2013

Finally, a more summery post! It’s been a long time coming, and the pins are out for good (ish!).

Here is a combination of some new pieces and some memories of summers past which I still treasure and wear quite a bit!

Red and white full skirt dress from H&M, nude sling back midi heel sandals from Topshop, rings from Primark and Forever 21. Lipstick is MAC So Chaud. Bright colours short-sleeved shirt from New Look, black cigarette trousers from H&M, black patent peep-toes from Ibiza, necklace from H&M, rings from H&M, Topshop and New Look.

Flowery shirt dress from Primark, black patent peep-toes from Ibiza, rings from H&M and Forever 21. Lisptick is Glo Minerals Siren.

Venice print dress from New Look, nude slingback sandals from Topshop, rings from H&M, Forever 21 and Topshop, bracelet from Primark.

Black t-shirt with white collar from Primark, below the knee black patterned skirt from a shop in Stratford centre (bargain of the summer – £5!!!!!!!), black patent peep-toes from Ibiza, rings from New Look, Forever 21 and Topshop.

What’s your style favourites this summer?

What I’ve been wearing – 17 July 2013

I’ve been sooo excited about the warmer weather, been taking an enormous pleasure to put outfits together and creating looks with MUCH fewer items! Love summer months. It takes so long to get to the “no jacket, no tights” point every year and it is so miserable until then but the first warm rays of sunshine seem to erase the grey memories pretty quickly.

So here is my latest selection:

Outfit #1

Long straight black skirt, from a shop in Stratford Centre, Lulu Guinness for Uniqlo t-shirt, white block heel sandals from Topshop, necklace from Topshop, bracelet from new Look, rings from H&M and Primark.

Outfit #2

Navy blue shorts suit from New Look, black sleeveless shirt from Primark, black and white court shoes from Viviana Calçados, necklace from Little Birdie London, bracelet from new Look, rings from Sobral, H&M, Topshop and Forever 21.

Outfit #3

Black and white flowery dress from Primark, black patent peeptoes from Ibiza (a shop in brazil, not the island!), necklace from Primark, rings from Primark, New Look, Disney Couture.

Outfit #4

Black and white printed maxi skirt and black top from H&M, denim waistcoat from Primark, black studded block heel sandals from H&M, necklace from Little Birdie London, rings from Topshop and H&M.

Outfit #5

Navy trousers and nude lace top from H&M, nude vest from Primark, nude slingback sandals from Topshop, necklace from Accessorize, bracelet from New Look, rings from H&M and Topshop.

What I’ve been wearing – 30 June 2013

Finally, an entire outfit selection that says “it could be the beginning of summer”!

Really enjoying to create lighter looks, but I still hope the weather gets better – I have only bared my legs ONCE this year (in this country) and this is NOT RIGHT!

Outfit #1

Leopard print maxi skirt from Primark, black t-shirt top from H&M, black studded block heel sandals from H&M, black and white statement necklace from Little Birdie London, “D” necklace from Miss Selfridge, golden bracelet from H&M, rings from Topshop and Forever 21.

Outfit #2

Blue patterned crop trousers from H&M, white vest from H&M, white cardigan from Primark, white clock heel sandals from Topshop, blue stone statement necklace from H&M, rings from Forever 21 and Primark.

Outfit #3

Black straight midi skirt from a shop in Stratford Centre, leopard print loose 3/4 sleeve top (with a looovely opening at the back) from too long ago to remember where from, black studded block heel sandals from H&M, black and white statement necklace from Little Birdie London, bracelets from New Look, rings from H&M and Topshop.

Outfit #4

Multicoloured flower print shirt dress from Primark, tricolour court shoes from Zara, necklace from Accessorize, rings from H&M, Accessorize and New Look.

What I’ve been wearing – 05 June 2013

It looks like the weather is starting to maybe want to get slightly better. Yeah, I just put that out there with all the caution in the world…

Here is another selection of outfits from someone who is dying to go full on summer!!!

Outfit #1

Black and white flower crop top from Primark, black trousers from H&M, white court shoes from River Island, necklace from New Look. Lipstick is MAC Lady Danger.

Outfit #2

Black dress from H&M, red court shoes from New Look, rings from Primark and New Look, necklace from H&M. Lippy is MAC Russian Red.

Outfit #3

Black and white midi dress from Motel Rocks, jade green round toe court shoes from Topshop, bracelets from New Look and Topshop, rings from H&M, necklaces from Topshop.

Outfit #4

Grey dress from H&M, black, white and gold court shoes from Zara, rings from New Looks, H&M and Sobral. Lipstick is Cosmetics a la Carte Vintage.

Outfit #5

Black and white maxi skirt from H&M, black crop top from Topshop, white block heel sandals from Topshop, rings from H&M and New Look, necklace and bracelets from New Look. Lippy is Vintage, again!

So what do you think? I can definitely see my wardrobe slowly (VERY slowly) morphing into a summer one. Almost….

What I’ve been wearing: 20 May 2013

Confession: this outfit posting hasn’t gone as smooth as I thought… some days I am too busy to take pictures of what I am wearing… so it became not weekly thing, but I have been trying my best, and here is another batch!

I kind of had enough of this “transition” season going on for longer than it should… I just want to ditch the coat!!! Hurry up summer!

Outfit #1

Black and white striped shirt and leggings from H&M, black booties from Primark, necklace from H&M, rings from H&M and New Look. Lipstick MAC So Chaud.

Outfit #2

Blue watercolour pattern skirt and royal blue shirt from H&M, black court shoes from River Island, necklace from H&M, bracelets from New Look and Turkey (yes, the country), rings from H&M and New Look. Lipstick is Natura Pêssego.

Outfit #3

Snake print dress form H&M, mink court shoes form New Look, rings from Accessorize (fox), New Look (bow) and H&M. Lipstick is Revlon lipbutter in Tuttifrutti.

Outfit #4

Black skater skirt and black studded top from H&M, grey cap-toe court shoes from H&M, necklace from Primark, rings from H&M and New Look. Lipstick, MAC Ruby Woo.

Outfit #5

Black top and black and white maxi skirt from H&M, black platform sandals from Zara, blue stone necklace from H&M, bracelet form H&M, rings from Primark (blue oval), and Topshop (?). Lipstick Natura Pêssego.

And this closed what I thought it would be the beginning of she sandals season. I was wrong. Actually, I was a bit cold going home that day…

How are you coping with the extended rubbish weather?

What I’ve been wearing – 21 April 2013

In the winter months I get super de-motivated to post the outfits I have been wearing… as spring starts to come by, I feel the urge to get back on it… so here they come, 2013 first edition of a selection of last week’s outfits:

Outfit #1

Beware, you will see A LOT of black and white. If I was obsessed before it was bang on trend and everywhere I look, now it will be impossible to stop me! MONOCHROME OVERDOSE!

outfit - somanylovelythings

Black and white striped shirt and black skirt both from H&M, black court shoes with white details from Viviana Calçados (Brazil), necklace from H&M. Russian Red lipstick.

Outfit #2

Now, the other way round…

Black sheer shirt from Primark, striped leggings from H&M, black and white shoes as above, neon yellow and gold necklace and earrings, black and white bracelet set, exclamation mark ring and heart ring all from New Look. Revlon lip butter in tutti-frutti.

Outfit #3

Leopard print dress from Primark, black and gold court shoes from charity shop, necklace, fox ring and flower ring from Accessorize.

Outfit #4

Doll eyes top from Lulu Guinness for Uniqlo (LOOOOVE this top, so cute!), black skater skirt from H&M, black and white court shoes from Viviana Calçados, set of above the knuckle rings and necklace from H&M, bow ring from New Look and Believe ring from Disney Couture. Russian Red lipstick.

And that is it for this week! What do you think? Are you obsessed with monochromes?

Some Valentine’s inspiration…

Hello all. I am about to write about something that is not inspiring me much this year: Valentine’s day.

Yes, sounds a bit bitter, and I am usually a big fan of the day, but my boyfriend is away for work and I will spend my evening alone. Well, not alone – I booked myself a lovely facial and massage at the Elemis spa (which I will be reviewing), so that will detract from the fact I should be sipping some champagne in a romantic setting!

I can still look around and think of options for outfits, places, Valentine’s things I like… a bit sad, but hey, there is always next year! There are so many cute dresses out there at the moment, I am really into bodycons. So how about a pretty dress for the night? Here are some ideas from the high street:

This H&M stripey dress – For a great figure!

The Dorothy Perkins dress – Chic

The Topshop dress- for a little mystery

The Zara red dress – simple but sexy

The back of Miss Selfridge cream bow dress – So cute!

And some shoes, of course!

Vinyl panelled shoes from Dune

Metal platform shoes from Zara

Nude and black shoes from Topshop

Nude shoes from River Island

Red and gold from Miss Selfridge

I usually like to pamper myself; put a face mask on before the date; I tried the Elemis freshskin deep purifying mask, followed by their magical moisture quenching face mask and woke up with calm, soft skin. Love it!

For extra soft kissable lips, I found a favourite: Lush Bubblegum lip scrub. It is made of sugar, tastes amazing and you can eat it afterwards (I know, right?). I wear it daily, in the morning, then apply my favorite lip balm (at the moment, Nivea lip butter).

How about a little treat for the couple? I came across this cute Elemis couples’ kits – for her, an Exotic Frangipani Monoi body oil and a bath and shower cream; for him, a Sharp Shower Body Wash (with invigorating spearmint and peppermint essentials oils) and a Time For Men deep cleanse facial wash. They retail at £12 each. I have the Frangipani body oil and it is amazing – the smell is lovely, it absorbs well in the skin and leaves you really moisturised and soft – I will post the full review soon! You can buy these lovely sets here.

Ladurée macaroons are also a very nice little treat! I am a big fan – they are really the best and their little boxes are super cute….

If you are in London, I find there are so many options of lovely places to go with your loved one. I know that they are overpriced, but sometimes it is just worth going for the experience. There are so many amazing options… For example, Altitude 360 is doing a romantic 5-course with a glass of champagne each for £99. Searcy’s champagne bar offers a special menu and their champagne selection is fantastic, but my favourite has to be the Wallace restaurant at the Wallace Collection, set in a beautiful courtyard in central London, and amazing value for money, at under £30 pp for the set menu. The London Eye has special Valentine’s flights with champagne from £35.04 (online booking price).

Staying in? Waitrose is doing a special twist on their dine-in deal: a three-course meal and a bottle of bubbly for £20!

This year, we had a play booked for the day before Valentine’s (we managed to re-book for the following week!) – and I think this is a nice way of spending the evening with the loved one!

However, the most important thing is that you have each other and have fun spending time together!

Happy Valentine’s day!

x x x

Retrospective fashion show – from the past to the next season

Gold lamé – yes, please!

Bourne and Hollingsworth, the creators of Retrospective: The history behind next season, kindly sent me an invitation to attend the event. The fashion show idea is rather simple, but ingenious – to showcase coming trends using vintage pieces. As a big fan of vintage I was very excited to attend – especially was there was a party afterwards!

The show started with a display of fashion and silver screen icons and consisted of showing trends that we are currently wearing via garments from the past, from various eras.

The trends explored were Gothic (so hot right now!), monochrome, wild, lingerie/night gowns and the finale was a showcase of known designer pieces in mixed styles.

It is everywhere. Black, lace, crosses… and it was here too. From the gothic trend I really liked a Gil Y Jacques lurex dress with a feather choker and a 90’s Oscar de la Renta forest green silk shirt.

I love monochromes, to me, black and white together never go out of fashion… so that was a tough call… it will have to be the Biba black acetate and rayon jumpsuit and sequin jacket from the 70’s and a tulle and cotton white dress worn with patent snakeskin gloves.

Needless to say, I am a massive fan of animal prints, and in my books, a bit of leopard is always welcome, so wild is just up my street. Faves were an 80’s Adele Simpson snakeskin print silk dress and an amazing 60’s raccoon fur coat.

For the nighties, I didn’t fancy that enough to pick a piece, it’s ok, but not my favourite… but from their showcase finale, I have to say I enjoyed most of it… the Givenchy black viscose and lace jumpsuit (80’s) was fabulous, the 20’s silk and faux-fur dress coat so feminine, the glam Loriz Azzaro gold lame dress from the 50’s was possibly my favourite piece of all.

I really enjoyed the concept, it shows that not only the recyclable nature of trends, but also the clothes themselves they are still edgy and most still wearable.

As for the party, there were, as expected, music from different eras; and dance performances… it was a lot of fun. There were thematic cocktails (I had Gatsbys). Not fun was to wait ages for drinks, though…

Still, I enjoyed myself. Hats off to the stylist Violet Naylor-Leyland, who picked through pieces from various past times to present them neatly and excitingly – I am full of ideas. Inspiration, for me, is the main point of fashion.

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?