By Jennifer Lynn
Love them or loathe them, 2011 has seen the rise of a new wave of reality TV programmes, making stars of the rich, the raunchy and the downright ridiculous. From the toffs of ‘Made in Chelsea’ to the trash of ‘Geordie Shore’, everyone who’s anyone has a programme to match their postcode. The ladies of Essex, Chelsea and the Tyne aren’t wasting a moment of their time in the style spotlight, making everyday a catwalk and racking up their column inches in the process.
TOWIE’s Lydia Bright has gone from Miss Piggy to total babe in a matter of months. The nation’s most glamorous reality style plate has been showcasing labels such as PPQ and Stella McCartney, as well as high street favourites Miss Selfridge and New Look. Miss Bright even writes her own style blog for fans to emulate her much sought-after look. For chic Essex evening style head to Miss Selfridge, where her black fringed dress can be snapped up in the summer sales for just £35, or seek out River Island’s wet look leggings and a sheer white blouse for an edgier Lydia look. Killer heels are a must for either outfit; try Office’s gold Aphrodite platforms for go-witheverything Grecian glamour.
Also flying the flag for Essex, glamour puss Samantha Faiers is often seen sporting pieces from her very own store, Minnie’s Boutique. If you don’t fancy a trip to Brentwood, Minnie’s website will be launching this autumn. Until then head to Ted Baker to get this maxi dress queen’s look. Accessorize with the longest false eyelashes you can find for a serious Sam-style flutter.
Wannabe Sloane Rangers will need to be prepared to follow the Chelsea girl mantra; “High Street fashion shouldn’t be allowed under any circumstances”. Or if all else fails and your student loan can’t quite stretch to Gucci, cut the labels off of your Primark purchases and pass them off as vintage, dahhling!
High hemlines are the order of the day if you have Cheska’s style in your sights. The Carrie Bradshaw wannabe rocks her super lithe limbs in tiny playsuits, micro mini dresses and crochet short shorts. Try Lipsy’s £55 cherry pie pink embellished shoulder playsuit on for size, or if you’re feeling flush head to French Connection for their navy drape crepe playsuit at £155 for ultimate Sloane chic.
For low-key girls who are still aiming for an SW3 postcode, seek Caggie as style-spiration. Refusing to conform to the Chelsea norm by shopping in Zara, heaven forbid, Caggie flits between hippy chic and glam grunge. A faux leather jacket is a must-have to stop floral dresses looking too girlie. Topshop’s cream cropped biker number is bang on trend and a steal at just £55. Team with Pins & Needles floral button-through dress from Urban Outfitters, some Converse All Star Lites and a trilby, for style to steal Spencer’s heart.
If you really must model yourself on one of the Geordie Shore girls, make it Vicky… and I don’t mean her LA Lakers vest! Think sequinned frocks, hotpants and backless LBDs. Rare’s glitter mesh tube dress is right up her street, just don’t forget your spray tan. Now all you need is some boy drama, an army of frenemies and your very own camera crew to film all the action. The Only Way is Glasgow anyone?
