NEW FRIENDS

Left top to bottom: Links of London, Dana Levy, Lucy Folk, Dana Levy, Links of London; Middle: Sandro, Topshop, Repetto; Right: Phoebe Coleman, Aamaya by Priyanka

I must admit I do not have much of a way with accessories. Simplicity always seems so much more appealing and much more "me". Of course I make an exception for delicate gold jewellery and in the last few days I've been taking tentative steps into ring territory too - with a thinner than thin gold ring from June Designs on Etsy and an equally skinny diamante rings from Accessorize. 

But lately I seem unable to resist the charms of friendship bracelets. It started last summer when I discovered Lucy Folk, and is reignited on a nigh-on daily basis. I love how they look with delicate gold jewellery, piled two or three high, providing an unexpected pop of neon bright colour. 

Jak & Jil

I like friendship bracelets set against a backdrop of simplicity - a grey marl t-shirt or cashmere jumper, jeans and ballet pumps or suede boots. This way I feel like I stay the right side of chic instead of straying into (whisper it) emo-gap-year-student territory. 

THINGS I'M THINKING ABOUT

Clockwise: Acne jumper, APC jumper, Space NK, Bliss, Jo Malone, Topshop bikini, Aamaya by Priyanka jewellery at my-wardrobe.com, Topshop jacket, Isabel Marant sneakers

The bits and pieces that are currently skipping merrily around in my head. It's always interesting to make a note and see later down the line which were mere passing fancies, and which interests withstood the test of time. I don't think any of us are surprised at how fickle we can sometimes be when it comes to this kind of thing!

I must admit the Missoni Topshop bikini in the bottom right hand corner is already winging its way to me. Regular readers may know of my highfalutin Missoni swimwear ambitions, and this fits within them very nicely, at a fraction of the cost. Alongside the bikini I'm trying the little navy scalloped jacket. I fancy it might look rather chic with a slubby white tee, and light denim. 

The quest for delicate jewellery continues in earnest - the latest designs making the short list feature the hamsa and evil eyes - they'd be perfect for summer evenings. (Is it that time yet?!)

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TRAINERS WITH THE POWER TO DO BAD THINGS TO GOOD PEOPLE (POSSIBLY)

It does the soul good to obsess compulsively from time to time. 

Going through picture after picture of your latest squeeze, viewing it from every single tiny angle possible.

Hones the eye don't you think? Sieves out the non-starters, allows for refinement and ample time to revel in purchases that are NEVER. GOING. TO. HAPPEN. 

We all know that to which I refer. A a certain pair of ridiculous trainers with a certain in-built wedge.

They fall within that sort of inexplicable 'I think I might have to have those or I'll collapse' category. They make very little sense. If someone had said to me: 'Olivia - how d'ya fancy a wedged trainer in your wardrobe? VB looked pretty snazzy that time she wore a pair to hit the first ball at a baseball match didn't she?' I would have issued nothing less than a withering, withering glance in their direction. Such an idea sounds positively rank. 

And yet, and yet... Here we all are, desperate to make sense of our sudden desire for exactly such a shoe. (and Mrs Beckham is probably barely containing an 'I told you so'.)

I'm not a fan of the bigger Marant sneakers - whilst I very much enjoy seeing them on Miranda Kerr et al - I wonder if they exist in a territory and time zone that only the long and very willowy of leg should dare stray. 

I prefer the more casual look of the Betty (above), it somehow feels more genuinely Marant-esque than the other bigger, bolder designs it sitsalongside. I particularly love the way the laces bunch up at the front - doing all that 'effortless' work for the wearer. 

However. It is the side-on view that raises concerns for me. Can't argue with the front - but the side... worries me. It can look a little... chunky, no?

To illustrate this point I'm going to use Emma Watson:

       

See how the shoes look PERFECT from the front, but a little wrong from the side? Or is it just me?

Here's another another example:

Left: Everything one would avoid in a trainer, Right: Everything one would do anything required of to get one's mitts upon.

I'd be very interested to know what you think. These little fellows are doing the blog rounds at the moment and opinion seems somewhat divided. 

Passing fade or a shoe you'd see yourself wearing for years to come? 

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GOING DOTTY

Ever since I saw Laura of WITblog in her forest green dotty Topshop trousers in Paris, I was pretty despeardo to get my hands on a pair too. Sadly I failed, as did many others, and it was only last week that our prayers were answered with a new version in classic navy. 

Being rather vertically challenged, I was worried they would be too long, not that perfectly chic cropped length I was after. But they're just right, falling at the ankle and sitting high on the waist - which is exactly what I was after. 

Being so pleased with my snazzy new purchase, I responded to Laura's tweet asking for pictures from readers of her blog in their Topshop dots and was so pleased to be featured on her blog alongside other WIT fans looking lovely in their new trousers. 

I think I shall be wearing this outfit for a friend's birthday supper and drinks in a couple of weeks. It's a nice mix of casual and a little something special:

Topshop navy dotty trousers, American Apparel grey t-shirt, Anya Hindmarch clutch and Reiss heels.

IN RICHMOND PARK

I do love a blustery day. Here's what I wore on a trip to the one, the only... Richmond Park:

Gap parka, Topshop Jamie Jeans and trusty black Hunter wellington boots. Do excuse the lack of maquillage!!

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HELLO ANYA

I thought I should share one of my favourite Christmas/Birthday presents (yes my birthday falls but three days after Christmas and folk do like to combine the presents - woe is me). 

Because I now have to split my time between London and Devon I decided it would be jolly lovely to ease the transition with be-a-u-tiful travel accessories. I therefore dropped festive hints accordingly, as you do. 

This is the best wash bag going - brilliantly roomy (much bigger than you would think) with trademark organisational pockets on the inside. 

It means I can now throw my whole bathroom in without having to painstakingly funnel each and every product into mini plastic bottles before leaving the house. 

There were also a few lovely products in my Christmas stocking which will also find their way into the new wash bag of dreams. 

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Soap (not pictured), Chanel Pirate nail varnish (an early Christmas present to myself!), Aesop Fabulous Face Oil and Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner. 

A word on the leave in conditioner - it is brilliant, I urge you to try it. 

x

PARKA AND STRIPES

Just a quick outfit post from yesterday - Cos orange and stripe top, Topshop Jamie jeans and Isabel Marant Dicker boots.

Gap parka added for the London chill!

Not overly sure why I struck such a dainty pose, my apologies - but what can one do. 

I also recently sprinted out and purchased Chanel Pirate nail varnish after Emmy of Selective Memory's recommendation! It's rather lovely and my new favourite red shade.

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