NEW YEAR'S FASHION RESOLUTIONS

Blimey! It's nearly time up for the noughties and what a decade it's been. Looking over Grazia's review of the decade today you have to wonder what 00's will be remembered for- what with reality tv & low brow celebs creating some of the defining moments since the turn of the new century culture certainly seems to have dumbed down somewhat.

Ranting a raving aside, new year for me = new year's resolution's but none of the atypical kind mind. No, I'm talking fashion resolutions, much more fun & much less serious than vowing to graduate. I like to look at my wardrobe and decide what sartorial changes will make 2010 fashion-tastic. Here are my resolutions thus far...

1.Be more daring (& flash a bit of flesh)

I am 21 and feel ok about my figure, yet I rarely flass any flesh. Because I have quite long legs I am concious getting them out can give the green light to perves. But my solution is that I am considering flashing a little bit of tum instead, a more subversive way to reveal skin and less appealing to tit/ arse perves. A perfect new season buy for me would be this ASOS oversize jumper (£35) with mesh insert that makes reference to the glamour/ grunge trend.

2. Wear heels on the odd occasion

I shy away from heels because they make me feel really tall, but I am trying to embrace them and celebrate my 5'10 stature. Just bought this real nice Peacocks skater boots (£30) that would look quite fit with the jumper above I think.

3. Stop buying stuff I don't wear!!!

Pretty damn impossible.

FRENCH FANCIES

It's amazing how appealing blogging suddenly becomes when I have a 3,500 word report wanting to be written. Anything to avoid work!!

Went to Topshop today, I usually boycot it cos everything is too expensive for what it is and falls apart after one wash but I wanted a bandage skirt & no where else seems to sell them at the moment. Anyway rambling aside, I came across the cutest t-shirt in the world, this lovely number with little eiffel towers dotted allover it. And what's more, they're not printed but embroidered giving it a tres chic homespun feel. I was very good and resisted (£22!! not on my budget), but it got me thinking about the allure of Paris and French style in fashion. For me, there's no bigger complement than being told I 'look french', although it's hard to say what that really entails when I you think about it. I guess I think french style is all about being demure, where less =more and flesh is not overtly flashed. The overall effect is understated and yet all the more sexy for it. I hope that's what people imply when they tell me I look french, although they might just be saying I am one string of garlic & a baguette away from looking like a cliche. Hope not.

THE NEW FACE OF NEW LOOK

If you haven't already spotted her face plastered all over your local branch, Kimberley Walsh has been picked this season as the face of New Look. Apparently shoppers did a poll on the website asking who they'd most like to see as the face of the brand, and the lovely Ms Walsh came top. Unlike last season's face, Alexa Chung, she's less fashion forward and much more accessible for the average New Look shopper. She has womanly curves & dresses well to flatter her figure. Whilst I wouldn't say she excites me fashion-wise personally (although she is mega fit) it's a great example of a high street retailer sending out a positive message about bodyshape to young women (unlike the waifs that pout in the Topshop billboard ads). Well done New Look.

GETTING GRIMEY

John and Edward Grimes as you've never seen them before.. i.e not in a shiny suit.

But it all seriousness Grazia has done a stella job making them over for this week's issue. Whilst I wouldn't say they look sexy they definitely look sharp, does a modelling career beckon for the boys who can put their hand/ blag their way into anything??

CHRISTMAS KNITS

I haven't blogged in ages because university + job in making me work like a mutha!!

However, it's nearly Christmas and I just have to extoll the virtues of the Christmas knit. Just came across my dream xmas jumper on theoutnet.com , past season Stella McCartney and even though it's a purse pinching £310, it's already sold out! In my opinion there's no point spending loads of money on a piece with such a short shelf life (we are talking 3 weeks max), so I've hunted out some equally as festive yet cheaper alternatives.

Stella M.

Topshop, £48

Cropped cardi, Mango @ ASOS, £47

And finally one of those is it hideous/is it amazing? numbers from LazyOaf.co.uk, £39. Available in boys & girls sizes.

Wear with leggings or thick tights, wooley scarf & hat and of course that much needed hint of irony.

VERY FASHIONABLE

After my puzzled blog a few weeks ago, asking what the hell Very.com was, the fog has cleared, the penny has dropped and I now understand that it is the new name for Littlewoods direct. Still puzzled as to why it's stocking Peaches for PPQ range- I thought was exclusive to Oli.co.uk.

On the subject of Peaches and her 2nd (or 3rd?) range for PPQ, I am very impressed. Miss Geldof and the PPQ team have come up with a cute collection of winter florals and Laura Ashley inspired smock dresses. Very current. This velvet dress above is 59 pounds and will be a great addition to your winter wardrobe. The sweetheart necklace and fitted shape gives a nod to the 80s trend that is huge at the moment, whilst the winter floral print make it a great day-dusk dress that can be dressed up or down. Student loan day on Weds. I am seriously tempted.

FAST FASHION

I've not posted in a while, because I've had no net access but I am pleased to say I am back blogging again. Much has happened in fashion in the past few weeks, mainly because New York fashion week has just finished and London fashion week is well underway. London fashion week promises to be a-mazing with shows from my favourites including Christopher, Jonathan Saunders, Amanda Wakeley, Nathan Jenden, the show list just makes me drool.

9.30am on Saturday the 19th saw knitwear designer Mark Fast's show take place. And whilst his sexy, body-concious knitted pieces have the fashion journos gushing, it was his decision to include size 12 and size 14 models in the show that caused the real stir.

The size 14 model is here on the left, whilst on the right and below are two classic catwalk size 6-8 models. The plus (!) size model looks a-mazing in my opinion, she looks like a pre-raphelite muse of Gabriel Rosetti and her curves breathe life into the body-concious pieces. Shame then that the stylist working on the show the Mail reported today stepped down after fast insisted on having larger models included in the show. It's an interesting back lash to the size zero debate.