KATE BOSWORTH

After seeing these two pictures of Kate Bosworth, I am resigned to re-focus my efforts on more minimalist dressing. She does it so incredibly, inspiringly well:

I also have two other aims... A PS11 and Isabel Marant Dicker boots. Will Net-A-Porter get the boots back in stock?! If not I've tracked down a pair in Australia. 

As for the PS11? That will have to wait until funds allow! I have finally accepted that the Mulberry Alexa is not for me. I bought it after my Shimmy bit the dust and as Mulberry couldn't repair it they gave me vouchers to replace the bag. This was during the height of Alexa-gate and, I admit, caught up in the excitement and the thrill of securing one from only the second delivery, I bought one. It wasn't one of those considered, saved for and lusted after purchases that leads to a bag for life. And, with aforementioned funds being as they are, it seems silly not to sell it on to a deserving home via eBay. If all goes to my optimistic plan, the extra dollar made from the sale will go towards this little beaut. One day. 

Pictures from: Outfit Identifier and Cool Spotters

OFF ON HOLIDAY

Just starting to pack for a trip to Spain early on Friday morning. Off to work and then straight to Gatwick to stay over in a no doubt rather basic hotel close to the airport in preparation for the dawn flight! 

Being a Winter Sun break (can you tell I've been enjoying saying that little phrase to people?) I have yet to really add into my summer wardrobe from last year so I'll be taking along my trusty Zara denim shorts, a selection of basic tees from Topshop and Reiss, stripey tops from APC, Petit Bateau and H&M and jeans and khaki skinny trousers from Topshop too. Basics and repetitions aside, there are a few new bits and pieces that will be seeing the Spanish sun - my glittery Anya Hindmarch clutch for the evenings, a lovely Topshop silk kimono jacket and, best of all, two new swimming costumes from... Topshop again. 

From L-R: Liberty make-up bag, Mason Pearson hair brush, Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint cologne, Urban Outfitters hat, Topshop kimono, Zara Shorts x 2, Topshop jeans and khaki trousers, Anya Hindmarch Valorie clutch, Reiss grey tee, others (just seen) Topshop, APC striped long sleeve tops, Topshop swimsuits x 3, Converses, Office gladiators and... Passport!

Last summer the cut of the costumes didn't really work for me - despite being short waisted (a family blight no less) I found their swim suits were just too short in the body, hitching embarrassingly high at the front and deriere and arrestingly low at the front. But this time round they are perfect and I was overjoyed to pick up this floral number and polka dot offering on a recent trip of Sir Green's empire. They've got cut outs at the back which add that edge that one misses when not wearing a bikini. And how perfect is the pink lining?! 

MARILYN JUMPER

image from Zimbo
I am rather a big fan of Rachel Bilson's everyday style. (It was she no less who is to blame for my past purchase of a certain (much loved) 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Bow Bag.)

It is off the red carpet, on trips to the supermarket, a cafe or filling up her car with gas that she provides style inspiration by the bucket load. 

I can spend almost an evening looking for that elusive styling secret hidden somewhere in the simplicity of her outfits. Sometimes I think I find it in a subtle but luxe element. She is known for her bag choices - a dose of Chanel, 3.1 Phillip Lim or Isabel Marant and sometimes labeless, hard to track down beauties (remember the little bottle green bag?) or a well cut jean (Citizens of Humanity's Avedons) or her ever near Wayfarers. But I am never quite sure.

I found this picture over the bank holiday weekend of Rachel at LAX (good lord I feel I'm beginning to sound frightfully stalker-ish - seemingly tracking her every move at airports and gas stations across the globe.)

image from Zimbo

The jumper and jeans are entirely about comfort, finished off with some wedged tan ankle boots for a little added height - but even these do not give the outfit a dressed up look, they just look comfortably right.

It is the jumper that speaks to me most though, the turned up cuffs are my favourite touch. The cream chunky knit is a Gerard Darel number, and none other than the iconic 'Marilyn' style. It could be yours or mine for a mere £135. Lovely with jeans a la Miss Bilson, or leather skinnies. 

http://www.gerarddarel.com/en/product/LP183-L371-0012/Sweater

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Alas 2010 is over! I am not one for New Years Eve, Christmas is much more my time of year! So I thought I'd share a few of my favourite things from the festive period.


A lovely glittery clutch that I have had my eye on for some time now, a beautiful pea pod bracelet, some much needed Nigella and a crisp and delicious new perfume for the year ahead. I'm hideously fickle when it comes to perfume, but I've discovered Christmas is the best time of year for me to welcome a new one in to the fold - it becomes the scent of a lovely time of year and then a fresh start for the year ahead!

Anya Hindmarch blue glitter clutch, Jo Malone Jasmine and Mint Cologne, Alex Monroe Pea Pod bracelet and Nigella Lawson's Kitchen.