Pink Eyed

Ugh Bank Holiday with the irrational yet compulsory need to go crazy and make the most of an additional 24hrs. Fun though. This weekend I once again got out my old favourite pink eyeshadow..this favourite from MAC (posthaste) is almost red and is really striking on the eye. There is something about the colour that is a little freaky and uneasy; a college once told me my eyes looked 'infected' when I wore the shade to work and though I feigned a offense, I can see what she meant! The bright hue mimics cried out eyes, or something a little manic- this is the very reason why I wear it! It adds a little 'edge' to your look.

There are (hopefully) no pictures of last nights house party pink look, but I have scoured my archieves and found this old picture. Here I blended with brown, it looks extra weird when applied around the inner corner of the eye and a little along the lower lash line...

The other night Bianca borrowed the same colour and went for a full lid of pink with some strong black eyeliner for an 80s ish look.

Arcadia Bloggers Event

Yesterday Jeanie and I went to the Arcadia bloggers event. Held in their Oxford St Head office it was chance to see the new collections from Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Evans. On arrival we grabbed a chilled glass of white and began fawning over the clothes; there was a photo booth set up in the room and it then dawned on us that we could try on the clothes for a mini photo shoot. I was very excited.

We joined the other bloggers rummaging through rails for an outfit to 'model', I was edging towards the white, nudey lacy things only to be pulled away by Jeanie as I 'always wear things like that'. True. I settled upon a glittery mini dress with super shoulders, rather optimistically as the dress was a size too small. I got it on, though the length was perhaps indecent and even found a sequined beret to replace my beloved black beanie! Jeanie went for shoulder padded with beading- basically we were all about the shoulders. The result?

It was such a fun evening; it was lovely to meet all the faces behind the blogs and Arcadia were really generous with wine and canapes! It is a genius idea to let people actually interact with the clothes as opposed to simply looking at them on the rail- modern marketing at its best, I'm sure many other will follow suit. We were also given a memory stick with all the pictures to take home with us (hello Facebook) which was a nice treat. My only regret is not shoving my feet into the leopard print Ashish wedges, but apparently they are still on sale so who knows how frivolous I may be after pay day?

The Outtakes:

Behind The Scenes:

( I love this jumper, it has a pom pom hood)

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Doc Martens Pop Up Store Launch

There were shiny boots in abundance and cold beer in moderation last night at the launch of the new Doc Martens pop up store in Spitalfields market. Yep, another pop up store, it seems the thing to do now days and with their faultlessly fashionable collection and central location Doc Marten are sure to make big bucks in the duration of their East London residence.

I love the new heeled range, especially these pretty black boots.

Jeanie was enamored by these mahogany shiny loafers

We both wanted these creeper creepy mock croc lace ups.

Almost more impressive than the shoes was the impeccably dressed crowd! Pink eyeshadow, visor glasses and silver brogues (and that was just the men) all vied for attention in the small glassy store. Perhaps word got out that Mark Hunter of The Cobrasnake fame would be in attendance, there was no chance of his lens pointing my way as I was in my post-work granny get up. I even avoided my own camera!

Other snaps:

Seeing Skulls

'To be, or not to be: that is the question' asked Hamlet gazing at the skull of Yorik; recently I asked myself the same question, also with skull in hand- a skull print cardigan.

I'm not sure if I am alone in the impulse buying; I think I have a style, I go into the shop and pick out things similar to what I already own, white lace, drapey black, Victoriana are words that catogorise most of my wardrobe. But very occasionally I will be strangely drawn to something way outside my comfort zone, something that I don't know why I like, but I like a lot. Enter the skull cardigan...

I was shopping for a birthday present in Spitalfields market when I spotted the offending item. It hung low on a rack in amongst cheap dresses and strappy tops. I walked past it and found I had reached out to touch the sleeve; coming to my senses I whipped my hand away and continued on my journey. 'What am I an emo?! I don't think so' I rationalised. I bought my friend a necklace, I had a coffee, and yet still there were skulls swimming in my mind. I felt like I needed the cardigan. I sheepishly returned to the stall, tried it on in a fluster and handed over the cash before scurrying away clutching the blue plastic bag to my chest.

The deed was done, the skulls were home. I tried convince myself I was too old and too wise for such a teenage angsty garment but I did still like the cardigan, I even liked the pleather elbow patches! Now it has had a few outings, and not caused as much controversy as I feared. It may be wrong for a conscientious 22yr old to step out looking like Avril Lavigne, but I don't think I care too much. In fact I recommend that everyone buy that rouge item that takes your fancy, if something inside says 'yes' then it is definitely to be.

The Grass is Always Greener

I was reading on Pretty Face about the 'shopping guilt'. I experienced this terrible aliment for quite some time now. Where as in the past exchanging or getting a refund on a purchase was a rare occurrence, these days about 50% of what I buy I end up taking back. This is mainly due to the new thrifty necessity of purchasing rationally. That mad Topshop dash at 9pm after work no longer blends into my wardrobe but rather glows furiously on the bank statements. Do I really need it? How often will I wear it? How much do I really like it? are all questions that haunt me as I stare with horror at the hole in my finances. Sadly, when being truthful you realise that wanting something is different to needing it, and the frantic search for crumpled receipts begins, to return the offending items.

Such a case occurred recently, after the seemingly sensible purchase of some summer sandals. With London temperatures soaring, the sweaty tube demanded that my feet be released from boots into something cooler so I bought accordingly. Then, days later a monsoon descended upon the city leaving me staring at the so called neccessary sandals.




No, they were now rendered useless! Rather than keeping the air circulating they would only serve as rain traps. I took them back to Office and spent a considerable amount of time trying on alternative pairs. I got terribly stressed trying to sort out the shoes I would get most wear out of, between those that I actually liked. The poor sales boy in the Carnaby St. store made a comment on the number of times he had to go up and down the stairs to fetch fresh pairs in different sizes (I'm in between 6 and 7- awkward). It got to the point where I was sat with a pool of mix matching shoes at my feet, still none the wiser of what I wanted; the sales guy said that often women come in and try 30 pairs on and don't by anything, he wasn't saying that I was like that, just that it was annoying. He then went on to wage a bet, he would give me £1 if I bought the most recent pair he fetched, if I didn't buy them I would owe him £1. I agreed and luckily the next pair seemed a good match.
I bought them and the sales boy shiftily dropped two 50ps into my bag as I left the shop- I told him not to bother but he insisted! Unfortunately when I got home I changed my mind again, the style is too smart for one with a job that does not require smart dress. I didn't dare return to Carnaby Street and swapped them for some boots at the Commercial Street store...

Are we getting more indecisive or simply more thrifty? I decided to wear the newest boots to Tesco immediately as the marked soles will prevent me getting any more exchanging ideas.

Just Call Me Mary Poppins

This is inspired by many similar 'What's in my bag?' posts that I've seen on other blogs. Being of a nosy nature I really enjoy the snoop into other peoples bags, as - like most girls- I literally carry my life my your bag! Most of the posts I've viewed however, set out sensible standards and possessions that one may require in a day; the images line up all the pretty bag contents with pride and the accompanying text verifies each item and its use.

This got me thinking about the contents of my own bag; I lug this monstrosity everywhere with me, to work and back, and more often and not in a large lap around Soho/ East London as I meet friends after work. My bag is always heavy, and I can never find anything in it. What is actually in there?!

What's 'in there' is this:

To summerise I had been carrying around:

Hayfever tablets, paracetamol, Oyster card, a pen, house keys, an ipod, eel skin purse, Chanel powder compact, french strawberry chewing gum, a Euro, a Loveheart sweet (?!), grey eyeshadow, 3 x plumping lipgloss, mascara, 2 x lipbalm, nail file, mini deodorant, 2 half full bottles of water, a pair of socks, an asthma pump, sunglasses case, lighter, Primark sunglasses, an umbrella, White Teeth by Zadie Smith, African jewellery (present from sis), a woolly beanie, a Harry Potter ruler, Disneyland map, shopping lists and a compact camera (took pic with it!)

No wonder my bag was heavy! After taking this photo I considered scaling back the contents, but then I paniced, what if my feet are cold in work? What if I have an impropmtu party to attend and need to sort out my face? What if it rains? What if I'm stuck somewhere bored and want to read? Just maybe there is a reason why I carry all those things around, and I am undoubtedly prepared for most situations. I did throw away the Love Heart sweet though.

What is actually in your bag?

New Necklace

I received this Vivienne Westwood necklace from my good friend Anne. We know each other through university though we never really spoke when we there (I didn't really speak to anyone). It's a miracle we are friends - contact was forged after a terribly tragic event, but I'm glad we finally spoke properly with cocktails and life tales in Soho.

This necklace is so pretty and the perfect compliment to my monotone wardrobe. Anne also reminded me that the Dame herself wore massive red platform heels to our graduation ceremony! I hope to be as fabulous at that age. Sorry for the ratty hair in this image!

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Make Me the Next Model Final

Being a massive fan of America's Next Top model, I was particularly excited to get an invite to the cleverly named 'Make Me the Next Model' final. The competition was run via Facebook and invited the public to send in photos in hope of being chosen to model in the Next Directory; we attended the final, where the shortlisted 50 strutted their stuff on the catwalk before the winner was announced.

The location was the Old Billingsgate market which served as London's famous fish market for well over a 100 years. I have been on many river cruises with my gran when she visits, and we always pass the impressive building which is right on the south bank. The tour guides always say that it took 20 years for the smell of fish to leave the market after its relocation in 1982. I love that fact and retorted it to Kate many times on the journey; I can report with pleasure that all traces of fish are now absent from this beautiful events venue.

After a glass or wine or two we were seated for the catwalk show; as seasoned Living TV regulars, Kate and I took up the role of Tyra and enjoyed 'judging' each candidate as they sidled down the runway
'He is SO Comme Des Garcons'
'Maybe too high fashion for catalogue'
Etc Etc

The real judging was left down to a perhaps more unbiased by boy cheekbones panel containing Lonneke Broadribb (Men's Division of Select), Pat Crouch (Art Director of Next Directory), Emanuella De Paula (Face of Next) and Simon Wolfson (Next Chief Executive)

As the judges deliberated, dance act Flawless took to the stage. I watched Britain's Got Talent and was quite excited! Their act was really very impressive, the coordination of these guys really is..uh flawless?

With the name in the envelope, the winners were announced by Alisha Dixon and Paul Sculfor. The winning girl was Kiren Modi who has the most incredible long dark hair and the winning boy was Dan Clark. Apparently they are already in NY filming a Next commercial...

After the congrats and photos, the party began, Kate and I took a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine and sat out on the terrace to view the lights of London and have a good gossip. We later found a stack of gossip magazines to enjoy before supping the final cocktail and trotting back to East London via Addison Lee (treat time). A very enjoyable evening, Tyra would be proud.

Here are my slightly less professional photographs, I am beggining to curse my compact camera!

(What Kate wore)


(Dress a little Peaches G for my liking?)


(Hannah of London Rose and friend Sam)

Evening Stats

Drinks : Wine and verrrry sweet tropical juice and vodka cocktails

Food: Little bowls containing pasta, salad, sausage and mash etc. Pudding canapes (hurrah!)

Music: I think pop/RnB but was sat outside for most of it so can't be sure

Entertainment: Air hockey and pool tables

Celeb Spot: Lots of pretty and stylish Select models, and Nicki from Big Brother?!

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Clinique City Block

When it comes to summer, I am a bit of a vampire. A hint of streaming sunlight sees me covering up my shoulders and donning a wide brimmed hat. This was not always the case, but after summers trying to tan and failing, after being mocked by grandads who were purple with sunstroke (Antigua 2006) I decided to embrace the goth and stay as pale as possible. To look like I was pale with a purpose, rather than the sad truth of having sun resistant legs.

I am particularly keen to keep a pale face and after a disaster with some Loreal 'Face' sunscreen I was eager to try out this Clinique City Block Sheer. I niftily managed to slip it in mother's shopping basket amongst her duty free Toberlones and brandy, and have used it a few times since.

The Lowdown
This product is designed to be worn as a makeup primer, and its oil free base is actually perfect for this task. When used under foundation it manages oily spots whilst also smoothing out dry patches, great for combination girls like myself.

I have also worn it alone for the past few days. It has a hint of colour to it so if you are looking for something to even out your skin tone naturally its a nice alternative to more greasy tinted moisturisers. Although the colour is quite sheer, I still found it a little dark for my pale skin and there were some patches to be rubbed in when I got to work and looked in the cruelly luminous mirror. That being said, most people wouldn't have a problem with the colour and I had just slapped it on in a rush.

The verdict?
It's great to have such high SPF in a product that is designed for the face; it is also very reasonable (around £10) which is unusual for SPF products. There is also a Clinque 'Super City Block' which is SPF 50, and I might well go for that one after I finish this tube.

Has anyone else found any good face products with a high SPF? I'm always on the look out!

Wool and the Gang

I don't open Net A Porter newsletters these days,they are yet another reminder of my poverty and the fact I CANNOT AFFORD NICE THINGS! However, last week these Wool and the Gang knitting kits popped up though, the packaging and concept is really cute! This pack contains 'all you need' to make a scarf and there are others that make up gloves, hats and waistcoats. My Mum forced me to learn knitting over Christmas, and I became really obsessed for a week or two and sat in bed furiously clacking away at a 'scarf' so I immediately pricked my ears up at this email and visited the site.

Don't get too excited though, at £69 these kits are not for commoners like me...I'm not sure how one justifies that sum for a ball of wool, pattern and needles, best head down to the local wool shop, or even better nab some supplies from a mother or Gran!