For Lovers

Gentlemen, STOP! Before you part with your hard-earned cash (well, earned cash) for a rank teddy-bear holding a misshapen heart emblazoned with the sort of sentimental nonsense sure to make your beloved retch, please see below. We have waded through the mountains of tat sure to grace a landfill with its presence to bring you this, a selection of the least repulsive Valentine's gifts. You're welcome.

Clockwise from top: Personalised Lollipop (£1.45 each - Notonthehighstreet.com), Lovebirds Blusher (£18 - ASOS), Love heart Ring (£13.50 - Meandzena.com), The Bronte Sisters' Three Novels (£16 - All good bookshops!), Annina Vogel Mizpah Victorian Brooch Conversion Necklace (£450 - Liberty), Mix Tape (A little bit of time), Tudor Underwear (£25 - Notthehighstreet.com), Charm Broach (£750 - atworkgallery.co.uk), Heart-glitter Nail Varnish (£1.78 Forever 21), Claddagh Earrings (£39 - Tatty Divine), I Love Everything Scarf (£135 - Silken Favours at Liberty)

The Emerald City

(Gabby Sequin Dress - Motel Rocks, Lace Bra & Knickers - Topshop, 

Dancing Queen Mirrorball Lacquer - Model's Own, Lace Crop Tee - Topshop, 

Envelope Clutch - American Apparel, Sweater - Acne,

 Bonnie Crop Top - Motel Rocks, Midi-Dress - Asos)

Ring the knell, gather round children and get ready for some visual stimulation -- Pantone has announced that the color of the year for 2013 is 'Emerald'! I know we are used to this shade being reserved for St. Patty's Day, but free your mind and the rest will follow. Emerald is also about elegance with an energetic and playful undertone. Because of these dimensions, you can really alter the color to suit your OOTD. To be elegant with emerald, pair it with blacks of all different textures (tweed, leather, suede). Beautiful costume jewelry goes very well with this look. To be playful with emerald, colorblock it with fuchsia, cobalt, or tangerine. And for an energetic emerald, pair it with heather greys and sport-casual items. Above are some of Remotely Fashion's top picks for emerald fashion items!

Reunited in Fashion

Finally reunited, after almost a whole year apart, we learnt that time and distance are not nearly enough to diminish the psychic bond that exists between fashion twins. Pewter and chambray is apparently our shared go-to colour combination when planning a day of prancing. Wow, Fantastic Baby.

Siobhan's Outfit: Beanie (Topshop), parka (Nasty Gal), chambray (Madewell), pewter pleated skater skirt (Forever 21), t-shirt (Topshop), scarf (Ann Taylor), ankle boots (Ankle Boots)

Miriam's Outfit: Pewter Cardie (H&M), vegan leather skater skirt (ASOS), blouse (Whistles), chambray (Forever 21), chelsea boots (Topshop), circle scarf (market stall in Seoul), bag (Promod)

Siobhan's lace nail transfers are by Impress Nails, Miriam's rings are from Whistles and the skull knuckle ring was part of a set from Topshop

Satchel by Proenza Schouler 

My heart is yearning but Paris is burning

A weekend spent in the capital of chic proved to be far too cold to look cute. However, this photo was quickly snapped of Little Sis' Topshop obsession (before she promptly buried that heavenly collar beneath at least two scarves).

Pep in Your Step!

The holidays are behind us and for us this always means a bit of post-reinforcement pause -- we lose some interest in shopping and spending because: A.) We are skint/broke. B.) The shops are filled with those awkward in-between seasons clothing items that are tempting but not immediately wearable. I see you, interesting cut-out spring dress, but I can't have you... not yet. 

I'm usually more likely to be buying a replacement set of gloves that have fallen to the wayside at this time of year. But, this where the internet comes in! I can virtually stalk purchases for S/S or browse through F/W sales while remaining cozy and warm at home. The fashion endorphins are still released. 

Recently, Anya Sarre, one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters, introduced us to an up and coming online fashion store, ShoeDazzle. A nationally recognized celebrity stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. Of course we had to check out her recommendation! 

ShoeDazzle tailors a "showroom" to your specific fashion tastes monthly. Rachel Zoe is also now associated stylist for ShoeDazzle which makes the personalized stylist selections all the more exciting. The prices are in a reasonable price range (especially for post-holiday budgets). Here are Remotely Fashion's most desired picks:

(From right to left)
Bags: Bacavi, Aventura, Avra

Shoes: Dana, Diane, Sada

Accessories:Tough Trio, Fly Above, Ring On It

Anya Sarre also shared great tips to prevent that post new year's fashion-slump and to reinvigorate our closets:

"Make the most of online fashion retailers as you look for ideas. Check out the fun trends in basic shirts at StyleMint. Look for shoe inspiration at ShoeDazzle. Don't miss the latest accessory options at Birchbox and Stella & Dot. As you explore, you'll get a sense of where the trends are headed this year. You'll be able to evaluate colors and materials. You can create a list of wants to watch as the year progresses. Pay attention to the models used on these sites as this will provide creative ideas for mixing and matching components of your existing wardrobe." 

"Take your DIY fashion instincts to the Net by perusing sites like Pinterest. Whether you need ideas for great jewelry making projects or whether you need specific instructions for creating a knit scarf, Pinterest is likely to have what you want in abundance. You'll find unique color palettes and unusual materials to consider for use in your creation of accessories and separates. You can organize your plans and preferences easily with boards of your own, perfect for better managing your projects and ideas."

We thank Anya and ShoeDazzle for inspiring us and allowing us to remain sloth-like at home for a little longer while we plot our fashion choices for the new year!

Friday I'm In Love...Or Not.

When the thought of dressing to impress a man makes you throw up in your mouth, deciding what to wear on a first date can be tricky. We have gathered the following pieces of advice from a collection of anonymous cool girls:

1. Stay away from anything too skin tight - you don't want your bangin' body to distract too much from your glowing personality.
2. Wear your most ostentatious jewellery; hopefully this will alert him to the fact that you do not require "a ring on it". 
3. Don't get too dressed up, dress as the best version of your everyday self. ♥
4. Only arms or legs should be on show - don't let them see the goods too early. And keep your mid to lower back covered -- the bra mechanics are too difficult to be worrying about on a first date.
5. Whatever makes you feel like a vixen...but nothing too tight. There's nothing worse than feeling like a chubb in a tight top after a meal.
6. Wear something you're comfortable in, which reflects your personality. [For us that would be something with spikes and a floral print. (Pro-tip: Your date will not be able to resist commenting or touching your spikes so you will have to come up with a witty retort if you choose to don them, "These are my thorns but I'm a rose." "It keeps the perverts away.")]
7. Dress in smarter work clothes than you normally do so that they think that your job is more important than it actually is, then arrive late and say that it was because of your hectic work schedule.
8. Don’t wear too much make-up. That way, he’ll be impressed rather than disappointed when you wake up with him the morning after date 3 having had two too many margaritas.
9. Try to stay true to yourself but don't go to one extreme or the other, so don't slut it up or be super conservative.
10. Sexy bra and pants and the rest is immaterial, he won't notice or remember.

"I ain't no-one's trophy...I kiss who I want, when I want"

Grease 2's Stephanie Zinone has the right attitude.

Dear readers, share your own first date fashion tips below! Curious minds want to know. 

Happy New Year!

A New Year's Resolution to be more adventurous began a little early on New Year's Eve, with a foray into the world of face-lace! Ordered from Face-lace.com (although also available in Harvey Nichols) it arrived within 3 days despite the Christmas post. Wonderfully easy to apply (and remove) it lasted the whole night and looked very effective on each of the girls who wore it. RF would mark the face-lace experience 10/10 - definitely a positive start to the year!