28 February 2013

My Paris checklist


So I'm off to Paris and to stop me forgetting something (which hopefully still won't happen) and I feel more organised if I lay everything out and can see it in front of me, this is all after writing it down and mentally ticking it off as I go along. Sooo I thought why it's all out I'd take some pictures and blog what I'm taking, maybe similar to the 'LFW Survival Kit' posts you probably would have seen a lot of recently. I don't really know what I'll be doing there so I haven't really had to buy anything specific. I'm going with like, what, 140 people? Saying that though I don't know one of them so I'm practically going on my own, which is hella scary. I have been talking to Alex, someone from my uni who I've never even personally met, on Twitter and we've been chatting for a while now and she's been really nice and said she I could hang with her if I wanted to. Everyone has their own group of friends to go with as they're not crazy enough to go alone - hell, girls can't even go to the bathroom alone - but apparently I am crazy enough. I mean, it's Paris, right? I would like to think I'm gonna meet and talk to loads of new people but I thought that would happen when I started uni and it definitely didn't, so I won't get my hopes up this time...

On to the checklist. I started off with the essentials: underwear, phone charger (although still need a plug adapter), camera, toiletries, my euros and of course my passport, which I take everywhere with me anyway in my purse. Like I said on my earlier post about my PFW outfits, I'm going to be travelling for a long time so I'm going fully prepared with magazines - Grazias and Look (I left my monthly issues at home, d'oh) and a couple of new books. Yesterday I picked up 'Gone Girl' which I heard a good review about, and as soon as I hear one good review on a book I'm sold. Seriously, I don't even know what it's about, I just picked it up in the shop and added it to my basket. I have heard a few more good reviews on it since then though, so I'm sure I will enjoy it. I'm also bringing headphones (pinched off my brother, but he pinched my Skullcandies first) in case I ever fancy listening to music.

I made sure I had my accessories such as my new clutch bag, sunglasses, socks and jewellery.  Lipsticks in various crazy colours are also must-takers.  And oh, I had to bring my elephant teddy, Echo which my mum bought for me at the zoo.  I'm not sure what my roommates - whoever they will be - will make of me bringing a teddy, but hey, everyone has things about them which make them a little weird, right...?

What I'll be wearing at PFW

On Friday:

Black dungarees, blue mirrored aviator sunglasses & book clutch: ASOS | White fishnet top: FOREVER 21 | Shoes: CONVERSE

The dungarees suit has been a fashion week definite for me ever since I bought it in early January.  I've worn it with the fishnet top before, which I actually bought specificially to go with the dungs, and it's a combination which works really well together.  I'm hoping the weather will be warm enough (feeling brave saying the word 'warm' so early in the year, crikey) for me to not need my coat as that would ruin it really wouldn't it?  But then again, even if it's not, it's fashion week, if I have to catch a cold to look good, I will.

On Saturday:

Sport t-shirt, neon pink beanie hat & galaxy print socks: TOPSHOP | Black PU midi skater skirt & gold chunky necklace: ASOS | Shoes: CONVERSE

Or...

'ACDC' baseball tee: URBAN OUTFITTERS | Socks & neon pink beanie: TOPSHOP | Black PU midi skater skirt: ASOS

I'm not sure between these two outfits, fairly similar I can't decide on which top to wear?  The top one is one which I've been planning to wear for ages but the lower one is a very new addition to my wardrobe, one that I've been wanting for a while but only bought on Monday as a birthday treat to myself.  I think this one would look good with the beanie but should I go for my first choice?  Let  know what you think.
P.S. Check out the statement socks.  Easy way to inject a bit of colour, hey?

For travelling:

Leather pants & embroidered tiger sweater: TOPSHOP | Shoes: CONVERSE

I'm setting off at about half five tomorrow and I will get there at about half eight the next morning.  I don't want to do the maths but that's a lot of hours on a coach and that's a lot of hours on a ferry, which together add up to lots and lots of hours.  I wanted something simple and fairly comfortable to travel in and my leather pants aren't the greatest choice but they're not the worst one, either.  I like the top as it's a casual sweater shape but the print still keeps it cool, plus the orange in the tigers goes with my orange hair, but that's neither here nor there...

Wishful Wednesday


1. Shark dress £30 TEE AND CAKE via TOPSHOP | 2. Sweat dress £45 ASOS | 3. Astro t-shirt £25 TOPMAN | 4. Eyeball tank top £18 TOPSHOP | 5. Polo neck bodycon dress £26 AMERICAN APPAREL via ASOS

All I have to say this week is that eyeball tank top will be mine.  Oh, and I want the shark dress so I can put the 'Jaws' themetune on my phone and then walk towards people in a scary manner, pointing my torso towards them.

The end.

27 February 2013

Blue Stripes


Blue stripe jumper & studded biker boots: ASOS | Black skater skirt: RIVER ISLAND | Necklace: TOPSHOP

I didn't realise quite how unflattering this jumper was until looking back at these photos.  Wow, it's puh-ritty bad, isn't it?  Y'know when you buy something because it looks really cool on the model and you don't even consider it probably won't look the same on you?  Yeah... I've got to say though, I still kinda' like it... I mean, the ugly shape makes it different, but good different I think.  It's definitely a man repeller, in fact a people repeller altogether, but I can live with that.
I bagged it in the last period of the sale for £12.50, so even if I was gonna complain I probably shouldn't.  I felt like it was the last kid left who hadn't been picked for a team in sport so and I felt sorry for it, y'know?  I mean, I always got picked first in P.E. because I was the best (totally smug) but I could empathise.  I thought the shape made it cool and quirky which is why I bought it, had it been a normal jumper I wouldn't have given it a second look.  I really like the stripes, they're probably not flattering either, but I like them all the same.  The material is that horrible itchy stuff and I try to wear a long-sleeved top under it, but we'll just forget that part shall we?  I teamed it with a plain black skirt to keep things simple and I felt better showing my legs, I don't think I would have gotten away with the outfit had I covered all of me up.  I thought the cool necklace just gave it a little sumthin'-sumthin' and the shoes have the 'wow' factor, so I thought they'd glam the outfit up a bit and make it more interesting, rather than my casual Chucks.  Red lipstick wouldn't have gone amiss but I left it at uni, d'oh.
I'm off to Paris tomorrow!  Today will be spent scheduling blog posts and Youtube videos and last minute shopping for things like a plug adapter. I leave tomorrow at about five p.m., arrive in France at half eight the next morning (jeeeeez!) which will be on my birthday and then am back late Sunday night.  I hope it's really good and that Paris will live up to my expectations, which are pretty damn high.

26 February 2013

My best dressed at the Oscars

Naomi Watts in Giorgio Armani | Jessica Chastain in Armani Privé | Kristen Stewart in Acra Reem Couture | Catherine Zeta-Jones in Zuhair Murad
So the Oscars happened. After being thoroughly disappointed at the fashion at the BRITs last week, I was looking forward to the Oscars hoping it would reignite my hope in celebrity style on the red carpet, and I've got to say, it did a pretty good job in doing so. I didn't love everyone's looks, but there were no looks which I hated, and that almost never happens. Jennifer Lawrence was on many 'best dressed' lists, and I admired her choice, however it wasn't for me, a bit too poofy. This was reflected in her fall up the stairs when going up to do her thanks speech, which must have been really embarrassing for her but it only made me love her even more, anyone else? She's just so imperfect she's perfect, y'know?
On to my best dressed of the night, There's not many up here, but at least there's some (again, another dig at the BRITs...). For me, Jessica Chastain came out on top, showing that pale skins can wear nude dresses and still look fabulous. The gown was amazing for her and hugged her body in all the right places. Understated but gorgeous. Plus, the shade of her lipstick is perfect with the colour of the dress. Bonus points. Moving on to Naomi Watts, I'm not usually one for sequins, especially on the red carpet, I think they can look a bit... Cheap. Saying that, Naomi approached them in a way which still made her look very expensive. The cut-out shoulder detail really gives the dress that special something and the shape is extremely flattering to her tiny figure. The hair and the subtle smoky eye topped off the whole look.
Kristen Stewart. Most likely a controversial choice, but she's actually a red carpet favourite of mine and more often than not I really admire her bold choices. I think this white lace gown is amazing on her and I really like the tulle bits at the bottom. Plus I kind of love how she's just left her hair and not done anything with her make-up... Is that wrong? Aaaand last but not least Catherine Zeta-Jones, who isn't usually a favourite. However I posted about a month back my love for Zuhair Murad's spring couture collection, and I'm so pleased someone has worn one of his amazing dresses on the red carpet. I really like it worn with the hair down and lack of jewellery except earrings. The gold and nude colours in the dress really suit her skin tone, too.

And at the Oscars after-parties:



Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen | Zoe Saldana in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci | Zooey Deschanel in Valentino | Lily Collins in Zuhair Murad

 Not only was the Oscars fashion impressive, I was as equally excited to see what everyone would be wearing to the after-parties.  Out of everyone's I think I'd have to say Zoe Saldana is my favourite as the dress is understated but sexy and elegant and I'd definitely wear it (y'know, if I got invites to these things... Which I totally do I'm just always too busy), I really like the lace with the satin fabric.  I reckon she should have worn this to the Oscars instead, that's all I'm sayin'.
Lily Collins was a close second for me, another Zuhair Murad dress.  It's a very unique gown especially as women usually opt for black or nude colours on the red carpet, so I respect her bold choice.  Blue is one of my favourite colours to wear and I think she pulled it off amazingly, plus the stripes work really well with the lace, whoda funk it?
Zooey Deschanel isn't ever really my type of style when she walks on the red carpet.  Too girlie and pretty for me, however this Valentino dress is to die for.  Stunning.
Aaaand lastly Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen.  Pretty simple overall but the colour speaks volumes.  I really like the tulle skirt, too.

Who were your favourites?  Do you disagree with any of my choices?
All images from Vogue.co.uk

25 February 2013

Baroque-ing it


Fishnet top: FOREVER 21 | Baroque t-shirt & book clutch bag: ASOS | Leather pants: TOPSHOP | Shoes: CONVERSE

This outfit would have looked better with my orange hair but OH WELL, it's still an outfit I like lots.  I wore it the other day and thought 'Daaamn why is there no one here to show my outfit off to?!', 'all dressed up and nowhere to go' is my life story.  True dat.  Maybe I should hire a shit load of people to sit downstairs and applaud when I walk into the room with whatever awesome clothes I'm wearing that day, I deserve a little bit of credit for my efforts (to be fair my mum always makes nice comments but she wasn't there on this day, so...).  However for now I'll just have to post outfits on here and you're all gonna have to tell me how much of a great job I have done.  Fanks.
I'm really having to stop myself from wearing these leather pants all the bloody time recently.  I stole them from my mother's wardrobe a few weeks ago so they're not new new but they're new to my wardrobe, and what happens when you add something to your wardrobe which you love?  You wear it all the bloody time (or is that just me?).  That's similar to what happened when I bought this t-shirt shortly before Christmas.  The print is awesome but baroque is known for being glamorous and embellished, which this tee is definitely not, and that is what I like about it.
I layered it over this fishnet top (which is being worn under every bloody top I have at the moment) and because of the white print on the grey top I think they look really good together, plus it just makes the overall look a little more interesting to look at.  The focal point of the whole thing, however, is the book clutch - or 'Butch', as I like to call it.  I bought it specifically for Paris but thought 'Why not slip it into my OOTD pictures?  Might as well make the most of it!'.  I'm not a clutch kind of girl and this is the first one I've ever owned, but I really did want this one when it first came in stock, I mean it's a bag... Disguised as a book!  Genius.  However I've never had the right occasion to buy it for (but now I dooo!) and knowing I wouldn't need it for my daily trip to Tesco's I decided to keep it on my wishlist.  Luckily for me I stumbled upon it a couple of weeks ago - in the sale for fifteen pounds - and just thought 'ah screw it!'.  You like?  I do.  My brother effing hates it, he can't even look at it without making him angry.  He's a boy, thus he doesn't understand why I wouldn't just buy a bag that looks like a bag.  In fact I believe his words were 'You're just gonna look like a TWAT'.
This one's for you, Jo.

P.S. If you want to see this outfit in video form you can check that out on my Youtube channel here.

24 February 2013

Sunday Sum Up

1. Topshop you torture me. | 2. Urmmm... | 3. Pink sky at night.

4. Outfit post. | 5. New dress from the sale, not my usual thing but would look awesome with black Converse, non? | 6. New lipstick.

7. Forget lipstick swatches, I kiss receipts. | 8. Can't believe it's finishing, so emotional!  One of the best things I've ever watched. | 9. The 'before' shot.

10. The 'during' shot. | 11. The 'after' shot!  Lovely new hurrr. | 12. Let's go home.

13. Walking to the bus stop. | 14. Beautiful sky guys. (No filter) | 15. Reading 'Looking for Alaska'.

16. I'm in LOOK magazine! | 17. Outfit post. | 18. Finished!

19. At dad's watching 'Looper'. | 20. Next on my 'to read' list. | 21. Let's go Jillian.

22. On a walk with mum. | 23. One of my favourite places in the world. | 24. Walking by the canal.

25. G.I. Jane, three hour walk WITH weights. Damnnn, mother. | 26. Beautiful swan. | 27. For Paris.


28. About to do something crazy. | 29. S'appenin'... | 30. Sneek peak!

31. Orange! | 32. In the bus station. | 33. Back to Manchester I go.

34. Sun in the distance, looks so amazing. | 35. Daddy gave me some chocolate because I won't see him until after my birthday, they're all MINE. | 36. Am excited...

New hair colour!


Look what I've gone and done!  I didn't put much thought into this decision but I thought the woman on the packet looked awesome so 'why not try it?'.  I thought it would be a perfect time to do it just before my trip to Paris this weekend as it definitely makes a statement.  I've never used a D.I.Y. hairdye but it's worked out extremely well.  Not like I did it myself, mum did it all and I all I did was washed it off, thanks mum!  It's semi-permanent and apparently lasts for 6-8 washes.  It's slightly cray cray but hey, I'm diggin' it!
Thoughts?

23 February 2013

Outfit for PFW?


Blue blazer coat: RIVER ISLAND | Snood & t-shirt: TOPSHOP | Black midi skater skirt: ASOS | Shoes: CONVERSE

Kind of a contrasty outfit today.  The top with the skirt.  The coat with the top.  The snood with the skirt.  Hey, I'm very much down with it, the more contrast there is the better for me.  Yes, I am wearing this skirt again.  I bought it for £22.50 - in the sale - so I have to wear it at least twenty two times to get my money's worth.  That's my excuse, anyway.  Plus the fact that it's one of the most awesome (yet insane) items in my wardrobe.  It's a very, urm, nosiy material so makes strange noises when I do simple things like walk up the stairs and sit down.  Something I can live with, but I'll ust have to pretend people aren't thinking "Was that noise really your skirt though?"...
Minus the snood (and possibly with the addition of some sunglasses) I think this the outfit I'm going to be wearing to Paris during Paris Fashion Week.  Well, this one day and my dunagrees and fishnet top another day.  I think the top looks really great with the skirt and the skirt is definitely a statement piece so is perfect for my trip.  Am excited.  We're setting off at half five and don't get there until half eight the next morning, daaaaamn.  I'm not great with flying (read: I'm HORRIBLE with flying) but I've never been on a ferry before so I'm hoping I'll be okay.  I'll have to take some tablets with me just in case...
On the morning I arrive it will be my birthday, yay!  I'm not sure if I'll be knackered or not but who cares, IT'S PARIS.  There's an opportunity to take part in one of Paris' biggest student nights - a Parsien bar crawl - however I'm not interested in this so I'm hoping I'll be able to find the Eiffel Tower.  Not like it'll be hard to find, I suppose I just walk towads the really big thing pointing into the sky... I also really want to see the Musée du Louvre but I have no idea how far away I'll be from things.  I'll have to do some research later!  Have you ever been to Paris?  I go on Thursday!

22 February 2013

Feel my bones...


Camo jacket, skeleton top & khaki green skater skirt: TOPSHOP | Fishnet top: FOREVER 21 | Shoes: CONVERSE

I haven't worn this camo jacket in ages - partly my fault, partly my mother's - but as a last second decision I put it on.  I didn't get chance to look in a mirror (yeah, literally last second) so I was kinda' taking a stab in the dark thinking it would look good with the outfit, especially due to the colour of the skirt.  And I've got to say after looking at these photos, I'm pretty pleased I added it.  Maybe you disagree, but I've worn it now so it's a bit late innit?  It might sound a little crazy but I think if it wasn't for the red lipstick I actually wouldn't have liked it, but you probably know that I'm a big fan of my red lippie and wear it with nearly every outfit.
Despite the snow (how is it not 20 degrees yet?  C'mon Muvvah Nature) I wanted to take my jacket off and show off what was underneath.  It was only the other day when I wore the combination of the skeleton top layered over the fishnet top, however I liked it so much that I'm bring it back already, yeah baby.  I wore it with jeans and a beanie last time so it's a little less casual today and I'm still digging it.  I didn't expect to get so much wear out of this fishnet top when I purchased it a few weeks ago, I mean, I bought it for the specific purpose of wearing it with my dungarees, but it's getting to the point where I'm wearing it with nearly every top in my wardrobe.  Hey, I'm getting my money's worth, I'm okay with it.

Why I think the BRITs '13 was POOP


So the BRITs happened on Wednesday night.  Maybe you heard of it, it's only one of the biggest events there is in terms of music award shows, you know, no big deal.  I'd been looking forward to it for a good few weeks, and to say I was underwhelmed at half past ten on Wednesday night, would be an understatement.  Here are my reasons why:

The fashion (or lack of):
What. The actual. F***?  It's pretty much a given that if you're walking the red carpet at the BRITs, money isn't really an issue to you.  And it wasn't, everyone wore designer, but it just goes to show it's not what you wear, but it's how you wear it.  Gemma Arterton wears it like she's a sixty year old going to a disco.  Lana Del Rey wears it like she's going to the office, a really, really dull office.  Corrine Rae Bailey wears it like she's conforming against irons, and Katherine Jenkins wears it like she feels she looks really high fashion in what she's got on, which just makes it look ten times worse.  GREAT JOB, ladies, WELL DONE, you really outshone yourselves.  I'm f***ing eighteen years old and could have done a better job if I had gone to Topshop with a £40 budget.  I'm not saying this to brag, I'm saying this to exaggerate my whole point.
I really just need to not think about these anymore.  If you're thinking "Well what about the people who did dress good?", THEY DIDN'T.  Not one.  You can argue how beautiful Taylor Swift looked all you want, but it was a long black dress, oh THE ORIGINALITY.  Come on people.  Aim a little higher.

The music:

Muse started off the show.  Great.  No sarcasm intended, I like a bit of Muse and I think Matt Bellamy has a sexy singing voice.  At this point I sat down with some chocolate, rubbing my hands together in anticipation of what exciting things were to come in the next couple of hours.  Boy, I didn't know shit.  Justin Timberlake?  Meh, okay, he's just brought a new song out, understandable why he's on stage, I don't really get the hype but whatever.  Oh, Robbie Williams, nah, not for me.  One Direction, just to remind us how awesome our generation's music taste is (sarcasm definitely intended this time).  Emili Sande?  Heard it all before, and then some.  Breath taking performance?  Nuh-uh.  She also mentioned in her thank you speech her loneliness.  You're right Emili, it must be really hard, although I'm sure I just saw you hug about six people around your table in celebration.  I don't even know six people.


The award:

I don't know who Damien Hirst is, and it took me a few weeks to realise that, no Dem, that ginger guy in Homeland isn't designing the award.  However he might as well have now, because polka dots aren't exactly, urm, creative, are they?  I know it's his 'singature motif' and I can completely see why he used it, but maybe next year we can hand out human size blown up inflatable awards to the winners.  That would be fun.

The lack of Rihanna:

The BRITs ain't nothing without Rihanna.  Clearly.  She was like 90% of the reason I was watching in the first place.

The host:

I have absolutely nothing against James Cordon but I like it when presenters aren't so scripted and are a bit silly, take Alan Carr, for example, I think he would have thrown a rude/sarcastic joke in about someone somewhere.

No eff ups:

That's what the BRITs is about, right?  The arguing, the showing of bums, the cutting off Adele's speeches, I mean come on, where's the controversy?  The chaos? 
I never thought I'd say this, but where the f*** is Kanye West when you need him? 


The good things about the BRITs 2013:

- Paloma Faith's outfit.  She looked very pretty and nice, not show stopping, but nice all the same.
- Dave Grohl.
- Ben Howard's voice.
- Uhhhhhhhh... Nope, that's all I've got.

19 February 2013

Dunga-do


Black dungarees: ASOS | Red 'New York' beanie hat: RIVER ISLAND | Gold quilted bomber jacket & sport t-shirt: TOPSHOP | Shoes: CONVERSE (via SCHUH)

I simply cannot get enough of these dungarees.  Saying that, I can't get enough of this t-shirt either.  So it kind of makes perfect sense to put them both together, right?  I thought because they are both masculine pieces that wearing them with each other was just asking to look like a boy trapped in a girl's body, but what the hell.  I've always what it'd be like to be a boy for a day, anyway.  Plus, surely the red lipstick helps to tell everyone that I am feminine, even just the teensiest bit?
The dungz are already a wardrobe favourite of mine despite only having them for a few weeks.  I'm so glad they made a comeback this winter and are going to be just as popular during next season too.  This means practically every high street store is stocking them and in various colours and fabrics, too.  Can I have one of each please?  You could argue that I won't get much wear out of these as surely I'll store them away once the summer weather comes?  Mais non, you would be wrong.  I'd team it with a sheer blouse or a neon camisole top instead, maybe this orange one from Topshop?
I will bet someone a whole five pounds I see at least ten pictures of girls wearing denim dungarees to festivals this summer.  Anyone...?  I think the black colour of these, though, really helps to just make them chic, rather than toddler-esque.  They're still not very flatterying and saying 'sexy dungarees' would be a huge oxymoron but, hey, I love 'em.
Have you bought some dungarees?  Maybe you think they're a huge dunga-don't?

18 February 2013

Acid Yellow


Neon yellow jumper: TOPSHOP | Black high shine midi skirt: ASOS | Shoes: CONVERSE (via SCHUH)

Oh my love for this jumper is never-ending, I've had it for months and months and I still like to wear it all the time, which isn't like me at all... I thought the bright yellow colour would go perfectly with the crazy material of my new skirt, and go perfectly together they did.  The harsh black really brings out the vibrant colour of the top half and subtly matching it with a very similar yellow in the shoes ties the look together.  There's not much to this outfit really, I mean, it's a jumper, a skirt and some shoes.  Simples.  However it still has a big impact and is quite 'out there'.  Let's just say I wouldn't be blending in on an average, snowy day would I?
I bought this skirt for when I go to Paris at the end of the month and yet I've already worn it numerous times, it's bloody awesome.  A bit insane and dominatrixy, yes, but awesome all the same.  I was quite scared as a size 12 was the only one left which I thought would be too big but I really, really wanted it so I bought it and hoped for the best, and it paid off!  It fits perfectly and still has enough room to tuck a jumper into.  I don't usually tuck jumpers into skirts as it just doesn't seem to work, but thanks to the midi length of this one it definitely does.  The red lipstick is an unlikely match with the neon yellow but I think they look great together.
Hope you all had a great weekend!  I got my nipples pierced on Saturday which I've been wanting to do for ages and was actually on my 'Goals for 2013' list - tick!  It wasn't all bad and was over within a matter of minutes, and at the end I got a lolly pop and a £5 discount for being so brave, winner!  I've never been so aware of my nipples before and the shopping centre in Manchester had a bomb scare yesterday, meaning I was walking through literally hundreds and hundreds of people - protect the boobs, protect the boobs!  I did manage to dodge everyone though, just about.  Phew.I'm back to uni today after having the last couple of weeks off, booo!  I'm really fed up with university and am pretty much 100% certain I'm leaving after this year, I'm already looking for a job.  I'll go into more when it actually happens but literally every aspect of my experience has been complete and utter crap.  Best years of your life?  I bloody hope not.