Notes on the Highstreet

Random Korean marshmallow things....

2010-12-03T21:24:00.000Z

Filled with goo... very weird but very cute.

Uniqlo thermals, my husky and me

2010-12-02T13:23:00.000Z

With Southeastern trains having an unbelievable snow fail, and having waited for a few hours for a train before giving up on going into work for today I thought I'd put my Uniqlo thermals to good use and head to the garden with my gorgeous husky.

You can't see them, but I'm wearing thermal tights, a thermal top and thermal shorts (oh yes) under my skirt. Uniqlo are truly the masters of keeping us warm on days like today. I just added the Topshop reindeer socks and my River Island fox hat to keep it chic.

Leopard Crazy

2010-11-11T09:47:00.000Z

Leopard Love by Ellie_Girl featuring platform shoes

Twitter Treasures

2010-10-19T21:38:00.000+01:00

I love twitter, not only because you can get the latest news, bash your least favourite contestants on X Factor and look at weird trends but also because you can learn about hidden shopping gems that you might not have otherwise.

Jewellery by Vanya is an example of this. A beautifully laid out website selling affordable pieces that look like your grandmother's treasured heirlooms. The quirky, cute and thoroughly gorgeous offerings are each more desirable than the last and its all I can do not to put 20 in my basket at a time.

My personal favourites are the bow, gilded leaf and especially the wonderfully simple Lady Lileth Japanese tear drop necklace, I can just picture that adding a little luminosity to any look.

With rings starting at £8 and necklaces at £12 you'd better get shopping before this adorable boutique goes stratospheric... which it most definitely will.

www.jewellerybyvanya.com

The East End Thrift Store

2010-10-18T11:07:00.000+01:00

Last weekend the Boy and I decided to give the East End Thrift Store a visit. Its been over a year since we last went and we weren't disappointed. What was once a loft room stuffed with junk is now a showcase of their best vintage finds. Downstairs you can still find amazing bargains for £10 - and if you're looking for a snowman or reindeer intarsia jumper btw this is definitely the place to go - but upstairs is now like an Aladdin's cave of clothing delight.

I tried on that yellow, blue and red jumper and was about 30 seconds away from buying it before shoppers guilt (and my mothers voice) kicked in and I reluctantly put it back on the hanger, so if you were the lucky person who bought it - good on you!

We then ventured to Brick Lane to have a look in Beyond Retro and some other stores before I declared myself to be 'vintaged-out' much to the Boy's amusement and we headed back west to the more 'modern' world of Topshop. Not before however seeing this bendy bus completely mounted on the curb and making a horrendous mess of trying to reverse.

A good day all round.

Something woolly this way comes

2010-10-12T00:56:00.001+01:00

There was something a little different about Savile Row this afternoon. Some crazy person decided that it would be a good idea to lay down some grass and bring sheep to this famous street. Which crazy person I hear you cry? Well that would be HRH Prince Charles.

He wants us to all use real wool which will apparently help us to look good and save our planet to boot. But eco-postulating aside, it was a novelty to have these beautiful fluffy beings going about their daily business, complete with farmer and sheep dogs.

So buy wool everybody, its warm, wonderful and the Prince of Wales wants us to keep it sheepy.

Keep your eye out for other events in conjunction with National Wool Awareness Week.

Snow is falling...

2010-10-07T23:21:00.000+01:00

Ok, so with the Indian summer that we are supposed to be having this weekend, this jumper seems wildly inappropriate. But with 78 days until Christmas (not that I'm counting) and the promise of yet another freezing winter, I couldn't help smiling to myself when I saw this in Zara today.

Crazy intarsia jumpers are set to be a big thing this winter (when it finally arrives), or so the magazines tell us and this one is just like nanna would have knitted (not mine, but somebody's I'm sure).

With reindeers and Christmas trees adorning both the front and back of this topper, its set to have a very short shelf life - unless you're into post 25th irony when its February- but for a shopper that is all about the here and now, I think its utterly adorable.

I hope to see everyone wearing something this silly come the end of October and if this one takes your fancy, you can but it here for £29.99

Now get out there and start snow dancing.

Fringe benefits

2010-09-30T21:16:00.000+01:00

Its that time of the year again. As soon as it starts to get cold enough to wear hats and snoods and the rain makes my hair frizz uncontrollably I get the urge. So here it is, my annual fringe cut.

I give it six months of bi-weekly hold-your-breath-in-case-they-cut-it-too-short trims before I give it up again to grow it out in time for summer, but for now here it is in all its blunt and thick glory.

Whoopa.

My first ever Chanel purchase (and a couple of monkeys)

2010-09-28T23:22:00.003+01:00

I accompanied my mum to the Cambridge biannual glass fair on Sunday and while she perused the selections by Whitefriars, John Walsh and various other design houses that mean nothing to me, I managed to find a name I recognised amongst the crowd.

A rather lovely gentleman was selling these vintage Chanel bottles for £5 each, but thanks to my charm and sparkling smile(or something like that), he threw in the bigger one for free.

Its not quite a 2.55, but not bad for a first purchase. I can't stand the smell so I've never bought the perfume - also I am fully aware that owning the fragrance does not a designer owner make, otherwise I'd be boasting a selection of Viktor and Rolf, Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier goodies (I wish).

My See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil monkeys are apparently from the 1930s, but as I found them and thier price particularly charming (£4) I decided to add them to my newly created perfume bottle collection.

So far I have three....

Is that roadkill on your head?

2010-09-25T18:16:00.000+01:00

Theres nothing better than posing in front of random brick walls in a busy Guildford on a Saturday afternoon. 

Other than feeling a bit silly, I just wanted to share my new purchase with the world. A hat that would make a Russian Tsar proud - Topshop £20.

The rest of my look:

Coat - Borrowed from the boy, Jumper and Shorts- H&M, Necklace - A present from Love From Hetty And Dave (Blog post to follow)

Guess what shoes I was wearing?

Hello New Season

2010-09-19T23:20:00.000+01:00

Love.Want.Need

2010-09-17T21:23:00.003+01:00

Ashish has gone all Francais on us with his new range for Topshop and created an awesome range of basics - with added ooh la la. (Sorry, couldn't help it)

This is my personal favourite, comfy, grey (very important)and makes the right kind of statement ('hello'- genius).

£60 www.topshop.com

Put a hat on it

2010-09-14T21:51:00.000+01:00

I have a thing about little hats. I don't own a single one, just the usual beanies and winter warmers, but If I were to get a little perching one, it would certainly be this one. My head is notoriously adverse to head gear, but in order to complete that barbershop quartet look I was clearly going for here, I think that this fabulous topper from My Sugarland should be top of my wishlist.

Photograph courtesy of the fabulous Abi from www.iamabimarvel.wordpress.com

Photo editing by me and the wonderful Picnic and Picasa!

Eltham Palace Art Deco fair

2010-09-12T21:08:00.008+01:00

Decided to have a mother daughter day on Sunday and what better way to spend it than going to an Art Deco fair at a gorgeous 1930s mansion. As neither of us could drive (me - no license; mum - bad arm) we threw ourselves upon the mercy of the Bromley bus system and miraculously it came through.

Two uneventful bus journeys later and we found ourselves at the beautiful Eltham Palace. A settlement that can be dated back to the 1300s and once counted Henry VII as a resident, only the great hall is still present from those times. In its place is a spectacular residence built by some very rich people in the 1930s and boasts an enormous dome, wood panelling and general Art Deco amazingness. No surprise then that they decided to hold the fair there.

After perusing all the (very expensive) offerings, and being stopped from buying some 1940s satin and lace shorts (someone might have died in them according to my mother) we decided to tour the house then finish the afternoon with a spot of cream tea. Lovely.

Top knot... Top not?

2010-09-09T00:50:00.005+01:00

My attempt at something kooky, cute and avante garde...

I think it was a mild success, but then again I may be in denial about a monumental fashion fail.

My mum certainly thinks so...

Also here is a quick shot of what I was wearing yesterday. The black velvet blazer is a gift from The Boy's grandmother. Its 1970s Jaeger - I was very excited when she insisted I take it home with me.

Oh and I know I wear those shoes in nearly every photo... but they're so damn comfortable!

Northern Adventure

2010-09-07T14:44:00.004+01:00

Hannah Zakari

2010-09-06T23:26:00.006+01:00

I can't even begin to describe the amazingness that is Hannah Zakari. I don't remember exactly how I found out about it, but for years now I have found myself regularly logging on to check out the cute as candy merchandise.

This is the perfect got-to place for super kitsch jewellery, playful prints and everything in-between. Originally set up by jewellery designer Rachael Lamb as a platform for independent jewellery makers, there is now a stand alone store in Edinburgh and a revamp of the online shop just around the corner.

Brands to watch include:

*Michelle Chang* Her tiny silver skulls are amazing, perfect for delicate layering.
*Cosas Minimas* These fabulous prints have a child-like innocence that makes them utterly adorable.
*Eclectic Eccentricity* A collection of vintage and contemporary pieces inspired by a love of knick knacks and cute finds.
*Kate Wilson* Her birdie illustrations won't fail to make you smile.
*Mary Mary Handmade* Smiling lollies and sloths in sterling silver... Need I say more?
*Miso Funky* Singlehandedly bringing the art of cross stitch to the twee lovers in the world.
*Custom Made UK* Cute quirky pieces that pride themselves in being a little different, but completely fabulous.

Once you log on your biggest problem will be deciding how many things you can get away with buying a month!

Check it out here!

Prowling the urban jungle

2010-09-06T14:36:00.004+01:00

Meet my Mulberry Faux-Lexa

2010-09-06T12:35:00.005+01:00

I thought that it was about time that everyone got to meet my *cough cough* Mulberry Alexa shoulder clutch.

Okay, so for those eagle-eyed Mulberry fans out there you can probably notice the instant fail when it comes to my *almost* perfect copy. Yes - as my sister very kindly pointed out: a) the clasp is too shiny, and more importantly b) lacking that iconic mulberry tree.

I forked over £4o (talked down from £80!) on a rainy night in Thailand and haven't regretted it once. Its real leather, has monogrammed lining, real buckles at the front and even if it wasn't bought for its lookalike qualities is a very chic bag in its own right.

I won't be wearing it into the Mulberry shop any time soon (cringe) but I'm just glad that I've managed to get a piece of the Alexa pie - even if I can't stand its namesake.

Along with my faux-ban clubmasters my counterfeit portfolio is beginning to look a little more impressive.

Check out the real version here.

It can only mean one thing...

2010-09-03T00:51:00.001+01:00

Have a great weekend everyone! I'm going t'North.

Alber Elbaz we love you

2010-09-02T09:27:00.011+01:00

Today I heard the very exciting news that this November's H&M designer collaboration will be with none other than Lanvin. While I give you a moment to pick your jaw up from the floor - I know I needed one - I shall take the time to give you a little bit more information. Having always been against a mass market "dress for less"collection, Alber Elbaz is taking the opportunity to inject luxury into the highstreet store. Lanvin isn't going public, H&M is - for November at least - going to have something resembling high fashion class.

So what should we expect? To try and create an affordable version of the French powerhouse sounds impossible and yet come the 23rd of November there it will be. Anybody who loves Lanvin will know that the beauty is in the exquisite lines, the feminine detailing, the contrast of modern design and old world glamour and simply the delicious Frenchness of it all. To bring all this to the wardrobe of a regular girl on a regular salary really is "translating the dream".

I can't wait!

Make like an 80 year old man...

2010-08-31T14:15:00.001+01:00

Car Booty

2010-08-30T14:31:00.004+01:00

Today was possibly the best bargain day of 2010 and I don't give this accolade lightly. Being slightly middle aged in my taste for all things old, junky and antique, the Boy and I decided to go to a local car boot sale. As a highstreet fashionista with limited means of transport, I rarely go to these, but from now on I think I might have to make it a regular occurence.

Above is my selection of goodies that I aquired for the grand sum of £9 (the Ray Bans are my own - I added them for photographic effect).

Yes, I kid you not... the most expensive item was the vintage Hacker radio at a princely £5. Apparently the batteries are £7 each and quite hard to get hold of, so it will make a pretty bookend for the time being.

There is also another handbag which didn't fit in with the colour scheme (its grey - i'm working on my visual appeal). But together with the brown bow-embellished one they cost a please-don't-hate-me £1 each. So so smug right now.

Today's trip has definitely sated the shopping monster for a little while at least, with my current finances taking a spectacular nose dive, it probably won't be long before second hand Primark begins to look attractive. If you have the patience to sort through the piles of junk, George shoes, baby clothes and saggy furniture then there is many a bargain or a gem to be found...

... Mark my words i'll be the one on the Antiques Roadshow claiming to have picked up 'this old thing' for 50p.

A girl can hope.

Mad about the men

2010-08-29T19:30:00.007+01:00

I know that smoking isn't smart and isn't cool, but after watching two series of Mad Men back to back its definitely sexy. I know i'm embarrasingly late off this particular mark but I am now completely enamoured with the whiskey neat, grey flannel suit, crisp white shirt, cinched waist, beautiful bored housewives, smoky sultriness of it all...

So in my attempt to work some old world glamour into my life i've been sporting matching red lips and nails all week. *

As for the cigarettes and scotch on the rocks, I might leave that to the boys...

* The cigarette is a fake - I'm a good girl really

Topshop wishing and hoping

2010-08-23T23:09:00.004+01:00

Topshop Wishlist by Ellie_Girl featuring bow hat

Cloudy days

2010-08-20T17:29:00.001+01:00

Thought I'd do some cloudy nails inspired by the british summer time... I added the suns as wishful thinking.

Street styling at an art installation

2010-08-20T16:49:00.002+01:00

Went to an awful art installation today at the Hayward Gallery which featured a giant lobster and some photocopied rabbits (nope no idea). The best part with this Truman show-esque painted sky wall so I decided to be arty and get a photograph of myself.

Fierce?

2010-08-15T16:26:00.004+01:00

River Island often miss the mark. They get close, so so close, sometimes they even make things that minus the diamantes and the giant self-promoting labels are worth buying. My recent purchase of a unicorn-print bag is a great example (I am a certified expert at sorting the wheat from the chaff - obvs).

But upon browsing their newly restyled website (which FYI is much much better) I came across this... interesing creation. Perhaps attempting to feed off the success of last winter's super cute panda beanie hat, they've gone and given a furry bag ears.

Fur bags I totally get, shearling and fur trims are going to be a huge hit this winter (so we're told) but this is definitely in a league of its own.

Upon reflection its the oddly placed zip that transforms this unfortunate accessory from not just a weird design choice but into a slightly worrying gimp mask meets zippy homage... shudder.

If it still turns you on, you can get it for £24.99 on their snazzy new website.

Swoon

2010-08-12T00:27:00.005+01:00

Today I had a Roger Rabbit moment. The moment I laid eyes on these beautiful boots I could have sworn that my eyes jumped out of my head and my heart started to pound audibly. I have been looking for shoes like these for a long time. Screw the faddy shearling-lined hiking boots, you are forgotten already. These will be my investment in timeless style.

In short: They. Will. Be. Mine.

£160, Carvela, pure unadulterated chic.... classic fashion genius.

H&M stuff and nonsense

2010-08-05T11:45:00.004+01:00

Just discovered this awesome new feature on the H&M website. You take on model in her underwear, dress her in loads of different clothes and you can see how you'd wear them (in an ideal world where I'm skinny and tall) it also helpfully lists the prices.

That poncho is so mine its unreal.

Love the look

2010-08-04T18:13:00.006+01:00

Simple and chic, I absolutely love this look from Asos. As Tyra would say this is H to T modelling, selling me everything from her topknot to those super-cool shearling lined boots. Both the dress and the boots are in my 'save for later' list - however with all this rain making me less inclined to leave the house I have a feeling that they shall be moved to my shopping bag soon enough. £87 seems almost reasonable... but as I sit at home searching for gainful employment I do wonder whether it might be just a little flippant, considering i'm almost certainly going to buy this jacket: (I can't afford Burberry after all...)

HRH Mulberry

2010-07-05T22:29:00.004+01:00

Mulberry's new Margaret line dropped online today and it instantly appealed to my inner country lady (I'm sitting here wearing Hunters and a tweed twinset as I type...). Featuring a crest that celebrates a love of all things British (tea, cake, bulldogs) this fabulous and ever so slightly kitsch range is inspired by royal wildchild Princess Margaret herself (the name gives it away somewhat).

As always they are made from irresistible Mulberry leather and finished to an impeccable standard, now the only dilemma is spend a little or spend ALOT?

Above: A pretty entry piece at an affordable £130. Below: A regal investment in royal blue £495. Decisions decisions...

Green fingers are heaven sent...

2010-07-04T22:34:00.003+01:00

I have spent the past few days shopping like a madwoman for my impending trip to Thailand, so I am sitting in front of my computer feeling well and truly pooped. I've visited Topshop twice, almost got crushed as we pushed our way through the gay pride loving crowds to get to H&M on Regent St (clearly the best one), Millets once (which is enough), John Lewis, Primark (eek), Office and River Island twice and I honestly can say that I haven't even got half of the actually useful stuff that I need, just clothes. And judging by the size of my borrowed backpack, far far too many of those...

So anyway, to treat myself for all my hard work, I thought that I'd give myself not one but two gifts... On top of the fact I've spent almost £300 on god knows what already!

Above my heavenly angel wings ring reduced to £2.5o at Topshop. Perfect apart from the fact it has already turned my finger green... And below, my super amazing unicorn print canvas tote from River Island (don't hate me). They seem to be having a Miu Miu moment (have you seen the shoes?) and I think that this super-cool bag hits just the right balance between cute and chic. I just need to find out how to take off that horrible silver plaque... Any ideas?

Oh and I almost forgot, I also bought myself a pair of white leather Sperry's.

Gah! Just reading back over this makes me cringe slightly.

Well as I am now without gainful employment I may as well spend my last month's salary before its gone!

Delightful doodle

2010-06-29T23:11:00.006+01:00

I was so so pleased when I opened Google today to find that they had a Little Prince dedicated doodle.

This wonderful story is one of my top 10 reads of all time. Combining beautiful illustrations and heartfelt philosophy, I'd recommend it to everyone. Allegedly based on the real near-death experience of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (and his subsequent rescue by a Bedouin boy) this heartfelt read still holds the same magic for me as it did when I was little.

Check it out, you won't regret it.

Says the fox to the prince "We only really see with the heart. The most important things can't be seen with the eyes."

Crystal cupcakes and leopard nails

2010-06-15T23:17:00.000+01:00

Feeling questionably patriotic?

2010-06-15T22:59:00.002+01:00

The wonderful people at Barry M have had a brief relapse of taste and started selling these three Nail Paints together for the discounted price of £6.50 (a saving of £2.35 ooh!) so that all of us can indulge our inner ladette and support the boys. Don't all rush at once...

Style Icon: Sailor Moon?

2010-06-15T20:13:00.004+01:00

Well perhaps not... but as I stepped out in my over-the-knee socks along with a floaty dress, I felt like a cross between that and a Victorian schoolgirl. It takes some guts to go out wearing St Trinians style socks (apparently) and if it weren't for the scruffy boots and boyfriend jumper I would probably have walked around looking like the wrong side of jailbait (especially given the curls and headband combo).

Anyhow... considering I don't really do sexy or elegant or fashion forward I thought I'd post my take on cute.

How much longer can I get away with dressing like a teenager? Hopefully just a little bit longer.

Saturday Adventures

2010-06-13T21:20:00.007+01:00

Who watched the football on Saturday? Who was forced to? I found myself coerced into a deal with the Boy whereby if I didn't cringe (too much) at the car flags and put up with the 'En-ger-lund' war cries at the pub, not to mention the middle aged men wearing football shirts that I would be taken on an adventure that morning.

As readers of this blog know, I am a girl who loves an adventure - not the hiking, camping type mind you, I'm much more the stately homes and cream tea type... Following the huge success of our adventure excursion last year, the Boy and I found ourselves the village of Corfe Castle, the beautifully picturesque hamlet that lies at the foot of castle ruins in Dorset. Having landed on the same day as 'Corfest' the usual £6 fee was wavered by the lovely old ladies from the National Trust (after a hefty yearly membership sales pitch) and we were able to ascend to the castle with the happiness only true freedom can bring.

At the entrance of the castle was a small market and makeshift dog show, so after watching the 'waggiest tail' entrants strut thier stuff(and get their bellies scratched), we took a stroll around the stalls. A jar of pickled eggs, chilli oil, tomato chutney and a bracelet later we moved on to a church book fair where I picked up a copy of The Alchemist for 50p - bargain!

My bracelet is actually intended to be a little girls necklace, but after opting to go for a 'B' bee rather then an 'E' elephant (or the 'P' piglet suggestion by the Boy) I thought I'd be fabulously bohemian/ kitsch and wrap it around my wrist, although I still haven't been able to tie a knot tight enough to get it to stay yet. Knot experts suggestions welcome...
After having a lovely pub lunch we headed to the coast and sat on a stone watching the world go by for a little bit...

... And made it home in plenty of time to watch England draw 1-1 against USA. I kept my promise and was on my best behaviour. Of course A bottle of rose was the perfect way to finish taking the edge off the beautiful game.

Doesn't the Boy look lovely in his sunglasses?

New Shoes!

2010-06-06T19:16:00.004+01:00

Some say they're channelling Chloe others say Alexander Wang... I say nothing because I don't want too many people to know that they are in fact £35 from good ol' M&S.

Having seen them in a shoes campaign in the wonderful Stylist magazine, I knew they had to be mine. I know I should be saving money to spend on investment buys, but when the highstreet is this good I think that they're a fair investment in a good summer. Beyond? I'll think about that later.
My second pair of shoes is thanks to my lovely mother. Today we took a trip the the retail outlet in Ashford (so so chavtastic but they have a Kurt Geiger so I'm not complaining). My mum decided to buy two pair of shoes and thanks to a fantastic offer, you got a third pair for free. So I picked these bejewelled lovelies.

These shoes should see me through the summer, or at least the month but seeing as how I've now handed in my notice in order to taste freelance freedom, these will have to be the last shoes I buy for a while... I will ignore the horror of this situation by decorating my nails, watch this space.

Just needs the cream

2010-06-03T20:51:00.004+01:00

I'm honing my skills... Since investing £25 in a set of nail pens after a fairly convincing sales pitch at Hamleys, I've been playing with them all week. I've run out of fingers (and toes!).

Seeing as its almost Wimbledon season, I thought that strawberries might be wonderfully appropriate... so here they are.

I might start charging soon.

Life's a beach

2010-05-26T23:17:00.006+01:00

I don't want to be one of those boring people who go on and on about how amazing and culturally enriching their holidays are, luckily then that my recent trip was to the wonderful Brits abroad city of Alicante. This really is a completely separate point however.

The one simple piece of learning that I wanted to pass on is this:

Despite the exercising and dieting and fretting, the frantic bikini shopping, last minute daily tanning and excessive consumption of green tea... the moment you get on the sand wearing the same old bikini you always do, none of it matters anymore. So my belly is a belly not a washboard, my boobs aren't mountains and my hips are bigger than they should be... so what? I'm in the sun and along with the truly intoxicating smell of my factor 30 I'm happy.

This is what it comes down to at the end of the day. You will always be bigger than some and smaller than others.

Instead of thinking about the wobbling tummy instead I turned my attention to crazy tanned Germans in thongs (a man!) and people taking a dip actually wearing their underwear (seriously see-through) and countless other weird and wonderful things.... and not once did I regret having eaten that fish finger sandwich before I left.

Now that I'm home however, all the old insecurities are back, they are an inevitable part of who I am but at least now I can see that half the battle is in my head... the other half? Most probably needs to get back on the cross trainer.

Florence chic

2010-05-14T22:40:00.007+01:00

Yesterday I went to see Florence live at Hammersmith, so I thought I'd make a little Florence inspired tableaux... I totally wore flowered tights and plastic flowers in my hair. Love It.

What to wear to see Florence by Ellie_Girl featuring Monsoon accessories

If you had to...

2010-05-13T18:47:00.006+01:00

Seeing as my blog doesn't really touch on the political very often (read: ever) I thought that I'd extend a fun office game to my blog. The rules are fairly simple: if you had to, which of our country's top political leaders would you take back to your castle/bedroom/duck house (delete as appropriate) ?

'Down with the kids' David?

Nick 'Number 2' Clegg?

Or David 'pick me' Miliband?

I know who gets my vote (tee hee) who gets yours?

And people say politics isn't sexy....

Rainbow nails

2010-05-11T22:09:00.003+01:00

In my attempt to start at awesome new trend, I've been painting my nails in a rainbow of colours recently. Above is my latest go... a trend worth following if I ever saw one...

C'mon, you know you want to.

Topshop gives good face

2010-05-11T20:42:00.007+01:00

OMG's all round... So I'm a week late off the mark but I thought I'd inform everyone just how much I LOVE Topshop's new makeup range. Last Thursday lunchtime about eight fellow fashionistas and I ventured to our closest branch of the holy fashion store to sample the sacred goods. We weren't disappointed. Featuring a range of glitter-filled, rainbow-bright, deliciously gooey concoctions and a nail varnish collection that makes Barry M look gaudy and brash (sorry Barry!) I had to set myself a budget.

So after working my way through the green glitter eye crayon and trying nearly every shade of the mint flavoured lip glosses, including orange which in conjunction with the green eyeliner = not so good, I finally decided on my £15 worth of purchases. A black glitter eye crayon, coral nail varnish and 'Hollywood' pink lipgloss later, and £1 over budget its all I'm going to be able to do not to go back again in a few days for my next hit.

Prices start at a teeny weeny £4 and I have it on good authority that they are being made by the wonderful fairies at the MAC factory (oh yes!) these are well worth the money.

Is it Aladdin? Is it Captain Jack? No, it's my harem pants...

2010-04-13T23:34:00.006+01:00

I finally caved to the fashion deities and bought a pair of harem pants a few weeks ago, and as Saturday proved warm enough to show leg flesh, I thought I'd take them for a spin...

Much to the amusement of my family.

I teamed them with a striped cropped T-shirt and white plimsolls to which my mother artfully observed 'I see you've gone for a Parisian pirate look...' Not completely encouraging.

This however was nothing compared to the belly shaking guffaws coming from my sister's boyfriend. Hugely amusing comments along the lines of 'Would you like a sword with that?', 'Where's Abu?' and 'You're not going to tuck them into boots are you?' (Mum) made my house descend into a veritable asylum-worthy laughing fit.

Not to be confused for somebody who takes fashion too seriously, and can't laugh at themselves... I promptly walked out.(On a side note, whilst searching for relevant Aladdin images I've learned that there are some sick people out there who clearly have very strange compulsions to give cartoons body parts they really shouldn't have...)

Uniqlo shopping event

2010-04-13T22:47:00.003+01:00

Upon being informed that thanks to replying to a marketing email from Uniqlo I had 'won' a ticket to their shopping event, I thought I'd drag a friend along for a peruse..

Excited about the free offerings from Yo! Sushi, Paul & Joe makeovers and Vitamin water, and ever so slightly miffed at the fact that they weren't offering any sort of discount, my friend and I joined the mad crowds gathering by the candy coloured jeans (vaguely remeniscant of fruit Mentos btw) . After consuming a tiny (chicken) sushi thing, and collecting my water, my disappointment was almost tangible, until that is we stumbled upon the Paul & Joe Beaute UT T-shirt collection.

Floral, retro and super feminine, I picked a Parisian-esque cat and stripes tee for £12.99, my friend the floral number above, which in turn enabled us to pick up our goody bags (yay!).

How I miss the days that goody bags were de rigeur!

Inside this one:

Jelly Belly jelly beans (yum!)

Malteasers

A romantic chick-lit novel

Aveeno body cream sample

Red 'Victoria & Albert' Nails Inc. nail varnish

Special K cereal bites (eaten before I could take a photo!)

Various vouchers for makeovers I will never claim and discounts I'll never use

The sheer amount of food involved (very un fashion darling) makes me wonder what kind of audience this event was aimed at... the fact I have since consumed all three (sorry diet) means it was probably perfect for me.

Nautical stuff and nonsense

2010-04-09T23:30:00.001+01:00

Spring Stripes by Ellie_Girl featuring Chanel bags

Items in this set:
Acne Wonder stripe t-shirt, 65 GBP
Nautical Striped Sweater Top, $16
Striped cotton skirt, $165
Red Nautical Denim Rope Wedges by See by Chloe Shoes, 165 GBP
Classic nautical loafer, 35 GBP

Double Take

2010-04-01T18:07:00.002+01:00

Work slightly questionable and possibly very ironic cowboy chic this summer...

Above the cool much sought after D&G cowboy boot vest top £90... Below New Look's attempt to ride this trend like the bad wild horse that it is £10.

Yeeha!

Possibly.. Could it work?

2010-03-16T21:11:00.004Z

(Red Shoes £22 - Topshop, Stick-on rhinestones, Black Shoes - £wayoutofmypricerange - Chloé)

Nudes, florals and... sports couture?

2010-03-15T18:59:00.002Z

Today as the sun was out and the temperature was pushing 10 degrees (bliss) I decided to test out a new spring look... So here I am working nudes, florals and a teeny bit of urban sports chic (hmm..), all completely from the highstreet. The floral tank dress is an impulse purchase from good old DP last summer which looks like it might work well this year too.

Also take a second to appreciate my new Ash wedges from Office, my poor attempt at trying to be 'on trend' with this whole sporty cool wedge thing that's going on this season... not sure if I've hit the mark yet, but I shall endeavour to keep trying!

On another note, managed to find a tummy-holding booby-padded onepiece from Matalan for only £10 for my upcoming weekend in Norfolk. Seeing as my body isn't anywhere near being summer ready, this is a fabulous new development.

(Dress - Dorothy Perkins, T-shirt - Urban Outfitters, Tights - Tabio, Boots - Ash, Cardigan - Uniqlo)

Spring nudity

2010-03-14T23:19:00.001Z

Nudes by Ellie_Girl featuring Miu Miu bags

Items in this set:
Nude Drape Pick Up Shirt, 30 GBP
Acne shorts, 135 GBP
Lantern Skirt by Rare**, $60
Lace Vintage Button Shorts, $30
Nude Pull On Mini Skirt, 22 GBP

Nail art

2010-03-14T18:20:00.003Z

Since I posted about my spotted blue and white nails a few weeks ago, an obsession has taken hold. Here are just a few examples of my attempts at dotty nail art recently... there's even an attempt at a leopard print toe.

Apprently the likeness is uncanny

2010-02-28T09:46:00.002Z

A girl can dream I suppose...

Asos have now jumped on the Barbie bandwagon. Not quite as imaginatively as Christian Louboutin, but with a wide range of these lovely ladies in all their trim, toned and beautiful plastic-ness, there's one to suit all tastes.

Clad in a simple LBD, but with the option to buy a whole range of extras, she's a highstreet vixen who can wield the power of a good accessory (a girl after my own heart).

There's sure to be one that looks almost like a taller, skinner version of you (sorry boys there's no Ken), so £30 really isn't all that much for a little piece of fantasy.

Like everyone else...

2010-02-25T00:04:00.002Z

... My somewhat pathetic attempt to jump on the Alice in Wonderland bandwagon...

Alice inspired by Ellie_Girl featuring Disney Couture jewelry

Items in this set:
Alice in Wonderland Charm Bracelet by Tom Binn's for Disney Couture, $125
lesjumellesboutique — Alice in Wonderland inspired, 23 EUR
I Heart Tea Necklace - Hannah Zakari, 16 GBP
Alice In Wonderland Filigree Ring - Hannah Zakari, 14 GBP
Rose in plastic, 6 GBP

RIP Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T20:07:00.002Z

An attempt to WAH myself...

2010-02-10T08:43:00.002Z

A colleague and fellow fashionista re-sparked my fascination in WAH nails yesterday. Their amazing and intricate nail designs are world famous and almost definitely impossible for a regular human to copy - unless you're a creatively charged surgeon.

Rather taken with a spotty design on their blog, I valiantly decided to spend the best part of two hours last night replicating it.

The result? From a distance, in a blurry photo they're not half bad, not nearly as good as the real thing though... 6/10 for effort?

What do you think?

Valentines Wish List

2010-02-08T21:43:00.000Z

Valentines Wish List by Ellie_Girl featuring Alexander McQueen accessories

Items in this set:
Ruffle-embellished silk bustier dress, $745
Pink Flower Cup Bandeau Dress, $90
Longline Paisley Lace Bralet, $40
Bow and Frill Satin Triangle Bra, 16 GBP
bonjour by April.in.Paris on Sense of Fashion, $70

Gleetastic

2010-02-01T21:53:00.003Z

Just watched Glee on E4 and I got just a little thrill seeing my H&M sailor girl top on Rachel Berry. I am clearly not just a fan, I am a trend setter.... *Jazz Hands*

Double Take

2010-02-01T20:48:00.005Z

Who doesn't want a Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel? These heartbreakingly expensive bags have adorned the arms of some of the most stylish ladies in the world, but for us mere mortals shelling out over a grand even for the loveliest of bags is a bit unlikely (who needs food, or a roof?).

Thankfully Asos has once again come to the highstreet rescue with this £65 leather satchel. A compelling knock-off, in a massively on-trend hue. Obviously "insiders" will be able to tell the difference, but really who cares? Its a lovely bag in its own right, payday treat anybody?

(Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel £1,215 www.net-a-porter.com)

A little bit of culture

2010-01-31T23:03:00.007Z

Whilst cooking a roast this afternoon (chicken - I made the yorkshire puddings from scratch) my mum had left Radio 4 on in the background. I have no idea what programme it was, but all of a sudden I was listening to a poem I haven't heard in years. It took me back to a time when my dad would read me his favorite poetry and then being the precocious 12 year old that I was, I would read them out in English class, much to the amusement of my peers (yet another nail in my social coffin).

I remember this one in particular, remember thinking how beautiful it was, how it flowed. I didn't get it at the time, never having dared even talk to a boy, not really knowing or even comprehending how age or love or regret affect a person, maybe I still don't, but I still think its one of the most evocative poems I've ever read.

Edna St. Vincent Millay - Sonnet XLIII

"What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why,
I have forgotten, and what arms have lain
Under my head till morning; but the rain
Is full of ghosts tonight, that tap and sigh
Upon the glass and listen for reply,
And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain
For unremembered lads that not again
Will turn to me at midnight with a cry.
Thus in winter stands the lonely tree,
Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one,
Yet knows its boughs more silent than before:
I cannot say what loves have come and gone,
I only know that summer sang in me
A little while, that in me sings no more."

And on a lighter note, here are those puddings... There's a homemaker in me yet...

Emma Watson for People Tree

2010-01-31T16:22:00.006Z

Fairtrade fashion pioneers People Tree have teamed up with girl-of-the-moment Emma Watson to create a capsule collection for a younger audience. A combination of preppy separates and girly embellishment, makes this a fantastic way to invest in clothes that make a difference.

There is nothing particularly groundbreaking in the designs, but it is the fact that they are so wonderfully everyday and simple that is their greatest charm, people won't buy them simply because they're fairtrade but because they actually like the clothes. With a lower price point than their usual collections, I can see all these pieces flying off their virtual shelves as soon as they become available - it says Feb 8th on the email, so only a week to go.

I've got my eye on that cricket jumper, £90 - I've wanted one for so long and this one is perfect! Fabulous fashion that feels good.

My pink bag and me

2010-01-27T23:46:00.002Z

She might not look like much to you, but this pretty, squishy, quilted pink tote and I have been through a few adventures. A fiver from the Marc by Marc store, it has served me well but sadly I think that it might be near retiring age. Battered, bruised and losing all of the faux leather edges, I want to quit before it falls to pieces. I'm sentimental like that I suppose, so here is a little blog entry dedicated entirely to it, so that everyone can see that this was the best designer purchase I have ever made. (Sniff).

Little purple bow

2010-01-24T21:07:00.002Z

I bought this Luella-alike bow quite a while ago, cleverly taking advantage of a free shipping offer from Miss Selfridge. Considering the bow was reduced to £2, I thought it was quite a triumph.

I thought that It had fallen into the usual black hole until this weekend it turned up in a drawer in the hallway.

Thought I'd wear it out on Saturday now that my fringe is no longer Galaxy Quest length and record the 'before' shots. Also love the way my new Victoriana-inspired boots seem to make all my outfits that little bit cooler. Not the most inspired of outfits but then again not awful enough to hide it away from the world... plus that bow really is rather lovely.

(Jumper, shirt - Zara, Skirt - American Apparel, Tights - Tabio, Boots - Office, Hairband - Miss Selfridge.)

Double Take

2010-01-20T22:39:00.005Z

Above - Stella McCartney working bold stripes and and pretty florals in one wonderfully Parisian-meets-grandmothers-tapestry-bag package.

Below - Asos getting in on the action.

(Stella McCartney @ Net-a-porter £545, Asos (a more reasonable) £38)

Hello boys

2010-01-19T23:34:00.002Z

This wonderfully coquettish T-shirt is sure to turn a few heads out and about... not exactly a wonder bra, but then again I'm not exactly a buxom Czech model so perhaps this is the more sensible option. Don't want to be causing crashes on roundabouts now do I?

£22 - Topshop

A rainy day moment

2010-01-18T21:08:00.004Z

Having recently come across this super little number I thought I'd share it with the world. At £75 its a little steep for a brolly, but with Alber Elbaz' smiling face all over it you might just end up hoping it will rain.

www.net-a-porter.com

Saturday adventures

2010-01-17T19:22:00.008Z

So what do you do on the first Saturday of the year where leaving your house isn't akin to braving the arctic? Go shopping, obviously. It wasn't my original plan to spend as much money as I did, in fact I was looking for a few plastic pieces for a fancy dress party in the evening, but as my friend and I splashed through the puddles on a virtually deserted Brick Lane, a little man popped his head out of a doorway and pointed to a sign saying 'HUGE vintage fashion fair'. Now when men try and lure you into buildings in the East End, sometimes its better to keep going, but our interest having been peaked we wondered into what turned out to be a little warehouse of wonders.

Nacho Libre?

I bought the top in the middle for £10 from a woman looked rather like a young Diana Ross, big hair and everything. This was when I thought that I was going to have a bargain hunting day... Turns out this lovely top has a few bead strands missing, also that wonderful Gok-like flower was covering a rather large tear that has been repaired by someone with a my first sewing kit, still love it though, will look awesome with jeans.

If you're in need of a wedding dress... or some hi-tops...

And so we come to my little extravagance, having coveted many a beautiful fur of my very stylish co workers, I wasn't ever really expecting to find one as lovely as this. So when I saw it and tried it on, I felt much like Cinderella must have with the glass slipper, that this was my perfect fit. So most probably swindled by a true London gentleman I handed over the princely sum of £140, for an immaculate blue fox fur jacket from the 1980s, he kindly gave me two plastic carrier bags on account of the rain. Lovely.

That no spending money resolution has definitely gone to merde... Oh well!

Love love love

2010-01-12T23:13:00.005Z

These amazing sets of nail polishes from American Apparel. Being sold in beautifully complimentary or clashing sets of three, they're currently only £12 (reduced from £15). The only problem I foresee is which color to use first or whether to go a bit playschool and use them all at once because they just look so darn pretty together!

Just a small town girl...

2010-01-12T20:19:00.010Z

Who loves Glee right now? After two episodes I'm absolutely hooked with this teen comedy/musical hybrid - that really lets face it is meant for us adults (or those of us in our twenteens) . All I wanted to do was join in and sing and dance in front of the TV (I was alone so technically would have been ok....) but still it gives you an idea of the uplifting effect this clever little series.What struck me second, after the sheer joy at the singing and dancing, was that a fashion star has been born in Rachel Berry's Type-A personality preppy dressing. With strong echoes of Clueless, mixed in with a little of Reese Witherspoon in Election, it seems that this current 90s revival isn't all about body-con dresses and big eyebrows.

Argyle knee-high socks, sleeveless vests, pleated skirts, cable knit jumpers and shirts done up to the chin... Rachel works geek chic like the rest of us only wish we could. She isn't self-aware like the Shoreditch set we're so used to with their oversized T-shirts, geek glasses and brogues - Alexa Chung with her personalised Mulberry bag... ahem... She is sleek, polished and as calculated in her selections as London kids are in their claiming that they've 'just thrown it together'. Preppy is minimal, no jewellery, no bows, no embellishments and almost completely put together from separates.

So here is a little attempt at putting together the look from whats available at the moment. A little bit of Uniqlo, American Apparel, Topshop as well as a few designers thrown in for your perusal...Perhaps we could start a whole movement of 'gleeks' around London....

Glee chic by Ellie_Girl featuring Vivienne Westwood bags

Items in this set:
Jil Sander Catharina cotton-poplin shirt, $495
Burberry Wool-blend argyle sweater NET-A-PORTER.COM, 350 EUR
Fuchsia Classic Cable V Neck Jumper by Ralph Lauren Blue Lab, 180 GBP
JC DE CASTELBAJAC 41561230 MULTICOLOUR COTTON -, 121 GBP
Women's AE Cable Knit V-Neck Sweater - American Eagle Outfitters, $30

Now this is what I call a cardigan...

2010-01-10T00:11:00.003Z

Slouchy, oversized and wonderful Topshop have just become my favorite highstreet shop once again because of this number. Perfect for layering over floral dresses, or just about anything, its all I can do not to order it only. Pity i'm not buyin anything until I lose half a stone... only 7lbs to go then! Haha.

£50 Topshop.

Voila le highstreet!

2010-01-09T21:40:00.008Z

(Images from Asos, Topshop and Urban Outfitters)

So I always love it when things start to come across a little French, cliche or not, there's something inspiring about the way our Gallic counterparts throw things together. As readers of this blog well know, one day it is my aim (when skinny and pouty enough) to always throw this together in this irreverent way. Now the highstreet is determined to make this wish a reality - if somewhat a stereotypical cookie-cutter one.

Not sure how many Parisennes would actually be caught dead wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the Eiffel Tower, or in fact wear polka dots, stripes or even a beret, but a pasty English girl can dream.

With Asos, Urban Outfitters and Topshop as front runners of soon-to-be popular trend, I thought I'd create this little collage of my favorite looks available right now.

It seems that being French requires the following wardrobe requirements:
Breton stripes, plenty of them
Bow embellished, shoes, hair, knitwear, bags
Spots and stripes
Lace and Lanvin-style lady-like jewellery
A mostly black, white and navy pallet with the exception of...
A classic camel trench and..
The odd splash of pale pink.

C'est simple!

I'm back!

2009-12-09T21:54:00.003Z

After over a month of letting the cobwebs take over my brain (and my blog) all it has taken is a cheap little necklace to get me excited about shopping again. A £14 web exclusive to Urban Outfitters, I already know that it has to be mine.

I Love Lowie pop-up shop

2009-11-16T23:08:00.003Z

Little known hand-knitted clothing brand Lowie has recently opened a pop-up shop on Neal St. Having happened upon it on Saturday, I was very happy to see how much the brand has developed since I once bought a customised flat cap at London Fashion Weekend and decided to find out who they were. Back then it was scarves, gloves and rosettes. Now on top of these lovely hand knitted accessories, we have the most amazing military inspired cardigan which, if it wasn't £178 would already be mine.

I wasn't able to capture it in all its glory, but take a trip down to the store, its around until Christmas, you can see what all the fuss is about. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Topshop hearts Paris

2009-11-16T22:20:00.003Z

For lack of anything interesting to write I thought that I'd take a moment to regale you all with the wonderful Paris love that's going on at Topshop. C'est tres chic! I'd happily stroll down the Champs Elysees wearing any of them (especially the first one), walking hand in hand with mon petit ami whilst drinking a cafe au lait and eating a criossant.... No self respecting Parisienne would be caught dead in one, perfect however for this tasteless Anglaise.

Overkill?

2009-11-01T18:05:00.003Z

I do love an I 'heart' T-shirt. Being the proud owner of two, shouting my love of Paris and New York, the latter of which I've never been to (so I'm a bit of a victim to fads...). Anyway I digress, having been on a couple of city breaks in the past year I've been faced with the question of whether actually buying one that doesn't support a fashionable city isn't just a little crappy?

Having fallen in love with Barcelona all over again this week, and it not being a terrible place for fashion, I was tempted to invest in a third T-shirt. Unfortunately I didn't find one I liked in time, and so now loser that I am, I am thinking of ordering one off the net. Is this an act of I Love overkill? Or am I challenging the imposed hierarchy of the fashion four? I 'heart' Budapest anyone?

I heart BCN

2009-11-01T17:03:00.004Z

A very amateurish attempt to do some artsy style photos on an amazing Gaudi pillar background in Barcelona... Thanks to the Boy and his lovely new camera.

Don't forget your pants...

2009-10-26T12:46:00.003Z

It seems that the visual merchandisers at Topman have taken low-rise jeans to a whole new level...

Intriguing...

2009-10-26T12:37:00.004Z

Sorry for the tiny fuzzy photo, but a friend of mine sent this to me the other day and I just had to share it with the world. I'm so excited that I can barely contain my glee! Will Santa be dressed up in a twinset and pearls? Will there be elves in heart-printed platform heels sporting cool slogan tees? There isn't much information provided, but a quick internet search has informed me that not only will she be decorating the windows (eee!) but there will also be all manner of kitsch gifts to buy for oneself - the loved ones may get a look in if they're lucky.

Couldn't say it any better myself...

2009-10-13T20:55:00.001+01:00

Asish SS10

I found them!

2009-10-13T11:34:00.005+01:00

Unfortunately however, they are on the H&M online shop for Germany and they don't ship to these distant shores. It's definitely fantastic news that they are going to set up an online store at some point in 2010, but what is a girl to do now?

H&M makes shoes worth wearing (and they're not even Jimmy Choo)

2009-10-12T21:47:00.002+01:00

Imagine, if you will, these gorgeous suede ankle boots in black and you'll begin to understand why i'm so excited. Not that they aren't lovely in grey, but in black they could well rival any other highstreet attempt at copy the oh-so-sought-after suede platform ankle boots that all the coolest fashionistas are sporting this season. Real suede and with a heel that doesn't make my head spin, I could only stare open mouthed when I realised that they will only set me back £50. Obviously they didn't have them in my tiny size 3, but I foresee a mad dash around various H&Ms throughout the capital in search of them!

The boy does rainy day dressing

2009-10-12T17:32:00.006+01:00

God bless The Boy and his amazing ability to pick out all things cute and quirky. Usually this is for me, however on Saturday he managed to find a little number for himself. After looking through the gorgeous offerings for 'grown ups' at Reiss (which he also loved) he found something ten times cooler and much more youthful (and seasonal).

Here he is modelling the wonderfully visual 'brollies' jumper by The Youth Firm. One of the many new boutique designers now taking up residence on the newly created Topman second floor (5th floor if you count the rest of the Oxford Circus store).

He was torn between this, and the equally adorable frogs jumper (below - taken from Topman website).
It isn't to everybody's taste by all means and I'm not sure that many Topman junkies will be forking out £45 for a simple knitted sweater instead of the usual ball-squeezing skinnies and rosary beads... it takes a man with real cojones to pull this off and this boy certianly isn't lacking in those.

Cheryl makes it official...

2009-10-11T17:24:00.007+01:00

Leading the fashion pack this winter, Alexander Wang, DSquared and Miu Miu proved that thanks to their SS10 collections the big messy side plait is going to be the super hot hair to copy this season. As if seeing it sashay down the catwalks wasn't enough to have you figuring out how to grow mermaid hair, Cheryl Cole has gone and brought it to the public arena on the first X Factor show of the season. Requiring much more hair than the average girl can ever hope to sprout in a lifetime, its a tricky trend that may take some creative hairdressing.

Time to invest in some extra tresses...

Perfect pink

2009-10-01T21:25:00.003+01:00

I've recently developed something of an obsession with Barry M nail varnishes. So far I have amassed a grand total of four, but I am fairly sure that an obsession has been born. Whenever I wear any of their super bright eye catching colours people always ask where they're from. At under £3 a bottle I'm proud to display my very 'highstreet' cosmetic choice.

So whilst perusing the shelves in Superdrug during my lunch hour I was torn between spring green (yet another one) and flamingo pink. I chose the latter and I'm basking in its awesomeness. Slightly neon with a dash of coral. Girly, cute and almost delicious enough to eat.

October shopping list

2009-09-29T21:29:00.002+01:00

I'm still on a wave on inspiration from 500 Days of Summer, so I thought I'd put together a little collage off all the 'geek chic' bits a pieces I'd love to buy this month. The jumper makes me think of a Sonia Rykiel number and as if by magic the skirt appeared in a mailout in my inbox alerting me to its super cool existence. Teamed with a few choice accessories I'll be skipping (in a post modern self aware way of course) all the way to Toni & Guy to get my new oh-so-cute fringe cut.

(Gloves £10, bangle £8 Accessorize, Hairband £8 American Apparel, Ballet Pumps £35 Office, Jumper £28 New Look, Skirt £24.99 Uniqlo, Mini Casio Watch £36 Urban Outfitters)

Double take

2009-09-20T22:18:00.004+01:00

Above Givenchy perfect tough boots made for stomping through the winter (perhaps not through puddles though) £785. Below, a damn good copy from Topshop £95.

Subtle customisation

2009-09-20T20:44:00.010+01:00

Take one Vogue 'fashion's night out' T-shirt...

Add a little ribbon...

Some subtle embellishment...

Et Voila!

Snappy dressing

2009-09-20T20:18:00.004+01:00

Please excuse the background mess! Just thought I'd add a little snap of my new 'fashion party' dress. I was going to get the Christopher Kane for Topshop alligator T-shirt dress, but I'm not sure I have the fashion edge to wear a giant open reptilian mouth that steals my limelight. So the pretty dress it is.

Summer style this autumn

2009-09-16T21:03:00.007+01:00

After watching the best film of the year - (500) Days of Summer FYI awesome movie! - I was taken by just how wonderful Summer's vintage meets preppy wardrobe is. Girly, kooky, cute, completely against everything modern, tough and trend-lend that we see on the catwalks today. I loved it. Lace-edged dresses, dainty bows, argyle sweaters, grey tights and all things high-waisted. Amazing. I also loved the hint of blue cleverly woven into everything, perfectly bringing out Zooey Deschanel's sapphire peepers.

I am now well and truly inspired to get a fringe, expand my meagre vintage wardrobe and wear blue bows in my hair every day.

Prospective new 'do'

2009-09-14T23:04:00.003+01:00

This is how i'd like my hair this autumn. My face as well, but as a trip to Toni and Guy won't fix that I think i'll settle for the 'do'. Thoughts?

Double take

2009-09-14T22:58:00.001+01:00

Remember those amazing Luella hairbands? I completely missed the part of the summer sales where they were reduced to £30 (probably due to reminding myself that that is still an awful lot to spend on hair accessories), but Miss Selfridge has come to the rescue of my designer knock off loving self with this jaw-droppingly similar copy for £6. Right down to the heart shaped button in the centre, its all a girl needs to add a little embellishment that could fool even the keenest Luella fan.

A little bit of love

2009-09-14T21:09:00.004+01:00

Whilst shopping the other day I spotted this lovely little piece from Accessorize. It reminded me of the 'Carrie' necklace I've never quite gotten around to getting, so I thought that in the meantime £5 for a little but of love wasn't half bad.

Gah!

2009-09-09T23:35:00.002+01:00

No, no, no, no. So it looks like they'll all be playing themselves 25 years ago... Just gotta hope that they've got an amazing CGI team, or failing that camera lenses smeared with Vaseline because they're kidding nobody...

If the shoe fits

2009-09-09T22:03:00.004+01:00

According to health experts women are damaging their feet by wearing the wrong shoes. Nothing new there then. But before all you ballerina lovers start smugly nodding your heads, it turns out that even the humble flat can actually be damaging in some cases because many of us aren't wearing the right shoes.

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists believes that for everyday use women should be wearing "a low-heeled shoe - no higher than 4cm - which has a rounded toe." Hmm... I'm not a "killer heel" - or even really a heel- wearer but I'm finding it hard to conjure up an image where a stubby heeled shoe with a round toe is even remotely attractive... I know a few girls that would club you to death with their Louboutins before you even suggest such a monstrosity.

The subject of high heels often divides people. At the beginning of August the (mostly male-lead) TUC announced that it wanted to introduce a ban on heels in the workplace because they're "sexist and pose a health and safety hazard".

Ok so this is probably true, even the most super fashion victims often pull a Clarke Kent and change from a tube-friendly flat into fabulous teetering lovelies as they arrive at the office before the rest of us are any wiser. But the effect of wearing them is unmistakable, even with my Bambi ankles I'm suddenly more confident, more outgoing, my bum feels a little smaller... In an office full of females the sexist issue feels a million miles away and as we can see Kelly Brook can clearly ride a bike in them, so where is the problem?Yes they're potentially ruining our backs/feet/ankles/ knees/toes, but if like me you've had ugly feet all your life (although I won't knock the ability to pick things up with my toes) there is hardly a dilemma at all. By wearing pretty shoes it might make me ugly on the inside, but as long as it looks good on the outside it doesn't much matter. Just like the rest of this wonderful world of fashion.

THAT shade of green...

2009-09-01T18:59:00.004+01:00

An ode to pale green by Ellie_Girl featuring Manoush

Take a hike

2009-08-28T22:45:00.003+01:00

I saw these wonderfully grunge hiking boots from F-Troupe at a press day months ago, and a casual search online showed me that they are now available to buy. They're cute, they're comfy, they're French and totally Marc by Marc. I'm fairly sure that they'll be stocked at Urban Outfitters, but if you don't want to leave the comfort of your sofa check out www.f-troupe.com and they can keep your feet cosy all winter for £183, which on a cost-per-wear basis will work out very cheaply indeed, especially if last winter was anything to go by.

Ponderings from The Boy

2009-08-26T21:55:00.006+01:00

The Boy plays such a huge part in my style choices (more than I care to admit sometimes) that I feel I should give him a little platform to wax lyrical about fashion. He never fails to surprise me with his impressively wide knowledge of current trends, not only that but also his ability to create his very individual look without looking like a Topman or Shoreditch clone.

This week I asked him what he thinks of the soon-to-be-everywhere snood:

"The snood. Stupid sounding by name, circular and warm by nature. Whilst FF repeats "I want a snood, they're all the rage this winter" I remain cynical. "You can wear it as a hood, scarf or over your shoulders..." she says. Call me old fashioned, but isn't it just a scarf stitched up at both ends?"

Such a rationalist - Also for the record, I never ever say "all the rage"!

In another conversation he revealed to me that he regularly visits The Sartorialist, much to my delighted surprise...

Boy: Do you like the way i've rolled up my shorts? They're all doing it on The Sartorialist...
Me: You go on The Sartorialist? (Shocked silence)
Boy: Yeah, he takes really cool pictures.
Me: Oh my god, thats so cool...
Boy: I really like the ones of the old guys in suits... and he takes pictures of some really FIT women.
Me: *Sigh*(Images courtesy of www.net-a-porter.com and www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com)

Rick Owens eat your heart out

2009-08-25T21:17:00.002+01:00

As a highstreet afficionista I'm often on the look out for the most credible high-end rip offs and this deliciously draped Warhouse leather jacket is as close to Rick Owens as I'll probably ever get. As its only £150, I think this will almost certainly be my payday treat. With its super thin tailored shape, skinny arms and general butter softness this gorgeous jacket will easily also play the part of a leather cardigan, how very bad girl indeed.

The highstreet does layers

2009-08-19T21:35:00.009+01:00

Behold the not-too-unimpressive selection that the highstreet has created in answer to the delicious draping and layering trend that will be taking the female population by storm this autumn. With under two weeks left of August, I'm rubbing my hands in anticipation of the first proper wave of this season's collections hitting the stores.

This is by no means a complete portrayal, Topshop is notably absent (they're much harder to get images from) but I definitely think that there is enough here to get at least a little bit excited about, especially seeing as a complete Missoni layered look is sadly out of my reach... what would I give for those wrinkled leggings?

I'm also on the search for the perfect snood - you might remember my April entry where I talked of my love of them - they're back with a vengeance and they're all knitted and cosy and drapey... sigh...
(From top: River Island, Warehouse, Warehouse, Hobbs, Miss Selfridge courtesy of PRshots.com)

Notes on the Highstreet

Random Korean marshmallow things....

Uniqlo thermals, my husky and me

Leopard Crazy

Twitter Treasures

The East End Thrift Store

Something woolly this way comes

Snow is falling...

Fringe benefits

My first ever Chanel purchase (and a couple of monkeys)

Is that roadkill on your head?

Hello New Season

Love.Want.Need

Put a hat on it

Eltham Palace Art Deco fair

Top knot... Top not?

Northern Adventure

Hannah Zakari

Prowling the urban jungle

Meet my Mulberry Faux-Lexa

It can only mean one thing...

Alber Elbaz we love you

Make like an 80 year old man...

Car Booty

Mad about the men

Topshop wishing and hoping

Cloudy days

Street styling at an art installation

Fierce?

*Swoon*

H&M stuff and nonsense

Love the look

HRH Mulberry

Green fingers are heaven sent...

Delightful doodle

Crystal cupcakes and leopard nails

Feeling questionably patriotic?

Style Icon: Sailor Moon?

Saturday Adventures

New Shoes!

Just needs the cream

Life's a beach

Florence chic

If you had to...

Rainbow nails

Topshop gives good face

Is it Aladdin? Is it Captain Jack? No, it's my harem pants...

Uniqlo shopping event

Nautical stuff and nonsense

Double Take

Possibly.. Could it work?

Nudes, florals and... sports couture?

Spring nudity

Nail art

Apprently the likeness is uncanny

Like everyone else...

RIP Alexander McQueen

An attempt to WAH myself...

Valentines Wish List

Gleetastic

Double Take

A little bit of culture

Emma Watson for People Tree

My pink bag and me

Little purple bow

Double Take

Hello boys

A rainy day moment

Saturday adventures

Love love love

Just a small town girl...

Now this is what I call a cardigan...

Voila le highstreet!

I'm back!

I Love Lowie pop-up shop

Topshop hearts Paris

Overkill?

I heart BCN

Don't forget your pants...

Intriguing...

Swoon