22

For once I'm not posting about spending money on clothing, or wishing away my money on clothing. I recently celebrated my 22nd birthday, I was spoilt rotten with plenty of cards, gifts messages and tweets. I have to say my best surprise was a homemade birthday cake, and all my friends wearing masks of me!! I wore, a beautiful dress from Three Floor Fashion, where I shall deffinately be stocking up on more of there pieces, espcially for events and future parties.Here's a few pictures which sum up the celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

Whistles Orchid Print

After seeing the Whistles Spring/Summer lookbook images which I blogged about here . I have been eagerly awaiting the beautiful pieces in the Orchid print.
Low and behold, this morning they magically appeared online. So far, I've nabbed the top, which Everytime I have worn I've had compliments. The beautiful contrast in the navy to the lime green, really is something quite spectacular. Let alone the fact it can be worn with almost everything. My current favourite is with a dark denim jean, or the Whistles grey lounge pant. Or of your after something a little less casual, pair with a navy cigarette pant and classic stilettos.

So now I'll be trying to get my hands on the trouser, bomber jacket and shorts. I can't help but love the colour pop of the best top paired with the shorts, and the idea of dressing up the trousers with my recently purchased Whistles white Delphine sequin top gets me all rather excited. So here is to an empty bank account, put a rather orchid full wardrobe.

Top, £95 Trousers, £125 Shorts, £95 Bomber Jacket, £155

Wanting Marant

I won't be purchasing this anytime soon, due to the expensive price tag. But this Isabel Marant Ginkle brocade jacket would sit rather perfectly into my Spring wardrobe. It's mainly the metallic silver and texture that makes me ooo and arrr. Dressed up with a white shift dress, or a dark denim skinny jean, is just some of the endless ways to dress this beauty.

 

 

Recently...

Apart from trying to finish an assignment, getting slightly addicted to the ipad Jurassic park game, I've been planning what to spend my birthday money on. And as if by magic, I seem to have decided what I wanted, bought it and used it in three days. And all done two weeks early.

I've lusted after a Sophie Hulme bag for some time, and with this and that contributing to a bit of money off. I felt now was the time. So here it is, my new little jewel.

Most famously known for her AW12 collection, and her season coded charms. Sophie Hulme is one to watch. My soft leather shoulder bag, comes with detachable shoulder strap, and infamous dinosaur charm. There is nothing I don't love about it.

I can't write this post without applauding My-Wardrobe for amazing service. I ordered Friday lunchtime and low and behold on standard delivery it was with me before lunchtime Saturday. After a dramatic Friday night (my phone was stolen) this delivery on my arrival home from the gym bought arather large smile to my face.

Happy Birthday Me!!

 

Topshop Unique SS13

The first thing I tend to do on waking up is check the Topshop new in section. This could be viewed as sad or even slightly obessive I know. However this morning was worth the check. With the launch of the Topshop Unique SS13 range. Since seeing these images and the show live streamed in September last year, it would be easy to say I`ve been lusting after a few of the pieces.

The show offered minimalist pieces, which showed signs of Jill Sander inspiration and reminded me just ever so slightly of Celine. Obvious trends are shown. A major showing of monochrome wherever in the cross hatch print or beautiful floral silk trouser suit. The pops of colour, where the colour of the season yellow, makes a rather wonderful appearance in the form of wide legged trousers. And my final trend for the summer, White. Not that anyone will be able to wear when planning to eat due to the mess ratio, however so elegantly crisp and served in the way of a leather skirt (wipe clean) or a tux jacket.

All though as expected prices are higher than the usual Topshop range, I think a few pieces maybe worth investing in. I certainly will be looking at getting my hands on the wide leg yellow trousers and the silk dresses. The collection certainly has an air of work wear about it, and could easily be added to anybody`s wardrobe staples. On a plus side, buying a piece of this collection allows you to have an affordable piece of LFW SS13. And if that doesn`t sell it, I`m sure all pieces worn by Cara Delevingne will sell out in a snap. What do you think? 

Lusting Marni

 

I would be lying if I said before the H&M collaboration last spring, I wasn't majorly aware of Marni.

Though after seeing this seasons collection it would hard not to be aware of them, let alone want all of it.

I've seen snippets of the collection in Selfridges, and ogled the website, hoping a money tree quickly appears.

 

Embellished T-shirts

Easy Wear Shorts

The geo prints are to die for and so easy to wear. The shapes of shorts aren't made for Barbie dolls with perfect pins, but real women. And don't get me started on the T-shirts with embellished necklines. To top it off Mollie King offa The Saturdays, was pictured wearing a beautiful Marni outfit at last nights InStyle awards.

Mollie King wearing Marni at the InStyle awards

All though my bank balance can't stretch to the £430 for a T-shirt, there seems to be lots of high street Marni inspired pieces.

ASOS have these brilliant Geo print easy tailored shorts, which would look great with a plain tee, and added oversized necklace, to get that Marni look.

ASOS Shorts £35

Finally, if you didn't get your hands on any of the H&M Marni collaboration last spring. H&M have a very similar necklace to the one which sold out, in stores now. What do you think of the casual laid back Marni look? Will you be searching the high streets for your Marni alternative?

 

ASOS SS13

So apart from coveting everything in the Whistles SS13 collection, which I wrote about here, and slogging at the library on my final assignments, you'll mainly find me clearing my wardrobe for the ASOS SS13 collection.

The collection shows pieces which are minimalist chic, fresh, exciting metallics and the perfect workwear wardrobe full of tailored trousers. I'm loving the geometric shorts, and have already treated myself to the red jumper to match.

The flirty dresses on offer, will certainly be competing for my graduation ball and ceremony dress. The white trend is certainly showing throughout with gorgeous decorated heels, and the perfect sundress.

It would also be rude not to mention the accessories. Architectural platforms and Anna Dello Russo style sunnies. Plus Charlotte Olympia esque wedges. And beautiful wear with anything clutches.

With prices on ASOS being reasonable, and free super saver delivery it'll be hard not to purchase it all. Plus, for 48 hours they are offering 25% student discount. So what you waiting for, get shopping.

 

Girls

 

I'm a new fan. But last nights episode did not disappoint. Here's to the next nine weeks of brilliant TV.

 

"What's wrong with Emojis? A Panda, Next to a gun, Next to a wrapped present."

 

New Year Beauty Haul

 

I've never been an obsessive fan of beauty products. My brushes are all MAC, my make up all MAC, and the majority of my skin care, yep you guessed it MAC. I am a loyal MAC follower, and swear by their products.

However something of recent changed. Most likely spurred on by my trusty MAC foundation brush breaking, and begging my boyfriend to buy me a new brush set for christmas. Due to my loyalties, I automatically sent him to MAC for the Christmas brush gift set. However they were all sold out. He did however manage to surprise me with a beautiful Dior brush set, which has the softest blush brush imaginable.

With a bit of spare time over the Christmas break, I found myself researching beauty blogs, mainly Lily Pebbles, Vivianna Does MakeUp,Tanya Burr and Pixie Woo youtube videos. Which has turned me into, what can only be described as a beauty blog whore. All these can easily be found on YouTube.

So in the past two weeks I've invested in quite a few beauty products. Firstly, the Real Techniques Core Collection brushes. A brilliant buy, designed by Pixie Woo make up artist Sam Chapman. I'm still playing around with these, but I've instantly seen the difference from applying my foundation, with the pointed brush. My instance reaction to these brushes, was to buy more. So I've just ordered the Stippling brush, apparently a beauty bloggers secret,

To keep all these brushes top tip, I've invested in MACs brush cleaner. For £9.50, it's a large bottle which I can see lasting a long time.

A few other MAC purchases have included their new BB cream, and Mineralize Skin Finish in Stereo Rose, part of the Après Chic collection and finally the new Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara, which is apparently going to create curl and extend length of my lashes.

Apart from MAC I have a soft spot for Topshop make up, in a recent trip I stocked up on the Louise Gray, Legend lipstick. Which is in the sale for £3, grab it while you can. A Red and Pink coloured lip pencil and finally a blush/bronzer, which I've been using with my Real Technique contouring brush.

My final purchase, after watching many a beauty blogger review, is the Bioderma Crealine H20 Micelle solution. It's yet to arrive, but I am excited to see what all the fuss is about.

It's quite unlike me to spend so much money, and time researching beauty products, however it makes a nice change than searching through the remainders of the Topshop sale. Have you bought anything you wouldn't normally this New Year?

 

Whistles SS13 Preview

So you could say I'm slightly biased. With an internship at their head office last summer, and a part time job in store, I'm a Whistles fan. I adore that everything in store, is nothing like anything else on the high street. I crave the luxurious fabrics used, and the high quality construction of each garment.

And by gosh, by the looks of things the Spring/Summer 2013 collection isn't going to disappoint either. Below I've picked a few favourites, that without a doubt I'll be trying to get my hands on.

A possible graduation dress? Can you wear White to a graduation?

 

 

What I'm looking forward to in 2013

1. Monochrome, Stripes and all things Marc Jacobs. Obviously all will be worn with a Brigett Bardot up doo.

2. The return of the statement shoe, the Celine Fury shoe, and even the return of the Birkenstock this summer.

3. All things great in London. My upcoming visit plans include, theValentino Exhibition, Viva Forever the Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate factory the musical and with out a doubt much more.

4. Wang for Balenciaga. What is he going to do?

5. JW Anderson's second Topshop drop, I loved the first drop. And the next awaited H&M collab. Who doesn't love it when a high street & designer come together?

6. Fingers crossed for a new season of Homeland, if not series 2 of Girls. Something has to replace Gossip Girl. If not Mr Selfridge, and David Attenborough's

7. My on going subscription of InStyle and Vogue. How else would I keep up to date?

8. The year of the model, because I can't get enough of Rosie, Cara and Poppy.

9. Fashion Weeks 2013, February's shows are looming. I'm too excited.

10. SS13s Neon trend. Because nothing brightens your day more than a neon accessory.

What does 2013 hold

Unlike most I'm spending tonight, on the sofa, watching the numerous New Year shows on television. I haven't ever been a big New Year fan, I usually follow the crowd. Due to a lack of organisation my plans seemed to crumble at the last minute, and here I am now, with some toffee popcorn and Graham Norton.

So reflecting back on 2012, it's not been over eventful . I've done a lot, visited exhibitions, spent a lot. 2013 however, has a lot in store for me inevitably. Come May my university exams finish, come July I graduate, and technically become a real adult, with real responsibilities.

With this in mind, my next few months involve some hard work with my head in books, and whispering at the library. Real job hunting, and then who knows. But with all this in mind, it would be rude not to make some plans. Not so much resolutions, but aims. So here they are;

* I want to own a pair of Louboutins. I have the book, visited the exhibition and have the poster proudly on my wall. Plus, I don't think there will be anything more perfect than, a red sole taking a step onto the stage come graduation day in July.

* To own a Celine bag. Okay so this is pretty out there. As well as chipping away at worked up debts each month, and saving money for my New York trip next December, money will be tight. But a Celine bag is next on my wanted list.

* A summer holiday. Maybe even a few weeks travelling. Who knows, but I missed out on a holiday in 2012, and don't think I should do the same in 2013.

* A job. Something I'd like to get upon graduating. The Louboutins will obviously come in handy for interviews too.

So these aims are pretty materialistic. But apart from the standard join the gym, and cut down my sugar intake, I'm pretty happy with my life. So much so, I don't think I need to make any huge changes to have a great 2013.

Without a doubt you'll have some resolutions, I'd love to hear them. But for the mean time, Happy New Year.

The Grinch That Stole Christmas

I don't mean the film, but this extremely festive Olympia Le-Tan clutch. You maybe digging deep in your pockets to afford the £955 price tag. But it certainly will bring some festive spirit to your outfit this holidays.

Available at NET-A-PORTER.COM

 

Top Five Christmas Films

With being stuck in Manchester right until Christmas Eve, I have found myself watching Christmas films left right and centre, just to keep my festive spirits high. So here I've rounded up my top five...

Miracle on 34th Street

" We invite you to ask yourself this one simple question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?"

Miracle on 34th Street, was a childhood favourite. And that hasn't changed now I'm 21. There's something slightly magical, that gives me tummy butterflies every time I watch.

New Years Eve

"Some people swear there's no beauty left in the world, no magic. Then how do you explain the entire world coming together on one night to celebrate the hope of a new year?"

Okay, so this isn't technically a Christmas film. Compared to Christmas, I'm not really a New Years fan. But this film changed everything. I challenge anybody not to cry with joy at the end. I'm spending New Year 2013, in New York and hope I get a tiny bit of the magic shown in this film.

Love Actually

"When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion.. Love actually is all around."

Not only is this a favourite Christmas film. But a favourite overall film. I never tire of watching, so much my DVD has scratched, and stopped playing at parts. Like New Years Eve, the film follows different people's lives who all somehow connect. Even though I love all the story's, part of me is just nosey and likes to see others lives.

It's a Wonderful Life

"Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings"

Full of Christmas cheer. A perfect family watch, that will defiantly get everyone being thankful. As Carrie Bradshaw would say, An oldie, but a goodie.

Elf

" The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear"

Elf really is full of Christmas giggles and joy. I don't quite think there's a film which makes you feel more festive.

The best way to watch them is with a big mug of hot chocolate, and cosy pyjamas. Do you have a favourite? What is it?

 

Farewell Gossip Girl

It's been common knowledge for quite some time now that Gossip Girl would draw to an end this season. Here in the UK this happened tonight.

I won't pretend I didn't shed a tear, or squeal with glee at times. But being a Gossip Girl fan, from that very moment Serena entered Grand Central, I couldn't have asked for more.

I'd be lying if I said Gossip Girl was just a weekly programme I tuned into. Blair and Serena can influence an outfit of mine, or I even find myself asking for Blair's exact hair colour. This influence from the teen drama will certainly be missed. I found myself on first moving to university, making friends with similar fans. My house religiously sit down together to watch. I'd quite honestly argue Gossip Girl, has been the Sex and the City of my generation.

I don't want this to be a spoiler for anybody who isn't quite up to date. However what was Serena thinking with that dress? And could Eleanor pull some strings for my dress, when the time comes? The clever reveal of Gossip Girl, and the appearances of friends and enemies. New and old, we're certainly my favourite bits. Rachel Bilson and Kirsten Bell, really did make me laugh.

However I think it's times stopped wishing to be Mrs.Bass. What did you think if it all? And yes, I did think it was Darota all along....

 

What's been going on....

I've shown Abigail's Party a little but of a cold shoulder recently. End of year deadlines piled on top of me, as well as end of term fun. But here's a little round up of what I've been up to the last few weeks...

 I'm extremely excited to return home for Christmas. Even the Christmas Eve drive, is making me giddy. I've managed to finish all my present buying early, and now looking forward to grabbing some bargains in the sales.

Bey does Body Con

After a recent Instagram spree, I came across these rather hot pictures of Beyonce.

I couldn't help but notice that all though her dress is rather beautiful, it's extremely similar to what I've seen on the high street. Jersey body con dresses seem to be everywhere. ASOS have a whole range like below for as little as £30. I bet Bey had wished she'd known that. If you fancy spending a little more, head to Topshop for this embellished number. Not only are these dresses great for girls nights out, but smart enough for day time occasions. Team it with a simple necklace and voila a la Bey. Who wouldn't want to be like her?

ASOS £30

Topshop £95