A Multitude of Sins

Im in the process of trying to clear out my wardrobe right now, and turn over a little bit of extra money too. Not only am i really feeling the pinch finically, but I'm really running out of outfits that i love to wear. It sounds vain, but its not; i have a closet full of lovely things, but for whatever reason if I'm not wearing them, someone should get to enjoy them, no? I buy a lot from eBay so its a gamble as to wether the size will be right for me and also because I've dropped a bit of weight I've got all sorts that just don't work together.

These are a few snapshots from my very over-crowed wardrobe before the mass clear out, all i can say is thank god for sliding doors to hide this mess!

A selection of dresses, coats, tops and shoes that I'm trying to sort my way through. Bringing back memories of summer favourites like my Ikat print All Saints silk shift and magenta pink Joseph shirt dress.

.......And just because he's so damned adorable (and i haven't posted an outfit in a while), this is Ramboo my boy baby hamster that we dressed up just for festive funnies. The tiny hat was pinched from the lid of an M&S Christmas smoothie!

A Moment on the Hips

Olivia Palermo wore this SS'12 Mulberry Peplum top at LFW this Autumn, and ever since I've been looking for something along the same lines. Its such a simple look yet so effective; satin peplum top + black skinny jean + pumps and an oversize clutch et voila! Perfect for bringing Spring in, in style.

I had a quick look on ASOS and Shop Style to find these. I think I'm having a bit of a moment with Bronze and Gold right now- so glam and festive. I chose the Antipodium style (top) for work/casual its a fine stripe cotton with bronze silk back £120 but I'm struggling to find it in a small size. The style below is ASOS Petite and a steal at £28, I'm worried it could look slightly naff in the flesh but no doubt I'll still snap it up for last minute parties! I always look for key pieces like this to boost my wardrobe between seasons, its kitsch style will pep up old jeans with lashings of jewellery and come Springtime it'll look fresh with minimal styling and pastel tones.

Dear Diary

Listening to the Radio and hearing that Amy Winehouse's final music is being released has reminded me of these beautiful shots taken by Hedi Slimane shortly before she died. I've got a thing for black and white photography at the moment but these have to be my favourite finds so far. I adored Amy as a musician and was heartbroken to hear of her death. Despite all of her problems and troubles she was an icon and beauty in so many ways.

Hedi Slimane has captured her fragility so beautifully, but also her confusion as she struggles to stay still and looks into middle distance, its haunting. RIP to a beautiful troubled creature. See more of Designer Slimanes Photo Diary- www.hedislimane.com/diary

Queen of Diamonds

Whilst in the Launderette last week amongst the trashy magazines i came across an article in The Telegraph Magazine (19/11/11) on Elizabeth Taylor and the upcoming auction of all of her possessions. I was captivated by the story of her life and her affinity with precious jewellery, the beautiful images of her dripping in Diamonds and Gold, and stories of great romance and greater scandal...

I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it.
- Elizabeth Taylor


I was also inspired to have a rummage through my own jewellery box.I love unusual costume jewellery and have been lucky enough to be gifted some stunning vintage pieces by friends and family as well as picking up the odd designer gem along the way. 

 This is just one of my boxes! It was my Nana's and love how the ruby red leather has started to fade. I have really eclectic taste when it comes to jewellery- a lot of my favourite looks tend to be quite minimal so slipping a statement cuff or necklace on can revamp a look time and again! Inside there are pieces from Vivienne Westwood, Anne Klein, Anna Lou of London and Butler & Wilson, mixed with vintage and high street. I tend to look and ASOS and Topshop for cheap and kooky everyday pieces- my current favourite is the black and white aztec ring which has a House of Harlow 1960 feel to it but was actually from Primark (shh).

These are my favourite choices from the high street, taken from The Telegraph and Grazia they're all perfect for the party season, and have luxe Art Deco and Baroque overtones. Wear with a simple white T, skinny trousers and you're ready to go.