Making Me Smile

Hitting up the Zara sales and getting super lucky by finding a pair of nude heels that I love (been searching for a while)
 AND finding that, for once, they actually had them in my size. Not such a common occurrence here in Korea.

Baking this baby for the Mr's birthday last week and celebrating with him over a romantic dinner.

Eating this baby for  breakfast for the rest of the week. 
I don't care if it's not healthy, frosting and sprinkles make me happy.

Receiving these incredible purple, blue and white roses from the Mr as a thank you for a great birthday. 
Not something he needed to thank me for, but he's just a cutie like that.

Creating more new designs to add to my Etsy store. And all the support I've received from everyone so far, thank you!

Hitting up the Zara sales a second time and scoring this blouse for little more than the cost of a cup of coffee. Then wearing it with my orange tassel necklace. Being matchy matchy makes me happy. Maybe I'll go back for the matching blazer... No? too far?! ;)

How do the weeks keep flying by so fast?! I can't quite believe that we're approaching the end of July already, wasn't it just a few weeks ago I was saying I couldn't believe it was April? 

Despite not having nearly enough time to get everything I want to do done, I'm enjoying being busy and I suppose that's why the time's flying by. I feel like it's been a very productive week, especially if you count finding some absolute bargains at Zara in the sale, which I do!

Who else shopped the Zara sales, what did you get? Leave a link if you've featured your finds in a blog post :)

Hope everyone else is having a productive week too.

x x x

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Saturday Shopping & Speedy Snapping

Ladies, how was your weekend? Mine's been pretty hectic! Dressed casually and comfortably (the only way in my opinion when facing an entire day shopping) I headed to Seoul on Saturday. I went to try and find sandals and the bits I'd mentioned in my previous post but of course, because it's what we brits call 'sod's law', I couldn't find any of those things. Not one!

We actually began the day by going to get my diamond set in my engagement ring. My fiancé proposed with a stand in ring (maybe he knows I'm fussy) and then we chose a diamond and had a setting custom made. As such, it's taken a little while to get it sorted but now it's done and I couldn't be happier! I absolutely love it! I'm thinking of doing a little post sometime if you guys would like to see it properly?

We followed that with a pit stop for coffee and cupcakes at my favourite cafe in Seoul. Yummy! After, we took a short stroll along a stream in the city then on to the shops where, despite not finding anything I needed, I picked up lots of other things. 

Come on now, you didn't think I'd be leaving empty handed did you?!! 

I snapped some shots on my phone whilst on the go through the day. So here you have a day shopping with me:

One thing guaranteed to get me excited - cupcakes! Far too excited in fact!

Three of my favourite things - my ring, cupcakes and my nails.

Walking at Cheongyecheon in Seoul.  Beige Linen Blazer - Zara.  Orange ruffled vest - Dorothy Perkins.

You haven't seen busy until you've seen Myeongdong, Seoul's main shopping district!

Purchase 1 : Lime green bag, my nod to the neon trend - On&On

Purchase 2 : Hot pink blouse - Zara. I also picked up a couple of tees and a rather snazzy necklace too!
 I knew I should have stuck to my new rule of avoiding Zara! Dang it! 

See that cute bear in the middle? He'd have been Purchase 3 if the fiancé hadn't got in the way of things. 

Taxi to dinner : I'm happy because I got new things, he's happy because he made it out alive.  

Girl On A Mission: Summer Shopping

Today I'm a girl on a mission. I'm in the market for some holiday items for my trip to Hong Kong next week. My man doesn't know it yet, but he's in for a fun day of shopping with me! Cue evil villain laugh.

At the centre point of any summertime city break wardrobe there's one key thing, perhaps the most important of all, a great pair of flat sandals.

You need a pair you can rely on. A pair that will get you through a long day trekking the city streets, whilst still looking stylish of course! They also need to be trendy and smart enough to transition to the evening if there's no time for going back to your hotel. In my case, these sandals are also going to have to get me up 'The Peak', one of Hong Kong's most famous tourist attractions and also deal with an afternoon on the beach. So all in all I'm looking for one very versatile pair of sandals. Okay, maybe two...

I've been browsing the net for some inspiration and I've put together some of the best sandals for summer 2012!

1. Zara - $36   2. Nordstrom - $160  3. Tory Burch - $290  4. Topshop - $48  5. Marc by Marc Jacobs - $112
6. Forever21 - $15  7. Zara - $80  8. Steve Madden - $70  9. Oasis - $45

I think 1, 3 and 7 are the most suited to my needs. I also wouldn't mind getting a great white sun-dress and some new accessories - you can never have too many accessories can you!

I'm sure you all know how hard it is to find something when you actually know what you want and even more so, when you actually need it for a change, so wish me luck please! You might want to wish my man some luck too because chances are he's going to need it even more than me, poor guy!

xxx

Spring Haul: Wardrobe Re-style

Cherry blossoms below my apartment. 

Spring has finally sprung here and I've been turning my wardrobe upside down trying to put together outfits suitable for the suddenly warm weather. Of course, even though I have more than enough clothing, somehow I feel like I have nothing to wear, it's all old! I'm sure you've all stood and looked at your wardrobe and thought that at least once or twice right?!

If you saw the room that has become my walk-in closet you'd know I really don't need to go out and start buying a whole new spring wardrobe though. I decided to go out and pick up just a couple of new items to try and shake the idea of doing just that. The aim being to re-invigorate what I already have instead. Sometimes I find that just by getting a few new things I suddenly have so many more options incorporating older clothes.

Since Zara always has a habit of sucking my bank balance dry and is 20-30% more expensive here in Korea (talk about adding insult to injury!), I made a pact with myself not to go near it. Instead I headed to H&M and Forever 21, both much more wallet friendly. Turns out there's a fair amount of stuff I liked in there too...surprise, surprise!! I managed to exercise a little restraint though, a pretty amazing feat for me!

Here's the items I decided could re-invigorate my wardrobe for spring:

Cream Dipped High Low Hem Dress - F21. This is my favourite buy, I'm sure it'll become my 'go to' summer dress.
It'll work for evening or dressed down with sandals and tan accessories for a summer day.

Black Short Flared Skirt - H&M. A basic staple that'll work with so many tops and jackets, again day or night.
Big floppy hat - Forever 21. These babies add glamour and style to just about any outfit.

Purple and Blue Floral Skirt - H&M. Bright, summery and a very cute option for day with sandals or dressed up with some wedges for a summer evening out.

Accessories can absolutely make or break any outfit so of course I had to pick up a few new options.
Turquoise Headband, spiked bracelet and gold bangles - F21. Long tassled necklace - H&M.

These few additions have really helped to refresh my wardrobe and the way I'm looking at it. I feel like I can combine the new items with older pieces to make lots of brand new outfits now!

Wild Wild West: New Suede Cowboy Boots

Have you noticed a lot of cowboy inspired boots everywhere? Wooden block heels, suede and just a hint of western style detail. They started popping up on my radar in late Autumn. Yeah, I'm slow getting on this bandwagon, I know! If you read any of the popular fashion blogs like Fashion Toast you're most likely to have spotted the Dicker Boots by Isabel Marant, those were the first ones I noticed. Priced at a mere £350, I went out and snapped them up. No. I'm totally joking! Do I look like I'm made of money?!

Ever since I first saw and began lusting after those I've been craving some of the western inspired suede in my wardrobe. I shopped around for a pair. In the end, perhaps for the first, and most probably the last time in my life, I actually preferred the cheapest pair I'd seen. Shock horror!

Black Suede Cowboy Boots - New Look

I got these little beauties from New Look. They won me over because they're that perfect kind of heel height that is still really comfortable to wear and even thought they were quite cheap they don't feel it. They are made of real suede and the heel feels really solid. It's also chunky enough to be nice and stable if I choose to wear these out for my next cocktail night. Always such a bonus!

You can get your hands on a pair for £36.99 here! Alternatively, there's plenty of choice to suit every budget in the shops at the moment...

 

1. Black Suede Boots - Steve Madden - $120
2. Coconut Sammie Bootie - DSW - $64.95
3. Fran Block Heel Ankle Boot - Oasis - $115
4. Dicker Black Suede Ankle Boot - Isabel Marant - $580
5. Kenny Black Suede Ankle Boot - ASH - $325
6. Dicker Tan Ankle Boot - Isabel Marant - $580

So what do you think of Cowboy Boots? Do you have a pair or will you be getting any?

xxx

Rolls and Rain Boots

Let me introduce you to a very important person, my best friend. Not only is this lovely lady one of the kindest, most considerate friends it's possible to have, she is also now my Maid of Honor. Meet Pippa...

Bag and Boots - Aldo. Waterfall Blazer - Topshop

Isn't she so well dressed?! I always have clothes envy. If only we were more similar in size then I could steal all her clothes. Alas, she is small and I am tall, there's truth in the saying opposites attract. Being the wonderful friend she is, and also being dedicated to her new duties, she took a day off work to make a start on dress shopping with me. We managed to fit in a quick trip to Yo! Sushi and a lot of non-bridal shopping too though. Does it really surprise you?!

If you fancy some sushi, you should give Yo! Sushi a try, it's my favorite sushi place, plus there's 40% off this month. So you can save yourself some money or if you're anything like me, use that as an excuse to eat 40% more!

  

On the way home from shopping we stopped by Daniel a footwear shop. I picked a pair of much needed wellingtons, otherwise known as rain boots to the rest of the world.

I have a pair of awesome 'Duck Egg Blue' Hunters back in Korea but for some reason (I must be crazy) I didn't think I'd need them when I was in England. Yes, England, land of constant wetness. I told you I must be crazy! It's rained almost non-stop since I've been here and now that I've bought these I'm sure it won't rain again. Still, they're comfy and I think they look stylish enough to wear in place of casual boots, so I'm happy with my latest purchase.

Black Studded Wellingtons/Rain Boots - Daniel - Link!

Black boots - Daniel. Jeans - 7 For All Mankind.

I know a lot of people who think wellies are the ugliest things ever but I think this pair of better than the average. What do you think of them? Do you own any Wellies?

xxx

I Wore: A 'Schoodie', La Mer Wrap Watch & Leopard Print Nail Art

After a productive Saturday packing up the apartment we decided to fit in a spot of Christmas shopping  today. It's icy cold here at the moment so all hopes of looking chic go out the window, unless you're prepared to freeze. I prefer not to, so when the weather is like this I like to wrap up in cosy cute knits instead. This scarf is a favourite of mine, well actually I think the official term is 'schoodie' since it's a scarf and a hood combined. Either way I love it because it's so warm and wintery.

Jumping shot - FAIL. I learned today that I suck at jumping.

 

I paired my schoodie with a cream jacket from F21, simple black tights and skirt combo and my tasselled boots. I even found time to coordinate my nails. I did a metallic gold polish with a leopard print design on my ring finger. You can see how to do leopard print nail art in a post I did - here. This week my boyfriend surprised me with a late birthday present a La Mer wrap watch! I love it. You might remember I wrote a post about them a while back. He'd actually ordered it about three weeks ago but their service is shockingly slow. If you plan on ordering one as a gift for anyone I'd recommend you do it now. It's a lovely watch though and goes great with loads of my outfits.

La Mer black studded wrap watch & leopard print ring finger nail art design.

Seoul's main shopping district - Myeongdong. Do you still think it's busy where you shop?!

Christmas shopping, complete with the Starbucks red cup and some festive decorations.

The Christmas haul & me wishing you a (very early) happy New Year!

I managed to pick up lots of nice gifts for friends and family. I purchased a couple of little things for myself too (and something extra special that will be getting it's own post later). I haven't even made a start on packing my clothes and accessories away yet and instead I'm adding to the collection, ooops!

So what did you get up to this weekend? Have you begun your Christmas shopping yet?

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.

How you get your Manolos in Seoul.

I was on my way home from work today and saw this.

 

It was such a visual oxymoron of the two. A dirty old motorbike and it's delivery man driver with the crisp new bag housing expensive, chic and no doubt very elegant Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Since watching Sex and the City I pined for a pair of Manolo Blahniks, just like the other few million girls who watched it probably did too. Specifically I lusted after that incredible pair of blue satin heels in the movie. It could have had something to do with everything else about that scene too though. You know the one, when Big has bought the incredible apartment. The one with the huge-beautiful-to-die-for walk-in closet (do I really need to remind you?) and he places just the one pair of gorgeous shoes in there....'cause let's face it, if you've spent that much already you may as well chuck in a pair of pretty shoes!

Blue Manolo Blahniks from Sex and the City <3

The only thing is...I remember reading a quote from Manolo Blahnik in reference to the movie. He said, "We had a very good year last year, thanks to those stupid satin shoes. That shoe saved our company".

Errmm, excuse me Mr. Blahnik but it doesn't  really seem like the shoes are that stupid if that's really the case though does it?!! What a way to put your foot in your mouth! No pun intended there. 

Anyway for the second movie, perhaps because of that comment and a few others, in which he didn't sound a great deal more grateful, Carrie switched her allegience to Christian Louboutin. 

Lust Haves: Luxe Glam Rock Look

Hi Folks!

Hows your week going? We're approaching the end and I don't know about you but my week feels like it's flown past. Why is it that some weeks are agonisingly slow and others pass in the blink of an eye?

So what have I been up to apart from the mundane? Well yesterday evening I indulged in a little internet shopping and a lot of internet window shopping. Below is the stuff I bought and the stuff I'm lusting after.

Sadly I only bought three of the eleven items. (Gosh that ratio sucks!) I'd love to say it was the Burberry leather jacket coming in at just over one and a half thousand dollars or the Alexander McQueen Scarf but sadly I'm not rolling in it. So the quite-a-bit-cheaper leather jacket I already own will have to do. I also already own a ridiculously large scarf collection so really I don't need any more. Umm...yeah....I don't...I'm sure I have loads just as pretty as this. Yeah. Right! *sob sob*

Luxe Glam Rock by uglyducklingblog featuring a to-die-for bangle bracelet and a tonne of other stuff she wants!

Vogue Fashion's Night Out - Seoul, Korea

I've been so busy this week with one thing and another. I'm so happy that amongst other things I got to go shopping on Vogue Fashion's Night Out. The night was held here in Seoul on Wednesday 21st September.

The first ever Fashion's Night Out happened in New York in 2009. When the financial crisis hit people stopped spending money on luxury purchases. The fashion and retail industries were obviously struggling to stay afloat. So Vogue and a few of their friends put together the concept of one night only where champagne flowed freely and shoppers could be privy to great deals and discounts on designer items. Not only that it's also possible to get real life glimpses of celebrities turning out to these events. I know I would go just for a sighting of Lady Gaga or Mary-Kate Olsen! Haha! The idea in essence is that it's a celebration of shopping to remind people just how fabulous things really are and how terrific it feels to buy them.

This year Vogue's Fashion's Night Out has been held in 16 countries around the world from my home country England to Russia, from Turkey to Korea!

It just so happens that I live a short cab ride from the main shopping district of Seoul, Myeongdong, where the event was happening. It also just so happened that a lovely friend of mine and I were planning to do a bit of retail therapy.

The lovely friend.

I somehow managed to exercise some self control and didn't buy a lot. I walked away with a new coat and a very fall-esque gold dream catcher style necklace with tan feathers. It could have been much worse if only some of the stores here stocked my shoe size. I was in the market for some boots and a pair of new flats. I saw several of these that I loved but they all came up one size short of my size. Before you go thinking I have freaky feet I'd like to say I'm only a UK 7.5 but Koreans are generally much smaller! So I mainly spent the evening browsing the stores and sipping Champagne.

Vogue Fashion's Night Out. Seoul. September 21.

Oh and avoiding photographers! If I hadn't gone there straight from work I might have felt more confident under the glare of their HUGGGGGEE lenses. I think they got a few cheeky shots anyway, if felt like they were lurking everywhere ready to pounce and get the shot. If you look at this pic you'll see what I mean, they weren't shy!

Photographers getting up close and personal @ Vogue Fashion's Night Out.

The shops were pretty jam packed and I saw a lot of outfits I loved. There were two girls who really stood out to me though. These were my favourite outfits of the night!

Favourite outfits @ Vogue Fashion's Night Out.

The two girl's worked in the fashion industry so clearly that explains just how chic their looks are. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself to make me feel better about not looking like this! I loved both of these looks. The left girl's outfit stood out from the crowd the most because of the colors. The pink skirt is from the current season at Zara. Her clutch is by Marc Jacobs and honestly was to die for! The girl on the right was also wearing a skirt by Zara. Her jacket was from a Korean retailer.

All in all it was a fun night and I wouldn't mind sipping champagne every time I shop. I'll certainly miss it the next time I'm shopping. I think the night definitely does what Vogue intends, reminds you of the joy and fabulousness in shopping. A dangerous thing if you ask me!

xxx

PS: Please follow my blog if you like it. I'm in the midst of planning my first giveaway which I'm hoping I can do shortly!