FYI - DLB is on Holiday

DLB, and me, are heading off to a well-deserved holiday. DLB will be back on the second week of August with renewed energy, better than ever goodie bags, and hopefully some fresh new ideas! Until then, I hope ya'll get to enjoy some summer sun and long lazy days!

DIVA of the Week - Caz

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Caz 44
London Bridge, London

How would you describe your personal style?
Aiming for 'modern classic with edgy twist', but actually more like 'shoe-led, comfort-driven, ageing surfer/sk8r girl'!

What are you wearing today?
My dress is Jaeger and my jacket is Calvin Klein, jeans are from New Look, shoes from Peacocks, watch and bangle so old can't remember where they're from, bag from Mulberry & undies from Freya (not seen - hopefully!).

Psst... ASOS sale now on

The ASOS sale is now on. There's up to 50% off on selected items, so you can go accessory-crazy with a clear conscience.

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thank you for sharing your favouorite items of clothing in this week's Goodie Bag contest! It's surprising, the things we get attached to. For my own part, my favourite item is this thick wooden bangle from Evans, which I wear with nearly everything. I know it's technically jewellery not clothing, but hey, it was my question! :P

This was the last Goodie Bag for a little while as it's my birthday next week and, in my opinion, I should be receiving goodies instead of sending them out. :D And at the end of next week I'm also going on holiday for a couple of weeks. When I get back the Goodie Bag will return as a weekly feature, I already have a bunch of better-than-ever goodies waiting to be given out!

And now for the fanfare. The winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on Get Palmd! Congratulations! :)

Psst... Torrid online exclusive

The Torrid clearance is continuing with an internet exclusive of selected sweaters and tops for $14.99 (£7.50) and select clearance tops for $9.99 (£5). Promotion ends Sunday 20 July. The other good news is that Torrid now accepts Paypal, which will make shopping from outside of the US even easier.

Look Book - Colour Command

Look Book feature is the backbone of DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!



Sometimes all it takes to transform a look into something more special is that one 'power item'. In this look the item is the gorgeous Jaeger shopper in the very 'now' orange colour. It's an investment, but with the current sale on you can take quite a big chunk out of its original price tag. The rest of the outfit consists of much more affordable pieces, which are elevated to another level by the commanding presence of the power item.

• Orange wet look shopper from Jaeger (now down to £99 from £250).
• Black snake effect peep-toe shoes from Peacocks.
• Purple pussy bow jersey top from Fashion World.
• Black smart crop trousers from Evans.
• Black waist belt from Evans.
• Orange & gold Anna Lou of London hoop earrings from Makoosh.
• Coral snake skin bangle from Mikey.

Psst... H&M Final clearance

Last chance to buy at the H&M sale. Hurry instore for final reductions of up to 70% off on selected garments.

Psst... Free 17 Limited Edition Vintage Collection

Boots is giving away these adorable 17 Limited Edition Vintage Collections. They're free when you spend just £5 or more on 17 cosmetics, and they're available in most Boots stores. In store from 16 July to 12 August.

Unique Treasures - Quiet night out

Unique Treasures is a feature that showcases unique hidden gems and celebrates all things hand-made. It's where I'll try to bring you everything from the most beautiful vintage clothes to hand-crafted accessories and custom-made dresses from places like Etsy and eBay.



Here's another dose of unique finds that won't break the bank either. This look is for those nights when you want to go out for a quiet sophisticated dinner. When you want to feel comfortable, but look classy, and be safe in the knowledge that you're not going to come across the same dress in a hurry.

• Silver cocktail dress from eBay (currently going for about £5!). Their sizes go up to 22 and their sizing chart seems quite clear.
• Vintage blue leather shoes from eBay, in wide-fitting size 5.5.
• Swirled Murano glass ring (ID=GIA7a) from The Carrotbox.
• Twilight necklace from Lara Lewis at Etsy.
• Grey and yellow Silver leaves bag from Charm Design - possibly my favourite Etsy shop.

Psst... Monsoon Summer Sale

The Monsoon Summer Sale Is finally upon us. It is the one sale that I always look forward to the most, as there's always a lot of gorgeous bargains to be found. Luckily it's pay day at the end of the week!

DIVA of the Week - Tracey

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Tracey 38
London Bridge, London

How would you describe your personal style?
I don't know - hard to please!

What are you wearing today?
The t-shirt is Ted Baker and jeans G-Star Raw. Shoes and belt are from Matalan. The handbag is Mulberry and my watch is Tag Heuer.

Psst... 20% off shoes at ASOS

You won't be able to resist taking advantage of this great promotion
at ASOS. There's currently 20% off selected shoes, all of which are pretty yummy. Just take a look at these T-bar peep thoe shoes, now £24, for example. Cuteness overload!

Goodie Bag - What's your favourite item of clothing

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, which give you a chance to bag yourself something nice and add some cheer to your day.



In this week's romantic Goodie Bag are:

• Alice band with a white rose
  
• Antique effect long necklace with white beads
  
• Sparkly turquoise hair bands
  
• Pretty antique effect bracelet
  

This week I'd like you to share with me your all time favourite item of clothing. It might be a new love, or something that has been the staple of your wardrobe for a long time. Why is is special to you? How does it make you feel when you wear it?

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and share your favourite item - even better if you can link to a picture of it! As a bonus, if you link back to this entry you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 18 July at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night and announce it on Saturday 19 July.

Look Book - What to wear to a wedding

Look Book feature is the backbone of DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!

The wedding season is well and truly upon us, and I got some requests for a Look Book that would give ideas for outfits to wear for when you have been invited as a guest to a wedding. First though, a little reminder of the wedding etiquette.

• Read the invitation carefully as it will tell you the time of day and location for the ceremony and reception, both of which are important factors when deciding what to wear. Also, if the invitation is fancy with multiple pages and reply cards, it signals a dressy event.
• When in doubt, overdress.
• But don't overdo it - it's not ok to wear clothes that are too sexy or revealing. A wedding is about celebrating the bride and the groom, as well as their family.
• Black is a go, white is a no.
  

Time of day and location are the most deciding factors

• Morning: Understated is best, with light fabrics, knee-length dresses and discreet accessories.
• Afternoon: Go festive but refined with a sleeveless dress, open-toe shoes and bangles.
• Evening: A chic cocktail dress is a good option unless a black-tie gown has been specified on the invitation. Color is good.
• Destination: A pretty sundress, beaded thongs and a silky fringed shawl are perfect for a beach wedding.

I came up with three different looks for this Look Book, from a quite traditional one to a more individual look. These are not aimed at any specific type of wedding, they're meant more as inspiration and a starting point for when you start putting your outfit together.


This look is all about pastels, gorgeous fabrics and feminine touches. I just love that dress and it's exquisite tones.

• Metallic bow hat from Next.
• Floral print dress from Next.
• Gold ruched sandals from Dorothy Perkins.
• Daniel Barre handbag from VivaLaDiva.
• Faceted flower ring from Oasis.

This look is for when you want to make an entrance and feel like a star. The dress is pure glamour, while the nude accessories tone it down and provide a touch of sophistication.

• Mecolat taupe Mary-Jane heels from John Lewis.
• Ruched surplice dress in lipstick red from Love Isis.
• Autograph Japanese feather headband from M&S.
• Cream concertina clutch bag from Accessorize.
• Sterling silver heart locket necklace from ASOS.

This look is for those who want to make an individual statement. The dress is a little bit quirky, but still completely appropriate, and the raspberry touches project a confident image.

• Silk poppy dress from Evans.
• Pink sparkle shrug/scarf from Kaleidoscope.
• Dahlia fuschia suede peep-toe slingbacks from DUO.
• Long metal bar clutch bag from Accessorize.
• Watch over me purity bracelet from Links of London.

I hope these looks give you some inspiration for when you're trying to decide what to wear. If any of you out there wanted to, I'd love it if you'd share your most successful wedding outfits in the comments! :)

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thank you so much to everyone who revealed their spending habits in this week's Goodie Bag contest! It made for interesting reading.

I'm currently having a veeeery lazy weekend, so I'm not going to hurt my brain by attempting any sort of thorough analysis of the comments here. When it comes to my own spending habits, they're quite sporadic. If I go out on a planned shopping-trip-mission, which doesn't really happen that often, I'll probably spend around £100-£150. But of course there are all those things I order online that tend to stack up over the month. Ordering online is quite perilous as you don't really feel like you're spending any money, and you always justify that you'll probably return a lot of it as well. I should probably start some sort of excel spread sheet on my spending to really stay on top of it. What I do try to do is sell some stuff on eBay every month as well. That way if I buy something on eBay I won't usually spend 'actual' money, but only the profits which I've earned from selling something. As a rule, if I buy a pair of shoes for example, I try to sell another pair on. Just to try to maintain some sort of balance of finances and of wardrobe. Needless to say, it doesn't always work so well though.

And now for the fanfare. The winner of the Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on suvinoma! Congratulations! :)

Psst... Duo Summer Sale

Save up to 50% at the Duo Summer Sale. The quality of Duo shoes is impeccable, and you can get most styles in the exact right width for your feet - what more could you want in a shoe! With these prices the shoes are flying off the shelves, so don't miss your chance to fill every last gap in your summer wardrobe. I'm loving these 40's style Maggie T-bar cuties, now £40.

Psst... Elvi sale continues

New lines have been added to the ongoing Elvi sale. Everything in the sale is now £30 or less. Stocks are limited so act quickly!

<3 US - Power Trip

There are a lot of bargains to be had in American stores and luckily these days a fair few of them ship overseas. Just remember to leave some cash tucked away for the possible import duty (even with the shipping cost and import duty, you can get proper bargains with the current exchange rate), and then when your parcel doesn't get caught in the customs, you'll feel like you're getting a cashback!



Simplicity is sometimes the key to a powerful look. A killer pair of heels will transform the comfiest of outfits into a look to be taken seriously.

• Blue babydoll sweater dress from Silhuettes.
• Black ankle leggings from Torrid.
• Riley open toe patent shoes from Baby Phat.
• Princess BAsic III small satchel from Baby Phat.
• Polished metal bangle set from Liz Claiborne.

While browsing the shops across the Atlantic, I also came across these great sales currently running.

• Silhouettes: Until 31 July, you can get 20% off of your order of $100 or more with coupon code AFF8PC17, or $15 off of $75 with coupon code AFF8PC16.
• Bigger Bras: Until 31 August, you can get 10% off your bra order using coupon code summerbra .
• Igigi: Final clearance.
• Torrid: Great savings at the clearance.
  

Fame and fortune

DIVA Look Book got awarded with this little gem, which has been doing the rounds in the Finnish 'blogsphere', by Tuhlaus.

Here are the rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the boys/girls you've nominated.

I shall nominate these wonderful divas:

London Calling
Suzi9mm
Pupulandia
Makes and creates
Kahden kielen väkeä
Susu's World
Manolo for the big girl

Psst... Accessorize Sale starts

The Accessorize Sale has finally kicked off, with up to 50% off selected items. Personally I'm going to stock up on their gorgeous scarves - they're so versatile and can instantly transform a trusty old outfit into something more exciting.

Hot off the Press - The House of Viktor & Rolf at the Barbican

Don't miss the stunning exhibition, showcasing the work of Dutch fashion designers Viktor & Rolf, which is currently running at the Barbican Art Gallery in London.

Over the past 15 years Viktor & Rolf have taken the fashion world by storm with their particular blend of cool irony and surreal beauty. The House of Viktor & Rolf presents each of the designer's signature pieces from 1992 to now, shown in a specially commissioned and characteristically theatrical installation that dominates the entire Gallery. Highlights include pieces from Atomic Bomb, 1998–99, featuring dramatic mushroom cloud-like cushioned necklines and Russian Doll, 1999–2000, in which a single model was painstakingly dressed by Viktor & Rolf until she was gasping under 70 kilogrammes of exquisite haute couture.

A 256 page hardback book, the most comprehensive on the work of Viktor & Rolf to date, including 400 fashion photographers, catwalk images and exclusive illustrations and polaroids, is available at a special exhibition price of £32.95 (RRP £35).

As well as the book, a specially commissioned silk scarf by the designers, limited edition versions of their famous perfumes and exhibition postcards are also available at the exhibition shop. Viktor & Rolf have also selected a unique range of designer objects, books and curiosities that have inspired them.

The House of Viktor & Rolf
Dutch fashion design arrives at the Barbican
18 June 2008 - 21 September 2008
Barbican Art Gallery

Psst... New lines added at Fashion World Summer Sale

The Fashion World Summer Sale continues, with even more lines added, with up to 60%
savings off selected ranges. I especially like this cute crochet trim top for just £10.

DIVA Tips - Know Your Body Shape

DIVA Tips gives you valuable advice on how to shop and dress like a true DIVA.



It's important to have a good understanding of your own body shape, and how to dress for it, in order to enhance your best features. I was going to write an article on the way our shapes vary myself, but since Igigi has already put together the most comprehensive guide to body shapes that I've seen for a while - with even a body shape calculator for those who are not sure where they fall - I'm going to just point you straight into that direction.

Igigi divides body shapes into seven different myShape categories. First, go to the calculator to determine what yours is, and then read up on what your best assets are.

• Diamond
• Triangle
• Rectangle
• Oval
• Hourglass
• Inverted Triangle
• Figure Eight

You can also shop by your shape at the Igigi store. If you're smart you should try to make the information to go a bit further that though. Study the suggestions and try to look out for the same shapes in clothes when you shop at other stores. Sooner or later it will all become second nature to you, and you'll be able to pick the most flattering outfits for your shape from any rail!

Psst... 40% off everything at La Redoute

Shop now to enjoy 40% off everything from the La Redoute Spring/Summer collections. To get your discount, enter Order Code 3614 at checkout.

Psst... £10 off at ASOS

Treat yourself to something nice at ASOS and get £10 off. To make sure you don't miss out, just spend over £60 and enter LOVE2SHOP as the discount code at the checkout. Offer expires on 20 July.

Psst... win a limited edition Ruby & Millie purse

To celebrate a Decade of Colour, Ruby & Millie are launching a limited edition 10th anniversary gold purse that contains the essential products to create the perfect natural eyes. The purse costs £18 and is available for a limited time, while stocks last, from larger Boots stores. You can enter into a prize draw in order to win one of 10 limited edition Ruby & Millie gold purses.

DIVA of the Week - Faye

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Faye 19
Feltham, London

How would you describe your personal style?
I wear pretty much what ever is in the shops at the time. My biggest influences are Charlotte Church and Martine McClutcheon.

What are you wearing today?
My top is from New Look and the linen trousers are from Topshop. Shoes are from Primark and the bangles from River Island.

Look Book - How to pack for a Holiday

Look Book feature is the backbone of DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!

As a result of last week's Goodie Bag contest I got a lot of great tips for how to pack for a holiday. As a few people pointed out, your destination and the activities you get up to, have a huge influence on what you put in your suitcase. But I have to admit that when I had this Look Book in mind, I was purely thinking of a beach holiday (probably as I can only dream of one this summer!), with possibly some sightseeing thrown in.

A lot of people swear by the 'capsule' - a collection of key items, which you can mix and match. The most important thing about the capsule wardrobe is the colours you choose. There should be 3 or 4 colours, two of which should be black and white, so that you can easily mix and match all the items in order to create different looks. For this capsule I chose black, white, grey and yellow as the main colours. This capsule is put together with the day time in mind and it's all about ease and comfort. You need to have a comfortable pair of sandals, or alternatively trainers, with you if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing.

• Grey satin trim scoop cami from Dorothy Perkins.
• Print tunic top from Yours.
• Yellow butterfly top from Dorothy Perkins.
• White denim crops from Evans.
• Multi-coloured necklace from LaRedoute.
• Tipster cotton jersey bag from LaRedoute.
• White Madrid sandals from Birkenstokck.
• Black sweater dress from Simply Be.
• White cardi from Evans.
• Black linen trousers from Evans.
  

Veera gave the most comprehensive list of items she would pack if she was packing for a holiday right now, and it works as a great base for a capsule wardrobe:

• Pair of leggins
• Pair of jeans
• Jersey dress
• A black cardi
• 2 tees
• 2 camis
• 2 tunics
• Sandals
• Flats
• Trainers
• Jewellery

While a capsule wardrobe will get you a long way, I think it's important to pack some items that will add an individual touch to your look. You are bound to go out in the evenings and need to pack a pair of more festive shoes, dressier tops and maybe that one really gorgeous frock for a special night out. If you keep your original colour choices in mind, you can easily team the dressier items with the more casual ones to give you more options. Jewellery is also an easy way to change your look from day to night.

• Dahlia cutwork dress from Monsoon.
• Black strappy wedge sandals from Evans.
• Grey butterfly sequin top from New Look.
• Patrizia Pepe small ruched clutch bag from ASOS.
• Filigree butterfly detail bangle from ASOS.
  

Then there are of course those essential items you need for when you hit the beach. This Freya bikini has been a bit of a hit this summer, and with the ability to get different tops and bottoms to mix and match, it should be the only swimsuit you need with you. A beautiful kaftan is an essential for when you need to cover up, or go for a stroll on the beach. And don't forget your sun hat! Sunstroke is never a good look. Good music and light reading are also essential parts of obtaining that state of pure relaxation. Bliss.

• iPod nano from Apple Store.
• Tropical flutter sleeve kaftan from Monsoon.
• Seagrass flip flops from Monsoon.
• Turquoise stone trim stetson from Monsoon.
• Vodkatini bikini by Freya from Bravissimo.
• The Beach House by Jane Green from Amazon.
• Big lense sunglasses from Topshop.

Here are some tips I received via email from Tracey, a true beach-holiday pro:

"A girl can never take too many pairs of shoes on holiday, as shoes make an
outfit! Never pack more than four colours - everything you take should be a
mix of black, white and two other colours (red, green, blue, pink, orange
etc) - preferably that complement each other (ie green and pink - but not
orange and purple!) - that way you can make about a hundred outfits out of
15 key items.

If a beach holiday, forget shorts and t-shirts (sweaty and uncomfortable) -
pack knee length kaftan/cover-ups than can be jazzed up with a belt, flip
flops and a hat for going off the beach/pool and into a bar at lunchtime....
Cool and appropriate (if you must sunbathe topless, cover up when you get
vertical and move around!! There are likely to be children present!! LOL)

Don't forget to take spray in hair conditioner and comb through after
swimming, large shades and a great hat..... And always wax before you get
there!"


Some other useful tips you shared:

• "Roll your clothes as it saves space and stops clothes from creasing up."
• "Always pack an iPod and charger!"
• "Raid your dirty washing basket for the clothes you've been wearing most in the last days and wash those to take with you - you're guaranteed to feel comfortable."
• "Blister plasters!"
• "My big holiday dressing tip is scarves. Light fabric pashminas are cool to wear and can give any outfit a more dressy feel. Can also be used to disguise any bits you would rather not show in a strappy top!"
• "Gladiator sandals are a must, as they're simultaneously dressy and casual, and so do double duty for your wardrobe while away."

So there you go, I hope you got some inspiration for when you're next getting ready to pack for some holiday sun. Soak up some sun for me as well!

Goodie Bag - How much do you spend?

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, which give you a chance to bag yourself something nice and add some cheer to your day.



In this week's hearts & roses themed Goodie Bag are:

• Red rose headband from Primark
  
• Red heart earrings from Lady Luck Rules OK
  
• Hear stickers from Accessorize
  
• Red & black rose hair clips from Primark
  
• Cute heart bobby pins from Accessorize

This week I want to know a bit more about your clothes-shopping habits. How much money do you spend on clothes in an average month? Do you spend the same amount every month? Do you go on shopping sprees only on rare special occasions, or is it a daily treat?

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and share your clothes-shopping habits. As a bonus, if you link back to this entry you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 11 July at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night and announce it on Saturday 12 July.

Psst... Super Seven Day Sale

Super Seven Day Sale has just started at Lady Luck Rules OK. Hurry as sale ends at midnight on Sunday 13th July.

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thank you so much to everyone who shared their great holiday-packing tips in this week's Goodie Bag contest!

This will be just a brief announcement since I don't have much time until tomorrow. Yesterday I braved the sales after work and didn't get home until late in the evening, and today I'm off to Hampstead to see Rufus Wainwright in a picnic concert at Kenwood House. There's rain on the cards, which is making deciding what to wear a nightmare...

I got a lot of good ideas and will share the best of them with you tomorrow, when I have some time to finish my holiday Look Book.

Now for the announcement. The winner of the Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on Salla! Congratulations! :)

Psst... Have your say and win £500

Visit the Best Beauty Awards online survey to vote for your favourite beauty products. You will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £500. Five lucky runners up will win £100, and there's also the chance to win a goody bag containing the winning products!

P.S. Don't forget to take part in this week's DIVA Look Book Goodie Bag contest, which closes today!

DIVA Tips - Sales-shopping for smart Divas

DIVA Tips gives you valuable advice on how to shop and dress like a true DIVA.

Shop smart
With sales fever at boiling point, I thought I'd share some tips with you on how to shop smart and make the most of your bargain hunting. With so many discounts aro