White Washed // Opinions Please

With spring just around the corner and a vacation to Dubai at the end of this month, it's got me thinking about my spring/summer wardrobe. I know it's only just February but the weeks fly by and it'll be warming up in no time. I for one, can't wait to get out my brights and florals again! 

One thing that's a staple in my S/S wardrobe is a white bag. I have one that I bought years and years ago and it barely left my arm for several summers. I find that a white bag is the summer equivalent of a black bag, a must have that will go with just about any outfit. Although mine has been a firm favourite for a long time, it's come to the point where it no longer actually looks, well....white! And that my dears, means it really is time for me to move on.

So with a little upgrade in mind I've been browsing the Internet for some possible options. I spotted a Prada (here) that would be AH-mazing but that's not a realistic option, unless I cancel my Dubai trip!

These are a few of my favourite contenders:

1  //  3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel - Top of my list currently, the Pashli has become extremely popular, especially in the blog world. I love the structured look and the textured leather which gives it a bit more staying power since it won't look scuffed or scratched as easily.

2  //  Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Bag - The perfect bag to sling over your shoulder, day or night. I'd like a MAC bag, since I don't have one yet, but I'm not sure it's big enough...?!

3  //  H&M White Tote - Plenty of structure and size like the Pashli at about a tenth of the cost. It'd sure save me some dollar!

4  //  Alexander Wang Rocco - Another bag that's become famous in the blogsphere. It's the studded base that makes me love this!

5  //  Brand Village Tassel Bucket Bag - Something a bit different from other bag shapes I have. I love  anything with tassels too.

6  //  Steve Madden Fringed Bag - Yeh...there is just something about tassels that I do love. Probably not the most versatile choice though, what do you reckon?

7  //  3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag - This bag just looks so sleek and clean. I love the simplicity of it. Do you think it's too plain though?

8  //  Rebecca Minkoff Triangle Perf MAC Bag - This bag is a unique re-style of the classic MAC, I love the laser cut detailing. Still not sure it's big enough though.

So ladies, this is where you come in, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. Which one's your favourite and which one do you reckon would make a good summer staple for me?

I hope everyone has had (or is ) a wonderful weekend!

xxx

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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

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!

Lust Haves: Spring Colours

If you haven't already heard, which is pretty unlikely, pastels are big this spring. Magazines, blogs and shops are brimming full of pretty pastels. What I can't help thinking though is...it's hardly really groundbreaking stuff is it?! Shock horror...pastels...spring....NO! You don't say! I feel like pastels are always 'in' for spring, maybe not quite so predominantly as this year but no-one's about to start wearing blacks and browns are they?!!

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it...in fact, I love pastel colors. The soft sugary shades are sweet, feminine and flattering on almost every skin tone. I can't help still loving some bright colours too though. I think a pop of bold colour helps to really make a pastel outfit. Plus, it's a good way to ease in to the really bright and bold colours you just know are going to be the 'summer trend'!!

I've got my eye on a few pretty 'spring' coloured things and despite not yet having any spring weather just yet I think a purchase of one or two may be imminent!.

Essie Spring 2012 'Navigate Her' Collection - Amazon

Pale Blue Blazer - Topshop

'Beth' Peep Toe Heels - Kurt Geiger

Assorted Friendship Bracelets - Links of London

In my fantasy world money grows on trees and I buy all the Links of London friendship bracelets and wear them as a colorful stack with my mint blazer. I'd have to buy the whole Essie set because I couldn't choose which one I'd want. Also, half of the appeal to me is how the set looks together, haha!

Of course, if money grew on trees I'd also buy both pairs of shoes and then get to work on finding the rest of the rainbow!

What would you buy if you had unlimited funds? Have you bought many pastels items (in reality) yet?

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!

 

 

A Steal: Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish 50% Off!

I'm so envious of all you Americans out there right now! Deborah Lippmann (the nail polish brand I am currently obsessed with) has a special offer of 50% off on three of her most popular shades. Today only you can get (from left to right in the pic) Across The Universe (amazing polish that I desperately want to try), Happy Birthday (featured in a post of mine - here) and Today Was A Fairytale for $9 each. Cheap as chips as we Brits say!

It's only available to people in America, a painful fact for me, here in bloody England! But even though I can't get in on the fun I thought I'd still share it with the rest of you who can! All you have to do is go to the link below and enter the special code 'GMA'! Eurgh, why don't I live in America?! I'd be stock piling these if I did!

LINK ~ Deborah Lippmann Special Offer!

xxx

PS: Any of my American blog friends feel like buying Across The Universe for me and sending it over to England? Not joking, I think I need that sparkly goodness in my life!

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

 

Five Things From This Week.

This week I had my birthday so of course I had to show you some of my birthday gifts from friends this year. They took on a certain theme - accessories, MAC cosmetics and pink. I'm a bit concerned that people think I'm a little like Barbie. Hmmm. Having said that I do love all these things, OPI polish, MAC lip products, eyeshadow, pretty hair accessories, jewellery and a gorgeous scarf, I'm a happy girl with some lovely friends.

I'd like to have fresh flowers in my apartment all the time. Sadly I just never seem to get around to buying them. Luckily I have a person who likes to buy them for me every now and then. Fresh flowers can brighten any space and add a fresh point of interest to a room not to mention the beautiful scents.

Glitter French Manicure

I'm a big lover of brightly colored nail polishes and occasional nail art when my patience allows. Sometimes though a simple nail is nice. I love the look of a french manicure, it's so clean and sophisticated. Plus, you never have to worry about it clashing with your clothes (that bothers me so much I have to re-paint my nails before I leave my home, usually at the expense of being on time). A fine line of silver or gold glitter polish is a great twist on a french manicure. Who doesn't like a touch of sparkle?!

Christmas isn't too far away now. I saw this great idea on Melina's blog, it's a Secret Santa for bloggers. I thought it'd be great fun to take part and of course hopefully make a new friend in this little world. Take a peek by clicking on the picture if you too feel like getting in the festive spirit.

Kylie Minogue with Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Black Tote Handbag.

Seemingly I am having a bit of a thing for Yves Saint Laurent right now. I spotted this tote in the store not so long ago and then this snap of Kylie Minogue with it. Lucky girl. Not sure about her velvet jacket and those pants. What do you think? It's not something I could get away with that's for sure. But the bag...oh the bag...that I could definitely get away with. It's such a versatile bag, clean lines, smooth leather and of course it's big enough to fit all my junk in. I would like this. A lot. Santa?

That's it for this week. I hope you all have an awesome weekend.

xxx

Five Things From This Week.

Once again, we made it to the weekend. Happy Weekend folks! It wasn't such a tough week in the end. Yes, Tuesday sucked (I didn't really talk about it, here) and there was the stress of getting my hair done (that's here) of course but other than that it's all gravy baby. Yep, I did just write that.  So here's five things from my week.

OOTOD (Outfit of the other day) - More metallic jeans.

I'm a little worried I'm starting to become obsessed with the metallic trend. I bought another pair of metallic jeans, super skinny ones this time. You know the kind...where you can't even bend over they're so tight. But they were just so shiny and silver and...shiny!

Silver Metallic Skinny Jeans - H&M. Black & Silver Studded Boots - Zara. Bracelet - Vivienne Westwood. Silver Bangle - Mont Blanc. Heart Necklace - Swarovski. Other Necklaces - F21.

'Eyelash Styling Tool'

Korea has an unbelievable amount of random beauty implements which usually I have no idea what they're even for! This though, I understood and loved. It's a tool to separate your eyelashes if they get clumped together when you put on your mascara. I don't have this problem often thanks to awesome MAC mascara but occasionally a couple will decide they want to hang out. Annoying. Previously I used a small pin to separate them but thankfully now I have a much easier and safer way of doing that. Ingenious invention.

I would like want need this Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Print Belt.

Saw this when thumbing through a Korean glossy. Leopard print YSL belt, love it! Want it. Need it? Probably not but still....it's pretty isn't it!

God damn Auto Captcha.

Dear Auto Captcha,  I. HATE. YOU. That's all. Ax

Does anyone else ever have serious problems trying to read auto captcha? This week I seem to have struggled more than ever before. I cannot tell you how many times I've got it wrong. I mean, what does that even say??

This week's MAC purchases.

I had to visit MAC to pick up a gift for a friend's birthday. And of course once in MAC, some gifts for myself. Those shop assistants see me coming, I'm sure. I needed the mascara. MAC's Zoom Lash mascara is all I ever use, it's awesome. The other two things I got tempted into buying by the pretty but persuasive shop assistant. I usually use Studio Fix Foundation but Pro Longwear turns out to be a pretty good foundation for everyday wear. The last thing is 'Pink Venus' lustre eyeshadow. I may swatch it one day but to be honest it looks awful on me, gives me a puffy eyed look. I don't know why I bought it. I was tricked. Darn her!

That's my week in pictures. I'm thinking about making this a weekly feature if you guys like it, so let me know what you think. Going out for my birthday tonight so I'm going shopping now to try find an outfit now. Wish me luck! Have a lovely weekend everyone!

xxx

I Want To Wear: La Mer Chain Wrap Watch...But Which?

I've seen La Mer watches cropping up all over the place recently. In magazines. On Pinterest (just joined - so fun, still don't really have a clue how it works mind you). On celebrities. On blogs. But, alas, NOT on my wrist. Not yet anyway.

I have to get one of these. I love them. The problem is getting one, by that I  don't mean I can't find them, I mean just one as opposed to several. Yeah, I love them that much. Here's a few I'm debating between:

I love the leather wraps coupled with the touch of girly sparkle. Each of them are so different I don't know how I'm supposed to choose. I figured those four are quite practical color choices for me since they would go with a variety of outfits but I'm kind of lusting after this one too...

Not such a practical color choice...but then practicality never has been my strong suit! Maybe that one would have been better for summer though. 

You can see more of the collection here or you can customize your own watch (fun - maybe too fun - I'm staying away!) here on the La Mer website.

Before you go browse though I need your help please...which do you think is the best choice??

xxx

PS: I hope everyone has a lovely relaxing weekend!

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!

My current lusts - Miu Miu tote bag and some pretty clutches!

My current lusts by uglyducklingblog featuring a leather clutch

The likelihood is I'll never own any of these. So sad!

Actually that's not totally true. There is half a quarter of a chance I can get the Miu Miu bag though.... if I don't buy anything else this month, including food...haha!

Bedtime for me now. I'm going to dream about the sweet scent of brand new italian leather handbags.

Good night everyone xxx

Miu Miu mini tote bag
$989 - mytheresa.com

Miu Miu mini tote bag
$989 - mytheresa.com

Yves Saint Laurent leather clutch
$695 - ssense.com

Rodo crystal evening clutch
$1,899 - forzieri.com