Hopping Mad.

You know how you always forget to carry your reusable shopping bag on you for impromptu shopping? (It can't just be me, I am drowning in a sea of plastic bags despite having plenty of the reusable ones). I have seen the fold up ones which are perfect for keeping in your handbag but I dunno, I have just never really wanted one of those, until now.
The consistently bonkers Irregular Choice have come up with a great one which folds into the shape of a bright, shiny bunny. Oh yes I want this.And you can clip it to your handbag ready at a moments notice. Too cute, too cute.

I also love these super bright wedges but I can't even afford them at their sale price. Somebody buy them and let me be happy in the knowledge that they are being well loved.

It's a Fruit Pastille lolly for the feet. Only less sticky.

Bright Young Things.

I didn't do a Friday I'm in Love! Sorry, I have been a busy bee, work, essay, boyfriend. So to make up for it I want to send you over to Youthquakers which is a fantastic blog full of Vogue magazines from the 70s. Wonderful, especially great to take inspiration from this season as the 70s will be in. And to be super cool this Summer check out how they did (also very s/s2011) colour blocking and chunky heels back then.

Pictures from Youthquakers

I would be more than happy with any of those shoes. If you know of any similar ones let me know and I might just love you forever. x

Fishy.

A salesman came into work yesterday asking if I could give some samples to the creative director on his behalf. He was offering an organic, sustainable alternative to traditional snakeskin and alligator shoes he said. Hmmmm....whatever could it be I wondered.....it was *drum roll please*.....Salmon Leather. Really. I might be a late comer to this news but I have never heard of it, it sounds so odd when you say it but apparently it is a waste product from actually eating salmon so a very good idea I think and the more I look at products the less odd it seems.

Unnerwear

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I assaulted your eyes with ugly shoes on Sunday and then left you with nothing to soothe your poor peepers. Anyway here I am and I bring you Mulberrys lovely, lovely window. One downside, it makes me want Springtime NOW!!!!

Oh Prada, what is this monstrosity?

Brogue? Trainer? Espadrille?

One word. Ugly.

Friday, I'm In Love

Pretty much the prettiest thing I have watched this week - July Stars "Paris"

White Tea. Its so good. My favourites are Clipper White Tea with Vanilla and Whittard's Cherry Blossom White Tea.

Painted buildings. I think my dream house would be colourful on the outside. These ones are on Portobello Road.

Got the equivalent to a 2:1 in my first uni project, apparently I have sophisticated technical skills. Who knew? Hurrah.

Tim Walker

Selfridges by Me!

Dance.

HeyJupiter21

I didn't want to make a "Ballet fever" post really. It's already in every fashion magazine you pick up what with "Black Swan" about to hit the UK screens. But yesterday I went to Proud Galleries "50 years of the Ballet, by Colin Jones" so it seemed hard to avoid it. The exhibition is very nice but rather small so I wouldn't make a super special trip to see it but if you have free time or are in the area go have a look.

Style High Club has come across some amazing Black Swan posters. So, so much nicer than the ones I have seen on billboards. Boo, sort it out Black Swan promoters.

And I would love to be channeling my inner Prima Ballerina in this stunning tulle skirt from Fairy Gothmother.

 If only I had a spare £160 (!!!) Surely there must be cheaper ones? Help a girl out dear readers? Link me up.

Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Autumn 11/12

I want to shake the hand/be bestest friends forever with the man that has the balls to wear the sequined blazer from this collection.

And because of my boyfriends incessant trying on of velvet jackets I too have developed a bit of a love for them too.

And for the less extroverted.

Pics from style.com

Blue Monday.

Today is apparantly the most miserable day of the year. Don't sulk! I bet if I hadn't mentioned it you wouldn't even realise. If you are feeling down DO NOT SPEND MONEY!!! You will feel worse in the long run. Instead do something.

• Go to Time Out for your city and see what free activities you can get up to (This is what I will be doing today).
• If you're down due to breaking your resolutions, start again! There is no time like the present. Just because you fell off the wagon once doesn't stop you getting back on it. Go for a jog, eat a salad and put down the cigarettes.
• If all else fails......

Friday, I'm in Love.

I have this massive folder on my computer named Nice Things. So I have decided, every Friday I am going to show you these nice things. And maybe other good stuff I want to share that week. I don't have credits and sources for most of these files so i am sorry, but if anyone does know where I originally have this stuff from please let me know and I will happily credit accordingly. Here goes....

I know its Chanel. I think its a cruise collection. Not sure what year.

• Natalie Dee - Makes me smile every morning.

• I had a leaflet slid under the door for 123 Bethnal Green Road's Vintage Sale. Fill a bag for £10 or £20? Sounds pretty good to me after my Vintage Kilo Sale finds. I am pretty sure it won't be true vintage but still...It did start on the 8th though. Will all the good stuff be gone?

Actually after looking at the Facebook page maybe I will be happy with the shop regardless.

• Scalpture - For the best hair inspiration. Always

• Being in the Visit stage of  a long distance relationship. If my posting is infrequent for a while, this is why.

Thats So Fetch.

Remember the bit in Mean Girls where they cut holes in Regina's shirt and it becomes a trend? Well it looks like nobody told Stolen Girlfriends Club it was a joke.

I will let them off with that faux pas though as there is some stuff in the "Heavy Petal" collection that I am seriously considering eating only beans on toast for at least a month just so I can include them in my Summer wardrobe.

Mary, Mary.

Mary Portas is my idol. And she's back!!!! 19th January, channel 4. This time she is going undercover to test customer service. I might even venture into the grotty common room for this. And to whet your appetite....

Long Distance Love.

Image

I have a friend who once told me she only believes you can know if a couple are right for each other if they have gone through a struggle. I suppose I believe in that too to an extent. My love struggle is being separated from the one person I want to be with constantly because of university. Its hard. Very hard. But not impossible. So here is my long distance love guide. You will probably have heard these tips before, but that is because they work!

Hair.

I am in desperate need of a hair change. My poor locks haven't been snipped since September (!) and I have decided its about time I took the plunge and braved a new hairdresser in London. And while I was super happy with my one length bob I have the hair change itch once again. Usually this is the point where I would whack on some dye but I doubt my current job would be happy about me turning up with any of the colours I am likely to use so styling it will have to be. I have decided I will stick with the one length bob after seeing a copy of Style Me Vintage in Urban Outfitters (and I will get around to buying it) and then realising the salon is right by mine! The Painted Lady. I can keep my cut and style it like this apparently....

 or for a slightly more modern feel see the Yves Saint Laurent S/S 11 campaign.

And maybe it is what I was edging towards in the Summer?

(Cringe, pic of me time)

More Turban Tying Fun.

I cam across this video from the 1940s whilst researching more ways to tie scarves onto your head. And very nice it is too. The outdated attitudes of the male voiceover is worth giggle too.

Head Case.

I wish I was more of a "hat person" but the truth is I always feel a little self concious with something perched atop my head. I am working on it though and have been loving my furry hat this winter. Toasty ears plus plenty of compliments are a surefire way to help banish any feelings of insecurity in your headwear. I have also been feeling the turban trend which is starting to emerge.

Everything Style

I love the old school glamour look it gives. A quick google throws up squillions of fabric versions and tutorials for how to tie a scarf into a turban can also be found and I can't wait for the warmer weather as I would love to use this as a way to protect my bleached hair from the suns rays, but I wanted something cosier. Of course! Knitted turban!

ASOS

But seeing as I am aiming to improve my knitting skills I thought I would DIY this! So I have purchased a vintage knitting pattern from an Etsy seller. This one.

So wish me luck! This may or may not happen. But hopefully it will. I think I would like grey or navy and I am going to keep my eyes open for a beautiful sparkly brooch to pin onto the finished piece. The cherry on top if you will.

Can You Keep A Secret?

For a start it is no secret that I do not do New Years Eve, well not in the usual dress up, get drunk, spend too much money way. I did indeed dress up, knock back some cider and wine and go out but only as far as the local Chinese restaurant (Sichuan Folk -  by the way, I would recommend). So me and my man were back and under the duvet with more booze in time for Jools Holland. I was getting a little bored of the acts if I am honest until these two popped up. The Secret Sisters. They have a wonderfully haunting quality to their music, and I think thy will come into their own on those balmy, sweat covered summer nights when you can't sleep. Trust me.



Pssst... I know this is not the Jools performance but its lovely nonetheless.

Shake It Baby.

I have an insane love of glitter hence my following of the incredibly sparkly Fuck Yeah Glitter & Sparkles and whilst gazing lovingly at the aforementioned site I followed this link and I am now full of want for vintage salt shakers into which to decant my beloved MAC glitters.

Oh, Hello Sales.

Hello my lovelies, hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year. I had a tiring Christmas but New Year was a nice chance to relax and unwind, and also.....shop! Well I haven't done that much and most of it was items I needed (boots, coat etc.) I also got some ace Christmas presents. Look....

Old case from my boyfriend. I was extra excited when I saw the old address label and the paper bag lining it advertising a fur shop on Harehills Avenue, Leeds (Most definitely not there now!)

Books!

The Luella book is charming and a lovely read, Harry Hill is, as always, delightfully surreal and I cannot comment on the cupcakes because I haven't baked any but everything looks delicious. I will get around to making Earl Grey cupcakes though for sure.

Post Christmas I have shopped a little for myself.

I have a massive love for Fred Perry and when I passed the store and saw the sale sign I figured it was worth a try and I was not dissapointed. 50% off!!! Wow. Its from the Amy Winehouse collabaration so it's cut differently from your average Fred Perry and very girly. And also pink! Yes.

Recent mega snowfall reminded me of my need for good boots. I decided I would go back to my old favourite Dr Marten. It was a choice for me between this boot and a white one but this was the only on in my size and when I saw the price I didn't need to think anymore. £39. Hello. I also looked at the pink loafers I talked about in my first post. Not as good as I had hoped. I felt a tiny pang of sadness.

And now this is my favourite....

Aquascutum coat for £40 on Brick Lane. No tatty areas, no nothing. Just a heck of a lot of shiny button action. Mmmm. Slightly large around the waist and in need of an iron but that is it. I am in love.