Mani of the Week: Models Own Vintage Pink

I LOVE this Models Own polish. The colour is subtle and sophisticated. The consistency of the polish makes it easy to paint two think coats.

I also think that it looks a little like I image Chanel's Khaki Rose to look that I missed out on a couple of months ago:

What do you think of the colour? What colour are you wearing this week?

Christmas Wish List #8: stylish books

I love my books and on a cold wintry afternoon I like nothing more than to curl up in front of a log fire with a good book. This year, there are a fair few style books that would look just right on my coffee table, thank you very much:

Luella's Guide to English Style by Luella Bartley

The Goddess Guide by Gisèle Scanlon

Face Hunter by Yvan Rodic

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman

Style Clinic: How to Look Fabulous All the Time, at Any Age, for Any Occasion by Paula Reed

Nothing to Wear?: A 5-Step Cure for the Common Closet by Jesse Garza et al.

Harpers Bazaar Great Style: The Best Ways to Update Your Look by Jenny Levin

I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks

Who What Wear: Celebrity and Runway Style for Real Life by Katherine Power et al.

Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, and Everything Glamour by Rachel Zoe

Kate Moss: Style by Angela Buttolph

What is on your Christmas wish list this year?

*If you're struggling to find presents for your girl friends this Christmas, check out my guide: How to... Give thoughtful presents for your girlfriends.

Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up

Wardrobe Basics #4: V-neck Tee

The Wardrobe Basics series considers those items that form the foundation of a fully functioning wardrobe. They are those pieces that will go with anything else that you might add to your wardrobe and those pieces that you go back to season after season. This series takes each of those Basics and discusses their importance and where to buy them, for every budget. You can see the previous Basics in this series here.

A good V-neck Tee is invaluable in your wardrobe - it can be thrown on with a pair of skinny jeans or even teamed with a suit for a less corporate look. When looking for your perfect V-neck Tee, look for one in a fabric that falls easily and doesn't fit too tightly.


SAVE: ASOS Basic Slub V-neck Slouch Tee:

SPEND: American Vintage V-neck T-shirt:

SPLURGE: T by Alexander Wang:

What do you think is a Wardrobe Basic?

Something For The Weekend: fireside fancies

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As the evening's draw in and the weather gets colder and greyer, all I want to spend my time doing is tucked up in a blanket, watching feel good films with a mug of something hot (and preferably alcoholic!). It is probably no real surprise then that this week I've been mostly finding myself reading posts about how to avoid the blogging blues and how to make my blog better. If you need some help to stop losing your blogging mojo too, check out these helpful posts: Problogger's Ten Tips For Writing A Blog Post; Vogue Mornings' How Not To Lose Motivation When Blogging; and Tickle Me Chic's Get Rid of Those Blogging Blues.

I decided to update my "look" this week by dying my hair, taking inspiration from Cheryl Cole's new hair colour:

Source



I chose L'Oréal's Casting Crème Gloss in Black Cherry. It's not quite as red as Cheryl's but that suits me as I'm not sure how such a bright red might have gone down at work. It is a nice warmer colour for the Christmas party season and I love how Casting Crème Gloss always leaves my hair so shiny (I can't stop running my fingers through it!). Have you tried it?

As the temperature continues to drop and the UK wakes to a blanket of snow this weekend, remember to check out my Christmas Wish List, which this week features some lovely faux fur treats from Asos where delivery is FREE everywhere in the world before Christmas. AND they are currently offering 20% off all Asos-own-brand with the code ASOS20 until Monday (29 November). So what are you waiting for? Go get warmed up!

Despite of my hair dying, I have been in the habit of covering my head this week. Taking inspiration from this lot:


Sources: Face Hunter; The Sartorialist; and Garance Doré


This week, I have been learning "How to be Chic" and have begun moisturising every day. Yes, every morning I make sure to moisturise my legs, my arms, my décolletage, my feet, my hands and my face. If I have time, I moisturise my torse too! I use either Jergens Naturals Body Moisturiser or The Body Shop's Shea Body Butter. I am hoping that this will soon become a daily ritual that I can't live without...

My Italian, as I discovered this summer, is more than a little bit rusty, so I have been attempting to brush it off a little by reading the fabulous and bi-lingual fashion blog: The Blog of Brunette.

I am preparing to spend the weekend with my family and by that, I mean that I will be at the hosptial where my grandmother currently is with all of her (my) family around her - I just hope she can feel all of that love surrounding her. So if I am a little slow visiting your blogs and commenting, please forgive me.

How about you? How will you be spending your winter wonderland weekends?

Happy Weekend everyone!

Bargain of the Day: latte or fashion accessory?

If you've not seen the previous Bargain's, the basic premise is that for the last two weeks I have been hunting out some fashionable treats that cost no more than your daily caffeine fix (approx. £5). They might also be used a stocking filler ideas as the festive season quickly approaches!

Today's Bargain:

DOROTHY PERKINS Leaf wrap ring

Bargain of the Day: latte or fashion accessory?

If you've not seen the previous Bargain's last week, the basic premise is that for two weeks I will be hunting out some fashionable treats that cost no more than your daily caffeine fix (approx. £5). They might also be used a stocking filler ideas as the festive season quickly approaches!

Today's Bargain:

MODELS OWN Nail Polish

How to… have a very merry recessionista’s Christmas

Talk of the economic crisis and job losses and the recession do not seem to be quieting, so another Christmas rolls around and the spectre of the debt incurred by spoiling loved ones with lavish gifts rears its ugly head - again! But do not fear my lovelies, for I am here - exactly a month before Christmas Eve - to tell you how to have a splendid and sparkling Christmas without blowing your budget:


1. Last year I devoted a whole post to the idea of making your Christmas gifts - all of what I said there still stands true. Check it out and see what fabulous ideas you can glean from there.

2. I always go a little overboard when it comes to Christmas cards as I know how much I love to receive them and put them up all around our flat but the cards themselves and the postage costs can all get pretty expensive. So, why not send e-cards? I'm not a huge fan of this - for the above reasons and that I think it is a little impersonal but that's just me and for those who do do it, great!

3. If you're like me though and it just doesn't feel like Christmas without writing out your Christmas card list and sitting down to write them, then why not make them?

4. Shop the sales - I don't mean the January sales (really, who is that organised?!) but most stores seem to have sales on throughout the year. For stocking fillers and “extras” I check the sale racks, particularly the jewellery and accessory parts as these often offer the best value for money and no one can resist a lovely scarf at Christmas or a pair of sparkly earrings.

5. Host a Christmas party for close friends and bake special Christmas treats - often the effort that is put in to such a party will suffice for a gift. This year I actually plan to attempt to make my mince pies - with a little help from a jar of mincemeat and some ready-made pastry.

6. A bottle of something sparkly. For parents/grandparents/uncles/aunts/employers this seems like a perfectly acceptable gift.

7. In a similar vain, you could buy a girl friend a cocktail glass and mini versions of the components for her favourite cocktail.

8. Learn to knit - obviously this is probably something that you’d have to start for next Christmas but just think of the joy of giving someone a scarf that you had made yourself.

9. Organise a day-trip for someone - maybe buy the train tickets for them or a ticket to a museum or an exhibition that they want to see - it doesn’t have to be expensive but the recipient will no doubt be surprised and pleased by the gesture.

10. Candles. Always appreciated and if accompanied by a lovely holder they are all the more welcome.

11. Finally, if you - like many I know, myself included - you collect Boots Advantage Card Point, Nectar Points and Tesco Clubcard Points, remember these at Christmas and use these to purchase gifts. With the help of these points you might even be able to splurge on something special for someone that you might not have otherwise bought. Alternatively, use the points for your everyday spending needs and save the money you'd normally spend on these for presents.

How do you plan to celebrate Christmas this year? With the usual extravagance that goes with the event or with a little extra care?

*If you're still having problems finding gifts for your girl friends this Christmas, check out my How to... Give thoughtful presents for your girlfriends.

Bargain of the Day: latte or fashion accessory?

If you've not seen the previous Bargain's, the basic premise is that for two weeks I will be hunting out some fashionable treats that cost no more than your daily caffeine fix (approx. £5). They might also be used a stocking filler ideas as the festive season quickly approaches!

Today's Bargain:

DOROTHY PERKINS Grey mixed corsage headband

Singing In The Rain

With the winter upon us again, here in the UK, and memories of last winter's snow and rain not quite a distant memory, I got to thinking about my choice of footwear for the coming inclement weather. My usual choice of ballet pumps and heels are highly unsuitable for the wet and cold so I have decide that in order to indulge in a favourite childhood pleasure of mine:

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Yep, you got it, jumping in puddles!! I have decided to invest in a pair of Hunter wellington boots. I just can't decide between these:

Or these:


What I do know is that I have to get a pair of these liners, as they'll make sure that my boots are right on trend:

I'll be in good company with my shiny new Hunter wellies. Kate Moss is a huge fan of these fantastic plastic booties:

Amongst others:

Of course, Hunter wellington boots are not the only ones available for the wet. If you're looking for something a little more bright and colourful, grab yourself a pair of these:

Or add some polka dots to your wet weather wardrobe with these:



How will you be keeping your feet warm and dry this winter time?

Mani of the Week: Models Own Champagne

I got an amazing parcel in the post a couple of weeks ago. Five nail polishes from Models Own. I took advantage of their offer of £7 off when you buy 5 polishes. This is the first of that parcel that I decided to try out.

This is such a party season shade. And named Champagne, it automatically gets me in the party mood. The sparkles only help to increase the festive flavour of this polish.

It looks a much more silver in "real life" rather than the gold undertones in the photo. It was ultra fast drying and I managed two thin coats which I am hoping will see me through to the weekend.

Have you tried Models Own's huge selection of polishes? Did you know that they have recently launched a collection of nail art pens in collaboration with WAH? I have to wait till pay day to treat myself but as soon as I do, expect a review!!

Bargain of the Day: latte or fashion accessory?

If you've not seen the previous Bargain's last week, the basic premise is that for two weeks I will be hunting out some fashionable treats that cost no more than your daily caffeine fix (approx. £5). They might also be used a stocking filler ideas as the festive season quickly approaches!

Today's Bargain:

EYEKO Graffiti Eyeliner Pen

Christmas Wish List #7: ASOS Winter Accessories

After last week's Winter Accessories from H&M, I found some more that I am lusting after from ASOS:


These AMAZING faux fur leg warmers:

These fabulous faux fur cuffs:

Or some shaggy fur ear muffs:

If a hat isn't your thing, keep your head warm with this faux fur headband:

And finally, if a hat is your thing, why not go a little crazy and put this bunny ears fur hat on your Christmas wish list:

What is on your Christmas wish list?

*If you're struggling to find presents for your girl friends this Christmas, check out my guide: How to... Give thoughtful presents for your girlfriends.

Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up

Taken by me in the churchyard of St Mary's Church, Battersea.

Bargain of the Day: latte or fashion accessory?

If you've not seen the previous Bargain's last week, the basic premise is that for two weeks I will be hunting out some fashionable treats that cost no more than your daily caffeine fix (approx. £5). They might also be used a stocking filler ideas as the festive season quickly approaches!

Today's Bargain:

DOROTHY PERKINS Cute silver bow ring

Wardrobe Basics #3: The Pencil Skirt

The Wardrobe Basics series considers those items that form the foundation of a fully functioning wardrobe. They are those pieces that will go with anything else that you might add to your wardrobe and those pieces that you go back to season after season. This series takes each of those Basics and discusses their importance and where to buy them, for every budget. You can see the previous Basics in this series here.

When all else fails on a Monday morning, I reach for one of my pencil skirts and know that I will look smart and feel work-ready as soon as I put it on. But they don't just have to be for work-wear, teamed with a loose-fitting top and super high heels they make the perfect outfit for a dinner date.


SAVE: H&M Concealed Zip Black Pencil Skirt:

SPEND: Dorothy Perkins Grey Stripe Pencil Skirt:

SPLURGE: MaxMara Wool Pencil Skirt:

What do you think is a Wardrobe Basic?

Something For The Weekend: relaxing reads

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After a week filled with travelling, this weekend isn't really turning out to be as relaxing as I had hoped it might be. But as I continue to be busy and look forward to a less stressful and more calm time soon, make yourself a cup of tea and Why Not ... [learn how to] Create A Sanctury in your own home?


Throughout the month of November, Fiona of How To Be Chic is planning to put some tranquility into her life by remembering thirty of her basic chic principles, one day at a time. You can read these basic principles here.

If you're looking for a lovely home-made treat to enjoy with your cup of tea, or coffee, or hot chocolate, or whatever your favourite hot drink is, why not make yourself some of these easy peasy Oatmeal Thins courtesy of Leia of Leia's Delights? I took Leia's advice and added cinnamon. They were so yummy.


Last week's obsession with all things winter wear continues, as the cold weather shows no sign of going away any time soon and this week Harriet of Where Is Harriet? has provided me with all of the inspiration I need for dressing with style and warmth in mind this weekend. These gorgeous and festive looking D&G-inspired mittens over at Bargainista Fashionista are just the thing to keep your hands warm when out and about this weekend.

If you're looking for inspiration to re-fashion your favourite old knits, check out the two videos here and here created for Global Cool. Global Cool is a green lifestyle organisation that inspires people to think differently and live differently. They work with celebrities and entertainment to show you how to live a greener life without sacrificing the things you enjoy. They are currently running a competition - Turn Up The Style, Turn Down The Heat - which encourages contestants to put a jumper on rather than turn on the heat. A very worthy cause indeed.

Source

Meanwhile, I am dreaming of travels near and far. Garance Doré is currently in Istanbul and her posts (here, here and here) are making me want to pack up my bags again and head off to the airport for another adventure. Instead, however, I will happily settle for a little quiet time in a comfortable place (the sofa? the bed?) with a blanket and a good read for company.

If you are continuing your Christmas shopping this weekend, or starting it, make sure you check out my gift guides and stocking filler ideas. Or, just treat yourself to something lovely this weekend!

What are your plans for the weekend? Also, I'm intrigued, what books are you currently reading?


Have a fabulous weekend, wherever you are and whatever you're doing.