http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/ Fashion advice with a shopping expert en-gb Birmingham Mail no Fashion advice with a shopping expert Birmingham shopping, shops in Birmingham, shops in Wolverhampton, shops in Solihull, shops in Kidderminster, shops in Bromsgrove, shops in the West Midlands. http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/23/sparkle-through-christmas-with-sequins-97319-25233057/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:39:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/23/sparkle-through-christmas-with-sequins-97319-25233057/ NOTHING says Christmas party season like sequins. Whether it’s a splash of detail on a clutch or full-on shine on a pair of leggings, it certainly helps you stand out from the crowd. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/16/in-fine-feather-for-the-winter-97319-25177907/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:29:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/16/in-fine-feather-for-the-winter-97319-25177907/ NOTHING says glamour like feathers and this season they really seem to have taken over the high street. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/09/it-s-a-purple-reign-this-winter-when-it-comes-to-elegance-97319-25126391/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:37:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/09/it-s-a-purple-reign-this-winter-when-it-comes-to-elegance-97319-25126391/ This season I am so loving purple – it’s the most regal of colours, it’s smart and sophisticated and suits all skin types. That’s a real fashion win win! Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/02/putting-your-neck-on-the-line-97319-25070785/ Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:18:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/11/02/putting-your-neck-on-the-line-97319-25070785/ THERE’S no mistaking it – autumn is here and with it comes the need to wrap up warm. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/26/the-place-where-size-matters-97319-25016282/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:34:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/26/the-place-where-size-matters-97319-25016282/ DURING a shopping trip to Birmingham last week, I was struck by how many gorgeous necklaces there were. It seems whatever your budget, there’s a striking piece to suit – and the bigger the better. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/19/coming-a-long-way-in-leggings-97319-24964941/ Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:10:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/19/coming-a-long-way-in-leggings-97319-24964941/ Leggings have come a long way in the last few years. No longer the preserve of the badly dressed mum on a school run (complete with baggy knees), they are very much at the forefront of fashion this season. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/12/the-boyfriend-is-back-in-style-97319-24910700/ Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:46:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/12/the-boyfriend-is-back-in-style-97319-24910700/ You probably haven’t worn one since your school days but blazers are back this season. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/05/go-chunky-to-make-a-real-statement-97319-24855083/ Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:35:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/10/05/go-chunky-to-make-a-real-statement-97319-24855083/ Statement jewellery is such a huge look for AW09 - and the bigger the better! One of the key pieces every fashionista should have in her trinket box is a cuff – otherwise known as the rock chick’s bracelet. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/28/how-to-shoulder-the-styles-of-the-stars-97319-24799796/ Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:45:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/28/how-to-shoulder-the-styles-of-the-stars-97319-24799796/ IT’S one of the season’s hottest celebrity looks, sported by the glamour duo of Cheryl and Dannii on X-Factor, and most recently the queen of fierce herself, Tyra Banks. One-shoulder fashions are the easiest way to add red carpet sex appeal to your autumn wardrobe and the great news is, the look is perfect whatever your shape. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/21/maternity-clobber-that-won-t-give-you-the-baby-blues-97319-24744331/ Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:18:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/21/maternity-clobber-that-won-t-give-you-the-baby-blues-97319-24744331/ THERE was a time – and shockingly it wasn’t all that long ago – when the nine months of pregnancy meant nine months of fuddy duddy fashions. Dungarees and tent dresses were the only choices – neither making the ever-expanding figure look good. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/14/taking-the-latest-looks-on-your-shoulders-97319-24685553/ Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:06:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/14/taking-the-latest-looks-on-your-shoulders-97319-24685553/ SHOULDERS at the ready girls … AW09 re-hashes one of the biggest trends from the 80s giving fashionistas the chance to revel in those Dynasty heydays. After the top-end designers went all weak at the knees for power dressing, the Alexis Carrington look has now hit the high street. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/07/there-s-no-need-to-worry-about-being-a-lady-in-red-97319-24625396/ Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:39:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/09/07/there-s-no-need-to-worry-about-being-a-lady-in-red-97319-24625396/ LET’S face it, red is not the easiest of colours to wear. And just because the fashion forecasters predict it to be THE colour for AW09, that doesn’t make it an instant hit with everyone. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/31/some-bling-will-brighten-up-the-duller-days-97319-24571662/ Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:43:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/31/some-bling-will-brighten-up-the-duller-days-97319-24571662/ The end of the summer is nigh, the beach seems a long way off and the darker nights are starting to draw in. Not an easy time of year and, let’s face it, we could all do with some kind of gorgeous pick-me-up. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/24/on-the-fringes-of-being-a-trendsetter-for-the-winter-97319-24518260/ Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:46:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/24/on-the-fringes-of-being-a-trendsetter-for-the-winter-97319-24518260/ The wise fashionista can spot a long-lasting trend at ten paces. These are the shoppers who were first in the queue for gladiator sandals and harem pants, while the rest of us were scratching our heads and thinking “Really?”. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/17/cardigans-are-wardrobe-essential-for-us-all-97319-24458884/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:49:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/17/cardigans-are-wardrobe-essential-for-us-all-97319-24458884/ THOSE who read my column on a regular basis will be well aware of my love affair with the cardigan. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/10/make-a-splash-with-a-fashionable-beach-bag-97319-24362712/ Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:11:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/10/make-a-splash-with-a-fashionable-beach-bag-97319-24362712/ WHEN it comes to a day on the beach, there’s no excuse to leave your sense of style in the hotel room. The wise fashionista knows that the bag she uses to carry her poolside essentials is just as important as the swimwear and shades she chooses. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/03/how-to-put-your-best-foot-forward-97319-24302548/ Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:28:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/08/03/how-to-put-your-best-foot-forward-97319-24302548/ They may not be the easiest to walk in, but tottering wedges are streets ahead when it comes to sexy summer shoes. Wedges are a holiday wardrobe must-have and are an instant splash of glamour for a night out at the local taverna without being over-glam for the holiday hotspots. Wear with jeans or floaty dresses. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/07/27/pick-up-a-look-that-will-last-until-winter-97319-24248624/ Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:17:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/07/27/pick-up-a-look-that-will-last-until-winter-97319-24248624/ IT’S the time of year to think whatever you buy now should be able to take you through to the new season. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/07/20/so-what-s-wrong-with-men-having-accessories-97319-24197282/ Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:54:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/07/20/so-what-s-wrong-with-men-having-accessories-97319-24197282/ Fashion writers always go on about the importance of accessories and while most women recognise the vital role they play in completing a look, many guys are yet to get the hang of perfect finishing touches. Bags of Style http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/07/13/buying-for-beach-can-go-swimmingly-97319-24141049/ Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:53:00 GMT http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/bagsofstyle/2009/07/13/buying-for-beach-can-go-swimmingly-97319-24141049/ The holiday’s booked, you’ve got your Euros… there’s just one thing left on the “to do” list… buy swimwear. Gulp! We all dread the idea of slipping into something less comfortable for the beach, but these days there are bikinis and costumes to suit all shapes and sizes. Bags of Style