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Two minutes with... Lulu Guinness

Hi fashion fans,

To celebrate Designer Day today and a Today's Special Value from one of our most fabulous designers, I caught up with the lovely Lulu Guinness to talk handbags and more...

Tell us about your inspiration for Today's Special Value bag

Today's Special Value boasts our new best-selling shape - the Romilly. I've created it in a new fabric and in new colours that are just for QVC customers!

What would you choose to wear it with? And which celeb would you like to see wearing it?

I would wear my black Moschino dress with it - classic and simple so the bag really makes a statement. Lauren Laverne always looks great and is a huge Lulu fan so I could definitely see her wearing it!

What types of bags will we be seeing this season?

The theme for our current collection is London Calling and features lots of Union Jack bags and British themed-designs, so the perfect accessory for the party season would be one of my bags that incorporate this, with a touch of added sparkle.

My first black tie event of the party season

Hi all you fashion lovers,

I've just attended my first black tie event leading up to the party season and I was very pleased to meet Maureen Bramham, one of our regular customers, who I must say was turned out beautifully. 

All the ladies at the event had made a special effort for this glamorous occasion. The trend for the men seemed to be dinner jackets with coloured bow ties, all very daring indeed. I opted for a classic slim black tie. 

One accessory that I think would have been very useful for some of the ladies would have been a shawl or wrap, giving them an extra layer to wrap around their shoulders on arrival and adding an extra splash of glamour. My favourite has to be the Pure & Simple pashmina with beaded fringing. 

Plus, also check out Dream Keeper's beautifully embellished shawls. They have a vintage feel to them which will allow you to arrive at your festive celebrations looking fabulous and also avoid any cloakroom queue when it comes to carriages home.

Love Glen x

My Christmas food preparations continue...

Hi all you food lovers,

My first love is fashion but I also have a passion for food and cooking, so on the back of last weekend I just thought I would let you know how my prep and sample recipes are going for the Christmas period. I prepared these mussels (below) on Saturday evening with a view to serving them for family and friends on Christmas Eve.

Here’s my recipe...
 
Sautée one banana shallot in unsalted butter. Once soft and translucent add a diced knuckle of ginger, half a chopped chilli and one chopped clove of garlic.

After a couple of minutes add a glass of crisp dry white wine, bring to the boil add your scrubbed and de-bearded mussels (make sure they are all closed before you put them in) put the lid on and steam until all the mussels are open. This should take around four to five minutes.

The presenters talk Christmas fashion...

  Hi fashion fans,

As you know I've really been getting into the Christmas spirit, and so I asked some  of the presenters about what they'll be wearing on Christmas day and if they've made any funny festive fashion mistakes…

 So what will you be wearing on Christmas day this year?

Debbie F: Oh hopefully something smaller than I’m wearing right now! Diet Chef is on the horizon!!

Jilly: Hopefully PJs until at least 1pm!

Debbie G: An apron as I spend so much time cooking!

Alison Y: I don't dress up on Christmas Day - I'm running round like crazy. So I start in jodhpurs and pretty much stay in jodhpurs. I'll also be wearing odd socks with holes in guaranteed, unless someone has bought me new socks and then I'll be wearing those.

Your questions answered...

Hi there,

A few of you posted questions on the blog, I hope my answers help!

This question is from Alison Crawford and is quite a common issue for larger women...

I am a size 20 (22 - 24 in coats and dresses) and I would like to buy a dress for myself but am a good old-fashioned 'apple' with a large chest. I like the look of the Tiana B range but am not sure which dress would be suitable for me, also being a big girl patterns and striped frighten me, and I don't want to look too old fashioned which is what usually happens if I buy from high street stores.

I am so pleased that you like the look of the Tiana B range, I love these dresses. With the dress being a key look this season its well worth buying into this trend, as far as being a full figured girl you shouldn’t be afraid of prints.

I'm really getting into the Christmas spirit!

Hi fashion lovers,

After my first Christmas gift show last Saturday, I'm really getting into the Christmas spirit!  On the train home I started to think about our Christmas menu and decided that when I got home I would start to experiment with the starter….

Here’s what I came up with - a gazpacho base with a white crab meat centre, topped with avocado guacamole and deep-fried Japanese bread-crumbed king prawns. It's then finished with a drizzle of mango vinaigrette with groundnut oil, ginger, chilli and lime juice. What do you think?! There's a photo on the right, but it's not that clear sorry!I tested the recipe out on my son Ali who gave the thumbs up. I'll let you know how the menu progresses!

In the meantime if you fancy a fashion fix catch the Fashion Gift show at 12 o’clock tomorrow - I'll be with you with some Style Inc and also Deerstag slippers. Also look out for the Pure & Simple Pashminas as they make fabulous Christmas gifts for loved ones.

I'd love to know what you'll be cooking over the festive period, let me know what you're doing and we can inspire each other!

Love glen x

Nab yourself an Indigo Moon bargain!

Hi fashion lovers,

Exciting news! We have some great Indigo Moon shows coming up today and tomorrow (2nd and 3rd November), and as it's their 7th anniversary, everything is going to be at Anniversary Price! So you can pick up some fab pieces for Christmas at a bargain price!

I caught up with our Indigo Moon guest, Denise, to have a chat about the fashion range and about the lady herself...

What's your favourite part about coming to QVC and do you have a favourite presenter you like to work with?

The best bit about coming to QVC is that it's like a home-coming - it's just one big family. The sense of belonging is overwhelming. All the presenters are fab! I particularly like the fact I can chat to all of them, have a moan and have a laugh, which we do, often!

I'm never watching the X Factor again!

Hi all ,

Is it just me or is the X Factor meant to be a singing competition? I sat for the first time this weekend and watched both shows - it was a travesty that the great performers in the bottom two had to sing for their supper.  At the end of the show on Sunday evening I vowed never ever to sit through that again, how do you feel about it?

How do you manage your weekend viewing, do you surf between QVC and your other favourite channels or do you wait for breaks?

On a fashion point, I ordered a pair of black patent Clarks loafers for my lovely wife Sue last week, which by the way are adored by the girls at Grazia and Vogue (they've said that the Clarks loafer is one of the coolest around).

When Sue received her parcel she was very pleased and now a week later has decided to order another pair of the same for work, as they are unbelievably comfortable and work well with her cropped trousers, shift dresses and opaque tights.

The second pair is for the weekends with her skinny jeans and oversized knitwear.  I have always said if you find something you like don’t be afraid of buying more than one, for example I have at least eight navy blue cardigans all from the same shop and all exactly the same style.
Do you have more than one of the same item? Let me know.

Love Glen

x

What's it like to be... a QVC model?

Hi everyone,

A big part of presenting on QVC is working with the models. All our models are lovely and I caught up with the bubbly Sally Rom (right) to find out what it's like to be a QVC model...

What's it like being a model here at QVC?

It's great fun. I work hard but thoroughly enjoy the job. I enjoy live TV because you never know what's going to happen next.

What's your favourite part of the job?

Coming to work at QVC is a real pleasure. I have so many favourite bits but the great family atmosphere and warm friendly people I work with have to be the best parts.

Tell us about a normal day at work...

I arrive at QVC an hour before the live show. In that time I normally get my cuppa and sit in the model room and finalise my hair and make-up. There's usually another model on air with me so a good catch-up happens about now too!

Wrap up in cosy Modern Soul

Hi fashion lovers,

It's official - winter is here! The clocks go back this weekend which means dark mornings and cold frosty nights. Just in time for the change in conditions is Modern Soul’s 6th anniversary. Modern Soul knitwear is a great way to add an extra layer and give you a little extra heat in the colder months. 

As it’s their 6th anniversary, you'll be able to take advantage of Anniversary Prices on selected pieces, Easy Pay instalments, brand-new items as well as some Modern Soul classics. Join me at 1pm and 8pm tomorrow for two hours of fun fashion to help you deal with the winter blues. 

Let’s all get wrapped up for winter!

See you tomorrow,

Love Glen x

It's time to get gorgeous!

Hi fashion lovers,

Our Get Gorgeous event starts tonight at 10pm, and I will be joining you on Sunday morning at 9am with Max New York handbags. I'll also be popping in and out throughout the day with different ranges for you to see - it’s a great opportunity for all you style-conscious ladies to sit back and look forward to pampering yourselves to look fabulous throughout the winter.

I'm very excited about the Today’s Special Value launching midnight on Sunday into Monday. It’s my first centigrade TSV for the winter months - it's a faux shearling mid-length coat that comes in three fabulous colours. It has a great weight that will work right the way through the winter season as well as being chic, stylish and comfortable. You'll be able to throw it into the washing machine so no specialist dry cleaning bills! The price is a very affordable too - wow did you think I was going to spoil the surprise?!

Join me at midnight on Sunday and I’ll reveal all. In the meantime don’t forget to Get Gorgeous!

Love Glen x

TV stylist Nicky Hambleton-Jones tells us how to get gorgeous!

Hi fashion lovers,

With our fabulous Get Gorgeous event starting tonight at 10pm, I had a chat with top stylist Nicky Hambleton-Jones to get her fashion and style tips. Nicky is most well known for presenting the hit show 10 Years Younger, and she now runs her own personal styling business.

What are your top tips for being confident and stylish?

1. Understand your shape - Instead of trying to create a look that will never work you need to accept your shape and really make the most of it.

2. Choose pieces to emphasise your waistline - Create a focal point to balance your figure, making you look taller, slimmer and sexier.

3. Don’t over complicate things - Magazines tend to give you complex end looks and if you try to replicate these you can end up as a fashion victim. Instead make sure your wardrobe features plenty of good well-cut basics, strong colours and statement accessories.

Don't miss Sunday's Fashion Day

Hi fashion lovers,

Fashion day this Sunday is going to be so exciting as we have Dennis Basso's TSV and I've already spotted 45 brand-new goodies that definitely deserve a place in your wardrobe! The day is going to be full of stylish separates and versatile pieces that will coordinate to create a fabulous winter wardrobe.

 Your feet are going to be as warm as toast in Emu footwear, as well as the Naturalizer shoe range. It was founded in 1927 - it’s a real heritage brand that’s massive in the States and set to be big over here.

It’s all about quality and comfort with a sprinkling of style. We also have the eclectic mix that Butler & Wilson brings to QVC, and a little bit of Parisian chic from Canisse - a fabulous boutique range that’s in its second season here at QVC (although the brand has been around for 25 years).

We also have some easy separates from Nina Leonard and great handbags from B Makowsky. As you can see there is a nice mix of strong designers to help you build that fabulous winter wardrobe.

Happy shopping, can’t wait to show you all the fab new looks.
 
Love  Glen x

Two minutes with... Dennis Basso

Hi fashion fans,

With Winter Fashion Day and a fabulous Dennis Basso Today's Special Value coming up on Sunday, I caught up with the man himself for a quick chat...


What do you like about the UK?

I love the UK, for I feel very much at home here. Having come here often as a child and young adult, I never feel like a stranger. I love the shopping, the beautiful parks and the sense of history that one feels when walking along the streets.

What outerwear trends are hot this autumn and winter?

Faux fur is one of the strongest trends on the fashion front, along with fabric that has a touch of metallic - very much like my Today's Special Value.

My outerwear picks for autumn and winter

Hi fashion fans,

Ever had the problem of buying a jacket for autumn and then having to get a warmer one for winter? Well we have the solution - don't miss our Today's Special Value on Friday 18th September.

I can't say too much, but it has a snug and cosy faux-fur lining that can be removed when the weather is a little warmer - perfect for autumn and winter!

As it seems that summer is well and truly behind us, I've started to think about this season's outerwear. I've chosen my top picks here, and there are styles to suit all shapes and tastes...

Kim Parrish shares her autumn fashion tips and tricks

Hi fashion lovers,

Kim Parrish is coming to visit us again this Saturday, so I caught up with her to get her top tips for updating your wardrobe for autumn, the colours you should look out for and what she'll be wearing this season...

1. With autumn just around the corner, what tips do you have for getting our wardrobes ready?

I love autumn fashions and each season I enjoy scheduling a 'date with my wardrobe' for taking stock of what I already own, purging those worn-out and washed-out items and making a list of what I need.

With my wardrobe thinned out, it’s much easier to shop without spending too much or buying a duplicate of something I already own. I would encourage everyone to check their calendars and schedule a date with their wardrobes, making it easier to pull together your autumn shopping list!!

Tomorrow's unmissable Emu TSV

Hi fashion lovers,

The lovely Jill wanted to let you know that we have a great TSV coming up tomorrow...

Jill says:

''This is a very exciting day for us at QVC as we have a very special TSV coming up at midnight... I can't say too much but I will say they're Emu boots and I was so thrilled to be asked to launch them this evening.
 
Make it a date in your diary for midnight tonight. They're available in three fantastic colours just perfect for autumn and winter, and are at an unbelievable price.

Emu have worked so hard to get this to us in time for the autumn. It'll be great to indulge in the warmth of the Australian sheepskin and wool lining on the cold mornings that are heading our way soon no doubt.

I can't wait to see you at midnight to show you these beautiful boots!

Ooh what colour shall I go for!?

Love,

Jill''
x

 

In answer to Jan's question...

Hi Glen,

It's good to get style tips for us top heavy girls Glen but can you suggest ways of getting round the restricted choice?  I have a wardrobe full of v necks. I would love to wear scarves but I just feel and look like a trussed turkey up top.  Any suggestions please?

Jan Kitching

Hi Jan,

For you and all other the top-heavy girls out there you can sometimes get stuck in a rut and stick with one style.  There isn’t a problem with V-neck tops but what I would suggest is you try layering in contrasting colours.

For example a red v-neck top underneath a black v-neck cardigan - you should fasten two or three buttons around your bust allowing a splash of red to come out at the top and bottom. The darker cardigan will reduce the bust while the splash of colour will draw the eye in.

You should also play around with cowl necks, boat necks or any other top that has detailing around the shoulders and neckline. Take a look at the Kim & Co range, she has over a hundred tops for you to look at.

As far as scarves go they are still a hot trend that you should work with.  As far as feeling trussed up you should be wrapping the scarf around your neck and tying it in a loose knot at the front. Once you have done that put your hand in the loop around your neck and give it a wiggle to loosen the effect so that you can see the length of your neck with the folds of fabric draping loosely.

Hope this helps Jan,

Love Glen x

For Glen's suggestions, you can check out our fashion range.

Don't miss tomorrow's Centigrade TSV...

For all you Centigrade lovers and for those of you who like fashion-forward pieces with a classic touch, tomorrow's TSV is just for you. It's a flattering short swing mac which looks great on all figures and is band on trend, so make sure you check it out.

The start of the autumn season can be a tricky one as far as the weather goes, so transitional layering pieces are great for this time of year. Centigrade produce perfect mid-weight outerwear garments for extremes of weather. Check out their on-trend colours as well as your classic options.

Happy shopping,

Love Glen x

I loved watching Fashion Day

Hi fashion lovers,

Did you enjoy fashion day as much as I did? It was fun to sit and watch at home for a change, just to see how the collections looked on screen. Drop me a line if it kick-started your autumn wardrobe last week. And what were your choice buys?

Kim Mendleson is in the UK right now and if you're relatively new to QVC I thought I better let you know that she is one of our most favourite - she brings versatility, ease of wear and comfort to the Kim & Co range.

On Monday we have two shows from B Makowsky at 11am and 8pm. The simple-chic and luxurious range of bags have a subtle elegance that is easy to wear and never ostentatious - true timeless classics.

Lastly I've posted a couple of my holiday pictures from the beautiful Cornwall (above and right).

Lots of love and see you soon,
 
Glen x