A Beary Good Friday Night

How great are weekends?! The only complaint I have about them is how quickly they always pass. On Friday nights, even though half the time we'd love nothing more than to just crash out on the couch with a bottle of wine, my fiancé and I always try to go out and do something. It really helps to make the weekend feel a little longer. Last night, since it was a really nice evening here, we went for a stroll to the park and then for a few glasses of wine and dinner al fresco! 

I really struggle to dress appropriately when it comes to doing something like that though. Dinner and drinks calls for smarter attire than the walking around the park part, don't you agree?! Anyway, after a lot of uming and ahing about it, I opted for my new floral skirt from F21 with my beige linen blazer from Zara. A white vest, some gold flat sandals and one of my favourite vintage clutch bags to pull the look together. 

The quality of some photos isn't fantastic, sorry...but that's because they were all snapped on my brand new iPhone!! Yeeeeeaaaah! :)

Floral skirt - F21.  White watch - DKNY.  Nails - OPI 'Shorts Story'.

Gold Sandals - F21 : Only place currently stocking my size in Korea :'( Steve's trainers - Salvatore Ferragamo.

Too Many Boxes and a Winner

That's one of the little somethings I picked up for myself yesterday. Yeah - when I was Christmas shopping for other people! I think I'm addicted to F21 accessories. They're too affordable, it's not good for me.

I wanted to include that picture because the actual picture of today is neither interesting nor pretty. Basically I'm swimming in boxes here! I've spent the last 4 hours trying to pack up my wardrobe and I'm not even close to finished. I did uncover not one but three lost MAC lipsticks, a Benefit lip gloss, several dollars worth of loose change and about a zillion hair pins in various pockets of my handbags though. Every cloud has a silver lining!

 

In other news today, we have a winner of the handbag giveaway. The lucky lady chosen using Random.org is Lauren Ashleigh! Congratulations Lauren, please send me an email with your postal address. Then I'll get the bag on it's way to you as soon as possible!

To all the other people who took the time to enter I'd like to say a big thank you! You guys are all so lovely, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and follow my blog. Your comments and support mean the world to me! The next giveaway will be coming up very soon so stay tuned, it might be your lucky day next.

Sadly I have to go clear about 2 tonnes of clothing off my bed now. I'm seriously starting to question why I shop so much.....yep...it's a dark day. Wish me luck!

xxx

Blackout.

When I was a teenager I hated wearing black. I thought it was a dull, lifeless colour and associated it in my head with funerals. Nowadays my opinions completely changed. In the last week I seem to have gone a little crazy about black though, purchasing several new black items. The fact they say black is slimming may have played a small part in that, haha!  Black's also possibly the easiest colour to wear. What it lacks in colour can be made up for by varied fabrics and textured details. Black can also be worn in a beautifully simplistic way.

I've never been one for simple though so on my latest shopping trip as soon as I caught a glimpse of shimmering black sequins in Forever 21 I had to try it on. I'd been wanting some kind of snazzy black jacket, especially with party season approaching and I'm sure you've all worked out I love sparkly stuff by now, right?! So...a fully sequined black jacket was perfect for me. I love it and of course it was a steal since it came from F21.

Black sequin jacket - F21

I was aimlessly browsing the Internet when I came across my next black purchase. It actually arrived on my birthday which was nice timing. I'd wanted a new black handbag for ages now, mainly because I've been ruining my favourite, rather expensive black Bally handbag by taking it to work everyday. I didn't want anything expensive but I did want something cool looking.

Wedge Bootie Love - Forever & Today.

Say hi to my new loves. Wedge booties have been on my mind for a while now. I specifically was after a black suede pair. They have the ability to lengthen your legs beyond belief and yet they remain fairly practical. They can be dressed up or down. Pretty tunic dress or skinny jeans, they'll look equally great with both.  

With all the above in mind I've been scouring the internet for a pair because most stores here don't have my size, only a US9 I hasten to add. I checked every online shoe store I know. There was a cute pair on Steve Madden but I couldn't really commit without trying the size first. Then a friend of mine who I'd mentioned this to said she'd seen a pair in Forever 21. I had to go look. As soon as I got to the footwear I spotted them. They were perfect; but then I remembered where I was and how my feet are bigger than the average man's here (they have small feet, I do not have clown feet)! There was only three pairs there and as I turned them over to check sizes I was willing them to be my size. They were! Yey! 

In fact, I guess F21 stocks my size and has next to no demand for it because they had loads of shoes in my size. I couldn't help myself from picking up the leopard print peep-toe ones too. After all, two pairs at Forever 21 still costs less than one pair just about anywhere else.

Now, I know some people hate leopard print but I'm having a serious print obsession moment. Worn with a classy non-slutty outfit a touch of print can look great. Here's my proof for you;

Maybe not appropriate for winter in Korea though. Sigh.

                                                                    Source: quid-est-veritas.tumblr.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Have I convinced you?

 

I tried to find the boots on the website to link them up for you guys but unfortunately I couldn't so you may have to go check out your local F21. Even if they don't have the boots you're bound to find something you want. I can't seem to get out of there without buying at least two or three things. I also picked up a cute knitted scarf and some bangles on this trip.

More Forever 21 finds

Leather studded bangle set. Gold 'Love' bangle. Knitted scarf with metallic gold thread.

Leave me a comment and let me know your take then go tempt yourself on Forever21.com

xxx

Knit Necessity.

Around this time of year I like to take every chance to cozy up in a chunky knit. I have plenty of non-knitted warm clothes but after a sweltering summer it's nice to fully indulge in Autumns true arrival. For me that means knitwear. Today I slung on a cream knitted cardigan for a comfy trip out to the shops.

 

Cardigan - F21. Floral top - H&M. Handbag - B.D.Y. 

 

Hairband - Rosabella. Bracelet - Vintage from Monet.

I went on a very different kind of Saturday shopping trip, I decided it was time to pick up a better camera. I've been wanting a good DSLR for a really long time but hadn't bought one because, quite honestly, more beautiful things had taken (yes, they took it from me, I had no choice) my money. Now I'm blogging I thought it was time to make the commitment. I got a Nikon D5100. It's only a mid level Nikon but it still cost me more than my usual Saturday shopping trips ever do! I'm trying to look at it as an investment though rather than what keeps crossing my mind; it's a big black object that's a lot less pretty but just about as expensive as the Miu Miu handbag I've been dying to get but still haven't.

When I got home I spoke to one of my best friends from home who is heading out for her birthday celebrations tonight and of course for Halloween. If I was in England now I'd carve a pumpkin (which they don't even sell in the shops here, can you believe?!) and after I'd get dressed up for cocktails and dancing tonight. Instead I'm off to bake some oatmeal and raisin cookies,they never fail to cheer me up. Not sure what I'll be doing tonight.

I hope you all have a fun {and safe} Halloween night out whatever you choose to do! xxx