Black Friday Bargains and Beyond...

So it's that time of the year again when America celebrate Thanks-giving and take off the Friday to start their festive shopping in time for Christmas! Now, although it may not be granted as a national holiday here in the UK, British retail and online stores nevertheless revel in the glory of 'Black-Friday', and give us shopaholics the opportunity to pick up some of the hottest bargains in true American style too! Some of the most luxury designers including French Connection and London's Oxygen Boutique have slashed their garments to almost half price, while online retailers including ASOS and Very.com have also churned up some 'hot' bargains, that you cannot simply resist! 

I've been taking a look online at those 'buoyant British bargains' up for grabs, and after picking my favourite items, I thought it would be worthwhile to share with you the best of the best bargains that you should take advantage of. Remember, if any of the products below do tickle your fancy then do purchase them in time - before the sale ends, of course! Majority of these online deals are available till Monday 2nd December 2013...so get shopping!

ASOS.COM - 30% OFF, OFFER ENDS 1ST DEC 2013

1. 47 BRAND NEW YORK YANKEES SWEATSHIRT 
Can work with practically anything - casual, stylish and comfy! A must-have.
WAS £55.00 & NOW £41.00

2. MICHAEL KORS RUNWAY GOLD AND TORTOISESHELL WATCH 
A real bargain to take advantage of, a timeless piece at an affordable price!
WAS £229.00 & NOW £183.00

3. Y.A.S Y.A.S. BRAID SWEATSHIRT WITH KNOT DETAIL 
Love the cut-work detail around the shoulders, rather chic and trendy.
WAS £48.00 & NOW £36.00

4. 3 PACK TRIANGLE RING SET
Contemporary and elegant, these triangle rings would look great anytime of the day.
WAS 8.00 & NOW £6.00

FRENCH CONNECTION - MEGA SALE ENDS 2ND DEC 2013

1. FRENCH CONNECTION DAWN DRAPE DRESS
Elongate your body with this gorgeous and sensual drape dress, what a bargain! 
WAS £97.00 & NOW £29.10

2. FLUFF KNITS CROP CARDIGAN 
You can never have enough fluffy knits this season, equally dainty and chic.
WAS £75.00 & NOW £22.50

3. MANHATTAN JERSEY BLOCK DRESS
One of the best finds at French Connection is this midi block dress, love it!
WAS £60.00 & NOW £30.00

4. WHITE DRAPE SUIT JACKET
A classic drape suit jacket in white, perfect during the cold and spring seasons.
WAS 75.00 & NOW £45.00

ALDO - SAVE 30% ONLINE AND IN STORE, OFFER ENDS 1ST DEC 2013

1. FRITED NAVY COURTS WITH SLIM HEEL
A gorgeous pair of navy courts, so classy and elegant - a real bargain!
WAS 60.00 & NOW £39.98

2. ALDO WESTALL CLUTCH WITH EMBELLISHED DETAIL
I have had my eyes on this clutch for a while, and now it's in the sale, it's mine!
WAS £40.00 & NOW £20.98

3. ALDO BLACK SHERLY BOOTS WITH ZIP DETAIL AND SLIM HEELS
Black ankle boots with a leather skater skirt? Absolutely! Another bargain.
WAS £80.00 & NOW £38.49

4. ALDO UNAYLLE GOLD AND SILVER DROP EARRINGS
Gorgeous pearl drop earrings for that special Christmas dinner - love them.
WAS 18.00 & NOW £10.49

BOOHOO.COM MEGA SALE, OFFER ENDS 2ND DEC 2013

1. AUBREY EMBOSSED VELVET HIGH NECK BODYCON DRESS
Velvet is so hot right now, and with this embossed design I couldn't resist - beautiful.
£18.00

2. PENNY PENGUIN CHRISTMAS JUMPER 
Just in time for Xmas, why not get yourself a festive jumper! I sure have.
£22.00

3. ROSE LUREX SWIRL LEGGINGS IN GREY
I love the design on these leggings, would look great with a pair of black boots!
£12.00

4. CINDERELLA SUEDETTE SLIPPER HEELS
Another pair of black slipper courts that would look great with a midi or pencil skirt. 
£25.00

The Legend and Life of Coco Chanel, by Justine Picardie. A MUST READ!

We've all heard of, or recognise with the Chanel brand as one of the most sought after haute couturier's of the 20th century, and we are aware that it remains one of the most influential fashion houses till date. However, beyond our fascination with the classic little black dress, tweed suit or Chanel No 5 perfume, Chanel's historic roots, or rather, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel's life experiences, is what makes this brand an increasingly extraordinary and exceedingly aesthetic designer label - emblematic of Chanel's very own experiences...

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the University of Arts in London, where the Editor-in-Chief of Harpers Bazaar, Justine Picardie, spoke about her triumphant research and enigmatic journey into writing about The Legend and Life of Coco Chanel. And it was here I was given a true insight into the chic Parisian designers real life story that awakened a new sense of appreciation for the global fashion brand within me.

Justine spoke of visiting various historic archives and shared her experiences of having the opportunity to stay within Chanel's very own home; described as a dwelling preserved and imbued with Chanel's presence and a place where she could sit and write extracts of the biography. Being the first English writer to research and write into the life of Chanel over an extensive number of years, Justine spoke with immense confidence, passion and integrity about Chanel's livelihood that you couldn't help but feel equally intrigued yet inspired. While the brand stands synonymous with all that glitters and shines, the reality of Chanel's life is believed to be that of a harsh one, in which many of her younger years were spent in poverty and in an orphanage in the heart of France. 

A truly inspirational and empowering read...

Without giving too much or too little away, I wanted to write about how much I am throughly enjoying my time reading this book! While the biography has enabled me to gain familiarity and an understanding of Chanel's historic roots, the flawless yet colloquial ways in which Justine has written the book is what draws me to increasingly immerse myself into the narrative. Chanel has been quite rightly defined as a creative artisan, as a beautiful designer, and as a successful business-woman who had the ability to define the modern woman in fashion and effectively inspire and influence designers such Stella McCartney today.

While many films have been previously made about Chanel's life that have shed light on her various romances and personal affairs, The legend and Life of Coco Chanel is truly an apt and meticulous biography, in which Picardie not only writes about Chanel's charming love affairs but equally about Chanel's flair and creativity to master over the fashion world. 

From adapting the Duke's traditional masculine clothes and classic sailor stripes of the 1930's into contemporary women's fashion garments, Chanel lives on as a revolutionary brand name that radically shifted the demure woman of the 20th century into a confident, vivacious woman of the 21st century. 

This is a must read for any fashion enthusiast or lover of the Chanel brand. It's filled with lots of exclusive and exciting pictures too. So purchase yours now online via the link below!

Author of biography and Editor-in-Chief of Harpers Bazaar - Justine Picardie (right), Me - Kiran Devgun (left)

AVAILABLE AT:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coco-Chanel-The-Legend-Life/dp/0007318995

Dear Santa: My Christmas Wish List!

With officially four weeks left till Christmas, I've got my eyes peeled on those stylish items that I am keen on receiving as gifts this Christmas! I know it may seem like a lot of clothes initially, but it's the best time of the year that I can get my hands on some of my favourite autumnal trends that will see me through to spring 2014! I'm in absolute awe of leather and fur at the moment and these are two items my wish list are not without! Take a look and why not be inspired to create your own christmas wish list too? This may just be the first of many Christmas wish lists to come...Dear Santa...

1. RIVER ISLAND WHITE LONG SLEEVE WRAP SHIRT - £30.00

This classic wrap shirt would go perfect with a pair of denim jeans and a chic pencil skirt. It's one of the most versatile items of clothing no wardrobe must be without and the wrap over style will never go out of fashion!

2. MISS SELFRIDGE: STAR AND HEARTS MIDI RINGS - £8.00

I absolutely love these cute and dainty midi rings from Miss Selfridge and think they make the perfect finger accessory. Midi rings are the talk of the town right now and make a rather quirky and interesting hand statement.

3. RIVER ISLAND: PURPLE CHELSEA FRILL FRONT TOP - £18.00

Let me begin by introducing this garment on my wish list as a real bargain! Sophisticated and feminine, this frilled front top is perfect for a working day or evening dinner for two! 

4. RIVER ISLAND: CREAM FAUX FUR TWIST SNOOD - £30.00

No autumnal wardrobe is complete without the perfect winter warming essentials! This classic cream fur snood makes for the perfect snug and cosy neck warmer to see you through these winter blues!

5. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK PATENT SNAKE ENVELOPE CLUTCH BAG - £25.00

An understated classic black clutch is perfect for those nights out when you don't want to be carrying a tote or satchel! Taken by hand or worn on your shoulder, every lady needs a sensual clutch right?

6. TOPSHOP: MEGA BEADED DRAPE NECKLACE - £56.00

How incredible is this magnificent statement necklace? Topshop is one of the best places to visit right now for the perfect jewellery stocking fillers, and this is by far one of the most captivating pieces!

7. FOREVER 21: ICONIC LOAFERS - £17.00 

I chose red loafers because I think they would work to jazz up a really plain and simple outfit. Adding a little colour to the feet is never a mistake and these attractive pair of iconic loafers can work with a range of outfits. 

8. TOPSHOP: KNITTED ROLL NECK JUMPER - £42.00

This is a particular roll neck jumper that would work perfectly with the mega beaded drape necklace, and this is why I thought it should be on my Christmas wish list too! It's a staple garment for any lady.

9. TOPSHOP: KNITTED NAVY FLUFFY V NECK JUMPER - £56.00

As opposed to going for a festive jumper this season, I'd rather prefer a classic fluffy jumper that I can wear beyond Christmas! Stepping away from the cranberry palette, I also think navy is one of the trendiest colours to wear this fall.

10/1. TOPSHOP: TALL MATTE WETLOOK LEGGINGS - £22.00

We are surrounded by leather wherever we go, and these are the leather leggings that I have got my eyes on! While I do love an elegant leather pencil skirt too, I think a pair of leather leggings do look particularly sassy and chic.

10/2. RIVER ISLAND: DARK RED JACQUARD MOLLY JEGGINGS - £40.00

Engraved with a dainty design in a classic burgundy hue these jeggings can make a real statement, day or night. As opposed to the conventional denim jeans, playing around with different styled trousers really gives that added dimension to your wardrobe. 

While I'd love to have added a few more of my current favourite items to my wish list, I  selected those items that would really impact my current trends! Why not browse the net and see how you could make a fashionable statement this Christmas, and create your own wish list...you never know what Santa may bring!

The blazer jacket - Get the Celebrity Look!

The ultimate preppy and classic blazer or tailored suit jacket looks truly stylish when paired with leather pants, skinny jeans or even a smart pair of cigarette trousers. While the classic blazer or tweed jacket were originally associated with working professionals, there are a numerous number of ways in which you can wear the blazer jacket today! From a quintessential tailor-fitted blazer to a boyfriend friendly collarless blazer, the options are endless! 

This week, three celebrities were snapped wearing there trendy blazers. While all three have styled their blazer jackets with their outfits in different ways, why not check out which one you prefer and find out how you can wear a similar look without breaking the bank! 

We all know Victoria Beckham has an impeccable sense of fashion, and being an avid fashionista and designer she never fails to impress. Working the boyfriend blazer, Victoria has gone for the smart and tailored look at the launch of a special book party! I love it!

1. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK SMART TROUSERS - £40.00

2. TOPSHOP: SMART LUX BLAZER - £81.00

3. H&M: WHITE LONG CHIFFON BLOUSE - £13.00

4. TOPSHOP: BROOKE EXTREME POINTED TOE COURT HEELS BY DUNE - £110.00

American actress Emma Stone was snapped during the Spiderman 2 photo-call in a clean cut two piece outfit. She looks sensational in a tailored blazer and finishes off her smart and quirky look with a pair of gorgeous bright red courts. 

1. TOPSHOP: STITCH CIGARETTE TROUSERS - £28.00

2. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK PANEL SMART UNFASTENED BLAZER - £30.00

3. ASOS: ROUND SUNGLASSES WITH MIX BRIDGE DETAIL -£13.00

4. OASIS: SIMPLE COTTON SHIRT - £12.00

5. TOPSHOP: BRITTON METAL HEEL POINTED STILETTO BY KURT GEIGER - £250.00

Actress, Elizabeth Olsen was spotted on her travels also working the classic blazer look in a chic and casual manner. A pair of leather pants are a must have right now, and they look great with an oversized blazer! 

1. TOPSHOP: TEXTURED LEATHER LOOK LEGGINGS - £27.00

2. RIVER ISLAND - BLACK LONGLINE ZIP POCKET BLAZER - £50.00

3. ZARA: POINTED FURRY LEATHER MOCCASIN - £62.00

4. TOPSHOP: BASIC GREY BURNOUT TEE - £20.00

5. WALLIS: NAVY BLUE FIORELLI SHOULDER BAG - £42.00

A little more blazer inspiration...

Chunky cable knitwear and today's outfit!

The season of all things things knit, cosy and warm is upon us and the most essential garment no woman's wardrobe must be without is the all important cable knitted jumper/cardigan! They make the perfect over-garment to wrap you up and see you through these cold winter blues, and do indeed make a rather trendy statement!

This autumn, I am rather drawn to cable styled knitwear, where you can really appreciate the cross-stitching detail in every design. Cable knitwear not only serves the purpose of keeping you snug and warm but is an untimely and classic design that lives on as one of the most beautiful crafted designs in knitwear fashion! Have you got yours yet?

1. MANGO: RED CABLE KNITTED CARDIGAN - £22.00

2. TOPSHOP: CABLE KNITTED JUMPER BY BOUTIQUE - £87.00

3. MISS SELFRIDGE: FLUFFY CABLE KNITTED JUMPER - £27.00

4. RIVER ISLAND: DARK RED ARAN KNIT CARDIGAN - £38.00

5. TOPSHOP: CREAM KNITTED CABLE CARDIGAN - £60.00

6. MANGO: STRIPED CABLE KNIT CARDIGAN - £34.00 

My #OOTD and favourite cable knitted cardigan!

Keeping the cable knitwear trend alive, I chose to wear one of my all time favourite fluffy knitted cardigans for the day! It was hard to capture a snap of my whole outfit, since I'm not the perfect camera-selfie, but I am sharing with you a pic that depicts one preferable outfit style and another close-up of my essential chunky burgundy knit's! I do hope you take some inspiration! 

TOPSHOP: CAMEL STRETCH SLEEVELESS TEE

ASOS: DENIM BLUE JEGGINGS

WAREHOUSE: BURGUNDY CABLE KNITTED CARDIGAN

OFFICE - BURGUNDY PRETTY BOW COURT SHOES

RIVER ISLAND: LEOPARD PRINT AND CAMEL SCARF/EXTENDED GLOVES

 

Burgundy and camel are two colours that have been long associated with each other and work extremely well together for any style of outfit. I was originally contemplating whether to wear my mid heeled winter boots given the cold and blustery weather, but the pretty bow flats served to bring the whole outfit together that I simply couldn't resist. 

What I love most about this chunky cable knit is not only the textile design but the added detailing of the big buttons, adding more emphasis to the 'chunky-ness' of the knit. And the gorgeous cape design that hangs perfectly off the back of the shoulders makes it perfect to wear casually and formally! What's there not to love? 

Movember Must-Have's!

The month of Movember is back for another year and men across the UK are busy taming their moustache's and growing their facial hair in support of raising money for prostate cancer. It's a great month to raise awareness and we women can also show our support by way endorsing Movember fashion trends! 

Keeping the Movember spirit alive, there are two outfit looks I have created for those wanting some extra inspiration! From a rock-chick casual look to a formal, clean cut yet sensual look, there are so many fabulous garments across high-street retail stores that are centred around the charitable month. Go get yours now and show your support!

A comfy beanie hat and oversized sunglasses work great together on those gloriously cold and sunny mornings! You may already have your very own leather jacket and black jeans, but why not grab the Movember items and work this look this month? 

1. H&M: SKINNY LOW JEANS IN BLACK - £30.00

2. MANGO: RHINESTONE MOUSTACHE JUMPER IN GREY - £35.00

3. FOREVER 21: D FRAME SUNGLASSES - £3.65

4. BANK FASHION: GREY PAIR OF VANS - £40.00

5. FOREVER 21: PLAYFUL MOUSTACHE BEANIE - £6.79

6. H&M QUILTED JACKET - £30.00

We ladies all love a pencil leather skirt paired with a pristine white trim shirt! But to create the Movember look, all you need is a pair of moustache tights, a sensual moustache shopper bag and moustache necklace! All so affordable and worth it! 

1. H&M: DOUBLE BREASTED COAT IN BLACK - £70.00

2. FOREVER 21: MOUSTACHE NECKLACE - £1.76

3. ACCESSORIZE: DANI TASH SHOPPER BAG - £31.00

4. RIVER ISLAND: WHITE SLEEVELESS SHIRT - £25.00

4. H&M: BLACK COURT SHOES - £25.00

5. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK LEATHER LOOK PENCIL SKIRT - £30.00

6. DEBENHAMS: BLACK MOUSTACHE TIGHTS - £7.20 

DONATIONS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE...

So whilst the men are busy growing their moustaches, there's still every reason for us ladies to be a part of it! Show your support and wear a Movember garment this month and please do donate to the charity if you can at: http://uk.movember.com/donate

Red Hot Cara Delevingne - London Street Style!

British model Cara Delevingne is by far one of the most talked about models of the country, and whether she is being featured across numerous glossy magazines or captured on the streets of London every young woman wants to wear a piece of her wardrobe! Here I have put together three versatile looks taking inspiration from Cara's red and black stylish colour palette! See how you can work Cara's London Street Style Looks!

OXFORD STREET

A sexy leather jacket paired with a white tee and denim jeans is the perfect casual look to wear on a casual day out shopping! I call this the Oxford Street look - the most happening high street fashion hub for every shopaholic to thrive on! A classic pair of Dre Beats Headphones also makes for the perfect fashion music accessory for the ears. Have you got yours yet?

1. BARRY M GEL NAIL PAINT IN RED - £4.00

2. BEATS BY DRE ON EAR HEADPHONES - £155.00

3. H&M: SKINNY DENIM HIGH JEANS - £30.00

4. TOPSHOP: VICOSE V TEE IN WHITE - £12.00

5. RIVER ISLAND: RED RIBBED BEANIE HAT - £5.00

6. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK LEATHER BIKER JACKET - £100.00

7. TOPSHOP: NEOPRENE STILETTO BOOTS - £88.00

SLOANE SQUARE

South Kensington/Sloane Square is one of the most stylish areas of London, where the celebrated couturiers nestle on the famous Kings Road. The area evokes sheer panache and luxury and this is why I think this red hot look with a pair of court shoes make for the perfect smart-casual outfit to work with on Sloane Square! I also love the golden undertones played through, which adds to give that much needed richness. 

1. TOPSHOP: MOTO BLACK BAXTER SKINNY JEANS - £44.00

2. FOREVER 21: DOWN TO EARTH CHARM NECKLACE - £4.23

3. MANGO: CONSTA LEATHER HEELED COURT SHOES - £60.00

4. RIVER ISLAND: WHITE MADAME PHOTO PRINT TEE - £7.00

5. ALDO: CHANGE CLUTCH IN BLACK - £28.00

6. NARS: JUNGLE RED LIPSTICK - £19.00

7. RIVER ISLAND: GOLD TONE METAL BRACELET WATCH - £28.00

COVENT GARDEN

Here is one of Cara's older pics, but the red duffel coat and printed blouse is a fashion statement here to stay! Covent Garden is probably one of the most culturally rich areas of Central London where everything from vintage boutiques to the best of Italian restaurants are found. This is an outfit I would most likely wear as a last resort, but the way in which a duffel coat has been paired with crop denims and a pair of smart courts is a unique sense of style that may hold some appeal. Given the fact Covent Garden is overtly cultural and quirky, anything works with everything...as does this outfit!

1. MANGO: SLIM FIT CROPPED MEDIUM WASH JEANS - £35.00

2. ZARA: MEDIUM HEEL COURT SHOES IN BLACK - £31.00

3. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK AND WHITE CHELSEA PRINTED BLOUSE - £25.00

4. ASOS: HOODED DUFFLE COAT - £75.00

Red and Black are two of the most divine colours that look fabulous together at all times! From a little black dress paired with red hot shoes to a black knitted cardigan with a red tee, you will undoubtedly look sensual whatever the outfit. Simply work with these two fabulous colours and take a leaf out of Cara's style file, then you too can work the London look!