Outfit | Let's fly away

As press day season as arrived, I will be out and about more and more so wearing comfortable clothing is a must especially when gallivanting all over Central London. Last week, I attended the Keds and Sperry press day and this is what I wore.  I have had this cape/poncho for a while but always found it tricky to style during the colder months so I just used it as a scarf.

I added a belt to provide some shape to the whole look but the back was left open creating a superhero cape effect.

Cape/Poncho - H&M

Black Skinny Jeans - Zara

Shoes- H&M

Belt - Miss Selfridge

Watch - Gift

Thrifting and Vintage Shopping Tips

Designer and Stylist to the stars like Rihanna and Paloma Faith,  Fiona Doran aka Mrs Jones shares her top tips vintage shopping tips.

Where to Shop

    - The best places to get a vintage bargain are normally charity shops and boot sales.  Not only are you finding some great items when shopping at a charity shop, but you’ll also be aiding those in need.

    -Vintage clothing stores can be found in most major cities.  They have some beautiful collections but can be pricey.  This is good for people who want the vintage look but don’t want to do the searching.

      -Auction web sites are great for vintage shopping.  Be careful you don’t get carried away on bidding, stick to your maximum limit otherwise it’s not a bargain.  Look out for bad pictures (some purposely upside down).  Be sure to read the garment details.  Some items look great in an image but if the fabric is synthetic polyester (unless you’re going for the 70s look), you may be disappointed when it arrives.


-Vintage fairs and festivals are becoming popular throughout the UK.  You’ll find experts in vintage clothing selling their wares and whilst some pieces may be expensive, many vendors also have bargains.  

How to Shop

- Don’t be put off by smells.  Some bits can have a whiff of mothballs or smell a bit musty.

These can easily be removed with a trip to the dry cleaners. Although, and it is not very pleasing, body odor left on garments is one of the most difficult smells to get rid of, even with dry cleaning.

-Some old clothes and accessories such as handbags can look beautiful and very tempting but be careful as they can just disintegrate especially silk and lace.  Give the garment a little test, pull the fabric in both hands and with your thumb nails give it a rub/scratch. If you see the threads of the fabric move about or crumble, leave it on the rack. 

- Make sure you try things on or properly hold up to your body if you don’t like the idea of trying before cleaning.  Older clothes are generally a lot smaller as people were smaller than they are now. (eg., a size 12 will usually be a size 10.)

        This Thursday evening, Shopstyle along with Mrs Jones will be hosting an in store event in aid of 

                                    Save the Child at Mary Portas' Living and Giving Store in Notting Hill.

Styling tips, champagne and canapés, raffles and fundraising for Save the Children

 29^th March 2012 from 6pm – 9pm

 Mary’s Living & Giving Shop (Notting Hill location)

            177 Westbourne Grove

London

W11 2SB

Entry to the shopping evening is free, however there will be a small gift for all guests who show up with stylish donations of their pre-loved designer fashion or vintage pieces. 

Press Day | Keds & Sperry

Last week, I went to the Keds and Sperry press day to preview their A/W12 collection and my was I impressed.

I absolutely love attending press days because its a great way to find out more about the brands. Though I already knew some things about Keds, Sperry was a totally new brand to me and what I discovered made me like the brand.

Keds which was created in 1916 were the pioneer of the term sneakers. Sneakers was coined as a nickname for the footwear because of the unique soles they had which made them quiet enough to sneak around in.  

Their S/S12 collection is really vibrant and colourful with lots of florals whilst their A/W12 collection is set to feature warm colours and wintery fabrics. Though they are known for trainers (sneakers) Keds also have other types of shoes like the Booties and Shearling boots seen in the picture below.

Sperry, the leading brand for water performance shoes since 1935 was invented by Paul Sperry who invented the first ever boat shoes for sailors inspired by none other than his dog Prince. When I discovered this little fact I was amazed! (Read More about it)

Their latest collection is to die for and you won't believe it includes high heels.YES you read that right,  see the images.

I own a pair of shoes from both brand and all I can say is that they are extremely comfortable! 

See a pair you like? 

Keds are available from Next.co.uk, Schuh.co.uk and Johnlewis.com

Sperry is available from Coggle.com, Asos.com and Office.co.uk

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Daughter

If you follow me on Twitter, you would have known that I had a daughter and that it's her birthday today.

She is FINALLY 3!!

It's amazing how fast time goes. I still remember when I was in labour etc.

Seeing as its her birthday today, I decided to dedicate a blog post to her as she's never been featured on it. (She normally lurks around my OOTD pictures and gets edited out thanks to the magic that is crop)

I also found out this week that there are so many other bloggers out there with kids.

Do you have a little one? How old?

And the winner is.....

chimmyg@hotmail.co.uk

Please check your email and reply with all the required details by Wednesday 28th of March 2012

Style Envy | Shala Monroque

I have been envious of Shala Monroque's wardrobe since I saw what she wore the Giambatista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 show. I vowed to recreated the look and after what seems like for ever, I finally done it.

When it comes to fashion, Shala is very daring like wearing a Turban to a dinner party.

One thing I have noticed is that she wears the colour yellow very often which has actually made me love the her style even more seeing as yellow is one of my favourite colours.

I wore the outfit to the premiere of Street Dance 2 at the O2 with some of the ladies from Amitee

I initially created the look with this Orange blazer but it all seemed too colourful so I went for the cream coloured cardigan as seen above^.

Blazer: H&M

Jumper: Lyle and Scott

Denim Shirt: H&M

Floral Midi Skirt: Mallai Vintage

Brown Wedges: Next

Watch: Gift

Rings: eBay

What do you think of Shala's style? Yay or Nay?

(Images of Shala Monroque sourced from www.google.com/images)

Outfit | From Day to Night

Taking an outfit from day to night is something we all struggle with. During the day we want to look simple and at night we yearn to look glamorous. Now finding a piece that allows you to achieve this look can be very difficult.

I was sent this very stylish body-con dress by Fresh Flames boutique which I blogged about here. (Since having my daughter, I haven't been the biggest fan of body-cons but this one was actually nice). The challenge was to show how versatile the dress was by taking it from day to night. 

Day

Because the dress was a bit short, for the day time look, I added tights to keep it 'appropriate'. 

Jacket: Boohoo.com

Dress: Fresh Flames Boutique

Tights: Primark

Shoes: Primark

Night

For the night look, I went really simple. Simply took off the tights and added a pair of heels.

Shoes: Zara

Which look do you prefer and how would you have style this dress from day to night?

Outfit | Sheer Joy

I am soo glad to see that the weather is improving and spring is literally round the corner! I have been wanting to wear this maxi skirt since I bought it in the sale and last week Monday presented a great opportunity. (Though it was slightly uncomfortable as the skirt underneath kept rising up) either way I love it. I chose to pair it with my brand new KEDS footwear which are extremely comfy may I add.

Jacket: New Look

Top: iWhoretees

Skirt: Jane Norman

Shoes: Keds

Keds are available to buy from Next, John Lewis and Schuh so go get yourself a pair in time for summer.

Have you heard about.... Gilda's Tryst?

Gilda's Tryst is a luxury jewellery brand that was conceived to create fashion forward pieces that will using real materials like fresh water pearls and semi-precious stones.

The brand, was set up in 2009,by two friends, Amanda Waterstone and Shireen Jayyusi who chose to take matters into their own hands after they couldn't find nice statement jewellery that were not costume.

Both friends share a passion for design and accessories and are inspired by the drama and daring of the night time world.

Some of my favourite pieces from the brand include this 22 carat Gold Viper Necklace. Now I am the queen of cheap but if I was a billionaire ( *sings Bruno Mars' Billionaire and daydreams*) I would so buy this! I absolutely love it. Its a simple piece yet bold enough to make a statement.

One of the jewellery trends that has been around for a while now is Tribal and this Cuff bracelet is such a great piece to have in order to create the perfect tribal look.

Although I am not the biggest fan of gold jewellery, there is something about this Onyx and Gold cocktail    

ring. 

For more information, visit www.gildastryst.com

Blog Giveaway : One Year Anniversary

I cannot believe Joy to the World is officially a far old. Can you?

People always say it feels like just yesterday I start and its true. It doesn't feel like one year has already gone. If theres one thing I regret the most in life is not setting up the blog earlier. 

I have enjoyed and will keep enjoy blogging. As a thank you for reach the tender age of one and for reaching 20,000 views last week, I have a giveaway for you guys.

I have this very stylish Julie Slater Sandstripe satchel bag filled with some awesome goodies to give to one of you lovely readers.

WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

Keds Champion Calico (In the winner's size)

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Sachajuan Hair Repair

New CID i-glow shimmer powder 

New CID i-polish (Tutti Fruiti, not out yet)

PaperSelf Eyelashes( Deer and Butterfly)

Broadway Nails x2

Boot  No.7 Fanomenal Lashes Mascara (Not out yet)

and many more!

To enter, simply comment below stating your what your favourite Joy to the world post has been since you started reading. (Open worldwide. 16+, under 18s must have permission from parents)

(For an extra entry, follow Joy To The World via GFC or Bloglovin.)

Winners will be chosen at random using Random.Org on the 16th of March 2012.
Winners will be notified via email so please ensure you leave the correct email.

Mothers Day Competition with Amitee

Amitee this site I told you all about yesterday, is hosting a competition that I think you will ALL benefit from.

We all love our mothers (and mother figures) dearly BUT they can be tad bit...no scratch that. They can be VERY embarrassing, That is why I want you lovely people to click here and share the most embarrassing thing she has even done to you for your chance to win a Hamper full of some amazing Full sized beauty products like :

Organic Surge Shower Gel,

  Champney's Collagen Firming Mask  from Boots

Sanctuary Pamper Vanity Case  from boots

Soap and Glory's Butter Lotion from Boots

Extracts Fairtrade mini body butter  from Boots

 as well as a 750ml  Blue Nun 22 Carat Gold sparkling wine and many more!

For more information on the competition, visit www.amiteeuk.com 

Amitee & The Pamper Secrets Beauty Box Launch

The day has finally arrived and Amitee is now live!

If you are on Twitter and Facebook, you would have come across my endless posts about a new company called Amitee. (I am sorry about that). But if you haven't come across it then keep reading.

Amitee provides two services. A beauty box called Pamper Secrets aimed at but not solely for women of  colour and an online blog style magazine where women can come and share their knowledge and advice.

P.S  I will be handling the PR and Marketing side of things so get in touch: press@amiteeuk.com 

Want to subscribe to the Pamper Secrets Box? Register NOW