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May 13, 2008

Introducing the Winner of asos.com's BNTM Challenge

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They came, they styled themselves, they posed; but there could only be one winner of asos.com's challenge on Britain's Next Top Model - and that winner was Charlotte Denton. So impressed was our Creative Director, Matt Setchell, with Charlotte that he booked her for a shoot. Check out her debut modelling shots above and on site, and find out what she had to say when we caught up with her at the shoot...

Hi Charlotte. Congratulations on winning the asos challenge! How did it feel when Matt announced that you'd won?

I was over the moon because I adore asos. I always go on the website, so when we came in and I saw the asos sign I nearly broke the sound barrier cause I was screaming my head off! I was completely in my element all day.

You had to style a summer outfit as part of the challenge. Tell us about your winning outfit.

I chose a little summer dress in nude colours and paired it with a pair of cream peep toes and a bag to match, and then some bold jewellery. When you go onto the asos website the models look really simple but stylish, so I thought I'm gonna try and stick with that.

How have you enjoyed your modelling job with us?

I've really enjoyed it. It was a bit weird at first, getting the confidence back, but as the day went on I warmed up and really got into it. Everyone's been lovely, and it's nice to get a taster of a real modelling job.

Who or what inspired you to give modelling a try?

Nobody to be honest - I think that modelling is something that every girl dreams of, so I just thought I'd give it a shot.

Who are your favourite models?

I absolutely adore Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Gisele Bündchen - they're just gorgeous.

What's it like seeing yourself on TV?

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I was really dreading it at first because it's not scripted or anything, it's just us being natural. But I think I've been myself right the way through so I just hope people like my personality.

And is there any gossip from the series you want to share with us?

Erm...I've probably forgotten it all now! I'm gonna keep schtum about where I came though...

Ok - we tried! Tell us about the judges instead - are they as fierce as everyone thinks?

The judges were terrifying on elimination day but lovely people. Jerry Defoe knew exactly what he wanted, and he told it to you straight. Lisa Snowdon was really caring and genuine. I met her a couple of times in one-to-ones and she really seemed to care about how we were feeling - the same with Huggy Ragnarson. So we felt really supported.

And finally, what's your favourite thing about modelling?

My favourite thing about modelling is you get to wear new clothes and have your hair and make-up done - you come in looking like death, they sort you right out and you go out looking like this big, glamorous model! The hair and make-up is definitely a perk.

Charlotte, you're most definitely an asos girl.

If you missed last night's episode, catch it again at the following times...

LIVING - Tuesday 13th @ 8pm
LIVING2 - Friday 16th @ 10pm
LIVING - Saturday 17th @ 7pm
LIVING - Sunday 18th @ 12pm

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Thoughts_please_3

Daily Shop - Too Good To Miss Tuesday

Today's Daily Shop - Asos Leather Flat Gladiator Sandals

It's no coincidence that Gladiators returned to our screens at the weekend - they couldn't be more on-trend at the moment.

No, we're not suggesting you don some skin-tight lycra, grab a pugel stick and flick your hair like a maniac. Instead, we're recommending that you invest in this season's must-have shoes - gladiator sandals.

Loved by the likes of Kate Moss and Kimberly Stewart, and seen on the runways of everyone from D&G to Etro, gladiators are most definitely where it's at this season - the kind that doesn't involve conquering the Travelator, that is...

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Sex and the City World Premiere - Best of the Rest

Of course, it wasn't just Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda that took to the red carpet for the Sex and the City premiere last night - a whole host of celebs turned out to steal a first look at the most hotly-anticipated film of the year, including Daisy Lowe, Kimberly Stewart and the Sugababes.

And, when you're sharing the red carpet with four of TV's most revered style icons, the pressure's on to look super fashion-forward. The girls did themselves proud, though - from pops of bright colour on shoes and frocks, sexy studding, sparkling dresses and stacked bangles, the red carpet was a never ending fashion show.

Take a look at our pick of the best of the rest...

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Sex and the City World Premiere - All The Dresses!

After much umming and ahhing about where it would take place, the Sex and the City world premiere did take place in London's Leicester Square last night after all. And so, in honour of the occasion, we put on our biggest corsage and got ourselves down there to catch a glimpse of the famous foursome...

Sarah Jessica Parker, style icon that she is, pushed the fashion boundaries like never before in an ever-so flamboyant headpiece. Whilst it may not be to everyone's liking, there's no denying that her fitted green dress by Alexander McQueen was beautiful and oh-so-right for the occasion - Carrie would have been proud.

Kim Cattrall and Kristen Davis both chose red dresses for their red carpet moment, Kim pairing hers with sexy strappy black sandals whilst Kristen went for feminine cream peep toes - almost a reflection of their characters in their shoes.

And finally there was Cynthia Nixon, who - dare we say it - stole the show from her fellow cast mates in an amazing deep-plunging black maxi dress accessorised with sparkling earrings.

Stay tuned for more from the red carpet...

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May 12, 2008

Don't Forget - Watch asos on BNTM Tonight at 9pm!

As we told you at the end of last week, asos.com will feature on Britain's Next Top Model on Living TV at 9pm tonight - so be sure to tune in! Or at the very least Sky+ it...

And to whet your appetite, check out another exclusive sneak preview video on our Facebook page (and sign up as a fan if you haven't already).

Eat your heart out, Mr. J - our Creative Director Matt is far fiercer than you!

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Daily Shop - Must-Have Monday

Today's Daily Shop - Wonderbra

After a classic Little Black Dress and a wear-with-everything pair of jeans, what tops the list of top must-have fashion items? Well, according to The Clothes Show viewers, it's a Wonderbra - as revealed by a recent survey for the TV show.

Not that we're surprised - we've long been followers of this religion in underwear. Infamous for making the absolute most of what you're naturally blessed with, there's no quicker way to instantly feel a whole lot sexier than by slipping on a Wonderbra.

We're loving the current collection - our favourites from which are below - and we hear for A/W there's a collaboration with Dita Von Teese in the pipeline. That's sure to be a saucy affair...

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Victoria Beckham Recycles a Winning Look

"What's that?" we hear you cry. "Can it be true...Victoria Beckham in same outfit shocker!?"

Well, not quite - but very nearly. The Spice Girl headed back to London yesterday, and arrived at LAX airport sporting a rather familiar outfit - sure, she'd switched the electric blue jeans for a shocking pink pair, but everything else was a dead ringer for an outfit she wore out and about in London just over a year ago. Aviator sunglasses? Check. Black zip-up top? Check. Oversized black bag? Check, check, check.

Still, we can't blame the one they call Posh for recycling this winning outfit - the girl knows how to work a killer pair of coloured denims.

Victorias_recycled_outfit

May 09, 2008

Date For Your Diary: Watch asos on BNTM This Monday!

No doubt you've been loving the new series of Britain's Next Top Model (if you're lucky enough to have Living TV, that is). There's been all the usual crying, catfights and catwalking, but things are about to get a whole lot hotter - as this week, the girls come to asos.com HQ!

Be sure to tune in this coming Monday at 9pm to get a little behind-the-scenes glimpse at your favourite online fashion store, and to find out what our fabulous Creative Director, Matt Setchell, makes of the girls. And to get a sneak preview of what's in store, click below to watch an exclusive trailer...

Watch_bntm_on_monday_9pm

Daily Shop - Fashion Fix Friday

Today's Daily Shop - Palmer Cutler Self-Tanning Milk

So, Friday's finally here and it's time for the final essential summer item to complete the look we've building for you this week. You've got the sunnies, the sandals and -most importantly - the white dress, so now what do you need to finish the look? Why, a golden tan, of course!

When it comes to tanning, smart girls fake it (if for no other reason than you don't trust the sunshine we're having will last). And the latest tanning product we've tried and loved is this great tanning milk by Palmer Cutler. It's versatile in that it can be used on your body and face (unlike so many others out there), plus there's the added benefit of being packed with vitamins to give your skin a boost at the same time. And to further boost its credentials, Marie Claire have named it as their online buy of the day.

So all that's left to do is slap it on, don your summer outfit and hit the streets in style...

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Myleene Shines on Her Big Night

She may not have been nominated for an award but, as the event's presenter, Myleene Klass made sure that no one stole the spotlight from her on her big night at yesterday's Classical Brit Awards by wearing not one, but two show-stopping dresses.

Arriving at the event's venue, the Royal Albert Hall, Myleene swept up the red carpet in a stunning bright yellow gown, complete with a very-this-season bow on the front. And for the after party, she continued to work the bright block colour theme in an equally gorgeous red dress.

Mission accomplished.

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May 08, 2008

We Say, You Say - Kelly Brook

Under the style microscope today - a newly single Kelly Brook in LA

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We Say...

The ever-beautiful Kelly Brook seems to have taken Farrah Fawcett as her inspiration for this outfit - note the big hair, checked shirt, high-waist and flared jeans. She gets points for working this season's checked trend, but we're not sure the jeans do her amazing figure justice - sure, they compliment her tiny waist, but they also emphasise her curvy hips. Flares work well on curvy figures though, and the kick on this pair goes some way to balance her out. All in all a good outfit - we still reckon Billy Zane must be gutted to have let this one get away...

You Say...

Lauren_lane_2 Lauren Lane, 29, Yummy Mummy from Manchester

This outfit is cool, relaxed and easy to wear. Kelly looks great in her check shirt and high-waisted jeans combo, with peep toe heels giving her extra height and making her legs look even longer. The checked shirt balances out Kelly’s hips really well and the clutch bag gives the outfit a more dressed up feel, perfect for lunch in the sunshine (note the fab shades!). Kelly is a great role model as she makes clothes work for her curvaceous figure where others sometimes fail, showing that even some tricky trends can be worn whatever your shape.

What do you say? Leave your comments below...

Daily Shop - Fight You For It Thursday

Today's Daily Shop - Roberto Cavalli Aviators

With the sun shining as brightly as it is, you'd best make sure you're protecting those peepers of yours. And to do the job, may we recommend this classic pair of aviators from the God of Glamour himself, Roberto Cavalli. Adding a glossy touch to the essential summer outfit we've been building for you with this week's Daily Shops, invest in these and we guarantee you'll wear them again and again and again...

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Coleen Has Her Summer Style Sorted

The sun came out in Manchester yesterday, and Coleen McLoughlin took this as a perfect opportunity to do what she does best - hit the shops. Any excuse, really...

Heading out with fiancé Wayne Rooney, the Liverpudlian lady got her summer look just right with a crisp embroidered dress (that's not too dissimilar to Monday's Daily Shop dress), a pair of lilac flip flops and good old superstar aviator sunglasses. With her ponytail bouncing in the summer breeze, she was the epitome of laidback summer style.

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May 07, 2008

Sienna's Quick Dash (and Wardrobe Change) at LAX

A smiley Sienna Miller made a frantic quick dash through LAX airport in Los Angeles yesterday - and changed her bag in a flash whilst doing so.

Evidently worried that she'd miss her flight back to the UK (and boyfriend Rhys Ifans), Sienna arrived at the airport wearing a stripy dress and leather jacket over leggings, her ever-faithful Ugg boots and a big cream coloured bag, and broke into a run upon leaving her car.

However, being the style icon that she is, she still found time to decide that the bag she was carrying simply wouldn't do and switched it for a pink one (leaving her poor male assistant to carry the other one). Which just proves that it doesn't matter how busy and important you are - there's always time for a quick wardrobe change.

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Daily Shop - Want It On Wednesday

Today's Daily Shop - ASOS Leather Metal Trim Flat Sandals

Continuing this week's special summer must-haves theme, today's Daily Shop is this great pair of sandals. Gorgeous in their own right, we also think they'd be perfect paired with yesterday's Rainbeaux dress. And, as they're made from real leather, you can wear them all summer long without getting a case of the dreaded "sandal rub"...

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Nicole and Joel Hit Stella McCartney's Party

We simply can't get enough of Nicole Richie at the moment. Ever since she welcomed daughter Harlow into the world, she's looked almost serene - even when she's been make-up free and dressed in her sweats. Motherhood obviously agrees with her massively.

Leaving the baby at home for the evening, the Simple Life star attended a party thrown by Stella McCartney at her Los Angeles store last night (the day after the Met Gala - we bet her head was sore), and we can't quite communicate how much we love her outfit. Its beauty is in its simplicity - the cream dress is beautiful on its own, but Nicole gives it a fashion edge with a basic leather jacket and black peep toe heels. And we're mad on that multicoloured beaded clutch bag too.

But her sweetest accessory of all? Bespectacled husband-to-be Joel Madden - the pair are absolutely inseparable at the moment, and obviously very much in love. Good to see a La-La Land couple making it, isn't it?

Nicole_and_joel_at_stellas_bash

May 06, 2008

Move Over, Moss! Aggy Releases a Music Video

She may try her hardest to play down the "New Kate Moss" title, but Agyness Deyn's career continues to mirror that of Ms. Moss.

She's taken the modeling world by storm in the last year or so, much like Kate did when she first broke into modeling. She's got the rock star boyfriend in the form of The Paddingtons' Josh Hubbard. And she's most definitely got the signature style.

And now Aggy's gone and got herself a music video to rival La Belle et La Bete, Kate's duet with ex-boyfriend Pete Doherty. Linking up with hot new NY rockers Five O'Clock Heroes, Aggy lends vocals to new single Who, and looks as cool as ever in the video - there's plenty of trademark masculine oversized shirts, hats and leather jackets. And when she opens her mouth to sing, gone is the broad Manc accent that thrilled us on Friday Night with Jonathon Ross and in its place is an angelic voice akin with birdsong.

Ok, perhaps we're getting a bit over-excited (you know we love her). But she can actually sing, which is a relief - it's all too easy for vocally-challenged celebs to be lured into releasing a single.

Thoughts please!

Daily Shop - Too Good To Miss Tuesday

Today's Daily Shop - Rainbeaux Peasant Embroidered Tea Dress

Hurrah for the sunshine! We couldn't be more thrilled that the sun's finally come out to play - it means we can finally start wearing all those clothes we've been stock-piling since, oh, January. And, in celebration of the glorious weather, this week's Daily Shops will detail your absolute must-have summer items - think of it as an instant summer outfit...

And we begin with this gloriously summery dress from Rainbeaux. It's white (the perfect summer shade), short (so best get tanning those legs now) and we love the embroidered detailing. In short, it's the essential "wear all season long" dress.

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Best Dressed: Met Costume Institue Gala

The glitterati descended on New York in their finest frocks this weekend for one of the fashion calendar's hottest events - the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts. With this year's theme set as 'Superheroes: Fashion & Fantasy', the scene was well and truly set for some stellar outfits. We've handpicked our fashion favourites from the evening - and identified the trends the celebs were working...

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Kate Moss was, in our eyes, the star of the red carpet last night. Arriving with best mate Stella McCartney, her oh-so-pretty pale pink Grecian-esque dress, finished with a shiny silver belt, was a real show-stopper. Continuing the whimsical theme, Claudia Schiffer arrived with fashion supremo Valentino in a baby blue one-shouldered gown, whilst Scarlett Johansson wore a corseted frock by Italian duo Dolce & Gabbana.

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Whilst Ashley Olsen chose the safe option and wore classic black, twin sister Mary-Kate shone in a glittering gold gown. Other starlets shimmering in metallics included popstrel Hilary Duff, who wore a heavily embellished strapless number, and Diane Kruger, who paired her shiny grey mini dress with a great pair of pink peep toes.

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A lick of colour was the order of the day for Kate Bosworth, Eva Longoria Parker and Eva Mendes, with all ladies ensuring they stood out on the red carpet. Kate added a futuristic touch to her multicoloured paisley print dress with clear perspex sandals, whilst Desperate Housewives actress Eva plumped for a gorgeous deep purple gown. Eva M meanwhile wore a vivid shade of turquoise which set off her golden tan. Somebody's obviously been on their holidays...

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Leave it to Mrs Beckham to strike a pose. Victoria put her most fierce foot forward in a white lace gown split to the thigh, whilst David complimented her look in his classic tux. Dita Von Teese also opted for monochrome in a fabulous feathered number, whilst Emmy Rossum showed off her curves in a fitted black and white lace dress.

May 02, 2008

We Say, You Say - Heidi Montag

Under the style microscope today - Heidi Montag on The Letterman Show

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We Say...

When it comes to the girls of The Hills, we will always be Team Conrad. However, if Lauren can put her and Heidi's differences aside for the front cover of Rolling Stone, then so can we. And we're glad we have, otherwise we might have missed this, quite frankly, beautifully feminine lace trimmed dress. It's so very pretty that it's almost a shame Heidi's paired it with a deep tan and shiny golden ringlets - we'd like to see it with free-flowing hair and an English rose complexion. Still, that's Heidi, and she works her look well - we especially like those gold lace-up sandals...

You Say...

Aimee_koucha_2Aimee Koucha, 17, Student from High Wycombe

Heidi Montag takes a step up from her usual casual attire on The Hills here in this amazing dress. The lace detail adds a great feminine touch and makes this a perfect choice for spring. Heidi is bang on trend with her cut out detail heels which draw attention to her gorgeous bronzed legs. A simpler hairstyle may have complimented the dress better, but overall this outfit is a definite thumbs up for me!

Want to have your say? If you'd like to write for the ASOS.com Blog 'We Say, You Say' feature, simply email us on blog@asos.com - include your name, age, occupation and location and we'll email you back.

Daily Shop - Fashion Fix Friday

Today's Daily Shop - this works

The top-of-the-range, must-have beauty brands just keep coming at the moment. The latest one to arrive on site is this works, the natural bath, body and skincare range from former Vogue Beauty Director, Kathy Phillips.

Made from only the highest calibre of raw materials, and incorporating elements of aromatherapy, the range comes in simple, chic, oh-so-bathroom-worthy packaging. And if the Vogue link didn't convince you, then perhaps the fact that the Active Serum won a Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence award will.

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Cameron Smiles Again - With a Little Help From Ashton

Having been absent from recent press events for her new film, What Happens in Vegas, due to the sad and sudden death of her father last month, Cameron Diaz returned to the red carpet last night - and did so in winning style.

Sporting a super-tight red mini dress, black stilettos and her usual mega-watt grin, Cam was accompanied to the Los Angeles premiere by co-star Ashton Kutcher (who was working a distinctly Marc Ronson-esque look with his floppy hair and checked jacket 'n' tie combo). The event seemed to cheer Cameron massively, with her and Ashton dancing, pulling faces and generally larking about for the paps.

Which has left us thinking - as much as we think Demi Moore is hot, hot, hot, it's kind of a shame that Ashton isn't available. Wouldn't he and Cam make a great couple?

Cameron_and_ashton

May 01, 2008

EXCLUSIVE - We Talk Beauty With Girls Aloud's Nicola

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With Nicola Roberts' Dainty Doll make-up range - developed especially for pale-skinned girls in conjunction with Jelly Pong Pong and for the TV show The Passions of Girls Aloud – proving so popular with you ladies, we figured it was high time we spoke to the Girls Aloud beauty about it. Here's what she had to say when we chatted earlier today...

First of all, congratulations on the Dainty Doll range. It was obviously a very personal project for you - what was your motivation behind it?

I've always had a problem finding make-up products for pale skin - there are products for light and fair skin, but nothing for really pale - so I understood the issue girls were facing. I spent a good few years hiding behind fake tan, but it didn't make me happy. But when I stopped using it, I found there was absolutely nothing make-up wise for me - everything was always 3-4 shades too dark. It was an absolute nightmare and I just felt it wasn't fair - every woman's entitled to feel beautiful, but I didn't have the tools I needed. So I decided to do something about it.

And so you teamed up with Jelly Pong Pong...

Yes, when Jelly Pong Pong came along I was just really excited to be given the chance to do something so personal yet so unbelievably challenging. It was a whole new ball game for me, having joined the band when I was 16. It was nice to be able to take something on that I was in control of and that it was all my fault, theoretically, if it all went wrong.

How difficult did you find it to ditch the fake tan and embrace your natural skin tone?

I first started wearing fake tan when I got into the band, because being pale was something I couldn't deal with - I absolutely hated it. In my mind, pale wasn't pretty; everyone who people thought were gorgeous or pretty were always tanned and golden. I thought I was ugly. It wasn't until I got a little older and I started to look at people like Lily Cole that I saw how unique they looked, and I thought "my skin is the same colour as that".

So it was quite a brave move to embrace your individuality. How supportive have the other girls and your fans been?

When I was wearing fake tan, all the other girls would say "Nicola, your skin colour is beautiful" but I was just not having any of it. I would never get changed in front of the girls; I was too embarrassed. So the girls have been very supportive of the move, and the fans have been just as brilliant.

Here at Asos.com we're very excited to be the exclusive stockists of Dainty Doll - what were your thoughts when you found out we'd be selling it?

I thought it was brilliant! I'm always on the site, I love it. My sister is addicted too - I'm always asking where her shoes or tops are from and she'll say "asos". So when Hilary, our manager, told me you'd be selling it I was made up.

Since it launched a couple of weeks ago it's been incredibly popular - how does it feel to know it's been a success?

I was so surprised. I was nervous to begin with because I knew how long it had taken me to be comfortable in my skin, so I worried that everyone might still want to do the fake tan thing. It's brilliant.

Well, there are obviously a lot of pale-skinned girls out there who you've made very happy! Finally, what words of advice would you give to porcelain girls out there still wearing fake tan and bronzer?

Stop hiding. Enjoy being pale, enjoy all the beautiful colours you can wear, and be proud of yourself!

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Daily Shop - Fight You For It Thursday

Today's Daily Shop - Asos Watches

As bona fide fashionistas, we're loyal advocates of the age-old "always arrive fashionably late" motto. And now we'll be adhering to this rule in style with the new range of asos watches that have just arrived on site.

The two in the picture below are our favorites from the range - for glam girls, there's delicate silver, diamante-encrusted pieces, whilst more edgy girls will love the chunky, square-faced design.

Perfect wrist wear.

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Stop Press! Ashley Olsen Smiles for the Paps

Something's obviously tickled Ashley Olsen.

The super stylish twin attended a Harper's Bazaar cocktail party earlier this week in New York and, instead of her usual superstar pout, the actress broke with tradition and gave the paps a great big smile as she posed with jeweller David Yurman. What gives, Ash?

Perhaps she was secretly very pleased with her outfit - the black mini dress is rather basic, but we'd be grinning too if we'd managed to get our hands on those gorgeous baby blue sandals from Balenciaga. *Sigh!*

Ashleyo_cracks_a_smile

April 30, 2008

Exclusive Sneak Peek - High Summer Collection Preview

If you're wondering what you'll be wearing come high summer this year, then you're about to find out!

The great and the good from the ever-glamorous fashion media descended on asos.com earlier this month to view our up-and-coming high summer collection and share their views on what to buy for this years summer essentials.


In this exclusive insider video clip we give you a sneak preview of what’s due online in the coming months at asos.com. The high summer collection will be arriving on site throughout May - so start working on your wish list now!

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We Fall a Little More In Love With Gisele

Reasons we want to be Gisele Bündchen...

1. Those incredibly long limbs

2. That tan

3. She's dated Leonardo DiCaprio

4 - She has her own footwear range (which she launched in Berlin yesterday, below) - just think of the freebies! And some of the profits go to a Brazilian water-aid chairty - we love a socially conscious celeb

5 - She's ker-aaazy, as this picture clearly proves. In a good kind of way, you understand...

6 - Did we mention Leonardo?

We_heart_gisele