Merry Christmas

Glamour & Sparkle would like to take this opportunity to wish all our friends and customers a very Merry Christmas and fun-filled New Year.

Here's hoping you get to kiss the one you love underneath the mistletoe - or in Lexie Lixx's case blow herself a big kiss in the mirror.

A big thank you to all the girls who have helped us get our business up and running over the past few months. We hope you've enjoyed wearing our jewellery as much as we've enjoyed bringing it to you.

Hopefully your stockings will be filled with plenty of goodies and the Bling Fairy will have rewarded your good behaviour with plenty of diamantes and sparkly stuff for the coming year.

If you haven't got quite enough (and to be honest, ladies, can a girl ever really have too many jewels and baubles and trinkets?) we will be out and about once in a couple of weeks - kicking off 2012 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Leeds on Friday January 6.

We hope to see you all in the New Year.

In the meantime please feel free to check out the holiday specials on our website.

Once again have a fantastic festive season.

Love from everyone at Glamour & Sparkle.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/

That Friday Feeling

The Glamour & Sparkle tour bus is set to roll into Leeds for the final LFF event of 2011 this Friday.

We will be setting up stall in our customary home in the Cosmopolitan Hotel for what promises to be a great night out.

New frocks have been bought for the occasion (scouting parties are still scouring the entire north of England for the right pair of shoes), nails have been manicured, hair has been styled and bling has been buffed to ensure we all scrub up beautifully for the festivities.

We will have our traditional wide range of handbags and jewellery on display, not to mention a few things that are designed to keep you warm on those long cold nights. Our lace gloves and fishnet stockings might not be equipped with thermal linings but they are guaranteed to get the temperature rising.

We also have a new selection of goodies, including some fantastic earrings which we hope you will find perfect for the party season, rings that are both perfect for slipping on for the night out or sliding into stockings as gifts and some stunning new necklaces designed to light up even the darkest night.

Please drop by and see us and feel free to try on anything that catches your eye.

So forget about Santa making his list and checking it twice (forgetful old sod) and never mind if you've been naughty or nice (after all, there's a lot to be said for combining the two) and come along and see us for the chance to spoil yourself this Christmas.

We look forward to seeing you all on Friday.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/

Lucky Charms

At this time of year when pantomime dames are ten a penny, sisters are ugly, there are three bears for every Goldilocks, evil queens are after Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood's trying to keep the wolf from the door (it's hell with this recession) and Cinderella's lost her glass slipper and is looking for a nightgown, it's good to know you can still find a little charm and style in the world.

It's even better when you can find it for less than the price of a pantomime ticket, a price guaranteed to bring a smile to even the most sour-faced queen and make her have second thoughts about using the poisoned apple trick on Snow White.

And make no mistake girls (unlike Snow White - because if she really was such a hottie why was she shacked up in a little cottage servicing the needs of seven vertically-challenged blokes with names like Dopey and Grumpy?) this is a handbag that will make you believe in the magic of the festive season.

Available in three colours - red, plum and a silver sequin design that Christmas parties were invented for - this stylish bag has eight assorted charms decorating the handle and combines fun, style and sophistication with a perfect dash of the party spirit.

It might not make you feel goodwill to all men but it will improve your prospects of finding Prince (or even Princess) Charming this Christmas because who could resist a girl with such a cute handbag?

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=170

Hey, Stud

Sometimes it pays to be a little understated.

Even if you graduated with honours from the School of Hot Frocks with a diploma that says bling is best, there are times when it's best to tone down the look and opt for something that offers a little understated refinement.

These stud earrings are perfect for nights out when your outfit already speaks for itself (in this case think Lady Godiva rather than Lady Gaga) and you need something subtle to complement your look.

These silver studs are available with crystal detail in three colour schemes - blue/turquoise, clear, rose/fuchsia.

And after all, what more could a girl ask for than to step out of an evening with a pair of delicious studs?

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=18&product_id=78

A Perfect Pair

Some nights it's difficult to decide just which earrings go best with one's outfit.

On the one hand there's classic silver to complement any look and add a touch of understated elegance and sophistication.

On the other hand there's the irresistible lure of diamantes to put a little bling in your step.

Fortunately help is at hand as Glamour & Sparkle can offer these delightful drop earrings that combine chic silver with sparkly diamante to allow you to dress up or dress down as the occasion demands.

These silver drop earrings are resplendent with a diamante detail that will enhance any outfit and give you the confidence to know that you're the envy of your friends.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=18&product_id=83

The Stocking Filler Frilly Thriller

"There's lots of good will and maybe one small thrill but there's nothing dirty going on," as Dolly Parton trilled in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Far be it from me to question darling Dolly's judgement (Ain't she a sweetie?), but the thrill you'll get from owning this handbag will be more than just a small one.

This is a stylish handbag that proves that frills are not the exclusive property of lingerie designers and is hotter than a super model's petticoat.

Packed with a range of features including a magnetic flap and internal zipped pockets, this glamorous bag is a study in scarlet.

Blessed with more frills than a House of Olivier petticoat and certain to provide more thrills than New Orleans during Mardi Gras, this is a stunning handbag that will ensure you're the certain of attention.

We provide the frills, you enjoy the thrills.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=171

Glamour, Glitz And A Pool Queen's Tits

What can you say about a night that ends with a girl bent over a table with a stick in her hand?

Far from being a typical night out - well maybe for some girls - the Enigma Ball was a stunning evening of glamour and fashion that ended with your correspondent playing pool in her evening gown at 3:00am.

What can you say about a night that featured champagne, red carpets, posh frocks, killer heels and enough diamantes to light up the dark side of the moon?

It's fair to say when the biggest disappointment is winning the raffle (men's skin cream - I ask you!) you've had a fantastic night out.

Personal highlights included meeting a girl I went to school with (this marked a real triumph for the public school education system considering the only conventional females found at Lexie Lixx's alma mater were either serving food in the dining hall or handing out books in the library), Glamour & Sparkle's managing director ending up going commando under his tux and my own heroic battle with pool cue, heels and boobs (to use technical parlance there were one or two issues with cushions) that brought the curtain down on a super evening.

Many thanks to the brilliant Kathy for organising such a wonderful event - this really is the Oscar Night of the tgirl calendar - and if you've yet to sample the delights of the Enigma Ball make sure you go to the next one.

http://www.enigmaball.co.uk/

Enigma Time

Dust down those glass slippers, polish that tiara and pull on your finest frock.

The festive season is upon us once more and that means it's time for the Third Enigma Ball. http://www.enigmaball.co.uk/

This is one of the premier events of the social calendar and it promises to be a spectacular night featuring champagne, satin gowns, killer heels, red carpets and enough bling to keep a diamond mine in business for a year.

Glamour & Sparkle are delighted to announce that we will be providing a number of raffle prizes at the ball on Saturday night, giving you the chance to add a little extra sparkle to your wardrobe in time for Christmas.

We hope to see as many of you as possible sashaying around the dance floor on what should be a fantastic night out, so make sure you're right on time and you dress so fine and meet us at the Enigma Ball.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/

Owls Love The Night Time

Some days you want to be gentle and demure like the girls in the Timotei adverts.

Some days you want to offer a hint of naughtiness like the girls in the Cadbury's Flake adverts.

And some nights you just want to go out, have fun, dance like nobody's watching, sing like the world's wearing earplugs, knock back a few vodka shots and tequila slammers and cap the night off by delivering a Bet Lynch bitch-slap to the sad inadequate who's dared to touch your ass.

Those are the nights that this ring was designed for. A statement piece available in gold or silver, it's ideal for catching attention and seizing the spotlight.

Don't miss out. Satisfaction guaranteed.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=20&product_id=103

Balls

As the more observant of you will have noticed - and to be honest you'd need to be in a comatose state not to have done so - the festive season is almost upon us.

This means tacky decorations, crap adverts from Marks & Spencer, really crap adverts from Argos and a proliferation of 'cute' and 'sexy' Santa dresses.

These are highly flammable (not in a smoking hot way either) and are made of the cheapest and shiniest satin imaginable or nylon velour and topped off with a bit of fake marabou trim (cotton wool) and have no place anywhere but on the set of a really bad adult movie.

Personally speaking I'd say the only place marabou should be seen is on a girl's slippers in her boudoir.

Yet despite the sheer volume of tat floating round the shops at the moment, to say nothing of the risk of sustaining a festive injury while attempting something romantic to the pure and unadulterated aphrodisiac that is Mistletoe and Wine, Christmas is a a fantastic time because it means nights out, office parties, glitz, glamour and - best of all - balls.

Needless to say I'm not talking about footballs or disgusting cheesy balls (God, I hate buffet food) but the proper thing. I'm talking about the full Cinderella experience in the full-length gown, the fantastic shoes and the prospect of being lured into a secret chamber by Prince Charming - even though there's the danger of going home with something that looks like a pumpkin that's been left lying around since Halloween.

The best way to ensure that you stand out as the belle of the ball rather than a scarecrow in a pumpkin patch is to frock up in your best dress and cap it off with the perfect accessories.

Glamour & Sparkle have a wide range of evening sets, featuring diamantes, clear and multicoloured crystals and this classic jet crystal necklace with matching earrings. This set is the perfect accompaniment for any ballgown and offers the type of glamour and sophistication that Coco Chanel would die for.

Just the thing to get your fellow guests gasping in envy and amazement, this timeless evening set would be a welcome addition to any girl's jewellery collection.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=24&product_id=95

Female Chain Mail

Centuries ago chain mail was the exclusive preserve of men who spent most of their time in tights before occasionally hauling on their armour to go out as a knight, mace in hand and club people.

Today chain mail is the must-have accessory for any girl on a night out clubbing (and hopefully the can of Mace stays in the handbag).

This elasticated bracelet is ideal for nights out and will add a touch of class to any outfit. The classic silver chain enables you to team this bracelet with just about anything - well perhaps not a gold sequin dress but you get the idea.

The pearl and stone charms are guaranteed to sparkle under the lights and are sure to catch the eye on the dancefloor.

Of course, girls, the more 'enthusiastic' dancers among you should always take care not to unwittingly catch an innocent bystander in the eye as you flail away to prevent yourself from overbalancing in your heels.

This is a fantastic piece of loot - ancient cities have been sacked for less than this - and at just £9.99 it just goes to show that you can look good without breaking the bank.

Unfortunately we can't guarantee this will help you to meet your knight in shining armour (and frankly who wants to go home with a bloke who just wants to whisk you off your feet so he can steal your tights?) but at the end of the day who needs a male when you have chain?

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=25&product_id=135

Out And About

It's a big weekend for Glamour & Sparkle with the girls hitting the road in their heels and risking bunions, blisters and buggered toenails to bring a touch of glitz and style to the masses.

On Friday Joanne will be setting up stall as usual in her enchanted corner of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Leeds.

No visit to Leeds First Friday http://lff.racheltv8.co.uk/ is complete without stopping by the Cosmopolitan to check out the latest collection of rings, earrings, handbags and other essentials. Whether you're searching for the last minute accessory for your outfit on the night or something to wear during the party season, drop by and see what takes your fancy.

On Saturday the show will be moving on to Scarborough for the Rose's Harmony Weekend http://www.repartee.tv/HWE2011.htm.

Glamour & Sparkle will be on hand at the Esplanade Hotel to tempt you with a wide range of goodies including brooches, bracelets, evening sets and earrings, to say nothing of garters, gloves and stockings for those who cannot resist the urge to succumb to their most erotic desires.

While Glamour & Sparkle are on the road up north, Miss Lexie Lixx will be sampling the nightlife down south as she braves the bracing breezes of Torquay http://www.cliffhousehotel.co.uk/tgirls/.

The girl who never met a glass, bottle or box of white wine she didn't like will be spreading the Glamour & Sparkle ethos, doubtless flashing her latest bracelet from the range and presumably still pouting about the fact she has yet to be showered in free earrings or that Rimmel have yet to contact her agent about replacing Kate Moss.

And if you can't catch up with us this weekend, please visit our website to check out our full range of accessories guaranteed to bring a touch of glamour and sparkle to your wardrobe this winter.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/

Bag A Bargain

Good news, girls.

Turning the clocks back might not normally be a cause for celebrating (even if it means you can slip into your evening dress a little earlier) but Glamour & Sparkle are marking the official arrival of autumn by putting the prices back on a wide range of handbags.

So whether you're looking for the perfect evening bag or searching for something fun and funky to help you stand out from the crowd, make sure you check out our handbag collection.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to treat the special lady in your life, regardless of who fills that role. Remember, it doesn't matter who wears the trousers - or the frocks - we all need a little TLC and no girl ever turned her nose up at a new handbag.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=59

Handbag Heaven

Funny things, handbags.

No matter how many you acquire, you always end up wanting another one, whether it's because you don't have one that quite matches your new dress, or your new shoes clash slightly with all of your existing bags or simply because you've seen a must-have item that will round off your collection and will be the last one you ever buy.

Truly... Honestly... I really mean it this time... I swear on my favourite dress...

However, this stunning iridescent clutch bag may be the piece that completes your collection and allows you to save money on the important things in life - such as shoes and lingerie - because the frock has yet to be designed that would not be enhanced by this heavenly handbag. An angel could keep her lipstick in this.

This is a luxurious evening bag that will perfectly complement any outfit. Guaranteed to catch the light and shimmer at the appropriate moment, this bespoke eight-inch package of joy is just the right size to hold all of those things you can't live without - such as a camera, mobile phone or purse.

The handbag comes with a detachable chain strap and is rounded off with a diamante bow clasp that provides a classic finishing touch.

Treat yourself, or if you love someone even more (personally I couldn't where this bag is concerned), treat them to this oh-so-glamorous bag.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=172

Pearls Fit For A Queen

Pearls have always been popular with queens, both of the royal and glamour variety.

Cleopatra crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove she could throw a lavish cocktail party, Elizabeth I took as much delight in wearing pearls as she did in sinking the Spanish Armada, while Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor were also big pearl girls.

Obviously it's not easy for most girls to emulate the likes of Cleo and the two Lizzes when it comes to pearls - after all, a 50ml tube of Pearl Drops toothpaste will set you back more than a fiver these days.

Fortunately help is at hand with our luxurious range of chokers. Sized to fit any neck and available in three colours - black, heamatite and pearl - this is a timless piece that no girl can do without. It's perfect for the party season and will add a touch of glamour to any outfit.

As a woman of the world, I can think of no more fitting recommendation than to describe this as the last word in pearl necklaces.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=57&product_id=92

Diamantes Are A Girl's Purse's Best Friend

One of the things you learn early on in life is that girls are infinitely smarter than boys. After all, if one prefers dogs over diamonds in the best friend stakes, you don't have to be a genius to work out which team you want to be on.

Of course it's all well and good up to a point but the only times I've had a diamond in my hand was when I was playing cards and when a glitzy ring fell out of a Christmas cracker. The 'precious gem' fell out of the ring about seven seconds later so I don't really count that.

But if diamonds are beyond the reach of many girls, there is always the option of falling back on diamantes. Apparently diamantes represent rhinestone simulation.

Of course, all girls know that simulation is what you fall back on when all attempts at stimulation have failed.

However, when it comes to jewellery a fake diamond is far better than none and these fantastic diamante bracelets come in a range of colours that are guaranteed to add a touch of simulated glamour to any wrist.

You'll have to provide your own red carpet but these bracelets will allow you to look like a Hollywood glamour queen for the price of a cinema ticket.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=25&product_id=131

White Wine - Gatorade For Girls!

One of the biggest issues facing a girl on a night out is invariably what to drink.

Obviously there's a time and a place for beer (and beer goggles) but few things ruin the line and cut of an evening dress as much as a pint of lager. And let's not even mention the unforgivable sin of accessorising a cocktail frock with a pint of bitter. That's a flogging offence - and not the sort of playful, mildly arousing flogging either.

Bottles of beer have their suggestive uses and there's something to be said for the odd alcopop - after all, we all have our wicked sides - while colourful, fruity drinks with straws and umbrellas are nice in moderation but suggest you're trying too hard. The frock and heels offer a subtle enough hint without knocking back daiquiris all night.

At the end of the day - or the start of the night - you can't go wrong with a crisp, refreshing glass of white wine. Sophisticated, refined and good enough to go with anything (like someone else I know), it really is the perfect accompaniment to an evening out.

Wine - It's Gatorade for Girls!

Seven Magnificent Rings

It's not quite a case of Seven The Hard Way - as the dainty but delectable Pat Benatar once sang - but you might face a tricky choice when deciding which is your favourite colour when you look at our extensive range of optic rings.

Available in seven colours - silver, gold, blue, turquoise, lilac, red and a sleek silver & black - these rings are perfect for making a statement during the day or complementing an outfit on a night out.

Of course, there's no need to be cruel to yourself and settle for just one colour as our low prices mean you can snap up one of these stunning pieces for under a fiver.

So treat your hands to a little glitz and sparkle - it's like having your own cute, small but perfectly formed cheerleader on your finger!

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=20&product_id=107

Leeds

I like Leeds.

This is where it all really began for Glamour & Sparkle and the Cosmopolitan Hotel has become the spiritual home. Joanne will again be in residence on Friday night so drop by for a chat and to check out her latest range of jewellery and handbags.

Whether it's a girls' night out with Glamour & Sparkle's CEO (a night that involved a wardrobe malfunction and made me vow never to wear fishnets again), strutting through the reception area of the Cosmopolitan as dozens of members of the Leeds United Icelandic Supporters Club looked on with a blend of awe, ire and curiosity (of one kind or another), having a fish pedicure after forgetting to remove my nail polish or finding a pair of killer heels in a size 10 in a charity shop, it's fair to say I've had some interesting times in Leeds.

Hopefully this month's Leeds First Friday will be another fun night out, starting in the Cosmo with my latest attempt to wangle a wardrobe allowance out of Glamour & Sparkle and winding up on the dance floor in Queen's Court.

Wine shall be drunk....

The Right Kind Of Bangle

Few girls will have problems remembering The Bangles.

From big hair, leather skirts and smoky eyes to manic Mondays and walking like an Egyptian (which incidentally bears an uncanny resemblance to how some tgirls walk at 3am), Susanna Hoffs and the girls were an inspiration to tgirls everywhere.

Britney Spears and Katy Perry may be all the rage these days but there's still room in every tgirl's wardrobe for the classic kind of bangle that never goes out of style.

These are timeless accessories that will add a touch of glamour and sparkle to any wrist and with a choice of colour schemes you'll find the one you want to enhance your favourite look and channel your inner Bangle.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=25&product_id=127

Sparkly

When I first started negotiations with a view to endorsing Glamour & Sparkle it quickly became clear that I wasn't going to be landing the sort of deal to rival Zooey Deschanel's Rimmel contract or get a fraction of what Nicole Kidman earned during her time with Chanel.

Ultimately I settled for a bottle of Lambrini and a couple of pairs of earrings. Much as I enjoy Lambrini (even though I do get more of a buzz from Diet Seven-Up), I'll be honest and admit it was the earrings that clinched the deal.

Being the type of pure and innocent girl who comes over all faint at the merest thought of a little prick, it will be no surprise to discover that my body is tattoo and piercing-free. And if you've ever schlepped round the shops looking for a pair of suitably glamorous clip earrings, you'll know it can be a struggle. Who wants to accessorise a posh frock and killer heels with something teenage girls have rejected in Clare's?

Fortunately Glamour & Sparkle have the earrings to complement any outfit. Whether you're after chic and subtle, looking to make a statement, or searching for the ideal earrings to make a drag queen sob with joy, Glamour & Sparkle have the solution.

Even if I am still waiting for my Lambrini....

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=18&product_id=75

You'll Be Choked To Miss This

The Glamour & Sparkle bandwagon rolls into Leeds on Friday night for this month's LFF event.

We will be in residence at the Cosmopolitan Hotel throughout the evening with a wide range of jewellery and accessories.

Joanne will be on hand in her glamorous grotto next to the lifts and will be only too happy to help you with all your needs - or simply talk about shoes and hemlines.

It's the perfect opportunity for a girl to acquire the finishing touches for her outfit before she hits the town - Kate Moss would kill for something like this on her way to red carpet events - and you'll be choked if you miss out on the chance for some last minute shopping.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=57&product_id=147

The Ring's The Thing

I've never been entirely sure when it comes to flowers, although obviously it's always a pleasure to receive them.

That being said, I've never really been a big fan of Roses - I find the Strawberry Dream and Caramel Keg to be particularly disgusting - but I must admit these crystal rose rings turned me a little gooey.

Available in a range of styles and colours, these rings are the perfect accessory to any outfit, so treat your finger to a flower and add a little sparkle to your life.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=20&product_id=108

Old Favourite, New Look

Back in the last century, everyone wanted a Rubik's Cube.

In the 21st century, the item du jour is this chic handbag inspired by the iconic image.

This delightful bag will add a touch of glamour to any wardrobe.

Of course most people needed to bend the rules slightly to complete the original Rubik's Cube - personally I'd have found it much easier to peel the stickers off back then if I had the nails I have now.

The quality stitching means that whatever else you need to worry about peeling off at the end of the night, you can rest assured that your bag will maintain its stylish look for years to come.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=167

Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit

With the winter threatening to close in, it's good to know that a girl can still bring a little summertime fun to her wardrobe with a funky handbag.

This stylish watermelon bag proves that oranges are not the only fruit when it comes to accessories.

We can't guarantee it will give you something refreshing to suck on at the end of the night but we are sure it will have others drooling with envy.

http://glamourandsparkle.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=168

Hello

Well, hello.

Of all the pages on all the web, you had to check out mine...

Quite understandable of course because I am a rather exotic and colourful creation.

Conceited? Moi?

Well, maybe a little. But why not?

Besides, how many people can legitimately claim to have made money by posing for the camera as both a boy and a girl?

I may not necessarily have made enough from either gig to keep in Jimmy Choos or Manolo Blahniks for the rest of my glamorous existence but it's something to go on one's CV - or maybe not considering the customary sense of humour pervading most HR departments.

Anyway, these days I am the face of Glamour & Sparkle, the UK's most exciting and innovative new company catering for all the jewellery needs of crossdressers, transvestites, t-girls, trannies and of course natural beauties like myself.

Check out the latest range of styles and designs at www.glamourandsparkle.co.uk

And if Glamour & Sparkle isn't quite a multinational concern just yet, then I have to concede I'm not quite the face that launched a thousand ships - but please, darlings, no smart remarks about filling life boats.

After all, a girl has feelings - and if you're mean to me I might just stamp on your foot with my spike high heel....