little black dress...

When it comes to the little black dress there are sooooo many options out there to choose from. There really is an LBD for every shape and size and every budget too. Celebrities rock their LBD's and here are a few dresses that I just love.

Eva Longoria has to be the queen of the LBD. Here she is wearing a Victoria Beckham creation. I just love how this dress cuts in at the top. It's so flattering although I'm sure a bin bag would also look flattering on this lucky lady.

Here she is again in a simple strapless black dress. It looks effortless.

I love this dress that Emma Watson wore quite a while back. The feathers and the lace just work together brilliantly.

Jennifer Aniston looks so chilled in this LBD. I'm a real fan of a skater or flared skirt. They are just so comfortable and easy to wear and if like me you love to get down on the dance floor then this is the perfect dress to do so in.

Here Eva breaks out the bling in this little sequined number. I'm generally not a huge fan of sequins but because the lines of this dress are so simple it just works.

As it's only coming into summer here now I'll have to wait another while before I get to pull out all my LBD's so until then I will just have to druel over all the images on the net.

va va voom velvet...

Velvet is something that we didn't see for quite a few years but seems to be making a regular comeback for the last few Autumn/Winters. Nothing says luxury like a beautiful velvet dress on a cold winters evening. I'm missing out this Christmas as I'm in Australia so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that velvet is still big in 2014 too.

Here are few velvet pieces I have bought and a few more I could definitely see me parting with my pennies for.

I love this little skater style dress. It is super comfy and has little dots of glitter all over it. The three quarter length sleeves work great for winter too. It looks fab with black tights and black heels. I have gotten heaps of wear from this dress already.

Everyone needs some black pumps so why not make them velvet too.

Berry shades are big this year and this burgundy velvet dress is just perfect for a night out on the town. Paired with black tights and boots and a black leather jacket this is a super chic outfit with a bit of edge too.

You can't have black pumps without getting a matching pair in navy too.

This dress oozes sophistication. It is a simple silhouette that lets the velvet speak for itself. I got this as a gift last Christmas and lived in it.

I really am not a leggings type of person but I just couldn't leave these behind. I love black velvet because it really is the darkest black you can find and wont lose it's colour. Leggings and a loose shirt with some heels and statement jewellery work great for a festive get together.

I need this dress...

I think some velvet boots will be next on my wish list. I would give a great home to any of these.

back to black...

Every year I make the crazy claim that I'm going to wear less black. Who am I kidding? I can't get enough of black as soon as winter sets in, yes yes I wear black in the summer too. Black looks super sleek and I love the different effects you can get by layering different fabrics together. There is such a variety out there that black doesn't have to be dull or boring at all. My motto is if you can wear black tights with it then it's good to go.

Here are a few black essentials that every lady should have in her wardrobe:

A black pair of jeans is a must. Look after them too and wash them with suitable detergent to keep them staying nice and dark.

I love black tights, with heels and a cute black dress, or with converse and some denim shorts you just can't go wrong with black tights. I like mine to be at least 100 Denier. The darker the better and you can even get nice cosy thermal tights to keep you extra warm through the winter months too.

A black jacket is a wardrobe staple. Invest in a classic shape and have it dry cleaned after each winter and stored away properly and it will last you for years.

Some classic black heels work well with any outfit, paired with jeans and a sheer shirt or tights and a dress you really can't go wrong. Again invest in a good pair and remember to have them re-heeled and resoled and they will really go the distance with you.

Black nail polish comes and goes but for the last few years it has been big on the scene. Previously it was seen to be a little grundgy but now it is as chic as ever. Update your black manicure with some mattifying polish for that super sleek look.

Don't worry I'm definitely not forgetting the most important item of your winter wardrobe but I think the LBD needs a whole post of it's own so stay posted. Xxx

monochrome madness...

Monochrome is a trend that we see season after season and it never loses its wow factor. It's a look everyone can pull off and you can be as daring as you like. Go for wild contrasting patterns or just simple accessories and the effect is still as chic as ever. I've been quite lucky and have found a few pieces in the sales so I have a nice foundation to build on but have also seen a few bits online that I adore.

Although not monochrome a sheer black shirt is a perfect start and works as well for a night out as it does for a day in the office. I picked mine up for $10 and have worn it on many occassions already, works well with jeans or a skirt.

I found this skirt on a sale rail for $5 and absolutely loved it. The whole skirt is made from elastic so it is super comfy. Worn with all black this skirt is a real showstopper.

Why not introduce a little monochrome through your manicure. Cheap and cheerful and you can change the style whenever you like.

It's always important to protect your eyes from the sun whether it be in the winter or summer and think how amazing you'll look rocking these bad boys.

A reliable timepiece is a must, why not make it monochrome too?

Or why not just keep it casual in Converse?

Monochrome works as well for winter as it does for summer so dont be afraid to invest in a few key pieces. A sharp blazer and some really great fitting black or white jeans will be the perfect start to create any monochrome look.

Go on give it a go, you know you want to.