Trading Places...

So, this week i have even shocked myself. Normally i know what i like, i'm comfortable with this, happy. But then something comes along, completely throws you off course and takes what you consider to be normality into complete disarray. Great. The last thing you need is comfusion in your life, having got rid of all this some time ago it seems unfair to visit me again so soon. We are now nothing but distant acquaintances and i would very much like it to stay this way! But can confusion sometimes be exciting? The thrill of the unknown begins to overtake everyday thoughts and processes and soon you are lost in a world of energy and tension. Of course i am talking about the fact that i have transformed from a girl of taste into a mere chav??! (And that is a real term nowadays, i am lead to believe it is actually in the dictionary! Oh lord, what next??! Vajazzle, Reem??!) One day it's Balenciaga and Celine, the next i am falling in love with...dare i say it??! Gucci!!!!! I know, i know, who would ever have thought it. But then who can say what you see in something that will change all direction you had planned to go in? And so i intend to go along with this, my heart will never turn against beloved Celine of course, but i think i may have found a small part of happinness in Gucci. And it is so easy to see why...

'Park Avenue' horsebit leather tote. £895.

'Santa Monica' large tote. £1670.

Vintage Web Boston. £675.

Brogue Zip Around Clutch. £1220.

Joy Guccissima Leather Boston. £515.

Of course i have picked out a lot of colour from the AW12 collection and they do have their signtature red and green stripe, bamboo, Suki's, Jackie's, the whole lot! I have just picked out my favourites (selfish i know!) I never thought i'd see the day i fell for such a brand, iconic in it's stauts but with such a wrong cult following!!! Maybe times they are a changing and i am just opening my eyes to different aspects of something previously considered 'wrong'...looking at things with new eyes and a different mindset is definitely worth it!!!

Gucci. The new way forward??!Xxx

Break On Through...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbiPDSxFgd8

Soundtrack to the day!!!Xxx

Music Makes The World Go Round...

My oldest nephew asked me only last week what my favourite song was, 'No Alf, unfortunately it isn't One Direction's latest, but please play it twenty times over whilst sitting in my car! I am thoroughly enjoying it...!' My answer has been the same since i was ten! It trips off the tongue and never takes much thinking about...Imagine. John Lennon. Always has been. Always will be. I have been all too aware that music has played a massive part of my life (just ask my Mum!) The years i used to spend sat in my room going through the Beatles albums, hitting teenage angst years and falling in love with Mariah, Whitney (don't judge me!) then the Manics, Pulp, Suede. Significant times with significant songs playing the soundtrack to what seemed to be a neverending era. The first time i heard my favourite Smiths song was on a cheesy chick-flick back in 1998. The love was instant and this song was added to the list, Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want. This played in the background to many a moment over the years. Favourite songs are easy to find but oh so hard to revisit. But i have often found that forcing myself to listen to memories from the past has proved amazing as i get to relate the song to a whole new moment in time. Local Hero (the ultimate tearjerker!), Purple Rain, Love Will Tear Us Apart, Love, Still Life... it is now apparent that the list is ever-growing. But Lennon will always reign supreme.
Music clearly goes hand in hand with fashion, with most designers having musician muses (Florence, Del Rey) Lana Del Rey has a Mulberry bag named after her and her song used a year ago for Christopher Kane then made it in the top ten! As much as fashions change and most come back around, the thing i love about music is that most songs resonate through any era. They are the same in any language and once heard, you never forget, at least i don't. I can still remember dancing on our dressing gowns on a Sunday night, back in the day when TV literally went off and the charts were on the Hi-Fi. LP's were played in abundance, U2, Dire Straits, Elvis!!

And so my list will probably keep on growing. If it can make me use this oh so vivid imagination and take me to a different place then the repeat button is most definitely hit! (The XX, Intro being my most recent!) But for memories sake the old ones are most definitely the best!!!Xxx

All In The Name Of The Jubilee...

What a way to spend another sleepless night than Echo and the Bunnymen playing (Bring on the Dancing Horses on repeat if i'm honest) and collecting images for yet another post dedictaed to my favorite topic, FASHION! Now, all the talk at the minute seems to be surrounding the Jubilee. What i find funny is that most people don't have more than two nice words to say about the Royal family yet all and sundry are throwing parties and anticipating the festivities of the coming weekend! Methinks the excitement of days off is probbaly the leading factor behind all this hype! So, we had The Queen on our screens last night, Stylist magazine is purely dedicated to all things red, white and blue, even our own salon has bunting up in the old girls honour! It's just Jubilee crazy.

Having read article after article about this very celebration i thought the best way for me to get on board with it was through the thing i do best. Yes, the fashions! I have always had a deep fascination with the 1950's and 1960's. If someone could invent me a time machine i would be right back there dancing in the Cavern and screaming at The Beatles. As much as i aced History at school, some things i lost all interest in. I had to be able to relate, to be gripped by something to really appreciate it. Hence the reason my love for fashion now! But there was something that the 1950s gave us more than any other era, move over Cameron, Kate and Angelina for here we have the real beauties of the silver screen...

Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and my all time favourite, Lauren Bacall. School days were spent watching Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Roman Holiday, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. There was just somthing about this era that completely fascinates me. The women may have been stifled by the men and their supposed "roles" mean't they weren't as free as they are now but on the other hand women were real women. None of this obsessing over tans, waxing, dieting, size zero rubbish. Monroe was the average size of a woman...size 16! Flesh wasn't on show and walking around the city dressed like your on a beach would have been totally unforgivable!

Sophisticated, chic, truly beautiful women. Pencil skirts, hourglass figures, modesty covered, furs, turbans and diamonds. Surely a life preferred??! And not forgetting why we are really here...

1952 didn't only bring us glorious fashions and Brigitte Bardot gracing the cover of Elle, it also marked a changing of times. HRH Queen Elizabeth.

Happy Jubilee weekend/bank holiday/celebrations, whatever you may be doing!!!Xxx

Loving In Las Leeds...

Life doesn't always go the way you wish and to be fair i wouldn't want it any other way! I always imagine what kind of person i would be if i could have anything and be anyone...not me that's for sure!!! Realisations of any sort can be sad yet necessary, not what we would choose but clearly for a reason. So on days like that i find being around the people who are a constant, a strength, the most perfect plan. Time with the family can be rare these days, work and play are often intertwined with it...so what better way to spend a day off than shopping with the most important people in my life ♥

I used to be a professional shopper...and i had the wardrobes as my proof. As i have got older i have become more sensible, plus when you spend all day in a shop the novelty of walking around less pleasing ones certainly does wear off. However, after the soaring temperatures of the past couple of weeks, melting at work has become something of the ordinary, but it made it clear that my wardrobe needed addressing. Now, i do have rather a bit of body art...well, a lot actually! Oh i thought i was so clever adding to my collection month after month, never thinking of the time when i would actually have to cover up!! And let me tell you, it's a hard task! Especially when the fashions are all short-sleeved or sleeveless. So in the middle of all the scantily clad girls you get little old me...blazer, tights, sweating!!! So attractive! I decided that there had to be some way around this so i headed to the shops to see what i could possibly find.

Zara will never fail me (please don't hold me to that!) Here i came across a rather delightful (neon) blazer, never one to blend in and you definitely can't in this. At only £60 i couldn't possibly leave it, worn with jeans (as i am at present! Heading out of the door and still taking the time to blog first! Dedication!) with cropped trousers, over a dress or with a pencil skirt it will fast become a staple item in my summer wardrobe!

My lovely sister went for the Fantasy blazer in mint, although it does also come in pink! I believe this was £70 but totally worth it. Not only does it look stunning on but the fabric is lighter than mine so a lot more breatable for when the weather can't decide what it wants to do!

Mummy Carole always likes a look in Debenhmas, purely for the designer diffusion lines. For a woman of her years she definitely still has the looks, lets hope it runs in the genes! She found me yet another blazer which i snapped up without even trying...

Yes, it's lace. And it's black! Perfect for those hot afternoons at work, over a strapless number on a night and oh my god i am never going to take this off! In fact, i think i may even venture back for the cream one and at only £38 there was no way this wasn't leaving the shop with me ♥

Going back to the tropical, colourful trend of previous posts, this was just perfect if only for me imagining myself being in that very scene (such a vivid imagination you see!) On those long hot days in the height of summer, holiday season or over skinnies and wedges, at 20 quid what is there not to like??! Chiffon means lightweight and airy, and the colour is so neutral that under a blazer (obviously!) of any colour it will simply be divine...

Ahhh...perfect ♥

River Island. £30.

Topshop fishtail top. £36.

H&M. £12.99. A basic vest can never go a-miss in a summer wardrobe.

Miss. Selfridge. £28. Cut-out maxi is ideal with gladiators or heels. BBQ-ing or dancing, you definitely can't go wrong!

Tropical Print Dress. £50.

ASOS. £32. With added zip detail so can always be looser around the ankle if desired but the colour is daring, summery and elegant!

Prada. That is all.

Now please understand that i don't own all of this! I am no longer a serial shopper, i gave that up for Lent...! I am merely giving you a snippet of what's in the shops at the moment and what i fell in love with! Yes, yes i DO own SOME of it but it was all absolutely necessary!

Now, if you'll forgive me, i have a pink Gin in hand (carrying babies and bags just called for it!) and a car awaiting ♥

Happy Bank Holiday and a glorious Jubilee weekend!!!Xxx

♥...

Xxx

Birds Of Paradise...

These early starts are becoming somewhat of a habit. Approximately 10 hours sleep over the last three nights and i am still alive and kicking. Slightly worrying really! With my morning fix of The Liver Birds and Bread (living in the 80's much??!) my mood is bound to start off great! Not to mention the sun still shining and a lovely short shift at work! I am well aware that my posts have been few and far between of late, and not very fashion orientated at that! As a result i have been ctaching up on my daily emails and picking out the best of the buys. The one thing i do love is how much the high-street shops are changing. Anytime i venture into H&M or Zara i must find a whole host of things i could buy. With the majority being clones of the catwalk!!!

My most favoured look this season simply has to be the floral, tropical inspired! Or as Net-A-Porter so aptly calls it 'Birds of Paradise.'

Sandro, £135.

A basic cut with a beautiful print. Perfect for this summer sun! Go for the bohemian chic and team with a flowing nude maxi (American Apparel!) or skinnies for a more relaxed feel. The bright denims are still going, and if you're not in the league for J-Brands then head to the high street and pick up a pair for £40 and under!

Altuzarra, £1040.

I am never one to be seen without a blazer. Over a dress, a jersey tee, with leggings, jeans or skirt, they really are the buy for the season. Now this may be slightly out of your price range so an easy alternative is to head down to Zara. They have a whole collection in this tropical print and the blazers are amazing. A lightweight cotton makes it totally suitable for this warmer weather we have been enjoying and they come at a totally affordable price, ranging betwen £40-£70 ♥

Collette by Collette Dinningan, £325.

I have never been much of a summer dress person. Tight-fitting, LBD's and such like then yes! As for pretty, girly numbers...not so much! However, times they are a-changing. This i love due to the old-school print and it's ideal with ballet pumps, Cons or heels. I understand that most would pair with sandals, i refuse to wear these other than on holiday!! Nicely cinched in with a belt will make it easy to take from the office to the cocktail bar!
Now, River Island is fast becoming an iconic high-street store. What with the return of the more vintage line Chelsea Girl (RI's name back in the day!) girls everywhere are rocking some of their key pieces...including me! They have a vast array of summer dresses, much like the one pictured here! Stripes, florals, prints, easy to wear and take from day to night! And more importantly well within the price range! Definitely the place to hit this summer ♥

Proenza Schouler, £335.

Speaking of belts, this is just perfect! Navy and yellow don't only look perfect together, but the prints are in keepng with the season and the look is still on the vintage side of it. Yes the price is somewhat questionable but everyone has their favourite hidey-hole for accessories. Wrap around belts, thin, wide, neon and muted tones, Primark is the best place to hit for the belt you'll wear and then forget about (or is that just me??!)

Charlotte Olympia, £675.

Right from the Dries Van Noten of last season, i fell instantly in love with the perspex heel! I knew that it only had to be a matter of time before high street shops did their own version. Imagine my delight when i walked into Oxford Street Topshop and Zara to see shoes with clear embellishment. A real life Cinderella with the glass (plastic!) slipper, who's going to be the one to leave it on the stairway of their favourite watering hole??! And is Prince Charming really going to find it??! Ah who cares, these shoes are To. Die. For ♥

Topshop, Miss. Selfridge, H&M, Forever 21, Mikey...the list is endless and they are all featuring accessories adorned with feathers and laden with diamantes and charms!!

There really is only one look to be working this season. Just stepped off a yacht in St. Tropez (Cornwall) or lounging in the Caribbean (Ibiza) it works anywhere and for anyone. Be it bright and girly or chic and sophisticated it will definitely leave you with that much needed Summer feeling!!!Xxx

P.S. I will just stick with my own dream...sorry, fantasy...

Xxx

Lust. Love. Addiction...

So, just an average morning watching Sex and the City (the only thing thing that actually holds my attention at the minute. Another programme that works in any year, any time of the day and for any situation!) And there i hear the words 'Is it possible to be addicted to a person?' The question that so many fear and yet so many want to ask. I don't think it's something to shy away from, surely a person is like any other substance or object. Something you don't only want but something you need (like that studded pair of Louboutins that visit me in my dreams nightly...!) something you have to have! The inability to see beyond them, seeing only them...but when you do venture further you realise that there can be a lack of romance, finding just sheer lust, perhaps love if you're lucky! Maybe it's just this sheer wanting that keeps it so strong, attention maybe?! Or just pure obsession?!

I have always had some what of an addctive personality, and for the large part this has always worked in my favour! For those who know me will definitely see aspects of this in my life. Therefore i know first hand that it's perfectly acceptable to be addicted to a person. Still as damaging as any other addiction and completey plays havoc with morals and feelings. But just as in any other addiction, you are the only person who can overcome these challenges and get over it! You are in charge of your own destiny and only you can decide what direction you want your life to go in! I suppose you all know what's coming next??! Yes, yes...everything happens for a reason. This is the only thing that can keep me sane at certain moments in my life. I now know that things are sent to us to help us grow and so that we can recognise how to deal with situations. Obsessions, addictions, whatever you want to call them are no different, it's just how you work it that's the main thing!

I'm not saying that SATC is a way to live your life, however i have known a few Samantha's in my time!!! I like to think i am more reminiscent of SJP typing away at my little computer. Ahh and there we have another addiction, this blog itself! Sanity in a boat load. The ability to write down ones feelings and confessions is a perfect release of emotions! And now it's time to forget reality for a weekend, head out in the sunshine and welcome back my bestest...♥

I don't know what i would do without these girls...

Ahh what to wear today...??!Xxx

The Statue Of Liberty...

So i realise it has been quite sometime since i graced you with my presence. Back at work and totally loving it with very little time to do any full on blogging! Oh how times have changed. And it's not even as though i don't have anything to report, i work with some of fashions greatest names, day in day out!!! I add delightful items to a never ending wish list, ever growing and ever so divine! Ahh to only have the bank balance to support, i would be complete...!

So, here i am on a well needed and well earned day off, on the sofa with Danielle Steele film playing in the background. (The joys of True Movies!) I, as always, find myself on Vogue.com, net-a-porter, Matches...and the list is of course, endless! This fine day however, i come across news of the impending Liberty store opening!!! Not only do we have the Regent Street beauty, now we also have the pop-up store joining us in Westfield, Stratford. And i am more than pleased to say that i know the new manager. As one returns form London, my office pal heads off to pastures new! And where better to go to??! Lord this new place sounds amazing!!! Imitation guards, dressed in full regalia, standing outside the store ready for their photos taken with all and sundry. Wooden fixtures, vintage displays, all very Liberty-esque! But what else would you expect really??!

Good Luck Thomas Parr, for the move, the new start and the beginning of something wonderful in the Big City...and don't try to deny how much you will miss the constant abuse in our little office. You shall be missed!!!Xxx

Handbag Heaven...

How on earth is one mean't to choose a bag these days??! It's not as though there are only a few to pick from...more like an entire collection. Do you choose wisely and be practical? Or do you throw caution to the wind, to hell with it and go for the 'It' bag??! Knowing me i think i may go for the latter. The only problem is there seems to be two of these!! I love the look of both on my arm and i would wear either with ANYTHING!! I know no boundaries! So, here goes...

Balenciaga. Atlantique City.
Love the colour, the size, the shape, the studs (back to BIG!!! Yesss!) ♥

And then we have the mother of all bags...

Celine. ♥ ♥ ♥

I believe i may have just answered my own question here! There's no competition really??! Celine is the saviour of the fashion world. Phoebe Philo IS a goddess!

Tres excited!!!Xxx

Papped...

So, just out and about hanging around town and was lucky enough to get snapped for a Styling website! Normally i don't photograph well, nor do i like the whole posing thing! Especially in the middle of the street! However, this time i threw caution to the wind and let them snap away!!!

Titled 'Everything'...i did me proud!!!Xxx

Exclusive Glamour Collection...

12th April. The day the Exclusive Glamour Collection landed in my favourite high-street hit, H&M!!! Absolutely amazing take-offs of red carpet style dresses. This collection comes as sister to the eco-friendly 'Conscious line. Due to the fabrics used being mainly organic cotton, hemp and silk (perfect!) along with recycled polyester! The line has already been worn by Michelle Williams and Viola Davis and Amanda Seyfried...

The style varies form a floor-length ruffled gown to a lime green skater style dress! But i think this is what makes H&M so popular and accessible. There is always something for anyone of any age or size. They never stick with one look and instead produce a whole host of items in each collection. Their boutique lines are simply amazing and the prices always pleasing. This particular collection ranges from a mere £19.99 to £199. Any budget welcome!

For me H&M never disappoints and they certainly haven't this time around! From work attire to that wedding day or night, the dresses are chic, stylish, wearable and perfectly eco-friendly! The one destination you simply have to hit when striding down the high-street. And here is just one more reason why!!!Xxx

House Of Armani...

So no sooner is one rumour resolved than another one is running wild. However, i am lead to believe that this one may have begun circling about a year ago! Over at the rumour mill (also known as Twitter...) word on the street had it that Pilati was all set to leave the house of YSL with Hedi Slimane set to fill his shoes!!! Low and behold one WHOLE year on Pilati has gone and Slimane is...yep, you got it, holding the helm at the French house...! There really was no way out of the gossip for Stefano Pilati!!!

Over on the other side of town Giorgio Armani is reaching the grand old age of 77 and is all set to retire and sell his company! You put two and two together yet??! Well, before you do that i will just add that Narciso Rodriguez has also been linked with the label. Who will win??! Nobody knows??! Let's just hope it's not another year of waiting!!!Xxx

Del Rey Doing It For The Mulberry...

Mulberry do like to celebrate the leading (newby) ladies of fashion and they have only gone and done it again haven't they??! The 'Del Rey' Mulberry became exclusive to three stores in London, New York and Singapore yesterday! Currently only available in black and deer brown, i am already excited for the release of the remaining colours in May! Hurry, hurry!!!

Mulberry wanted to create a bag that reflected Lana's style and undeniable beauty! It is simple and structured and nicely relevant for now. They do like to leave them unrecognisably Mulberry of course and so have left the classic postman's lock on the front of it. Still as classic as the originals, chic and utterly practical for any age and any style!!!Xxx