At the mere mention of silver screen icon Marilyn Monroe, you automatically envisage platinum blonde hair, womanly curves and all things fabulous. The blonde bombshell set the benchmark of old Hollywood glamour, which still lives on to this day.

Marilyn Monroe entered the world almost 50 years ago, and was given the name Norma Jean Mortenson. She was later christened with a different name, Norma Jean Baker in 1926. Marilyn spent her early years with her mentally ill mother, Gladys Pearl and was then was placed into a number of different foster homes.

To free herself of the responsibility of Marilyn, her mother married her off to a neighbour at the age of 16. During World War 2, while her husband was away from home fighting, Marilyn was encouraged to apply for a modelling agency. She quickly became a hugely successful model and promptly filed for divorce- with her sights firmly set on conquering Hollywood.

She went on to marry twice more, firstly to the renowned ball player Joe DiMaggio, and then the successful playwright, Arthur Miller. She was believed to have a string of famous lovers, including the US president JFK. In the early 40’s Marilyn dyed her naturally dark hair blonde to meet the demand for fair haired models and was then on her way to fulfilling her most famous role of all. Hollywood’s golden girl and legendary fashion icon.

From the stunning white windblown dress in ‘The Seven Year Itch’, to the hot pink satin gown and matching gloves in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Marilyn’s on and off screen looks have been imitated by the modern music industry, fashion industry and Tinsel town elite.

Off screen, Marilyn style was always flirty, feminine and glamorous. The petite model relied heavily on a sexy high heel for a statuesque appearance no matter what she was wearing and once even declared her love for the stiletto; ‘I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.’ Marilyn, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves, you are a true inspiration.

Many of us are creatures of habit, especially when it comes to style. We often end up ‘multi buying’ which means we find a style we’re comfortable with and buy lots of different versions of it. If you’re bored of your tired look, or you’re more of an impulse buyer who lives life in a constant clothing crisis, you need a capsule wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes and accessories that suit your style and shape, and all go together to create lots of different looks. By creating your perfect capsule wardrobe, you’ll never be caught out with nothing to wear ever again.

Most of our days are spent at the work, let’s face it. The workplace can often present a clothing conundrum for many people, and you may find yourself living almost permanently in those comfy black trousers that go with everything. Make your boss sit up and see you in a new light with a brand new look. It’s time to get shopping.

The boyfriend blazer

This is smart enough for the office, but is also comfortable for long days spent sitting down. And can be worn with jeans for a smart weekend look. It’s almost like a cross between a cardigan and a jacket which means it can also be worn under coats without looking bulky.

Tulip skirt

Unlike the pencil skirt, the tulip skirt looks flattering on all shapes and sizes. The on-the-knee length means it can also be worn with flat ballet pumps or sky scraper heels when you want that extra inch. They look great on curvier girls, and will create curves for those with a more straight up-and-down silhouette.

The shift dress

These are perfect for days when you’re short for time, or feeling particularly un-creative. A one piece saves mixing and matching items. Simply step into a great pair of heels, grab an oversized bag and you’re done.

A belted mac

Perfect for those in between seasons when a coat is too heavy, but it’s not quite time for a skimpy cardigan. They look feminine, smart and chic. Team with a cute scarf for Parisian sophistication.

The statement shirt

A bold print, satin v-neck blouse will help to draw attention upwards and oozes confidence during nerve racking meetings.

The beginning of the new season means it’s time to brighten up your winter wardrobe. Cast the downbeat, dull shades of black, brown and navy-blue you’ve been hiding in during the dark, winter months to the back of your closet and let a more playful palette move in. Inject some colour this spring with a range of yummy candy coloured shades. This spring is all about fun. It’s fresh, innocent and girlie with a grown up twist.

Look good enough to eat by wearing a range of strawberry pinks, lemonade yellows, playful coral and peach hues, minty greens and tangerine tones. Coloured denim is a hot look for spring, but may seem a little daunting to wear, especially if the last time you wore it you were playing in a sandpit! The key is to tone it down with clean, fresh whites and bring in bright funky accessories to complement your new capsule wardrobe.

If you’re colour shy, you can still indulge in a little colour therapy by choosing bright candy cane shades of accessories. Candy coloured watches have made an appearance on the catwalk and are everywhere on the high street, pick a rainbow hue to add a sugary sweet touch to any outfit. A complimentary pair of shoes completes your look, and can instantly refresh and update your favourite pair of denims. Add a pop of colour with a fresh and funky bright ballet flat, or if you prefer a bit of height a bright patent pair of heels. A matching clutch and an on trend, light coloured blazer complete your sugary sweet spring look.

British fashion designer, Alexander McQueen was found dead in his plush London apartment on 11th February 2010, just 9 days after his mother’s death. Renowned for his crazy sculptural fashion creations, particularly his stunning accessories, McQueen was the rebel of the fashion scene. His wild imagination envisaged fantasy, and brought it alive through his creative designs.

McQueen boasted celebrity clients such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Kate Moss to name just a few, but he was known to shun the limelight and had a certain disregard for the celebrity circuit. Along with his celebrity clients, he had an abundance of fans across the globe, all of whom agree that Alexanda McQueen changed the face of fashion forever.

Mcqueen’s most recent design was worn by Lady Gaga in her video ‘Bad Romance’. A visual spectacle, she wore a stunning shoe boot that was dubbed both the ‘Armadillo’ shoe and the ‘Lobster Claw’ by the press. These chunky, platform shoe boots have since set the world of fashion alight. They have now been produced in a multitude of flamboyant designs.

Since their debut on the feet of Gaga, these chunky heels have paraded up and down catwalks all over the world. They have been sighted in a variety of exquisite and luxurious prints and colours. Spectators were able to feast their eyes on a particularly striking, rich green snakeskin design as well as a pair that resembled a plume of beautiful peacock’s feathers.

Vibrant emerald blue tones have been favoured by fans as the most visually appealing pair and were picked out amongst a sea of metallic hues. The single pair that drew the most publicity was the pair in a delicate nude shade that was smattered in a stunning abundance of kaleidoscopic jewels and 3D appliqué. It was a sad day for fashion and Sexy shoes pays tribute to Alexander McQueen, a modern day fashion genius.