Loughborough Echo - Amy's Fashion Fix

Mix up, look sharp

2013-05-09T16:04:13Z

THE sun is (finally) out and that can only mean one thing - summer's here!

But if you're anything like me, it also brings the dread of trying to find a decent cossie. What will all my lumps and bumps I can never seem to find one I feel happy in - and to say the thought of taking a load into a changing room fills me with dread would be a huge understatement!

So you can imagine my excitement when a cheeky tweet from Asos sent me to this little beauty - a bikini finder for all shapes and sizes.

It's far from perfect but certainly gives you an all important step in the right direction - and a chance to avoid the changing room mirrors! The prices aren't bad either...

Fancy having a go? Click away.

The March shoe challenge: Final results

2013-03-29T14:41:00Z

MARCH has been a month of shoes, shoes, shoes (and I'm pretty sure my boyfriend is sick of them)!

The house has been strewn with an assortment of heels and flats - and the majority, I have to say, are totally unsuitable for the snow!

And, speaking of snow, I have a confession to make. Some days, this week especially, I haven't stuck to my rule. I ran out of sensible shoes and, well, you can't really wear three inch heels in the ice and snow...

So my overall verdict?

Having to decide which shoes I'm wearing has made me more organised and picking out my whole outfit has been quite fun.

I'm definitely going to make a bigger effort in future to wear more of my shoes; I've even found some to sell, especially a pair of vintage patent heels I could barely wear for an hour!

This may sound sad but I've taken a photo of each pair of shoes, which I'm going to print out and stick on the boxes. I reckon that way I might remember what I've got.

My mini challenge even inspired some of the guys in the office to do something similar with their ties - one in particular counted nearly 50 ties and here's the picture to prove it!

Maybe have a go for yourself. You'd be surprised what gems lie at the bottom of your wardrobe!

Swap your wardrobe

2013-03-06T12:02:11Z

IF you have some gorgeous designer gear you wouldn't mind lending to a stranger in return for something equally fabulous, this website may just be for you.

SwapYourWardrobe.com started out as a French phenomenon and has now spread to the wider world.

Aimed at targeting women with a wardrobe ready to explode but still nothing to wear, this site is an amazing idea and, on the face of it, seems perfect for me - except for the fact most of my stuff is high street and I'm not sure anyone would want them.

Here's a screen shot of what was available when I had a sneak peak..

Go take a look, like I said it's a great idea.

The March shoe challenge: Week One

2013-03-03T21:08:49Z

Day One

Being used to wearing flat pumps all day every day, and knowing how many pairs of heels are currently sitting in my wardrobe, I decided on a relatively safe pair of Topshop heels for my first day of the shoe challenge.

With the day ahead involving a lot of walking around De Montfort University campus, I feel these were a wise decision. What I didn't count on, however, was the weather and the amount of skin I had allowed on show!

Today I also showed everyone at work the photo of my shoes, and being an all boy newsroom they just couldn't understand how it was possible to have so many shoes.

In an attempt to discover if I was odd I therefore took to social media to ask the lovely ladies I know how many shoes they own.

The results put me somewhere in the middle I think. The lowest was my friend Ruth, who is very strict with her wardrobe, owning the least (around 20 pairs) and by far the highest was my friend Lucy, who somehow has accumulated more than 100 pairs. Yes that's right, 100!!

I was amazed by how many ladies have between 40 and 50, and that made me feel so much better.

What I loved most though were how many of the answers included the idea of hiding shoes - whether it be washing baskets, cupboards, boxes, you name it - and the fact that people answered then found themselves recounting and surprising themselves.

It's an amusing exercise and one I would recommend to anyone. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

(By the way my carpet's not really that dirty, think it must have been a funny angle with shade - just so you know!)

Day Two

Today I took the plunge and opted for my purple Faith shoes, one of my favourite pairs but which usually prove difficult to wear due to being VERY purple with a relatively big heel.

And as my colleague Isaac pointed out, they're not overly practical for the world of journalism.

Nevertheless I managed pretty well in them, although in fairness I didn't have to walk very far today. And I do love them so.

Day Three

Press day called for my sensibile (ish) black New Look shoes. Not entirely dis-similar to yesterday's Faith shoes but are much more practical in terms of colour.

My feet don't look very flattering in this picture but they were relatively comfortable to wear (aside from the slight pinch of my toes). With it being press day, I didn't have to move too far away from my desk today, which was probably a good thing - I'm not sure I could walk too far in them.

Day Four

With a busy day ahead, I opted for my black Primark lace up shoes. Quite large heels but much comfier than they look, promise! Although come to think of it, you can't see the heel size in the photo (you'll just have to trust me)

Today involved a lot of walking and no pain, And I feel quite professional in them too.

Really ought to wear these more often.

Day Five

Had the day off today so opted out of business-wear and into my once loved, now neglected, Rocket Dogs.

Oh how I have missed wearing these shoes. They are so very, very comfortable.

Managed an afternoon around Belper with my good friend Kerry with no bother whatsoever!

By the way, my feet look a funny colour in this photo don't they?!

Day Six

As today was Saturday and I had no plans for a night out (sadly), I opted for the safety of my Babycham trainers for a shopping and cinema trip.

Once again, another successful - and extremely comfortable - choice.

Day Seven

Sunday may be the day of rest for most people but for me it's the day of running. And so Day Seven is the day of my running trainers.

So there we have it. First week over, seven pairs of shoes worn.

I've also managed to find three pairs to sell on ebay for my Australia fund, making this challenge all the more successful!

I have to say I've quite enjoyed rummaging through the bottom of my wardrobe each evening to decide on a pair for the next morning. I think it's also made me a little more organised!

Let's see what next week has in store...

48 hours of Fashion returns to Nottingham

2013-02-28T10:33:47Z

DEDICATED followers of fashion in Nottingham will be delighted to hear about the return of one of the city's most successful events from last year - and learn all about 'what's hot and what's not' in the latest Spring/Summer collections.

Nottingham's 48 Hours of Fashion 2012 was very well-received by both retailers and shoppers, bringing additional visitors to the city over the weekend in October. Its aim was to showcase the strength of Nottingham's fashion retailers, which includes top high street chains, stylish independents and key designer labels such as Vivien Westwood and the city's most famous 'fashion export' Sir Paul Smith.

This year's event - which is organised by the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) - will take place in the city's iconic Old Market Square on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27 and will bring together a choreographed performances, music and light projections, plus fashion master classes, stylist top tips, trend advice and much more.

There will also be fashion-focused events and special offers in many of Nottingham's most well-known fashion retailers.

"Fashion is deeply embedded in Nottingham's history and part of the very 'fabric' of the city!" said Nicola Tidy, a director of the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID).

"We're home to a vast range of fashion retailers, suitable for all styles and pockets - from major chains to unique independents - and 48 Hours of Fashion is the perfect way to show all that our city has to offer."

Keep up to date about this year's event by visiting Nottingham BID's website. You can also keep up to date on Facebook by searching for itsinnottingham or by following @itsinnottingham on Twitter.

Pic: A choreographed performance from October 2012's successful 48 Hours of Fashion.

The March shoe challenge

2013-02-26T18:43:37Z

AS the daughter of a shopaholic, I was brought up around shoes. Lots of them.

But although I knew I had inherited the love of clothes, it wasn't until this weekend that I realised I also had a shoe problem.

It was a chance glance at a photo posted by my friend (and fellow blogger) Sabrina of some of her shoe collection that started off my train of thought.

I wondered how many pairs of shoes I owned - and I found I didn't have a clue. So I counted them.

And as you can see, there's quite a few of them. 43 pairs to be precise (and I found another five after taking this picture).

I have to say I shocked myself, and to be honest I was a little disgusted - especially as I only ever really wear one pair, my black New Look flat pumps (front, middle).

So I set myself a goal, I'm going to attempt to wear a different pair every day.

Wish me luck!

Viyella teams up with Macmillan for Mother's Day

2013-02-21T18:42:45Z

STUCK for a pretty present for your mum this Mother's Day?

Well look no further than this Viyella scarf, which will help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Costing £35, £5 goes to the charity. It is available in lilac and blue.

Get yours here.

New chapter begins for Fenn Wright Manson

2013-02-19T12:18:02Z

HAVING worked at House of Fraser before my journalism career began, I always admired the ladies who worked at Fenn Wright Mason and their beautiful clothes.

Sadly I could never afford anything, even with my staff discount (although I have stolen a few of my mum's Fenn Wright cardigans). And, despite a slightly better wage, it seems I still can't.

Nevertheless, I'm more than happy to write about the news that the brand has started a new chapter, having been bought by Maxine Hargreaves-Adams, former Matalan head of ladieswear, last year.

Spring Summer 2013 sees a new contemporary collection, put together by a newly

appointed design team.

Maxine said: "Fenn Wright Manson is such a great British Brand, with an incredibly loyal customer base, I feel very excited about its future potential.

"Spring Summer 2013 marks the beginning of a new journey for us; we have embraced the

brand's heritage whilst updating it to fit in with today's fast-moving lifestyles.

"The Fenn Wright Manson woman is not a slave to fashion, she simply wants a contemporary wardrobe that fits and flatters and we're confident that our Spring Summer 2013 collection delivers exactly that."

Key pieces in the collection include a tailored lace coat, the 'perfect' white silk blouse, the print silk back cardigan and the "Lourdes" dress.

Prices range from £40 to £350. View the collection here.

Doodles raising oodles for charity

2013-02-08T13:13:36Z

ANYONE who thought the only thing model Sophie Dahl, everyone's favourite baker Mary Berry and fashion guru Gok Wan had in common was a love of a well cooked meal is sorely mistaken.

As well as being amazing in the kitchen, all three have put pen to paper to help raise money for charity for National Doodle Day, alongside Sir Ian McKellen, Rita Ora, Michael Sheen, Lorraine Kelly, Sir Terry Wogan, Joanna Lumley, Louis Smith, Matt Lucas, Dev Patel, Alan Titchmarsh and Chris Tarrant.

There doodles will be auctioned on eBay from today (Friday, February 8) to raise money for national charity Epilepsy Action.

National Doodle Day, which is supported by Dodo Pad, publishers of the original family 'doodle' diary, is now in its 10th year and aims to get as many people doodling as possible to help support the 600,000 people across the UK with epilepsy.

The celebrity doodle eBay auction ends next Sunday, February 17.

To have a look, and maybe even bid yourself, click here.

Valentine's ideas (without the tack)

2013-02-07T16:52:33Z

ANYONE who knows me can testify that I'm not really one for Valentine's Day.

Nevertheless, even the coldest of hearts can be melted by a non-cheesy gift

Here's a few ideas in case you're stuck...

My first stop on the Valentine's shop takes me to Fab, a fantastic website which always seems to pop up on my friends' news feeds on Facebook.

Take these 18-carat gold plated rose earrings by Otis Jaxon.

Priced at £35, they may be pricier than your average bouquet but they would definitely last a lot longer! And they're really pretty too :)

While this small gold heart ring from Etsy, priced at just under £8 is an even better bargain!

And another way to spend £8 is on this love letter biscuit, courtesy of Fortnum and Mason.

But if you insist on buying something suitably tacky, then Prezzybox is definitely the way to go - candy underwear, adult games and all sorts are waiting to greet you there (and there's some nice stuff too).

As you can imagine I get all kinds of press releases at this time of year - and among my favourites were the hug a tall person day (apparently it's on Monday) and the brand, Foul Fashion, who promises your money back if their shirts don't get you laid (apparently terrible fashion sense is an ice-breaker).

Breakfast's Amy to host fashion show in Loughborough

2012-09-28T11:58:53Z

SHOPPERS will be treated to a seasonal fashion show at the Carillon Court Shopping Centre in Loughborough tomorrow (Saturday, September 29).

Amy Voce, one half of the Sam and Amy Breakfast show on Gem 106 will be hosting the shows from 12noon-3.30pm, with each featured outfit coming from one of the centre's fashion
retailers showcasing their Autumn/Winter collections.

Among those stores taking part include Topshop, New Look, VR Clothing, Ministry of Design, H Samuel, Tylers and Claire's Accessories.

The Body Shop will be showcasing their make-up ranges and latest seasonal looks while The
Flower Box will also be showcasing the latest in floral design and corsages for prom and party wear.

Amy Voce said: "I am thrilled to be hosting the fashion show at Carillon Court again this Autumn, as last year was such a great success! It's my local shopping centre and home to some great fashion retailers so the shows are set to impress!"

Baljit Kooner, centre manager, said: "The seasonal fashion show is a fantastic way for our retailers to showcase all the latest trends and fashions in everything from clothing to footwear and accessories to jewellery.

"The shows throughout the afternoon are set to be a really lively and a fun way of sharing the latest trends with our shoppers.

"We are very pleased that Amy is joining us on the day and looking forward to welcoming her to Carillon Court."

Rearsby fashion show planned

2012-09-13T15:48:02Z

A CHARITY fashion show is being held at Rearsby Village Hall on Thursday, September 27, to raise money for Kidney Research UK.

Starting at 7.30pm, Trafford Knitwear Ltd will be presenting their collection of high street brands at fantastic prices.

Tickets are £3.50 in advance or £5 on the door.

Please call Angela or Natasha for more information or to buy tickets on 07906 536654 or 07933 511351 or email t4sha@talktalk.net

Highcross Discount Night

2012-09-10T15:25:26Z

LOCAL models will strip off for male and female cancer charities this week to show off new season lingerie available in Highcross Leicester's stores.

The shopping centre, which celebrated its fourth birthday last week, is hosting an exclusive shopper evening on Wednesday (September 12) to show the new season ranges from the likes of John Lewis, Debenhams, River Island, Simply Be and Next.

The Highcross Discount Night, held from 6pm-8pm, will also be supporting both the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Pink Ribbon Foundation, which raises awareness of male and female health issues, including cancer - and will include exclusive discounts, freebies and makeovers.

Offers are set to include 25 per cent off in Debenhams, 15 per cent off in Paperchase, 30 per cent off Handmade Burger Co, and Two for One cocktails at Showcase Cinema de Lux's Studio One restaurant.

Several of Highcross's retailers will also be offering free drinks, nibbles and gifts in-store, while the Highcross Beauty Bus will be in St Peter's Square offering visitors free skin consultations, mini-makeovers and massages from Rituals, Clarins Spa and The Body Shop, amongst others.

Gurvinder Rupra, marketing manager at Highcross Leicester, said: "Our Discount Night is not only going to be easy on the purse, but easy on the eye as well, as our stunning models showcase some of the new season lingerie and men's underwear that can be found at Highcross."

For more details, visit www.highcrossleicester.com

Vintage returns to Leicestershire this weekend

2012-09-05T17:07:32Z

VINTAGE fans should head down to Market Harborough this weekend for a little piece of shopping heaven.

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair will be visiting the Three Swans Hotel, in High Street, this Sunday, September 9, bringing 60 years of stock to knock your socks off.

Held from 10.30am-4.30pm, entry is £1. Enjoy!

Iron Man inspires Loughborough bag designer

2012-08-31T09:39:51Z

PHILIPPA Yeomans is nothing short of a genius!

The self-confessed film geek from Loughborough has created an internet sensation after making a handbag based on Marvel comic book legend Iron Man.

Philippa was inspired by the Marvel comic character, which was turned into two films featuring Robert Downey Jr, with a third due out next year, and spent two weeks making a themed red leather bag complete with lights bought from Homebase and eBay, while watching the Olympics.

But little did the 25-year-old former Burleigh student, who works part-time at Tesco in The Rushes, know when she posted her photographs online, her creation would lead to requests rolling in from people wanting their own bag and that it would cause her Deviant Art site, where the pictures were featured, to receive over 2,300 hits in just one day.

She said: "I completed a degree in Model Design and Special Effects from the University of Hertfordshire three years ago and ever since I've been making stuff to keep up my skills while I find a job.

"I'm a film geek anyway, I did Film Studies at A Level which got me into model designing at uni. I was watching Iron Man and the idea of making an Iron Man themed bag somehow came out of it.

"I didn't imagine the response I would get online, I've been overwhelmed really. I made it as a fun one off bag for me. I've had quite a few people asking me to make them one. You don't really get girly merchandise but there obviously is a market for it."