Tuesday 31 January 2012

Marie Claire Blog & Twitter Awards, The Music Rooms

This morning I attended the 2012 Blog & Twitter Awards hosted by Marie Claire.  Buzzing with PR's, journos and bloggers, an array of style was on display (with top knots out in abundance).  



 

A lovely little breakfast.  
If you are ever feeding a fashion crowd remember carbs will go almost untouched, every where you looked girls were tucking into the yoghurt option.


 

Tala Samman
Founder & Editor of www.myfashdiary.com


Tala's be-autiful YSL rings.  Love them with a dark nail.

Monday 30 January 2012

Has Anyone Seen This Bag?

Why is it that girls have SO much to carry, yet you see boys on the tube and on the street with no baggage what so ever?  A mere wallet in the pocket is all they need, and sometimes a man bag (I can hardly bring myself to utter the word 'rucksack'...shudder).  Do they not have carefully planned and home made lunches to carry in carefully chosen tupperware, or big leather diaries which must be consulted in order to plan our existence!?  Obviously not.  What a simple life.


My beloved  Mulberry Tillie tote  houses a multitude of 'life essentials':

current book - current magazine - current nail varnish in case of chips - makeup bag - purse - Lotil lipbalm x7
Blackberry - iPod - lighter x3 - lunch - sometimes a spare outfit if I'm going out after work - passport - oyster

....and so it continues............

And whilst men wonder care free with non-aching arms, girls often have to 'double up'.  Handbag + respectable shopping bag which has probably been saved for such occasions because we wouldn't be seen dead holding a carrier bag unless for grocery shopping.  These poor bags get battered, worn and broken and so I bought my very own sturdy 'spare bag' from uber-fabulous website alphabetbags.com
They offer initialed and slogan baring canvas shoppers as well as more recently added purses, card holders and wash bags.  Ok, so I pretty much want the whole range.  But I sensibly restrained and opted for a black tote with 'C' in white.  I shortened the long shoulder straps because I like to carry bags on my fore arm.  My housemate would ask to borrow it to return clothes that didn't suit, to which she was met with the reply 'But your name doesn't  start with a 'C'?' ...Apparently these details don't concern all people.


She was practical, she was chic, she was well-travelled....and then she was gone.  She disappeared and has never been found (and I don't even think the aforementioned housemate has her).  So until I can bring myself to re-purchase, I send this question into cyber space:

Has anyone seen this bag?

x

Sunday 29 January 2012

Baby It's Cold Outside

We're faced with a very chilly week.  Temperatures seem to have plummeted and only the warmest apparel will do.  If a snow day is round the corner (and it often is in February) we will be faced with not just the troublesome commute but also the choice of whether to dress practically or fashionably.  

But you can blend both.  People grumble about the Winter - about the cold, about the darkness at 4pm.  But Winter is undoubtedly my favourite season.  Don't get me wrong, I hate the rain and only find it acceptable when I am tucked firmly under a duvet, but those crisp, cold days when the sun is shining are my idea of bliss and there is nothing I love more than facing it in layers and layers of knitwear.  

Olivia Palermo certainly knows how to look chic in the freezing cold and here are some of my pieces of choice for the upcoming chill.


I love any coat with a masculine military vibe, they toughening up dresses and skirts.  These are both thick, lined and luxurious and will be really cosy when facing the cold.



Replace the belt the coat may come with (and wear it with other outfits) and use a 
different one for a variation in texture like leopard print  or studded.


Hats and ear muffs look great, and are a great way to introduce fur or print into an outfit.  Men's accessories on the high street are really strong so don't be afraid to explore the boys department occasionally!


 

Long, comforting socks keep you warm under jeans, over tights and look really cool peeking out of boots.  Brora is an indulgence but they are still in full January sale swing so splurge on some 
discounted cashmere while you have the chance.



No one should risk the possibility of falling on slippery snow or ice for the sake of wearing nice shoes.  Hunters are still the wellie to get and I LOVE the quilted version!  Team with opaques, leggings or jeans.


I love the child-like humour behind mittens - so much cuter than gloves and, if you're prone 
to losing things, stringing them through the arms of your coat like your mum did  on 
your first day of school gives you a little insurance! 



Finally, with cold often comes dazzlingly clear sky and sun.  Throw some shades, 
and remember eyewear is worth an investment.  I love these classic aviators.

 

Friday 27 January 2012

Elle Collections Spring Summer 2012

It's arrived!!  Ahhhh, bliss.

Out with the old, well-read, beloved Autumn Winter issue...


...in with the brand, spanking new Spring Summer issue.


Content report coming soon.....  kinda wish I didn't have a date tonight.

Thursday 26 January 2012

And So To Bed

My aim for tonight is to roll around in my sleep enough to get bed hair like this...





Sweet dreams x

Psssst...

I'm not sure I really want to divulge this information - Cocosa is an online designer HAVEN and as of today they have the most amazing sale on.  Stumbled upon it on my lunch break and there seems to be a 'Pay Day Steal' bonanza with up to 75% off.  Here are my steals:

 Z Spoke by Zac Posen bag £75
I'm going to tuck the strap in and use as a boxy clutch
Black Sea Jewels cocktail ring £121
Monica Vinader cocktail ring £36
I don't need to explain these - a cocktail ring just makes me happy

 Navy Hunters for £29!?
Boa skin Hunters £42
Festivals, walks in the country, rainy commutes, SNOW DAY!!  
Team with chunky ribbed socks, leggings and a big luxe jumper.

 John Smedley cashmere jumper £26!! 
Ooooo, I can almost FEEL it!!

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Elie Saab Couture SS12 Show

Oh my.  An Elie Saab show is like a dream world.  Dresses are floaty.  Angelic.  Cloud-like.  Layers and layers and LAYERS of bejewelled fabric billowed down the couture catwalk today in Paris, all cinched with tiny little belts at the waist.  The Lebanese designer scatters beads like stars over every skirt.  And what skirts we saw...

Little Skirts


Medium Skirts





Big Skirts

 

MEGA Skirt


The Details