Wednesday

On The Hunt.

I know it's been a while since my last post and you'd be forgiven for thinking I'd been caught up in festive hysteria which led to the abandoning of my blog but unfortunately that's not been the case.

The company I was manager for went into liquidation last week so, as of last Monday, I have been without a job.

I loved the company I worked for and I know my boss would have done everything in her power not to let the closing of the business happen but it couldn't be avoided and as a result I have been left on a major job hunt right before everyone's Christmas and New Year close down period.




Redundancy isn't new to me, I chose a career in a luxury sector - fashion; and while people have to continue to buy food no matter what the economic climate, they don't have to continue buying new clothes every month so I've been in this position before.

But this time it's hit me a little harder; I'm not sure if it's because it's just before Christmas, because I was so happy there or because it's called into question where I will be living in a matter of weeks (moving back to my family home is seeming increasingly likely) or a combination of all three but I've been feeling a little blue about it.

I've been on a strict regime of up early, shower, eat and crack on with job applications. No daytime TV for me!




I'd love to stay in sales but I've also got experience in buying, merchandising, product development and marketing so where I'll end up next is anybody's guess - and really quite exciting.

I'll keep you posted (excuse the non-intentional pun) but if the frequency of articles dips a little please forgive me - I will be back to full capacity in no time, I'm sure!


Now, where did I put that mince pie...?

On the Front Row.

Yesterday I received a very exciting email indeed.

I'm always very flattered when anyone, be it someone I know or a complete stranger, speaks to me about my blog. I am still a little overwhelmed that anyone, other than myself and my Mum, voluntarily takes time out of their day in order to read my stream of consciousness (Hi Mum!) But apparently they do and for this I will always be grateful.


As I said I find it very complimentary to receive messages about my blog and last night I got a lovely surprise in the form of an email from Front Row Society. FRS are a website and company with a difference. They work in a way that allows new artists and designers to submit their designs to the FRS team who then make them up into a style/collection and showcase them to the public. I love the idea behind this - it really feels as though the folk behind this site are doing their bit to help the economy along by keeping the designers and consumers firmly at the front of their minds. They even donate a percentage of every sale to the Ethical Fashion Forum. I mean, c'mon! These guys are ace!

In what I can only imagine was a bid on their part to have me faint with flattery they went on to say they'd seen my blog, loved it and are sending me a lovely scarf of my choice so a few clicks later I'd selected my favourite which should be winging its way to me any day now.

Here's just a few of the beautiful products available on their website and with a range of prices it looks like there may well be something for everyone.

neon clutch

kong fujon print

isaura scarf


acid print clutch


pretty lights scarf


fragments handbag

anna print

The prints, I'm sure you'll agree, are just fantastic and really original - nice to see at this time of year when the high street seems to be united in turning everyone's wardrobes into places that house dark, sombre colours and over-warm knitwear. And I think I'm more than a bit in love with the neon clutch.


Right, I'm off to chase the postman down the street to see if he has mine - as soon as I get it expect another post on these beauties.

Monday

A Royal Bump.

A huge congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the announcement of her pregnancy!



Before The Wedding I didn't class myself as really 'interested' in the royal family but since Prince William and Catherine tied the knot and old Queenie's celebrated her jubilee, with all the wonderful hoopla that went with it, I've found myself quite enamoured by them and this is just lovely news.

Here's wishing them a healthy, happy pregnancy and baby to follow.

Friday

Dial F For Festive.

So we've made it - November 30th is here which means tomorrow we all officially tip into the month of Santa and my weekend is looking to be suitably festive as a result.

Tomorrow afternoon I'm off to meet my family at the Christmas markets then heading back to my Ma's abode to help decorate and get in the spirit. I mean that literally - she and my Stepdad have a great gin selection.

You'll have noticed some time back that I mentioned the new man in my life and how the sudden love I felt for him almost knocked me over. Well he's become a bit of a Christmas problem. Alfie, my 5-month-old black cocker spaniel (and the man in question) is one of the most excitable things I've ever encountered so as a precaution my Mum has announced there won't be the main Christmas tree at hers this year as Alfie will no doubt try to climb it, eat it, become a decoration, use the decorations as chew toys, chase a cat up it, knock it over or any number of other Christmas crimes.





Some of the 'pre-puppy' Christmas decorations

So this year we are festooning the house with smaller decorations which will hang off door handles, stair rails, frames and fire places - basically anywhere a limber puppy can't get his mouth to.

And I have to admit, I quite like the idea. For some years now the Christmas tree in my apartment has been somewhat lack-lustre and no matter how many baubles and lights I try to stuff on it I just cannot disguise the fact that the branches are a little limp, the colour a little faded and its general demeanour just a little lacking in festive-goodness. So I'm copying. Not for puppy purposes but for my own aesthetic happiness - be gone, Foul Tree, you offend my senses and must be banished.

As a result of my decision I spent last night trawling my favourite websites comparing their festive line ups and picking out the pieces I intend to hang from cupboard handles, mirrors, frames and the living room chandelier. Yes, I have a chandelier in my living room because you know what? A bit of pomp and circumstance never hurt anyone!

So here's the run down:

Debenhams

M&S

Selfridges
I love the Debenhams sign, "Be Merry And Stay That Way." I think I'd find it impossible to see that every morning and not giggle to myself and I've always had a thing for owls so their offering of an owl vase thrills me somewhat.

M&S have a more traditional line-up but a couple of red-breasted robins hanging down from the edge of a mirror is sure to get anyone in the festive frame of mind and that crown tree topper intended for foliage would look equally good placed forefront on a shelf, I think.

Selfridges always have their line-up of iconic baubles and 'merry whatever' really tickled me - at £5.95 it isn't too expensive a laugh either. I also love the silver-plated mistletoe. Is there a chicer way to steal a kiss this Christmas?

But it's safe to say John Lewis have it all wrapped up this year. With pages and pages of decorations to get you in the spirit here's my favourite few:





All these decorations are available on the respective shop's websites so click on and have a shufty and I guarantee you won't be able to resist that Christmassy feeling creeping over you.

Have a great weekend!

Making A Statement.

As a firm believer in keeping your wardrobe current but not always for a premium rate I'm always on the qui vive for quick and easy sartorial updates to see me through changing seasons and a range of situations and one of my favourite ways to do this is with jewellery.

Over the years I have worked my way through various obsessions - anyone who knows me can vouch for the fact I own possibly hundreds of statement rings, earrings, bracelets, watches and even headdresses. But one I've really stuck with is statement necklaces. I can't get enough of them and I think they're the perfect way to add a pop of colour to a t-shirt or draw a favourite outfit into a new trend arena.

Here's my top 10 pieces that are currently available:


1: Gold bib | Nordstrom
2: Satin tie necklace | H&M

3. Mutli bead and chain necklace | maxandchloe.com
4. Grey chain and bow necklace | stelladot.com
5. Neon flash necklace | New Look
6. Yellow bead cluster necklace | modcloth.com
7. Multi peter pan bead and chain necklace | boohoo.com
8. Florets necklace | frockaholics.com
9. Multi stone necklace | jcrew.com
10. Leather ruffle bib | boticca.com
And just a few of my personal favourites...


Happy weekend all!

Thursday

WINNERS!

Last night I had the honour of being invited by one of the labels I agent for to attend the Drapers Awards with them. Little Mistress are a brand I only started representing 5 months ago and their growth has been astounding.

Drapers are a huge influence in my industry so to be nominated for an award by them is a great achievement in itself but to go on and win is another level altogether. And that's exactly what Little Mistress went on to do - Young Fashion Brand Of The Year 2012. After being labelled 'the noisy tables' by Lauren Laverne for cheering for ourselves as the nominees were announced Myleene Klass then went on to proclaim the wonderful LM as winners and MD Mark and the team were quickly stage-bound to accept the award.

It's safe to say there was much more cheering all round and a lot of bubbles to continue the night with.

It was the first real black tie event I've really attended so I chose my most Bond-girl-esque dress and accessories to complete my look. And I loved it!

Ombre nails | Barry M
Shoes | Zara
Bag | Jimmy Choo
Dress (just seen) |ASOS 
Inside the event
Dessert
Name Card!
Twitter fame
Ridiculous chandelier
The Dress
At the beginning of the night the audience were encouraged to actively tweet using #drapersawards so off I went, tweeting away and shortly after noticed a big screen showing them all. Camera in hand I quickly got a shot of my tweet being beamed out. Ah, fame!

And I wasn't the only one tweeting about Little Mistress...


Here's the official winners picture from the night - couldn't be happier for them all. An amazing night, and even more amazing award.





Wednesday

Back With A Bang.

Hello!

It's good to be back - I've missed my blog these past few weeks but the time off was necessary. A mix of heavy work commitments and a week away with the O.H. meant that I made a conscious decision to take a blogging break and spend some time being selfish and just focusing on myself.


But even though I was taking time 'off' it didn't have any effect on my interest in finding new ways to update my clothes and accessories from a DIY perspective.

Introducing my latest project: studded Converse.

In my last post (many moons ago!) I referenced a pair of personalised, studded Converse that retailed at a chunk over £200. That, to me, is silly money for some studs being added to a pair of £45 shoes - not to mention completely financially unjustifiable!

The 'real deal' in action
I kept these at the back of my mind for some time, working out the best way to go about it. I already own two pairs of Converse but the idea of stabbing holes that may ruin them and render them unwearable was a little too much like a risk for me so I had to think of an alternative.

Just under two weeks ago I was readying myself for a lazy week away worshipping the sun in Egypt. I'd booked it about a month or so ago for a last minute break. I rarely take time off so had a lot of holiday time to use up and it's safe to say I did that. A jam packed week of snorkeling, a trip to Cairo, desert star-gazing and of course the obligatory lounging round the pool and I feel rested and reset.

While away I did the stereotypical British thing of combing the market places for some good deals. On my last night we decided to stroll to our local markets and about 3 stalls in I saw them. Black, high top Converse (faux of course, dahling!) A flash of haggling later and I had my project kicks...for £8.00!


So here's what I did to them:




Using a silver pen to mark the canvas I made a rough pattern of where I wanted my studs. I decided on matte black spikes as opposed to a carbon Converse copy (they've used silver pyramid studs.)


Then using my oh-so-technical apparatus of sharp nail scissors I set about stabbing holes in the sides of my shoes.


Next I pushed the screw back of the studs through and attached the front of the stud. Et voila - studded kicks for a fraction of the price. As I said, the shoes cost me all of £8 and the studs were approx £10 on eBay (for 100) so for under £20 I have a pair of shoes that will spend the next few weeks, at least, fused to my tootsies.

Here's the finished product. I know they're not perfect but for a DIY job done in an hour I'm more than happy with them.



And here's where I've been:


I wouldn't say I'm 'pleased' to be back but I've missed 2DyeFor!

Thursday

Wardrobe Additions.

Now that the season has officially changed (I'm sure it's dropped at least 5 degrees since I left my apartment this morning!) it's the time of year when I have to think about the logistics of swapping my S/S wardrobe with my A/W wardrobe that I keep stored at my Mum's house. Yes, I have too many clothes. No, I don't have enough space in my home to keep them so yes, I take advantage of my Mum.

The logistics become a little more complicated when you consider I haven't a car of my own and the door to door trip is about an hour long. That and the fact I have about 3 suitcases full of knitted goodness that, as the temperature continues to slump, I am finding I increasingly need. So I've decided to do a mental tot up of the things I actually need and cull those I don't.

But once again, just as I do every year, I've found myself in a frenzy of lust after this seasons new designs that have left me seriously considering trading in my winter-sun holiday for a couple of them.

Then again I'm in desperate need for some vitamin E so maybe I won't cancel those plane tickets just yet...

But if I did here's what I'd be lining up.






I know we're talking fantasies here but after this years catwalks were over I did notice a few glaring holes in my AW things so here's a more realistic few bits I need to purchase in the next few weeks.

 Topshop Knitted Shimmer Shoulder Sweat available here.


Oasis Sequin Animal Sleeve Sweater available at ASOS here.


ASOS Supersoft High Waist Ultra Skinny in Washed Grey #11 available here.
H&M Knitted Hat available here.

As you can tell the main colour I'll be sporting this season is grey. I've been a fan of the shade for many moons now so the fact the high street has latched onto it this year has me a little overjoyed.

Continuing the grey theme how about these for some amazing party season shoes from Nelly.com? Available here. I definitely need to make these a buying priority. By far the coolest heel I've seen in some time.

And just before you worry I'll be a total wash out colour wise this season look at this beauty to add a pop of colour to any outfit throughout the colder months. Available here.


Whichever way you look at it I better get saving. Post-holiday of course!

Updates and Resets.

The beauty of having a housemate who works as a buyer in women's shoes is something that I, admittedly, sometimes undervalue. Well, not anymore!

In recent posts you'll remember I've been in search of a new sartorial identity and I think I'm onto something but the void between the 'old' and 'new' wardrobe can sometimes be made bigger by lack of funds to instantly update the whole thing.

This is where my housemate comes into her own. Last night she asked if I'd like to join her for a gig but as I already had plans I declined and ended up heading home earlier than her. On my way home she messaged me again and said to look in the yellow bag on the sofa as she'd got 'things' for me. Things? Things? 'Things' doesn't cover what gems awaited me. Three brand new pairs of slipper pumps from Matalan that I'd gushed over a few months back at their press day in London.

Of course I am wearing a pair today so here's a closer look.






What I love about them is the colour matched studs - I've still not seen this anywhere but Matalan and she got me the same pair in the cobalt that I had seen at the press day and adored so much. Both are actually available online now. Black here and Cobalt here.

Here's the cobalt version for you to feast your eyes on.


What I think I love the most about these is that the studs are on the outer edge and top of the foot only. Any girl who bought Topshop's iconic version last season will know the raw pain of dragging a stud across your inner ankle and the torturous, slow process of it healing. No need to worry about that here though - hurrah!

In other news I'm bored of my dip-dyed hair after a week so am dying it back tomorrow evening. I know, crazy Friday night plans, right?

So here's a last look at it before I reset it to its former glory. (This is it yesterday french plaited down one side.)