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Are You Ready For Autumn?

August 28th, 2009 by Cate Sevilla

Burberry Fall-Winter 2009 . 2010 Ad Campaign 2.previewThere is a definite chill in the air these days.

The sun is going down earlier, and we’re currently about to embark on our last bank holiday weekend of the Summer.

Autumn is nearly upon us.  And do you know what that means?

SHOPPING.

There’s nothing I like more than a change in the weather, and a need to go out shopping for a new coat and scarf and all of the other glorious fashion accessories that you can only wear in the colder months.

No matter what papers tell us, the recession doesn’t exactly *feel* over, and we’re all still trying to watch the pennies, and look fabulous for less.

Obviously, Bicester Village is the perfect place to find a bargain on some of your favorite designers and brands, without breaking the bank.  So, if you do head over to Bicester Village for your Autumn shopping – what should you focus on?

Here are my top five items everyone should have for the Autumn months…

1) Trench Coat

A mid-length, lightweight trench coat is the way to go. Autumn can be both brisk and warm at the same time, so you don’t want to be stuck on a day out lugging around a massive winter coat, when it’s sunny out. Trenches are also perfect for layering – so while they’re not terribly thick, they’re perfect for wearing jumpers, long sleeve T-shirts and cardigans underneath!

To find a trench coat that fits your style at Bicester Village, why not check out Luella, Karen Millen, French Connection, or Burberry?

2) The Perfect Scarf

The Scarf is probably the best fashion accessory of all time. Who doesn’ t love a cozy, colorful scarf? While July and August proved to be hot and humid to be scarf-friendly, late September and October are prime scar wearing months. The trick is to find a scarf that is long enough to be wrapped around your neck or shoulders for warmth, but that is still thin enough to wear tucked into your new trench coat or just as an extra bit of warmth while wearing a cardi.

Make sure to pick something that’s colorful yet neutral, and can be worn with different outfits. Or, find a scarf you like and buy it in more than one color.

Hunt for your perfect scarf at Cath Kidston, Burberry, Vivienne Westwood or Monsoon!

3) Killer Boots

For me, the first time I can slip my favorite knee-high boots back on, I know Autumn has arrived. Finding the perfect pair of boots is essential to the colder seasons, and finding a boot that fits your calf and your personal style is a must. Make sure to find a boot that you can either dress up or down, and above all else, make sure it’s comfortable! Keep in mind if your boots are leather, they will stretch. When trying them on, also make sure that you’ll be able to wear them with tights, leggings, or skinny jeans tucked in, if that’s what you intend to do with them!

Look for you new boots at LK Bennet, Jimmy Choo, Clarks or Timberland.

4) Travel Mug

Let’s face it, those early morning commutes when it’s cold and dark and quite dreadful. Therefore, why not spice it up by bringing your morning cuppa, latte or herbal tea with you on the train? Having a travel mug with you can not only warm your hands up, but having you favorite morning beverage with you on your commute can be quite a treat. Even if you’re only walking or driving to work, I find bringing a hot beverage with you in on your way to the office is quite nice.

For your perfect travel mug, make sure to check out Bodum or Starbucks!

5) Cozy Candles

While Samantha on Sex and the City may claim that “women with candles have replaced women with cats as the new ‘sad thing’ ” – we know better. A stormy autumn evening spent wrapped up in a throw blanket with a DVD boxset and lit candles everywhere is one of the best ways to spend an evening. Ever. There’s something about Autumn that just screams CANDLES. (Even if it’s mainly the tealight you put in your jack-o-lantern.)

For you cozy candles, make sure to drop by: The White Company, Versace, L’Occitane, or Penhaligon

With these five items, how could you not be Autumn Ready? Plus, we barely had a Summer anyway. I say, bring on the colorful leaves, the chilly air, and the trench coats!

Cate Sevilla is the founding editor of BitchBuzz.com. You can follow her on Twitter as @CupCate. At Bicester Village, you’ll probably find her in Bodum. Buying everything in sight.

Skin-logic: Sun Worshippers’ Guide to Protecting Flawless Skin

June 3rd, 2009 by Jasmine
Prada (above), Tiffany, Dior, and Gucci sunnies can be found at the Sunglass Time.  Pick up your pair before the other sun worshippers snatches them up!

Prada (above), Tiffany, Dior and Gucci sunnies can be found at David Clulow.

Glorious Hawaiian weather brought sun worshippers outdoors this weekend. I wore a Karen Millen strapless cotton print dress with Fat Face Egyptian sandals to Regent’s Park. I then slipped into an All Saints halter print dress with French Connection wedges for a BBQ in Chelsea.

With so much skin exposure under direct sunlight, I was aware that sun protection — sunscreen with at least SPF 30 — was a must. Sunscreen itself won’t protect your body’s largest organ and keep your skin looking fresh and flawless. I also had to polish my Gucci sunglasses from David Clulow (£119 reduced from £179) and remove the tag from my new oversized floppy hat from Accessorize (£5.40 reduced from £18).

Lucky for us, looking effortless chic and staying away from sun damage are not mutually exclusive. For hair-obsessed fashionistas, a parasol from Radley is a great alternative to the hat (£14 reduced from £30).  Stay sun-safe!

G-20 for Men: Dress like a world leader

April 7th, 2009 by Jasmine
bally

Established in 1851, Bally's selection of shoes, bags, and luggage inspires effortless style.

Men, we haven’t forgotten about you. The conference revealed a range of impeccable suits for world leaders of all nations and body types.  Shop smart. We’ve shown you just how you can dress like a world leader but without the wardrobe budget.

The Ozwald Boateng boutique features button-down, long-sleeve shirts (2 for £60). Pal Zileri features hand-made wool suits (£500 reduced from £900).  Also, men’s suits start at £150 at Hackett.

Those who prefer the European-fit, Thomas Pink offers slim-fit Dover Harbour stripe shirts (£49 reduced from £83). Top it off with their stirling silver plated cufflinks (£45 reduced from £99).  Get the polished look at Hackett with satin ties (£25 reduced from £60) and men’s trousers (£25 from £53).

Bally presents us a stylish set of men’s lace-up Brogue shoes (£239 from £395).

Alternatively, you can always opt for the inconspicuous “I’m not a banker” banker look. Fat face and Diesel sell a wide range of jeans-even the “worn out” version – at a fraction of its original retail price (Fat face £24 reduced from £44, Diesel £70). Throw on a crinkle linen white shirt from French Connection (£25 reduced from £45), hide the Blackberry, and escape your work reality.