Monday 26 March 2012

London? It's Not All Louis Vuitton and Little Mix.

Hello =)

I am writing to you asking that we all try a little harder to be kind to one another and just be good people. Last week in London, two people jumped under trains, I witnessed two people get arrested - one a homeless woman - I saw a man selling a popular magazine that helps the homeless, steal a mobile phone from a girl WHILST asking her to buy a copy and other acts of general disregard such as not stopping to help someone, not standing up on the tube for someone who needs to sit and even the most unnecessary crimes such as littering. I am someone who takes things like this to heart and it literally devastated me that two people jumped under trains last week because they obviously felt they had no other choice. To feel that low, alone, unhappy is the worst thing I can imagine. So tomorrow, I want you all to tell someone you love them, look people in the eye on your way to work and give them a smile, offer your seat up to someones grandma, someones pregnant wife, someones little sister and just try to make their day better. It doesn't cost anything to be nice, but most of the time it gives a HUGE reward.

For those of you who wondered what I did over the weekend - I had a wonderful time with friends exploring London, walking from place to place, taking in the sites. London is the most beautiful place when the sun shines; everything comes alive. It has got to be one of the only places that you can see a sex shop, a duck hanging in a window and a high class car dealership all within a five minute walk of one another. The best part about London though....and I know you wont be surprised when I say this....is the fashion. I have never felt so free to wear what I want without being judged and yet at the same time I have never felt like I have been judged so much for what I wear. In London if someone looks you up and down on the tube, they are usually saying "I have taken time out of my busy LDN day to look at your outfit". In other words, you either make them jealous because you look tres chic or you make them think you got dressed in the dark after doing three rounds of Speed. In London I feel more liberated to wear literally ANYTHING than I have ever felt anywhere else. I can wear a maxi skirt and feel sexy not frumpy, wear a sheer shirt with just a bra and feel sophisticated, not slutty and I can hold my head up high when I am dressed all in black, for I am a PR GIRL!! Yet at the same time, I know people look at my clothes and try to decipher me from them. Is she wearing a maxi skirt because she doesn't like her legs? Doesn't she know sheer shirts have been replaced with just sheer sleeves? All black, who does she think she is, a PR girl? Uhummm. There is a fine line between creativity and catastrophe, between tres chic and tres shi....well you get where I am going with that. I have ashamedly become one of those people who looks and judges though. I saw a woman in her 70s dressed like Coco Chanel the other day and I stared at her my whole tube home; to be that beautiful when I am her age is a dream. Milky skin contrasted with a black tweed suit with cream piping. Pristine court shoes that matched a cream bag. Gold studs in each ear which delicately balance with the perfect chignon in her hair. All in all a woman who most likely shed a tear when Primark came on the scene and doesn't understand what it means to not match your lipstick with your nails. Beauty personified. Then there is the girl opposite her - going for ballet chic but instead looks like a cracked out fairy...too much pink, too many sequins, too much tulle....

Today I wore a slate grey billowing maxi skirt with a blue/grey lace top and silver shoes. A masterpiece to some? The most boring to others. I changed but one item to go to the shops after work - from maxi to jeans - and it became a lacklustre outfit. Something one would forget in an instant. I had many nice comments about the outfit today though - showing an outfit has to be perfect in all aspects to work. Try a skirt instead of jeans tomorrow, or a blouse instead of a t-shirt and watch the comments fly in....if they are mean, don't say I didn't warn you.

PS - Saw Shrek the Musical on Saturday night - was fantastic. Go see it!!

Y

Fashion Trend: Yellow - Everything from the brightest of the bright through to the palest lemon. Yellow is the way forward. It is a colour that blonde's often find hard to wear, but with the range of yellows out there at the moment, try a few and one will fit. If you are nervous and don't want clothes in such a bright hue, grab a bag, some cute wedges or even some jewellery and make like the sun and shine!
Limited Collection Chiffon Spotted Padded Bra
Bra £16 Knickers £7.50 from www.marksandspencer.com
Limited Collection Chiffon Spot Set 
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs £610 (skirt)
Available from http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/192343
Simple Saddle Shoulder Bag
£22 Saddlebag from Accessorize
http://www.accessorize.com/en/restofworld/simple-saddle-shoulder-bag/invt/18935731/
Atelier Swarovski by Juan Carlos Obando, Roxbury Ring, Shining Yellow
Swarovski Yellow Ring £99
http://www.swarovski.com/

Fashion Item: You're The One Jacket - Nanette Lepore. It's just so Jackie O meets Princess Diana. I love the colour, I love the peplum (both so on trend) and I love fitted jacekets. Pair with jeans for a smart day look, team with a pencil skirt for work or throw over a gorge LBD for dinner with the one you love....it's always a good day when you are wearing Nanette!!

You're The One Jacket
You're The One Jacket $448
http://www.nanettelepore.com/new-arrivals/you-re-the-one-jacket.html

Store/Label: Y-3 www.y-3store.com - You will love this stuff if you were into the sport luxe trend. It is all heeled sneakers, fancy rain coats and tennis style dresses. No-one would refuse you service at a restaurant if you turned up in any of these pieces though. In love with this Poplin Blouse which has the cut out detail which is so on trend and these luxury sport heeled sneakers.
Poplin Blouse £245
http://www.y-3store.com/item/store/Y-3/tskay/6C0705DF/rr/1/cod10/34246355DB/gender/woman/agerange/
Adult/areaid//sts/
Sukita £310

Celebrity or Designer: Yves Saint Laurent - They have designed a REVERSIBLE tote!! It is the most fabulous thing ever....it is tan on one side for those cheeky shopping trips in the day...but what's that, you don't have time to go home and change your bag before dinner??!! Never mind, this reverses and the other side is bronze!!! STOP. BEING. SO. FABULOUS. I must have one....oh wait, it's £1,320 on Net-A-Porter. I must continue to want one. This my friend, is why designers are my fav thing .... two bags for really the same price as one of their bags. Got to love 'em. Yves Saint Laurent Neo Reversible Bag £1,320 - http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/174900

Yves Saint Laurent Yves Saint Laurent
Good Night everyone, remember to spread happiness tomorrow!
Becky xx

Thursday 22 March 2012

XOXO Gloucester Girl.....See what I did there!!!

Hello Beautiful Bloggers!!

I have a favour to ask you - follow me on www.blogloving.com and that way every time I write a new blog you will be notified. There is a button on the left hand side of my blog that says bloglovin - just press it and it will show you the way....

Sorry I never write, phone, send flowers, I have been so very busy...what a corker of an excuse heh!! I love the fact that if I go a few days without blogging more than one person says to me "are you not blogging anymore then" as though it is the crime of the century. I'm sure Colonel Sanders - who comes up on Google before Colonel Gaddafi; what can I say, we like our chicken in our wraps not in our dictators - wasn't judged every time he ate something besides wings (fictional character or not). So I should not be judged when I decide sleeping is more important than blogging - no, you are right, I am a big failure and I apologise. I MUST keep blogging to be fresh and in the forefront of all your busy minds, for as Coco Chanel said "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different"...and keep blogging. Alas, I must confess I have put this blog off for it is the dreaded X (see witty heading...) and you and I both know I will cheat my way through this like a 5 year old playing a board game. Once I have finished this A-Z, in just 3 blogs time (including this one, i'm not bad with numbers as well as a cheat) I will need to move onto some other topic - preferably fashion based - so if anyone has any suggestions feel free to let me know them through my Twitter @BeckyAdelay.

I have heard a few of you enjoy this section, so here are some more weird things seen on the tube:
- Man so very drunk that he fell asleep in between every stop and therefore had to check the wall for the stops each time he woke up - it was at 8pm this evening and he was wearing a suit....
- One teenage guy rapping as his two friends looked on and made that "hahaaaaaaa" noise
- Guy carrying a sausage dog - SO CUTE!!!!!
- Woman having a FULL ON domestic with partner using words that your grandmother would happily see drowned in a sack with any song that isn't by Barry Manilow
- Fashion Attacks - girl in what she hoped was street chic, but unfortunately looked like the 60s and Austin Reed had had a love-child and said child had thrown up on her. Woman in ALL purple (did I not get the memo about dressing like Violet from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.... I mean post blueberry incident obvi). Man wearing enough denim to make even Pat Sharpe wet himself. More rouge on a woman's cheeks than would be allowed in even Shagaluf. Dog hoodie....as in a dog in a hoodie, not a man dressed like Lassie.

Now I have put it off long enough, so here it is....cut me some slack people.

X

Fashion Trend: eXpose yourself. Now WAIT!!! I have no interest in you running up to me dressed in a way that even girls at Aintree would find a little OTT (or not being dressed as it were). I am talking about the gorge things in the shops at the moment that show skin in a way it isn't usually shown. For example: cut outs showing slices of skin, maxi skirts where part of the skirt is sheer, a slit in a skirt (BACK AWAY ANGELINA) or just a sheer arm on an opaque blouse. Spring has definitely descended upon us in the last week, but it is still not warm enough to get our legs or arms out. Instead use this trend to get those pins that you have been working hard at a gym on with that whole 1 time that you went the day after NYE ... and keep warm at the same time!

ASYMMETRIC FINE PLEATED SKIRT
Zara Pleated Skirt £29.99
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-S2012/189504/704540/ASYMMETRIC%2BFINE%2BPLEATED%2BSKIRT
MESH TWO LAYER SKIRT
Warehouse Black Mesh Maxi £28
http://www.warehouse.co.uk/mesh-two-layer-skirt/Skirts/warehouse/fcp-product/308296
Little Butterfly Cutout Shirt
Topshop Cut Out Shirt (Back view, so cute!) £32
http://www.topshop.com
Fashion Item: eXtreme jewellery. Now I am basically doing this because I recently found out that everyone's secret favourite store, Irregular Choice (it's the store that business women look at and think I wish I could think up a reason to wear a pair of shoes from here) sell other things beside shoes. For those of you hermits who haven't heard of it, they sell the most exquisite and delicious shoes that unless you are in fashion or have a foot fetish, would never be able to explain. For example see this lovely shoe, aptly named, Mayhem. They do some normal-ish shoes, but why buy those when you can have something with flames, wings or kitties on it?? That is not the point of this story though. They do even wilder jewellery. I LOVE when people look at my jewellery; it shows you have real style if someone compliments you for it, because a shop window can put together an outfit for you, but you have to choose the necklace. IC has everything from burger earrings (great for the 50s Americana trend at the moment), through to sparkly skull rings. Whatever it is, if you are too nervous to wear something crazy in the body of your outfit, put it on your finger and rock it like Beyonce. Here are a couple of my favs from the website (all from http://www.irregularchoice.com/shop/womens/view_all/)
Mayhem
Mayhem - Irregular Choice £89
With Sprinkles
With Sprinkles £4.99
Neptune
Neptune £45 (whimsical take on Claddagh ring)

Glug Glug
Glug Glug £39 (Great for Aquatic Trend)

Store or Label: 'eXit Through The Gift Shop'. I am using this Banksy phrase as a way to say, shop the unusual!!! Banksy takes art and twists, manipulates and basically spray paints over it to make it individual and beautiful. This is the message I am sending to you, be different! Shop at markets, charity shops, trunk shows, swap with friends and make your own clothes. In a world where fashion is ever changing, be your own guru and make a splash. You can pick up the most outrageous bargains at street markets and charity stores, so look there first then customise to your heart's content. Fashion isn't about wearing what every girl in the magazine is wearing, it is about feeling beautiful and being confident.... just don't spray paint a train tunnel on your Nana's wall. She might say she likes Banksy, but it is only because she thought you said Bassey....as in Shirley.

Celebrity or Designer: Xena Warrior Princess. I can hear you laughing, but you think of all the other people with a name that begins with X!!! Now I am not expecting you to go round with a short blonde girl that may or may not be your girlfriend, I mean channel Xena by wearing loads of leather!! It is all over the A/W12 catwalks. This time though leather is in different styles than just the jacket. Wear it in the form of a liquid leather dress, have a chunk of your shift made of leather or rock a leather top. Leather leggings can be worn this A/W again, so luckily that wasn't a waste of £90.... Just be careful with that weird outfit you wore that time you thought you looked like Halle Berry in Catwomen, but were more Ross in friends. Baby powder at the ready, small friend on hand and just time left to go out and beat up some ale drinking swine. Ahhh Xena, you are our hero.

Night love bugs!
Becky xx

Saturday 17 March 2012

In Chicago they dye the river green. In Gloucester a lone man pretends to talk in an Irish accent whilst drinking Guinness...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you little leprechauns out there! And Happy Mother's Day for tomorrow for all you scrummy mummys.

I have come home for the weekend, to tell my mother I appreciate her, to enjoy my friend's birthday and just to generally cause havoc with a group of friends I have not seen in a long time. All in all shaping up to be a good weekend. A few more weird things for you to enjoy that happened on the tube this week:

  • People have apparently moved back in time and no longer listen to iPods. Instead a man on the tube played the guitar and I sat directly opposite (this is true) a guy practising for an opera...
  • A lot of people pray on the tube - all religions
  • People make this 'SIGGGGGHHHHH' noise when a pregnant woman/old person/the infirm etc get on the tube and they have to get up to let them sit down - oh social conventions, you lovely little blighters - the best part is when you can see their brain trying to work out whether she is pregnant or just carrying a little extra weight
  • Having to listen to loud phone calls about: 1 - why you hate your boyfriend and are breaking up with him, 2 - why you hate your job and will be leaving, 3 - how you have always thought your Spanish teacher looks like Sophia Vergara, 4 - tell your friend how you want to punch so and so in the face and will do so this weekend ... ever the classy city London
  • People eating: McDonalds, sandwiches, an ENTIRE pizza, soup!!!!!!
  • Realising foreign people don't care what they do in front of English people - most likely because they will never do anything to top the ridiculous things on the tube that we do. On Friday a HUGE, white guy was literally coughing like he had the plague. The Indian couple across the tube from him wrap scarves around their faces and start waving the air in front of them....HILARIOUS!! We are too polite to do things like draw attention to something someone else is doing, but we will cough everywhere, shout on the phone, eat obnoxious food on the tube and generally be gross... once again, way to be classy London.

W

THE BERGAMO FAUX FUR HEADBAND
£19.99
(www.faux.uk.com)
COURMAYEUR OVERSIZED LEOPARD STOLE
£59.99
(www.faux.uk.com)
Fashion Trend: Wild!! By this I mean fur!! Now, I am leaving you to make your own choice about whether to wear real or faux, but you can get some great fake stuff for a fraction of the price! The A/W12 catwalks saw fur: collars, stoles, jackets, cloaks, trim, handbags, boots, gloves, hats....EVERYTHING!! This was also a great theme at Cheltenham Ladies Day (remember you can still read my report of the day at www.jpfestival.com). Pick up something this season, wear it until summer then rock it, knowing you bought it cheaper this S/S, in A/W!! Remember, it's always better to be where the wild things are!! Found a GREAT website www.faux.uk.com which sells anything faux fur you could ever want and it is all SO cheap!!


River Island £100
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/coats--jackets/leather--non-leather-jackets/black-faux-fur-collar-fallaway-jacket-613118

Fashion Item: Wedge - It is coming to spring so we want to leave the clunky footwear of the winter behind. The only problem is, it is still a trend very much in full swing. My suggestion is that you turn to the mighty wedge!!! It is clunky, but summery! You can carry off any trend with a wedge that you are afraid to try in a full outfit, EG: Snakeskin, pastels, heavily embellished etc. Also, you can buy cute pairs from everyone from Matalan through to Mulberry so you can find one to suit your budget! Here are some cute ones:
Maddox
Maddox Shoe - LK Bennett £175
http://www.lkbennett.com/shoes/courts/CCMADDOX687SNAKE
Princess Wedge Schuh £68
http://www.schuh.co.uk/womens-multi-schuh-princess-wedge-glitter/1137259960
null (Multi Col) Multi Coloured Floral Print Wedges | 247426899 | New Look
Floral Wedge - New Look £27.99
http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shoes/multi-coloured-floral-print-wedges_247426899


Store or Label: Winter Kate by Nicole Richie - If you haven't seen any of her stuff yet, you MUST look at it before you judge. It is in no way the same creepy stuff she wore running round America with Paris Hilton in The Simple Life show. It is floaty, boho and free spirited. There was a sheer floaty jacket that she did a few years back which I am STILL kicking myself about not buying. Her pieces are the sort of stuff you see on other people and have to ask where they are from; the company is still not so well known in this country, so you can buy something and feel quite safe in the knowledge you wont see anyone else wearing it. I love the separates because you can always guarantee they will be the statement piece of your outfit. Also I think the name of the brand is the cutest thing ever...
Winter Kate Kamakura Dress
Winter Kate Dress S/S12
http://winterkate.com/
Neela Romper Jumpsuit by Winter Kate
Winter Kate Jumpsuit £346
www.winterkate.co.uk

Designer or Celebrity: Madonna - No I have not suddenly lost all ability to understand letters. What I really mean is W.E the movie that Madonna co-produced and wrote. I know it came out months ago and is not released until 4th June on DVD etc, but I have to talk about it here. For those of you who didn't go because you don't like Madge - well I can understand because I wasn't sure to begin with. But, it would be a waste if you didn't see it at some point. The acting is stupendous and the costumes are even better. It is a film about the romance between Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson and how much they had to give up to be together. Described as one of the most tragic love stories ever, there is not even a hint of cone bras or wearing too much make-up over 50... It instead ties in well with the princess/vintage trend circulating at the moment because Wallis Simpson was never known for her beauty, but always remembered for her style. Take tips from her and her future counterpart in the film, Wally, by wearing black shifts with big cream pearls, drip in diamonds and sequins and finish your ensemble with a vintage hair do. We may not all be as beautiful as the royals but Wallis proved we can all be as stylish. Also - My Week With Marilyn came out this week - fabulous costumes, fabulous storyline, Michelle Williams is to die for and Eddie Redmayne is a sight for sore eyes!! Buy it and watch it 9,000 times before W.E comes out.

Have a good weekend!!
Becky xx

Thursday 15 March 2012

Follow'>http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3574788/glossota-fashion-blog?claim=6s88azq82ng">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

And its a photo finish - I am in the picture though right???

Hello horse lovers! And everyone else....

I am in the most wonderful of moods because A: tomorrow is Friday, B: I went to Ladies Day at Cheltenham races yesterday and won £30 (I am still down but that isn't really the point is it) and C: I just had another piece printed by JPFestival!! After telling all you lovely people what to wear on Ladies Day, I went, had a little look round and now bring you the report on what I think!! Please read everything from who I thought was the best dressed through to what I think certain people should not have been wearing - lady in all purple I am talking to you. Find the article at www.jpfestival.com.

I went to the races with my good friend Fay. Here is what she and I decided to wear:

Me
I wanted to feel super glam and ultra girly, so went for a maxi dress. This particular one was bought from Nordstrom in America a few years back (recycling!!) but has come out of hibernation due to its all over floral print - back in trend. As it was a little chilly I decided to pair it with my Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer which I bought in Harrods a few years back - my staple and my saviour. On my feet I was wearing a pair of suede peep toe purple platforms (try saying that after a bottle of champagne and a horse that doesn't win) from Steve Madden. They are cute because they have a lace up effect at the back (not at all streetwalker like I am making them sound...) In my hair I am wearing a paisley shaped crystal silver headband which came from a boutique in Bath - I wanted to be different and not wear a fascinator (if it's not Philip Treacy it's not worth it). In my arms I am carry a large envelope brown weaved clutch from Forever 21 - bought back in the days when it still operated only in America. Chanel crystal earrings finished the look and I was off to the starting post... Highlight of the day in this outfit - being told by a man in a VERY thick Irish accent that I would "definitely win the best dressed because I had got all dolled up" - if only I had entered heh?!


Fay
Fay is wearing a salmon pink chiffon layered dress with peephole slits in the front and back, from Cache an evening wear store in America. Over the top of that she is wearing her grandmother's vintage faux fur coat which has taken an already stunning outfit up a notch. On her feet Fay is wearing a pair of cream court shoes from New Look and she is carrying a cream foldover clutch with gold buckle from River Island. Fay decided she did not want to wear a fascinator as she wanted the main focus of her outfit to be her gorgeous new dress - and from the amount of people who shouted 'wink wink' at her, I think she achieved this.

Back to work tomorrow, but not before I watch Mary Portas' show on channel 4 tonight at 9pm about her new knickers line. Everyone should watch this as it focuses on the topic of how we need to bring production back into this country.

If you, unlike me, made more money than you knew what to do with at the Races, then here are a few things you can spend it on...

V


Mulberry

Fashion Trend: Vamp chic. Now this just happens to coincide with the same week that Twilight came out (Monday if you havent bought it on DVD yet). Please don't go out and buy pointy fangs and fake blood ... instead invest in plum, black, dark purple, blood red, over the knee boots, leather, sharp lines, tight bodices, slimline, capes, black brocade, velvet and looks from past times - vampy fabulous. This is a dream come true for us PR types - it is a free pass to wear even more black than usual. Here are some examples.... All from LFW all from http://www.company.co.uk/fashion/fashion-week/london-fashion-week-aw-12-show-roundup

Alexander McQueen A/W12
Zoe Jordan A/W12

Fashion Item: Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb - Although their A/W12 collection wasn't as great as it could have been - cute pyjama suits but not much else - their perfume is literally my favourite of any designers. Flower Bomb is the one that gets me noticed the most, by either women asking what I am wearing or by men just being men really. Now it is in no way cheap at £90 for 100ml, £65 for 50ml and £48 for 30ml, but it is SO worth it. House of Fraser describes it as "Eau De Parfum. This fragrance contains top notes of tea and bergamot, middle notes of sambac jasmine, orchid, freesia, and rose, with a base note of patchouli". It literally does smell like a huge bouquet of flowers, but also has a racy edge to it. For those who like a strong fragrance that lasts for hours, go out and at least test it, you wont be disappointed....especially when it starts having the same effect as Lynx does on the adverts... 

Flower Bomb Eau De Parfum
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Viktor+Rolf+Flower+Bomb+Eau+De+
Parfum/FLWRBMSPY,default,pd.html

Store or Label: Vero Moda - This store is more an Eastern European thing, but it is in certain places in England - House of Fraser stocks it for instance, so it can't be all bad!! Basically they are on the same wavelength as H&M and Uniqlo - fast fashion, affordable, wide variety. They have a great range of coloured denim in at the moment and more blazers than any London girl could dream of. Here are some of the dresses I may need to buy - you know, just in case I get invited to other horsey events.... Dresses below and others at www.veromoda.co.uk All prices below in Euros.

EMMAS DOTS S/S SHORT DRESS, SHINY COBOLT, list
26.95
WP - GRAFIC UNDERLOW MINI DRESS, ALUMINIUM, list
29.95
CHAI DRESS - SP11, GARGOYLE, list
59.95
FIORE 2/4 ANIMAL DRESS, GRANIT, list
34.95

Celebrity or Designer: Victoria Beckham. Whatever you think of her, you cannot deny that she is going from strength to strength as a designer and has really grown. Her collection is nothing if not completely out of my price range, but I think this helps to make it less gimmicky. You don't want to confuse her as someone who is merely making capsule collections for cheaper companies. She is a designer in her own right and a darn good one. She has actually been going since S/S 2009 so she has really had time to acclimatise to what is on offer at the high end of the market. A/W 2012 collection saw her work every trend from structured dresses to leather, from statement coats through to military styles. This girl has got a great fashion head on that tiny tiny tiny body of hers. Dresses usually from £1,500 - 2,500+, sunglasses £300+ and bags between £1,000 and £2,500+ - but you just won all that money on the races right? So spend it on this - don't waste it on bills!!

Victoria Beckham A/W12
Victoria Beckham Autumn/Winter 2012
See these and mroe at http://www.stylist.co.uk/fashion/victoria-beckham-shows-sporty-aw-collection#image-rotator-1

Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham Races tomorrow - go put your bets on and take me out for dinner if you win!!
Becky xx

Sunday 11 March 2012

Today I saw Maureen Lipman - It was a party.

Evening All,

I first have to say this ... and I don't mean to brag... but, I finally got round to taking March's issue of In Style out of the packet (don't judge, i've been busy) and guess what? Every trend I have told you to buy or become a part of is in there. That means I am officially a trustworthy source, right? Not only the trends, but also certain key piece I have told you about and style icons to watch out for - Felicity Jones, Rooney Mara, Clemence Poesy - I'm looking at you. So I'm not saying that I am Editor of Vogue material yet...but I am thinking about getting a power bob...

I had a fabulous day today with my Dad - those of you that don't know me, I am a Daddy's girl and I hang out with him all the time - it's a party. He wont appreciate me saying this but the guy is more into fashion and Cher than any gay man and yet he is the straightest thing I've ever seen - Blondie, he is looking at you (he once told me the only reason they weren't married is because she hadn't met him yet - knowing my Dad could literally persuade Liz Hurley to buy safety pins - if you don't get that I give up - then I am in no doubt this is the truth). Well today he came to visit his daughter in the big city and we did touristy things like watch a guy that looked like the lead singer from LMFAO do this weird but amazing roller skate course and then tried to run through a plastered up archway in the V&A to see if it worked like Platform 9 and 3/4 in Harry Potter - it didn't; people stared.

All in all it was one of those days where you really appreciate living in England with its varied culture, beautiful scenery... and Krispy Kremes. We ate more than the body can handle including my food soulmate - the macaron. Harrods and Covent Garden (as I discovered yesterday) have a store called Laduree which sell the most amazing macarons in a variety of flavours. If you have never had one, PLEASE do us all a favour and buy one (unless you are allergic to nuts, in which case don't....no one likes a puffy face). I would eat all my meals in this form if I could after discovering them a few years ago. PS - Laduree's website is the cutest thing you have ever seen. PPS they have just teamed up with designer Tsumori Chisato to celebrate their 150th anniversary! They have brought out a Cherry Blossom flavour (we tried it today - DELISH) which they present in a cute box designed by TC. Pick some up and hate me for making you obsessed with them. I can deal with it. They are by far the best gift to give someone and come already packaged in the sweetest (pun intended!) boxes. Give to Mummy's on Mother's day or girlfriends on birthdays and watch them ask "are you trying to make me diabetic, or just fat" like in that oh so romantic movie The Vow. You're welcome - you will understand when you have tried them.
http://www.laduree.fr/en/fabricant/produits/macarons


Now onto the oh so tasty, but in a different way....

U

Fashion Trend: Uniform - don't be creepy I am talking military. All over the runways which now means it needs to be all over your wardrobe. We are talking anything army green, anything with gun metal, double breasted blazers, trench coats, leather knee high boots, thick black waist belts and army style fixtures. Pretty much everything the boy you fancy who is the in the army wears. Everyone from Jason Wu to Burberry Prorsum showed this type of clothing on the catwalk for A/W, so you know it is going to be a big deal. Get ahead of the game by wearing anything you have in this colour with gold or gunmetal accessories, a big black waistbelt and black leather flat boots - that's an order.

Alexander McQueen A/W12
http://www.wwd.com/eye/fashion/fall-2012-trend-military-surplus-5757263/slideshow/5762884#/slideshow/article/5757263/5762886

TinyAverageFashion Piece: Undies!! Now in the future, don't get me wrong, I want to shop at Rigby and Peller, Agent Provocateur and La Perla, but you have to look at what I found. Now I am not condoning these nor want you to think less of me, but the bit in me that loves reciting all the words to Wayne's World and still wrestling with my brother even though I am nearly 23 and he is 26, is in love with these. It is a collection from House of Holland that literally says what's inside the tin....if you see what I mean. These are only for those of you and your partners (I nearly wrote parents then - these are NOT APPROPRIATE for parents!!) who have the sense of humour necessary to understand the frivolity of these. Do not send to your feminist friends or to your brother who lives on a commune in India praying and doing yoga. Enjoy them for what they are... a little bit of innocent (ahem) fun. I have put the least racy ones on here. Girl's undies £18, boys £21 all from http://shop.houseofholland.co.uk/collections/underwear
Brunette

Store or Label: Uniqlo - I am quite new to this store because I only really get the chance to go when I am in London. I do remember years ago my Nan (of all people) telling me they were important. Turns out she isn't wrong (well I am sure she is wrong about George Clooney being gay, but...). It is like a cross between H&M and Gap/J.Crew. They have good quality, fast fashion at a reasonable price. Look here for your coloured denim this season and for any staples you need. They also do collections and collaborations with a lot of people, so they are definitely worth keeping an eye on. A great place to shop for your basics.


WOMEN DIP BANNER BARRETT E
Dip Banner Barette £29.90 - Try this: correct colour for getting into army trend!
http://shop.uniqlo.com/uk/goods/072146

Celebrity or Designer: Ungaro - the collections just get better and better. The summer collection was stunning. So feminine and elegant. This house knows how to dress a woman, to make her feel beautiful and special. The prints, the shapes, the materials show that the woman is the foremost importance in the design technique. Prints not dissimilar to Mary Kantrantzou, shapes like the romantic dresses seen on Christian Dior's A/W12 range. Not too shabby....

Summer 2012 ungaro.com

Spring 2012 ungaro.com
And now I must sleep for the week begins again tomorrow. Hold your heads high and be all you can be! Night!
Becky xx





Friday 9 March 2012

Today I have mostly been wearing one pointe shoe and one hold up

How's it going? Got that Friday feeling? I certainly have! Today as I was travelling I contemplated some of the many things that I have seen on the tube and came up with my top five to share with you...

5 - Dancing to the beat of your own drum? Or dancing to your iPod. Whatever it is, there is an absurd amount of people who range in movement from toe tapping to head banging to full on dance party. It is terrifying to stand next to an angry 18 year old listening to heavy metal head banging so hard I am afraid he will get whiplash.
4 - Listening to foreign people speak on the tube. I was listening to two young Eastern European men speak to each other in a language that was not English and it was fascinating. Especially because in between a string of words I didnt understand I picked up a few that they randomly said in English. The conversation went like this (# = words I do not understand due to being in a different language) "############### a bit too close to home hahahahaha########### F**K OFF hahahahaha ################## (whilst he rubs his hands) so so soft ############# yeah people say 'mother f***** all the time over here ############ I love bagels". What on EARTH sort of conversation is that???!! I wouldn't be able to fit that many random things into one conversation if I was talking to a room full of drugged people who thought I was talking about purple carpeted courgettes. This was literally in the space of 3 minutes. It was a confusing party.
3 -  The 'who fancies who game'. This is the best game ever. When work colleagues (a female and a male) get on the tube I like to guess which one of them fancies the other. Yesterday a distinctly Sarah Palin looking woman was completely obsessed with her younger co-worker. She stared at his hands and looked at his mouth when he was talking. Also she had cheeky peeks at his face when he wouldn't notice. Things she was doing wrong - not brushing her hair, wearing no name trainers instead of cute ballet flats (granted we arent all crazy people like me and wear heels to and from work on the train, but we are also not stopping at LA Fitness for a quick run on the treadmill in our suit; work it out - literally), he was about 18 - she was not, she looked like Sarah Palin - he resembled what every single one of your brother's friends looked like when they were only 15 and going through that "my hair will clean itself if I leave it for 6 months" stage. This game also works for 'guess where people work' and if youre really bored 'which stop will he get off at'. What? You make your own fun....
2 - People doing homework - I like to sit next to them and join in without them noticing. It was difficult today though because I don't speak French, so when she turned to me and said "excuse me but it's a little off putting with you reading my verbs out loud" I replied with "Sacrebleu! I was only trying to help love!!!!" Please only sit next to me on Monday if you have math homework to do - i'm bored of languages, economics and psychology.
1 - The literature people read on the train is my ALL TIME FAVOURITE THING!!! I must admit, being on the tube twice a day for 45 mins a stretch each time does make you want to do something to pass the time so you dont have to look at the dude giving you the eye.....just no, believe me. So, a lot of people read. Common things are, The Metro, The Evening Standard, general newspapers, the latest fiction, homework, notes from work etc. Or, if you are incredibly insane, PORN!!!! That's right, I have seen things that would be shied away from in even the most leather clad of dungeons owned by women who have changed their names to the likes of "Mistress Pain". If your wife doesn't want you reading it, then what the heck makes you think we want to see you reading it.... I am currently reading Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H.Lawrence, but am too scared to read it on the tube because I don't want to be judged....after all there is no dogging in it.

Things I will not tolerate on the train: PDA!!!! For those of you unfamiliar with this it means public displays of affection. I will accept hand holding but NOTHING more. It is not cute to get your girlfriend preggo on the tube....and not sanitary either, dont make me bring up the bacteria on the pole again. I saw a giggling couple full on making out on the tube last night - and they were over 50!!!!!!!!! I have no problem with love at any age, but I dont want to see a 25 year old eating his gf's face, so I defo dont want to see his Dad doing it. Use protection kids - take the bus.

Here are some more fabulous things I heard today though:
- Topshop in Vegas opened today!! As if that place needed more sparkle! Oh well another reason to visit - for research purposes of course. I really have no intention of wearing a green plastic visor, holding a KFC bucket filled with quarters and playing on something called Kitty Glitter...most of the time
- Have you heard the song by Nikki Reed (Rosalie in Twilight) and her hubs Paul McDonald 'Now That I Found You'? I listened to it once and didn't like it - now Youtube doesn't even need to ask what I want. I want that. Always. LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Tesco 99p nail polish is my lover. It lasts 2-3 days, comes in a range of colours and is the only thing left on the McDonalds 99p menu that isn't 1 chicken nugget

Now on with the show:

T
Dior A/W12 Collection
Fashion Trend: Tutus!! Basically, those of you that know me, know I love everything ballet. I constantly curse my parents for not birthing me into Darcy Bussell....or at least making me taller than 5'4'' with an addiction to chain smoking and not eating. No love. But basically anyone who saw Christian Dior's show from Paris Fashion Week MUST have seen the ballet resemblances in so much of the collection. Critics say Bill Gaytten (current Creative Director) was playing it safe because waters are still unsettled after the departure of John Galliano. I say PFFT!!!! I LOVED the collection. It may not be the most fashion forward on the runway, or even the most from CD themselves, but it was SO romantic, feminine and beautiful. It also had everything: pleats, leather, bold prints, sheers to name but a few. Bill created high heels that from the front look like block pointe shoes!!!! I. DIE!!!! Also he played around with the idea of tutus, ballet jumpers, sheers and tulles in light grey, pinks and creams, making a collection that would make the entire ensemble of Swan Lake's eyes water!! This may not come to fruition, but at least look into the ballet jumper - knits were HUGE on the A/W runways - so will defo be a fab alternative to that. To be honest, I have seen tutus in a few magazines/stores, so im going to run with it.....no wait, grand jette with it. Collection can be found and drooled over at http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-CDIOR/
Block Pointe style heels - in all colours

Fashion Item: Tights! - Statement Tights. I am the person that other people get annoyed at in summer when I complain I am too hot because I am wearing tights. I dont think there is any better accessory than statement tights. You can mix prints with tights and a crazy skirt or you can jazz up an LBD with them. They keep you warm in the winter and sassy in the summer, what's not to love. House of Holland knows where its at when it comes to tights, so look there, but also remember most designers do hosiery of some kind so always look in the accessories section of a website. Vintage tights with seams up the back and so sexy and feminine and can usually be found fairly cheap at vintage fairs. Otherwise just go crazy!! I dont like fishnets - cheap and not classy. Everything else goes!!! Such a cheap way to accessorise!!
House of Holland I'm Laddered Tights
House of Holland £12
http://www.tightstightstights.co.uk/house-of-holland-m13?gclid=CL7Mndrz2q4CFVEjfAodVUp2ZA






Agent Provocateur Parisian Hold Ups £35
http://www.agentprovocateur.com/hosiery/view-all.html
Leg Avenue Opaque Tights With Kaleidascope Print (7147) Thumbnail
WOW Fashion Kaleidascope Tights £10.18
http://www.uktights.com/section/75/wow-fashion

Store or Label: Topshop Unique. This is the more expensive runway collection at Topshop. It is worn by celebs the world over and I love it because it is much more difficult to get your hands on than the run of the mill Topshop stuff. Everything on their S/S12 collection should be mine - golds, black and white are the colours of choice and it is like a MASSIVE Egyptian capsule collection. Topshop Unique is for those of us who cant quite afford Prada yet, but still want key designer pieces in our wardrobes. Prices are usually £70 and above, so not cheap, but totes worth it. Totes mcgoats. All items Topshop Unique from http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&langId=-1&viewAllFlag=false&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208522&parent_categoryId=208499&beginIndex=1&pageSize=20#catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&langId=-1&viewAllFlag=false&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208522&parent_categoryId=208499&beginIndex=21&pageSize=20
All Seeing Eye Maxi by Unique**
All Seeing Eye Maxi - £110
Hieroglyphic Foiled Jumper By Unique**
Hieroglyphic Foiled Jumper - £140



Cut Out Flatforms by Unique**
Cut Out Platforms - £110

Celebrity or Designer: Neither a celebrity nor a designer in it's own right, but TWILIGHT COMES OUT ON DVD ON MONDAY BAAAAAAAAAH!! Go buy it...but balance it out by buying The Help too, which is one of my all time favourite movies and comes out on the 13th. Go, be joyous and be brooding with your marble vampire boyfriend.

Night!!
Becky xx