Birthday And Christmas Wishlist

I really do think I am the easiest person in the world to buy for: I like pretty things and handbags and accessories and shoes and handbags and jewellery and beauty products and handbags. Did I mention I like handbags?! So it puzzles me when my nearest and dearest complain about not knowing what to buy me for birthday or Christmas. I’m unfortunate to celebrate my day of birth a mere 6 days before Christmas. With this in mind I thought I’d put together an easy wishlist of prettiful things I’d be ever so grateful for 😉

£36 at House Of Fraser

£36 at House Of Fraser

I didn’t jump on the Urban Decay bandwagon when the Naked palettes were big news but lately I’ve favoured a neutral eye (and I need a change from my standard black liquid eyeliner) and if I’m going to go neutral then I might as well go for the best and the original.

Real Techniques at Cocktail Cosmetics £29.95

Real Techniques at Cocktail Cosmetics £29.95

I really am in dire need of some decent make up brushes and everyone raves about the Real Technique ones so I’d like to give them a go. This Sam Chapman Picks set is an ideal starter kit.

Michael Kors at House Of Fraser £310

Michael Kors at House Of Fraser £310

Ever so slightly expensive for a birthday or Christmas gift but I would love, love, love to own this Bedford satchel. It’s just a classic shape that will NEVER go out of style.

Converse at Schuh £43

Converse at Schuh £43

This may come as a shocker to my friends and family but I REALLY want a pair of cons. I wore a pair of my mum’s Converse during the summer with maxi dresses and liked the look. Plus I have found the ideal pair of jeans so would be able to rock a casual look more often.

Would prefer this tee in black but would be great as I’m a massive Marilyn fan.

Obscure Couture at ASOS £45

Obscure Couture at ASOS £45

I blogged about this tee aaaaaaaaaaaaaages ago and still didn’t get round to buying it so I’m putting it on my wishlist.

I really don’t need another LBD but the netting and dots make this unlike any other black dress I own.

I kind of NEED this necklace in my life!

So there we go, the pretty things I’d like!

L   x

Yay or Nay…. Iron Fist Shoes

It’s not very often I’m stumped on whether I actually like something or not but these Iron Fist shoes confuse me.

I can’t decide if they are quirky or the fugliest shoes ever.

iron fist flats

Available at TK Maxx for only £14.99 I’m bizarrely tempted to order them to see them in real life.

One pair of Iron Fist shoes that I do truly like is the coral little lamby ones

£28 from the Iron Fist website

£28 from the Iron Fist website

 

Whilst some of the printed shoes are a bit wacky for me, there’s no denying that Iron Fist shoes are instantly recognisable and I’m planning on adding a pair to my shoe collection pretty soon

Do you own any Iron Fist shoes? Whadda ya think of the skull flats?

L     x

New Job, New Me!

I start a new job this week, retail management for a  lingerie store, and although there is no uniform to wear I will be required to dress in plain black during my working hours. I own plenty of black clothing but alot of it is black with embellishment or patterned or too casual for business. Here’s what I’m contemplating buying:

River Island £28

River Island £28

In Love With Fashion £32

In Love With Fashion £32

This wrap dress looks like it would be ever so flattering. Also comes in a range of other colours.

Matalan £20

Matalan £20

ASOS £15

ASOS £15

It’s the one thing I don’t own, is a pair of black trousers or jeans. I don’t even have a pair of black leggings! These ASOS twill trousers would make a welcome addition into my wardrobe.

River Island £20

River Island £20

ASOS £22

ASOS £22

The shoulder detailing is lovely and makes this a little unusual.

River Island £28

River Island £28

New Look £16.99

New Look £16.99

This embellished sweater is quite casual for me but I reckon I could make it work.

Pop Couture £18

Pop Couture £18

I also need to look for comfortable black shoes:

ASOS £28

ASOS £28

New Look £17.99

New Look £17.99

New Look £29.99

New Look £29.99

Dorothy Perkins £35

Dorothy Perkins £35

 

Any thoughts on my picks? Any tips of not getting lost in a sea of black?

L      x

 

 

 

 

London Wishlist

I’m heading to London in July to see the swoonsome Michael Buble in concert and spending the weekend there exploring and shopping. Since London is the fashion capital I’m anxious to make sure I look my best, plus I’m envisioning “bumping” into Prince Harry 😉 Although I like to look at photos of the London street style it’s not a look I could pull off so I’m gonna stick to items within my comfort zone. I’ve been warned not to take a huge suitcase but c.mon we are going from the Friday to the Monday so I’m going to need a fair few items!

Here’s the items I can imagine wearing while I’m away although in reality I’ll be stuck wearing the same old clothes that I currently own:

Miss Patina £68.80

Miss Patina £68.80

Very pretty and ladylike.

I can imagine wearing this when Harry invites me to Buckingham Palace. Me, delusional?! never!

Warehouse £80

Warehouse £80

Gorgeous colour and lovely detailing on the bag, this could work for day or night.

We are going out for a fancy dinner one night so I’d wear this with my black Carvela heels and a sparkly black clutch bag I already own.

SheLikes £28

SheLikes £28

These nude wedges would go with the majority of the outfits I’ve picked and they’d be comfortable enough for sight seeing.

Could be worn with the Miss Patina dress or the Only jeans.

A great statement piece which could easily smarten up a basic tee.

Would look great against the coral maxi dress and also with a basic tee to wear with the Only jeans.

PoppyLux £45

PoppyLux £45

Again another item that could be worn for day or night.

I’m seriously considering buying this dress and wearing with my trusty leather jacket.

 

SheLikes £30

SheLikes £30

Very pretty for summer although I’d pair it with black accessories to stop it looking too twee.

I’d wear with a black cami, leather jacket, tonnes of eye liner and attitude!

Jazzing up a basic staple with the croc effect.

Would go with loads of my existing wardrobe as well as the Only jeans.

Only £27.95

Only £27.95

Brilliant colour for summer.

For evening these could be smartened up with aforementioned Carvela heels and the fab Three Floor top.

July needs to hurry up as I’m FAR too excited about this trip already. Have planned to visit Harrods, Selfridges, Madame Tussauds, Camden Market and star spot in Chelsea. Although if I buy these clothes I won’t have any money to spend in that London! Any recommendations of places I should go? Or restaurants I should try? Any fashiony events I should attend or shops I HAVE to check out?

 

L       x

Spring Has Sprung (Supposedly)

My usual spring wardrobe of red and navy with a nautical feel is just not cutting it this year. Bizarrely I’m yearning for soft and pastels and floral and girly and even tie dye. Perhaps just looking at pictures of items which possess these traits while suffice? Or more than likely I’ll want them all!

As seen on Lydia Bright of TOWIE fame this dress cries out to be worn with dusty rose accessories and a pair of nude heels.

Pastel chiffon. ‘Nuff said.

An investment piece which could be worn over dresses or with jeans.

A basic floral dress which could be dressed up or down.

First off let me say I have NO idea why I like this dress. On paper I shouldn’t but there’s something about it that makes me want to act all ladylike and wear pearls and drink G&Ts (I don’t even like gin)

Fairground £85

Fairground £85

More tie dye than floral but still caught my eye.

Reko £65

Reko £65

Again not really my style AT all but it’s very sweet due to the floral print and bomber jackets are still “in” just now.

Yet more tie dye. I wouldn’t wear it with a lime green beenie though…

Dollydagger £122.50

Dollydagger £122.50

Vivienne Westwood for Melissa shoes have been kicking around for ages now but these are the first pair that I truly covet. As if the gorgeous nude shade wasn’t enough there is the chic pearl strap AND they are Tutti Frutti scented!!!! Paired with the pink lace Pop Couture dress – Oh yes please!

Again I’ve tried to find items from unknown/smaller companies. I want to (slowly) break away from the high street. I fall in love with many pieces I find on the internet but still fall into the habit of heading into town and spending in Primark/River Island/Dorothy Perkins etc etc.

What do you think of trying new brands via the internet? Any new trends you are trying for Spring?

L        x

Liking The Look Of…

Pretty things I’ve seen and want:

Zara £29.99

Zara £29.99

I just think this skirt would be very easy to wear. I’ve lots of red and pink accessories so would pick and choose. Best to pair this skirt with a plain tee.

Charles Philip Shanghai at Harvey Nichols £130

Charles Philip Shanghai at Harvey Nichols £130

Charles Philip Shanghai at Harvey Nichols £145

Charles Philip Shanghai at Harvey Nichols £145

COMPLETELY out of my price range but can we please take a second to absorb the beauty of these babies.

In a variety of prints and materials, these slipper shaped shoes are flats at their best.

InLoveWithFashion £34

InLoveWithFashion £34

Favourite aspect of this playsuit is the long sleeves, perfect for those days when it’s nice out but the sun isn’t splitting the stones. I’d wear this with a denim waistcoat and tan wedges.

Tripp NYC at DollyDagger £65

Tripp NYC at DollyDagger £65

I have a thing for polka dots. And stripes. And black. And white. And red. Can you see where I’m going with this??

This scalloped necklace almost looks like a metallic collar. Could be worn with most outfits.

Poppy Lux £36

Poppy Lux £36

I feel I should be over mullet hems by now but there’s something about the colour and print of this dress that appeals.

Whaddya think of my picks? What have YOU been lusting after recently?

L   x

 

Liking The Look Of…..

Photos of pretty accessories I’ve seen lately and want:

Monki £12

Monki £12

For days when you need a floral pick me up.

Perfect for Spring. These make me ache for sunshine.

Perfect for me! Wonder if they could make me a “Spoilt Bitch” one?!

Pastels and polka dots = ideal

Godiva Boutique £26.50

Godiva Boutique £26.50

Tis pretty. Nowt much more I can really say about it except I don’t have a grey scarf and I want this one.

LoveLila £34.99

LoveLila £34.99

This would brighten up these gloomy days.

I have 2 necklaces with unicorns on them so it’s only logical I’d want one spelling out unicorn. NEED this.

Urban Outfitters £10

Urban Outfitters £10

Cos everyone needs elephants on their make up bags.

What do you think of my picks?

L   x

Christmas Party…. With Barratts Shoes

Christmas Party.... With Barratts Shoes
ASOS wool over the knee socks £6 / Clutch handbag £35 / ASOS double strand necklace £13/ River Island black waist belt, £40 /   Hedonia Lottie Sequin Dress, £70 / Ruby Rocks Crackle Metallic Chelsea Shoe Boots, £60 / Mac Cosmetics, £14 / Mac Cosmetics £16
Another day another fab giveaway I’ve stumbled across: Over at Kel Loves one lucky blogger can win £70 to spend on pretty shoes in Barratts. Go check out Kel’s blog for full details. Bloggers who want to take part have to come up with a Christmas themed outfit, mines is for a Christmas party.
It is the festive period so if you cannot be over the top now then when can you? This dress has a lovely flare to the skirt (cue lots of swirling around in it) the over the knee socks make a welcome change from black opaque tights and the boots pull the whole look together with the accessories.
I spent aaaaaaaaages looking at the Barratts website as they had so many pairs of shoes and boots that I want.
What do you think of my entry? Would you wear this to a Christmas party?

My Recent Purchases

 

I’ve been awfully good to  my wee self lately and purchased quite a few well needed items. AND I also purchased my first Christmas present! Yes I know the “C” word might fill some of you with the fear but as Debenhams had their discount event on and I had some spare pennies it would have been foolish of me not to take advantage of the offer. Obviously I don’t want to say who I bought for or what I bought but come Christmas Day I’ll be excited to see said person’s reaction. But enough about other peoples: back to me!

Here’s what I’ve been buying:

This Henry Holland for Debenhams cardigan fills me with joy! Have worn it twice and had lots of compliments on it.

These H&M super skinny jeans are actually more of a cobalt blue and at a bargainous £14.99 I can see me buying them in almost every colour.

Obviously I’m not gonna get much use (if any) out of these Kurt Geiger wedges but the colours appealed to me and they were a super cheap £19 in the sale! These will be my staple shoes next summer

Despite me moaning about suede boots in my Winter Footwear post I couldn’t resist buying these River Island wedges boots and I’m SO glad I did! I have worn them everyday since I bought them on Saturday and they are super comfy and go with loads of outfits plus the strip of leopard print is very me!

I actually bought these boots to wear to the Musselburgh Races which I went to on Monday. Unfortunately we got rained on pretty early on in the day so I didn’t get any blog-worthy photos but I felt very cute in my ASOS shirt dress, black tights and these boots along with (p)leather jacket and my faithful Paul’s Boutique bag. It was the first time I’ve ever been to the races and I had an absolute blast! Having a winner and a second might have had something to do with that 😉

This little haul should freshen up my wardrobe quite a bit although I do still need to buy more trousers and a pair of winter boots.

Do you like my recent purchases? Have you bought anything prettiful lately?

 

Winter Footwear

So following on from yesterday’s hunt for interesting knitwear I’ve decided to focus on searching for ideal winter boots. A few of my friends have the same problem as me when it comes to winter footwear – how to wear flat boots without a) looking a bit butch  b) clashing with the rest of your outfit or  c) having soaking wet feet due to suede boots and snow!

A skinny or stiletto heel in winter is no good for me at all especially as I still have the scars from having to walk miles home 2 years ago in skinny heeled boots when the snow was so bad all public transport was cancelled! I must have fallen about 80 times (NO exaggeration) and started crying about 5 minutes into my journey. So because of that I face the dilemma of finding flat boring practical boots that are pretty enough to wear with my standard winter wardrobe of my usual dresses with thick tights.

Being on a (almost non-existent) budget means choosing a high-priced pair of boots is out of the question however I have included some more expensive options for you rich buggers out there 😉

ALDO

 £90

£120

Love that touch of leopard print and although they aren’t flat I reckon the short chunky heel would be rather comfy. The longer tan boots were made to be tucked in skinny jeans and paired with a cozy cable knit cardigan

TK Maxx

Timberland £59.99

Bertie £44.99

Wow who knew Timberland had evolved so much from their days of the classic “timbies” that every one of my age had. In fact I loved those boots so much I owned them in pink AND baby blue as well as the obligatory tan! However these Timberland boots look sturdy and stylish. Although I usually detest wearing fabric boots in winter I couldn’t resist posting a pic of these cute Bertie boots.

Hush Puppies

£85

Were £130 now £65

And again who knew Hush Puppies had been so thoroughly modernised?! I particularly like the ankle boots although the grey pair would make a change from black or brown/tan.

ASOS

£50

£60

I’m drawn to the colour of the ankle boots – berry/burgundy seems to be my A/W colour. Knee length leather boots for 60 quid- ooh yes please!

Office

£68

£80

The tan boots are very “me” and I like the studding on the black ones.

Schuh

£90

£95

Love, love, love the top pair. the studding and colour of the boots are lush! The black boots are basic but appear well made and would work with the majority of a winter wardrobe.

River Island

£55

£70

I actually surprised myself by liking the quilted boots! And the black ankle ones are much nicer than cowboy boots yet still have a “Western” feel to them.

 

Other websites worthy of looking at for fab footwear are Chinese Laundry, Moda In Pelle, Viva La Diva, Dune and Jafari

Do you sacrifice style over comfort? Have I missed any great stores/websites which sell boots?