Teal Deal

For my most recent birthday, it was by pure coincidence that three different people had given me gifts all in the same shade of brilliant greenish blue. Perhaps subconsciously it is the colour that is most reflective of my personality - whatever that may represent! Either way it is a delicious colour, so here is a collection of colour themed items for your enjoyment. 

(The gifts were the Tiffany coin purse (below), The Fortnum & Mason World Travel Journal (below), and the YSL arty oval ring talked about here.)

 P.S. Thanks to the Bante girls, Aunty Hel and my parents for such lovely presents!

1. Toywatch
2. Faye Earrings - Amrita Singh
3. Irene Neuwirth Necklace
4. Debenhams Candle
5.T&F Slack Shoemakers London
6. Mulberry Oversized Alexa bag
7. Robindira Unsworth ring
8. Benefit D'finer D'liner
9. Fortnum & Mason World Travel Journal
10. Hermes Les Chevaux Qataris Cashmere and Silk shawl
11. Tarina Tarantino Topkapi Throne Room earrings
12. Tiffany coin purse
13. Chanel 527 Nouvelle Vague
14. Brian Atwood Embroidered Heel Pump

Charity Case

I actually had a Pudsey bear soft toy when I was a child, but just the standard fluffy yellow with the red polka dot eye patch variety. I'm sorry to say he always came second to the white rabbit with cross stitches for eyes and tended to be 'left on the shelf.'  

This year, the loveable Children In Need mascot has been given a designer makeover by 9 fabulous high fashion designers. (From left to right) Erdem, PPQ, Mulberry, Giles Deacon, Kate Hillier, Liberty, Henry Holland, Patrick Grant and Jonathan Saunders have all contributed to creating new identities for the iconic bear, reflective of their respective brands themes and trend stories. For example, the 'Mulberry Pudsey' has been crafted from the same soft buffalo leather used for the Alexa bag, the Henry Holland bear follows Henry's Spring/Summer '12 Punk theme and is made from '100% wool House of Holland tartan,' whilst the Giles Deacon Pudsey is an on trend metallic leather creation, which has been inspired by his S/S '12 collection.

The bears will be exhibited at Liberty until November 19th, after which, the bears will be auctioned off on Ebay, adding to the Children In Need collection pot. 

Needless to say, if I was to be given a second chance this time round with a more fashionable Pudsey, he would no longer come second to the rabbit with cross stitches for eyes, nor would he be 'left on the shelf.' 

Le Vernis

I have recently been grieving the end of the summer months; it is now pitch black walking home at 5pm, I can see my own breath in the air, and the house is so terribly cold the cat feels the need to join me under the duvet of an evening. I am also mourning, with the end of the summer months the fact that, as my bestie reminded me 'It is not acceptable to wear pastels on your nails anymore, its winter now.' 

Enter my new winter find, dark enough for the wintery nights but sparkly enough to brighten my day. It  also happens to be my absolute favourite, favourite nail polish find to date. 

On purchase of a new bronzer at the Chanel counter (honestly once a year only, I'm not always that extravagant,) the glimmering, glittering, liquid metal lacquer, in its glorious little Chanel bottle not only caught my eye, but practically screamed out at me to buy it. On picking up the tester, to admire in all its splendour, the clever Chanel counter assistant just happened to mention that 'this one is limited edition -so won't be available for too much longer.' I think we both knew at this stage I was sold. 

So there goes 25% of the remainder of my student loan that needs to last me 'til January, but at least I have glimmering, glittering (wintery) nails.  

My glimmering, glittering nails.

Chanel Fall/Winter'11: Le Vernis Graphite 529, £18

Bananarama

I'll admit, at first glance I was severely unimpressed. The 'skewiff' shape makes the shoe look as if it has been damaged during production. However, ever since I first noticed the Banana heel, I can't stop thinking about it. Definitely a grower.

The 19:57 from Euston

Who doesn't love a wedding proposal?! This video brightened up my day. #HopelessRomantic

Crave & Save

The recession that has been forced upon us is now old news, yet it hasn't quite eased the tension of our purse strings. Especially for those of us, (as I am) on a student budget, the designer chic inside of us just cannot achieve its full potential. So here are my top items for saving the cash, but still looking flash! 

Movember

Pinch, punch, first of the month. I'm all for anything for charity, but usually the first of this month fills me with images of disgustingly scraggly moustaches and a queasy tummy. So here is a few of my favourite 'moustachey' images to put your queasy tummies at ease, and some inspiration for the boys to do your bit for charity.

Lykke Li

I was lucky enough to be given a ticket last minute to see the sold out gig at the Manchester Academy last night. The swedish singer and songwriter put on a beautiful and atmospheric performance, tambourine and all.

Lykke Li in Swedish Elle

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween!

1. Sam Eldeman Studded Shoes boots £214.99 julesb.co.uk

2. Biba Feather Clutch £145 House of Fraser

3. Patent Bowling Bag £69.90 Mango

4. Dior Hypnotic Poison Perfum £36.50 Boots

5. Kelly Ewing Black Dress £160 Coggles

6. 'High Strung' Lipstick £13.50 Mac

7. Vintage Chanel Earrings farfetch.com

8. Le Vernis Black Velvet Matte Nailpolish Chanel

9. Vintage Onyx Ring Georgian Jewelry

10. Yves St Laurent 'Tribtoo' Pump £555 farfetch.com

11. Intricate Bib Necklace £18 Evans

12. Valentino Studded Patent Boots £435 Net-a-Porter

13. Black Sabbath Emily the Strange 'Nail Paw-lish' £8.99 attitudeclothing.co.uk

14. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur £18.83 Master of Malt

15. Jeffrey Campbell Lita Black Boots £119.00 Oxygen Boutique

16. Martin & Ricci Soli Ring in Garnet Crystal £69 Max and Chloe

Crème de la crème

A new treat for the lips in your favourite little round tin. Vaseline have really stepped outside the box this time with their newest flavour edition. Released today, for a limited time only, Vaseline Crème Brûlée is available from select Selfridges Stores for £2.99.

All that glitters is [Rose] Gold

 

I treated myself to some rose gold nailpolish (no.8) a few weeks ago and ever since have become obsessed with the colour. I am considering a rose gold and diamond wedding band for my impending wedding next year. In the mean time, here are my top, rose gold items from the world of fashion.

 

1. Audio Metallic Heel Boots - Topshop

2. Halston Heritage Jenny Fold sequined clutch - Net-a-porter.com

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic blazer - youheshe.com

4. Ileana Makri Skull 18-karat rose gold and diamond ring - Net-a-porter.com

5. Brian Atwood Maniac Metallic Pump, Rose Gold - bergdorfgoodman.com

6. Movado Watch, Swiss Chronograph Bold Medium Rose Gold - Macys

7. Pamela Love Rose Gold Eagle Claw Earrings - Barneys

8. Butter LONDON - The Old Bill Nail Lacquer - Debenhams

9. Acute 2 Faux Ponyskin Wedge Boots - Topshop

10. Dominic Jones Cross 23-karat rose gold-plated earrings - Net-a-porter.com

11. Hervé Léger Sequined Contrast Bandage Dress - The Outnet.com

12. Ted Baker Pat flapover continental purse - House of Fraser

13. Marc By Marc Jacobs Pave Katie Bracele - Ssense.com

14. Valentino Laser-cut patent-leather shoulder bag - Net-a-porter.com

15. Maison Martin Margiela Lace-Up Metallic Leather Oxfords - Saks Fifth Avenue

16. Sephora by OPI Traffic Stopper Copper Top Coat - Sephora

17. Diamond Dream Pendant in Rose Gold - Ylang23.com

18.Meadowlark Protea Cocktail Ring Gold - superette.co.nz

19.Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow - Selfridges

Bewitched

net-a-porter

That time of year has come around again - cue Pumpkins in Sainsburys, a queue the length of the Arndale Centre for 'luvyababes,' (a fancy dress shop for those of you not in the know,) and seasonal themed, well, everything.

Get the London look...

Rimmel and Kate Moss have launched a lipstick collection to celebrate her decade of being the face of Rimmel. A few of the colours are particularly exciting and would be a struggle to find in most other low cost lipstick ranges. Particularly the 04 which is black cherry in colour. I have just purchased 3 of them (3for2 in Superdrug AND Boots) in the deep red, coral and black cherry colour and I can't wait to wear them.

Real vs. Steal

I've been loving this seasons trend of grandad style slippers ever since Louboutin bought his studded version out (unfortunately for men) months ago. So I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Topshop had recently bought out a replica version, as well as many other prints and styles of the shoe, for a fraction of the price. I have snapped mine up and in the recent turn of cold weather they are ultra snuggly and comfy, but NB the velour exterior does not withstand the rain - dry weather shoes only.  

Fashion Party of the Year

Christian Louboutin's Crazy Luxor Bar

John Paul Gaultier is hosting a 'Architect of Taste' themed Winter Ball for the Elton John Aids foundation on the 29th October at Battersea Park, and it is destined to be the Fashion Party of the Year.

 Drinks are courtesy of Grey Goose, including grey goose cocktail concoctions designed by Jonathan Saunders and Christian Louboutin served in 'bespoke glasses.' Dinner is served by internationally acclaimed restuarant elBulli, and staff uniforms are designed by Jonathan Saunders. The bar, 'The Crazy Luxor Bar' is the shape of a glossy black stiletto, designed by the shoe man himself Christian Louboutin. It features a trim in his favourite Pantone 186c to replicate his trademark red soles, and ancient egyptian hieroglyphics on the facade of the bar, in honour of his love of egypt - he owns properties and gathers much inspiration for his collections from the country.

The bar will be auctioned off on the night, and the prize includes a cocktail party to be thrown at the winners home, with cocktails served by a mixologist from their brand new Louboutin Bar, and a pair of Louboutin shoes thrown in for good measure. Other auction lots include artworks by Mark Quinn, and a cocktail dress and personal fitting with Jonathan Saunders - as well as front row tickets to his next catwalk show. #Stillwaitingformyinvite.

The menswear and womenswear staff uniforms, and the grey goose cocktail 'blue print,'
all designed by Jonathan Saunders

'Kardashian Kolors'

I shamelessly love the Kardashians and this love was reinforced this past weekend when Kim's wedding was aired on E! I also love Nailpolish. And it's not that I particularly love the 'kolor' range the Kardashian sisters have created with OPI but I do absolutely love the ingenious names they have decided to label them with. Naturally, each name is entirely centred around each member of the family. Except poor bruce. 

1. It's All About Glam

2. Kim-pletely in Love

3.All Kendall-ed Up

4. Wear Something Spar-Kylie

5. Sealed with a Kris

6. Rainbow in the S-Kylie

7. Disco Dolls

8. Kendall on the Katwalk

9. Listen to your Momager!

10. Follow Me on Glitter

11. My Empire...My Rules

12. Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam

13. Hard Kourt Fashionista

14. Kourt is Red-y for a Pedi

Set to hit stores in the UK soon, for more information Nicole by OPI

The H&M Collaboration Story

Silk Bustier £69.99, Trousers £39.99

Silk Dress £79.99, Bag £69.99, Suede boots £79.99

Silk Top £39.99, Silk Skirt £69.99, Leather Jacket £149.99

Silk Dress £129.99, Leather Necklace £29.99

 After a very successful collaboration story for H&M back this time last year with Lanvin, H&M have managed yet again to produce an amazing range designed by another high fashion giant, Versace. Expect an unusual mix of bright colours and bold, eclectic prints,  alongside classic and smart, structured dresses. The collection was unveiled today but released in store and online on November 17th.

Gillet £39.99

Suede bots £79.99

Bejewelled

One of my most favourite birthday presents is My YSL 'arty oval ring' in a jade green variety, seen in the top left hand corner. I feel the delicious colours options on offer call for a collection to be started. 

Rag & Bone

Miranda Kerr for Rag & Bone

Ultra cool american fashion house Rag & Bone have added a new twist to their latest advertising campaign, The DIY project. They have asked their models to direct their own photoshoots, with no stylist, no hair and make up, no lighting and no photographer - 'Just a girl and her camera.' Considering there was no assistance from any of the above - the results are just stunning. One of my favourites, Australian model Miranda Kerr even has hubby Orlando Bloom acting photographer and taking the snaps. Other self styled shots include Abbey Lee, Edita Veliviciute, Karolina Kurkova, Lily Aldridge, Sasha Pivrovarova and Carolyn Murphy

Abbey Lee

Edita Vilkeviciute

Karolina Kurkova

Lily Aldridge

Sasha Pivovarova

Carolyn Murphy

The Primarni Effect.....

On the subject of the dreaded P word, I feel a legal battle coming on. Primark currently have these items in their jewellery range....look familiar?!

Primark Bangle, £3

Primark Earrings, £2

Massive Bargain?!....Not sure Nicole would feel the same.

House of Harlow 1960 Tribal range 

Bangle, £149 

Drop earrings, £89

Back to Basics

I know all the 'fashion fanatics' of this world would gasp at the mention of the ghastly P word, but I believe a true style queen can match items from the desirable, to the not so desirable (brand wise), to make a stylish, on trend outfit. Now I dislike bustling my way through the busy crowds of shall we say 'interesting' people on a Saturday afternoon just as much as the next person, but I do feel I have to mention and strongly recommend my absolute favourite recent editions to my wardrobe essentials at SUCH a bargain price.

1. Bandeau-Bra, Primark £3 
Supportive, Padded, tight fitting, discreet and comfortable.  Its a bandeau AND a bra. What more could you want?

2. Total Control Leggings, Primark, £4
Tummy tucking, leg shrinking, sculpting leggings, with a touch of a lycra shine.

Karl does Coke

I love a good collaboration or limited edition item, especially when it involves Karl Lagerfield, and is available to purchase for less than £2. The worlds most iconic soft drink teams up with the worlds most famous man in fashion. Diet Coke just got a whole lot more stylish. 

Available to purchase exclusively at Harvey Nichols

A Royal Mug

For anyone as obsessed as me with anything Royal and/or 'weddingy,' I'm sure that you will agree at least one item of souvenir memorabilia is essential. With every shop on the high street cashing in on wedding fever, there is a lot of Royal Junk flying around, and tack doesn't even begin to cover it. So here is my top list of (non-tacky) celebratory Royal wedding mugs.

Harvey Nicholls

Tee and Toast

Emma Bridgewater

Steve Bell