I Didn't Wear: Contrast Tuxedo Blazer and Sequinned Skirt

I've begun saying my goodbyes before I head back to Korea in just a couple of days time. Today I said goodbye to my youngest brother who is away at university - I cried on the street in front of Selfridges, what a ninny!

Anyway, I currently have a mountain of stuff that somehow all needs packing. Thankfully I'm using the bedroom of the aforementioned brother as my packing room. Now...I should be packing as I'm sat here writing this, that or sleeping, but as they say, 'out of sight, out of mind'. I should also add that I'm pretty much the queen of procrastination sooooo...

...instead of doing anything I should be doing I thought I'd show you an outfit I put on to go out this weekend. It didn't make it out the door though because....

1. It was bloody freezing outside.
2. My mum said she wasn't sure about it.

You're probably  laughing at me for that last reason!

Although my mum is first to admit she's 'not up on fashion' I do always like to take her opinion and at least give myself time to consider it. After all, it's not often I have her around to ask either! So, I promptly changed into something that you've all seen before but which did however include tights. Much warmer :) 

On reflection though I think I still quite like this outfit so I thought I'd show you lovely people and see what you think.

Unfortunately I couldn't fathom (in the short time I had - always running late for a night out) how on earth to get my feet in the photos without them looking weird! I paired the outfit with my suede cowboy-esque boots from this post a while back so you'll have to use your imagination. 

Mainly I just love the way the skirt twinkles and the dusty pink colour of it. I'm feeling like this outfit might be coming out to play when Spring weather hits! What do you think? Do you ask anyone's opinion on what you wear? Would you listen to your mum?

xxx

PS: As I mentioned, I'm getting ready to leave England and I'm kind of rushing around like a headless chicken. As I result I've barely had time to get on my computer (which seems to be breaking down on me as well) to reply to peoples comments. I'm really sorry! I am still reading them all though and I promise it's only temporary. If you've asked me a question I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible! :) x

Last Minute New Years Eve Inspiration!

2012 IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Well, very very nearly! I've spent my day browsing the Internet for outfit inspiration. As a New Year's Eve rule I always opt for glitzy glamorous dresses. A little black dress is fine but I love a touch of sequin embellishment or a fully sequinned dress. It's New Years so anything goes! You can apply the same rule to footwear too, bring out the glittery heels and plenty of shiny accessories. If you can't wear sequins and glitter now then when can you?! 

There's still just enough time to place an order with next day delivery via ASOS. They have some really cute sequin dresses, like the ones above, all perfect for NYE! Hurry!

After sussing out the clothes I then went on to browse for make up inspiration. Of course what better place than Pinterest to find some ideas this year?!

                                                                   Source: glamorousmakeup.tumblr.com via Amelia on Pinterest

                                                                  Source: hellokittyems.tumblr.com via Amelia on Pinterest

                                                                         Source: Uploaded by user via Amelia on Pinterest

Source: makeuptalk.com via Amelia on Pinterest

A lot of sparkle right there, huh!! 

When it's New Year I seriously don't believe you can really over do the sparkles. Okay, that's a tad wrong. Maybe glittery body lotion is a bit 1999 but generally speaking it's the one night of the year where you can basically get away with as much glitter as you like!

Mind you, I don't fancy my chances at re-creating many of the looks above. I also don't know how practical it would be to do your lips like the last picture (I imagine it would make for re-application nightmares) but doesn't it look pretty. You'd always know which champagne glass was yours too!

So...what are you doing to celebrate tomorrow and what will you be wearing?

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.

All I want for Christmas is...

The excitement of the holiday season mixed with busy schedules of work and Christmas parties means Christmas day itself is going to come around fast, I can feel it. Shopping for Christmas gifts needs to be fitted in too.

Wondering "what can I buy my mum/dad/friend/boyfriend/girlfriend?" can actually make it a bit of a stressful time of year sometimes. You can put together a Christmas wish list to help your friends and family and take a little bit of the stress out of shopping for them. Although it'll still be a surprise which gift you get you're sure to get one that you'll be really happy to receive. No-one likes that feeling when you open a present and have to pretend you love it. It's even worse for the person giving it if they suspect they've bought a dud gift.

I've put together a few (trust me, there's a lot more!) things that would bring a huge smile to my face on Christmas day. 

Markus Lupfer knit dress
£310 - glassworks-studios.com

Zara sequin clutch bag
$60 - zara.com

Michael Kors gold sports chronograph watch
$250 - bloomingdales.com

Mulberry black wrap bangle with heart charm
$230 - mulberry.com

House of Harlow 1960 Costume Jewelry - Reindeer Antler Ring
$75 - charmandchain.com

Deborah Lippmann Nail Glitter Nail Polish 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy'
$18 - barneys.com

Diptyque Limited Edition Winter Collection Votive Candle Set
$84 - saksfifthavenue.com

Juicy Couture Sequin Fingerless Gloves  
$38 - nordstrom.com

I'm not sure if it's because of the festive season being upon us now but most of the gifts that have grabbed my attention so far seem to have been sparkly and gold.

Although I made the list based on things I hope Santa brings me, I feel they're also great ideas for what to buy for young, stylish and fashionable ladies if they haven't been so kind as to provide you a list. What do you think?

• I think cute sequinned knitwear like scarves, hats and gloves are a safe bet to give to your friends for Christmas. The little twinkle of sequins adds a lovely pretty touch that feels perfect for the season. 
• Scented candles are always well received gifts. Even if someone hasn't really shown an interest in them before once they light one and get to enjoy the soft glow and gorgeous aromas they're sure to be thankful. 
• Nail polish makes a great stocking filler and any from Deborah Lippmann will be totally on trend. The sparkle polishes are perfect for the party season.
• Jewelry and watches are a little harder to buy  and usually more expensive so it's best to really know someone's taste first. If you are wanting to pick up jewelery the most important things to know are do they wear silver or gold more and do they prefer delicate pieces or big chunky statement stuff?

Let me know your take on Christmas gifts. Do you write to Santa? Would any of these items be on your Christmas wishlist?  

xxx