With Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte back in the limelight as they have just started filming the Sex in the City Movie, I realise just how much I have missed them. And then, when this dress arrived to getmyfashion last week, I suddenly found myself dreaming away in front of the mirror loosing all sense of time and reality and imagining myself running across the streets of Manhattan on my way to meet Mr Big. If only…
Instead I ran across the floor of our warehouse in to the arms of Aron (my husband) who wondered what wicked force had got hold of me.

Dreams aside, this really is a Carrie Bradshaw dress!!! That was the mutual thought that entered all our minds as we opened the box to unveil this little piece of pure girlish, stylish femininity. To have a look at this beautiful creation as designed by Danish label Sandwich go to ‘Sandwich clothes’ and find this gorgeous turquoise and brown satin-style dress or click here: http://www.getmyfashion.com/shop/SW_89905

It is the entire package of colours, design and fabric for Carrie’s liking… and mine. All you need to complete the look is a pair of high heels (ideally a pair of Manolo’s or Choo’s… if your wallet can afford it) and a nice super-clutch to pick up the very latest trend this season and you are set for a night out with the girls and a few Cosmopolitans.

Written by Malin Hosie

This season Diva Totnes has seen the light of organic clothing! It didn’t take us long to notice the many benefits of both Jackpot’s organic range and Stewart & Brown of New York’s organic T’s once they appeared on the shop floor. If it’s not the ethical appeal of organic clothing then be sure that the quality of the fabric will draw you in. Stewart & Brown’s incredibly soft 100% organic cotton T-shirts come in every shape and size from short sleeve T-shirts, to polo T-shirts, to tunic T-shirts. There’s a style for every occasion.
Jackpot’s take on organic clothing follows their signature style of being comfortable, cosy and creative. Jackpot’s big on nature and big on the environment. They are currently collaborating with MADE-BY, a fashion initiative that encourage and ensure high standards for protecting the environment, working conditions and every step of the production line. Jackpot is working with MADE-BY towards a substantial increase in the use of organic materials, using natural processes that are not damaging to the environment. The Jackpot team say ‘For the future we want to implement more organic fabrics into our production as a safer solution for the planet’. We currently hold Jackpot’s organic basics which are great for the much needed extra layer in the colder weather or even just worn by themselves.
On a personal note, I think I’d be more drawn to organic clothing because of the fabric quality, and right or wrong, I’m not about to pick up a organic T because of the small effect it may have on the environment. But wait, might I be too hasty. Since researching the benefits of organic clothing I’ve found that the growing of cotton accounts for 22% of all insecticides used in the world, and that non-organic cotton is even more damaging to the environment than oil-based synthetics like polyester and nylon.
So it may seem that the ‘little’ beneficial effect I thought I might be having on the environment is actually quite a substantial one. Just like buying my organic lunch to ensure better quality food and do my bit for the environment, I can go organic with my clothing and do exactly the same. Whatever your individual interest is in organic clothing environmentally or quality wise, with the simply beautiful choice of both Jackpot and Stewart & Brown in the shop, I’m sure we’ll all agree it’s fantastic that Diva Totnes has its share of organics.

Scarlett Haynes 

Pictures clockwise from top left; Double breasted jacket in Royal dye, £170, European Culture. Top right; 100% Mongolian Cashmere Wrap in stone, £200, Caroline. Bottom right; Fitted white cotton shirt, £35, Great Plains, Classic sleeveless black dress, £55, Great Plains, Chucky grey Italian Camel hair cardi, £189, Marilyn Moore, Knee-high grey socks, £17, Noa Noa. Bottom left; Long single strap handbag with beaded detail, £47, Noa Noa.

Pictures this week show: Top left; Dress by Firetrap £60, French Connection leggings £12,layered with Full Circle vest £25. Bottom right; Top £50,Skirt £35,Cardi £60 and Parka £110, all by Firetrap. Top right; Bronx pewter shoe £64.99. Bottom left; Great Plains suede bag, £60.

You often give us positive feedback in store regarding our stock in Diva Torquay. Most often we hear comments about how different we are to the main high street and that a lot of other shops offer very similar clothes to each other. Whilst we try to offer you a range of looks and styles you won’t see anywhere else in Torquay and in minimum quantities to increase exclusivity, we also know you like to keep up with the key trends each season. For this reason we’ve put together a guide to these trends and offered suggestions on how to keep up with them- Diva style!

THE SILHOUETTE
The hourglass figure is back- curvy girls rejoice and be proud! Think forties glamour, think Dita Von Teese, think belt in those waists and emphasise your feminine figure. Firetrap have really run with this and released some fantastic high waist, sculpted skirts, dresses and trousers. If you’re not a naturally curvy girl, this style will create a more shapely silhouette for you. If you are blessed with curves the cinched in waists are incredibly flattering. Great Plains have also followed the silhouette trend by offering classic, well cut high waist pencil skirts in the new length for autumn/winter- the midi. They look gorgeously sexy with a crisp, white shirt tucked in and belted at the waist.
WE LOVE…Sam’s new pinafore dress from Firetrap, “Fiat” £60.

PURPLE
Jewel colours are a big deal this season but purple is THE colour to wear. Whether you choose lilacs, plums, maroons or brights you’ll be bang on trend. Look around Diva Torquay and you’ll see satin dresses by French Connection, knitwear options in St Tropez, Full Circle and Thomas Burberry or bring your LBD up to date by adding Great Plains elderberry tights. The good news is there’s always a shade of purple to suit you whatever your colouring.
WE LOVE…Mel’s new lilac sweater dress, French Connection,”71E5Q” £85

METALLICS
This has been a key look for the last couple of seasons but for winter, go for shimmering bronzes and pewters rather than the previously popular block silvers and golds. French Connection have brought out a selection of dresses with the metallic theme running strongly through it, ranging from a simple satin LBD with heavy antique gold embellishment to a metallic purple smock dress worn best with a waist belt, leggings and heels. Miss Sixty have also added a metallic pink thread to their black and white striped tunics and tops to keep on trend more subtly. Footwear this season offers many metallic options in bronze and pewter to complete any outfit. For gorgeous shimmering shoes to get you noticed, go for Ted Baker or Bronx, or to add interest to a more classic or casual look, Vagabond have pretty but practical options.
WE LOVE…New for this season from Ugg, the new colour in tall boots, metallic pewter £180

To try these looks out for yourself or some of the other key looks for autumn/winter; masculine, textured black, leather or military to name but a few, come in and let us dress you up!
                                See you soon,
Karen, Kaori, George, Mel and Sam

What does a girl really need on a cold autumn evening? Something gorgeous, soft and sensuous to snuggle up to? Something beautifully fine? Something that every other girl will be secretly jealous of? If your answer’s yes, Yes, YES! Then I have the answer. What you need, like me, is your very own bit of Crumpet. For once I’m not talking about a tall, dark, handsome stranger – (sorry!). This time my suggestion causes infinitely less hassle and heart-break – (yay!)

Crumpet is our stunning cashmere label, new in store this season at Totnes. With the first few pieces introduced into the shop today, we got thoroughly over excited. This is cosy cashmere at its best and ranges right the way from very fine knits to layer up with other pieces, all the way through to superb long-line, chunky knits which are the be-all and end-all of any outfit. In beautifully subtle colours, this is some of the most wearable luxury I have ever come across. So come and fall for your own bit of Crumpet to get you through the cold days.

Pictures clockwise from top left; Cream Alpaca and wool coat, £455, Marilyn Moore. Top right; Shoe range including black knee-high boots, £155, smokey biker boot, £135, black ankle boot, £130, black wedge shoe, £99 and brown high shoe, £90, all Camper. Bottom right; Black dress, £48, Numph with black quilted jacket, £75, Jackpot. Bottom left; high brown shoe, £90, Camper.