Archive for the ‘Lusts and Must-Haves’ Category

Why is it that a new pair of shoes can brighten up the darkest of days? Not that I’ve been wallowing in any dark places recently, but still.

I very rarely buy new shoes. I don’t really know why – I’ve always had this misconception that new shoes are pointless because people are only ever checking out your top/jeans/handbag anyway. But the truth is, we ladies always check out the whole package. And if a lady is donning a pair of beautifully hand crafted Jimmy Choo’s, we know.

I didn’t really buy these booties out of impulse, however. I’d needed a decent pair of heeled boots for quite some time, and there was something about the casual coolness of this particular pair that caught my eye. Thankfully a refund on a terrible shagpile cardigan I did buy on impulse (pictures later…) meant I could just about afford these. Not that they were particularly expensive anyway… if they’d matched up to River Island’s usual ridiculous price range I would have thought twice!

Oh, and I realise these dodgy webcam shots don’t really do the boot much justice – the tongue has somehow hidden itself in the picture. But the tongue is cool. Really cool. I’ll post some outfit pics soon!

I’m a little late to point this out, I know, but nude definitely seems to be the way to go this season. And the next season too, it appears.
I like nude (the colour, not the naked sort). I like how it’s a refreshing change from the oftentimes too-painful-to-look-at neon brights which dominated the catwalks of the past few seasons. Believe me, looking like my favourite Stabilo Boss Highlighter pen was not a flattering look.

Whilst nude is nice, it does have the rather annoying ability to drain the paler variety of person of all colour and lustre. Basically, if you’re lucky enough to be dark-skinned, then embrace the nudeness, because you can’t go wrong with this shade.
If, like me, you’re more milkmaid than exotic goddess, then you need to be careful with this trend. I recently made the horrific mistake of wearing a so-nude-it-was-almost-white ruffle dress courtesy of H+M without any hint of a fake-tan to balance it out. Essentially, I just looked washed out. Not good.

So how to get this tricky shade just right? You have two choices. The first choice is: get a tan. Preferably out of a spray tan or bottle, because I won’t condone skin cancer on this blog. As long as you’re not frightfully orange, a light glowing tan will help to add contrast between your skin and fleshy-coloured garment(s), a point I didn’t manage to consider whilst wearing that damned ruffle dress.
Now for your second choice: be picky. Believe it or not, nude comes in a variety of shades, from the almost-white to the slightly tangerine varieties. The paler you are, the more tangerine-nude you should go, unless you’re willing to go for the tan option. Also, adding contrasting colours such as black to your outfit will really help to define the difference between the garment(s) and your skin.

So, there you have it. How to embrace one of this season’s (and next season!) hottest trends, without washing yourself out. And now, for some show off pictures of my most recent nude buys… (yes, I’m turning into a nude-hoarding whore, I should really stop it now). Look out for these item in future outfit posts! :-

(Clockwise from top left: top: Topshop, ruffled waistcoat: Topshop, necklace: Primark, bracelet: Primark)

Question time: what’s your view on going nude this season?

So Christmas and New Year majorly got in the way of my posting on here. I don’t really know how or why it has taken so long, but I’m thinking the icy conditions and the 6000 words to be handed in by Wednesday has something to do with it. So, ’til then when I’m roaming free minus the massive 6000 word weight on my shoulders, here’s some wonderful clog-inspired Kurt Geiger heels which will prove absolutely perfect for Spring/Summer ‘10! And yes, I am longing for the warmer weather to come… I’m sick of layering like an onion!

KURT GEIGER KARENZA PURPLE COURTS

P.s. sorry for the lack of outfit postings – I’ve left my camera at home so give us two weeks!

Oh guys, I’m so excited. June 2010 is going to see me on a fifteen-day placement honing my English teaching skills in a local secondary school. I cannot wait.

Most importantly, this opportunity is going to take such a big advantage of my wardrobe. Heels, handbags, jump suits and trouser suits… so much to worry about in so little time! I am going to have to get saving in order to have enough outfits.

In the meantime, I have devised a moodboard of all things classroom-chic, with a little help of course from Asos, Karen Millen and Elle UK.

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One thing I like about work wear is that it rarely changes from season to season. As far as I’m aware, the handy classics such as the white shirt, pencil skirt and blazer are always in fashion, with an added twist here and there for a bit of diversity. Of course, this summer it seems to be all about the greys and the nudes in terms of colour, and I think a pair of peg leg trousers are a must. Oh, and blouses are looking cuter than ever for Spring/Summer!
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Question time: What do you think of my work wear wardrobe? What sort of formal wear will you be considering for next season, if at all?

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I’m not going to lie, I think I must be the most unfortunate student in the world right now. I’ve no money to do anything (besides Christmas shopping), thus being constantly subjected to my poor excuse of a three-bed-run-down-probably-haunted student flat. In addition, the landlord seems to think central heating is only necessary between 6 and 10 in the evening.
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It comes as little surprise then, dear readers, that I have had to succumb to the glorious warmth that is… dun dun dun… Long Pyjamas! Usually, I wouldn’t make such a big fuss over something so nondescript, however long pyjamas have never had the grace to cover my body since my mum was still buying me all the most hideous creations from Marks and Spencer some 12/13 years ago. (Tartan PJs covered in Scottie dogs, anyone?!) Since then, my nightwear has never succeeded the boundaries of small, silk and very leopard print.
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Now though, student living has meant that appreciating such little leopard print luxuries is no longer a possibility as I struggle to find warmth beneath my million tog Primark duvet. This winter, long pyjamas have had to mark their arrival in my nightwear drawer, and I have to say, I am beginning to love them. Usually I hate the slobbed-out long pyjama look (especially tucked into Uggs, don’t get me started about Uggs…), but don’t you just love the check-print on these lovely long-legged beauties (pictured above)?
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In other news, I have found THE cutest nail polish shade for this season. Everyone’s been banging on about pale greys recently, so I was really very pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful pale grey stacked discreetly away in the shelves of George at Asda whilst engaging in my weekly food shop. Not a place I’d usually go hunting for nail polish… but I have to say for £1.50 this polish is an absolute STEAL. It doesn’t chip too easily either!
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Well, I think that is all for now, lovely readers. I promise a decent post will be heading your way soon, once I get this unnecessary workload lifted from my shoulders! BTW, if anyone has any wonderous tips on how to keep warm in this very very very cold house, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! Thank you and good evening!