Shape up for summer

Can't fit into last year's summer clothes? Well I am sure that you are not alone but don't despair there still time to get in shape for summer. I have found skipping to be a very useful activity and have introduced 20 minutes per day of skipping into my daily routine as I find it more and more difficult to get to the gym. Always check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise program.

This talking digital skipping rope is ideal for burning calories and is fitted with moulded handles for better grip.

Count your steps and the calories you burn with this top of the range Tanita pedometer. Fitted with a metal clip, this handy gadget can be worn round your neck or on a belt loop. Designed to track your steps, distance and calories used, this pedometer also features a clock and a stopwatch.

Military style jackets and multi-pocketed jackets

If you are looking for some casual military style jackets for your wardrobe then take a look at this military style jacket in cavalry style by Nastrovje Potsdam

This khaki jacket is double breasted with attractive buttons and a stand up collar. Casual and fun style jacket.


I like this Tommy Hilfiger slim fittting blazer with flap pockets. The only thing military about this jacket are the buttons but it is really chic and teams well with jeans. The jeans detailing on the jacket at the cuffs, lapels and back makes this jacket a real find.



This multi pocketed ONeill jacket is made from high quality 100% cotton fabric. Buttons are imprinted with the O'Neill logo which is also embroidered on the breast of the jacket.

The Catwalk at Wimbledon 2009

Every year the warm up wardrobe at Wimbledon gets more fashionable and this year Wimbledon 2009 is no different. There are those who criticize this move to fashionable warm up wardrobe and find it rediculous. But when you think about it the grand slams and Wimbleton in particular is the biggest stage for world tennis. Let's face it else each game at a grand slam competition is a day at the office for the athletes. Who does not want to look their best on a stage such as this.

Wimbleton for tennis players is like the red carpet only for them it is green grass. So why not let the players have their moment on the grass courts?

picture from http://www.guardian.co.uk/


American tennis icon Serena Williams appeared wearing the classic trench coat. Serena's trench coat is short and white with a flared skirt and a bit reminiscent of Per Una Antibes Belted Mac.

The shimmering finish of this coat simply shouts class and quality. The long flared sleeves and flared skirtline is really feminine and flattering.



Next we have Maria Sharapova in her military-inspired belted jacket. The military look is a big trend for 2009 with looks ramging from rock chic military jackets to feminine military jackets as well as the bohemian look military jacket.

Military looks from Temperley, Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, Derek Lam & Collette Dinnigan.


Military jacket trend - street style. Photos by Garance Dore

If this were a contest Rodger Federer would win hands down with this multi-pocketed jacket one of the key men's wear products for spring/summer 2010.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Multi-pocketed jackets from Versace's autumn/winter 2009/2010 collection. Picture from http://www.fashionblog.it/

Simple summer sophistication from Autograph

For sophisticated summer fun this season try this Military Button Dress from Autograph Collection. Wear buttoned up or undo top bottoms to create a rever collar. Dress is made from quality cotton with a bit of stretch. Slimming style that fits beautifully.

This Silk Ruffle Tie Top is also appealing with its scooped neck, frill trim and tie bow feature. The short sleeve drapes softly and is great for those who are conscious of their arms.

For comfort and summer style with a bit of heel go for this Vegetable leather sandal

Funky Leather Handbags

Looking for a funky handbag this summer? Then check out this oval leather handmade bag creation from Munique Fashions.

This gorgeous oval leather bag comes in vibrant colours to match our summer spirits. All the design elements of shape, colours, patterns, copper handles and beading; works well together to give this bag a degree of sophistication. You cannot help but admire the neat leather stitching that adds extra detail to the design of this bag. The bag is oval shaped with all in one flap which is secured by outer strap in alternating colour of brown leather. Copper handles are highlighted with beading to the side of the bag and tied with leather straps left dangling for extra style element. Bag is intricately sewn using alternating leather strands and is available in a alternating shades of rich browns, orange and reds.

Shop now for this handmade original leather bag.

Summer must have - ladies white trousers

There is always lots of talk about your must have basic black wardrobe items like your basic black dress, black skirt, black trousers. While black is slimming and I love black, when it comes to summer I love white as like black it goes well with almost anything.

I do stay away from white when attending barbecues with the kids in the summer but other than that I find it such a cooling colour. One of my summer must haves is a pair of white trousers which is not only suitable for summer but can be worn year round.


Update your wardrobe with these white linen and silk blend wide leg trousers. Made from quality fabrics these ladies white trousers are superbly cut for a great fit.


This Nougat wide leg linen trousers are a great find and are on sale as well. Team up with summer sandals from Munique Fashions. All sandals at Munique Fashions are now discounted by 50%. Click here for sale.

This exquisitely designed leather handcrafted rose toe stopper sandal has a medium strap across the back heel and ankle and two ankle straps for tying. Sandal is available in white leather with ice gold and green flower as shown here or you can have it in bronze, brown or red. A simply stunning holiday sandal that will dress up any outfit.


Go for this well designed handmade leather sandal with stylish combination of metallic colours. Sandal is designed using thick diagonal metallic silver strap to contrast with metallic bronze sling back heel strap. Triangular leather detailing in metallic pewter finishes this very chic design. Slip these on and watch your feet come alive.

Summer barbecue dress

It’s that time of year when the barbecue invitations are rolling in. Some barbecues are planned well in advance and have become an annual event while many others are just impromptu depending on the weather. So be prepared with your summer barbecue outfits for those short notice barbecue invites.

The key to deciding what to wear for a summer barbecue is comfort, weather and style. Remember you are dressing for the outdoors and in Britain, summer does not always equate to sunshine. Be prepared with a light sweater in case it gets chilly. Go for a sweater that can easily tie around the waist or be used to sit on the grass.


If you have young kids then colourful summer dresses,summer blouses and summer dresses are great for hiding barbecue sauce stains from those young sticky hands. This gorgeously light and floaty print halter maxi-dress is perfect for that summer barbecue and would hide any grass stains if you were to sit on the grass.Or go for this this delightful layered wraparound knee-length skirt designed to fit all sizes.



Keep jewellery simple but thematic by going for flora and fauna jewellery or flower jewellery. Feel at one with nature in this orchid leather necklace or copper leaf necklace.






When deciding on footwear again think comfort and go for flat summer sandals or wedge heels. After all you are going to be walking on grass. These rose sandals are ideal for any summer barbecue and will get you noticed as well.

Copper Jewellery

I remember when copper jewellery symbolised copper bracelets worn for medicinal purposes. Now copper and brass jewellery is one of the trendiest fashion materials worn today. And I can see why as jewellery designers are creating much more unique contemporary jewellery pieces using both copper and brass.

Like anything else copper jewellery can be dressed up or dressed down. This exquisite handcrafted copper and brass jewellery set entitled "grapevine" (necklace and earrings) is certainly dressed up mounted on a six strand seed. This set is simply breathtaking with stunning detailing given to the interpretation of the hanging vine on both necklace and earring. A perfect and timeless addition to your jewellery collection.



This "Thorn" copper necklace is mounted on plaited leather straps for a more casual look. This stunning creation of thorns within a necklace is handcrafted in copper and brass.


Brass with its muted yellow tone gives off the glow of gold as you can see in this handcrafted cuff copper and brass bracelet "Bali Girl". No doubt jewellery designers looking for cheaper alternatives to rising gold prices over the last 5-7 years turned their creative juices to copper and brass.

The intricate designs that jewellery designers can attain using copper and brass is simply breathtaking. This detailed interpretation of a bird handcrafted in copper and brass makes this piece very unique indeed.

Most good jewellery designers of copper and brass jewellery will coat their jewellery designs with a special coating to avoid tarnishing making copper and brass jewellery very easy to maintain. Coated or not brass is a relatively tarnish resistant metal and easy to clean as well.

You can clean your brass jewellery using hot soapy water. Alternatively lemon juice on it s own or lemon juice mixed with vinegar, salt or baking soda can be used. Sourmilk and natural unflavoured yoghurt are other options for cleaning your brass jewellery.

Chunky Jewellery

It's amazing how one can change or update a look simply by assessorizing. With chunky jewellery back on the fashion scene assessorizing has never been easier or more fun. This trend for big bold jewellery started in 2008 and has become the new "it" jewellery for spring /summer 2009, a trend which is expected to continue throught the autumn/winter 2009.

Anna Sui, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana team bold jewellery with bright prints. Picture from http://www.fashionising.com/

Although this statement jewellery fashion trend in 2008 was to wear chunky jewellery and statement pieces with simple clothing, the trend for 2009 is eclectic matching up bold jewellery with bright colours. The key bascis for 2009 statement jewellery trend is geometric shaped jewellery, exotic and ethnic jewellery and semi precious jewellery. But eco and recycled jewellery like this handmade clasp necklace available from Munique Fashions can make as much of a statement and will certainly turn heads.

Designer Mana transforms black and light gold metal clasps into a stunning piece of chunky or statement jewellery. This Cleopatra like necklace flattens out on the chest in majestic style. Imagine the conversations you can have about this chunky necklace made from hair clips.

These handmade pyramid earrings made from triangles of hand-beaten brass and white bone are the perfect accompaniment for this clasp necklace and in keeping with the Egyptian theme. For the more retro look go for this deco necklace of two carved geometric pieces on a brass chain hanging in a v-shape. This art deco necklace is smooth, polished and made using recycled bone.


This handmade Coco Necklace made from smooth, concave circles of coconut shell, strung together in a chunky cluster makes for an even more exotic and ethnic jewellery look.

Team up with this Brown Horn Cone Bracelet handmade by skilled artisans in Nairobi. This tribal style bracelet combines polished brown horn, cone shaped beads to make this stylish chunky jewellery bracelet.

50% discount on all sandals at Munique

As a special treat this summer all sandals at Munique have been discounted by 50%.

Munique's exotically designed sandals are all handcrafted in leather. This must have summer accessory comes in a variety of styles from sexy thong sandals to those with handpainted inner soles to add even more of an exotic touch, not to mention individuality.

Choose from Munique's exotic and stylish range of handcrafted sandals in fashionable metallic leather including bronze, silver, gold and pewter and our irie colours - ice, gold and green. Click here to add a touch of paradise to your summer wardrobe. Shop now


Summer sandals by Munique on Polyvore.com

The Iconic Wrap Dress

I am always encouraging my readers to adopt a timeless dress style by investing in clothes and accessories that will outlast the ephemeral or seasonal trends. One such year round wardrobe must have is the wrap dress which is as timeless and versatile a garment as you can get.

This Classic wrap dress in florals is both flattering and feminine - perfect for spring summer.

Wrap dress first designed by Diane von Furstenberg
The wrap dress which has become an icon in itself was introduced into the world of high fashion by Belgian born fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in 1972. This figure flattering, versatile and easy to wear dress is suitable to most body shapes not to mention most ages as they are equally suitable for the young fashion conscious female as well as the mature trendy woman.

You simply must check out this Wrap around dress by Blacky. The colours are amazing and the dress has some unusual features like breast pocket patch and dual cuff buttons. This is a real find.

What the experts say
Professional stylists advises that for women with hour glass shapes, the wrap dress is perfect for accentuating curves and in some instances hiding budges. The cross over wrap dress puts emphasis on your waist by separating and lifting the bust and plays down the hips by making them seem smaller and narrower as it skims over the hips. The wrap dress also accentuates the cleavage and elongates the legs. It can be dressed up or dressed down with heels or sandals, jeans/ trousers, tights and accentuated with statement jewellery. Your wardrobe just simply is not complete without a couple of wrap tops and wrap dresses.
You simply cannot go wrong with this Cross Over Petal Dress made from 100% organic cotton. Flirty & feminine this gorgeous wrap over dress is the perfect eco-friendly versatile answer to the little black dress. Style with these stunning Tertia sandals.

Top quality wrap dresses and designs
Like anything else there is always the less flattering designed wrap dresses which due to poor craftsmanship and fabric used, droops rather than drapes over the body. Poorly designed wrap dresses can leave us bigger boobed women pulling and tugging whole day to maintain a sense of decency. Depending on the style and make of the wrap and your body shape some women find it convenient to wear a camisole underneath to avoid being embarrassed.

This fashionable and modern Pure Linen Sleeveless Frill Wrap Dress is flattering and stylish

Bear in mind that a well made wrap dress from quality fabric can be worn season after season. Have a browse online for those made from fair trade and organic material as fair trade and organic clothes are usually made to last .... Plus you get your opportunity to do your bit for the environment.