Glitter

You know when you were a kid and you used to play with glitter and no matter how well you tried to wash it off, for days afterwards there would be glitter on your skin, your hair, around the house, everywhere. Well that's how I feel right now.

This A/W is all about the glitz and glam. Miu Miu are doing it, Louboutin are doing it, Anya Hindmarch are doing it - just about anyone worth their fashion salt included it in someway into this season's collection. So I decided to get into the spirit of this festive fad and fully embrace the sparkle.

Left column: Burgundy heels - Pedro Garcia, gold belt - Miu Miu, jewelled and bow flats - Miu Miu, envelope clutch - Anya Hindmarch

Right column: Draped dress - Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, OPI Spark de Triomphe, black and gold heels - Miu Miu

New Jeans

I ordered this pair of jeans from ASOS late last week and because of the bank holiday and delays to the post, I am still waiting for them.

Like with all new purchases, I've envisaged in my mind the plethora of combinations I can create from my existing wardrobe and with a good pair of jeans, the opportunities are endless. The last time I bought jeans was two years ago, an excruciatingly skinny pair from Hollister. And they've served me well. I still love them. But I was in need of a little denim injection so have gone for a different shape this time. We'll see how it works out but as with any new relationship, I intend to be with them as much as possible.

With that in mind, instead of sitting peering out the window, waiting eagerly for the postman, I thought I would at least try to be constructive with my time and play around with some different looks.

Now all I need is to get them...

Jeans - A/Wear at ASOS, jumper - H&M, boots - H&M, necklace - Halleh at net-a-porter.com, clutch - Anya Hindmarch

Jeans as before, shirt - Topshop, bowling bag - Zara, gold cuff - ASOS, cork wedges - Christian Louboutin

Jeans as before, t-shirt - 3.1 Phillip Lim, Chelsea boots - ASOS, leather belt - Dolce & Gabbana, bag - Coach

Road Trip Wardrobe

I haven't been very forthcoming with posts this week. The combination of working long hours and then remembering I have a dastardly summer cold when I do get a moment to breath means for little motivation to do anything other than sleep.

However, as I type whilst still in bed at 12.47pm on my day off, I do have the ability to do some browsing online.

I know everyone's buzzing about A/W already but it's hard to think about cosy knits and biker boots when it's 22 degrees and sunny outside. So I've made a conscious decision not to look at my winter wardrobe quite yet. Plus, I don't want to get fed up of it before I even get a chance to wear any of it.

Working isn't the only thing that's going on in my life at the moment. My boyfriend and I are embarking on buying our first car. I've had my licence for nearly two years and have driven my parents' car in Spain but there are more and more occasions now where I think it would be handy to have a car. For example, commuting to uni, visiting relatives and doing the numerous airport runs that there are during the year. Mr Maria's Gaga only started his lessons last week but hopes to pass his test by the end of the summer and after doing some research, strangely it costs less with him on the insurance than with me on my own even though he hasn't passed his test yet. Funny how these things work out.

Anyway, once we get the car we can't wait to take day trips to the beach and have cheap weekends away in the country. With that in mind I've compiled the ultimate road trip wardrobe.

A Gift from Anya

A couple of weeks back I helped at a promotional event for Anya Hindmarch at the Notting Hill store where myself and Elina were serving delicious ice cream. They were also doing complimentary 3-week manicures with bespoke nail polishes created for the summer collection inside the shop.

As a thank you, I was sent a lovely Maeve stone coloured leather make-up bag with embossed gold bow, trademark tassel and stitched bow pattern. This is just the thing I've been looking for for a while now because I like to take a few pieces of make-up out with me during the day but don't want to cart around the whole bag. Equally, I don't like just chucking my make-up into my handbag and having to spend ages rooting around for it. This fits the bill perfectly as it's compact and practical and I can also fit in other small essentials such as paracetamol and tissues.









I am attending my cousins wedding on Saturday which includes the long awaited debut of my Louboutins I bought back in January. Since the festivities have began early due to the arrival of my Mum from Spain, a post may go amiss tomorrow. But fret not, I will be posting my wedding outfit (and my mother's - who says you can't wear Versace at 50?!) and all other photos promptly on Monday morning.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

♥ 5 Things

Such a tiring week but none the less a good one. I'm looking forward to a weekend of lie-ins, boiled eggs and walks in the sun.

Here is my Friday in (phone) photos.

These gorgeous roses are growing in our communal gardens. They are so big and are such a nice view to see when I open my curtains in the morning.

This cute little note book came with French Glamour this month. So adorable I don't want to write in it and spoil it!

This is the outfit I wore today with my new New Look wedges. Jeans - Hollister, blouse - Gap, watch - vintage

These are my favourite clutches from the Anya Hindmarch S/S 11 collection and I always get jealous when I have to send them out for somebody to borrow.

The new Essie nail polish I bought today instead of forking out for a pedicure. I sacrificed that to go to dinner with my boyfriend. And it was worth it.

♥ 5 Things

I got home from my work experience today and knew that I had to blog. But unfortunately, no matter how many style websites I looked at, I just couldn't find any inspiration. However, I have had a rather productive yet enjoyable day so I thought I'd show you what's been making me smile.

I did not expect to find this when I walked into work this morning. It was in one of the Anya Hindmarch clutch bags that was lent out to a guest for the royal wedding. Definitely one for the treasure box.

The current shade of my toes. A vibrant pillar-box red. OPI

I've been after a brogue-esque type shoe in a neutral colour for a while and found these Faith ones on sale in Debenhams. I've only worn them once so far and they gave me blisters but I'm hoping that because they're leather, they will mold to my feet after a few wears.

This is my new mini herb garden. I got inspired after visiting my Dad (being in the country and all that) so decided to try and grow my own. So far I have mint, thyme and chives (the purple flower in the background) and have just planted some parsley seeds.

Such a gorgeous smell of lavender and lime (by Lily Flame) which really helps me unwind in the evening.

Royalty

Ok, I know. Everyone is doing it. All we are seeing and hearing about at the moment is the Royal wedding. I have to confess that I am actually excited about it. Shameful, perhaps, but I am such a Royalist at heart and a disciple of Diana from a young age (I had a cardboard cut-out doll which you could pin outfits on to). I will be battling the crowds on Friday, on the off chance I'll get a glimpse of that kiss on the balcony. Maybe I'll just get drowned in a sea of people but at least the atmosphere will be something to remember. And anyway, it's not often we have the opportunity to be proud to be British, is it?

So in the spirit of the times, I've featured 5 of my favourite things to have come out of this historic occasion and show you that Royal wedding memorabilia doesn't have to be tacky.

1. The Anya Hindmarch limited edition Royal Wedding kit (seen here). Complete with heart-shaped confetti and a temporary tattoo.



2. This lovely little tea set from notonthehighstreet.com.



3. The very British street party. Because an opportunity doesn't come round very often and it's the perfect excuse to drink lots of Pimms.

A street party in 1945

4. Need I justify? Head down to the Hummingbird bakery to get one (or two).



5. I saw these MINX nail transfers featured in Grazia this week. It may be going a bit on the obsessive side but I might attempt a bit of a red, white and blue colour theme for Friday. Watch this space.

Purchases and Polyvore

Due to a horrible bout of flu, I am currently typing this from my bed in which I keep drifting in and out of sleep. Therefore, I am feeling particularly uninspired blog wise. However, on Friday, I had a wander round House of Fraser and ended up with two new pieces to add to my wardrobe.

The first is a cream, faux sheerling gilet which has turned out to be perfect for the inbetween season weather we've been having. And since it doesn't have sleeves, it should take me through to spring when you need just a little bit more than a long- sleeved t-shirt.

I've been experimenting with styling but because warmth and comfort is a priority at the moment, this is the way I'll be wearing it this week.


Gilet - OASIS at House of Fraser, top - Topshop, jeans - True Religion, boots - Balenciaga, bag - Anya Hindmarch (my new love affair)

I must add that although I (unfortunately) don't own these exact items, I do have similar pieces.

The second thing I bought is a nude/pink satin blazer with two front pockets. This is the kind of thing I've been looking for for the summer months as my trusty black blazer will be a bit heavy.

I don't think it's quite warm enough to wear it yet but hopefully come Easter time, the weather will have picked up.


Blazer - Vero Moda at House of Fraser, shirt - Karen Millen, jeans - True Religion, heels - Christian Louboutin, bag - Anya Hindmarch





Maria

London Fashion Week A/W 2011 - Amanda Wakeley & Hindmarch House of Intrigue

Today was even busier than yesterday but even more exciting.
I was back at the Hindmarch House of Intrigue in the morning where I was lucky enough to meet Samantha Cameron and Olivia Palermo. In the afternoon I walked down the Strand to Somerset house where I was adresser for the Amanda Wakeley show. On the way I spotted the fabulous Alber Elbaz before ducking backstage to prepare. I managed to take some photos of the exhibition and backstage before the show. I've decided to split the photos over two posts so view the House of Intrigue photos here.

Here is my day (part deux!) in photos.












Camilla Skovgaard heels




My looks


My gorgeous model Sydney




A blurry Amanda Wakely with her shocking orange heels




Ernest Jones jewellery

The looks I dressed: (Photos from Style.com)








Click here for the House of Intrigue photos.





Maria

Catwalk photos curtesy of stylist.com

London Fashion Week A/W 2011 - Hindmarch House of Intrigue & Amanda Wakeley

Today was even busier than yesterday but even more exciting.
I was back at the Hindmarch House of Intrigue in the morning where I was lucky enough to meet Samantha Cameron and Olivia Palermo. In the afternoon I walked down the Strand to Somerset house where I was adresser for the Amanda Wakeley show. On the way I spotted the fabulous Alber Elbaz before ducking backstage to prepare. I managed to take some photos of the exhibition and backstage before the show. I've decided to split the photos over two posts so view the Amanda Wakeley photos here.

Here is my day (part one!) in photos. (Plus a sneak peak at the A/W 2011 collection available later this year.)








Evening bags and shoes


£15,000 rocking horse




Huxley collection




Autumn/Winter garden (notice the bow shape in the back wall)














Tree room






Maxi Zip room


Grazia's "Furniture Piece of Fashion Week"












Wobbly jelly table




















The Dylan Jones bag designed for the menswear bespoke launch.



Click here for the photos from the Amanda Wakeley show.





Maria