Make it highstreet | People's Choice Awards 2014

Helllo!

So it's award's season hurrrah!! Award's season is my third favourite season of the year - following Christmas season and birthday season and way above exam season! It all kicked off to a leisurely start with the People's Choice Awards. I'll be honest the People's Choice are never my favourite award season...mainly because I don't really understand the point of them. But any excuse to lust over pretty shoes and men in tuxs is a winner with me.

I wasn't blown away by the dresses on show but there were definitely some that caught my eye. My winner of the night had to be Naya Rivera. Every morning I wake up a little sadder that I do not look like her - the woman is a goddess and she looked beyond goddess in a gorgeous Michael Kors block mullet dress. Honourable mention has to go to Anna Faris for breaking the red carpet mould and going for a chic Naeem Khan trouser suit. I love it when leading ladies get away from the stereotypical dresses.

There were some lovely pops of colour on the red carpet too, a lovely counteraction to the miserable grey skies we've been seeing at the moment. Jillian Rose stood out in her lovely coral dress and Lucy Hale really brought that summer vibe in a Gabriela Cadena floral piece. Jennifer Hudson, who pretty much always looks awesome, shone in a form fitting and gathered white dress by Kaufman Franco.

Of course there's always some dresses you're not going to love. Heidi Klum was way way overdressed in Armani for what I always think of as one of the more 'casual' award ceremonies. For me, Kat Denning's rose patterned dress by David Meister Signature was just a little too old fashioned especially when compared to her co-host Beth Behrs who was looking really great in Guilietta monochrome. There's something about Kat Denning's style that just doesn't suit my palette...I honestly think it might be because I went to school with a really annoying girl who looked just like her. Fickle I know!

So if you wanna create your own little red carpet at home I've found a few dupe-like things on the highstreet. I know it's January and we all got no place to go...but we can still get all dressed up!

Hope you like these! What was your favourite red carpet dress? Are you excited about award season?

L-R: Naya Rivera looking hot to trot in Michael Kors // Block Dress, Asos, £82.50

L-R: Bandeau Midi Dress, Missguided, £29.99 // Jessica Alba in Jason Wu // Zip Front Skater, Asos, £55

L-R: Crochet Collar Dress, USC, £26 // Sara Bareilles looking preppy in Jill Stuart // Lace Collar Dress, Littlewoods, £29

Pu Leather Dress, Nelly.com, £39.95 // Shaun Robinson rocks texture mix // Leather Skater Dress, Dorothy Perkins, £32.99

Make It Hightstreet | Halloween Idols - Morticia Addams

Heyaaa,

As I've said in previous posts, I've got a bit of a soft spot for halloween. So I thought this year I'd do a little mini-series of posts for the week leading up to the ghostly day focussing on those fashionistas that lurk among the classic halloween costumes. Taking their signature look and making them a bit more day to day and a bit more achievable.

First of my halloween idols is the first lady of creep herself, Morticia Addams. Morticia's clothes might seem a bit dated and dreary but I think she personifies halloween glamour. I try to wear a lot of black so for me this character is perfect. Her outfit choices are so interesting considering she has such a limited palette choice. The layering is perfect for the winter, it's too cold for a dress but whack on a detailed cardigan or cover-all and problem solved! Plus chunky rings and over-zealous accessories are always a winner in my book, especially in the winter when I always feel like my wardrobe has got a little bit drab.

Moriticia's outfits probably are a bit too costume-y for day to day wear but her make-up could definitely be used as inspiration for a night-out look. A dark smokey eye and classic red lip are a go-to look and there's about 1000 tutorials online for them (maybe don't mention the Addams family if someone compliments you on how glam you look...). I've included GOSH black eyeshadow just because I used to love doing a super simple smokey eye with it and Kate Moss lipstick because they're just awesome!

 Rimmel London Kate Lasting Finish in 001 // Black Lace Maxi, New Look // Black Gem Cocktail Ring, River Island // Velvet Maxi Skirt, Boohoo.com // Fortune Teller Rose Quartz Necklace, Shop Dixi // Zelda Multistone Amulet Ring, Shop Dixi // GOSH Eyeshadow in 006 Black // The Shredder Crop, Black Milk Clothing

So who are your glamorous halloween idols? What are you dressing up as this year? Lemme know...

You old tartan!

Heeeey,
Tartan is set to be a masssssive trend for winter! Everywhere I seem to go I see it and the worst thing is...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I'm a massive sucker for the original red tartan pattern but also absolutely love the dark green style I've seen about on the high street.

Every time I walk into a shop I can almost hear my bank balance whimpering "No...stay away from the tartan Maisie...we don't think we'll survive it". Luckily so far I've managed to heed the cry of my debit card and refrain from any huge tartan expenditure. I don't think this inner strength will last long. It's freeeezing in Norwich and I've got my heart set on a tartan winter coat!

Alas, until I find one which will fit my student budget I'm stuck wasting my hours traipsing round shops and scouring ebay. Below I've made a little tartan covered wishlist all of which I'm adding to my 'When I Win The Lottery' list.

Hope you like it, and if anyone sees a budget tartan coat...let a sister know!

Red tartan faux fur boyfriend collar, River Island, £40 // Tartan and leather satchel, Cambridge Satchel Company, £140 //  Red tartan skater skirt, New Look, £17.99 //  Tartan ankle socks, Missguided, £3.99 // Tartan high wasted trousers, Urban Outfitters, £48 // Black and tartan contrast shirt, River Island, £15 // Leather collar tartan skater dress, Missguided, £14.99

Cut that out!

Heyya,

Loathe as I am to admit it, it seems summer is coming to an end. As much as I'm gonna miss the light evenings and warm afternoons I will definitely not miss this years summer trends. Crop tops and pastels are not my friends so I can't wait to fill my wardrobe with warm, autumn clothes!

Something I've been seeing a lot of and loving is cut out boots! I really like them, it's a great way to carry on a summer trend throughout the autumn months. Recently I saw a picture of a model wearing some nice cut out boots with a jazzy pair of socks on underneath, I thought this looked great. A really interesting and different way to accessorise.

I'm sure I'm going to have to invest in a pair of cut out boots soon. But luckily for me (and my bank account) there's plenty available on the highstreet. I've found a few that I liked and put them down below but I've also seen some nice ones in Primark (whyyyy don't they have an online shop?!)

Do you like the boots? Seen any nice ones? What other trends are you liking for Autumn?

Jeffrey Campbell Trane Cut-Out Shoe, Office // Lisa Cut-Out Block Heel, Boohoo // First Love Low Heels, Schuh

Black Cut Out, New Look // Limelight Black Leather, Office

Dark Red Cut-Outs, New Look // Anticipate Ankle Boots, ASOS // Stud Cut-Outs, River Island at ASOS

Rihanna For River Island

L-R Rihanna wears - Split Side Maxi and Double Top Straight Jeans with Cropped T-Shirt 

Last night Rihanna officially launched her collection for River Island and like the lady herself it is the perfect mixture of grunge and glam - I am definitely a fan. The cuts and shapes of the line are definitely rooted in the 90s (check out that denim shirt skirt below) but the collection has a very dark colour base (with the occasional pop of bright yellow) which I think brings it fully up to 2013. Overall I really like the line! I think the cuts are really interesting, especially the use of knotting as seen in the yellow dress below and the knotted vest. Also, as an extremely vertically challenged individual, this may be one of the only times I've looked at a maxi skirt and thought I could work it with my wardrobe! 

My favourite pieces from the line are the the Double Top Jeans (as modeled by Ri-Ri herself above) and the dipped hem stripped shirt! The shirt is an obvious choice for me, I'm an absolute sucker for all things dipped hemmed and button uppable but the Jeans are like nothing else I would usually pick! I think it's because they're so incredibly 90s I wouldn't feel out of place strutting onto the Saved By The Bell set in them, but at the same time the straight leg and turn up keeps them really up to date. Whatever it is...I want them! 

Overall I'm really impressed by Rihanna for River Island - it doesn't feel gimmiky or over-branded like some other celeb lines *cough Kardashians for Dorothy Perkins cough*. It feels like it has definite shelf-life and could go a long way! 

L-R Black Crop with Black Split Maxi Skirt / Grey Crop with Grey Split Maxi Skirt / Yellow Tie Dress / Denim Shirt Skirt

Some of my favourites....

Top - Black Trucker Boots £95 / Cropped White T-Shirt £20 / Black and White Shirt £45
Bottom - Black and White Tank £20 / Knot Vest £18 / Roll Sleeve Tank £20

So what do you think of the collection? Love or loathe? Favourite items? I'd love to hear what you think...

Make It Hightstreet | The Oscars 2013

So the award season is came to a triumphant end with The Oscars. It's really the going out party you could hope for from such a glitzy award season I've had a super time how about you? Of course many of the best dresses were saved til last - Jennifer Lawrence seems to have walked away with an all round thumbs up from the blogosphere for her stunning pale pink Christian Dior Courture gown. For me, Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen really took the biscuit! Her swept back hair and smokey make up was stunning - a million miles away from when she hit the screens as Karen in Mean Girls. Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta and Sally Fields in Valentino brought a touch of princess to the event with long flowing dresses. With Sofia Vegara missing from the evening due to illness it fell to classic sex-sirens Halle Berry and Catherine Zeta-Jones, plus newcomer Samantha Barks to bring some vavavoom. Halle looked every inch a Bond Girl in a silver sequined Versace number (designed especially for her of course), Ms Zeta-Jones looked classic Hollywood in a gold and nude Zuhair Murad dress and Samantha Barks totally pulled off the plunging neckline in Valentino. The same can't be said for everyone, there were a few dresses that didn't quite knock it out of the park for me. I was a little disappointed with the Jennifer's, both Aniston and Garner went for very simple, slightly bland dresses. Jennifer Garner went for a simple Gucci number which from the back looked exquisitely detailed but from the front just looked a bit meh whilst Jennifer Aniston's red Valentino gown was just...I don't know I just didn't care about it which is probably worse than hating it. Also Adele was back to what she knew best in  black Jenny Packham, I hope she'll branch out into colour again at some point...
On a last note, a lady who has been my favourite all awards season Anne Hathaway. She of course looked beautiful in a soft pink Prada dress with detailed bows at the back and it would have been a perfectly nice dress if I hadn't loved everything else she wore so much! Compare this to her BAFTAs dress or her Screen Actor's Guild Award Dress and it just falls a bit short. But I loved her styling, the hair and the jewels from Tiffany's was all very Audrey Hepburn and went beautifully with her Best Supporting Actress Award...

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior / White Peplum, AX Paris for New Look, £30

Samantha Barks in Valentino / Plunge neck maxi, Asos, £22

The adorable Quvenzhane Wallis in Armani Junior / Navy tulip dress, Asos, £40

Make It Highstreet | Brit Awards 2013

Last week the Brits rolled into town highlighting all the awesomeness that is British music (plus a couple from over the pond). To be totally honest I wasn't amazed by the dresses on show. Of course there were a few beauties on show, Taylor Swift, for example, looked absolutely stunning in black paneled Elie Saab - I can't get over how much her style has matured in the last year! Jessie J took the plunge in a low cut Versace gown, a lot more demure than what we're used to seeing Jessie in, I liked it but I'm still a fan of her old trademark bob-and-fringe. I was a bit gutted really that so  many of the big names missed the mark with their dresses, Gemma Arterton, whose dresses I am usually drooling over, looked like she was getting ready for Comic Relief in a red, sequined Jonathan Saunders ensemble. More granny than glamour. Lana Del Rey also disappointed in a thoroughly dull number which I was amazed to discover was by Chanel - considering the amount of designers and stylists that must be lining up to dress this lady I don't understand how she ended up with such a boring dress. Lady of the evening, Emeli Sandé also fell short in a ruffled LBD, just a bit samey really. Not wanting to end on a negative note some ladies definitely brought the vavavoom! Jourdan Dunn worked those pins amazingly in a micro yellow mini from Balmain and Bérénice Marlohe looked every inch a Bond girl in Donna Karan - pure old school Hollywood!

Alexa Chung in Valentino / Cream Playsuit, New Look £24

Jourdan Dunn stands out in Balmain / Mimosa Mini Dress, French Connection, £80

Delilah wears Michael Kors / Keyhole Skater Dress, Asos Petite, £15

Make It Highstreet | Grammys 2013

They seem like a lifetime ago but I am finally catching up with the award ceremonies! Whilst poor film stars had to brave a mulchy, damp red carpet, music's finest were sunning themselves at the 2013 Grammy Awards. Best dressed of the evening for me had to go to the predictably gorgeous Rihanna Alaia - definitely obeying the no boobs or bum rule she looked beyond sophisticated and stunning!  I also loved the contrasting looks coming from the Knowles sisters; Beyonce looked effortlessly classy in a black and white Osman jumpsuit whereas Solange looked the epitome of Diana Ross-esque glamour in green Ralph & Russo Couture. I can't even tell you how happy I was to see Adele in something that wasn't black...maybe she's finally taken my tips! Although I wasn't a massive fan of her Valentino Couture the pop of colour looked great! As is the way with the Grammys there were a couple of eccentric looks, Katy Perry showed off more than just her musical ability in a keyhole Gucci gown, but I guess if you've got it, flaunt it! Florence Welch was back to her irregular choices in a Givenchy gown, covered in not only sequins but also huge spikes! I'm not sure how I feel about this dress, we're so used to seeing Florence float in ethereal numbers that this one just felt a little to harsh for me.
Also, shout out to the men who were looking dapper! Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford, Maroon 5, Neil Patrick Harris and John Legend - I dip my hat to all of you!

Florence Welch in Givency / Green Sequin Maxi, ASOS, £41

Katy Perry shows off her assets in Gucci / Mint cut-out Bodycon, boohoo.com, £25

Chrissy Teigen in Joy Cioci / Cross-waist Maxi, boohoo.com, £25

Rihanna stuns in Alaia / Lace drape dress, Miss Selfridge £25 / Mango Silk Maxi, ASOS, £134.99 

Make It Highstreet | 2013 BAFTAs

I've recently been without computer so sorry that this is a million years late but y'know...thought that counts! Now I don't know about you but when it rains my hair gets remarkably frizzy, my mascara always runs and I slap on the most miserable face you've ever seen! Obviously actors and actresses are made of sterner stuff than me - they all braved the rain, donned the dresses and looked gorgeous (well some of them anyway)! Lots of bright dresses on show with Marion Cotillard in Dior looking like a little ray of sunshine on a horrible London day. I loved Jessica Chastain's mermaid-esque Roland Mouret dress, especially styled with such classic Hollywood hair. Vamp was the order of the day with Jessica Lawrence in Christian Dior, dark make-up and very sleek swept back hair and Thandie Newton in Louis Vuitton. Of course there was also a lot of black dresses on show as is the way with these things, my girl Anne Hathaway (we're destined to be best friends I just know it) looking stunning in embellished black Burberry and pop of pink lipstick.
There weren't any dresses that were a major miss for me. I feel Sarah Jessica Parker tried to step out of her comfort zone with an Ellie Saab jumpsuit but it just ended up looking a bit to casual, not as stand out as we're used to from her. Also, I'm not sure about Paloma Faith's whole look, the dress was pretty but the hair just made it feel a bit try hard and over-the-top...

Thandie Newton in Louis Vuitton / Lace Maxi Dress, ASOS, £70

Laura Bailey in Roksanda Illincic / Crossover Lace Maxi, Boohoo, £25

Kelly Brook Jumpsuit, New Look, £20, Sarah Jessica Parker wears Elie Saab

Make It Highstreet | Screen Actor's Guild Award 2013

I have decided that whilst there is someone as flawless and beautiful as Anne Hathaway in existence I may as well just go into hibernation. Last night she rocked the SAG Awards in a stunning black, Giambattisa Valli gown. With minimal styling (apart from a classic red lip) and a lush pair of Jimmy Choo's - Anne has got this awards malarky down to a tee! I was pleasantly surprised by most of the dresses at the SAG Awards, there weren't really any that disgusted me just some I wasn't so sure about. But first, the good! Nina Dobrev took a leaf out of Lea Michele's book in a hot pink Elie Saab dress which highlighted her crazily skinny frame. Lea Michele also went for hot pink in Valentino, for me personally the length was a bit long and almost aged her but the colour is great on her! Amanda Seyfried looked just as stunning as her Les Mis co-star in a navy Zac Posen strapless gown, I loved the jewellery she wore with this very old school Hollywood. And can I just take a moment to mention my new style crush, Marion Cotillard who went for another slightly out of the box dress this time by Dior and of course looked stunning! I love the dresses she wears to these events she always looks so different and memorable!

As I said there weren't many dresses I detested really just some I wasn't totally sure of. Naya Rivera opted for a sheer paneled Donna Karan dress. Whilst it could have been totally sexy, for some reason it just fell a little short of the mark for me. Leather gowns also featured highly with Jane Lynch (I can't find out who this dress was by) and Julia Bowen in Johanna Johnson, all over leather is never the most flattering look and these ladies are no different. On a last note, I wasn't a fan of Sofia Vegara's make up, a bit too heavy, but the Donna Karan dress and $1 million worth of Neil Lane jewellery more than made up for it...

Anne Hathaway stuns in Giambattista Valli / Cut Out Dip Dress, New Look, £28

Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza / Lace Skater Dress,  boohoo.com, £20

Mayim Bialik / Cobalt Lace Dress, Miss Selfridge, £25

Maria Menounos wears Randi Rahms / Cowl Back Midi, Asos, £28

Make It Highstreet | National Television Awards

It is certainly not the classiest award ceremony of the season and is more likely to attract reality stars that Hollywood ones - but beggars can't be choosers and I am never one to turn down a red carpet. Just because it's not the most prestigious ceremony doesn't mean there weren't some stunning dresses on display! Nicole Scherzinger brought the vava voom by totally disobeying the 'boobs or bum' rule in a low, thigh split black beauty! Tess Daly and Holly Willoughby repped it for yummy mummys everywhere with Tess wearing a floor-length red lace number and Holly flaunting her 'assets' in a black dress which I NEED in my wardrobe soon... However, as is tradition, there were some misses. TOWIE's Lucy Mecklenburgh and Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star Cheyenne Pidgley seemed to be dressed for some kind of cheap prom. I love sequins as much as the next girl but Lucy's navy number was just too much. Also, I have a real problem with Caroline Flack's choices at award ceremonies, I don't think she dresses right for her age at all - her floral dress was really nice but the cut was very similar to Ella Henderson's, who is 17 years her junior, not the right dress for her. I'm undecided about Tulisa's dress, whilst she looked pretty in it, the material looks a bit 'cheap' and the colour made her look a tad orange (although good on her for rocking the spanx)

Nicole Scherzinger / Cut-out Maxi, Asos, £36

Tulisa Contostavlos / Cream Chiffon Maxi Dress, New Look, £49.99

Gemma Collins / Tassle Chiffon Dress, Boohoo.com, £20

Tess Daly / Red Lace Dress, Dorothy Perkins, £30

Make It Highstreet | Golden Globes 2013

So Golden Globes were last night and there really were a lot of big names on show! As with the People's Choice Awards there were some dresses I adored and some that fell a little flat (I'm looking at you Miss. Sienna Miller). I've always liked Lea Michele's style but I think with her excellent choice for the People's Choice Awards and the stunning white Ellie Saab dress she wore for the GG she's really coming into her own style! Jennifer Garner, Zooey Deschanel and Claire Danes co-ordinated with the red carpet gloriously in red gowns by Vivienne Westwood, Oscar de la Renta and Versace. Winner and my favourite actress ever Anne Hathaway looked amazing in classic white Chanel (and the short hair is stunning...I love it even if she doesn't)
There were some misses of course. Lucy Lui looked swamped by her Carolina Herrera gown; too much pattern, too much dress, too much everything! I could see where Kelly Osbourne was going with her Zac Posen fishtail gown but it didn't really do it for me. And Sienna Miller...I can't even look you in the eye that Erdem dress is one of the most hideous dresses I've ever seen, an example of how to make a gorgeous woman look beyond awful!

On a sidenote, Adele I am begging you please stop wearing the same black dress! We all know it looks great but please invest in some Burgundy or Dark Green!!!

Claire Danes wearing Versace, Halter Dress from Asos £40

Tina Fey wears L'ren Scott, Lipsy Lace Dress from Asos £55

Marion Cotillard in Dior, Talia split-side Maxi from Boohoo.com £20

Rachel Weisz wearing Louis Vuitton, Taya Dress by Topshop £20

Make It Highstreet | People's Choice Awards 2013

Award's are coming! Award's are coming! I'm so excited - I love a good awards season! The season crashed into action with the People's Choice Awards and it was certainly very glam! I sometimes worry about this award, it's voted for by the public and I sometimes wonder if really it's just a big battle of the fandoms but I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out of some big stars as well as the regulars to Trending Topics. There were some beautiful dresses on show, Heidi Klum showed off her figure in a sliced Julien McDonald gown and Lea Michele looked positively radiant in a neon pink Ellie Saab mini. There were the classic faux-pas as usual. For me the two worst looks of the night belonged to Katy Perry and Jennifer Aniston - a surprise considering what seasoned award attendees they are. They both dressed badly for their age, Jennifer took a step out of her comfort zone and went for a Dior leather mini. It just felt forced, a good dress but wrong for her. Katy Perry also stepped away from her norm in a Valentino dress, again I felt it was wrong for her age, too frumpy not the fun we're used to from the inventor of the whipped cream bra...

Now whilst we can't all get away with baring all a la Taylor Swift there were some lovely dresses on show and inspiration could definitely be found. Here's a few highstreet dupes of some of the dresses that were on the red carpet last night for us mere mortals to enjoy...

L-R Heidi Klum wearing Julien McDonald,  Ria Embellished Neck Maxi from BooHoo £15.00

L-R Katy Perry wearing Valentino, Anias Dress by Annie Green from Topshop £45.00

L-R Jennifer Aniston wearing Dior, Oasis cut-out leather dress, Asos, £115.50

L-R Naomi Watts wearing Alexander McQueen, Lisa Sequin and Chiffon Maxi from Boohoo, £15.00