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!