OOTD: Denim + Sequins

27 November, 2011




Denim Shirt: Primark, Skirt: Topshop Unique via eBay



I've had this denim shirt since I was about 16 years old, I picked it up when Primark was ridiculously cheap (as it's getting more expensive nowadays) and it was only £1! I was originally going to team it with my Topshop leather shorts this morning, but then I saw this beautiful skirt shining through the wardrobe. It makes the whole outfit a lot more festive as I'm feeling rather Christmassy at the moment!

Last night I went out for a friend's birthday in fancy dress and the theme was 'Cavemen'. I never did get a photo of my outfit but I didn't have much time to think about it, so it was nothing special. I just teamed a Lipsy animal print playsuit with a leopard print headband. Nothing exciting. My boyfriend's costume however...



I had to literally sew it up last minute and I must admit I'm rather impressed if I do say so myself! I should really invest in a sewing machine just for my fancy dress needs. I love hand-making costumes, it's so much more satisfying knowing you can say you made it yourself!

It was my last day working at Bank yesterday and it was rather emotional. I will miss the place and the people, no matter how much I've complained about it in the past. I must say, I welled up when I saw they'd bought me a present, flowers and a card. However, I plan on enjoying my next 3 days of unemployment before I start my new job. I'm going to cook a roast dinner for Elliot and I tonight, which is exciting because I've never cooked a roast before! Let's hope it goes well!

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OOTD: Skinny Love - Birdy

25 November, 2011

Vintage Shirt: Beatnik Emporium, Riding Pants: H&M


This is just a simple outfit post of what I wore yesterday. I'm ever so picky with lumberjack shirts, they have to be exactly the right material and check and this one ticked all of the boxes. I find most lumberjack shirts nowadays just look a bit cheap and 'plastic' (if that's possible). This is the reason why I usually settle for vintage ones or an AllSaints one if I could afford it.

I pretty much just spent the day drawing and then watched Cars 2 in the evening. The first movie is actually one of my favourite movies ever, and although the second one is nowhere near as good it still managed to produce a few chuckles.

I know I'm extremely behind on the hype, but I only just discovered Birdy this morning and although I'm not usually one for covers, her version of "Skinny Love" does give me chills. I've had it on repeat all day. Listen below:



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Glossybox November 2011

24 November, 2011



Arbonne FC5 Cooling Foot Creme, Dead Sea Spa Magik Sea Bath Salts, Monu Skin Perfector, Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps (Leopard Print), Serge Lutens Unisex Perfume Samples.


So, this was my second Glossybox to date and I know a lot of people were really unhappy with this month's selection. I, however, am more than happy with my box minus the perfume samples! I really believe putting perfume samples in a beauty box is a cop out, because you can pick them up for free at beauty counters. If anything, they should be added extras in the box.

I am guilty of never pampering my feet and I really do take them for granted. The foot cream will hopefully get me kick-started on a care regime for them. I am super happy with the Monu Skin Perfector as I love face creams. I have a whole collection on my dressing table of different brands, because I have never settled on the perfect one for my combination, spot-prone skin. If anyone has any recommendations to stop monthly breakouts please let me know. The Monu face cream is specialized for fine lines and imperfections, so although it may not be for me I am still curious to try it. It is also a full-size product retailing at £16.25 making Glossybox already worth more than you're paying for at £12.95 a month.

Oh, how I wish I had a bath to use the bath salts, but unfortunately I only have a shower so they're to go unused. This is a shame because it seems like quite a good product. I've never tried nail wraps before so I'm unsure on whether I will get along with them or not.

I did want to do an outfit or wardrobe post today, but I'm hating my face at the moment. I'm also hating my camera. I will definitely be investing in a DSLR in January, I think.
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OOTD: The Company of Wolves

22 November, 2011



Cardigan: Vintage, Beatnik Emporium. Dress: H&M. Allegra Boots & Crucifix: Topshop.


This is just a quick outfit post of what I wore yesterday. This cardigan is my absolute favourite at the moment! I've received so many compliments about it since I've bought it and I've worn it pretty much everyday for the past two weeks (I think it's time for a wash!). The boots really are my pride & joy. They complete every outfit and they're so comfortable. I feel torn in half at the moment as I accidently left them at my friend's house :( I cannot wait to be reunited with them again!

Yesterday I helped out my friend, Toni, by modelling for a test photo shoot. I think the photos turned out wonderful and they have such a dreamy, surreal almost Wonderland feel to them. Below is one of my favourite images, but you can see the whole set here. I also highly recommend you enter the giveaway over at Fashion Your Seatbelts because there is the cutest Christmas jumper up for grabs!




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Home Is Wherever I'm With You

18 November, 2011


Today, I am sat in my leopard print pyjamas and slippers all day drinking tea and researching for my new brief. I've been set the task of illustrating "The Bloody Chamber & Other Stories" by Angela Carter, as part of the annual D & AD Awards. This means I get to draw lots of wolves, which I am rather happy with. Drawing animals is more within my comfort zone. Above are a few images from recent sketchbooks to leave you with in the meantime.



I created the above yesterday as a present for my boyfriend (which he hasn't seen yet!). I plan to show him when he returns from work today because I cannot for the life of me find a frame to fit it. So, I'll leave that to him! It's such an awkward size because it's an actual map, which I guess isn't supposed to be used for framing. It is very much inspired by the work of Rob Ryan who makes the most beautiful and romantic paper cutouts. I own one of his cutout cards and have it proudly framed on my bookshelf. The lyrics I've chosen are from Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zero's song "Home", which is a charming little song. If you haven't heard it, I suggest you listen to it especially the cover version below - it's adorable!

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OOTD: Go play a video game

17 November, 2011



Flower crown: eBay, Waistcoat: Urban Outfitters, Dress: Glamourous via eBay

I'm in his favorite sun dress
Watching me get undressed
Take that body downtown

I say you the bestest
Lean in for a big kiss
Put his favorite perfume on

Go play a video game.



I am so in love with this beautiful flower crown and it only cost me a mere £3.50 from this seller on eBay. It was even packaged with such care and attention, that I highly recommend them and their handmade items. I've wanted an "over-the-top" flower crown for a while now. I usually buy the dainty, little ones from festivals but I've never seen a magnificent one like this being sold there. When I discovered this flower crown for such a reasonable price I just could not refuse! Although, I don't think I will be able to get away with wearing it around Southampton, it's perfect for dress-up or next summer's festival season! The crown reminded me of this shoot with Lana Del Rey (hence the blog title):

Unfortunately, I am no where near as beautiful as her, but I absolutely adore her image. It's so beautiful and she has an air of 1950's Hollywood glamour. On top of that she also holds a lovely voice, I suggest you listen to her here.

The waistcoat was a present from a couple of Christmases ago from my boyfriend. This is going to be my fourth Christmas with him now! I wanted to mix something a bit harsher with the floral garland and lace dress and I think this studded waistcoat works wonderfully.

I believe this is just the start to an impressive collection of flower crowns!
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Style Crush: Rihanna - We Found Love

15 November, 2011




I am addicted to watching the video for Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris' "We Found Love". I cannot count how many times I've had it on repeat. The video takes a look at the darker side of love in a drug-fuelled relationship. It is pretty much (ALOT) better version of a music video I created a few years ago for my Media Studies A-Level.

The styling throughout the video is to die for! It is based on British 80's trashy, street style with bringing together a mixture Doc Marten's, brothel creepers, suspenders and acid wash denim jackets. It also features the one and only Agyness Deyn at the start narrating the voiceover - I couldn't think of anyone better to represent the setting and styling of the video than Miss Agyness Deyn herself! Watch the video for yourself and you'll see what I mean. It has a very 'This Is England' feel to it with the council estate setting and trashy clothing choice.

I tried to recreate Rihanna's look from my own wardrobe today and here are the results:






Headscarf: Vintage Shop, Berlin, Leather Jacket: Topshop, Bralet: Topshop, Skirt: Primark, Tights: Henry Holland


I forgot how wonderful this acid wash skirt is! It was only £10 from Primark and I've had it a good few years now, which is pretty outstanding considering Primark's quality. I actually had forgotten I had it, but will definitely be wearing it a lot more now I've discovered it. My leather jacket has always pretty much been a staple item since I bought it when I was 17 years old, and although the video does not feature a leather jacket it still seemed fitting to the style. How I wish I had that beautiful, oversized acid wash jacket she wears to fit with this outfit!

Even if you're not even a Rihanna fan, I suggest you watch the video (even if it's on mute)!
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Vintage Haul #1

13 November, 2011





1. Christmas Fair Isle Jumper, 2. Floral Patterned Jumper, 3. Waistcoat, 4. Floral, Asymmetrical Blouse, 5. Tapestry Waistcoat, 6. Red, Satin Contrast Blouse


Like I promised yesterday, I've composed a vintage haul post of a few purchases from vintage & charity shops. This is only a fraction of the massive pile of clothes I still need to photograph, so I've decided to do it in parts rather than one massive blog post. I'm considering making it into a weekly or fortnightly installment. What do you think?

I adore the two jumpers (1 & 2), however I have an infinite amount of vintage jumpers (they are my biggest weakness!), so I'm actually putting these two beauties up on eBay tonight, along with a few other bits and bobs I need to clear out. They're both perfect to wear on Christmas day!

This waistcoat (3) is so unusual. My original intention was to sell it but as I've started styling it, I've fallen in love with it too much to let it go! Rather than using it as a waistcoat, I've styled it as a top and I love how it works with my velvet skirt. It's really intricately woven and the colours are gorgeous as it is a mix of burgundy, navy, dark green and gold.

The floral blouse (4) has an asymmetrical hem which drops at the back, which is very flattering. I haven't put up the photograph here because I did not want to overload you with too many, so you'll have to take my word for it. The tapestry waistcoat (5) I think will be another keeper, as I'm loving using waistcoats as button-up tops.

I bought this red shirt (6) last week for £3 in a charity shop in Winchester and I adore it! The collar, sleeves and button have a contrasting satin, which I love on shirts. It's also a perfect fit as it's oversized without swamping me and it's longer than normal blouses, so it falls just beyond my bum, which means I can wear it with leggings. Winchester's charity shops never fail to deliver as there are so many and it is a rather wealthy area.

I'm currently working on some illustrations for the blog, so watch this space for a revamp coming soon!

(*EDIT Vintage goodies now on sale on my eBay (click here). Get bidding :D!)
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Weekend's Most Wanted

06 November, 2011


Oh, how I wish I had all of these beauties in my wardrobe right now. Crushed velvet has become pretty much a staple look for me this winter, but I don't know if I can justify nearly £40 for the shirt. I've never ordered from Romwe before, so I have no idea what the quality is like. Has anyone ordered from Romwe before? I'm going to keep an eye out on eBay and in charity shops for a similar one.

I recently discovered the delightfully dark t-shirt prints from The Orphan's Arms and they are ever so perfectly me. The prints almost remind me of an independent sister to All Saints or Religion (also two favourite brands of mine!). I will definitely be purchasing this t-shirt as soon as I have some money in my pocket!

These Topshop shoes are beautiful and will go with everything in my wardrobe, as would the bag. As you may know, I am a leopard print fiend! The Wildfox crucifix t-shirt is once again a little too pricey for my student budget at £85 sadly!

In other news, I finally get my hands on my shiny new Macbook Pro tomorrow! My current 13" Macbook runs fine, but my university have a deal with Apple in where they get £400 off of a Pro, so I couldn't say no!
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