Pastel colours always heavily influence summer trends. This is a given. It may be because they are perhaps the epitome of a little summer feminine relationship one has with ones wardrobe.  The colours just ooze that girly “Polly-Anna having a luncheon” territory so to speak. However if you like my old cynical self think pastel colours are not for you,  you want to perhaps transgress the system and stick to your darling dark androgynous roots and be more “Premadonna” than “Polly Anna” you’ll be happy to hear that 90’s grunge is officially slicking back its backcombed hair and making a steadfast comeback.

Being a little ragamuffin myself I am a massive fan of this trend.  I mean what lazy girl wouldn’t love a trend that meant bed head hair, your array of 483776 pairs of jeans and your patched up and scruffy denim jacket was actually deemed stylish?! Imagine all the time you would save in the morning, devouring your wardrobe angrily, throwing useless items on the floor and proclaiming to the high heavens that you have absolutely nothing to wear. Oh alas then what I wouldn’t give to be a teenager in the 90’s. Instead of growing up and listening to The Spice Girls, Steps and Bewitched like a Barbie girl on steroids, in hindsight I would have rather been listening to Nirvana, attending Woodstock and working cargo, denim and Dr Martens like no other girl has worked it before.

However renowned fashion designers on the catwalk are being…dare I say it… somewhat neglectful of grunge, concentrating themselves more on the pretty polly pastel scene I’m afraid. “Pale being interesting” and “Going crazy for paisely” and “Darling Buds” is all very well and good if we all lived on The Little House on the Prairie.  Nonetheless androgynous birds of the night sky, never fear. For if the designers fail in your grunge expectations it is comfort to know that your fashion allegiances can always lie with Topshop and Urban Outfitters.  These two shops effortlessly cater for the grunge look all year round and their particular new selection of items certainly does not disappoint.  And the blessed beauty about working grunge is that usually the cheaper the item, the usually the more authentic the appeal it has. So with the addition of  charity shops, vintage shops and of course the high street all vouching to be your own fashionable little Kurt Cobain so to speak…it begs the question…which shop is going to make you “Smell Like Teen Spirit” the most?

So I present to you fair reader.. a grunge selection of delightful and must have rock-a-delic treats from the two messiah websites of grunge. This can be a casual advert for the everyday or an outfit to play ‘safe’ in before you explore more ‘experimental’ regions shall we say….

Moto Sleeveless Denim Jacket, £38, available at www.topshop.com

Acid Denim Jumper, £5, available at www.topshop.com

Vintage Renewal Levi's, £45, available at www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Dr. Martens Black 1460 Vintage 8 Eyelet Boots, £95, available at www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Black Skinny Stud Belt, £22, available at www.topshop.com

Sliver Cross Earrings, £10, available at www.topshop.com

Flat Top Plastic Sunglasses, £16, available at www.topshop.com

Written by Gemma E Jones

LJMU English Student, Opinions Editor of The Looprevil Press and Assistant Editor of the American Studies Today. 

Twitter: GemmaSatire | Blog: GemmaSatire 

Alas in my despair and internet shopping I was saved when I went on little old reliable ASOS. There are HUNDREDS of dresses on their website and not enough time to judge through them. It starts with adding one dress to your bag just so that you won’t have to bother finding it later on then resulting in about 26 dresses in your basket and you possibly cannot decide which dress your true loyalties actually lie; like a mother suffocating her children with love, you want all your selected babies. Therefore to lessen the temptation of buying a possible 26 dresses, I opted for the jumpsuit/playsuit link instead seeing as that (hopefully!) will determine in less results. And ladies, I have come to realise in the last hour or so that the jumpsuit is severely overrated. And that on the eve of this wondrous year I might be wearing one…if not then I’ll be damned. Damned to an eternity in fashion purgatory because who could not resist these little classy elegant demure beauties? I certainly can’t and if we go jumpsuit…we must not completely disregard the signature colour of the suit…that being a delightfully cheerful black. Of course you must wear them with heels to pull this look off or else you may look like you are in work overalls. And who says you have to be as tall as Huntington-Whiteley? Be in denial like myself or opt for some really tall killer Louboutins. (Or a Topshop equivalent!!) Here is my recommended favourite selection from ASOS that is making me foam at the mouth:

Sweatheart Jumpsuit, £27(!), Asos.

WOW. I think I speak on behalf of everybody when I say HALLELUJAH to the ASOS sales. Originally priced at £55 this is beautiful little deal! Sweetheart jumpsuit, featuring a round neckline and sleeveless styling. Take the models advice in the picture and wear court shoes to to give yourself an ‘I’ve just been to the office but now I’m going for drinks like a classy bird’ look.

Vera Modo Jumpsuit, £35, ASOS

Another fabulous well structured little piece by Vera Moda, certainly going to keep you warm whilst shaking that shimmy. Draped jumpsuit by Vero Moda. Featuring a v-neckline with wrap pleated detailing, a fitted leather belt, slouch pockets and loose cut tapered legs in a relaxed fit style. Be brave and team up with massive strappy high heels for a twist on this unique look.

River Island Black And White Playsuit, £28.50, ASOS.

Technically not a jumpsuit but the jumpsuit cannot be without its little sister right? Gorgeous Monochrome look, featuring a scoop neckline, sleeveless styling, colour block sweetheart neckline, belted waist with metallic fastening, patch pockets with contrast trim to the hips, and ironed pleats to the front. very chic, very Audrey, very french. And you can still maintain a cheeky irresistible spunk by getting those pins out, or dress down with a pair of wooly black tights!

Mango Playsuit With Beaded Neck, £52, ASOS.

Now the little endorphins rising in my will now tell you I think that this little gem of a playsuit could be the one. Absolute infatuation with the design of the suit’s little waist and collar. Featuring a scoop neckline with diamante bead detailing, a slash to the chest, a loop-through knot to the front of the waist, short cut legs and loose three quarter sleeves. If I purchase this (which is a possible 97.6% chance….) then I will be one sexy yet sophisticated little kitten. Well…that’s the dream anyway….

What I love about these is their versatility. They look elegant, clear and cut and the hem won’t be riding up your backside like you are trying to hard like other girls with their somewhat predictable…shall we say… boob tube short dresses. Also wearing them with tights or a tailored jacket means that while you’re waiting for a taxi, waiting for the bus, waiting for friends outside a happening restaurant you will be WARM. The perilous winter elements with intimate you however you can relish in the thought that you aren’t as cold as everybody else. Now let us commence with the rollercoaster ride that is finding the right accessories….hmm I smell gold belts, bangles and earrings coming my way…

Written by Gemma E Jones

LJMU English Student, Opinions Editor of The Looprevil Press and Assistant Editor of the American Studies Today. 

Twitter: GemmaSatire | Blog: GemmaSatire 

You are dancing like there’s nobody watching and skilfully mastering the LMFAO shuffling dance. So far, so good. But when your “booze seal” as it were is officially broken and you emerge from a cubicle in the toilet in a drunken haze, you are suddenly stopped dead in your skyscraper high heel tracks. Another. Girl. Has. My. Dress. On.

Irrationally you are overcome with anger. A natural instinctive response could be: How dare she be wearing my dress! MY DRESS! I know it was a dress in a big shop with national chain but let’s be honest, I saw it first and because I’ve bought it nobody else should be allowed to wear it without my permission. Argh she like well stalked me whilst I was going shopping, the weirdo. I have experienced that excruciatingly figurative pain many a time.

But we must stop this neurotic, unhealthy, childish response. As much as you are a valued Topshop customer, they certainly did not design that lovely high street dress just for you.  Of course the wound is much rawer and the scab is more ‘pickable’ when it comes to a party season outfit because so much thought has gotten in to it. This is your time to step into the fairy lights limelight and prove your work colleagues/friends/family that your outfits may not have been gold, frankincense and mare consistently throughout the year BUT in Autumn/Winter…frankly Jesus your birthday is going to get overshadowed. I determine that MY outfit will shine far brighter and sexier that the star that the Three Wise Men followed to Bethlehem.

Raiders Vintage

I’m afraid to say that our beloved High Street is perhaps not the best way to go for originality. The probability that someone will have your dress on a night out is more likely than Cher Lloyd bringing yet another appalling single out in the charts. So the solution to ensure your party dress is individual? Fall in lust with an old flame: Vintage!

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Baltic city that is Liverpool, forget L1 and let your own party Achilles heel be Raiders Vintage on Renshaw Street. Whether you’re a 50’s pin up model or 70’s disco diva, their varied spectrum of vintage clothing certainly caters for everyone. Their new party range includes sassy sequins, blacks, navies, the glitziest of gold clutch bags and array of maxi dresses to certainly ensure you will become all hot under the collar…or should I say mistletoe? And the best thing is unless your Auntie Peggy is still alive from 1966 and decides to come on your night out with you with a glass of cherry in hand, nobody else will have it! And with most dresses being around £30 mark, there is absolutely no excuse for you to have the same dress as another materialistic robot.

Here are my own personal highlights from Vintage Raiders in their LIMITED Party Wear Collection:

Gold Lurex Midi/Maxi Size 8 £35

If I only had the tallness and grace to pull this sexy piece off! The dress oozes glamour and sophistication. Therefore from a creative point of view, accessories should perhaps be kept to a minimum. Leave the neck exposed for a cheeky little peek of a collarbone and perhaps team with vintage drop golden earrings which positively shouts to the rooftops ‘I LOVE THE 60′S.’

Navy Blue and Black Floral Shift Dress with Diamante Neckline Size 10/12 £35

In all fairness I do not even know why I am advertising this because frankly after writing this I may very well run down Renshaw Street like a hysterical woman drooling and carrying a pitchfork to fight off fenders to get this for myself. I’m a sucker for navy, it just connotes majestic regal elegance. The bag as well is bodes beautifully with the colours. If anybody else has this outfit before me it will be a tragedy, it seems like fate as well because they have it in my size. Might kill myself like Juliet if it is no longer there so rest assured I will keep you posted.

Black Velvet Strappy Dress With Plunging Neckline Size 10/12 £35

Usually I’m not one for slinky straps and have the flesh on so much show but when you look at this picture you step back, rationalise and think: WHO THE HELL CARES? The length of the dress isn’t too revealing therefore there is a good equilibrium in the outfit between a latent sex appeal and respecting your classy inhibitions. Either wear with a necklace or with drop down earrings. Every party season needs a favourite LBD and with this ones versatility and it being VELVET, I think my folly soul searching for a statement, ‘never go out of fashion regardless of other uglier trends that come out ‘ piece searching is over.

On the downside (yeah I know, you knew there was going to be a catch) remember fundamentally at heart these dresses is VINTAGE. There are only one of them so if you see one that makes you feel like your heart is in your mouth or makes you fall head over heels over the curb then don’t do the old chestnut of “Oh I’ll get it tomorrow, next week, when I get paid.” GET IT NOW. Otherwise it will be gone. And then you eventually find an alternative outfit, you will be sitting there holding your drink akin to a sad alcoholic pondering what could have been.

For more outfit previews and to contact Vintage Raiders to bag yourself a retro treat visit their official Facebook page HERE.

Written by Gemma E Jones

LJMU English Student, Opinions Editor of The Looprevil Press and Assistant Editor of the American Studies Today. 

Twitter: GemmaSatire | Blog: GemmaSatire 

If you want to style yourself like a London or New York girl, then don’t over think. It is important to not to over think about the latest jewellery fashion trends because without having specific knowledge about the hottest fashion jewellery trends, you will have freedom to truly express your true taste. This is what you see from plenty of women walking in the trendier parts of these cities such as Greenwich Village or Shoreditch.

You can buy any kind of jewellery like gold or diamond as per your desire and affordability. It doesn’t matter whether you wear only crystal clear diamonds or gold, all that matters is that you wear it with pride.

Only thing I would suggest is to wear light-weight jewellery because it will be more comfortable when moving around.

The best way to head to the spa is to ask your parents, partner or friends to get you a spa gift voucher. This way you can have that relaxing time you need without paying at all. Of course, this relies on someone else to foot the bill, but it’s a lot better than many unwanted presents.

The other way to get some time of spa relaxation is to look out for spa deals. Spas will occasionally have great deals that will knock a sizable portion of the bill for a massage or other treatment – searching for these can help you indulge in an affordable way.

So if you are feeling incredibly stressed out and other methods of relaxation have failed you, look out for spa deals or get someone to give you a voucher. You won’t believe how much more relaxed you feel after a couple of hours of indulgence.

Firstly, forget designer. Most people can’t recognise non-couture wear at 50 paces, especially after a few drinks at a Christmas ball! Forget splashing out on expensive designer gear that’s likely to get damaged during the proceedings.

Head to the high street for terrific priced alternatives. Many of the fashion chains offer great copies of the catwalk favourites and early Christmas sales are already beginning, meaning you may even pick up a cut priced bargain for your big event!

It’s worth thinking broadly when it does come to high street clothing. For example, many supermarket chains now have excellent fashion ranges, which are very well priced.

If you do need a very fancy frock for your ball, then how about renting one? There are various agencies and rental shops that hold gorgeous stock that can be rented for far better prices than if you bought.

Just factor in dry cleaning prices and insurance costs and also remember that damage will need to be paid for, so think very carefully before pursuing this option!

How about going vintage for your ball dress? Vintage wear is hugely in fashion at the moment and ball gowns are a staple piece of any vintage lover’s wardrobe. Check your folks’ attic in the first instance, or head to charity shops, Oxfam Originals, vintage and thrift shops or look on Ebay.

You’ll be surprised at what you find and most basic dresses can be customised to suit you with a little creativity and accessorising.

Speaking of accessorising, how about recycling a dress from last year? Most of us own at least one party dress – a long black dress or even a short black cocktail dress. Head to your high street favourite stores to refresh a classic (read: ‘old’!) outfit with fresh new jewellery, shoes and a bag. You’ll be amazed at how different it will look!

You could also try holding a clothes swap evening with your friends with everyone throwing old ‘treasures’ into the mix for a recycling friendly swap. One woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure!

If you really are creative, how about customising an old dress into something new and personal to your style, or even rustling something up with the aid of a sewing machine?

There are usually lessons available for basic sewing lessons in university cities and plenty of online resources and books to help you get started. You’ll find plenty of well-priced material too online or in haberdashers. Buy off cuts to start practising on, or look in charity shops for fabrics.

Finally, a word on loans. Yes, we know they are tempting, particularly when you’re cash-strapped but be very careful about taking out new loans on top of existing student borrowing. If you truly find that you need loans to get you through the expensive festive season, then do your research.

Look at loans with the lowest interest rate. Online price comparison sites tend to be a good place to start. Aim to seek out the cheapest loans over the shortest borrowing period, so that you remove the liability as quickly as possible and avoid paying punitive interest rates.

If you can take on extra seasonal work over the Christmas period, it will allow you to pay off loans quicker – or save! Remember other short-term forms of borrowing too, such as a zero percent credit card (just ensure you pay it off in full during the promotional period) or a student overdraft.

Calling all fashion fans! If you’re a student with a great sense of style and a keen eye for what looks good, the Freemans Fashion Writing competition could be the perfect opportunity to share your insights with the world.

We’re offering young writers the chance to win fabulous prizes and see their work in print on our fashion blog. To enter, all you have to do is find the perfect party dress for the holiday season in the Freemans catalogue – think office Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve – and construct an outfit around it, justifying your choices in a blog article of around 250-400 words. We’ve got plenty of items to choose from, and we’re looking for creative and well thought out entries, so don’t be afraid to be bold and individual!

The articles will be judged on both the outfit you choose and the quality of the writing. The winning writer will have their piece published on our blog, and will also win a fabulous Toshiba Laptop! Three runners-up will be awarded brand new camcorders or digital cameras, and may also have their articles published.

Freemans is one of the leading online fashion and homeware catalogues in the UK. Getting your work published on our site is a fantastic opportunity to build your CV and gain real industry experience. To enter our great competition, simply email your entry to us by 30th November 2011 and include your full name, age and place of study.

You can read the guest article by Helen Wilkinson, the winner of our previous student writing competition, here.

To email your competition entry, simply attach it to an email and send it to the following address: studentfashion@freemans.com.

You never know – this could be the event that helps your career get started with a bang. Even if you’re still a student and not job hunting at the moment, it will be valuable to know more about the sort of employers who are looking for graduates and the things they’d love to see from you when you do come to apply in the future.

So, if you’re hoping for a fantastic career and would love some top advice and the chance to chat to prominent graduate employers, head over to GradU8 to register free for this exciting event which will be running from the 7^th until the 10^th November 2011 – and there’s still time to sign up and benefit from a range of seminars and other events over the course of the week.

Falbala are giving some away and for you to enter all you have to do is share photos of you wearing them!

Falbala would like 4-5 fashionable pics each, which can be taken anywhere and the more fashionable the better. They don’t have to be professional so don’t worry.

All that is needed is for the tights to be clearly shown in each photo, that the pictures are clean (so no “page 3″ shots please!) and that you are over 16. If you are between 16-18, Falbala will need your parents aproval beforehand.

Your photos will then be uploaded onto Falbala‘s new website, as well as their Facebook page.

So….grab your friend on that photography course or fish out your camera and start snapping!

To Enter:

• Visit www.falbala.co.uk and choose your favourite pair of tights.

• Email Karen at karen@falbala.co.uk to arrange delivery or collection.

• Please let Karen know your first, second and third choice.

To ensure you receive your favourite pair email Karen quickly as it will be on a first come, first served basis – also stock is limited.

Falbala do require a £30 deposit which you will get back on receipt of your photos. They will fully refund the whole amount and you can keep the tights!