Saturday 12 November 2011

A cat that copies!

Look what our friends at Topshop have done, only gone & created a new shoe (style name Lillie just incase you are interested) that echoes the Tom Ford for YSL sandals! Oh my...

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Get the look – Monsters Inc!

So my new mohair jumper got a first outing at work the other day and straight away I got compared to Sulley from Monsters Inc! Opps, not exactly the style icon I had in mind. Spot the difference!



Saturday 22 October 2011

Time to shine

Gosh, it has been some time since I have made a post. Fear not friends! I bring news of a recent purchase - this lovely vintage necklace. I'm going through an accessories phase so this fits the bill perfectly. I'm going to layer this with other jewels & add sparkle to everyday outfits on dull winter days!

Twinkle Twinkle

Friday 9 September 2011

Lusting after….

I had a lovely evening at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester last night. My Wardrobe & Harper’s Bazaar hosted an exclusive fashion event, an opportunity to browse over the new season collections and get insider tips from the Bazaar fashion team.

I came away relaxed after a great paraffin wax hand treatment from the chic Sisley ladies. I am certainly going to pop into House if Fraser and see what other delights they have in the gorgeous skincare range.

So, I am now ready for the new season, and I need these pieces to complete me!

Friday 19 August 2011

Are ankles the new body part du jour?

Having spotted the image below on the street style website StreetFSN a few weeks back and more recently coming across this photoshoot in i-D magazine, I noticed that people seem to be neglecting the neck in favour of the ankle when it comes to wearing a silky scarf!

Image above from StreetFSN



Never one to shy away from a trend, this left me wondering if the streets of Lancashire are ready for such inventiveness – but of course they are! The challenge is set, I will try my best to re-create this look very soon!
In the meantime, I will rifle through my scarf drawer (yes I am an old lady I have a scarf drawer!) and bring out some of my neglected beauties.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Totally Chyc!

Classic but not too extrovert! I love this ‘Chyc’ black bag from Yves Saint Laurent. I have put it at the top of my birthday wish list. Granted, my birthday isn’t until January but at least I am focused on what I want!

I am looking for something that is timeless in its styling, not too expensive (mummy & pa are buying!) and overall something to love forever!


I think I just found it!

Thursday 28 July 2011

Chunky Knit – yes please!

I must say, I am rather loving all the textures & chunky knits as seen in this recent Vogue Paris publication (via the very wonderful whowhatwear blog).


I hate the winter months, when you are so cold that you can’t move (I hate being cold!). This look solves all those problems, layer up in super style! I have never quite mastered the art of layering, but with this as inspiration I am going to give it a good go come winter!

Sunday 24 July 2011

Finders Keepers

Take a look at the crazy but ever so fun Cacharel jumpsuit I purchased whilst on holiday in Spain. I will unleash this jumpsuit to the world on a night out very soon. I am a little scared by the colourful print, clashing spots and ruffles combination but i'll give it a go!

Jump up, jump up and get down!
Fruity delight
Most recently I got this cute fruity print make up bag from Primark and a small leather bucket bag from a car boot sale. I will pretend to be a Chloe girl when wearing this newby piece - a girl can dream!

Friday 1 July 2011

Knit one purl one

Move over friendship bracelets because new on the block are these knitted bracelets from Marni, they have me counting down the days until autumn arrives! These beauties are going straight onto the AW11 wish list – available online at Net a Porter in case you were wondering!

At £125 they are a little pricey - I feel a little DIY experiment is in order, i'll bring the wool - anyone know how to knit?!

We'll knit more!

Image taken from Net a Porter

Thursday 23 June 2011

Flower power

Ok, so these trousers are a bit crazy but they are a great addition to my wardrobe for summer… no ditsy florals for me – it’s all about the full on floral punch!

Flower Show

Sunday 5 June 2011

New finds...

I haven't made a post for some time now - but my new finds were worth the wait! A few new accessories have crept into my wardrobe. As ever, belts dominate! Two tan leather belts; one skinny, one extra fat will surely see some summer use. I've also got myself a little raffia shopper and finally... drum roll please, a Hermes scarf was surely the find of the month - a bargain £1.50 was paid. I know, I know it was only £1.50!

Bag of tricks!

I just need to give it an iron now and practice my scarf tying techniques as watched numerous times on the Liberty YouTube channel. Go visit the website and try for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/user/thelibertylondon

Monday 16 May 2011

Exploring Global Threads

This past weekend I ventured into Preston City Centre for a little mooch around the charity shops and to take a browse round the high street stores to see what new drops have landed. With not much going on there I decided to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city shops and ventured into the wonderful Harris museum.

I’m a great advocate of the Harris museum and was excited to view the Global Threads: Asian Textiles and Fashion Today exhibition on their opening day. The exhibition and volunteers at the launch party were full of energy and great enthusiasm for the exhibition. In brief, the Global Threads exhibition takes its inspiration from a set of historic fabric samples and details how these prints have influenced many designers work over the years and how they continue to do so.

Explore Global Threads
As part of the launch party people from all ages, young & old, were invited to customise a plain white T-shirt with Asian influenced fabrics – my efforts can be seen below! I don’t profess to have great sewing skills and I admit that I had help from a miracle double side adhesive invention, but I did find the event to be quite a therapeutic environment and it was a great to see how people adapted to the customisation challenge.

Plain white tee

Further information on the exhibition can be found on the Harris Museum website!

Monday 2 May 2011

“Cuff her!”

It seems I have a penchant for cuff/bracelets, as over the past couple of weeks I’ve purchased three creations, all quite raw in their form; made from beads and leather. The most recent being the tribal cuff, a charity shop find one lunchtime last week… it will toughen up the most summery of outfits, a perfect punch of colour!

To cuff or not to cuff!
Until the next time friends…

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Wardrobe nightmares!

So this picture confirms my fear - I don’t have anything to wear! Yes, you may see a huge wardrobe packed with high street and vintage finds aplenty, but when it comes to getting ready in the morning I get stumped. I said the other day at work that I had lost my fashion mojo – dear friends I believe this to be true…. Now if only I could find said mojo!

My wardrobe

I think what I need is one of those things people like to call ‘a clear out’! As is evident by the photo I don’t have many clear outs, they are very rare in my flat but times may be a changing! I need to get ruthless, who knows what old treasures I might find along the way.

Clueless just like Cher!


More to follow on this subject, that I am sure…

Thursday 14 April 2011

Come into my life

These amazing Miu Miu sandals have been on my shoe radar for some time now - need, want, must have!

Dot to dot...
 Image from the lovely people at Net a Porter

Sunday 3 April 2011

Lusting after…

I want one of these agate bracelets from Brook&Lyn so badly! I stumbled across the website and fell in love with everything in the ‘Surrounded Day’ collection!

How amazing are these pieces?




Mimi Jung is the artist behind the label, and her jewellery collection is focused around a group of stones she discovered on a trip to Hong Kong. The stones are surrounded in a layer of crochet and rope - I love the simplicity combined with the bold statement they make.

Good news for UK fans, these pieces are available from The Moon & Mars. Warning – you will want to purchase everything from this store too, they stock some great designers from the likes of: Surface to Air, Carin Wester and Stine Goya.

Monday 28 March 2011

Belt up!

I thought I would share a relatively new furniture purchase together with a slight obsession I have with belts!

Haberdashery heaven
My wooden haberdashery unit was a steal, my lovely dad salvaged it from an office clearout where he worked. I snatched it up knowing the 27 drawer unit would be the ultimate place to house all my accessories; belts, scarves, perfume, jewels and make up.

Anyway, back to belts! I haven’t actually counted how many I own, must be going on for 40 maybe? To be honest there are some that I haven’t worn in a long time, but for some reason I love purchasing belts – more so those that I have picked up in vintage and charity shops for couple of pounds here and there.

A few new finds!
Pictured above, a few of my recent belt purchases… including a woven cotton belt, a beaded Peruvian leather belt picked up from Vintage Village, a neon skinny belt from Primark and a couple of charity shop finds! I hope you have just as much luck belting up!

Monday 21 March 2011

Spring, where are you?

I had no photographer at my disposal today, meaning no one else was in the office this afternoon to snap me! Rather than trawl round the building to find someone to take a photo (who didn’t think I was totally vain) I decided to give the old self timer a whirl on the camera!

Spring has sprung

Well the results aren’t exactly Testino worthy but I think you get the jist of my outfit; a sleeveless blazer style dress from H&M (new purchase) with a sheer Reiss patterned top underneath for good measure, oh and an old faithful vintage belt. I am wearing this today as I am desperate to bring out some new spring goodies from my wardrobe – but with the weather not being too kind I am having to work in my new spring pieces with some old favourites! Hurry up spring and bring Mr Sunshine with you too!

Monday 14 March 2011

A weekend of vintage

I was most excited when I got the weekly email update from The Guardian fashion team, to find at the bottom all I craved, a couple of sentences about a vintage fair happening a mere half an hour’s drive away from home, in Stockport. My first question was how I hadn’t heard about this sooner!


Vintage Village goodness
                                                                                  
Normally my Sunday mornings are reserved for being quite lazy, consisting of reading the papers and pottering about, but the lure of a fair filled with vintage goodness, well I couldn’t resist! The early start was a challenge, but more than worth it when I reached the haven of the old Victorian market – from the moment of entry it was pure indulgence; the buzz of shoppers, the old music sounding from the gramophone and glamorous sellers in their vintage regalia – all setting the nostalgic scene. I was glad I had tried to fit in with the glamorous crowd by wearing a vintage dress my auntie had kindly passed my way a few years ago.

Me, myself and my dress!
After a couple of hours of wondering around the stalls and devouring the vintage wares, I emerged with more than a few purchases; three dresses, one folk art inspired waistcoat and a beaded Peruvian belt just in case you were curious! That should cure my vintage shopping demons for a while, well until the next fair on the 10th April. Hope to see you there!
For more information visit the Vintage Village website

Image of me - courtesy of Lady, Behave!

Thursday 10 March 2011

Fashion leader in training!

I have exciting news to report – I have been selected to attend the Drapers Next Generation Academy at the end of March in London. Yaahoo!  Moi, a next generation fashion leader – here’s hoping!



The one day event will include and I quote (from Drapers online) “exclusive content from leading names in fashion” – this is very exciting and a great opportunity to learn from some key industry professionals.

Look out for an update after the event! Now what does one wear to such an occasion… must get planning!

Friday 4 March 2011

Lunchtime shopping delights

Before I leave work for the weekend, I couldn’t resist posting a little picture of my vintage haul from the local charity shop this lunchtime! I squealed with delight when I noticed from across the cobbled street that they had got all of their vintage goodies out of storage and so ten minutes later (I was pushed for time and whizzed through the rails!) I emerged with five items costing less than £30!

Bag of goodies!
Now, the telling part will be when I get home and try everything on… let me say there will be tears if the vintage Lanvin skirt (still with the original tags on and unworn) doesn’t fit – fingers crossed I have lost a few pounds since I ate my sandwich and cake earlier today!

Full photos to follow soon - happy Friday one and all!

Tuesday 1 March 2011

A wardrobe highlight!

The closest I have got to this season’s neon trend is none too careful highlighter pen usage and subsequently ending up with yellow streaks over my hands! Not a good look, but not one to be deterred I decided to go forth and inject some zing into my wardrobe and experiment with neon.

So, off I popped to the shops last weekend, and on my travels I managed to pick up a neon belt in Primark for the bargain basement price of 50p! I don’t normally shop in Primark, mostly because I don’t like picking up clothes to try on that have been sat on the floor! However, I did find myself drawn to the accessories department and 50p lighter I have my first piece of neon!

A slice of neon around the waist

A skinny minny belt to go over my oversized denim shirt, I quite liked the flash of yellow amongst the sea of denim! I might have to experiment a little more with other brights in the neon colour family again soon!

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Can a leopard change its spots?

I think my leopard shoes can indeed change their spots!

I was feeling in a kooky mood this morning, so I opted to wear my spotty Topshop socks with my current favourite KG leopard heels – clashing prints is fun! I got a few second glances but that’s ok, fashion is there to provoke and provide intrigue! What better way to update your look than with a £3 pair of socks and your favourite heels…

Clashing prints!

I think next to try will be a whole outfit, perhaps a mishmash of spring florals… watch this space for how I get on!

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Sunny side up!

The March glossies are full of slick new season advertising campaigns featuring many a model wearing super chic sunglasses.

So I got thinking! I need to update my eyewear for summer. This is an area that I must admit this is an accessories area I neglect, instead I opt to purchase clothes and footwear, much safer options and the cost per wear is more economical, especially given the UK daylight/sunshine hours! The eyes though are my view of the world and I should treat them with care. My past eyewear purchases have mostly consisted of high street bargains, £20 here and there on a quick holiday fix – I think this is due to the fact that I am very clumsy and I break/drop/scratch sunglasses/reading glasses all the time!

This must stop! I have decided to treat myself to a designer pair this season, and I already have a wee shortlist.

Contenders...

Ray Ban original Wayfarers; striped yellow and dark green frame
Chloé; square-framed sunglasses (from The Outnet)
RetroSuperFuture; Elysian print frame (exclusive to Liberty)

Pay day is the 15th February - decisions decisions!

Tuesday 8 February 2011

Sharing a new purchase…


A few little shop visits were made last week, so I now share with you my first charity shop bargain of the year; an embossed leather belt that I am sure to wear a lot this summer, nothing beats a tan leather belt I say and… It was only £1!

It reminds me of something you could pick up in a market on holiday, that’s probably why I like it so much, always holiday dreaming!

Lovely leather belt
Also had a spree in H&M last weekend and bought a beige sleeveless dress, following the advice in the February Issue of UK Vogue about sleeveless blazers/jackets being a key item for the season ahead. I am opting for the dress version for this spring – just as soon as it stops raining!

Onwards and upwards in search of more wardrobe purchases for the sunshine season!

Friday 28 January 2011

Get creative with knot tying

One of my guilty TV pleasures is catching up with the 90210 kids (new version) over a lazy weekend in front of the TV.
A stand out fashion figure on screen as well as off is the delightful Gillian Zinser… Oh how I wish to live by the seaside and exude that cool surfer girl vibe!On my daily web hunt I came across this pic of Gillian at People magazine’s StyleWatch event in LA this week.I might have to give this simple ‘tie a knot in a maxi dress’ look a whirl come summer – I will post pics if successful, if not I will be crying into my vodka tonic that I am not young enough to pull off such a feat!
Too cool for school!
It actually reminds me of a look I sampled in the 1990s, the days when you would take the bottom of your t-shirt and loop it through the neck, et voilĂ  a crop top t-shirt was born - You remember trying this don’t you, I know i'm not alone
Photo credit: Getty images/www.dailymail.co.uk

Wednesday 26 January 2011

The shopping bug and the online cure!

I had the shopping bug yesterday, daydreaming about shopping and organising a little after work trip to le Trafford Centre! Sadly my tiredness took over and so I plonked myself in front of the TV with my laptop and www.topshop.com to entertain me!

Finally I join the clog club!

Navy tailored shorts to see me through spring

One hour later, two purchases made…. Easy peasy! My bug was cured - Instant remedy!

Wednesday 19 January 2011

A-maze…

If only I could look as impossibly chic as Tilda Swinton in this photo – must try harder, must try harder!


Tilda Swinton - Simply stunning

I loved the whole Jil Sander SS11 collection - the vibrant palette and simplicity of the pieces. On my shopping list; fresh white t-shirts and bright colour infusions!

Photo credit: Getty/www.harpersbazaar.com

Thursday 13 January 2011

One of my five a day?

I don’t eat enough fruit, honestly who does? But I am looking differently now at the delights a little Mediterranean orange or a lemon can offer…


A squeeze of lemon & lime!
Look no further than The SS11 collection from Stella McCartney… and now I await the high street equivalent to add a bit of zest in my life!

Image taken from Vogue.com

Monday 3 January 2011

Well hello there 2011!

I could quite easily make a long list of new year resolutions, incorporating such things as shopping a little less, exercising more and so forth – but where is the fun in that?! I am going to embrace 2011 with all the things I love doing and those that put a smile on my face… travelling, reading, shopping and eating great food!

First to tick off the list is a city break, Copenhagen beckons as I jet off next weekend for four days in delightful Denmark. On the agenda is catching up with an old friend, sampling some great restaurants and perhaps a visit to see the little mermaid statue! Can’t wait!

In the meantime, I am trying the whole exercise thing! I have just got my hands on an Xbox 360 Kinect console – fitness in my own home seems much more appealing than the gym right now! Must dash - I am about to join the Zumba fitness party!

Flat stomach here I come!