Saturday, 5 July 2014

Liverpool and Barcelona agree £63m fee to clear path for Suarez switch

Liverpool and Barcelona were inching towards an agreement for Luis Suarez on Friday night.
Catalan TV stations reported that a fee of £63million was agreed with Suarez handed a five year deal that would make him their fourth highest paid player behind Lionel Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta.
Liverpool are continuing to negotiate though and want to establish whether there is a chance of signing Alexis Sanchez.
Done deal: Luis Suarez has played his last match for Liverpool, say reports, with his move to Spain settled
Done deal: Luis Suarez has played his last match for Liverpool, say reports, with his move to Spain settled

On the move: Liverpool and Barcelona have agreed a £62.5million deal to secure Suarez's departure to La Liga
On the move: Liverpool and Barcelona have agreed a £62.5million deal to secure Suarez's departure to La Liga

Controversy: Suarez's World Cup ended in disgrace when he was banned for four months after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini
Controversy: Suarez's World Cup ended in disgrace when he was banned for four months after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini
Arsenal remain favourites for Sanchez but Manchester City and United have expressed interest, as have Juventus. 

Sanchez is flying from Santiago, Chile to Barcelona to discuss the offers on the table.
An announcement on Suarez is expected with Barcelona hoping to break the news officially on Sunday.
Suarez could make a swift return to England with Barcelona due for pre-season training at the FA's St George's Park on July 28, although Suarez will not be able to train under the restrictions of his four month ban.
Liverpool, meanwhile, may move on from defensive target Dejan Lovren with Southampton insisting he is not for sale after rejecting their second bid of £15million plus add-ons. The 24-year-old will be fined if he fails to report to pre-season in two weeks' time but Southampton don't wish to sell. Southampton have also rejected Cardiff’s £3m bid £3m for defender Jose Fonte
Arsenal have pipped Liverpool to the signing of HJK Helsinki goalkeeper Hugo Keto, 18, a Finland U19 international, and remain favourites for Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez. Manchester City and United have expressed interest as have Juventus.
Meanwhile, Malaga want to take Manchester City’s signing Bruno Zuculini on loan as part of the deal for keeper Willy Caballero. Villarreal and Deportivo have also asked to take him on loan.
In action: Suarez is appealing his four-month footballl-wide ban
In action: Suarez is appealing his four-month footballl-wide ban
Support: Suarez shows his appreciation to the hundreds of fans who camped outside his mother's house
Support: Suarez shows his appreciation to the hundreds of fans who camped outside his mother's house
Wanted man: Liverpool want Alexis Sanchez from Barca but face competition from Manchester City and United
Wanted man: Liverpool want Alexis Sanchez from Barca but face competition from Manchester City and United


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Yorkshire goes bike crazy with more than 1million people lining the streets for the opening stage of the historic race (even William, Kate and Harry couldn't keep away)

ore than one million cycling fans are lining the streets of Yorkshire for the historic opening stage of the Tour de France, which has been officially started by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
For just the second time in history, the race started in Britain with the 198 riders lining up in the centre of Leeds for the Grand Depart.
The city was packed with spectators for the opening stage, which sees the cyclists embark on a 120 mile route through the Yorkshire Dales to the spa town of Harrogate.
Prince William, Kate and Harry were at the starting line at Harewood House in Leeds to officially start this year's Tour de France
Prince William, Kate and Harry were at the starting line at Harewood House in Leeds to officially start this year's Tour de France
The Duchess of Cambridge was given the honour of cutting the ribbon, which symbolises that the Tour de France is officially underway
The Duchess of Cambridge was given the honour of cutting the ribbon, which symbolises that the Tour de France is officially underway
Kate looks delighted as she officially declares that the 101st Tour de France is underway as she cuts the ceremonial ribbon, helped by Prince William and Prince Harry
Kate looks delighted as she officially declares that the 101st Tour de France is underway as she cuts the ceremonial ribbon, helped by Prince William and Prince Harry
The royals will also be in Harrogate later today at the end of the first stage to meet the competitors, and the Duchess is expected to present the winner with the yellow jersey
The royals will also be in Harrogate later today at the end of the first stage to meet the competitors, and the Duchess is expected to present the winner with the yellow jersey
Kate and Williams shook hands with the lead Tour de France competitors ahead of the race beginning at Harewood House in Leeds
Kate and Williams shook hands with the lead Tour de France competitors ahead of the race beginning at Harewood House in Leeds 
Competitors were given the royal send off at Harewood House, near Leeds where both Kate, William and Harry gathered with the Duchess of Cambridge, dressed in a bottle green coat with grey clutch bag, being given the honour of cutting the ribbon.
She is also expected to present the stage winner with the yellow jersey later this afternoon when the first stage ends at around 4.30pm.
Before the race began, the cyclists took off their helmets and were greeted with a rendition of both the French and British national anthems, performed by the Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers.
Along with the Duke and Prince Harry, she chatted with the lead riders, including reigning Tour champion Chris Froome.
Loud cheers also erupted from the crowd as the RAF's Red Arrows performed a flyover that left a trail of red, white and blue vapour - the national colours of France and the UK.

The race will see the peloton make its way through scores of towns and villages along the route with crowds cheering them on.
Although the Tour started in the middle of Leeds, the teams do not compete for the first eight miles and the race properly began in the grounds of Harewood House, with the Red Arrows also flying overhead.
The British contingent among the huge crowds expected on the route will be hoping that Mark Cavendish is first across the finish line in Harrogate more than four-and-a-half hours later.
Mr Cavendish's mother lives in the spa town and the ideal end to the day for many of those watching will be him sprinting to victory and securing the yellow jersey.
British hopes are also lying with last year's Tour de France champion Chris Froome, who is defending his title, although 2012 winner Sir Bradley Wiggins will not be competing.
The spa town of Harrogate is already filling up with spectators, where the first stage will end later this afternoon. The winner will receive the first yellow jersey of the competition
The spa town of Harrogate is already filling up with spectators, where the first stage will end later this afternoon. The winner will receive the first yellow jersey of the competition
The usually quiet North Yorkshire dales are filling up with spectators for the Tour de France. Fans have been gathering in Buttertubs, pictured, which marks the steepest and most dangerous section of today's race
The usually quiet North Yorkshire dales are filling up with spectators for the Tour de France. Fans have been gathering in Buttertubs, pictured, which marks the steepest and most dangerous section of today's race
Residents in the town of Skipton have decorated their house in anticipation of welcoming the opening stage of the Tour de France
Residents in the town of Skipton have decorated their house in anticipation of welcoming the opening stage of the Tour de France
The royal visitors will be at the finish line to welcome the leaders and the peloton.
Residents in villages along the route have hung bunting in the race's signature canary yellow in their towns and villages, and have painted phone boxes to match.
A large banner in the shape of the yellow jersey has been draped over the roof of the historic York Minster cathedral, and the famous race leader's jersey also adorned the statue of the Black Prince in Leeds.
Even animals are not immune from cycling fever. Farmers have spray-painted their sheep and alpacas in yellow, green and red polka dots to match the various winners' jerseys.
Enthusiastic fans sporting black and white striped tops, berets, strings of garlic around their necks and bushy moustaches have taken to their bikes in homage to the French - who invented the race 101 years ago.
The red, white and blue flags of France and Great Britain have been draped across the front of shops and pubs as businesses race to embrace the visitors travelling from across the Channel for the start of the Tour.
Weather forecasters say the riders should be blessed with a mostly sunny day with the prospect of an odd shower.
Up to three million people are expected to watch the Tour's two-day visit to Yorkshire.
Tomorrow the riders arrive in York for a stage taking in some of the most challenging climbs in Britain, ending in Sheffield.
And, on Monday, the Tour moves south to Cambridge and a stage ending on The Mall, in central London.
The Tour de France is now in its 101st first year and the 2,277-mile, 21-stage race ends in Paris on 27 July.


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Be an Up-town girl in Kate's Rag & Bone shoulder bag


She’s known for her barely-clothed body with her trademark hourglass curves, but model Kate Upton knows how to bag a fashion-forward daytime look.
The stunning 22-year-old was spotted wearing Rag & Bone’s ever stylish white croc shoulder bag which is both pragmatic and pretty with its foldover strap and slit pockets for optimal organisation. We’re using the small pocket to keep our list of Upton-esque bikinis to buy before our hols.
Available from the Rag & Bone site at £522, you can buy Kate’s white crocodile skin accessory now, unless you’re murmuring ‘see ya later alligator’ to the price tag. In that case, we have some awesome lookalikes on the high street selected just for you.
Asos’ multi compartment quilted shoulder bag looks much more opulent than its £25 label, and Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag feature gold hardware is still an affordable £189.10. We’d style ours with our favourite floral summer dress and espadrille wedges for an evening stroll along the beach.


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You can't fail to have a good time in a brightly coloured skater dress like Myleene Klass

Myleene Klass has always seemed rather pristine to us in a butter wouldn't melt kind of a way so it's seriously refreshing to see her letting her hair down and partying to the max (she seems to be guzzling mineral water as opposed to champagne but still!)

So what's brought this on we hear you cry? Maybe it's her dress's fault. You see you can't just blend in with the furniture in a fluro print dress - especially if it's made in a skater shape. This dress wants to spin around and party and its wearer absolutely has to follow suit.

This sort of dress will take you from summer's day to balmy evening with ease - simply add heels. Fashion Finder's favourite is the French Connection Belle Garden Dress - monochrome picked out with slashes of turquoise.


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Perfect your summer style in Pippa's black wedges


She’s often spotted hopping around Chelsea members clubs or smiling from ear to ear at a tennis match, but today Pippa gave us another reason to want to be in her shoes.
Pippa looked gorgeous and particularly trendy in her plaid grey trousers and boxy white blouse which she paired with a black Aspinal of London handbag and gorgeous Jaeger wedges. A royally good outfit choice.
Lengthening her slim limbs in the black leather espadrille heels, Pippa looked both stylish and comfortable as she dashed about Chelsea in her soigné attire. Yes, we agree, the perfect shoes for a summer evening.
If these are the shoe for you, then head to LK Bennett's website now to pick up some before it's too late! Otherwise, there are an abundance of similar pairs available online.
Carvela’s Kut wedges are a great replica at £120, whilst Park Lane’s more casual espadrille versions are on sale at £45. Team with a loose-fitting dress and a waist belt with an oversized floppy hat and you’ll soon steal Pippa’s style throne.


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Get Grace's poolside look in a classic blue bikini



As one of our favourite of the new TOWIE cast members, Grace has really caught our eye in the wardrobe department.
From her floor-skimming maxi dresses, to her simple skinny jeans and towering heels, this Essex girl sure knows how to put an outfit together. And, despite wearing considerably fewer layers on holiday, her look translates pretty well to the beach too.
Between them the whole crew seemed to have packed the contents of the entire British high street into their overflowing suitcases this summer (god forbid they wear anything more than once!). And, they might have swapped Marbs for Mallorca but these two sure know how to pack a punch by the pool.
A classic triangle two-piece is the ultimate holiday staple and, if you're keen to jazz up your beach look, a spot of colour-blocking and/or embellishment is a must. So, pick up Grace’s diamante-trimmed bikini by clicking through to Bondi Couture’s website now, or shop our favourite alternatives to find your perfect fit.




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Show your wild side in a bold leopard print dress


Is there any better advert for her new collection than Myleene herself donning these gorgeous designs? The 36-year-old was looking stunning as she rocked up to yet another day's filming on Loose Women in this daring leopard-print dress from her new Littlewoods range.
Teaming this simple strapless dress with a pair of patent nude platforms and a simple pony tail, Myleene proved that animal print is still a winner when it comes to dressing for the new season. Whether you style it down with a leather biker jacket and sandals or dress it up with sky high stilettos, this wardrobe staple is guaranteed to get you noticed.
So, if you’re keen to rock this sophisticated look now, click through to Littlewoods to pick one up before it’s too late. Otherwise, we’ve done the leg work for you and chosen our favourite alternatives from the endless array of wild dresses out there. Mela Loves London's dress (below) is a super cute way to work this bold hue into your evening wardrobe. Team with minimal jewellery and killer heels to maximise the impact.


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Channel Chelsea chic with Pippa's Aspinal tote


As she strolled around West London, Pippa Middleton was the epitome of sophisticated chic. Teaming her checked trousers with a simple white blouse and LK Bennett’s classic patent wedges, the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister finished off the look with Aspinal of London’s classic Marylebone tote.
Renowned for their elegant and refined designs, Aspinal is a classic British brand favourite by the likes of Fearne Cotton, Mollie King, Millie Mackintosh and, of course, Kate Middleton herself.
Part of their coveted collection of classic styles, the Marylebone Tote is handmade from calf leather and has a distinctly equestrian feel about it, with stand-out black straps and stud detailing. What’s more, with room for all of your precious essentials, it’s the perfect daytime bag and is guaranteed to see you through the seasons.
So, if you’re keel to channel Pippa’s Sloane Square vibe, click on the link to the right to explore Aspinal’s range of classic totes. Alternatively, we’ve rounded up our favourite high street alternatives for some budget-friendly variety. Wear yours with black skinny jeans and a leather biker jacket.


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Give your look a lift in wedges by Michael Kors


When it comes to style staples for the summer months, espadrille wedges are up there with the best. They'll go with any ensemble you can imagine and will always lend your look that bit of luxe.
Need some inspiration? Look to Melanie Sykes, who cuts a ladylike figure in a navy midi dress, a crossbody bag and these cut out canvas wedges. The espadrille heel adds a whole lot of extra height whilst staying practical. And to prove it, it looks like Melanie is about to hop on the back of a motorbike!
They're by Michael Kors and we love the zip front detail. They're also available in tiger print, colour pop orange and classic black, but this nude hue promises to lengthen those legs effortlessly. But the best thing about them is that they're now in the sale at Daniel Footwear! Click (right) to buy yours now.
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kim Sears and even TOWIE's Billie Faiers can't all be wrong about how wondrous wedges are. So what are you waiting for? But if you'd rather spend a little less on the look, check our espadrille edit below before you invest.


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Make like Sam and invest in some designer sunnies this summer


Essex gal Sam Faiers actually has rather a lot in common with Kim Kardashian. They've both got stylish siblings, are reality television queens, love shopping (judging by those huge yellow Selfridges bags!) and have wardrobes worth a fortune.
But there's one other thing they share too. They don't need the sun to be shining to wear their statement sunglasses! The flat top and square shape of Sam's make them instantly recognisable. They're by Celine and they're exactly the same ones we've spotted countless times on Kim herself. And incidentally she usually sports them with her gym kit too!
Every summer there is one style that's the star of the sunglasses scene, and we reckon these are a serious contender. You do pay the price for such credentials, however, and these will set you back £203. Click (right) to get yours now.
But if you'd rather spend your money on a Selfridges shopping spree, check out the looks for less we've found in our edit below. Topshop's square frames are top of our list, or there's a bargain buy at Asos.


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Update your look with classic monochrome florals

Jessica’s eye-catching Carolina Herrera gown is the ultimate in red-carpet glamour. The simple black floral dress is nipped in at the waist, flattering her figure, with a beautifully flowing layered skirt. Teamed with a simple blow-dry and classic black stilettos, this was the perfect look for the eagerly anticipated event at the White House.
A classic monochrome dress is the definitive party staple. Whether you opt for mini, midi or maxi length, it is guaranteed to keep you looking chic and feminine at once. What’s more, it can be dressed up or down according to the event. Add one of this season’s hottest prints and you’re good to go.
Luckily the high street has some lovely options to help us channel the look. Wear Miss Selfridge's floral skater dress (below) with stand out neon accents for a quirky approach to the look. Or make like Jessica and stick to the classic monochrome vibe, with a slick of red lipstick for added sex appeal.


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Let us present the white disco dress: go forth and sparkle



A wedding dress custom made by Emilio Pucci's Peter Dundas? We don't mind if we do and it looks as though, TV presenter Fearne Cotton definitely didn't mind saying 'I do' to Jesse Wood when wearing it.

Sure it's a traditional shade of ivory but the silver sequinned V embellishment at the neckline give it a thoroughly disco-esque make-over. Well, what do you expect, she's marrying into the Rolling Stones dynasty after all!

And while she may not actually need to recycle her wedding dress, you could definitely get away with wearing it to a smart evening do. Minus the tell-tale bouquet of course.

Unless you're under 12 or heavily into the Pre Raphaelites, a dose of sparkle or embellishment gives a plain white gown some much needed edge.


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Make like Amanda in a cape dress from Maje


First it was Kim Kardashian, then Poppy Delevingne, but now they've got competition for celebrity wedding of the year from Radio One DJ Fearne Cotton!
Of course, all eyes were on her to-die-for Emilio Pucci dress, but we couldn't resist scanning the congregation for the best dressed guest too. And presenter Amanda Byram definitely caught our eye in this colour pop red creation!
Featuring an asymmetric caped back and frill front details, Amanda's dress is by super luxe French label Maje. Fellow brand fans include Cara Delevingne, Kelly Brook and Kate Bosworth, so she's keeping good company. Plus, when paired with Christian Louboutin heels, a Prada bag and a high ponytail, she looked polished to perfection.
But the hottest thing about this dress? It's now half price in the Selfridges sale. Click (right) to get yours now.
Or copying her caped style on the high street isn't actually as challenging as you'd think. This River Island number is a perfect match, or take it to the max in this Topshop dress.


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Update your winter Spring wardrobe with a white fitted blazer


Posing up a storm at the Health Lottery tea party, Chantelle Houghton looked in great spirits as she sported nude heels, a statement necklace and a white suit including this stunning blazer with white buttons.
A great piece for the Summer to update your Winter skater dresses and dark jeans, a white blazer goes with literally everything and is as versatile as a black Winter blazer is during the colder months.
To buy Chantelle's white blazer from Mango click on the link on the right or for alternatives we have chosen our favourite white blazer jackets in our inspiration gallery below. Be bold and wear your with block colours and white stilettos for a truly on trend Summer look.


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