I’ve been trying to find a New years eve party dress recently, which should be easy, I mean come on, I love shopping! But it’s proving to be a nightmare, shops are a total mess from sales. So I decided to look online and I came across chiarafashion.co.uk. They’ve got a great range of dresses and the prices are brilliant, I may even treat myself to two… So far these have caught my eye.

The classic party dress! Party dresses have to be fun and flirty, think frills, bows, sequins, lace…obviously not all at once! Personally I like this ruffle bow party dress, the purple colour is gorgeous and it reminds me of the dress Agyness Deyn is wearing in this picture, amazing!

But then I came across this amazing velvet lace dress. So on trend…I love it.

Every girl should have a secret weapon sexy dress for when the LBD just won’t do… Remember Gywneth Paltrow in her lace dress? Amazing! Remember though, if you’re going for the sexy dress option, pull it off in style, think black lace, deep reds and soft silks.

For a more sophisticated look, I found this gorgerous red evening dress. Evening dresses are made to make you look and feel amazing, think floor length, rich colours, it’s all very glam. I was hoping it would help me acheive Anne Hathaway’s elegant look…stunning!

John Varvatos Star USA

New York-based designer John Varvatos is introducing a collection of leather goods for his Star USA label this fall.

Geared to a younger sensibility than the designer’s eponymous collection, Star USA still features a mature, meticulous attention to detail and highly innovative finishes.

Subsequently, the new accessories collection, including belts, bags, small leather goods and accessories, integrates seamlessly with the label’s established aesthetic.

“This collection brings both design and value to our customers,” says Varvatos. “It’s not just about a price point though, it’s also about giving this younger guy accessible options that he can really relate to.”

Made in collaboration with Cipriani Accessories, there are five groups, including caribou leather; antique calf; pebble grain; canvas; and a nylon/leather group silkscreened with typically irreverent Star USA motifs — a skull, guitar and marijuana leaf. Another iconic symbol, the peace sign hand and flag, is used throughout the collection and stamped on the inside of wallets and used as a lining for bags.

Bags themselves are hand-stitched in Italian leather, with raw-cut edges and chunky hardware. Wallets are made from soft skins but clip onto tough biker chains. Zippers, studs and hanging medallions feature the peace sign, while bracelets and belts are hand-stained with feathered edges. One highlight of the belts is a special “x-ray” detail, where studs are in fact covered in leather for a unique look.

Price points for the collection range from $65-$550, with bags starting at $150; small leather goods starting at $68; and belts starting at $65.

The collection will be available nationwide in all John Varvatos boutiques and select retailers and shop-in-shops.

Know Leather/Now India

India’s Council for Leather Exports, The Indian Consulate and NML International Inc. will host 23 of the country’s premier leather apparel and accessory manufacturers next week at a brand new industry showcase called Know Leather/Now India.

The two-day event, Jan. 18-19, at The Westin New York in Time Square will serve as a platform for wholesalers, buyers and importers to meet manufacturers and exporters while experiencing the quality and value of India’s highest quality leather goods.

Categories in leather have remained strong, in spite of the economic downturn, with India continuing to serve as a top source for tanneries and production.

“As a leather importer for more than 20 years, this is a great opportunity for the industry,” said Jaggi Singh, President of NML International. “We are extremely pleased to have India’s top leather manufacturers join us here in New York. With the country’s rich resources, top-tier technology, superior quality standards and industrious work ethic, we are confident that India’s emergent leather trade business will continue to increase at a rapid rate.”

Snowy Day Options

When the temperature drops below 40 degrees here, people act like it’s the end of the world. Add rain to the mix and schools close plus no one wants to go outside; mostly because most drivers here don’t know how to drive in cold weather conditions. I lived in Potomac MD for years as a child and I remember my uncle shoveling the driveway when it’d snow so he could go to work. In Dallas, the entire city practically shuts down should one flake of gorgeous snow fall. After an intensely hot summer, I am embracing the cold spell. At least I can pull out my fabulous coats! I mean I can either mope at home like the rest of the city, or get decked out and take myself and my son out for afternoon tea. I choose the latter. Here is the current darling of my coat collection from Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2008. I bought it in NYC when I filmed at the Flagship boutique on 57th, it is one of Marc Jacobs’ masterpieces. The fit is amazing and the cut is an architectural dream. The mink fur collar is removeable which turns it into a fitted wool coat/dress. The double sided zipper also allows me to wear it fitted at the waist.

The pleated folds at the bottom swish around you when you walk, without hindering you. I feel fabulous just wearing it– even with a pair of leggings and a t-shirt. I can’t enough about this coat except that I wish I bought the oatmeal version with cream mink collar, too! It’s from the current season

Michael Jackson’s Lavish Furniture

Not only did the untimely departure of Michael Jackson leave behind a mountain of unreleased recordings and debts estimated at almost £242 million, but the King of Pop departed without seeing his $700,000 extravagant furniture ordered for a London mansion he was supposed to live in during the run of his “This Is It” tour. Crafted by the Italian furniture maker, Colombostile, the items included were lavish sofas, a crystal-encrusted chair, a desk with a secret compartment and a chair specifically for his friend Elizabeth Taylor to sit in when she would come to visit. However, Colombostile has returned the $700,000 back to Katherine Jackson and has decided to put the furniture under the hammer in the near future.

Michael Jackson Furniture

Michael Jackson Furniture

Michael Jackson Furniture

Michael Jackson Furniture

World’s Largest Yacht

It’s the majestic size that matches the grandeur of kings and this is the reason why the world’s largest yacht belongs to Dubai. The 531-foot mega yacht is the largest private yacht in the world that belongs to the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Originally named Platinum 525, when the project was commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei in 1996 but got stuck due to lack of funds. It was only after $300 million funding that the project was carried out again in 2001 and named Gold Star by the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, and the Prime Minister of the UAE to jointly own the mega yacht. Equipped with three elevators serving all the decks, a large formal dining area, a variety of pools, hot tubs, sunbathing areas and a big swimming platform, the Gold Star also offers a variety of water sports activities along with air conditioning facility to combat the hot Dubai weather. But wait, there’s more! The yacht also has a squash room, spa, and is fitted with the obligatory mega yacht helicopter pad.

World’s Largest Yacht

Chloe floral print tights: $145, Vivienne Westwood diamante Orb brooch: $125

See by Chloe cotton scribble print dress: $195, Marc by Marc Jacobs t-shirt: $68

Calvin Klein Weghorn Cotton Shirt: $150, Tibi lace collar shirt: $200

3.1 Phillip Lim Paperbag waist shorts:$180, Earnest Sewn Harnest Skinny jeans: $180

Sass and Bide Frayed Misfits jeans: $200, Paul and Joe Sister Bernache pearl embellished cardigan: $150

Marc by Marc Jacobs Clover bikini: $158, Marc by Marc Jacobs Printed Big tote: $170

Juicy Couture Scottie dog Wellington boots: $110, Emilio Pucci Print wellington boots: $175

Fitflop Aurelia gladiator sandals: $165, Marc by Marc Jacobs Jelly Mouse shoes: $160

Kenneth Jay Lane Tribal wooden bangles set: $150, Marc by Marc Jacobs Crazy Bow cuff: $98

Marc by Marc Jacobs Glossy bow headband: $78, Marc by Marc Jacobs Crazy bow headband: $125

Missoni Zig Zag Ruffle scarf: $170, Miu Miu Two tone knitted scarf: $135

Ray-ban Two two Wayfarer sunglasses: $140, Miu Miu rectangular wrap sunglasses: $170

PS; I am actually yet to make this but I am pretty sure that I’m not too far off from the actual designer concept so don’t mind me if there is tweaking to be done. I will post up pictures of my own Dries Van Noten inspired piece when I do have the time to do it.

What do you need?

-          Black velvet ribbon (Approx 30cm)

-          Various bangles and rings of all shapes, colours and sizes. (It looks best when you stick to one theme)

-          Vintage rings

-          Big beads and buttons

What to do?

-          Knot the top of one end of the ribbon leaving about an 8cm gap from the edge of the ribbon to the centre area.

-          Tie the first ring to the knot so that the rings don’t fall off the string.

-          Thread through some vintage rings of all shapes, colours and sizes to the end of the knot.

-          Finish that section by tying another ring in a knot so that you can start the other section.

-           Put your bangles through the string in a fancy order to best achieve the desired result.

-          Knot the edge to finish off leaving extra string space at the end of the neckpiece to tie on.

-          Tie back edges together to complete.