Well-known fashion designer Diane Von Furstenburg has designed an amazing collection for Baby Gap and Gap Kids which is being launched on Wednesday 28^th March! 

This is a major must-go-to event as the store at The Bentall Centre in Kingston is the only one outside of Central London that will be stocking the range.  The garments are all limited edition so the stock probably won’t last very long – you’ll have to be quick to get your hands on these stylish pieces!

The DVF Collection is where fashion meets art and will be a sure fire hit with your little ones.  Across the girl genders baby, toddler and girls this collaboration between the popular high street brand and designer Diane Von Furstenburg is full of playful pieces which are great for this season. 

The range is all about the artsy, creative girl with a broad range of colour as well as really bold, vibrant patterns.  This girl has a tough, funky attitude where she is confident to mix prints and colours in her own expression where fashion meets art.

Diane Von Furstenburg is known for her gorgeous distinctive prints and patterns which adorn her designs and it is amazing how she’s incorporated them into playful fun styles for the younger generation. 

The collection is fashion forward and fans of the talented designer will recognise Diane’s trademark cross over dress.  Many of the prints were actually pulled from her print archives and updated in bright playful colours for that fun element which will appeal to children across the country.

With summer fast approaching all you music lovers can look forward to the many festivals taking place over the sunny months.  The UK hosts some of the hottest music festivals so whether you’ll be attending Download, Reading, Isle of Wight or Global Gathering you’re bound to have an amazing time.

2012 is guaranteed to be the best year ever for live music in the outdoors so taking the essentials with you to any festival is a vital part of the event.  You want to make sure you’re totally prepared for the celebrations ahead so choosing the right gear to take is a must.

As British weather is renowned for changing suddenly, taking a pair of wellies is essential as they will protect your legs and clothing from rain and mud. 

They are a trademark piece of fashion when it comes to festivals and can be worn with most outfits whether you want to layer them over jeans or team them with shorts.  Both men and women can rock a pair so make sure to pack them! 

For a sunny alternative, a pair of flip flops or espadrilles will also look great worn with festival outfits.

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One of my favourite high street stores is H&M!  They never fail to amaze when it comes to their stylish and affordable clothing and accessories making it a must-visit store when at The Bentall Centre in Kingston.

Hot new trends are incorporated into the collections each season as well as quality, versatile basics which make for a good mix.  Fashion and quality is what makes this brand so popular plus the fact that they have collaborated with some of the hottest designers in the industry including Versace and Marni to bring us fashion lovers the ultimate must-have pieces.

For Spring/Summer 2012 the brand has taken everything up a notch, infusing lots of colour and prints into the latest collection which would be sure to liven up anyone’s wardrobe.

 Dress, £14.99 from H&M

The women’s range is full of vibrant shades such as yellow, blue and orange as well as paisley prints in summery colours which adorn dresses and blouses. 

Blouse, £12.99 from H&M

Bold prints including flower designs are a great way to subtly add femininity into your summer looks. 

Jacket, £14.99 from H&M

There is also a fantastic range of day dresses and casual, versatile tops to choose from – all at amazing prices so there is no worry of damaging your bank balance too much.  Sport luxe is one of the many trends featured throughout range and is easy to fuse into daytime looks.  Pick up a drawstring jacket and a loose fitting top and your good to go! 

Bikini Top, £12.99 Bikini Bottoms, £6.99 From H&M

I love the variety of swimwear as there is a piece to suit every body shape.  Pick up a few styles to accompany you on beach holidays. 

Men have a great range of suit styles to choose from if you’re looking for a budget outfit to wear to a wedding or special occasion. 

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Royal Ascot is taking place from Tuesday 19^th to Saturday 23^rd June 2012 and is one of the pinnacle events of the summer social calendar where the fashion fabulous meet, mingle and watch the races. 

This year is extra special too and the racecourse will be playing its part in celebrating of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 

This special occasion is always an amazing day out whether you’re going with friends or family.  The only hard part is deciding what to wear so checking the website for the dress code specifications is important to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the area you’ll be attending.

Dressing up for Royal Ascot though is all part of the amazing and unforgettable atmosphere of the event.  Here are a few outfit ideas to get you started!

It’s a great excuse for us ladies to splash out on an entirely new outfit – with all the necessary accessories of course! 

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Dune at The Bentall Centre in Kingston is the ideal shoe shopping destination offering affordable, luxury footwear for men and women.  The brand is passionate about beautifully designed, stylish and unique shoes that appeal to fashion conscious people season after season.

High quality materials fused with gorgeous detailing results in a range of amazing footwear.  Sophisticated designs attract a wide range of loyal customers and for Spring/Summer 2012 the brand hasn’t disappointed.  If you’re after a hot new pair of shoes for this season or feel like treating yourself to a new bag then visiting the store in Kingston is a must.

Shoe lovers will swoon at the sight of the designs for SS12.  Neutral shades of tan, black and white are seen alongside bright, vibrant colours such as blue, purple, orange and pink to give the women’s collection depth and interest.  Backless and gladiator designs make for sophisticated wedge styles which are perfect for day wear or to accompany you on sun filled holidays.

High heels in all the colours of the rainbow will look amazing worn to special occasions such as weddings.  They’ll be sure to brighten up your shoe collection with ease – you’ll feel fabulous and sexy!  The sophisticated range of court shoes sport a heel height that won’t hurt your feet whilst flats in zebra and snake print fit in well with the safari trend for this season. 

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Normally it is clothing that reflects your personality but have you ever wondered what your handbag is saying?

Bagology has been around for years and is described as a science believe it or not, but what exactly does it mean?  Well to put it simply it is the study of the handbag and it’s contents. 

The style, design and items found within your chosen bag can say a lot about your personality, general character and temperament.  Interesting right? 

The contents of your handbag tells a deeper story than you might think and it is fascinating to know what yours is really saying – not literally of course!  Bagologists have mastered the skills to understand someone’s personality and lifestyle just by seeing what is in their bag and is truly interesting to learn about.

Bagology was developed in the 1940’s with an article published in the New York Times by Anita Daniel addressing the science of Bagology and how a woman’s handbag is of extreme importance. 

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The weather lately in Britain has been all over the place which is not very helpful for us women when it comes to planning day or evening outfits.  Will it rain, snow or be sunny?  Who knows! 

For some of you lucky people out there though you may have already booked your summer holiday and are blissfully dreaming about sitting on the beach or by the pool sipping a cocktail and soaking up the rays…  Sigh… 

It is now just a case of deciding what essential beach accessories and clothing you will need to accompany you on your sunshine filled escape!

The Bentall Centre in Kingston is packed full of fabulous stores which have a gorgeous range of pieces for Spring/Summer 2012. 

New to H&M is the beautiful Marni Collection which evokes the season and the designer brand perfectly.  Included in the range are must-have accessories which will have you looking utterly fashion fabulous on your beach holiday, whether you are looking for a hat, bag or a pair of shades. 

H&M also do an amazing variety of swimwear too – all at affordable prices.  You could stock up on a few bikini sets to see you through the season!

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If your body shape is a column it means that your shoulder and hip width is the same, you have a slight waist and long legs. 

Finding the right clothes can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding garments that have enough length on sleeves and trousers.  Fear not gorgeous columns though because as most of you are tall it means you can carry clothes well, it’s just a case of knowing which styles to choose.

Stay away from shapeless designs as they will do nothing for your figure.

Straight up and down clothing is a big no-no too and will only enhance your flaws.  Columns should never wear formless three-quarter length jackets, straight dresses, dropped waists or cropped tops either. 

A handy little tip to know is that strong blocks of colour can help to define your body in all the right areas giving the illusion of curves.

A jumper with a classic round-neck gives an elegant shape to your body.  You can choose between long or short sleeves as both styles are ideal for you.  This handy piece of knitwear can be worn to work or during the day.

If you are going to wear a shirt or blouse then go for styles that have gathering and pleating.  They create distinct areas that help to break up your shape.

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Bright, bold and gorgeous make-up looks seemed to take over the Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk shows resulting in statement lips and eyes.  It’s time to experiment ladies and liven up your make-up bags!

The new look for lips is pop art so think graphic fluoro lipsticks in bold primary colours such as red, purple, blue, green and orange.  Neon mouths make the perfect statement for evening occasions if you want to stand out from the crowd. 

To achieve this look, line your lips with a neutral liner then colour in with your chosen shade.  If you’re fair then stick to pinks or acid orange, for tanned skin blue or violet is best for you and if you are dark then go for attention grabbing fluoros – you could even match your lips to eyes if you dare. 

Pop art beauty is not for the faint hearted but don’t be afraid to rock this trend!

No7 Vital Brights Lipstick in Blossoming Pink, £10.00 from Boots 

Another hot make-up trend for this season is colour block eyes!  Swap neutral shades for bright, bold hues to make your eyes pop.  A range of beautiful statement colours were seen at the SS12 catwalk shows so why not give this trend a go if you’re bored with dull shades. 

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An inverted triangle shape may not be as curvy as other body figures but it is your athletic build that is your strong point as it is what you see on the catwalks these days.  Your broad shoulders, long slim legs and slim hips are envied by other women but your confidence is knocked by having a small bust and hardly any waist. 

You shouldn’t disguise your shape though but instead embrace your angular body and learn how to dress it!  You’ll look and feel utterly fabulous when you know which clothing styles do and don’t suit your inverted triangle shape. 

Stay away from shapeless floaty dresses and platform shoes – you’re tall enough so don’t really need the extra height.  Never wear three-quarter length sleeves, scooped necklines, cut-away shoulders and shoulder pads either as they’ll make you look even broader.  If you avoid these clothing styles then shopping will once again become fun and enjoyable!

Cardigans with dramatic angles will help redraw the shape of your body whilst broad collars will balance out your shoulders.  A wrapped waist will also define your middle giving you a lovely shape. 

Wide lapels on a shirt will break up the expanse of your shoulders to bring your body back into proportion so are ideal pieces to wear to work.

You want to create dramatic shapes when wearing a dress that won’t put too much emphasis on your shoulders.  Draping materials help to accentuate your subtle curves whilst a style which exaggerates your hips will balance out your shape.  You’ll feel elegant and oh-so feminine. 

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