Twitter.
OK OK so this one may be a bit obvious and out-dated for some of you, but unbelievably there are still many of my friends who are not tuned into this site and they are missing out!
I would agree that following celebrities' every move (if they're sad enough to update their every move) and doing the same yourself is a little creepy, but admittedly there is so much more to twitter than just that. If you follow the right people, it becomes a rich pool of networking. For example: Alexa Chung, Peaches Geldoff, Vogue Paris and Topshop post some pretty cool links to fashion websites, designer blogs, vintage blogs and other quirky sites to help stay clued up. Even Ashton Kutcher (yes I did just say that) shares some pretty interesting stuff for you to watch and read. Other twitter treasures are Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Eddie Izzard. They are guaranteed to enrich your mind with fruitful seeds of knowledge, plus the witty banter thrown back and forth between them is enough to entertain you through these cold, long winter nights.
*Be sure the twitter page you want is authentic; it'll say 'verified account' with a little tick in the right hand corner if it's the real deal.
Galeries Lafayette, Paris.
I had the privilege of going to Paris for my 21st in October last year and it was divine! Parisian lifestyle suited me perfectly with cafe after cafe, the art, the history and of course the fashion.
I am usually all for the independent boutiques and vintage shops, banging the drum of uniqueness, but this is a retail store that cannot be shrouded. A four floored fashion haven under a beautiful glass dome, Galeries Lafayette is a hall of luxury not to be missed. It is home to some of the biggest designers in the world, including Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.
Not to send you into depression early this month, but this place really makes your mouth water. I saw so many women dripped in furs and jewels here, clutching onto their handbags and Blackberrys whilst executing their next purchase. A smell of success lingers around them; I'm talking self-made women, the ones who don't leech off their wealthy spouses but make the moolah themselves. Every inch of that ensemble she's wearing is well deserved. I look into my purse - 12 euros. Sigh. Off to H&M I go!
Though it could be something to aspire to, Galeries Lafayette is not just about the shopping and the beautiful women who make you feel slightly sick inside, no. Some of the best fashion shows in Paris are held here so make sure you find out when they are before booking your next trip. Oh and make sure you save your pennies well in advance. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
www.galerieslafayette.com
Liebe Marlene Vintage.
Funnily enough, I found this blog and vintage shop via Alexa Chung's twitter - proof that we can gain valuable fashion tips from our fellow celebrities themselves.
Liebe Marlene is an American vintage store on ebay full of floaty dresses and frilly rompers, with a blog that is definitely worth a read. It shares new looks and fashion ideas aswell as the latest season collections by many established designers.
While this is my newest discovery that I am still yet to learn a lot about, it has certainly influenced some of my choices of clothing already this year. Perhaps it'll have that impact on you too.
http://liebemarlene.blogspot.com/
Afflecks Palace.
Admittedly I am a little behind when it comes to this bad boy, only just experiencing it's delights before Christmas. Yet I still feel compelled to share the experience with you all, it would be simply criminal not to.
Afflecks Palace is an Aladdin's cave full of vintage wonders right in the middle of Manchester. It's hard not to get excited over the never ending maze of shops, boutiques and stalls selling everything from top hats to tattoos.
If you now feel an overwhelming urge to jump on the next train to Manc City, please do find the address you desire below. Dive in and enjoy the swim!
52 Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester. Open 10.30-6pm.
