New Things!

It's really hard keeping up with blogging these days despite having lots to blog about so thought I would start off what I hope with be a roll of posts by sharing some new bits and bobs .... kind of like a haul post.  A little bit of old school blogging if you will.

Let's start off with some fabulous buys from H&M and New Look.  I spotted this gorgeous neon coral & tan clutch as soon as I walked through the doors of H&M this week and didn't think twice about picking it up and securing the purchase almost instantly.  It reminds me of all those gorgeous clutches that are snapped in the hands of the most stylish of fashion editors at LFW.  It was a real steal though at just £12.99.  The 2 metal collars are just loooove!  I have seen lots of similar ones on other blogs and had been dying to get my hands on some myself, I think they will look brilliant worn with shirts or to add a collar to t-shirts. I think they were around £6 or £7 each.  Finally the shoes are from New Look and have a gorgeous ikat pattern across the shoe and heel.  With a pretty big platform these should probably come with a healthy warning but I can't wait to wear them :)

 It was my birthday last week and lucky old me (old being the appropriate term these days) was spoiled rotten.  An odd request of mine was a Dymo label maker.  Since moving house and creating new spaces in our home like a utility room, I have been desperate to make sure we stay organised ...  so labelling is the way forward! Seriously, who knew label making could be so much fun ... this dymo is really bringing out the geek in me!

I also received lots of beautiful perfumes with the most popular in terms of compliments being Stella McCartney Lily.  This was a gift from my mother in law ... I didn't even realise Stella had a new scent out as she is usually a firm favourite of mine.  Lily is a lovely scent, stronger than the usually McCartney offerings and it really reminds me of something I used to wear years ago but I can't quite place it.  One thing is for sure everyone else seems to love it, I even got a compliment on it in Morrison's car park! :)

Obviously I couldn't exclude new things for the home since it has been my main focus of attention for so long.  I had been eyeing up this print online for a long time, debating whether to buy or not but when I found it already framed and in the bargain section of TK Maxx, I knew it was a sign ;) I have still to decide where it should live in the house though. 

I have been obsessing over Laura Olivia designs recently and I am dying to make some purchases for my new bedroom which we have now started to decorate.  Laura Olivia is quite pricey though so it might be a while before I can invest in her gorgeous, bright, feminine designs so in the meantime, my husband and I set about creating our own piece of art for the new room.  We picked up these mirrored frames for mucho cheapness at B&M bargains .... we then took a trip to B&Q where we took quite lengthy samples of wallpaper to use in the frames .... and voila, a unique and personal piece of art for the home. 

Safe to say I am now positively skint .... a spending ban may be on the cards! eek!

What have you been spending on lately?
x

Doing it like Dot ...

I didn't end up going for the Biba beauty I posted about in my nod to Dot Cottons sartorial efforts, instead I found a cheaper alternative with a little bit of a twist to it.

Instead of the subtle, 'goes with everything' camel shade I had originally admired, I found this colourful option in New Look.  Similar in shape and style to Dot's coat, it differed in its bright jade/turquoise glory.  I love bright furs but I hadn't found very many in the shops so this was a pleasant find for me.  It also came in a gorgeous maroon shade but sadly they didn't have my size.

I managed to get this coat in the sale for around £25, believe me if the other colour had been available I would have bought both!

I think this satiates my desire for Dot's coat despite the fact it's a completely different colour.  I have already moved on to my next challenge, finding the perfect trench.

Any recommendations, let me know!

x

Leather and Lace

It's nearly the end of my holiday so I didn't want to waste my last few precious days off work lazing around ... as I have done for nearly 2 weeks now!!  It was time to leave the couch and the dvd's behind and meet some friends for lunch and drinks.

Sweater Top with lace detail: Topshop
Faux leather skirt: H&M
Footless tights: Boots
Platform Boots: New Look

An action shot ... !

Everyone and their mother now owns this skirt but that's because it's such a brilliant find.  It has an exposed zipper detail at the back and is so easy to dress up or down.  If you are thinking about buying I would size up in it.  H&M are always hit and miss with their clothing and this is one of those rubbish items you need to go a size bigger in :( 

I actually bought the top because I loved the lace shoulder detail.  I love any detailing on shoulders ... I seem to be drawn to anything like this.  I picked it up in the Topshop sale and was paying for it before I realised it was from their Maternity range! Yikes, that's not an announcement by the way!! It actually makes the sweater really comfy as there is a bit more give in it without it looking baggy and mis-shaped.

As you can see I am still really struggling with posing! Try as hard as I can to lark about in front of the camera, I still look like a bit of a dork and can't really pull off the 'fashionista' look but hey, I'm only here to share my ideas and inspiration.  I now have another issue besides posing and that's how to re-size my photos and present them better.  One step at a time though.  

Gold & silver link chain: Topshop
Silver diamante link chain: Primark
Watch: Vintage seiko
friendship bracelets: Topshop

I also stole my husbands vintage Seiko watch for the day.  I have decided it suits me better ... wonder if he will let me keep it ;)

I go back to work tomorrow and the thought literally fills me with dread.  Back to the grind so they say ... it's going to be a long 3 days until Friday!!

Who else is struggling with being back at work?

x

Mixing Metal

Following on from my last post I said I would post what I was wearing since I had taken some photos.  As always, nothing groundbreaking but was a cosy outfit for a day of doing not a lot.

My biggest problem with posting outfit photos is I just do not know how to pose and can't get over that whole stiff as cardboard look.  I am literally scared to smile, move or breathe when someone is taking my photo.  Of course, ply me with drink or get me among a group of friends and tensions ease but when it's just me and the Mr ... I just look a bit ... speshul!

Denim Shirt - H&M
Navy sweater - COS
Faux Leather/pvc jeans - New Look
Platform Boots - New Look
Chain Necklace - Topshop

Now, I know what you're thinking ... why is she wearing THOSE trousers?? Well, ya know, I just wanted to give them a go.

I have concluded my legs are definitely not skinny enough to pull them off stylishly but they have some 'give' which avoids me looking like an obese dominatrix/heavy metal enthusiast ... just!  They work better with longer tops but I like wearing them juxtaposed with a casual sweater.

I have got into the habit of wearing gold and silver jewellery together.  Something I have always done but I would usually mix them on a night out.  Faux pas!  ... many of you might say but they work together wonderfully and gets over the stress of having to go matchy matchy.  That's why I loved this necklace, it's a ready made excuse to mix your metals.  With a silver linked links adjoining two gold bars that fasten at the back.

What do you think about mixing your metals?  Would you dare?

x

Outfit of the Night - ROX Gold Moet Christmas Party

Since I posted my ROX party face of the night , I have managed to get a hold of a photo taken on the night that shows my full 'outfit of the night' ... such a naff title for a post really, don't you think?

Anyway, the ROX photographer was working the room and as guided by Toni he ended up taking some pics of a very reluctant not so style fairy!

The photo surprised me as my higglety-pigglety outfit turned out better than I expected.  Having had a complete dress dilemna before the party, I ended up just throwing something together last minute that was more comfort and practical than glam and dolled up although it did have elements of the latter.

I finally decided on my Christopher Kane for Topshop embellished dress which i have had for a while now with some thick black tights to keep me warm in the Scottish baltic weather conditions.  New Look platform booties were still comfortable even after an evening of standing around schmoozing and sipping (read: knocking back) cocktails at the bar.  I accessorised with a chunky silver/diamante chain necklace and bracelet, making sure to keep it as minimal as possible given the dress is heavily embellished.  Finally, a French Connection clutch finished the outfit off ... simply because it was the only black bag I could find as my taxi sat beeping away outside!

I find I can't handle bare legs and shoulders in the cold weather unless I have at least 3 layers to wrap in on my way home, which isn't always easy on a night out.

How do you look glam in the cold weather or are you just braver than me? ;)

x

Glitter Heels

Thanks to the likes of Miu Miu and Jeffrey Campbell, it seems this season everyone is going a little crazy for some ba-bling-ba-bling on their footwear.

I am definitely not exempt from this, as a natural magpie, anything with a little bit of sparkle usually ends up on my lust list.

There is no way I could justify a huge spend on something I see as a passing phase so it was a disco loving girls dream to find these bobby dazzlers in New Look of all places.

It's fair to say that New Look shoe department is an absolute gem of a shopping experience.  Cheap, fashionable shoes, reasonable quality with most shoes I've bought from New Look having lasted the test of time.  I should show you a pair of 8 year old purple platform stilettos - still in fantastic condition!

I digress...

A beautiful plum shade, perfect for autumn/winter, a concealed platform for a bit of extra leg slimming and height and the goldest glitter heels this side of the High Street.

You can't tell to look at them but they are also pretty comfortable for their height.  A bargain at £35 but I was lucky enough to grab them in a 50% off deal.

One small problem however, I have no idea what to wear them with!

Suggestions on a postcard please :)

What do you think of New Look shoes?  Would you wear glitter heels?

x

From drab to glam in minutes ...

This outfit was from last weekend ... I had been on a driving lesson where I simply dress for comfort.  Leggings, long top, cardi and flat boots.

I was going out straight after and not much time to change but I wasn't too keen on the drab get up I was wearing.  That's when it's time to hit the accessories.  I went with my absolute wardrobe glam staple my H&M fur stole and a new purchase from last week - a floppy hat.

Leggings: Stradivarius; Boots: New Look; Long top and cardi with belt: H&M; Fur Stole: H&M; Bag: Vintage Gucci; 

Hat: Tk Maxx

 The floppy hat was a complete bargain from TK Maxx in their sale.  For a grand total of £5 I walked away with this beautiful dove grey seventies style hat with leather bow detailing.

I wear the bow at the back

Of course, I don't ALWAYS feel the need to glam it up but it this was such an easy way to lift the glum appearance of what I was wearing ... and it always helps on a bad hair day to be able to cover it up stylishly.  I'm looking forward to Spring when I can whip out the headscarves again but in the meantime I'm keeping my noggin nice and cosy.

What do you do to dress up a plain outfit?  Do you have fail safe accessories to brighten up your look?

x

An affordable Mulberry alternative

Everyone has been going crazy for the Mulberry Alexa for what feels like forever now however with a price reaching into the hundreds it's not the most accessible or realistic option when it comes to a bag purchase.

I happened to be having a wee browse in Zara yesterday ... I say a wee browse but it turned into a full on sale success when I came away 3 dresses, a top and a bag later.  Anyway, I came across a bag that was not unlike the Alexa but was still had the Zara touch so not to be an exact copy.

I don't believe it was a sale item but it did have a 'Special Price' tag attached to it.  I am not sure if this is a new thing in Zara as I have never noticed it before but certain items seem to have these tags and true to it's word, is usually a reasonable priced item.

Anyway, there was the bag seducing me with a price tag of £19.99.  Bargaintastic if I do say so myself.  Now I know that New Look and even Primark had Alexa look-a-likes in store but with a Zara bag, from experience, I believe you are guaranteed quality and something a little sturdier than budget offerings.

So here it is in all it's glory.  The Glasgow store where I purchased it only had one colour this dark tan shade so I don't know if other colours are available.  There is pleated/woven detailing on the straps and on the inside rim and lots of handy little pockets inside which is always a must for me.  I tend to lose things when a bag is just one big pocket in itself.

What do you think?  A reasonable alternative to the Alexa?

x

Lessons on how to be demure

My good friend Fiona MaCrae (watch this space, she is gonna be a star) ... deserved an outfit spot with this lovely playsuit.

I am the biggest fan of playsuits/jumpsuits and I thought this one was so pretty and worn so stylishly by Miss Fi.
Jumpsuit: Urban Outfitters; Shoes: New Look; Swallow necklace: Accessorize
Fiona teamed her look with a gorgeous shearling style jacket which I do believe is from Topshop.

Do you think playsuits will still be hot in 2011?

I hope so.

x

She wears a short black leather skirt

Over the festive period, I hardly think there was a night that I didn't have a party to go to or a gathering to attend. Needless to say my liver will need some time to recover as will my muffin top.

A small gathering at my place called for a relaxed glamour that included leather (naturally) and sequins.
Sequin Tee: French Connection (sales purchase); Faux Leather Skirt: Miss Selfridge; Black suedette wedge heels: New Look; French Moustache necklace: Cherry Loco (as seen in a previous post)
Accessories were simple again, once I was a bit of a magpie but I have toned down my costume jewellery in fear of looking a little bit tacky ... of course, a bit of tack can be good in small doses though. I stuck to a couple of bangles and my gorgeous new turquoise ring which was purchased recently in Egypt. It has become my replacement for the YSL ring since I decided not to buy it.
My make up look has been quite samey for the last wee while, as mentioned in my favourites post I have stuck to the Estee Lauder Extravagant Gold palette and this night was no different. I used the bronze shade from the palette all over and the darker brown to add definition and pearlised shade for highlight. I added MAC lashes in no.34 ... wow, are these impact lashes ... pretty full on while remaining demure at the same time.
Illamasqua Erzule was added to Nars Laguna to create another bronzed cheek and MACs Sun & Moon as blush, this time with MACs Belightful to highlight. A simple lipgloss again with Estee Lauders Extravagant Ruby pure colour gloss.
Again, I had my hair in a top bun ... it's the easiest hairstyle to pull off when you are out as many nights on the trot ... no fussing or overstyling although I am looking forward to letting the hair down again.

x

There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow

New Year was brought in at a friends club night - Compact Disco at the Black Sparrow. Great night, great tunes, great company ... and a very very sore head and poor memory the next day.

As one of the many changes I would like to make to my blog this year ... Outfit posts are one of the main things I want to introduce. What better way to start than to show you my New Year get up. In keeping with a bird theme I went for full on feathers ... and of course as mentioned in a previous post ... my love for leather is still going strong. Feather and Leather. Nice ring to it.
Feather cape: ASOS; Black Boob tube: Topshop; Leather trousers: River Island; Moc Croc bag: Mango; Wedge heels: New Look

I went with the comfiest shoes I could find as it was a night of dancing, fun and frolics ... normally I would have gone for a long skinny heel with these trousers.
Accessories were kept low key as the feather cape was the statement piece of the outfit.
Bauble bracelet: Mango; Friendship bracelet: Links of London; Rolex: FAKE; Bling Ring: Marc Jacobs

Make up was quite bronzed using Illamasqua powdered metal in Erzule on cheeks and eyes. I used MACs Deep Truth (gorgeous dark blue/navy) underneath the eye and lined with Shu Uemura painting liner in night blue, using the Kimberley Walsh festival lashes by eyelure to finish off (I cut off the end feathers from the lashes to suit).

Lips were simply glossed using Estee Lauder extravagant ruby. I used Mac's sun moon and stars as a blush and cream colour base in Pearl to highlight the inner corner of the eye.

My finished look was statement while remaining comfortable enough for a night of fun twinkling my toes on the dancefloor.

How did everyone else spend Hogmanay?

x

OOTD & Celeb Slim update

As usual with any of my (rare) OOTD posts, they are never actually todays outfit .... this was from Saturday.

I would really love to do more OOTD photos but alas I hate posing, it takes at least 60 shots to get a decent photo, it's difficult to photograph yourself, I am quite body shy and at least 5 days out of 7, I wear nothing of much interest.

However I am tempted to start them up more regularly thanks to a new found confidence that has only been assisted by Celebrity Slim.

Back at the start of Summer when I started Celebrity Slim, my progress was steady and pretty quick. In around 8 weeks I had lost a full stone in weight. For the last 4-5 months I have managed to keep the weight off which is fantastic.

But I don't want to stop there, I want to lose at least another stone and a half so thats why this week I will be re-starting the celebrity slim process. Back to my 2 shakes a day, protein snacks and healthy dinner.

It's been easy to maintain the weight but I have got a little lazy and I know it would just take an extra bit of will power and perserverance to lose a bit more. I go on holiday in 4 weeks and would love to lose another stone but I will be a little more realistic and would be happy with at least 7lbs. Wish me luck!

In the meantime though, I have regained confidence in my appearance now that I have lost a little of the blubber. I still have my moments when I literally feel like nothing looks good on or moments when i look at photos of me and think, Urgh! But for the most part I am feeling pretty good again, hence why I am happy to start posting more Outfit posts.

So here is Saturdays ... I was doing a little shopping, going for some lunch then heading down to Newcastle for a party. There was a slight chill in the air but quite a sprinkling of sun ... LA was what I thought of when putting this outfit together. (excuse the messy dressing room in the background)

Here we have:

Grey zara t-shirt (with embellished shoulders)

H&M Fur stole (favourite winter accessory EVER!)

Aldo Aviators

Primark Jeans (shameful you may think but I should really do a seperate blogpost about these)

New Look wedges

If only I were in LA. I was actually in Newcastle for a Halloween party so I will posting some photos of that later to show you what my finished Queen of Hearts look turned out.

Anyone else trying to lose some extra lbs just now? How are you all doing?

My favourite products of the month!

It has been a while since I did a 'favourites' post so here's whats getting the thumbs up from me this past month ...

HAIR

• Bumble & Bumble Creme de Coco Shampoo & Conditioner - I love love love this. Smells great and helps bring the volume and shine back to my lack lustre hair! Result.

FACE

• Estee Lauder Double Wear - Now that I have a little bit of tan to my face I switched from Clinique Anti Blemish to Double wear. I try and resist using double wear daily if I can help it as it gives a full coverage but it's so lovely that I have worn it most days.

LIPS

• Estee Lauder gloss in Nude Rose - I bought this last year before my holidays and it has turned into a bit of a fail safe nude gloss for me. With a scent of fig, it smells as good as it looks!

CHEEKS

• Topshop Neon Rose - This is such a fresh bright colour for the cheeks. It creates a subtle glow that really brightens the face giving an almost luminous glow (not in the radioactive sense. It can be layered easily or applied sheerly for a subtle hint of colour.

EYES

• Urban Decay shadows in Drink me, Eat me and Madhatter from the Alice in Wonderland palette - I have been wearing these most days, it's an easy neutral combo that is perfect for work.
• Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Teal - again I got this as part of the AIW palette. It looks gorgeous on the waterline and takes my work look from day to night by adding some welcome colour.
  
• The Body Shop Metallic Eye Definer in Burnished Amber - this is another one I love on the waterline especially for summer when I am tanned (fake of course) and wearing bronze colours on eyes, lips or cheeks (but never all at once).

BODY

• Xen Tan - After a rocky start I think I have now bonded with the wonder of xen tan and I am now sporting a gorgeous natural looking tan that fades without leaving harsh lines or streaking - review coming up shortly ...
  

FRAGRANCE

• Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne - this is a deliciously fruity fragrance with hints of peach and plum as well as the obvious nectarine and honey, perfect for day wear and I always get asked what I'm wearing :)
  

NAILS

• Anything goes! I have been mixing it up with leopard print, bows, stripes and flowers on my nails. Perfect way of getting use of your polishes in one go

SHOES

• Topshop Wedges - these were purchased as part of a birthday treat as I loved the blush/nude colour and lace up front. Despite how they might look, they are actually really comfy. Honest.

CLOTHES

• New Look Harem Jumpsuit - I adore this. So comfy, so versatile and perfect for sunny weather. Easy to dress up with a belt, necklace, wedges or go casual in flip flops.

I probably have loads more I could chat about but this post has to end somewhere. For July, I am already predicting a return to brights on the lips (pink in particular) and pretty dresses ... yay for Summer!

x

Fifteen Quid Maxi

Yes, that's right. £15.

I picked this dress up in New Look never imagining I would get as much wear from it as I already have. It's jersey material makes it quite casual yet so versatile. It can be dressed up or down by switching accessories, bags or adding a belt.

I have had so many compliments with this dress and no one believes it only cost £15!

I usually go for a dressed down boho look with it but I even wore it for an evening out on the town this weekend and it looked and felt great on. Of course, I only wear flats - maxi's and heels just don't do it for me... something awkward looking about it.

New Look Dress by saskiathesalsafairy featuring TopShop

Here are 2 looks I have worn with this dress. One slightly more dressed up with oversized sunglasses, clutch and cute accessories, the other look is perfect for a day out shopping and lunching with a slouchy fringed bag, gladiators, chunky beads and denim jacket.

It really is a perfect Summer staple, whether you are dining, lounging, shopping or heading to the beach ... it is an easy, comfortable, stylish and to top it all, bargainous dress!

Has anyone else spied this New Look dress yet?

x

another little haul ...

While everyone is trying to save in blogland, it seems I am taking no notice. Tonight after work I headed to the shops with a friend. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but ended up picking up quite a few things.

First thing I picked up was this great straw trilby hat from Warehouse. I had been eyeing up an almost identical one in Topshop, but at £4 cheaper it was a bargain! I think this will be ideal for Ibiza and will go with so many things. Hats are a big thing in my household so its a welcome addition.
I have been looking for some new Gladiator sandals for a while and since my big shoe clearout this week, the hunt had upped a gear. When i seen these in New Look at a mere £25 I was over the moon. In my opinion they look much more expensive. I have still to road test them for comfort so fingers crossed they tick that box too!Next stop was Principles. I was lured in by the closing down sale as it has now gone into administration. I never shop in Principles unless I am buying something smart for work. I picked up this Missoni-esque long, slouchy waistcoat. The photo doesn't show it off too well. I plan to wear this with a little top or boob tube, probably with a belt pulling it all in at the waist and worn with little shorts and gladiator sandals and some chunky wooden jewellery to accesorize. I also picked up some a chunky wooden bangle and 2 smaller bangles with gold detailing.

Next purchase was another item I had originally seen in Topshop but at £35 I was holding out for something better .... thats until I stopped by Primarni!!! I picked up this near identical round, straw body bag. It also has a cool leopard print lining..... and the best bit ... it was only £6!!! Nearly a £30 difference!! whoopee! Here they are both picured alongside each other.
The photos aren't that clear but you get the idea. I will be taking this bag on holiday with me and possibly T in the Park too, although might not be the best if it pelts with rain the whole weekend!

Next stop was H&M where I picked up some more accessories. 2 rings and a wooden sharktooth necklace.

Finally, I went to The Body Shop. I bought 4 new home fragrance oils in 'Line Dried Cotton', smells of fresh clean washing out on the line, hmmm lovely. 'Satsuma' .. delicious smell. 'White Petals' .. such a pretty smell. Coconut ... reminds me of holidays and is burning away just now - hmmm Holiday ... Celebraaatee... ok, getting carried away now!I am quite pleased with tonights haul, quite a few bargains in there which always justifies the spend!
What do you think? Any bloomers in there you think i should be returning?

xx