Forget the kids, are YOU ready to go back to school?

With schools returning next week, research is out that suggest mums will spend an average of £60 on an outfit to drop the kids off in the playground on their first day back. 1 in 5 will get a new haircut and 1 in 2 will make every effort to look their absolute best. While a suntan, fresh haircut and brand new outfit will make you feel fabulous on the first day what happens next week? Or the week after? When you have a million things to do before 8.30 am and looking amazing is something you don’t have the time for don’t be defeatist and crawl back into that tracksuit!

We all want to give the best impression of ourselves and the playground is notoriously judgmental. Whether you ooze glamour on the school run on your way to work or if you are more on the super tramp scale of things there is an easier way. If in doubt wear something ambiguous that gives no clue as to what your day will be spent doing (housework, playgroup...!).

Luxury loungewear will be your saviour - invest in some quality pieces and you will look effortlessly stylish with minimal effort, but be warned of the fine line between relaxed and scruffy. Rather than thin leggings try stretch skinny trousers. This pair from French connection even have a gentle body sculpting effect saving you time trying to squeeze into spanx!! Rather than a cheap saggy jersey top invest in a comfortable long sleeve top in a good fabric. GAP have a great range of basic vests and long sleeve tops in neutral colours (http://www.gap.eu/). For shoes try pumps- Pretty Ballerina have the most beautiful pumps that will make you feel lovely when you wear them. Try this champagne coloured pair for effortless style.

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While the research suggests that on the first day back women spend longer on their hair and make up than actually getting the kids ready it's not always like that. When you don’t have the time for full hair and make up choose a sleek hair style, Ponytails are on trend for Autumn and are effortless but chic.

Use a good hairbrush from Mason and Pearson (http://www.masonpearson.com/) to make hair extra shiny. Finally slick on a bit of lipgloss, our fav is Baume De Rose By Terry it’s a real treat but you’ve earnt it!http://tinyurl.com/3wley48

*Thanks to Sainsbury’s for their ‘mum’ research!!
H x

Back to School...Well Actually Back to Work

The days of me lounging around in my comfy scruffy cloths are over. It’s time to pull myself together because I am going back to work. Maternity time is up and it is with great joy I find myself picking out a new back to work wardrobe. Colourful denim is just the trend I need to energise myself. My favs are these burnt orange pair from River Island. Teamed with a black chiffon blouse from ASOS it’s an easy to wear on trend outfit for my first day.
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The on trend basics are all well and good but to really feel back in business I need at least one investment piece and what better gift to myself than a new handbag for work. I have fallen for this timeless leather bag by Miu Miu.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/167874
While at home I practically live in my Converse but I need something a bit smarter for work but I’m not ready to make the transition back to heels just yet so these beautiful ballerina flats from Kurt Geiger will help me until I can retrain my feet!

http://www.kurtgeiger.com/online-shop/219157-carvela-lamp
So outfit ready, nails painted and lunch box packed.....here I go!
H

A Little Swarovski Sparkle

Yeah yeah yeah we know that bling is SO last year (or even the year before) but there's no denying that in spite of what the trend forecasters keep telling us , we love to love a little bit of sparkle!

It reminds me of the ongoing fashion articles slating UGGs and predicting their demise after only a season or two (or probably more accurately, once Katie Price was seen sporting them) but the truth is, if you love something then honestly who cares what those in the ivory fashion towers say about it? It seems as if we're not alone in our indulgence either as Swarovski are going from strength to strength (and yes they do still sell those crystal cut swans and teddy bears) but this year Harrods have announced that they'll be partnering with Swarovski for their 'Crystal Christmas' event in addition to Swarovski still remaining a fashion week favourite for designers.

So, we've just added a little customisation to these gorgeous Monster Beat headphones and I can see the reasoning- hours spent on the treadmill might seem more appealing if you can style it out whilst wearing these babies, which not only sound incredible but now look pretty good too.

Next for the sparkle treatment is a stage microphone, pics to follow.....

Ms M.

Get Your Running Shoes On...all for a good cause!

It has to be said that whilst we're not the most accomplished of athletes at 4couture.com we're definitely the 'have a go' mentality!

So...this coming Sunday we're delighted to be taking part in the Julia's House 10K in Bournemouth. If the weather holds out then it will be a lovely jog from Bournemouth pier to Southbourne and back again. (I wonder if stopping for coffee en route is allowed?)

Anyhow, if you fancy a jog, walk, sprint or just want to come along and enjoy the atmosphere then please join us, it's all fundraising for 3 fantastic local charities and with Christmas (yes Christmas, I said it) only 10 weeks away then what better way to keep your waistline in check.

For more info and to register go to http://www.juliashouse.org/events

All runners will receive a lovely bright and sunny tee shirt (supplied by us!) so you'll be easily spotted. See you there :)

University Fashion......

Well...Unfortunately this is to be my last 4couture.com blog! After nearly a year working here I am off to Southampton University to undertake further study! It’s an exciting time with loads to look forward to but also loads to think about so I thought that I would make my last blog for people who might be in the same situation as me. There is so much to think about taking when you move away but on my course especially, I am also thinking about clothes to take and anything new that I want to buy before I go. Knowing that most students work on rather limited budgets ( :( ! ), it may be a sensible idea to buy a few statement pieces that will last me my time at university before I go. So here are my top picks of what’s around at the moment!

With the weather the way it is at the moment, we’ll soon be thinking about a new winter coat and this year it will more important than ever for me with all the walking I’ll be doing. Topshop have got an amazing range of jackets and coats to start the season off and I particularly love the colour of this parka (see right). It is something that will last you such a long time and can be dressed to look stylish as well as being practical. I also think this military cape is gorgeous and would look amazing with a pair of winter boots. Pick either up on the Topshop website at www.topshop.com.

Speaking of winter boots, ASOS have some great pairs if you’re on a budget but still want something high fashion. Lace up boots are still definitely on fashion into the winter season and I absolutely love these cute wedged ones which are a bargain for £55.00! Pick a pair up for yourself at http://www.asos.com/Women/Shoes/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=4172.

Topshop’s studio brands have also got some great items on the web this season. I particularly like some of the pieces from brand “Love”, especially their range of pinafore dresses. These dresses can be worn on their own in summer and can take you all the way through to winter and be worn with thick tights and boots. This military style one is a great colour for lasting you right through the seasons. There’s also some great tee brands including brand ‘Grey Scale’ who have some amazing t-shirts all in black and white. I really love this tee with the wing image which will give effortless style perfect for any student!

There are still a lot of bargains around the shops and on the web as a lot of sales are running later than usual. Check out the last sale pieces on www.asos.com and also www.my-wardrobe.com who both still have lots to look through. Also check out the Ebay Outlet at www.ebay.co.uk/outlet as you can sometimes grab something fab at a fraction of the original price!

That’s it from me! Have fun shopping as always :)

Love Katie x

Introducing 'Project D'......

It’s been long awaited but it’s finally here, new mum Dannii Minogue has teamed up with London-based designer and close friend Tabitha Somerset-Webb to create their first autumn winter collection which features a host of glamorous evening gowns that we just love. The range is just the first phase of their new brand “Project D” and will be followed by an accessories range and the launch of a fragrance later on in the year. Dannii has said about the collection: “Fashion has been a passion of mine since I can remember and I hope that every woman who slips on a Project D dress will feel glamorous yet effortless.” We think it will do just that and here are our fave picks….

Definitely one of our favourite dresses from the collection is this stunning black gown with a sequined strip down the middle. It is absolutely gorgeous and could be dressed up for the evening or down for holiday day wear. We are all going to be fighting over it here in the studio!

We also love this fab printed dress which is really elegant and stylish. Again, it could be dressed down for work or dressed up to make you look gorgeous on a night out!

The collection is available in the main department stores around London: Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and also some selected boutiques such as Jessimara in Golders Green and some Trilogy stores. We are really impressed with what Dannii has produced. It’s quite common for celebrities to create collections that don’t reflect their personality or what they would even wear themselves but the dresses in the Project D collection are the sort of thing that you can imagine Dannii wearing on the X factor.

Dannii seems to be in a really good place right now with her new baby boy and new business ventures and she is also said to be returning to the X factor in time for the judges houses stage of the competition. We wish her success with it all and hope that the collection does well!

You can check it all out on http://www.selfridges.com/en/Womenswear/?brandname=PROJECT+D&mrf=Category&template=1#pn=1

Katie x

Fashion Hotspots.....

Here at 4couture.com we all love a bit of a shop, so we're always on the lookout for new shopping territories to explore, and haven’t we been spoiled lately! London will always be one of the best places for retail therapy and it's just getting better and better with new flagship stores and boutiques cropping up all over the place. If you have a spare couple of hours and nothing to fill them with, check out some of our city hotspots!

One of the big stories this week is the opening of Acne’s very first, four floor studio on London’s Dover Street last Friday. We're huge fans of Acne designs so are thrilled to see that we can go in and have a browse. The store seems minimalistic in decoration and layout, no doubt letting the fashion do the talking; they even have a whole floor dedicated to denim! So we recommend you pop along and check it out, and if you can’t get there just yet have a browse on www.net-a-porter.com who still have a sale on featuring many acne pieces such as this stunning printed body, now only £84, (see right) http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/63031.

Another big story recently has been the opening of Louis Vuitton’s most luxurious store yet on Bond Street, Mayfair. The store opened a couple of months ago now and was brought in with a bang with a star studded opening party. Marc Jacobs, creative director of Louis Vuitton has said about the store: "It's probably one of the most magnificent retail stores in the world for the best luxury house, the greatest luxury brand." At 1,500 square metres and comprising of three floors, it is a must visit when you feel like indulging in a bit of luxury.

Lastly, not a particularly new store but definitely worthy of a place in our top hotspots list is My Sugarland on St John’s Street. This wonderful place functions as part vintage, part high fashion store featuring pieces from past decades, new up and coming designers and established fashion greats such as Betty Jackson. It also houses a gallery with work from talented artists being displayed in the windows and if that wasn’t enough, you can even hire My Sugarland as a retail or exhibition space. It's such a great place and one of those really interesting visits where you never know what you might find! Check out their website too at http://www.mysugarland.co.uk/

Have fun exploring!

Love Katie x