Guest Post: Anya Sarre

I would like to introduce Anya Sarre, the author of the very first guest post on Style Up Savvy! Anya Sarre is one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters. 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. x.

The Pleated Skirt: A Must For This Fall Season

Are you ready to look good and feel good this fall? Transport yourself back in time with these new fall fashions. Feel confident about your attire and wear clothes that flatter your body. When you wear what's flattering to your body type, everyone will compliment you. Everyone needs a confidence booster. The latest fall fashions could be just what the doctor ordered to get you out of that "blah" mood and help you feel like a million dollars.

Whether it is a plaid pleated skirt or a pleated maxi dress, you should be sure that this is the staple to have in your closet this year. Pleated skirts are flattering to nearly every body type and can be a huge success in a variety of environments. Pair your pleated skirt with a ruffled or button-up top with a cardigan over it and reclaim your innocence. Pleated skirts are available in a variety of bold primary colors and are the perfect addition to the wardrobe. Wondering about accessories? Well, here are a couple of ideas that may help.

Shoes are the most important accessories this fall. Try pairing your pleated plaid skirt with brogues, saddle shoes or other chunky flats. A wedge heel would look great with pleated skirts if you prefer a non-traditional approach.

Varsity vintage jackets are also en vogue this season. Consider pairing the skirt with this jacket, chunky earrings and a simple necklace. If you want a more gothic look, try an all black ensemble and complete the look with a dark black wig and deep gray eye shadow. The options are endless with the pleated skirt this fall season. Unleash your inner fashion designer and show us what you have got. We know you can come up with an idea that is different from any designer.

Get to your favorite mall or vintage store and shop for the pleated skirt. It is a staple of the fall fashion season and no girl should be without one. When you turn heads and receive numerous compliments, you feel more confident about your appearance. Don’t delay. Get started today.

-Anya Sarre

When I Grow Up.

I am about to hit twenty, the end of my teenage years [gasp!]. And yes, I know that is by no means old, in fact I am rather excited to embrace a more 'grown-up' style of dressing. Longer lengths become somehow acceptable and not 'frumpy'... I hear a midi calling my name! Beyond this and looking even further forward, is what I want to look like when I 'grow up'. Mature celebrities such as Michelle Pfieffer, Sarah Jessica Parker and Christie Brinkley (all above the age of 45) effortlessly navigate the red carpets, often outshining their younger counterparts. Whether you put it down to years of experience in expert dressing, or beautifully maintained complexions and hairstyles, you have to hand it to these women: they look hot. So when I grow up (properly) I want to look like that. Best go put on some moisturiser and factor 50. x.

Lust List.

A girl can dream right? And it is my birthday coming up...so I thought I would use this post as a sort of fantasy birthday wishlist. As you all know I am an avid accessorises fan, so naturally my mind went racing to an endless list of jewellery, purses, bags and some make up that I have my eye on.

I am a massive fan of delicate bracelets and like to wear a few thin chains layered up on each wrist. Hence my number one wish is this stunning ‘Fiji’ bracelet by jewellery designer Monica Vinader featuring shimmering pave diamond embellishment. At £175 it’s not cheap, but the quality and design makes it a ‘wear-forever’ piece.

My second wish is a must-have for every fashion conscious girl: a designer IT bag. Whether it be a treat to yourself, or as a present from someone, a gorgeous designer bag is never going to be a bad addition to your collection. A good handbag will escape the perennial changes of the fashion world; being your staple grab-n-go piece. My choice is this Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Print Tote; classic in shape, chic in design. Made from a mix of printed calf hair and leather, it is ultimate luxury.

Now for some make up... I do love new make-up (purchases are usually followed by a day at home trying out new looks and watching You Tube videos for make-up artists’ top tips). I have been really keen to try out the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact since a friend showed me hers. I love the range of brown, pink and cream based colours and how it is a multi-functional product. It can be used as a highlighter for the cheekbones by sweeping a blush brush across the palette or as an eyeshadow by using the colours individually. For £32, the Shimmer Brick Compact gives you a choice of five different colours, is a great handbag-sized addition to your make-up bag and judging by my friend’s one, lasts for a really long time as well. I will definitely be heading out to get one of these beauties soon.

So there is my top three ‘lust items’, all products available online or in store at Harrods. Imagine yourself with a limitless budget (the excuse of a birthday not needed)... what would your dream wishlist consist of? Let me know by commenting below. x.

World's Best Dressed Woman? Forget Kristen Stewart its all about Miranda Kerr.

Despite Kristen Stewart being voted as the world's best dressed woman earlier this year by Glamour magazine, recent pictures proved once again to me why Miranda Kerr deserves the title instead. Effortlessly elegant, perfectly accessorised and always ladylike without the impression of too much effort, it seems Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr can't put a foot wrong in the fashion stakes (though of course, that much natural beauty certainly helps). Here I look back at some of her winning looks. x.

Print, Berry Shades and the Biker: Kill three A/W 12 trends in one go.

House of Fraser are currently holding a blogger style challenge in which you have an unlimited (dream!) virtual budget with which to create a winning A/W 12 look. Here is my choice. I had a lot of fun creating this look and used the same key items, changing only the accessories to take this look from day to night. The day look would be great for a day out shopping or lunch with the girls, while the night look is perfect for drinks in a cool city bar. I especially love the Peg Print Trouser by style-guru Mary Portas for House of Fraser. To shop their autumn/winter collection, click the the link www.houseoffraser.co.uk x.

THERAPY, Biker Jacket, £55
PHASE EIGHT, Sequin Jumper, £65
MARY PORTAS, Peg Print Trouser, £110
STEVE MADDEN, Casual Shoes, £60
DKNY, Croco Tote, £260
DEBORAH LIPPMANN, Nail Varnish, £14
O CLOCK, Classic Watch, £35
MARTINE WESTER, Encrusted Scatter Necklace, £180
MARY PORTAS, Pouchette Bag, £59
L.K.BENNET, Shilo Court Shoe, £170

How to: Customise

Top 1: Bleach Tie-dye & Cutout

Get the plain t-shirt you want to customise and stuff it with a plastic bag to protect the other side from the bleach. Make sure to cover your surface with newspaper to protect that too.

Tie up randomly spaced sections of the fabric with elastic bands.

Get some ordinary household bleach. Be careful not to get any on your skin.

Pour some bleach into the cap then use this to pour some bleach over the tied up fabric so that the bleach falls down the sides. Don't worry about being too precise the final look is a roughed up, grungy t-shirt so it shouldn't look perfect.

After about 10 minutes, or when you are satisfied with the colour change, wash off the bleach.

Remove the elastic bands to reveal your tie-dye top and leave to dry. If you want to stop here then make sure to wash your top thoroughly in a washing machine before wearing to get rid of the bleach smell.

To create the cut-outs, pinch a section of fabric and cut off the top with scissors.

Here is the final top! I would wear with denim shorts, ankle boots and lots of  grunge-chic jewelry.

Top 2: Bleach in a Shape

Repeat the same process with the newspaper and plastic bag as with Top 1.

To create a heart shape that is symmetrical, fold a piece of paper in half then on one side draw half of a heart shape.

Fold over again and cut along the line. When you open the cut-out shape it will be a symmetrical heart.

Place your paper shape on your t-shirt.

Fill a glass with plain water and get an old paintbrush that you don't mind being ruined by the bleach.

Paint a water layer onto the top around your paper shape. Then discard the paper.

Paint on the bleach working from the inside of your shape, out.

Continue until the whole shape is covered using the bleach to go over the water-layer outline.

As the bleach works it should look like this after about 10 minutes. Again we are not going for a perfect look, so the bleeding of colour and roughness of shape works well.

Wash off the bleach.

Here is the final top! A 'wear-with-anything' style that  reminds me of the Victoria's Secret 'Supermodel Essentials' Collection.

Shoes: Embellished with Brooches

Buy some plain shoes that you want to embellish. they can be any style but make sure the material they are made from is a fabric or felt otherwise you will not be able to pierce the brooch through.

Take two matching brooches of your choice. The great thing about embellishing in this way is that as soon as you become bored of this style you can simply change the brooches for an instant update!

Simply pin the brooches on and you have a completely new (and more expensive) looking pair of shoes!

Feeling frugal? As a student I am constantly looking for ways to change up my look on a budget. Needing some throw-on-tees I decided to customise two plain coloured t-shirts that I already owned. I then went out to buy some plain black slipper shoes (in love with the comfort and easy style of these shoes!) and two brooches to easily customise them. See the results and my step-by-step guide. x.

Bit of It All.

Bit of a mixed bag today. Here are the results of my detox diet, some more wedding photos as requested, and my pick of new IT-things this week.

First up, my detox diet has been going well. I have lost the extra few pounds I had acquired whilst in Ireland and feel much healthier generally. The first day of fasting was tough and I have to admit I did cheat a little in the evening by having a smoothie and some soup (still healthy and low calorie). By the second day I wasn't experiencing the same hunger but I did have bad headaches, so it is important to keep your intake of water up. Today is the third day and I get to add in protein to my diet (!) I have chosen low calorie options, such as my favourite chicken-style Quorn pieces (eggs are also an excellent source of low calorie protein). I intend to keep up this fruit, veg and protein diet up for a little longer, and have also taken up Pilates which I am loving! I'm not the best for sticking with exercise programmes but I really like how easy going and yet effective Pilates seems to be. Its great for those who want that Miley Cyrus-esque flat stomach, she herself being an avid fan.

Secondly, I have provided more photos of my wedding look, so I hope these provide all of you with a wedding or formal event to attend with some inspiration! The details include; nude heels, a black fascinator from House of Fraser, a pink and white patterned clutch from New Look (Rochelle Wiseman from the Saturdays was seen out with this clutch recently), a pink rose ring and pink nails. I wore my hair in a side bun at the nape of the neck using one of the 'hair doughnuts', some clips and a lot of hairspray!

And my new IT-things? Victoria's Secret's first UK store in  Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford. I went in yesterday, and it is quite simply amazing. These people certainly know how to market a brand + their products are of amazing quality. I for one, am certainly glad to have this great brand finally in the UK.

One last thing, on my radar this week are Wedge Hi-Tops. These have been growing in popularity over the summer and now I seem to be spotting them everywhere. They are great for adding that hidden bit of height whilst being casual enough for everyday wear. And after Millie Mackintosh was spotted wearing a pair at last nights launch of boyfriend Professor Green's clothing line for Puma, I'm sold. Check out this cute embellished pair from New Look for £64.99! x.

Upcoming Posts: How to: Customise, House of Fraser Blogger Style Challenge & Kate Beckinsale + Jessica Alba's 'Total Recall' Red Carpet Round Up.

Retail THERAPY: Do you 'occasion shop'?

Feelings definitely play a huge role in the shopping process. Retailers know this. Hence why companies spend millions on creating the right moods and experiences in their stores, to get shoppers to shop. But do you know the feelings which motivate you to shop? Are you a compulsive buyer who gets home with a pile of clothes only for half to be returned later? Or are you the frugal type who buys what she needs, when she needs? For the majority of us, shopping is driven not by necessity but by the desire to treat ourselves. And the need to treat? Well that comes either as a reward for something we are proud to have achieved (such as the silver ring I bought for myself at the end of first year exams) or for when we need to raise our spirits. For me shopping can be a distraction in such times and lets face it, feeling better about your outward appearance (thanks to that new jacket or bag) can do wonders for the inside you. You become a more empowered version of yourself, with your new 'armour' and confidence, problems don't seem as great or you at least have a renewed vigor with which to attack these problems. So perhaps the 'therapy' in 'retail therapy' is the dominant word here? In the past fifty years, shopping has become a luxury for the masses, a recognised pastime. Shopping has become an expression of the events in our lives. Shopping has become an occasion. x.