Life

It's been a long while since I've written to update. A lot has happened: mostly, normal "life" things such as finally finishing my final exams, passing my driving test on the third attempt (I was beyond desperation at this point), going on holiday and starting work. I'm currently working at a business communications consultancy where I deal with corporate PR. Very exciting but need to get accustomed to this rigid lifestyle of waking up ridiculously early and trying to remain perky throughout the day without my beloved cat naps. I have also discovered a new love for Loreal's much talked about BB (Blemish Balm) cream which is helping me to maintain this facade of being alive and semi-presentable.

I'm really not trying to seem like a typical "girl" here (given my aversion to any form of stereotype) but part of the fun of work is finding work outfits that you can look smart in and feel comfortable. I have yet to try a whole work day in heels although I'm constantly in awe of the career women who stomp about unrelentlessly in the latest Louboutins. I think I have to ease myself in slowly and start with the kitten heel with extra padding in the sole, otherwise I'll most likely be walking like I have some sort of leg injury which is not really the image I'd like to portray.

Anyway, last week I went to Berlin for a short pre-birthday trip and I was struck by how steeped in history the place is. Of course, we had to go to the Holocaust Memorial which was simply beautiful. Much debate has occurred regarding the design - some liken the different sized concrete blocks to coffins of dead soldiers but I interpreted it less literally. The slabs of grey, drab and concrete, seemed to evoke feelings of oppression and as you walk through, there is a sensation of things caving in and a slight claustrophobia takes hold. Inside the memorial, there were plenty of insights into victims of the holocaust and the focus was on them as individuals which I found fascinating, as so often, you just learn of impersonal facts. When you learn about victims in terms of their lives, their ambitions and emotions, everything becomes darker and even more disturbing. It still shocks me to learn how humanity can twist itself and adjust to such blatantly evil and immoral actions.

Autumn!

I love Autumn.

As much as sunny summer days are lovely (and a novelty in England), I am a bit of an oddball in the fact that any weather which means I have the potential to sweat my makeup off is not ideal. Thus, Autumn with its blustery, chilly days is perfect for a lover of layering, boots and big hefty coats. That's one of the good things about living in the UK. Slightly weird but I love the changing of seasons and a lot of the time it really reflects my mood or where I'm at in my life. Autumn always reminds me of new beginnings, maybe because of the new academic term starting and the beautiful ambers and burgundys of the leaves.

My top Autumnal fashion picks from the high street:
1) Faux Fur

I LOVE this trend although it can sometimes be a difficult one to pull off. Remember, there's a distinct difference between classy and trashy and we definitely don't like the latter look. If you're slightly intimidated by wearing fur for the first time, I would suggest going for fur accessories to add a touch of oldschool glamour to your outfits but not completely overshadow them. I love the tote bag above from Nine West which is currently on sale at £55 and its size makes it ideal for work or uni.

I have also become slightly obsessed with the oh-so-chic accessory: the snood. The snood, in particular the faux fur snood, really affects an air of 20s glamour. They're pretty much available in most fashionable shops now but if the snood is too odd a concept for you, go for the good old scarf. This one featured is vintage-looking beaut from River Island at a relatively hefty £32. I reckon you could get some cheaper, more authentic fur scarves from Notting Hill Market but they would be real fur and since I've got a dog, I'm pro-faux fur.

2)My favourite shoe: the boot!

I adore boots. I love their versatility. Whether they're ankle boots rocking up a floral dress and blazer or knee high boots over jeans and a embellished tunic, boots can make an outfit. Last year, everyone was raving about thigh-high boots and I must admit I wasn't so taken by them back then. However, this year (just 12 months behind everyone else), I have decided that I love them. When done well, mind you. Anything else borders worryingly too much on the Pretty Woman side so flat is definitely the way to go with this trend. Unless you're some kinky dominatrix.

These brown suede ones pictured here are Ralph Lauren and really capture the equestrian theme that never goes out of fashion. The brown gives it a nice casual look and the luxurious suede means that this daring design could never look cheap. Plus, they're £1050 so I doubt 'looking cheap' would really be an issue.

3) The investment coat



Because you just have to!! I'm usually one for classic black but this year I've been lusting after camel coats. Camel is a colour that just exudes elegance in my opinion. My absolute favourite that I've found is this gorgeous long wool and angora coat which screams sophistication. It's £550 though so I may have to find a cheaper alternative although I doubt I'll be able to find one of this quality :(. I console myself by thinking one more year at uni left and then I'll be earning money and can justify treating myself more? I doubt that reasoning will hold.

Hope you enjoyed xxx

The Kitten Heel

I am really feeling the kitten heel - subtle and elegant, they add an ounce of femininity to even the most androgynous outfits. To the right is a pair of my mum's vintage LK Bennett kitten heels. Classically chic and elegant but the backless design makes them bloody hard to walk in. Oh well, they're so pretty that you forget about the pain. I'm thinking pastel coloured ones for demure summer walks about London...

Love for Block Heels

A key trend that's been spotted on the catwalks since last year is the gorgeous block heel. Not only does it give you the much-desired height but it is a far comfier and more casual alternative to the stiletto. I am a huge fan of this style - it looks incredibly high fashion and you can get away with wearing block heels during the day or at night. The blue and green platform sandals above are from ASOS at a relatively hefty £95. They are such a statement piece and I love that block feels have that luxury fashion feel but still maintain a bit of playfulness in contrast to the overtly sexy stiletto.

I think the block heel is a good way to break yourself into wearing heels. I, a complete pumps lover, have always wanted to wear more high heels but due to my being rather unusually tall for an asian, have always opted against this. I have, however, decided to take baby steps and overcome my fear and bought these gorgeous Carvela block heel sling- backs which were on sale and a bargain at only £39.

Doing grown up elegance best

Jaeger are the epitome of a 'grown up' brand. While, I love their elegant cuts and chic designs, being labelled grown up can sometimes be a polite way of saying 'boring.' But, according to their recent LFW catwalk show, their spring/ summer collection is full of gorgeous pieces, true to their classic brand but with a sharp modern twist.

I adore this silk black tipped jacket. It's boxy shape would make a lovely contrast to a floaty dress and the shimmery blue colour adds a bit of a playfulness to it. Plus, I LOVE the black tipping and the lapel - I'm a sucker for tuxedo jackets.

never without inspiration

Recently, I've been looking to the past for inspiration in making fashion decisions. There's such a wealth of fashion history out there and there's so much to play around with...

I'm a huge fan of Art Deco designs and I was browsing on the Pasttimes website (yes, many people think it's just for grannies but hey, I have an old soul) and there are some absolutely gorgeous pieces that are completely inspired by this period, with their geometric shapes and strong motifs at pretty reasonable prices.




I have been lusting after these 'emerald' earrings which also have a matching necklace and ring. I absolutely adore statement jewellery; it never fails to brighten up a dull outfit or add a quirky touch to a classic look.

When looking through history for fashion inspiration, there's no way you can ignore the fashion of the sixties. And top on my wish list is this beautiful tapestry bag which has a retro, mod feel to it - reminscent of the swinging sixties. Apparently, during the sixties, young people actually used to cut up a Union Jack flag and sew it into a bag like the one below... makes me wish I was that resourceful...



I was feeling a little uninspired lately but researching old fashion trends has proved to be the thing I just needed - time to mix up my wardobe a little methinks.

E-shopping mania...

Over these last few years, e-shopping has become hugely popular... it seems now we no longer feel the need to go literally shopping, when we can get that same andrenaline rush virtually. Who hasn't put off work or studying to sneak a peek on the Asos website, only to go on a huge shopping spree without even getting up off the sofa?!

So, what does this actually mean for the future of shopping? Are actual shops losing a huge percentage of their trade to online sites, where less staff are employed and there are lower costs all round e.g. no electricity, shop fittings, maintenance. And what does this mean for the ever-increasing shopping savvy customer?

I, for one, think that whilst internet shopping will continue to grow in bounds and leaps, the role of the shop is still going to be a huge asset to our economy. I love the escapism of shopping, when the shops don't have that horribly hectic atmosphere but you can quite calmly view the different collections at your leisure. For me, I love to feel the textures and different fabrics of clothes I like - part of the fun is the trying on process, especially when you try on clothes you know you'll never be able to afford - it's all part of the 'dress up'. Even if you're feeling particularly down, a good shop is always hugely beneficial to your spirits, especially when punctuated with lovely coffee and cake breaks where you can sit and ponder all the items you're lusting after. I try and plan at least one of these truly self-indulgent days at least once every two months (obviously depending on the funds!) but it's something I always look forward to and I don't think that high from clicking 'Add to basket' will ever be able to overtake that, however nice it is to wake up in the morning with a nice fat parcel from net-a-porter!!

While we're on the subject of e-shopping, these are a few of either my coveted pieces that I got while surfing the old interweb...


These are Lipsy highwaisted shorts which I got from the sale at Asos for fifteen quid. They were an unusual find, seeing as I'm averse to Lipsy usually - just think that most of their items are tacky and sold at ridiculously extortionate prices but these shorts are cute and I wear them with tights and high ankle boots.


My beautiful Helene Berman coat which I got again, on sale, from Asos which is now becoming my second favourite website (after google). It's faux fur collar gives it a vintage ladylike feel and it looks gorgeous with a hat, wooly tights and t-bar shoes. However, the faux fur collar has been molting slightly - that's one of the problems about buying online. It can sometimes make you incredibly lazy when deciding on what to buy and you can never really get a true feel for the quality of the item. Either way, I'm obviously addicted!