Easily Sorted.....

Loving This Handbag

2009-09-21T06:13:00.001-07:00

Quilted handbags are back in fashion, the original being the Channel 2.55 classic quilted handbag which was first released in 1955 and then re-released to celebrate it's 50th birthday in 2005. If you cannot afford a Chanel one you could grab yourself a bargain quilted bag from the high street. The above bag is only £12.00 from New Look and is also available in Pink and Ecru.

Ankle Boots Line Up

2009-09-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Autumn seems to have well and truely arrived so it's time to get booted up to brave the upcoming chilly months with ankle boots being very much in demand for Autumn 09

Manzoni Boots £99.00 from Moda In Pelle with studs for a classy take on a biker look

Love Label Scandal Frill Platform Ankle Boot £37 from Littlewoods, also available in black and selling out fast

Prince Ankle Boots £99 from Dune also avaiable in navy and black

Autograph Suede Leather Platform Ankle Boot £49.50 from Marks and Spencer in purple

Agressa Ankle Boot £95 from Top Shop with chunky buckles for that biker look

H&M Cut Out Peep Toe Ankle Boot £29.99 in pretty pink and they might seem a bit brave but cut out boots are going to be very popular this season

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-29T02:19:00.000-07:00

Make your home smell delicious and be the relaxing haven you want it to be with scented candles.

Easily Sorted's favourite candle is Molton Brown's White Mulberry Air Candela which is scented with aromas of green tea, camomile and ylang ylang. £49 from Molton Brown stores or from their website. It may be quite expensive but it has 70 to 80 hours burning time and once you try their range of scented candles you will be hooked.

Loving This Jumper Dress

2009-08-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

It may not actually be the Autumn yet but given the weather at the moment it would be easy to forget that it is still Summer.

One good thing (being glass half full about it) is that the grey weather can help us start focussing on our Autumn wardrobes.

Jumper dresses are great staple items for Autumn and Winter. You can make them more individual with patterned tights, which are set to be big this coming season. I have already got my eye on this one, £38 from Top Shop, which is great for the office and is made from super soft cotton with 3/4 length sleeves (also available in cream and grey):

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-21T01:14:00.000-07:00

If you like dogs you'll love this Red Dog Cushion, £18 from the Ben di Lisi collection at Debenhams. Expect more great designs from Ben di Lisi at Debenhams as he is now focussing on his collaborations with the store rather than his own lines.

Loving This Handbag

2009-08-19T02:03:00.001-07:00

Lulu Guinness Scarf Tie Large Wanda Bag in black velvet with black patent trim and a scarf decorated in a Lulu Guinness design of hearts, shoes, cats, flowers, bottles, keys and mirrors available for £250.00 as part of the Autumn Winter 09 collection.

Abercrombie & Fitch Discrimination Case- The Outcome

2009-08-18T04:43:00.001-07:00

In June Easily Sorted reported on the case of Riam Dean who claimed she was discriminated against due to a disability while working in Abercrombie & Fitch's store in London. Riam Dean has a prosthetic limb which she did not tell the store about in her interview. She claims that she was made to work in the store room because her arm did not fit in with the stores "look" policy. She was initially given permission to cover her arm with a cardigan but was later told that it did not fit in with the store's dress code.

An employment tribunal has held that she was wrongfully dismissed but they did not go so far as to say that Abercrombie & Fitch were guilty of disability discrimination. The tribunal said in its ruling that it was "satisfied that the reason for the claimant's dismissal was her breach of the 'look' policy". It said: "Whilst the tribunal is satisfied that the claimant's dismissal was a consequence of her unlawful harassment, for which she should be compensated, it cannot be characterised as an act of direct disability discrimination." Riam Dean has been awarded £9,000 compensation for injury to her feelings, loss of earnings and harassment.

Fashion is notoriously fickle and Abercrombie & Fitch have been criticised in the past over their “look” policy which is set out in a 45-page company handbook. The case has raised controversy partly because Riam Dean is clearly a very attractive girl and if it was not for her disability she surely would have fitted into the strict "look" policy.

The case has been damaging to Abercrombie & Fitch and does highlight the importance of disability awareness. However stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch are not likely to stop choosing shop floor staff on the basis of their appearance and as the store has been cleared of disability discrimination the case is not going to set a legal precedent for fairer treatment of those with a disability in the work place.

Shrinking Violets Not Allowed

2009-08-11T11:42:00.001-07:00

Purple is a colour which is associated with warmth, exuberance and fun and is set to be big this autumn. Purple was historically associated with wealth and was a regal colour due to it being difficult to manufacture. In times of economic doom and gloom purple is a great colour to provide a hint of luxury.

Easily Sorted brings you some great purple outfits, make up and accessories for you to indulge in this Autumn:

Lace Silk Dress £45.00 from Top Shop, a floaty dress made from 100% silk with lace detail. Beautiful on its own or emphasise you waist with a gold belt.

Ruched Volume Sleeve Cardi £35.00 from Warehouse in dark purple. Great for work or worn over a dress in the evening.

This dress is £45.00 and is from River Island's Autumn 09/10 collection. It combines purple with metallic look, also set to be an Autumn trend. With it's tulip shape and ruched details this is a must have party dress.

Perspex Buckle Waist Belt £25.00 from Warehouse. Update a black dress this Autumn instantly by adding this belt.

These Antique Rose Court purple suede shoes with a sequined rose are £74.99 from Schuh and will brighten up your feet.

Purple Haze Eyeshadow, £11.00 by Urban Decay. Purple eyes are great to create this Autumn's 80s look and for smoky eyes apply on the eyelid and line under the eye to creat maxium impact.

Keep those fingers perfectly polished and bang up to date with Jessica Nails- Anything Goes Purple Custom Nail Polish, £7.

Loving This Handbag

2009-08-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

Robin/ L Suede Lace Handbag with Biker Leather Trim £1,295.00, part of the Autumn/ Winter 09 Collection from Jimmy Choo. Jimmy Choo perfectly combines elegence with rock chic to create this gorgeous handbag.

If you were born in the 80s...the 80s

2009-08-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

We spent the 90s being embarrassed about the 80s which had many unique fashion trends. Now the 80s has become retro cool and fashion forecasters predict that 80s fashion of shiny leggings, and neon brights will continue into the Autumn and big shoulders will be a key look. Duran Duran have reformed and A-ha have just released their 9th album. 80s fashion and culture is everywhere.

Easily Sorted brings you some of the 80s fashion, some we still love and some which will (hopefully)be firmly designated to fashion history.

The Global Hypercolour T Shirt

So popular in the 80s yet such a bad idea! The t shirt changed colour according to body temperature so you could end up with quite embarrassing colour change under the arms or marks from roving hands. Not yet made a come back but one that we can just look back and smile at.

The Shellsuit

Eek, what was the shellsuit about? The shellsuit was born in the 80s as a tracksuit for jogging in with its parachute like material in clashing neon colours. Not one of the 80s most flattering creations. There is however a website dedicated to the shell suit cause. iloveshellsuits.com begins "The Shellsuit revolution has begun. It will be unruly, grimy and uncivilised. Clashing colours, shiny materials and lungeing will be at its heart and it shall take no prisoners. Some revolutions are led by the majority, others by a small band of revolutionaries. This one is the latter, the indoctrinators omni present; Jimmy Saville, Kriss Akabusi, Mr Motivator and Pat Sharpe."

Jimmy Saville may still be seen running round Leeds with his shellsuit but I say run and hide away from the shellsuit. It's just wrong!

Neon Leggings and Cycling Shorts

While I fondly remember wearing brink pink neon cycling shorts as a child thankfully they have not yet made a come back. Neon leggings however have and the ones pictured to the left are Tribal Leggings from Urban Outfitters and are £28.00. Wear with a white top or for true 80s fashion, and for the more daring, with a clashing top.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads for women became popular in the 80s as power dressing began with women making a statement in the work place that they were on a par with men. Shoulder pads are set for a revival this year, as one of the key looks for this Autumn is big shoulders. The clashing Neon Dress with Shoulder Pads, pictured to the right is very 80s and is £35.00 from Asos.

The dress to the left is from Zara's Autumn/Winter collection and is one of several pieces inspired by the 80s big shoulder look.

Cross the Body Bags

These were popular in the 80s along with "bum bags." While not quite as garish as an 80s neon fabric bum bag, this cross the body Louis Vuitton bag £1,480 has a very 80s feel to it with its bright yellow colour and sporty design. An expensive way to keep up with 80s trends but it is bound to make you stand out from the crowd.

Boom Box

Boom Boxes or Ghetto Blasters incorporated loud speakers, an amplifier, and a radio casette. They became very popular in the 80s and were associated with 80s breakdancing and hip hop. For an 80s retro bag with a difference check out the
Living Dead Souls "Boom Box" Print Bag with Built-In Speakers £23.50 from http://www.bluebanana.cc/

80s Cartoons

I may be biased being a child of the 80s but there were some classic children's tv shows in that decade. One of the greats was Trap Door originally shown in 1984 and starred Berk as the caretaker of the monster's castle and the soundtrack "Stay away from that Trap Door- cos there's something down there." Get your retro Ladies Black Trap Door T Shirt by Forever Famous for £24.99 from http://www.trufflesuffle.co.uk/.

Big Yellow Teapot

While we are on the subject to childhood memories, one of my favourite things from the 80s is the Big Yellow Teapot! It combined the idea that girls like tea sets and dolls houses by bringing the two together. Very random but it provided hours of entertainment with little people who span around in the top of the teapot and slid down the spout!

Prawn, Courgette and Leek Risotto

2009-07-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

I made this tonight for dinner and it was delicious, healthy and very easy to make so I thought I would share it with you.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
25g butter
1 leek, chopped finely
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
350g arborio rice
1.6 litres vegetable stock
200g cooked and peeled king prawns
small bunch of parsley
salt and black ground pepper

Instructions

Heat the oil and half of the butter in a large shallow pan.
Add the leek, courgettes and garlic and soften over a low heat.
Add the rice and cook for 1 minutes, stirring continously.
Heat the stock in a separate pan and add a ladle of stock to the rice. Simmer and stir until all the stock is absorbed.
Add the stock a ladle at a time, stirring continously.
When almost all the stock has been added and the rice is al dente (about 15 minutes) add the prawns.
Season and stir in the remaining stock and the rest of the butter.
Cover a leave to stand for a few minutes then stir in the parsley.

Grab Them Shoes Before They Go

2009-07-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

The sales are almost at an end and so you need to be quick if you want to snap up some bargains. Here's Easily Sorted's pick of some of the best shoes on offer:

Gina Patent Lizard Sandal was £415.00 now £220.00 at Browns

Irregular Choice Cortesan Leopard was £63.37 now £45.00 from Schuh

Lacey Lane Shoe by Office was £60.00 now £25.00

Twlight Indian Slipper Gold Shoe was £25.00 now £5.00 from Office

Birkenstock Piazza was £40.00 now £25.00 at Kurt Geiger

Dolly Interbow 2 by Office was £60.00 now £15.00

Nicole Farhi Nuala 3fad1 was £280.00 now £99.99 at Kurt Geiger

Christian Louboutin 'Ananas' Scalloped Mules were £835.00 now £505.00 at Browns

Lorri in Red by Moda In Pelle was £60.00 now £30.00

Bertie Bow Back Court Shoe was £74.00 now £44.00 at ASOS

Crocodile Tears- The Demise of the Crocs

2009-07-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Crocs, you either love them or hate them, and now they are latest casualty of the recession. When I first saw Crocs on sale at an airport I would never have dreamt that they could become a global shoe giant. More than 100 million pairs have been sold in over 125 countries in a variety of colours and their success has been unprecedented. They are loved for being comfy, practical and environmentally friendly. Although they are virtually indestructible, they are not made from plastic but from anti-microbial non resin foam called Croslite and have even been described as being vegan. They are hated for being ugly, over commercial and have been accused of being a hazard to health and electronic equipment.

The invasion of the Crocs began in 2002 and their popularity spread with celebrity endorsements and large scale manufacturing. They became a hit for holiday makers, nurses, doctors and people who were on their feet all day. George W Bush was even pictured in a pair. They branched out and launched Croc wellies, which again weren't the most aesthetically pleasing footwear but with their non-slip soles and their wide toes they were very practical for walking about on the snow around ski resorts and they became a hit in trendy ski resort Val D'Isere. They also sell a range of shoes, flip flops, sandals and boots but none of their lines have caught on in the same way as the original Crocs.

The problem now seems to be that because Crocs are very hard wearing and almost indestructible, almost everyone who wants a pair now has one and fakes are also widely available. Production was too high, expansion was too quick and the market has been over saturated. If you already have one pair you are not likely to buy another, especially not in a recession. The company lost a massive £113 million pounds last year and has cut its workforce by 2,000.

Crocs have always had their enemies. There have been stories about Crocs storing electricity and giving its users electrical shocks which led them to be banned from some hospitals. The electricity surge can apparently make hospital equipment fail and wipe your iPod. A blog was set up to back the demise of the Crocs called ihatecrocs.com. The site shows an unsucessful attempt of destroying Crocs by burning. You can also buy the t shirt pictured above on the ihatecrocs website. A recent post on ihatecrocs in response to news of Crocs downfall said:

"Thanks for your emails and good work, everyone. This victory is a bit bittersweet, though. The whole US economy had to tank to bring it about. Poor, poor US economy. And the job loss, of course. It is a shame."

This may not be the end of the Crocs though. The company has cut costs and production and a new chief executive John Duerden has been brought in to try and reverse the companies' fortunes. He remains convinced that the Croc has not yet lost its bite but whether there is anyone out there who still wants to buy them remains to be seen.

The Urban Fashion Experience

2009-07-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Easily Sorted brings you more from the world according to the Urban Dictionary http://www.urbandictionary.com/. This time its alternative definitions for fashion and trend related words.

Fashion

A sense of style that changes from decade to decade, century to century. Each era of fashion can change by very little or drastically.

Fashionata

A term used to define a woman with a penchant for shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends.

In today's Urban society, "fashionista" is not by any means a negative term. Thanks to television shows like "Sex and the City" rather more specifically, thanks to actresses such as Sarah Jessica Parker, the image of a "fashionista" has been modernized into a much more positive, powerful and successful feminine role.

Fashion Victim

It's a person who crosses the boundaries of fashion and style, like taking a fad too far, or wearing too many trends at once and therefore taking the look from the glamourous to the ridiculous. It is also a person who tries to draw admiration through the designer brands (or a shameless copy of them), wearing labels- regardless of fit or personal style- and becoming a "walking billboard"!

Trendoid

A person who is extremely up-to-date and obsessed with the latest fashions and trends.

Clothes

The most effective form of contraception.

Hip

Cooler than cool, the pinnacle of what is "it". Beyond all trends and conventional coolness. Not to be mistaken for "deck".

Hipster

Someone who mimics the incoming trends, and immediately ditches anything that might have been cool two minutes ago.

Hipster is the new Bum on the Street look, includes k-mart shoes, moccasins, cardigans,and anything else you can find at a thrift shop. Mob top haircuts. Claims to listen to 80's new wave or indie bands. And Extremely pretentious with their music taste.

Hipsterdufus

A fake hipster, who has fallen behind in trends. A Hipsterdufus would be seen still listening to The Strokes in the latter half of 2001.

Pop-Culture Sponge

A person who soaks-up popular culture like a sponge.

Absorbing trends and styles wherever you are then rinsing them out to keep only the things you really like.

Aesthetically aware and sensitive.

Towny

Someone who wears the latest fashions and follows the trends. However, they find anyone who dresses differently offensive and are likely to come out with phrases such as "your a freak, greeebo!" Also their range of insults covers "greebo" "freak" and "ya mom." Very closed minded.

Scranner

People who wear addidas and nike, and who follow the major trends in footwear and sports gear, mainly found at secondary schools, in the Leeds area.

Sheep

A person who likes anything and everything that "everyone" likes (trends, etc.) for the sake of being cool. Once that trend ends and everyone stops liking it, they promptly start disliking it and it becomes the worst thing in the world. They also mock the people that continue to follow the "uncool" trends. The plural of sheep is sheeple as in "Look at all the sheeple wearing exactly the same clothes."

Make Up Bag Secrets

2009-07-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

Easily Sorted's brings you its favourite make up bag and some fabulous make up bits:

I love this Retro make up bag by Benefit which is £21.50. This cute bag not only has a great design, it has a handy section on the inside for brushes, is big enough for all your everyday make up and also good for taking away on holiday or weekends away.

For a flawless base use Virtual Matt Foundation by Prescriptives with SPF 15. Prescriptives has the largest range of colours of foundations with 23 different shades covering 4 different colour bases. A great texture with an oil-control complex, anti-oxidants to prevent environmental damage and natural exfoliants and it keeps your skin looking great. It has a medium to full coverage and as it is perfectly matched to your skin you cannot tell that you are wearing it.

Benefit Erase Paste Concealer is brilliant. It is £18.50 and is available in 3 shades and is great for cancealing dark circles and other blemishes. It reflects the light and makes you look bright eyed and radiant. I previously used Lancome's Touche Eclat but am now converted to Erase Paste which is much more effective.

I love Hoola Bronzer by Benefit which gives you a sun kissed look without looking orange or caked in make up. It costs £22.50 and lasts for ages. The brush that comes with it although very compact is not great and the bronzer is applied more evenly with a proper brush.

Apply Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact over bronzer for a flawless look. It highlights cheekbones and if you apply a small amount of the lighest colour under the eyes it hides dark circles and brightens the skin. £29.99 and available in Bronze, Pink and Beize, I like the Bronze one best as it suits my colouring the most. It might be quite expensive but it lasts a long time and is definately worth the price tag.

A high quality blusher brush is a must. Mac do great ones with really soft bristles. They do a variety of sizes and this blusher brush is great for highlighting cheeks and for sweeping over the whole of the face and is £22.00

Dream Mascara by No7 £11.30 in black from Boots lengthens and thickens eye lashes without clumping or smudging. It has a plastic brush which separates eye lashes. I have tried loads of different mascaras and this one is my favourite.

Rimmel Special Eyes Eyliner Pencil in black. I think that if there is one that you can spend less money on it's eyeliner as you can get ones that do a great job without breaking the bank. This one from Rimmel is only £2.49 and the tip is really soft so it does not pull the skin. The tip doesn't break easily like with some eyeliners and it does not need sharpening very often.

Urban Decay eyeshadows are highly pigmented for striking, shimmery colours. The compact includes a mirror and an applicator brush, has a magnetic closure and is great for carrying in your handbag. It has ten colours Smog, Maui Wowie, Mildew, Shattered, Oil Slick, Polyester Bride, Last Call, Grifter, Chopper and Sin and is set out in complimenting duos.

For the shinniest, yummiest lips you have to get one of Lancome's Juicy Tube. The original is available in a variety of colours they now do an ultra shiny hydrating Juicy Pop gloss in 2 colours, purple laser and cyber coral and they are £13.50 each.

Summer Pudding Crumble Cake

2009-07-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Taken from the Mail on Sunday You Magazine this recipe by Annie Bell is a fantastic adaptation of the traditional summer pudding.

Ingredients

Cake
130g lightly salted butter, diced
130g golden caster sugar
3 medium eggs
190g plain flour, sifted
1 heaped tsp baking powder, sifted
Finely grated zest of 1 orange

Crumble Toping
75g lightly salted butter
75g golden caster sugar
75g plain flour
75g ground almonds
100g raspberries
50g redcurrants
Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 190c/ 170c fan/ 375F/ gas 5 and grease a 20cm loose bottom cake tin, 9cm deep.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy then incorporate the eggs one at a time. Add the floor, baking powder and orange zest and whisk until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to the tin, smooth the surface and bake for 20 minutes.
To make the crumble, whisk the butter, sugar and floor with the ground almonds until the mixture just clings into large crumbs.
Tip the crumble into a large bowl and fold in two thirds of the raspberries and redcurrants.
Scatter the crumble mix over the cake, then scatter the remaining raspberries and redcurrants.
Bake for a further 40 minutes.
Leave to cool and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Heat Wave Helps Economy

2009-07-14T02:04:00.000-07:00

The recent hot weather has been encouraging shoppers to get out more and spend more. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KMPG retail sales monitor has shown that non-food sales achieved their best result since October 2008 in the three months to June 2009.

Although the results are encouraging the high street is still on uncertain grounds. Sales of homewear goods are low, with continued uncertainty over jobs making people delay big purchases. Clothes sales have been doing well, with the good weather coinciding with the summer sales and buyers have been spending their cash for a feel good boost. Swimwear and sunglasses have been selling well along with summer clothes and childrens' wear. Food sales have also risen with barbecues being very popular. This may just be a seasonal boost and we will have to wait and see if the positive results continue after the summer sales have finished to see whether a recovery really is on the horizon.

Festival Fashion for Girls

2009-07-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

Festivals are all about the music, oh and looking good too! As I am going to a festival next week (Love Box in Victoria Park, London) I have been trying to find the perfect outfit that is functional, fashionable and fun.

So here is Easily Sorted's Guide to this year's festival fashion:

Whether it is going to rain or shine (likely to be a bit of both if the last few weeks are anything to go by) sunglasses are a festival essential. Easily Sorted loves these Gucci sunglasses complete with Gucci logo and a bit of bling to bring some glamour to the occasion. They are £140.40 reduced from £195.00 in the Debenhams sale.

Kate Moss always looks fantastic when pictured at Glastonbury and playsuits are very Summer 2009 so why not wear a playsuit by Kate Moss at Topshop. This dasiy design is very cute and funky and is £45.00.

Or how about a fun retro t shirt. Easily Sorted adores this Minnie and Mickey T Shirt which is £22.00 by Mighty Fine and available at http://www.honcho-sfx.com/

Team the T Shirt with these denim shorts, £28.00 from Miss Selfridge. They will also be great for your summer hols.

If you are a little bit concerned about getting chilly legs, especially after the sun goes down, choose some shiny leggings which just do not seem to be going out of fashion. These ones are a good buy and are £14.00 from New Look.

This is a great festival top to wear with your leggings, by Religion 'East. 1980 New Music' vest. £24.00 reduced from £40.00 from Asos.

For footwear if you think it is going to rain you definately need some wellies. Why not go for these leopard print ones because they are fun and you can get away with them at a festival? They are £22.00 from Miss Selfridge making them much more affordable than Jimmy Choo's Hunter wellies.

If you think it is going to stay dry or are willing to take the risk gladiator sandals are perfect. New Look footwear is just brilliant for bargain up to the minute fashion. These stud embelished ones are only £17.00 reduced from £22.00 from New Look.

A hooded jacket is a good idea just in case it does rain and this one is by Crafted People and is £34.99 from the Republic website. They even have a buy 2 for £50.00 deal on selected items at the moment so you can pick up a pair of jeans too while you are at it.

You don't want your handbag to get in the way of your dancing/ arms flailing so pick a shoulder bag like this one which is a leather chain pouch bag and is £70.00 from Top Shop.

Retail Recession Winners and Losers

2009-07-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Primark the budget fashion store has continued to post recession defying sales results with sales increasing 21 percent in the last 16 weeks. While much of the high street is suffering, for some bargain retailers such as Primark and New Look business is booming.

Other surprise winners are Ted Baker who have seen retail sales grow in their stores this year, and as previously reported by Easily Sorted Mulberry have also seen sales grow.

Burberry on the other hand are struggling. They have been having difficulty for some time trying to reinvent the brand and distant itself from its much counterfeited and now chavy tartan and massive jobs losses were incurred earlier on in the year. Other fashion retailers who have not been able ride out the recession are Miss Sixty who went into administration late last year and Dolcis followed earlier this year. Miss Sixty has now exited administration and directors are hoping that a revised trading model will enable them to restore the company to a profitable business.

H & M has seen a fall in sales with sales down 5% in the first quarter but they are now entering into a surpise collaboration with Jimmy Choo to produce a high street version of the designer favourite, with prices with prices ranging from £40 to £180. This may be more than the average H & M customer wishes to spend but fashion conscious high street shoppers may be delighted to grab a pair of Jimmy Choo's at relatively affordable prices. Matthew Williamson's range for H & M sold out within a day of release earlier this year and H & M are again hoping to cash in on the "recessionata" hunting for designer looks at high street prices.

Top Shop and Miss Selfridge from the Arcadia group also appear to be holding up well with many teenagers still able to splash their wages or pocket money on clothes and with older recessionatas turning to shops such as Top Shop to keep up with trends. Biba designer Barbara Hulanicki's collection for Top Shop released this year was hailed a success.

It is going to be a very bumpy ride for retailers over the coming months with further job lossess predicted and a threat of a second dip in the economy. Retailers are going to have to be more adaptable or inventive than ever in order to survive, but consumers will not stop spending for too long and they will just look for the next purse friendly way to satisfy their hunger for fashion.

Easily Sorted's Guide to the Sales

2009-07-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's sales time already and there's lots of great deals about. Easily Sorted has been browsing the bargains to bring you some of the best deals on offer, designer and high street:

Sylvia Bag by Anya Hindmarch was £645 now £387 available from her website

Amazon Platform Mary Jane Shoe by Bertie were £70.00 now £19.00 from House of Fraser

Religion Button Back Print Zebra Top was £42.00 now £29.99 from Urban Outfitters

Diesel Purly Carpenter Fit Jeans were £90.00 now £45.00 from House of Fraser

Lola Rose Contrast Bangle was £69.95 now £37.95 from Harrods

Ethnic Necklace was £6.00 now £2.00 from New Look

DKNY Signature Hemp Clutch was £66.00 now £47.00 from Harrods

Diesel Animal Logo Strapless Jersey Dress was £69.00 now £45.00 from Asos.

Google Working With Retailers To Help Generate Internet Sales

2009-07-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Google has been working with retailers such as Debenhams, Next and Schuh to help improve their click-through rate on their websites and improve internet sales.

There are many companies out there offering advice on website optimisation and how to improve sales, however Google has frequently warned that internet sellers need to be cautious when following the advice. Some companies offer false promises of improving the rankings and claim to have "secret" information about how to improve click-through rate and optimise websites.

Google have now launched a Google Conversion Programme (GCP) which means they have approved certain consulting firms as being ones which can help retailers improve website conversion rates and lead to higher internet sales.

Three companies have so far been awarded GCP certification, EMC Consulting (formerly Conchango), Moneyspyder and Conversion Works. Any specialist can from today apply for accreditation.

With the aid of Google and the consultants there has been some impressive maximisation of internet sales and website impact. Following the trial Debenhams has increased email sign-ups by 89%, Marie Curie received 14% more donations and Next increased its online revenues by 107%. Next has also been able to reduce its on-site search exit rate by over 19 per cent.

Debenhams has also been using the Google's Website Optimer tool to test the design and position of a sign-up banner for its Beauty Club. Their new design and position has led to an increase in email subcribers of over 89 per cent.

It is hoped that this is a positive step forward in taking some of the mystery out of website optimisation and to ensure that money spent by companies on internet marketing consultants and new strategies is money well spent.

Handbags on Twitter

2009-06-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

One of the things Easily Sorted loves about Twitter is that you get to find out about lots of new places to shop for new and classic designs.

We've been checking out some of the handbags that are advertised via Twitter and here are some of the best:

Rock Royalty Handbag $142.00 from @spiritedfashion.

A selection of unique handbags, patchwork designs.

Sophisticated Sea-Blue Ribbon Effect Large Tote £28.99 from @handbagfix.
The texture of this bag is beautiful and it's a bargain at £28.99.

Pink Giraffe Print Handbag $50.00 from @TiffanysBags.

There are lots of similar giraffe print designs @TiffanysBags.

Purple Boho Disc Tote £24.99 from @handbagfix.
Another great and stylish bargain from Handbag Fix.

Coach Hampton Scribble Purse available on ebay and advertised via @coachHB, bids from $149.99 (free shipping in US only)

@verabradley for $68.00, Vera Bradley Yellow Blue Stephanie Handbag.

Vera Bradley have a range of bags in fabulous fabrics with unique designs.

Chanel Quilted Shoulder Bag, bids from £480 on ebay. A beautiful classic bag advertised via @handbagsuk. Every bag lover would love to add a Chanel classic to their collection.

Roast of the Week

2009-06-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

As we are in for some hot weather this week the Roast of the Week is a light summery recipe and is very simple.

Dill Roasted Salmon

Ingredients

Serves 6

1kg baby new potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
6 salmon fillets
Juice and grated zest of 1 orange
Chopped fresh dill

Instructions

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan170°C/gas 5.

Put the potatoes in a large roasting tin. Drizzle with the olive oil and some sea salt. Roast for 15 minutes, then scatter over the onion and cook for a further 15 minutes.

Change the oven temperature to 220°C/fan200°C/gas 7 and place the salmon fillets between the potatoes and onions. Drizzle over the orange juice and sprinkle with the orange zest, dill and a good grinding of black pepper.

Roast for 8–10 minutes, until nicely browned and cooked through.

Serve with the potatoes. It is also great accompanied by asparagus.

The Day The 80's Died

2009-06-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

As a child of the 80's I have many memories of growing up listening to Michael Jackson's music and watching his music videos and films. In primary school we had a "Moonwalk" competition to see who could best emulate the dance he made famous (I was not very good at it!). We danced to Blame It On the Boogie and Bille Jean at the school disco. For my 8th birthday party we hired the film Moonwalker from the video shop and I invited my best friends round to watch it.

Michael Jackson last performed the Moonwalk on stage in September 2001 and he was due to perfom it again in his "Final Curtain Call" tour than never was. There are many rumours, controversies and conspiracy theories surrounding Michael Jackson's life and death. Some things are for certain though, he was a musical genius, he liked to spend, spend, spend and his personal style was as flamboyant as his lifestyle.

As well as a musical icon Michael Jackson was a fashion icon in the 80s. The phrase which has struck me as being most fitting following his death was that 25 June 2009 was the day that the 80's died. Known for his shoulder padded jackets, white glove, white socks, and perm-look hair, his style personified 80s fashion. Easily Sorted brings you some Michael's best looks of the 80s:

The cover of Beat It in 1982

On the cover of Billie Jean released in 1983

Michael in 1984

His signature style, a sequined jacket and while glove

Doing the Moonwalk

1987 on the cover of Bad

This Week's Search For A New Dress

2009-06-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

I've been looking all week for a new dress to go out in this weekend. Here was my shortlist:

Dress Number 1: By All Saints available in stone, chalk or washed black (stone colour is pictured) £110

Decision: Rejected

Reason: Price and colour. I love All Saints as their clothes tend to be unique and good quality. One of my favourite belts is from All Saints and I've had it for 5 years but I still get lots of comments on it. I also dug out an old All Saints top a few weeks ago and friends were asking me where I had got it from. Unfortunately though this dress was a bit more than I wanted to spend and I am looking for a more summery colour.

Dress number 2: Zebra Bandeau dress by Kate Moss for Top Shop, £65

Decision: On the definately maybe list.

Reason: I love the pattern and the pleated bodice and ruffled hem which is very feminine. I have been a bit reluctant to buy from Kate Moss' range though, as given how popular her lines are I may see a lot of other people wearing it.

Dress Number 3: El Dorado dress by Wish £100

Decision: On the definately maybe list

Reason: I have had my eye on this dress which I spotted in a local boutique for a while. It is by Australian designer Annette Cannock and the label is called Wish. It is difficult to see from the picture but the fabric is beautiful. It is very light and is made from cotton and silk.

Dress Number 4: Miss Sixty Knot Front Mini Dress was £74 now £44 from Asos

Decision: Rejected

Reason: As this is from Asos I have not had the chance to try it on and being fairly small I am worried that it might be a bit long on me (I imagine the model is quite tall and the dress looks almost knee length on the picture!) As the weekend is fast approaching I do not want to order it and have to send it back. It is a great price though and a lovely colour and the sort of dress you can wear day or night.

Final Decision

I was still not sure which dress to choose however my mind was made up for me when I went to have a look at dress number 3 again today. I had a few reservations about the price tag but a 50 percent sale had just started and it was half price. I was delighted. Now I just need to find some shoes. I normally wear heels when I go out but I spotted these brown sandals (£22 from Faith) which I may well be buying tomorrow!