SHOPPING WISH LIST

 

The above are all on my shopping wish list at the moment. The jacquard coat is from Zara and would be pure perfection with ankle grazing denim and ballet flats for the move into Spring. The stripe top and simple leopard heels are both Topshop - stripes speak for themselves (we always need more) - but the leopard heels would be such a great addition for evening drinks. ESPECIALLY with some ripped denim (these are Topshop too) and a simple top, like, say, this white Whistles one? Last but not least, I'd love to get some Klorane dry shampoo in my cupboard. I've always known it's not wise that I wash my hair every day and so need to get involved in this dry shampoo malarky. I am not a fan of Batiste - too powdery, too scented. I'm told this one is the bees knees though.

 

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NEW: INITIAL NECKLACE

I've got a to-do list today which is as long as my arm, but I wanted to take a few seconds to share what arrived in the post this morning. 

I've long been a fan of delicate gold jewellery, and Etsy is by FAR the best place to find the delicate gold jewellery of one's dreams. I discovered Bijoux by Desi F whilst trawling through one of my favourite blogs - What I Bought Today by Anneli Willis. I recently ordered this little number and was overjoyed when I saw the little package sitting on the mat this morning. 

I have always liked the idea of initial necklaces, but kept my distance because of my slightly unfortunate initial. Any other initial actually looks like an initial (except maybe 'I') but 'O'... looks like a circle. However, I decided to put these reservations to one side and make the purchase. I'm not about to change my name and my obsession with this necklace wasn't going anywhere! I'm very glad I did  - it is a beautiful necklace and I'm sure it will become one of my most worn. 

Find Bijoux by Desi F on Etsy here.

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NEW PRODUCTS: JANUARY

I wanted to share a few new products that I've been enjoying lately. They've become key players on my dressing table and frankly the old guard have been throwing them more than a few bitter glances. As well they might, they're not going anywhere. I'm pretty smitten. 

Aveda Damage Remedy & Aveda Phomollient: I invested in these two products after visiting Taylor Taylor salon on Commercial Street in London. I had a lovely hair cut there recently - they listened to what I was hoping to get from my appointment and offered genuinely useful styling advice. These Aveda numbers were used during my visit to give my struggling ends a helping hand (damage remedy) and provide the hold needed to maintain a few loose waves (Phomollient). They smell lovely and actually do what they say they will. Something that seems increasingly rare! I've never been a fan of mousses and products designed to 'hold' - they normally see me frantically reaching for a shower and some shampoo, so desperate am I to get rid of that stiff, crispy feeling! But there are no such worries with this mousse. It gives just enough hold to fine hair, without weighing it down and making it dull and over-styled looking. Definitely not crispy. No sir-y.

Jo Malone Body Creme and Cologne: I've got quite the Jo Malone obsession, I can't lie. The black ribbon, the cream boxes. It's almost too much to take isn't it? Recently I've been enjoying the Blackberry & Bay body creme (a Christmas gift) and the English Pear & Freesia cologne - a beautiful scent that just seems to get better as the day goes on. I love it layered with Nectarine Blossom & Honey cologne too. 

Nude Pro Genius Treatment Oil and Radiant Day Moisturiser: I'd heard pretty good things about Nude and was thus pretty keen to try the brand out. I bought these two in a gift set from Space NK in order to try them out without enduring the knock on effect upon my ability to pay rent that comes with buying full-size versions. I'm glad I did - they're just so nice. I can genuinely see a difference the morning after using the treatment oil, and one drop is perfect for boosting the day moisturiser whenever you feel your skin needs that something extra. I use 3 drops each evening and maybe a drop or two more for a mini-facial from time to time. The day moisturiser doesn't feel at all heavy but seems to give my skin the moisture it needs for the day and provides a good base for make up. I can honestly say I don't think I'd be without the treatment oil now though - it is perfection.

Are there any products you've been trying recently that you now wouldn't be without?

Aveda Damage Remedy, Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam, Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia, Blackberry & Bay Body Creme, Nude Natural Radiance Set

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A BIT OF CHOO

 

I have a confession to make, and it involves this rather dazzling little Jimmy Choo number.

I'd taken on a losing battle of lust over sense after seeing it on Natalie of Canned Fashion and Alex of The Frugality in neon yellow and champagne respectively. When I spotted it in an online sale I knew it had to be. Few other items have brought such joy upon entering my wardrobe - she's just so darn cheerful. That mightn't be written on my face in the first photo - rest assured I was playing it cool.

I'd originally hoped to pair the clutch with this ensemble and my Marant sneakers (note how they sit sadly off to the side - please ignore the slippers, I'm suitably mortified they've made it in) but I have an inkling that Isabel probably didn't intend them for snow and so this weekend I ended up reaching for my trusty biker boots instead.

This didn't inhibit a little bit of prancing around in them before admitting defeat when faced with leaving the house.

All in all the Candy clutch is proving to be one of those lovely, unexpected purchases. Spur of the moment and a little bit mad, but thoroughly enjoyable. Although it is most often touted as an evening bag, I'll be using it mostly in the day time to offset an otherwise simple outfit. I'd be mad not to!

I'm wearing: Accessorize bobble hat, Topshop coat and Leigh jeans, Report Jude biker boots or Isabel Marant Bazil sneakers, Whistles Agatha cashmere jumper and silver Jimmy Choo Candy clutch.

 

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MARANT FOR SALE

Just a quick post to let you know that I'm selling my Etoile Monty jacket on eBay. I know, I know, it's awfully sad to be letting it go, but I was trying it on the other evening and came to the conclusion that it doesn't fill me with joy every time I wear it. It just doesn't suit me as well as I'd like it to. So, I'm manning up to the reality and passing it on! 

If you're interested in placing a bid for the little fellow (it is a size 36) you will find it here.

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Image: Net-A-Porter

NEW STUDDED SHOES

I don't know about you, but I've been lusting after a certain pair of Valentino studded flats for AGES. They are perfection, ain't no doubt about it. But perfection comes at a price. A hefty price. So step up the ever-reliableTopshop and their Maisy flats: a homage to the most beautiful flats going (get them here). Yes I fully accept they aren't the same, but they try their very hardest and I am more than happy to welcome them into the fold. 

Here I am frolicking in my new shoes. I have no photographer at the mo - cue grainy photos with irritating phone-blocking-much-of-the-shot detailing. 

I'm sporting these lovely shoes with Topshop waxed black Leigh jeans and denim jacket and a Whistles cashmere jumper.

Oh and P to the S... this outfit would look sweet with the Jimmy Choo Candy glitter clutch I'm currently spending every waking minute lusting after. 

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FESTIVE INSTAGRAM DIARY

Today just seems like one of those days when trying to work is a feat akin to climbing Ben Nevis. So I thought putting together a little blog post diarising the festive period would make me feel a smidgen more productive than sitting at my desk, tapping my pencil every now and then until enough time has passed to warrant making another cup of earl grey. I'm painfully aware I've been neglecting my blog far too much and hope to rectify this very soon!

It has been a lovely few days: Christmas and my birthday at home before taking the train up to Scotland for Hogmanay. I haven't included any New Year's Eve photos in this collection though, I'm hoping to dedicate a post to the evening over the next few days. 

As you can see, I believe in wearing your cracker hat from the minute it is retrieved from its cardboard home until as close to the end of Christmas day as humanly possible. I try to force my belief upon everyone else, with mixed results. 

From left to right, top to bottom: Muppet Christmas Carol, ugly but delicious homemade mince pies, presents under the tree, our venue for New Year's Eve in Scotland (more on that to follow), beautifully wrapped presents if I say so myself, our Christmas table, and what I discovered under the tree: ASOS earrings, Whistles cashmere and Jo Malone.

I hope you had a brilliant Christmas and New Year! 

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