I'm Still Here...I Still Care

Just wanted to give you guys a heads up (that's if I still have any readers left!) that I haven't disappeared for good. Sometimes the drudgery of daily life gets in the way of the things we love. I'm in the process of getting the site redesigned (along with a new name and whole new image) so that I have a truly professional functional site which reflects the perfectionist in me! I know that once this is in place my mojo will return! Please try to remember to check back over the next couple of months to see what has happened to www.bglam.com. Thanks to everybody who has stopped by this site over the last couple of years. Take care x

Shemagh Scarves STILL on Trend???

When I posted last March (2007) about the rising popularity of 'Shemagh Scarves' the post caused quite a stir (click here to read) with well over 25 comments. It was a very interesting debate about whether it was 'right' for westerners to wear them as a fashion statement given their historical/cutural meaning. It's well worth a read if you have 5 mins to spare. Well, anyway, I never bought one and I haven't seen them about much at all (a ton of other styles have popped up in their place...Tolani, Sir Alistair Rai, Love Quotes etc) until just this week when I saw this picture of Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen sporting a hot pink one! Whether it's right or wrong, Taylor undoubtedly looks cute in hers...makes me want one all over again. Photo Credit: Just Jared

Trend Watch: Gladiator Sandals

It's no surprise that The Gladiator Sandal, the footwear of choice for Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, is making it big again this year. The choice is far greater than that available last year which makes for some pretty tough shopping decisions! You'll find them at every price point from Primark, to Topshop, to Chloe. For their simplicity, I adore the Dinah Gladiator Sandal: Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent [$204 at ShopBop]. Available in black or brown. Very cool. Very bohemian. For something less expensive check out these bronze studded sandals by Warehouse [£25] - a great price and real leather too!

Lusting After: Topshop Boutique Vintage Style Bag

I've been looking for a tan/brown leather bag for the past few weeks, mainly scouting out eBay and the high street stores as I didn't want to spend more than about £5o. River Island has a few on offer but they all look too 'new', plus I keep seeing girls wandering down the street wearing them so they're hardly unique. Out shopping in London today I spotted this gorgeous buttery soft vintage style bag by Topshop Boutique - available for £50 online. The stock photo does it absolutely zero justice, i'm thinking as I stare at it just now hanging in my closet. £50 seems a complete bargain considering i'm positive this will be one buy i'll still be toting around in 5 years, or 10 years...or even 20 years time!

Benefit Cosmetics: 15% Off + FREE Delivery

Visit Benefit Cosmetics (UK only) and from this link follow the instructions to receive 15% off and FREE delivery! Offer valid from now until 29th Feb. I can personally recommend the 'Bad Gal' mascara!

30% off at Famous Fashions Found!

This code is good for 2 days only and follows on from the success of the last 2-day sale. Visit Famous Fashions Found and enter StarStyle30 at the checkout to claim your 30% discount (valid on sale items too). They ship worldwide but those of you outside the US need to be aware of customs charges.

Handbag of the Week: The Hayden

It's big, it's red, it's shiny...The limited edition 'Hayden' bag by Dooney & Bourke [$500 only white currently available online] - sign up for stock notifications. Check out People Magazine's interview with Hayden about her design debut in collaboration with D&B HERE. What Dooney & Bourke say about this bag..."For Hayden Panettiere, currently starring in NBC’s hit show Heroes, it was an exciting opportunity. She began by describing to Peter Dooney just what she envisioned: a large leather shoulder bag with puffy pleats, a buckle closure and great style. The design team made some sketches, then Peter Dooney transformed her ideas into prototypes at Dooney & Bourke’s design studio in Florence, Italy. After several revisions and lots of input from Hayden, the limited edition Hayden Bag was born". Now the big question - do you like it? And would you pay $500 for it? Let the controversy begin.

Kenneth Jay Lane Jewellery

Kenneth Jay Lane jewellery has proved a hit with young Hollywood and is now available in the UK. One of the best UK online stores, Misamu, has recently added KJL to it's brand list. The designs are very detailed and unique - sure to make a statement with any outfit. Be prepared for all your girlfriends oo-ing and ah-ing..."where did you get that from?!" Mischa Barton made the strawberry pendant a sell-out earlier this year. Hilary Duff has recently sported both the Elephant and Tiger enamel bracelets (see photo above), which are also selling out fast. What's great is that KJL is completely affordable (especially when you use the 20% discount code noted below) and whether you want cocktail rings, bracelets or necklaces they've got it. *Runs to add the gold and jet cocktail ring to Christmas list!* To check out all the styles available click the image below. Remember to use code BGLAM for 20% off your entire order. Misamu ship worldwide and stock a ton of sought after brands...Ella Moss, True Religion, Nanette Lepore, Velvet etc.

Shocking New Amy Winehouse Pictures

What do you make of this? Amy Winehouse at 5.45am outside her house on Sunday morning, clearly incredibly distressed and half-clothed. Is fame going to lead both Amy and Britney to tragedy??

This Week at Primark

Any of you taken a trip to Primark recently? I stopped by the Manchester branch yesterday where TK Maxx has been kicked out of the basement to make vast amounts more space for Womenswear. Womenswear now occupies the entire ground floor plus you'll still find underwear and sleepwear upstairs. Primark has followed Topshop (or vice-versa) in making Knitwear it's primary concern this season with both stores stocking extensive ranges. This grey tie waist wrap sweater [£10 - expensive by Primark standards] was all out of most sizes, with ladies swarming round the rail fighting over the last few. It's just about the cosiest sweater i've tried on this year. The material seemed good and there's plenty of it - a longer length sweater cut generously, allowing you to layer underneath - would look cute with a fitted white or coloured tee. The blue cosy neck sweater [£6] doesn't look much on the hanger but exceeded expectations when I tried it on. I really liked the subtle puff detail on the shoulders and the neck is perfect. Another popular option was this green cable cardigan which demanded lots of attention located on a wall display for everyone to see. I had to wait my turn to search out my size. The colour hasn't really come out on the photograph but it's really something! If you want shoes then Primark has LOTS! Seriously, they've expanded their footwear range in a big way - one of the best places on the high street to buy flats (whatever colour you're after you'll find it here). Some black platform mary janes caught my eye but I still don't know how I feel about synthetic shoes, regardless of the amazing price tag [£12]. They were very comfy to try on and look a lot better in real life than they look in these photographs. Do any of you have any experience of wearing faux-leather shoes?

20% off at Oasis until Dec 2

Get 20% off at Oasis using code FRIENDS07, valid through December 2nd. Alternatively print this voucher and take along to your nearest store. They have some great partywear!

20% off at Lisa Kline...plus more codes!

Lisa Kline, a fave of many a Hollywood celeb, is offering us 20% off all regular priced merchandise until December 6th. Use code HOLIDAY at the checkout. If you're in the shopping mood (and are able to shop at USA based online stores) you may also like to take note of the following discount codes... Macys : Now through Monday take an extra 20% off most purchases online and Extra 10% off electronics, furniture etc. Use code MACYSFRIEND. Free shipping over $99. Nessa Lee Style : 30% off using code DEARSANTA. Expires 23/12 Victoria's Secret : 25% off any single sweater using code WARM25 for 4 days only (until Dec 1) Neiman Marcus : Free shipping at any price with code WINTER Please use the comments function to add more codes to share with us all. Thanks!!

20% off Urban Outfitters UK November 29

Here's an early Christmas pressie for you. 20% off at UK Urban Outfitters online and in store November 29th only. If shopping online use code GIFTED at the checkout. If shopping instore print off this page and take it with you.

Lauren Conrad for Linea Pelle

Lauren Conrad, of The Hills fame, has just launched a new collection of leather bags in collaboration with Linea Pelle. You'll find the complete collection for sale online here. There are three styles to choose from, each available in Black, Espresso Brown and Dark Olive. The zipper pull is a scripted letter 'L'. Cute or not? I'd love to hear your comments on this new range! Items are available on pre-order to ship in December: Tote [$350], clutch [$145] and my favourite, the coin purse [$45].

Just Purchased: Red Hamsa String Bracelet

I was intrigued by the red bracelet i'd seen on Lauren Conrad's wrist in just about every single photograph of her. When I found out the supposed meaning (to bring good luck, protect yourself from harm, and ward off evil) I figured after the month i've had I need to get myself one of these. I've heard they're very hardwearing (can handle your daily shower with you no problem) so I don't plan on taking mine off. It's very cool...when i'm wearing it I don't even notice it's there because the silk is so soft. LOVE it! Lauren has said of the bracelet "This was a gift from friends when I was having a hard time. It protects me”. I got my One of a Kind bracelet from label360 for $33 plus $5 shipping then use code L360 (20% off) to bring the total down to $31.40. I think that's the absolute cheapest you'll find it. What do you think? Love it or hate it?

Get The Look For Less

Trovata Cashmere Pullover [$195] on the left. Old Navy Shawl-Collar Pullover [$20] on the right. I can live without the cashmere at that price.

Handbag Of The Week: Lamb Signature Oxford Tote

The new Lamb Signature Oxford Tote [$625] screams elegance and luxury. The 70's vintage styling and shape will not be to everybody's taste but in my mind what's not to love? The cranberry patent trim and statement gold zippers are so appealing. This is a real 'girl about town' bag for those ladies who are not scared of making a statement.

20% off at Oasis Fri 9th - Sat 10th Nov

There's 20% off Oasis online just today and tomorrow. Everyone has been lusting over the taffeta cocktail dress which comes in a few different colours and is perfect for a posh Christmas or New Years Eve do. You may also like the inspired by Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs shrunken blazer - very preppy, very Kate Moss. This is right on trend (schoolwear was seen all over the latest London Fashion Week runways. A 20% code would also make a piece of their leather collection even more appealing! Enter code ENEWS07 at the checkout to save.

Cameron Diaz in Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture has seriously impressed me this year and their current knitwear collection really is to die for. Every piece is right on trend (babydoll cardigans, pocket tunics, cowl necks, stripes), beautifully cut and of high quality. Cameron Diaz looks absolutely stunning in this preppy stripe cardigan [$278] available in cream, black and beige. If you get the chance to see this in real life take a good look at the buttons - they are gorgeous!

Look For Less: Chanel J12 Watch

Browsing Aldo Online I came across this white metal watch currently on sale for £24.95 (FREE shipping too!). It reminds me a lot of the highly coveted Chanel J12 watch which retails for more than 100 times the price of this Aldo find. The photo of the Aldo watch isn't so clear but I imagine in real life the band is just as chunky and bright white looking as the J12. The two row diamond (ok, cubic zirconia) rim gives a very similar effect to the J12, especially from afar. It's a shame the Aldo version doesn't have the sharp black numbering to the face which I love about the J12 - this really is my dream watch. Dream being the operative word...only in my dreams would I ever own this.