Stitch and Boo

Bernard Chandran

2010-10-23T23:13:00.002+01:00

this show honestly took my breath away. while the clothes aren't necessarily what i would wear myself, bernard chandran does utilitarian chic to a tee, with malaysian inspirations that make me very proud of my own roots. despite being fairly structural, the collection maintains a feminine and somewhat soft edge to it that is very inspiring and wearable.

♥ xo

LFW

2010-10-21T22:48:00.009+01:00

so i was completely lucky to attend LFW this year - i dillydallied with tumblr to upload my photos but in the end made it back to faithful blogger, with some new inspiration! here are my favourite shots from the week, with my favourite shows coming up in the next few posts.

{christopher lawrence presentation}

{backstage at jean-pierre braganza}

{body AMR}

{georgia hardinge}

♥ xo

p.s. these photos belong to me so if you'd like to use them, please credit me

diamonds are forever

2010-08-25T21:11:00.002+01:00

i am far too excited for this to be available soon!!

♥ xo

perfect little apartment

2010-08-23T12:13:00.002+01:00

i keep dreaming about this little breakfast nook in berlin {via ikea live}. it is my go-to look for what i want my future apartment to look like, and also proves you can have a kitchen in even the smallest of spaces! check out the link for the rest of the photos of this adorable little apartment

♥ xo

what to make of this?

2010-08-16T10:25:00.002+01:00

i can't decide if paul and joe's new cat lipstick is completely adorable or verging on a little strange. if they did one with a bunny, on the other hand...

♥ xo

granny chic

2010-08-15T18:09:00.002+01:00

i have heard the term granny chic banded around recently, and have seen countless knit cardigans and dropped hem skirts lately, but it was not until this morning that i really encountered a truly chic granny. i could definitely draw inspiration from her pearly pink cable knit cardi, floral print blouse, and even her high waisted trousers, but what i found truly charming about her ensemble was a long pendant necklace complete with....house keys! forget about a dainty little key charm from tiffanys, next time i hit the town, i know i'll be sure not to get locked out of the house!

♥ xo

back in the swing

2010-08-07T19:26:00.004+01:00

this past week has been a whirlwind of homecoming from france, diy around the house and a major overhaul of my 14-year-old self's bedroom. i am in love with my new, 'grown up' room, conveniently finished a month before i move out. at least i still have a few weeks to enjoy it before i am thrust back into the 'big smoke'!

as for now, i can tell i've settled back into my daily routine, purely because of the fact that i have already ordered my next asos.com hit, in the shape of a bling bling boyfriend watch. it has to be said, i often quite openly wish i was a chav, and this little number is going to bring me that much closer to my longed-for identity. sadly, i won't be rocking a full tracksuit just yet.

i am keen to point out though, the rise of the 'boyfriend'. first it was stealing your other half's shirt...which has evolved into actual men's clothing made for women - the boyfriend jeans, the boyfriend blazer, the boyfriend cardigan and, now, the boyfriend watch. asos.com have a great little selection and i'm looking forward to the postman's arrival on monday. i also splashed out on asos premier - free next day delivery for an entire year, plus first-looks at new collection and sale items, at the discounted price of £14.95 until the end of august. definitely worth it.

the 'boyfriend outfit'

{slowmotion organic cotton tee, asos boyfriend blazer, gap distressed boyfriend jeans, asos boyfriend watch, all via asos.com}

♥ xo

oops

2010-07-28T09:55:00.002+01:00

obviously when i wrote yesterdays post i had completely forgotten i am off to the south of france today! so blogging will recommence next week,

♥ xo

m.i.a.

2010-07-27T12:40:00.002+01:00

so it has definitely been a while...it's been a whirlwind few months what with finishing up exams, working A LOT and then graduation! i am officially a SOAS graduate which makes me so excited but also a little bit scared.

At the moment I'm interning with a pr/marketing/events company which is really exciting, but i'm realllly excited to be interning next month with a fashion and lifestyle blog and i will be running around at LFW taking photos and doing some blog posts, which i'll discuss nearer the time.

i've felt a little uninspired to blog recently - i've moved home for now and when i'm at home i don't feel independent anymore, which makes me feel like i have nothing to blog about. but i'm really hoping to get my blog back on track and write about something worth reading!!

toodles (for now) ♥ xo

simple suppers

2010-05-26T11:27:00.004+01:00

simple suppers all eaten from the same bowl.

{miso soup with poached salmon, leeks and soba noodles}

{salmon penne with spinach, olives, tomatoes and sundried tomatoes}

{sesame turkey stirfry with babycorn and coriander}

{roasted sweet potatoes with peas and sundried tomatoes}

{spaghetti with salmon and spinach in cream sauce}

♥ xo

2010-05-22T14:15:00.003+01:00

this weekend i'm obsessed with these blogs:

bleubird vintage - a beautiful lady (called james!), her adorable kids, and her family awaiting the arrival of their 'baby bird' with vintage inspired pregnancy portraits.

blushing ambition - a sweet girl and her love of food and fashion. love this.

♥ xo

2010-05-18T08:28:00.004+01:00

i've always had a thing for rob ryan's exquisite paper cuts, but i think i've actually found something i love even more - typography paper cuts by made by julene. they are beautiful and simple with a few words that say it all, and you can even commission your own. wouldn't this make the most wonderful first anniversary present (the first year is paper), a mementoe from a special event, or scanned and printed to use as perfect invitation covers.

♥ xo

london in may

2010-05-16T18:15:00.004+01:00

the weather in london has decided to go mental! it is raining loads and really quite chilly. this time last year i remember taking my exams in a stifling hot exam hall and coming out feeling wonderful and being able to sit out on the grass and get a tan. no such luck this year, perhaps down to the volcano!

a day like today is perfect for snuggling up and catching up on my favourite blogs - which is what i've been doing instead of revising - so here's a couple of my favourite features this week!
{9 by design via a cup of jo}
i really love this tv show! unfortunately i've only managed to watch a couple episodes but i love the mother's accent - could listen to her talk all day, which is lucky because she talks a lot in this programme! the kids are called wolfie, breaker, bellamy, talulah, five, holleder and major (yes, there are seven of them!!) and while they sound ridiculous in theory, the names are actually as adorable as the kids are!

{this beautiful bride's style via once wed}

i'm so excited to see this wedding feature next week! what girl can pull off a straw hat on her wedding? so beautiful

{marina and the diamonds via rockstar diaries}

i saw this video a while back but was reminded by it today on naomi's blog. i am simultaneously enchanted and freaked out by this video, the black glittery paint and the way here mouth moves when she sings, especially.

{art deco cinema wedding via the rock n roll bride}

just so so cool!

♥ xo

style crush

2010-05-13T16:03:00.005+01:00

while i'm obsessively refreshing bunny with fangs, hoping in vain that the new episodes of the hills and the city are going to be up soon, i thought i'd post some photos of my new style crush - olivia pallermo. i have to say, i sort of hate her. she is a wiley sneak and with each minute that she's on screen i get angrier and angrier (how does she think she can get away with all the things she says...she's on camera!!) but i can't help loving her style. she's so wispy, with a hint of a hunchback, but her reserved smile and saucer eyes are always perfectly off-set with a wardrobe full of luxe pieces, simple workwear separates and girly interludes. i'm also happy to see that whenever she's featured in magazines, she's often wearing a mixture of pieces from h&m and zara. in fact, while i don't know the origin the beautiful red rose jacket she was sporting at an anna sui show, it sure is a dead ringer for one of the pieces from h&m's garden collection.

{images from a selection at glamour.com}
gotta love a girl who wears a dress on the red carpet twice!

the hills is now up, so look out for my olivia inspired mood board tomorrow!

♥ xo

isn't this the cutest bunny you ever see?

2010-05-13T14:04:00.003+01:00

apart from totally driving me crazy by wanting to play whenever i need to study, and wanting to nap whenever i'm ready to play, i am completely in love with my little bun. he is completely cheeky and now can't be left alone since he can now jump up on the bed and the windowsill by himself, but lucky for him i am home all day studying for finals. in three weeks i will be finished and it will be time to party again! also, some exciting things coming up at work that i'll definitely be blogging about. yippee!

scampi trying to blend in

♥ xo

getting somewhere

2010-05-12T11:29:00.002+01:00

i now have 2 internships lined up for the next couple of months! they're both in pr, so hopefully i'll get to decide if it's what i want to do..otherwise, it's back to square one!

♥ xo

sweet love

2010-05-10T20:01:00.003+01:00

i'm so smitten with this gorgeous new york backyard wedding featured on once wed. i love the groom's style and the bride's dress is absolutely to die for.how did they get the guests to coordinate!

♥ xo

in years to come

2010-05-08T10:09:00.003+01:00

i finally got my hands on a one line a day five-year memory book. the first time i went to order it they were out of stock for months, so a few weeks ago i ordered one that never came, and i really wanted to start it for my birthday, so ended up ordering a second one that came in the post today. while i love the idea and am continuously amused about the fact that i will be 26 when i finish this thing (!!) and that i'm assuming there are going to be a lot of big changes during the next five years, i'm kind of disappointed the book isn't as pretty as i thought it was going to be. it's a bit more teal than i expected, instead of being a more charming baby blue, but it's what's going inside it that is going to be really important.

♥ xo

storming through

2010-05-07T17:33:00.003+01:00

i wasn't planning on already racking up another notch on my to do list, but i might have found my new favourite bar last night - barrio north. just off islington upper street which is crammed with bars, this little number is cosy with a south american vibe, complete with a booth in the middle for parties that is a hollowed out vintage caravan! with friendly bartenders who call you sweetheart, a truly extensive and beautifull put together cocktail menu, and 12 free tequila shots because it was my friend's birthday, what's not to like! although the cocktails were pertty pricy, i've discovered a new favourite - the paloma, a mix of tequila, ice and lemons and limes.

♥ xo

good ol' abe lincoln

2010-05-06T19:34:00.005+01:00

i love this print from 3LambsGraphics that i just bought for my friend's birthday. the red and blue combination is uplifting and fresh and what a sweet and motivational quote by abraham lincoln himself.

these reasonably priced prints marry vintage inspiration with modern colour combinations and cheeky or romantic words of wisdom. thumbs up from me!

♥ xo

vegetable of the month - may

2010-05-05T14:22:00.006+01:00

last night i made salmon en croute for my boyfriend, but stuffed it with boursin cheese and this month's vegetable - artichokes. after being certain that i didn't like them, i had artichoke hearts with cous cous at home last week and decided they're my new favourite vegetable. i got this recipe from a waitrose magazine and it couldn't have been easier...or more delicious as leftovers for my lunch today!

the first picture is a little out of focus because we were so excited to cut it open and see what it looked like inside!

recipe:
2 salmon fillets (or a large one sliced in half)
artichoke hearts
boursin cheese (the recipe suggested goats cheese, but i'm really not a fan)
ready made puff pastry
beaten egg yolk, to glaze

1. lay out one of the salmon fillets and spread generously with cheese and layered artichoke hearts
2. place the other salmon fillet on top and tie together with string like a parcel, so that none of the filling is spilling out
3. seal in a frying pan until it starts to crisp on each side
4. place on a sheet of puff pastry and wrap, tucking in the edges and sealing with a fork
5. brush with the egg yolk glaze and score the top with lines or any design you want! don't be scared to score deeply, i didn't think i was supposed to, so it didn't work all the well
6. bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 220C

♥ xo

21 for a 21

2010-05-04T16:24:00.002+01:00

so i completely forgot that my goal for turning 21 was to make a list of 21 wonderful things i'm going to do before my 22nd birthday. i've only missed out on a week or so of time (i'm sure 50 weeks will be plenty of time), so without further ado, here's the shortlist:

1. visit greece
2. get at least one internship to help me decide what i want to do in the future
3. make a double-tiered cake
4. try a new vegetable every month
5. do something new in london every month
6. take at least one picture a month with my beau
7. learn how to use my camera in manual mode
8. cook a three course meal
9. enter a competition
10. have an adventurous cocktail night
11. declutter my student bedroom and home bedroom
12. move out of home (i.e. the decluttering, as i'm going to have to condense 2 rooms into 1!)
13. try new hairstyles more often
14. keep a potted plant alive
15. fit back into my favourite jeans
16. party like i'm still a student
17. write letters to people i don't see often
18. write letters to people i do see often
19. make an art installation
20. learn a craft
21. read at least one book a month

♥ xo

oh i do like to be beside the sea

2010-05-03T19:39:00.003+01:00

{blissful day on the beach in perfectly cut swimsuits, via the rockstar diaries}

♥ xo

back to blogging

2010-04-30T19:15:00.004+01:00

after a few days away from blogging, i'm back! with the end of my quest for the perfect denim jacket. i have been seeing them on everyone recently. literally can't get away from them, and instead of putting me off, it just made me want one even more. but instead of the classic 'gap' style jean jacket, i found a gorgeous biker style washed denim jacket from ted baker, but at £99, i was hesitant. but lo and behold i swiped a nearly identical model (that i actually prefer) from river island for £39.99! very chuffed.

i'm wearing it with bleached oversized t-shirts, leggings and plimsolls til the weather gets warmer and i can break out the sandals!

♥ xo

birthday weekend

2010-04-26T19:08:00.003+01:00

sorry it's been a little while, but as it was my birthday, can you blame me! i had a lovely party with friends the night before and then a beautiful meal cooked by my brother with my family on my actual birthday. presents included beautiful fresh flowers, the bunny i have been talking about from my boyfriend, the meal as a present from my brother, and a tiffany's surprise from my parents, as well as my present that i picked out. my uncles came over and surprised me with a beautiful hand painted minton tea cup from the 19th century. i'll let a few photos do the talking,

♥ xo

birthday!

2010-04-21T09:10:00.005+01:00

i'm counting down the days til my birthday (3!!), and my party with my best friend is this friday. i'm super excited but there's lots of organising, decorating, cooking and baking to get done, since we're doing everything ourselves!
we decided to go for cupcakes for our birthday, and we're definitely going to try this out!

{video from xanthe milton's book, eat me}
annoyingly the video wreaks havoc with my layout, but at least you get to see pretty cakes!

i always use the 'classic swirl' she describes first, but i definitely want to try the rose technique to make our cuppies extra special.

♥ xo

push it!

2010-04-20T15:23:00.004+01:00

i've seen these amorous salt and pepper shakers all over the place, but this cute couple from urban outfitters really caught my eye. sweet!

{image}

♥ xo

hey good lookin', whatcha got cookin'?

2010-04-18T15:29:00.004+01:00

since going to uni and having to fend for myself, i think i've done pretty well (aside from a few calls to my mum and a 'burnt brocolli incident' that i prefer not to talk about). my flatmate and i used to go to the market and choose exotic fruit and veg to take back to halls and learn how to cook up in all different ways. now i live in a house with my 3 best friends - they happen to be guys and they happen to be really really passionate about food (think A LOT of money spent on cheese and cured meats on a trip to france, and countless sushi takeaways...but also the ability to eat box after box of chicken dippers and survive on doritos for a few days).

living away from my mum has taught me how delicious some of the things are that i used to refuse when she cooked (aubergine is now literally my favourite thing). and i love taking recipes and making them my own.

so, it's pretty safe to say i can't wait to have my own kitchen!!

but for now, here's a couple of my favourites:

{image}

{image}

i'm quite surprised they're both white as i absolutely love colour. the first is from sophie dahl's show, the delicious miss dahl. you have to watch this show! although i'm not sure it'll be available to those of you acros the pond. but the above kitchen is redecorated with beautiful wallpaper, flowers everywhere, colourful pots and pans (le creuset, of course).

{unflattering screenshot from the bbc iplayer}

unfortunately, the largest it will go. but click for all the details!

♥ xo

room by room

2010-04-15T13:22:00.002+01:00

i feel like i have decoration fever! i think i'm probably 'nesting' - i'm studying for my final exams and will probably move back home for a bit when i finish uni, but once i get a job i can't wait to move into my own little place, and all i can think about right now is how i'd decorate my dream apartment!

so for the next few days i'm going to be posting decorating ideas for bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and starting today with the ultimate fantasy - dressing room!

♥ xo

mix it up

2010-04-14T19:36:00.002+01:00

i really love collections of frames in on the walls - it makes it so easy to bring together a bunch of pictures that don't necessarily go together, and make them cohesive and pleasing to the eye. i can't wait to do this

{image}

as i wrote about a few posts ago, moving in with the boyfriend might seem daunting (is he going to bring his video game posters?? please no!), but this seems like the perfect way to make compromises when you're cohabitating! throw in a vintage star wars postcard with a pretty sketch of tea cups, it really is a great way to mix things up. yay!

♥ xo

terrarium inspired wedding

2010-04-13T15:21:00.002+01:00

this is the sweetest thing - while i love girly girly details with plenty of pastel colours and feminine details, i'm becoming increasingly drawn to more masculine inspired designs that still make space for pretty touches. which is why this wedding, photographed by whitney and her husband over at oh, darling caught my eye. while i can't help thinking that a wedding with so many customised features must cost a bomb, it obviously paid off. the couple look so happy and everything is just flawless - head on over to the blog to see what i mean!

♥ xo

food for thought

2010-04-12T16:25:00.005+01:00

my birthday party with my best friend is in little under 2 weeks! i'm so excited, but now that everything is ordered and organised, there's nothing left to do until the last couple days before, which will consist of setting up, decorating the room (so excited), making all the food and baking and icing all the cupcakes. i'm keeping my fingers crossed for gorgeous spring weather.

while the savoury food (think cous cous, pasta salad, roasted veggies, etc.) is going to be served up in big bowls on each table for the guests, we're thinking about having a sweet little dessert table with a few cake stands on it that we can put on the tables when it's time for something sweet (along with a speech i'm dreading by mine and my friend's mutual school friend, who has a penchant for bringing up everything embarassing you have ever done!). so i thought i'd share some of the dessert table inspiration that i've dug up over the past couple days (and lo and behold, another use for a cupboard!)

{images from stylemepretty and decor8}

i think we're going to go with something simple. while i'd love tons of flowers and bunting, we're already near the end of our budget. but the table we are going to use is to tiny, i can't imagine much more than some perfectly iced cuppies will fit on it anyway! and maybe a couple balloons sneaked in for good measure :)

also, today's lunch:

{salad leaves with aubergine and cherry tomato, olive and dill omelette, courtesy of my mama}

♥ xo

the office

2010-04-09T11:19:00.004+01:00

everyone loved that office-in-a-closet closet, and i found the where i got the picture from - the lovely rockstar diaries. check it out! it's fast becoming my favourite blog (probably because of their adorable bulldog puppy and the amount that he features in their posts).

i've always seen little closet offices in design magazines, but now that i try and search for me, my search just comes up with duds that aren't entirely inspiring and not pretty enough to post on a girly blog, thank you very much!

so here's a picture that's inspiring me in the run up to my 21st birthday party

{image}

hopefully this will reflect somewhat my birthday - my boyfriend is giving me a bunny and my parents are giving me a chair (i sort of wish it was this vintage metal loveseat now!)

i can't wait to post all the bits from my party when it's over - think dessert table, ribbon streamers, baby photos and colourful lanterns.

♥ xo

tucked away

2010-04-08T09:59:00.004+01:00

i love small spaces. i think this comes from always have a little bedroom - i like to squeeze all sorts of things into it and make it like my magical haven, even if it isn't much bigger than a box! that's why i'm completely inspired and drawn to this idea:

{image}
the only problem is, why would you ever want to close the door on something this lovely!!

♥ xo

anthropologist

2010-04-07T12:23:00.002+01:00

anthropologie has just come over to the uk! well...it's been over here for a while but i haven't had the chance to visit the shop on the king's road until yesterday, and let me just say it is beautiful. everything about it is perfect and lovely and i would happily live there!

i also stumbled across an internship opening on their website, so keep your fingers crossed for me! i'm wondering if the fact that my degree is in social anthropology will sway them at all..hmm.
i desperately love this dress that is only available in the states, but my beautiful gorgeous friend ant is going to make it for me to wear for my birthday!

i love the sunny yellow colour and the bow on the back...well, i can never resist a bow! the best thing about this is it will be made perfectly for me, with lots of love, and will be an amazing keepsake from my 21st birthday!

i also picked out my birthday present - a beautiful little chair in a 1950s design from designer's guild. i never realised that anything you choose there you can have reupholstered especially for you - my design is super personal to me and, as an added bonus, actually came out cheaper than the display model! i can't wait to show you all on here, but for now you'll just have to wait and see.

right now i'm supposed to be in study mode. i can't wait for summer when i can get out of the house and do so much more blogging!

♥ xo

creature comforts

2010-04-05T15:40:00.004+01:00

easter weekend was wonderful, spent with family and friends, too much food and, most importantly, at home. there are just some things that can't beat going home to my mumma's house and leaving behind scummy student living, crinkly sheets and piles of dirty plates (mostly the boys, because i am a washing up nazi)

my favourite things about being at home are

a lovely girly bathroom without loads of stubble in the sink! (THE WORST)

childhood comforter that smells like lavender and home

fresh fruit always on the table

what are your favourite things about going home?

♥ xo

p.s. i made this lovely warm cous cous salad with rockette and figs for lunch last week. figs have really grown on me..i think i had them 4 different ways that week!

lost that bloggin' feeling

2010-04-01T15:21:00.006+01:00

perhaps it's something to do with the abysmmal weather or my impending final exams, but i don't have any ideas for exciting blog posts or even much inspiration at all. but i never cease to be amazed by my brother's talent...so here's a couple things from a dinner party he threw that take my breath away (photos from his girlfriend's personal facebook album)

{radish bouquet, prawn custard, basil jelly and lamb with buerre blanc}

wouldn't a radish bouquet be the sweetest thing for little bridesmaids/flower girls at a rustic, diy, farmyard wedding?

my brother's birthday present to me (not long to go now!! gotta get party planning) is a delicious 3 course (or more!) meal with my family. i think he's planning on cooking the lamb - i can't wait!
he has a blog but i'm pretty sure he hasn't updated it in a long time, but you might find some good recipes on there.

♥ xo

sweet home

2010-03-30T12:30:00.002+01:00

my boyfriend and i are getting ever closer to the moving in stage, and i can't wait! but my bedroom is insanely girly (as you might have noticed from a few posts ago). luckily the giant pink silk butterfly comforter that i have is the softest thing in the world and he loves sleeping with it, so that gets to stay! and while i'll be taking all my favourite things with me, i can't wait to look for things we can choose together. my boy is really into tattoos and luckily i love tattoo iconography too, and i think this print by seb lester will be just the right marriage of mascuiline colours and a girly sentiment!

♥ xo

taking the plunge

2010-03-26T18:12:00.002Z

for the past few hairs i have had hair that hangs just passed my boobs. it's become my thing and my safety blanket - if i feel too chesty, my hair can hide it. but recently i've been toying with the idea of a shorter cut. i went to see my trusty hairdresser, edward, at andrew jose, and reemerged an hour later with a much lighter haircut and a gorgeous blowdry.
when i had the haircut in mine, i was thinking of gwyneth paltrow's shoulder length bob from cannes film festival a couple years ago, and i've styled it in loose curls. so happy to have shorter hair for summer and i can cosy up with my long locks when the colder weather comes around again!

p.s. sorry for the slightly glazed over expression...it's been a long day!!

♥ xo

chubs

2010-03-25T14:14:00.005Z

over the past few months i've noticed that since i started university in 2007, the weight has slowly but surely been creeping up. it doesn't help that my mum gives me pitying smiles when i mention my discomfort with my weight gain (she eats like a horse and she is miniscule), but topshop seems to think that my arse is the same size as jupiter, despite me being able to wear small sizes in other stores due to my petite frame. of course the boyfriend says all is fine, but it's not really for anyone else, it's just for myself. since just before christmas i have been vowing to do something about it, and since i returned to uni in january i've been avidly going to the gym and starting to see some results (and enjoying it!). there's still a bit of flab that only a diet can fix, but on the whole everything is slightly less wobbly. this is good.
it hasn't helped living with three boys who cook beautiful food but at the same time fill the cupboards with doritos, cookies and BACON. bacon is my vice. so yesterday i started the special k diet. i ate 2 bowls of special k, a banana, a clementine, an apple, a carrot and for my meal of the day, ultimate nachos :) but healthy nachos with loads of avocados, fresh peppers and kidney beans. and i drank about 3 litres of water, which is a lot for a little body like me. today was a bit harder because, while i love special k and never get sick of it, there was tempting chilli beef left over from last night. so i mixed a little bit with a salad of cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, onions and a little cottage cheese. beautiful. and still low cal, so everything is going to plan.
i feel like when i lose a few pounds i'll just be a lot happier, and somewhere along the way i think i just gave up when i felt like i'd past the point of no return and i was never going to get my 2007 body back!

don't worry, i'm not going to moan about my weight from here-on after, but i think i might start posting a few foodie pictures. i love eating and i love cooking, so it's probably about time i incorporated this into my blog.

thanks for reading if you're still there!

♥ xo

easter bunnies

2010-03-24T13:50:00.003Z

it is a month until my 21st birthday!

in a month today i will have a cuddly little easter bunny to snuggle with, courtesy of the boyfriend. but i'll save you from millions of pictures of adorable rabbit babies (once i start i won't be able to stop), and post you my favourite easter treats!

1. hand decorated fortnum and mason luxury chocolate easter egg
2. charbonnel and walker mint truffles at liberty of london
3. classic lindt gold bunny
4. crazy looking filled chocolate eggs from hotel chocolat
5. adorable bunny rabbit lamp by skk lighting at liberty's
6. prestat dark chocolate easter egg from liberty's

♥ xo

literally my heaven

2010-03-23T20:18:00.002Z

i think i nearly had a hernia when i saw this!

i am a firm believer in the lwd (little white dress, obviously) - they never cease to be able to captivate me and there is nothing in a clothing shop that calls out to me more than a little white number.
this guest post on 100 layer cake by unruly things has made me so happy, i just had to share!

♥ xo

i am pooped

2010-03-21T15:46:00.005Z

they say housework burns tons of calories (no wonder my mum is in such good shape!), and boy are they right. i'm exhausted but at least my room is sparkling clean.

i did a huge clear out and finally managed to get a couple things up on ebay.
sunday's are definitely super productive, now let's hope i can get this presentation for uni done!

♥ xo

spring clean

2010-03-21T11:50:00.004Z

i'm an impossible hoarder - i can't throw anything away! there are empty bottles crowding my make-up area, old lists and reminder notes littering my desk, and clothes all over the floor that didn't quite make it to the laundry basket. top it all off with a teeny tiny bedroom, and it's basically a recipe for disaster. luckily i have a good cleaning playlist that goes a little something like this...

you make my dreams come true - hall & oates
in my head - jason derulo
spotlight - usher & gucci man
thrash unreal - against me!
starstrukk - 3oh!3 ft. katy perry
won't go quietly - example
she's got you high - mumm ra

heaven forbid i don't survive this clear out, thanks for reading my blog! but in the likelihood that i'll tackle this mean feat..see you on the other side, with a picture post of my cheeky little boudoir thrown in for good measure!

♥ xo

rise and shine

2010-03-19T07:35:00.005Z

it's 7:30 in the morning and after a horrible night's sleep (think flatmates coming home at 4am and yelling the house down), i'm failing to see the funny side of having to be up this early (i'm a student, let me indulge myself) to finish writing a paper about organic farming and short food chains. so i thought it might be apt to share some natural fashion in the form of emma watson's line for people tree at asos.com - i have to say, the pieces are quite sweet (esp. the slogan tee and daisy chain motifs), and unlike other celebrity collections, you can see that she has actually done more than choose a zipper for a pair of jeans! and, apart from the hand-knitted cricket sweaters, they're also quite reasonably priced!

here are my top picks:

{please don't panic..i'm organic, cotton twill coat, embroidered waist dress, all at asos.com}

also seems that emma (and her brother!)'s time modelling for burberry has pulled some inspiration for the collection - £65 for a burberry lookey-likey, anyone?

♥ xo

i can feel your heart beat through my shirt

2010-03-17T22:39:00.002Z

this must be a truly modern day love song. i love snow patrol - always simple melodies and heart felt lyrics that are perfect together. i'm a little stressed at the moment with classes and essays and work, but this song reminds me to slow it down and remember that there are people who love me, and that's all that matters

Snow Patrol - Just Say Yes from Raimond Schipper on Vimeo.

♥ xo

great lakes!

2010-03-16T16:51:00.007Z

i am in love with the whimsy illustrations from great lakes

the drawings are so sweet and simple and such lovely sentiments to go with!

{images}

♥ xo

birthday wishes

2010-03-14T19:55:00.007Z

my mum mentionned that her and my dad were talking about my up coming birthday, and as it's my 21st, that they wanted to get me something special that i could keep forever. popped into liberty's today and chose this sweet ring by english designer, alex monroe.

i love his carefully crafted pieces that are inspired by nature, and it's definitely a real plus to me that the pieces are made in england.

i couldn't help noticing this miu miu handbag though, while we were out and about today.

the bag is sweet and tiny, and i was definitely coveting it in a shade of powder blue. it has a long detachable strap that can be doubled up to be used as a shorter shoulder strap, and i could have died at its, for lack of a better word, 'cuteness' (it went with my outfit perfectly). but while i adore the bag, i'm inherently afraid of carrying such a perfect little designer gem. what if it gets marked? i would probably cry. or i would end up not really using it which would be a shame for the bag and for my sorely bruised pocket. what are your thoughts on extremely priced designer bags?

i can't help thinking for the same money i could have...

{1. julep chair by designers guild, 2. wedgewood tea service with all the trimmings, 3. rob ryan screenprint}
actually, the bag doesn't seem so much now! such a trial of the heart. and the piggy bank.

♥ xo

you're nothing but a pack of cards

2010-03-12T00:43:00.003Z

alice in wonderland is everywhere at the moment, and so it should be! apart from the fact that i saw the movie in 3d at the weekend and it was brilliant (love love love helena bonham carter), spring's softer palettes and diaphanous shapes work really well with a twist from a whimsical world of talking cats and rabbits with pocket watches. i especially love the white queen's wardrobe, as i can never resist a clean white dress. but i feel like alice in wonderland has been blogged to death, so i just wanted to draw attention to this ridiculous and wonderful collection of jewellery based on alice's adventure, by japanese label Q-pot.

{images}

tea cup earrings and eat me ring anyone?

♥ xo

bella stella

2010-03-10T15:02:00.006Z

while i rue the fact that my boyfriend drinks stella artois in bed and leaves strategically placed trampy cans in my boudoir bedroom, i have to share my appreciation for stella's recent ad campaigns, especially the one that i see every morning at the tube station on my way to class. so classic and smooth. shame drinking this beer doesn't actually portray the same suave-ness!

this reminds me of lazy days on the french riviera (more of those ice cream colours, then!), wearing all-in-ones and scarves around a chic pinned up-do.

{liberty sunglasses, topshop hotpants, anthropologie bikini, river island one-piece}

these pieces really reflect that loungy, but glamourous feeling that i get when i see the stella poster. and why not pack it all up in this sweet sweet suitcase, a darling collaboration between merci and liberty. this little carry-all is soo going on my birthday wishlist!

oh, sweet summer. i can't wait to see you again!

♥ xo

you shall go to the ball

2010-03-09T21:39:00.011Z

when awards season rolls around i love looking at the beautiful flowing gowns that come out to play and seeing my favourite actresses dolled up to the nines in outfits that have no place in any day-to-day wardrobe. on closer examination, though, it's possible to pick out key trends and translate them into everyday outfits for the everyday girl. yippee!

i love miley cyrus in this dress - she looks so elegant and grown up, but still keeps it edgy with a messy up-do and black nails. a ballgown may be impractical, but this lipsy dress is perfect for a less formal party. the brocade detail adds instant glamour with a subtle shine, and the bra cups echo miley's dress to a tee, a trend that just won't seem to go away!

demi has got it so right this year in beautiful versace. and while i am completely in love with all those tiers of ruffles, it's the bodice of the dress that really speaks to one of spring's key trends - ruching. this topshop dress is really something, and for probably a tenth of the price, it's quite a good rival, non?

rachel mcadams was glowing in an elie saab dress that suited her skin tone perfectly, but i actually prefer this whistles take on watercolour couture. i think this wrap dress would work perfectly dressed down with chunky leather sandals or slouchy boots, or dressed up with sky high heels and gold jewellery.

while nicole richie's red carpet rebel pick doesn't really speak to my inner style (no ruffles, pastels or bows in sight!) i have to say that it suits her well and i love her ballerina bun (ballerina chic is definitely something i can work with). and this whistles sequin bodycon number really hits the spot. perfect for those last few winter parties, me thinks!

♥ xo

all oscars 2010 {images}

i scream, you scream

2010-03-09T09:07:00.004Z

my favourite thing about spring is when all the ice cream colours start coming out. bright pops of melt in your mouth candy floss shades that i literally can't resist.

i love these simple (and half the price of american apparel) sweaters from topshop. i picked up the mint one yesterday and am wearing it today with a layered white mini skirt, opaques and some nude ballerinas. perfect!

♥ xo

oh happy day

2010-03-08T16:23:00.002Z

i have been so happy lately with the beautiful sunshine. this weekend consisted of chinese dinners, alice and wonderland (which is, true to form, wonderful!), bunny window shopping and walking along the river in richmond.

today i went shopping and while primark is undoubtedly cheap and you can update your entire wardrobe probably for under £20, i can't help hating it. i always come out empty-handed and in a considerably worse mood than when i entered. in my opinion it strips shopping of its joys - of beautiful displays, luxurious fabrics, helpful shop assisstants and space in the mirror to assess your choices.

give me topshop anyday!

topshop have really outdone themselves this week (i don't go too often, but it seems as though they change the displays more than neccessary!). although upstairs is crowded with scaffolding and feels a bit lack lustre, the new spring collections downstairs are so pretty - florals, silks, lace and ruffles are everywhere and the displays are filled with flowers swaying in the breeze of fans laden with streamers. like a dreamworld.

♥ xo

little ol' list

2010-03-03T09:24:00.002Z

i'm completely inspired by nicole's birthday list on making it lovely and all of the things she wants to do before her 30th birthday in september! i wish i had thought of this...and earlier to boot! alas it is just a bit more than a month until my 21st birthday...and while 21 is surely a milestone age, it's probably not important enough to have an 'ohmygosh i want to do all these things before i'm 21!' moment, because then there'll be nothing left to do once i'm actually 21. and it's realist that i'm going to do anything new before april 24th, seeing as i am completely stressed out with all the uni work i'm doing (or should be....i'm in the middle of writing an essay right now). so i'm planning to make a list of all the things i want to do when i am 21, to make 21 a truly memorable year for me. yippee!

♥ xo

fairytale

2010-02-28T12:33:00.002Z

{image}

this just fills me with so much happiness. i absolutely adore twinkly lights and garlands of anything. this image is from the beautiful wedding of one of hello!lucky's founders, eunice, and it is picture perfect and so whimisical and fun.

♥ xo

tattoo darling

2010-02-24T15:52:00.003Z

i'm excited about this next week! a three day pop-up show at nelly duff gallery on columbia road, for artist and tattooist angelique houtkamp. i've always loved her simplistic, vintage-inspired images of luscious ladies and sailor iconography, and i'm super excited for me and my beau to go see some of her work for real!

the show starts on thursday march 4th from 6-9pm and continues during the day on friday and saturday. blink and you'll miss it!{image}

♥ xo

early morning dreaming

2010-02-23T07:18:00.002Z

selling cupcakes out of a caravan? umm, yes please!! heck, selling anything out of something this cute has got to be a sure fire winner.

♥ xo

sweet little thing

2010-02-22T16:16:00.002Z

picked up a sweet little white dress from zara today to remedy bad feelings about dismal weather.

♥ xo

gloomy

2010-02-18T16:12:00.004Z

of course, another gloomy day in london. thank goodness i cleaned my room yesterday! here's a few things that cheered me up today:

1. 20% off at asos with the code ASOSINSTYLE means this beauty from reiss, minus guilty feelings

2. beautiful limited edition valentine's print by rob ryan, still available, i believe

3. confirming vodka revs in richmond for my birthday in april
4. dessert table at a budget, diy wedding via stylemepretty

♥ xo

spring cleaning

2010-02-17T13:58:00.006Z

while i can hardly call this weather spring, it's the first clear and sunny day london has had in a while, so i'm taking advantage and have thrown open the windows and am doing what can only be described as a spring clean. i've had a cold that i can't shake for a really long time, but luckily this weather is making me feel slightly less bungled up. let's hope it lasts!
♥ xo

{image}

frou frou

2010-02-15T15:56:00.002Z

these cupcakes?? yes please!!

one for the weekend

2010-02-13T08:59:00.005Z

{image}

have a fabulous valentine's/chinese new year's weekend. i'm spending mine with extended family, good food and tiger beers. and of course my honey.
♥ xo

mexican fiesta!

2010-02-12T19:56:00.006Z

my best friend and i are having a joint 21st birthday barbeque in april (weather permitting - this is england, after all), and i love the idea of a mexican style garden fiesta with fairy lights and lanterns, streamers, margaritas, ice cold beers and a pinata thrown in for good measure!

{images from style me pretty and 100layercake}

if we go for this theme, i'm definitely wearing flowers in my hair!

i also thought it would be lovely to celebrate marie antoinette style, but an hispanic flingmight go down a little better with the boys. hmm.

{image}

♥ xo

animal magic

2010-02-11T17:03:00.004Z

{images}

i am completely in love with these adorable postcards by Darling Clementine of Norway - the design is perfect, and who doesn't love a musical mouse?

♥ xo

talk about a conflict of interests!

2010-02-04T14:32:00.000Z

this year, chinese new year happens to fall on valentine's day. and while the obvious idea would be to go for chinese food with my beau, the new year is a little bit more than just about the food (although i can't deny i love stuffing my face - phoenix palace off baker street does divine banquet food that's perfect for an occassion). new year for me is about family, eating together, and the all important red packets! how can i miss this as a family occassion? luckily for me, my anniversary with the boy is conveniently two days after valentine's day - what does this mean for us? no overpriced displays of affection, overhyped dining offers and, hopefully, discount roses that aren't being pushed in your face (i.e. normal priced roses after the ridiculous hike up for valentine's day). but here's my top 5 list of valentine's gifts (for her):

1. {image}
i'm a sucker for perfect packaging, which is why i fall for benefit every time.

2. {image}
what a sweet little charm from juicy couture! i have a softspot for charms, pink and cupcakes, so what could be better than this!

3. {image}
i love this motto and believe in it 100%! this lovely print by hazel nicholls would have pride of place in my room, a daily reminder that's easy to follow.
4. {image}
clever urban outfitters! give this to your sweetheart and ensure she'll be making you breakfast in bed all year!

5. {image}
for me these shorties steal the show! silk (check), lace (check), adorable boudoir colour (check). i may have to pop out and get these for myself!

♥ xo

sweets for my sweet

2010-02-03T11:42:00.001Z

i'm not one to go all out for valentine's day, and i don't expect my honey to be splashing the cash either. i can't stand spending for spending's sake (unless he really wants to get me alex monroe's beautiful knot ring). however, a handpicked card with a heartfelt note is just what i'm after(i once dumped a boyfriend for neglecting a card while managing to pick out a flashy present).

my go-to card of choice will always be a letterpressed card from hellolucky (why are there not more places like this in england!). this little series has to be my favourite:

these little lovelies are available from hellolucky's online shop, and also high tea of highgate!

♥ xo

(500) days of summer

2010-02-02T08:54:00.004Z

i am so happy that 500 days of summer is out on dvd - it's probably top of my valentine's wish list! joseph gordon levitt is a bit of a dreamboat, zooey deschanel is perfect, and this movie makes me feel on of the world (despite not ending how you would expect)!

{image}

p.s. perfect wallpaper or what!?

♥ xo

sick day

2010-02-01T13:10:00.004Z

i'm finding myself being ill increasingly often...this is probably due to the fact that i live with 3 boys. and while hygiene is often sidelined in the interest of pizza and football, i do really love it. i can hardly venture outside today, let alone eat anything, but when the time comes i'm definitely going to snap up one of these soups by marco pierre white for glorious! foods. love the packaging, love the contents!

♥ xo

'you're nothing but a pack of cards!'

2010-01-31T13:30:00.003Z

this cute new shirt from truly madly deeply at urban outfitters caught my eye, and what better way to get excited for Tim Burton's version of Alice and Wonderland that comes out in 3D later this year!! i know i'm going! when i saw the trailer for it in 3D at the cinema, i nearly squeeled out loud. it looks like it's going to be dark and eery and ring true to the original. let's wait and see!

♥ xo

hey good lookin'

2010-01-28T23:24:00.004Z

what a perfect way to remind someone how special they are to you{www.keepcalmgallery.com}

♥ xo

photos shmotos

2010-01-27T17:26:00.006Z

i'm still practicing with my camera, and can't wait to learn more, but i think i'm not doing too badly so far...

♥ xo

number one.

2010-01-27T17:24:00.001Z

hiya! my name's catherine and this is my blog. i'm 20 and love all things girly. you'll hear a lot more about that later. there is a boy in my life and he's lovely. you'll probably hear a bit about that later, too. i'm finishing my 3rd year at university this summer and i'm excited but also super nervous because that means i'm graduating...and i'll be 21 by then! i set up this blog to document everything that inspires me - i'm like a magpie, i love all things glittery. you will definitely hear more about that later.

check back here for links to what i'm coveting right now, all things bright and beautiful that catch my eye, and general musings about my little life!

catherine ♥ xo

p.s. oh! and i'm also a perfectionist.