#WantItWednesday (31/12/14)

Christmas is over. The mince pies and mulled wine have been consumed (en masse), you've turkey soup, sandwiches and pasta is still ahead. 

The presents have been opened, cherished or in some cases returned for credit at the sales and you are still unsure of exactly what day it really is.

#WantItWednesday 17/12/14

I am a fan of layering in all things. 

I layer my jumpers, dresses, bracelets and scarves; I feel it adds to my overall look of a perennially chic person suffering from hypothermia. 

My favourite item to layer and one that often causes the most consternation (I may one day accidentally strangle myself in my sleep) are necklaces. I have three that are worn permanently. A Swarovski Hello Kitty Pendant; a birthday present from a good friend who knows me too well. A silver clog bought for me from another dear friend a long time ago and a locket that I have had forever and a day and is the namesake of this very blog. 

I have a lot of necklaces that are thrown on and off according to my particular mood at 7am, normally when I am readying myself for work half asleep and in desperate need of my first cup of coffee. So the ‘extra’ necklaces I wear are often needed to make me laugh and to wake me up. 

Enter Khai Khai Jewellery. 

I love these, they are funny and very on the mark for the reluctant millennial that I am. General colloquialisms and over used phrases are given a lux update in precious metals and stones. I came across this brand, via Man Reppeller who is a doting sibling and brand spokesperson. The sartorial talent pool runs deep in the Medine household and the Khai Khai collection is a perfect physical manifestation of their luxury credentials. 

One of my favourite pieces from the collection is the gorgeous and utterly hilarious ‘Kale’ necklace set in white gold. If I had a spare £900 to spare for Christmas this would become another permanent fixture, I certainly eat enough of it to qualify as a card carrying/wearing member! 

Another is the ampersand necklace from the ‘Digitally Inspired’collection. 

I love this because ‘and’ is a word that follows every other in my vocabulary (much to my mother’s distress) and is a wonderfully funny and chic way to acknowledge my shortcomings as a millennial woman, like the necklaces I never take off.

Get yours here and view the whole collection here

#WantItWednesday 10/12/14

Peter Jensen Stripe Sweatshirt

I am self confessed jumper lover. They are warm, comforting and can be worn with EVERYTHING. I am also a massive fan of stripes. All of my jumper dreams have been realised in this piece of sartorial perfection from Peter Jensen. I love this. I love this like, a whole lot. 

This is a jumper that could easily be dressed up with a structured pencil skirt and heels, I would wear this a lovely pair of pale grey cigarette pants and a casual pair of plimsolls (who can probably guess where from).

This is wonderfully oversized and comfortable, perfect for a relaxed afternoon, maybe for having a relaxed tea party with friends?


here are a few of my favourite options to pair with this gorgeous jumper, as if you needed another excuse to head to the shops for yourself! (being philanthropic at this time of year is so stressful!)

So there you have it... all looks can be found here. Go on... you deserve it!

#WantItWednesday (03/12/14)

We are now firmly in the grip of Christmas spirit… The red cups have been out in force, we are now immunised against the poignant John Lewis ad (if you want to have another look, it’s here), you've started your delicious advent calendar and you have already organised the awkward festive charity ‘jumper-off’ with your work colleagues (the official jumper day is on the 12th, have look at the link if you want to do it). It’s now time think about what you really want for Christmas. These handy tabs are perfect for the oblivious S.O. and should ensure you won’t be disappointed come Christmas morning. I have had a good long think and I think I have the perfect list for this year. Start taking notes… you’ll need to print this and have those handy tabs ready! 

1. The Haberdashery collection, Alex Monroe 

I love Alex Monroe, I love art & crafts and I love jewellery.

This collection was made for me. When I first caught wind of this collection, I nearly fainted in a rather Austen-esque fashion. Monroe’s collections are always delicate, light and amazingly covetable.

My favourite and most lusted after pieces are the pincushion ring and scissor pendants. I would get the ring in small and have it as a rather quirky pinkie ring. Both the scissor pendants is absolutely perfect; with nearly all of Monroe’s necklaces this begs to be layered; it would look amazing layered with this and/or this for the full on Monroe triumvirate. 

This is at the top of my wish list for Christmas and it should be at the top of yours too.

2. Silver Low Tops, Superga  

I LOVE Superga. It is no secret that I adore these plimsolls. Every other full-length selfie has me in them. Every other collage I create includes them. They are the most versatile, durable and the most comfortable shoes on earth. The go with jeans, mid length skirts, maxi skirts, cigarette trousers; essentially everything. They have firmly worked their way into my general fashion rotation and I do not intend to get rid of them.

These beauties in silver are the perfect addition for a winter wardrobe. Metallics are a firm staple for this AW14 season and this is a fun and easy way to work them into your wardrobe without feeling as if you are 'overdone'. I would pair these with an outfit based around a single colour to make them shine 

(see what I did there!).   

3. Floral Skull Money-box, Urban Outfitters

Next year, 2015 is the near I become a better saver. To do that, I need a rather fabulous money-box to make it less of a chore. Look no further than Urban Outfitters Floral Skull Money-box. It is super stylish and fun and would sit well in any eclectic home (AKA mine). 

Of course, it is wonderfully humorous, and I love that. This is a definite Instagram worthy piece of home ware; it will make me feel infinitely better about topping up my Celine Handbag Mortgage fund. It is a definite upgrade from the piggy bank days of yore. 

4. Dungarees, ASOS

It has taken a while for me to reconcile my thoughts about them. I do feel (especially with a big bow in my hair) like a giant toddler but in spite of that, I still love them. They are comfortable, can be stylish and surprisingly can be dressed up quite well if you pair the right pair of heels and a good clutch.

These dungarees from ASOS are perfect for this.
Edgy and dark, the straight leg on this pair of black dungarees are a great for a stiletto, a platform or a pair of über comfortable trainers. A lot of my dungarees are oversized with a boyfriend style leg, I think these are a little more flattering when paired with heels.

5. Moby Dick Clutch, Olympia Le Tan

These are amazing. Who doesn’t want to proclaim their literary knowledge and fashion kudos in one clean sartorial blow? Or at least pretend. I love these clutches, they are cropping up with increasing frequency on all the street style blogs, and I for one want to be part of it too. These beg to have a muted fashion palette, as the detail seen on one of these clutches is second to none.
A self proclaimed book lover. Le Tan was born in London and raised in France, evident in the obvious Parisian chic that oozes from her collections.

This would look amazing as part of a Christmas party outfit or equally as glamorous for a sophisticated lunch with friends. 

It is definitely a conversation starter. I would recommend choosing a favourite tome as you will certainly be asked about your accessory of choice. My ideal clutch would be the Moby Dick it is one of my favourite books and could talk about it for hours on end.

I would (like I always do) opt for a singular colour outfit; to showcase the obvious wearable art you are carrying.

.

6. Gwen Stefani Holiday Collection, OPI

 Let's be honest, who hasn't wanted to be Gwen Stefani at any point in their lives? She is super cool, super fun and super feminine, without being saccharine and maintaining an air of respectability and cool. Her Christmas collection for OPI is that in spades.
The entire collection is luxurious, fun and above all wearable beyond the festive season.
I am particularly enamoured with the sumptuous Christmas Gone Plaid & Rollin' in Cashmere.    

Christmas Gone Plaid is a rich and fun bottle green that is a perfect accompaniment for darker colour schemes for winter. This is a colour that feels like it is best suited to warming layers; jumpers, scarves, gloves, hats the works! This is a colour that will work through the winter months and could work well into summer too. 

Rollin' in Cashmere is a fun shimmery nude that is perfect for the party season, with hints of gold this is perfect for an opulent evening out. It suits luxurious co-ords, heels and a fake fur stoll if you have one. 

So there you have it. My fairly comprehensive picks for Christmas. I have spent hours and hours with my handy tabs so you don't have to. Enjoy your Christmas shopping and make sure you get your S.O. and family to take firm notice of the list above!

All looks can be found here

#WantItWednesday (26/11/14)

It has been a really, really long time since I have updated this page and for that; I do apologise. I had been in the process of moving house and found, over the last few weeks I had been preoccupied with paint swatches, sofas and the actual move to think about my usual lust for all things cute, fashionable and grey.  

So… for my first #WantItWednesday in forever; I thought I would go for a super good one. These beauties from Jeffrey Campbell are something I NEED to have in my life. I am a big fan of Campbell’s vertiginous and witty shoes and these are no exception. 

Having collaborated with another one of my favourite guilty obsessions, Hello Kitty the ubiquitous Barclay has been given an awesome update in honour of her 40th birthday. These are the most wearable of the collection which could have so easily fallen into the cutesy saccharine (I will not pretend I am not a fan of that however) colour palette the character is famous for. These go with everything and then some. 

I would style these with a heavy knit jumper, and oversized shirt and a pair of cuffed boyfriend style jeans, an easy and casual outfit.

For all of you Hello Kitty obsessives these are perfect for you to declare your love for the character; without looking like a Harajuku Princess wannabe. 

In honour of Ms White’s (yes, I know her back-story) birthday I have also listed a few other items that would be perfect for a fellow obsessive that doesn't want to scream it from the rooftops:

1. Wrap Bracelet & Charm Necklace, Chan Luu 

2. Long Charm Figurine Necklace, Swarovski


3. Hello Kitty Memopad

If you do want to scream your obsession from the rooftops, I have this for you.

You can get flights from Paris to Taipei; start saving now, I am!

you can book here

That’s all for now, all looks can be found here.   

#WantItWednesday (24/09/14)

You are probably more than aware now that I am a fan of rose gold. It's warm, luxurious & glamorous without being flashy or ostentatious, the perfect hue for everyday wear. 

I am also a big fan of bracelets and bangles. I'm often adorned with massive amounts of arm candy, in addition to my beloved watch. So if there is one that I can wear everyday and it not look affected; then I'll sit up and take notice. 

This bracelet from Sho London is one of those bracelets. The Pop Bracelet range is an amazing collection of easy & interchangeable bracelets. They come in a variety of colours, metals and hues; my favourites are the rose gold variety.  

I love these because they are a perfect for a casual wardrobe and made for stacking; without feeling like you are pretending to be a grown up and doesn't weigh you down. 

With the seasons changing; have collated a list of looks, perfectly suited to these amazing pieces and the colder weather. 

These and the bracelets are perfect for lazy days in the pub or multiple brunches.  They are just amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on all of them! 

Get the looks here

#WantItWednesday (17/09/24) NYFW/LFW Breakdown

I have been rather preoccupied for the last few weeks or so as I have been up to my neck in fashion week, amongst other things. So I thought, in lieu of my usual #WantItWednesday I would look at and review my comprehensive list of #Wants from NYFW and LFW.

I love this time of year. Summer is over and you are inundated with parties, trends and most importantly fashion! You find out what in your wardrobe you can carry forward to spring (because, SAVINGS!) and what you will need to quietly retire for a throwback in a couple of seasons' time (or throwaway).

I'm happy that overalls, dungarees and loose fits were a firm favourite at NYFW a particular favourite of mine is this beauty from Alice + Olivia. Prints were bold and striking. Co-Ords are (thankfully) ever present; 

I am not yet ready to give mine up yet either.

Pastels (especially coral) will continue to run through from AW to SS, which will help you to save those all important pennies.

The comforting and chicest of fashion colours; browns, camels and creams (not particularly summery, but whatever) were all over The Row.

Silhouettes were loose and almost medieval, a look that perfectly encapsulates the Olsen Twins aesthetic and I think that's probably why I love it so much! This was a particular favourite of mine. 

I was a huge fan of the details seen on Proenza Schouler. The handbags were prim & proper and the sandals were a strong look, one I just might copy 

(as a non sandal wearer, this is a REVELATION!) 

As a born and bred Londoner, I think I am most impressed with the offerings LFW had to offer. 

Stripes were EVERYWHERE and I for one, could not be happier. This cape from Giles is certainly on my want list, I would make this an casual masterpiece with a pair of light skinny jeans and a pair of plimsolls. 

Pastels were ever present in this excellent and I am surprised that I love this rather grown up collection that exudes fun and frolics in the brief moment of summer we get here. 

One of my faves, Mary Katrantzou stepped away from the bold and striking patterns is best known for this season and produced a sombre collection that better reflects the incliment weather we have become accustomed to. The collection was a rather moody affair, which I for one, loved. There were definite elements of the Pastel Goth that I have yet to get my head around, but no doubt will be covered in soon. A particular favourite of mine were the trousers seen here. I would love this with a pair of (my) nude heels and a slouchy, white T-shirt

While at Burberry Prorsum it was a much more light hearted affair. The skirts were ruffled and light and were edged up with denim and cropped jackets. 

The trench came in an array of fun and citrusy colours; a particular favourite of mine is the yellow that is 100% on my want list

Anya Hindmarch continued on with her irreverent charm and a wonderfully tongue in cheek collection. Tassels were ENORMOUS (I do love a big tassel :))  and the appliqués were graphic and eye catching that is all you could ever want in a handbag in my opinion.  

This was by far my favourite as it was chic enough to make you feel like you were being a good pretend grown up to others, but with enough sass and humour to make sure you didn't take yourself too seriously. 

I had been very impressed with what I have seen so far, and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on some (in my dream world all of them!) 

I'm off to submerge myself in MFW now... until next time! 

#WantItWednesday (03/09/14)

I have mithered on about the cold weather for a couple of weeks now, so it's only right that I start suggesting things that will keep you warm for the next few months. 

(and it's foggy this morning to add to my woes)

This Extra Large Tartan Scarf from Zara is something to get excited about for sure. 

I love a good scarf when it's cold and it can be the perfect autumnal accessory. 

I love the size of this, you could do your best Cara Delevingne impression with this, or weave this up and over a cocoon coat for your best nomadic impression. 

The colour on this is wonderfully on trend too. AW14 LFW was awash with brights, oranges & red to cast off (the feeling of it at least) the cold. 

If you aren't brave enough for a tangerine hue in your coat; this is an excellent nod to the trend without feeling like a total slave to fashion. 

(IMHO - nothing is wrong with that at all)

Saying that, this would also look AMAZING with my pick of AW14. 

I am totally okay with looking like a tangerine; if I feel fab I don't care and it will (mentally at least) make me feel like it's July. 

I for one wish this were in a few more colours; this is easily going to be my new favourite. Zara's large scarf offering last year was one I had just missed and I still regret it to this day. 

So get it while it's hot. You'll only regret it if you don't. Trust me. 

High Street Heroes: September

Another month, another round of my picks of high street staples so you don't have to do all the heavy lifting.

I have had all the time in the world over the last few weeks to thoroughly search the high streets, Westfield's and everywhere in-between to show you my favourites this month from the leaders of the pack. 

Topshop

Who says rompers aren't for the autumn?! Wear these with my favourite 150 denier tights and a shirt and you'll be 'A-OK' for autumn.

Zara

Because the weather is drawing in cover ups are needed and necessary. This Blazer is a wonderful addition to your wardrobe (as if you needed another excuse).

It's wonderfully casual and looks great with a pair of light skinny jeans an oversized t shirt. 

Next

I've already said, I'm a big fan of a good jumper, this one from next is perfect for late summer layering.

This would look great with a pair of skinny khakis and a pair of plimsolls. 

Autumnal Perfection!

Pretty Autumn Pastels 

I can't not write about my picks for the month and not discuss the onslaught of pastels for the AW14 season. Everyone has a good selection, including Primark! 

Here's a pick of my favourites!

       BooHoo Jumper                                                     Topshop Trench                          River Island Bowler

So those are my favourites on the high street for now. I will if course spend the next few weeks 'researching' just so you don't have to! 

Until next time! 

Get all these looks here

#WantItWednesday (30/07/14)

I don't claim to be tech savvy; I know my way round a computer and I get most things pretty quickly; some things however will always escape me (much like my Mother and her constant use of inappropriate emojis) but I cannot and will not get my head around one thing, music on phones. For me it has to be a separate entity from my phone otherwise I get all kinds of Skynet feelings about how much my phone controls my life and what it knows about me; it gives me the John Connor Chills. So despite my fully functioning 32g iPhone 5c being in one pocket,  I resolutely carry my iPod, covered with stickers and filled with the bands of my youth (and their umpteen live recordings) in the other and I feel like headphones should be weighty enough to justify carrying a seperate device, without me having to explain it. 

Music is important to me, not because I'm a music lover, but because I am a Londoner. I, (like most commuting Londoners) am of the opinion that, If you are on the tube and you haven't something jammed into or over your ears I will assume you haven't mastered the art of 'avoiding all manner of human interaction before 9am & after 5pm" mentality that has been ingrained in us since birth. You and I both know and that you need saving; or you are going to be accosted by the obligatory crazy person sat opposite you on the tube. Just in case you do, these amazing headphones   from Friends are an excellent and beautiful way to be saved.

How can you not love these headphones?! These Layla Headphones are beyond a work of art. They are shiny (I must be part magpie, I swear) and in my favourite hue of the moment rose gold. I certainly didn't think rose gold could be improved upon but adding white leather is an ingenious idea that makes me kick myself because I didn't think of it first.

They are spectacular, they are designed of course, to enhance your already fabulous wardrobe. The trouble I'm finding is that I want to replace my entire wardrobe to enhance these headphones! You will definitely feel amazing when your head is wedged firmly between the pages of the Metro at 8am, even if you don't feel all that awake. 

If you'd rather blend in than buy a new wardrobe. Have no fear, there are equally stylish and less obvious headphones for you to avoid the crazies. These amazing minimalist headphones from Urbanears are the ones for you. My favourite style form this crazily popular brand are the Plattan, a simple, classic & flexible style that can fold down into the size of a fist and fit comfortably in a larger Handbag (really, is there any other kind) or backpack. These are sleek and minimalist. I am particularity taken with the colour-block throughout the headphones, especially the Slate Grey. I think this is why I love them so much. 

Don't get me wrong; these all work wonderfully, both sets of headphones possess amazing noise cancelling technology to really block the sound of the raving lunatic out. Aside from my John Connor Chills. Both Sets of Headphones are all compatible with your phone (although in the Layla's case it's only compatible with the iPhone) 

So there you have it, go forth and avoid the crazies in style! I certainly will!

I am sure you'll agree that urbanears were right when they said You won’t know how you made it this long without it. Here, Here!

#WantItWednesday (27/08/14)

 I am in an awful mood. Summer is truly over, a fact I cannot and will not accept and the wind is starting to creep in along with the spiders (another reason to be put in a foul mood). 

I have started to re-evaluate my wardrobe, haul the winter coats out and invest in more high denier tights, the one small consolation for the cold.

This Tartan Tunic from New Look is the answer to all of my Winter prayers.

I am and will always be a fan of tartan and I am in love with the cut of this tunic. It can be dressed up or down and will look excellent with a pair of super thick tights.

How can you not want this?! 

This looks amazing with my favourite shape of coat, cocoon and looks just as amazing with a pair of heels as it does with a pair of converse and that's no mean feat, especially with my winter essential; 150 denier tights in the blackest shade of morose black. 

So I guess this has cheered me up a little, but not as much as the second coming of Summer would.


All Looks can be found here

Lacquer Up: Negative Nails

I have seen a lot of negative nails in the blogosphere of late.

Merricures       One Nail To Rule Them All    Nail That Accent

So I thought, for this lacquer up I would do my best, easy interpretation of a negative nail for you all to try. 

I have done a simple, diagonal negative nail on my first try as I haven't the steadiest of hands. 

In order to make sure the line is clean, I have used surgical tape to ensure a straight line.

Surgical tape is my new, best nail art friend. It's cheap and easy to use and can be cut and shaped with a pair of manicure scissors incredibly easily. Just like the manicure strips that I have written about before if you are wearing another colour underneath make sure the polish is bone dry before applying the tape. You will ruin your under polish otherwise. If you have time, put your base colour on the day before for the best results.

I applied my base coat and allowed to dry before adding the tape in the direction I wanted it to go. Once I was happy with it I applied my first layer of polish. 

I left to dry and applied another coat. Here I am using Ciaté's Mink, this needs a couple if layers for the colour to really shine through. 

This is now a discontinued colour, a similar colour that will work work their range is Cream Soda. 

Leave to dry completely. If not you'll end up with a jagged line, like one of my failed attempts 

Once dry, peel the tape of and apply a quick topcoat. I have added a couple of metal nail art hearts that I found on Amazon. I bought these to add interest to my manicure because it is a bank holiday carnival weekend and I have gone a little nail appliqué crazy since my last post; it's a simple and fun and easy addition to nails that require minimum effort. 

I completed with a more thorough layer of a high shine topcoat.

It's super easy and I will definitely persevere with it. I like how modern this looks, this can be formalised for a job interview; the colour above works well for that (above sans appliqué hearts obviously) or you could make it fun by slicking on a neon colour like Model's Own Toxic Apple. All winners in my opinion.

Go on, bag yourself some surgical tape and get negative!