How to Wear Disco Pants

I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already! My good blogging intentions have been somewhat derailed by midnight flits to Sainsbury's to stock up on sprouts recently, but I have been promising you a disco pants post for weeks now, so publish it I shall!

If someone had told me a year ago that one of the most coveted items of 2012, and one of my most-worn personally, would be shiny treggings, I would have been, well, horrified, most probably. But what they tell you is true, O unbelievers - they really are a tired and weary wardrobe's style saviour.

My BFF bought me the Boohoo Amerie pants for my birthday at the end of September - they are more legging-y than the button-up kind, but the waistband and fabric lifts them way above your standard variety (and believe me, I am usually legging crotch/waistband phobic!). They fit perfectly - not a spare millimetre of sag anywhere, but no pinching or pulling either. The smooth high-waisted fit makes them ideal under or over pretty much any top, and great with crop tops - a lot more flattering than your standard jean/leather skinny waistband. The only thing that annoys me is the fact that the elastic in the waistband is prone to twisting, so you have to be vigilant when pulling them up and down, but for £10, really, I'm sure you couldn't do better! (Psst... Don't forget to enter my Boohoo giveaway to win up to £100 to spend onsite...)

Here's how I've been wearing mine - from Christmas Day feast through Boxing Day Sales to New Year Knees Up, you won't need anything else to see you through the festive season, or, indeed, 2013 (except a few tops, obvs... and footwear... and emergency Quality Street).

Festive Cheer

Creepers: New Look (Current); Jumper: H&M (Past Season); Jacket: New Look (Past Season)

Glam-Casual - I wore this outfit out shopping, but the metallic knit would also make for a lovely Christmas Day look. Faux fur adds a vintage rock chick touch, whilst creepers give a casually quirky edge (and the little lace socks provide a layer of much-needed insulation!).

Plum Perfection

Blouse and Boots: Primark (Past Season)

This look was inspired by Kourtney Kardashian wandering around her kitchen in one syndicated reality show or another - I can't get enough of blouses tucked into high-waisted trousers with thigh-high boots - perhaps I was a pirate in a previous life. The smoothing down of quite a lot of tucked-in shirt by the pants here is pretty damn impressive!

Grunge for Divas

Jumper: Marks & Spencer (Past Season); Boots: Peacocks (Past Season)

An oversized knit and flat boots for an easy throw-it-on look which will allow you to tramp around in comfort all day, whilst retaining your effortless sheen.

Anyone For Aerobics?

Sweatshirt: Primark (Past Season); Wedge Trainers: River Island

Wedge high-tops + sweatshirt = a fun sports-luxe look with an '80s twist.

Suited and Booted

Shirt: New Look (Past Season); Boots: Love Label at Very (Past Season); Bow Tie: Primark (Past Season)

An oversized tux shirt and heeled boots combine with disco pants for a great day-to-night look, given added quirkiness by a cute bow tie (and a cummerbund-style belt if you so wish).

Peplum Passion

Top: New Look (Current); Belt: Miss Selfridge (Past Season); Boots: Primark (Past Season)

Time to get glam girlies? Of course I had to put together a peplum-based combo - don't you know me at all? The disco pants and ankle boots add edge to the classic shape, whilst an embellished belt raises the sparkle factor.

Harvesting the Winter Crops

Left - Top: Primark (Current); Boots: Boohoo* (Current)

Right - Top: H&M (Past Season); Boots: Peacocks (Past Season)

I couldn't be happier that wintry crop tops have been piled upon us this season, and they look fab with disco pants, whether you go for sparkly sequins, fierce studs or luxe velvet (just don't forget your coat).

*Part of my #PartyPose winner's haul, to be detailed in full soon!

All Wrapped Up

Body: Miss Selfridge; Belt: ASOS (Past Season); Shoes: Primark (Past Season)

A sexy unitard vibe (Mr Motivator, eat your heart out) accomplished by layering disco pants over a sheer-panelled body, and concealing the join with a belt. You could try studded leather for a tougher feel, but, as it's Christmas and all, I decided to wrap myself up, tying everything together with be-ribonned shoes.

Is It A Bird?

Cape: Primark (Past Season); Boots: Love Label at Very (Past Season)

And on top (if you're not feeling furry)? Well, pretty much anything goes, but the contrasting volume and fabric of a cape work well.

P-P-P-Pick up a Peplum

Jacket: Topshop (Current); Boots: Peacocks (Past Season)

Alternatively, a fitted peplum jacket makes the most of disco pants' killer bodycon fit for an insanely dramatic silhouette, and the combination of two sports-luxe style fabrics will endow you with a sci-fi superhero look. I decided on classic black, to take me from day to night, and disco pants to pencil skirt, but if you fancy making even more of a statement, have a squizz at the silver Fashion Union beauty I've been raving about for a while (which has now been reduced to £15!).

Merry Christmas! Go get your groove on ;)

See more recent posts featuring disco pants here

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Last Minute Gift and Party Wear Ideas and Deals for Every Budget

Hands up who's still shopping? Well, one big advantage of not being a smug November present buyer is that you can snap up some amazing bargains in the sales which are already popping up all over the place... I've put together a guide to some of the best value buys still available for Christmas delivery, ranging from £6 to £100+, so whatever your budget, and whoever you're buying for (hey, why not treat yourself if you've already done your Santa bit?!), I think you'll find something to tempt your mouse...

Click on product names to open links to your favourite items in new windows. Additional special offers are in bold. Last ordering dates stated are for UK delivery.

Who Wouldn't Love? Stocking Stuffers (£5-£50)

1. Bird Pendant: Accessorize, £6 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
2. Birdcage Tea Light Holder Lantern: Dot Com Gift Shop, £9.95 - Order by 1pm on Thursday 20th December
3. Santa's Little Helpers Gift Set (Fabulips and High Intensity Hand Cream): Bliss, £10 - Order by Saturday 22nd December (plus get 20% off full size products and Christmas Collections with code XMAS2012 or save £20 if you spend £100 with code AFFSS20)
4. Cowshed Pocket Cow Bullocks for Men: Luxury Hair & Beauty, £18.50 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
5. bareMinerals Trend Report: Frill Seeker: Luxury Hair & Beauty, £22.10 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
6. bareMinerals Tutorials Eye Lining Set: Luxury Hair & Beauty, £25.50 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
7. Heathcote & Ivory Birdcage Gift Set: Luxury Hair & Beauty, £22 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
8. Bellini Box: Fortnum & Mason, £30 - Order by 12pm on Thursday 20th December
9. Owl Jumper: Wallis, £35 - Order by 4pm on Friday 21st December
10. Animal Jeans: Evans, £35 - Order by 4pm on 21st December, or 12pm on 23rd December for store collection
11. Cupcake Charm: Links of London, £45 - Free Express Delivery until 1pm on Friday 21st December
12. Personalised Petal Charm Necklace: Not On The High Street, £44 - Order by 11am on Thursday 20th December
13. Jewellery Box: Marks & Spencer, £20 - Order by 7pm on 21st December
14. Trinket Box: Marks & Spencer, £15.60 - Order by 7pm on 21st December
15. Royal Apothic Eau De Parfum: Anthropologie, £26 - Order by 12pm on Thursday 20th December
16. Personalised "I Love You Because..." Print: Not On The High Street, £36 - Order by 11am on Thursday 20th December

Best of the Sales Bargains (£5-£35)

1. Kate Benjamin Pearl and Black Crystal Cuff: Accessories Direct, Was £22.98, Now £6.89 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
2. Rosie Fox Diamante Hair Clip: Accessories Direct, Was £21, Now £10.50 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
3. Metal Toe Cap Brogues: Dune, Were £70, Now £35 - Order by 12pm on Thursday 20th December
4. Black Lace Cut-Out Dress: Madam Rage, Was £28, Now £10 - Order by 4pm on Thursday 20th December (plus get an extra 10% off sale purchases with code XMASTREAT)
5. Clutch: Accessorize, Was £45, Now £30 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
6. Kate Benjamin Deco Black Crystal Necklace, Was £70, Now £21 - Order by 2pm on Friday 21st December
7. Shoes: Stylist Pick, Were £40, Now £20 - Order by 2pm on Thursday 20th December
8. Shoes: Stylist Pick, Were £45, Now £22 - Order by 2pm on Thursday 20th December
9. Victoriana Blouse: Oasis, Was £35, Now £17 - Order by 3pm on Monday 24th December (plus get 10% off full-price items with code FULLPRICE10)
10. Scuba Peplum Skirt: Oasis, Was £30, Now £15 - Order by 3pm on Monday 24th December (plus get 10% off full-price items with code FULLPRICE10)

A Touch of Luxury (£50+)

1. Champagne and Chocolates: Fortnum & Mason, £55 - Order by 12pm on Thursday 20th December
2. Beaded Feather Trim Dress: Lipsy VIP, £130 - Order by 9pm on Friday 21st December
3. Bronze Sequin Clutch: Karen Millen, Was £95, now £65 - Order by 12pm on Monday 24th December (plus get 20% off dresses with code DRESS20, or 20% off full-price footwear and accessories with code COMPLETELOOK)
4. Elemis Ultimate Travel Collection For Her: Elemis, £68 (Worth £91) - Order by Saturday 22nd December (plus get 20% off full-size products and Christmas Collections with code XMASTREAT, a free Best of British Kit worth £22 when you spend £45 with code AFFDEC12, or £20 off when you spend £100 with code DEC12AFF)
5. Lips Clutch - Lulu Guinness - Get 30% off selected lips clutches (including this one) with code LIPSLULU12
6. Elemis Jetset Travel Collection For Him: Elemis, £48 - Order by Saturday 22nd December (plus get 20% off full-size products and Christmas Collections with code XMASTREAT, a free Best of British Kit worth £22 when you spend £45 with code AFFDEC12, or £20 off when you spend £100 with code DEC12AFF)
7. Crystal Panelled Collar: Ted Baker, £55 (also available in black) - Order by 12pm on Friday 21st December
8. Christmas Tea Hamper: Fortnum & Mason, £150 - Order by 12pm on Thursday 20th December
9. Colour Block Shoes: Karen Millen, Were £140, Now £70 - Order by 12pm on Monday 24th December (plus get 20% off dresses with code DRESS20, or 20% off full-price footwear and accessories with code COMPLETELOOK)

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£250 Boohoo Giveaway!

I'm ridiculously excited to officially announce that I have won the bloggers' version of the Boohoo #PartyPose competition with my "Fallen Angel" ensemble (inspired by my new favourite Lana Del Rey track, Gods & Monsters, FYI) - what an amazing early Christmas present - this has made my year!

So... I get £100 to spend at Boohoo! Lucky me... but... wait for it... oh OK, you probably guessed from the title... and the subtle graphic - I also get to give £250 worth of their lovely goodies away to my wonderful readers!

I've decided to share the love a bit, so 1 lucky follower will also win £100 to spend on the site, whilst 3 runners up will have a pretty fabulous start to 2013 with £50 each! The lucky winners will be able to splash their stash on any items of their choice from Boohoo.com.

Boohoo delivers to the UK and Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the following additional European countries: Austria, Azores, Bulgaria, Belgium, Corsica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Madeira, Monaco, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Spitsbergen and Sweden.

Their international delivery charges are pretty bargainous too, so don't be shy!

To enter, simply complete the entry form below, which will walk you through the entry requirements, and a few options for earning extra entries into the draw.

Entrants will be asked to follow Sam Muses on Google Friend Connect (- don't panic if you're a newbie - you don't need to be a blogger to do this, and it won't result in any unsolicited emails or anything), and like the (brand new) Sam Muses and Boohoo pages on Facebook. You'll get 3 entries into the draw just for following these 3 steps, and unlock your chance to submit up to 8 more entries. N.B. The GFC and Facebook entries are compulsory - if a winner is drawn who has not completed these 3 steps, another entrant will be chosen. The other entries are optional - you can complete as many or as few as you like, and return to complete more at any time whilst the contest is running.

Of course, all information submitted will remain strictly confidential, and only be used to validate entries and contact winners.

The giveaway will be open for 1 month, closing at midnight on Thursday 17th January 2013 - the winners will be drawn at random by Rafflecopter on Friday 18th January, and announced later that day.

Good luck lovelies - I'm looking forward to brightening up January for some of you! What will you buy if you win? I'm mentally spending my own winnings even as I type - can't wait to show you my haul!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Party Dressing Part VI - Choosing Your Perfect Base and Top Coat

Do you ever find that the most challenging aspect of getting dressed up can be deciding what on earth to wear under and over your dream dress? I've definitely been there a few times, so thought I'd share a few solutions and strategies I've picked up over the years...

The Base Coat - Underwear

This isn't a discussion on shapewear (I'm more an acolyte of the minimalist school when it comes to lingerie), but a pointer towards a few miracle bras which will slip under your strapless, backless, halterneck and/or slashed-to-oblivion gowns, and might even make them even prettier!

Best for Strapless Frocks

Not much bests the Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless Bra - unbeatable hold, great shape, a plunging cut to suit low necklines, seam-free for optimum discretion and available in every size from 32A to 38G. Oh, and the matching thong may not be pretty, but it's perfect under clingy outfits.

If you're after ultimate gorgeousness and, ahem, oomph, and a completely smooth finish isn't so much of a concern, New Look's range of super push-up multiway bras is for you (- see a fuller review in this post). Browse the website or take a peek instore to see new styles.

If you're still concerned that a strapless bra won't provide you with enough support, invest in some clear or decorative jewelled straps and swap them for the plain ones that come with your multiway. Try these diamante ones from Debenhams or have a browse on GlamorousBraStraps.co.uk.

Best for Deep Plunge Dresses

Ah, diamante bra solutions - saved me so many times when a typical strapless bra just wouldn't do. The cups of the Ultimo Miracle Frontless Plunge Bra are joined by a pretty (but sturdy) diamante panel, which looks fabulous peeking out from a slashed-to-the-navel number. It's available in A-D cups with removable gel pads, and DD-G minus the gel.

Best for Backless Gowns

Another Ultimo lifesaver - the Diamante Back Bra replaces the standard back strap with a stunning string of jewels - sadly, it's only designed to fit A-D cups, but due to the way it fastens, larger girls might still be able to find a size which suits.

N.B. You can wear both the Miracle Frontless Bra and the Diamante Back Bra halterneck-style too.

The Top Coat (or Jacket... or Cape...)

OK, so your underwear's sorted, but your wear-everywhere winter coat just isn't cutting the mustard with your drop-hem chiffon number? The wrong cut, fabric or style can ruin the line and vibe of a showstopping outfit - here are a few of my tried and tested fail-safe combinations...

Top Row (L-R)

1 - Jacket: Primark (Current), Dress: Freemans, Shoes: New Look; 2 - Cape: Primark, Dress: Morgan, Shoes: New Look; 3 - Coat: Freemans, Skirt: Primark, Belt: ASOS, Shoes: Next; 4 - Shrug: Jane Norman, Dress: H&M, Shoes: Pied a Terre

Bottom Row (L-R)

1 - Coat: New Look, Shoes: Pied a Terre; 2 - Cape and Dress: Primark, Shoes: Pied a Terre; 3 - Jacket: Primark (Current), Skirt: New Look (Current), Boots: Peacocks; 4 - Capelet and Shoes: Primark, Dress: H&M

 

Best for Midis and Maxis

Faux fur might not be for everyone, but I love the dollop of old Hollywood glamour it lends a sophisticated midi or maxi look. I think full-skirted styles generally work best with short jackets, to leave an unbroken line and emphasise the waist (although a longer A-line style can look fab if the length is right, and shorter jackets also look great with slimmer-fit skirts). Hip length and longer coats stun with pencil and full-length cuts - you can add a belt to enhance curves and add impact.

Generally, I think it's safest to avoid fur if you're going mini...

Best for Minis

A statement mac or mid-thigh length coat, which can feel awkward over a longer dress, looks great when concealing a mini (or revealing an inch or two of hemline). Shorter jacket styles can work with minis, but often look a bit cheesy. If you're bored of your faithful trench, try a baroque style like this beauty from Izabel.

Best for Pencil Styles

Although fitted jackets, and even 3/4 length macs, can look great with pencil skirts, I love to pair them with a cape or swing style - the bodycon fit balances out the added volume.

Peplum jackets also look amazing with pencil styles - I'm saving my brand new Topshop one to show you with my disco pants, but there are some amazing statement pieces around at the moment, like the gorgeous silver one from Fashion Union featured in this post.

Best for Mixis

A statement biker jacket works perfectly with a dropped hem - the clean cut adds a bit of edge without confusing the look. Leather is fantastic for funking up classic cuts too, especially when paired with chunky ankle boots.

You could also pair a mixi with a faux fur jacket - shaggy for boho chic or short-haired and sculpted for all-out glamour.

Best for Indoor Wow-Factor

A shrug or capelet can be the cherry on top of the perfect outfit (and stop you feeling naked if the whole bare shoulders/arms/chest/belly button thing makes you feel a teeny bit self-conscious!) - there's a multitude of options out there, but these are two of my favourites - sparkles and (no prizes for guessing) faux fur! Cap sleeves with a little bit of volume are also great for emphasising (or helping to fake) an hourglass shape, and balancing hips, by the by.

Next week, I'll be showing you a few alternatives to the classic party dress (disco pants ahoy!) along with complementary outerwear, but if you're still searching for your perfect frock, remember that you can get an exclusive 10% discount when hiring your perfect designer lovely from the New Year Collection at Girl Meets Dress until midnight on Monday night with code GMD1SM - check out my last post if you're in need of inspiration!

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Girl Meets Dress - Exclusive Reader Discount on Designer Party Dress Hire!

Still searching for your perfect party dress? Want something your friends definitely won't have picked up in Topshop? We all know by now that most party dresses are destined for one night of glory, followed by a lifetime of dust collection, so, despite my rather, ahem, acquisitive nature, I'm becoming increasingly drawn to the rental market, especially now I've rifled through the treasure trove that is the Girl Meets Dress website...

I'll always heart the high street, but think about it - with a £30 budget, you could be in for a very stressful trolley dash trying to source your dream dress in your local shopping centre, when for £29 you could rent a Melissa Odabash lace lovely worth £275... And at the other end of the scale, there's no doubt you could find a showstopper with a £200+ budget, but why not be a Proenza Schouler princess for the night, and dazzle in £2,500 worth of sequins for less than 10% of the original price?!

The lovely people at Girl Meets Dress have kindly decided to give Sam Muses readers an early Christmas present - 10% off any dress in the New Year's Eve Collection (which includes over 300 amazing pieces from brands including Herve Leger, Miu Miu, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Issa, Temperley London and Preen, along with the likes of Forever Unique, Gorgeous Couture and Wheels & Dollbaby) with code GMD1SM, valid until Monday 17th December!

So get clicking girls - prices start at just £29, and there's something for everyone - whether you're a classic glamourpuss or an edgy chick, I guarantee love at first sight. Here's a taster of my top picks...

Top Row, L-R:
1: Opulence England Feather Skirt Lace Dress (RRP £295) - £49 for 2 days, £59 for 7 days
2: Diva Sophia Black Adrianna Dress (RRP £200) - £29 for 2 days, £39 for 7 days
3: Alice and Oliva Selma Metallic Dress (RRP £248) - £39 for 2 days, £49 for 7 days
4: Helmut Lang Gala Knit Stretch Dress (RRP £195) - £49 for 2 days, £59 for 7 days
5: Ekaterina Kukhareva Cut-Out Sequence Dress (RRP £730) - £49 for 2 days, £59 for 7 days, £100 to purchase

Bottom Row, L-R:
1: Dina Bar-El Paris Cocktail Dress (RRP £400) - £49 for 2 days, £59 for 7 days
2: Melissa Odabash Laura Dress (RRP £275) - £29 for 2 days, £39 for 7 days
3: Diva Sophia Jessica Gold Gown (RRP £285) - £39 for 2 days, £49 for 7 days
4: Proenza Schouler Drop Waist Paillette Dress (RRP £2,493) - £219 for 2 days, £229 for 7 days
5: Alice and Olivia Chantilly Lace Peplum Dress (RRP £340) - £59 for 2 days, £69 for 7 days
6: Herve Leger V-Neck Bandage Dress (RRP £1,330) - £129 for 2 days, £139 for 7 days

Need To Know...

Big night not for a few weeks? Don't worry - you can still reserve your dream dress now (and nab your 10% off!).

You can order up to 2 long dresses or 3 short ones to try on beforehand - you'll only pay for your final choice.

Standard rental periods are 2 or 7 days, but longer rentals can be negotiated, and orders can be delivered to you at home or work.

All dresses are new or in like-new condition, and bags, hats and headpieces are also on hand to finish off your perfect party look!

You should be able to find answers to any other questions you might have on the site. Last orders for Christmas need to be in by Friday 21st December.

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