Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

With the Christmas lights being switched on tonight, it’s that time of year again! Time to think about Christmas parties and glitzing up for the season! Now everyone knows that I have a little bit of a thing for shoes and jewellery as they always look good, fit well and complete the outfit, even when I can’t pull off the latest trends in clothing.

So when I saw some glitter shoes in Office the other day, I literally fell in love! They come in three different colours and are on sale for £59 (left). They are completely coated in glitter for extra dazzle and the wedge stiletto heel is ideal for a bit of support to dance the night away.

For a bit more of a skyscraper, try Topshop’s version (middle) from their Christmas Snow Queen collection. The platform is great for adding a bit of height for the vertically challenged of us! At £55.80 with your student card, these are what Topshop would call a ‘cheap’ pair of shoes!

Kurt Geiger (right) do a similar glitter styling in Gold, Red and Black with a cute bow for a more feminine look but with a higher price tag!




Move out the way Dorothy!

P.S If you have 500 quid lying around and fancy looking like Noel Fielding for a bit, check out these badboys from Guiseppe Zanotti!



Now Wearing: Floral and lace top, fur trimmed walking style boots, black denim shirt and black leggings.

Now Playing : Fenech-Solar -Lies

Now Coveting : These Office shoes! And anything Apple. (All added to the Christmas/Birthday List)

Post written by Liz Dean @lizdean1989

Winter Blues...

Manchester University is a fashion battleground and hopefully I'm winning.
I'm writing this looking out the window of the library.... I've been here since the sun was high in the sky but now it looks too dark and too cold to leave the cosy warmth of John Rylands’ gentle touch. Third year has been an absolute wake up call. Ridiculous amount of work piled on top of ridiculous amount of work... And whilst my soul starts to fall to pieces I'm determined not to let my fashion sense.

While I have been guilty of donning the pyjamas and ugg boots look to sainsbury's in first year, now I am 22; I feel it my duty, NAY, my RESPONSIBILITY, to dress like my degree depended on it. (Luckily for me and for my off days it doesn't and by the looks of my latest politics lecture lucky for the others as well... I jest! honest!)

But as the winter chill really sets into Manchester you might be finding it tough to look as pretty as you did in the summer months just gone. It seems like just yesterday I was prancing about in an array of maxi dresses and wedge sandals.
So here's my insider tip... Layering... Ok, so that wasn’t that much of an insider tip... So more specifically, Uni Qlo layering. Uni Qlo is possibly my favourite store and my big insider secret for staying warm. Unfortunately there are no stores north of Watford Junction but they do have an online store. Everytime I head down south I make sure I pick up a new treasure from their stores. For me Uni Qlo represents what I truly love about fashion... Just one look at the mannequins in the store and you’ll realise that sometimes basics are all you need... And for their price they are bloody good value and bloody good quality!
They stock this amazing range of products called "Heat-Tech"... From vests to t-shirts, even boxers for boys, these cheeky pieces of fabric keep you warm by retaining body heat... Forget unsightly long johns, these bad boys are pretty fashionable too and I SWEAR by them...

Today I'm wearing a cream scoop neck long sleeved t-shirt with a grey ¾ length sleeve long top over it... Sounds basic but throw on a big chunky necklace and it’s transformed!... Along with that I’m wearing two pairs of leggings, one from Uni Qlo, a snatch at £6.99! And a cable knit pair on top from John Lewis. If you’re thinking grey and dreary, a bright coat sets off the whole outfit... I grabbed a yellow military style jacket in the Karen Millen sale for £100 off. Top it all off, biker boots from Allders.

But I can’t talk about Uni Qlo without mentioning their new range of trouser-leggings. They’re more jeans than jeggings... but more leggings than jeans... That medium I have been craving ever since jeggings were released. My non-existent bum looks plump and they cling in all the right places just like a good pair of jeans should. And the best bit? They are only £19.99!



It’s easy to resort to Ugg boots and pyjama bottoms but resist the urge and stay fabulous! Clever layering can ensure you stay fashionable through the Manchester winter but most importantly warm... I have even brought along my amazing silver mac from Tommy Hilfiger for when the inevitable rain starts to pour... bring on winter Manchester! I’m ready!

Now wearing: Uni Qlo grey long t shirt, thick grey woollen cable knit tights, biker boots, yellow Karen Millen military coat.

Now playing: Florence + the Machine – You’ve got the love

Now coveting: ASOS leopard print boots – just out of stock!

Post written by Melanie Astbury londongirlupnorth

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Berry Good Indeed

It’s all very well and good having the perfect autumnal outfit, but us girls (or guys, if that’s what you like) are sometimes pushed to find a great make-up palette to go with it.

For the colder months ahead, you need look no further than the runways of London Fashion Week, where ‘just bitten a berry’ lips were the name of the game. Not only do plum and berry shades look amazing with this season’s camels, but they tend to suit all skin tones as well. Unlike most lipsticks, the issue with darker berry hues isn’t really finding the right shade, but applying it properly, so take these handy hints with you next time you’re in Boots:

• Invest in a clear lip liner to prevent your lipstick ‘bleeding’ beyond your lipline. It’ll come in handy for your other lipsticks too.

• A slick of liquid eyeliner can look striking at night with berry lips, but this look works best when the rest of you doesn’t look too ‘done’. Nude eyes and skin - with dishevelled hair and no more than two coats of mascara – make sure that the focus is maintained on the lips.

• Don’t paint on dark shades. Instead, try dabbing the lipstick on your finger first and then pressing it onto your lips, as you would when applying lip balm. This will give your lips that natural, flushed look, as opposed to looking too gothic.


Click for a bigger picture.

Now wearing: High waisted indigo jeans and black body.

Now playing: In The Aeroplane Over The Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel

Now coveting: All of Illamasqua’s make-up on www.illamasqua.com – too beautiful!

Post written by Mary-Jo Hamer ahumandadrum

In the Red...

There’s no denying that winter is well and truly upon us this week. Gloomy nights and grey skies can be depressing, but this season’s key colour will brighten up even the greyest of days.
Red is not only surprisingly easy to wear but it’s camel’s partner in crime, meaning that choosing your key A/W wardrobe pieces is easier than ever.
A red coat or jacket is an easy way to inject some colour into your winter wardrobe. But if you’re not feeling so bold, go for red accessories or even a slick of lippy to break up the otherwise muted hues seen on the catwalk.


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1. Red cape with hoodie, £60, Debenhams.
2. Knitted beanie with pompom, £100, Missoni.
3. Knitted stripe cocoon jumper, £40, Topshop.
4. Red wedge sandal, £44.99, River Island.
5. Pleat flippy skirt, £32, Topshop.
6. Red duffle coat, £50, Miss Selfridge.

Now wearing: Topshop knitted camel dress and tights (brr!)

Now playing: The Jacksons – Can You Feel It?

Now coveting: All of Topshop Unique’s A/W collection

Post written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

Want to get involved? Email us at uomfashion@gmail.com

A/W 10 Boot Trends

If you’re anything like me, you’ll already be on the hunt for the perfect winter boot. But with so many styles to choose from this winter, it can be a task in itself to work out whether a faux fur bootie will clash with your aviator, or a clog is going to cause disasters on cobbled streets.

But never fear, we have the lowdown on the most stylish (and surprisingly sensible) new shoe trends, and have picked the best from the high street. Affordable and versatile – who has to choose?

The Clog

Your summer staple needn’t be packed away yet. But for winter, think lower, chunkier heels and fur lined cosiness.


At £80, Topshop’s sock lined clog boots (1) will get you through the entire winter. Cosy and cool? Think Keira and Sienna in ‘The Edge of Love’ and wear with tea dresses and cosy knits. Next’s fur lined boots are a steal at £55 (2) and wouldn’t look out of place at Chanel’s furry A/W show, whilst Office’s famous sheepskin clogs (3) have been seen at countless catwalk shows and magazine centrefolds. Priced at £75, they look great with anything, from power suits to patterned tights.

The Hiking Boot

A twist on the ‘worker boot’ of last season, these boots has been revamped with a heel and hooked eyelets. And even better, the chunky heel and grip of the mountain climber’s favourite means you can bravely bear the snow. Wear with shorts or skinnies to maintain full impact.


Urban Outfitters’ taupe hiking boot, £95 (1) will go with all of the neutral shades in your winter wardrobe. And with the lowest heel in our collection, you needn’t put comfort before fashion. DV by Dolce Vita’s suede hiking boot (2) may be a little steep (pun intended) at £115, but the texture, colour and style are all bang on trend. They’re available from Asos so ironically, no walking is necessary. Our last hiker boot is from New Look (3) and is priced at a reasonable £75. The striking tan colour has a reddish hue, one of A/W’s main shades, and is so versatile, looking amazing with camel and khaki tones and dressed up with a dress and biker jacket.

The Desert Boot

Possibly the comfiest of the winter shoe trends, the desert boot has made a long awaited comeback. Flat, heeled and wedged, this multi-talented shoe will be the savour of heel shunners nationwide. AND they look great with a pair of ankle socks – is there anything they can’t do?

Topshop’s Andrea boots, £65, (1) come in both tan and cream, so you can adapt them to your own winter wardrobe. These boots have quite a mannish feel, so dress them down with chunky knits or clash them with a girly dress and frilly socks. Office’s version, £78, (2) brings the ‘blue suede shoe’ into 2010. If you’re really brave, chanel Chloé with some colour-contrast laces and stand out from the neutral crowd. Finally, Barratt’s £65 boot (3) ticks all the boxes – fur lined, camel, chunky wedge. What more could you ask for? Wear with tweed and clashing textures for a look worthy of the catwalk.

Now Wearing: Topshop maxi dress

Now Playing: I Wish – Skee-Lo

Now Coveting: A vintage tweed blazer

Written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

Want to get involved? Email us at uomfashion@gmail.com

Got the hump?

With A/W fast approaching, it’s time to ditch our playsuits and gladiators and start making that ever looming ‘winter essentials’ list (sorry student loan!). But if you’re baffled by the aviator/parka war, or can’t decide between the clog and the fur lined hiking boot, never fear. There’s one failsafe trend that will see you through the winter, is a timeless classic, and will go with your entire wardrobe – It’s time to embrace camel.

The perfect partner to the khaki and red hues seen all over the catwalk, here’s my pick of the high street best. So think leather, chunky heeled and belted for your effortlessly cool new shade.


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1. Tan Leather T-shirt, £75, Wallis.
2. Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £60, Topshop.
3. UGG Lynnea Clog Leather Ankle Boots, £200, Office.
4. Tapered Chino Trousers, £35, Topshop.
5. Leather Shorts, £59.99, River Island.
6. Pale Camel Martha Holdall, £45, Oasis.
7. Tan Tassel Trim Loafer, £40, Miss Selfridge.
8. Camel Military Dress, £35, Dorothy Perkins.
9. Borg Aviator Jacket, £50, A-Wear.

Now Wearing : White cropped tee and Whistles black hareem trousers

Now Playing : Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill

Now Coveting : Mac Venomous Villains collection (all of it!).

Post written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

Want to get involved? Email us at uomfashion@gmail.com