star bits & bobs
I
was looking at my new stuff and figured there's a few little bits that have
somehow or other slipped through the blogging process.The H&M Necklace with metal and plastic links is silver, blue and black white and £6.99 at H&M.
Also at H&M I have the answer to the peplum trend for only £12.99. The H&M Top Peplum Hem black Short-sleeved figure-fit top in soft jersey with a seam at the waist and a flounce at the hem. It's available in several different shades/patterns, I went for the simple black to go with a variety of bottoms.
I wasn't sure about the poncho until I saw this one at sale price at Desireclothing. They have a few to choose from all at reduced sale prices. I chose the Black Fairisle Print Hooded Poncho in black down from £20 to £10.
I think it's too late to be promoting this Matalan Chiffon Star T Shirt in black, I think it's sold out, sorry bout that. But it was a total bargain at only £8.
starry-eyed
When it comes to sunglasses, I only wear Ray-Bans, until I found these Ray-Ban Wayfarer-a-likes at River Island.
Like Wayfarers, but with silver star detail, they're also available in pink and brown tortoiseshell.
And at a very affordable and reasonable £10.
random dress picks
These are the Really Adorably Nice Dresses Of Marvelousness I want to share with you.
First we go to River Island. The River Island Black Chiffon Side Dress, priced at £50. So quirky and different, a basic little black mini dress is transformed with unique long chiffon side details. It looks great, feels wonderful on.
Over at Desireclothing.co.uk, tick a few boxes in one easy to wear frock, tartan - check (s'cuse the pun), skater - check, total bargain - check. The Desire Tartan Skater Dress, was £20, now down to £15. It's very very nice.
The flapper trend? Get it in one gorgeous little frock for a very reasonable price at Desireclothing. The Desire Black Embellished Flapper Dress, was £50, now on sale at £25.
I'm loving the skater style so much and was thinking, lace - check, tartan - check, what about mesh and contrast...over to SheLikes.com. The Layla Royal Blue Mesh Insert Contrast Skater Dress, previously £24.99, now only £14.99.
Over at ASDA there's the G21 Scallop Trim Shift Dress, a ponte pinafore style dress with scallop trim. I got the coral (down to £10), totally pissed off that the turquoise seems to have come online and immediately went Out Of Stock. Hmmm.
starry nights and days
I was feeling rather dejected till I found the Star Print Fleece Pyjama Bottoms at George at ASDA. These bottoms are super soft with an all over white on black star print, they're comfy fleecey pyjama bottoms with a tie detail and elasticated waistband.
Night wear as day wear is fast becoming my favourite choice of clothing for days off.
These delightfully snuggly trousers are £6. Also selling at £6 is a Long Sleeved Hooded Fleece Top in black which matches nicely with the bottoms. This equally soft fleece pyjama top has a hood and large kangaroo pocket, perfect.
for frock's sake it's River Island
I need a nice Spring day out, maybe for afternoon tea and triangular sandwiches with the crusts cut off and a pretty cupcake with stars on, but I digress. I need an excuse to wear my new River Island frocks.
This is special, comes in different colour options, but I think this blue is the loveliest. The flirty skater skirt is a key style for spring, this ice blue lace 3/4 sleeve belted skater dress with tan skinny belt is Coo-el with a capital C. Blue Lace Belted Skater Dress, £35.
That's my spring frock wardrobe sorted.
UGGs
If
you like your genuine UGGs, and you should, there's a very special discount
code available at official online retailer
Rubbersole.co.uk. It's not got long to run, so
I'm rushing this post up tonight. The code expires on Tues 31 Jan
2012, so hurry now.The code is valid on all full price items over £130, enter RBSHOES20 at the checkout. And there's free delivery.
Another great bonus is Rubbersole do the half sizes, a 4.5 is a European size 37 according to the site size chart. I have found the 5 too large especially when the boots get older and have stretched a bit, the 4 is better for me, though maybe just a tad too short on my left foot. The 4.5 is perfect.
I'm always wearing my Classic Talls folded down, sooo I reckoned I need the UGG Australia Bailey Button in black
I'd be lost without my UGGs, wearing at least one pair every day.
These are £190 at full price, down to £152 with this fantastic discount.
going out with ASOS
I'm
sooo ready for a night out, these two new
ASOS beauties need to be shown off with pride.
This is THE clutch and THE night out frock.THE clutch.
This ASOS Suede Croc Stud Clutch by ASOS Collection is the perfect oversized clutch for day or evening. Made of soft suede with a croc effect finish, this stylish statement accessory is available in black or nude, I've got the black.
It features an oversized rectangular main, a fold over flap and a detachable wrist strap. Adding the cutting edge detailing there's the pyramid stud trim, I lurve a stud detail.
Oversized clutch bags are big enough for all the daily essentials but classy enough to add a dollop of chic, this one adds a dash of blingy fashion savvy.
The best news is it's only £30.
Now THE frock.
- The frock is a T-shirt Dress by Mina in silver.
- This is the metallic trend must have. The fabric is so soft and drapes beautifully, don't worry about the quality, it's fantastically good.
- Crafted in a high-shine textured metallic material, it features a wide round neckline with a contrast bound trim. With a relaxed short styling, a stitched hitched detailing to one side seam, and loose short sleeves with contrast trims.
- It's designed with a casual T-shirt cut in a slouch fit.
- And it's my new favourite dress-up dress.
- The bestest bit is, it was previously £45, now it's only £18.
- Get it quick before it's gone.
FashionUnion sale bargains
These are simply great bargains at £23 for the two. Basic good comfortable relaxed style tops.
The Black Jennie Stripe Jumper was £24, and down to £15 in the sale. This longline statement knit jumper features wide horizontal stripes, a scoop neck, and long sleeves and is also available in grey. It's a lovely soft knit and long enough on my short stature to be worn as a tunic.
The Grey Kendra Oversized Star print Tee is an oversized tee featuring a large scribble style star to the front, fitted sleeves, a wide boat neck, and boxy fit. Also available in red, it was £16, down to only £8 in the sale.
DKNY boots for the cold and wet
DKNY
Cascade Boots are THE boots for the cold and wet weather.Stylish, good looking and practical...that's me...but the same compliments can be applied to the boots. Made of a waterproof nylon textile and rubber, lets start from the chunky substantial soles and work up.
They have a 0.5" rubber lug traction sole with a 1.5" block heel, keeping a girl sure-footed in the snow.
The round-toed rubber upper is exactly what's needed for trudging through snow and all that unintentional splashing in slush and puddles. The lightweight knee high shaft is made of the waterproof nylon and has a pocket to the outer side of each boot. A slip-in style pocket like you'd find on the hip of a jean or a trouser. Very nice detail.
More fabby details are at the top of the shaft with an adjustable pinch buckled belt, logo tab and fabbiest of all, the wide ribbed knit cuff accent which provides the contrasting trim I require in a Winter boot and cosy comfort.
So far, so perfect, now, what of the inside? Will the interior disappoint? Not on your wellie, see what I done there? Not on your wellie instead of not on your nellie. Anyways, the boots are lined with a soft, warm fleece fabric from the knit cuff right all the way down to the toes. The absolutely perfect bad weather fashion footwear.
I'm usually a size 38 in footwear, in this DKNY boot the 37 fits me. I got mine in Norway, you can get yours at ASOS.com (half price in the sale) or House Of Fraser (full price, few sizes left).
massive Dotty P sale
There's
a big sale on at
Dorothy Perkins, I had to. A Sequin Tee, two dresses
and a coat, all in the up to 50% off sale, total bargains.First up is this lovely Charcoal Sequin Tee. A short sleeve tee with an all over front sequin detailing and a plain jersey back. Made of 100% Polyester, the length is approx 64cm. Was £18, I got it for only £7.
Then the Green Cap Sleeve Curve Tunic. A ponti tunic with cap sleeves and curved
detail pockets. Length is 83cm. Was £26, down to £15
onesie
I'm loving a onesie, been test-driving before blogging about it here. I gave it a try first because if it was going to be a failure I wasn't going to admit my association with the item at all.
Now I'm well happy with it, here it is, the Sorbet Boutique All-in-one Printed Pyjamas, in the black option, though pink is available too for them that like that sort of thing.
Made of this really warm and cosy super-soft microfleece fabric, this all-in-one hooded snuggle suit is so very comfy, it's tempting to never wear anything else on days you slob around the house. This is not just for evenings by the fire. I wear mine with black UGGs. If you're going to go OTT comfortable and warm, them's the only footwear to go with the onesie, lets really annoy the Fashion Police.
Easy to wear, and laundering is simple too. I've thrown it in the machine every morning for the last week since I got it, on a mixed load wash and dried it on the radiator but I suspect it'll take a tumble dry OK too.
I got my onesie for a very reasonable £20 from one of them online catalogues, Very.co.uk in my case, but I'm sure the other ones will have it too.
crystal friendship bracelets
On
26/11/11 I showed
my new Ice white Swarovski Crystal Friendship Bracelet from Chapelle.co.uk.
It's beautiful, sparkly and special, and much adored by me.Looking around the www I happened to see what appeared to be exactly the same bracelets at eBay, all different colours and colour combinations, much lower in price and originating in Shanghai type places.
I figured I'd take a chance, and it wasn't such a very big risk, these bracelets are available on the Buy It Now option for as little as £6.99 with free shipping from Shanghai.
I bought the dark blue on 26/11/11, then to be honest, I forgot all about it.
The blue from Shanghai arrived today, to the untrained eye (that'll be mine), it appears to be exactly the same quality as my more expensive Chapelle item. My photograph shows the Chapelle Ice White and the eBay dark blue. I can recommend the eBay seller I purchased from, if you contact me I'll be happy to give you the information. I've ordered a black, another white and a light blue.
Kurt Geiger wrist stars
What's better than a pretty delicate starry bracelet? Two pretty delicate starry bracelets, that's what.
This is the 2 Pack Star Bracelet by Kurt Geiger.
Available in the black, which is the version I opted for, and red too.
These Star Bracelet are crafted from trinket string, have an adjustable closure and feature a rhodium-plated star.
The pack of two is £20 and if you buy right now get free delivery on all the accessories till 09/12/11.
Just gorgeous...and lovely, get them now!
THE fur collar winter coat and the leather collar tux
I'm loving a contrasting collar. Especially collars of faux fur on winter coats and leather collars on a tux. These two items of outwear have been playing on my mind. With avid fashion magazine reading and the occasional sweep of internet shops I've been looking for MY faux fur collar coat and MY leather collar tux.
THE coat of the season for me has to have a faux fur collar. But it also has a few other boxes it needs to tick, so it took me a while, but I found it.
I was after a descent sized, suitably luxurious, high quality, soft and realistic looking fur collar. I prefer a single-breasted coat, and I was liking the 70's style belted option. This coat has a classically styled slender silhouette and is belted. It flares from the waist, is fully lined and sits upon the knee. The faux fur collar is detachable, though you have to inspect very closely to see any sign of this, it looks very attached.
A bargain at only £50 at F&F Clothing at Tesco. As if that price isn't good enough, even better there was a huge third-off discount code at the time I ordered.
When it came to the leather collar, I wanted real leather not a pleather PU affair, preferably on a tuxedo style blazer.
I found exactly what I was after in The Tuxedo Jacket by Vero Moda Very. Featuring a contrast leather shawl lapel, long sleeve styling, a single button closure, jet pockets to the front with a leather trim and a longline fit.
The place to buy is ASOS where this beautifully cut, high quality tux is down to £75 from £100. It's one of them get-it-or-regret-it wear-it-forever classics with a cutting edge twist.
jumpers
I started my search favouring fluffy and cropped. But also a star print could sway me, and a metallic was a total must have.
I blogged my New Look Eyelash Yarn Cropped Jumper in the petrol blue option below on 25/11/11. And mentioned at the time that I'd share the rest when I got the smaller sizes and decided if I'd keep them. Well, they arrived today, and I am keeping, so here they are.
New Look online shopping is still benefitting from their ongoing 20% discount...longest ever I've known...enter 20NOVTREAT at the checkout.
On the fluffy and cropped side, I like this New Look Stripey Cropped Jumper in mid grey. A lovely soft fluffy cropped jumper with long sleeves and a slash neck in a striped pattern. £24.99 down to £19.99 with the code.
Another little softie is the Cropped Eyelash Jumper, a mohair knit jumper from the Teens & Kids department. I originally opted for the 14-15 yr size, but it was too big. The age 12 - 13 yrs is just fine, £16.99, down to £13.59 with the discount.
Next up is the metallic. From New Look, this is New Look Lurex Knit Jumper in silver. A boxy oversize design with crew neck, full length sleeves, cut out ladder panel features and drop back hem in silver metallic detail lurex. Down from £24.99 to half price £12.50.
A longer, but still very soft and fluffy, with star design is the Matalan Star Intarsia Jumper, £16. But I took advantage of the £10 off £50 discount, entering nmailer at the check out for £10 off a £50 purchase. As far as I know this code is defunct now though.
I've got some cropped cardies to share soon.
favourite starry dress
This is IT, my mostest favourite starry pattern item ever. This is the Black Star Print Mesh Dress by Lila from Dorothy Perkins.
A sleeveless body-con ruched star print mesh dress with a lined body and a built-in soft bra. It's wonderfully comfortable and figure hugging flattering.
£25
Nothing more to say, it's amazing, I love it.
friendship bracelet
This
is gorgeous, the photographs really don't do it justice. I'm in love
with it's sparkly beauty. Only problem is it's so stand out it may
have to be kept for dressed up nights out. I'll probably have to get
the black version for day wear, so upset about that, not.This is the Ice white Swarovski Crystal Friendship Bracelet from Chapelle.co.uk. The crisp white ice sparkle of the Swarovski crystals really really shine and there's no doubt it's going to attract attention, really.
This crisp white shine of the seven crystal beads is enhanced by the contrast between the black fabric bracelet and the white beads. The simple slide knot fastening accommodates a wide range of wrist size, measuring 7" at the tightest and 10" at the loosest.
Four plain beads break up the design and surround the fastening.
I'm a big fan of the dangly beads at the fastening, it feels lovely on.
Down from RRP of £59.99 to £29.99 at Chapelle. They also have other colour options, charcoal grey, galactic, heamatite, rose and fuchsia. There's also bracelets with fewer beads. The bracelet arrives beautifully boxed, a small white box with black ribbon and bow inside a larger impressive black box. There's similar looking bracelets on Amazon and eBay though none of them claim to have the quality of the Swarovski crystals.
New Look 20% discount
Time for some seasonal trend catch ups here at Starry Towers, especially in
the jumper department. I've been online shopping.If you're thinking about New Look online shopping right now, don't forget to get the 20% discount and enter 20NOVTREAT at the checkout. 20% off is a seriously good discount and makes a big difference.
The three items I can blog about this evening includes just one jumper because the other ones from New Look had to be returned and I then re-ordered the same in a size down.
I'll blog the other jumpers when I get the size 10s. Usually my top half is a 12 at New Look, but the jumpers I've recently ordered have been a tad too roomy, apart from this one here, which is a really slim fit.
This is the New Look Eyelash Yarn Cropped Jumper in the petrol blue option, it also comes in a dark ruby wine shade. Slim fitting and sooo soft, the way I like my little jumpers. Is usually £19.99, but with the discount code, down to £15.99
After my fashion faux pass in the company of the famous Norwegian singer Rita Eriksen, ie my stiletto/palazzo pant combo error, I knew I had to get more stable glitzy footwear that won't embarrass me even if worn with a trippy fabric in close proximity.
With that in mind I'm overjoyed with these New Look Glitter Wedge Peep Toe dazzlers.
Stunning show stopping 3D silver glitter to the 14cm/ 5.5" wedge heels and a black suedette peep toe upper.
£24.99 at full price, only £19.99 to me with the discount.
Then there's my new Leather Cuff love.
The New Look Sparkle Leather Cuff is £7.99 to all the non-discount-code shoppers, but £6.39 to us savvy shoppers in the know.
In real life it's as cool, shiny and gorgeous as it looks on the www, super soft pleather with stud fastenings allowing for two different size fittings.
NailsInc 3D Glitter
I'm a NailsInc VIP, so no wonder I keep going back there, they treat me nice with discounts, free delivery and free gifts.
Their latest and greatest is this Special Effects polish, 3D Glitter in the royal blue/purple Connaught Square. Apply two coats over a layer of base coat and top off with a top coat for a high gloss and a seriously twinkly sparkly finish.
An Italian hotel receptionist in Norway proclaimed..."wow that eez an aggressive nail varnish", and she is sooo right, though I think by 'aggressive' she meant' fierce'. It's way fierce.
See this lovely pic of my left hand as it looks this evening, and I'm kinda proud of the Paint Shop Pro job I did on it, taking out the background and keeping the nail polish true to colour, very professional if I do say so myself.
faux fur trimmed parka
Online I found what I fancied at Miss Selfridge. I dropped into my local branch to try it on, they didn't have it, but they did provide a parka I instantly fell in love with, the one with the absolutely gorge-eous animal print faux fur hooded detail.
Online they only have a tobacco colour option in this style, I didn't consider it because I didn't like the colour, but in store this lovely khaki was totally me. A perfect fit, with a nipped in waist, it's a flattering shape. It's not heavy or bulky but a light padding makes it cosy warm, and the hood, ooooh the fantastic hood. The hood is huge and with it's faux fur trim and soft luxe faux leopard print fur lining, makes this a very glam coat. You can see the hood in more detail on the tobacco coloured version by clicking on the image of the khaki. This hood makes this a stand-out parka that'll have your friends gagging with jealousy and enquiring where you got it.
100% cotton, machine washable and £85.
I have to commend the staff who provided my customer service in the Livingston branch of Debenhams/Miss Selfridge. A young man and two young women. One of the girls was on her dinner break when I asked for help, but she still got involved and assisted. The young man and the next girl spent plenty time with me discussing parka fashion and showing loads of interest in my parka needs, most excellent.
umbrella-ella-ella
If you need an umbrella-ella-ella, and who doesn't in this neck of the woods, have a look at UmbrellaWorld. I couldn't resist two of their beautiful brollies.
The Fulton Clear Compact Birdcage Stars Umbrella at £19.98 will be my signature umbrella-ella-ella. It's a starry lovely, looks like they made it specially for me.
On the canopy I lurve the stars, obviously, and the clear, the clear is good. It will mean that while remaining fully protected from the wet there will be a wide field of vision, no more bumping into lampposts. Well, maybe it won't necessarily improve my 'didn't see it coming' experience due to my habit of playing solitaire on my iPod while walking. But I will look starry cool while bumping into lampposts in the rain.
I was very umbrella-ella-ella content with the starry, then I saw the SH!T brolly.
Everyone
should have a SH!T brolly for them rainy occasions that require an uplift in
the spirits. Maybe just to make the most of the unexpected potty-mouth
factor.
The SH!T It's Raining Clear Dome umbrella is £11 well spent.
- This is an extremely well made brolly with a superior grade, cold resistant PVC see through canopy which is thicker than any other clear umbrella on the market. It has an extra strong fibreglass shaft and ribs, which means these bits are stronger than steel. There's a safety runner with thumb release locking clasp, so the canopy can't collapse. It has black transparent tips and a comfort grip black rubberised hook handle and ferrule...I think a ferrule is the bit that sticks out the top of the brolly, it's a new word for me. Length of closed umbrella-ella-ella is 85cm, and size of canopy when open is 78cm.
However, not a good one for funerals.
discount round-up and Orelia Charlotte Ring
One to save for later is this New Look code. Valid online11 - 13th November 2011 inclusive. It'll get you a 20% discount, NLXMASLK6 at the checkout.
Another big 20% off at FashionUnion, enter JOINUSL6 at the checkout, expires on Sunday 30th October 2011. If your too late for that one, they also give a 10% discount to first time shoppers, that code is FIRST.
Yet another big 20% discount, this time at Boohoo, will work till 1st November 2011, enter LOOKR20 at the checkout.
For a limited period, get 30% off coats at GAP. If you don't need a coat, you can still get 15% off for signing up to their newsletter.
Need a new bag, until 1st November 2011 use the code LOOK102011 for a 15% off at Marcbbags.
Prodigyred...free delivery with code LOOKDEL.
Vestryonline...give free delivery over £45 and free returns, and a 15% discount right now, enter LOOK1021 at the checkout.
Krisp...free delivery over £50 and 15% discount, enter LOOK15 at the checkout.
Shelikes have a 20% discount with shelikeslook and free delivery on all orders.
DesireClothing giving a 10% discount with code awlook10 till the 7th November 2011.
So many online fashion shops these days, many of them selling the same stuff and making my finding the best deal on a particular item ever so more complicated. My LOOK magazine subscription makes it easier (delivered to The Starry Towers door every Tuesday & they give loads of codes) and more complicated at the same time...quandry.
Jewellery worth checking out, especially with the 15% discount, at Orelia, enter LOOKORELIA at the checkout till the 1st October 2011. Do it quicksticks, and you'll also qualify for a free LOVE necklace if you spend more than £30, this offer ends 28th October 2011. They also do bags, bag charms and hair accessories. I got a Charlotte Ring, how could I not?
mittens
These are the Matalan Immi Suede Fur Trim Mitten. Chocolate brown imitation sheepskin effect with self-coloured faux fur cuffs.
They're one size and only £6 a pair...cheap as chips.
When I bought them I reckoned I'd probably wear them to throw snowballs and build snowmen, and now I've worn them, I reckon they'll be up for that and still survive the washing machine.
They look like they're made of real sheepskin and are extremely cosy warm, the warmest gloves I've ever had. But more supple than real sheepskin mittens, super-soft, so easier to wear, more user friendly. And they'll cope with cruel washing machine abuse.
Dune Tuff Boots
They are quality, gorgeous, comfortable and so stylish. I lurve them. They look brand new, all I do is occasionally treat them with a leather/suede/nubuck spray.
These are the Dune's TUFF Boots. Made of a very short pile suede which gives an almost full-on leather finish. They have a faux fur turnover, 9cm wedge crepe heals, a platform sole, strap and buckle detail, what's not to lust over. They're warm, and eternally bang on trend.
I like them so much I just got the grey version too. I've found this particular Dune boot is a bit large, I'm usually a size 5 (38), but the 4 (37) fits me comfortably. I don't know if this is universal with Dune footwear, but it is the case with the TUFF.
The TUFF was originally £99, I got the grey ones at ShoeStudio.com for £69.30. ShoeStudio also offer free delivery and returns. I'm a very happy customer.
H&M domestic style
H&M
have a 10% discount code, use 9415
at the checkout.I used mine to buy towels and travel laundry bags, spoiling myself in a domestic goddess type way.
We already have H&M towels so I know they're good quality in strong wash-proof colours.
The towels are a lovely stripe-weave texture, luxuriously thick cotton terry, with hangers on the short sides.
The Bath Towel is 100x150 cm and £12.99, the Hand Towel is 50x70 cm. and £2.99. I got two of each.
I got two of the Travel Laundry Bag too, a print motif on ecru cotton and drawstring around the top, they are a generous 51x55 cm and only £2.99 each.
Tees me a lot then throw me a tunic
Over at
New Look I went Tee shopping.
I'm loving the short boxy Tee shape and the fine jersey feel of the fabrics.
I was on the hunt for a super soft, draping style black Tee.Along the way, via my preferred fashion comparison websites, ShopStyle.co.uk, StyleCompare.co.uk and InStyle.co.uk, I was thinking, mmmm, pleather detailing might be rather nice, and the sheerest of jersey fabrics would be the softest and most drapiest. The result was I discovered this great Rocker Contrast Tee, a jersey style Tee with faux leather contrast, wide scoop neck and short sleeves at New Look. It was £16.99, I got it for £6.
After finding this, my perfect Tee, at New Look, I went for a little lookie round the rest of the shop...chill...there was a sale on.
New Looks Dip Back Colour Block Tee in the navy option, down from £11.99 to £4, another scoop neckline and boxy fit with short sleeves in super soft fine and soft drapey jersey fabric.
Next was the casual everyday option, the New Look Boxy Jersey Top in charcoal, was £4.99, down to £3.
Then I found my way to the glitziest, also ticking the metallics box, this New Look Shimmer Sheer Top is a lovely shimmer finished woven top with a little bit of sparkle, very sheer, the boxy, deep scoop neckline, short sleeves and front patch pocket. This was £19.99, down to £7.
Having scooped the very best of the scoop neck Tees I found this Ponte Colour Block Tunic. It's adorable, was £21.99, I got it for just £7.
ASOS dresses
Remember
that recent 48hr
sale over at
ASOS,
with the up to 50% slash on their Autumn trends? I blogged already bout my
colour block leather slouchy
satchel and the tan River Island Heeled Loafers...but there
were also a couple
of frocks.The ASOS Shift Dress in Check Print is usually £40.00, down to £20 in the sale. This frock features a round neckline, contrasting plain short sleeves, and pockets to the front with contrasting plain edges. Very individual.
The ASOS Premium Shift Dress in Lace is £55.00, I got it for £27. A beautiful cobalt blue, this lace dress features a high neckline, sheer short sleeve styling, a mini length and keyhole detailing to reverse, in a floral lace finish. It's just darling.
Ray Bans
These are the Ray Ban Original Wayfarer RB2140, black on light blue with gradient blue lenses.
The genuine article, GlassesCorp can be trusted and their prices are way low, these are £79, with free delivery over on orders over £60.
The
Wayfarer is THE most recognizable and iconic style in sunglasses, like for
ever, ever, ever. As per usual the distinct Wayfarer shape is paired
with the traditional Ray-Ban signature logo on the sculpted temples, the
logo on the right lens and the RB initials engraved on the left lens.The Ray-Ban Wayfarer was originally designed in 1952 and quickly endeared itself to all the big stars solidifying it's iconic status for ever. THE coolest shades. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are now available in a contemporary colour palette, my light blues are just one of many options.
winter crochet
I developed a serious love of Summer crochet this year, with lacy crochet dresses, in both solid black and solid white. As the seasons change and the weather gets colder I'm still liking a bit of crochet.
With approaching Autumn and Winter I found this Matalan Crochet Intarsia Dress, £18.
I didn't know what intarsia meant, over to Google...intarsia is a technique (in knitting and woodwork) used to create patterns with multiple colours. Various colours and materials appear to be inlaid in one another, but are in fact all separate pieces, fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Like the old crochet blankets I remember from childhood, they'd be real intarsia work, this dress looks intarsia but isn't in the true sense of the definition.
The brown shades and crochet square pattern, eye-catching, I like.
I'll be styling this with my tan River Island Heeled Loafers, a thick woolly black tight and my new ASOS colour block slouchy satchel, sans fox tail.
Foxy
This
is my fox tail, purchased from
Luxirare of New York.Luxirare is a webzine presenting the clothing and accessory designs and the cuisine of foodie, fashionista and blogger Ji Kim. The photography is amazing too. There is the e-shop attached where she sells her creations and stylish vintage items.
This fox tail is adorned with a modern cone which is covered in black leather and connected to a silver Luxirare logo and two chained silver hand cuffs that work like real handcuffs. These cuffs are perfect for key chain attachments or to attach on purses. This unique tail features a natural white tip.
This tail measures 16-18 inches long.
The silver grey fur is luxurious, guaranteed quality, but the selling point for me is the silver handcuffs clasp.
I'm partial to a shiny silver handcuff and these are so strikingly precious.
ASOS bargains
I
mentioned a couple of days ago there was a sale at
ASOS, I hope you got yourself a bargain, because it's
too late now.
I did, I got a bargain. How come I know you're not surprised?Working several trends in one bag here. This slouchy satchel is working the colour block trend with it's three-tones, tan, black and beige, and the mix of textures with the leather and the mock croc suede.
This beautiful leather bag features a contrast panelled design with the mock croc finish. The fold over black front section has a silver-tone twist lock fastening which slides easily but once closed stays closed. There's knotted tan straps finished with a nice black detail and both a grab handle and a long adjustable strap.
On the arm it feels and looks lux, it's comfortable, smooth, soft to the touch and bang-on stand-out gorgeous to the eye.
In the sale it's down from £85 to £68. This is my Autumn/Winter 11/12 daytime bag of choice. Perfect for the addition of my fox tail keychain, which will feature in the next Star Swag Blog.
To wear with my new daytime favourite bag of choice I needed new tan daytime favourite footwear.
My new favourite shoes is the Heeled Loafer. I have the River Island Heeled Loafers in the navy, now meet the River Island Heeled Loafer in the tan.
Featuring a leather main with stitched panel detailing, fringe design to the front with a low cut vamp and pin buckle fastening, an almond shaped toe, a slim sole and a stacked wooden heel, in a smooth leather finish
River Island are still selling them for the full price of £55, but at ASOS they're down to £44, and that goes for the navy version too. Buy a pair, but better still...buy the navy and the tan, you won't regret it, I swear.
lace shifts
Few little heads-up, starting with this quickie. ASOS doing an up to 50% slash on their Autumn trends for 48 hrs, get over there NOW!
There's a New Look discount code for 20% off online. This code is for use between the 7th and 9th October 2011 inclusive, so keep this it handy. NLAWMAG2E at the checkout.
Remember that blue George Colour Block Shift dress, now half price, it's down to £8 at ASDA. An absolute must-have, I love it.
At Peacocks there's an automatic 20% discount off all full priced items, right now, till 2nd October 2011.
And with free delivery on buys of £30 and over at Peacocks it was the perfect time to snatch a couple of their lace shift dresses.
The Ladies 60s Daisy Lace Dress is available in black for £20 and the cream for only £15.
This A-line, vintage style shift dress is inspired by the sixties trend. It features a flattering cut with a timeless design and is 79cm from nape to hem in the size 10.
Très chic, if anyone still says très chic.
Nails Inc
Wowzer! Nails Inc have a great new nail polish called Magnetic Attractions. Unsurprisingly they're metallics, in three colours, a purple Houses Of Parliament, a gold Big Ben and the silver Trafalgar Square that was my choice.
Specially developed with metallic particles to create a pattern on the nail using magnetic forces.
As the magnet is held over the nail, the iron powder in the formulation gravitates toward the magnet forming the pattern/design secretly hidden in the magnet for an astonishing finish.
It works really well, beautiful finish and easy, I love it.
I'm going to try for different effects with the array of magnets we have at Starry Towers. Perhaps a centre point or a sweep to the side or the tip, I could go crazy and alternate the pattern on just one nail. The magnetic possibilities are endless.
Nails Inc have a load of other lovely products, and as an Ultimate Awards Member I get 10% discount on all purchases, points to spend on future purchases, a reward polish, a free gift and a birthday gift.
The
free reward polish was a dark wine-red, not really any use to me, the free
gift is a great silver wrap pouch containing a couple of polishes, a nail
file, a nail buff and a Vitamin E Oil Pen for conditioning and hydrating
cuticles and nails, all great products. The buffer does a fabulous
job, the Vit E Pen is very impressive too. A surprisingly lovely free
gift. I'm trying the Kensington Caviar 45 Second Top Coat and the Kensington Caviar Base Coat.
And the brilliant bold white nail polish Floral Street and Electric Lane Holographic Top Coat.
best of the rest
It's
all went rather USA national flag round here, not literally, but in the
clothing, the stars and he stripes.This F&F Limited Edition Star Print Shift Dress is a best buy treasure. Only £20 for this stunning timeless shift with a contemporary edge, sparkling all over with a bold star print on bright blue, with metallic studs to the shoulders. Sits just above the knee. It's the satin again, cool, comfortable and sexy.
Still with the F&F, the Limited Edition Star Print Chiffon Shirt in black. The perfect mix of retro and new season styling. Finished in a soft, star print chiffon the shirt is detailed by a single pocket at the chest and roll-up sleeves with a buttoned tab, collar and button through front. £20.
F&F clothing at Tesco delivers some very reasonably priced class articles. Added bonus, they currently have a £10 off on a spend over £40, enter AW-LFW at the checkout, and free delivery when you spend over £50.
Also from Tesco, this Brave Soul Striped top mini dress in black, down from £14 to £4, yes you read right, not a typo, £4. Add a little sailor chic with this maritime inspired mini dress. With its 2 in 1 design, the loose fit top has all over stripes and a racer back, the skirt is banded around the waist with a drawstring tie. Cute.
This Matalan Short Sleeve Pointelle Dress in oatmeal is £18. Very cute in 100% cotton, with short sleeves, this looks great accessorised with bare legs, cowboy style boots and a crop denim jacket for Summer or with thick tights and chunky knits for colder days.
Ponte shift
My Ponte prize find thus far is what New Look are calling their Ponte Panel Tunic and selling in six different colours from black to orange, with a camel, two blues and a red in between.
For me, only the blues, I got the Blue and the Petrol Blue, both rich jewel shades. The Petrol Blue is much deeper than the website shows, for 'Petrol' read Peacock or maybe Jade, It's rather gorgeous whatever you want to call it. I tested the travel-friendly promise on my most recent Norway trip, and it's true, roll them up, stuff them in, unroll...fabulous.
Only £14.99, this is a Ponte dream dress, and I can't praise it enough. I'm styling both with the navy River Island Fringe Loafers.
heeled loafers
My new shoes are these extremely stylish and incredibly comfortable Fringe Loafers, with stacked heels and the bang on trend fringing. Featuring a leather main with stitched panel detailing, fringe design to the front with a low cut vamp and pin buckle fastening, an almond shaped toe, a slim sole and a stacked wooden heel, in a smooth leather finish.
This is the navy option, also available in tan.
£55 from River Island, you're looking at my new favourite footwear, ever so nice with my shift dresses.
a moustache worth twiddling with
I'm not a big fan of facial hair, other than eyebrows, but I'm ready to make an exception for this moustache.
This hip flask is from Urban Outfitters. Priced at £12 the range includes a bunch of various floral designs, a horse print and two stainless steel, one with a bow tie and this one with a fun moustache.
There's two sizes, 88 ml and 180 ml. The 180 ml is 6 good sized shots, I know I've done my research, tested and tried.
The screw top can be a bit fiddly, or maybe the fingers don't work so well after a couple. It might be fiddly but it's a nice tight fit and won't leak into your handbag or your hip pocket, all in all, this is a very good quality item, surprisingly good given the very reasonable price tag.
stars in my starry eyes at Starry Towers in my Starry Towers walk-in wardrobe with added stars
Who,
if you were to be asked, who of everyone you know, would you imagine would
be most pleased that the star print is trending right now?YES! You're damn right, it's me, I'm over the Moon, high on galaxy ozone fumes or summit. I do love a star.
The best star print trouser I found is the soft jersey palazzo pant at BangOnTheTrend.co.uk. A total star bargain, really comfortable, good quality and well made. I'm wearing mine as I type here, very slimming with a concealed platform shoe, I look about 6 inches taller. Get them quick before they sell out cos they're only £12.99.
The star scarf I plumped for after a wide search, is the New Look chiffon version, in black. This sheer chiffon scarf with all over star printed design is 160cm x 18cm and also comes in a reverse black stars on white background. I'll be wearing it round my head in the new Z4 with the top down, slipping it round my neck in a casual manner or tying it to a handbag strap. Only £2.99.
The Jersey Star Print Skater Dress in black is only £14.00 from Matalan.
There's three for you, but it's STARS!!! Believe me when I tell you, I've gotta get 'em while I can...there's more to come.
stripes are forever
I
love a stripe, stripes are forever. Stripes are always so on trend,
but I've noticed recently, loads of things are on trend. It's getting
like, what isn't on trend? This week's LOOK magazine has an eight page
long dress item, featuring...jewel tones, winter florals, '60s shifts, retro
'40s, muted checks, floaty chiffon, flirty A-line and sexy lace.Phew! Is there a dress style/trend that ISN'T bang on trend? Hem lengths, midi, maxi, mini, you choose.
Anyways, back to the stripes. I do love a stripe, it's always been widely believed that horizontal stripes make you look fat, but it's not true, fat makes you look fat.
Uniqlo do a great stripe and these 100% cotton Woman's Striped 3/4 Sleeve Tunics are an excellent mini dress length for the shorter lady ie me. I'm 5 ft 2 and a bit and can easily wear this as a dress, taller ladies would probably be wearing it as a tunic. It's £19.90, I got the black and the dark gray.
Today the stripes, tomorrow, we do the stars.
shift the colour blocking
Oh, wait a minute, a good time to carry a spare in a clutch bag, go out to dinner or whatever with a friend/Husband/double-date situation, whatever, excuse yourself and casually slip off to the ladies...return wearing a different dress, see if anyone notices. If someone queries the dress situation, deny it, tell 'em what a ridiculous suggestion. Admit the truth at some time in the future or not, depends how much you want to freak out the company.
The first here is a simple and elegant shift dress. This is such a great way to wear the colour block trend. Team it with a bright contrasting clutch bag. The best bit...it's only £14 at Matalan.
Next up, bang on trend, with a slash neck, this blue colour block dress has a key hole button fastening to the back and a small drop sleeve. Team with a pair of heels for the perfect evening look. And only £16 from George at ASDA.
I can't think of a good reason not to.
nail it
Nail
it with these fantastic nail thingies.First I bring you Andrea Fulerton. I predict this woman is the best thing to happen to nails since like for, most probably, forever, and if I'm wrong about that time-frame, then since at least, for a very long long time. Ms Fulerton is making all the things I ever wanted in my wildest nail-wise dreams.
And she's went with an unbelievably cheap price range.
I've got Andrea Fullerton's Stripe And Sparkle in 'Kathleen'. This is a 2 in 1 bottle, the 'stripe' end is the skinny brush with white paint, the 'sparkle' is an itsy little pot of the finest sparkle dust known to woman-kind, it's extremely effective and pretty to the nth degree. This is £4.99.
I also got the Andrea Fullerton Dot And Flick in 'black' for when I need black lines on top of lighter shades varnish. This is £3.99.
How-come it's taken till now for me to have nail varnish I can apply with super skinny precision detail, thin enough to make dots, lines, letters...such a skinny line, I can draw any tiny little thing I wish, stars, letter Ms, nail tips, anything. I recall a decade or so back there, Scotland was taking part, at some level, in a World Cup competition, I painted my nails blue and made the best I could saltire flags white crosses over each nail, with an ordinary sized varnish brush...not easy, or particularly well done.
And now, here's Ms Fulerton...giving us what we've been needing, I thank you Ms F, for all your lovely nail varnish goodness.
Get over to Superdrug and search 'Fulerton', grab any 2 or 3 items then get creative.
As well as my monochrome colour-way favourite, I'm very fond of outstanding blues. Here's a fabulous blue shade, from one of my favourite polish companies. This is an Art Deco shade, 92. Previously I've had to buy the German Art Deco range at airports and on ferries. I've found one UK based website with Art Deco stuff. Get over to Garden.co.uk.
The Product Of The Week here at Starry Towers is Elegant Touch Rapid Dry Nail Spray, this really does dry and set your polish hard almost instantly, even after two coats of varnish in quick succession.
foldable pumps
Last
month I was over the moon with my new CocoRose London foldable pumps.
CocoRose represent the expensive delicate end of the foldable pump
continuum. They're the pretty, sweet, wedding reception, precious,
take great care, use for short distances only, and absolutely do not no
never even dream of wearing out in the rain, or even worse, the snow.
Uh-uh, forget it. These are pretty satin delights, I can hardly bring
myself to even imagine wearing them on an uncarpeted floor. These are
small fitting, my usual size 5 still fits, but it's neat. My Espresso
Rush cost £33. The range are priced from £33 to £45.A little cheaper and a bit tougher are Tipsy Feet. These are the mid-range price-wise option. See, when you get a bit trashed it's understandable that you're probably going to be a little less than at you're most careful. Tipsy Feet will probably be more forgiving sole-wise, and they're made of waterproof PU fabric, so more suitable for all weather conditions. They'll probably survive better. They are also the best of the three I've tried for daytime use, when you'll probably want a more daytime look and a tougher shoe for longer distances and all sorts of terrain. Same as the CocoRose, the Tipsy Feet also come with a matching carry pouch which converts to a bag for carrying the high heels when needed.
Of the three brands I tried, these are the best, most true to size fit. And the toughest My size 5 is comfortable and stays put on the foot.
I got mine at Sockshop.co.uk. They have a special deal, buy two pairs and get them for a 20% discount, basically they start at £25 a pair, buy two pairs, you'll get them at £40 for both. I opted for the black Weave and the black Zebra. There's also free delivery on orders over £25.
At the cheap end of the market is the Rollasole. I got the Back To Black, a nice homage to the frequent pump-wearer Amy Winehouse. Rollasoles are £6.95 a pair at Sockshop.co.uk.
These are more your disposables, for a single-use.
They are presented rolled up in a tin, consequently it takes a while to force the shoes to flatten out a bit, as brand new the toes curl up like a magic genie's just after he got out the bottle. I rolled mine the opposite direction and stuffed them back in the tin for a while, that helped. I found these to be the biggest fit, a little bit too loose, though they do stay on my feet due to the elasticated nature of the edging, but they don't look all that good doing it. They really are more your emergency rescue, for when your feet are so sore you'll accept anything, just, please please please, somebody please, make the pain go away...that kind of situation.
BIBA and Motel at the House of F
Look
how good I done! There I was, browsing The House Of Fraser sale...I
found this BIBA jacket.A beautiful piece of clothing. Versatile, useful, a smart jacket, for work, interview, family formal occasions, TV appearance or other such dressy type happenings. It's so soft and fluid in fabric it's good for an evening out, for a day in a city, for a shopping trip or a flight, or a ship trip, or anywhere else you'd like to feel comfortable and relaxed.
This BIBA jacket has an edge-to-edge front with a single hook and eye fastening.
The cut's really flattering with a kick-out tail at the back that flares over the hips. The fabric doesn't wrinkle and the lining is beautiful.
True to size, it's a perfect fit and exquisite quality, the feel of the fabric and the drape.
It was originally £145. Available now for £58. I'm telling you, get it before it's gone!
I also fancied this little Motel tropical print frock, half price, down from £42 to £21.
Practically an afterthought, but still, lovely too
Baggu
I'm
often inclined to help the environment a little. And am encouraged
more so if it involves shopping.
Baggu bags can be shopped for, then you
can place other shopping in them, excellent.
I'm saving the planet in the standard size, in the peacock, cerulean,
smoke, the
grey stripe and the black.The standard size is 15" Wide / 25" high / 6" deep. Folds into a flat 5" by 5" pouch, weighs less than 2 oz and holds 50lbs, which is the contents of 2 - 3 plastic grocery bags.
This is the perfect shopping bag. They can be folded to fit into the smallest of hand bags.
With this shopping bag you can do your part for the environment and use the reusable Baggu rather than plastic bags, while being sooo stylish.
One of these will save hundreds of plastic bags PER YEAR from going to landfill. Baggu bags are available in several sizes and styles, and a myriad of colours. Buy loads.
crochet dresses
The Oasis Branded Crochet Knitted White Lace Dress started out at a fantastically low price of only £25, it's now down to £15. The lining leaves the sleeves with the crochet exposed. A simple summer dress, I'm thinking tanned bare legs, I'm thinking the Z4 in the South of France, that's what I'm thinking.
The black Crochet Dress is from Karen Millen. A short sleeved crochet knitted dress with 3d flower appliqué and keyhole detail to back, trimmed with tie at waist band. Was £140, down to £40.
Two absolute bargains, both exquisitely pretty and fabulous quality.
ToyWatch Metallic
I needed a silver watch, or more accurately, I needed a silver ToyWatch.
The Metallic collection from ToyWatch is their first metallic colored aluminum watch collection.
Difficult to decide which colour to pick, I like the gunmetal and the blue, though they don't have the stones, and I went with the silver, which does have the sparkly stones.
This is the ToyWatch Metallic Stones in the Silver colour (ME05SL).
The lustrous colour of the Aluminum strap combined with graduated rotating bezel with metallic crown and stone index. A date calendar is at 3 with magnifying lens.
The watch case is 41 millimeters round face and it has a box clasp strap.
CocoRose
It's
so cute, so very, very cute, I could swoon.Is it a purse? Is it a handbag? A makeup bag?
It's shoes, foldable ballet pumps from Cocorose London. It's shoes, a purse and it's a bag...read on.
The idea is you leave the house in high heels with the Cocorose in your handbag. If and when the feet have had enough, you exchange the heels for the flats. And what to do with your high heels then? There's a satin shoulder bag in the back pocket of the little purse. Excellent, they've thought of everything.
I opted for the Espresso Rush, which are black with little bows, presented in this little black purse with a little sequinned bow on the front panel.
Cocorose London's simple and chic, black satin folding shoes feature a delicate bow detail on the almond shaped toe.
Incorporating leather insoles, the foldable ballet shoes are luxuriously double cushioned inside, with padded footbeds and suede cushioned heels for ultimate comfort.
bags of YOOX
I got me a Diesel Large Leather Bag. The details..Depth: 2.0 Inches, Height: 11.7 Inches, Length of strap: 20.3 Inches, Width: 13.7 Inches. It's a super-soft sack bag with detailed metallic circle inserts and dual straps.
And my favourite is a Parentesi Large Leather Bag. The details...Depth: 5.9 Inches, Height: 13.3 Inches, Length of strap: 16.8 Inches, Width: 16.8 Inches. A big blue suede shoulder bag with contrasting dark brown/black leather straps and zip-top fastening. The bag is lined with the usual interior pockets and a stiff bottom. I do like a stiff bottom.
Uniqlo
Very impressed with
Uniqlo so I was. The Charlotte Ronson stripe dress I
purchased on my first trip is simply fantastically chic, I'm loving it.
Wearing it with my large American Apparel Leather Pouch in either the black,
tan or tahiti, depending which footwear/accessories I go with on any
particular day.I was so tempted to return to the scene of the shopping. Excellent decision, all these items are made of the same great quality, soft, comfortable, eminently wearable, great in the washing machine, hang them up to dry, type fabrics.
This Women DIP Charlotte Ronson D Dress, in blue, is now down to £9.90 from £24.99.
The Women DIP Charlotte Ronson C Dress, in black, is the same bargain price, £9.90 down from £24.99.
The 'DIP' means 'Designer Invitation Project'. Evidently, my favourite designer would be New York City based designer and style icon Charlotte Ronson. However, I'm open to other Uniqlo DIPs. Zechia for instance. Which is Japanese designer Masahiro Nakagawa and Lica.
I was prepared to take a chance on Zechia, with the Women DIP Zechia Short Sleeve T, down from 24.99 to £6.90, available in the E2, off white, and the E1, gray. I was willing, very willing, to try both colours.
Red Or Dead
A while back I spotted these Red Or Dead wedges in LOOK magazine. They were to be available at Schuh for £75. But they weren't on the website yet, and however much I checked back in, they weren't available for a while.
The two tone contemporary woven wedge, suede upper and criss cross ankle strap, they are so Louboutin! The heels are 13cm with a platform of 4cm
AND, now...they're ON SALE! Get you to Schuh.
The Ava, in pink, is now only £25.99, there's free delivery with any order of £14.99 and over.
Gorgeous!
Apricotonline
The blue Floral Poplin Tea Dress with zip fastening at the back and capped sleeves is delightfully Summery. And down from £28.
The Rara Net Vest Dress in teal. Be warned, the 'teal' is more green than the onsite photograph indicates. This is a quirky half vest and half mesh rara net dress with very long tie at back, down from £25.
Finally the Floral Vest Dress. The plain top with scooped neckline is low cut at the back with a gathered floral skirt, down from £18. I'm thinking holiday, I'm thinking France.
ProdigyRed
Ooooh, ProdigyRed, lots of nice things, very easy on the bank balance. Standard delivery is £3.95, free with a spend of over £30, use code UKDEL at the checkout.
Two dresses I liked...
The Colour Block Dress in Navy is colour blocking stripey brites galore, and only £9.99. A 2 in 1 styled cotton sundress with a soft stretch top and gathered skirt, in blue, white, red, green and yellow.
And The Cowl Neck Stripe Dress in Grey = £8.99 Hanky hem dress with deep cowl neck and contrast insert.
American Apparel leather pouches
I love my American Apparel leather pouches, especially the large in the black. Inspired and so much in lurve I had to get the same in the tan and the tahiti.
The large is £62. Very lovely, very functional, very quality, very cutting edge, very cool. These bags will be with you for ever.
Stargazer
I've been to Stargazer for a bottle of my favourite chrome nail polish. At only £2.50 a bottle I got the Chrome and the Chrome Blue.
Also on my shopping list was the Stargazer Permanent Eyeliner Pen in black, at only £4.
This 'permanent' eyeliner is hard working and stay-put when you want it to stay-put all day/night long, but can be easily removed with the Stargazer remover or any make-up remover.
nail wraps
I
picked the polka dot (white on black), the stripe (black & white) and the
gingham (blue on white). They're £6.65 a pack and free delivery
on orders over £15.The website has detailed instructions and a video demonstration, so you can't get it wrong.
Uniqlo
I saw this Women Dip Charlotte Ronson Dress in a magazine, in the white. At the website I found it in dark gray, down from £24.99 to £14.99, very nice. Looks like I got the last size M online.
Having a scout about I really liked this Women Military Coat in black at £39.90 and threw in a pair of cool Women Lounge Bottoms in black for only £8.90. The coat is also available in khaki, the lounge bottoms also in two shades of gray.
Nail Polish
The good nail polish news is from Barry M. Instant Nail Effects nail polish in Blue Print (No315).
It seems practically impossible to get it wrong, easy and smooth to apply and dries so fast, with the cracked effect appearing instantly as promised. It's available in this blue, pink, black and white, and only £3.99 a bottle.
I applied it on top of a base coat of Stargazer chrome (No232) giving it a very cool cracked ice effect. Or I'm thinking, try the black over a brown colour for a leopard print effect. Highly recommended.
The bad nail polish news is the Avon matte polish at £6 a bottle.
I tried it in the Black As Night and was very disappointed. It looked like I'd taken a black Sharpie pen and coloured my nails in. Within a matter of hours the polish was chipping off despite me having done nothing at all arduous, it simply wears off. Not recommended.
Oasis kaftan
I've got a Kaftan...and I never thought I'd ever say them words.
This Missoni inspired Oasis bargain is on sale, down from £45 to £25. Mostly turquoise with the classic zigzag pattern in shades of blue. This is the Oasis Chevron Stitch Kaftan.
A light knit with batwing sleeves and a tie waist.
tan tote
A tan shopper is a must-have, every fashion savvy woman's fun-da-mental right.
This one from Zara is my absolute favourite and I've looked all over.
The Zara tote is made of strong heavy-weight leather with small yellow metal pyramid studding, which are extended along the handles too...nice touch. The bag measures 33 x 38.5 x 13.5 cm. / 13 x 15 x 5 inches. There's an external front open pocket, an internal cotton zipped pocket and a stud closure tab as seen in the smaller picture.
It's a very well worth it £119.
Summer floral frock
Right now I need cool loose Summer dresses that don't constrict my tender abdomen but are long enough to cover my arse and let me go legging-less and tight-less, leggings and tights are too restrictive on the abdomen.
This Summer frock is from the G21 collection from George at ASDA. This floral Summer dress is cotton, button through with front pocket detail. It's a tenner.
While I was there I stocked up on a couple more of my fav Boyfriend Cardigan, only £12.50. Unfortunately they only had the black in stock at this time. Watch out as Autumn approaches in the hope they bring back the other colours.
Their cropped leggings, in black, are a bargain at £6 a pair and they have 150 denier tights at only £3 a pair. 150! That's opaque.
leather pouches
The latest, most covetable, stylish and gorgeous of handbags is the leather pouch. And American Apparel is the place to get them.
The large is 12 1/2" x 16 1/4" (31.8 cm x 41.2 cm), the medium is 9 1/4" x 14" (23.5 cm x 35.6 cm) and the small 7 1/2" x 6" (19.1 cm x 15.2 cm), all sizes available in a multitude of cool colours. I was interested in the large and medium and after much deliberation and deciding, went for the large in black and the medium in tan.
The large is £62, the medium is £46 and the small is £36. American Apparel offer free delivery and an added bonus, if like me, you're a first time shopper at American Apparel online then there's a way to get a 15% discount, go to the site and follow the instructions.
colour block that sun-dress
First time shopper at Dressrail.com. I'd spotted this jersey colour block sun-dress in a magazine.
Only £14.99.
Available in two other colour combos, but it had to be the blue for me.
paper hat
A new shop find and a new hat. I just found MyLabel.
I went for this wide brim chiffon tie straw sun hat in black. It's a super chic, on trend 70's inspired, large brim 100% paper straw sun hat with a matching chiffon scarf tie.
It started at £15, was marked down to £8.99, then you get to take advantage of a 20% discount code. Just enter LABEL20 at the checkout.
Very elegant, very essential.
Rise shorts
The Ella Shorts (arguably more skort than short) in blue and black, are pleated and feature different floral designs. Originally £20, but of course, do the easy math, now £10. Free deliveries and returns, my kind of website.
brown leather bag
I've been searching through all my very long list of fashion outlet favourites on the hunt for a brown leather bag and finally found the one at TK Maxx.
Made of soft and supple great quality leather in Italy by L'Incontro, this stylish duffle bag comes in four different colours including my choice, this classic brown. I like the other three too, tempting, very tempting.
The bag features a pleated style and stand-out special studded detail along the handles. There is also a detachable long shoulder strap.
The generous dimensions are 28(H) x 40(W) x 15(D) cm. There's 1 main zipped compartment and inside an inner zip and 2 pouches.
suspender tights
I replenished my stock of suspender tights at MotelRocks.com.
These are the Pretty Polly 'Pretty Suspended'.
The fabulously flirtatious stocking-and-suspender-style tights are opaque (60 denier) to the mid thigh, where they become sheer black (15 denier) with suspender strap details on the front and back. These tights with suspender design also have an opaque V brief, with a comfortable waistband and cotton gusset.
MotelRocks are selling them for £8 a pair. If you haven't purchased from MotelRocks before then you can register at their website for a £10 discount off your first order. And delivery and returns are free. Buy five pairs for a total cost of only £30, reducing the cost per pair to just £6. If anyone can beat that, let me know.
My work here is done.
New Look for the feet
There be new shoes from New Look.
Mark my words, I will never, never I say, tire of a wedge, so comfortable, so cool. These leather buckle wedges in light brown (really really much much much lighter than in the photo) are a key style this season.
They have a buckled peeptoe, buckle fasten ankle straps, and a contrasting dark wood effect border on the wedge.
And with the stud detailing on the 11.8cm heels, it's all very See by Chloe, at a fraction of the price. These were £34.99, now down to £27.99, but there's only the unpopular sizes left, so hurry over if you're not a size 5. Or get the tan option, still available in all sizes. And don't tell the Chloe fans, but the New Look version is far more foot friendly due to the padded insole which is lacking on the wooden platforms of the Chloes.
There's a lovely splash of contrast colour-blocking bright blue on these beige and brown New Look Wedge Suede Patch Shoe Boots.
Round toed with back zip fastening and a chunky 13cm high wedge heel. Same with the pricing, were £34.99, now down to £27.99. As I type they still have 5s, 6s and 7s online, with low stock warnings on 2 of the 3 sizes.
Both these pieces of foot art are exclusively available at New Look online at their flag-ship stores, so don't go thinking you can just pop in to your local shop tomorrow, get online now.
big bedtime T
I'm
needing some serious bedtime wear because I'll be a surgical patient
sometime this summer/autumn, for 4 days, all going well.Complications could mean a longer stay...shudder. Complications could be bladder and/or bowel damage, and perhaps the major issue of HAIs...Hospital Acquired/Assosiated Infections. Surgical patients being amongst the highest at risk for HAIs.
I have to treat myself to some BIG T-shirts I can wear instead of a nightie/pj thing, as well as a supply of alcohol hand jel and wipes. I'll be making like Howard Hughes, wiping door handles and toilets before touching. The only problem then will be the nursing staff and their individual adherence to hygiene policy, I'm doomed.
Moving on swiftly...I'm trying to stay positively upbeat bout the prospects, I don't do nighties and pjs, I do do BIG Ts.
I need man-size XXL T-shirts for length. The XXL is approx 31-32 inches long and big and baggy.
So far I've found one suitably personal XXL T. This PULP Common People...Drink & Smoke & Screw (because there's nothing else to do)...T-shirt is perfect for any PULP/Jarvis fan. Of course the real lyric is Dance & Drink & Screw, but I bet right now I'll be the only one on the ward that knows that.
This is my two fingers up to the nanny state in general and my most unfavourite politician, the bully and destroyer of human rights and personal freedoms, Jack Ma-feckin-Connel, in particular.
I want to be a rebel in my time of most vulnerability and pain...humour me.
Showerman Curve chrome triple
This
is the shower liquid toiletries dispenser we have in the Starry Towers
downstairs shower. The Showerman Curve, in the chrome triple version,
can be fastened to tiles, marble, glass-fibre, plastic, glass or acrylic
with the silicone supplied or for sturdier attachment, with screws, also
supplied, your choice. Overall size is 27cm high x 20.5cm wide. Capacity of each container is 400ml. After years of use I can highly recommend it. I went down the screw route, it's very attached, very pretty, very useful, very user friendly, it does exactly what it says on the blurb, and I lurve it.
But I need a new exact same one for when the upstairs shower is all sorted out, and a spare for when...for when anything bad happens to either one. I did a bit of Googling and found them at...
bathroom-trends.co.uk, but cheaper if bought from the same company on Amazon.co.uk.
Get The Label
I went for the Iska Jersey Frill Dress, stayed for a bit of a scout about and left with two more desirable items.
The Iska Print Top Sequin Dress is a flattering curvy sequinned sheath with a floral V necked top and loose short sleeves at only £19.99 (RRP£39.99). My third choice is the Glamorous Chiffon Gypsy Top with elasticated hem, £9.99 (RRP £19.99). Me in a gypsy top, I'd never have guessed that'd happen, and wouldn't have, but for the flatteringly pleasing long length of the shirring elastic waist panel. Stops the ballooning shapelessness of your usual gypsy tops.
Easter treats are not made of chocolate
Grazia magazine and Kurt Geiger have teamed up to offer us a treat of a discount, just click on this link and give 'em your details to get a 25% discount at Kurt Geiger.
A/Wear are currently offering a 20% discount on all full price items, enter EASTERTREAT at the checkout, offer ends 11 am on Friday 22/04/11.
FashionUnion emailed informing me they just got done beautifying their online shop and in way of apology for any trouble I may have encountered using the website recently...I hadn't. But still, they insisted and made me an offer I couldn't refuse, try code sorry154 for a 20% discount. If that doesn't work for you and you've never shopped there before, you can still have a 10% discount, use code FIRST at the checkout. When they ask if you wish to receive information by post, tick the box, the travel size style guide magazines they send out usually have a discount code for 10% off your next order printed on the back cover.
So, I was tempted, to have a little look, and came away with a dress and skirt. The black Mabel Jersey Dress is very moi, and also available in stone. A frill jersey mini dress with scoop neck, short sleeves and layered frills, down from £15 to £10 in the sale. And the grey print Maggie Chiffon Skirt, a fully lined gathered skirt with back zip and a very high waistband. £20 before discount. The grey print has a turquoise element that's going to slip with relish into my predicted Summer Of Turquoise.
ChiaraFashion
While admiring the pleasing site improvements I stumbled upon the Pleat Skirt Knit Dress in grey and black. I like the skirt/top look in the simplicity, ease of wear and comfort of a single garment. And I do like that little pleat skirt bit. Couldn't decide between grey and black, both appeal...both are now in The Starry Towers Walk-In Wardrobe. Then I saw this Studded Stripe Net Skirt Detail in grey, and always a sucker for a bit of tiered netting, and the tiny studding detail is lovely, it was a have-to-have, so I have it.
Then I saw this silver tone chainmail necklace, also available in gold tone...though you couldn't pay me to wear yellow metal...not that you would....you probably know it doesn't suit my colouring.
I love a bit of chainmail, this is only £2 in the sale, whoosh, in the virtual bag. In real life, it's very nice as a bit of flash trash, might not last forever, but whaddaya want for £2, jeeez.
Toy Watch #2 and shoes too H. O. T. T. to touch
I got myself a little trinket for Summer because...I'm worth it, you only live once, someone's got to keep the economy moving and there's major Religious Zealot trouble brewing...four good reasons to be nice to me. I predicted a Summer of Turquoise and dam it, I'm going to have a Summer of Turquoise! Don't try and stop me.
My new Toy Watch is the Fluo FL46LB in 'light blue', and for 'light blue', read 'turquoise'. It's a unisex Mini Plasteramic Watch with a face measuring 35mm and a band width of 21mm. Gorgeous.
You could, if you wished, swim to a depth of 99 feet without doing water damage to this watch.
I searched around the www and got the best price, of course. Saving £20, my new Toy Watch was available at LifeClothing.co.uk, till I bought the last one and it's now out of stock. I don't know this website, this being my first bit of business with them, they may get more in, if your after this Toy Watch it would certainly be worth enquiring.
Never mind a finger on the fashion pulse, these new shoes are two hands on the fashion heart, a work of art.
With curved 5" wooden platform wedge heels and a bit covered-heel, plus strappy, and studs.
My new Shoe Lurve comes from an eBay shop, I know! Astounding. But I checked all over t'internet to get them at the best price. And that place is a Vintage and Preloved Clothing and Latest Footwear (BNIB) eBay shop. For the uninitiated BNIB means the shoes are Brand New In Box.
Here's the eBay shop link, it's called Stegnome.
Don't even look at the smelly charity shop stuff, just get these shoes. They're available in all the sizes and several colour/fabric options. Black faux leather, white faux leather, and the faux suede options are black and beige. How very vegan. I needed a size 6 as I've found them to be small made, I recommend buying one size bigger than your usual.
Miss Selfridge
Big sale at MissSelfridge.com with a midi skirt I've had my eye on for a while included, so I'm pretty damned pleased to be getting it with a massive discount.
This Sheer Midi Skirt started at £22 and is now only £7.
Miss Selfridge has three very similar sheer midi skirts with inner tube mini skirt but I picked mine from the Miss Selfridge petite range as I was concerned a midi from the normal range might look like a maxi on 5 ft 2 and a bit inches shortie me.
Delivery is £4 and there's free returns.
Get The Label
I
recently discovered
GetTheLabel.com, they offer fantastic discounted prices
on a load of big label brands for men, women and children. You have to
pay for delivery and returns, but you can't complain bout that, you've
already saved so much on the prices of your clothes. I've been looking
at the dresses and skirts for a while and finally took the plunge for three
stand out dresses and a cute skirt.
The Club L Faux Fur Trim Dress in black is a jersey feel dress with silky
smooth net sleeves and very nice faux fur cuffs, très
très chic magnifique.
Shoulder to hem length is approx 31". You save £25, it's down to just £14.99.
This is my favourite, The Elise Ryan Mesh Waisted Dress is available in several colours, champagne, cream, coral, cerise and my choice, the turquoise. All have the ruched mesh waist panel and cap sleeves and an exposed zip to back in contrasting black. I just can't resist a bit of turquoise, but they all look attractive enough to tempt even a pastelphobe.
At a saving of £25, it's down to £29.99. It's cut perfectly and the mesh panel clings to the curves, proving to be extremely flattering, it's absolutely gorgeous.
The black Iska Jersey Frill Dress is only £12.99, down from £22.99. With it's white lace detail to the layered frill hem, it's approximately 32" shoulder to hem. Soft comfortable jersey but with a frill hem that makes it a daytime special.
The Lipsy Spot Mesh Skirt is so princess pretty and down from £37.99 to £14.99.
This 19" skirt is in peach with a black spotted net overlay and a bow to the waist. Isn't it so very fabulous, just too devine.
I even treated The Boy to a pair of Firetrap Smarti Canvas Pumps, at only £14.99 down from £29.99, I had to. A surprise treat for him. I'd have got The Husband a little summit, but I don't think they have anything he'd wear.
Diesel Clutch and Invisible Zinc may just be the answer to all my skin allergy problems
I love my wristlet clutch bags, can never have enough, but I'm exceedingly
picky, they have to be special and noticeably stand-out different from what
everyone else has, same as every handbag I have. I only purchase bags
that will stay with me for life. Then be buried with me, as per my
last will and testament instructions.There's my Las Vegas with Elvis Wedding bangle wristlet silver clutch, my black chainmail with white star wristlet Big Buddha 'Blair Mesh Maille Wrist Clutch and my UGG Slim Coin Wristlet.
Joining that lovely threesome, is the Diesel Shoulder Chain Clutch. The chain is long enough to be worn under arm or doubled round the wrist.
Featuring twin contrast pouches with flap closures and stud and clasp fastenings, and a silver tone chain strap with contrast black link detailing. It's one chain wristlet clutch, but it has two separate bag sections. The black and the silver, it's just so quirky and gorgeous. And it's made of leather, quality, it looks and will feel good too. Purchased from ASOS, there's £30 off the original full price.
I like it so much, I would have paid the full price if I'd seen it sooner, so I'm feeling a tad smug at this total bargain. No special discount code at ASOS today, but they give free delivery on everything, and if you spend over £75 you get free 'standard delivery' with which they give a guarantee of arrival date sooner than the guarantee they give if you spend less and still want free delivery.
Sooo...still wanting a bonus benefit, they tempted me to spend a few quid more so I'd get the free 'standard delivery' and my Diesel bag will be with me on Monday. Looking for something costing just £6, to increase my total spend to £75, I nearly bought a nail varnish, but then I found a sunless tanning product. Did a little research into that then chucked it in my virtual basket at ASOS.
Invisible
Zinc may be just what I need to get bronzed legs again. In the past I
was a fan of sunless tanning products, just for my legs, so I could go
bare-legged in the warmer weather without cringing at their whiteness, but I
developed an allergy and had to stop. I tried several more
sunless-tanning brands, but they all caused a hot, red, itchy rash.
And I now have one particular patch on my left lower leg that flares up
still, for no better reason than just stress. If I keep applying
Euserin 10% moisturising lotion it stays under control, but if I get lazy
and/or forgetful it gives me a load of bother, sometimes I scratch so hard
it bleeds. I gave up on the idea of sunless tanning products a while
back. But I have new hope now.Invisible Zinc is an Australian company producing skin sun protection factor 30+ products with all the benefits of zinc, but not white noticeable zinc...as it says on the tin, pump, tube or pot...they've made the zinc invisible. Here's the IZ science. Saving us all from skin cancer without having to cover our faces and bodies in thick white goo.
Their Jet Set Tan has...'microscopic droplets that 'mist-on' the skin. This amazing new easy-to-apply self tanner will give your skin the most believable bronzed tan that lasts for 7 days. The translucent solution is composed of sugars + Erythrulose, which react with the proteins of the skin and start working two hours after application, continuing for the next 12 hours. The unique delivery system mists-on evenly, and unlike other spray-tans, there is no need to rub or blend, and no messy dyes (for hands). Jet Set Tan dries instantly - you can dress directly afterwards.'
I don't even care about their promised mist-on easy to apply, the instant drying or the 7 day promise...I just want this to to be allergy free for me. The usual chemical DHA active ingredient in self tans is replaced with Erythrulose, a vegetable derivative that 'won't dry the skin'. It all sounds anti-allergy and natural, and I've always assumed the ingredient causing my eczema is the common self-tan factor...DHA.
They say the only active ingredient is a physical (not chemical) barrier, Zinc Oxide, a mineral reflector found in nature, they say Invisible Zinc protects against surface UVB and deeper penetrating UVA. If the self-tan spray causes me no grief, I'll go back for the sun-care protection and moisturising products. Invisible Zinc may be just be the answer. (update...it wasn't the answer, I'm allergic to this too)
Perfume and make up
Shopping for perfume and make-up today.The best deal available today for my only perfume, Thierry Mugler Angel eau de perfum, is at DutyFreePerfumes.co.uk. Only £40.75 for the 50ml re-fill bottle, and free P&P on every order. I would've purchased the 100ml bottle at only £61.15 but this is currently out of stock. They have the 'email me when this product becomes available' which is handy. This is a re-fill bottle and comes with a tiny perfume funnel. I have a couple of re-fillable bottles, so this is a great deal.
Angel by Thierry Mugler is beautiful. An oriental vanilla fragrance for women launched in 1992. The noses behind this fragrance are Olivier Cresp and Yves de Chirin. Top notes are melon, coconut, mandarin orange, cassia, jasmine, bergamot and cotton candy; middle notes are honey, apricot, blackberry, plum, orchid, peach, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, red berries and rose; base notes are tonka bean, amber, vanilla, patchouli, musk, dark chocolate and caramel...sounds like a very tasty tray of snacks.
Exciting news for Art Deco Ultra Quick Dry Ceramic Nail Lacquer
devotees. I brought home an Art Deco nail varnish shade 81, Foggy
Desert, it's nearly all used up and what's left is becoming almost
unworkable, it's turning all gloopy and hard to apply.I got mine at Weeze Airport in Germany. My favourite nail varnish is German and not available in the UK, but I have it on good authority they will be available very soon at garden.co.uk. Their Art Deco page is empty, but for them two thrilling little words...'coming soon!' Harry Ganz of garden.co.uk told me today that hopefully 'soon' will be at the end of April! Exciting! Soon can't come soon enough.
In
the meantime I've been shopping at
EyesLipsFace.co.uk.
I went for their 'nude' nail varnish and stayed for some other little bits and bobs.
The 'nude' is just a little too nude, too transparent, I was hoping for a more opaque solid shade on application.
The Professional Travel Kit is a neat little set of five professional-quality travel size brushes housed in a slick organiser. The set includes a powder brush, brow & brush comb, angled eyeshadow brush, lip brush, and an eye shadow applicator.
I also got the Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 in Light Beige, the Duo Eyeshadow in Black Licorice, the black Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, the therapeutic conditioning lip balm in Vanilla Crème, the Zit Zapper and a nail block. All delivered for less than £20.
New Look splurge
I had to take advantage of the free delivery and a 20% discount code at New Look. The free delivery finishes midnight tonight, but the 20% off runs till midnight 23/02/11, so be quick. Enter AFFTREAT at the checkout.I had my eye on a couple or three vests, but got all excited about the discount and just had to have a few other little treats. The Skater Skirt Vest, only £5.99, was the initial attraction for Summer casual, cos I really like the tiered frill hem. I like tiers and frill hems, I also like tiers and frills all over, see the H&M chiffon number in the previous post below.
These New Look Skater Skirt Vests are made of soft stretch jersey, have an edged scoop neck and a gathered skater frill hem. And I spotted an opening in the Starry Towers Summer wardrobe for both the black and the biscuit.
There were more vests needed after I found the New Look Crochet Star Tabard in black, £19.99. Something about this 100% cotton star formation crocheted tabard with gather frill hem, slashed neckline and tunic style sleeves told me I'd need a vest layer below. Black came to mind, I'd need a little black vest, but after I found the Leather Corsage Wedge Sandal, in 'storm' (turquoise blue), I knew I needed turquoise vests, to match the sandals, to go below the tabard.
Hence my choice of Basic Shoestring Vest in black and 'jade' (looks like turquoise to me), at only £1.99 each, and a Basic Vest in this 'storm' shade (also looking like turquoise to me). The Basic Vest is £3.99 or you get two for £6, so I threw in a black too.
Enjoying the benefits of free delivery and the discount I knew it was time for a serious sweep of all the New Look footwear department.
I've had an eye out for an espadrille style raffia platform wedge Spring/Summer 2011 sandal. The
New look Leather Corsage Wedge Sandal (£19.99) in 'storm' (turquoise blue) ticks all them boxes and the brights box. To smooth the transition from my favoured Winter platform wedge fur fold-over top boots to bright colour open-toe and open-heel full-on Summer footwear, I found the ankle high New Look Multi Strap Wedge with wide straps and zip heel, in black, for only £19.99.
I feel a real return of turquoise on the horizon and will be purchasing the nail polish to match. I wore turquoise approximately 10 years ago, tops and nail polishes. I even interior decorated bits of Starry Towers with my fav colour, the living room got a turquoise wall, turquoise cushions on the black leather sofa and other little bits, vases and such like. All that's long gone, but I admit, I've never stopped hankering after turquoise. Summer 2011 will be block bright turquoise, bring it on!
And here's the New Look Vests in black, biscuit, jade (and for 'jade' read turquoise) and kingfisher (read turquoise again)...
All prices quoted are pre the 20% discount.
true blue at H&M
On the In Style website I saw this H&M dress in yellow. Over at H&M I was really pleased to see it in bright blue too, as yellow's really not my colour. The H&M Straight Tiered Chiffon Dress with a tie at the waist and back zip. This delightful floaty little number is only £14.99. I love this dress.
The H&M special offer today is their Figure-fit Stretch Jersey Dress with mesh frills around the neckline, was £14.99, currently on offer for only £3.99. Maximum only one per customer, it's available in blue, black, powder beige and light pink. I got the blue, my second favourite colour, after black.
If you're needing anything at Debenhams, now's an excellent time to get it as they have a sale online and in store this weekend, for 20% off enter code PL2P at the check out.
Ash Boots
Combining all my current favourite shoe wear trends I'm always on the hunt for a pair of wedge stud ankle fur boots. I've looked at cheap versions, but they just don't do it for me. The difference between PU and real leather is immense in a wedge stud ankle fur boot. I considered the options, it was either get the black version of my Dune TUFF boots, but they don't have studs and the crepe wedge heels aren't black. That heel looks good on the taupe version, but on the black, I don't think so.
The wedge stud ankle fur boots I want have to look tougher. I've lusted these since they were full price at £195. Now I've tracked them down for less than half that. If you like them too, want the black and have the same size feet as me, you better be quick. The black size 5s are sold out everywhere else.
I got mine at davinashoes.co.uk. They charge £4 delivery on a less than £150 spend, but returns are free.
These are wonderful, not only the wedge, the studs, the fur, but also the covered and platform sole and rear zip fastening. These are the Ash URANUS matt black leather ankle boots with a fur cuff. The platform sole is 3cm and the covered wedge heel 10cm.
My last boots purchase of this season are suitably gorgeously stylish and an impressive bargain to boot. I love these boots.
Jumbuck Wedge Boot
There be new boots at Starry Towers.Jumbuck is an inspiring new brand of sheepskin boots. They offer supreme comfort using only the highest quality of Grade A sheepskin, creating products that are at the cutting edge of fashion. The sheepskin boot with a twist.
I fell for the Jumbuck Wedge Boot in black. The perfect way to step out in style this season. A unique take on a classic design, the Wedge Boot incorporates a 3 inch crepe wedge heel to give you that added lift. Made from 100% genuine twin-faced sheepskin to cushion the feet, these are one pair of heels that won’t hurt! Stud detailing allows the cuff to be worn up or down for multi-styling. Available in black and chestnut.
The best price ever is in the Shudoo sale, down from £180 to only £50! Delivery is free. Then add the code VCSALE10 at the checkout for a further 10% off, and...taa-daaa! You pay....£45!
A gorgeous pair of boots, ticking the wedge and the shearling cuff boxes and they've got studs and buckles too. High fashion, top quality and total bargain price, you don't get much better than this.
I was looking for UGGs, but better. UGGs with a wedge, and there are UGGs with a wedge, just not as stylish as these wedges, and they don't have the turn down cuff option.
I'd probably have bought these at £180, but to find them for £45. You know people say if it sounds too good to be true then it probably isn't true, well this knocks that old truism out the ballpark. This is both good and true, that makes it too good to miss.
Warehouse Stone Overlay Domed Ring
I spotted this ring on a finger of a work colleague, totally eye-catching blingtastic. I had to enquire and promise she'd never see me in the same room with it on.
It's from Warehouse, a Stone Overlay Domed Ring, and it's down to half price in their sale, only £7. Available in two sizes, S - M and M - L, tis very very very nice, get yours before it's gone.
Handcuff Bracelet
Here it is, my Swagalicious Xmas pressie from The Husband, my Nomination Women's Handcuff Bracelet. I lurve you The Husband, and not just at Christmas.
I spotted this quirky stylish article back in March this year, and lusted. At that time I couldn't find it for sale anywhere on the interweb. But, it's now available at pierotucci.com in ever-stylish Florence, Italy.
hooded scarves
I was slightly perplexed for a couple of days there, wondering whether hooded bear scarves are too youthful for a grown up lady like is what I am. My final decision is hell no, one is never too old to look ridiculous. Why should the young have all the crazy cool kookiness? Boohoo.com have the best selection of hooded scarves I've seen anywhere on the British bit of the interweb. All the natural and monotone shades, fairisle and with or without the ears and button eyes.I went for the 'stone' and the 'charcoal' Jordyn Hooded Bear Scarf. These are so cute, cute, cute, and cosy and hyper-soft. They've got cute little ears and self colour button eyes for a more subtle bear appearance. You will lurve them, do as I've done, get at least two.
The hood, the scarf and at the ends of the scarf there's handy pockets for your hands if you feel so inclined, it's an ingenious fashion item providing warm for head, neck and hands.
And there's free delivery until midnight on Boxing Day, enter XMAS at the checkout.
time's ticking away for these bargains
What's still ticking the fashion boxes this season and are available at knock down prices right now? I'll tell you...sequins, fairisle, cable knits, bows, ruche shoulders, animal print, body-con, swing dresses, peeptoes, wedge shoe boots. So here's my suggestions for the best bargains out there right now. Catch them quick or forever regret.
Starry sequins on frocks and peeptoe booties. Join The Fashion Union for the sequin bargain of the year. Grab a Sequin Panel V-Neck Dress, or two. At only £8 down from £26, I got it in the black and the silvery charcoal.
So in love with sequins, and still haven't got enough? Over you go to Boohoo.com and fall in lurve with their Deana Sequin Shift Dress as seen in LOOK magazine. Currently at half price, only £10, for goodness sake, get to it girls! Then there's the Boohoo Nicola Sequin Peeptoe Wedge
Boot at only £20, down from £35. Get them now or...don't come crying to me as you stick your feet in boring non-sequin, non-wedge, non-peep-toe boring old shoes for your Christmas party.
There's one Barbara Hulanicki for George at ASDA item I had a couple looks at it before deciding whether I must have. The answer was yes I must.
The Animal Print Bow Dress. A total steal at only £20, this jersey mini dress with the bow detail and ruche shoulders in a Leopard print is spot on, flattering and stand-out.
Barbara Hulanicki is such an iconic fashion designer, founder of the BIBA Boutique in 1964, only seems right to have this fabulously stylish frock in 2010. Mark my words, it will sell out.
When it comes to Winter Knitwear there's nothing suits me better than the tunic and swing style mini dress. They can be worn with opaque tights of 60 to 120 denier, skinny jeans, leggings or jeggings, for style and warmth in the snowy Winter Wonderland and the big freeze temperatures.
George at ASDA has this black Tunic Jumper with a cosy cable pattern from the empire line downwards and 3/4 sleeves that I've long been thinking I should add to my Winter knitwear tunic/long-line jumper/mini dress collection. This kind of knitted tunic dress will be in fashion every Winter, like, forever. Only £14.
Unable to contain myself I also added another piece of Knitwear with a Fairisle snowflake design...the Fairisle Tunic in black, an unbelievable £12, down from £28 in black from Fashion Union.
You still here? Get thee to them above mentioned bargains, NOW!
UGG Slim Coin Wristlet
As a regular UGG inspector...and by inspector...I mean, I keep tabs on the latest UGG styles in case they bring out another bit of footwear I must have, and as a self-proclaimed lurver of the UGG Tall Classic boots...in black, I've long been thinking there'd never be another UGG item I'd just have to have, except for maybe yet another pair of said fav boots. But there is, and here it is, and it's a total cutie. I've had my heart set on this for, what...approximately 4 whole days! And now it's mine.
At one time I foolishly believed that the longer you wait, the sweeter the pleasure of getting, but that was just me being silly, instant gratification is where it's at.
I stumbled upon this shearling beauty when Googling for wristlet clutch bags, which have been my most lurved bang-on-trend clutch bag choice for a long time now. My wristlet clutch bag collection was two big before I saw this. There's my silver wristlet clutch I found up The Centre that became my Wedding Clutch and my Big Buddha 'Blair' Mesh Maille Wrist Clutch with the star detail. And now there is a third member of my wristlet clutch collection...Star Swag Blog readers...I give you, well I won't actually give you it, buy your own, but I present to you my thinking on THE must-have wristlet clutch...The UGG Slim Coin Wristlet, mwahh, mwahh, mwahh.
It's so Winter, so luxe, so yummy. Made of soft suede and luxurious shearling, this wristlet features a top-zip closure, leather wrist strap and trim, a snap-flap front pocket with UGG stud, a distinctive UGG brand lining fabric with an inside pocket, and a detachable pom pom key ring. Oh, mwahh, mwahh, mwahh.
If you're in the UK and want one, I fear you may now be left with only the option of the chestnut version, because I could only find the black online at Kurt Geiger and House of Fraser. It was already out of stock at House of Fraser and a day after I ordered it from KG it's out of stock there too. Sorry bout that, maybe they'll get more in, maybe not, if you're not fast, unfortunately you will be last.
My new wristlet clutch cost £65, I wish I'd found an online discount to soften the blow, but hey, I'm not spoiled, I'm loved very much. I work hard, I appreciate and love myself very much...you do only live once.
The good thing bout registering at Kurt Geiger is he sends you a £20 off your next order discount code. The only thing I was a bit peeved about was I could've done with receiving the code before I made my first purchase, but who knows, I might buy something else from him in the future, if I ever decide 1 to 3 hundreds of my Scottish pounds is a reasonable price for a pair of shoes. Maybe he'd like to convince me, if he wanted to, he could send me a pair of his KG by Kurt Geiger 'Echinacea' shoes, they are deliciously gorgeous. My only problem would be, black, nude or brown (leopard and red), mmmmm, how can a girl decide? Probably only if she got to try (and keep) all 3 colours.
While I'm dreaming, three little words...Jimmy Choo UGGs. Oh my, I want them so bad...the Limited Edition Sora in black, if only they weren't as much as 600 of my Scottish pounds I'd have them in a flash.
top class satchel and a batch of discount codes
It's Swag Weekend!MyBag.com, the handbags and accessories boutique, have a 10% discount off everything for this weekend only, enter XMAS10 at the checkout.
Meanwhile, this is THE satchel and I lurve it so much. Top marks, a double A plus and five gold stars to The Modalú Kiera Studded Large Grab Handbag. It's made of super soft leather, stud detailing, a grab handle as well as a removable shoulder strap. The buckled front flap has double metal popper fastening for added security, there's a gorgeous vintage print lined interior, large outer pocket to rear and an inside zip pocket, slip pocket and mobile phone pouch. Measurements : H 25 cms W 39 cms, and available in dark brown and a lighter brown they call Olive, as well as the black I opted for.
It's available from Modalú at the price of £140, but if your quick...
...and when I say quick, I mean very, because the deal ends Sunday 12th, John Lewis is offering this bag in their price match offer with a 20% discount, bringing the price to £112, with free delivery. There's also a small version at H 23 cms W 28 cms for £115 from Modalú and for this weekend only, at only £92 from John Lewis.
Over at Boohoo.com there's 20% off EVERYTHING for this weekend only, enter code TWENTY at the checkout.
Topping even that, there's a massive 25% off EVERYTHING at YaYa21, again, it's this weekend only, enter code disc25 at the checkout.
FashionUnion are still practically giving it away with loads of discounts and sale items, the discount codes are added automatically in your shopping basket.
Cosmo subscription deal, George stuff and a BaByliss hairdryer
I subscribed to Cosmopolitan Magazine due to my liking of the December 2010 issue I purchased today. I was most impressed with all the discount codes they have with this issue. The deal I signed up to is for 3 years, 36 months, 36 issues of the Travel Size. At only £1 an issue, it's so well worth it. Here's a taster of the discount codes Cosmo has this month, and these are just the ones that appealed to me personally, there's a whole load more in this month's issue.
A chance to get a right good deal on my next Ray Ban purchase, with loads of time to decide what new ones I need. There's a 20% discount on your first order at RedHotSunglasses.com. The offer expires at midnight on Easter Monday 25th April 2011. Just enter 20COSMO at the checkout,
If you like Rocketdog footwear, over at Rocketdog.co.uk you can have a 15% discount by entering COSMODEC at the checkout. This offer ends at midnight on 31/12/10.
Dressrail.com is a new fashion online shop to me, and it looks like a good one. There's 10% off everything, enter COSMO10 at the checkout.
Missimo.com have official Playboy Bunny outfits based on the original Playboy Bunny Girl Costumes as designed by Hugh Hefner and first worn by cocktail waitresses in the Playboy Clubs during the 1960s. Hugh Hefner has always refused to sell the iconic Bunny costumes, until now. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Playboy Bunny he has allowed a Limited Edition release. Do you fancy an exclusive official stretch satin Playboy Bunny costume, with the ears, fluffy tail bow tie and button cuffs? Yeah!
Fancy £15 off your Playboy Bunny costume? Hell yeah! Go to Missimo.com. Enter COSMOBUNNY15 in 'My Basket' before the checkout. Missimo.com even give a detailed guide on how best to put on your Playboy Bunny costume.
While The Husband is left wondering if I've been to Missimo.com, I did go to ASDA and picked up a couple of Trend Alert items, which he won't be getting so excited about, but I love.
The G21 Sequin Tube Skirt, an all over sequin tube skirt with an elasticated waistband at only £12.50. And the Snowflake Fairisle Jumper and Scarf set, a long line 3/4 sleeve jumper with a matching scarf, for £16.
I picked up a bargain BaByliss hairdryer too at ASDA.
The BaByliss Dry & Shine 2100 for only £15.
The hairdryer has 3 heat/2 speed settings plus a cool shot. A concentrator nozzle and a pre-styling comb to detangle hair, a paddle brush for smoothing and detangling and a thermal brush for straightening and shaping styles. And it comes with a 3 year guarantee
must-have Wellies
I'm a big Wedge Welly fan and already have the Mystical, the starry ones from a previous season. Hull based Wedge Welly entered the BBC2 show Dragon's Den in May this year and received a £65,000 investment from Theo Paphitis for a 25% share in the business. You can watch their Dragon's Den pitch here. Well done the Wedge Welly folks! They had a pair of my Starry Wedge Wellies on their sales pitch too.
Today I was suffering Welly Jealousy because The Husband has bought himself Hunter welly boots, with Hunter Welly Socks. Now, I've been thinking for a while that I should have Hunters, but I only wear wedge heeled wellies, so I was facing a bit of a Welly dilemma.
To go with my Hunters I got some socks, a couple pairs of the black Hunter Fleece Welly Socks from Schuh, and for special Welly occasions, the faux fur Hunter Grizzly Cuff Socks from Caledonian Country Wear, or ccwclothing.com as they're known on the www. For me and my size 5's it's the Medium sock that's required, for size 3 - 5.
Until that is, my Googling led me to The Hunter Melrose Tall Welly with it's wedge heel, I didn't even know they do a wedge heel.
It's the black classic Hunter ladies welly with a wedge heel, so simple, so chic, so must-have.
While Googling around at wellies and looking at my original favoured wedge heeled welly company I found another pair I just have to have. The new Wedge Welly Man Eater Unique Wellington Boots with their 2 and a 1/2 inch heel and the shiny shiny shiny black rubber.
The sophisticated look for both town and country, featuring an attractive sleek silhouette with a slim ankle fit and wedge sleek heel. I got mine at the best deal available at thewellyshop.com, they is so gorgeous with the croc effect.
I considered the Flex version with the side buckles, but them buckles aren't just an added pretty design feature, they're actually functional. They make the boots fit girls with fat legs, up to 43.9 inches. OMG! I don't want a boot that goes up to a 43.9 inch calve.
Select Fashion
There be shopping, well of course there be, this time it's from Selectfashion.co.uk. The prices are amazing to start with, but right now, there's a massive 40% discount, enter GIFT40 at the checkout. There's also free delivery on a purchase of over £40, and a buy one get one half price on the sale items.
Phew!
I picked the black Leather Look Bodycon Pencil Skirt £8, Mesh Jewel Trim Dress £16, Pleated Short Sleeve Top £8 and the 2 Pocket Snowflake Fairisle Tunic £16 and Who can say no?
Get Him To The Greek soundtrack
I watched Get Him To The Greek tonight, and loved it so much I had to secure my copy of all the Russell Brand songs immediately, ASAP, NOW! The best price is at Amazon.co.uk, the 15 track CD is on sale for £8.95.
I first fell in love with Mr Brand's singing with his Inside Of You from the Forgetting Sarah Marshall soundtrack. Get Him To The Greek has so much of Mr Brand singing I was quite ecstatic at the very thought of it, let alone the actuality of it.
From the Amazon.co.uk..."Infant Sorrow is the name of the band from Russell Brand's 2010 movie, Get Him To The Greek, and in the context of the film this is their latest blockbuster album...One of the most influential rock bands of the decade, Infant Sorrow churned out a steady string of hit albums that not only reinvigorated the stagnant rock scene of the late 90s but went on to define a generation. Led by notorious front man Aldous Snow, whose scandalous exploits are well documented on both sides of the Atlantic, Infant Sorrow is widely considered the last truly great rock and roll band."
With Forgetting Sarah Marshall I had to content myself with two tracks, the loverly Inside Of You and the other one, We've Got To Do Something. The Get Him To The Greek soundtrack has no fewer than 14 songs sung by Russell Brand fronting Infant Snow, his movie band...Heaven, I'm in Heaven.
new Munkey
Awww, look see what I found today, it's Limited Edition Xmas Munkey, 6" tall and wearing his lovely Reindeer jumper. I found him at a local supermarket in a 500g box of PG Tips pyramid tea bags. A new addition to my Munkey collection.
NICI Little Rockers
This is my NICI Little Rockers 15cm dangling Zebra. He's lovely, soft to touch, funky punk rock different, and dangling from my Kingston DataTraveler 101 Gen 2 32GB USB Flash Drive, in purple. He's a perfect match with his purple wrist cuffs. The new Flash Drive is bigger and proving to be faster portable storage for MarilynsWorld. And only £41.99 at Base.com with free P&P.
I picked my Zebra up at Weeze Airport in Germany. He is available online from the NICI website, but the 15 Euros for delivery to the UK more than doubles the cost, so a lot cheaper if you just keep your eye open for the range in Continental airports. There's loads of NICI soft toys at cuddlykingdom.com, though they don't have the Little Rockers range.
ToyWatch
I'm in lurve with my new ToyWatch, the new for Fall 2010 Black and Silver Full Stones Gem ToyWatch (GE05BK) purchased at Aphrodite1994 making good use of their discount code, enter LOYAL10 for a 10% discount.I did run into a bit of a problem though, resizing the strap. This is a unisex one size watch so I knew it was going to be too big, what I wasn't aware of is that Scotland's jewellers can't, generally speaking, resize a ToyWatch strap.
Not knowing this up front, on the day my ToyWatch arrived I rushed down to a local old fashioned jewellery shop in a local town, thinking I'd be most likely to find a real jeweller on site and I wouldn't have to wave goodbye to my ToyWatch for a few days or a week, however long it would take to be sent away then returned.
My local jeweller happily accepted my ToyWatch and we arranged I'd return in about an hour. She was tasked with removing three links, and I made sure to tell her, not the branded links and not the jewelled links, just three of them plain links.
When I returned, all excited, she told me she couldn't do it. She couldn't get the pins to budge.
Back home to Starry Towers with my too big ToyWatch and I got on the internet.
The ToyWatch USA website gives instructions for resizing the strap using the special tool that all ToyWatches ship with in the USA, but that doesn't help us poor tool-less buggers here in the UK. On eBay and Amazon I wasn't impressed with the tool options available, reading reviews stating some of those tools were next to useless. I phoned two jewellery shops up The Centre, both said they couldn't do it. I phoned a jewellery shop in Edinburger that stocks ToyWatch, she said she thinks their jeweller can do it but I'd have to speak to him, tomorrow. I phoned a ToyWatch stockist in Glasgow, she said they could do it, then she said, you know what would be easier for you, living in West Lothian, Timpsons. She said if they have problems with any watch straps, they take them to Timpsons
So that's your answer if your having problems resizing a ToyWatch strap, take it to your local friendly Timpsons. £6, job done. And if your not sure about the new size, think you might want it smaller, or slightly larger again...keep the receipt, once you've made up your mind, they'll make further alterations at no extra cost. They really are the cheeriest bunch of guys too.
Supermarket undies
Fashion Union are offering a 40% discount on all coats and 25% off all footwear, both offers are available by entering the discount code FA10EP13 at the checkout.
I got my eye on some pretty coordinating undies from F&F at Tesco.
This Leopard Print Bra and Thong Set is super sexy and very good quality. At only £8 for the unpadded bra and £3 for the thong they represent fantastic value for money. The shorts and the padded bra are also available in this range.
The best of the unpadded underwired bras available at George are the Animal Flock Bra with it's pleasing felty feel and teal ribbon, lace and rosebud trim detailing, and the Delirium Bra in purple with a few sequins and lacy edging. Both combining substantial enough support (in the 32E anyway), soft feel and very pretty looks for their £6 price tags. The only disappointment is a lack of matching thongs, though they both come with coordinating shorts.
the best Kilt
There's a jewellery BOGOF at Boohoo.com and all dresses are still £20 or less.Exciting news, I've found my AW2010 kilt! For me the skirt of the season has to be the black leather kilt. I love all three of it's main features...the colour, the materials and the style. The first I spotted was in a magazine, the £80 version at Oasis, but it hasn't shown up on their website yet. Then I saw the pleather version in branch at NEXT, but it's out of stock in the size 8 and I wasn't so keen on it to start with due to the quality of the material not being as good as it might have been.
So, imagine my delight when I spotted this, the New Look Limited Edition Leather & Chiffon Skirt. It has a wide waistband with back zip fastening, genuine leather panels to both front and back and pleated chiffon detailing to the sides. And it's only £39.99. The pleats, the leather combined with the chiffon, it's all very Christopher Kane juxtaposition. The solid tough of the leather and the sheer soft of the chiffon.
Also at New Look is this cute little black Fluffy Crop Jumper, I adore soft fluffy little woollies and think this'll look good over vests with bodycon minis or jeggings. It's £21.99 and will keep you snuggly warm this Winter.
I needed a black Tube Skirt at only £7.99, and would've had the camel version too if it wasn't sold out in all sizes apart from the 16. Bit of a disappointment that.
New Look do my favourite tights, their 120 Denier Tights are smooth, warm and extremely opaque, excellent at only £4.99 a pair.
Dotty P's Bow Sleeve Ponte Tunics
I wore my Dotty P Bow Sleeve Ponte Tunic in camel yesterday, with my DP Fit and Flare Coat. Feet dressed in my M&S Limited Collection Round Toe Faux Fur Shoe Boots and accessorised with my Top Shop black Leather Silver Plate Clutch Bag and Alexander McQueen black/white silk Skull Scarf.
I know it may have seemed a tad too much for an X-ray appointment at my local NHS hospital, but I don't have any appropriately unstylish hospital waiting room clothing, only nice things. Anyways, the wearing of my Dotty P Bow Sleeve Ponte Tunic in camel made me feel rather classy, it looks and feels just so very right. So, dear Swag Blog reader, back at DP I got the black and the red. Call me hasty if you will, it's true I've never worn a red dress before, but there's a first time for everything.
UGGs from Cloggs.co.uk, F&F at Tesco for neck-wear and Shoe Boots
Fashion Union have 25% off everything this weekend, enter FA10EP12 at the checkout.Cloggs.co.uk have a £10 off offer on all their UGGs. With free deliveries, free returns and free exchanges, it's all free, apart from the UGGs, but £10 off certainly isn't to be sniffed at, you won't find much better for genuine UGGs. Also Cloggs.co.uk is trustworthy, selling only the genuine UGGs, that's peace of mind. Enter UGG100 at the checkout. Offer ends Midnight Tuesday 16th November. I'm onto my third pair of UGGs, all the Tall Classic in black. Through experience I recommend going down a size, they may be a little snug to start due to the thick pile of the interior sheepskin, but that pile settles a bit with wear and they do stretch a bit with age, so I've found my usual size 5 becomes slightly roomy. The size 4 I'm currently aging to my tastes will be my best fit. It helps to relax them by wearing them folded down a lot, I fold mine even further down than this picture shows, right down to the ankle.
A quick reminder cos it expires very soon, at Dorothy Perkins, till the 14th, so drop everything and zoom on over quick sticks, enter the discount code DPVIPE at the checkout for a 25% discount.
At Boohoo.com all their dresses are ...or a limited time only...£20 or less! Time to organise your Xmas party-wear.
At F&F at Clothing at Tesco there be Snoods and Shoe Boots, and free delivery when your virtual basket contains over £50 worth.
These three neck warmers arrived today and all three are super soft and gorgeous. The black Faux Fur scarf is long enough to roll around three times, only £4. The black Faux Fur Snood is great and soft enough to shape comfortably around, only £7, and the black Ribbed Snood at only £5 is for days when faux fur might get wet, like when sledging or such like.
Then there be the Shoe Boots, all hidden platformed soles, stiletto heels, mesh and silver-wear, studs, rivets and zips.
Presenting, first up in the must-have Shoe Boot category, we have the F&F Rivet Shoe Boot with 25% off these little darlin's are down to £20. With closed toe, rivet and zip detailing, and the most scrumptious shiny silver-lacquered soles.
Next up, I give you, the F&F Studded Shoe Boots in black, at only £18.
And finally, top of every fashionista's wish-list, the F&F Collection Mesh Shoe Boot, down from £25 to £20, all so very Jimmy Choo, apart from the price tag. They have the platform sole, the peep-toe, the mesh, the zipped heel detailing, tick, tick, tick, tick, all the boxes.
Ark Clothing
The Hearts & Bows Dark Grey Polka Rose Dress with it's flower print and double layers is so pretty, and again half price, down to only £12.50 making it the find of 2010. The thing that did it for me was the tulle straps and hem which add sexy detail and create a vintage vibe. It has a V neckline and back with mini button and gathering effect adding detail to the bust. The elasticated back and side zip fastening ensures the perfect fit.
The Orion London Black Priscial Dress is also half price, down to £32. The bold print used throughout creates the perfect contrast to the plain top of this mini chic wonder. The new shape and loose fit of this silk look dress featuring short sleeves and round neckline, with four button fastening at the centre back is an instant classic.
The snowflake print cardigan from Miss JCL is super soft fine knit perfection and only £16.99. The Vila Light Grey Fox Tank Vest Top is great quality and with it's all over, back and front, stud details at £12.50 and the True Decadence By Glamorous Beige Lace Vest Top at only £5.50 truly whispers gently of decadence.
My parcel arrived by courier, inside the clothes were wrapped in green tissue and sealed with loving care with an ArkClothing sticker. Special attention making this customer feel extra special. I'm sure I'll return again and again to ArkClothing.
New Look
A browse around New Look with the view of taking advantage of their £10 discount and I found a thing or three I fancied. There was a Faux Fur Cossack Hat in charcoal grey, the Peep Toe Fur Booties and a black Diamante Bow back Tunic.
The quilted-lined Cossack Hat is right up my faux-fur-statement-hat street and will be fabulous with my new Dotty P Military Fit and Flare Coat, all very Russian, oh I feel a faux fur muff coming on, and perhaps a piece of Russian Doll jewellery or a medal or two?
The Peep Toe Fur Booties are the night out version of the fur footwear trend, will be classy and lady-like with an LBD.
The black Diamante Bow Back Tunic has the all-over diamante studs and the particularly pretty three bow detailing at the nape of the neck.
discount codes and Shearling Boots
Fashion Union are giving it away with their 25% off everything offer, including a load of already SALE discounted items. Offer ends midnight on Sunday 14th November, just enter FA10EP12 at the checkout. Standard delivery is £3.95, and there's free returns.
A|Wear are celebrating their 25th birthday with a 25% discount for 25 hours, enter IE25TODAY at the checkout, offer ends 10am tomorrow.
I couldn't help myself when I set eyes on the Bronx Black Noreene Shearling Boots, and the 25% discount did salve any guilt I may have been faced with if I'd had to pay the full price. Sooo bang on trend and luxuriously finished. With a quality leather upper and sumptuous shearling lining, a must-have investment for keeping your tootsies cosy and dry. The heel height is perfect for looks, comfort and stability on Winter pavements, and the shearling cuffs can be worn up or turned down. There's straps, silver buckles and studs aplenty
, bringing a rock chic super-stylish edge. Perfectly blissful beautiful boots.
Boots to die for are like buses. Those much coveted black M&S Limited Collection Round Toe Faux Fur Shoe Boots I've been waiting an absolute age for are here. With their silver buckle, strap and stud detail and 103mm high heel and platform cleated grip sole, they shout Finger-On-The-Fashion-Pulse!
If your not quick you will miss out, these boots have featured in several fashion magazines and will sell out.
Thou too shalt covet The Boots of Faux Fur and Shearling.
Dotty P discount code
Quickly now...if your hankering after anything from Dorothy Perkins, they currently have a 25% off discount code. This is for one week only, Sunday 7th to Sunday 14th November.
Enter DPVIPD at the checkout. I did, for the black Fit And Flare Coat, the Camel Bow Sleeve Tunic, the black Wedge Bow Shoe Boots and the brown Faux Fur Snood.
The Fit and Flare Coat is fine ribbed, fit at the waist with a flared skirt and a big nod to the bang on trend Military look. I love these boots, the bow detail will tie in beautifully when worn with the camel tunic, or stand alone with anything else too. I adore the comfort and style of the wedge heels. I crave faux fur and I need snoods for Winter, so this beauty is ideal.
Free delivery for a spend of over £75, and free returns. You know you want to.
Nude nail varnishes
The one that's taking me a little longer to like is the Rimmel London Lycra Pro with it's claims of up to 10 day long hard wearing, chip resistant professional finish and it's new mistake-free application Maxi brush in 397 Beige Babe. It's a darker taupe shade. The Maxi brush is excellent, goes on like a dream so I will be checking out the other shades available in future.
My favourite nude shade is the Artdeco Ultra Quick Dry Nail Lacquer in 81 Foggy Desert. I picked this up on a whim yesterday at the shop in Weeze Airport Germany. Goes on smoothly, dries quickly, is proven to be very hard wearing and is a lovely camel colour. It matches my growing wardrobe of statement camel coloured clothes, and goes nicely with my leopard items too.
The only place I can find online for the German Art Deco brand is a translated German website Sonjas Beauty Sallon, they do deliver to the UK for a fee and you can browse the many products Art Deco provide, but it's all very confusingly German and I can't make head nor tail of it. I'm lucky to have The German Sister-in-law, may have to call in some favours when she travels Germany to Scotland.
ToyWatch
My birthday pressie is sorted...yeeeeehhhh!
It's the watch-world celebrity must-have, the It watch for Fashionistas. A ToyWatch, and in my considered opinion, one of the hottest. Mine is the new for Fall 2010 Black and Silver Full Stones Gem ToyWatch (GE05BK).
With a 40mm pave dial fully encrusted with synthetic mineral glass stones, Plasteramic strap with secure butterfly clasp, baguette cut stones markers, around bezel and on strap. The ToyWatch printed logo on watch face and steel back, date calendar and stopwatch function. Absolutely gorgeous and just the right amount of bling. All ToyWatches come in a chic clamshell, black pressed-leather box with a black velvet interior and velvet watch pillow. The clamshell box comes in a white glossy gift box with the ToyWatch logo on the top.
I got mine at Aphrodite1994 AND icing on the cake...they have a current discount code, enter LOYAL10 at the checkout for a 10% discount, most excellent.
a pleather dress, leopard scarves, towels and a knuckle duster clutch
I shopped for the first time at H&M online, and am extremely pleased I did too, cos I've been searching for an attractive silk Leopard print scarf for an age. H&M has it, it's 120 x 240 cm, and icing on the scarf-cake, they also have a Leopard print scarf in a thicker cotton material 80 x 200 cm. Both versions less than a tenner version of my Scottish pounds.
After the scarf-fest I took a gander round the rest of the shop and spotted the black Faux Leather Dress, a bargain at £14.99. The Leopard Scarves, the Pleather Frock, so far, so classy. Then I got an Oversized Top with Rolling Stones Lips Print cos I've thought for many a year that I should have one.
Luckily H&M also have a range of strong colour choices in their towel department because I was in towel-need. My towel-thirst was quenched with their thick stripe-weave texture cotton terry towels. The bath towels are 100 x 150 cm and the guest towel 30 x 50 cm in packs of two. I got two bath towels in the grey and two in the green, and a pack of grey and a pack of green guest towels.
Sign up for the H&M newsletter for a 25% discount off the most expensive item in your first order.
I'm an Alexander McQueen skull fan, what with my two silk skull scarves and my Jolie Bijoux Hematite Crystal Skull Ring, so I was always going to have to have a skull knuckle duster clutch.
And here it is, the Religion Knuckle Duster Clutch at Yogoego.com.
Register at Yogoego.com for a 10% discount off your first order.
This Metal Knuckle Duster Handle With Skull And Jewelled Detailing and Detachable Chain Strap Knuckle Duster Clutch is hard-core rock-chick with an added razor-sharp edge, lovin it.
bling shopping
I was fancying a new batch of costume jewellery and browsing around the virtual shops found some really lovely stuff. At Treasurebox.co.uk I got a gorgeous Jolie Bijoux Hematite Crystal Skull Ring (1).
At Talullah Tu I fell for the Silver Bauble Cocktail Ring (2) in the style of Dries Van Noten, featuring a huge shiny silver bauble attached to a silver ring. My new great tinternet shop find is Avalaya.com, they have so many stylish and beautiful jewellery a girl could be declaring bankruptcy after just a couple of hours clicking. But if you can control yourself and only take your most favourites you'll find yourself not too skint at all, everything is extremely reasonably priced. From their massive range of choice I selected three rings, the Clear Crystal Cluster Ring (3), the 3D Crystal Dome Cocktail Ring (4) and the Jet Black Crystal Cluster Ring (Silver Tone) (5).
Stars is my thing and I'm always looking for the best stuff with stars. Accessorize supplied the Constellation Sparkle Knuckle Duster Ring (6) with it's assorted star shapes encrusted with diamante detail, and I found the Icon Star Swivel Ring at a little site called RIP101. I'm loving this ring for it's star detailing and it's made up of an internal band of highly polished metal, with an outer matt-finish band printed all around with the little black stars. The outer ring of the Star Swivel Ring swivels around, so if I so wish, I can get all fidgety with it and play. That's so cute. There's a current discount code for 10% off at www.RIP101.com, enter OCTAFF at the checkout.
Browsing round Talullah Tu I also bought their Black Chain Crystal Necklace (8), a heavy black acrylic chain design studded with clear Swarovski crystals, very Chanel. Like I was saying Avalaya.com has hunners of loverly things, it's so hard to behave on there, so I got a couple of their bracelets. A Polished Silver Tone Crystal Belt Hinged Bangle Bracelet (9) and a Swarovski Crystal Skull Cuff Bangle (Gun Metal) (10). There was another ring and bracelet I wanted too, but they're out of stock...for now...I'll be keeping a close eye.
Back at Accessorize I found my perfect Leopard bag (11). I've been watching for THE Leopard bag cos I knew I wanted one, but it had to be perfect, and this one is. This is a Leopard Faux Fur Oversized Clutch with pleat front, metal frame and wooden handle. It's 35cm long and 17cm high, well oversized, I lurve.
And, phew! I'm all blinged out, it's hard work finding the best available, just wish it was my only job.
New Look Leopard Peep Toes with Bows on, Fashion Union
I couldn't resist these New Look Bow Peep high-heeled beauties. Even if I never have occasion to wear them (as if), they're like works of art. High slim heels, peep toes, bows and leopard print, very Christian Louboutin.
You must register at Fashion Union. Receive their catalogue and your personal code for 25% off and free delivery. I sent for my catalogue months ago and just got round to using the code, it's well worth it.
As all us ladies know well by now, different stores, different sizes. I'm either a 10 or a 12 top, and either a 6, an 8 or a 10 bottom, depending on the shop, so being a newbie to Fashion Union, I ordered my items in a size 10 and a 12, very doable with their free returns policy.
I got a black Rare Ruffle Hem Dress, blue Leopard Crop Top and the Olivia Vest in cream/black.
I went shopping at Boohoo.com recently, and forgot to blog bout it, how very remiss of me.
I've shopped bodycon ruffle look with the Kayleigh Lace Top Ruffle Dress and the Cassie Contrast Frill Dress, both in the black.
And a couple of little skirts with a full length zip and textured bubble fabric, the Bridget Bubble Skirt in black, and cos I like a flash of colour occasionally, the blush too, and this blush is an adorable icy pink.
You can see what's rocking my boat right now, it's all black, Leopard and an occasional nod to the natural neutrals, a lot of ruffles, bodycon, and a dose of monochrome with horizontal stripes...I'm obviously feeling thin.
Freny Luggage
As described on The Continental Tripping Journal 2010 Holland/Germany my big heavy duty wheeled camo hold-all with telescopic handles, made by Jazzi, which I'd imagined I could go to war with, was basically rubbish. I've tried again. Basically same description, wee bit bigger at 34 inch, from a company called Frenzy this time, an equally attractive black/white zebra print this time. Fingers crossed the frenzied Zebra will be tougher than the jazzy Camo. I know I seem to be putting appearances before quality, I just refuse to believe you can't have both.
16/10/10George and New Look bargains
A little bit of George at ASDA.
The Cable and Bobble ¾ Length Sleeve Cropped Jumper in brown, for wearing over a vest top or t-shirt for that layered look.
The black G21 Cable Knit Short Sleeve Dress.
Winter's coming, knitwear and more faux fur required..that
...and sequins.
Because sequins brighten up the dullest and dreachist of days. The G21 Camo Sequin Vest Top, I'm liking camo and this little cutie is down to only £5, get two!
New Look for a black version of the black Draped Pocketed Skort and a black chainmail purse.
UGGs Australia
I know this because...I thought I had my new UGGs order...well...in order. I placed the order absolutely ages ago, received several emails from the virtual shop cloggs.co.uk, over the next couple months, promising the black Tall Classics would arrive soon, very soon. They didn't though. Then today there's an email saying my order's cancelled. I suspect the latest delivery just got to the UK so they can now at long last deliver on their promise, so they try to get my cash. But find they can't cos since I placed the order my credit card expired and got renewed, but cos I got married and told the credit card people bout my new surname, the details cloggs.co.uk held would probably be refused when they went to take my money.
When I got the email I reckoned I had nothing better to do that go back to their website and reorder. But no, the problems at cloggs.co.uk led them to take my discount away, not acceptable, and hence I went Googling again and found the Shudoo deal, much better, all is well again in MarilynsWorld.
New Look
Another day, another shopping. Every single day has the potential to be Treat Time. What can I tell you, I like clothes, footwear, bags, accessories and jewellery, I like shopping.
Treat # 1..was New Look stuff today. T'was all velvet, ruffles and studs, black and khaki, hot trends.
First up, a black Velvet Trim Tunic, next is the Velvet Ruffle Top in black.
Then we have a duo of Stud Front Vest Tops, a black and a khaki. Thank the gods of all things lace and leather with a price tag that we have sweat shops, or I'd be skint. I'm being ironic! Don't complain. Being ironic, but also, brutally honest.
Treat # 2...a gorgeous and soft and lurverly piece of luggage. An Autograph Leather Front Pocket Overnight Bag, from M&S and in their 'denim' shade, which is in reality a mid to dark grey. I'm so very pleased and totally in lurve with it now it's here. Measurements are H 36 x W 57cm. That's one big and roomy leather bag, but also extremely stylish. I checked all over the www for the perfect leather overnight/weekend bag. There was one other got close because it comes in black and for it's on-trend satchelness, but my M&S looked softer, more designer quality and is bigger and roomier, while still complying with flight hand baggage restrictions. It's officially about one cm too wide and one cm too tall...but it's so soft...it'll get through, easily squashed if they make me, and I dare them to make me.
Getting round the one item of hand luggage, I'll wear a tiny cross-body bag...if any air hostess should tell me my cross-body bag counts...I'll just agree, politely smile and put it in the Overnight Bag. Sorted.
Treat # 3...Faux Fur Aviator Jacket from Warehouse. I've looked at a load of Aviator and Shearling jackets, and didn't like any of them...till I saw this one. I can't believe it's not sold out already, but it isn't and I got mine.
Dune Boots, Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf and a huge big Khaki Holdall
Treat #1 - the boots are Dune's TUFF Boots. Taupe suede, faux fur turnover, 9cm wedge crepe heals, platform sole, strap and buckle detail, what's not to lust over. They're warm, comfortable and bang on trend. I lurve faux fur and wedges. They have them in grey too.
Treat #2 - the scarf is Alexander McQueen. A black classic, sheer silk, featuring his iconic skull pattern, very nice, no it's nicer than just nice, it's absolutely fabulous.
Treat #3 - a new luggage. The Z4 doesn't have a back seat - and that's a good thing - but it does mean no suitcase room. Suitcases just won't fit in the boot, what you need holidaying with The Z4 are some soft hold-all type luggages. Which means I need two big bags. I can just about squeeze a weeks worth of clothes in one big bag, but then there's my shoes, boots, handbags, coats, jackets, GHD straighteners, Mark Hill travel dryer and all my many products
and my gorgeous Asus Eee. So I purchased a big heavy duty wheeled hold-all, H 36cm, W 87cm, D 32cm, with telescopic handles. And to show I'm a hard-core traveller and mean serious packing business, I got it in camouflage, cool. I could go to war with this bit of luggage.Written In Retrospect some time later...with hindsight this luggage, though initially promising, proved to be distinctly uncool in use. It ripped at a top seem just before check-in at Schipol Airport. I replace it with the Frenzy in zebra print, see above at 18/10/10.
F&F hot picks
I went shopping at Tesco online for a few of their new arrivals. There's a special 15% discount introduction offer on the new stuff.
The Petite Ruffle Dress, the Striped Jumper Dress, the Cuffed Harem Trousers and the F&F Trend Ra Ra Skirt.
top of the A/W 2010 wish-list
Phew, close call...I nearly went for the M&S Limited Collection Fold Down Lace Up Boots, but on reflection, they're too much like some others I have already. I've got a couple pairs of lace-up trainer style footwear. One pair, the top bit looks entirely like a pair of black school gym 'gutties' from my school days, like what the kids wouldn't be seen dead in now, but with a wedge heel and the other with a heel like the M&S Lace Up Boots and a fold-down high top. So I reckon I've made the right decision by choosing to let that go and wait for M&S A/W 2010.
For it is only then that these other even more highly covetable Buckled Shearling Boots will be available...just got to wait till November..then choose the colour, black or brown? May just have to get both, they're well covetable, and only £35 a pair, but I strongly suspect I should let the brown pass. The white shearling is
going to be difficult to keep clean, and brown isn't really in my general colour scheme.But, the black ones, they'll go with everything I've got and won't stain so easily and if they do, a quick spray of Punch Suede & Nubuck Renovator in black..."revives, rejuvenates and restores suede and nubuck colours to their original freshness. Regular use provides lasting protection against rain and stains." I've used it for years on all sorts of black footwear, even my UGGs, highly recommended by me.
River Island Hooded Faux Fur and a Straw Trilby
I could resist no longer, look at the luxury that is this River Island faux fur jacket, it had to be mine. They also had this straw trilby which will be versatile with a change of scarf, I'm hoping I've at long last found my perfect Summer hat.
The perfect parka, studded leather slouch bag and cardies