It's Party Season!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it's about time you get your cocktails ready and Christmas party outfit sorted. 

We've put together a guide on how to make that grand entrance and keep all eyes on you. Whether you like to turn up the glitz and glamour or subtly captivate a room, the Fiorelli ladies have you covered. 

Cloe Faux Fur Clutch

Heading out with girls? When in doubt opt for sequins..  Christmas party season is certainly the perfect time to bring the glam. This on trend style will you give you the fun, festive look you'll need to stay dancing all night long.  Complement with your favourite leather jacket, black pencil skirt and accessorise with our Chloe clutch to add some 'edge' your look.

Reece Clutch

For a more sophisticated and opulent take for an office Christmas event, stick with bold statement pieces and incorporate textures; golds and creams tones are perfect for achieving this look. Stick with this season's key trend 'the cape' - it's a great way to not only keep the cold winter night air away but to look classically stylish. Finish off the Christmas party look, with our Reece clutch in monochrome paired with a rich lace midi dress and a pair of killer heels. If you're struggling with outfits and Christmas presents are slowly drying out your bank account, keep it simple this year and accessorise, accessorise, accessorise! We've put together our top clutch bags to be added to any black dress or trouser suit to transform your look ready to party! Visit Fiorelli.com to find your perfect accessory today.

L-R(Turner Flapover, Cloe Frame, Rose Frame, Yasmin Flapover)

What are some of your tips to achieving the perfect party look this Christmas? Send your tips and images to us at @Fiorelli_Bags.

How to Be a Secret Santa Queen

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Secret Santa has become part and parcel of the festive period with offices, families and close knit friends all joining in the fun. The budget is usually minimal with a focus on light hearted, amusing gifts. But what happens when you don’t know what to buy Julie in HR or your brother’s girlfriend? Be a Secret Santa queen this year by following our tips and recommendations.

Our Tips:

Avoid playing it too safe

The simple answer to every gift conundrum is safe choices such as confectionary and mugs. Resist the urge to buy your Secret Santa food unless it’s something special like artisan chocolate or luxurious coffee. If you choose a mundane gift the recipient is unlikely to get excited about it and this will show a distinct lack of effort on your part.

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Use social media to your advantage

The great thing about befriending everyone from your cousin to your co-worker on social platforms is it makes knowing what they like and dislike a lot easier. If Helen from accounts has tweeted about the latest season of Mad Men, consider buying her some memorabilia from the show. Similarly, if your cousin publishes an Instagram snap of her growing nail varnish collection, use it as an opportunity for a beauty haul.

Be careful with risqué gifts

Although it may be tempting to buy your flirty friend a novelty t-shirt detailing her conquests, she might not find it so amusing. The trouble with risqué gifts is that there’s not much use for them beyond the initial giving period. Find a practical gift that also ticks the in-jokes box and everyone will be a winner.

Secret Santa gift ideas for women

*Gift Sources From Top L-Bottom R: Red Lipstick, Fiorelli Layla Satchel, Fiorelli Luna Earrings, Parisienne Book, Beyonce Print

In our opinion all good Secret Santa gifts include something chic. From a secret weapon lipstick that will see you through the festive period to sassy art prints that liven up the walls, we’ve put together a virtual wish list of gifts we’d love to receive.

For an extra special gesture, the Fiorelli Layla satchel is a showstopper. Eye-catching and festive, this stylish companion will keep your possessions safe into the New Year and beyond. 

What’s the best Secret Santa gift you’ve ever received? Let us know by tweeting us @Fiorelli_Bags or leaving us a comment below.

Winter Make-Up Ideas

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The cold season calls for a cosmetic shake-up. Out with the pastel nail polish, in with the sultry lipstick. Mix up your make-up for winter and conquer that smokey eye once and for all. Allow team Fiorelli to lead the way. As if we needed an excuse for a beauty haul…

Perfecting the smokey eye

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The smokey eye is a winter classic and one we’ve always assumed is best left in the hands of trained MUA’s. But it turns out you don’t have to be Tanya Burr to nail the sultry shadow. We’ve discovered an easy way to perfect the look.

You’ll need:

-Creamy concealer

-Pressed powder

-Black kohl pencil

-Dark shade eye palette

-Blending brush

-Dramatic mascara

Method:

1. Apply a small amount of concealer or primer to your eyelid. This gives your eye shadow a base to stick to. Next apply a pressed powder to the area to avoid creasing later on.
2. Taking a black kohl pencil (better for smudging) draw a clean line from the inner corner of your eyelid to the outer. Repeat the same motion with the lower eyelid. Use a blending brush to smudge the liner or if you don’t have one on hand use a cotton tip instead.
3. Now it’s time to start shadowing. Starting with the lightest eyeshade, sweep the shadow over your entire eyelid. Next take the medium and sweep it half way across. Finally take the darkest shade and sweep it into the outer corner to create that truly smokey effect.
4. If you want an extra dramatic look you can also apply eye shadow underneath the bottom eyelid. 
5. Use your blending brush or cotton tip and lightly blend the look together so that the colour fade appears more natural.
6. Apply several layers of thick mascara and you’re ready to go.

Winter Lipstick

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During the winter our sun-deprived skin appears paler and it’s the deep lipsticks against fair matted skin which really make an impact. Avoid looking like Morticia Addams by balancing a dark lip with kohl-free eyes. Colour wise we recommended deep plums, bright purples and rich reds.

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Mac rebel is a strong shade option for those who want to try out a darker colour without going all out gothic. The bright purple shade is glossy and suits a myriad of skin tones. We suggest pairing with Mac rebel lipglass and a strong lipbalm to keep chapped lips at bay.

Dark lipstick can lead to noticeable cracks appearing in dry lips, counteract this with an industrial strength balm such as Lanolips multi-purpose balm which will smooth out the most moisture deprived lips.

Festive Nails

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‘Tis the season to dunk your nails in a pot of glitter and emerge all sparkly, festive and chic. Festive nails thrive on glitter, but to avoid veering towards tacky tinsel city we recommend this feature nail idea from beauty blogger Gh0stparties. Simply apply a coat of your favourite winter polish to all nails and once dry apply glitter to the nail of your choice. It couldn’t be easier and the results are ultra-stylish.

What are your fail-safe winter make-up tips? Share your beauty secrets with us by leaving a comment below or tweeting us @Fiorelli_Bags.

#FiorelliTakeover For SS15 Collection

Last week, we held a press day at The Westbury Hotel Mayfair to debut our SS15 collection. As part of the press day, we invited three of our favourite bloggers to do a #FiorelliTakerover and share sneak peeks of the new collection with you all.

Andreea of Dreaming of Chanel and Becca of Fashion Train took over our Twitter and Instagram pages on Wednesday and Thursday, sharing their favourite pieces from the collection, along with how they would style their favourites.

On Thursday we had blogger Rebecca Roberts come down and interview the team behind Fiorelli and the inspiration for the new collection.

If you missed all the amazing images that were shared on both Twitter and Instagram, then we have you covered.

SS15 Sneak Peek

Monochrome Love!

Blogger Dreaming of Chanel

Which bag would you choose?

Textures and Prints

Blogger Elena of Eileen Cuisine with her favourite pieces from SS15

Sushi lunch at press day

Blogger Rebecca Roberts filming an OOTD

Pastels and Neutrals 

Our marketing coordinator with her favourite SS15 bag

To see more of our great press day coverage and an inside look at of our SS15 collection, check out #FiorelliTakeover. Be sure to tweet us with your favourite bags @Fiorelli_Bags

Fiorelli’s AW Culture Edit

You're always spoilt for choice with cultural events in London as the capital is home to a mishmash of world famous museums, ritzy art galleries and star-studded West End shows. So, why not get your culture vulture on this winter by checking out the cities best exhibitions and performances?

World Press Photo Exhibition. Southbank Centre

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Every year, the World Press Photo exhibition lands at a leading art space and this year London has taken the throne. Following on from the prestigious World Press Photo Contest, the winners are being exhibited at the South Bank Centre between now and the 26^th November.

The award winning photographs cover everything from modern warfare to sports and wildlife, each one a masterpiece in its own right.

The exhibition is completely free and if you venture outside the Real Food Market will be waiting for you laden with superfood juices, hand rolled pizzas and the best brownies in town.

Made in Dagenham, Adelphi Theatre

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The stylish Made in Dagenham has landed in the Adelphi Theatre at the West End. Based on the Ford sewing machinist’s strike of 1968, the play is all about girl power as female machinists join forces against their bosses and demand equal pay.

Directed by Rupert Goold, the show is a rip-roaring assortment of humour, sassiness and singalong songs that’ll leave you wanting more. The critics are calling it the best musical since Matilda. Catch Made in Dagenham from now until Saturday March 28^th.

He Wasn’t an Easy Gentleman to Describe, Museum of London

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Fans of Sherlock Holmes will be enamoured by He Wasn’t an Easy Gentleman to Describe. Commissioned by the Museum of London, the collection of images on show are inspired by quotes from author Conan Doyle’s works of fiction. Photographer Kasia Wozniak used the Victorian collodion process to capture the images resulting in a series of art modelled by a particularly striking male model. A word of warning though: you will definitely want to go shopping after visiting this exhibition. The Sherlock Holmes exhibition runs until Sunday March 1^st.

Have you visited any amazing exhibitions recently or watched a performance worth shouting about? Let us know by tweeting us @Fiorelli_Bags or leaving a comment below.

The Best UK Cities for Christmas Shopping

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Weaving in-between crowds, attempting to navigate around department stores the size of Brazil, the sound of noisy cash tills ringing…We love shopping, but with the addition of the word Christmas, our beloved high street turns into all-out pandemonium!

And that’s why this year we’re planning to avoid the high street altogether in pursuit of a stress-free shopping experience. From cutesy boutiques to markets brimming with character, we’re going far and wide in search of the best places for Christmas shopping. Discover our favourite UK shopping cities.

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Cardiff

The Welsh capital is home to a number of arcades packed with exciting independent retailers. Foodies will be enamoured by Wally’s Delicatessen- a paradise of imported food from the world over. Meanwhile, a couple of arcades over Waterloo Tea serve over 50 varieties of everybody’s favourite cuppa and doorstop slices of cake to boot. Purchase a brewing, cupping and sensory coffee course for tea enthusiasts or enjoy a spot of light lunch in-between shopping.

Homeware aficionados are likely to find the perfect gift sitting pretty in Rossiters. From lemon sherbet bath salts to pug salt and pepper shakers, peruse this large yet manageable store with delight.

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Oxford

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Veer off the beaten track and you’ll unearth plenty of interesting fashion boutiques and independent gift stores around Oxford.  Located centrally, Pod is a contemporary store stocking a plethora of quirky gifts such as gin & tonic flavoured lip balm and Russian doll cookie cutters.

There’s rich pickings for fashion lovers too, Fresh Clothing is situated in Oxford’s indoor market and sells vintage inspired frocks and skirts with an emphasis on 1950’s glamour.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a wedge of brie to nibble on, so the Oxford Cheese Shop is a must-visit. Choose from a fine selection of artisan cheese hampers, personally we’re partial to the Oxford blue…

Christmas Shopping in London

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While we’re aware that London is an overcrowded city at the best of times, it would be impossible to talk about Christmas shopping without mentioning the retail Mecca. Avoid touristy areas like Oxford Street and Covent Garden and instead go in search of festive markets and ritzy boutiques.

The Southbank Centre Christmas Market offers much more than the standard gingerbread and mulled wine fare. Wooden chalets are packed with numerous arts, crafts and gifts traders. Shop for treasures such as leather-bound diaries, Australian balsamic vinegar and handmade fairy lights.

Russell Square’s Darkroom is well worth a visit for one-off arty gifts you’re unlikely to find on the high street. Packed with exclusive designers, the store stocks all manner of goods from textiles to style books. Prices are on the higher end of the scale, but it’s ideal for tracking down those extra special gifts.

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For a spot of culture to go with your Christmas sweep, the Victoria and Albert offer a huge array of arty gifts based on current collections. From glossy photobooks to David Bowie stationery, you’re bound to find something suitable.

And if you really can’t face trundling around city centres, there’s always the tempting option of online Christmas shopping. Visit Fiorelli to view our latest collection.

Chic Festive Decorating Ideas

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It may be dark and grim outside but all the more reason to transform your home into a merry kingdom.

From aromatic winter candles to rich red throws and cushions, give your space a seasonal lift this winter with our festive decorating ideas.

Festive Candles and Potpourri

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Nothing says Christmas like the intoxicating smell of fragrant herbs and spices. The combination of zesty orange, star anise and scented cinnamon is a festive favourite.

Make your own potpourri by oven cooking sliced oranges on a low heat for 3 hours. Once they’ve dried out place on a wooden tray along with a handful of whole cinnamon sticks, small pine cones and lots of star anise. Add a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to the equation and your Christmas guests will be in their element.

For more delicious scents, arrange Christmas candles in the centre of the tray with the potpourri. We love the example above. Aesthetically, cream and red candles exude glamour. Scent wise, gingerbread will fill your house with that freshly baked aroma while frankincense and myrrh will remind you of the great outdoors.

A Fashionable Advent Calendar

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Winter tends to make people feel uninspired and sluggish, put an end to this with a fashionable take on the traditional advent calendar. Fill each envelope with an inspirational gift, be it a famous quote, picture, memory , indulgent treat or pampering voucher. You could even get your partner to fill half the envelopes to add a surprise element. Either way, we’re sure you’ll agree this is one of the better winter decorating ideas out there.

Simple, inexpensive and chic, we wish we’d thought of it first.

Autumnal Touches

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Winter home décor is all about bringing the great outdoors in. When it’s too cold to explore, the sight of logs, plants and earthy autumnal colours provide warmth and comfort. Achieve that rustic, Scandinavian vibe with cushions, throws and blankets in deep red, snowflake print and stonewash grey. Anything wooden is a bonus, even if it’s just a few logs arranged in plain view.

Don’t be too precise with the décor, keep the colour scheme simple so that you can mix and match accessories to your liking. Aim to achieve a stylish yet lived-in look so that not only you but your guests will feel totally at ease in your winter wonderland.

Do you have any fail-safe winter decorating tips? We’d love to know how you style your home during the colder months. Leave us a comment below or tweet us @Fiorelli_Bags.