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