From X Factor to Wow Factor

So now we know who is going to battle it out for that prized £1,000,000 recording contract?  Will the ultimate X Factor be Danni's protege Matt Cardle, Cheryl's Rebecca Ferguson or Simon's latest boy band sensation One Direction?  They are all very different in their performing styles and also in their fashion sense!

We don't have the services of personal stylists to  advise us on what to wear to our Christmas party so perhaps we should take a few minutes to look at the individual styles of the finalists to see what tips we can pick up from their choices and use them to create our own wow factor!

One Direction were brought together rather unexpectedly by Simon Cowell and they each have their own ideas about fashion.  But they have had to experiment with what suits them in the full glare of the public eye.    They do have youth on their side which means they are willing to try new ideas and can get away with some outfits that most of us would run a mile from!

But Harry (Styles), 16, Niall (Horan), 16, Zayn (Malik), 17, Liam (Payne), 17, and Louis (Tomlinson), 18, are on first-name terms with millions of X Factor fans.  Girls love their looks - especially Harry, whose shaggy mop of hair is kept under control with L'Oreal Studio Line Hot Curl Spray.

Guys admire their casual, accessible style, which looks cool without trying too hard. It's also affordable, since it is sourced almost entirely from the high street.  Apart from a brief skirmish with some very odd "Babygro"-like hooded jumpsuits from the Norwegian brand, One Piece, which specialises in the ultimate in chill-out wear, One Direction's style channels a mood which is streetwise, savvy, and a bit cute, boy-next-door.

They are generally suited by Topman and booted by Bench, Caterpillar, Run With Scissors' Men's Mighty Worker Boots from MandM Direct, or G Star Raw, although Louis prefers the eco-friendly shoes by Toms, and Niall likes Fred Perry vintage tennis trainers or retro Nike Dunks. They put a twist on the tailoring by wearing the jackets over granddad, no-button vests, tucking the trousers into their boots, and adding long draped scarves or snoods.

Their look has been described as a mix of rock, pop and Indie.  They do wear a lot of Topman, which is chosen by the X Factor stylist. The tailoring works because it is fashion-forward, cut for a skinny-fit and a bit Mod. And the jackets work with a pair of jeans, too."

Rebecca Ferguson is known to keep her style minimalistic and add a huge chunky ring to accessorize the outfit. She also knows how to glamorize herself by adding oomph to her dresses by wearing the right shoes which completely compliment the look. The Laura Scott lilac suede cross front stiletto shoes that were designed especially for Rebecca's performance was beautiful and did everything to enhance her outfit thoroughly.

Also her bags and clutches are a matter of envy for a number of women. Rebecca Ferguson keeps her style chic, classy and elegant when required with great ease. Her prim patent handbag with the camel coat dress and the clutch worth every women's lust which she flaunted at the Harry Potter premiere in London, were to die for.

It is more of carrying or wearing loud accessories which make a statement for Rebecca Ferguson than wearing an outfit which is too flashy or eye catching. It is simply this fact that makes her style so endearing. Her simple dress with perfect accessories is what makes her a true style icon.

And finally there is Matt Cardle. At 27 years old, Matt is a former painter and decorator who comes from Essex. His voice can be described as being like the Cold Play lead singer Chris Martin, and he seems well suited to that style of music. He can also play the guitar and is well known for wearing a hat and having quite an old fashioned look. Part of his appeal is that he is a good looking young man who is attractive to women who make up a large part of his following, though his grounded roots mean that he is a contestant that many male voters can also relate to.

So there we have it!!!  Just a few short weeks ago they were just ordinary people like you and me.  If they can look and act like stars then so can YOU with just a little thought about what you wear and those all important accessories!!!!!

Secret Santa & Stocking Fillers

Hey Everybody - it's great you found your way here for some more tips on how to make the Festive Party Season go with a swing! For a lot of us the most dreaded part of our preparations for the Works Christmas Party is the Secret Santa - WHAT SHOULD I GET? None of us wants to break the bank for a gift for someone we barely know, but neither do we want to appear mean in case they work out who gave what gift and we have to spend the rest of the year with the words "Bah Humbug" being muttered every time we walk in the room?   

The upside of the Secret Santa is only having to buy one gift but you need a few ideas on the go in case you pick John from Accounting who rides his bike into the office every day or you get Celine from Packing who looks like she has expensive tastes and will instantly know the value of the gift she has been given.

It may be that your first port of call will be an online gift store that specialises in novelty gifts. There are hundres of sites to choose from but this is one that I find offers a large selection of gifts for both men and women.

The gifts are fun and a little bit cheeky and start from under £5!!! And of course you're not just restricted to Secret Santa gifts - there are plenty of others to choose from that would suit Aunty Doreen and Uncle Jack - see what you think?

Apart from the Secret Santa  there is always the problem of the Christmas stocking fillers?  For you ladies looking for something for the man in your life here's a few ideas for designer accessories - such as Ted Baker socks and Calvin Klein underwear to Swarovski crystal cufflinks - if he's been really good this year?
 

 There's free delivery for UK orders and they also ship overseas very quickly with delivery prices starting at £1.50!!  There's even socks here for John in Accounting???

For you men out there looking to spoil your special lady why not look for some jewellery that will show her just how much she means to you?  This site has a huge range of silver, gold and body jewellery (for that intimate gift) with contempory to designer styles
 
Now that the Secret Santa gift is sorted and the stockings are well and truly filled it leaves more time to concentrate on making yourself feel good for the Christmas Party and what better time of year to spoil yourself with some new perfume (or aftershave) to make your presence at the party one that everyone remembers!

Here's another UK free delivery option to save you battling through the crowds at the weekend in the freezing icy wind.  All the latest fragrances are available as well as all the classics that we know and love?  Just like you change your summer t shirts for warm wooly jumpers so you should change your scent to the rich spiciness of winter and Christmas?

However what better stocking filler is there than stockings themselves??? If your preference is for stockings with suspenders, hold ups or tights there's something here for everyone whether you like footless tights, backseams, coloured or sheer tights.  You could even find your Secret Santa gift here?

I hope that this has given you some ideas for that dreaded Secret Santa?  And also reminded you of the importance of keeping on your darling's right side by giving those little extra gifts a bit of thought?
 
However if nothing takes your fancy then how about just sending them a hug or a kiss???

We're on the final countdown to that Party so come back soon for more tips on how to keep everyone happy including yourself!!  Bye for now.

Christmas Stockings and Sparkly Stuff!!

Christmas Party time is nearly here!!!!

The Christmas party season is finally here and if you want to dazzle everyone at the works Christmas do without breaking the bank you could still create that special look by adding new accessories to your existing wardrobe?  Apparently us girls spend up to 13 days preparing for this annual shindig.

Whether your dress is short and flirty or long and fabulous, it's all about the accessories.  But where to start - I always feel that if you feel good underneath your outfit then your confidence will shine through?  Why not treat yourself to some new lingerie - there are really pretty sets out there just now and you are almost spoilt for choice.  Should you go for black and seductive or pretty and lacy?  It's up to you and whatever style you choose so long as it makes you feel good then anything goes. 

However, if your party dress is strapless or just a little revealing then you will need some good support to avoid any embarrassing mishaps in front of the boss????

 

A little bit of strategically placed tape will keep this outfit in place all night long!! 

The next thing to feel good about your overall "look" is the decision on whether to go for stockings or tights?  There are so many fashionable styles out now - from fishnet, sheer, patterned or coloured - the list is almost endless!  Celebrities like Cheryl Cole and Pixie Lot can be relied upon to be seen wearing the latest designs and they really can breathe new life into an old outfit - believe me!

 Check back soon when I'll be sharing tips on more accessories to help you create an overall look that is both classy and cost effective.  We'll be looking at jewellery, belts, wraps, shoes and bags.

Bye for now!!!!!

Click here now to feel like a celebrity

Look Who's all Grown up Now???

Christmas Stockings don't hang by the fireplace now?

We all know how important it is to get that perfect look for your Christmas Party? Well this entire page is devoted to helping you to get noticed in all the right ways!!!


I love to get dressed up and party and what better time of the year than now? I always find that it gets to be the last minute and I'm rushing round town looking for "that dress" which is going to WOW everyone at work?  Well this year I've already got my dress sorted so now I have the time to look for those special finishing touches.

Now......to decide - tights or stockings???  Which should I go for?  There are so many to choose from - here are just a few pics to show you what a hard choice I have got on my hands!!

I love the silky shiny look to some of these designs as they give my legs a gorgeous, really sexy movie star look but I also like the pretty patterns and some of the more funky and unusual designs you can get at the moment. Choices choices!!!!!

Now these are really classy looking!!! 

They're gorgeous don't you think?

The tights all look so sexy, but if your preference is for stockings then how about these????  Some of these great items are up to 35% off  and if you spend more than £25 you can get a special discount with this code TP5.  Tell all your friends

Well there you have it?  I'll hunt out more great Christmas Party Wear in time for you to knock them all dead this Festive Season.  Bookmark this page and keep up to date this Christmas???