A Rainy Afternoon in Bath!

Another quick post for you today, I promise my longer, wordy posts will return soon. It is just, as I guess you too are finding, as Christmas draws closer, I get ever busier but I'm determined to stay in touch with you and the blogosphere now after drifting for so long.

Today was lovely, I spent an afternoon in Bath with me Mama getting a couple of last minute (with a week to go, have I really left it to the last minute?!) Christmas bits and taking a few quick Iphone snaps. We went today because somebody dumb (Me!) thought the gorgeous Christmas market was still on and with one week, left until the big day, I was ready to drench myself in Christmas spirit but alas there was no Christmas market, it finished a few days ago. 'Why so soon?', I whined all the way home. Sob.

Still there were lots of little Carol Singers and more then a Santa or two hanging around to keep my Christmas levels high and as for the goodies. . ! Well, let's just say a lot was added to my Christmas list! The shopping streets of Bath had a bit of a revamp recently and now, you can get almost anything in the charming city and it is so romantic walking through the old streets in the shadow of such beautiful architecture. Even though, it was a wet afternoon and I could have returned home drenched and miserable. I actually returned home drenched and elated. There is something about the magic of Bath which allows it to pull off warmly even the most dreariest and gloomiest of days in a mist of style and dreamy haze.

I hope you are all having a good week. Are you ready for Christmas? What special place captures your heart?

Yay, coming home (blogging) again!

So . . . it has being a lonnggggg while but well, you know me, I always end up back here eventually.

Yes, I could give you lots of excuses as to my latest hiatus - I sure believe that I've got lots of genuine ones, 2013 has been the craziest year ever and that is official - and maybe I will share some of it with you another time but for now, thank you if you are reading this. Thank you to those that have hung around *massive grin* and thank you to you newbies, I know it is going to be nice meeting you! : )

Since it is kind of like a new start/chapter and we're talking happy times and beautiful things etc, this might be the time to share with you the latest addition to my wish list.

This little 'Stay Positive' troll bead is absolutely gorgeous and I love the whole meaning of it. Beads and charms are my new 'thing' at the moment. Until a fortnight or so ago, I never really got the whole charm bracelet thing but now I'm frantically trying to put together a bracelet which not only tells my story so far but brings in to my future, all the things I aspire to and for.

Whichever way you turn this troll bead, 'you will always have a plus sign smiling up at you', a reminder that there is always a bright side or a light at the end of the tunnel. I love the notion of this and I'm not sure yet exactly how (since it costs £312) but this beautiful charm WILL sit on my wrist one day, a constant reminder that no matter what is happening, everything can eventually be ok again. In fact, even better! While I'm waiting for my little bead and the bank account to cooperate, I'd love to hear if anybody knows of a nice dupe or anything similar around.

I hope 2013 has been the best year for you all yet and though I've shirked the blogging. I may not have missed as much as you might think, I've still been following a few of you lovelies. 

Yep, there are some absolutely amazing blogs out there but tell me, has 2013 been as good to you as you deserve? Oh and the shopaholic in me is screaming to know what your best purchase (beauty, fashion, bead, charm or otherwise) has been? What possessions mean the most to you?

The Zara top with the beaded collar!

So while in London the other day, I got to fully immerse myself in the Zara experience for the first time and what can I say but wow, now I know what you're all raving about! Everything appears to be of fantastic quality, stylish and feminine to a certain degree, even the more androgynous numbers.

The first little number, I spotted, was a black peplem top. . . it sounds so simple but of course, there was a twist or two. The body of the top appears to be made out of a typical polyamide, viscose mix with some lace panelling down the sleeves and the sides and then there was the leather peplem.

It looked divine on the hanger but in the changing room, it was back to reality with a bump. It just wasn't made to fit my sizing. The sleeves were too long and the lacing fell all-a-twist, the deep peplem looked enormous on me and almost seemed to turn back on itself in a manner a little reminiscent of something Lady Gaga would work.

I still highly recommend you all try this top on, it is beautiful but just don't give your heart to it until you have tried it on as this is one garment that seems to really need to fit well to work.

Such a shame as I love the design, structure and composition and kind of regret not trying on this similar dress too.

This jacquard jacket, however, is one that I found it even harder to walk away from. In fact, I tried it on three times and still think of it a little wistfully now. To start with it is black with gold embellishments, my favourite colour combination. The short length works perfectly on someone as short as me and the peplem comes across much more subtly then it did in the leather top. The cut is not as deep and the jacquard makes it all a lot softer. I see this military styled one as a budget alternative to the Prodiga coasts I've been lusting over (see here). Argh, reading what I've written and swooning over the picture again, I can't work out why I walked away from this jacket. . .

 

 

 

Finally, we have this top with the beaded collar. It is so simple but pretty and it just looks so elegant on, that I had to get it. The beads around the neck just add that subtle sparkle and the viscose shirt seems to have great shape and be of a good fit for me. I also fell in love with the cute three star shaped buttons which fasten the back. So far, I've worn it with my go to denim blue Top Shop Baxter jeans but I wouldn't mind mixing it up with some coloured jeans or maybe a pencil skirt. The only challenge for me will be trying to keep it clean longer then a hour or so, I'm so clumsy!!! Oh and note, this top is pretty sheer. I'm wearing a vest top underneath.

 

 

 

 

 

London was fabulous and indeed after seeing the Christmas lights and possibly the biggest tree ever in Covent Garden, I 'm ready to fully embrace Christmas. I had my hair cut and I'm really pleased with it, it is still long but now, it actually has some style! I'm hoping to get some pictures when I wash  and style my hair tonight and then maybe I'll try and pull together a hair post for you all.

I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend. Mine is passing in a bit of a haze as I burn my lovely Vintage Flowers candle from Next (Boo, I can't find a link for the actual candle) and immerse myself in the book, Express Make Up by Rae Morris. So far, so good and the pictures are AMAMmmmazinggg! So inspiring!!!

Have you read Express Make Up? Who is your make up icons? Have you purchased anything from Zara lately?

 

X

 

Tempt me: The River Island Beaded Vests.

 

 

So I want you to give me a pat on the back for trying on these two beautiful River Island vests yesterday and then walking away empty handed!!!

Ok, pat done?! Thank you!

Now, I want you to lead me astray and tell me that I NEED to go back and purchase them because they are exactly what my wardrobe was built for.

Please!

Pretty please!!!

I really like them and nope, I just can't get them out of my head. In all honesty and as far as fashion goes, these two little numbers are very simple. Beaded vests, hardly anything unusual about that. The shops are churning them out ten a dollar at the moment, I probably try four or five embellished little tops on a month and have maybe fifteen already strewn around my bedroom floor hanging in my wardrobe but the key to temptation with these two can be found in some simple but perfect details that they possess.

Both tops are of a single colour. I do love a nice crisp white vest (esp. under the black cropped cardis that I'm so often found in), you can never deny that white brings a purity and freshness to a look that no other colour can replicate. At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the grey. Now grey is a colour that can go both ways on me. Too light and I might as well not bother, it draws any colour I have and makes me look so feeble. Eurgh, not a good look. However, there is some depth to this grey which is only enhanced by the substance of the fabric (nothing flimsy about this one) and this warms it all up a bit and it actually seems to bring a bit of life to my face. Also grey kind of fits in with the seasonal mode (drizzly and drab, boo!) over here in England at the moment.

Both of these tops also fall at a length which flatters me, one which is not too short nor one which swamps me. They just fall below the hip in a lovely flattering manner.

And finally we have the sparkle, I love the bead detail. The majority of it can be found lying along the bottom of the vests and it has the potential to catch the eye (Crucially for me, the placement means this is true even under a cropped cardi). The pattern, remniscent for me of flowers and butterfly wings, they lie in makes the vest that little more feminine too. The beads that sparsely lie higher on the top just maintain the twinkle factor without sparkle overload. The hems are also cut out and have that whole scalloping vibe about them which just makes the vests that little bit more interesting.

Honestly you look at one of these tops from a distance paired with jeans and think, cute top then you come closer and take the top in, suddenly you think what a beautiful little piece at a fab littleish price (£18) so please, why didn't I snap one (or two) of them up?!!

Tell me, about your latest high street buys or yearnings? Is there one type of garment that you will buy hundreds and hundreds of even if you already had a thousand? I know for some this would define their obsession with shoes. Well, me, I do believe I'm obsessed with little sparkly vest tops. Have you got any more to link me to? Have you any reasons why I have to frogmarch back to River Island and buy these (pretty pretty pretty please, help a girl out!)? Do you like River Island?

The grey vest can be found here.
The white  (I say white, River Island say cream) vest can be found here.
Images from The River Island website.

X

Wanted!!!

Now and then, I thought it would be fun to show you what I'm currently swooning over.

So here we go, let's start with the fashion items. . .

* The La Lumiere Wrap Bracelet from HRH Collection here
Before the lovely Amelia got these, I was aware of Alex's blog and jewellery line but it was only when I read Amelia's blogpost, video and stunning photos after she hauled some of the HRH bracelets that I realised just how beautiful and very unique they were. The La Lumiere, an original from the HRH jewellery collection, just seems to embody exactly what the HRH collection is about and it holds the biggest, sparkiest Swarovski crystal of the lot.

 * The ASOS Suede Studded Bag here
I absolutely love this bag and think it is the perfect shopper for Christmas shopping season. I love the contrast of the suede and leather panels and obviously, I love the studs. Anything that sparkles or catches the light, I gravitate to.

* The Missguided Coat here
I saw this on Charlottes' blog yesterday and instantly fell for it. The shearling really softens the look of the khaki coat. As well as satisfying the Khaki trend, it also follows one of my favourite trends in a while, the contrast sleeve. I love this little number, it is cute, cosy and flattering. There is a good chance that this one will be skipping from my wish list to my doormat soon! : )

* The Sass and Bide Right Behind You Sequined Back Dress here
I've been keeping a beady eye on the Sass and Bide line for a while. This beauty I found on ASOS and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I will get invited to something special soon which will justify me buying this one.

Again, it has the two contrasting panels. Plain jersey for the front and sequins for the back. Subtle but teasing. I also like the classic shape, the sparkle and its' elegance. It's beautiful.

And now to the beauty . . .

 * Escentrics Molecule 01 here
This scent only contains one molecule and apparently, it is the important one, the one that attracts others. I'm very curious as to what this would smell like on me (apparently it can smell different on different people but is generally deep and woody) and if it would gauge any compliments. I also like the fact that others may not recognise the scent and I'd be wearing something different as I think, this is scent is not particularly well-known outside the online beauty community.

* Phylia de M, Connect here
I've been lusting after this leave-in treatment for about a month now, back around then I read an article in Vogue about big hair. Well, there is no doubt that my natural hair has finally reached 'Destination Long'. However, I'm still obsessed with my extensions as my hair just looks so thin and lacklustre without them. Apparently it takes some time to grow your hair long and then more time to grow it out in to voluminous locks to flaunt. Phylia Connect is expensive but is marketed as barnet fertiliser, a potent and concentrated treatment for your scalp, follicles and hair. One journalist claims hair was sprinting out of her head after using this concoction for a month. Given that, I think, I want this more then anything else on this list!!!

* The Burberry Eyeshadow in Midnight Brown No 21 here
Tanya Burr did a tutorial using this eyeshadow for pale skins a while back and since then, this one has sat patiently on my wish list. It is so pretty and reminds me a little of my beloved Naked from the Urban Decay palette. I think it is a little more shimmery, a bit darker maybe and dare I say a little more interesting but like Naked, I would be able to colour block it on my lid and that would be shadow done. Check out Tanyas' video here, it looks stunning!

* Prestige, My Blackest Lashes I wish it was here!!!
This is the only mascara I've ever used that gives L'Oreal, Volume Million a run for it's money and it was so friggin' cheap in Boots too, about £7 until they discontinued the Prestige line. Sad face. I miss the big, fat, glossy lashes it delivered with NO diva acts.

So that is what I'm swooning over and wishing for at the moment but to be honest, beauty is where I am at in what I actually purchase, particularly skin and haircare. Something that I read on Caroline's blog here keeps resonating in my head, 'If you would spend more on shoes, handbags, lipstick, jeans or fashion in general than you would on high quality skincare - you will be a sixty year old woman (and man) with a vintage wardrobe and a face like an alligator.'

So is anybody lucky enough to have or use any of these?

What are you currently swooonnning over?

I hope you've all had a fabulous weekend!

 

X

  

The Metallic Tops from Quiz!

Remember how last week, shopping wasn't happening. Well, this week it has been on the up a little again. Yay!

I went back to Quiz to try on the metallic scalloped vest again. This time I decided that it does in fact fit me but is just very low cut at the front which isn't really my thing but the top is just so gorgeous so could be worth venturing out of my comfort zone for and at the very least, I know that I will get my moneys worth  layering this one up. Note: When you walk in to Quiz, you realise how expensive some of the other bigger high street chains are.

It looks such a simple little vest but when you think about the design carefully. You can see how bang 'on trend' it is right now.

It is metallic (but without hundreds and thousands of itchy, heavy sequins) with almost snakeskin effect scalloping. The edges are also scalloped. Blimey, I could almost be in "fashion" with this one yet none of this detailing shouts at you and when all these trends are all but a distant memory then this top (if it lasts a wash or two) will, indeed, still be a very pretty top and wearable.

So, given that, it makes sense to grab anything similar. Which, of course, I did and here is the Tee Shirt version.

I'm hoping that the bulge is a belt or something and not my stomach!

I like this one. A lot. I feel a bit safer wearing it. The high neck saves my modesty and this one can be thrown on with little thought for a similar bang on trend, fashionista result.

In other news, I got my HD brows done last night. I was very excited about them and the definition my new brows has is quite striking. In fact, all made up last night, the strength of them was quite overwhelming but I think once I get used to them, they will become my own and I will love the structure and polish they add to my face. My favourite thing so far is just how much cleaner the entire eye area looks.

Will you be notching up the metallic factor as Christmas approaches? What brow look do you go for? Have a good weekend!

X

Sigh, the Monsoon Dress!

Sometimes, it is the little things which put a dampener on your week. Silly, I know but I can't get this dress out of my head.

Sorry, this is the only pic I can find online. Links here to the page and eBay seller (and presumed photographer)

Yes, I know, pretty magical!

When I saw it on the hanger in a local Monsoon Outlet, did I swoon! Probably, quite audibly!! It looked so beautiful as its tens/hundreds of sequins twinkled away at me. As I pulled it off the rail, it was hard to believe this was hanging in a local outlet store. The sequins, the flapper shape, the weight and with a cut which preserves your innocence, made it hard to believe that this lovely little garment really wasn't from another time.

As I looked closely at that dress, all I could do mentally was swoon a little more and tick, tick, tick!

- Glamorous and sophisticated . . , a twist on the little black dress . . , tick!

- On trend. . . sequins, sparkle, metallic, reminiscent of the Metallic Twenties inspired pieces Gucci have being pounding out . . , tick!

Image from here

- Wearable . . . christmas, new year, special occasion galore . . , tick!

- Good value . . . reduced to forty pounds something and er, just so very divine . . , tick!

Of course, I had to try it on.

And alas, it wasn't to be!!

It seems on my short, stumpy legs, skirt lengths need to be of the extreme, either very short or very long.
Sidenote: Oh yes, I'm not sure if I mentioned this but now we are right on the tail end of the maxi trend, I've only gone and discovered despite my stubborn skepticism, I can work maxi lengths (or the midi which looks like a maxi on me)!
Unfortunately on me, this one fell on that very unflattering point just above the knee and made me look like a murder mystery actress who hasn't quite found her role yet. The beautiful cut on the hanger seemed lost as the dress hung awkwardly on me.

Drat, this dress was (is) so beautiful (and reduced!) but there was no way it was gonna work for me so reluctantly back to the rail, it went, where it awaits one very lucky lady to work it. I've got to say, I've felt a bit wistful thinking about this dress this week. Have you ever found a dream piece that just wasn't for you?

On the plus side, I am now aware just how good some of the Monsoon dresses look. This one was in Vogue.

View here!

Continuing with the shopping (or lack of) theme . . .

I'm still trying to incorporate some metallic in my wardrobe but full on sequined numbers just don't seem to work on me and so the best compromise I have found so far is the little silver metallic scalloped number above from Quiz . This is very me but of course, I couldn't find a size to fit properly in my local store. So the search for a little sparkle continues, I guess, this week, wardrobe building just wasn't to be!

And finally . . .
I'm definitely astride the scented candle fad and brought a few too many Yankee candles from a local Hallmark earlier this week, Evening Air, Fresh Roast, Pumpkin Spice, Sparkling Sugar and a miniature of Mistletoe and Fig.

To be honest, the only one I have used so far is the Sparkling Sugar. It is just so delicious, very sweet and I just love how a toned down version of the scent lingers in the air, on my furniture and in my hair. It smells of sugar so reminiscent of birthday parties, cake and all things that make me happy. Really recommend especially since it was on offer in Hallmark for just £4.72. All Yankee Candles in Hallmark seemed to be at least half price.

The Apothecary No 008 one that I blogged earlier in the week smelt pretty much as I described here. However, it seems a bit watered down compared to Sparkling Sugar.

Have you tried Yankee candles? What are your faves? Do you ever go shopping and it just doesn't happen?!

Oh and I'm still on the reading thing, currently still on The Help. I'm really enjoying it (as I progress further, it is almost like the scenes are unfolding in front of me. I actually gasped when I realised Miss Skeeter had left her bag at Hilly's meeting. The characters are so true to their identity and the story that seems to be unfolding) but it is a bit more of a tome then some of my previous reads and therefore is taking me a little longer to get through.

As for the running, I've just finished week 4 of the Get Running app. Yay! I'm finding it easier to motivate myself and then to breathe when I get going but oh, my joints aren't half starting to ache! *Adds proper running shoes to ever-growing 'To Buy' list*

Happy weekend!

X

The bargain boots!

Just a post to show you some New Look boots, that I purchased a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe that I haven't posted these yet.

Now these have quite a heel, about four and a half inches but they are so comfortable and easy to walk in.

The front of the boot sits on a platform about half an inch high and I think, this helps a lot.

I brought these boots for casual, everyday wear (These are definitely going to be paired with my black lace dress at some point!) and as they are so high, I like the fact that the boot design is so simple. A high, high heel and too much design detail would have put these boots in danger of becoming something else, something not very me.

I love the suedette texture, it is warming and hints at the season we are in and the buckle detail seems in perfect proportion to the boot. While the stitching detail in addition to breaking the black up a little, reminds me of the body con dresses so in fashion at the moment. Yes, a strange association, I know!

These boots are brilliant and just to make them that little bit more amazing, I got them for £13.99 (half price). And er, it seems there are still some available online . . !

And yep, I still can't get enough sparkle, so these little glittery ballet pumps were also obviously destined for the till point! They twinkle so much, they're almost alive.

Please tell me, I'm not the only one obsessed with a little sparkle! Are you a fan of boots? Do you have a boot style? Maybe I should seek some new knee highs next! I hope you're having a good weekend.

X

The sheer New Look top!

Introducing the New Look Sheer Bow Hem Top. This top is typical of some of the fantastic garments hanging in New Look at the moment.

This top is completely sheer and has the potential to be quite alluring. I find sheer fabrics quite complimentary, they remind me of that flattering glow you get in candlelight. Teasing but safe.The fabric draws attention to your body but you haven't got to get any flesh out.

I also like the extra design detail, it makes all the difference and seems to give the delicate top a little more substance. The cuffs adds some interest to the sleeve and the block of  sheer black fabric forming the front. While on the back, the button detail continues with a short column of buttons.

I love how this top looks thrown over a basic longline vest. Instant glamour with a (sheer) twist.
When it comes to this top, the real graft only comes in deciding what to pair it with because I think it could be paired with anything. Jeans, smart black trousers, leather, harem pants, miniskirts, maxi skirts, shorts . . . tick, tick, tick, tick. . !

The little but . . .
I think I've already made it quite clear that I like the design of this top but just be careful,  to check yours if you buy one as there should be a little bow at the side on the waist but mine fell off, the first time I put it on after getting home. To be honest, I'm not too fussed and probably won't go back for an exchange but maybe just check the seams (as we all should, always) before getting to the till.

Of course, I got this in black but it is available in several other colours. I think the mid-pink could add that something to my wardrobe that I haven't yet got.

- Ooh and here are two blogs to check out if you have a train ride to endure or need something to devour before bed. I just love both of these blogs. Their posts are so well written, often very true and always very entertaining: Laura Laments and The Tuesday Girl !

What do you think of the sheer blouse? Do you shop in New Look?

X

Skirts and sparklers!

Times are changing for I wore a skirt last night and it wasn't the pencil one! I was just browsing in Next (I thought, I would be safe, I haven't brought any clothes there for a longgg time . . .) when I came across two beautiful skirts.

 I'm so pleased with them and swapped my jeans last night for the navy one (pictured above) and some thick black tights. It worked a treat with my sparkly cardi and the Topshop blue vest (see last post).

This black skirt is a midi one but looks like a maxi on me and I felt very glam, swishing around in it, when I got back to my flat. I'm quite proud as I always thought long skirts would swamp me but it is actually quite flattering. The block of black might actually make my legs look slightly longer!

Fireworks

Yay, firework night was no washout. I had a lovely evening with my family. My parents had a little shindig. Sparklers, rockets and jacket potatoes. . , in my opinion, the best way to spend bonfire night. My little nephew is four now and seems at the perfect age to embrace it all. He was so excited at first, shouting that one was 'cool' and 'another one please'. Though by the end, he was a little blase and fireworks were so last year. In fact, after the last firework went off, he decided Christmas was almost here and that was to be the important business of the night. I think, the Argos book even came out!

Running

 I've also had a go at the Get Running App that Laura  (she is doing a giveaway for ten winners to get a free one. It ends today so be quick if you want a shot!) blogged about earlier in the week. The app is great but the run was a bit of a disaster! As I'm usually more comfortable on a treadmill, I decided to go out of town to do my run so that nobody could see me. The problem being that every time the lady said, 'Start running again now', it was just as the footpath met some steep bank or scrambled trees. So I'm not sure how much running I actually did but I decided as long as I was moving, I was doing something. However, the terrain was not the only factor that I hadn't planned for. I also lost my car keys somewhere along the line and then I lost the footpath and could see it would be dark soon.

Luckily (reclaimed keys in hand), I found my car (the last one left) in the car park just as the sun was setting. Looking on the bright side, it meant I got to catch some gorgeous views on my phone.

All in all, what with the shopping, scenery and sparklers, yesterday was almost the perfect Saturday. Did you have a good bonfire night? What do you do to keep fit? Oh and any skirt recommendations as they might just be my new obsession?!!

X