On Thursday 27th November we invited Fashion Bloggers Fiona Avenue 57 and Donna I Won't Wear Sludge Brown to our studio in Stratford upon Avon to model our party wear collection from brands French Connection, Great Plains, Inwear and lots more, they both jumped at the chance to come! Elizabeth and Holly were the stylists for the day and picked out seven sparkly party outfits for both. 

First up to the camera was Donna who started blogging from being a trained colour and image consultant and felt that there was a niche in the blogging world to talk about colour. She describes her style as smart-casual – a jeans and a blazer type of girl. A jacket can take a pair of jeans and a t-shirt to a whole new level and we agree! Her favourite Gemini brand on the day was Great Plains because of its simple lines and understated patterns. But after the shoot, she discovered INWEAR! 

1. For each party outfit describe what you liked about it?**

Sandwich Clothing Fancy Jacquard Blazer Sandwich Clothing Jacquard Treggings Noa Noa blouse
The teal top is such a flattering colour and fits like a dream. I love the fact that the co-ords can be worn seperately

Great Plains Embellished Dress I loved the fact that this is a very youthful dress but actually cut for someone of my age. It skims as opposed to clinging. Gorgeous!

Inwear Santonik Skirt Great Plains Snow Queen Blouse French Connection Imperial Wool Coat Sachelle Leopard Boots 
I loved the idea of putting a young twist on this with the boots. I would never have worn the boots and skirt without tights and it actually looked really good.

Great Plains Treasure Hunt Sequin Top Sandwich Clothing Faux Leather Pants 
This outfit is so me. Black bottoms and a beautiful embellished gold top which is cut loose at the bottom. It was such a comfy outfit

Bernshaw Hepburn Black and Gold Dress 
Fitted like a glove. Perfect perfect length

Great Plains Sequin Drop Knit Top Great Plains Lola Denim Jeans
A really easy wear outfit. The jumper drapes so well. I love it

Sandwich Clothing Ornament Printed Dress Sachelle Red Boots
I love the muted print on this and I'm all about clothes that can be worn throughout the year. Teamed with boots today but equally as nice in the summer with sandals

2.What is the number 1 item on your Christmas list?
Having a birthday in November I always struggle to find things I want at Christmas. However the black Modalu Austen across body bag has caught my eye. I'm also eyeing up several pieces that I tried on in Gemini today particularly the black dress.

3.What is your favourite Christmas song?
My poor children are subjected to Classic FM particulaly in December and I always get very excited when the Sleigh Ride song comes on

4.Do you have any tips for any people wanting to start their own blog?
Read lots of blogs and try to find your own niche. It might be that you are a lover of vintage for example. You'll have lots of ideas for blog posts to begin with but don't burn yourself out by posting every day. Oh and make friends with other bloggers too, we're a friendly bunch. 
 
5.What’s your favourite trend of A/W?
Faux fur I guess. I have lots of past season fur which I've been wearing. I'm also loving burgundy and berry tones.

6.Who is your style icon and why?
I don't really have a style icon. I take bits from lots of different people. So for example I'll look at what Jenna Lyons is wearing and take elements that I know what will work for me. As you get older you really do understand what suits your body shape and sometimes no matter how much you love a trend, you know it just won't work - that's a quality that you develop in old age ha.

Doesn't Donna look fab? See more from the day on Donna’s blog <a href="http://iwontwearsludgebrown.blogspot.co.uk">**I wont wear sludge brown**</a> 

Look out for part 2 of our blog where we see Fiona’s style and she answers some burning questions!