Sunday Best: In Love & Wardrobe

There are some items that you simply fall head over heels with, you absolutely must own them! This is my typical shopping method. I see, I fall, I buy. Only more often that not, once the shopping bags are unpacked, the tags ripped off and the receipt promptly lost. Upon finding that your newly beloved item does not fit as snugly into your wardrobe as you dreamed it to, the romance is swiftly over.

But then there are the pieces that you stumble across, the ones that creep quietly into your wardrobe without you really noticing them. The ones that you come to adore and can not live without.



Pea Coat - Topman Sweater - Vintage Heeled Desert Boots - New Look
Skirt - Handmade Collar - Urban Outfitters Brooch - Vintage



This whole outfit is a perfect example, I didn't buy anything in a lustful frenzy. These purchases were either well thought out or found by chance. Singularly they don't fit into my usual 'style' but I like them and I think they work together. I felt comfortable wearing them and that's the only good test of an outfit as far as I am concerned.

Sunday Best: The Subtle Art of Casual Styling

After having so many occasions to dress up over the festive period and yet another fall of snow this weekend, I haven't felt like wearing anything fancy. Instead I've been dressing in simple outfits like this one.

I can't help but feel once the festivities are over, fresh flurries of snow and frosty temperatures cease to be enchanting and instead become a tiresome bore. With this in mind, I raise my glass to all the other bloggers who trudge out in the snow to take pictures while their fingers loose all feeling and their cheeks are pinched with cold. It would be so easy to hibernate all Winter and blog again in Spring, so Thank you! I appreciate it and I'm sure everyone else does too.



Ideally I would have worn this outfit with heels, heeled desert boots to be specific but I am yet to find the perfect pair. Any suggestions? The pinafore is one of my favourite items of clothing, it's so versatile that I never seem to tire of wearing it even though it is years old and considering it is from Primark I'd say that it's holding up admirably.



Usually, I wear it with a blouse but in the Subtle Art of Casual Styling called for Breton stripes. Is it just me or is it impossible to have too many striped tops? This is my favourite one, which was super cheap from H&M but I have a drawer stuffed full of them. Top it off with my trusty beret, a school boy's scarf and a gold brooch... or two and I'm ready to go. I promise that I do actually take that hat off (sometimes) but it's winter and I am always taking pictures outside. As for the brooches, I am quickly developing an addiction to the small gold variety.

These shots were taken on route to an antique fair, where I bought four brooches. A golden teacup and strawberries, yet another bow and this cute little needlepoint pin. It matched my scarf so perfectly that I had to have it and what's better is that I still came home with change from a £5 note. I love those kind of thrfting trips!




As you might have noticed, I'm in the midst of making some changes to the layout of the blog. I'm compiling a list of links so let me know if you have a good blog in mind, I'm always looking for new reading material. I've also decided that its time to create a Facebook page, you can 'like' it here.

Antique Fair

Unfortunately I don't have an outfit post this weekend. After suffering through a nasty cold all weekend I wasn't really in the mood for photographs. On a whim we decided to drive to an antique fair on the outskirts of the city for a rummage.




I'm so glad that we did, there were hundreds of stalls and so many covetable pieces. On the whole everything seemed to be reasonably priced, which isn't always the case. I added countless items to my ever growing Christmas list and had to exercises extreme control, so as not to bring destitution upon myself.




One stall in particular stood out (over half on my pictures were taken there), all of the stall holders items were so perfectly chosen. I was so torn over buying the tatty green drawers or the basket but in the end the choice was made for me because when I went back the drawers were gone. I also had my eye on the sweet little house painting but I left it behind, I desperately hope that it will still be for sale at Funk Fair next month. Although I highly doubt it.



I'll have another outfit picture soon but in the meantime there are some more pictures from the fair on my flickr

Pierrot The Clown

My stateside visit is almost over and even though I've had a great time, I'm so ready to come home. I'm suffering terrible withdrawal symptoms for Earl Grey tea, Topshop and my cat Bean. I miss Edinburgh and moody Scots grumbling about the weather but most of all I miss my kitchen. I hate not being able to cook every day!

I had grand ideas of doing outfit posts from here but in reality the clothes I packed were all wrong. The weather in Nevada was so blissfully hot, too hot for all 'summer' dresses I brought. When I stepped out of the car in San Francisco after after driving all day in shorts and a tshirt, I was hit by a nasty chill which hasn't left me since. It has poured with rain almost every day, making all my late summer clothes redundant. However, this does come with an upside - SHOPPING!

I've frequented more thrift and vintage stores than I care to admit and bought far too many thing... Hello over weight baggage! This is my favourite find, a cute 60's Pierrot style dress. I didn't think the original buttons did it justice so I replaced them with some large white ones

I shall see you back on British soil but in the mean time, if you haven't heard it already, you should listen to Jenny Lewis's newest project - Jenny & Johnny. I just bought the vinyl and it is quite wonderful.

The Pearl Lowe Dress

Its no secret that I adore peter pan collars, in fact a friend once pointed out that if you search Peter Pan Collar Dress my blog is on the first page. Its a fully blown obsession, in the past two weeks alone I have bought three black dressed with white collars.





First I sneakily purchased the Tennessee dress (named after Miss Thomas, drummer in The Like and all round well dressed darling) from Alexa Chung's collection for Madewell. And then, since the former dress is currently waiting in California waiting for me to collect it, I bought an extremely similar one from ASOS because I just couldn't wait to wear it... Impatience is my middle name.

I first saw this dress in a magazine and instantly knew that my life would never be the same without it. I have to admit that I was a little shocked when I read that it was from Peacocks, mainly because it looked so well made and my experience with their clothes is to the contrary. The only other item I have purchased from there (also a Pearl Lowe dress) was extremely badly finished and the sizing was completely off. I bought it online and never would have if I had actually seen it. I returned it the very same day that it arrived.

When this one finally arrived and I tried it on, I was disappointed to find that it was 8 inches too large at the waist, instead of the standard two 2 inch difference. After a headache inducing session with my stitch-pick, some pins and the sewing machine I altered it to fit. With all that said, it really is a beautiful dress and the quality and finish to to a high standard, I especially like the long length pleated skirt. My advice for anyone buying from this collection would be to buy a size too small or pay for an alteration. I guess at £35, you get what you pay for.


Did anyone else buy from this collection, whats your experience?

Head Over Heels.

Topshop. Asos. Topshop.

I have to admit, I didn't get clogs at first. I thought they were really pretty ugly and I guess I still do but I've grown to love them for it. Perhaps a little too much, if my spending habits are anything to go by.

I loath to admit that I've actually bought three pairs of shoes this week... but but but two were heavily discounted and the third were wellies (for a spot of Glamping in the Inner Hebrides) so they don't count. I just couldn't help myself, I needed them in my life, on my feet.




I'm head over heels for the Asos clogs, they go with 75% of my wardrobe and as far as I am concerned they are the perfect Autumn shoe, with knitted grey tights or ribbed socks. I so almost bought a similar pair on more than one occasion but held back because I just knew, that because not everyone understand the beauty of the clog, they would go into the sale. My patience paid off and I bagged these for just over half their original price.

Back in March, I blogged about my 'best bargain, ever' mac but I think I've actually managed to beat it. I found these pale pink, sold out, heavily swooned over, worn in Orla Kiely's AW10 collection Saloon Shoes for only £27. Pointedly ignoring the fact that they are actually a size too small. So maybe they pinch a bit and maybe I'm a foot taller than all my friends but they are surprisingly easy to walk in and no pain no gain... right?

What are your feelings on Clogs, love them or loath them?

Bedroom Talk

It's been a while but I'm finally able to get back to blogging. Since my last post I've moved house and become a fully qualified seamstress. Just short of losing my sane mind, I managed to do both in the same week. Hows that for multi tasking?

Instead of concentrating on my course work, I spent far too much time pouring over interior blogs and magazines then trawling thrift stores in search tatty old furniture but it paid off in the end. These photographs are from my bedroom, I'm still searching for a 1930's dressing table with an oval mirror and something to hang above the bed. Perhaps a Virgin Suicides style crucifix to hang pretty knickers on.

Aside from trying my hand a interior decorating, I've been languishing is bed reading The Camomile Lawn and Wuthering Heights. As well as carefully pursuing the sales. I can't quite believe that I've never read Mary Wesley before, she stole my heart and almost knocked Nancy Mitford off the top stop on my list of favourite authors... but not quite. I can't wait to start making my way through the rest of her books.

The boater hat and pink dress were two of my sale finds and perfect editions to my summer wardrobe. Is it just me or does anyone else hang up their new purchases... just to make sure?

Make yourself at home

I'm possibly the world's nosiest girl, so I just love seeing inside other peoples houses.
If true be told, I love nothing better than sitting on the top floor of the bus (a winter's evening is best) peering into the houses as the bus ambles through the city streets. I even have firm favourites.

Needless to say, I love seeing other bloggers homes. Especially Sandra, Carrie and Francesca's

I thought it was about time I showed you around my home.
So I'll start by showing you my favourite room, the kitchen.
I spend most of my time in here, baking, cooking or sewing at our huge kitchen table (I didn't take pictures of it because its just a big table...kinda boring)



You're probably as sick of seeing this print as I am. It's everywhere, in every colour but in my defence, I've had it for a good few years and I bought in Barter Books, Alnwick where the poster was rediscovered for the first time since 1939. Totally off the point but if you love books and you're in Northumberland Barter Books is definitely worth a visit, I promise you won't be disappointed.



When I'm buying things for the kitchen, I always have Daisy de Villeneuve's flat in my mind. I love how simple the decoration is and how vibrant all the accessories are.
I know its such a cliche but I love mixing old and new pieces.

I'd say 75% of things in my kitchen are tatty, old and hauled from thirft shops. I really hate buying new crockery because old stuff is so much is so much prettier and a mere fraction of the price.
And the other 25% is shiny, pastel and new but sometimes I just can't help myself.
Especially when it has cupcakes on it.




All that is missing is a pastel pink Smeg fridge so I'll just have to make do with a simple white one and some favourite pictures.



Do you have pictures of your home on your blog or just some inspiring images?
I'd love to see, send me a link!

Pretty Frocks

tba ss10 - excusive colour for Urban Outfitters


Sailor dress - Primark
Belt - Topshop

I would like to formally introduce you to my two pretty new frocks.
They are completely different. One is the perfect companion for drinking red wine at parties in the depths of our British winter while the is a heartfelt prayer, begging for spring to appear sooner rather than later and a resentful glass of gin and tonic when it doesn't.

Comparing dresses to drinks? The weekend much be almost here.

Plaid & Bow

As always I'm wearing plaid and bows. I thifted this cute shirt a couple of weeks ago, I love the collar.

I'm literally downing in coursework but I'll be back soon with real outfit pictures.
I did find time to pick up a couple of pieces from Sonia Rykiel for H&M. I was in raptures at the live show, so inspiring.

x

A Thoroughly British Hat

When I think of all things quintessentially British, we have Tea and Sympathy, Red pillar boxes, Black London Cabs, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, Washed out Summers, Victoria and Albert, Crumpets and jam, Stephen Fry, A Stiff Upper Lip, Cadburys Chocolate and The Bowler Hat.

What I truly love about the bowler hat is it's versatility. On one side it is formal and sincere like Winston Churchill but on the other it is silly and mischievous like Charlie Chaplin. Dress it up or dress it down, the bowler hat will always be delightfully stylish.

I have two (the dog ate my first one. No, seriously!) crisp and undented for smart and slightly bashed, shabby and dog eaten for, well... shabby and dog eaten. I just can't get enough of them


What do you think is quintessentially British and what will be adoring your head this winter?

Put Your Best Foot Forward

A few posts back I promised to post a clearer photograph of my favourite shoes (forth from the top). These go with everything, I would be cast adrift without them. Well, maybe not but I would be one sad girl.

I seem to have developed a little bit of a brogue obsession and there is the proof. I keep spying pair upon pair of perfect round toe, lace up, block heeled beautiful brogues. Each one prettier than that last (New Look, Topshop and Office have pairs to cry for) but, as you can see, I just do not have enough room in my wardorbe for any more. It reached capacity long ago and there are only so many near identical shoes a girl can justify owning. I shall march on regardless.

What will be adorning your feet this autumn?

09/09/09

Right now I love tartan, grey nail varnish, pumpkins, braided hair - mine is finally long enough
and charcoal tights.

Most of all I love my new, old thrifted satchel. I'd been mulling over buying one from The Cambridge Satchel Company so couldn't believe my luck when I found this one,
last Sunday on my first thrifting trip in a month, for £7.


This weekend I'm heading to the Highlands with my oldest and dearest friends to celebrate my darling Adam's 26th Birthday.

Is it ok to wear a full skirted and heels to ride the Cairngorm funicular railway?
No, I didn't think so. I just don't know what I'll do.

Falling for Autumn

I've been trying to distract myself from this limbo we're in, or maybe its just Scotland, between Summer and Autumn. None of my clothes seem to fit the weather as it changes so often. Its sad to say but I wish the leaves would start falling and Summer would end.

Autumn is my favourite season and that means a new coat or three, spiced cakes, freshly baked pies, endlessly searching for those elusive perfect boots, the start of School and with it exciting new projects, knitting a new scarf for my love, Hallowe'en and most importantly Urban Outfitters are opening a new store on Princes Street.

Its rained all through my days off and I've been desperate to dust off my pie bird and bake a lovely pie. Then maybe a pepper cake and a pot of spiced pumpkin soup but since its just not cold enough, yet. I've been organizing my bookshelves and pouring over my new books with a pot of tea for company.

I heart Sunday.

Every Sunday morning is the same in our house, we try to wake up early. Then we walk over to the local boot sale to rummage around in all the old tat in hope of finding a hidden treasure or two. On our way home we stop at my favourite deli Valvona & Crolla for a huge, round Sour Dough loaf. Then it off home for breakfast and Sunday Roast prep.



As we all know, thrifting is a hit or miss affair and this Sunday was a big fat miss!
Thankfully my Mother came to the rescue. We've had this Oxo jar in our kitchen ever since I can remember but I completely fell in love with it when I saw these pictures about five years ago. Finally my mum let me take it home. I'm so happy to finally have it in my kitchen that I don't even know what to use it for.

Everything else in the pictures I thrifted in the past couple of weeks. I found all the pie tins in a charity shop and originally only bought half of them, then after a guilt riddled evening, I went back for the other half. I kept thinking how someone, probably a dear old lady, had dutifully kept them together for years and years and then I come along and just break them up. I get stupidly sentimental over old things, even if they aren't mine.

I'm getting a little obsessed with buying milk bottles too. All because I poured boiling water into an old one (i know..i know..) and shattered the poor thing. Once again I was completely riddled with guilt and since then I've bought every one that I've come across.
At first I didn't realise that the small one had a face on it because I was so astonished that it had the original bottle cap, which has 1932 written inside. Needless to say, boiling water will not be poured anywhere near this one.

Luckily I've found a use for them. They make perfect vases for all this beautiful rosemary and lavender from my Mum's garden.




What have you thrifted recently? I love seeing others findings.

Take the Good with the Bad.

My dear friend, Derek and I have a term for those days when you expectantly hit the shops with a bank full of money (loan day) but by some twist of fate, are unable to find a single suitable garment. This is simply a "Bad Shopping Experience".

My trip to London, as far as clothes shopping was concerned was one long Bad Shopping Experience. I don't know how it is possible but I didn't buy one single item.

The situation is getting desperate. I have two parties this weekend, my own Birthday Party and a Golden Anniversary. I haven't a stitch to wear.
Oh well, I expect something will turn up, Cinderella managed.

Anyway, I may have been unsuccessful in finding any dresses but I did find these darlings on The Portabello Road. Both on a stall owned by a charming lady, who sold every kind of cutlery imaginable. Right down to teeny tiny salt spoons.




At first I thought this was a tea strainer but I soon learned that it was infact a sugar sieve, who knew such a thing excised? This was one of the least ornate but I liked it best. I expect it will be of little use but I like it all the same.




These cute sugar tongs were only £4, how could I resist? If I'm ever to reinstate Afternoon Tea into everyday life, I'll need to be properly equipped. I bought a jam spoon too, which I'll post later.

Oh and as my boyfriend kindly pointed out, I don't even take sugar in my tea.