Here comes the bride...

...and for once I am not talking about me!

Wills and Kate have finally decided to tie the knot. They took their time didn't they! And can you believe that they would choose to marry in the same year that I am to wed my beau? How selfish!

Fingers crossed they stick with their 13th August date...or all hell will break loose!

The happy couple

I can look at this in one of 2 ways:

1. The world will be Royal wedding crazy and my big day will fade in to oblivion
or
2. Weddings will be next year's buzz-word so mine will be totally on-trend!

I pray for the latter, but fear the former.

Anyway, in the spirit of bridal unity and all that, I thought I'd share some wedding dress ideas for the future Princess Royal (not for me obvs, that's a secret)...

This gown from Monique Lhuillier is so romantic. Kate is a modern classic, so I reckon she'll want a traditional shape with a hint of the current style.

Another beautiful dress from Monique Lhuillier. This has a much more virginal feel to it. It's very simple but the veil is ornate and adds all the interest. I'm guessing Kate is not a 'proper' Christian bride, but it might be nice to pretend!

This is quite a simple gown from Christos Bridal, but then Kate's style is just that. It has a subtle beauty to it, just like her.

This one is from Jewel by Priscilla of Boston. Once again, traditional with a bit of a twist.

A bit of a frou-frou option from St. Pucchi. Why not - she is a REAL princess after all!!



I'm sure what ever she wants, she'll be having specially made, but Kate, here's my two pence worth, if you're interested.

And it's a bloomin' good job that we're getting married in Marrakech, because Buckingham Palace would never have let me hold my wedding there (long-time Style State readers will get that) with a royal wedding on the cards.

Congrats guys - but just steer clear of winding up this Bridezilla!!!

Next season, right now!

Miss Magpie's been running across London having a sneak peak at what delights next season has in store for us. It's a tough job but someone's got to do it!

I started off at the Fashion Press Week exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. There were 3 particular things that caught my eye...

Monica & Joe

Everything is going into Cyberspace these days, and if Net-a-Porter, Asos.com and My-Wardrobe are anything to go by, there's a huge market for fashion websites.

Launching in January 2011, Monica&joe.co.uk will stock some of the very coolest and newest brands out there. I'm personally looking forward to the Danish offerings they will have on offer, like Margit Brandt and Munthe Plus Simonsen. The Danes are skyrocketing right now - take Noma for example, could they have been more successful if they tried?!

Monica & Joe will also have other little known labels such as Ambre Babzoe, Simeon Farrar and Nobody. How exciting!

This little jumpsuit, by Cacharel is one piece that caught my eye...and everything on this site is going to be a cool as this...well, I'm sold!

Superdry

I haven't been swept up by the Superdry-mania that's going around right now...but I popped along to have a look anway. It was all the usual t-shirts and Superdry logo on EVERYTHING, but then there was also this dress...

...I think it's rather cute (relatively speaking). I can see that looking good on some one!

Ash

The converse-style trainer people have come up with this little kiddie versions...

Too cute! Makes me want to have a baby just looking at them!

I was also treated to some lovely little reminders of the things I had seen...

Courtesy of Austin Reed...

Loving the tribal feel of this statement necklace - totally my thing.

And thank you to Ambre Babzoe for my gorge new sparkling cuff!

A quick dash across town later and I was in shoe heaven...

Gina

I popped in to the Gina press office to meet the lovely Angie and Lorraine - my popping in ended up being an hour long natter - we almost forgot why I was there!

But not quite. Here's a sneak preview of the new London Collection, bringing some colour and youth to the very glitzy label.

These are awesome. I can totally see myself tottering down Bond Street in these!

Hardly surprising that Miss Magpie loves the Gina bling (it's all in my name), so it's great so see a mix of colour and crystal.

I totally need these - they're the perfect black tie shoe.

I still love trad Gina, but it's great to see them mixing it up a bit.

Christian Louboutin

Being my shoe God, I was of course rather excited to be welcomed in to the red boudoir-style showrooms of the East London press office to get a glimpse at what treasure lies in store for us next season.

I wasn't allowed to take pics of the best styles (boo!) but I can tell you now that you are going to be going Louboutin-crazy next season!

No commentary needed - those beauts just speak for themselves.

A quick manicure later, courtesy of Revlon, and a couple of flutes of champers (merci Monsieur Louboutin) I was ready for my next visit of the day.

(Thank you to Revlon for making sure that I will never run out of amazing colours to decorate my nails. Amazing, no?)

Asos

Occupying the whole of the Victoria Basement in Bloomsbury Square was Asos. There was so much to see... (I was a bit exhausted by this point, so my picture taking sort of stopped. Sorry.).

Launching Asos Revive, Asos are taking old styles and making them new. I love the Seventies feel (very next season) of these two dresses...

You wouldn't be able to help but feel like a goddess in this dress.

I totally need this layered-sleeve kaftan as a beach cover up. It is just so gorgeous. I really hope it goes in to production and that we will actually be able to buy it!!

Watch out too, for Asos Marketplace. They are launching a part of the site that enables people like you and me, or small designers, to set up their own shop... More info to come soon!

Et voila, my day was done. Hopefully that has got your juices flowing for next season's hottest items. Let me know what your fave pieces are...

Over and out.

My Halloween mojo returns

Well, my dear readers, I hope you had a wonderful Halloween. I did.

Since I hung up my Cat Woman costume a few years ago (alas, age got the better of me), I haven't really found myself embracing the spirit of Halloween. That was until the Mahiki charity night last week.

Thanks to the girls at Brushstrokes (a totally fab make-up school), that's all change.

The theme was modern vampire, a la True Blood. I haven't been absorbed by the recent obsession with these vampire programmes (erm, I'm a bit of a scardey-cat), but I figured my long black black tie gown, some (fake) diamonds and some red lippy would do the trick.

Add to that some fantastic make-up from the Brushstroke girls and you have one gory girl. Amazing how real this slash was!

My lil' bro, Brother Gym, found his inner vampire...and it was pretty scary how accurate his look was. I'm actually a little frightened just looking at this pic. And Bro Gym, if you are reading this, I definitely think those contacts should stay - minus the bloody tear drop!

As I mentioned before, I was judging the Best Dressed comp with the magnificent Henry Conway (right). Here's Henry donning a fab wig and cape alongside our Best Dressed Man, Richard Andrews. Richard actually did his own make-up. I'd hate to think what goes on in his mind!!

As for our Best Dressed Lady, well Kat Harrington stood out a mile in this patent PVC body-suit. Maybe I was feeling nostalgic for my very own cat suit, or maybe I was seduced by her Gwen Stefani-esque look, or perhaps because she just looked great...but Henry and I were in love with Kat's hotter-than-hot look!

All-in-all it was a fabulous night with plenty of blood and gore, much merriness and lots of money being raised for our chosen charity, The Haven.

I think I've got my Halloween mojo back. Mwahahahahahahahahaha.....

My DAILY MAIL feature for booby women

Hello all,

Miss Magpie has been a busy girl this week. I've been focusing on boobies - and very large ones at that. Check out my shoot for Femail magazine...and even better, go and buy the paper yourself, so you can check it out in the flesh (so to speak).

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1324298/Take-plunge-How-flaunt-bosom-looking-like-glamour-model.html

Here are a few of my fave shots from the shoot...

I love this Ingenue dress (I have it myself - but I'll tell you all about that in an upcoming post) - it's really slinky and hits all the right places. It suits small busts and big alike and it really makes you feel like a million dollars! It's from a shop in Spitalfields called Chica Boutique, which stocks a fab selection of dresses for all shapes and sizes.

This dress from Whistles was also a winner. The shape and colour are so gorgeous and show off the model's well-endowed chest without making her look top-heavy or tarty. I am also totally in love with the Angel Jackson bag I accessorized it with.

If I am being honest, I'd probably never step foot in to Ted Baker...but when the designers behind it are producing items like this, I might be convinced to change my mind. This peplum style zip up dress is as good for work as it is for play.

Anyway, go and check out the piece in the paper and let me know your thoughts...

I've got to go and vamp myself up for the Halloween party tonight (see below post). Pictures will come tomorrow!

AND IF YOU WANT TO JOIN ME TONIGHT, TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR AT MAHIKI FROM 7PM. IT'S GOING TO BE A FANGTASTIC NIGHT!!!!

Blood on the Dancefloor

Calling all Twilight fans; Halloween is fast approaching which means it’s time to get in touch with your inner vamp...and your dressing up box. Fun, fun, fun!!

London hot-spot Mahiki (the favoured hang out of Princes William and Harry didn't you know) is hosting, together with the fab Henry Conway (Google him - you'll know exactly who he is!), an evening of blood and gore in honour of breast cancer charity The Haven, on Thursday 28th October.

With a modern vampire theme, prizes for the best dressed (Miss Magpie is one of the judges and I'll let you into a little secret - I take bribes very well, especially if they come in the form of bubbly drinks!) and gruesome make-up courtesy of Brushstroke, it’s time to embrace this season’s deep hues and dramatic looks. Think leather, lace and blood-red lippie.

I'm concocting my outfit this weekend and I can tell you that I am going to go the whole hog: fangs, vampire contact lenses, blood...

This is a great cause so get involved!

To find out more and bag yourself a ticket to this very exclusive event just click here. Who knows, you might even find your very own Robert Pattinson. Fangtastic!

A Moroccan tribute to Yves Saint Laurent

Need another reason to love Marrakech? Well here's one big one: Les Jardins Majorelle.

Also known as the 'Yves Saint Laurent gardens' because of the late designer's dedication to keeping the gardens alive and running, Les Jardins Majorelle is a haven from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

Filled with exotic plants and flowers, vibrant colours and delightful smells, and a sense of heavenly tranquility, these gardens are a must-see.

Also a must-see is the monument that was erected after the death of the much celebrated YSL:

Like an ancient Greek pillar, this monument expresses the classicism and eternal presence of Yves Saint Laurent (that English Lit degree wasn't a complete waste of time then!) and his fashion house.  Set in a secluded corner of the space, this is a simple homage that draws in many a YSL fan.

Can you believe that he passed away over two years ago?

I love this shot. This lady can only have come to pay her respects to Yves Saint Laurent. Decked out in all black (remember, it was 30 degree heat out there) and in an enormous floppy hat, she oozes that Parisian chic that only the Parisians can have. YSL would have been proud!

And because that wasn't treat enough, they garden is also home to a collection of some of YSL's works of art. As the blurb above says, he used to create these images to send as New Year greetings to his friends and clients. What I would give to have been one of the lucky recipients of one of these. (A lot obvs).

1983 - Quite a significant year in the life of Miss Magpie (take a guess) and quite a gorgeous poster to boot. I want!

No trip to Marrakech is complete without an amble through these gardens, so go get your fashion fill pronto!

Marrakech bargain-hunting!

Oh my, oh my, oh my, did I have a fabulous weekend or what!

My beau and I jetted off to Marrakech to get the wheels turning on our Moroccan wedding. Yes, dear readers, we shall be wed in the glorious heat and colourful surroundings of Morocco. Heavenly!

Now, the agenda for trip number one was to find a venue, accommodation and settle the details with our wedding planners. And that we did. Alongside lots of sunning, shopping and drinking - a fab way to spend an October weekend wouldn't you say?!

You don't get to hear any of the details of our big day, but I can share with you the contents of my shopping bags...

Shopping in the souks of Marrakesh is a crazy experience. The paths might be narrow, but while you are perusing kaftans and scarves, you have to keep one eye out for the motorbikes, bicycles and even donkey-driven carts that power through the throngs of tourists and stalls. But when Miss Magpie is on a shopping mission, there's nothing that can get in my way. Apparently not even donkey dung.

Purchase number one - a rather regal kaftan. I spotted this beaut in the souk and after some award-winning bargaining from my beau, it was mine. I'm in love with the vivid turquoise colour and the framing of the gold and silver embroidery. Plus, its so utterly comfy. At £7, its definitely a winner.

Ok, this one might be a bit controversial; a pashmina with rabbit fur pom-poms. Eek! But I couldn't resist, it's so beautiful and luxurious! It'll work perfectly with my winter wardrobe (obvs it was far too hot in Marrakech to wear it, but that's what so great about the yucky English weather) and I'm sure I'll be wearing it for years to come!

And this is on my shopping list for next time. Not the girl obvs, but her belly dancing get-up. My beau was mesmerized by it, so I think that's a good enough reason to invest.

I'm already planning my next trip out there so put your requests in now!

My SS'11 shopping list...

Excuse the silence - Miss Magpie has been enjoying some Portuguese hospitality and is off to road test some of the Moroccan kind tomorrow!

But enough of my adventures, let's get back to the reason we are here: FASHION.

Cast your mind back back to September and you might remember a little something called London Fashion Week. Got it? Well, the London Fashion Week exhibition that runs alongside the shows, displays some of the most fab small (and not so small) designers around.

It had me drooling.

Here are my TOP TEN finds:

Akong

Fashion is a form of armour, so why not go the whole hog with this ode to protective clothing. It'd look fab on an LBD or even with jeans and a simple vest. I can totally imagine sporting this beaut.

Cabinet Studios

OMG! How fashion-fabulous is this collar?! I love the eccentric, OTT-ness of this feathered piece. What a way to add some va-va-voom to your usual garb.

Finsk 

I am the Queen of the vertiginous heel. Fact. So it seems only right that I invest in these babies next Summer, no? Unfortunately, I think this style is only for show. Who wants to sign my petition to get them into production?

Georgina Goodman

A name we've all heard of before, I'm sure, but next season, GG has moved on from her clompy heels and has gone the more delicate route. I love the sculptural look of these heels and the attention to detail going on. Well done!

Henrietta Ludgate

Eco fashion has come a long way! This amazing coat was made out of horse blankets (with not a horse hair in sight). It's a real statement piece and will keep you warm as well as stylish simultaneously. An instant hit.

Jean Paul Gaultier for La Perla

Ooh-la-la, c'est manifique! Wedding lingerie, perhaps? 

I'm all over this Madonna inspired basque. How sexy would you feel revealing this in the boudoir?! Yes please.

Leju

For your inner tribal leader, this piece is what has always been missing from your wardrobe. Made from vegetable ivory, a totally renewable source, it's not only ethical but its completely original too.

Little Glass Clementine

Another eco brand changing the face of recycled fashion, Little Glass Clementine makes totally unusual jewellery with 'found' objects. It's a bit kooky, but actually totally wearable and gorgeous.

 Nicholas King

I'm never one to say no to a spot of gold leaf, so when I saw this choker, I was instantly sold. It's so very simple, yet so effective.

Piers Atkinson

I've always wanted to leave my house with a cocoon of layered net on my head. Seriously. How gorgeous it this?! And your ears would never feel cold. What more could you ask for?! Just don't get on to the tube in rush hour with those twirly things protruding all over the place - you'll be sued, for sure.

Doesn't that make you want to go shopping?! It does me.

This weekend, I'll be sating my hunger for a spot of shopping in the markets of Marrakesh - I'm sure it'll be more price range than these goodies. Look out for my next blog post to see what I bag.