On the Subject of Cats

I might be biased as a cat lover but I do love these wedges by Charlotte Olympia. They've been out for a while now and I was undecided weather I liked them a lot or thought they were silly- I'm going with like.

I'd wear them with rolled up black jeans like in this pic or black tights and a block coloured 'sack' dress. Wearing them with something too fancy would be a whimsical mistake.

I spotted these scarfs this weekend while shopping at Circus 11 in Old Street. By Silken Favours, I couldn't get enough of their various cat prints.

Available at Liberty's

Bernstock Speirs Hat

I can't decide weather this bobble hat by Bernstock Speirs is fabulous or just plain silly. Sure, I enjoy a dramatic hat just as much as the next girl but could this be a step in the wrong (wacky) direction?

Available at Liberty, £70

The CITP

For the best t-shirts around I like to go to The CITP in Huddersfield (The Connoussiuers Independent Trading Post) to pick up a couple of designs by the propietor, Benaiah Matheson. 

Available at Asos market place and The CITP

The new shop

Orange

Like my brother (Benaiah Matheson) I have always been a big fan of orange clothing, so I am so pleased at all the orange on offer this season. Here are a few of the pieces that will hopefully be winging their way into my wardrobe over the next few months, yes I will be rocking some orange this winter!

ORANGE

An orange moment courtesy of Cos.

Cos again- Firstly sorry for the very dodgy picture, I couldn't find an image of the dress online and when I went to buy it they didn't have my size therefore all I have is this snap of me in the changing room... I'll either wear this with a grey cashmere jumper over the top or with a long sleeve stripy tshirts. Black ankle boots and socks. 

Jumper... Cos.

Debenhams?- Shocking I know but this dress by Roksanda Ilincic is AMAZING! Again i'd dress it down with a tshirt underneath.

I'll probably leave the hat at home next time but I love to wear this dress by NW3 with stripy t-shirts or grey sweaters underneath.

My all time favorite orange moment- Vintage Lanvin.

Hair Bobbles

I forgot how much fun hair bobbles are, and with more people opting to tie their hair up in buns and ponytails it's about time the novelty bobble was embraced by adults.

Purchased for £1 at Pax in Dalston. They are sold in a pack of 5 in lots of different colours.

A childhood favorite. The ring comb is a great base for a hair bun.

Carvela 'Grass' Wedges

I know I used these shoes in my last blog but I really do like them. What could be more lovely on your feet than a pair of red suede wedges? They look super high but the platform ensures comfort, therefore wearing these is just a balancing act for those of us who don't fear heights. I can think of so many outfit scenarios where these shoes could make an appearance.. My wardrobe needs them.

Look!

Carvela at Kurt Geiger, £150

Wear with cropped skinny jeans, maxi dresses, mini dresses, smocks- The possibilities are endless!

The black is practical but lacks the charm of the red. They should have made the wedge suede as well on these ones.

http://www.kurtgeiger.com/online-shop/222751-carvela-grass

Starry Eyed

I enjoy this dress immensely. I didn't think I would be getting on the star wagon but I can't deny the charms of this one and priced at £70 from Oasis it is well within my reach. I'll probably just wear it with...

My white Converse

OR

Purple Louboutins to add a bit of colour.

These platform wedges from Carvela could also be an interesting accompaniment, £150

Throwing a jumper over the dress to make it into a skirt could also be nice.. Just thinking out loud!

Russian Dolls

Since I played with my cousins Russian doll when I was little (another blog with a childhood throw back) i've been a big fan of them. I must of spoken about my love of  Russian dolls quite a bit because people keep buying them for me...

Eugenia

Laura

Hailey

The Golden girls- I need this one in my life!

Robyn in her Russian doll playsuit, you can't really see the print in this picture but they are definitely there- I had to buy it!

Pippi Langstrump

Ever since I sat in my aunts room watching the films when I was little I have been a big fan of Pippi Longstockings. I mean how can you not be? This is a girl with pig tails that stick out as if a pipe cleaner has been stuffed down them, a house called Villa Villa Kula, a monkey... A horse= amazing. Oh and she has super human strength, what more could you want?!

On a recent trip to Stockholm I was able to indulge my love of Pippi at the Astrid Lindgren (author of Pippi and lot's of other children's books) museum, thanks Eugenia!

Pippi pier boards

 I am Pippi...

And Eugenia is the Granny.

Pippi and Mr Nilsson paper doll postcard.

Lulu Magazine

I stumbled upon this magazine when looking for a back issue of Lula Magazine online. I'm not sure what it is (I think one site said it was a 'humor magazine for men only') but I LOVE this illustration by cartoonist, Don Ulsh. I need to find more!

The 'girl of my dreams'- High waisted shorts with scalloped hem and mules, so pretty.

Pulp

Pulp by Byredo Perfums is expensive even by perfume standards but smells like it's worth every penny.

I first spotted this Swedish brand on a recent trip to Stockholm. It smells quite sweet but clean... It's so hard to describe scents.

Available in two sizes- 50ml (£88) and 100ml (£130)

Also lovely, a very floral scent.

Office Ballet Pumps

Is it too late to embrace the studded ballet pump? I'm not sure but these are the best high street ballerinas i've seen. Office, £55

Peyton and Byrne

I have just been given the Peyton and Byrne cook book, British Baking. I love to bake and there are sooo many recipes in this book I want to try out... My waist line might not survive this one.

The book

Carrot Cake with Honey Cream Cheese Icing, exciting!

White Converse

Sometimes I find myself on a quest. Weather it's for the perfect black skirt (bought from Cos a couple of months ago) or a white t-shirt that I can wear with everything (Hanes beefy ts), occasionally the space in my wardrobe is apparent and i'll shop specifically to fill it.
One of these spaces has been clear to me for a really long time, years even. Many moons ago when I worked in Office, Converse came out with an all white high top, even the eyelets were white! Being young and stupid I dithered around and when the time to buy came, they were gone. Subsequently I bought a pair of ecru high tops with cartoons all over them, which have faired me well over the years but have never taken the place of a simple pair of 'blanc en blanc's'.
I've searched high and low for them and finally they have come out again (happy days) and proved why they have been the missing link in my wardrobe for so long.

See...

The shoes- No longer with white eyelets but they still fill the gap.

They don't stay white for long... I like to wear them with ankle socks by Falke in navy, beige or cream.

Topshop Trench Coat

I saw this coat yesterday and loved it. I like the inverted pleat at the back and three quarter length sleeves. I just wish it were real leather instead of synthetic, i'd pay more for that. 

£98, Topshop

Loafers

I am a big fan of loafers and brogues. I think the loafer is particularly great because they bridge the gap between formality and comfortableness (probably not a word but suits my purpose). I ummed and ahhed about investing in a pair from Russell and Bromley for ages but then lucky old me found an a pair of vintage Bally loafers in Huddersfield vintage market for £4, unworn and in my size.

The loafer report:

Russell and Bromley is probably the most popular loafer makers at the moment, however...

This new range by Tommy Hillfiger and G.H. Bass and Co may steal their thunder. Made using traditional methods these authentic penny loafers are pretty special. Blue soles!

These navy loafers from Church's are also not without their charms.

The Bally find, love!

Dior Nails

After a very long blog absence (had things to muse about but haven't mused), I felt that my new favorite thing deserved a post; brace yourself it's going to be pretty shallow. Dior top coat for nails is incredible! Put it over any nail varnish and it not only enhances the shine but also dries your nails to rock hard in less than 10 minutes and makes your paint job last for at least a week and a half if not longer. This top coat is a must have for those of us that like to have painted nails but never have the time to do it.

Buy me!

Liberty + Nike

Is there no brand who hasn't collaborated with Liberty? I liked the Liberty Barbour jackets but I love the Liberty Nike Blazers. 

Architectural Jewelry

St Pauls Cathedral- This is my favorite new thing. The spires make it a little bit dangerous but it's the kind of jewelry that can transform an outfit from a bit plain to a alot interesting. I'd like a few more architectural rings in my life, Westminster Abbey next please.

Topshop, £12.50