V O I L E | Release Review

A brand new VOILE release for the party season! It's always fun to have new party pieces to get glammed up in and now is your chance for something new =) The advertising looks pretty special so I'm excited to check out the whole release!

Highlights There are two floors full of party-wear with a focus on elegant gowns and dark pinky-purple tones. I really quite like it, I think the floors flow well together and think there are good choices to be had for a range of styles =)

Accessories While there is not a huge range of accessories, I do think what there is is pretty good, those shoes are stunning! There is just one style of shoe, the Satin Pumps Gold Heel, but they come in 4 colour choices, Black, Navy, Beige and Blue - they cover all bases for fancy looks and are a sleek and elegant design, I love it. Of course I couldn't resist and bought every colour, oops^ It's a little disappointing that there are only belts additionally in the category, I think some bags and jewellery would have fitted this release well. The belts are still good though, and there are 4 of them. Firstly a matched pair, the Double Leather Belt in Blue and Black, to match your shoe colours - the double design will be popular I think, and it's one that I like the look of =) Then there is the Buckle Leather Belt which has a thick design and is a little more edgy - I think this one will be good at layering over outerwear. And finally the extravagant Flower Ellie Belt which is a chiffon floral piece, it definitely stands out and will bring something special to any look it's styled in^ 

Clothing And now the main show, the clothing! It is mostly dresses that are in the store, with 8 to choose from in a range of styles, designs and colours. 5 of these are in the gown-style, and while they are truly beautiful pieces, they're ones I know I won't wear very often. So while I don't plan to make any purchases from these, I think the Stripe Pink Ellie Gown is super feminine and pretty, the stripes are unique and the material is light and floaty, the Sequin Flower Dress Dark Blue is an elegant twist to black, I love the structure to the upper half, the long slit in the leg and the delicate chiffon shoulder detail, and lastly the Satin Elie Top Purple and Skirt while a set looks amazing as a dress, the satin looks beautiful and I love the folds and shaping of the pieces. If gowns aren't your thing, there's a few other dress choices - the Multicolour Pearls Dress is a maxi long sleeved piece in a pretty pink tone with a coloured dotted design. I love the fit of this one^ Then there is the Sweater Stone Dress, a more midi length style in black, this one has great fringing along the hem and cool sequin detailing - this is a great winter one, and I think it's got some wearability about it! And finally the Multicoloured Satin Dress which comes paired with the Multicoloured Satin Coat which are in a brushed purple tone with great colourful, floral, sparkling details which are focused on the top half of the pieces.  The dress is a mini strapless style, and I think these pieces will look good separate too, especially the Coat, I'm excited to see this styled in many looks! And lastly two co-ords to mention, I love the look of both of them - the Pom Pom Jacket and Light Blue Trousers which are in a sweet periwinkle shade. The Trousers are slim fitting and the Jacket has a unique design with cutout shoulders and a pom pom trim. Then there is the Lace Flower Blazer and Satin High Raise Trousers which are themed on violet - the colour is fantastic and these Trousers look particularly awesome, I think they'll make some fab outfits =D

Prices This release ranges from 12 to 38SD's, and none of the pieces are limited to SS or Royalty. I think this is pretty good for the styles and types of pieces that are available.

Features And now the features! It seems this release has gone down pretty well. First up we have *starrr* wearing the Beige Satin Pumps Gold Heel looking amazing paired with snakeprint. The colours are a perfect match together and I can see this will be a popular combination^ I love the white feathered to, it adds such a lightness to the print, and the jewellery looks great being delicate, super sweet and feminine!

A little more rock-chick in the second feature, hopesolobeauty styling the Satin Elie Top Purple in this very cool look! I love the layering of the purple pieces and they've really been made into winterwear with the black base of the polo. The yellow trousers look pretty great, but it's totally the cool shoe combination that got me - I love these DIY sock-boots, such a great idea!

Mia1435 goes for the Multicoloured Satin Coat and Multicoloured Satin Dress in this styling - super elegant and pretty! The accessories really add to these pieces, the shoes are a great fit with the green on the dress and the lilac fuzzy bag is the cutest piece. The earrings are glamorous and draw attention to the amazing eye makeup look =)

And our final feature, SansSommeill. choosing the voluminous Valentino Inspired Oversized Coat - it does amazingly on it's own! The boots are a fun choice, the jewels draw attention to the hemline, while the open neck brings attention to the 'YSL' brooch and the feathered earrings along with the fabulous makeup look^

Suite Style

Another super stylish suite to feature today - this one is from *starrr* and looks stunning, I wanna live there mysefl =D I think it's a great use of the interior itself, it's a reasonably neutral one but with some great features, I for one love the colour of the wall panelling and I think that works very nicely with the colour scheme of the rest of the decor. The seating all fits in nicely and I love the bright pops of the artwork and the rug. I also very much like that lighting, the modern style fits in surprisingly well^ And of course I love the cat on the sofa =)

B I Z O U | Release Review

It's been quite a few months since our last release of Bizou, it's usually a pretty good release so I am excited for this one! The advertising is bright, fresh and summery and the models do a great job in showing off the range of the store =)

Highlights The release is of typical size for Bizou, and it's a pretty typical spring/summer release with light colours and fabrics and designs. Huge mix of styles, from minimal to feminine, to quirky, I truly think everyone will find a piece that works for them in this collection!

Accessories A pretty standard accessories drop, although no jewellery or additions, just shoes and bags - the accessories definitely aren't my preferences in this release. The two bags are darker pieces but are styles I wouldn't wear so much, there's the Babes Shopping Bag and the Beautil Bag - shopper bags just aren't my style, and I find the second a little too square to fit with the way I like to wear bags. The shoes are an improvement - there's feminine in the Gladiator Pink Sandals, which are beautiful in colour but I think I'd like them more as a mule style without the ankle strap on them and just the buckled straps over the feet, dark glamour in the Lace Tulle Pumps, which are just a style I know I will not wear, and lastly my favourites, the quirky choice with the Yellow Plastic Sandals, which look so much better than the name suggests! These are slingbacks with a yellow and pink set of perspex straps with a white heel ... I just love them! I think it's all about the colour with this pair =)

Clothing The clothing is pretty darn good with this release! A great mix of prints and designs, with a whole lot of gingham thrown in the mix! I'll start off with dresses - there's quite a few, 5 in total, and I have to say, they're not hugely fitting with my taste in dresses. Gingham choices include the Collared Checked Dress in black and red (a little wintery for this season) and the Checked Flower Dress in black and white with a nice floral design, I think this one maybe will get a chance with me^ The Lace Bordeaux Dress is a mix of prints and colours, it's just not something I can see being worn well, and the Denim Shirt Dress is all about the stripes. The Mustard Treger Dress is again a piece I can't see myself in, it's the most minimal style of them all and I do like the colour, but the design isn't one I would choose. In terms of skirts, much better choices - the Ripped Slit Denim Skirt is a white piece, and not a midi length which I like, it fits really nicely and I think it will be great for more casual styles in summer. And secondly, possibly the dreamiest piece of the release, the Graphic Skirt, a flowing white maxi with the coolest of prints and colours splashed on! It's a dream, it fits well and it's versatile, plus I've seen about a hundred dolls styling it, so it must be a good 'un to add to the wardrobe! It comes with a matching Graphic Sweater, but I don't think this adds much to the look as the skirt is the standout winner. Also in bottoms, and competing for top spot in this collection, are the Checked Crop Trousers, also seen on a hundred dolls, these are amazing! A perfect fit of trouser, a great cut and a flattering design, they're just amazing all-round! The Gingham Off Shoulder Crop Top is also a great checked piece, it's got a great summer design and looks good on the doll, I think it's also a pretty versatile piece and will look good in many ways with many colours and styles =) And then a couple of outerwear pieces. The Embroidery Caftan is a perfect example of a summer jacket, it's light in fabric and colour and has a pretty design on it, it's what has been missing from my wardrobe! I did attempt to style it for this post, but couldn't find just the right look, so I'll need to work on it a little more^ Then there are two quite similar but very trendy pieces that I think a lot of people have been loving, the One Shoulder Leather Jacket, a black oversized piece with a big slogan, and the In Hand Faux Fur Jacket which has beautiful light colours and a really nice design, but I can't stand the face print on it, I just think it's awful and kind of ruins what could have been a beautiful jacket =/

Prices This release ranged from 5 to 18SD's, which is about right for this type of store, nothing was overpriced and I was happy with the cost of items I wanted to buy. And nothing is SS or Royalty limited either =)

Styled Outfits My looks! I really tried to go summery, I think I'm about half way there, need to work on weedling out the black! First up the Gingham Off Shoulder Crop Top and my excellent reason for needing black is that I think these are the highest of waist trousers that I have so that I wouldn't have any stomach showing, but I think this works! It's a good starting point for the top before being brave with colours! I stayed pretty simple with the accessories, these gingham shoes are a cute addition and the black clutch is a nice piece to finish the look. I'll also take this opportunity to say how great I think this hairstyle looks - I just got it from cinderela23barb at the weekend and I am totally in love with it, it's perfect for my doll! Next up the Graphic Skirt which I resized to make it a midi piece, it works well like this too! I stayed simple with the clothing, typical black and white, but coloured the accessories, loved this burgundy clutch to go with the rusted red in the skirt, and then these bright yellow and blue heels, which I love an excuse to wear and I think they work well with the colouring in the skirt too^ And finally the Yellow Plastic Sandals in a look that I just adore! I was torn between taking a yellow or a pink direction with the look because these shoes will look good either way, so ended up with pink clothing and yellow accessories^ This glittered dress that I've worn as a skirt is the perfect shade of pink(/purple) for the shoes, so I've casualed it down with this pink top and the yellow accessories ... in a weird way I think it works, but I don't mind if it does or not because I'll still love it =D

Features And now for the features! First up i-D. wearing the Mustard Treger Dress and Yellow Plastic Sandals - it's such an unexpected look for the dress, but I'm really impressed because it just works well! The mesh really breaks up the look, and the white pieces look amazing together. The shoes are a refreshing touch, and I love the bold red lip =D

Maniakpupili has gone with the One Shoulder Leather Jacket in this classically cool look of white jeans and oversized black knit - it looks good! I like the belting across the body and the use of the pink belt bag pairing well with the colours on the back of the jacket ... I also think some blue boots would look awesome with this!

And then we have singiel wearing the Embroidery Caftan - this just looks so good! The black pieces are light and delicate, the styles work so well with the piece. I love the sheer lacy trousers, they look so good! The minimal accessorising is perfect for this overall style, as is the loose hairstyle =) 

Fourthly, sarah_1980 is wearing the Graphic Skirt, and also as a midi style like I have, but I am totally LOVING this yellow blouse with the skirt, the colour is perfection with the yellow splashes on the skirt, and the cami beneath is a great choice. The neutral heels look great and the bag definitely stands out whilst fitting in well with it's gold hardware^

And last but not least, *starrr* wearing the Checked Crop Trousers in an outfit I could wear for days! I love this styling, it's so simple and 'me' so I couldn't not feature it^ This white shirt adds a smart feel to the trousers and the heels fit well and don't add a specific vibe to the look. I'm particularly loving bag choice though, it's so different, the tone of the print is perfect, but the print adds a huge area of interest to the style!

Stripes and straps

More use from February's Hotbuys with this look from *starrr* =) I loved seeing the Neat Stripe Clutch peaking out there under the arm of this great outfit. The black crops are a classic and they look great with this sheen-effect long jacket, I don't know if I've seen this worn much at all! Also some seriously good accessories with the belt and those strapped LE shoes - great love overall =D

I T G I R L S | Release Review

Friday brought us a new It Girls collection, and I have to say, after seeing the spoilers I would have thought maybe Nelly and not It Girls - a pleasant surprise nonetheless! The ad looks amazing and makes me wanna be one of them, an 'It Girl' so it's definitely doing the job. And that hair on the left, I want perfect locks like that^

So this was the usual size of release with a lot of choice and also styles and items which are perfect with the season - especially the choice of knits which I am grateful for. I also think the colours are pretty season-appropriate too, so all round a pretty decent choice there!
There were fewer accessories with this release, but I'm quite pleased with what we did get because two bags, shoes and a scarf is enough for me! I adore the design of both the Mini Me Handbag and the Boho Chloe Inspired Bag and both are pieces I look forward to styling for my Bag It Up Challenge because I have plenty of ideas already. I passed on the Oversize Wool Camel Scarf for right now, but the colour is great as is the StarCoin price^ I did purchase the Snake Suede Shoes because of the colour and that snake suede patterning, it's minimal but enough to make them stand out against other shoes - I plan on doing a set of Styled Outfits with them in the new year.
Onto clothing now, and there's a good range available. Knitted pieces are the focus and there's more than just jumpers and sweaters to choose from. The Knitted Mini Skirt has a lovely purple-y colour, while I also like the teal shades of the Knitted Tassels Dress, but is it kinda bad that I wanna try knitted trousers? I think they could be good ... might just be me in that camp^ But the sweaters are good too, there's deep green with the Knit And Braids Sweater and icicle-cool with the Ice Blue Braided Sweater. I also like the femininity of the shape and design of the Blue Wool Sweater. And all of these look pretty darn good with the best piece of the collection - the Suede Over Shoulder Biker! This jacket is amazing, and definitely rivals any of the leather ones in this style we've had in the past. I particularly love the little details on the collars and the sleeves, giving it a unique touch. Both pairs of trousers from the release are pretty good and provide for contrasting styles. The Beige Wide Pants have a chic vibe and would look great in a formal style, while the Cropped Of Pants would work great with other dark colours and in casual looks, I think I'm gonna give these a go with some nice sneakers first^
The prices range from 11 to 21SD's, which is pretty much on target for the store and for the items. I didn't feel like I was being ripped off at all and I was happy to pay what the items were set to, happy all round =)

And now my styled outfits for this release:

Firstly the Suede Over Shoulder Biker. In my first look I also included Mini Me Handbag, which works nicely with the Faux Fur Top colouring. And I think the shape of the jacket works well with this style of look. For my second I went with a dress and shirt - definitely a more summery or even spring look! I think the shape of the dress suits the jacket reasonable well and it's a combination I'd wear again.

And for all my love of this winter collection, my looks with the Blue Wool Sweater are very much summery, and I didn't intend this at all - what is wrong with me?! Anyway, loved wearing it with navy in my first look, I just wish I could have found a good matching jacket (and ignore my bad editing!). My second and third looks are paired with white and I think the sweater looks good with both the culottes and the dress, making it a versatile piece. Accessorising these two looks definitely wasn't tricky!

And finally a couple of quick features:

This is Polina_Bast styling the Suede Over Shoulder Biker along with the Cropped Of Pants in a very stylish look. I love the addition of the navy top, I think it makes a great difference in the outfit^

And secondly this is Zeszyteres wearing the Mini Me Handbag in a monochrome look. I think the bag suits this style of dress well with the low v cut and the leather jacket will always work well^

And lastly *starrr* wearing the Cropped Of Pants too, but I love the glamourous casual feel this look has, which I think particularly comes from the addition of this shimmery coat and the more simplistic belt - great work!

I N S P I R E D B Y B A L M A I N | Tribute Review

A great surprise this week with a brand new Tribute release! I feel like it's been ages since we've had a Tribute and I love getting them! This is the Inspired By Balmain Tribute - we've had a Balmain before, but it was pretty good so I was definitely excited to see what was in this release^

We got two floors packed with pieces with a very kind of rock-glamour vibe to them. There's also a couple of male outfits available, not with too huge a range, but I think there are pretty classic pieces included so it's worth it.

I'm gonna kick right off with the accessories because I just can't get over the Kendall Thigh Highs! These are the perfect boots for me right now! I've been wearing thigh high/over the knee boots rather a lot on Stardoll and in my Styled Outfits right now so I love that I can add another pair to my collection =D For me these are the winning shoes, but I also think the detailing is amazing on the Knitted Heels and the Red Circle Laced Heels are definitely a surprise like for me. I quite like both the bags, I'm attracted a little more to the Green Suede Handbag, but so far I haven't bought either. It's a little sparse on the jewellery front, but I did purchase the Emeraldstone Earrings because my Wear Dem Jewels Challenge has left me super inspired for them^

Now clothing! There's definitely a heavy dress element to the store, and lots of 'mini' going on in terms of length. And they're all super unique to each other and detailed and designed well for our dolls, I'm impressed by them - even if I haven't bought any of them yet! My two favourites are definitely the Flowers And Pearls Dress pretty much because it's white/silvery and there's just about no better colour, and the Beaded Dress with its sort of aztec-styled print, which is pretty different for me, but something just makes it super attractive! The Red Jacquard Weave Dress also caught my eye, and I think I'd probably purchase it if there was ever a sale on in the store. For bottomhalves, there's a few skirts (erm hello Emerald Laced High Waist Skirt!) and some tights and jeans with some pretty funky patterns. Yep, the blues aren't really for me, but I admire anyone who can pull them off =) And the collection really excels in tops to pair with them though, and I'd include the Emerald Body in there too - it has a great orange and emerald combination (who ever knew that that would look great, eh?!) and I've seen it in some amazing outfits so far. There's also the See Through Knit which joins the body in the sheer category, I still bought it, but I'm definitely going to work on some different creative ways to style it. And a more classic buy in the form of the Beaded Silk Blouse, an immediate purchase for me, and you'll see why based on some of the features below because it just looks great all the time^ And rounding out the clothing are a couple of jackets and coats. I didn't really think I'd go for any of these pieces, but the Satin vs Suede Coat very surprisingly caught my eye in a positive light and I actually really like how it looks on my doll. I haven't bought it yet, but I think I can see myself buying it as a little Christmas treat =P

Prices for this collection range from 15 to 40SD's with really only a select few above 30SD's, so it's not really too pricey per piece for this Tribute. But it's a Tribute, we all know it comes with a pricetag, so no complaints. There's a few SC items and as per recent tradition also SS and Royalty only pieces.

And now features! There's so many of them that I'll put my looks in a post at the weekend - so let's get on with them in no particular order:

This is Cover.S looking awfully stylish in the The X Knit Crop. It suits these leather trousers perfectly along with this flowing hairstyle. Love the contrasting accessories too^

Next we have *starrr*, styling the bright Knitted Leggings. It's a perfect standout look for the piece by choosing a great-shaped white blazer and fitting heels and accessories. The touch I do love are the nails, the colour probably shouldn't work but I think it looks amazing!

Thirdly aby400 who has styled the Kendall Balmain Blazer in a masculine styled look. I think it's an absolute perfect match for these trousers and the glittered boots fit in nicely too =)

Next is Elite-girl in a military-esque outfit with the Beaded Silk Blouse. I think this is a really versatile piece - this isn't how I was thinking of wearing this, so it's expanded my view on it because it suits these shorts very well!

Here is Marta-43 in a super cute retro look, it's just adorable and a great styling for these Kendall Thigh Highs. It's a very different look for this tribute but it works very well and I love it all the same.

Another styling of both the Beaded Silk Blouse and the Kendall Thigh Highs, this time from missiwantitall. And again it's totally different to the two looks already with these pieces. I think these shorts suit both items well and are a great match - one I think I would wear sometime next summer^

One from this upcoming stylista, Eyes.. wearing the Emerald Laced High Waist Skirt. Those colours match the feathers perfectly along with the purple pendant, that's one perfect pairing if I've ever seen one =D

This penultimate look is from Krab_ololo and I love the bright colours for this winter, all based around the Emerald Body. It's great with those mustard trousers and I'm wishing I had them! I love the slightly retro feel this has too with those shoes, bag and jewellery.

And finally nikkiiGOESrawr, also styling the Emerald Laced High Waist Skirt but in a light and bright look. The colour matches the camel of the coat well, and I think the addition of the flat Valentino-inspired shoes is great (I love wearing these)^