Winter wonderland

Oh - one last thing. Totally loving the above looks which I found on instyle.com. Gives me a little bit of inspiration for everyday casual looks.

Random thought - sometimes I yearn for a uniform. It's hard coming up with an 'outfit' everyday!

Xxxx

Love in!

Once again, I was checking out one of my favourite blogs Olsens Anonymous http://olsensanonymous.blogspot.com/ and love love LOVE Ashley's get up - starting to feel like a bit of a stalker.... Needless to say, this is not a look I will be rocking anytime soon though. Weather in Blighty dictates a few more layers - Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Had my hair appointment on Saturday and decided that I had come thus far on the painful journey of growing out my fringe, that I would not back down just yet. Had my colours toned down a bit, in the style of the pic I posted of Ashley (stalkerish - No?!?). Like it! Will try a post a pic soon.

Almost time for home - Hurrah!

Agenda:
Cold walk home in the rain
Christmas dinner courtesy of Miss C M

Bernard and the Genie
Bubble Bath
Nails - loving all of Barry M's colours (cheap enough for me to change my mind every week)
Bed - Zzzzzzzzzzz

In the words of one Lady Parsnips - LOVE IT!

Later Xxxx

Snoozeville

image from instyle.com i think...

I am sooooo shattered so I'm just doing a quick blog before I head off to snoozeville.

Came across the image of Cat Deeley this week and just love the look. Cat has always been a bit of a style icon for me, but since disappearing state side she's not been gracing the glossy pages as much.

This is such an effortless look - love it!

Also loving her hair too which has almost convinced me not to get a fringe cut in tomorrow. Hmmmmmmm need to decide.

Anyhoo, I'm off for a bath and to pop some tan on, then bed. Mr M and I are out for festive frolics tomorrow evening and preparation must be made - chop chop.

Night night

Xxxx

Hair lust

Just checking out one of my fav blogs Olsens Anonymous and came across this pic. This is how I want my hair - perhaps I'll be a loser and print it out for my appointment on Saturday!?!

These boots were made for......

Something has occurred to me whilst writing my blogs - I am obsessed with shoes and in particular boots at the moment!

These are the new object of my affection. The photo really doesn't do them justice because they are really lovely. They sit over the knee and are really buttery soft leather. They look really smart in person. I ♥ these boots soooooo much. They remind me of the type of boots Parisian ladies wear.

When I visited Paris two years ago in February it was notable just how fabulous their boots were. They all looked so effortlessly chic; Wandering around in gorgeous winter coats and beautiful leather boots. There wasn't a hint of fake tan anywhere - Whhhaaattt!

Anyhoo - Jones the Bootmakers have a sale on at the moment and I reckon that these bad boys are coming home with me. One last decision to be made though. Black or Brown? Answers on a postcard kids!

Xxxx

All good things come to an end.....

Ok, so that's probably an over exaggeration but I am very upset that my thigh high flat boots are nearing deaths door.........

Have been at Twickenham today to watch the Ba Bas play NZ (I am of course now a fully fledged NZ supporter due to Mr M's staunch patriotism). It was on this miserable day that my boots truly started to fall to pieces :-(

I feel even worse about the matter because I have in fact already replaced them in my head with a pair from Jones the Bootmakers :-) I feel guilty! But not guilty enough to not post a picture of them when I get back to my laptop - am currently travelling back from London town.

Question for you - why does it take 40mins to drive in a 400m circle here? I'm impatient get me out of here!!!!

Tomorrow Christmas tree shopping. Yaaaaaaaay.

Xxx

Ick ickedy ick ick.......

Do you ever have one of those days where you literally wonder what you are doing with your life?

The last few months have been absolutely amazing. LOADS of ups and some downs.

Mr M and I disappeared for a weekend in Edinburgh/The Highlands - one of my favourite places in the world. We celebrated his birthday in style in the burgh of Edin….. Then disappeared further north to a romantic log cabin where he only went and PROPOSED to me!! I said yes – of course. The ring is AMAZING – clever Mr M! Soooooo exciting.

On our return Mr M also found out that he had passed some MASSIVE industry exams. Such great news.

Last week one of the downs came though when our landlord decided he would ‘get rid’ of the flat – booooo!

Now we have some major decisions to make. To top it off think I may be experiencing a mid twenties crisis – is there anything more pathetic?

So, I have decided to drag my arse out of this disgusting, self deprecating mood, if only to spare those around me, and do something about it.

I am making some Not New Year Resolutions….

Sort my blog out
Sort my wardrobe out
Figure out what I want to be doing
Figure out where I want to be doing it
Put wheels in motion
Realise it’s NOT all that bad. Suck it up and get on with it

Now that I have my rant out the way, I have to get out of work, enjoy the weekend (don’t you love 5.30 on a Friday?!?) and stop using this as therapy.

Oh – also have to add that I got my hands on the below boots I have been lusting after – they are sooooo great.

Next time I promise not to leave it so long.

x

I don't like Mondays

Image: imageshack. Balmain Fall 09
Not the best pic of my top as doesn't highlight the really nice detail across the shoulders. I'll post another later when I'm not in work....



The dream boots! Samson by KG at Kurt Geiger. Too short for my legs - the search continues...

Why do weekends go so fast? No matter how much I get done, Mondays just come round too fast.

This weekend was however, a truly glorious affair and just what the doctor ordered. Friday saw me wave goodbye (for now) to a good friend of mine from work, off to the big smoke where the streets are paved with gold.

Saturday was true self indulgence. An all day laze fest in my pyjamas, whilst it rained outside. Endless amounts of The Hills topped off with X-Factor and some delicious Chinese from my favorite place. All in the good company of the lovely Mr M who is tolerant of my guilty pleasures (mostly when he is on work avoidance!).

By Sunday it was time to dust myself off and head out after a healthy (no carbs) and delicious brunch, totally cancelling out the carb fest last night. With my wages safely burning a whole in my pocket, I topped up on my moisturiser (Elemental Herbology - Cell Plumping - truly the best moisteriser I have found), bought a great black balmain-ish top - perfect for the office and an absolute steal, as well as some faded grey skinnies and other bits and pieces which after contemplation, will be returned from whence they came.

As usual, I have been unable to resist temptation and am wearing said purchases to work - teamed with my boyfriend blazer (ASOS), thigh high black suede boots (Chinese Laundry), studded belt (KM) and mega scarf (??) to ward of the October chill which has set in. Also have my faithful yet vertiginous KG heels should I pluck up the courage to take off my super soft and warm boots.....

The most eventful purchase would appear to be my new tweezerman tweezers and matching mirror. Such items did = a very pluck happy Claire on Sunday, rendering my eyebrows to a mere shadow of their former selves.....Maybe I should leave it up to the professionals next time!

I also indulged in some KG try on's.... and managed to save myself £180 in the process. The boots that have been the object of much affection were just too low slung for my liking, and I must now continue the search for another pair which will be slightly higher up the leg. DAMN IT! Not to fret though - a little birdy has informed me of a limited delivery due to a certain highstreet store mid month, and at a fraction of the cost I may be on to a winner. Fingers crossed.

As you will notice - all purchases are channeling my absolute obsession with Balmain.

Just another day

(Scarf: ASOS, belt: Karen Millen, bracelet: my mum's, ring: Melinda Maria, watch: Casio)

(Not the best quality... Boots: Chinese Laundry, grey jumper dress: H&M, belt: Karen Millen, Blazer: ASOS)

Not much going on today really. Typical day in the office so opted for something comfortable.

The weather is definitely on the change and I practically lived in my winter boots last week. I bought this pair last year to replace a knackered old pair of leather over-the-knee, (almost) flat boots from my uni years (six years ago...). I remember having to have them and feeling so Barbarella when I wore them it was magical. It's great now they are more main stream - though a small part of me is sad these beauties are now in the general public domain. At least I won't get so many strange 'what is she wearing' looks anymore...

These aren't as high in the thigh region as the originals, but they're super comfy and practical for the walk to and from work, not that that is usually a deciding factor. Thought I would throw in a photo of my accessories too.

The bracelet was lent to me by my mum years ago. She wore it on her wedding day and I love the little imperfections in it from the endless wear my mum put it through at my age and the numerous repairs it has been through. The watch is retro Casio and the ring is Melinda Maria.

When Claire met Donna

A few weeks ago I mentioned I met Donna Air, who very kindly agreed to work with one of my clients to promote the benefits of organic milk. I spent the day with her whilst she carried out a series of interviews and a photo shoot, and it was really inspiring. I'm now on the quest to try and change more of my diet to organic in the bid to one day look as gorgeous as Donna ..... Not my best photo but it wasn't my photo shoot!

It's been a while

Fridgehenge at 5.00am - Ick!

Bro Stav - BFF

The weeks are flying by at the moment and yet I'm not sure what I have to show for them.

Since last time I have:
Enjoyed some great catch up time with my best friend Zoë
Bumped into the twin bro sporting fetching tweed
Built Stonehenge from fridges ....
Decided to take more interest in my teeth. This could be a passing phase when I receive the bill
Reduced my intake of caffeine (only two cups of tea today)
Started back on my diet (updates to follow)
Trolled the tinternet for all updates on fashion weeks
Visited the in laws
Received a brand new iPhone - hurrah!

Gone blonder

TFI Friday

Yaaaaaaaayyyyyy - It's Friday 5.30! Possibly my favorite time of the week. Problem is I have nothing to upload being that I am sat at my lap top in my office packing up for the weekend :-(

Not to worry - I have lots going on this weekend so will have a load of stuff for show and tell!!

First things first - wind down wine time with Lady Parsnips and King of Tunes GJ at our favorite watering hole.

Laters kids.

xxx

I ♥ Proenza Schoulder

Still playing catch up on NYFW before LFW starts in 10hours, and I have just come across the Proenza Schouler season....... so cool!

Neon colours + sexy little ruffle skirts + wet suit-esq tops = very cool beach wear which will never make it further than the cool hangouts near the beach or off the yachts. There's nothing like a bit of neon with beach dried hair and a killer tan to spell summer to me - shame the nights are now drawing in. Mind you - I think I'll pass on the purple hair that was sported on their catwalk!

There are too many to choose from.... here's just a few courtesy of style.com

Alexander Wang Spring 2010

Okay - Alexander Wang is without a doubt an amazing designer, but unfortunately his fabulous designs are relegated to my file named 'In your dreams - you have boobs'! I must point out that this does not stop me from coveting his designs.

His spring 2010 collection is no exception. However, this time I am more than intrigued by the new line, as these three dresses are totally boob friendly and I LOVE the plaits, boots, cut-a-way socks, neutral shades..... you get the impression.

OMG BCBG

Want it!! The detail on the neck line is just gorgeous

I love this dress - the clutch is super cute too

photos@ imaxtree

I have finally managed to catch up with some of the fashion storming its way down the catwalks this week. So far I ♥ the BCBG Max Azria 2010 spring collection. The styles are so sexy and womanly, yet with that dirty rocky edge which I just can't resist...... Had better jump back on the diet if I'm going to squeeze myself into the bandage dress. Paired with biker boots and leather jacket it would be delicious too.

Time Flys

I. Can. Not. Believe. It. Is. Wednesday already…..

It has been crazy since my last blog. I have:

Attended a Caribbean Rum tasting night
Caught up with my holiday chums over too many bottles of wine
Stayed in bed until noon…
Breakfasted in the sun by a pool with my lovely man
Arranged a photo shoot
Attended a radio day
Talked to a gazillion journos
Met the lovely Donna Air
Photographed organic milk!
Fallen off my diet with amazing ease
Drank a lot of coffee
Broken my iPhone
Started my saving fund for a pair of Louboutins (the answer to all my A/W needs)
Fallen in love with the Ladyhawke album all over again

Now back to normality I am looking forward to:

Checking out the latest news from New York Fashion Week
Catching up with my favorite blogs
Figuring out how to add my favorite blogs to my page
Uploading some images at long last
Going organic (totally inspired by Donna)
Completing my A/W wish list
Sleeping

Banksy Exhibition

Insane detail

Very clever

Twisted original

One of my personal favorites


Classic Banksy


House of Chimps..... sound familiar?

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to receive some tickets for the Banksy exhibition in Bristol. Thankfully these tickets omitted the five and half hour que... Phew!

It was Banksy's first exhibition since 2000 and there was loads of talk about it - it didn't disappoint. The physical pieces of work aside, the whole exhibition had a mysterious vibe to it. Where else would the staff not know they would be working on it until the day before after being hired through the job centre, and a drunk looking Ronald McDonald would magically appear in the middle of the night, as if ready to jump from the building....

It was so much more than 'street art'. The ground floor took form as a weird pet shop, with the rest of the museum then turning to a more classic/naturalist form of art, and a kind of treasure hunt for other hidden and obscure pieces of Banky's work. Take a look - these are just some of may favorite pieces.

Fashion Weeks

It's started..... New York Fashion Week kicked off this morning and there's only 7 days 23 hours and 14 mins until London goes fashion manic. Hurrah hurrah! Strange to be so excited about spring summer next year when I haven't even started wearing my autumn/winter wardrobe.

Guilty Pleasures

So it's my first blog and I'm totally excited about it. I've been tearing scraps from magazines since I can remember, sticking them in books and using them for inspiration and keeping them as my guilty pleasure. Now I'm going public!

For now I'm going to upload some of my favorites that I've been saving on my laptop, but as soon as I get my head round this I'll upload some golden oldies as well as anything that grabs my attention from London Fashion Week this month, and everything in between - can not wait.