The Mystery Box Revealed // Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel

I'm back from my trip to the UAE. And yes, the post-holiday blues have already set in! Of course, being re-united with Stevie meant I was always going to have an awesome time, but the whole trip exceeded my expectations. Each and every minute was brilliant. If you follow me on Instagram you'll have seen a bit of what I got up to. I'm going to do a series of posts about the trip, like a mini-diary showing you what I did, wore and saw.

But, whilst I sift through the zillion photos I took, I thought I'd show you what was in the mystery box that featured in my last post. I was thrilled to finally open it and find out that it was a Phillip Lim White Pashli Satchel - a bag I'd been coveting for some time! You may remember my Christmas Wish List included the black with gold hardware and I wrote a post about white bags with this included, too.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel - HERE 

Zips Down

I Know I Shouldn't Be But.... // + Biker Boots & Bag

First off, happy Halloween everyone! I thought about doing a Halloween themed post but there's not much to show you since I've not really done anything to celebrate. I did carve a pumpkin today though, there's a pic on my Instagram if you want to see my skills effort! Truth be told, at this time of year there's really only one celebration I really care about...Christmas! Yes, I'm afraid I am one of those people who gets excited about Christmas crazily early. The arrival of certain things, like christmas products in the shops and the Starbucks red cups, only serves to crank up my excitement and get me wondering how soon is too soon to put up my tree?? I do appreciate that it's still technically October right now, yes.

A quick after work shopping trip a couple of days ago turned into full blown Christmas excitement when I realised one of my favourite home stores has their Christmas decorations on sale. Mainly though, I thought I'd show you some quick iPhone snaps because I wore two new wardrobe favourites. 

I'd been on a hunt for some real leather biker boots for quite some time but had no luck over here (at least not in my size) then I saw these on the Dorothy Perkins site and there was free shipping with 10% off. They fit perfectly and I'm impressed with the quality. I know they're going to be my winter favourite because they feel so sturdy. 

The bag is another new find. It's from Zara and I liked it mainly because it's big and it's suede, which seemed a bit different. It's great as an everyday, go anywhere kind of bag. The rest of the outfit is fairly uninteresting; skinny jeans, chunky knit cardigan and a leopard scarf. The outfit is just so easy to throw on and feels so comfy and cosy.

Anyway, the shopping trip itself turned into a Christmas decoration shopping spree and the one thing I went to find fell by the wayside.

Spotted the store from across the mall.
Black Suede Shopper Bag - Zara (here) //  Black Leather Biker Boots - Dorothy Perkins (here)

Yes!

Now, I know some of you will be looking at this and thinking it's ridiculously early (and you'd be right to think that, it is) to be talking about this but I can't help but get excited. It's such a festive, fun time of year that everyone can enjoy, honestly, I can't wait!

So, with all that being said I want to know if anyone else is already excited for Christmas? And when do you reckon I can decorate? Usually I hold out until December but I'm thinking the first weekend after my birthday (21st November) might be as far as I make it this year! Is that too early for me to put up my tree?

xxx



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MCM // The Brand To Watch

Before I moved to Korea I'd never even heard of MCM. From the day I first arrived I remember the MCM logo print catching my eye and I'd see it around every now and then. Nowadays, MCM's popularity has sky rocketed here in Korea and MCM bags are as popular and desirable as some of the top designer brands. 

It's Korean owned, but began in Germany. It was bought a few years ago by a Korean woman who's working to build it into a world-recognised luxury brand. Since I live in Korea I take a particular interest in Korea-related happenings and I've noticed the brand getting more and more exposure by celebrities like Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Justin Beiber (no less!), he apparently dropped $7000 on a few items for himself and girlfriend Selena Gomez. I also heard that an MCM store just opened in Harrods in London this August. Despite all this though, some of my friends back home still haven't seen or heard of MCM.

Well known or not, I've been wanting to make an MCM purchase for a while since I love the style of their goods and the feel of the leather is so beautiful, plus, I like the Korea link. When I saw this wallet I knew it'd be my first purchase; an easier on the bank balance 'ice breaker', so to speak! You all know the hot pink interior is what really sold it to me! Next on the list is one of the Cognac Visetos bags from the Heritage Line, they're the most iconic pieces from MCM and quite timeless, I reckon they have the makings of a classic!

I hope that in thirty years I'll be proudly toting around my vintage MCM pieces and telling stories about when I lived in Korea and MCM wasn't really that famous. I'll probably enjoy a little laugh about how obscene the prices are too! ;)

I'm interested to know how popular MCM is where you are? Does anyone else like/own any MCM stuff?

xxx

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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.

New Lusts & Deborah Lippmann Across The Universe

Several weeks ago I mentioned a special on selected Deborah Lippmann polishes. That was when 'Across The Universe' caught my attention. Sadly the offer was only for U.S residents (still sad about that) so I didn't get the polish but shortly after that a parcel arrived for me. What was in it....? This gorgeous nail polish!

I used it on my toes right away but since photoing your feet doesn't seem the done thing in blog land I decided to wait to show you it until I used it on my fingers instead.

Deborah Lippmann - 'Across The Universe'

I think it's gorgeous! It's a navy blue base crammed full of fine blue glitter and large hexagonal green and blue glitters. I used three coats (two was a tiny bit patchy) and an OPI top coat to finish it off. I'm not usually a huge fan of dark colours on my finger nails, I tend to be a bit of a Barbie pink kinda gal, but this one is sparkly enough to be an exception! You should see it twinkle in the sunlight! You can order it online - here!

I want to say a huge thank you to my lovely, very thoughtful fiancée who was the one who sent me this. He was away at the time and had seen me mention it on here so he ordered it from a UK store for me! Such a nice surprise, isn't he sweet! 

Perhaps I should start mentioning just how absolutely, totally incredible Celine Handbags are?!!

Particularly the Luggage Phantom in stone/beige colour or white if possible. One of those would be perfect for summer, don't you ladies think?! If you want to send one of those my way honey, that'd be fine!

Via

If I really can't have the handbag though...well...I guess I'd accept a consolation gift of any ALL of the following pretty shades which will be perfect for spring/summer...

'Girls Just Want To Have Fun', 'Glitter In The Air' & 'On The Beach' - Deborah Lippmann

That is all.

xxx

PS: I'm joking about wanting him sending me further gifts, I really am very grateful for the nail polish and do think it was lovely of him to send me it. Unless of course you are my fiancée reading this...in which case...I am one hundred percent deadly serious!! :)

 If you like this polish then take a look at some other Deborah Lippmann glitter polishes I wrote about - Just click here!

Alive and Kicking - Although It's Been A While...

It's been what feels like an eternity in the blog world; a whole week has passed since I was last here and although a blog post didn't happen in that time a lot of other things have.... I moved back to Korea, I've found a new apartment, almost finished unpacking all my clothes (my goodness I knew I shopped a lot but bloody hell I have a lot of clothes!!) and after spending seven days feeling like an addict without my crack, I finally got my drug back. Yes that's right people, I have Internet in my apartment! I have re-joined the modern world!!

So, I'm hoping to get back to more of the usual in the coming days. I haven't really had time for snapping over the last week but I did take a few pics just before I left England when I ventured out for my last brunch with one of my friends.

Blazer - Topshop. Purple Floral Tea Dress - New Look.

Bracelet - F21. Sunglasses - Chloe.

Bag - Miu Miu. Boots - New Look.

There's that scarf again, bet you're getting sick of the sight of it!

I'm already missing my friends and the English food but I'm really enjoying catching up with everyone back in Korea and I really love our new apartment! I'm going to try and get some pictures to show you it soon.

Sorry this is only a quick post, I have so much to sort out here (if you've ever moved house before you'll know the chaos!) but I wanted to say hello to all you lovelies and let you know I'm still alive. That's assuming you actually noticed I was gone!! 

xxx

Dream to Reality: Miu Miu Vitello Bow Bag

Today something incredible happened. A dream of mine came true. One of my very first posts on this blog, back in August, was 'My Current Lusts'. In that post I showed you the Miu Miu Vitello Lux Tote Bag. You've probably seen this bag before, it's got beautiful bows and gold hardware. I loved it long before that post and I've loved it ever since!


When I first set eyes on this bag I knew I was in trouble. BIG TROUBLE! 

It's everything I love; a soft pastel colour, a pretty style including especially pretty bows, a big size and bright shiny gold detailing. I tried to put it out of my mind but couldn't, then to make matters worse Laura of Buy Now, Blog Later got it! 

After a couple of months of stalking the hell out of it online I decided enough was enough! It was time to start saving for it! So I did. I can't tell you how excited I am to finally have it!

Yep, I actually just sat and hugged the box for a bit. That's how happy I am!

I love it. The colour is so unusual which is one reason I fell in love with it. It changes depending what light it's under. It's technically a light pinkish colour with a hint of lilac, called 'Mughetto'. In artificial light it looks like a lilacy grey and in dull daylight it looks a little like a nude/grey colour. I'm not explaining this well but you'll be seeing plenty of it in pictures over the coming months so don't you worry about that!

I got the larger size of the bag, I have so much rubbish that I like to carry around with me that I had to get the big size. I could have saved some money by getting the slightly smaller version but I figured if I was doing it, I was doing it right! It's made of leather with a shiny, slightly distressed finish to it. Even the inside of the bag is pretty although I will admit I was a teeny tiny bit disappointed that it wasn't purple anymore. Mine came from the Miu Miu store so it's the latest season of it. The only change I can see is the inside lining is now a silvery colour rather than purple. No biggy though, it's not like I walk around showing people the inside of my handbag is it! Please excuse my slightly dishevelled state and makeup in these pictures, I couldn't wait  to open it. I'm just so happy to finally have this beautiful bag!

 

 

I Wore: Comfortable and Concealed in Leopard and Leggings.

I thought that with the passing of Christmas I would finally have a bit more time on my hands. I was wrong. Once again I find myself struggling to fit everything in to one day. Last night my family and I took a trip to see a Pantomime, a Christmassy type of tradition for lots of English people.

There was one small problem with the plan though, I've eaten and drunk SO much for the last few days I couldn't face the thought of getting dressed in anything tight or fitted! Honestly, at this point in time I couldn't care less if I never ever saw a chocolate truffle or glass of champagne again. Okay, the champagne maybe but the chocolate, eurrrgh, I feel sick just thinking about it.

There's only one answer in my hard in times like these:

Leggings!

Yes, they are my savior when times get hard or heavier should I say. They may not be the epitome of style but they are great for times like these. It was also the perfect opportunity to get another wear out of my oversized jumper dress too. Pure cosy, comfortable, concealed delight!

Jumper Dress - H&M. Handbag - Bally

If I'm wearing a plain outfit I like to add a printed scarf for a bit more interest. I started tying my scarves in a bow a few years ago. I think it looks girly and cute, like a teddy bear. Perhaps I'm deluded but either way it adds more interest. Along with a nice sparkly bracelet stack!

Leopard print scarf - H&M. Watch - Rolex. Assorted bracelets - Accessorize.

Lipstick colour - MAC 'Angel'

 

At the Panto! :)

Still in the Christmas spirit.

Tonight I'm out yet again and yet again I'm wearing leggings. Ha! Oh Christmas time I love you but I'm glad you're almost over!

Are you glad Christmas is over? What do you turn to in your wardrobe when you feel like you've maybe had one too many chocolates?

xxx

Zara Sparkle Love: Glossy Ballerinas + THE Sequin Clutch

It's official, I have a problem. I'm obsessed with sparkly things and apparently those from Zara in particular. I've always been into a few sparkles here and there, a touch of sequin embellishment can lift any outfit from drab to delightful. The thing is though, everything and I mean EVERYTHING I am buying lately is sparkly in some way.

Since September I have been lusting after the now quite famous Zara gold sequined wallet. If you read even a handful of fashion blogs you'll know the one I mean, it's popped up on my reader so many times, it's been haunting me. Well, I kept checking the Zara's in Korea and online but to no avail. It was sold out everywhere it seemed. Despite this I included it in my Christmas wishlist, hoping that someone else might have more luck tracking it down. Then, low and behold I walked into Zara and underneath the arm of a mannequin there sat what must have been the last one...in all the Zaras...in all the world, or so it seemed to me. Maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. Anyway, the point is, it's finally mine. Yeeeeaaaaah!!!

Zara Gold Sequin Wallet {Clutch} - It's mine! Yay!

 

Even the lining of this bad boy is pretty! I love it and I think it's the perfect addition to my Christmas wardrobe. I was told by Zara when I called a little while ago about this clutch that they may be getting more in-stock soon so if you too are dying to have one of these keep checking online for them. If you really reaaaally need one, you can pay over double the price on eBay.

My other Zara find was an amazing pair of rhinestone encrusted ballerina flats! I spotted them twinkling under the bright shop lights and had to (yes, had to) have them! Unfortunately you can't fully capture the sparkliness of them in photos so I nabbed a pic off Zara's website to go along with my own. It's slightly better but still doesn't do them justice. In real life the overall effect looks amazing, they sparkle so much.

Zara 'Glossy Ballerina' Flats.

If you like them, they are available online - here.

I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to wear these yet but I'm thinking they might be perfect for Christmas day with a simple dress and tights combination. What do you think? Do you like them or am I going too far with my magpie tendencies??

xxx

 

This Isn't Five Things From My Week.

I've come to realize it's a lot harder to condense your week into five photos than you may initially think. This week in particular has been packed with a million things. At the end of next week I'm heading home to England for a couple of months. Although I'm so excited to go it couldn't be a more awkward time of year to visit. Not only do I have Christmas to think about but Steve and I are also due to move apartments at the end of the year. As a result we've got a lot on our plate. We've been apartment hunting before I leave and Steve will oversee the first part of the move whilst I'm still in England. This means I have to work out what I'm taking to England and also pack up our current apartment before I go. Of course there's Christmas shopping to think about too, finishing up at my job (which I wasn't smart enough to finish a few days early, no no, I couldn't possibly give myself some spare time) and seeing friends before I leave. And blogging. And life's necessary tasks - showering, sleeping, eating and painting my nails. Yes, painting my nails qualifies as necessary!

Since I have so much to sort out, naturally, I decided it would be a great time to go and waste a few hours at the movie theatre! Why not bury your head in the sand?! We saw The Help, which has only just reached us here in Korea. If you haven't seen it yet though, I'd definitely recommend it.

When I'm busy I love going to the movies. You can switch off your phone (possibly the only time it's acceptable to do so anymore?), forget everything and completely relax for a a couple of hours. It's also great because you don't need to bother getting dressed up. In fact it's possible to get away with going to the movies looking like a total hobo if you so choose. I don't go that far (I'm scared of seeing someone I know, which of course would be just my luck!) but I've definitely developed my standard comfy-casual movie-night look. I usually scrape my hair into a high ponytail, throw on some leggings, a long vest, comfy cardigan and a scarf.

Coral scarf - Birthday gift. Coral vest - H&M. Grey waterfall cardigan - M&S. Ring - Accessorize. Watch - Rolex. 

Caramel popcorn - makes you forget your troubles.

On the way to station procrastination.

Obviously I've woken up this morning stressing like crazy about everything I have to do during my last weekend in Seoul. Why on earth did I waste three precious hours?! I'm about to start packing up my wardrobe and accessory collection. A truly mammoth task; should be seeing you again sometime in 2012!

Leave a comment and let me know what will you be doing this weekend? Do you ever dress like a hobo to go to the movies or do you fear someone will see you?

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

xxx

PS: Last day to enter my Handbag Giveaway! Do it... quiiiick! 

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.