Oooh, it's that time again...!

Keep your eyes peeled on the Bikini Queen blog for the start of Vogue's Online Fashion Week 2012...

All I want for Christmas...

So, we've tried to remain composed but the influx of festive goodies into our favourite shops mean that we seriously think now is the time to get down to business & write our all important Christmas lists! Here Melissa shares hers (though we're sure EVERY girl would most likely have a Prada bag or pair of French Sole flats lurking somewhere on theirs too!). What will you be putting on yours? Let us know on our Facebook or Tweet @MelissaOdabash with #AllIWantForChristmas.

Ooh la la!

She comes to me for swimwear, I go to her for underwear!
Super-gorgeous Elle Macpherson has been designing her own lingerie for ten years now & it just keeps getting better & better - I love her 'Intimates' line - pretty, but not too fussy, and they won't break the bank, definitely something I'd want to find in the bottom of my stocking on Christmas morning!

For the rare times I get a moment of peace!

Kelly Hoppen's candle are a real luxury, I have them scattered all over my house, but there is always room for more. I don't get too much time to relax but when I do, I love to light some candles & get into the latest episode of Downton Abbey, especially in the winter time. Candles are also the best kind of lighting & hide a multitude of sins, as I'm sure all you girls know!

Super-comfy for when I'm dashing about town to meetings...

French Sole are a celeb favourite & I've been wearing French Sole ballet pumps forever - I spend most of my time running to & from meetings, in fittings & interviews and generally dashing about & these are super comfy but also very, very chic - check out Kate Moss & the uber-cool Olivia Palermo rocking theirs. If I could, I'd have them in every colour, but I think I'll go for classic quilted black & a pair of fun leopard print ones this year, which really jazz up a simple tee & jeans combo.

Talking of Kate (do we even need to use her surname any more?) is probably the best-known supermodel on the planet - & still epitomises a rock & roll, super cool, London girl. I heard some of her earlier prints are going up for sale this Christmas, though I'm sure they're going to go like gold-dust - but I'd love, love, love one of these for my wall, particularly one by Corinne Day, who launched Kate's career (& whose retrospective was actually in the art gallery round the corner from my office, amazing exhibition!)

My dear friend Martyn Lawrence-Bullard creates THE most amazing rooms & has just released a book featuring his work - perfect reading when the aformentioned candles are lit & Downton Abbey is about to start. Also looks great on a coffee table, as all the best books always do - Martyn, if you're reading this, I'd love to unwrap a copy on Christmas morning (hint hint!)

I think it must be the law that for Christmas you receive (or give) something sleepwear related! I'll be putting the softest bath robe from The White Company on my list - so, so cosy & really beautiful fabric that will last & last. They also come beautifully wrapped & packaged in gift boxes, meaning you don't have to yourself!

My favourite heels are by Mechanté & I used some in my 2013 look book - they're so comfortable, despite being so high & super, super cool. I love these shoe-boot style open toes - perfect with a little black dress & leather jacket or just teamed with jeans, a cool blouse & a blazer. A definite favourite on my wishlist!

...please please please please please!


 And finally - I'd LOVE a classic Prada tote. Super-chic, these are an investment (so I keep reiterating to my husband!) & would see my through season after season after season in style. And I'd be in good company - Victoria's Secrets model (& Odabash favourite) Miranda Kerr is rarely seen without hers. The only problem is...which colour do I choose?! TOO HARD!

Feeling Festive

It is becoming pretty apparent that Christmas is almost upon us - the cold nights, the great period dramas making us not want to leave the house of an evening, Selfridges window displays being unveiled - & today saw the morning latte's came in red cups for the first time this year & the appearance of the festive sandwiches during the lunch run.

As if that wasn't enough to ease you into the Christmas spirit, tonight also sees the grand unveiling & switching on of the Oxford Street Christmas lights, with Robbie Williams doing the honour (with a little help from the lovely Leona Lewis). Head there early to get a good spot (though if you miss it, there are also the Regent Street lights & the Carnaby Street display being turned on this week - the latter with a super-cool Rolling Stones theme).




Debenhams lights - whilst you're there, head inside to get your hands on my diffusion line for them!



Whilst we're getting in the mood for the season ahead, the Odabash office is also super-excited by the imminent opening of the Somerset House Ice Rink later this month, the perfect place to have a few cocktails in Tom's Skate Lodge, check out all the super-chic skaters...oh & if you get round to it, do a bit of skating yourself! Great every night, but we'd definitely recommend one of their 'disco' events, with DJ's from Ibiza, Bestival, Bugged Out & heaps more all taking their turn on the decks (check out the Somerset House website for more information & tickets) - & while you're there, make sure you check out the Tim Walker exhibition & the upcoming Valentino retrospective, both a must-see.

We would love to look this chic whilst whizzing around the ice...

...however we feel we'll spen more time in a similar position to this lady!