by Angela Barnard on September 6, 2012
London is known for having some of the best casinos in all the world. Venues like the Casino at the Empire have drawn gamblers from all over the world looking for the best in both gambling and accommodations. Part of the allure of London casinos are their high standards which starts with their dress codes. Each casino has a dress code so it is good to look your best. For you ladies out there, here are a few tip on how to dress for your trip to the casino.
First, you need throw out any thoughts of showing up in hip hugging jeans or short shorts and t-shirts. As cute as you may look in those outfits, most of the casinos in London will ask you to go home and dress in something a little more appropriate. Smart casual is the absolute minimum for most casinos while others prefer something closer to formal attire.
When thinking about what to wear, consider your environment. You are going to be in a room with a bunch of smartly dresses men and if you want to get attention, you need to wear something that will turn heads.
You can go about this one of two ways, the first and sometime more direct approach is something that commands attention. Floral or digital print dresses are one way to gain attention. These outfits are great for summertime and allow for you to show off your gorgeous legs. Lacey Jones is known as the fashion goddess among poker players and has been known to use this approach.
The other approach is going the more classic or formal approach. While cliche, the classic “little black dress” is always a head turner. Something along the line of the Alexander McQueen black dress would be perfect. Another dress style that works perfect is a maxi style dress. This type of dress is also great for those ladies out there expecting as they will allow for your “growing family” while still allowing you to look stunning at the tables.
Dressing smartly for a night out at the casinos in London is not just recommended, it is actually a requirement. You will also find that the better you look, the more likely you will receive superior service. Keep some of the above tips in mind and you will look your best for your next casino night.
by Angela Barnard on March 11, 2011
We’ve been in the middle of awards season for the last few months and there’s been a few hits and a few misses on the red carpet this year. Here’s a quick review of my favourites.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection at The Oscars. So elegant! Gwyneth accessorised with Brian Attwood gold heels and Earrings and a Ring from Louis Vuitton jewellery collection, L’Ame du Voyage.

Helena Christensen at The Elle Style Awards in Saloni. Helena won “Outstanding contribution to British Fashion” The dress is understated elegance. Available at Matches and reasonably priced too!

Jennifer Lopez at The Grammys in Emilion Pucci. This dress is sooo right for the Grammys. Her legs look amazing.

Mum to be, Natalie Portman looking beautiful in pink satin by Viktor & Rolf.

Paloma Faith at The Brits in Vivienne Westwood. I know this has made a few peoples “worst dressed” but in my eyes Paloma can do no wrong.

Rosamund Pike at The BAFTAs wearing Alexander McQueen. She may have fluffed her lines but the colour of this dress really shone on the red carpet.

And finally, one of my favourite looks from the Golden Globes, Christina Hendricks looking amazing in a red one-shouldered hour-glass dress by Romona Kaveza.

by Angela Barnard on February 15, 2011
There are so many pregnant celebrities at the moment, Holly Willoughby, Emma Bunton, Mylene Class & Natalie Portman to name a few. These ladies are all fans of the Maxi dress as much as I am . It’s an indispensable item in your closet. One reason is you can wear it with comfy flats and no one will ever know. A heavily pregnant woman waddling around in killer heels is not a good look. I don’t think I wore heels for 8 whole months when I was pregnant. You can always find these dresses in Spring/Summer months in stores such as Warehouse, Oasis & Monsoon. Just go for one or two sizes bigger than you would normally wear.
For events and special occasions go for something show stopping. You don’t have to worry about holding in your tummy in a clingy frock now so show off your bump in a stretch jersey dress. If you were a little flat chested before you can now make the most of your fabulous cleavage! Invest in one great dress that will grow with you. Isabella Oliver has a great selection. You can make it look different each wear by adding a statement necklace.
Most women get that “glow” when pregnant. Take advantage of your new skin by swapping your heavy foundation for a sheer tinted moisturiser. Dermalogica is my favourite. You may also find your hair feels thicker and gets more glossy so experiment with new ways to wear your hair.
When I was pregnant last year I bought a lot of my maternity wear from H&M. It’s really affordable and doesn’t matter too much if the quality isn’t fantastic as you’ll only wear the items for a few months. I also bought lots of non maternity items like long vests and oversize shirts. These were a godsend straight after giving birth too teamed with leggings.
by Angela Barnard on October 1, 2010
Here’s my pick of the trends for autumn and winter 2010
Colour
Sludgy, muddy colours are a strong trend this fall, Black, Brown, Khaki, Beige. Mix these with Mustard and deep Reds.
Military
Once again the Military influence had a strong presence. This time inspired by uniforms of the 20th Century. Avoid a head to toe army look and stick to either some Khaki pants with a fitted T or a tailored jacket with brass button detail and piping teamed with your favourite jean.

Leather
Leather was all over the Fall 2010 catwalks. From skinny pants to skirts and dresses, Jackets and Coats. Invest in a great leather jacket and it could last you a decade.
Velvet
A sumptuous fabric that doesn’t trend a lot these days so make the most of it. For opulent evening looks wear a velvet dress in a strong jewel colour but remember to keep all other accessories simple. For a more edgy gothic look team a black velvet jacket with a black lace blouse and some black leather pants. All these textures work so well together.
If you don’t want to go all out just punctuate your existing look with a velvet headband or gloves.

Fur
There’s no need to go for real fur when you can fake it! This season, instead of the fake fur coats and Jackets we have seen in previous years, it’s all about the finishing details. Update a plain winter coat with a fake fur collar and cuffs. Fur handbags and boots are also big news.

Coats
The classic Camel coat is once again a strong fashion statement. As with a leather jacket it’s also worth investing in a piece such as this.
Capes
For something a little more fashion forward try a cape. Throw this over your day or evening outfit with some long leather gloves for instant drama.

Footwear
Over knee boots are must have footwear for fall. From soft suede to leather, sky high heels to flat, there will be a boot to suit everyone. Be careful when wearing with the fore mentioned cape. You may end up looking like a fashion superhero.

by Angela Barnard on June 1, 2010
Dresses
Maxi dresses are so easy to wear. They’ll take you through from day to evening. Just add a chunky necklace and some bangles for a touch of glamour.
Another hot trend for summer is the T shirt dress or a long length vest dress. These are a must have for your summer holidays.

The Jumpsuit (or a Playsuit if you dare)
If you have great legs wear a playsuit with gladiator style sandals. If arms are one of your best features strapless jumpsuits look fab with a wide belt and wedge sandals.

Metalics
Save this trend for evenings. A sequined blazer looks elegant teamed with skinnies and a vest.
Military
Once again the Military influence had a strong presence. Avoid a head to toe army look and stick to either some carrot shape Khaki pants with a fitted T or a tailored jacket with brass button detail and piping teamed with your favourite jean.
Underwear as Outerwear
Subtlety is key here! Adopt this trend with caution or it could look horribly wrong.

Denim Double
A nod to the 80’s . Team some skinny jeans with a denim shirt and you’re bang on trend.

Pattern
Flirty Florals and digital prints. These work best on day dresses or summer tops.

Shoes
Since Alexa Chung was photographed in Chanel clogs for the front cover of Vogue Clogs are everywhere. Great copies can be found in Top Shop and Zara.

Colour
The big colour story for summer is Nudes, from beige through to apricot. Also Ice cream pastels. Find the tone that suits you best. Pale yellow is one of my favourites.
