head over to the sale, you may find some last minute gifts or be tempted to treat yourself. Further information about the event and the designers can be found on the Designer Makers blog.

Email: londondesignermakers@googlemail.com
Web: www.designermakers.blogspot.com

Date: Monday 21st December
Time: Shhhh! Top secret (read more for details)
Location: Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2
Admission: Free

Pucker up for what essentially could be London's largest mistletoe gathering. The time will be announced at some point over the weekend, exclusively on twitter.

The mass mistletoe kiss-off on Piazza, Covent Garden may be just the place to get yourself and loved one in the festive mood, or perhaps you'll find your Christmas angel? There will be complimentary mulled wine to warm the cockles, so tell friends, make an event of it and above all have fun. Mwah x

Web: www.twitter.com/CoventGardenLDN

In a recent Style Note post I featured homemade gifts and the editor's pick went to a pretty travel brush roll designed by London based beauty blogger Muhsine of Bubblegarm.

I loved it so much that I ordered one as an early Christmas pressie to my myself, and it arrived in the post today! It came beautifully gift wrapped so it felt extra special opening it. The version featured in a previous post was pink roses, however since then, she had designed others in lilac and red. I opted for the red; it's a bolder shabby chic fabric and looks gorgeous on my dresser.


Priced at £10 it's a practical investment to keep my makeup brushes nice and tidy. Not to mention the fact that it's machine washable, perfect! I understand that the brush rolls are limited edition, so visit the official blog of Muhsine's accessories L O L I C O C O to get your hands on one before they're gone.

Web: lolicoco.blogspot.com

7 Ribbons is a new website that launched this week selling accessories, hand-picked from around the world.

The independent boutique is well known by shoppers astute to popular London summer festivals, as the brand regularly exhibits at shows throughout London, and their pieces are creating a buzz among fashion editors and stylists.

The online shop has an impressive collection of eclectic and contemporary pieces; most great for everyday wear, others for occasions and making a statement. There's also an ethical collection of handbags, hand woven and made in Kenya.

If you're a fan of high street chain Accessorize, then I think you'll like what 7 Ribbons has to offer; their range is a happy medium between premium fashion quality and high street prices.

Web: www.7ribbons.co.uk

Here's the perfect way to add some festive sparkle to your Christmas wardrobe this year: Super cool accessories brand Kipling have recently launched their holiday collection, featuring a range of clutch and shoulder bags.

I'm sure you'll agree that they are all divine, but the style that stands out above the rest is the new G*rilla Girlz sequin Limit range; priced at £52.00. It comes in bright pink and green for that added pop of colour, or classic silver and black.

Kipling have also joined forces with nail lacquer brand OPI to bring you a glitzy pouch gift set in similar sequin style, containing three of this season's must-have OPI shades. At £35.00 it's a gift that is practical as it is luxurious. To see the entire holiday collection visit www.kipling.com.

Pretty Stylish London is excited to announce that Kipling will treat one lucky winner to both the Limit Clutch in green and a fabulous Keoki Pouch packed with a trio of OPI colours.*

To enter this festive fashion giveaway, you must be following the blog. So if you haven't already, please follow via blogger, or subscribe via the mailing list.

Next: Leave a comment below and tell us what your coveted party outfit will be this year; Are you wearing a little black dress? Will you be draped in a splash of colour? Or perhaps your ensemble is simple and understated?

Good luck darlings!

Terms and Conditions:
*Keoki Pouch colour may vary.
Entrants must be 16 years of age or over.
The promoter reserves the right to re-draw the prize if the prize winner cannot be contacted within a reasonable period of time.
The competition will close on 21st December 2009.
All entries received after this date will be excluded from the competition.
The winner of the competition will be chosen at random and contacted via email.

I've always believed that a good pair of tights can do wonders for the legs and these designs from Wolford have just reconfirmed that.

The brand is well known for its innovative, luxurious hosiery, and the latest collection of legwear holds true to the brand's creative edge. I'm loving the work on these Fringe Tights, they rock don't you think? And below, the Parisian inspired Hot Dots is oh-so opulent; with delicate tone-on-tone diamonds and knitted-in bow. The cutest of all has to be the Zora; made with an opaque effect to create the illusion of laced boots.



Wolford Partner Boutique London
3 South Molton Street
London, W1K 5QB

Tel: 020 7499 2549
Web: www.wolford.com
Fringe tights available at: www.tightsplease.co.uk

Dates: 21st - 24th December
Time: From 7pm
Admission: £18 (in advance)

Get your carol fest on at the Jazz Café and join The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) who will be performing soulful renditions of Christmas gospel favourites.

The choir has been dubbed 'the nation's favourite' and was formed in 1982 by Rev. Bazil Meade, who still leads the choir today. LCGC have performed with some great recording artists to date including Maria Carey, Madonna, Elton John and the late James Brown.

Jazz Cafe
5, Parkway
Camden
London, NW1 7PG

Booking lines:
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2514
See Tickets: 0870 060 3777

Web: www.jazzcafe.co.uk

If you love leather luxuries and the likes of Smythson, then feast your eyes on these classic yet quirky purses from Thomas Lyte.

In case you're not familiar with the name, Thomas Lyte is a modern, ethical, English luxury brand with an obsession for fine craftsmanship. The swish collection of accessories and gifts are oh-so elegant and display a real attention to detail.

This week, I've been swooning over the Leather Envelopes featuring fun little messages to keep you smiling. These make fabulous gift ideas for the girl who pretty much has it all. Starting at £78.00, it's an investment in quality and longevity; the price reflecting an accessory that is timeless as it is charming. I'll be dropping hints to hubby - it's on my wish list!



Web: www.thomaslyte.com

Get FREE UK Delivery on all orders

Date: 10th Dec - 3rd Jan
Show times: 19:45, 15:00, 13:00, 20:45, 14:30, 17:00
Admission: £10 - 26 (subject to availability)

If you like slick, choreographed moves and fancy being in the thick of a dance off, then you definitely need to go and see the latest production called Pied Piper currently showing at the Barbican Theatre. This hip-hop performance is back for a second year, with a bold urban soundtrack.

Each danced crew will be keen to show exactly what their workin' with, showcasing their unique style. The production tells a story of the Asbos; trouble-makers, causing havoc on the city streets and displaying their aggressive style with fierce krumpin' moves.

And the Pied Piper crew; who are leading the crowd, setting the trend and working to protect the masses from the menaces in society, they represent with dramatic jumps, fluid moves and soulful street dance. Which crew will be triumphant? Boy Blue Entrainment beckon you to decide, whose side are you on?

Barbican Centre
Silk Street London
EC2Y 8DS
Tel: 020 7638 8891 (9am-8pm daily)
Web: www.barbican.org.uk

This week's style note is dedicated to the craft of handmade products. I've been inspired by fellow blogger Muhsine of Bubblegarm who impressed me with her handmade shabby chic travel brush roll, and it got me thinking about cute gifts that make ideal stocking fillers this Christmas.

I've headed over to ESTY and ethical shop Love Eco in pursuit of handmade happiness, and of course I couldn't leave out Muhsine's fabulous travel brush roll (which I've made an order for already). I think you'll love these too:

1. Mini Soapsicle Set - £3.03 (converted from $5.00)
Oh so cute soaps shaped like popsicles. Comes in four fragrances; cherry, blueberry, watermelon and pineapple. Mmm.
www.etsy.com

2. Handmade Magnets by Inkjet Design - £4.00
These will look so pretty on the fridge!
www.etsy.com

3. Chicken Doorstops from Love Eco - £13.00 each
Simply fill up these lil' chickens with rice, zip up and away you go, your very own unique doorstop made from vintage fabric remnants.
www.love-eco.co.uk

4. Travel Brush Roll - Price available on request
With 9 pockets for your key brushes, it rolls up and ties with a cute bow. This is the prototype and hopefully the finished product will be ready soon. Pre-order yours!
www.bubblegarm.blogspot.com

Dates: Until 24th January 2010
Times: Daily 10am-10.15pm (closed Dec 25th)
Admission: Adults from £10.50, children from £7.50

The new home of London Fashion Week has been transformed into the capital's coveted ice rink locations for another festive season.

Somerset house with its grand surroundings is complete with classical music and a fairy tale-like Christmas tree. Children will love it and if you're feeling a bit bar humbug about the lead up to festivities, a trip to the rink may be just the ticket to get you in the yuletide mood.

The rink is sponsored by jewellers Tiffany & Co, who have a pop-up store on-site. Those with cash to splurge can spend a pretty penny on the selection of signature pieces available. For the rest of us who are watching the pennies, at least there's yummy Tiffany cupcakes at £2.50. Here's a video of what to expect, it looks like great fun!




Somerset House
The Strand,
London,
WC2R 1LA
Web: www.somersethouse.org.uk

A new website has launched which may just change the way you shop online. It's called Sososher “Savvy Online Social Shopper”, and it combines four popular things that we tend to do via the internet; shopping, socialising, watching videos and bargain hunting.

Sososher offers a unique way to shop online with friends via the shopping buddy tool so that you can interact with other members and share product recommendations. There's also Video/Picture reviews to browse the purchases that others have made giving you the added confidence to make an informed purchasing decision.

But the best bit about Sososher is the cash back; every time you shop, you receive cash back on your purchases and there's over 2,000 stores participating in the scheme including Karen Millen, Agent Provocateur, La Senza, Dorothy Perkins and Kurt Geiger. With the current recession still causing many of us to tighten our spending, the website and its perks couldn't have come at a better time.

Its free to join and thankfully there are no tedious forms to fill in, bank details to give or contracts to sign. As well as being able to receive cash back at stores across over 40 different categories they have a huge Health and Beauty section where you can earn cash back from Avon, Champneys and many more.

Web: www.sososher.com

News just in! Designer Samantha Cole is offering Pretty Stylish London readers an exclusive 25% off her new collection via samanthacolelondon.co.uk and the items listed on Catwalk Genius too.

How generous is that? So if you've been swooning over the fabulous pieces featured in my recent Label Love post, here's how to claim your discount:

For 25% off the new collection
Email: sales@samanthacolelondon.co.uk quoting offer code: SCL/PST

For 25% off items listed on Catwalk Genius
Email: sales@samanthacolelondon.co.uk quoting offer code:PST

One of the lovely representatives will take your order and reduce the total price by 25%. Simple!

Happy shopping darlings! xx

Another fabulous giveaway readers! This time Christmas has come early. The health and beauty mecca that is Wahanda have teamed up with Pretty Stylish London to giveaway a luxurious £100 worth of pampering vouchers to spend anyway you like!

If you don't already know, Wahanda is the most comprehensive wellness site around. With more than 10,000 spas, salons, studios, gyms and therapists from the UK and beyond; honest reviews; and seriously good deals on offer everyday.

In the run up to Christmas you'll find some fantastic inspirations, including pamper packages discounted up to 50% off from spas and salons across London and UK, including Hydrohealing in Notting Hill, SFC Mobile Spa; the spa that comes to you, and gifts from Aromatherapy Associates.

For your chance to win you must be following the blog. So if you haven't already, please click the follow button to the right, or subscribe via the mailing list on feed burner further down.

Next: Leave a comment below and answer the following question "What Wahanda Listed spa/salon would you spend the vouchers at and why". Be sure to include a link back to the Wahanda listing!

Visit: www.wahanda.com and start browsing the wealth of listings online to pick your favourite.

Good luck darlings!

Terms and Conditions:
This free prize draw is open to UK residents only.
Entrants must be 18 years of age or over.
No purchase necessary.
The promoter reserves the right to re-draw the prize if the prize winner cannot be contacted within a reasonable period of time.
The competition is closed on 31st December 2009.
All entries received after this date will be excluded from the competition.
The winner of the competition will be chosen at random and contacted via email.

It's been a while since I've posted about a designer that has caught my attention. This month, the 'Label Love' accolade goes to Samantha Cole; an award winning designer whose latest collection features structured layering and a play on textures for a powerful look.

Samantha Cole speaks to Pretty Stylish London about her new collection, the designers that she loves and tips for wearing her clothes during the festive season.

1) What inspired your latest style offering?
The collections influences were drawn from the current social an economic climate that we are facing today. This interpretation through my work represented a darker more aggressive collection with harder edges, structured layering and inspiration drawn from modern architecture not built from indulgence but reminiscent of medieval buildings; powerful, sobering and stark.

2) Who is your muse for this collection?
My Muse or should I say Muse's would have to be the female characters that I drew inspiration from to reflect my interpretation of the power, determination and strength that a woman reveals in times of hardship which is why the collect is called "WARRIOR".

My muse is where Kate Beckinsale in "Underworld" meets Tina Turner in "Mad Max" sprinkled with Jane Fonda in "Barbarella" set against a futuristic backdrop. A woman can show strength, power and dominance an even be aggressive without loosing her femininity, the point is that it's her prerogative.

4) Which designers inspire you?
Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Yohji Yamamoto; all exceptional!!

5) What are your ideas for spring/summer 2010?
Since we are coming out of the recession it will reflect this through a form of cleansing, purifying, re-newing almost a re-birth...Okay, I think Ive said enough on that but i think you get the idea!

6) What advice can you give for wearing your clothes during the festive season?
Keep it simple and de-clutter. The clothes speak for themselves do not over-accessorize.

Samantha Cole studied at London College of Fashion also did a stint at Burberry where she further developed her flair and passion. For more information and to make an order visit the website: www.samanthacolelondon.co.uk.

December is all about the party frocks so get yourself down to samples sales starting this weekend and grab a LBD bargain.

My top choice is the Bodyamr sale, I'm a huge fan of their clothes and with prices starting from £15, there should hopefully be some great treasures to discover. If you do pop along to any of the sample sales, I'd love to know what you buy! Leave your comments below.

Alexander McQueen
Up to 90 per cent off ready-to-wear and accessories.

Dates:
Thurs 03/12/09 12:00 -20:00
Fri 04/12/09 11:00 - 19:00
Sat 05/12/09 10:00 - 17:00

Location:
The Westminster Room
The Old Sessions House
22 Clerkenwell Green
London
EC1R ONA

Web: www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk


Bodyamr
Discounts on eveningwear, separates and accessories from £15.

Dates:
Thurs 03/12/09 10:00 -19:00
Fri 04/12/09 10:00 - 19:00
Sat 05/12/09 11:00 - 16:00

Location:
7 Coptic St
London
WC1A 1NH

Tel: 020 7691 2085
Web: www.bodyamr.com


Nicholas Kirkwood
Up to 80 per cent off shoes.

Dates:
Fri 04/12/09 12:00 -19:00
Sat 05/12/09 10:00 - 19:00

Location:
Swarovski Crystallized Lounge,
24 Great Marlborough St
London
W1F 7HU

Web: www.nicholaskirkwood.com


La Perla
Up to 75 per cent off lingerie, beachwear, outerwear, hosiery and fragrances.

Dates:
Mon 07/12/09 - Tues 08/12/09 10:00 - 18:30

Location:
Hornvale Ltd
22 Newman St
4th floor
London
W1T 1PH

Tel: 020 7291 0930
Web: www.laperla.com


Graeme Black
Up to 70 per cent off ready-to-wear.

Dates:
Mon 07/12/09 - Fri 11/12/09 10:00 - 17:30

Location:
151a Sydney St
London
SW3 6NT

Tel: 020 7565 0066
Web: www.graemeblack.com


Source: Daily Candy
Image credit: Alexandar McQueen Fall Winter/09 Collection

If you weren't lucky enough to win the dinner for two giveaway, here's an exclusive Pretty Stylish London discount which could save you 15% on your bill at Ping Pong Dim Sum.

Simply print off the voucher above and present it at your local restaurant. For group bookings of 8+ you'll get 15% off your order and if you're dining with less people, you can enjoy either a complimentary cocktail, glass of wine or beer with your meal.

To keep up to date on the latest special offers and cuisine news, be sure to follow @pingpongdimsum on twitter or become a fan on their facebook page.

Web: www.pingpongdimsum.com

Voucher expires 31st December 09.

Thanks to everyone who entered the latest giveaway to win dinner for two at one of my favourite Chinese eat-outs, Ping Pong Dim Sum.

I was there again at the weekend with a very good friend and we feasted on those lovely steamed parcels and sticky rice whilst sipping on cocktails.

A big congratulations to the four winners, picked at random this morning. Please contact me to provide your full names and the email address you'd like the dinner for two voucher sent. I hope you have a fantastic time, please let me know about your experience afterwards and which restaurant branch you visit.

To keep up to date on the latest special offers and cuisine news, be sure to follow @pingpongdimsum on twitter or become a fan on their facebook page.

Web: www.pingpongdimsum.com

More fantastic giveaways coming up this month.
Don't forget to follow the blog so you don't miss out!










- DIARY Holly
- Emma Cossey
- Michelle Shanti
- Poptart London