I DO Like Mondays!

Now you may have guessed I like a bit of the ol' online shopping. My husband would consider it an addiction but that's another story. Well the other day I found another amazing store to add to my ever-growing list. I Don't Like Mondays is a cool new online boutique that has some of my favourite brands - Cheap Monday, Obesity and Speed etc - and many others which I have now fallen in love with! My particular fav's are Something Else with their Wolf Moon Tee, and Stolen Girlfriends Club Nude Tee is both hilarious and pure genius!

Another winner is their Gallery section, which showcases and sells one-of-a-kind pieces by designers and is definitely the place to go if you want something unique and edgy. Now where did I put my credit card..?!

Poisoned Arts

Here are some designs my husband and I worked on for our new design collaboration Poisoned Arts. We're hoping to get these on t shirts and cards and set up an online shop so if you like the style, keep checking back for details!

Small Head Syndrome

Hats never fit my small head, so I did a little jump for joy when I tried this one on from Rag and Bone and it fit perfectly! It's great for those bad hair days and for when I feel like "gezzering" it up. I'm on the hunt for some other colours so if anyone spots anything, give me a shout!

Rag and Bone Hat
Office Shoes
Topshop Boyfriend Blazer
American Apparel T Shirt

Kinky Boots

Here are some of my fav gladiator-esque shoes - wear with pretty summer dresses to toughen up any outfit.

From top to bottom:
YSL
Givenchy
Jeffrey Campbell
Dolce Vita
Candela
Oak
Acne Jeans

Winter Wonderland

Now that it's well and truly winter, all I seem to want to wear is dark, gothic-inspired clothes. Gone are the bright colours and floaty fabrics, in their place...black, black and more black! But wearing head-to-toe black can get a little boring so for me, like the true magpie I am, it has to have a little sparkle...

Xmas Wish List

STOP!...Hammer Pants Time!

These trousers are one of my favourite purchases of all time. I bought them from an H&M sale for £5 about 6 years ago, and I still love them! I've tried on a few similar styles in Zara as I'd love to get another pair in a different colour or fabric, but none have lived up to the originals I'm afraid.

It's a Family Affair

I had to give some post space to my very talented husband James, who has designed some really cool t-shirts. He's always loved illustrating and is hoping he can someday give up his boring day job (his words!) and draw full time. I think he could do it but then I guess I'm a little biased! All his designs are being sold on RedBubble so if you like what you see, then take a look.

Natural Woman

Links
Marni Dress £855
Office Boots £125
Golden Goose Boots £575
Celestina Clutch £980
Halston Boots £1095
Etro Dress £450
Tom Binns Cuff £540

Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend

What I'm Wearing:
H&M Anorak, Luella T-Shirt, Topshop Mini Skirt, Topshop Knee High Socks, Converse

Boot-aliscious!

Well I got the boots and I love them! They are so comfy and are my perfect winter boot. I'll wear them with bright tights and girly dresses, to punk up an outfit, or like below, with my skinny jeans and military cape, for a more masculine look.

What I'm wearing: Primark Cape, H&M Check Shirt, American Apparel Sweatshirt, Cheap Monday Jeans, Mulberry Bag and Dr Marten Pantent Boots.

Next Best Boots

Ok, so the Fendi boots that I posted about last week were a tad out of my price range at £375. Luckily the good people at Browns have come up with the next best thing. These Dr Marten patent boots are a snip at £75 and should be winging their way to me now which is very exciting! As soon as I get them on you'll be the first to know how they compare.

Pretty in Punk

Links
Topshop Trilby
Lanvin T-shirt
Topshop Leather Trousers
Jessica Kagan Cushman
Fendi Boots

Getting Shirty

I'm sorry it's been ages since my last post, I've been working on my online portfolio for the past few weeks and it has taken over my life! It's nearly done though, so I should be able to get some much needed blogging in I hope!

Below is a pic taken by The Style Scout on South Molten Street the other day. She gave me her card so I checked it out, and although I look a bit miserable, I'm loving the quality of the picture...so sharp and clear. Wish my pics could be like this!


Shirt: vintage, Shoes: Topshop, Hat: Miss Selfridge, Bag: Luella, Ring: Topshop, Belt: Urban Outfitters

Lovely Luella

Luella's Autumn/Winter '08 collection will be available at Urban Outfitters stores and online, in the next few weeks, and I will certainly be joining the queues to take a look. Even though I only work a few minutes from the Luella store on Brook Street, I'm not really a fan of visiting designer shops in general. I always feel like I have to wear my best outfit or be on my best behaviour. But at Urban Outfitters I can try on as many things as I like, for as long as I like, and if I don't want to buy anything, I won't be made to feel guilty...hooray!

Perfect Plaids

I seriously can't get enough of plaid at the minute, and looking at Topshop's AW 08 LookBook, neither can they! I haven't seen any of these in the Oxford Circus branch or on their website, but as soon as they make an appearance, they're mine!

Quick, Call The Lawyers!

One Gifted Guy

I absolutely love these from Maison Martin Margiela. Using a gift bow as detailing is such a simple idea, but it makes for some very unusual accessories indeed. The ring is my favourite, and will probably attract admiring, as well as confusing, looks from people. Which makes me love it even more!



Links
Maison Martin Margiela Wallet - £220
Maison Martin Margiela Ring - £125

Time For Neon

I haven't really embraced the whole neon trend, as I think it's best left to "da kids" - if you know what I mean. However, this range from Toy Watch could be about to convert me, with its shockingly bright flouro colours and chunky plastic loveliness. I could be tempted with the Atomic Orange, but knowing that the whole of East London will probably be donning these is enough for me to just say no.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

...Who is the fairest of them all? COS that's who! When I saw this in their shop the other day, I almost ran to the till in case anyone tried to grab it from me. Quite Marni-esque I think, and ideal for checking my lippy throughout the day too. What more could a girl ask for?!



Even my cat Iggy likes it!





I'm wearing:
American Apparel Hoodie and Dress, COS Necklace, Topshop Black Treggings and Givenchy Jelly Sandals

Geek Chic

I know some people may despise this trend, as black-rimmed glasses certainly don't suit everyone! But really - whats not to love? Girly florals, men's brogues and a dab of red lippy... my idea of heaven. Just wish that damn bank card of mine would agree!

Links
1. Tatty Devine Glasses Necklace - £22
2. Luella Cardigan - £135
3. Topshop Floral Print Blouse - £35
4. Luella Skirt - £140
5. Barry M Lipstick - £4.25
6. Melissa Black Brogue - £50
7. Miu Miu Bibbed Shirt - £295
8. Acne Cotton Trousers - £95
9. Balenciaga Two Tone Bag - £1,200
10. Topshop Black Floral Pump - £15

Gladiators Galore

At the moment, you can't walk down a street without seeing someone wearing a pair of 'gladiators'. They are the perfect summer sandal in my opinion, and look best with flirty floral dresses or skin tight jeans. Here are a few of my favourites to make things a little easier for you.


Links
1. Azzedine Alaia Gladiator sandal - £570
2. Alexander McQueen Metallic gladiator sandal - £280
3. ASOS Leather Studded Gladiator Sandals - £28
4. Tatoosh Roma Gladiator Sandal - £99
5. Topshop Plaited Gladiator - £35
6. ASOS Leather Knee Length Gladiator Sandals - £55
7. Topshop High Leg Sandal - £50
8. ASOS Leather Studded Flat Sandals - £35
9. ASOS Leather Zip Front Stud Sandal - £30
10. ASOS Leather Studded Gladiator Sandals - £28
11. D&G Dolce&Gabbana Brown leather platform sandals - £270
12. Nine West Wedge Sandal - $89

Made For Me

Am I the only one who is weirdly amused when an inanimate object has the same name as me?! This Botkier 'Zoe' bag made me wonder whether I liked it more now that we shared the same name (umlauts aside - I'm Zoë, yeah?). As soon as I saw it, I thought it was a beautiful bag - but now we have this connection it's like I HAVE to buy it. I owe it to the bag! Do you think my bank manager would understand??

Key To My Heart

A really cool trend, that I think is going to be big next season, is hearts. Accessories like a perspex necklace, a leather bag, or a keyring can always add a bit of fun to any outfit. And unlike last season's star trend, which I think looked quite childish, hearts always look effortlessly cool.

Links
1.Marc by Marc Jacobs Heart Watch
2.Luella Coin Purse
3.Topshop Heart Bag
4.Urban Outfitters Heart Frame Sunglasses
5.YSL Thong Sandals
6.Luella Keyring
7.Tatty Devine Necklace

Not A Perfect Match But They'll Do!!!

I can't believe I missed them on the Topshop site! The brown and black are all sold out so I'm heading into the Oxford Circus branch tonight after work, to see if they have them...fingers crossed!

Links
Topshop Alexia Shoes
Givenchy Shoes

Shady Goings On

Why is it that I can never find a pair of sunglasses that suit me?! I see pair after pair of amazing styles and colours, but not once have I ever liked them on me. The reason, I think, is that I have an unusually small head - a pin head you might say - and most glasses sit way off my face or stick out either side... not a good look! But even though I can't wear sunglasses, that doesn't mean I'm not allowed to look. These shades by Thierry Lasry are gorgeous and if you are one of those lucky people who can get away with quirky shapes then they're a must-have.

Links
All available at Browns

COS I Like It

When COS first opened, I was excited about the prospect of quality affordable clothing with a unique edge, and although I wasn't disappointed I think they played it a bit safe at the beginning. However, on a bit of a whim I went into their store on Regent Street (the only one unfortunately) and found a noticeable difference from my first visit. The shapes were still quite simple but there was a lot more emphasis on unusual detailing and the colour palette was a lot brighter - with emerald green, canary yellow and peachy pink providing a contrast with their usual grey tones. While I was there I bought a beautiful yellow top in a sheer fabric, which would be great on it's own or layered over another colour. Together with the high-waisted black jeans, it was a great little shopping trip and one that totally changed my opinion about the brand.

Good Things Come In Small Packages

God I love, love, LOVE IT! You could easily wear this casually across the body during the day, or carry it with the cute little handles on a night out...perfect size for your phone and lippy!

Links
Vivienne Westwood Mini Bag

My Wedding Outfit!

OK, so it's not traditional in the slightest but then our wedding wasn't either. We only had 11 guests in our local registry office, and didn't tell anyone else we were even geting married! Then we texted everyone after the deed was done! Easy!

Links
Miss Selfridge Jacket
Aztec Print Dress by See by Chloé
Chloé Leather shoe boots
Chanel Nail Varnish in Miami Beach

Peachy Keen

This colour is really romantic and girly but I think it's always best not to be too obvious and over-feminise your look. Don't wear the colour head to toe, but try and roughen it up with some killer black heels or a leather jacket. The mixture of soft and hard really works well as a contrast.

Links
Jimmy Choo Idol platform pump
Mulberry Mabel bag
Acne Jeans
Topshop Double Layer Frill Dress
Luella Heart Envelope Clutch
Miu Miu Bag

This girl on Face Hunter has the look completely down.

Playsuits You Sir!

Links
Tatty Devine Pegasus Wing Necklace
Topshop 70's Braces Playsuit
Topshop Oversized Roll Up Check Shirt
Oasis 80 tights
Converse Trainers

Shiny Happy People

Don't play it safe, experiment with textures and fabrics to create a look that's interesting to the eye. If you're a fan of black then this is perfect for you. Try some rubberized black leggings instead of the usual cotton, and go for shiny patent accessories to be totally on trend.

Links
Richard Nicoll Tailored jacket
River Island Structured Bustier Dress
Erickson Beamon for Kurt Geiger Genesis Jewelled Bangle
Chanel Open Toe Wedge Bootie

Matchy Matchy

Be careful matching makeup EXACTLY to your clothing. A general rule I use is to never wear the same colour eyeshadow/lipstick that you are wearing on your top half. Instead, I try and work out how my make up can compliment an outfit. If I'm going for girly florals, I'll wear a pastel eyeshadow or a rosy blush. A leather jacket and jeans and I'd choose some Amy Winehouse-inspired eyeliner.

Links
Shu Uemura Eye Creams
Marni Flat jelly shoe

I Heart Platforms

I know they're impractical and wearing them for longer than a few minutes is going to hurt like hell, but still I love them! Even if they often remain tucked away at the bottom of my wardrobe they're like my safety net. If I can't be bothered to even think about what I'm going to wear, then all I have to do is pop a pair of these on and heads will turn. They dress up jeans and t-shirts perfectly and as long as you carry a pair of flats (for when your feet can't take anymore!), they're a must for any wardrobe.

Links
Topshop Scarlet Shoes
Warehouse Clutch
Zac Posen Dress
YSL Cuff

Urban Cowgirl

Now I'm not a fan of wearing a trend head-to-toe, as i think it's playing it safe, so instead I try and interpret a look differently and give it a bit of a twist. For my Urban Cowgirl look, I've chosen this stunning pair of burnished Bally heels to spice things up and make, what could have been a predictable outfit, into an effortlessly cool one.

Links
Miss Selfridge Olsen Two-Tone Aviator Sunglasses
Topshop Side Flash Skinny Jean
Phillip Lim Plaid silk blend blouse
Bally Shoes

Splurge vs Steal

Now not all of us (myself included!), have £280 to splash out on what is essentially a simple cotton dress. Thankfully the good people at La Redoute have done a magnificant copy for the slightly lesser price of £9!

Links
Diane Von Furstenberg Dress
La Redoute T-shirt Dress