Saved by the Fashion Bell

Hi all,

So for this post I thought I would do something a little different and go back in time.  Back to the early 90's... who remembers Saved by the Bell?  Saved by the Bell was one of my favourite TV shows as a kid, me and my sister would watch episode after episode.  The popular show was based on a group of six friends and was mainly set in "Bayside" high school.  The show was the usual teenage drama and contained humour, relationships and the importance of friendships.  But what is even more interesting about the show is how in over 20 years fashion has evolved.  Some of the clothing the characters wear you think omg what are they wearing, yet others are very similar to the trends around today.  Lets have a look at the fashions from these teenagers from the early 90's...

Leader of the pack Zack Morris played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar was a charming yet sly character and his style could be described as "preppy".  His fashions were very typical of that era.  Zack was often seen wearing a turtle neck or a mixture of smart oversized blazers - two trends very prevalent in 90's men's fashion.  But don't laugh at Mr Morris he is so on trend with current fashions - turtle necks are extremely popular at the moment and he is also sporting the power dressing trend.



 

 

However he was most frequently seen in a range of jumpers.  I'm sorry but these granda knitted jumpers were never in fashion then and never will be!

 

Moving on to his love  interest Kelly Kapowski played by Tiffani-Amber Thiessen.  She was the "All-American girl", she was the most popular girl in school.  Kelly was by far the most fashionable character in my opinion - a lot of her outfits could actually be worn today.  She often wore the classic "Bayside" jumper - which is on trend with the slogan jumpers today.  Her fashion sense contained lots of colourful, cute outfits.  Off-the-shoulder tops, high waisted shorts and jeans and oversized t-shirts were her favourites and many of the items I would wear today, well done Kelly!

 
But it wasn't just Zack that fell in love with Kelly and her style.  AC Slater played by Mario Lopez thought he had a good chance with her too.  He evidently portrayed the "jock" stereotype and was only ever seen wearing clothes to show off his muscles.  He will go down in history as the person who can wear the most vests/tank tops.  These are actually quite fashionable and on trend in men in the recent years but only slightly longer versions, not Slater's shorter ones.

Along with Kelly, Slater also had relations with Jessie Spano played by Elizabeth Berkley.  She was the smart one and class president throughout the series.  Jessie popularised the double denim trend which is always associated with the 90's.  In the last 20 years double denim has been a complete no go until the last few years when it was a major fashion trend.  Jessie also loved a vest (they never were fashionable, never will be) and chose to wear depressing, earthy colours rather than bright clothing.

Lisa Turtle played by Lark Voorhies was trendy and talkative.  Her character was seen as a fashionista and always wanted to go to fashion college.  Her parents were rich therefore Lisa always wore expensive clothes.  To say she loved colour is an under statement, everything she wore was bright.  She was often seen wearing a suit - perfect for the current power dressing trend.  Lisa also loved a range of hats - unfortunately they were not the most flattering.

And finally, Screech Powers played by Dustin Diamond was the nerd of the group.  I actually have no words for the clothes his character wore!  I mean seriously where did the costume department even get them from.  Although I can say he was pretty on point in the 90's.

So readers have you enjoyed my blast from the past post?  Who's style do you still love from back in the day.  Leave me a comment.

Lots of love the bighearted brunette

xxx

all images - http://www.buzzfeed.com/joannaborns/saved-by-the-bell-fashion

 

Fashions means business...

Hi all,

How many of you watch The Apprentice on a weekly basis?  I must say I am a huge fan of the show and have watched all ten series'.  Although the latest series' seem to be more about entertaining rather than business acumen it still is partly educational and the businesswoman inside me loves it.  I have been interested in business from a young age and studied it at school to the highest level.  My parents have had their own business for the last 25 years so I think that has also related to my interest. 

However, moreso than the business tasks themselves I love looking to see what the contestants wear each week.  Is it just me or have the contestants got more beautiful as the years have passed?  The women seem to be more glamorous than ever and the men are increasingly taking an interest in their appearances.  I can't wait til I'm a professional fashion/businesswoman so that I can too have the chance to wear smart, classy clothing.  Let's take a look at my favourite woman and man for style from the show this year...

So of course I think you can all guess the winning female is Irish beauty Roisin.  Every week without fail she dresses to impress and always manages to look professional and smart yet never over the top.  One of my favourites that she wears is her stunning baby blue blazer!  If you know me you'll know I love a pastel, and this blazer goes perfectly with the winter pastels trend.  I often add a blazer to an outfit as I think it just makes your outfit look so much more elegant.

Another favourite of mine is this white loose top with fitted pale blue midi skirt.  As I am getting older now (I'm going to be 20 in January omg!!) I feel like sometimes short skirts are not always appropriate.  And like Roisin I prefer to look classy as I feel much more comfortable wearing a midi rather than a mini.

Roisin also looks amazing in these two black fitted outfits.  The first she has worn on multiple occasions, the slimline midi skirt works perfectly with the peplum style top and the front zip detailing adds to the outfit.  The dress (right) fits her body perfectly and could be either dressed up or down to create a smart look.  All Roisins outfits are perfect for looking fashionable yet still professional in the office.  Her outfits are also practical for meeting clients, and travelling around.

So that takes me to my favourite male's style from series ten.  I hate to admit it but although he really annoyed me on the show he always looked smart and never boring.  Yep, you guessed it James - the cocky cockney who saw himself as a bit of a Del boy.



It's fair to say that his ties were as colourful as his behaviour.  Men can't really do too much when it comes to workwear its basically a suit - but its the way in which they accessorize the suit that is important.  James excelled most weeks and wore fitted suits that fitted well with his body shape, style and personality.  My favourite suit of his was the green/blue tartan one as seen below as it was quite subtle and relates to Scotland's heritage.  In my opinion there is nothing more attractive than if a guy  looks smart in suit.  James definitely fits the criteria with this one, the tartan suit, paired with the crisp white shirt and navy tie is certainly a winner!

Both Roisin and James and all the other contestants from this years show have shown the "Power Dressing" Vogue trend perfectly throughout the series.

Lord Sugar even tried to think outside the box with his latest boardroom attire.  Look at that matching tie and pocket!  It's so unexpected of him and so cute!

 

 

Although, I don't think he was best pleased when he turned up at the house to find the contestants still in their pyjamas.  Can he really pick one of them to be his business partner after seeing them like this?

So readers would you have chosen Roisin and James as the two best dressed contestants from this year?  Or if not who?  What are your thoughts on Lord Sugar's attempt at being more out there with regards to his fashion sense.

Let me know your thoughts, until next time...

Lots of love the bighearted brunette

xxx

all images  - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=the+apprentice+roisin&biw=1280&bih=929&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=uF2QVNHgDMuAU-HvgagL&sqi=2&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw#tbm=isch&q=james+hill+the+apprentice&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=2vixp74kIHj0AM%253A%3BdnWLY0PAqlgVjM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sheptonmalletjournal.co.uk%252Fimages%252Flocalworld%252Fugc-images%252F276417%252Fbinaries%252F3.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sheptonmalletjournal.co.uk%252FApprentice-2014-reveals-visited-Royal-Bath-West%252Fstory-24572301-detail%252Fstory.html%3B460%3B254



The angels have landed

Hi all,

Who watched the Victoria's Secret fashion show on Wednesday?  Well if you haven't I recommend that you do.  For anyone that knows me they'll know I'm obsessed but I just love the glitz and glamour of it all - there's nothing more exciting than going into a VS store and purchasing some of their classic lingerie, it still gives me a buzz!  Although I didn't think it was as spectacular as last year, it's still a show that is not to be missed.  The Victoria Secret show is an annual fashion show by the lingerie brand.  The stunning lingerie is worn by the leading fashion models, known as the angels.  This year the show was actually performed in London for the first time, where normally it is displayed in America.  Musical guests for the show were Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Hozier and the amazing Ariana Grande.  47 models took part including the gorgeous VS angels:  Adriana, Alessandra, Candice, Doutzen, Lily, Karlie, Lindsay and Behati. 

This year the show consisted of 6 themes, here's some of my personal favourites from the show...

 Behati (left) opened the show with the "Gilded Angels" theme, her and the rest of the models came to life in the iconic gold-drenched wings, crystal studded corsets and over-the-top touches.  Candice (right) my favourite VS model looked stunning in her simplistic lingerie set.  The gold wings designed specially for her make her look just breath-taking!  The girls were so on trend as this season its all about looking glamorous in gold and sparkles.

 

The second theme "Exotic Traveller" was probably my least favourite as I felt the girls didn't look as classy/polished as they normally are.  The lingerie demonstrated a number of cultures, bursting with vibrant colours, unique textures and sparkling jewels.  Joan Smalls (left) however looked elegant as usual in her tribal inspired lingerie, while one of my favourite models; Brit Jourdan Dunn, looked full of fun  - which is what VS is all about - in her red lingerie, and exotic style clothing.  Love Jourdan's bra?  You can purchase it from the VS website for just $60 - perfect Christmas present!

 

Elsa Hosk (left) opened the University of Pink theme - which displays the "PINK" brand.  PINK is always part of the VS show as it's a collection for their slightly younger customers.  I'm not too keen on the pink underwear, but I thought the collection was better this year than it has been previously.  The collection was all about animal prints, colourful patterns, and bold graffiti wings.  Elsa Hosk and Jac Jagaciak wore two of my favourite pieces - as they were just classic black and pink, with the PINK logo.  The PINK collection was very up to date with the latest trends as they used a number of puffer parkas to compliment the lingerie.

 

 

"Fairy Tale" was the next theme.  The creations as displayed by Candice and Izabel were romantic, ethereal, done in earthy tones and all had glistening gossamer wings.  This was my favourite theme of the show as I think the models and the lingerie looked beautiful.  The lingerie looked so delicate and Izabel's wings (right) were simply just a work of art!  The thigh-high heels that the models wore completed the look as they were shaped like butterflies.  The girls were on trend in  "Winter Pastels".

 

 

 

The girls strutted down the catwalk displaying the "Dream Girls" theme as Taylor Swift sang.  The theme showed the girls as boudoir babes; looking playful and wearing push-up silhouettes.  Lily's look (right) was supposed to be her in the middle of a powder-puff palette - pretty creative if you ask me!  Doutzen (right) looked gorgeous in her feminine look, the oversized chiffon gown added to the playfulness.  And look at their shoes they are so cute!

 

To end the show "Angel Ball" was the final theme - I loved this theme.  The girls looked seductive and glamorous, in purely black and white creations.  The theme included elaborate wings, dark bodices, delicate beading and strappy details.  Alessandra (left) looked gorgeous in her simplistic black attire - she engaged with Taylor Swift while performing and made it look as though she was having lots of fun!  This look was definitely one of my favourites of the whole fashion show as it was black and classy.  Adriana (right) looked equally stunning in this black lace creation. 

 

Finally, I couldn't talk about the whole show and not mention the yearly Fantasy bra.  However, this year there wasn't just one but two!  The two Brazilian bombshells Adriana and Alessandra were given the honour this year as VS wanted to thank them for their loyalty to the brand (it was their 15th show each after all!).  The bra's were called "Dream Angels" fantasy bra and  cost $2,000,000 each!!!

 

 

 

 So readers do you think the show was as good as last year?  Which theme was your favourite?  Which angel do you adore and aspire to be?  Leave me a comment.

 

 

 

 

Lots of love the bighearted brunette

 

xxx

 

 

all images -

http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2014/12/02/victorias-secret-show-2014/gallery/1293026



 

 

  

 

If the face fits...

Hi all,

Who's been missing America's Next Top Model?  I hate not getting my weekly fix of model mayhem so the last few weeks I've been watching The Face.  Okay its not as good as ANTM but you can't not love Naomi Campbell!  I mean seriously her mentoring style - sometimes I really do feel sorry for the girls on her team.  Last week the models were taught about androgyny and role reversal by famous drag queen Ru Paul.  The supermodel mentors:  Naomi Campbell, Anne V and Lydia Hearst, had to not only guide their teams in the androgyny photo shoot for Elle.com but pose in the photos with the girls. 

First up was team Lydia, model on the left Amanda delivered the brief perfectly, she was so focused and got into character.  However Ray didn't manage to portray the male stereotype so effectively and seemed confused throughout the shoot.  I did however like Lydia's LBD as it was simple yet effective.  The two aspiring models looked smart in their suits - however I feel that Amanda pulls it off more. 

 

Next up team Naomi aimed to portray a lover's quarrel in their photo shoot, Afiya (on the right) killed this photo and really embraced her male alter ego! While Felisa couldn't quite get "manly enough" she just looked too sweet and innocent but you could see she was trying.  Naomi's dress is really pretty and looks great for this campaign.  The silver detailing adds a delicate, decorative element to Naomi's dress - so on trend for the party season coming up.

 



Finally, team Anne aimed to show a theme of Anne being the woman that all the men desired and the models (Tiana, Sharon and Khadisha from left to right) had to act as though they wanted her.  I think the 3 models all looked quite elegant.  Sharon perfected the brief and really brought out her androgynous side.  Tiana looked almost a bit too manly!  But Khadisha failed to make any impression and just looks bored in the photo in my opinion.  The problem with the photo is instead of looking at all the models - the only one you really look at is model coach Anne.  Anne's dress is perfect for winter and the poloneck is so on trend this A/W. 

All seven aspiring models fit in perfectly with Vogue's "Power Dressing" trend as they look as though they mean business!  Feminine influence over menswear has reached new extremes this season, "Borrowing from the boys" is a trend definitely displayed by the models. 

So the creative director for Elle (Joe Zee) decided that team Naomi were the worthy winners!  Lydia then chose to put Amanda up for elimination, while Anne chose Khadisha.  Naomi decided to send Khadisha home as she didn't feel she was trying hard enough - for once I feel the right decision was made as Amanda did one of the best in the photo shoot and really shouldn't have been up for elimination.

Do you agree with me readers, was Khadisha the right model to go?  Do you love or hate Naomi's harsh style of coaching?  What are your thoughts on the movement towards androgynous fashion?  Let me know what you think.

Lots of love the big hearted brunette

xxx

Ps.  I did have to laugh to myself when I saw that Amanda wasn't wearing any trousers in the elimination room...

http://go.sky.com/vod/content/Catch_Up/Sky_Channels/Featured/content/seriesId/6e285ad00f809410VgnVCM1000000b43150a________/content/default/promoPage.do

http://www.oxygen.com/shows/the-face/blog/the-face-episode-6-recap-our-little-models-are-finally-becoming-men

Strictly Style!

Hi all,

How many of you are going to admit to watching Strictly Come Dancing?  I know its never been seen as the coolest show to watch but I don't care, I love it!  Unlike the X Factor I feel the celebrities actually get better every year on Strictly and sometimes they may end up as good as their professional partners.  I have always said I would like to be famous just so I could participate in Strictly - there's just something about the glitz and glamour  and the beautiful outfits that has captured my attention from a young age.  Well that and the gorgeous male professionals...

How many of you watched it on Saturday night?  I did and it's my favourite part of the series now where almost every couple could be a worthy winner.  On Saturday night the couples were allocated different dances and the show took on an "Around the World" theme.  So from a Vegas inspired Salsa to a Greek inspired Argentine Tango we as viewers got it all on Saturday night, including the costumes that were full of colour and style.

Pop star Pixie Lott and partner Trent were given The Netherlands for their Viennese Waltz.  Although it portrayed the country well, I don't think they were the most flattering outfits, especially Trent's as it made him look like a young boy.  However the pastel colours used for Pixie's outfit are on trend for this Winter.



Casualty actress Sunetra and partner Brendan danced a Brazilian inspired Rumba.  For a beautiful dance like the rumba I feel that their outfits did not suffice.  They are quite boring and do not really match with one another.  However Sunetra's dress is made from chiffon so allows for movement which is important for the Rumba.  Her dress is delicate and is in line with Vogue's "Shadow Play" trend.

Saturday's singer Frankie and her partner Kevin performed a Jive inspired by the USA.  Readers seriously what is Kevin's shirt?  Those kind of shirts should be burned!  I just don't see why guys think they look good.  But Frankie did look amazing as always in her LRD (little red dress).  Frankie is rocking two trends: number one she looks perfect for a night out, and number two Vogue's "Blood Lines" looking super sexy in red.

Eastenders actor Jake Wood and his partner Janette made the crowd go wild with their Greek inspired Argentine Tango (get your head around that)!  I just LOVED everything about this performance:  the Argentine Tango is by far one of my favourites, the precision and intensity of the dance is just amazing to watch, and readers you know my feelings on a classy white dress - Janette looked beautiful and it was even more gorgeous as it was detailed with lace.  Oh and Jake looked good too haha!

Moving on to TV presenter Caroline Flack and her partner Pasha (Love Pasha) they danced a Turkish Charleston.  I found this one pretty funny, I love how Pasha is portraying the typical Turkish male stereotype yet Caroline just looked like she was performing an ordinary Charleston.  None the less their dance was the best of the night and top marks to Pasha as he is so on trend with his waistcoat; winter prints are so in!  Not so sure on the hat though...

Ex Blue singer Simon Webbe and partner Kristina performed an Austrian inspired Waltz.  Simon looked professional and danced like a true gent in this very smart black suit.  It went perfectly with Kristina's angelic, cream dress.  The dress flowed and fitted her body beautifully as she danced.  The intricate, decadent detailing added to the angelic qualities of both the dress and dance.  Her dress portrayed the "Shadow Play" trend as seen in Vogue, while Simon's suit displayed the "Power Dressing" trend perfectly.




Finally, Mark Wright and his partner Karen danced a Las Vegas Salsa.  I must say I was not too keen on Mark's pink shirt - he'd probably be better if he just took it off haha!  But I loved the mix of pink feathers attached to Karen's costume.  Karen's outfit displayed lots of sparkle too - perfect for this Winter with the party season just around the corner.  The couples costumes worked well together and portrayed lots of fun - ideal for the Salsa.


So readers do you agree with my observations from Saturday?  Who's outfit stole the show?  Leave me a comment.

lots of love the bighearted brunette

xxx

http://www.whtimes.co.uk/polopoly_fs/1.3868475.1417375603!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/image.jpg

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2854371/Caroline-Flack-soars-Strictly-Come-Dancing-leader-board-wows-judges-Middle-Eastern-infused-Charleston.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/galleries/p02d2z8v

 

The Style Factor

Hi all,

How many of you have been watching the latest series of the X Factor?  Okay, okay, I know it has become a bit tiresome and sometimes it feels like they are flogging a dead horse but come on what else is there to watch on a Saturday night? 
There are just two reasons I still watch the show number one:  I love singing and I always find myself singing along to any song that I know.  But more importantly reason number two:  the fashion debate every week between the female judges.
Over the years we've had Cheryl Vs Dannii, Kelly Vs Tulisa and Nicole Vs Sharon.  But this year its the turn of Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (why couldn't she have just stuck with Cole) and Mel B.  So who in my opinion has been victorious in the style stakes...

Cast your minds back to week one, Cheryl looked stunning in this black, glittering gown, definitely my favourite whereas Mel wore a white floor-length Alexander McQueen dress.  You know my feelings on classy, white dresses - I love them, however the black bow just ruins it for me.  The girls are both on trend with Christmas coming up as their gowns are perfect for a Christmas party!



Week two was all about colour for the ladies.  Cheryl was nicknamed Kermit by Simon as she wore this gorgeous green Lanvin dress.  On the other hand Mel looked pretty in pink in this Figure hugging Stella McCartney gown.  Mel takes this one for me as I love pink and I think it goes perfectly with her skin tone.  I feel the Lanvin shoulder detailing is just a bit too much for petite Cheryl.   

 
The following week the ladies dressed to impress.  Cheryl wore an old Hollywood inspired fishtail gown by Zuhair Murad.  While Mel opted for a red jumpsuit from high street chain Zara (well done Mel).  Mel was perfectly in line with Vogue's "Blood Lines" trend where its all about the brightest reds.
 
 
 

Week four saw Cheryl in an elegant dress that looked more like a piece of art.  Designed by Ziad Nakad she was so on trend with Vogue's A/W trend "Shadow Play", where the mainly sheer dress was decorated with delicate embellishment.  Mel opted for this silver and black gown - probably one of her best choices throughout the series as it fits her body perfectly.  However I think she went a bit over the top with her black eye make-up.

The week five results show saw the girls opting for pastel colours - a nice change from black.  Cheryl wore this lime, lace dress by Matthew Williamson, the butterfly detailing is so cute!  I love everything, from the dress to the shoes, and her hair looks stunning.  While Mel looks equally beautiful in this green, blue and white dress by Peter Pilotto.  Her slicked back hair makes her look even more elegant.

Finally, I couldn't not mention the girls on separate occasions owning the "power dressing" trend.  Cheryl looked so classy in her white suit, while Mel looked as though she meant business in her black choice.  And I LOVED when Mel selected this black skirt with nude poloneck.  As seen in Vogue polonecks are so in right now and she styled it perfectly.  Top Marks Mel!

So readers overall who's your favourite X Factor lady this year for style.  Are you on Team Cheryl or Team Mel?  Or do you love a bit of both?  Let me know what you think!

Lots of love the bighearted brunette

xxx

http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/fashion/celebrity/news/g3727/x-factor-2014-cheryl-cole-and-mel-bs-best-looks-judges-photos/?slide=1

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=x+factor+mel+and+cheryl&biw=1440&bih=743&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=dFZ7VIjCM8fg7QbXnoHoCg&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=nJWTkwv6NK4xUM%253A%3BA_mBxEfnHL7YZM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn.images.express.co.uk%252Fimg%252Fdynamic%252F79%252F590x%252FX-factor-530453.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.express.co.uk%252Fnews%252Fshowbiz%252F530453%252FCheryl-Fernandez-Versini-X-Factor-Fright-Night%3B590%3B350