2013

Christmas is upon us and 2013 is almost over… I haven’t posted an outfit selection for a while, so this is a bit of a random mix of work day to day work attires and only one night out one!

I promise the next one will be more festive, and might even have sequins…..

Outfit #1

Grey full midi skirt from Primark, black cardigan with white bows and necklace from Primark, shoes from Viviana, rings from Accessorize, Forever 21 and Topshop.

Outfit #2

Faux leather effect plaited skirt and Mickey Mouse jumper from Primark, black ankle boots from H&M, necklace from Primark, bracelet from New Look, rings from Disney Couture, Primark, H&M.

Outfit #3

Burgundy crop jumper from H&M, black faux leather pleated skirt from Primark,black leather ankle boots from H&M, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from Topshop, H&M and New Look.

Outfit #4

Black crop knitted jumper and red tartan skirt from H&M, black leather ankle boots from H&M, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from H&M, Topshop, New Look and H&M.

Outfit #5

White leopard crop box top from Boohoo, black trousers from Topshop, black leather court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Pigalle), necklace from Miss Selfridge.

My little shoe project

You can see them in detail, including where they are from, below

Shoes. I just love them. Maybe love is not the right word. I am just obsessed with them. Maybe I should’ve been more clear – this little project is not about any old shoes. It is about heels – needle, chunky, comma, spiky, curvy, platform, wedges, block, straight. Heels are the actual object of my infatuation.

May be I am opening myself to being called a crazy shoe lady and I couldn’t care less – to quote Imelda Marcos, “they went into my closets looking for skeletons, but thank God, all they found were shoes, beautiful shoes”. So there you go.

First of all, I love the way they make me feel. Well, tall, to start with and those 5 foot almost nothing ladies will certainly understand. But they make me feel as if nothing is impossible – you know the “give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world” say? That is right. Nothing is scary in heels – ok, maybe a wet field, going down a mountain, but you know where I am going with this, right? They make me feel happy and more confident. And that’s just on the inside.

My legs look nicer, my posture looks better (ok, orthopedists out there, I know what you are thinking, and frankly, save it!).

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel ugly or insecure in flats. I fell comfortable, alright. In heels, I feel amazing. There is, for me, a weird satisfaction on wearing a fabulous pair of shoes. That’s the reason I decided to document my heels. Most of them, at least. Also, I love looking at them – they are beautiful.

And it gave me and excuse to finally count them. These 90 odd are part of more then 140 pairs of shoes which include flats and boots. Amongst this selection, there are many special ones, like my first pair of Louboutins. Some carry numerous memories. Others, sentimental value; they are more than 12 years old and although I don’t wear them anymore, they are a part of me that came over from Brazil to the UK, and like me, they survived. A few tell tales of boys, usually followed by tales of a heartbreak. It is also a little reminder of pain that we all carry in our live (honestly, there are pairs I only wore once as they butchered my feet!)

Yet, they all tell tales of my life and the person I am – I feel this mosaic is a little patch from a huge patchwork quilt that is me.

Christian Louboutin

Schutz

Aldo

Jimmy Choo

Christian Louboutin

Schutz

Miss Selfridge

Christian Louboutin

New Look

Viviana

Matalan

Ibiza

Zara

VIntage

Ibiza

Asos

Zara

Arezzo

Dune

Topshop

Guess

Bottero

New Look

Território dos Pés

H&M

New Look

Território dos Pés

Bottero

M&S

New Look

Luiza Barccelos

Datelli

From Brazil somewhere…

New Look

Viviela

Capodarte

Schutz

Aldo

Prego

Topshop

Schutz

Kurt Geiger

Kandee

Zara

Topshop

Zara

New Look

Miss Selfridge

New Look

H&M

Viviana

Miss Selfridge

H&M

New Look

Prego

New Look

Zara

Aldo

Território dos Pés

Guess

Ibiza

Arezzo

Viviana

Jimmy Choo

Topshop

Território dos Pés

M&S

Arezzo

Bottero

Schutz

New Look

Christian Louboutin

Miss Selfridge

New Look

Kurt Geiger

Very

Shoe Store

Prego

New Look

Prego

Schutz

Ibiza

Vizzano

Topshop

Bottero

River Island

My halloween look: Disney’s Maleficent

It is no secret I absolutely LOVE dressing up. Halloween is just another opportunity for me to get drawing, cutting, sewing and hot gun gluing.

Maleficent is my favourite Disney character. It has always been, since my mum bought me the Sleeping Beauty book from the book circle people (it was so long ago, they used to come to your door, hahahahaha) and then later on, the VHS, which I watched repeatedly, as any good child obsessed with their favourite story. However, even though I love Aurora, Maleficent was for me, the highlight of the story and even though she deserved to die (as these stories go), I just loved watching her turn into a huge, scary dragon.

Maleficent Halloween look - somanylovelythings

So this year, I decided to turn into the Mistress of All Evil. I interpreted her three times when younger at school, and although I perfected the evil cackle after the “prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die” line, my costume making and makeup resources and abilities weren’t even close to what they are today.

With high expectations, I started to gather the bits: a cheap vampire cloak, twisted devil horns, an amazing raven (or crow, not quite sure!) and purple satin from eBay. I painted the horns black (with acrylic paint from Tiger, they originally had some red in them) and using a hot glue gun, attached them to a wide alice band. I wrapped a satin ribbon around the joints and headband to give it a better finish.

For the sceptre, I bought a cheap devils trident and a tacky oversized Christmas bauble, which was red. I removed the colour with nail polish remover to rveal the silver and glued (hot glue) to the trident stick. I then hot glued my raven on to it.

I then cut the sizes of the cloak, added a lining layer of purple to the back and added the shredded purple details to the from opening. Underneath, I wore a New Look black velvelt bodycon, tights and black court shoes.

For the make up, I created my usual base with Hourglass Veil primer, MAC Fortified skin enhancer in adjust, foundation, concealer and powder. I then started the eyes. I used Urban Decay purple Vice and MAC Bitter for the eyes, as well as Eyeko Skinny liner and Black Magic mascara and a set of exaggerated, cheap false lashes.

Lovely raven

Maleficent Halloween look - somanylovelythings

The whole look

Green and purple

The eyes have it

My inspiration approves!

My Maleficent wears Loubis…

I painted my raised eyebrows and my widow’s peak with MAC gel liner in Blacktrack. I then applied eyeshadow Bitter all over my face, to exhaustion, until I became green-ish and contoured the cheeks quite blatantly with MAC’s Carbon eyeshadow and my usual contouring shade from Inglot (a muted almost grey brown).

I finished off with MAC’s Russian Red and a huge black ring.

And as a bonus, here is a pic of my better half Frankenstein monster, which I put together pretty quickly! Make up took five minutes with green face paint, MAC gel liner in Blacktrack and Carbon eyeshadow. Bolts were made of grey foam, painted unevenly with Barry M Foil effect polish and glued on with Duo lash glue.

I think I looked quite scary. I was very pleased with my Maleficent – I was so worried I wouldn’t make her justice, but in the end, I think I pulled it off!

What did you dress up as for Halloween this year?

What I’ve been wearing – 24/10/2013

Realisation time: summer is really behind us. It actually feels like it’s been ages! I am very thorn between summer and winter wardrobes. Whereas I feel prettier wearing summer clothes, I feel much more elegant during autumn. Winter itself is a bit of a let down in terms of daily style for me, as it is too cold that all you want is to pile up 2000 layers to make sure the wind doesn’t get through.

In the summer, I feel like my skin colour is closer to what it should be (the way it was back in Brazil) and the brighter palette really compliments it. Outfits are often prettier and more feminine.

There is something about autumn that brings out harsher lines, and of course, the darker colours are in. I feel more elegant by adding more elements to a look, layering and rougher textures mixing. A lovely coat really ties it up together!

Anyway… there is no looking back now. Here is how I’ve been welcoming the new season…

Outfit #1

Red leopard print box cropped top from Boohoo, leather effect leggings from H&M, red patent courts from Christian Louboutin, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from Sobral, Topshop and New Look.

Outfit #2

Black mohair crop top from New Look, black and white spotty skater skirt from River Island, black and white court shoes from Viviana, necklace from Accessorize, bracelets from Primark, rings from Forever 21, New Look and Topshop.

Outfit #3

Green jumper from H&M, green and blue tartan trousers from Primark, black court heels from Christian Louboutin, necklace from Little Birdie London, bracelet from Primark, rings from Forever 21, New Look and H&M.

Outfit #4

Red V-neck jumper from Zara, grey and black tartan shirt from Primark, grey skater skirt from H&M, black ankle boots from H&M, tartan socks from Primark, bracelet from New Look, rings from Primark, New Look and Disney Couture.

Outfit #5

Grey and pink heart jumper and body-con black skirt from H&M, black ankle boots from H&M, socks and necklace from Primark, rings from Primark and New Look.

What I’ve been wearing – 14/10/13

Autumn is definitely upon us. Summer already seems a distant memory. although I prefer the warmer climates hands down, I enjoy dressing for autumn; there is an excitement about the new collections and it is not yet so cold you cannot even think!

So here is my latest selection of autumnal outfits. I am loving tartan. Always have, so glad it is out there. Also happy to see leather for another cold season. And animal print (for me, it is always in fashion anyway).

Outfit #1

I am absolutely in love with this red vintage inspired dress from Hearts&Roses London from Sirens and Starlets, necklace from Forever21, black court shoes from Christian Louboutin, rings from Forever21, H&M and Topshop.

Outfit #2

Knitted black cropped jumper from H&M, blue, green and black tartan trousers from Primark, black leather ankle boots gift from a friend, necklace from Primark, rings from Sobral, Topshop and H&M.

Outfit #3

Midi tartan a-line skirt from Zack London, black long sleeve crop top from Primark, black cour shoes from Christian Louboutin, necklace from Miss Selfridge, bracelet from Primark, rings from New Look, and Forever21.

Outfit #4

Black skater skirt from H&M, red tartan turtle neck crop top, fringed ankle boots, red socks and bracelet from Primark, rings from Sobral, New Look, H&M and Forever21.

Outfit #5

Black cardigan with embroided white bows, black top with white collar and grey denim skirt all from Primark, black leather ankle boots gift from a friend, bracelet from Primark, rings from Forever21, Sobral, H&M and Topshop.

What are you loving for the new season?

Real nudes from Christian Louboutin

I always thought it was quite odd to call a pinkish beige colour “nude” when it is meant to match your skin colour in order to be, erm, nude! Right? And last month, when I visited Christian Louboutin’s boutique in Mount St in London, I noticed I wasn’t alone in thinking that!

The French shoe designer launched last month the collection with classics Pigalle, Fifi, Simple Pump, Flo and Vendome in five shades ranging from pale blush to deep chestnut to better match different skin tones, saying “the shoes are there to give the woman an extra lift, not to take attention away from the legs and what she is wearing”. He explains that “they (shoes) disappear like magic and become a fluid extension of her legs, as in a sketch, elongating the silhouette.”

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Not only is Christian Louboutin’s Nudes Collection wheel of legs with sharp stilettos pretty (and actually, quite hypnotising, to be honest), but also shows that nude is what actually matches your skin colour.

And a free iPhone app called Louboutin Shades helps you choose the right nude for your skin tone!

Now, that is what I call nude.

What I’ve been wearing – 03/10/2013

I haven’t posted one of these for a while – a month to be precise, so have a huge backlog of outfits crying to be published…. going back in time, I can still spot a few hints of summer in my outfits. Now, my wardrobe has completely morphed into autumn…

Outfit #1

Cherry dress from Louche at Joy, white cardigan from Primark, black and white court shoes from Viviana shoes.

Outfit #2

Dark denim skirt dungarees from Primark, blue and grey leopard print top from H&M, ankle boots from New Look, necklace from H&M, rings from Primark, H&M, Topshop and Forever21.

Outfit #3

Pink, white and black leather look panels top from Primark, black leggings from American Apparel, black court shoes from Christian Louboutin, necklace from New Look, rings from Accessorize (big grey stone), H&M, Disney Couture and Forever21.

Outfit #4

Pretty yellow with cream dots dress from Primark, nude peep toes from Jimmy Choo, rings from H&M and Forever21.

Outfit #5

Holiday clubbing look! Yay! Black off the shoulder crop top from Miss Selfridge, red and black tartan skirt from H&M, black strappy sandals from New Look, black clutch from H&M, neckalce and bracelet from New Look, rings from H&M, Topshop, New Look (but you can’t see them!)

What I’ve been wearing – 30 May 2013

Another week, another load of outfits… Summery outfit ratio: 1 in 5 = Sad

One can only hope for better weather…

Outfit #1

Black sheer shirt and black and white striped shorts from Primark, black and white court shoes from Viviana Calçados, necklace from H&M, rings from New Look and H&M, bracelet from New Look. Lipstick is MAC Red.

Outfit #2

Blue, white and black printed short sleeve top from Primark, leggings from H&M, studded black boots from Primark, rings and black bracelet from New Look, eye bracelet from Turkey, necklace from Primark. Lipstick is MAC Lady Danger.

Outfit #3

White batwing crop top from Zara, grey cigarette trousers from Topshop, lack patent court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Rolando), animal hair clutch from Viviana Calçados, necklace from new Look, bracelet from Topshop. Lipstick is MAC Russian Red and zombie eyes courtesy of iPhone flash!

Outfit #4

Black and white stripped trousers from H&M, royal blue crop top from New Look, royal blue court shoes from Aldo, ring from New Look and necklace from Primark. Lipstick is MAC Lady Danger.

Outfit #5

White leopard head print top from H&M, black midi straight skirt from the market, denim waistcoat from Primark, white block heel sandals from Topshop, rings from Accessorize, H&M and New Look, bracelets from New Look. Lipstick is Cosmetics à La Carte Vintage.

Shoe fund 2012 cashed in

It’s been more than two years now – I finally stopped going on about it – but I could not be happier with my shoe fund – it gave me beautiful decolleté in 2011 and I wanted to share (better late than ever, I suppose) the fruits of the 2012 fund. I shall never look back.

Nude was on my mind. And throughout the whole year I was set on a classic pair of nude shoes. However , at the last minute I saw red. Literally, I just had this urge to buy red shoes.

Given the colour choice, I thought I’d go for another designer, and not cave into my usual Louboutin obsession, as red on red seemed a bit odd. Blahnik and Choo were head to head – or toe to toe, if you prefer a foot based comparison for this post’s illustration purposes.

But then I fell in love (and as you know, I go totally blind when I fall in love) and the shoe fund 2012 materialised in the shape of the lovely patent, pointy-toed and needle heeled Christian Louboutin Decolleté. Red on red never looked so good to me. I cannot even believe that for a moment I thought it wouldn’t work.

What a beauty – they have already been worn. Now, nude probably got bumped to next year. May be. Shoe fund 2013 is already growing….

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?

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Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday