Architects

Louis I Khan

David Chipperfield

Spain

Berlin

New Uggs

There should be a special word created to describe the excitment of finding a parcel on your doorstep.. and I would use it when I know that my brand new Uggs are inside! So seeing as its Christmas (and pay day) I decided to treat myself. I'm definately a comfort over fashion kind of girl so Uggs really are a must have. For a while now I've thought of which style I'd next like to add to my collection, I already have a pair of denim ultra short and classic stripe cable knit in blue, and I'd almost decided on tall chestnut. I'm more than aware that everyone has a pair and it nearly put me off, but seeing as my other two pair are pretty unique I figured that was okay. However, as I walked through town today with mum on our way to Starbucks I noticed a girl walk out of a newsagents with fantastic purple hair... and matching uggs! That was it, decided. So here they are, my future uggs (in lovely raisin to match my hair). Sorry for the watermark on the photo, it was the best one I could find, blame unreliable Google.

AHMM: Barking Central II

While in London I was lucky enough to go on the site of this build in Barking.

Here's me, the architect and the site manager on the 7th floor of the building, as you can see the walls havn't been put up yet so it was more than a little scary..

Change of Scene

In June I took some time out to go and work with AHMM Architects in London. I was given a small project that  included designing a house for a single mother and her two children. I was given specifications for the house and was shown, bit by bit, how complete a project like this. Here's a few screen shots of the final product.

Designed by myself and created on SketchUp

Pipped to the Post

I've been following a few blogs looking for inspiration and these are my favourite; Helloooooo, Sea of Shoes, The Sartorialist and most importantly Adore Vintage. To be honest, I wanted to add a bit of each of these to my own blog because who wouldn't be proud to own any of them! But my mum gave me a big slap with the wet fish of reality and said theres no point copying the best, becuase you'll never beat them! so Im going to take some time out and work out what I'd like to write about. Just might have to work out how to use my camera too... 

Chanel Bag

Throughout our lives we are pushed to work hard and become the best, but for each person the reason for doing so is different. My father will know that he has had a good and successful life when he's living on a farm in France. For others it may be to reach the peek of thier profession, or to have children. I think that I'll know that all those risky, life-changing decisions were worth it when i can join the Chanel club with my very own Large Shopper. Then I'll be content.




P.s. Just like Mussoni and the tube scarves, Ive done it again! My 29th November post about the vivienne westwood shoes was clearly a stroke of genious because I found the boots in this week's Grazia. This is a very proud moment for me, I must be doing something right to be on the same wavelength. Confidence well and truley restored!

And finally, I've bought myself a pink tutu, Cheryl Cole style. Unfortunately my leather jacket is brown so I can't steal her biker-ballerina look, which means I'm stuck trying to find the perfect way to wear it without looking like a little dancer. Help!?

xx

Time Off

The problem with working 20 hours a week is that I have a lot of spare time. At first this seemed like a great thing but i've realised that this time is spent alone and staring at clothes I'd love to have.. leaving me lonely, depressed and very unsatisfied. I cried about this for a while, but what good does that do? None! So I've decided to pick up a hobby, I popped onto ebay and ordered myself a 'tailors dummy'. As yet I have no idea how to use it, but I'll learn and keep you updated with any creations that come of it.

Update

How beautiful is this dress!

French Connection, once personally misconceived as a shop for old women, is rapidly becoming one of my favourite shops to browse. This dress is clearly from the same collection as the grey jumper I posted a while ago, but I definately love this piece more. At a typical £120 price tag, it's very festive, perfect for the office christmas party I'd say, just beware of the red wine!

Another shop thats clawed my attention (the 20% sale must have helped) is Dorothy Perkins. With a name like that of course I assumed this too was a shop for old women.. but once again I have been proven wrong. If I'm not careful I'll be shopping in BHS soon! But back to the point, I found this thick knit cardigan thats very nautical and no doubt very comfortable. It's been very subtle and clever but I recently noticed how nautical themes have been running through fashion for over a year now. I remember this time last year buying a blue and white striped bag with a handle made of rope from topshop or somewhere, and as I opened my magazines today to find a Louis Vuitton advert with a model wearing a nautical yellow dress and matching bag, but with designs as appealing as this cardigan it's clearly earned its keep.

Might just treat myself to them in the January sales! Helenx

Mary Quant

I haven't been too sure what to write about recently, I usually sit down to post at the early :am's while watching late night TV.. however between going out with old friends and working late nights I haven't had the usual alone time to explore new designers and fashions. So what better time to do some name dropping.. "Mary Quant, mother of the mini skirt, is a relitive!"

My mum's side of the family is filled with all sorts of recognisable people, but Mary Quant is definately the one I am most proud of. Although I admit I have never met her, I have met the man who said to her "Well that's a very mini skirt", thus naming her creation. Anyway, I think its all very exciting. Have a look at her website here.

Ciao, Helenx

December 1st

So its the first day of Christmas! Just 24 days to go now :) This morning I ate my first 'Simpsons' advent chocolate before I left for work. Unfortunately, my buses only come once and hour so I was in town 45 mins early for work, but on the bright side it gave me a bit of shopping time. I browsed the charity shops and found a very warm and soft South American style jumper, perfect for the cold nights at 'the Frog'. My idea of charity shops was transformed from a shop filled with moth devoured clothes, to more of a 'lucky dip' scenario. I also popped into Zara and bought myself some very Mussoni style leggings. Merry Christmas Helen!

Alex's Armadillo's

Flicking through my magazine I stumbled upon the most shocking thing I may have ever seen in fashion.. and there have been some pretty shocking things to hit the catwalk! These 12 inch high heels by Alexander McQueen are the talk of the industry, but suprisingly high in demand. Designed to be another of McQueen's 'show pieces', the 'Armadillo' has already been worn by Daphne Guinness and (no suprises here) Lady Gaga. However, I think iI'll stick with my uggs, these aren't really my thing!

poshgirlvintage.com

I found a littlee website that specialises in vintage items from as early as the 1920's. There is a huge collection of cocktail dresses, jewellry and shoes, that aren't just 'in the style of' but collected from the past 80 years of fashion. The dresses aren't really my style but I love all the leather bag on there. All the workmanship is amazing and they're gorgeous.

They're a bit of a newsence (only one of each style and not cheap either.. plus 80 years can have a negative effect on the quality) but still, they'd be lovely to have!

Extra Extra

I'm as bad as the next girl when it comes to relying on her leggings, but I just had a peek at all the "Fall '09" lines and tights are making a very strong comback.. You're just going to miss the excuse to have your bum out!

I Told you about those tube scarves!

Finally, less of my armature taste and more professional catwalk designer.

 Remember when I said H&M read my 'to buy' list? Well perhaps I can't really take any credit for it.. This is the Missoni Feb '09 walk. I'm almost a year behind her, but at least I got here!

Hey look! Here are the tube scarves I've been talking about! This is pretty much my planned winter '09 look, and I've been pulling it as well as I can so far without a pay cheque. Leggings, dress, scarves and a lovely jacket/cardie. Merci Mussoni, you've visualised my look.

Darling Wellies

Vivienne Westwood just became adorable! These cute little shoes are so dainty, if I had a baby daughter id dress her up in these. But that doesn't mean I won't wear them myself, especcialy as they're only £75.. Cute and tiny in everyway! They also come in all black, but thats far too boring for me.

If my eyesight serves me correctly (and as far as I'm aware ive got 20:20 vision) they're just little wellies! Perfect for this infamous English weather we're having.. although my feet may have been warm, my uggs can't appreciate the gigantic puddle I fell into on my way to work. Viv. has solved the age old problem. With tights and a flowing skirt or dress this would look, dare I say, darling!

Winter jumper

Theres nothing better than finding a piece thats exactly what you've been looking for.. and for me, this is it!

Its a detailed jumper from French Connection. I love the feminine embellishment, and characteristically good stitching so it should last! Very christmas-y

Have you seen this bag?

The more affordable alternative to the Louis Vuitton bag I had my eye on. Okay, they look nothing alike, but I think this bag is perfect for the traveling lifestyle I'm aspiring towards. I can just picture myself hopping out of my Vitara (yes, it's my dream car) holding this bag filled with all my life's accessories. The problem is, I can't find it anywhere! I've tried the Paul's boutique website, ebay, amazon and random google searches.. the only place that has it is Asos and you can only find it via Shopstyle.co.uk .. and its sold out there, boo! But I won't give up that easily, if its out there I'll find it.

Nice Little Treat

I decided this year to ask for something a little special for christmas, and I think this is the perfect little thing:

Its such a delicate little piece, I love it! Its by Alex & Ani and its environmentally friendly! Gorgeous. Definitely one from grandma please!

Lauren Let-down

I'm a huge fan of 'The Hills' and a little obsessed with Lauren Conrad. But tonight I had a look at her collection on Kholes.com and I was more than a little disappointed. The fashion icon had designed a range I could imagine on one of the old ladies that gets my bus.. not very LA. But then again, maybe the OAP look is what they're wearing in LA this season...

However, Lauren's co-star Whitney Port has also got a clothing line, much more fashionable than Lauren's I'm afraid. Have a look at Whitney's lookbook here. I love this white puff dress, perfect for christmas.

Designer

I really want this very expensive Louis Vuitton bag to love and take care of and cherish.

 

Ideally, I'd win the lottery.. or have an amazing talent.. or simply have the discipline to stay in school! But sadly none of these are the case, so until I can afford the $5000 bag, I'll have to buy a fake from the market.. its like being 13 all over again

 

Flora wears Zara

The high street is filled with black and grey blazers this season, but I prefer this cream one from Zara. Its a nice way to introduce the S/S 2010 pastel colours to the winter wardrobe, making it a smart investment. However, at Zara's prices, it's not what I'd call 'splashing out'. Flora wears with a designer bag to balance out the price tag, and simple accessories, very chic.

Look, Mukluk

I always used to say "You know how some people spend all thier money on shoes, well i spend all mine in Boots (cosmetics) haha." Clearly, my priorites have changed since then! Anyway, I've rediscovered Mukluks, and this time I love them.

"Soft suede and rabbit fur with a unique beadwork colour combination of black, pink and navy in an intricate arrow/diamond design on the dorsal of the boot. Strong drawstring with pom-poms to secure top edge of the Mukluk. Double stitched black thick crepe sole for durability and tread. Fully lined inner with white sheepskin in the foot for added warmth and comfort. " - sounds delicious!

At £225 (or £175 for fur free) a pair they're not cheap, but a girl can dream...

H&M & Me!

H&M have read my mind! After browsing their online magazine, it's safe to say they've been reading my winter wardrobe wishlist, snoods and faux fur jackets! My dislike of faux fur was transformed at Wakestock 2009. A small stall was selling a selection of fur jackets for £5 each.. after buying one each we realised how perfect they are for those drunken, cold and wet nights at a festival or perhaps walking home after drinks with friends. Anyway, at £70 for the jacket and £30 for the snood it's uncharactoristicly expensive for H&M, but it will be oh so worth it.

Designers at Debenhams

Welcome to the world of work! It's awful! Perhaps thats a bit harsh, but a temparary Christmas job at Debenhams never promised much. However, as I was walking around doing my duties today, I noticed these shoes by John Rocha. Usualy, I'm the first to disguard a chuncky heel, but even I love the contrast of the wooden heel against the patent shoe. Rocha's designed a collection in a variety of colours and cuts and at only £25 sale pricc (not including my employee discount) I plan to buy more than one pair!

Proving the LBD

Kudos to style blogger Sheena Matheiken! Beginning May 2009 she's going to wear one of seven identical LDB's everyday for 365 days to raise money for the Akanksha Foundation. Each day she reinvents the dress with accessories and layering. Follow her and her creativity at www.theuniformproject.com

LookBook

For a while now ive been looking for something to satisfy my fashion intrest in between my weekly magazines.. theres only so many times i can admire a Cheryl Cole dress. And tonight I found such a thing.. LookBook! I doubt this is new to many but for me its been a god send. Why spend hours drooling over Vogue's thousand pound dresses when im earning £5/hour! Plus it all seems too easy to just copy an outfit from a magazine, wheres the fun in that? But LookBook is a collection of blogs (if you will) by people just like me, but with better cameras. My favourite so far is by a "9 year old fashion junkie from florida".. http://lookbook.nu/BehindTheSeams This one's becoming a homepage.

Peruvian Please!

Mmmm yes! Forget Peruvian.. well anyway, I'm craving these Peruvian style boots! Knee high boots are top of the winter wardrobe shopping list, but I can't be bothered with expensive leather or painful heels! Contrasting, colourful and comfortable, these are right up my street! And I have a little bag to match, sent to me by my aunt straight from Chile. I'm not sure I'll be able to wait till pay day for these beauties..

From the scrapbook to the screen

Since quitting sixth form and deciding to work full time, Ive been obsessing over what to spend all my hard earned money on. So far, I've filled a scrapbook with cut outs from magazines and Asos catalogues. But that's just harmless fun isn't it? Well it was until the afternoon i watched 'The September Issue' (a film about the mighty Anne Wintour) and now its safe to say I'm hooked. So, to replace my scrapbook, I've started a 'blog'. I'm new so wish me luck, and enjoy!