Vogue Fashion’s Night Out 2012 – London

Yesterday I went to a few places taking part in Vogue’s Fashion Night Out and I had an amazing time.

Last year, I was a bit disappointed, a couple places I wanted to go were invitation only (and didn’t mention it on the guide – cheeky!) so I was a bit disheartened. I sent Christian Louboutin’s boutique an email but it was too late – they said they will add me for next year (I think it is fair I get invited, after all, my Louboutins were purchased at that boutique!)

So, I tackled it a bit differently this year – I checked the guide a few days ago and chose places which were offering things that might interest me. Cocktails, of course was one of them.

I made a list and tackled it by proximity to the office. River Island started at 5, earlier than most places, so I headed over for a glass of pink fizz, had eyelashes applied and bought a skirt, which earnt me a goody back with a pair of lashes, a sample size St. Tropez Every Day moisturiser (which I love), a set of three cute stud earrings, popcorn and a drink. Nice, eh?

I then moved on to House of Fraser, which had lots on offer. I entered their new beauty hall and was offered a back massage by Decléor. I then waltzed towards their Mahiki bar and got myself a cocktail in coconut. I hoped on their photo booth and had 4 nice shots to take away (twice!). Then I had my eyes and lipstick applied at the Dior stand, with bubbles on offer…. Downstairs, at their shoe lounge, there was plenty of bubbly on offer and also martinis and other cocktails made to order, and a “Shoe Box” photo booth, which I also took advantage of, amongst other activities!

I swiftly moved to Liberty, but before reaching it, I walked past H&M and they had live models on their windows. The bigger window was a photo set; I was given a number, props and posed for three shots, which will be on their Facebook page and four winners of £250 voucher will be chosen. Nice!

At Liberty, I went straight to Manolo Blahnik’s Victorian photo booth, with the cutest props ever – and got picture with a lovely pair of silver stilettos! By uploading that to Facebook or tweeting it could get you a signed book.

I then managed to run to Burlington Arcade, which had a Victorian fun fair theme… think popcorn and candy floss, performers, burlesque girls…all very pretty; but I went straight for Lulu Guinness shop, to take part on their promotion by being picture with one of their bags a tweeting it. I chose the red lips, of course!!!

Overall, I had a lot of fun. So a few things for my next year’s FNO: plan ahead, list the places I want to see but be sure and not disappointed I will not to actually make it to half of them; don’t just look for goody bags, as they usually only come your way when you make a purchase and remember to email Louboutin earlier!!!!

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Have you been to FNO this year? How was it for you?

What I wore

So, with the weather oscillating so much, and looking a bit grim at points to say the least, I went a bit crazy on the autumn/winter 12-13 items that can already be found in the shops. It is a sad thing; it is not even the pinnacle of summer and I am already thinking about buying warmer clothes…

I started the week with love on my mind, favouring the heart print two days in a row, with two girly dresses I love!

Then I went a bit darker, and yes, I wore trousers, a very rare occurrence; and I closed the week with a very autumnal blouse.

This week I gave in to the big necklaces. Oh, I am loving them and cannot wait to acquire a couple more.

Monday

Navy and nude heart print dress (Little Mistress), red patent court shoes (New Look), heart ring (Forever 21), nude round and large over the knuckle rings (H&M), above the knuckle ring (eBay), MAC lipstick in Lady Danger.

Tuesday

Black and mustard heart print ring (Primark), tricolour court shoes (Zara), rings (big heart – Forever 21, small D heart – Miss Selfridge, mustard – H&M, black bars – Primark), bracelets (mix of Topshop and New Look), Lancome lipstick in Hot stuff.

Wednesday

Black sheer shirt (Primark), black trousers (Zara), black peep-toe wedge booties (New Look), rings (skull – shop in Paris, gold knuckle – H&M, resin – Sobral, above the knuckle – Lovehearts and crosses), bracelet (New Look), earrings (News Look and ear cuff – Topshop), necklace (Primark), MAC lipstick in Odyssey.

Friday

Floral blouse (Primark), black pencil skirt (H&M), taupe gold captoe shoes (Viviana), rings (mustard H&M, star – Primark, gold knuckle – H&M, resin – Sobral, above the knuckle – Lovehearts and crosses, bars – Primark), necklace (Primark), Kiko lipstick (it was bought on their sale, has no number, or name, it is quite orange and matte, I put a little bit of Vaseline on top).

Have you started buying Autumn/Winter items yet? What trends are you going to be adopting?

What I wore – 21/07/12

It really feels like every week, when I show you what I wore, I mainly moan about the weather. Well, I do. I cannot take anymore. All the tought and effort (and a bit of frenzy) that went inbto building a lovely summery wardrobe are totally in vain. Oh, well….

It feels like my tights are glued to my legs. My only attempt not to wear tights last week was aborted in the middle of the day; I didn~t wear them on Tuesday, but I brought them in my bag. By midday had to gie in… just not warm or dry enough.

It had been a while since I wore leopard print, so I decided to start my week in it; and I closed my week confronting the grey weather by going all colour with a bright pink playsuit.

And on Wednesday, I wore I dress I bought a few years back in New York; so pretty, inspired on the Prada collection at the time, it seems to keep giving!

Here are the details:

Monday

Leopard print blouse (Forever 21), black leggings (H&M), taupe shoes with gold toe cap (Viviana), animal rings (Miss Selfridge), resin ring (Sobral), spike and leather studded bracelets (New Look), NYX lipstick in Peach Bellini.

Tuesday

Mint green lace panel top (H&M), black pencil skirt (H&M), mint green shoes with silver toe cap (Topshop), skull ring (shop in Paris), triple spike and black heart rings (Forever 21), believe ring (Disney Couture), Revlon lip butter in Strawberry Shortcake.

Wednesday

Black and white print dress (Forever 21), tricolour shoes (Zara), metal belt (Primark), pearl earrings (Accessorize), ear cuff (Topshop), flower rings (Accessorize), big heart ring (Forever 21), D heart ring (Miss Selfridge), bracelets (a mix of New Look, Topshop and Primark), MAC lipstick in Russian Red.

Friday

Pink flower print playsuit (Primark), black leather ankle boots (gift from a friend), skull ring (as above), star ring (Primark), snake ring (New Look), purple stone ring (Accessorize), bracelets (a mix of Topshop and New Look), NYX lipstick in Chloe.

How are coping with the “summer” in the UK? If you are not in the UK, how’s the weather over where you are?

Trends: inspiration for Autumn/Winter 12-13

My autumn/winter 12-13 moodboard

There have been loads of talks about transitioning into the colder season – guess what, I am still transitioning into summer – but it looks like I will be on a 12 months transition, the temperature doesn’t get any better and I am just changing the collections leaving some previous season legacy behind! Sad times! Still a month or so of hope, maybe I will be wearing pretty dresses and sandals till September.

Every year, I follow the fashion weeks across the globe, and something always jumps to my attention (I feel in love with LV SS12 collection so much that much of my current wardrobe is inspired by it!); but by the time you actually get to wear the trends, you kinda forgot about them… but the fashion mags and the high street won’t let you forget. Or me.

Some trends are right up my street; others, I pass, thank you, and that is the beauty of it – making what is “in” your own, picking and choosing – and why not mixing – moulding the trends to suit your own personal style.

I will be slowly leaving my pastels behind and looking out for some trends I will be adopting.

Soooo pleased that the “womanly” trend is being dragged into the next season, thanks Lanvin and Calvin Klein – I just love the nipped waists, curve skimming shapes, part femme-fatale, part innocent, part dominatrix! Sharp, fierce, elegant, and red lipped.

I see this burst of femininity, an ode to the female shape, much as retro inspired wear, so will definitely embrace more!

Glad I can still wear some leather skirts I bought last season I didn’t get to very much. A leather biker jacket is number one on my wish list.

Goth, as seen in Chanel, JP Gaultier and may other – I love lace. And fishnets. Lots of black, my favoured going out shade, I count on studs and spikes to keep going for a while. That mix of religion and rebellion. Heavy eyes. Dark lips. Hang on to my skulls, get crosses. Really want an above the knuckle cross ring. Cute.

I love dressing very feminine but with an edge, a bit of a rough edge – so accessories following the goth trend will give me just that when thrown in with a pretty pencil skirt or a dress and sexy sky scrapping heels.

Exaggeration. HUGE necklaces. I mean, seriously. Haven’t been into necklaces very much lately, but something tells me this will change… courtesy of Miu Miu and Prabal Gurung.

Embroidery, appliqués, crystals, jewels. May be altogether. A tribute to Baroque – all very decadent, lavish and a lot of gold. Think fabrics with flower prints with texture that could be on sofa. Love it.

Some crazy everything goes… well, I like mixing styles sometimes, so add big sunglasses and I am possibly in. I don’t like print clash myself, but admire those who manage to do it well.

Of course, counting on (faux) fur for the season, and to me, leopard print is never a no no.

As colours go, I am paying attention to berry shades: from lighter to darker, red to blue based; deep reds brighter than last autumn’s hero, the burgundy and purples; earthy tones: browns, tans and taupes, greens, not jade as last winter’s; more bottle or forest green. Black of course, dark greys with a blue tinge and silver.

Have seen some sporty items I could wear, even though I am not massive on the trend – H&M is full of them – really thick “lycra-ish” fabrics, sports bralets oh so cute. Not sure I am leaning towards them beacuse of the Olympics fever, as long as they are girly, I am in. We shall see.

Peplums seem to be the shape of the moment, but I have been wearing it for the past three years, so not that excited; still, a feminine, flattering shape.

Opposed to last autumn’s colour blocking, I think this one will be more about texture; and I am loving it.

Glad to see red lips still on (are they ever out? Not for me!). Geometric liners, not so sure I can pull that one off, but will give it a go. Sculpted cheeks (love it, make you look great on pictures!).

Hair? I am thinking sleek hair – down straight on in ponytails.

I am inspired. However, I will ride this “summer that never came” vibe for a while longer. I still have hope to make my pastels worth their money!

What I wore – 14/07/2012

Bad, bad weather. Been desperately trying to keep my pins out, but it feels like the tights are stuck to them!

Black, white and red is my favourite combination ever for dressing. So pretty, effortless and instantly gives you a classic look. Cannot have enough of it, as you can see this week!

Fruit print seems to be a recurring theme this week – appeared twice in my wardrobe!

My favourite outfit was Wednesday’s, I am in love with the blouse… I thought I’d make a bit more of an effort as I attend Cointreau Rendez-vous in London, a lovely event where you got a cocktail master class, mini manis and the lovely ladies from Wish Want Wear. It was held at the super-quirky Ninetyeight bar in Shoreditch.

Monday

Cherry print dress (H&M), red patent court shoes (New Look), red belt (Little Mistress), rings (skull – small shop in Paris, black stones – Primark, apple – New Look), bracelets (spike and gold chain – Topshop, gold and black – H&M), MAC lipstick in Lady Danger, Collection 2000 Extreme 24 hour felt tip liner and MAC eyeshadow in Nylon.

Tuesday

Blue dress with tiny multicoloured hearts and dots (small shop in Brazil), tricolour shoes (Zara), rings (small flower – Accessorize, big flower – from Brazil, white round and love birds- H&M), bracelets (gold studs+leather New Look, others from Topshop), Nyx lipstick in Peach Bellini, MAC eyeshadow Vex and Deep Truth as liner.

Wednesday

Apple print blouse (Friday On My Mind), black pencil skirt (H&M), black Décolleté 100 pumps (Christian Louboutin), rings (love birds – H&M, apple – New Look, D in heart – Miss Selfridge, white rose – H&M, black and gold resin – Sobral), bracelets (pearls and bow – Primark, gold chain – Topshop), earring (love with pearl – Miss Selfridge, ear cuff – Topshop), MAC lipstick in Russian Red, MAC lipstick in Lady Danger, Collection 2000 Extreme 24 hour felt tip liner and MAC eyeshadow in Nylon.

Thursday

Black and White striped sleeveless blouse (Primark), high-waisted black shorts (H&M), black studs slippers (Topshop), rings (zebra – New Look, love birds – H&M, believe – Disney Couture, other silver – a gift from a friend), bracelets (spikes and bangle – New Look), Nyx lipstick in Peach Bellini.

Friday

Cornflour blue shift dress (Dorothy Perkins), black belt with chain (Primark), black Décolleté 100 pumps (Christian Louboutin), rings (love birds – H&M, black and gold resin – Sobral, D in a heart – Miss Selfridge, pink flower – Accessorize, gold flower – shop in Brazil), bracelets (gold with bow – New Look, spike and chain – Topshop), MAC lipstick in Lady Danger.

And here a couple pictures of my outfits in action on Wednesday and Friday and the Cointreau goody bag!

What about you? Any outfits you put together lately that you loved and made you feel pretty?

This week’s outfits – 23/06/12

Hello all, this post should really be called “last week’s outfits”; I was so ill with flu that I wore pyjamas over two whole days of last week, so I only have three outfits to add!

Monday

Black bodycon skirt (H&M), black and white stripey blouse (Primark), prince frog ring (New Look), animal rings (Miss Selfridge), bracelets (all from Topshop), tri-colour shoes (Zara), MAC lipstick in Lady Danger (IN LOVE with it!!!).

Tuesday

Black trousers (Zara), mint green top with sheer back (H&M), believe ring (Disney Couture), tiger, leaf and birds rings (H&M), spike bracelet (New Look), mint green with silver toe cap shoes (Topshop), MAC Viva Glam lipstick in Nicki.

Wednesday

Green flower print dress (Primark), white embroided bolero (a shop in Brazil), gold leaf hair clip (Primark), triple snake ring (New Look), pearl ring (Primark), birds ring (H&M). nude sling back peep-toes (Topshop), MAC lipstick in Lady Danger (told you I am obsessed!).

And this is it for this week, you’ll be glad to know I won’t be posting any pyjamas pictures!!! I will soon be posting the latest! What about you? Excited about anything you have been wearing lately?

This week’s outfits – 16/06/12

This week was really busy, I was so rushed off my feet and feeling a bit miserable at the weather. I managed to put my pins out only once, and even so, it wasn’t the best weather! Friday was so crazy I didn’t have time to photograph my outfit… I will replace that for the outfit I wore for a wedding on Friday eve; not the best picture, as they were taken indoors in poor light – apologies for that!

Still,this is what I wore:

Monday

Bow print blouse (Primark), black pencil skirt (H&M), tricolour court shoes (Zara), resin ring (Sobral), star ring (Primark), bracelets (pack from Topshop), NYX lipstick in Chloe.

Tuesday

Nude lace skirt and black top (both H&M), nude court shoes (M&S), nude stud bracelet (Primark), rings (believe – Disney Couture; all others from new Look), MAC lipstick in Captive.

Wednesday

Teal dress (Primark), tricolour court shoes (Zara), flower bracelet (Primark), snake ring (New Look), NYX lipstick in peach bellini.

Thursday

Navy and nude heart print dress (Little Mistress), nude slingback peeptoes shoes (Topshop, not pictured), nude stud bracelet (Primark), rings (believe – Disney Couture; all other from new Look), Lancome lipstick in hot stuff.

Friday Evening

Pale mint green and silver sequins dress (Lipsy), silver platform slingback peeptoes (Miss Selfridge), light grey clutch bag (Dorothy Perkins), earrings (New Look), green flower bracelet (Primark), rings (Disney couture, New Look and H&M), MAC lipstick Viva Glam Nicki.

This week’s outfits – 09/06/12

So, last week I was working like a crazy woman (not that I am that normal, but last week was just unbelievable!), so I neglect my outfits’ post and failed to record a couple.

To redeem myself this week, I am posting three from this week (spent one bank holiday in pyjamas, surely you don’t want to see that!) , three from the forgotten week and a bonus outfit.

A few observations… I am *gutted* I am back to wearing tights. It is cold. It is wet. This is not fair… but we must keep pretty, so here we go…

Monday 28/05

Faded memories from warmer days… red and white stripey dress (H&M), red sling back peep toes (Aldo), apple ring (New Look), oval white ring (Primark), Lancome lipstick in hot stuff.

Wednesday 30/05

Mint green pencil skirt and flowery nude top (both H&M), mint green with silver toe cap courts (Topshop), flower bracelet (Primark), grey stone ring (Accessorize), Nyx lipstick in peach bellini.

Thursday 31/05

Insisted on bare legs but the weather had already turned. Sad times! Black pencil skirt and nude lace top – with a black boob tube underneath (both H&M), nude slingback peeptoes (Topshop), frog ring (New Look), Lancome lipstick in hot stuff.

Wednesday 06/06

Back to the tights… UGH! Cat print dress (Primark), black wedges jelly shoes (Melissa) rings (star – Primark, resin – Sobral, snake – New Look, black stones – Primark), Kiko ultra glossy stylo in tangerine with a bit of Nyx lipstick peach bellini.

Thursday 07/06

White crop blouse with black spots (Primark), black cotton bodycon dress (H&M), red patent court shoes (New Look), animal rings (set of 4, Miss Selfridges), resin ring (Sobral), black and gold bracelet (H&M), Lancome lipstick in hot stuff.

Friday 08/06

Cat print dress (Zara), taupe shoes with gold toe cap (Viviana), bracelets (mix of New Look and Primark), tiger and frog ring (both New Look), flower hair clips (Primark), Lancome lipstick in hot stuff.

BONUS JUBILEE OUTFIT

Yes, I had to dress up for our street party! Haha

Union Jack dress (Primark), black jacket (H&M), tiara (Primark), flag (Tesco! HA) and red patent shoes (New Look), MAC lipstick in russian red.

This week’s outfits – 25/05/2012

What a glorious day to finish off the week! I am just so happy it is warmer and the sun is out!

I started the week still trying to transition into my spring wardrobe, wearing tights and mixing some lighter pieces with black. I really love the print on Monday’s skirt, it has that watercolour/old china plate feel to it!

Thinking I was over neon was a big mistake, as Tuesday’s skirt proves (ok, it is not the neon lime high waist shorts and crop top combo I wore in the 90’s, but still). I am really into blouses, and this bow print one is a new acquisition!

And then there was Wednesday, when I officially broke my annual “psychological tights barrier” and put the legs out. I absolutely love this cream lace top dress; it is so feminine!

I am finding H&M is full of goodies for amazing prices lately; thumbs up for the collection. Thursday’s outfit is entirely from there, and comes to under a £10, yeah, you heard me, under a tenner!!!

To close the week, I wore a pretty Venice print dress, from last summer ( I have been in love with this dress since I bought it!) and decided to try something different with my hair: knotted plaits at the back.

So, enough talking, here are the goods:

Monday

Black top (H&M), blue flower print skirt (H&M), black patent court shoes (River Island), tiger ring (H&M), believe ring (Disney Couture), spike bracelet (New Look), MAC lipstick in Captive.

Tuesday

Bow print blouse (Primark), neon pink skirt (H&M), resin ring (Sobral), Nyx lipstick in Chloe.

Wednesday

Cream lace top dress (Primark), prince frog ring (New Look), taupe gold toe cap court shoes (Viviana), Nyx lipstick in Peach Bellini.

Thursday

Print sleeveless top (H&M), teal skirt (H&M), mint green silver toe cap shoes (Topshop), tiger ring (H&M), teardrops earrings (New Look), Nyx lipstick in Peach Bellini.

Friday

Venice print dress (New Look), nude peep-toe sling back shoes (Topshop), flower ring (a shop in Brazil), round rings (H&M), bracelets (a mix from H&M, New Look and Primark), MAC lipstick in Captive.

Have a lovely, fashionable weekend!

Outfits of the week – 11/05/2012

This week I did something I’ve meaning to do for a long time:: photograph details my daily outfits and post them once a week. I managed to do three this week. Here they are:

Dalmatian top (Primark), black shorts (H&M), taupe gold toe cap stilettos (Viviana), white cardigan (Primark), black resin ring with gold flakes (Sobral).

Vegetable print dress (Primark), black patent courts (River Island), black cardigan (H&M), crystal apple ring (New Look).

Mint green top (H&M), black trousers (Zara), boucle crop jacket (Topshop), mint green silver toe cap shoes (Topshop), crystal leopard ring (H&M) and “believe” ring (Disney Couture).

So what do you think? I am sure that, just like me, you cannot wait to break into your spring wardrobe…I have bought so many lovely items, and still haven’t had the chance to wear them… Today is a bit brighter, so I decided to add a bit of pastel, as seen above!

Come on weather! London is beautiful with a blue sky!