Primark to release new limited edition label

Bargain hunters will be pleased- the former chav-turned-cheap-chic-store has announced that nine of its shops will play host to the sixth limited edition collection this March.

The new range will include bang on trend Oriental prints on chiffon with embroidery, as well as sheer blouses and tunics. Highlights include a peacock feather maxi- although it’d be great to see some midi trends in there as right now all I‘ve seen on offer is a rather plain black midi dress- not quite right- and a kimono (gasp!).

The new limited edition collection will be priced from £12 to £24 and will hit stores from March 1st for a limited time- so set those alarms! The nine stores are: Oxford Street (obvs), Bristol (yay!), Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow Argyle Street, Bank Buildings in Belfast, Lakeside, Meadowhall, Newcastle and Birmingham.

I’ll give the verdict in due course…not sure if you can do geisha-chic on a budget…but I’m pleased they’re giving it a good go.

Souce: Diarydirectory.com

Boardwalk Empire

Set to be the new Mad Men in the fashion influence stakes, Boardwalk Empire has got me excited. It’s the perfect antidote for those of us who don’t have the killer Christina Hendrick-like curves.1920s sillouttes are perfecty flattering for most figures- but what I’m especially loving are the amazing accessories. From dazzling hair pieces to beaded sparkling 1920s style earrings- a brilliant excuse to dance away those gloomy January blues. The new American period drama plays host to some beautiful designs, carefully selected by costume designer John Dunn. Take a look here:


Another great thing about ths trend is the versatitly- despite the beaded and intricate nature of many of the pieces- it is easily transferable to the high street. This lacy number from Oasis for example- looks uber chic and- dare I say- expensive, but has just been reduced to £100- hurrah! http://www.oasis-stores.com/Lace-Fringe-Flapper-Dress/Clothing/oasis/fcp-product/3170082046

This red number by Topshop ticks two trend boxes with its popping colour block and layered style- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2172251&

And if you want to go the whole hog- Asos have this very cute hat to cover up on those cold winter days.

www.asos.com/Catarzi/Catarzi-Felt-1920S-Hat/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1356984

Terence Winter's epic new HBO series launched in the channel's premier Sunday 9pm slot last night, thus avoiding weekly conflict with rival period drama Mad Men. Check it out.

Cheer Up Boys

Just seen Razorlight's new press pic...seriously. It just oozes- 'We are so cool we can't even look at you, ergh, you disgust me.' Why is J Borrel still famous anyway? All he's done for the past few years is hang out in white skinny jeans looking miserable. Ok. Rant over.

Sick Feeling

Most employees feel guilty when calling in sick- a new survey has revealed.

The survey by CareerBuilder has found that nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of workers typically go to work when they’re ill and 55 percent said they “feel guilty” if they miss work due to illness.

With the cold and flu season in full swing, workplace pressures and “presenteeism” may be causing workers to go in despite the threat of virus spreading. More than half of the 3,700 workers surveyed nationwide from November 15 to December 2, 2010 said they picked up a bug from someone who was sick on public transport going to or from work.

“It’s important for employees to take care of their health and the health of others by staying at home if they aren’t feeling well,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. “Even if workers feel pressure to be at the office, they should talk to their managers about staying home if they are sick, or ask about other options such as working remotely. Most employers are flexible and understand that employees are more productive if they are feeling their best.”

In order to encourage a healthy workplace, nearly one-in-five (19 percent) of employees said their companies provided flu shots at their office. Nearly two-in-five workers (38 percent) said they were proactive and got a flu shot this year (2010). When workers were asked what other ways they attempt to avoid germs, 78 percent said they wash their hands often; 32 percent carry and use hand sanitizer; 30 percent regularly clean their office space; 15 percent avoid shaking hands with people and three percent skip meetings where they know someone is ill.

The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 3,910 U.S. workers (employed full-time; not self-employed; non-government); ages 18 and over between November 15 and December 2, 2010.