Patriotic

Festival season is well and truly kicking off; we have already seen Lady Gaga represent at Radio One, a whole host of celebrities lapping up the luxury in Coachella and I'm sure many of you will be attending a festival somewhere this summer.


So whether your partying at V, rocking to Beyonce at Glastonbury or heading up North to Leeds, one thing is certain - you need to look hot!


The Dressing Room is going to provide you with key festival looks over the coming weeks, and the first of these is patriotic style.

Kate Bosworth

Kesha

Kesha and Kate Bosworth were both spotted at Coachella wearing vests sporting the American flag. 2011 festival season is the time to let your patriotic side out as Americana proved a massive hit at the Californian festival. So wear those Union Jack's proudly ladies... (or whatever flag it is you're wearing!)

Multi Stars and Stripes Print Vest, Topshop, £16

Washed Union Jack Cheeky Pant, Topshop, £4

Stars and Stripes Over the Knee Socks, ASOS, £6

Union Flag Wellies, New Look, £19.99

Pirate Flag Sunglasses, Topshop, £15

Crafted Flag Vest Top, Republic, £19.99

Women's Grey 'Rule Britannia' Maxi Dress, Traffic People, £85

Chile Pintado Woman's Tank Top, Cafe Press, £15

Mini Dress with Stars and Stripes, ASOS, £20

American Flag Lip Print Vest, Miss Selfridge, £20

USA Print Dungaree Dress, Topshop, £46

Idol Union Flag Scarf, New Look, £10.99

Kendal Union Jack Badge Detail Bag, Missguided, £23.99

Be Beau American Flag Swing Vest, Matalan, £10

'Stars and Stripes Flag' Finger Tip Ring, ASOS, £4

Ladies Rolling Stones UK Flag Tongue T-Shirt, Truffle Shuffle, £20

White I Love the Queen Tee, Miss Selfridge, £22

Gio Goi Tora T-Shirt, USC, £15

MOTO Flag Printed Hotpants, Topshop, £34

USA Stars and Stripes Body, ASOS, £14

Religion Women's Union Jack Cardigan, Play, £54.99

Religion Women's Union Jack Leggings, Play, £34.99

'Patriot Tie' Dress, Religion, £38.50

F&F Union Jack Print Wellies, Tesco, £12.50

Linda Union Jack Stud Front Bag, Boohoo, £15.00

Moto Multi Patched Flag Print Skinny Jeans, Topshop, £45

Crafted Flag Vest Top, Republic, £19.99

Stars and Strips Print Scarf, ASOS, £15

Patriotic Brit Lips Necklace, eBid, £7.99

White Union Jack Print Sleeveless Tank Top, Topshop, £18

F&F Union Jack Shorts, Tesco, £3

Love Flag Print Tee, Topshop, £18

Be Beau UK Ivory Fringe Flag Top, Matalan, £12

Marc. B Bags

____________________________________________________________________

"Everyday classics with a stylish edge"

Beginning your journey in Topshop, one of the worlds most fashionable high street stores, is something many could only dream of. However, in 2003 it became a reality for Marc and Sam, the creators of the gorgeous Marc B. bags.

“We offered Topshop something we felt they did not have at the time,” they explain. “We could see there was a gap in the market for stylish and fashionable handbags but without the designer price tag.”

It’s not difficult to see why Marc B. bags are such a success, they're trendy, glamorous and you won’t need to sell an arm or a leg to afford one. Their bags are statement pieces, you can spot them from a mile away due to their Trademark Gold heart and leopard print lining.

So how do Marc.B bags continue to pull unique products out of the bag? “We are always on the lookout for new trends,” they tell The Dressing Room. “Trend analysis is a huge part of the design process here, and seeing what the fashion boys and girls are wearing out and about in London always helps too.”

There is a Marc B. bag for all, no matter how old or young you are, and no matter what style you possess. Those at Marc B. believe bags are everything, “A bag completes a look. We hope that we make a bag for everyone, whether it be for the more classic girl that goes for the Chelsea or the Sofia for the fashion led girls.”

By now I suspect you're on the Marc. B website rummaging around for the perfect bag (we are too!)...But which one to choose? The Dressing Room understands if you’re finding it difficult to decide which Marc B. bag is for you! So we have a little treat…

The brains and beauty behind Marc B. have chosen their top three bags to give you a helping hand.

____________________________________________________________________

The Chelsea in black – “This is our all time classic bag”

The Sofia in tan – “An essential trend must have”

The Emmy in grape croc or tan croc – “The hottest new style for S/S 11”

Fashion at your fingertips

____________________________________________________________________

Whilst living in Cyprus I'd always hear women express their dissatisfaction with fashion retail stores on the island. They were constantly complaining that clothes and accessories there were too expensive, too outdated, and made for women without an inch of fat on their bodies.

I used to be exactly the same, I’d always moan because I couldn’t find the fashionable pieces I wanted. After many years of getting stressed whilst browsing around the limited shops Cyprus had to offer, I decided to find a solution – online shopping.

The truth is that whilst Cyprus and many other countries may not boast a massive range of affordable fast fashion stores, it doesn’t mean fashion isn’t at your finger tips; there are many online clothing and accessory stores that deliver worldwide. The only problem is that not many people know about them – but that’s all about to change.

For this reason I decided to compile a list of fashion fabulous online websites that deliver WORLDWIDE - so you're never far away from a bargain!

Get ready to feed your fashion fetish ladies!

____________________________________________________________________

 

‘We believe fashion is a right not a luxury’

Missguided is an online store aimed at young fashionistas; it offers fresh vibrant pieces at affordable prices and is constantly on top of the latest trends. A lot of their clothing is celebrity inspired; you can expect items that replicate your favourite stars red carpet outfits without the hefty price tag.

When you receive your anticipated Missguided parcel you’re in for an extra surprise - the company is constantly giving away free gifts with their orders.

____________________________________________________________________

‘Bin the beige and shred the shapeless’

Shopping on Motel Rocks is the ultimate online experience; their clothes are unique, diverse and carefully selected – there’s no way you’ll find yourself rummaging through boring lifeless clothing. The company acknowledges current looks and reinvents them; they sing to their own tune and are not sucked in to the overriding fashion trends.

Motel Rocks describes their audience as the conspicuous quirky girl, and they boast customers such as Alesha Dixon, Alexandra Burke, and the Saturdays.

Not only is their clothing unique but so too is the way they present it. Motel Rocks accompanies each collection with a story and each clothing piece acts as a narrative thread for the overall tale, meaning every garment has a history. This adds to the overall magical feel of shopping on their website.

____________________________________________________________________

‘Whimsical vintage to bold contemporary’

Storm in a Teacup is one of a kind; it offers unique handmade jewellery at affordable prices. All pieces are made and personally wrapped by one person, which makes it all the more impressive and all the more exciting.

The style of jewellery varies, from pretty, floral, and feminine pieces to bold, bright colours, and gothic style skulls. The online store also boasts an impressive vintage range which is constantly breathing new life into old classic pieces.

Storm in a Teacup is relatable, it understands the importance of feeling unique and special, and it makes you feel just that – right from entering the website to receiving your handmade order.

____________________________________________________________________

'The undisputed champion of online fashion'

ASOS is the UK’s largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer, it offers a mix of designer and high street goods, from Vivienne Westwood and Danni Minogue’s Project D range, to River Island, KG by Kurt Geiger, and their very own ASOS label.

With 1,500 to 2,000 new product lines added every single week, you never have to worry about items being out of date. ASOS has also introduced an online outlet offering end of line and previous season products at discounts up to 75% off.

ASOS not only provide amazing clothes but they take pride in making sure you have a fulfilling online shopping experience, from online catwalk videos, to sharing your outfits and trends with other ASOS customers.

____________________________________________________________________

‘A friendly shopping site with all the latest trends and fashions’

Chiarafashion has an overall friendly feel about it. They use normal sized women to model their clothes, they offer cheap delivery, and the items are extremely low priced. So you won’t feel guilty if you buy a few more items then you were planning to!

The only down side about this company is that some of their dresses are exceedingly short, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

____________________________________________________________________

‘We promise it will make you smile!’

Temporary:Secretary is an independent online boutique which personifies everything that is unique and quirky. They sell a wide range of vintage trinkets and kitsch jewellery. They constantly update their website with new products every week, and everything they make is handmade and inspired by the element of fun. Their pieces aren’t merely accessories, they’re a statement, and they enhance your personality and individuality.

____________________________________________________________________

‘You too can OWN THE RUNWAY’

Owntherunway promises that every item they offer is runway worthy, they are dedicated to taking trends from the catwalk directly to your wardrobe at a low cost.

The up and coming fashion e-tailor states their collections are aimed at 16-40 year olds who are fashion forward. However, there’s no age limit on fashion, so express yourself with one of their runway inspired pieces no matter how old or young you are.

____________________________________________________________________

‘Stay one stiletto ahead of the game’

Boohoo is one of the more well known websites. It’s extremely cheap, has a wide range of clothing, and constantly offers free delivery and various discounts.

The website has different sections to help you pick out the perfect outfit. ‘Get the Look’ splits clothing into different categories, such as Retro Weekend, Sugar shades, and Denimania. Whereas, the ‘Celeb Style’ section pictures several well known celebrities and recreates their look with Boohoo products.

Boohoo also has a successful and helpful review system. On each item Boohoo customers have the chance to rate it based on quality, best uses, comfort v style, and fitting. The person leaving the review also has to describe themselves, so you know if they’re a similar age to you or have a similar style.

____________________________________________________________________

‘Always a new product, always a new experience’

Newlook is one of the most well-recognised fashion brands in the UK and luckily for us it started delivering to Cyprus recently. Newlook mixes three core elements to ensure their products are the best there is; fashion excitement, value, and newness. They have a wide range of clothing and accessories but I particularly recommend their shoe collection, they’re extremely cheap, yet super stylish and surprisingly comfortable.

____________________________________________________________________

More fashion websites that deliver to worldwide include…

www.luv2nv.com

www.quizclothing.co.uk

www.dress-for-less.com

www.frenchconnection.com

www.allsaints.com

www.whitestuff.com

www.littlewoods.com

www.bodyjewelleryshop.com

www.ilovecutiepie.com

http://www.vestryonline.com

www.dorothyperkins.com

http://www.usc.co.uk

http://www.lipsy.co.uk

http://www.bankfashion.co.uk

http://www.redlabelfashion.com