What I’m Digging: My Internet Wish List (with a Valentine’s Twist)

Fashion illustration by Garance Doré

It’s January payday today and boy has it seemed like a lifetime away.

But now it’s here, of course my eyes are on things I can purchase to make my life infinitely better (relax, this is mainly a fantasy thing, my credit card is staying firmly in my wallet for now).

(Mostly).

The bulk of my dream items are from ASOS as is the norm but I’ve tried to branch out a little bit. While I was thinking about this post I kept stumbling across a lot of Valentine’s themed gifts so I’ve incorporated some of those for shits ‘n’ gigs, even though it’s not one of my favourite ‘holidays’.

Still, maybe a secret admirer will click on a couple of these links. You just never know. But to the goodies – what’s floating my boat during these difficult (and wet months)?

Sweet Treats (under £10)

ASOS NO YOU DIDN’T Valentine’s Pom Slippers, ASOS £10 – Comfy and super cute!
The Smiths T-shirt, various sites (around £10) – Hilarious (my example is actually £12.50 from Etsy, but you can shop around for a better deal)
Paperchase Male Torso Cocktail Jar, ASOS £6 – A touching tribute to the male form, and handy too. Especially when you’re trying to drink more water…
Paperchase Valentine’s Lips Money Box, ASOS £6 – For saving pennies to buy all this toot

Think About It Splurges (under £25)

Hattori Hanzo Ladies Regular Black T-shirt, Last Exit to Nowhere £20 (although I had a discount code to save 15% in January) – I can’t gush about LETN enough and buy something from them every year for my beloved. This month it’s my turn, and what better way to start the love affair than with a tribute to my favourite film? – BOUGHT IT!
Suzywan Sweet PomPom Hoop Earrings, ASOS £15 – Lush! I do love a PomPom – BOUGHT THEM!
Woven Tapered Peg Leg Trouser in Mono Stripe Print, ASOS Curve £25 – Smart and funky (like me?)
Brunch Club Sleep Tee, ASOS Curve £18 – I’ve had my eye on this lounging lovely for weeks now… lounge wear is the greatest – BOUGHT IT!

Blair Sweatshirt, Rad £29.90 – Gossip Girl was and is one of my favourite things of all time, as is Blair Waldorf so what better way to represent? Plus: cosy
Plus Size Velvet Ribbed Midi Dress, Missguided Plus £30 – So very pretty
Adidas Originals Pharrell Williams X Todd James Superstar Trainers, ASOS £59.50 – for smashing it at the gym in style. (Honestly though, probably too nice to wear on the treadmill)
Skinnydip ‘Girls’ Heart Across Body Bag, ASOS £28 – possibly my favourite thing on this page – BOUGHT IT!

So that’s me and what’s caught my eye recently online – and yes, I lied above. I’ve already purchased a few of these beauties because I’m totally worth it obviously.

What’re you eyeing? ❤

Getting Into Fall Spirit

I’ve been tagged by Keeping Track to partake in a questionnaire about my favourite time of year. Cute, huh?

The gist is to answer 19 questions about Autumn and then tag 10 fellow bloggers to see what they have to say. I might not get to ten whole nominations, but I’ll definitely pass on the questionnaire.

So, to my questions!

Favourite candle scent? I’m not great with artificial scent, unfortunately. It tends to do my head in so I rarely burn scented candles. However, around Christmas to impress visitors, I might go for something spicy and cinnamon based, maybe a French Vanilla.

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Tea, all day, every day. Strong (2 teabags), no sugar, splash of milk. It’s true what they say, never accept a badly made cup of tea.

What is the best fall memory you have? Autumn in Vancouver has been my most memorable to date (2008). I was living alone again, having come out of a bad long-term relationship, had just had a wild  summer and I was falling in love long distance with my now husband, who was in the UK.

My fondest memory from this year was all the walking I did with friends, supping on hot chocolates, meeting my best friend David after work to write in a cafe most evenings, and pumpkin carving with his family for the very first time.

Best fragrance for fall? I don’t wear perfume ever, so nothing.

Favourite Thanksgiving food? England doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving so this tradition is not part of my year, however my mouth salivates at the thought of anything pecan/pumpkin flavoured.

Most worn sweater? Plain grey sweatshirt, a la Jennifer Beals in Flashdance.

Football games or jumping in leaf piles? Leaves. I hate football.

Favourite type of pie? Anything, but if we’re talking sweet, how about cherry or traditional apple?

What is autumn weather like where you live? Wet and miserable usually. That’s the great British summer/autumn/spring/winter. I dream of sunny but cold, crisp days with crunchy leaves underfoot and if I’m lucky I might get a few.

Which make-up trend do you prefer, dark lips or winged liner? I’m all about smokey eyes every day. Black Kohl is my staple, I’m terrible at the winged liner though. I’d like to be more ambitious with my lips as well, and prefer berry hues.

What song really gets you into the fall spirit? Can I have November Rain by Guns N Roses?

Is pumpkin spice worth the hype? Fuck yeah. But not the horribly sweet stuff we get in the UK. It’s all about the Pumpkin Spice you get in the US/North America.

Favourite fall TV show? I like the American Horror Story series. And Scream(TV Series) has just appeared on Netflix, and that’s quite good. Anything you can snuggle up to under a fleece blanket will do in the Autumn.

Skinny jeans or leggings? Leggings under a dress or massive baggy tee/cardigan combo. Skinny jeans/jeggings aren’t what you want for lounge wear.

Combat boots or Uggs? DMs. Obviously.

Halloween – yay or nay? All the yays. Except a lot of people here are terrible at it. We’re getting better and personally, I love it. Not sure who I’ll be this year yet.

Fall mornings or evenings? Evenings. I like it when it’s dark straight after work. I like to be warm and snuggly.

What do you think about Black Friday? Again, being English it’s not as big a thing as in the US. It’s started becoming bigger, but I avoid it. I think it’s a bit pointless and indulgent.

One fall 2015 trend you love? Big gorgeous jewel coloured coats. Dark nails. Thick knits. Boots. I’m not sure these are strictly 2015 trends but I love these things every year for A/W.

Here are the bloggers I tag:

• Jillian of The Pink Panther Snipes Again
• Hayley Margaret of A Stitch to Scratch
• Tatty of Camelia Ophelia
• Michelle of Movin’ it with Michelle

What are your views on autumn?

What I’m Digging: My ASOS Wish List #2

It could be said that I have a real issue with shopping. I shop when I’m sad, I shop when I’m celebrating, bored, frustrated, uninspired. Yes, I know this is not a good thing.

I’m making the effort to change my habits though, because there are other things I need to be doing with my money, such as paying for night classes (gonna be a coder, innit). Sometimes, it’s okay though to break your new rule with a pay-day treat, or a little something you just know it going to make you look like a fucking rock star.

Here are the things I have my eye on this August:

Sweet Treats

All items via ASOS

Orelia Tusk Hoop Bead Earrings, now £7 (cu-ute, and I do love a hoop)
ASOS Printed Turban, £6 (Because Panda texted me recently to say a turban would totes suit me)
ASOS Curve Leggings in Stripe, now £9 (Could go horribly wrong, could be ace)
New Look Inspire Crochet Panel Vest, £9.99 (Love the subtle detailing on this little vest)

Think About It Splurges

All items via ASOS

Religion Graffiti Shoulder Bag, now £22.50 (Not sure why, but I’m drawn to this slouchy shape and monochrome finish)
ASOS Curve Peg Trouser in Folk Print, £22 (I like the print and the cut of these bad boys)
Diya Plus Size Jumpsuit, now £22 (I am all about jumpsuits at the moment)
ASOS Curve Oversized T-Shirt in Mesh Stripe, £25 (Little bit suggestive but classy, like)

I Wish Wonders

All items via ASOS

Swedish Hasbeens Cross Strap Debutante Mid Heel Sandals, now £66.50 (Pretty sweet deal and they are gorgeous!)
ASOS Curve Washed Casual Jumpsuit With Drawstring, £35 (Another jumpsuit, what of it?)
ASOS Curve Blazer in Crepe with Slim Lapel, £45 (Sharp n’ sexy)
Alice & You Suedette Crop Jacket with Fringing (Sweet and sassy AF)

I look *almost* as perfect as this model

I feel I also have to share with the group that I’ve finally found the Jumpsuit of Destiny.

I’ve waited months for it to come back into stock in my size and now I’ve got it in my possession and it’s incredible! It fits like a glove, cinches in where I want it to, flows where I need it to. I’m in jumpsuit heaven, I tell you!

So, what are you into this Summer?

What I’m Digging: My Internet Wish List

Clutch & Nails illustration via Elle Liberachi blog

I haven’t done a post like this since January and that’s a bit poor frankly. I’m a great consumer who’s always shopping, usually in the sales and usually within reason, but shopping none the less.

I always have a wish list on the go, even (and especially when) I’m trying to be good. Maybe writing about the things I have my eye on will be enough to satisfy my cravings? Here’s hoping.

Like before I’ve lobbed these beauties into categories. Plus, I’m going to look beyond my ASOS Saved Items list this time, though it will definitely appear because, well, ASOS is life.

Sweet Treats (under £10)

The Trillest nail polish, £9 – WAH London @ Boots (I am OBSESSED with WAH products)
Check Print Smock Dress, £7.50 (SALE) – River Island via ASOS (love this print clashing)
Gold & Silver Foil Flakes, from £2 – ebay (for results as above)
Fuck This Shit notebook, £5 – livinginlalaland.co.uk (this site is the shit)

Think About It Splurges (under £25)

Tropical Leaf Print Jersey Trousers, £12.99 – H&M (LOVE)
Reclaimed Vintage Floral Dress, £16 – ASOS (I’m always drawn to florals, not sure why)
Copenhagen Curve T-shirt, £16 – ASOS (Clean and comfy)
Fringed Necklace, £14.99 – H&M (Yes)

I Wish Wonders (the pricier end of the scale)

Kika Ring, from £65 – bloodymarymetal.com (this ring is stunning)
AALIYA Open Toe Boots, £42 – ASOS (YUMMEE)
Pippa Shoulder Bag, £169 – modalu.com (What a babe)
Honovi Earrings, from £30 – bloodymarymetal (honestly, the best jewellery)

Now all I need is a new job that pays me more so I can treat myself to all these things because I deserve them. Um, I mean, I don’t really need any of these things so I’ll stop thinking about them immediately.

What are you digging this Spring?

New Blogs*: A Round-up of What I’m Reading Right Now – Part 2

It’s been ages since I did one of these shout out posts but I have been reading some really good blogs lately that are definitely worth a mention.

I hate sharing food and sometimes my time, but I’m kind when it comes to spreading the blog love. I know, I’m just so giving.

Hope you enjoy!

• Camelia Ophelia – My beautiful and highly talented colleague, and also one of my best friends, has a fashion blog now and I’m so excited about it. Nobody I know can put an outfit together like this girl. It’s great to have her in my life and next to me on a day-to-day basis because, even though I mostly channel bag lady/the MGM cowardly lion chic, I love fashion too and she inspires me to try new things.

Stand out post: I adore them all but I love having a peak into people’s lives so I loved Tatty’s Burns Night post. Just too cool for school and chic to boot.
Read for: Clever outfit ideas from the high street with an injection of luxe. To die for!

Love you girl!

My Week in Pictures – February 02 to 06

This week was sent to test me I believe but I can only assume, since I am here at the tail end of Friday with a smile on my face, that I have passed that particular exam. If not with flying colours, then at least in one piece.

I’m still in hibernation mode, honestly so have made minimal plans to see anybody after work and at weekends and I really don’t mind. It’s cold and a good time to get other shit done. I’ve also been feeling very overwhelmed (at work only) and a bit sick so it’s nice to be feeling more myself today!

Pictures, left to right, top to bottom:

1. Some amazing new graffiti along Upper Lewes Road near work (and home). My colleague (more of below) and I took a short walk to Graffitiville at lunchtime and got these lovely shots
2. This week has mostly been sponsored by sugar
3. More graff
4. Hair and arse courtesy of Mother Nature, pose all mine (was posing for a look at my new bag post, coming soon. Maybe)
5. My beautiful and talented friend, Tatty of tattyfrankland.com, being all sexy and stuff in the graveyard. NBD
6. This is Tom. Tom’s all manly and things, carries a penknife and eats donuts like Bear Grylls eats beetles (or something)
7. Rabbit Rabbit (more graff)
8. I’m only a few chapters in but I’ve wanted to read this creepy book forever. Finally I sourced a cheap copy and so far so good. It’s about a child serial killer. Review to follow #onewomanbookclub
9. Stranger danger (more graff)

So, that’s my week. Pretty standard stuff but good. Thank God for the two Ts I work with. They make even the shittest days much easier.

I have to share this also, that I returned home from after work drinks on Wednesday in an absolute state with a migraine and sickness (leftover from the bug), having had an absolute stinker of a day in the office, to a card from my lovely mother. I’m sure she won’t mind me sharing it (left).

Proof that mums (the good ones) have a sixth sense about these things, know when you’re having a crappy time even though you haven’t told them and will always have your back. I love you Mum, and I’m confident that you’ll read this, being my most loyal of all readers.

So, how have your weeks been, loves? Happy weekend!

What I’m Digging: My ASOS Wish List

Illustration by Garance Doré (Incidentally, this is how I look in my daydreams)

Now that I sit next to a bona fide fashion blogger (go check her out for yourself: tattyfrankland.com), I have started thinking more seriously about my own wardrobe.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I shoved on decade old jogging bottoms and neglected my overall appearance before (love sweats, nothing against them at all), it’s just that I had hit a bit of a wall, personal style wise.

Now I’ve been thinking a little more about breaking a few of the unwritten fashion rules I had set myself (and what are they for anyway, if not for annihilating completely?) and it’s been fun. I’m damn cute actually, when I want to be.

While this is definitely not a fashion blog, I love clothes and thought it might be fun to mix things up with a little What I’m Digging post. I have an ASOS wish list the length of my entire head, shoulders and body, so why not share eh?

I’ve broken them into handy sub sections: Sweet Treats (under £10), Think About It Splurges (under £25) and I Wish Wonders (the pricier end of the scale). Fun, eh?

Sweet Treats

All clothing by ASOS

NB: I actually succumbed and purchased two items from this list while writing my post. Last expenditure for a while, I promise.

Button shoulder T-shirt, £8 (love the Magenta colour pop)
All over Burger socks, £3 (I need socks all the time to wear with my DMs)
Cath Kidston Cops and Robbers coin purse, £3.50 (Super cute handbag treat – bought!)
Sweatshirt with raw neck edge, £10 (I love a grey sweatshirt, very Flashdance)

Think About It Splurges

All clothing from ASOS Curve, except tee and scarf, which are by ASOS

Hoes Before Bros long sleeved top, £20 (want)
Faces scarf, £18 (so chic!)
Yours Sincerely boyfriend T-shirt, £14 (an unusual shape for me but I love khaki and have a soft spot for slogan tees)
Navy sweat pants, £18 (despite the above comment re: sweats – I just bought these!)

I Wish Wonders

Dress by ASOS, Coat by ASOS Curve

Midi-length Wasted Denim T-shirt dress, £19 (I adore this) (and just realised I placed it into the wrong category, oh well)
Real Leather embossed backpack, £55 (this is gorgeous and practical)
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Africa Star Duffle bag, £126 (had my eye on this for a long time!)
Hooded Camel coat, £65 (love the colour, very un-me)

These all look very ordinary to the un-trained eye, but I am pushing back against my own Grab a Skater Dress and Throw It Over Leggings styling. I’ve decided to love that look but style more bottoms (skinny jeans, joggers, skirts) and tops (the aforementioned slogan tee, cute knits) together. Also get the hang of smart layering.

I hope to report back on how that’s going soon, but until then, I’m just going to sit on my credit card and be sensible about future purchases.

What are you loving this January?

 

 

Go Baby Go Go

Not actual DMs, or legs for that matter

I have five minutes and I want to post today, so I thought I’d freestyle a love letter to my favourite thing in recent times. My Cherry Red Doctor Martens.

Dear Heaven in the Form of Footwear,

Yes, I made the mistake of going out in you the other night in just one pair of socks, foolishly believing you to be ‘broken in’. I’m still paying the price. The thing with you is you’ve been worth every single blister; even single irritated Achille’s heel.

You’ve been in my life for about two months and I already forget what life was like before you. I have dry feet all the time (except in the shower, where alas we cannot go together). My feet are warm and comfy, if I remember, always to wear two pairs of socks, the thicker the better.

In you, I have found the power to stomp like I believe I was born to do. Up, down, up, down and all the way back again. I feel like there is nothing I can’t do, no terrain that would defeat us.

In you, I feel like part of an exclusive club, coaxing discreet nods of approval from other DM wearers. I have a ‘DM Twin’ at work who looks like Bette Davis, if Bette Davis had a bleach blonde crop. Our bond is stronger, I swear, because we share a love of the same footwear.

You go with everything, from jeans to tea dresses. Especially tea dresses. You’re a miracle, a dream and I will never go back.

I love you.

Love, me xoxo

Are you a DM lover? I’d love to hear your ode to Doctor Marten.