How to wear my new winter coat

Earlier this year I bagged a bargain at a Fashion Forward sale*. I got the most amazing AW07 padded, belted, floor length Missoni coat in a lovely light grape with very bright lining. At under £200, it really was a bargain, and current season too. Another shopper thew a proper tantrum after repeatedly trying to steal it off my rail so my friend and I had to take turns looking after it until it was safely paid for. I thought it would be perfect for the bitter NYC winters. Little did I know I was going to fall pregnant!

I thought I was going to have to wait another whole season before I could wear it. Then I saw this advertisement in a magazine. What a great idea! The belt of my coat will easily fit over the top of the bump leaving the rest open. The bump might get a little cold, but I'll just wear a really big scarf underneath that can nicely sit under the belt as well. Winter coat problem solved!

*Fashion Forward is a fabulous concept. It's a sample sale but with current season stock. Most other sample sales are past season stock or leftovers that no one else wanted, but Fashion Forward sell off the samples that showrooms' use to sell the next season's collection. For example, the sales being held now are for the Spring/Summer 08 stock. Fabulous!

Tata Naka's Oversized Purse

Big bags have been big news for a few seasons now. While clutches and smaller bags threaten to make a return, big bags are just so practical. How else can you fit in the necessary purse, keys, lip gloss (or full makeup kit), phone, blackberry, notebook, diary, Palm, water bottle etc etc? A small bag just won't do.

This Tata-Naka bag is actually a HUGE oversized purse. It is truly huge but still a practical and perfectly usable everyday bag. I'm in love with the gold studs, easy access clasp and shoulder chain, also the beautiful print lining. People can not help but comment if you walked around with this supersized bag.

Oh where oh where can I wear?

The new Basso & Brooke collection has just come in and I unpacked this little gem. It was love at first sight! The stunning silk optical print in a rainbow of colours, the strapless and yet bust enhancing style and this tulip shape. I want it I want it I want it! It would even work with my 6mth pregnant bump. But unfortunately I have no where to wear such a stunning frock. Maybe if I frequented red carpet events, fancy cocktail parties or even a wedding. Sadly no... But if you do then this is the perfect dress!

PS. Can't you just imagine Carrie Bradshaw strutting down the streets of Manhattan wearing this with silver strappy heels and a killer clutch. Shame no one actually dresses like that in NYC...

Liz Hurley wears Gil Carvalho for Brittique

Shoebunny pointed out this picture of Liz Hurley wearing Gil Carvalho. Liz has long been a fan along with Kylie and J-Lo. Currently we only have very small and very large sizes left of this shoe, so if you're a 3, 4 or 8 you're in luck!

Note: We have actually received a new shipment and now have all sizes from 2-6 plus an 8.

The Piracy Paradox

I cringe and quickly flip the page on those "Save vs Spree" or "Credit vs Cash" pages that many glossys feature. It's not that I'm a designer snob, it's just that I appreciate the design talent and quality that goes into an original garment or accessory and feel incensed at the audacity of some retailers to "seek inspiration" from these items.

My new favorite read, the New Yorker, featured a very interesting article about the Piracy Paradox and the underlying benefit that designers receive from cheap High Street rip offs.

The basic argument is that say Kelly could afford a Stella McCartney polar bear sweater dress but her friend Sally bought the H&M ripoff. They meet up for a girls brunch and both are wearing the sweater dress. Kelly is repulsed by the ripoff and vows never to wear hers again. This means that Kelly will then buy the next designer item to replace the one that she can no longer wear and therefore increase the sale of designer clothes. It continues by saying that Sally could not and would not be able to afford the real dress anyway so the designer is not really losing a customer but still creating customer awareness.

I'm not so sure I agree and that it does actually work like this. What do you think? I find myself avoiding designers who are frequently "copied" and too recognisable anyway. It's best to wear something that doesn't scream "I'm wearing a Stella McCartney dress" and stick this things that make people ask "Wow, that's really unique and the quality is fabulous, where's it from?". Let's keep it individual.

Dove Onslaught

Dove have yet again done a fantastic job of raising awareness of the issues that face women in this world that's obsessed with beauty and perfection - often at the price of individualism. Currently pregnant (and not finding out the sex), I'm actually scared to have a girl because of the pressure she'll undoubtedly face from the media. As I get older I'm learning to be more comfortable with me and hopefully I can lead by example and teach her to express herself and be confident with who she is - I hope we all can.

Debbie Harry wears Tata-Naka for Brittique

80s rock legend Debbie Harry gave a very frank and open interview to the Guardian recently about the price she paid for her attitude.

When Blondie was pictured wearing this Tata-Naka horse shoe ring it caused quite a stir. We sold out in minutes and had to reorder. The rings are now available and will be delivered in about 2-3 weeks.