Dreaming of a New Spring Wardrobe

I know that I am not a huge fan of spring/summer fashion...I have always been more of an autumn/winter girl - obsessed with layers, chunky knits, scarves, faux fur etc...but there is something surprisingly alluring about the first drop of the SS12 collections, which are hitting the high street now, and I find that I cannot wait to start kitting my wardrobe out for the new season.

On a lunch break last week I went with a friend to Forever 21, and fell in love with about a million things! I love how F21 is so reasonable but still doesn't feel like everyone you know will be wearing what you buy. There is so much there, I recommend giving yourself a good hour to go around and gather your findings, in order to appreciate everything the store has to offer.

I promised myself that as soon as payday comes around (Tuesday thank the lord) that I would venture back into the store and treat myself to a few new SS12 goodies! Here's what I've got my eye on...

ruffle hem dress £19.75

sheer stripe dress £19.75

sheer dress £18.75

stripe sweater £11.50

polka dot cardi £22.75

sleeveless shirt £19.75

maxi skirt £19.75

silky skirt £18.75

skirt £19.75

skirt £18.75

blazer £24.75

bird jacket £22.75

tiger print wedges £22.75

what do you think? have you spotted any SS12 must haves? enjoy x

Colour Me In

I have become a bit obsessed with nail varnishes recently. I decided to clear out all of the ones that had gotten to old that they became goopy and difficult to apply.

The result of the clear out means I am left with the below collection:

I'm not really a nail varnish snob - I love trying out all kinds of brands, cheap and pricey. In fact, one of the best brands I've tried, which stays on the longest, is Boots 17 collection. They have such a gorgeous array of colours, and every time I pop into Boots I seem to add to my 17 collection! A lot of the colours are part of their 3 for 2 offer, so for just under £6 you can add 3 new colours to your collection. I couldn't resist their new Candy colours when I went into Boots on Friday, and I treated myself to the below three varnishes.



I especially love the soft green on the right, which is called Mint Choc Chip. I first saw Sarah of Temporary Secretary wearing this colour, and I fell in love with it! I'm definitely going to be trying out the other colours...maybe on my next lunch break!!

Next on my list though is Rainbow Connection by O.P.I. a colour which every blogger seems to be raving about. There are only a few places that stock this covetable colour online, so now that I have finally been paid for January (well, maybe it's Tuesday, I can't remember) I think I'll be ordering it this week. Whoo hoo!

Have you tried any new nail colours recently? Enjoy x

Beth Ditto Collaborates with MAC

I just cannot get enough of make-up collaborations at the moment. I love it when brands collaborate with aspirational stars and create a line which reflects the star's personality and look. I especially love how brands are working with stars who are a bit different, and have their own unique look.

The latest notable collaboration is with my favourite MAC and plus size beauty Beth Ditto! Betcha didn't see that coming!

MAC signed up The Gossip singer to work on a range that will be available globally in June of this year! Eeek!!

The deal was revealed last night as Ditto attended the Gala Sidaction Diner de la Mode in Paris, after being spotted at Haute Couture Fashion week, where she watched Jean Paul Gaultier’s show pay tribute to another iconic modern singer, with his Amy Winehouse inspired looks.

Very little has been revealed about Ditto’s range yet but from what we've seen of MAC's celeb collaborations, we can be sure to expect the unexpected...along with glitter, sparkle and a hell of a lot of confidence!

Can't wait to check out the collection? Here's a little preview of what we have to look forward to. Enjoy x

Nuts about Neon

I don't know why, but for some reason I am LOVING neon at the moment. It's a trend which seems to come around every year, and most years I can take it or leave it, but this year, I am all about neon.

Not that I would combine a neon top, skirt, dress, tights, shoes etc and create a luminous ensemble, but by mixing one strong piece of neon into your look is a fab way of wearing this cool trend every day.

I'm planning in treating myself to this little number from ASOS, which is £20 down from £40. I love the mix of contemporary neon with the girly feel of the lace. I also love the midi length - perfect for spring!

I would team this little beauty with a cropped knitted jumper and some ankle boots. I'll show you once I've got it in my mitts!!

I'm going to keep my eyes open for some other neon pieces. I especially love it when the rest of the item is in a neutral tone with just a subtle neon trim or other detail. Gorgeous.

What do you think? Are you going to invest in neon this spring? x



Disney Royalty Grace the World's Best Magazine Covers

For those who know me, you'll know that I am a huge fan of Disney. I know practically every Disney animated film by heart and, along with my cousin Lucie, we can kick anyone's butt at Disney trivial pursuit!

Anyway, with Disney and fashion being two loves of my life, it was only obvious that when the Tumblr Petite Tiaras decided to put iconic Disney princesses, including Cinderella, Snow White, Tiana, Jasmine and Pocahontas, on the covers of some of the world's best magazine covers; Elle, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Cosmo etc, that I would be all over that!!! The cover stories even reflected the princess's stories. Well now Petite Tiara has done it again with the Disney Princes, who have taken on the likes of GQ, National Geographic and Esquire. How amazing! Prince Charming, Beast, John Smith and Eric rock as male cover stars!

If only all magazines could feature these animated hotties, my life would be complete. I've put the images below, maybe Condé Nast will get some inspiration...enjoy x

images from petite tiaras

Lindsay Lohan is Back in the Fashion Eye!

Never really been a big fan of Li-Lo...too much drama, too much attitude and makes more headlines for screw-ups, anorexia, pretend lesbianism and court cases than good movies. But, the girl is gorgeous and the fashion world always seems to embrace her.

Enough time has now passed to excuse Li-Lo for the disasterous Ungaro collaboration...if your not familiar, do your research on Google! She's been out of the lime light recently, but Lindsay Lohan is back with two stunning ad campaigns.The first, Philipp Plein. This campaign is fresh, sexy, cool and oh so stylish. Especially obsessed with the floaty powder blue dress, but not too sure how I feel about the dark, dark eyebrows and uber blonde hair!

The second campaign is with our very own FCUK and their new fragrance Friction. Smoking hot and very sexy...I mean half her face is covered by the male model's hair, but I guess that's part of the story! This shot comes from Lohan's January 2010 shoot for Muse magazine. I haven't smelt the perfume yet, but it is described as an "alluring blend of citrus, sensual musk, and warm woods–scents with addictive notes that pique all five senses," Friction features Lohan and male model Petey Wright in a lusty embrace!

Sneak Peak at Primark's SS12 Collection

I love it when high street brands unveil their new collections. Primark is one of the brands which I get most excited about, probably because I love wearing their stuff and proudly proclaiming "it's Primark" when I get a compliment!

Well, I have a treat for you! A sneak peak at Primark's SS12 collection. It looks like it's set to be a goodun' folks. Bold block-colour frocks, cute pastel trousers, statement shirts and must-have designer inspired bags. I can't wait!

In the two pics below, the dress is £17 and the bag a mere fiver! The other outfit will set you back a grand total of £34! Not bad - blouse - £12 trousers £12 and shoes a tenner. Summer perfection at recession friendly prices. What's not to love? Enjoy x

image from look.co.uk

River Island SS12 Preview Video

You might remember a few weeks ago I wrote about going to the River Island SS12 press day (if you haven't read it, you can read it here).

I was really impressed with the collections and the trends that River Island have chosen to interpret...and I think you'll love them too! Be prepared for colour!

The brand has just released a video as a preview to the collection. It can be found on River Island's youtube channel, but I have popped it here, just for you! It's a great insight into how the brand creates its key looks for the season, and seeing the photoshoot from a behind the scenes angle. I also love seeing the models and make-up being applied, and the photographer working his stuff!

What do you think? Would you like it if more brands shot videos like this? Enjoy x

Cool, Quirky, Kawaii Jewellery and More!

As a blogger, I love keeping up to date with other bloggers, reading their blogs and meeting other bloggers. It's a great big blogging world out there, and it's always one of my daily activities to check out my favourites.

One such favourite does much more than just blog. She started her own jewellery and accessory business, online, and her blog is a fabulous way to showcase her style, what she creates and sells and it obviously got her noticed, as she won Look's 2011 bloggers comp! The blog and the website is called Temporary Secretary, and it's a fab blog where Sarah showcases her fab style and even fabber (is that a word) jewellery range.

I am such a fan of cute, quirky and slightly strange jewellery (which you'll be well aware of if you know me or read my blog on a regular basis), and the Temporary Secretary range is right up my street! She also sells a range of Japanese bits and bobs, another of my obsessions!! I adore the rings and necklaces - a full english breakfast on a plate on a ring? Or a slice of cake on a ring? How about birds on a branch on a necklace, or alice in wonderland style brooches, OR a gorgeous satchel bag with a fox face? All this sound great? Then you have to check out the online store.

I've put a few of my favourite pieces below. Check them out and add something new and fun to your accessories collection. Enjoy x

Necklace £15.95

Brooches £7

Book £3

Ring £14

Ring £10

Bracelet £35

Erasers £2

Bag £18

I Love Sparkly Nails

Just the other day I was searching for the perfect sparkly nail varnish, and, amazingly, today my manager gave me a belated xmas present - a gorgeous sparkly nail varnish my one of my favourite varnish brands - O.P.I.

The varnish is made up of different sized sparkles, which paint on really smoothly, without leaving unsightly clumps like some other sparkly varnishes I've used. In the pics below you can see the effect - the sparkles are really dazzling and twinkle like fairy lights! I've only applied two coats and if looks like a solid colour. The nail varnish dries really quickly, and just needs a quick coat of top coat and voila! Gorgeous sparkly nails.

I realise this is my second nail varnish post in a week, I'm having a bit of a love affair with the stuff at the moment and would love to hear some of your suggestions as to what to try next. Enjoy x

What I Found at the River Island Sale

I am never a big fan of the sales.

Always too crowded, the rails are jam packed with random things, normally beautifully presented shops look like jumble sales, and it basically takes the exclusivity out of a shopping experience. Plus, I hardly ever find anything in the sales, and tend to end up buying full price new season stuff...not really the point!

However, you can on occasion find a few rare gems - that amazing coat you've been coverting all season, those fab boots you couldn't afford at full price or that gorgeous bag that you've been craving for ages! Today, I had that rare experience myself!

I had to pop into River Island to return an item I was sent - my dad ordered a jumper from my wish list for xmas, and River Island ended up sending the wrong item...brilliant! So I went into the Oxford Street branch (right by my work) and straight away I found the jumper I originally wanted, which had gone down almost 50% in the sale. Result! I also found a gorgeous pair of black heeled ankle boots and an adorable big dalmation print bow for my hair.

The jumper was £20 down from £38, the boots £30 down from £70 and the bow £3 down from £7. Not a bad result really! Especially as I wanted the jumper all along. Sale satisfaction!

What about you? Have you found anything good in the sales? Enjoy x