Look Book - Creature Comforts

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!


Today I am yearning for something comforting. As the days are getting shorter, and the air chillier, my eye wanders towards comfy and warm knits. This relaxed cardi from Evans is sure to be soft and comfortable, and also looks pretty smart too. Tapered trousers are one of the new season's trends. This pair from LaRedoute doesn't look too intimidating, I think my eye is certainly getting used to the shape, but only if it's a slouchy laid-back look like here, not the dreaded 'carrot' from my youth...

• Grey cable knit sleeve cardigan from Evans.
• Grey flannel tapered trousers from LaRedoute.
• Black square neck short sleeve top from M&S.
• Black Legroom leather boots from VivaLaDiva.
• Angie Gooderham wide resin bangle from John Lewis.
• Black ruched pocket bag from dp.

Hot off the Press - Gok Wan's lingerie collection

Gok Wan has designed a new lingerie collection for Simply Yours. Apparently the collection offers not only maximum support, but maximum sex appeal as well. At first glance, I do like the look of the Sex Kitten Corset, gotta love that ribbon!

Psst... H&M is giving away 100 pairs of jeans

H&M is giving away 100 pairs of jeans. To be one of the lucky ones you'll need to subscribe to the H&M newsletter and complete your details here. Closing date for entries is 10 September.

Hot off the Press - 90120 is back

One of the pivotal (yes, sadly) shows of my youth, Beverly Hills 90210, is coming back. Not sure if I should be excited or slightly disturbed. Do we think it will live up to the original?

Psst... win a DKNY fragrance

DKNY is bringing out a brand new frangrance, created exclusively for the UK market. Boots is giving you a chance to win one of 5 bottles of the new DKNY Energizing Eau de Parfum, just click here to enter.

DIVA of the Week - Kristy

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.



Kirsty 26
Borough Market, London

How would you describe your personal style?
Whatever goes.

What are you wearing today?
My dress is from Brazil. The handbag is Miu Miu and my flip flops are Havaianas. (She did tell me where her tee was from but it seems I can't read my own handwriting!)

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thanks to all of you who took part in this week's Goodie Bag contest! There weren't very many tips to be had actually, most people seemed to be of the opinion that clothes should fit perfectly when you buy them, or at least that the altering of them should be left to those with skills.

My mind is a bit all over the place at the moment, as I'm off on a mini-roadtrip to Cornwall tomorrow morning, so I'll keep this short and sweet for now. (And yes, that means that there won't be a goodie bag for next week, sowwe.)

The winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on herttainen! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

Psst... $20 off all jeans at Torrid

I love a good bargain, and at the moment you can make huge savings at the Torrid clearance. Also, for two days only, you can now get $20 off all jeans (just enter code Denim20 at checkout). Offer ends 23 August.

Psst... Free gift from The Body Shop

Get a free gift when you spend £25 online at The Body Shop this Bank Holiday weekend. Offers ends midnight 25 August.

Psst... Punky Pins Summer Sale

Get up to 65% off of the cutest of jewelery at the Punky Pins Summer Sale. I mean, who doesn't need a pair of I love Mixtapes earrings, now £5??

Psst... Fashion World End of Season Sale

Get up to 70% off at the Fashion World End of Season Sale. I am tempted by this relaxed looking jersey dress, now just £13.50.

Look Book - Smart casual

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!


I like this sort of smart casual look. Very classy and smart enough for almost any occasion, but still joyously comfortable. What else could you ask for! As a special tip, just check out the shoes at Peacocks this Autumn, so on trend and highly affordable. For example, this gorgeous pair of grey courts is just £12!

• Long pull-on tunic shirt from La Redoute.
• Grey Mary Jane courts from Peacocks.
• Black pintuck detail slim trousers from Next.
• Orange patent tote bag from Jaeger.
• Phoenix thumbprint shell pendant from Links.
• Sterling silver multi row cuff from Asos.

Psst... 25% off shoes and bottoms at Hot Topic

You can currently get 25% off shoes and bottoms at Hot Topic. I'm particularly partial to these black fringe boots, now $37.49. Promotion ends 24 August.

DIVA of the Week - Kindell

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.



Kindell 28
Borough Market, London

How would you describe your personal style?
I go for good quality basic pieces mixed with some high street fun. When you get the staples right, the rest will just flow.

What are you wearing today?
My jeans are from New Look and tee from Primark. The vest is from Dorothy Perkins. My bag is from a leather market in Florence, bangle from Portobello Market and the headband is from an Australian label Miss Shop. My flip flops are Havaianas.

Goodie Bag - Your best tuning tips?

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 Goodie Bag are:

• Cute pair of briefs from Accessorize, size 16
  
• Pretty winged heart necklace from Topshop
  
• Adorable apple earrings from Lady Luck Rules OK
• Delicious stickers
  
• Umbrella pin from Lady Luck Rules OK

Hello! It's another Monday and Goodie Bag time. This week I'd like to hear some crafty tips from you. When you find items of clothing you fall in love with, but that don't fit quite right, do you often buy them anyways and alter them to fit you better? Or do you perhaps regularly 'tune' your purchases to give them a more individual flair?

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and tell me all your best altering tips - pics and links are of course cherished! As a bonus, if you link back to this entry, you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 22 August at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, but unless I have time to make an entry and announce the winner on Friday, it will be some time the following week, as I'm going away for a long weekend.

From catwalk to closet - Boho to Babushka

From catwalk to closet takes a look at the hottest trends on the runway and shows you where to find the key items for your own wardrobe.



This summer's boho trend will easily evolve into an Autumn look, when you add some Russian folk influences. It's not hard to see where this Evan's top gets its inspiration from. If you're feeling brave, team it with just thick black tights, but if that feels too revealing why not try layering it on top of this season's most comfortable trousers, the knickerbockers.

• Printed short sleeve top from Evans.
• Waxed nubuck leather Brindisi boots from Duo.
• Tweed knit knickerbockers from LaRedoute.
• Patchwork tassel cross-body bag from Asos.

Runway image: www.elleuk.com

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thanks to all of you who shared with me the items of your desires in this week's Goodie Bag contest! There were certainly a lot of items there to drool for.

My shopping habits quite clearly indicate that I'm one of those people who loves a bargain. I very rarely spend more than £40 (mostly under £20) on any item of clothing, and especially my bags are quite cheap and cheerful. I think it stems from the fact that my tastes are quite fickle and I like to mix colours and styles up on daily basis. Hence I'd rather have a wardrobe full of different coloured and shaped bag options, rather than that one expensive staple that I would then feel obliged to use each and every day. Having said that, I do sometimes longingly eye out better quality handbags. I definitely see the attraction of quality materials and build. Even though I could never part with so much cash as to own a proper 'designer' handbag, I have been thinking about someday investing into a mid-range, good quality, leather bag. Here's the rub though, once you're thinking of dishing out over £100 for one single bag, it needs to be the right bag, and I'm not sure I could find one that was clearly better than others. There are so many different styles and colours that please my eye and would go with different things, that it would be literally impossible for me to choose. Here are a few examples that eye wouldn't mind carrying on my arm.

• Mogil Flamingo Bag £165.
• Jaya Accessorize Marilyn Bag £130.
• Matt & Nat Vegan Leather Jorja Bag £120.
• Mischa Barton Leather Flap-Over Shoulder Bag £145.

But I couldn't even make my mind up between those four! What are the chances of me ever settling on one perfect bag out of the gazillion that are out there? So yes, I think I'll probably just carry on with my H&M / eBay bulk buying, at least that way I won't ever have to make my mind up!

And now for the fanfare. The winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on may! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

Psst... Get ready for Autumn

There's currently 10% off knitwear, coats and jackets at Dorothy Perkins. Can you think of a better way to get ready for the impending autumn? Simply type in the code AUTUMN at checkout. Offer ends 22 August.

If you rather held on to the summer feeling for a little while longer, the home of all things cute and cool, Punky Pins, are offering FREE UK postage when you spend £10 or more, all weekend! Choose from loads of cute products including their fab personalised name necklaces.

Psst... Win £50 to spend at Topshop

Diet Coke is giving you a chance to win one of five Topshop vouchers worth £50 each. Just head here and answer the (ever so difficult) question correctly.

Psst... Your chance to win a Lola Rose bracelet

Boots's 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty is giving you a chance to win a pretty Lola Rose bracelet, worth £69. Just pop your details here and wish for the best!

Psst... Debenhams summer sale kicks off

The Debenhams summer sale has finally kicked off today. There's up to 70% off selected items in store and online. This cute light green spotted crinkle top caught my eye, not least for the price tag of £4.80!

Psst... Save on novelty tees at Hot Topic

Buy one novelty tee and get the 2nd for 50% off at Hot Topic. Promotion ends 17. August.

Psst... Final week of Duo sale

Hurry as the Duo Sale hits it's final week. This is your last chance to buy Duo shoes and sandals at up to 70% off their original price. Don't miss your last chance to take advantage of the amazing discounts on these high-quality, practically made-to-measure, shoes!

Psst... Torrid sale is heating up

Have a look at the great selection of jeans, tops, shoes and accessories, starting from $9.99 at the Torrid sale. There are over 400 new items added to clearance and over 500 additional items marked down even further. And don't forget Torrid now accepts Paypal!

Goodie Bag - Object of your desire?

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 Goodie Bag are:

• Silver purse from Lady Luck Rules OK
  
• Cute mushroom hair clips from Topshop
  
• Smile Lemon stationery
  
• Umbrella pendant from Lady Luck Rules OK
• Cat gel pen
• Adorable stickers
  

Greetings! I'm back from holiday and DLB is officially back in business! I thought I'd kick start the proceedings with a goodie bag contest, especially since it feels like ages since the previous one.

This week I'd like you to tell me what's at the top of your clothing wish list. Is there one item of clothing of which you dream of more than anything, something that you feel would elevate your wardrobe to another level? If there is, is it completely out of reach for you, or do you systematically save for something special and regularly get your hands on your dream items?

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and share the object of your desire - 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 15 August at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night and announce it on Saturday 16 August.