Don't try this look at home

Well, Britney Spears has been lucky enough to grace the pages of BGLAM twice in one week...but for all the wrong reasons. This photo from a couple of days ago made me seriously laugh out loud. It's just wrong on so many levels and I thought I better post it as a great example of how NOT to wear yellow and how NOT to wear red lipstick. Britney looks like a clown! But, hey, at least she appears to be fully clothed and at least she's still smiling. Related posts: OMG Britney!

Oh La La...Lanvin

As I was traipsing round the shops today in my favourite ballet shoes that feel like slippers on my feet, I thought to myself, thank God flats are in fashion. And there is so much choice right now. The Holy Grail of ballet flats has to be the current collection from Lanvin, priced at around $500. They come in satin, leather or patent finishes, in a selection of gorgeous colours. Barney's is a stockist but it may take getting on the waiting list to bag yourself a pair. Alternatively try Fred Segal (Madison Style): 310 451 2633. Both stores will do a charge and send. Online, grey and green satin are available at My Theresa. Pink and forest green leather are available at Matches Fashion. Aside from these options your best bet is eBay but of course the prices will be somewhat marked up. Be sure the seller is reputable and the item is authentic.

Black & white - in or out?

I'd really like your opinions on black and white stripes. Is this look in or out? The fall/winter 2006/07 runway shows showed off a lot of stripes but the colours were muted: greys and black, grey and navy, brown and black, and so on. Black and white stripes were nowhere to be seen. If you remember, this was a hot look everywhere a couple of years ago ~ you couldn't walk ten metres down the street without seeing somebody in this look. I've had my eye on this cute henley top by Young, Fabulous & Broke at NessaLeeStyle, as seen on Sienna Miller. Nicole Richie stepped out in black and white just this week which makes me think maybe it's still a fashion 'yes'. I'm undecided.

20% off US brands in the UK

I've just come across this amazing web site, Misamu, based in Ireland, selling some of the hottest US brands around such as Ella Moss, Splendid, LaRok, Gold Hawk, Generra, Development, Citizens of Humanity, Velvet and Ya Ya. Those of you in the UK will know that buying from US sites and getting the item shipped directly to the UK will usually mean you get stung by customs charges. What better way to avoid this than to buy from an online store based close to home? What's more, we've just agreed a 20% discount code with Misamu valid for one whole year on all your purchases. Enter the code BGLAM at the checkout. Click the image below to shop: Misamu ships internationally so wherever you are in the world you can enjoy these gorgeous brands. Free shipping is offered worldwide over 100 Euros. Prices are listed in Euros on the site ~ don't let this put you off, simply use our currency converter listed under 'Shopping Tools' in the right sidebar. The buyer certainly has great taste - Misamu has the best selection i've seen of a small boutique retailer in a long time...I want everything on the site.

Hot shoes for less

I'm addicted to peep toe high heels ~ I literally can't stop buying them. Today I came across this hot pair at Schuh: Alexis Ankle Strap Peep Toe £49.99. I love the shiny finish on the black pair and they're a great knock-off of the Christian Louboutin styles, but for a whole lot less money. The style also comes in zebra print.

OMG Britney!

Why would Britney Spears leave the house looking like this? That dress gives the phrase 'low cut' a whole new meaning. She's obviously desperate to show off the work of her surgeon. Another thing, I do not recommend that you and your friend wear matching one leg stockings. Not a great look. This photograph is all the proof I need that money can't buy you style.

What's hot at Max & Chloe?

Max & Chloe is a hip online boutique selling the best in designer fashion jewellery and accessories. Current stock includes several well known pieces worn by many famous celebrities, including Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie. You'll recognise several big brands, such as Rachel Leigh, CC Skye and Kenneth Jay Lane, and be bowled over by other lesser known labels. What's great is that they ship internationally! B Glam has teamed up with Max & Chloe to offer B Glam readers 20% off your purchase. This is valid from Monday 27th November until Monday 4th December. Just enter the code "BGLAM" at the checkout. Now's the perfect time to buy accessories to wear over the festive season. I literally fell in love with this exquisite Kenneth Jay Lane Star Cuff priced at $115. This will certainly add the wow factor to a simple black dress. I'm also tempted by the Midnight Blue Kenneth Jay Lane Tusk Necklace which unbelievably is only $65 before the discount! I think this will be cute with so many different outfits but I picture myself wearing it to add some glamour to my favourite casual outfit ~ dark skinny jeans and grey boyfriend sweater. Those of you who are followers of celebrity fashion will feel like 'kids in a sweet shop'. I couldn't possibly list all the dazzling Max & Chloe items that have appeared on the hottest stars in Hollywood. Anyhow, browsing to find the surprises for yourself is all part of the fun...but here's a taster ~ strawberry & apple pendant necklaces by Kenneth Jay Lane as seen on Paris Hilton and Mischa Barton.

Gifts to give your best friend

I always find it hard to buy Christmas presents for my family, especially the men - my father and brother. On the other hand, I love shopping for gifts for my best girlfriends (although, admittedly, I often end up keeping things for myself). If your struggling for ideas, here's a few cute items i've come across that may just give you a little bit of inspiration:~ Urban Outfitters Bad Boyfriend Doll £7 - Whenever your boyfriend is taking you for granted, use one of the pins to put him back in line. Stick the pin into the activity that you want your boyfriend to do, and instantly he will turn back into the same caring man who convinced you to go out with him in the first place. Victoria's Secret PINK knee-high socks $8.50 each. Everyone loves a good book ~ Nicole Richie's The Truth about Diamonds. Another good choice would be Victoria Beckham's That Extra Half an Inch. Hat's are very fashionable right now and the best way to keep warm this winter. I like this cute baker boy hat only £10 at ASOS. Most girls like a bit of sparkle in their life. Crystal studded MP3 case $85-100. For something less expensive how about this diamante letter keyring £8.99 - great for her car keys! If you really love your best friend then what could be a better gift than the gift of a Good Hair Day everyday. GHD hair straightening irons gift set. Last but not least, these fun pants from a selection by Victoria's Secret PINK make a great stocking filler.

Christmas wishlist

It's soon to be Christmas. Boy, has this year flown by so quick. Don't you just wish time would slow down a little and let you catch up? I keep wondering what Father Christmas might bring me. Any of these three gorgeous items would suit me just fine. What's on your Christmas wishlist? Do you tell friend's and family exactly what you want or do you look forward to the surprise? Blue and purple knit scarf with blue sequin detail and tassels £77 by Missoni. The colours in this scarf look amazing! I'll be rocking a funky outfit with this unique clutch. Botkier Bombay clutch £175. I love the shade of blue and the unusual studded strap and brass hoop detail. I want this limited edition Juicy Couture charm bracelet so much! At $125, I wonder if it'll find it's way into my Christmas stocking? The designer had great imagination when she created these charms - snowman with crystals, bell, logo tag, reindeer, puffed heart, pink mittens, white ornament ball and coffee mug. With accessories like this winter may just become my favourite season.

Rachel Zoe style guide

It's been all over the press this week that Nicole Richie has 'sacked' Rachel Zoe as her stylist. The woman who kitted Nicole, and the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton, out in layered necklaces and huge sunglasses has been replaced by Christina Ehrlich. Ehrlich, who has dressed Penelope Cruz and Eva Mendes, is a massive rival to Zoe in Hollywood. We can only speculate at the true reason behind Nicole's decision but it has been reported that Nicole does not want to be in close contact with somebody who promotes the mantra that 'thin is best'. The fact cannot be escaped that Zoe's young clients have suffered dramatic weight loss after hiring her services. Source: US Weekly Regardless, I must point you in the direction of the new Rachel Zoe Winter Style Guide at Revolve Clothing. This could be just what you need if you're after a little wardrobe inspiration. Zoe has put together a series of outfits for different occasions and included commentary alongside. You'll find links to all the products featured so just click to buy! Here's a couple of my favourites - very simple, very chic, not at all over-styled:~ Hot links: Fashion's No.1 stylist or just a great big zero? Related posts: Nicole and her weight and Steal Nicole's style

Celebrity fashion find at F21

It amazes me the amount of times we've seen American celebrities wearing Forever 21. As stated on their web site "celebrated by many style conscious and trend-savvy shoppers, Forever 21 has quickly become the source for the most current fashions at the greatest value". Their dresses seem to be the most appealing to Young Hollywood. There's no point spending your hard earned cash on a trendy dress you'll only get a couple of wears out of. If you're looking for partywear head straight to Forever 21 NOW! This is one store I certainly wish we had in England. It beats Topshop hand down for value for money. If you like the look of this dress worn by LC from MTV's Laguna Beach, click here to buy - it's only $24.80!

Luxury by Chanel

The ?˜Luxury by Chanel??line is to die for. This is a collection of beautiful handbags each embossed with the signature Chanel logo. I adore the design of the straps ??intertwined metal chain and leather, giving a similar effect to the CC Skye bracelets. The metallic designs have caused a stir and it?™s no surprise to me that Lindsay Lohan snapped up the bowler style in gold. These bags are certainly not cheap but if you do get the opportunity to drool over the line in person you?™ll be blown away by how super-soft the leather is! The Chanel bowler is the ultimate ?˜It bag?? It is at the very top of my wish list. It would be almost impossible for another bag to come along that could knock it off the number one slot in my mind right now. Chanel has, yet again, produced a timeless bag that will literally last a lifetime.

Nicole and her weight

One thing i've noticed about Nicole Richie is that she never looks the same for too long. Whether that be down to her much talked about weight or the colour of her hair. I don't think i've ever seen a picture of her where she looked this good. I can't fault her - she looks stunning and has even inspired me to dye my own hair a darker shade of brown. When I see Nicole here it makes me think how can people criticise her figure. Perhaps she's put on a few pounds? Her face certainly looks very healthy, although that could be down to a skilled make-up artist. This is a topic forever debated...but what are you views on Nicole's current weight? Do you think she is far too thin and looks sick? Or that she could just do with putting on a few more pounds? Do you think her current weight is just right for her height? Would you like to be this thin?

Lets go shopping

It must be the time of year or something because there are a bunch of discount codes floating around right now. Here's a few - hope they are of use to some of you:~ 20% off at www.oasis.co.uk - Code: GLAMOUR06 [valid until 9th Dec] 20% off at www.usc.co.uk/gl - Code: GL1206620 [valid until 15th Dec] 20% off at www.ravel.co.uk - Code: NEWW20Offer [valid until 30th Nov 2006] 20% off at www.tabitha.uk.com - Code: NW1206 [valid until 30th Nov 2006] 20% off at www.beautyexpert.co.uk - Code: NW20 [valid until 30th Nov 2006] 20% at www.nealsyardremedies.com- Code: EVE06 20% off at www.warehouse.co.uk Code: MCY291006 20% off at www.principles.co.uk - Code: GHK2 [valid until 31st Dec] 15% off at Figleaves - to claim just go to www.figleaves.com/woman06 15% off at www.chunkydory.co.uk - Code chunk02 [valid until 21 Nov] And for those in the US:~ 20% off at www.sephora.com - Code: FF2006 [valid until 26th Nov] 15% off at www.victoriassecret.com - Code: FA63457 [valid until 20th Dec] 20% of at www.shoprapunzels.com - Code: FRIENDS1106 [valid until 25th Nov] 20% off at www.shoplastyle.com - Code: Snowflake [valid until 24th Dec] 20% off at www.activeendeavours.com - Code: Thankyou [valid until 24th Dec] Please post a comment if you make use of one of these codes (let us know what you bought!) and also if you have a code to share!

Victoria's TomKat wedding outfit

I was quite surprised when I saw this photograph of Victoria Beckham arriving at Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's wedding this weekend. I always thought that wearing head to toe black was not the done thing. She is certainly a statement dresser that's for sure and I do think this is an exquisite outfit. Everything about it screams 'look at me'! The hat is just amazing. This is also one of those rare occasions when a celebrity actually pulls off a dress better than the runway model. The dress is by designer Giambattista Valli who is known for his chic, arty designs. The beading is just magnificent.

Steal Nicole's style

I haven't seen Nicole Richie look this good for a very long time. Gorgeous hair, lovely tan, cute top, faithful jeans. She even looks like she's put on a tiny bit of weight (shock horror!) Her stunning top is by Charlotte Ronson and I've found it for sale in cream at 80's purple for $134 - but it's only available in XS and Small. If it's your size i'd snap one up.

Be unique this Holiday season

With the Christmas Holiday season looming, it?™s got me thinking about party wear. I?™ve been on the hunt for sexy tops and glam dresses. Christmas Eve last year has also been on my mind, a night which left my best friend mortified. Like every girl, especially around this time of year, she was keen to impress and had bought a very unique looking top from Topshop to pair with her skinny black jeans. And yes, you guessed it; she walked into the party to be faced by another one of our friends wearing exactly the same top (also worn with skinny black jeans!). So the moral of the story is, now more than any other time of year it might be wise to shop around for your party wear ??local boutiques are perfect places to root around for something that no one else will have. If you are buying from mainstream stores then take care to make the outfit your own ??mix it up and accessorize ??add your own style. But if you are caught out wearing the same as someone else, don?™t fret ??it happens to the best of us?¦even celebrities, and here are just a few examples. Now I?™d like your comments??strong>who wore it best?! Rachel Bilson or Sophia Bush? Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie? Paris Hilton or Thora Birch? Jessica Simpson or Courtney Cox?

Get Christina's look for less

Christina Aguilera stepped out looking even more glamourous than usual in New York this week with husband Jordy. This is a great outfit for all the Christmas holiday season parties! Here's how to get the look for less: Arden B dress $168, Wet Sel peacoat $58.50, Go Jane gold heels $26.99 and Delias red patent belt $22.50. Yes, this is an outfit easily accessible to our US readers but the rest of you have you checked out 'Shopping Swaps'? The concept is explained here.

Be a savvy shopper!

I like to think of myself as a 'savvy shopper' - I'm always on the look out for a good deal, rarely pay full price and always take the time to search the web to find what I want at the cheapest price. Style Diary have just published a useful article entitled Secret Tricks of Online Shoppers which is definitely worth a read. This week I took advantage of the Faith boot promotion plus their 3 day 20% off extravaganza - I didn't make massive 'swing from the chandeliers in joy' savings but I made a good saving on the retail price and I absolutely love what I got! Here's what I bought (both look way cuter in person and because each has a slight platform sole they are super comfy!) :~

Can I have More Swimsuits please

I received this stunning Melissa Odabash Triangle Bikini in the mail today. Oh how I love to receive parcels. I ordered it from a company called More Swimsuits who stock a range of luxurious designer beach and swim wear. This girly pink bikini I chose was reduced from $159 to $89 and really is worth every penny. The quality and fit is amazing. You just cannot compare something like this with the swim wear you'd find on the high street. Now is a great time to buy as swim wear is somewhat 'out of season' whilst most people are focusing on Christmas rather than summer holidays. However, I plan a sunshine get away in the New Year so this will come in handy. Check out the web site for some amazing bargains and useful swimsuit style tips. More Swimsuits ship worldwide! Hooray!

Posh steps out in a SACK!

What ever possessed Victoria Beckham to step out in this monstrosity last week?! It actually does look like she is wearing a potato sack tied together with a piece of black string! Does anyone know who designed this 'frock'? On the plus side, her Christian Louboutins are just perfect.

Primp - yay or nay?

Primp has been around for a couple of years now, since Spring 2004, and has benefited from a huge celebrity following. It has only recently reached the UK, now available at ASOS and Selfridges. What do you all think? Has Primp been done to death or is it still on your Christmas wishlist? Have the knock-offs appearing at Wet Seal and Forever 21 weakened Primp's appeal?

In search of the perfect basics

I'm always on the look out for the perfect basics - those that fit perfectly and stand the test of time. I've tried them ALL...C & C California, James Perse, American Apparel...or so I thought. Today, I received two black tees from a Danish designer called Christina Ribel. These t-shirts are pure luxury. Each tee arrived packaged in an elegant black and white box, making them an ideal purchase for a present, if not just to treat yourself. According to the literature "The tops are tailored after the natural shapes of the female body, with many special features that all result in a unique fit. Christina Ribel has created a well tailored, feminine and tight top, which at the same time considers the wish that most women have not to wear anything too tight around the abdomen". The emphasis to this collection is also clearly placed on quality. The combination of Cotton, Modal and Elastane means they have the perfect amount of stretch for comfort as well as fit. You should see the workmanship on the seams of these beauties - I have never seen such a high quality basic! The collection is made up of 18 different styles in various colours and is available online with shipping worldwide. Click here to shop the collection - FREE worldwide shipping during November and all customers that buy this month will automatically be entered into a competition to win a gift certificate for 200 USD, 150 EUR or 100 GBP. Now for the topic of the week...where do you shop for basics? What is your favourite t-shirt brand? What do you look for in basics - price, fit, quality? How much would you spend on the perfect vest or tee?

20% off at ASOS until 11th Nov

ASOS are currently offering a 20% discount site wide valid until 11th November. Just enter the code OBSERVER at the checkout. I'm buying the Paige Laurel Canyon Low Rise Jeans. Far more expensive than you'd find in the States but hey, I want them! If you've seen something you like from here recently you really should make use of this code as the maximum they usually offer is a 15% discount.

Online shopping just got easier

Today I came across a magnificent web site which has just been launched. The Find is a revolutionary shopping search engine to change the way shoppers find products online. I've been having a tough time finding many Splendid thermals so decided to enter this into the search box. This is what the engine produced. I'm amazed?¦there in front of me on the screen are all the Splendid thermals on the entire world wide web, at the click of a button! I like the fact there are small photographs with every link which makes browsing through much more efficient. It?™s easy to compare prices and I love that I can now find particular brands on sale (I?™m always on the look out for a bargain) without having to trawl through the sale section of every web site I know. The Find also has a personalisation tool called My Finds that allows you to save and share your finds. You can e-mail your wish list to a friends and family!

20% off at Faith 3 days only

Faith are holding a one day event in their stores on 9th November with 20% off everything. If you can't make it down to the shops then fret not, there is an exclusive online preview from today until 8th November. Just enter the code S2791FA at the checkout and 20% will be deducted from your bill. Now's the time to stock up on winter boots and party shoes!

Challenge your perception of beauty

I'm sure a lot of you have already come across this short video clip by Dove as part of it's campaign for real beauty. The video has taken the internet by storm and received a massive number of hits on you tube. Although a fairly extreme example it does show that the images of women we see in advertisiments and in magazines are just not real. For those of you who haven't seen this yet, you really must click here now and take 1 minute 14 seconds out of you day to take it in. One viewer summed it up perfectly: "It shows perception of beauty as distorted, and leads many to not appreciate natural beauty, creating surreal expectations. Women try very hard to look like the unrealistic woman and obviously fail, creating low self esteem". This woman started out on the left and after hours of make up, styling and technological enhancement she ended up on the right. What do you all think?

Cold weather shopping

The cold weather is really hitting home now. After a glorious October with temperatures regularly above 18 degrees during the day in England (long sleeve t-shirt weather!) it finally dropped down to -5 last night. And to give you an idea of exactly how unorganised I can be, I haven't even bought my winter coat yet. This may not seem like huge problem to most, but I wouldn't be seen dead in anything I wore last year so until I get this sorted I will be C-O-L-D! Tomorrow will be coat shopping day but today I've picked out some of the best scarves. The biggest prints this year are plaid and dogtooth so it's no surprise that these designs are showing up everywhere on accessories like scarves. Burberry have made plaid famous over the years and this Cashmere Happy Scarf in Peacock for $225 is stunning. Yes, it's expensive but it will last you a lifetime. This dogtooth scarf by ASOS on the other hand is a bargain at just £8. Accessories are always a great way to flash a designer name. One of the best pieces of advices I could give is to mix high street clothes with designer accessories and everyone will think everything you're wearing cost a whole lot more than it did. The Juicy Couture hat and scarf set is $125 and comes in 3 different colours. I love the fact that this looks like the traditional English scarves that kids wore to school years ago (with their school name embroidered instead of 'Juicy Couture'!). The baby blue Lacoste Scarf is $95. Whatever scarf you wear this winter should obviously be warm, but even more importantly it should add something to your outfit. A bit of colour in winter does everybody good! I'm in love with the scarf on the left, £16.99 by river island and may even buy it. What do you think - is it a yay or nay? The colour block scarf on the right is £12 by dorothy perkins.

Great deal on Mike & Chris

Shop Emily Grace have the Mike and Chris Lucas Hoodie on final sale for just $75, which is half the original price of $150. You will not find a better deal! You'll be in great company...Carmen Electra, Christina Aguilera and Ashlee Simpson, to name just a few, have all been seen sporting a Mike and Chris hooded zip up. Hurry though as they are selling out quickly - yesterday all sizes were available but now only XS and Medium are listed. These hoodies run really small so make sure you size up. I'm a small in Juicy Couture and take a medium in Mike and Chris.

Louis Vuitton Damier Azur line

So, what do you all make of the new Louis Vuitton Damier Azur line which has just been launched? It's exactly the same as the much loved Damier (high impact checkerboard print design, which has been around since 1888) but with a much lighter colour tone. I think this would definitely be cute for spring and summer, but I haven't fell in love...yet. From the Louis Vuitton magazine: "Available in Louis Vuitton stores from November 2006 to coincide with the launch of the Cruise collection, Damier Azur evokes vacations, the eternal appeal of sea and sand and the glamour of the Riviera. At once subtly different and reassuringly familiar, it offers a more summery, feminine color to complement the existing ebony. Damier Azur sports Louis Vuitton?™s trademark natural cowhide trim and a bright honey-colored lining. Damier Azur encompasses a complete collection of leather goods, including three Louis Vuitton icons ?“Keepall, Speedy and Noé?“as well as small leather goods, shoes, sunglasses and accessories. Also within the Damier Azur collection is the new Saleya zippered tote and the Pampelonne, a rope-handled beach tote with plenty of room and style." Stockists: eluxury & Louis Vuitton

Victoria Beckham & DVB Style

Victoria Beckham's new website DVB Style has just launched to coincide with the release of her book That Extra Half an Inch: Heels and Everything Inbetween. Victoria, working hard to promote these current projects also visited Selfridges on Monday night for a book signing. Those of you who are fans of Victoria will like the web site - it features news on her current projects, allows you to view her collections (denim, eyewear and fragrance so far) and you can even watch VBTV! There is also a blog - Victoria obviously knows how important fashion blogs are! Related posts: Victoria Beckham branches out