Yes, I AM wearing my Camilla Skovgaard shoes

But, dear lordy, are they a bugger to walk in?! Yes, they are. The slim heel just does a weird catchy thing on the ground with every step I take so they make a strange noise and I have to really concentrate when I walk. Which, given that I'm a bit clumsy anyway and prone to the odd fall, is probably no bad thing.

Shoes: Camilla Skovgaard @ the Outnet, dress: H&M, Jumper: Primark, Necklace: Wolf and Moon.

The good thing about the shoes - nay, the great thing - is that they look epic. Look at that fearsome jagged sole! I'm probably doing an amazing ass workout every time I get up as I clench in my attempts not to fall too so there's an added bonus. And, as above, I can totally stand on one leg in them. Like a master. Look at me - just hanging out, chilling on one leg. Casual.

Please, be kind and ignore the slight Nora Batty-ness starting to creep in at the toe. Though show me a woman who doesn't spend half the day hiking her tights back up to where they belong and I'll...well, I'll shake her hand and demand to know where her gravity defying tights are from. Or if she's just got pants on over them like many of my pals do. I'm just a tights howker. You?

New shoes!

It's official people: I have a new favourite shoe. Well, I don't have it yet but, come mid February it's SO happening. Let me explain. 

I work with shoes (no, I don't get free shoes and yes that is the question I'm asked most often about my job). And, on the system at work, a wee while back, I clocked this little number. "Cute enough", I thought. The quilting effect is sweet, they have a platform and there's something interesting going on between the heel and waist and something's DEFINITELY happening up back. However, I didn't give them much more thought and carried on window shopping working

However, this week saw our bi-annual staff range preview and that's when I first laid eyes on the shoes, the Irregular Choice 'Sweety Bird Back Flower', in real life.The things is, for me, less isn't always more. Whether it's "should I wear another ring?", "should I wear florals, polka dots and leopard print at the same time?" or "should I leave some Haagen Dazs for another day?", some times too much just isn't enough. Which is why, when I clocked the full glory and eye popping colour and pattern of the back flower, which juxtaposes beautifully with the otherwise fairly plain styling, my heart was WON. I can't WAIT for it to be mine!

 

 ps - if you're so inclined, my insider info is telling you the black version arrived in the building this morning and will be on site, probably early in the week! Eek! 90 quid. Get saving.

Summer Lovin'!

I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait for spring and summer to start creeping back in. I hate the dark mornings and evenings, so I love it when the daylight starts creeping back in. Snowdrops are always the first thing that tells me Mother Nature's getting her freak on and waking up again. Plus, spring/summer equals new clothes AND rediscovering goodies squirrelled at the back of the wardrobe. Don't get me wrong, I AM in Scotland so I don't exactly prepare for tropical or anything but a little sunshine from time to time does us pasty sorts good. Don't forget the spf though peeps. Never forget the spf.

Anyway, why am I getting on my hobby horse about the joys of spring? It's actually because a) the dark winter afternoon view outside is so bleak and b) the lovely Matalan folks sent me through a copy of their spring/summer lookbook and there's some delicious stuff in there. Regardez:

Pretty cover, non? It unfolds and the inside is all floral. If you get a floral card from me any time soon, you better know it was recycled from inspired by the look book! I'm the first to admit, I haven't been down to my local Matalan in ages and I hadn't realised how fashion forward some of their stuff has become! I figured I'd start my lookbook summary with things I love but cannot wear: Jumpsuits and voluminous trousers. This jumpsuit is super cute and the model looks adorable in it - it's just got such a lovely laid back vibe. However, my pear shaped proportions just don't look good in loose fit jumpsuits like this. If you're willowy though or evenly proportioned, go forth, wear and look amazing! Now, I say both of these are looks I couldn't work but I am sorely tempted to try the trousers. They just look so breezy and comfortable. Again, there are issues on the thigh-age front (nothing looks good strained over a thigh. No it doesn't.) but hareem pants they ain't so they could be worth a bash - maybe I'll try them when they land. Again, if you're sleek of leg, I'd so recommend these with a pair of wedges (see below! Handy, eh?)

Anyway, let's shift on to something I can definitely wear - dresses! First up, can't afford Mui, Mui? Get yourself down to Matalan. Their cherry print dress is very reminiscent of Mui Mui's resort collection (they actually have an apple print playsuit too which is a dead ringer print wise) as is the casual striped sundress. I know where my print fix will be coming from (unless I win the lottery or summat in which case a wee Mui Mui treat could be on the cards). And, whilst I love the cherry print, you may have noticed by now that I am a SUCKER for a floral. And the dress on the bottom left is right up my street - 50's waisted styling, demure, floral, bows - what's not to love?! And just as a little departure from the others which, admittedly are all in a similar vein (type, me?), I had to pop in the gorgeous orange halter maxi dress. Let's assume I will make it on holiday this year. If so, you'll see me lurking about the bar in this, preferably whilst drinking a delicious cocktail! That's just how I roll baby!

As a general rule, I'm not a huge bag girl (yes, I know I work the bag lady look on occasion but that's an entirely different matter) but this little lot are definitely worth a mention. I'm all about a bag with a decent strap (impractical shoes, I love. Impractical bags just annoy me. I'm sorry!) and this little lot have summer written all over them. Again, we have florals and stripes - please do not co-ordinate these with your dress. Clash them by all means but no matchy, matchy. I'd suggest, you go for one of the pretty tan satchels with patterns - work the 70s look.

And speaking of the 70s look, I'm actually much more excited by it than I initially thought I'd be. I'm definitely more in the favour of the chilled out 70s vibe than the chic Chloe-esque lady (that look is killer but it's SO not me. I'm too messy and I'd only spill stuff down my wide legged camel trousers or pussy bow blouse) and the raffia platform sandals and buckle wedges both fit the look perfectly! In fact I think when I'm at the bar, in the maxi dress with the cocktail, I'll also be wearing the wedges!

Shoe-wise, my floral obsession is definitely catered for here. I love, love, love the cream tapestry effect platforms and will be stalking the website until they come in. I'm also enjoying the strappy platform peep toes (are you feeling my love of all things platform here? I actually am pretty picky with my shoes - I'm just bowled over by how many nice ones were in the look book and I struggled to edit them down!) and the ribbon brogues. Which do you prefer? Do you ever shop at Matalan? Will you now?

Whatchoo mean my ankle's all Nora Batty?!

See that's the thing with tights - no matter what I do they go all Nora Batty at the ankle. And I find myself either nipping to the loo to hike them up or trying to discreetly tug them up under my desk. And, dear readers, I don't do discrete. My version of discreet pulling up involves hoiking and grunting and general inappropriate flashing - I tell thee - pretty it ain't!

Now here's the thing (well two things). I like to think that my tights don't look quite as criminal as poor old Nora, gawd bless 'er. However, unfortunately, due to Blogger being a GIANT DOUCHE, I can't update the one picture that shows my wrinkle-tastic ankle to its best effect. So you'll have to just take my word for it and assume I'm not trying to be coy or self deprecating. Douche. Anyway, at the bottom of my wrinkled ass tights are shoes #28. Irregular Choice from schuh:

 

 

Here's me kicking my feet at the ceiling for the sake of 'art'. Rest assured I wasn't doing anything raunchy at the time. Who wants to hear the second "Blogger's a douche" bummer? The only decent shot of the heels is on a picture Blogger won't load. Arrrgh!! And it's a sexy heel! They're brown kinda faux snake, a bit chunky and just have the most delicious curve to them. Yum! And I haven't even started on the fact that the shoes are leopard print...

 

 

Or that they have a ma-HOO-sive bow on them! LOOK AT IT. It's giant and filled with, er, brown foam. Ok, that's not exactly a selling point but at least the brown blends in and you're still left with a big solid leopard print bow. They're a treat. The other thing that's tricky to see is the gold metallic brogue detail trim around the top line. However, you are lucky enough to be able to see the snake trim around the featherline. Check it out - do you feel like you're totally learning technical shoe terms from me? I can hit you with more if you like...who's for a vamp, a counter or a shank? Woop, woop! Here's what I wore these totally beast-a-licious shoes with (MENTAL EYE ALERT!):

 

 

Yes, leopard was a print too few for me so I went for two bold floral prints on top. Floral trench from Primark, floral dress vintage reproduction from Judy's Affordable Vintage fair.

 

 

Sans coat, there's a leopard print Warehouse cardigan. It was one of those pieces I um-ed and aw-ed over for bloody ages (indecisive, me?) as it cost more than I normally spend on a cardi. But, what an investment. I've worn it about a million times to the point it's getting a bit threadbare in places. Do I care? Do I heck! I'll wear it til the arms fall off and even then I might sew them back on again. I'm also wearing my much loved Lady Luck Rules ok horseshoe necklace which has snapped in half and had a broken chain but, much like the cardigan, I am NOT giving this baby up. It's one of my most favourite necklaces ever so it's been tweezered and super glued back to life. You might be able to see it better if Blogger wasn't a DOUCHE and would upload the picture. 

 

Here's a picture of the dress fabric. Pretty! By the way, before I go watch Gossip Girl and get my freak on to Chuck, I have to share something. I've been shortlisted in the final 10 of a journalism competition with Cosmo and Wonderbra. There'll be some voting action in a week and I'll be sure to put the details here in the hope that someone thinks I'm worth voting for!! Eek!

Dotty about shoes

I'm well jealous this evening. My pals are off to see the Charlatans and I couldn't afford a ticket. Boo! So here I am typing away instead, but, oh what a pleasure it is to be here. The shoes I'm wearing here (pair # 23) are from schuh, by Irregular Choice. Circa 2003 ish. Practically vintage, non? And as far as I'm concerned, they're one of the prettiest pairs I own!

So what's so good about them?

They manage to combine red and pink and still look good. I once had a pink t shirt with the outline of a lady in red (is dahn-cing with me!) with a big afro. It looked shit. Plus it was too short. So tragic.

They've got a frilly trim!

They're the perfect round toed shape

They have polka dots!

It's a shame the heel's been a wee bit munched by the mean cobbled streets of Edinburgh. It's just one of life's inevitability's - get nice new heels, wear them outside, catch them between paving stones.

 

 

Here's what I wore them with indoors (oh yes people - you're getting indoor AND outdoor looks! Aha! And don't even try to tell me that a little bit of wee didn't sneak out there in your excitement)

 

 

Look at me kidding on at being all demure. So, the shoes we know about (schuh, Irregular Choice, keep up!). Here's the chat on the rest...

Dress: Trollied Dolly (check out their new range - some ace stuff in there...)
Sparkly Lurex Cardi: George at Asda! It totally looks like something vintage though!
Leggings: Uniqlo

 

 

 

And here's the outdoor look (apologies for the slight 'dead person' look again)

What do you mean, "what's changed?"?! I've got a foxy aviator jacket on, of course! It's my bargain H&M one (£24.99 site says sold out I'm afraid) which, despite it's bargainousness is really cosy and doesn't look too plastic fantastic. However, if anyone wants to trade it for the Burberry, I will consider the request.

And one last shot of the shoes:

 

Final thought - is all the glitter and sparkle on Strictly giving anyone else that Christmassy feeling?

Oh my goodness, I look like a proper fancy lady!

Check me out. I DO look all proper lady like! And I'm in shoes # 21 from Miss Selfridge (which judging by the reaction when I previewed them are VERY popular!). Plus, who thinks I could, like, totally be in a catalogue with all this awesome posing malarkey? I'm thinking this particular demented eye action says 'when I'm finished rocking a Nicole Richie worthy hand on hip* here I am SO going over there to smack a midget with my invisible baseball bat**'.

*I am aware that I have hips and Miss R does not

** No midgets were harmed in the writing of this blog or by me at any other time. Although a midget darn near did me a mischief when I watched R Kelly's Trapped in the Closet. If you have not seen it, watch it now!

Here's the thing - I love this look. It's elegant, it's girlie and it's completely figure flattering. So why don't I look like this every day? There are a few reasons:

• Some days I just can't do heels all day. If there's any semi serious amount of walking in my day I can't do it. It's a shock confession, I know, especially as I pass myself off as some kind of shoe princess. The fact is, sometimes I just need the flats. Or my thoroughly grubby used-to-be-white Converse. Oh yes, you'll see them all in good time.
• Often I run out of time to blow-dry my hair in the morning so instead of being all sweeping fringe it's just a messy quiff.
• I don't want to typecast myself as a retro dolly only. Whilst I love the look, sometimes I just wanna wear a too-tight-for-me t shirt dress and layer on a shit load of rock chick eyeliner!
• Sometimes I out and out can't be arsed and just want to fire on jeans and a t shirt! Although there's no harm wearing a pretty necklace too.
• And lastly, sometimes I just feel bloated and want to hide under a moo, moo. Sexy it ain't but it's the truth!

So here's what went into the mix that made this delicious little cupcake of a look (other than, of course, sugar and spice and all things nice):

Vintage reproduction dress, £30 from Judy's Affordable Vintage fair.

Tapestry shoes, £45, from Miss Selfridge

Floral cardi from Primark

Leopard Print scarf from Accessorize

Bow hairband, tights and gold heart necklace from my cupboard AKA I can't remember where they're from! I stopped wearing all my bow hairbands and general fascinator bits of action when I chopped off all my hair earlier this year but I just couldn't help feeling a big juicy bow with this look...I still think it looks a wee bit daft (like when people fire a bow on their bald baby's head to make sure everyone knows SHE'S A GIRL, ALRIGHT?! The baby invariably looks like a twat [yes I did just say that] but the parent doesn't get all insecure about their darling daughter looking 'boyish'. Get over it - it's a baby - they all look much the same for the first few months. I tell you though, what I really struggle with is the 'aw so cute noises' when it's an ugly howler of a baby. That's tough. Anyway, enough already.) but it's my head and I can do what I like with it.

Anyway, this post has gone on over long. Have a swell Sunday evening. I'm off to make some toast and watch X Factor!

Jazz, er, feet???

It's shoes number 19 ladies and gentlemen! And it's a little floral schuh, well, jazz shoe type thingamajigy. They're pretty little things: cream canvas with little cream laces and pink floral print. Regardez:


See - pretty little things. And, for once, I went for not clashing the shit out of my outfit and paired them with a simple grey Urban Outfitters jersey bandeau (which, yes, I know I wear all the time but get over it. This isn't about my fabulous wardrobe.), black leggings, a white tee and a denim shirt. Sometimes simple really is better. I topped the lot off with some glorious Accessorize pearls with a big pink grosgrain ribbon tie - just to add some girlie glamour, you know?!

I'm aware that I look a bit mental in this picture but the red eye came out looking absolutely chronic and I HAD to do something about it!

And it's just pictures from here on in...



Final though: As if Caleb from Kings of Leon got engaged! Heart breaker.

Er,Dem-olishing the competition!

All I'm hearing about right now on Twitter and on my emails is London Fashion Week. And being up in Scotland and NOT in London, this is giving me serious fashion envy. I love a good fashion show and, well, these shows are the proverbial daddies, aren't they?! As you may have figured from my usual chat, I don't profess to be a fashion expert but I know what I like. And, at the risk of sounding like a cliche (again) I LOVED what was on display at Erdem.


Erdem Moralioglu is, in my eyes, a genius. Every season I spy something in there that, was I a rich lady, I would be laying my pretty little hands on! And this season is no exception. Delicate lace, bases of pale lemon, cream and navy, brought to life with vivid florals - it's pure heaven to me. Believe me when I say I spent ages trying to whittle down 5 looks that I loved but, dear, reader, for you, I have. Anything for you! So here are some of my favourites. However, please note that, if you wish to buy me another piece from the collection, I shall not object.

After years of not getting down with the maxi, last summer I jumped in with a purdy H&M number. This Erdem piece, for me, has just the right proportion (nice waist then fuller on the skirt) and the v neck with transparent insert is just treading the right line between subtle and suggestive. Whack on a pretty smattering of flowers, culminating with a veritable garden at the hem and you got yourself one gorgeous dress.

I can't do fancy trousers. I'm a pear shape and I just can't. If you'd like to try to style me up and prove me wrong, let me know but, otherwise, please just accept that I look like a troll in them. However, it doesn't stop me loving this pair. I imagine that they feel gorgeous and, style wise, I LOVE the pairing of the ditsy floral with the larger sheer lily print blouse (again, perfect balance of sexy and demure). Clash, clash, clash!

Well this dress is just pretty and fun. Flirty and flippy with a flattering and cute mid length sleeve, it just says young and fun to me. I can't tell what the print is (dude, you try - I have 20/20 vision and it's just too wee) but it's got jelly beans and shiny pebbles in my head!

Oh, I love this. Ladylike pixie! The delicate cream lace collar stands out from the navy lace sleeves of the shirt (well it looks like a shirt underneath. Feel free to correct me if you know better, smarty!) and both work beautifully with the dark navy fit 'n' flare dress. The plain dark colour palette then allows the bold florals to really pop! Mary, Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow?!

Aw, and finally, this little lemon dress is the natural shift from a/w 10's ladylike trend and lower hemlines, with it's skater skirt and girlie colouring. Once again, the plain background lets the flowers become the main focus. This is dress perfection!

I love you Erdem.

Floral arrangement

Shoes # 18 are from schuh and by Irregular Choice. I LOVE these shoes. Let's have a look, shall we?


So what's so excellent about them? From my perspective, they are clashing awesomeness - the two different ditsy florals, combined with turquoise leather and blue and white stripes. I also love the huge big floppy bow ties (which match the heels!) and the gorgeous brogue detailing. Plus they're heels and they're cute.


So what should one wear with such a glorious shoe? Well, if you're me, MORE ditsy florals, in the form of my recently purchased (and recently seen on here) Trollied Dolly dress. Man, I am so loving that dress. It has the perfect combo of looking cute, fitting well and being easy just to fling on when you have no time or feel like you can't be bothered. Finish off the look with a grey cardi and leggings and let all those pretty florals work their magical banter.

I'm off to warm up my hands and nose which froze over while I was writing. Has anyone else noticed the nip of winter creeping in? Owee!

I'm trollied, dolly

Nah, I'm not really. I want to say I can't work a camera when I'm trollied but I have photos to prove that ain't really the case. No, actually, I'm wearing a beautiful floral dress from Trollied Dolly and some Irregular Choice lovelies from schuh.


So, let's start with the shoes. It seems only appropriate for a shoes challenge. You may be getting, by now, that I quite like Irregular Choice. And this pair are no exception. They're dogtooth but, instead of the trad black/white combo, IC have gone for white/grey/pink. Love it. They're a lowish heel (though sometimes they bust right on your balls as you walk. Tee, hee!) with a pink heel tip - I'm a sucker for detail. They have a cute black bow at the heel (details, details!) and, weirdly, orange velvet lining. Now I must tell you: I am not a fan of the velvet lining. It, frankly, encourages foot sweat and I just imagine it all building and festering...what do you mean you came to read about shoes not hear about foot sweat? Oh, sorry. Ah, here's a close up:


You like? I know I sure like my new Trollied Dolly dress. You can read all sorts of shizz about how they came to be here. But, in a nutshell, two sisters grabbed their balls, quit their jobs and decided to make the world better shod. Good plan. My dress is a pretty little white and pink floral, fitted waist number. So far, so cute. The thing that really grabbed me though was the ginormous bow across the chest - cute-a-licious! Ta-da!

Yes that's my neck. No, there's no Adam's apple. I'm a chick! BTW, if you're interested, it's an H&M belt, a Toppers or Primarni cardi and Uniqlo leggings. I am really rather rating Uniqlo's customer service right now. And their patterned leggings!

new shoes, new shoes!

Hello! This pair of Miss Selfridge shoes isn't part of my shoe wearing challenge (wear all my 90 something pairs of shoes in the next year - any not worn are sold/donated). They will be eventually but, for now, they're NEW SHOES! Is it windy where you are this evening? It's blowing a frigging gale here. Anyway, here's a pic then I'll chat some more:

Oddly enough, I was having a conversation earlier about people who just post all their shit purchases on their blog (er, do we care if you bought spot cream and some feminine hygiene products?) and how shan* it is as a practise. However, I love these shoes and have been waiting for them for ages (I blogged about them over 2 months ago). I'd asked Miss S via Twitter and email when they were coming in but, so crap is their service, they never bother their backsides replying. If I didn't love these shoes so much, I'd have given them a swerve for their utter shitness. Here's another picture to peace me out and stem the flow of venom...aaaaah...


So what's to love? Well, they're made from a tapestry for starters. Very vintage chic and perfect for the winter florals trend - you may or may not have noticed that I love a print or two in an ensemble. They are also hiiiiiiigh with a big fat platform and delicate ladylike heel and cross foot strap. Oh, and they're a peep toe - toe nail painting cannot be put off any longer...


*shan is either a Scottish-ism or an Edinburgh-ism. Either way it means kind of crap. If something is shan it's a bit rubbish. If someone has been shanned on (e.g. that was really shan on Emma when Jane kissed Toby), it means they've been a bit harddone by or shat upon.

Dirrrrrrty Dozen

So, my bad. I haven't updated this in, literally, days! How have you coped? Are you still there? Who knows? Who cares? I do, of course, you dozy mares!!

Shoes # 12 are from schuh and by Irregular Choice (check the no nonsense, straight back to business approach there). Nom, nom. They are from way back in around 2004 and from one of schuh's first ever Irregular Choice ranges - back when they were a little known quirky brand and not the behemoth of embellished bedazzlement they have become. In fact, give it a few years and these babies'll qualify as vintage. Yeah, you better believe it. I have solid gold brewing right here in my shoe closet.



So, the particulars: they're white leather (sometimes class, sometimes trash), flats (that pretty much boots them into class. Trash is the white stiletto worn incorrectly. Or wielded. When I lived in t'Boro some chick actually killed someone with a stiletto. Sho nuff. That shit was ghetto) with the old skool, occasionally reintroduced, Irregular Choice bum-toe. I think they call it a heart toe but I heard it called a bum toe in the early days and it's stuck. As well as the lovely bum toe, the shoes have a purdy studded flower on the vamp (tecchie terms beatches) which I do enjoy. Observe, if you will:



The shoes are worn with my little cream floral Primark dress. You'll see that on here heaps because it's cute and it's awesome for bloated days - everything just hides neatly away underneath it. I also have on my grey H&M cardi and a black and gold zebra scarf (it was a wee bit chilly and I was still chasing off the last of that cold. It was a gift so I'm not sure where it's from. It could be tacky but it's so right and you know my feelings on anything from the shiny family. Foxy printed leggings are by Uniqlo and it's all topped off with a little leopard bow in the hair. Lord, I love the mixed and mashed prints - lace, floral, leopard and zebra - you know it works!