Midi or Middle Aged?

My search for the perfect maxi goes on. But I did find this midi dress in the H&M sale for a fiver! Topshop earrings and bangle and flip flops.


What do you think of the length? I wasn't sure at first, thought maybe it was a bit middle aged but have been wearing it all evening and am loving it.

Mani of the week: No 7 Pillar Box

I love this colour. It is the most true red I have found. The best part? It only needs one coat to fulfil its colour potential which saves time. Two coats do help it to last longer, of course. 

My only problem with painting my nails red is that it does rather restrict my outfit choices as I can't really wear anything with pink in it.

What do you think of this colour?

To friendship

I haven't said all that much about my Sex and the City 2 experience - despite having seen it three (yes, three) times. Like Amy Thomas of God, I Love Paris, I liked - and in parts even loved - the film but it hadn't really inspired a thorough analysis and dissection with the girls after watching. But then I read Amy's post and the one referenced by her - here - and I suddenly started to appreciate it a little bit more.

It is the friendships and the strength of these and the strength that these provide that really make the film for me. The scene that really stands out, for me, was that between Charlotte and Miranda in the hotel bar when they confess the difficulties they face as mothers:

I don't have children and don't profess to understand the challenges that come every day with being a mother but did feel that this scene was heartfelt and yet still keeping a sense of humour at its heart. Both of the girls drew strength from each other and it demonstrated that old adage: a problem shared is a problem halved.

For all of the fashions and loves of the Sex and the City girls, it is the friendship between Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha that really cemented the television series as a favourite of women - young and old - across the globe. There is a part of each of the girls in all of us and in all of our friends - we recognise something in them and we connect to that.

Indeed, as Carrie says, "...friendships never go out of style".

Which does bring me rather neatly to the styles and fashions of SATC2, as no review of the film on a fashion blog would be complete without a little commentary on this. Some of the outfits are perhaps a little far fetched, stilettos in the desert, really? But others are simply divine. The Halston Heritage pieces that Carrie wears are simple, chic and elegant:

Set, for the most part, in Abu Dhabi, the fashion tends to be geared towards the hot weather which makes it the perfect inspiration for the current summer weather and upcoming summer holidays. Carrie's maxi dresses have certainly fuelled my own longing for one [remember this?].

There is also the nod to '80s fashion, which has seen a revival in recent years, with a series of flashbacks:

For more fashion from the film and the television series check out Style Icon: Carrie Bradshaw and check back in the coming weeks for the other SATC girls.

Sex and the City 2 might not have the strongest of storylines and there was certainly not enough of New York for me but it will definitely remind you of all of the friends who enrich your life and who provide you with strength every day.

So to all of my friends - old and new - thank you. I think I'd drink a cosmo to that... To friendship.

Bargain Hunter: Playtime

I like to buy pieces that are a little out of my comfort-zone sometimes but that still fit into my wardrobe. I've been after a playsuit for sometime now but not really found one that I was happy with. Then I found this:

This little beauty was just £7 in the sale in Dorothy Perkins. I love the frills down the sides and the relaxed feel and look of it. Perfect for playtime.


This was taken in mum's flat whilst making the Paella!


Have you tried a trend that you didn't think was really you and discovered you can't live without it?

Stylish Sister's Fabulous Hat!

After all of the chat about headgear [Fascinating?] and talk of my cousin's wedding last Saturday [What was I wearing yesterday?] I just had to show you my very Stylish Sister's hat:

Isn't it fabulous? 

BARGAIN HUNTER: many more maxis

As my hunt for the perfect maxi dress continues, so the search widens. Here are a selection of my favourites (I have gone over my £20 limit by a little bit on a couple of occasions, please forgive me!):

♥ This ditsy print maxi from Dorothy Perkins, on sale for £20 ♥ 

♥ This simple and elegant black Asos maxi with back detailing, in the sale for £22 ♥

♥ This Topshop lace insert maxi skirt is the perfect alternative to the maxi dress, this skirt is currently in the sale for £15 ♥

♥ This Topshop strappy jersey maxi dress is a steal at £18 ♥

♥ This nautical themed striped maxi dress from Miss Selfridges comes in at £20 ♥

♥ Why not be a "lady in red" in this gorgeous Miss Selfridge coral shirred maxi dress, £22 ♥

♥ If you're after a real bargain of a maxi dress, try this New Look vest maxi for only £15 and comes in a whole rainbow of colours ♥

♥ Or this Goddess Dress, also by New Look, and a very stylish steal, on sale at £12 ♥

♥ This patterned French Connection maxi is in the sale for £25 (half price!) and would look fabulous over a bikini on the beach on holiday ♥

I couldn't quite make it to ten just now but I am sure that there will be many more options sought before I chose my perfect maxi.

What do you think of my selection? Are you rocking a maxi this summer?

Let it rain...

Source

For days the weather has been balmy and most un-British and then this morning we pulled back our curtains to that old familiar friend: the rain. It might be familiar but somehow after a couple of weeks absence it seems alien and is certainly unwelcome.


The first thought that flashed through my mind when I saw the ominous rain clouds this morning was: what do I wear?


Dressing for work in the summer poses many challenges as it is without the added pressure of the wet weather and warmth combined. You might remember this post - How to… Dress for Work in the Winter - but I have yet to write a post for summer work wear much less one that takes into account the prospect of the British Summer and its rain.


I find that in moments such as these, what to wear on my feet is my most pressing concern. An umbrella will most likely keep the rest of me reasonably dry but my feet have no such assurance. I saw one tweet this morning which read: It's make or break time. Boots v pumps. Chucking outside! But could get nice later! Precisely. The weather can be so changeable that what seemed like the right footwear in the morning is completely inappropriate by home time.


Today I'm looking for your suggestions which I will then make into a new "How to…" post tomorrow. So, how's about it? What do you put on your feet in this weather?

Street Style Stalker: Paris #5

This pair were just screaming out to have their photo taken. Outside the Louvre. They are one cool couple!

Blog ramblings

Just settling down to a feast of gourmet gluttony - a Marks & Spencer Gastropub Aberdeen Angus Steak Yorkshire Pudding Pie. Sounds amazing, doesn't it?!

I have been trying to eat healthy recently but I've fallen off the wagon - as it were - tonight. Oh well, can't hurt.

Just noticed that my number of followers is slowly creeping up so thought I might give all of you blog readers who don't yet follow me a little incentive; as soon as my number of followers reaches 100, I'll sort out a little giveaway to thank you all. How does that sound?

The weather has suddenly changed here; it was boiling at lunchtime and then by 5 o'clock, it was pouring. Yuck. Not good for outfit decisions either. There I was stuck at work in my little culottes and a tee and not even an umbrella. It does make you think about what you carry in your handbag. Girls are renowned for having big bags and yet despite my big bag I never seem to have anything all that useful or practical in mine. I always envy those practical girls who have a spare cardigan and a pair of leggings in their bags, just in case. Not me. I might have a big bag but nothing in it is particularly helpful.

On another note, I got a lovely new pair of shoes from Spartoo.com today and I am in love with them already. A photograph will surely follow soon.

Do hope you're enjoying your evenings.

More soon.

Love, SG

BARGAIN HUNTER: print tees for festival season

Anyone off to a festival this summer? You'll be after a pretty print tee then? Was in French Connection at the weekend and noticed that many of their tees were in the sale, here are my top picks:

This Fast Blondie Tee is a particular favourite of mine, £25 £20

This Madonna Tee, £25 £15

Or a Grace Jones Tee, £25 £12

Maybe something a little brighter is more up your street? This In The Sun Tee is certainly sunnier, £30 £15

Fall in L-O-V-E with this vest top, £18 £9

Fringing was all over the catwalks for this season, get in on the trend with this Jersey Fringy Tee, £30 £15

Feeling patrotic? Then grab yourself this Union Jack Tee, £30 £15

This She's Electric Tee has a retro feel to it and is a bargain, £20 £10

Are you off to a festival this summer? Have you already been? Any of these catch your eye?

Hi!

Last week I eventually got my gorgeous and bargainous vintage floral style culottes H! by Henry Holland from the amazing Debenhams' sale. They are perfect for work and for cycling as they cover my modesty a little more than a skirt. I have teamed the culottes with a Gap tee and Urban Outfitters pendant.

I am wearing this little outfit to the office today as it is so hot. What do you wear to work in this weather? All I want to wear is a bikini and beach cover-up but alas, I'm not sure that is really appropriate.

What do you think?

Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up

This was taken in West Malvern at the weekend. Beautiful, no?

Fascinating?

After recently professing my love for Carrie, I have to confess that she is also the influence behind my addiction to accessories. Carrie Bradshaw is the queen of accessories: corsages, pearls, cuffs. She rocked the lot. Of course, she also rocked hats and hair accessories. See?

Source: Pretty Good Things

With this influence in mind when I received an invitation to my cousin's wedding last weekend and when I heard that my sister was planning on wearing a rather enormous and fabulous hat, I decided that I too should seek out some form of head wear. So I did.

After much research and many hours spent trawling the internet, I found this gorgeous creation:

Isn't it divine?

Well, it is actually the handmade creation of Claire:

After receiving the beautiful fascinator I decided to ask Claire a few questions about them and her. Here, she answers those questions.

How long have you been making these gorgeous headbands?

I have only been making my hair accessories for the past few months. I am a firm believer that every girl has the right to feel gorgeous, and something as simple as a pretty hair accessory can offer a little pick-me-up on the days when we’re feeling a bit low, as well as helping to enhance an outfit.

What prompted you to start making them? And selling them?

I felt that the price of hair accessories at certain retailers were far too expensive, and that I could offer a more cost effective alternative, especially in light of the current recession.

Where can we get our hands on your creations?

At the moment, I only sell my items on eBay, under the name of olliethecockerspaniel - named after my beautiful pooch. This particular headband [the one I bought!] is currently available at a cost of £5.50 plus P&P, and is my bestseller!!

Have you always been creative?

I have always been creative, I took Art & Design for my GCSE and A levels, and went on to study a foundation degree in Art & Design also, in which I specialised in Fashion Design and Photography. My career then took a different route, but my passion has always laid in the creative field.

Who do you imagine would wear your headgear?

When I first started selling my items, I was quite dubious as to how popular they would be - I like them, but wasn’t so sure that everyone else would like them too! To my surprise, they have become extremely popular, and I have now sold over 400 of them to people all over the world and, more recently, to women attending Ladies days at Ascot!!

What is your style?

I wouldn’t say that I had a particular style as such, and my boyfriend often says that I pretty much have my own style. I don’t tend to follow trends just because they’re fashionable, but opt for items of clothing that I like and feel good when I’m wearing them.

And finally, cos I've been asking everyone recently, who is your style icon?

My Style Icon would have to be Jennifer Aniston, because she always appears to be effortlessly glamorous, and has very much a natural beauty, which is what I am a huge believer in.

And last but not least, what is your top style tip?

So, my top style tip would be to encourage people to wear whatever makes them feel most happy!!

Easy Peasy Paella

Spent the weekend with my family and my mum and I made this paella one night. It is not perhaps a very traditional recipe of this panish classic but it is easy peasy.

Spicy prawn paella 

Serves 4

Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 20 minutes

Ingredients

225g Asda chorizo, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, deseeded and diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

200g basmati rice

500ml chicken or fish stock

12 cherry tomatoes, halved

200g pack Asda cooked whole prawns in shells (or peeled prawns)

Flat leaf parsley, to serve


Method 

1. Dry-fry the chorizo for 2 minutes in a deep frying pan. Add the onion and pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and rice, followed by the stock and tomatoes. Bring to the boil and cover. Lower the heat and cook for 15 minutes, without lifting the lid.

2. Stir prawns into the rice, replace lid and heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Scatter with parsley to serve.

It was delicious! As you can see:

What was I wearing yesterday?

This!

It was an absolutely perfect day for a wedding yesterday. How could you ask for better?


I was wearing: an H&M dress, Dorothy Perkins belt, New Look shoes, a little bag that was a gift from a friend and a beautiful peacock feather headband that got a lot of attention and that you will hear a lot more about in the next couple of days. And, of course, the obligatory pink champagne.


How have you been enjoying the beautiful summer weather this weekend?