Xmas

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of my readers!

Keep reading for more adventures in 2012! I also have a few exciting prospects I can't wait to let you all in on...

M xxx

Lunchtime Manicure

Pop down to any Nails Inc bar and get a magnetic manicure in a choice of four colours for only £5! Bargain I say!

Opinion Piece

I've debated about posting this piece because my blog is not somewhere that pushes serious boundaries or joins political debates. It is definitely off-(fashion)topic but I really like this one and it's something I feel very strongly about - after all, isn't this my blog? Feel free to stop reading here if you're not in the mood for politics or heavy issues but if you are, please read on.

Abortion: The Right to Choose

With a fresh wave of abortion law proposals, Georgina Anderson looks at why change is not always good.

The issue of abortion has been discussed thousands of times but with the recent suggested changes to British law which would ultimately make it more difficult for women to have an abortion, this controversial subject has reared it’s ugly head once again.

Last month, Conservative MP Nadine Dorries put forward an amendment that would stop charities and other abortion providers, like the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, being able to give advice to women prior to choosing to have a termination. She criticized that their financial interest made them more inclined to encourage women to abort, a process she labelled as a “conveyer belt” of abortion. Under the law change, this job would be handed over to GPs and other government-run organisations. However, opponents of the reform say it could open the door to anti-abortion or religious based organisations giving pro-life counselling.

The current abortion law – which was enforced in 1967 and has barely changed since – is already chronically flawed. Women must obtain consent from two independent GPs before going ahead with the procedure. This means that the choice to have a termination is somewhat out of the women’s hands and instead passed over to a doctor (of which one in ten of them claims to be anti-abortion). Traumatic enough as it is, adding further counselling and “approval” from more bodies could not only mean a delayed process, making the procedure in itself more distressing as the pregnancy develops, but one fraught with boundaries and bureaucratic hurdles.

Disguised as changes to “protect women” from being misinformed and later regretting their decision, the proposal could pave the way to tougher restrictions and an increase in anti-choice protestors.

If Dorries’ plans were to have gone ahead, a longer drawn out process would have been introduced. As a result, a boom of illegal and potentially dangerous “back street” abortions were predicted. In Northern Ireland for example, where abortion is still against the law, it’s no surprise that women are opting for extreme measures. Many women are buying abortion drugs online although never actually know what these drugs contain. Without medical supervision they are leaving themselves at risk to chronic bleeding or infection which could ultimately lead to death. Of course there is no figure for the amount of women who inquire complications but these women have an impossible choice; either face social out casting by confiding in a doctor or hoping they recover without medical help.

I am in no way implying that the current process is perfect. There are numerous places where the law could be modernised not only for the woman’s benefit but also for economical benefit. However, an increase in “red tape” and document stamping is never the answer.

Thankfully, the proposal was unsuccessful with 75% of the attending parliament voting against it, but this has brought the realisation that a woman’s right to an abortion is not a done deal and is constantly being reviewed. Pro-choice campaigners are fighting everyday to keep the current right and I for one, am one of them.

Minimalism at it's Best

Before I lose all hope of publishing anything marginally intelligent on here over the Christmas period (just three days of work to go...) I thought I'd post a couple of things I've written for my course this term.

This is a catwalk write up I wrote for The Telegraph newspaper:

Phoebe Philo's latest collection for Celine ingeniously combines chic tailoring with an oversized silhouette - a look you're sure to want to wear to work next spring/summer.

Amoungst rumours of Phoebe Philo’s possible take over at Louis Vuitton if Marc Jacobs jumps ship to Dior, Celine’s show had all the right elements of Philo’s signature minimalism mixed with a spattering of fifties couture silhouettes. The set was understated; raw pine wood flooring covered by a U-shaped mirrored runway with seating either side, the music softly orchestral with a strong drumbeat running behind.

The collection began with coats galore: oversized trench coats in china white and rich burgundy worn with ribcage width belts, layered over matching A-line skirts and black embroidered slim trousers and single breasted, A-line coats with leg-of-mutton sleeves and large gold buttons.

A crime not to mention the trouser silhouettes, Celine's S/S 2011 shapes are from both ends of the spectrum. One slim, tailored, monochromatic and neatly pleated - for the show Philo accessorised these with wide skirt belts creating a sixties peplum shape. The second were a trapeze, cropped, ivory pair with buttery satin hems. These were echoed with variations featuring box pleats and with extending hip inserts.

Lastly were a sleek pair of slate grey, hipster, suit trousers with sheer net overlays and white sporty stripes down the side channeling a Spice Girl era Mel C. Although the silhouettes were a little theatrical, these classic-with-a-twist shapes are sure to be next season’s working wardrobe staple

As a contrast to the starched cottons and flowing chiffon, leather was featured in abundance. In evergreen, white, tan and burgundy it was seen as pleated A-line skirts, tunic tops and dresses – some with multiple colour leather paneling –and biker jackets with oodles of zips.

As well as the muted hues, a pop of colour was introduced in the form of white thin knits with pillar-box red graphic patterns teamed with elegant mid-length skirts in pleated white chiffon and cotton.

"It was all about playing with proportions." Philo explained backstage. And it's those oversized proportions that may not be easy for the average woman to wear. However, Philo guided the way by cinching in waists and strapping on a pair of super high, platform pumps complete with chunky ankle strap.

The show's crowning glory were the crystal encrusted chokers decorating emerald green shirt dresses and straight-jacket white shirts with peplum hemlines. The models carried in hand evergreen or tan leather hobo bags or petite briefcases in canary and pillar-box red. Others held envelope clutches in evergreen, ruby or white with contrasting piping. These colours were mirrored in knotted cuffs featuring a large metal ring making a low-key statement against the angular looks.

The model's hair was characteristically simple; straight, low parting and pulled back so it sat regimentally down the model’s backs. Their make-up was scarce with a flawless complexion and only a hint of clay brown eyeshadow.

Phoebe Philo really hit the ready-to-wear nail on the head with this collection and with claims that she'll continue on at Celine as well as designing at Louis Vuitton, the question on everybody's lips is: will she be able to keep it up?

Christmas Chutney

It's that time of year again when we end up spending a small fortune on presents for our loved ones (or not) and trudge out at every spare minute to negotiate the slalom that is shopping at Christmas time.

Well this year, I decided to be smart.

This is part one of my Christmas gift guide and part two (published after the big day, not to ruin any surprises of course) will consist of what, where and how I bought all the gifts for my closest friends and family (I think I got it pretty spot on this year, even if I do say so myself).

Now we all have relatives, perhaps distant or that you only see this time of year, who you don't buy an actual gift for but (like me in previous years) buy a wholesale amount of chocolate biscuits from M&S (2 for 1 deal preferably) and hand them out willy-nilly to whoever shows up on the doorstep to wish you a merry Christmas. Of course, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with this, M&S biscuits are delicious after all, but it does lack a certain personal touch. And everyone loves homemade gifts at Christmas.

A couple of years ago, I made several batches of biscuits, packaged them up festively and gave those out. The only thing was that I had to make them all at the last minute, cue stress and panic and then they had to be given immediately because the shelf life was only a few days. Not ideal.

This year I wanted to make my life as stress-free and simple as possible in the run up to the 25th, but not compromise on the personal touch that homemade goods brings.

Chutney was my answer. I found this Mary Berry recipe online and simply tripled the ingredients to make what turned out to be about 30 190ml/7oz jam jars which I bought from this company (totally recommend them, by the way). The only alterations I did to the recipe was to skip the coriander seeds, because I couldn't find any, and exchange the cayenne pepper for normal black pepper.

The beauty of having to make it at least four weeks in advance is that you don't have an extra worry in the week leading up to Christmas (always a bonus), they don't need to be stored in any special place and they keep for months.

The recipe came out a treat, we had loads left over so ended up using it as a dip for our meatball and pitta dinner, and it was delicious. The only advice I would give is if you are going to make the amount I did, make sure to use a food processor (with a grater attachment) to grate the onions, it saves an awful lot of time and crying.

To decorate them I just cut squares out of some cheap, candy cane coloured cotton to cover the lids, tied lengths of green sparkly string around and stuck on some descriptive labels.

Favourite Festive Accessories

Browsing the internet for Christmas presents I can't help but get excited about pieces that are festively coloured.

Clockwise from top left:

Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless nail polish £13.50

Dune Pom Pom Ballerinas £55

Mango Wayfarer sunglasses £18

ASOS Skinny Cross Bangle £6

Valorie Glitter Leather Clutch £350

La Perla Mezzanotte Lace and Satin Bra £215

La Perla Mezzanotte Lace and Satin Thong £185

Cath Kidston Luggage Tag £5

Michael Kors MK5384 Watch £199

Chatelaine Heart Coin Purse £118

NARS Holiday 2011 Lipstick £17.50

The La Perla lingerie set is just beautiful but I can't help but think it'd be awfully impractical under clothing. Or maybe that's boring of me. And I've had my eye on a glitter Valorie clutch bag from Anya Hindmarch since I interned with them earlier this year. Equally with the pom pom pumps, they were my favourite shoe from the Dune A/W 2011 press day, although unlike the clutch, I actually have the funds for the more modestly priced pumps.

Karlie Kloss for Vogue

When I saw this first picture, I thought wow, stunning. But scrolling down to see additional face-on images I was a little shocked.

Is this too skinny?? I think so.

She is supposed to be the next "the body" but Giselle and Rosie (both previous owners of that title) are both a little - I stress a little here - plumper than this. They may not exactly be a size 12 but the size of Karlie is not ok, she's bordering on being emaciated and I think it's just too small to be publicised. It is not a realistic nor healthy weight goal for young girls to aspire to be.

It may be a little controversial to be defying the fashion Bible that is Vogue (God love it) but I felt I had to say something, I think it's a step too far.

Am I the only one thinking this?

Disclaimer: I don't like to use my blog as a personal moaning outlet but once in a while, something warrants me breaking my silence. Moan-free blogging will resume after this post.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Black And

A couple of new staples I bought over the last 48 hours. All black except some gold metallic details (studs and zips) and contrasting off-white stripes.

Skirt and Breton top - Zara, pumps - New Look

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

*Black Friday Update*


Gap - 30% off in store and online, just click this link and print off the voucher or enter the code online.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Black Friday

For those of you who don't know, this Friday 25th November is Black Friday over in the States and it seems as though Britain are jumping on the band wagon this year. It's basically a manic shopping day of major discounts and special offers. With only four weeks to go till Christmas, it all helps with the penny pinching so if you choose to join in, I urge you to plan your day with military precision and know what your going for (making sure to do your research on what is and isn't included in the discounts to avoid disappointment) or equally if you're doing your shopping from your sofa, plan out which sites you want to visit and get to it early because it's likely that A. The websites will crash with the amount of traffic or B. What you want will be sold out by the time you've dragged yourself out of bed at midday.

So with that in mind, this is my pick of the best places to visit and the best deals.


Selfridges - online and in store (up to 10% off beauty and up to 20% off everything else) although check the terms and conditions beforehand because a lot of the big designers aren't included. Boo.


Amazon - they're running loads of 15 minute deals from Monday to Friday this week on everything from watches to wine kits (yes, really) so you can start the bargaining early.


Apple - As usual, Apple are keeping schtum about what they will be offering this Friday but not one to disappoint, it's always worth a look.

Currys, PC World - Offering a '100 hour price crash' from Thursday 3pm till Monday. Great if you're in the market for any home appliances, a new PC or music bits and bobs (I know I'm not the only one with headphones hanging by a thread).

I'll keep scouting the net for other brands jumping on the Black Friday band wagon and if I hear of anything I'll post it here.

*Black Friday Update*

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Easy Like Sunday Morning

I think it's about time for another blog post. I've had both a busy and quiet weekend all in one. It was my boyfriend's 21st birthday on Friday so I took the weekend off and we've had 48hrs full of friends, take away pizza, sharades, swanky dinners and long lie-ins. This is where I feel I have to mention the superb Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge - stunning seafood, succulent meat and even better service.

It's unfortunate that I've had a stonking cold all weekend so we haven't managed to do all the things we had wanted to (namely some Christmas shopping) but I've actually enjoyed the nothing-ness of our days for a change.

Anyway, since I couldn't actually go shopping, I thought I'd do a mini gift guide of the type of things I'll be buying for my loved ones this year.

Family

Wallet - £270 Mulberry (Although this is secretly on my wish list)

Aftershave - £36 Molten Brown

Cashmere jumper - £49.90 Uniqlo

Manolo's New Shoes - £24.95. I have this book and it's just full of the most vibrant, beautiful Manolo Blahnik illustrations.

Rose gold bracelet - £81 (Also on my wish list)

Panelled shoe - £85 Dune

Friends

Hand cream trio - £20 L'Occitane

Hand bag charm - £25 Links of London

Anthracite pashmina - £23.20 Marks and Spencer

Friends book by Edward Monkton - £4.99 Campusgifts.com. We have an Edward Monkton book on our coffee table and pretty much everyone who comes round picks it up and reads it. The witty anecdotes are a real talking point.

Gold and silver glitter earrings - £35 Ted Baker

Neoprene laptop case - £14.99 Amazon.com

Stocking Fillers

Cherry Pop slab - £7.50 Hotel Chocolat

Spotty HeatTech socks - £8.90 Uniqlo

Molten gold bubble bars - £3.40 per 100g Lush

Mini Sharpie permanent markers - £3.08 Amazon.com

Velvet knickers - £8 La Senza (currently on 3 for 2)

Liquorice Catherine wheels - £1.99 Amazon.com

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The (Birthday) Weekend

Some of my favourite moments from the weekend...

Pretty white roses for my bedside table

Lemon cupcakes topped with mint leaves. I never did get to light those candles.

Beautiful gift from friends

Playing in the fallen leaves on the Southbank

I love having people to stay because when I see all the toothbrushes together in the pot it reminds me of being at home.

Harrods at night

Plus this is the first time I'm posting from my new iPad so (after a few teething problems) I hope it works!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Gold and Spikes

My new bracelet and double ring from ASOS. They are quite different pieces for me, I usually go for something more classic but I've decided to experiment a little with a couple of edgier pieces.

I love the dainty chain and dangling spike off the bracelet...limited finger movement that a double ring brings is definitely something to get used to...

Vogue Editors Portrait

I had to share this with you because I love it so much.

You can almost feel the (fashion) power captured in this photo just by looking at it.

Anna and Co

Party Pieces

I haven't been feeling well for the last couple of days so have consequently spent most of the last 48 hrs in a horizontal position on the sofa.

I'm trying desperately to rest for the coming (birthday) weekend so have been willing my body into the party mood by doing some screen shopping.

Also great for the coming festive celebrations (ah six weeks!), these are a couple of bits and (party) pieces that have caught my eye:

Clockwise from left:

Gold ring, £7, Pieces at ASOS.com

Gold and black heels, £425, Christian Louboutin (PLEASE let these be in the January sale)

Clarins Jolie Rouge Lipstick in 700 Cedar Red, £16.50, Boots

Nails Inc in New Bond St., £11, Boots

Metallic clutch, £250, Burberry

Bracelet chain with gold spike drop, £6, ASOS.com

Interiors Inspired by the Catwalk

We're having a little rearrange of furniture in our lounge at the moment and this has prompted the realisation that we really need to get some soft furnishings. Not to say that what we've got isn't functional but because of the mis-matched furniture which comes with a rented apartment, it all looks a bit cluttered and messy. I'm hoping some scatter cushions here and there and the odd throw will help bring the room together. Hopefully next week when I've finally got round to buying a few bits and bobs, I'll post some photos.

The last couple of weeks have been a sea of S/S 2012 catwalk shows. Project after project we are sent to look at photo after photo of the latest trends. So with all that at the back of my mind, I can't help but be influenced.

Here are a couple of looks I've considered:

Grey cushion - £65, Liberty, Green cushion - Mydeco.com, Candle - Lordandtaylor.com, Bowl - £5.50 Liberty

Cushion - £45, Liberty, Vase - £6.95, Liberty, Candle - £35, Alice by Temperley, Blanket - I stupidly don't remember but if anyone desperately wants to know, I'll try and find out.

Floral cushion - £15, Monsoon, Grey cushion - £30, John Lewis, Vase - £28, Monsoon, Skull candle - £80, Harvey Nichols

Cupcake Decorating

Wow, really I don't stop. I am yet to have a day off in weeks but in a way, I like running around my life like a headless chicken. At least it makes the days go quickly.

So this weekend was interesting. I went on a cupcake decorating course with some friends on Saturday. Why does cake decorating look so easy? It's not. And I was decidedly disappointed when I left with less than perfectly decorated cupcakes. Somehow I imagined I'd be much better than I actually was. But hey ho, we had fun, I learnt some good baking tips and I had 12 delicious cupcakes to take home to boot.