My Kind Of Party

When I saw the stunning cover of French Vogue earlier this year featuring the ever-so-perfect Luna Bijl, I was instantly smitten. Not only by the perfect Eighties revivalism, but by the unmissable bling. And like a diligent little fashionista, I've been searching for some mahooosive statement diamanté earrings ever since. I found some amazing ones in H&M but the courier lost them (along with a sick jumper and some kitten heels too- thanks for nothing Hermes). Then, I picked up the ones I'm wearing here in Zara- but there are lots of really good versions appearing everywhere now- I like these and these.  

SHOP THE LOOK

I've also gone a little bit cray (in that inevitable Magpie-type way), for silver boots too. I'm feeling the best way to wear an ear-party/foot-party combo is to keep the rest of your outfit low-key. Contrasts are good, right? Let me know if you're feeling blinged-up accents ATM. Also, now seems an opportune moment to say- have a fabulous end to the year and a blinding start to 2017. Lots of love and thank-you to everyone who has followed or commented over the past twelve months- it's appreciated in ways you can't even imagine. *Gwyneth Over-Emosh Speech Face* Catch you soon x

SHOP SILVER BOOTS

Sweatshirt- H&M// Similar- here and here

Pants- Adidas// Similar- here and here

Boots- Zara// Similar- here and here

Earrings- Zara// Similar- here and here

All I Want For Christmas

I love giving presents, but I like self-gifting more. Ha! I mean- I know exactly what I want. (#yergetme). So in honour of that never-ending shopaholic's impulse I've put together some picks I'd like "Santa" to bestow upon me. (Or failing that, myself). Of course, these can also be potential prezzies for your lovely mum, sis, cuz or bezzie (#doublewin), so let's get choosing. First though, a quick mini summary of this outfit. It's comfy, it's cosy, it's ever so slightly Hygge and you can shop it below.

SHOP THE LOOK

Moving on to those all important (self) gifting ideas. Top of my list is always- and will always be- handbags. And Christmas is the ideal time to jump on a new one. Ain't gonna lie, I'm always drawn to a designer baby, but I've also found this amazing £11 bargain which is an exact copy of this super-beautiful original. Plus, there's this stunner that comes in just under that all important £300 mark. Shop my selection here-

BAGS

If it's something I'm obsessed with at the moment it's graphic tees. Obvs, I'd love to find this Gucci beauty (even if errrrry top fash-ho has it) under the Christmas tree, but I'm more likely gonna have to save for it myself. Shop my fave picks here-

GRAPHIC TEES

And, of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without stocking fillers. When I was a kid as long as I got some chocolate money and an Enid Blyton box set I was happy. These days I'm always unfeasibly excited by make-up, perfume and some nice bed socks (Where my grannies at?) Here's my fave bits and pieces-

TREATS & STOCKING FILLERS

Happy shopping and Happy Christmas! Catch you soon x

Jumper- H&M// Alternative- here & here

501s- Urban Outfitters//Alternative- here & here

Velcro Kicks- H&M// Alternative- here & here

Earrings- And Other Stories// Alternative- here & here

Patently Patent

I'm not sure quite when vinyl came swinging onto my little fashion radar. I think it was when Isabel Marant showed her AW 16 collection. She styled patent pants and wrap skirts with- yes- fishnets- but also with some amazing oversized knitwear which played down any potential sluttiness. (Yay for that- and indeed- phew. Incidentally you can recreate that look on a budget- story of my life- with Mango's amazing mini skirt and this incred jumper). So anyway- back to me (lol). Like a fashion lamb to the slaughter I've jumped eagerly on the whole contrasty knit-with-pvc combo thing courtesy of H&M's slouchy cream cable sweater and these sick patent trousers. I am squeaking quite a bit when I walk but anything for fashion darling. And whilst I would dearly love to strut around in a pair of Isabel M's boots, reality has got me stomping about in a pair of Old Skool Vans instead. How are you feeling about the vinyl revival? Let me know, catch you soon x

Shop The Look

Cable Knit Jumper- H&M // Patent Pants- H&M

Vans Old Skool- Office // Fishnet Socks- ASOS

Gold Disc Necklace- H&M// Alternative Here- ASOS

Boots Galore (And More) For Black Friday

I picked up these cute lil' grey booties last weekend coz, well, Topshop is my kryptonite. Their selection of ankle boots is seriously off the scale ATM, and if you've got weak resistance issues (like me) then you're in luck- coz they're all pretty much included in Topshop's Cyber Weekend- #yasssss 

Here's my top picks

You'll also wanna be shopping til you drop everywhere else this weekend no doubt, so here's a few key links and those all important discount codes to help you grab a bargain. If you're going high end try LuisaViaRoma using the code BFR30 for 30% off. Also, Shopbop has got your designer needs covered and you can get 25% off with the code GOBIG16. ASOS are hitting us with 20% off everything using the code GOGOGO. (We should probably do as they say). All Saints is always a little out of budget for me so I'll  definitely be using their 30% off everything code CYBER. If you're thinking prezzies for mum and granny and auntie then don't forget M&S (there's up to 50% off selected lines). And if you're thinking more along the lines of that fine art known as self-gifting (ahem) then dive into Pretty Little Thing who have got some kerazzyyy discounts happening. 

Happy Shopping, catch you soon! xx

New In: Balenciaga Bazar

I'd like to tell you that I thought long and hard about buying this bag, but I didn't. I spied it when it first dropped back in August and knew that it had to be mine. My mum (ever the purveyor of wisdom) told me to wait a bit, save a bit, cover the bills for my flat first and then go forth. I did all that (much to her surprise) and then fortuitously stumbled upon The Beaut when I was out browsing at a boutique near to where I live. I say fortuitously coz basically they always give me ten per off. (Result!). So why this particular baby? Well, 1) I'm the biggest Demna fangirl going and this is his first bag for Balenciaga. (Would that I could dress head to toe in Balenciaga and Vetements all day, erryday, and Oh Lordy just feast yer eyes on this new season stripe version). 2) It's roomy as hell (I deffo struggle with small bags, ain't gonna lie) and 3) JUST LOOK AT IT! 

My only slight quibble is that there's a mixed hardware situation going-on. Basically, the logo is in gold while the zip and long handle details are in silver. I can't really deal with that. Maybe it's cool, or maybe I'm just OCD. (Probably both). Moving onto some outfit deets- since I got this Pretty Little Thing jumper I've lived in it. With the temperature dropping down in the last few days it is literally the cosiest thing to wear everrr and I actually dread taking it off at the end of the day. (Weird Confession Alert!) My jeans are the newer step-hem offering from H&M. (The 'Trend' version are amaazzinng, but very long and more than a touch unflattering, these fit way better and come in black too. #yassss). And my feet are shod in- still can't believe it- Gucci babies. (I'm trying to keep them from getting wrecked but it's a tough gig). Let me know what you think about my new baby and what is next on your handbag hitlist, catch you soon x

Jumper- PLT (Budget Versions- here and here)

Jeans- H&M (More Step-Hems- here and here and here)

Loafers- Gucci (Budget Loafers- here, here and here) 

Bag- Balenciaga (more versions here and here)

Gucci Dreaming

If money grew on trees I'd be wearing head-to-toe Gucci, all day, erryday. (Well- I'd maybe take Saturday and Sunday off to wear head-to-toe Céline- but you get the idea). Unfortunately, money doesn't manifest itself quite as easily as foliage, so us fashionistas have to face dilemmas. Big ones. Huge ones. Now, I'm gonna fess up to you straight off the bat here that these beautiful loafers are not Gucci, but some seriously good dupes (in case you hadn't guessed). Generally, I don't like copies of stuff, for a multitude of reasons. But sometimes my fashion lustings get the better of me. Luckily, I do actually own a Real Deal Holyfield pair of Gucci loafers which were the most incred birthday prezzie I have ever received. I've never owned a £500 pair of shoes before and the thought of the price tag makes me sick whenever I think about it, but they are beyond beautiful and make me buzz with excitement whenever I glance at them. (Check out these excellent budget babies here though). But when Old Alessandro (my mate) dropped some new Princetown styles earlier this year my eyes popped out of my head with desire. I never even dreamed a dupe of those could be this good. But here it is. A tremendous, well made seriously detailed copy of a very expensive original. We could debate all year about the rights and wrongs of this, but well, I don't feel bad. Yes I wish I was richer, but in the meantime- you know that Larry bloke? Well I'm as happy as him, if not happier. Catch you soon x

SHOP MY LOOK

 Mohair Jumper here//(alternative here)//Jeans here ( raw-hem alternatives here and here)//Clear Glasses here and here 

Loafers- ShopAnnaXi//Jeans- H&M

Jumper- H&M//Glasses- H&M

Print-Sealoe//Rug-Ikea

Balenciaga Made Me Do it

I literally can't tell you how much I love ski-pants right now. (Actually scratch that- I am going to tell you- brace yerself). So many trends, micro-trends and full-on sea changes in fashion at the moment, can be traced directly back to one man- a certain Demna Gvasalia. Yes, I did have to look up how to spell his name. When he sent girls down the catwalk at Balenciaga back in February wearing ski pants, heels and bright off-the-shoulder-puffas, it all felt quite shocking and new. Fast forward to AW, and I've fully embraced (mentally at least) every element of his vision. *FYI- I think I might actually die if I don't find a dupe of his white kitten heeled ankle boots soon. So, the search for pieces that can approximate the look has definitely begun in earnest. The most perfect ski pants thankfully landed at H&M, so I scooped up those, and ASOS have got an excellent red puffa if you want to embrace a very literal Balenciaga reworking. A heel is so important to set this look off to its max, and I've fallen hard for the kitten kind. (You can pick up my Zara shoes here, or they have a nice black boot here- but as mentioned- I've got my heart set on white and I'm struggling to find any without a block heel- if you see any pleeeease let me know- Love From A Desperado). Are you feeling the Balenciaga vibe at the moment? Hit me up x

PS My top from this look is here, and the bag seems to be sold out (eep!) but this is similar

Ski Pants- H&M//Top- Zara

Shoes- Zara//Bag- Forever21

Urban Outfitters x HoneyBelle

Although it has been the most stunningly warm September, my mind has been tuned into new season clothes since I spied *an actual coat* on the rails in a shop that shall remain nameless, way back in July. Basically: fashion waits for no gal (or temperature). So when Urban Outfitters hit me up recently to pick some pieces that are going to take me sartorially through Autumn, my little fashion brain started cogging away like mad. First up- this Champion hoodie- which I'm utterly cray for. I've just paired it here with some old H&M house pants and my much-worn Adilettes, but you can take this baby up the fashion scale quite easily into Vetements territory should you so choose.

Next up- some kicks. If you follow my IG you'll know I'm a hopelessly addicted sneakerhead (soz bank manager), so I didn't hesitate to go for these pink Hamburgs. If you don't know, Hamburgs are an 80s casual classic that have been reissued. I love the low profile and- of course- the colour. (On Wednesdays I wear pink, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and.....you get the idea). 

Speaking of pink, I also picked up this hoodie, which comes from Urban Outfitters own renewal range. And I've put it together here with some frayed-hem cropped jeans from BDG. I realllllly love BDG as a label- and I already have this pink sweatshirt- which I freaking adore (spotting a pink theme much?). 

And my final choices were these incred Adidas pants and jacket. Again, they tap right into that retro hype, and I'm nothing if not an 80s casual at heart. Just put me on a football terrace and call me happy. (Uuuuuu Rrrrsssssss. Big up all my West LDN hoolies). Let me know what you think of these pick ups- quite frankly- I'm buzzing. Catch you soon xx

*All Pieces From Urban Outfitters (unless otherwise stated)

New Romantic

Everywhere you turn this A/W there is a flounce or a ruffle or a frill comin' atcha. And I have to say- I'm all for them, particularly in the form of this incred blouse from H&M. (So cheap too!) I actually wanna layer this baby with a knitted crew neck and go the full 'Pie Crust Sloane circa 1982'. (Mini Metro though? Not so much). I also picked up these stepped hem jeans while I was in H&M- yes I'm too short (and fat) for them- and no, I don't care. And let's just STOP EVERYTHING can we for a minute to admire this shoe. I couldn't be more in love. These stunners are actually plastic and massively overpriced (given that fact) but all of a sudden a heel feels right with everything. (Let's blame Demna). Are you embracing a flounce this season? Let me know, catch you soon x

Blouse- H&M//Jeans- H&M//Shoes- Zara

The Ballet Shoe Revival

When Miu Miu's insanely good souped-up punk rock take on the ballet shoe first dropped my eyes nearly popped out my head. I was so in love it hurt. I wanted those babies more than anything. (Even more than I want The Boy to text me an effusive and romantic 'U good?'). So when Jessica Buurman created the best dupe ever in the entire history of the world, I plonked a size 5 in my basket and was all set to purchase. But then reality set in. Would I even wear them that much? Is £100 too much to spend on a copy? And why am I so freaking greedy? I decided to walk away and hope that my longing passed. But it didn't. Zara got in on the act with these and these. Neither of those particularly lit my fire to be honest, but when these lil' beauts appeared recently I decided to give them a whirl. Annnnddd......I'm sold. They're comfy and a bit different and remind me of being in ballet class back in the day. (I've got a distinct memory of having to perform approximately 27,000 'springs in first' during one particularly arduous ballet exam. And OMG- yes- I think I do actually have my Freed pink ribbon flats under my bed somewhere. Going en pointe though in 2016? Deffo not an option for Ten Tonne Tessie here). Is the whole ballet shoe thing on your radar? How do you feel about the Miu Mius? (These brocade babes are so sick, I just can't). Let me know, catch you soon x PS For all those asking- shop this pink shirt here and these blue stetch kick flares here.

Shoes- Zara//Kick Flares- Zara//Top- Zara

New Season Picks & What I Think Of Insta Stories

So, last Wednesday I woke up and the game had changed. Insta Stories had landed and if Snapchat aren't currently prepping the largest lawsuit in history- then Holy Moses- they should be. First I was like FFS, pleeeease Instagram stop messing with things. They removed the chronological timeline (which they blatantly lied about and said they wouldn't do), and then this. But within a day I was all over it. They say crack's addictive, but they probably haven't tried Insta Stories yet. 

So, What's The Deal?

Well, you don't need me to explain how it works. The key question is:- how much better is it than Snapcrap? A lot, is the answer. It's basically superior in every way. From usability, to better quality pics, to eliminating the 'having to search for someone' factor. It looks like Mark Zuckerberg is about to become even richer.

Can Bloggers Work The Angles?

Almost certainly. It's early days but that dreaded word 'engagement' seems likely to be especially beneficial to bloggers, particularly those with a significant follower count already on The Gram.

How Much Do I Love It? Let Me Count The Ways

There's nowt as interesting as what someone else is doing, and you can just creep on people to your heart's content on Stories. (That's if you don't mind the Story Teller knowing that you're creeping on them). And- for example- I'm currently enjoying Copenhagen Fashion Week ten times more than I previously would have. Seeing all the Scandi girls dropping amazing pics and vids has actually got me unfeasibly excited for NY/LDN/MILAN/PARIS next month. 

And Finally

A quick word on this outfit. You'll have probably seen (all over Mainstagram and Stories) these jeans and this jumper. I didn't hesitate to get either. The jeans are literally the most unflattering thing everrrrr and make me look like an extraordinarily short, fat fashion freak. But fuck it, I do love them so. And the jumper is, of course, a Céline dupe (what else?). 

Let me know what you think about Stories, this look, and anything else on yer mind, catch you soon x

Jumper- H&M//Jeans- H&M

Shoes- Zara//Necklace- Cinco

Ruffles Done Two Ways

When I first spied this cute one-shouldered ruffle dress I was definitely a smitten kitten. Instantly I felt the cogs start to turn with potential outfits whizzing round my tiny mind. (Not a lot else going on in there, to be honest). First up- I wore it as nature intended- in dress-form. Then, I paired it my new H&M trackies (if I buy one more pair of side-stripe pants please feel free to confiscate my credit card from me). And thirdly- well- the thirdly is missing from this shoot- but you can deffo just tuck this baby into a denim mini and you will have created a stunning little top. (Brains here only thought of that after the event). Have you been embracing a ruffle of late? Let me know, catch you soon x

*Dress- In The Style//Pants- H&M

Kicks- H&M//Larger Pendant- ASOS//*Smaller Pendant- Shashi NY

If You Like It, Put A Bow On It

Don't even think about trying to talk to me right now unless you've got a bow or a knot about-yer-person, coz I will just walk on by, such is my obsession. To that end, these Zara flats were deffo always coming into my life. Sometimes, I do try and wait before I purchase a lil' sumptin' sumptin' new, hoping that the urge to splash the cash may actually subside. (FYI: rarely happens). So, as usual with Zara and me- a 4 was too small and a 5 was too big- but I'mma just roll with the extra witchy 38s. Also on the bow hitlist are these incred L'Oeil slides, this cute blouse from H&M, this adorable Cos top (dying over that colour) and these Zara heels. For a high-end hit try these beauts from No.21 or this insanely good top from Caroline Constas (gimmie a nice double-whammy of ruffles and bows anytime, and call me happy). Are you feelin' the love for a bow ATM? Let me know, catch you soon x

Shoes- Zara//Jeans- H&M

White Tee- Gap//Cami- Zara//Necklace- ASOS