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By Helen Parker, Leeds University
Christmas. A time of love, peace and understanding, yes. Yes? Um, no. Don’t panic, this certainly isn’t going to be a Scroogist outburst lambasting the capitalisation of Christmas. But whilst I love giving (and all that stuff) there is a part of my brain that can’t reconcile itself to the selfless art of Christmas shopping. This fragment of my brain does not love, understand, and is certainly not at peace with the concept of going shopping and not buying anything for myself. This means for the tyrannical countdown of shopping days to Christmas I enforce a strict military ban from the high street, unless of course I’m shopping for someone else.
As a result of this, my search for Christmas party dresses has always been a pathetic affair, somewhat lacking any cheer, festive or otherwise. One of my numerous LBDs is plucked from my wardrobe, and I all over again look like the physical manifestation of black coal. This has always had its benefits; namely more money for mulled wine. Also, I have always avoided turning up to a party overdressed, which I have a personal aversion to at the best of times. Christmas, as I have established is not one of the best of times for me. So, having psychologically conditioned my brain not to shop at this time of year, I have, quite understandably developed an aversion to sequins, the fabric of choice this festive season.
However, this year there is a way for even me to handle the lurex influx. Rather than opting for a glittery dress that will make you resemble a cross-dressing Christmas tree, instead opt for separates, one embellished, one plain. It is as stylish and subtle a way of wearing some sparkle as there can be. The most bang on trend separate of the moment is the tux, but don’t worry, far from boring and mannish it’s infinitely the best way to dress up this season. Remember, leave half the suit unadorned, but do what you like with the other. The best combinations are either embellished leggings with a basic boyfriend blazer, or a sequinned blazer with some understated skinny trousers or harem pants. It creates an insouciant, understated chic that still has an element of fun and frivolity. It turns out there actually IS something to be truly jolly about then, unless of course you aren’t supposed to - oh actually sod it, see you at the shops.
JIMMY CHOO COMPETITION
Alright ladies, fed up of all this Christmas shopping, indulging other people nonsense? Do you fancy winning yourself a bunch of mouth-watering Jimmy Choo goodies? With the announcement of the amazing Project PEP capsule collection, which supports the funding of the Simelela centre in South Africa in collaboration with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Jimmy Choo have lauched a photo competition to help raise awareness of the project.
Project PEP is essentially a charity collection where 25% of the profits will be donated to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa, which provides medical and legal support, counselling the HIV preventative treatment PEP, (which must be taken within 72 hours of exposure to the virus) to victims in the country which has the highest numbers of rapes in the world. The proceeds of Project PEP will ultimately give the clinic the support it needs to stay open 24 hours, and give the most help possible to the largest number of under-privileged women.
So how can YOU get involved on a student budget? Send a photo that fits the slogan of the campaign, 'You, Your Shoes and 72' in to the lovely ladies at the Project PEP Competition website and cross your little fingers! Several of the winning images will be showcased at the global launch of Project PEP at Selfridges London on 29th October and at Jimmy Choo Project PEP events globally. There will be over a hundred winners of the competition, who will receive various products from the PEP collection, with a Grand Prize of 7 pairs of shoes and 2 bags from Jimmy Choo!
So what are you waiting for girls? LET'S GET INVOLVED!
Political Pants! Amazing Christmas Present Ideas
For all of you politics buffs out there, how about showing your political colours with pride? Available from twisted twee are a wide selection of underwear with the iconic faces of Gordon Brown, Margaret Thatcher, and even Winston Churchill. Although not quite the £2 Primark bargain at £20, surely it's worth it to have your favourite (or most hated) politician emblazoned across your crotch? (Or your behind, depending on whether you adore or detest the person in question)
So hurry on over and grab yourself a pair whilst stocks last!
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If you were as devastated as I was to hear about the ban on high heels in the workplace and just don't have a clue what to do with your new 'will DEFINITELY go with everything' six inch heels, here are just a few ideas to give them a new purpose.
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