I Heart Cheryl
X-Factor is back on our screens and along with it brings the return of Cheryl mania, which I am proud to report that I’m supporting whole heartedly! Bring on the short hemlines, the Brazilian-esque volumed hair, pearly whites and platform heels; ladies and gentleman Cheryl is a fashion force to be reckoned with.
Why does it always rain... on the Bank Holiday?!
So I survived the aqueduct yesterday! And thoroughly enjoyed myself too! Would highly recommend a visit. We took a two hour barge trip along the Llangollen canal - over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Saw a lot of people on holiday on their barges and thought it might actually be quite a nice thing to do for a week's holiday - until we found out that it would cost at least £800 for a week's hire!!! May not then.
We had a lovely lunch in a pub - The Corn Mill - beside the river Dee and just across from the steam railway. The food was amazing! Very satisfying steak sandwich followed by an amazing selection of desserts! We each chose different ones and then dived into each others; raspberry pannacotta, sticky toffee pudding, summer pudding and barabrith bread and butter pudding! So good.
This evening the boyf and I are off to a music festival - Rocking in Knockin! One of his friends is playing so we will go and support him! Hoping the rain holds off - at the moment it looks unlikely!
As for fashion, I seem to have packed for summer (silly me!) when in fact it is autumn! Might have to nab the boyf's oversized waterproof for tonight!
Hope you're all enjoying your Bank Holiday weekends. Photos to follow in the next couple of days - I promise!
Love, SG
We had a lovely lunch in a pub - The Corn Mill - beside the river Dee and just across from the steam railway. The food was amazing! Very satisfying steak sandwich followed by an amazing selection of desserts! We each chose different ones and then dived into each others; raspberry pannacotta, sticky toffee pudding, summer pudding and barabrith bread and butter pudding! So good.
This evening the boyf and I are off to a music festival - Rocking in Knockin! One of his friends is playing so we will go and support him! Hoping the rain holds off - at the moment it looks unlikely!
As for fashion, I seem to have packed for summer (silly me!) when in fact it is autumn! Might have to nab the boyf's oversized waterproof for tonight!
Hope you're all enjoying your Bank Holiday weekends. Photos to follow in the next couple of days - I promise!
Love, SG
7 weeks! And Happy Bank Hol!!!
So tomorrow will be seven weeks without shopping! Seven weeks! That means that it's nearly two months, so only four months to go. That doesn't sound that bad. Really.
Testament to the fact that it has been beneficial for my bank account, I didn't have to immediately check my bank account this morning (pay day!) as there was still money in it yesterday. Believe me, this is such a turn up for the books! So the ban is paying off!
The countdown to the Bank Holiday weekend has begun! Only another 3 and a half hours until it officially starts! I am off to spend the weekend with the "in laws". Apparently we are taking a trip to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at Llangollen tomorrow. It is the highest aqueduct in Europe. I have a huge problem with heights. Particularly those with drops on either side! This doesn't sound like a very good plan!! Otherwise I am hoping that the current crazy weather takes a turn for the better! (For some reason, I put a dress on this morning and then got caught in a hale storm at lunchtime. Nice.)
All that remains now, is to wish all you lovely readers a fabulous Bank Holiday.
I'll write more when I'm back, love, SG
Testament to the fact that it has been beneficial for my bank account, I didn't have to immediately check my bank account this morning (pay day!) as there was still money in it yesterday. Believe me, this is such a turn up for the books! So the ban is paying off!
The countdown to the Bank Holiday weekend has begun! Only another 3 and a half hours until it officially starts! I am off to spend the weekend with the "in laws". Apparently we are taking a trip to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at Llangollen tomorrow. It is the highest aqueduct in Europe. I have a huge problem with heights. Particularly those with drops on either side! This doesn't sound like a very good plan!! Otherwise I am hoping that the current crazy weather takes a turn for the better! (For some reason, I put a dress on this morning and then got caught in a hale storm at lunchtime. Nice.)
All that remains now, is to wish all you lovely readers a fabulous Bank Holiday.
I'll write more when I'm back, love, SG
Blog layout update
Some days I'm indecisive and others I just don't know!!!
You'll have to bear with me while I experiment with the layout on this blog. When I started out I had no idea about any of this. I still don't! But I am trying to be a little more creative with it.
One day I hope it will be just right.
Love, SG
You'll have to bear with me while I experiment with the layout on this blog. When I started out I had no idea about any of this. I still don't! But I am trying to be a little more creative with it.
One day I hope it will be just right.
Love, SG
No one has food poisoning... yet!!
Well... we - me, the boyf and a few unsuspecting friends - have now sampled the delights of the cupcakes and we're all still here to tell the story! Phew!
For anyone who was wondering, the recipe is below.
Tia Maria cupcakes
14-16 cupcakes
Ingredients:
110g castor sugar
110g butter or margarine
110g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp organic cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 tsp Tia Maria
1 tbsp milk
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas mark 5. Line a cupcake baking tray with paper lines.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well, then add the Tia Maria.
3. Sieve in the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder and mix well. Add the milk and mix.
4. Spoon the mixture into the cupcake tray, up to about 1/2 full. Place in the centre of the oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the baking tray and place on a wire rack to cool.
For anyone who was wondering, the recipe is below.
Tia Maria cupcakes
14-16 cupcakes
Ingredients:
110g castor sugar
110g butter or margarine
110g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp organic cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 tsp Tia Maria
1 tbsp milk
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas mark 5. Line a cupcake baking tray with paper lines.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well, then add the Tia Maria.
3. Sieve in the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder and mix well. Add the milk and mix.
4. Spoon the mixture into the cupcake tray, up to about 1/2 full. Place in the centre of the oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the baking tray and place on a wire rack to cool.
New favourite read...
Savannah Miller’s blog for Vogue. Savannah blogs photos, inspirations and developments on the Twenty8Twelve brand, designed with sister Sienna, I’m already addicted.
Part three in the story of the cupcakes!!
Here are the finished product! Just got to leave them in the fridge for the icing to set a bit and then for the tasting!
The end.
Sealed with Love
I have fallen in love with the ‘The Love Story. Paris 1946’ collection by the jeweller Jessica de Lotz. It is a fantastic collection which looks like the contents of your grandmother’s jewellery box consisting of classic designs with a bohemian feel.
This made to order collection is inspired by Victorian wax seals and features a necklace, bangle and cufflinks which can be personalised with an initial or objects, my favourite being the Eiffel Tower and a crown which I just love!
This made to order collection is inspired by Victorian wax seals and features a necklace, bangle and cufflinks which can be personalised with an initial or objects, my favourite being the Eiffel Tower and a crown which I just love!
How to... combine fashion and politics
My two passions in life; politics and fashion. Until recently the two seemed to be juxtaposed however the tides seem to be turning as women like Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy emerge.
'The essence of the well-dressed woman should never be exaggerated,' Margaret Thatcher declared as Prime Minister in 1985. 'Appearance is the first impression people get of you. And it does matter. It matters tremendously when you represent your country…'
How true.
While it is not unusual for First Ladies in America to make it on to the pages of Vogue magazine, when Michelle Obama graced the cover of the style bible earlier this year (March issue) she was described as "The First Lady The World's Been Waiting For."
Appearance does matter. And first appearances matter all the more when you are trying to win an election. While no one is advocating that women politicians or political wives turn up to the Commons in jeans, tee and trainers there also seems little need for the boring boxy suits favoured by many female MPs today.
Indeed, during the Presidential campaign in the US last year Hilary Clinton pulled out of a Vogue shoot for fear of appearing too feminine. Politics is often seen (wrongly, I might add) as a man's world. This has to change. Women in politics should not be afraid of their femininity, indeed they should embrace it. In a man's world' it is vital to stand out from the crowd and what better way than as a woman?!
Those women in politics who look best are those who make the most of what they have. Those who do not try too hard to be something they are not. Here are my 10 dos and don'ts of dressing right for women in politics:
1. Do NOT go for the standard 'boxy' suit, in fact, if at all possible, do not wear a suit at all.
2. Do NOT stick to a twin-set and pearls combo - might win you votes with the blue rinse brigade but maybe not even there!
3. DO pay for a decent hair cut that can be easily styled - nothing too short and nothing that will go frizzy in the rain.
4. DO go to a decent make up counter and get make up that suits your skin type. If you are pale or prone to shiny skin, ask for something to combat this - nothing looks worse on TV, you either look ill or like a greasy teenager.
5. You do NOT have to wear heels (check out Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on her trip to Britain).
6. Black opaque tights are your new best friend - keep a spare in your desk drawer! (They have amazing slimming properties!)
7. DO wear trousers if you are more comfortable but make sure they are tailored.
8. You do NOT have to wear shirts, a simple tee looks just a smart under a jacket.
9. DO invest in two smart classic coats, one for summer and one for winter. A trench in summer and a wool coast for winter will see you through the seasons.
10. DO accessorise!! A bright coloured bag here, some statement earrings there - have fun with your accessories!
'The essence of the well-dressed woman should never be exaggerated,' Margaret Thatcher declared as Prime Minister in 1985. 'Appearance is the first impression people get of you. And it does matter. It matters tremendously when you represent your country…'
How true.
While it is not unusual for First Ladies in America to make it on to the pages of Vogue magazine, when Michelle Obama graced the cover of the style bible earlier this year (March issue) she was described as "The First Lady The World's Been Waiting For."
Appearance does matter. And first appearances matter all the more when you are trying to win an election. While no one is advocating that women politicians or political wives turn up to the Commons in jeans, tee and trainers there also seems little need for the boring boxy suits favoured by many female MPs today.
Indeed, during the Presidential campaign in the US last year Hilary Clinton pulled out of a Vogue shoot for fear of appearing too feminine. Politics is often seen (wrongly, I might add) as a man's world. This has to change. Women in politics should not be afraid of their femininity, indeed they should embrace it. In a man's world' it is vital to stand out from the crowd and what better way than as a woman?!
Those women in politics who look best are those who make the most of what they have. Those who do not try too hard to be something they are not. Here are my 10 dos and don'ts of dressing right for women in politics:
1. Do NOT go for the standard 'boxy' suit, in fact, if at all possible, do not wear a suit at all.
2. Do NOT stick to a twin-set and pearls combo - might win you votes with the blue rinse brigade but maybe not even there!
3. DO pay for a decent hair cut that can be easily styled - nothing too short and nothing that will go frizzy in the rain.
4. DO go to a decent make up counter and get make up that suits your skin type. If you are pale or prone to shiny skin, ask for something to combat this - nothing looks worse on TV, you either look ill or like a greasy teenager.
5. You do NOT have to wear heels (check out Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on her trip to Britain).
6. Black opaque tights are your new best friend - keep a spare in your desk drawer! (They have amazing slimming properties!)
7. DO wear trousers if you are more comfortable but make sure they are tailored.
8. You do NOT have to wear shirts, a simple tee looks just a smart under a jacket.
9. DO invest in two smart classic coats, one for summer and one for winter. A trench in summer and a wool coast for winter will see you through the seasons.
10. DO accessorise!! A bright coloured bag here, some statement earrings there - have fun with your accessories!
The cupcake story so far... (Pt 2)
These are the cupcakes straight out of the oven! I plan to ice them tomorrow night and will post another photo then. Don't know how they taste but the leftovers in the bowl certainly tasted good.
Hot pots and hot flushes
There’s more to Betty Turpin than her tried and trusted hotpots – as we found in Coronation Street last night. Ageing temptress, Liz Macdonald revealed she’d chucked cab driver, Lloyd before he got the chance to trade her in for a younger model, ‘I’m having my menopause Betty,’ blubbed Liz, mourning the end of her fertility. ‘Hot flushes?’ replied Ma Turpin, not one to shy away when it comes to giving advice, ‘Wear layers. Then when you get warm, whip yer cardi off. And don’t worry about facial hair, when you go grey they’ll not notice it at all.’ And so, Betty’s wise words instantly put a nation of women-of-a-certain-age at ease.
Sea, Sand, and Rain...
Devon: home of the delicious Devonshire cream tea, quaint boutiques and charming seaside villages. I had a fantastic time swimming in hidden coves, sampling freshly caught fish and not to mention shopping to my hearts content. Unfortunately for us (as you can see from the photos) we didn’t have the sun like the rest of the country, I came home to a house full of bronzed faces – I’m extremely envious!
Tea time
There is nothing better - in my humble opinion - than the smell of cakes baking in the oven. It is a smell that takes me right back to my parents' house when I am about 9 or 10 and my mum was baking a birthday bake for me or my sister.
My first attempt at baking a cake was in my first year at university. It was an unmitigated disaster. Despite being in the oven for nearly two hours it never set! I have no idea what we did to it but something was not right.
In the last year however I have learnt to love baking. Cupcakes are a particular favourite of mine these days. I usually make vanilla or chocolate cupcakes with a lovely buttery icing on top. Tonight however I might attempt Tia Maria cupcakes from the rather lovely cupcake recipe book that my mum gave me for my birthday.
I'll keep you posted on how they turn out (and post a pic if they are any good!). Love, SG
My first attempt at baking a cake was in my first year at university. It was an unmitigated disaster. Despite being in the oven for nearly two hours it never set! I have no idea what we did to it but something was not right.
In the last year however I have learnt to love baking. Cupcakes are a particular favourite of mine these days. I usually make vanilla or chocolate cupcakes with a lovely buttery icing on top. Tonight however I might attempt Tia Maria cupcakes from the rather lovely cupcake recipe book that my mum gave me for my birthday.
I'll keep you posted on how they turn out (and post a pic if they are any good!). Love, SG
What a legend
Today has mostly been about avoiding studying! (Although I have managed a little.)
I have been researching photography courses and have found one which I think might suit me perfectly. It is an Art and Photography course which combines basic camera skills with dark room work and fashion photography as art. Probably in response to this I was interested to come across an interview with David Bailey. Fashion photographer and legend. 'David Bailey: still snapping away at 71'. Check out the article!
I also stumbled across this article, 'Polaroid Transfer without the Polaroid'. It has made me want to go out and get some more polaroid film to try this out. The results are - I understand - always unique but also very artistic. Check out this image of Times Square posted on flickr. It has a painted quality about it. Sort of ethereal.
Happy snapping. Love, SG
I have been researching photography courses and have found one which I think might suit me perfectly. It is an Art and Photography course which combines basic camera skills with dark room work and fashion photography as art. Probably in response to this I was interested to come across an interview with David Bailey. Fashion photographer and legend. 'David Bailey: still snapping away at 71'. Check out the article!
I also stumbled across this article, 'Polaroid Transfer without the Polaroid'. It has made me want to go out and get some more polaroid film to try this out. The results are - I understand - always unique but also very artistic. Check out this image of Times Square posted on flickr. It has a painted quality about it. Sort of ethereal.
Happy snapping. Love, SG
Gig chic
Tonight was gig night. I took my first trip to the Millennium Stadium. To see U2. It was a fantastic performance. Their 360 degree stage was so impressive!
Whilst sitting, drinking and eating before the music and watching the people coming into the stadium, I got to thinking about 'gig chic'. Some people seem to have taken a considerable amount of time to get ready whilst others looked as if they had taken considerably less time and had probably actually taken longer!
I do question the sanity of those who felt that going to an evening open air gig in Cardiff, Wales in a dress with no jacket or tights was a good idea. And then it started to rain. And I felt smug!
I was one of those who looked as if they had just fallen out of bed and into their chosen outfit and on this occasion, it wasn't far from the truth.
The key to 'gig chic', I feel, is comfort. Particularly when your ticket states, standing! So I opted for 'boyfriend' jeans, a Rolling Stones vest (which is nicer than it sounds), Converse trainers and a man's jumper - perfect to keep me warm!
Photos to follow tomorrow. For now, goodnight! Love, SG
Whilst sitting, drinking and eating before the music and watching the people coming into the stadium, I got to thinking about 'gig chic'. Some people seem to have taken a considerable amount of time to get ready whilst others looked as if they had taken considerably less time and had probably actually taken longer!
I do question the sanity of those who felt that going to an evening open air gig in Cardiff, Wales in a dress with no jacket or tights was a good idea. And then it started to rain. And I felt smug!
I was one of those who looked as if they had just fallen out of bed and into their chosen outfit and on this occasion, it wasn't far from the truth.
The key to 'gig chic', I feel, is comfort. Particularly when your ticket states, standing! So I opted for 'boyfriend' jeans, a Rolling Stones vest (which is nicer than it sounds), Converse trainers and a man's jumper - perfect to keep me warm!
Photos to follow tomorrow. For now, goodnight! Love, SG
Acceptable in the 80s
From Louis Vuitton to Gucci the decade that fashion forgot - the 1980s - were resuscitated on the catwalks for Autumn/Winter 09/10. Lamé, shoulder pads, peplums and one-shoulder styles ruled in London, Paris, Milan and New York.
But what if your shopping budget won't quite stretch to the prices commanded by the fashion houses of Vuitton and Gucci?
This 80s revival has inevitably found its way onto the high street and there are options out there for any budget, big or small.
1. Asos.com - has a wide selection of dresses with shoulder pads. The black number below is my favourite. At £25 it is a bargain and looks wearable.
2. Topshop.com - check out the website for their selection of shoulder pad tunics and tops.
3. American Apparel - is the home of all things lamé. Check out the leggings below which are the perfect accompaniment for you 80s inspired outfit!
For those - like me - who are abstaining from buying new clothes, there is still the opportunity to re-create the 80s look. Indeed Grazia recently reported that sales of John Lewis's £2.40 shoulder pads are up as people attempt their own DIY version of the Dallas look. It is cheap and easy to pick up a blazer or suit jacket in a charity shop and with a little imagination and less than £2.50 it can be transformed into an 'of the moment' item!
Whatever you do, have fun! The clothes and trends of the Eighties are there to be enjoyed!
Love, SG
But what if your shopping budget won't quite stretch to the prices commanded by the fashion houses of Vuitton and Gucci?
This 80s revival has inevitably found its way onto the high street and there are options out there for any budget, big or small.
1. Asos.com - has a wide selection of dresses with shoulder pads. The black number below is my favourite. At £25 it is a bargain and looks wearable.
2. Topshop.com - check out the website for their selection of shoulder pad tunics and tops.
3. American Apparel - is the home of all things lamé. Check out the leggings below which are the perfect accompaniment for you 80s inspired outfit!
For those - like me - who are abstaining from buying new clothes, there is still the opportunity to re-create the 80s look. Indeed Grazia recently reported that sales of John Lewis's £2.40 shoulder pads are up as people attempt their own DIY version of the Dallas look. It is cheap and easy to pick up a blazer or suit jacket in a charity shop and with a little imagination and less than £2.50 it can be transformed into an 'of the moment' item!
Whatever you do, have fun! The clothes and trends of the Eighties are there to be enjoyed!
Love, SG
I saw, I loved, I left
I got thrown into the fire this afternoon and came out unscathed! I found myself in Office this afternoon and looking at the sale rack. And as I browsed the rack I fell in love with these beautiful zebra print pumps.
They are soooooooooo beautiful. Real leather. And a bargain from £50 to £20 in the sale. They are - in a word - perfect.
But somehow I pulled myself away from their beauty and walked out of that shop, empty handed!
Shopping ban intact. Another hurdle I have managed to overcome!
Think a glass of wine and chocolate is in order... Will write again soon, love, SG
They are soooooooooo beautiful. Real leather. And a bargain from £50 to £20 in the sale. They are - in a word - perfect.
But somehow I pulled myself away from their beauty and walked out of that shop, empty handed!
Shopping ban intact. Another hurdle I have managed to overcome!
Think a glass of wine and chocolate is in order... Will write again soon, love, SG
Boys, boys, boys
Check out the boys punding the streets at Dior Homme, Paris. They are sporting the S/S 10 collection designed by Kris van Assche, and are looking tres chic!
All images are courtesy of Dazed Digital.
When is it too early to write a Christmas list? Discuss.
I had dinner at a friend's house last night and whilst watching TV later in the evening she showed me a very comprehensive Christmas list which, by the looks of it, she has been compiling for some months now! It is only August. But it got me thinking about whether or not it is ever too early to write a Christmas list? As children we used to write them a month or so before Christmas. They were pretty pointless really as mum and dad already had a fair idea of what we wanted. I remember at school too, we had to write to Father Christmas one year. The letters got sent and we even got a card back from the man himself!!
But then maybe she has a point. Throughout the year I often see things that I think, oh, maybe I'll ask for that for Christmas but come November I can't remember what any of them are!
Here are two things that if anyone reading this wants to buy me I would be most grateful!!!
Mulberry Bayswater
Animal Print Pumps
More soon, love, SG
But then maybe she has a point. Throughout the year I often see things that I think, oh, maybe I'll ask for that for Christmas but come November I can't remember what any of them are!
Here are two things that if anyone reading this wants to buy me I would be most grateful!!!
Mulberry Bayswater
Animal Print Pumps
More soon, love, SG
The demise of my student discount
It is a sad sad day when I will no longer be entitled to my 10% student discount in Topshop and Dorothy Perkins and others. Since I was 16 my NUS card has been the rationale behind many of my clothing purchases however on Monday I was told that from 25 September I would no longer have NUS membership. And as I am still on my shopping ban that means that I have already made my last use of the discount, without even realising it!
And now my sister has announced that she might be leaving M&S and therefore losing her 20% discount there.
How am I going to cope? Having to pay full price for an item just isn't something I like to do!!
And now my sister has announced that she might be leaving M&S and therefore losing her 20% discount there.
How am I going to cope? Having to pay full price for an item just isn't something I like to do!!
The Thigh’s the Limit
The thigh-high boot is set to be everywhere this season after being all over the catwalks from Paul & Joe to Peter Pilotto; it is listed in fashion pages as being one of the must-have trends of the coming A/W 09 season.
Thigh-high boots, last seen on the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Elizabeth Hurley, are notoriously difficult to wear, looking slightly too much for day-wear and a little, how should I put this…like a hooker at night. Those that seem to pull this off are few and far between leaving the rest of us left looking like WAGs or eurotrash socialites. I fear that this trend has little longevity and is a slighty over-the-top…
Thigh-high boots, last seen on the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Elizabeth Hurley, are notoriously difficult to wear, looking slightly too much for day-wear and a little, how should I put this…like a hooker at night. Those that seem to pull this off are few and far between leaving the rest of us left looking like WAGs or eurotrash socialites. I fear that this trend has little longevity and is a slighty over-the-top…
Coco Avant Chanel
This has to be the fashion must-see film of the year.
I went to see Coco last week with a friend. It was voucher Wednesday, as I like to call it now! We had 25% off spa treatments at St David's hotel in Cardiff Bay. (We are going back tomorrow to use the facilities for the evening!) And then it was 2-4-1 with Orange Wednesdays to see Coco. And finished it off with a late French steak frites with a 2-4-1 on main meals at Cafe Rouge. Lush!
The film was a beautiful demonstration of the simplicity of Chanel. It gave a lovely insight into the woman behind the legend. The end was fairly sad though which I would have known if I had read the book on which the film is based.
The black dress in the scene where Coco and Arthur "Boy" Capel (who lent her the money to open her first milliner's studio in Paris in 1910) dace together on their nights away is pure glamour and sophistication.
Love, SG
5 weeks and counting!!
It has now been 5 weeks since the start of the shopping ban and I am still managing it!
I found a way around the issue of not being able to buy new clothes. I took back a pair of sunglasses I'd been given as a birthday present and used the store credit to get a new jumper! A man's jumper! It's a gorgeous soft navy jumper which fits well around the bottom and is beautifully baggy in the body. Perfect for snuggling up in. And it looks particularly good with the boyfriend fit jeans that I got in Topshop on sale just before I gave up shopping!
I also found a dress tucked away in my wardrobe at the weekend that I hadn't worn and had forgotten that I even had! (See the pic below) I think it looks a little like a 40s flapper dress. V pretty.
The old adage that women only wear 10% of the clothes in their wardrobe seems to be true!
The grey (flapper) dress is from Asos.com and the black opaque tights with black spots are M&S. My sister is in the photo with me, in a Topshop dress.
Will write more soon, love, SG
I found a way around the issue of not being able to buy new clothes. I took back a pair of sunglasses I'd been given as a birthday present and used the store credit to get a new jumper! A man's jumper! It's a gorgeous soft navy jumper which fits well around the bottom and is beautifully baggy in the body. Perfect for snuggling up in. And it looks particularly good with the boyfriend fit jeans that I got in Topshop on sale just before I gave up shopping!
I also found a dress tucked away in my wardrobe at the weekend that I hadn't worn and had forgotten that I even had! (See the pic below) I think it looks a little like a 40s flapper dress. V pretty.
The old adage that women only wear 10% of the clothes in their wardrobe seems to be true!
The grey (flapper) dress is from Asos.com and the black opaque tights with black spots are M&S. My sister is in the photo with me, in a Topshop dress.
Will write more soon, love, SG
We're All Going on a Summer Holiday
This weekend I am heading to Devon for a long-weekend of sun (perhaps), sea and cream teas. I know that the prospect of a British mini-break fills some people with dread but I simply can’t wait for it; I love everything from the unpredictable weather to the pebble beaches, calorific fish and chips to the smell of seaweed. At the moment I am planning the perfect mini-break wardrobe, it’s a slow start but I think I’ll channel festival-chic, i.e. Converse All Stars, vests, jeans, gladiators, wellies etc, minus the Pixie Geldof-esque headband!
Urban Outfitters: Hot or Not?
Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Urban Outfitters is entirely overrated!? After work my friend and I took a stroll to Oxford Circus for a spot of retail therapy and visited Urban Outfitters. Now, I must admit that the visual merchandising and shop design is great, they have been very successful at creating a lifestyle shop with an edgy loft-style interior which is the reason why I think it has such a following. However I do not think that the stock (poor quality and too trend driven) match this nor does the lack of staff or inflated prices, particularly on the vintage goods which are probably picked up from Brick Lane for a fiver and sold for ten-fold.
I frequently hear friends and fashion pages raving about it but I always leave disappointed and empty-handed. I have really tried to like it and have given it several chances but unfortunately I think our relationship is now well and truly over.
What are your thoughts on Urban Outfitters?
The Sunglasses Are Off
I, like most fashion lovers, am awaiting the hotly anticipated release of ‘The September Issue’ which documents the production of last year’s September issue of American Vogue. The film, released in the UK on 11 September, will provide me with a much-anticipated insight on the British editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and the world’s largest fashion magazine.
‘The September Issue’ follows Wintour around the fashion shows, showing her dominance in the fashion world – she famously once got Milan fashion week rescheduled as it didn’t work with her diary.
‘The September Issue’ follows Wintour around the fashion shows, showing her dominance in the fashion world – she famously once got Milan fashion week rescheduled as it didn’t work with her diary.
Every September a record number of people can’t wait to get their hands on the September issue of Vogue. The 2007 edition with covergirl Sienna Miller was the biggest seller to date and personally I can’t wait to see the behind the scenes making of this issue, including the production process, the staff on the verge of breakdowns, and the hotly-discussed tempestuous relationship between Wintour and her number two, Grace Coddington.
The film will be scrutinised by all those watching, including me, to see if she really is like the nickname ‘Nuclear Wintour’ or her depicted character (albeit in more exaggerated Hollywood sense), Miranda Priestly in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. I just can’t believe I have to wait a whole month to watch it!
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