MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This illustration is for all my lovely readers out there. I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I hope your holiday season will be filled with lots of love and laughter. Enjoy!

10 under $100 for the Holidays - Party Dresses

Christmas has rolled around once again and for many of us, this time usually comes with invites to plenty of cocktail parties and Christmas dinners. If you're going to get through all your holiday events in style (and with your sanity intact), a fabulous cocktail dress is a definite must-have for the season.

We ladies all have different holiday dress personalities - some of us like to be the centre of attention while others prefer to have a more subtle party presence.

The 10 lovely dresses I've listed below cater to both personality types and are well below $100! Budget-friendly and stylish options because you've all been great girls this year - you deserve it ;)

BOLD AND FLIRTY

Ochre Draped Slinky Dress

Price: UK£17.00 (US$26.40)

Printed One Shoulder Dress

Price: US$53.94

2b Velvet Drape Dress
Price: US$49.95

Closet Pink Gathered Drape Dress

Price: UK£30.00 (US$46.89)

Strapless Party Dress
Price: US$23.80

DEMURE AND ROMANTIC

ASOS Embellished Waist Drape One Shoulder Dress
Price: UK£38.00 (US$59.00)

Ivory Tower Cream Dress
Price: US$34.00

Sleeveless Sequin Ballerina Dress
Price: US$24.99

All Over Lace Pleated Bust Tube Dress
Price: UK£34.50 (US$53.57)

Ruffle Shoulder Dress
Price: US$31.47

Rome Street Style

Yeah, I know what you're thinking, "Don't quit your day job". Well not to worry, I have absolutely no intentions of even thinking about becoming a photographer. I did my best but it's a shame that these photos don't come close to capturing the brilliant style I saw every day while I was in Rome.

Italians may not be as wild and creative with their personal style as Londoners are, but I was struck by how fashionably flawless they were. They know a great fit, what colours work well together - and they rock an outfit with an easy, nonchalant confidence like no other. (perfect hair and makeup helps a little too!).

P.S Not all these people in the photos are Italians but still stylish nonetheless. :)

Danielle Shepherd Fashion Illustration

Hey everyone,

I know I promised some Rome Street Style in the next post, so think of this as like a commercial break post.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to plug (it's not shameful if it's on my own blog right?) my new fashion illustration blog, Danielle Shepherd Fashion Illustration.





I've posted some of my illustrations on this blog before but I thought it was time to create a new one dedicated solely to my work. I would really appreciate it if you'd check it out, and if you like, leave a comment or two. Thanks a lot!

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

What I Wore: Roman Holiday

Up until a week ago, I had only travelled to two countries in my life - Trinidad and England. I'm happy to say that I can now add Italy to that list. Rome, to be exact. I had been thinking about taking a trip for a long time but going to Rome was a fairly last minute decision.

I only stayed for 5 nights but that was more than enough time to fall totally in love with the Eternal City. Whether it was sightseeing at the Colosseum or strolling along Via del Corso, it was easy to see that this amazing city was thoroughly abundant with beauty, history, style and elegance.

My hotel was located in Central Rome and was in fairly close proximity to most of the major sites so therefore my main mode of transportation was walking. I don't know about you but if I'm doing a lot of walking I like to be comfortable, which means relaxed clothing and flat shoes.


Hence...

I have to say, most of the shopping on the high street was a little out of my budget range but ever the bargain hunter, I did manage to find out about a popular Sunday market in the area of Porta Portese. It was a longer trek than most of the other places I'd been to - 30 minute walk from my hotel - plus the rain was pelting, but it was all worth it. After rummaging through a number of stalls, I scored these two great pieces below.

Have you travelled to any exciting places recently?

Will post some Rome Street Style in the next post - paparrazzo style!

Blue Leopard

photo courtesy jakandjil.com/blog

Leopard prints continue to charge full steam ahead as one of the top trends of the A/W 2010 season but the majority of them tend to be quite literal translations of the motif.

An interesting take on the theme is coloured leopard prints, or more specifically, blue leopard. It's more funky and playful than the usual brown leopard print but the cool tone of the blue keeps it easy on the eyes.

If you're feeling the blue leopard print as much as I am, check out the gorgeous, stylish pieces below.

Sunny Leigh Blouse

Price: US$36.99

Leopard Print Scarf
Price: UK£12.00 (US$18.74)

Hobbs Animal Cardigan

Price: UK£44.00 (US$68.60)

Gianni Bini "Honey" Pump
Price: US$89.99

Leopard Dress
Price: UK£34.00 (US$53.00)