Something For The Weekend: Advent Arrives Again

Sources: we heart it; and me!

This weekend really does feel like the start of Christmas for me. This year's Christmas is tinged with a little sadness as my beloved grandma remains very ill in hospital but it has been heart-warming to see all of our family coming together which is what this time of year is all about for me.

Christmas is the time of year for spending time with family and good friends. There is nothing better and no better tonic than laughing with friends, don't you think?


Sources: (right and left) The Sartorialist; and (centre) Garance Doré


This week, I have been "dreaming of a White Christmas" and have been forced to abandon all of my pretty shoes in an attempt to dress sensibly for the wintry weather.

Unlike most people, I have never had a chocolate advent calendar... ever! My father always used to buy my sister and me a religious calendar each December in an attempt to remind us what the season was really about. As an adult, I haven't immediately dashed out and bought myself a chocolate advent calendar - mainly because I think I'd probably end up eating the lot on 1st December! Instead, I have chosen an advent candle:

How do you mark advent in your house?

I've also begun to get out all of my Christmas decorations in preparation of decorating my flat and tree next week. My theme this year is pink and silver (the boyf is not totally on board with this but he will see):

Decorations from a selection at Habitat; Paperchase; and Marks and Spencer.

When will your tree and decorations go up?

I've been dropping serious hints at home about what I would like to find in my stocking this Christmas...


Source


No! Not a diamond ring. But an egg blue box might be nice...

I am seriously coveting this lux ear cuff from next season for River Island which would do all the talking for an outfit!

Speaking of luxury, you might remember that a few weeks ago I asked, How do you define luxury? Well, I almost forgot that my answers are available in The Simply Luxurious Life's newsletter for you to read. What do you think? How do you define luxury?

This week I have also been itching to do some DIY fashion. I just need to get myself down to John Lewis for supplies! First up is this DIY Pom Pom Headband and this DIY tutorial for a full skirt. For now, though, I might satisfy the "itch" with the simpler task of adding a few gold buttons to the sleeves of my black knit dress.

I've been enjoying wrapping up warm in this wintry weather as the snow begins to fall and wearing my new favourite thing: my faux fur hat. Everything looks so much prettier in the snow, don't you think?

I wish it would snow enough to get a tabogan out. I remember so many happy hours as a child, trudging up a hill, just to sledge down it and then trudge back up it again and do it all over again, and again, and again:



Source



Finally, for advice on taking snow photos if you're out and about this weekend, you can find tips here.

Hope you all have a very happy weekend whatever you're doing.

Je vais à Paris!!!!!

I might not have studied much last night but I did book flights to Paris in May. I know it is a looooong way off but I am so excited anyway.


I visited the French capital for the first time last summer, after years of dreaming of it. And I immediately fell in love with its beauty and magic.


Anyway, less than four months to wait! I leave Friday 14 May!!!


And now only 8 days until the dissertation has to be handed in and I am freeeeeee!!


More soon. Love, SG

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Rachel: Thank you for the good luck wishes. The dissertation is examining the perception of the relationship between the media and public participation in politics by the political class. I have no idea either!!

Polka Dot Stripes: Does Charlotte sound lovely? Wishing her all the very best for LFW!!!

Ella: Love Alexa's style and didn't really know much about Jane Birkin but love her's now too and totally see the similarities!

Kayleigh Ann: Good luck on your move. Checked out the blog - v cute. Will definitely check back. Yep, also can't wait to see what Charlotte's been working on!

KC: She was cute as a button, no?!

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Instant fun!

For anyone who hadn't noticed, I'm a camera geek. I am by no means an expert or anything close to being one, but I love old cameras.


This extends to old Polaroid cameras. I found the one below in a charity shop about six months ago for a few pounds. It didn't come with any film so I had no idea if it would work. Once I took it home and started to look for film on the internet I discovered just how difficult and expensive it is to get your hands on any. But I persevered. I love the colours of polaroid photos and I love the instant gratification of taking the photo and having it in your hand moments later. I also love watching it appear. Alright, I LOVE POLAROID. There, I said it.

In my search for new film I came across the Impossible Project: having acquired Polaroid's old equipment and factory they "aim to re-start production of analog INTEGRAL FILM for vintage Polaroid cameras in 2010". According to an article in last month's WIRED magazine, black and white Polaroid film should be available again very soon. I really hope it is.


On Friday night I went out for dinner for a friend's birthday and decided to take my Polaroid camera. The film is not cheap and there are only 10 shots in a film. I had had this film lying around for some time and decided that I couldn't just hold on to it, if I was going to spend the money I should at least use it!


This is what I ended up wearing - the photo is now living on our fridge, next to the gorgeous black and white New York calender from the in laws!

I am wearing New Look black jumper dress, silver flower DP necklace, Debenhams blue tights and DP ankle boots.

Here are a couple of other photos from the evening and some other Polaroids I found:

I found a Sharpie pen was great for writing on the bottom. They make such a good souvenir of a special occasion. I think.

For more Polaroid photos, check out Polanoid.

How to... rip or fray jeans

Over coffee at lunch today one of my girl friends, Hannah (Steele!), asked about how to rip a pair of jeans; where to put the rips and what to use to make the rips. We then came across the above ad in the magazine aisle! So, I promised that I would do a little research and get back to her on that one! This is the result of that research:


1. I think the first point should be – get a very old pair of jeans (maybe from a charity shop) to practice on! Don’t do it straight on to a lovely new pair that you have spent £££ on!


2. Do your research! Look in magazines, shops, on line at pictures of ripped jeans and decide which ones you like best; those with massive rips at the knee or those with more subtle frayed bits. I personally think that the best place is just above the knee but this is only my preference.


3. Another piece of advice that I found during my research was to put the jeans on and mark where you want the rips or frays while they are on you.


4. Good tools for creating rips and frays are; sandpaper, pumice stones, cheese grater (particularly the small side), razor blade and scissors.


5. Use any of the first three to fray the fibres in the denim and the latter two to create rips, if that is what you are after. Remember to put something in the jean leg to stop the fabric from fraying on the back side too (like a piece of wood – if you have one lying around!).


6. Do remember; rips and frays will get bigger over time, with more wear and washing.


I hope this has been useful – Hannah!!


Good luck and send in photos of your finished jeans!


More soon. Love, SG