tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53815311897030826532024-03-13T09:52:50.596-07:00Paper Bags and Polka Dotsflights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-62689259283746450832011-05-16T04:37:00.001-07:002011-05-16T04:37:29.414-07:00fresh start<a href="http://teaandmanga.blogspot.com/">http://teaandmanga.blogspot.com/</a>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-84802750328500503052011-05-08T09:07:00.000-07:002011-05-08T09:07:56.260-07:00waiting for the 7.18I feel as if I've got some explaining to do. <br />
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It has been over a month since I last blogged and it's down, I suppose, to a few reasons. I only really got into regular blog posting earlier this year and I was really enthusiastic to begin with. There are so many wonderful blogs out there that I enjoy reading, and it was great to enter such a welcoming community of bloggers. The few girls that I've spoken to so far, via my blog and twitter, have been so lovely and it is one of the honest reasons that I fell in love with blogging to begin with. <br />
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However, a few weeks ago I received some very hurtful and accusing comments online from another, fairly new, blogger which really knocked my confidence. I am not trying to be anything special with this blog, nor do I think I am more important or better than anyone, and I certainly do not copy content from anyone else's site. If I do take pictures, or see something of interest on another blog, then I credit and link accordingly. The comments really knocked my confidence, especially as I have so few followers at the moment that I really wasn't prepared for anything negative. I felt my blog content needed a re-think and, due to starting a new job a few days late, decided to take a break from the online world. <br />
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I am a girl that loves to write, and is currently struggling through life after university unsure of what the future holds. I love fashion as much as the next girl, I love food although I'm not much of a cook, and I love to read anything and everything; I hope that my blog from now on will reflect this and therefore accurately represent me as a person. I've decided to continue with this blog as it brings me a lot of pleasure and happiness, and hopefully I'm now more prepared for any future problems. I'm not going to let one girl taint my feelings of the blogosphere as a whole and the hundreds of lovely people out there who write blogs and support other bloggers, both new and established.<br />
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This is a fresh start for Paper Bags and Polka Dots, and I hope that some of you will stay along for the journey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-677yGT4Ufjc/Tca_Y565lhI/AAAAAAAAAFw/N0vDEzrku2Y/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-677yGT4Ufjc/Tca_Y565lhI/AAAAAAAAAFw/N0vDEzrku2Y/s400/photo.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-31452053028205465472011-04-10T11:15:00.000-07:002011-04-10T11:15:35.037-07:00pick of the best: sandalsWelcome to this week's very late (so so sorry!) pick of the best! The gorgeous summer weather we've been having over the weekend got me thinking about footwear, specifically my lack of summer shoes, which is why I have decided to take a look at some of the sandals in the shops at the moment. <br />
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As I pretty much live in my DM's, or a pair of boring black Topshop boots, the thought of exposing my feet to the world when the warm weather hits is pretty terrifying, but this lovely selection makes the scary prospect that tiny bit easier! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjbJrqa6Itw/TaHvQBWpMMI/AAAAAAAAAFc/h8AAt4rWiIk/s1600/42H08YBLK_3_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjbJrqa6Itw/TaHvQBWpMMI/AAAAAAAAAFc/h8AAt4rWiIk/s400/42H08YBLK_3_large.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2291671&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=feathers&pageSize=20">Hawk Feather T-Bar Sandals, £30, Topshop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdGNwQ31W9s/TaHu7bIM6pI/AAAAAAAAAFY/7yqB0BN4vCM/s1600/60475153_z1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdGNwQ31W9s/TaHu7bIM6pI/AAAAAAAAAFY/7yqB0BN4vCM/s320/60475153_z1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.office.co.uk/womens/office/navaho_toe_post/60/8256/21958/1?fs=8256">Navaho Sandal, £65, Office</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU6ikLnPp6s/TaHv0hfsNkI/AAAAAAAAAFg/sx0i_haWC3E/s1600/image1xxl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU6ikLnPp6s/TaHv0hfsNkI/AAAAAAAAAFg/sx0i_haWC3E/s320/image1xxl.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Fran-Suede-Tassle-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1497600&SearchQuery=sandals&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Tan">FRAN Suede Tassle Sandals, £40, ASOS</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHzBxlI-xOY/TaHxywgLrCI/AAAAAAAAAFo/FCaNp9Ux0dc/s1600/213482518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHzBxlI-xOY/TaHxywgLrCI/AAAAAAAAAFo/FCaNp9Ux0dc/s320/213482518.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shoes/plaited-beaded-sandals_213482518">Plaited Beaded Sandals, £29.99, New Look</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn3kmShleFc/TaHwdO413SI/AAAAAAAAAFk/ccExu28oBRI/s1600/599608_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn3kmShleFc/TaHwdO413SI/AAAAAAAAAFk/ccExu28oBRI/s320/599608_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/shoes--boots/sandals--flip-flops/brown-print-gladiator-sandals-599608">Brown Print Gladiator Sandals, £44.99, River Island</a><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n_moFy7ES4/TaHyPjOl8GI/AAAAAAAAAFs/43ucxDdd6pM/s1600/2081147109-2-carvela-kalahari-taupe-sandals-flats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n_moFy7ES4/TaHyPjOl8GI/AAAAAAAAAFs/43ucxDdd6pM/s320/2081147109-2-carvela-kalahari-taupe-sandals-flats.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtgeiger.com/online-shop/205839-carvela-kalahari">Kalahari Sandals, £55, Carvela (Kurt Geiger)</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I think my favourites have to be the leopard print sandals from River Island as I really like the chunky straps and buckles; I am definitely not one for a dainty sandal that will expose my whole foot! I can imagine wearing them with a lovely black maxi dress on a long summer evening.<br />
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I should be back to my regular blogging next week. I started a new part-time job at a bank on friday (I definitely need to get some shopping funds while I pursue my writing career!), and I've been suffering with an ear infection so I've been a bit down. Once I've settled into the job, and visited the doctor, I should be back on track though! <br />
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Hope you're all enjoying the lovely weather!flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-87893465518476857922011-04-05T07:00:00.000-07:002011-04-05T07:00:52.193-07:00birthday treatsLast week I introduced a new item to the blog, Pick of the Best, which I feel was quite well received by you all and I intend to keep it as a regular feature! <br />
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However, today is my little sister's 11th birthday so I have been a bit busy sorting birthday-related things out for her; she is having a Mexican themed party after school so I have been making a pineapple shaped pinata...and a lovely Victoria sponge (not at all Mexican related, I agree, but delicious nonetheless!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTs2cVGrTuI/TZsgSZtCLKI/AAAAAAAAAFU/8qvrCGcwBOM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTs2cVGrTuI/TZsgSZtCLKI/AAAAAAAAAFU/8qvrCGcwBOM/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I will be back tomorrow with my pick of the best for this week! Plus, news on a crafty blog shop I'm considering opening!<br />
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xflights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-37122635564473393032011-04-04T08:59:00.000-07:002011-04-04T09:03:01.397-07:00style focus: wallpaper roseHi everyone! Firstly, apologies for a slight lack of posting during the latter half of last week. I've been pretty busy writing job applications and contacting companies for work experience, so I promise to update more regularly this week!<br />
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Right, on to this week's Style Focus. I give you...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of3aeu9SK1U/TZnhv87GNLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/n8pQE5AskKY/s1600/wr_with_bunting_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of3aeu9SK1U/TZnhv87GNLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/n8pQE5AskKY/s400/wr_with_bunting_26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/">http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/</a><br />
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<div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Wallpaper</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Rose is an online jewellery company that stocks beautiful vintage inspired necklaces, brooches and other gorgeous pieces. The style of the jewellery is exactly what I look for when buying accessories; pieces that look unique and pre-loved, even if they are brand spanking new! The company also stocks a selection of tees with lovely lace peter pan collars, which I can't wait to get my hands on! Unfortunately, most of the available colours are currently sold out but a little birdie has informed me that the next set is being worked on at the moment!</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a selection of some of my favourite items from the shop;</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eXbTWqdUSOw/TZnl1YRbAnI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Qi6U_gozHL8/s1600/eugenie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eXbTWqdUSOw/TZnl1YRbAnI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Qi6U_gozHL8/s320/eugenie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/product/eugenie">Eugenie necklace, £20</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sezq-Qw99M/TZnlztNysNI/AAAAAAAAAE8/oGvDrQUYtNE/s1600/eleanor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sezq-Qw99M/TZnlztNysNI/AAAAAAAAAE8/oGvDrQUYtNE/s320/eleanor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/product/eleanor">Eleanor brooch, £8 (on sale)</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhyZ_jGZSks/TZnl6zxFD9I/AAAAAAAAAFM/c1bWz4-9aYY/s1600/rosamund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhyZ_jGZSks/TZnl6zxFD9I/AAAAAAAAAFM/c1bWz4-9aYY/s320/rosamund.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/product/rosamund">Rosamund tea necklace, £12</a><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6gBIyKgUAQ/TZnl4zfyh6I/AAAAAAAAAFI/O6bZDWEsVdg/s1600/lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6gBIyKgUAQ/TZnl4zfyh6I/AAAAAAAAAFI/O6bZDWEsVdg/s320/lily.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/product/lily">Lily brooch, £8 (on sale)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4n7CFnJfmTs/TZnl90I3oYI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/qbG2R4I22b0/s1600/rosie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4n7CFnJfmTs/TZnl90I3oYI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/qbG2R4I22b0/s320/rosie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/product/rosie">Rosie necklace, £15</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhgIQdbLHlQ/TZnl2zI8D7I/AAAAAAAAAFE/7MfBIgx-WD8/s1600/jentee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhgIQdbLHlQ/TZnl2zI8D7I/AAAAAAAAAFE/7MfBIgx-WD8/s320/jentee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/product/jen-burgundy-marl">Jen Tee - Burgundy Marl, £11</a><br />
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<br />
<div></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(All images taken from <a href="http://www.wallpaperrose.bigcartel.com/">Wallpaper Rose</a>)</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for when the beautiful Jen tees get re-stocked! I think the lace collars are so lovely; the perfect way of making a normal t-shirt a real statement piece. I also love the Eugenie necklace, as the sea diving helmet is just such a unique charm!</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">I reccommend that you check out the website asap, if you want to get your hands on any of the sale items featured (and there are a few more sale gems on the site), as I'm sure they won't be around for long! You can also follow Wallpaper Rose on <a href="http://twitter.com/WallpaperRose">twitter</a>, to be kept up-to-date with all their latest products!</span></div><br />
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</></></></tbody></table>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-54552664409826771142011-03-29T13:32:00.000-07:002011-03-29T13:32:55.739-07:00pick of the best: fringingWelcome to a new item for the blog; pick of the best! Each week I will choose a key trend, or a style that I'm particularly admiring at the moment, and share some of my favourite items with you.<br />
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Everybody knows that this summer the 1970's are making a huge comeback; this means bright colours, denim flares and festival chic - which leads me, of course, to fringing! The high street is already going mad for this trend, with plenty of fringed bags, tassled loafers and distressed tees having hit the stores in time for Spring, so here are some of the items I'm currently lusting over. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/leather-fringe-backpack/invt/5771427205877/?htxt=0kLogHLojEB%2F4JFrHN9BIuclOfdN2GJKODPdX%2BmBBn2NvKxNoZSzgmeHwJA3LYBraWRdgZm2e6i9%0AOagDxZDT9w%3D%3D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rQlvyp2TbM/TZI7oDmEtvI/AAAAAAAAAEg/S09YBfDyVnQ/s400/5771427205877_Brown_l1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leather Fringe Backpac, £60 (Sales), Urban Outfitters</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1plw-fMJnw/TZI8QgoDWzI/AAAAAAAAAEk/hKN4Ri-cNw0/s1600/04K24YCOR_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1plw-fMJnw/TZI8QgoDWzI/AAAAAAAAAEk/hKN4Ri-cNw0/s400/04K24YCOR_large.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2353344&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=fringed&pageSize=200">Coral Lace Fringed Crop Vest, £26, Topshop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-C89L_AUFU/TZI9lM7-heI/AAAAAAAAAEo/mNBkV6u6274/s1600/25Q18YSND_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-C89L_AUFU/TZI9lM7-heI/AAAAAAAAAEo/mNBkV6u6274/s400/25Q18YSND_large.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2260314&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=fringed shorts&pageSize=20">Sand Fringed Side Denim Shorts by Unique, £70, Topshop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVW1iHzlzR4/TZI9-h3yCPI/AAAAAAAAAEs/BlvnrR8SJx4/s1600/592573_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVW1iHzlzR4/TZI9-h3yCPI/AAAAAAAAAEs/BlvnrR8SJx4/s400/592573_main.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/shoes--boots/flats--pumps/brown-fringed-flat-loafer-shoes-592573">Brown Fringed Flat Loafer Shoes, £39.99, River Island</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSjW2qg72mA/TZI_7grIbYI/AAAAAAAAAEw/kmnqsSI3y5g/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSjW2qg72mA/TZI_7grIbYI/AAAAAAAAAEw/kmnqsSI3y5g/s400/untitled.bmp" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/House-Of-Holland/House-Of-Holland-Dress-With-Fringe-Strap/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1509949&SearchQuery=fringed&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=TurquoiseLeaf">House of Holland Dress with Fringe Strap, £485, ASOS</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ADQVydU27nI/TZI6x7XupNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Z6rqbkRPAJ0/s1600/image1xxl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ADQVydU27nI/TZI6x7XupNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Z6rqbkRPAJ0/s400/image1xxl.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/Eleven-Paris/Eleven-Paris-Fringed-T-Shirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1534480&SearchQuery=fringed&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Grey">Eleven Paris Fringed T-Shirt, £65, ASOS</a><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;">Okay, the House of Holland dress is slightly expensive but I love it so much that I just had to include it! It's nice to dream anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you all think about the fringed trend? Is it the ultimate addition for boho chic, or too try-hard festival fashionista? </div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-43688849591173903252011-03-28T12:53:00.000-07:002011-03-28T12:53:54.781-07:00style focus: joy the bakerI though that I had this week's Style Focus all planned after I came across a lovely online jewellery shop run by a fashion blogger (more in next week's Style Focus!), but that was before I discovered <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/">Joy the Baker</a> and fell head-over-heels in love with her site. Okay so it <em>is</em> a food blog, rather than a fashion based site, but Joy certainly knows how to make cooking stylish! The photography is absolutely stunning, like something out of a professionally published cookbook, and the recipes are charming; they read as if you're talking to one of your friends about something they whipped up in the kitchen last week.<br />
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I admit I am not exactly what you would call an accomplished cook; I generally prefer to <em>read</em> recipes and admire the pictures than actually get in the kitchen and make anything! But, I feel genuinely inspired by this blog and have been scribbling down recipes that I want to attempt from the site all week. I'm thinking that Mother's Day on Sunday could be the perfect opportunity to test something out?<br />
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Anyway, here are some links to a few of my favourite recipes on the website (although there are so many that I have yet to sift through them all!). I'm particularly keen on trying to bake my own Pop Tarts, which I used to love eating for a breakfast treat as a child but can now only find in <a href="http://www.cybercandy.co.uk/">Cybercandy</a> for nearly five quid a box!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCdklraE6Ic/TZDlkirjk6I/AAAAAAAAAEI/yW-JOAd4D2E/s1600/waffles.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCdklraE6Ic/TZDlkirjk6I/AAAAAAAAAEI/yW-JOAd4D2E/s320/waffles.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/05/brown-sugar-bacon-waffles/">Brown Sugar Bacon Waffles</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFA8Q1KOwGw/TZDloIVBS1I/AAAAAAAAAEM/v8Cmxfz7q4A/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFA8Q1KOwGw/TZDloIVBS1I/AAAAAAAAAEM/v8Cmxfz7q4A/s320/soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/02/vegan-cream-of-mushroom-soup-with-not-so-vegan-herb-bread/">Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup with not so vegan herb bread</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6arE334w-Wk/TZDltvFXh0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/bZF33gnllNQ/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6arE334w-Wk/TZDltvFXh0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/bZF33gnllNQ/s320/cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/01/hot-fudge-sundae-cupcakes/">Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14Facx3n0qA/TZDlyySaw6I/AAAAAAAAAEU/O0dUqIe2gH0/s1600/chilli.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14Facx3n0qA/TZDlyySaw6I/AAAAAAAAAEU/O0dUqIe2gH0/s320/chilli.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/12/spicy-vegetarian-chili/">Spicy Vegetarian Chilli</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVcviqez6Ro/TZDl5GiVjLI/AAAAAAAAAEY/wyFlfS03-Yw/s1600/poptarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVcviqez6Ro/TZDl5GiVjLI/AAAAAAAAAEY/wyFlfS03-Yw/s320/poptarts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/10/pumpkin-pie-pop-tarts-with-maple-glaze/">Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts with maple glaze</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(All images from </em></span><a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>www.joythebaker.com</em></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>)</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy cooking everyone!</div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-68106017082122969612011-03-26T11:10:00.000-07:002011-03-28T09:17:46.636-07:00lady luckI had planned to post about the Country Living Spring Fair this weekend but, rather stupidly, I forgot my camera so I only have a few pics that I took on my phone! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J-k27B1PmQQ/TY4o2CG2dpI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Tpp96-A9qeI/s1600/country+living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J-k27B1PmQQ/TY4o2CG2dpI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Tpp96-A9qeI/s400/country+living.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos taken via Hipstamatic for iPhone</td></tr>
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It was a really lovely day though, and my Mum and I really enjoyed browsing all the stalls. I picked up a cute horse print greetings card from <a href="http://www.petraboase.com/">Petra Boase</a>; it was only £1 and is now sitting rather proudly on my dressing table like a piece of art! I also got some colourful bird-print fabric from <a href="http://www.beyond-fabrics.co.uk/">Beyond Fabrics</a> which I'm going to attempt to make a cushion with! For those of you that live in London; definitely check out their website as they have a great shop on Columbia Road where they stock heaps of lovely fabrics, and even run fun sewing workshops!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rq4j_w26MXc/TY4pdZETzoI/AAAAAAAAAEA/qP9s0EyEhPE/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rq4j_w26MXc/TY4pdZETzoI/AAAAAAAAAEA/qP9s0EyEhPE/s200/IMG_0778.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also picked up this absolutely stunning tortoise ring from one of the stalls. I'm not sure if it's a one-off piece or not, but I had to add it to my collection of hugely over the top rings! I absolutely love it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(You can kind of make out the card I bought in the background - will try and post a clearer photo soon.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How is everyone else's weekends going? I went out for a scrummy Mexican dinner last night with a friend, and one too many mojitos, and popped to the local market this morning where I managed to pick up plenty of new reading material...and all for under a fiver!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JfbFSzijOlk/TY4q6EUKS1I/AAAAAAAAAEE/GfvgNtXxuWc/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JfbFSzijOlk/TY4q6EUKS1I/AAAAAAAAAEE/GfvgNtXxuWc/s200/IMG_0774.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks like I'll be spending the rest of my weekend curled up on the sofa reading, and attempting to bake <a href="http://ellieand.blogspot.com/2011/03/fat-fridays_25.html">Peanut Butter Pecan Biscotti</a> (yum!), from the lovely <a href="http://ellieand.blogspot.com/">elliand </a>blog. </div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-22305148594936399992011-03-22T10:38:00.000-07:002011-03-22T10:38:51.548-07:00en provenceLast night I enjoyed a lovely evening at the L'Occitane boutique in Islington, courtesy of L'Occitane and YOU magazine. For those of you who aren't aware of the brand, L'Occitane is a French company who use lots of naturally sourced ingredients to create beatifully fragranced and luxurious feeling products. I have had a few bits and pieces in the past, for Christmas and birthdays, and absolutely love everything I've tried in the range.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n5BnGw7OtRc/TYjXtd9UljI/AAAAAAAAADw/ZoCd6vO06WU/s1600/philosophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n5BnGw7OtRc/TYjXtd9UljI/AAAAAAAAADw/ZoCd6vO06WU/s1600/philosophy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Image taken from uk.loccitane.com)</td></tr>
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The evening began at 6.30 where we were greeted with champagne and lots of lovely edible goodies, before being offered mini hand massages. The beauty therapist cleansed my hands first, using a lavender hand gel which I made sure to purchase later in the evening, before massaging them using the 20% shea butter hand cream for dry skin. My hands felt amazingly soft afterwards so I would highly reccommend the hand cream! I think the full sized product is quite expensive but you can pick up a handbag sized tube for about £7. <br />
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We were then left to wander around the store and try out all the gorgeous products. The staff were incredibly helpful, without being pushy, and had plenty of advice and testers for everybody to try. Although there were heaps of things I wanted to buy, I eventually settled on the lavender fragranced 'Clean Hands Gel', and the 'Rose 4 Reines' eau de toilette; which has a very similar scent to the new Chloe Rose fragrance but with a slightly cheaper price tag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cQWXsuCoPHc/TYjaIFoMBMI/AAAAAAAAAD0/8W6dM6inA9o/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cQWXsuCoPHc/TYjaIFoMBMI/AAAAAAAAAD0/8W6dM6inA9o/s320/IMG_0770.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The products from our lovely free goody bag!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> As we left the store we were all handed a bag packed full of lovely freebies to enjoy! The free products, shown in the picture above, included; Rose 4 Reines Body Milk, Verbena Shower Gel, Very Precious Cream, Verbena Extra-Gentle Soap, 5 Essential Oils Shampoo, 5 Essential Oils Conditioner, Almond Shower Oil, Shea Butter Hand Cream and Shea Butter Foot Cream. <br />
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I can't wait to test them all out!<br />
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I also treated myself today, although I really shouldn't have been spending anymore money after last night, to a few products from the Topshop make-up range. I have been debating over whether to purcahse the skin tint for a while now, but after doing a bit of research and my friend giving it a rave review I decided to go for it! I have yet to test any of the products out properly, apart from the pretty useless back-of-the-hand test whilst in Topshop, but will let you all know how I get on!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4r1nynQ9od8/TYjd2HTvSJI/AAAAAAAAAD4/NwK8k27lvOY/s1600/topshop+makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4r1nynQ9od8/TYjd2HTvSJI/AAAAAAAAAD4/NwK8k27lvOY/s400/topshop+makeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images from <a href="http://www.topshop.com/">http://www.topshop.com/</a><br />
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</tbody></table>I purchased; Skin Tint in Fair (£10), Lip Stick in Coy (£7) and Blush in Nutmeg (£6). I particularly love the coral colour of the lip stick which will look lovely in this sunny weather we have been having! I just hope that the creamy consistency transfers well to lips.<br />
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I'm off to the Country Living Show tomorrow so fingers crossed I should have some lovely snaps to share with you all later in the week!flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-42249233074237079002011-03-21T07:27:00.000-07:002011-03-21T07:27:08.020-07:00style focus: storm in a teacup<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WrE3eFcsrto/TYdcGb-qmaI/AAAAAAAAADc/shyniZ8xsAI/s1600/header2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="95" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WrE3eFcsrto/TYdcGb-qmaI/AAAAAAAAADc/shyniZ8xsAI/s400/header2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stormteacup.co.uk/">http://www.stormteacup.co.uk/</a></td></tr>
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I discovered this weeks' style focus after the company began following me on Twitter; ah, the wonders of social networking! Storm in a Teacup is a jewellery company run by just one lovely lady, Jennifer, who stocks gorgeous hand-made pieces at really affordable prices. The designs are incredibly unique, and there is even a Vintage range of pieces for those of you who like your jewellery to be one-of-a-kind!<br />
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The website has a huge amount of stock so I definitely suggest you go and check it out for yourself, but I have selected a few of my absolute favourite pieces to share with you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CqV4GPbgsMA/TYdd_ObD6mI/AAAAAAAAADk/0l9cnYvWVSA/s1600/items_wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CqV4GPbgsMA/TYdd_ObD6mI/AAAAAAAAADk/0l9cnYvWVSA/s1600/items_wreath.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stormteacup.co.uk/vintage.html">Apollo Vintage Necklace, £14</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l99NumHvYis/TYdemlUDGyI/AAAAAAAAADs/8EB-sPl1vCY/s1600/items_parisnecklacerev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l99NumHvYis/TYdemlUDGyI/AAAAAAAAADs/8EB-sPl1vCY/s1600/items_parisnecklacerev.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stormteacup.co.uk/neckstuff.html">P-A-R-I-S Necklace, £14</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q8e7ySkftx0/TYddoPxt_rI/AAAAAAAAADg/jqHKDzEOcPE/s1600/items_vintageanchorearring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q8e7ySkftx0/TYddoPxt_rI/AAAAAAAAADg/jqHKDzEOcPE/s1600/items_vintageanchorearring.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stormteacup.co.uk/vintage.html">Ship to Shore Vintage Earrings, £12</a><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w6b8p7iDwRs/TYdePiMI6pI/AAAAAAAAADo/c_QnAsccFKk/s1600/items_emmanavyrev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w6b8p7iDwRs/TYdePiMI6pI/AAAAAAAAADo/c_QnAsccFKk/s1600/items_emmanavyrev.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stormteacup.co.uk/wristybusiness.html">Emma Multi-Way Tie (Navy), £17.50</a><br />
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</tbody></table>I am definitely planning on making a couple of purchases when I start my new job next week! I particularly love the versatility of the Emma Multi-Way Tie (available in various colours), which looks just as good wrapped around wrists as a bracelet or left long and loose as a necklace, as it does tied in your hair as a boho-chic headband. Great value for money!flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-79612906419403475862011-03-20T09:58:00.000-07:002011-03-20T09:59:59.697-07:00sunday sundayI've got that usual restless Sunday feeling today. Does anyone else get it? Since I was a child I have always found Sunday to be the most boring day of the week; it just has a feeling about it, sort of like you're just waiting for Monday to come around I suppose.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-umavNr7lOb0/TYYqnhGR59I/AAAAAAAAADM/Oej15yzaZ5E/s1600/HMdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-umavNr7lOb0/TYYqnhGR59I/AAAAAAAAADM/Oej15yzaZ5E/s320/HMdress.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://styleofafashionista.blogspot.com/">http://styleofafashionista.blogspot.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I bought this gorgeous crochet dress from H&M on Thursday, and am absolutely in love with it already. It was a bargain at £19.99 and, although I bought it with the intention of it being a summer staple, wore it for a trip to the pub on Friday night layered over a black Topshop bodycon dress, black opaque tights and my Doc Martens for a more winter-friendly look! H&M were also stocking crochet tees in the same style, in both white and black, for about £12.99; I think i might be popping back soon to invest in the black.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XXE0XQoONVI/TYYr-R2UCQI/AAAAAAAAADQ/t5dgrpFRsqo/s1600/DXLA01_82865_91008_74_2777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XXE0XQoONVI/TYYr-R2UCQI/AAAAAAAAADQ/t5dgrpFRsqo/s320/DXLA01_82865_91008_74_2777.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mint green chiffon blouse, £19.99, H&M</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I'm also planning on buying this lovely cropped blouse with embroidery detail, which is also available in black and white. This mint green colour is quite unusual though, and would be great for a hint of the returning pastel trend this year, and I love the romantic floaty sleeves.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r4FsoW24QdM/TYYtpkcELaI/AAAAAAAAADU/SEEbB_auTrU/s1600/BarryM_Nail_Paint_310_MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r4FsoW24QdM/TYYtpkcELaI/AAAAAAAAADU/SEEbB_auTrU/s1600/BarryM_Nail_Paint_310_MED.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barry M nail paint in Mushroom (310)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also picked up this Barry M nail polish in a lovely mushroom brown colour. I have recently discovered a love of more subtle nail polish shades after my sister bought me a Max Factor nailfinity polish in Percolated Pink (732); a dusky pink colour which is definitely more sophisticated than my usual choice of black or bright red. Saying that, I also have my eye on the Models Own nail polish in Orangeade; a neon orange colour with lots of glitter! <br />
I've never used any of the Models Own nail polish so it would be great to know what you all think of the product. I don't normally spend £5 on a polish, my favourite brands for nails being Barry M and Rimmel. Have you used any of the nail polishes? Would you reccommend them? Which colours are your favourites?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-03Ci7Gepmwo/TYYv5C0ggJI/AAAAAAAAADY/tZ-B6vAfqf4/s1600/New_York_I_Love_You_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-03Ci7Gepmwo/TYYv5C0ggJI/AAAAAAAAADY/tZ-B6vAfqf4/s320/New_York_I_Love_You_Poster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
Last night I stayed in to watch 'New York, I Love You' and I highly reccommend it to everyone! I picked it up for £7 in the HMV sale, having had my eye on it for a while. I watched 'Paris Je T'aime', a film by the same producer, a couple of years ago and was completely taken aback by it; the cinematography was stunning and it was so interesting to see how the various directors' styles contrasted in each short film. 'New York, I Love You' continues in a similar vein, with various short films by different directors pieced together to make a feature length movie that really explores the beauty and versatility of New York. <br />
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Apparently, more films are planned for this fantastic 'Cities of Love' series with 'Moscow, I Love You' having been showcased at a Russian film festival last year. Fingers crossed it will be hitting UK shores soon!flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-57886707495768564502011-03-18T08:26:00.000-07:002011-03-18T08:26:20.527-07:00take a chanceJust a quick post today, as I have a feature deadline this evening and I have yet to put pen to paper! (Or fingers to keyboard anyway..)<br />
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I just wanted to share the beautiful package that arrived for me this morning, containing my gorgeous monopoly ring that I ordered a few days ago!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BRcnX_-qIN4/TYN2RdFHLwI/AAAAAAAAADA/c8d9F-Aix9s/s1600/IMG_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BRcnX_-qIN4/TYN2RdFHLwI/AAAAAAAAADA/c8d9F-Aix9s/s320/IMG_0746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RLGC-6vuvYM/TYN2agPf-sI/AAAAAAAAADE/pEtrhnXxa9E/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RLGC-6vuvYM/TYN2agPf-sI/AAAAAAAAADE/pEtrhnXxa9E/s320/IMG_0747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3g7UJ1mjFHc/TYN2y6M-O-I/AAAAAAAAADI/Y-BGWLM8hdE/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3g7UJ1mjFHc/TYN2y6M-O-I/AAAAAAAAADI/Y-BGWLM8hdE/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">Vicki from <a href="http://snseandsnsibility.blogspot.com/">Sense and Sensibility</a> made this quirky delight, using the iron monopoly piece. It is great quality, and the adjustable ring size is great as it means it's sure to fit everyone! At the moment you can choose from either the iron or the boot, or you can contact Vicki directly to request other pieces.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Check out her shop <a href="http://senseandsensibility.bigcartel.com/">here</a>; where you can also purchase some other fun pieces at bargain prices!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I took a trip to Oxford Street yesterday, planning to spend some of my eBay profits on some new bits for my wardrobe, but didn't come back with much at all. I did, however, buy a couple of lovely bits from H&M which I will share with you later. I'm planning on heading into London next week to do a bit of vintage shopping as I'm feeling a bit uninspired by the high street selection at the moment. Any suggestions of shops to visit would be welcome!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">x</div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-54922069834191687252011-03-14T14:48:00.000-07:002011-03-14T14:48:51.807-07:00style focus: one of my kindI've decided to start a new 'style focus' feature on the blog where I will look at a shop/blog/designer that I find exciting, inspiring or simply lust worthy(!) that week. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7I_IZ07ABOI/TX6BGprrVWI/AAAAAAAAAC0/0XUZoIzHwHU/s1600/valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7I_IZ07ABOI/TX6BGprrVWI/AAAAAAAAAC0/0XUZoIzHwHU/s400/valentines.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Image from </em></span><a href="http://oneofmykindshop.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>http://oneofmykindshop.blogspot.com/</em></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This week's find definitely falls into the latter category. <a href="http://oneofmykindshop.blogspot.com/">One Of My Kind</a> is an Australian eBay store who sell a beautiful selection of vintage and preloved items. There is an excellent range of high waisted maxi skirts and pretty pleated dresses that all look completely on trend, despite being wonderfully one of a kind. The gorgeous pieces are, surprisingly, quite reasonably priced considering the quality of the items and the obvious amount of care and effort that must have gone into sourcing them all. However, for those of you that aren't lucky enough to live down under (like me!), the shipping costs are pretty high; roughly £15 on average, which is often the same cost as the garment itself.<br />
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Now, normally I wouldn't share my eBay lusts until having safely secured the item, but as I don't have the funds to make any purchases at the moment I thought I would show you my favourite two items on their shop at the moment.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ej6OHZHWUtA/TX6I7M3TQNI/AAAAAAAAAC4/z9N-i0CWccQ/s1600/IMG_5285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ej6OHZHWUtA/TX6I7M3TQNI/AAAAAAAAAC4/z9N-i0CWccQ/s320/IMG_5285.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320665781752&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#shId">Vintage Nude Beige Camel Sheer Floral Tiger Shirt Dress</a><br />
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</tbody></table>If I was in paid employment I would snap up this beauty without a second thought! I am a huge fan of sheer shirts anyway, as they are perfect for throwing over a pair of jeans during the day or layered over a skirt in the evening, but the pattern and shape of this one is particularly stunning. I love how it is long(ish) enough to be worn as a dress; although I don't think I would be quite as risque as the model in wearing it over underwear and would probably wear it over a short bodycon dress instead.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Pastel-Peach-Pleat-Maxi-Mid-Calf-Dress-w-Sash-/220748775126?pt=AU_VintageFashion&hash=item3365a6fed6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ndvZCA5YF5A/TX6LashQ6VI/AAAAAAAAAC8/7rTxk8n8S7s/s320/IMG_5843.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Pastel-Peach-Pleat-Maxi-Mid-Calf-Dress-w-Sash-/220748775126?pt=AU_VintageFashion&hash=item3365a6fed6">Vintage Pastel Peach Pleat Maxi Mid Calf Dress w Sash</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also love the simplicity of this beautiful nude coloured midi dress. I normally shy away from longer length items, as they make such a huge statement, but I think the pleated detail gives it a casual twist that would make this dress perfect for dressing up or down. <br />
For those of you lucky enough to have a few pennies in the bank at the moment, definitely head over to the One Of My Kind <a href="http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/one_of_my_kind_shop/?_trksid=p4340.l2559">eBay shop</a> or <a href="http://oneofmykindshop.blogspot.com/">blog </a>to have a proper browse as every item is a gem!flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-73425695110698787782011-03-13T15:20:00.000-07:002011-03-13T15:34:57.610-07:00white blank pageI have been enjoying a wonderfully lazy Sunday; finding lots of lovely new blogs to follow, catching up on the lastest magazines, listening to Mumford & Sons, and cooking a yummy dinner for my family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CPKowbrETQ0/TX08AQYVBZI/AAAAAAAAACk/tCwinWEtD5g/s1600/involtini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CPKowbrETQ0/TX08AQYVBZI/AAAAAAAAACk/tCwinWEtD5g/s400/involtini.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made involtini from Nigella Lawson's 'Feast', another of her amazing cookery books - I often read them in bed like novels! </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">In the words of the wonderful Nigella; '"<em>Involtini</em>" just indicates that something is wrapped - turned - around something else. I always use aubergines as the casing rather than, say, courgettes, partly because you can get more in, and partly because I think it's the best possible use of an aubergine.'</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Despite not being much of a cook, the aubergines turned out beautifully. They were stuffed with a delicious cheese based mixture (feta, mozzarella <em>and</em> parmesan - this is definitely NOT a recipe for anyone with a dairy intolerance!), covered in tomataoes and more cheese and baked in the oven. Heaven.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I also enjoyed flicking through the Spring/Summer 2011 edition of Company High-Street Edit. The magazine looks amazing. It's full of fashion spreads that have the visual style of Vogue couture but featuring clothes from the high street. There is something about the matte pages that make the whole publication seem very expensive, too.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gOpAu-z_alo/TX0_EY3t4BI/AAAAAAAAACo/kmFuBWv3wDs/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gOpAu-z_alo/TX0_EY3t4BI/AAAAAAAAACo/kmFuBWv3wDs/s400/IMG_0739.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved the minimalist feel to the 'Cut me some slack' style shoot; the city shorts and sharp blazers were given a contemporary twist by being juxtaposed with cotton tees and string vests. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In contrast, I was also inspired by the inspirational key pieces feature in this month's Elle magazine which was a riot of floral prints and denim - my usual summer wardrobe. I loved the silk dress by Paul & Joe, but will be seeking a high street alternative unless I happen to stumble across £960 any time soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My freelance writing for the home interiors website is still going really well, I absolutely love writing and it would be the icing on the cake if I could find somewhere that would pay me to do it! I'm really grateful for the opportunity at the moment though, as it's a really great website to be involved with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z3ZfmB3cukI/TX1BSHdz90I/AAAAAAAAACs/DTnOnaKs_4M/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z3ZfmB3cukI/TX1BSHdz90I/AAAAAAAAACs/DTnOnaKs_4M/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4zVaGpmCRXA/TX1Bcn-K-4I/AAAAAAAAACw/y3JpRxjmGjE/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4zVaGpmCRXA/TX1Bcn-K-4I/AAAAAAAAACw/y3JpRxjmGjE/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">One of the perks of writing, in any capacity, is being able to nab a free ticket or press pass every now and then. I was lucky enough to get hold of a press ticket for this month's Country Living Spring Fair, and a complimentary one for my mum! We usually go along to their Christmas Fair to browse all the lovely craft stalls and eat as many free foodie samples as we can manage, so I'm really excited to go along to this on the 23rd. I'm planning on doing a post about it, if the exhibitor's don't mind me snapping a few pics of their products!</div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-33750629442652164622011-03-08T06:40:00.000-08:002011-03-13T12:28:37.868-07:00pancakes and eBayHappy pancake day everyone!<br />
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I'm off to The Diner in Camden later to scoff some delicious American style ones, washed down with a huge milkshake! For those of you who havn't visited the joint before, or any of the four other branches dotted around London, I can't recommend the it enough! Okay, it might be slightly pricey but the 1950's style diner decor is spot on; and the chilli cheese fries are heavenly. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KG5gx3JDetk/TXY6LUxwYsI/AAAAAAAAACg/P-KItBH7ieA/s1600/diner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KG5gx3JDetk/TXY6LUxwYsI/AAAAAAAAACg/P-KItBH7ieA/s320/diner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I am nearly on the last dregs of my wages from Topshop, I have taken to eBaying my unwanted clothes in the hope of making a little extra cash! You can find the items I have up for sale at the moment here; <a href="http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/yllek96">http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/yllek96</a>. There is only a day or so left on most of them so get bidding if you're interested! I will be putting up a few more bits and pieces later this week though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What does everyone think of eBay in general? Is it the best place to sell/find second hand clothes? I've got me eye on a lovely polka dot skirt that someone is selling on there at the moment. I am begining to worry that any money I make will be going straight back out of my Paypal account!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I should be starting a part-time job at the end of the month, as a way of making a bit of money whilst continuing to build up my portfolio with my freelance writing. Whilst in New Look yesterday, a shop that I often avoid due to the poor quality of lots of their items, I spotted some beautiful blouses and shirts that I can't wait to pick up with my first pay check! There are lots of gorgeous shirts on the high street at the moment, and I purchased a fair few during my last weeks at Topshop, but New Look seems to be slightly ahead of competition with their reasonable prices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shirts-and-blouses/frill-peter-pan-blouse_218096286?icSort=%2BsortDisplayPrice" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lemonade (Yellow) Frill Peter Pan Blouse | 218096286 | New Look" height="200" src="http://images.newlook.com/is/image/newlook/womens/shirts%20and%20blouses/blouses/frill%20peter%20pan%20blouse/218096286?$get_the_look$" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Frill Peter Pan Blouse, £21.99.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shirts-and-blouses/tie-peter-pan-blouse_215478014" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blonde (Cream) Tie Peter Pan Blouse | 215478014 | New Look" height="200" src="http://images.newlook.com/is/image/newlook/womens/shirts%20and%20blouses/blouses/tie%20peter%20pan%20blouse/215478014?$get_the_look$" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tie Peter Pan Blouse, <span class="price">£15.99.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shirts-and-blouses/chiffon-waist-tie-blouse_220587612" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chalk (Cream) Chiffon Waist Tie Blouse | 220587612 | New Look" height="200" src="http://images.newlook.com/is/image/newlook/womens/shirts%20and%20blouses/blouses/chiffon%20waist%20tie%20blouse/220587612?$get_the_look$" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chiffon Waist Tie Blouse, £19.99.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span class="price">I have particularly fallen in love with the chiffon waist tie blouse, that I think would be perfect for the summer teamed with some high waisted denim shorts and some floral print wedges. The sunny weather today has definitely got me planning ahead for all the beautiful outfits that warm weather allows for!</span>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-14913810123006736702011-02-11T13:23:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:23:14.026-08:00unplanned leaveHi everyone!<br />
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Huge apologies for my unexplained absence; the past month has flown by so quickly that I didn't realise so much time had passed. I promise to everything more fully in a more detailed post over the weekend but just as a quick update...<br />
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Since my last entry I have left my job in retail to finally pursue my dream of a career in journalism. It's a huge risk, and everything I'm writing for so far is completely unpaid, which means that once the remainder of my last pay check has gone I will be on a complete shopping ban! (Although, I might make an exception for charity shop bargains?!). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that being penniless will pay off eventually, as having some time at home to freelance means that I will finally be able to start building up a respectable portfolio. <br />
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I have also been decorating my bedroom which has meant that my laptop and all my belongings are scattered all over the house, and I have had no space to sit down and type a cohesive and interesting entry! The last coat of paint went on this evening, however, which means I should have my room back in the next couple of days to really concentrate on some quality blogging!<br />
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I spotted a couple of lovely pieces in River Island recently;<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4TSn8YhqPw/TVWm14UknXI/AAAAAAAAACQ/2k8dAifGUVw/s1600/597447_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4TSn8YhqPw/TVWm14UknXI/AAAAAAAAACQ/2k8dAifGUVw/s320/597447_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grey print peter pan collar smock top; £26.99</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEigAmC0gyk/TVWm3m42HiI/AAAAAAAAACU/dW64D3jbTzI/s1600/598340_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEigAmC0gyk/TVWm3m42HiI/AAAAAAAAACU/dW64D3jbTzI/s320/598340_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Cream belted lace skirt; £24.99</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This photograph of the top, from the River Island website, doesn't really do it justice! In reality, the three little buttons are sparkly and bright and the ditsy print has a real vintage feel. The mid length of the skirt is really on trend, and would be perfect for making the transition from winter to spring; this piece would look equally good with thick tights and chunky boots as with bare legs and leather loafers in the warmer months. The heavy lining also gives the skirt a nice weight, making it both practical and luxurious. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-10185122085384653032011-01-15T13:17:00.000-08:002011-01-15T15:51:07.402-08:00forward thinkingI managed to survive my first week back at work, after a lovely break at the start of the new year, and I've actually had a pretty positive few days! Somebody from You magazine (a supplement that comes free in the Daily Mail on weekends) got in touch with me to offer me some work experience later in the year which I'm really excited about; as a weekly publication it will be great to see how a magazine is produced from start to finish. I also have an interview on Monday for an internship at an events website based in Islington. I will fill you in on the details next week, as I don't want to jinx it! I have already had to submit a music review and some examples of my writing, so I'm hoping its just a case of whether they like me or not on the day! Fingers crossed.<br /><br />My number one piece of good news, though, has to be the purchase of these BEAUTIFUL shoes!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TTIKg1G5izI/AAAAAAAAACI/WI1Fjo6MCR8/s1600/32L17XBLK_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TTIKg1G5izI/AAAAAAAAACI/WI1Fjo6MCR8/s320/32L17XBLK_large.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I snapped these up in the Topshop sale for a bargainous £10, reduced from an original price of £70!!I have to admit that I am definitely not a natural in high heels, but these have a really chunky block heel which should help keep me upright! The suede finish and gold trim gives them a slightly retro look too, while the scalloped front means they will look great with thick opaque tights in the cold weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A quick heads up for anyone interested in fashion journalism, although I'm sure those of you with your finger on the fashion pulse will already be aware of this; ELLE.com have launched a competition looking for a fashion intern to join their team for six months! It sounds like a great opportunity, and I'm planning to spend the rest of the weekend working on my entry. You can find all the details on the website here; <a href="http://intern.elleuk.com/">http://intern.elleuk.com/</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-78547155516317618672011-01-15T11:32:00.000-08:002011-01-15T12:25:54.050-08:00blog of the monthHi everyone!<br />
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I've been nominated for Blog of the Month on the British Style Bloggers website! I would really appreciate your votes, as I'm up against thirteen other fantastic fashion writers.<br />
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Click here to vote and to check out the other nominees! <a href="http://www.britishstylebloggers.org.uk/Blog-Month-Poll-13---Jan-2011-13178143">http://www.britishstylebloggers.org.uk/Blog-Month-Poll-13---Jan-2011-13178143</a><br />
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Thankyou!<br />
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xflights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-57208529720905663952011-01-09T10:57:00.000-08:002011-01-09T14:20:43.036-08:00late sunday eveningI've been at home all day today, enjoying a wonderfully lazy Sunday with the family. My mum cooked a lovely shepherds pie and apple crumble for lunch, (comfort food at its best!), and I've spent the rest of the afternoon listening to Sigur Ros in my bedroom and flicking through the February issues of Elle and Vogue magazines.<br /><br />I love the 'Take The Plunge' fashion feature in Elle, which showcases a beautiful collection of long length skirts; the popularity of the longer hemline looks set to rise this season with the flowing maxi skirt sure to be a staple for Spring/Summer 2011.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSoBItPnrFI/AAAAAAAAACA/3sxhRDELjBU/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSoBItPnrFI/AAAAAAAAACA/3sxhRDELjBU/s320/IMG_0500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>(Apologies for the picture quality; I took a quick snap with my digital as I couldn't find the spread anywhere on the ELLEuk website. Original photographs by David Vasiljevic). <br /><br />The pleated detail on both of these skirts is gorgeous; I am particularly in love with the bold green maxi by Michael Kors. I am, however, always slightly wary of anything in a maxi length as I've always associated it with a more mature image. The simplicity of these skirts suggests, to me anyway, sophistication; a concept which doesn't sit comfortably with my mix and match style of dressing!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSoDnqEsCMI/AAAAAAAAACE/uol8sR7JVyk/s1600/27K20YBLK_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSoDnqEsCMI/AAAAAAAAACE/uol8sR7JVyk/s320/27K20YBLK_large.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I found this Kors inspired skirt on Topshop.com, and think it would make a perfect compromise! It still features the on-trend pleated finish, but in a much more wearable midi length; and with a £38 price tag. I'm planning to snap this up tomorrow on a trip to Oxford Street. I'm also hoping to track down a specialist photography shop where I can get the film processed from my Diana Mini camera, and admire toy cameras.flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-28372320293111839982011-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:002011-01-09T09:25:01.971-08:00so this is the new yearHappy 2011 everybody!<br />
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Okay, it <em>is </em>eight days into January already but it's better late than never! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've had a few days off work so I've been writing and e-mailing all the magazines I can think of in an attempt to secure an internship somewhere! I am desperate to get some work experience in an editorial department, so if anyone has any ideas of how to do so then please let me know! I've got my fingers crossed that there will be at least once nice editor out there who is willing to do me a favour!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Anyway, on a more fashion related note, I have just returned home after a lovely shopping trip with my mum and sister where I purchased a few bits in the sale. I am definitely not one to turn down a bargain! I bought a lovely leopard print skirt from River Island which was reduced to £10. I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of River Island in general as I dislike the way the plaster their name all over the garments and add unnecessary sequins and jewels to everything; but the pleated detail of this skirt, and the way it sits just on the knee, gives it a slightly vintage look which I love! I also picked up a beautiful faux fur collar and velvet lined snood in Claire's Accessories, thanks to the advice of my ten year old sister! The collar was a bargain at £8, and is identical to one I had my eye on in Topshop before Christmas!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjLzopERSI/AAAAAAAAABM/a3qU5ffk5Og/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjLzopERSI/AAAAAAAAABM/a3qU5ffk5Og/s320/IMG_0489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjL9_IKHpI/AAAAAAAAABQ/44QSsprakJc/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjL9_IKHpI/AAAAAAAAABQ/44QSsprakJc/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also treated myself to a couple of cosmetics; the new Max Factor lip tint pen which looks and works exactly like a felt tip, and a gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent lipstick in a bright coral colour.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjMKBoiT2I/AAAAAAAAABU/vqlWdERgLnE/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjMKBoiT2I/AAAAAAAAABU/vqlWdERgLnE/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Over the past few months I have become obsessed with rings; the bigger, the better! I was delighted to snap up two beauties in the Accessorize sale for 70% off! One is a gold cat's head covered in diamantes and with sparkly green gems for eyes, and the other is a jade green stone set in a chunky burnished gold ring with feather detail.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjOb_pFtXI/AAAAAAAAABY/DFUO8PERT-8/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TSjOb_pFtXI/AAAAAAAAABY/DFUO8PERT-8/s320/IMG_0494.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>(You can see a couple of my other recent additions in this photograph! The gold owl in specs was a Christmas present from my boyfriend, and the bird with green eyes was from Freedom @ Topshop).<br />
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In other news, I have finally joined the world of Twitter! There should be a link to my account on the right side of the page. My username is mica_57. I currently have no idea how to use it, but in my bid to break into journalism I decided that I should really stay up to date with modern forms of communication! Having said that, I am currently on a facebook detox for the month. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with technology; I dislike the self promotional aspect of social networking, whilst somewhat enjoying the self reflexive side of it. Hypocritical, I know. I havn't suffered from any terrible withdrawal symptoms yet, but I shall let you know more as the month continues!flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-46087454967499277182010-12-13T12:31:00.000-08:002010-12-13T12:37:47.471-08:00domestic goddess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TQZyjzWNIgI/AAAAAAAAABE/Z94E7NlfpCY/s1600/mincepies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TQZyjzWNIgI/AAAAAAAAABE/Z94E7NlfpCY/s320/mincepies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Okay, so my baking skills might not exactly be up to Nigella's standards but I happen to think that my mince pies look pretty good! (Nothing that a bit of strategically sprinkled icing sugar couldn't hide anyway!) They went down a treat last night with the family; a perfect snack for a cosy night in front of the telly.<br />
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With only twelve days left until Christmas, and despite a tonne of present shopping left to do, I've had my eye on all things sparkly in the shops. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my friends this weekend, and I want something pretty to wear while dancing the night away in Camden on Saturday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.topshop.com/wcsstore/TopShop/images/catalog/23X74XCRM_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://media.topshop.com/wcsstore/TopShop/images/catalog/23X74XCRM_large.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This cream knitted sequin cardigan, from Topshop, is perfect for going from day to night and I love the soft nude colour. However, I've got my fingers crossed that this beauty will hit the January sales as my bank account certainly doesn't have £85 to spare at the moment!<br />
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I'm also searching for the perfect pair of black flats as I am fed up of living in boots. I have no stylistic preferences, but I want them to be comfortable enough to work in all day and dance in all night!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.productserve.com/preview/2374/115448735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://images.productserve.com/preview/2374/115448735.jpg" /></a></div>I have fallen in love with the 'Dale' suede shoe from Office; a quirky blend of brogue and loafer with cute fringing detail across the front. (Also available in tan, and a lovely green colour). These shoes would look great with my daily uniform of opaque black tights and vintage playsuits.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://matrshka.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/32p49xblk_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://matrshka.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/32p49xblk_large.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I am also besotted with these Topshop Premium velvet platform sandal), which are perfect for the party season! (Although they are most certainly not flat!) Unfortunately, as the name suggests, these shoes carry a premium price tag. <br />
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Would £100 be too much to spend on an early Christmas present for myself...?flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-29034406141449621662010-12-03T10:19:00.000-08:002010-12-13T12:33:20.815-08:00black velvet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TPksPSO8gyI/AAAAAAAAAA8/qanqiQm0k_E/s1600/grungefashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TPksPSO8gyI/AAAAAAAAAA8/qanqiQm0k_E/s320/grungefashion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have discovered that the perfect way to spend time recovering from a cold is to take to bed with hot water and lemon, and waste countless hours browsing fashion websites and glossy magazines for 'grunge glam' inspiration. I will upload my own take on the trend later; when my nose is less red and streaming, and my hair less frizzy (although the latter is a constant problem in my life, and therefore not directly related to sickness).<br />
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The resurrection of the 1990's grunge trend is, of course, nothing new for this season. We have seen high street hysteria over leather, velvet and lace in previous year's autumn/winter collections. However, this year's grunge is different; it is chic, it is effortless, it is chiffon and fine knits, it is less teen angst and more grown up playfulness.<br />
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Topshop, as always, were spot on with their take on the trend; 'Dark Nouveau' has plenty of leather and lace, alongside softer layers, chiffon and sparkles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TPkxU8_VmRI/AAAAAAAAABA/TbrZc-ciUIM/s1600/Dark-Nouveau-290710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TPkxU8_VmRI/AAAAAAAAABA/TbrZc-ciUIM/s320/Dark-Nouveau-290710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Their 'Heavy Duty' make-up collection, launched recently, also nods a head to the trend. Being a sucker for a new beauty product, I was quick to snap up the kohl dust and lip marker in an attempt to pull off the morning-after look that only the offspring of rockstars can truly achieve.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/04/02/article-1166628-043CCF6D000005DC-811_468x656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/04/02/article-1166628-043CCF6D000005DC-811_468x656.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
(Note: Okay, so this isn't exactly a 'morning after' look, especially not for the Geldof sisters, but I love Pixie's dark eyes and berry stained lips here.)flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-18726620731652626382010-12-02T06:57:00.000-08:002010-12-03T07:34:53.156-08:00if you still want me, please forgive meApologies for the rather delayed blog update! Oxford Street tends to opt for rather anti-social retail opening hours over the Christmas period, and I have consequently found myself arriving home at nearly midnight some evenings. (Note: Who are you mad people that feel the need to purchase a new dress at 11pm on a Saturday evening?! That is the beauty of online shopping, no?)<br />
However, I am hoping that December will prove to be a month of inspiration, and I am planning on being rather more active within the blogosphere. <br />
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Last night, I went to see Arcade Fire at the O2 arena with my boyfriend (hence the blog title; taken from 'Crown of Love') and I thought they were amazing. The band sounded even better than on CD and the set was visually stunning, as was the singer's fantastic sequinned dress! It was the perfect start to my favourite month of the year, made even more perfect by the snow falling as we left the venue. (Yes, I am unashamedly a huge Christmas fan, and love the excitement leading up to the 25th even more than the day itself!) Anyway, for those of you yet to catch this band live I would highly recommend grabbing a ticket for the tour - I think there are still some available for tonight online. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-arcade-fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://www.indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-arcade-fire.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
I'm going to trek through the snow to my doctor's appointment now, as I've been suffering with a typical December cold for over a week now, but I will post a more fashion related update later today. I have recently bought a velvet maxi skirt (feeling like I wanted to channel a grunge chic look for winter) which needs some outfit planning! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FNkpxcBuFGQ/TO3fNXui24I/AAAAAAAABrE/OCnWsO-I7Qc/s1600/2nv5xn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FNkpxcBuFGQ/TO3fNXui24I/AAAAAAAABrE/OCnWsO-I7Qc/s320/2nv5xn5.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>flights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381531189703082653.post-35634174691826420122010-10-27T05:42:00.000-07:002010-12-13T12:34:11.359-08:00bonjour!Well, hello world!<br />
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I suspect the first post on a blog is always the hardest so I'm going to keep this short and sweet.<br />
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I graduated from university in September, and I'm currently working as a sales adviser in the flagship store of a very well-known British brand in Oxford Circus. (I'm sure that those of you who have visited Oxford Street before can guess where!) I hope that this blog will provide a place for me to combine my passion for writing and fashion, with a particular focus on the high street, as well as generally documenting my post-university journey.<br />
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Today is a perfect Autumn day; beautifully sunny outside with a crisp breeze. I think I am going to go for a walk in the crunchy leaves this afternoon in my new Dr Martens!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TMgdBlncWjI/AAAAAAAAAAU/GXY0hvvledQ/s1600/32X41XBRN_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RFYg58Py-H8/TMgdBlncWjI/AAAAAAAAAAU/GXY0hvvledQ/s320/32X41XBRN_large.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I have never owned a pair of Dr Martens before, always believing them to be too bulky and masculine. However, I fell in love with the soft leather of this tan pair, and the shearling lining means they are lovely and warm, and on trend too! I plan to wear them with floral dresses, wooly tights and a chunky oversized cardigan. Photos as soon as I find the lead for my camera!<br />
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xflights of fancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264118688586450051noreply@blogger.com0