Jean Paul Gaultier complete!

For a while now I have been obsessing over the limited edition Coca Cola aluminium bottles you can get. It started back in 2011 when I was in Paris with the beloved boyfriend and I saw a display of Karl Lagerfeld bottles in a bus stop just outside the Paris Opera house. Ill never forget that little display, pink and white, so pretty! Anyway, I digress! Back in the Summer of 2012 I started collecting Olympic editions, then it went onto the release of Jean Paul Gaultier's limited edition bottle and cans. One by one me and my family have tracked them down and hey presto. FINALLY my collection is complete!

The full collection!!!!!

For now, I have my eyes set on the Selfridges bottle from a few years back and to complete the Lagerfeld set as I only have one! I like having something to collect, a silly little obsession is healthy, in sure! (I hope!)


Bx

D.I.Y NERD STYLE

You might have noticed that in my last post I've jumped on the bandwagon with the slogan tee. When I was in Topshop I couldn't resist, but rather than just being a sheep I vowed I would 'Gok it'. I had a little raid of mums vast selection of buttons and embellishments of all shapes and sizes and found some suitable twinkly bits!

I'm not sure if I need to add a little more too it. For now. This is the nerdette in me!

BEFORE
Topshop £18

AFTER

I didn't go too over the top. I began by slashing the neck as I really am not a fan of high round necks, I then pinned them at the angle that I most liked and then using clear thread attached the small jewels that we had, previously from another item. I also attached a flatter jewel on the 'D' just for a extra twinkle! 

I shall be wearing this VERY soon..

 Have you got any of the slogan tee's?!

Bx

The first shop of 2013..

With my little bit of Christmas money and a burning desire to go and shop I headed off to Lakeside, Thurrock for a spot of New Year hunting/rummaging in post sale mess and the new season turnout! It was a calm day.. Weirdly considering still being school holidays and all. So I headed right for Zara to begin my search, I've started to conclude that this branch isn't my favourite. I used to love it when Zara started to make a mark in my life but now, I feel my loyalties may lay in other stores! There wasn't much that grabbed me unfortunately. I'll be back!!! (When the new seasons are calling).

After trawling around the whole shopping centre and storing favoured pieces in the back of my mind rather than impulse buying yet again, I returned to H&M and Topshop to spend my pennies. I've had to return a few pieces after buying and getting home to decide that actually in the calm after the storm.. They weren't such good buys!

Not to panic.. I still have stuff to show!!! Woo.
     Here you go then..

Necklace; Kurt Gieger
Shirt; H&M
Top; H&M Belt; New Look
Jeans; H&M Boots; River Island

Watch; Vivienne Westwood
Bracelets; Nominations & a Gift

Ashford, take two!!

It's been a couple of months since I graced the circular shopping outlet with my excitement for all things new and shiny.. So between Christmas and New Year, for once, I braved the sales (mainly because I was owed a Christmas present).

I was surprised that it wasn't more manic but also hugely grateful, sales stress me out far too quickly and most of the time i'd rather pay full price. One shop we went into (which I shall not name!!!) I stopped on the threshold and turned around due to the sheer lack of organisation and respect of the pretty things strewn all over every possible flat surface! Anyway, after I took a deep breath I found it in me to carry on.. I entered Kurt Geiger.. It did look like a swarm of locust's had passed through, but luckily, being a big footed 7.. I found some little beauties that needed a new home! It was fate and a typical example of 'you don't ask, you don't get!'. So Kurt... Thank you! I love them.

After such a bargain in Kurt Geiger, I was still owed another little pressie from the boyfriend, so I continued to bustle away to find my next bargain. Ted Baker was heaving but I knew it would be worth the good fight.. Although it didn't end up as well as I had hoped, a few things didn't fit and so on. I do have to mention the amazing shop window though.. Loved the V.M going on with a quivering turkey in a box!

Originally £120. Outlet price: £35. BARGAINNN

I ended up in Reiss after doing the circuit and bought a shirt that I loved from the beginning. It's a little different but it also matches my new heels perfectly! Both items were 'firsts' for me, the Carvela's and the Reiss item. I need to also say about the staff in Reiss.. they were so lovely, I say 'just for a outlet', but they made me not want to leave. So thank you for caring! 

All for now, take care



Bx

Crystal collar

Finally I have clambered on the bandwagon of wearing a detachable collar. It's been a long period of admiration but I've never stepped up an treated myself to one. However things have now changed as my sister got me one as part of my Christmas present, and a little top to team it up with! So now, it's collar crazy and I want another!

It's so cute, a little cream Topshop number with embellishments of beads and gems, it does up with a simple little double popper and sits perfectly! I love it... Thanks Em!!!

Boxing Day trudge

After a pretty dismal Christmas day (weather wise) our poor doggy was needing to be set free and have a good gallop to burn off his turkey dinner... as did I. So, layering up, obviously featuring some new things I got previously the day before, we headed out for a trot.

Wellie Boots; River Island
Shorts; Levis
Scarf; Ralph Lauren
Jumper; Retail Therapy
Jacket; River Island

Headband, Gloves and earrings; Gifts

A closer look at the tiny skull earrings

And finally, Archie showing that he's so clever he manages to now carry three sticks at once in his tiny mouth! Sporting a union flag collar, red lead and silver bone name tag.  Cutie! 

Happy Boxing day, I hope you are still enjoying the holiday period and making the most of it! Anyone ventured to the sales yet?! 

All for now, 

Bx

Pre Christmas visits..

On Friday I finally got to see two highly anticipated exhibitions. In short, one exceeded all expectations and the other, although highly technical and good.. Slightly disappointing! More from the point of I hadn't heard of half of the films!!

First of all, I went to Somerset house to see the Valentino exhibition. Oh wow. We trekked through the entrance past all the keen skaters to te embankment wing before entering the vast glass doors into the reception. The staff were not too prompt and gradually checked our tickets before we continued through to the timeline of the couturier stencilled onto the walls higher and higher above, it was interesting to see key factors of the establishing brand, from the very beginning to the present day.

Below the factual feature walls were glass cabinets full of varied Valentino artefacts including original invites sent to celebrities, one being Liza Minnelli, to catwalk shows for new collections and personal letters from clients thanking and applauding the master craftsman ship. Other cabinets held photographs with friends and clients along with newspaper clippings of press coverage. All originals and in a little tatty condition, but their was something comforting and intriguing about it.. I loved it. After climbing the spiral glass staircase looking out over the room below and huge butterfly & flower projection the next room was filled with such phenomenal gowns its indescribable.. Truly you need to see it for yourself to appreciate the intricate detail and couturier level techniques. Even to the way the collections were presented with a catwalk centre and chairs laid out facing in with small little plaques with names emblazoned on them, in special reserve for the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Annie Lenox, Liza Minnelli and Kate Moss.

After the excitement and thirsty work of drooling over such stunning work, it was time we had some food and a bottle of wine, so me and the mother set off to pizza express and then the South Bank Christmas market that was so lovely with all the twinkling lights, festive smells and decorations. It was heaving with crowds of people getting into the festive spirit as we whizzed along and off to the V&A for the Hollywood costumes (which there was a lot that I had never heard of!!)

We had our prepaid tickets finally after missing out several times due to the popularity of the exhibition and it was still packed when we finally got in to the designated rooms. The old fashioned movie boards with introductory text and projection methods onto glass screens was so creative. The curative methods were so fun and innovative, with the projection desktops and screens with mini interviews next to chosen pieces such a Sweeney Todd and a CGI talk on Avatar they even used small screens to have character faces on the mannequins to complete the outfit.. Making it much more believable. It really is another must visit just for the experience alone!

Here's a few pictures from our afternoon out and about!


Valentino at The Somerset House

By far, this is my most favourite dress. layers of organza with a lace and embellished dress.

Cutest little Couture bible, item descriptions and glossary of terms, so handy whilst learning about the craft!

Crossing over to South bank 

South Bank Market

Me & Mum at South Bank Market/London Eye

V&A, Hollywood Costumes

The Sweeney Todd section with the projectors emblazoning across the surfaces

And finally, the V&A's sugar rush tree..

Merry Christmas Everyone, hope you've had a lovely few days  
Bxxx