Shoe-views

Firstly, I have to apologise in advance: these really are appalling photos of the shoes! I'm afraid my camera battery was dying after an epic Anthro try-on session, so I only just had time to snap one or two of these two pairs. The King's Road shoe store is tiny and it was just me a sales assistant, so I was trying to be as little weird as possible with taking shots of the shoes, hence the awkward angle. I was really terrified that she thought I was some kind of high class shoe fetishist. Awkward.

Antaresia T-Straps by Miss Albright

I seem to have developed a real thing about grey, but not just any grey: dove grey. And these are as (love-)dove-y as you can get. I was intrigued as soon as I saw the sideways bow online, add to that that they're made by Miss Albright, seriously competing with Seychelles to be my favourite shoe brand (only thing that's stopping them is price!).

I tried on the US7 (which I think is the EU38) which I should have known would be a mistake: repeat after me, Miss Albright always run huge. I would want to order a US6.5 which would probably be perfect. As it was, I could feel my heel wobbling out in the heel. The strap does mean that you won't actually fall out, so if you were desperate, then your usual size (with some heel grips) would do in a pinch.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this makes it to sale. Second markdown would be ideal, since I'm not sure how often I'll be able to wear these without scuffing them up (particularly in London, bah humbug), and the strap itself might not be the strongest around. Still, I'd probably pay £60 for these, if they get marked down at the right time, i.e. not this week!

Malbec Heels by Miss Albright

How could I not try on these heels when they're named after one of my favourite tipples? When in doubt, if you can, order the Argentinean Malbec!

I ordered this from the sales assistant in the same fricking size as the other ones, and I had the exact same problem: I need to go down at least half a size - the 6 might even work here. It is hugely to the credit of Miss Albright that I didn't completely fall out of these shoes, even when they were about a size and a half too big. They felt really sturdy and comfortable, even with the d'orsay cutaway style.They felt oddly like a combo of the Anticipation Heels and the Slinking Frills Pumps. Obviously, they look more like the latter but there was a solidness to them the reminded me of the AH.

The colour of these shoes was just gorgeous,  fantastic autumnal burgundy tweed which I can already see going with a tonne of things in my cupboard. What really sells it for me, though, is the adorable bow on the back, made from the same v. shiny patent that the heel is made from. Eee.

Definitely a sale must have. Again, please don't me be poor when these do make it to sale. And don't let them go on sale with all the other shoes at once!

I'm really looking for some nice nude shoes at the moment, but I don't seem to be having any luck. The ones I see in store all seem to have Striperella-esque platforms on them or are just not quite the right shade of nude: too pink, too tan, too -ew- grey. Sigh. I'm loving Seychelles' Chirp wedges, which are on sale at Nordstrom, but not in my size, alas. If anyone sees a pair in a 7, let me know?

The other shoe on my radar at the moment are these shoes:

The nude ones look like perfection, but of course they seem to be sold out everywhere. I've managed to find the grey in Bermuda, of all places, so I'm thinking of caving... Can't tell if I'm just substituting, though...

Argh. Shoe madness.

Read more...

Island Style and Taking the First Step...

So, the weather has suddenly stopped co-operating, so instead of being the beautiful, sunny weather I signed up for, we're now getting thunder, torrential rain and tropical storms. Bollocks. However, it is still warm, and it's not going to stop me from over-dressing, as per usual. Here are two of my outfits so far:

Ice Capped Blouse, Alena Skirt and Bette Flats (Seychelles).

This one isn't particularly inspired, but it's a classic, and so easy to pull together. I can't believe I ever did without this blouse! 

First Flight Tee, H&M loose pleat skirt, Arrezo heels and grey snakebite belt.

I can't tell you how much I love the combo of the army green of this tank with the peach-y colour of this skirt (or the Alena, for that matter). The shoes, I'm not sure if you can see, are a pale gold/silver and go like a dream with half my outfits. 

I wore both of these yesterday, and I'm not sure I'll get a photo of today's up just because it's been just a hideous day that I'm just wearing shorts, a tank (Ode to Spring!) and waterproof shoes!

I went bat-shit at the sale today. It's the first time I have done in months, but I'm feeling uber-guilty now. I bought: Strappy Dandelion Dress (review here); Sangatte Dress (in case I never manage to get the lovely Verdant Slip Dress, a snip at $40) and the Map of the World Skirt (reviewed yesterday. Tentatively, in case it gets marked down in the next day or two - please, God). In addition, I bought the Superfluous Bellows Hoodie and grey Cape Tee from last weeks UK Anthro sale. Ahem. I might have a problem. Add to all that: I'm lusting after the Love Letters Duvet, but think that 25% off is not enough and I have a potential EU Anthro sale tomorrow...

Men in white coats - you may now take me away.

Read more...

Mapgasm

I do have a couple of outfit pictures to post, even though we never did make it to the beach on the weekend, thanks to the fringes of Irene and tropical storm Julio! But, for today, I have a review of a skirt threatening to be v. near and dear to my heart (and bank balance)...

Map of the World Skirt by Anna Sui

So, no one guessed the piece! It is in fact the Map of the World Skirt by Anna Sui. The print featured on it is an adorable map pattern, of the old "here be monsters" variety. And the island is Bermuda! 

After reading the reviews for this skirt I knew to size up, so I'm wearing a UK12/US8 here, and it fit perfectly. I think this skirt does run small, as the size down really would have been too small. This sits fairly high on your waist and a good few inches above the knee, so if you want a slouchier fit, around the hips, then you'll need to size up again. 

The pleated chiffon is perfect for this skirt, turning what could have been a slightly OTT statement skirt into a real whimsy piece. The blue panels at the waist and hem were brighter blue in real life than seen here or in the product shots. The only thing to bear in mind when grabbing one of these is that, like many print pieces, each skirt has a different placement. Mine had way more sea monsters (looking life fish barfing) on the front than I'd have liked, ideally, whereas others had just the island centred on the front. 

This is a definite must-have for me, but £150 is a little steep for me, so I'm hoping to grab it on sale. Keep your fingers crossed for this Bermuda girl! Also: is it wrong that I want to wear this with my Cartography Cardigan? Mapgasm.

Anyone have anything they're dying for in the sale tomorrow? Surely it's time for the Verdant Slip?! I'm desperate for it in the original colourway (in an 8 or 6, if anyone sees one!).

Read more...

Hepburn Trousers - OOTD

So, I'm kind of obsessed with wide legged trousers. I love how glamorous and effortless they always seem. Let me amend that: how effortless they seem on other girls. I always have a nightmare with trousers - one of the reasons I own so many skirts and dresses. I have a small-ish waist, wide hips, ahem, chunkier thighs and muscle-y calves, so when it comes to buying trousers: I'm pretty much screwed. 

But then, there were these adorable trousers from H&M. I can't say I've ever been lusting after polka dot trousers before, but I suppose there's a first time for everything:

H&M trousers worn with Volante Tee and Carvela Bethany Slingbacks.

Clearly, I'm not actually wearing this today, but you've seen me wearing today's outfit before.

I was supposed to be doing a particular review tonight, but I'm having a hard time shaking this jet lag, so it'll have to wait a bit. Has everyone got nice plans for the weekend? 

I'm going to be helping out at my cousin's fifth birthday party on the beach (will try and get photos of one of Bermuda's most famous beaches). I'm currently revelling in position of 'coolest' cousin/aunt of the family after getting the birthday boy Captain America's shield as a present. Life is good.

Read more...

Whoops-a-daisy

Those of you who follow my twitter account will already know this, but for the rest of you: I'm in Bermuda again! It completely slipped my mind to mention it before. Hence, whoops-a-daisy. 

I have, however, taken my laptop with me this time, so I still have plenty of reviews to work through. Best get started then...

Twisted Ascot Tee by Postmark

&

Peppering Skirt by Yoana Baraschi

As soon as I saw this tee, I immediately was reminded of the Loosely Looped Tee that was around at the beginning of the year. The only thing stopping me from being utterly smitten by that top was the ridiculousness sheerness of the material, which meant you could see every unfortunate detail of my nautical bra. So, naturally, I was dreading this tee falling into the same trap, which so many of Anthro's clothes seem to fall into these days.

I'm wearing a small here, which fit really nicely. The tee manages to look both fitted, yet slightly slouchy/draped, without pulling too much over the bust, quite a big ask. The yellow colourway was slightly less mustardy and more brown in real life, which was a slight disappointment. Nevertheless, it still works as a really good neutral with a twist (literally, in this case). 

The neck tie detail was adorable, lending a touch of Miss Moneypenny to the look. The best news of all is that this top managed, against all odds, not to be sheer. Huzzah! This top will be mine, preferably on sale, if I can hold out that long...

Now, I need another pencil skirt like I need a whole in the head, but how's a girl supposed to resist, huh? For those of us who want to follow the trends, but usually can't be arsed, this skirt is a god send: print mixing in one. 

I'm wearing a UK12/US8 (my standard in pencil skirts) which was probably the best size for me in this particular skirt. I found the waist was a little loose on me and the hips a little snug, so girls with great hip to waist ratio may suffer with this piece (I had that annoying effect of the skirt waistband twisting slightly as I walked).

However, the cuteness of the skirt itself can't be denied. This is one of Anthro's statement pieces, though less conspicuous than some of their others (ahem, In The Trees Skirt, anyone?), so it would be best matched simply with a block coloured tee. I find myself drawn towards it, despite the pitiful calls of all my other not nearly often enough worn skirts... Maybe sale?

Just before I left, I manage to buy a new memory card for my camera, so I shall be trying to take some outfit photos soon. Yay. 

I've noticed something particularly interesting about one Anthro piece, a connection between it and where I am at the moment - can anyone hazard a guess? Answer/review will be up tomorrow night.

That's all for now as jet-lag is killing me.

Read more...

Prince Peacoat

Knackered. Extra crispy from standing in the sun all day. Another single review of a new piece before I keel over.

Frilled Echelons Peacoat by Elevenses

Anthro seems to release a ruffled or frilled short coat every season, and without fail: they always looks like an explosion of lumpiness on me. I dared hope that this one might be different, at long last, my prince peacoat may have come. 

I apologise that the pictures of me and the coat aren't great here. This was the stage of my trying on session when I realised the battery on my camera was going, hence my "oh for f-" look on my face in the second picture.

I'm wearing the UK10/US6 here, which fit well, though I would like to try the size up on for size. It didn't pull over my chest, though I didn't even try buttoning it all the way to the top (it seemed to look a little odd on me done all the way up, and lost the effect of the ruffles). The sleeves were nice and long, and it felt like it would be a good late autumn, early winter coat. 

The ruffles weren't nearly as overwhelming as I expected them to be, and whilst they do add a bit of bulk on the hips I'm still kind of charmed. Am I crazy? The wool wasn't too itchy, which was great.

I didn't see the fantastic blue colour that's up on the US site (neither colour is available on UK website yet), but I may just have missed it. The moss colourway is definitely going to be more versatile, but I can't but be drawn to the blue... Please go on sale!

Must sleep. And dream of cute cricketers.

Read more...

Late Lepidoptera

Well, this is much later than I was hoping to post. As a consequence: I have only enough energy in me for one review, so I'd best make it a good one:

Lepidoptera Dress by Maeve

I was amongst the hordes, nay, masses who swooned over this dress. This was, I suspected, everything I wanted the Butterfly Net Dress to be, but wasn't. Lately Anthro seems to have been a little wider off the whimsical mark than I, and most of the community, it seems, would like, and this seems to be one of a few pieces this season which seems to promise good things...

I'm wearing a UK10/US6 here (I always wear my true dress size in strapless dresses, since I have a recurring nightmare of having one fall down. The tighter, the better). This definitely fit me up top, and I would even say it was a teensy bit loose, so smaller busted girls will need to size down in this one. The dress stayed up, though, and I felt comfortable enough not to reach for the optional straps. The length is perfect tea dress length, slightly below the knee which is a length I'm comfortable with, but shorter ladies might either need to hem theirs up a bit (or if you live in the States: but the petite version!).

I've mentioned before that I'm not hugely fond of the great big, whacking blue bow which they added onto the product photos after the fact. I pretty much felt the same way in real life. The sash made it feel slightly like a little girl's dress, whereas this dress is strong enough to stand on it's own - and could be dressed down nicely with neutral belts of your own. The alternative option, which I used to save time (read: laziness), was to tie the bow in the back, which I was suprisingly enamoured with. Colourful pop, but less obtrusive. Win, win!

This dress is headed for my cupboard, so long as it can make it to the sale room. I'm hoping to try the size down first, though, just to be sure on the fit. Highly recommended.

Hopefully I will have more reviews (maybe just singular) up tomorrow, but we'll see, after my wild day at the cricket. Pray for sunshine, people. 

Read more...

Treasure Hunting

A few eBay finds this week:

Catmint Dress - Maeve - US6/UK10 -£25 or best offer

Larkspur Capelet Dress - US6/UK10 - £0.99

Blue Bonnet Dress - Odille - US4/UK8 - £24.99

Gilded Lily Skirt - Edme & Esyllte - US2/UK6 and US4/UK8 - £9.99 and £0.99

Will post reviews tonight!

Read more...

Clearing out the cobwebs...

Well, you were supposed to be seeing my spanking new review photos, but my camera battery just died halfway through uploading the pictures, so I'm going to air out these old ones and put the new ones up tomorrow night.

Frannie Camisole by Girls From Savoy

&

Foundational Pencil Skirt by Moulinette Soeurs

These review pictures are examples of a common frustration for a fashion blogger: when great clothes don't turn up in the photos. The top, which we'll start off with, is fine. I'm wearing a UK10/US6 here which fit like a dream. It zips up in the back and the constuction is a lot sturdier than the design would have you believe. The bottom panel was annoyingly slightly sheer, you can see the colour of the skirt through it. The only real complaint, I have, though, is that the straps zip in diagonally on the back, which is going to reveal your bra however you try wearing it. I almost wonder if it would be possible to have the straps moved by a tailor... Will definitely consider on sale.

And then the skirt. This lovely, gorgeous, fabby skirt. This skirt, in real life, is a fan-fricking-tastic hot pink, raw-silk effect piece. In these photos it's coming off a weird, muted red-pink. Believe the Anthro shots, not mine. I'm wearing a UK12/US8 here, as I usually do in pencil skirts. This skirt is really quite elastic, meaning that you're going to get that real wiggle effect. The length was just right, hitting me on or just below the knee, depending on where I pulled it to on my waist. The colour means that this is going to be a real statement piece, but I loved how it looked with this white top - it'd be a perfect summer work skirt. Wishlisted!

Around the Maypole Dress by Girls From Savoy

& 

Mystery Cardigan (someone refresh my memory?!)

Lets start with the dress. The colour of the Around the Maypole Dress was much less vivid than I had anticipated, and I was glad of it. It's a slightly rusty red/orange which complemeted the oatmeal embroidery. I'm wearing a UK10/US6 which fit quite nicely - not too loose in the bust! The elasticated back means that it would be easy to size down, and I would want to try this in the UK8/US4 if I bought it, to see if I could reduce the bulkiness around my stomach and hips. This has already been on sale in the UK, and I wasn't too fussed to miss out on it, but on second markdown it would be a great piece to have - nice, but not overly special, in my opinion.

Now, I can't for the life of me find this cardigan online, it's probably too old, or I'm losing my marbles (eminently possible). This is one of those few 1970s inspired pieces that I don't actually despise. They did manage to get some things right with fashion in that era! (autumnal colours; lace and crochet and swing coats/cardigans). I found this was a nice, neutral accompaniment to the ATM Dress. The style is quite opera-coat, yet has been made casual enough by the crochet to fling over pretty much anything. If this was on sale I might grab it for its versatility alone. That's if I ever remember what the dang thing is called!

That's all for tonight, but I can tell you that amongst some of things I snapped this afternoon were the Lepidoptera Dress and the new Traced Twirls Dress in corduroy... stay tuned!

Read more...

Sale and London Bound

Something v. odd is happening to the formatting of this post, so bear with me. There's a small-ish sale on the UK site today, including:

Dresses:

Cherimoya Kaftan - £69.95 ...was £138.00

Bilberry Dress - £99.95 ...was £228.00

Golden Age Shift - £149.95 ...was £298.00

Damselfly Dress - £39.95

Meyer Meringue Dress - £89.95 ...was £118.00

Calliope Dress - £69.95 ...was £138.00

Languid Paisley Maxi Dress - £59.95 ...was £118.00

Parallel Flights Dress - £79.95 ...was £168.00

Gull Wing Dress - £69.95 ...was £138.00

Tops:

Agape Back Tank - £29.95 ...was £58.00

Binary Top - £29.95 ...was £58.00

Ad Hoc Tank - £29.95 ...was £58.00

Ternary Strap Tank - £14.95 ...was £28.00

Jigsaw Pieces Tank - £29.95 ...was £58.00

A Bit Biased Tee - £9.95 ...was £22.00

Ensnared Peasant Top - £59.95 ...was £118.00

Elderflower Camisole - £24.95 ...was £48.00

Soft Shoulder Vest - £29.95 ...was £68.00

Single Sheet Cardigan - £39.95 ...was £68.00

Skirts:

Infrared Skirt - £49.95 ...was £98.00

Tomato Picking Skirt - £39.95 ...was £118.00

Shoes and Bags:

Collected Light Sandals - £49.95 ...was £88.00

Weaver Finch Sandals - £29.95 ...was £98.00

Emerald Isle Wedges - £99.95 ...was £148.00

Patent-Edged Satchel - £79.95 ...was £158.00

Half Arc Bag - £49.95 ...was £138.00

In other news, I'm headed up to London to do a bumper session in the changing rooms! If you have any requests for reviews, leave them now, and I'll see what I can do.

Read more...

Epic Lust Haves List (with my always amusing commentary. Naturally).

It's been ages since I've had the time to sit down and trawl through Anthro's website and pick out the things that I'm lusting after (at least without having tried them on!), so I'm making the most of my time off to do so now!

Twisted Ascot Tee

This looks a lot llike the Loosely Looped Tee that was around at the beginning of the year. I love this mustard colour but I just hope that it's not as sheer as its predecessor.

Drape and Twist Tee

I don't know what's happened to me, but I'm suddenly a huge lover of taupe -  it's often a great layering colour. I don't know how practical this will be on, partiucularly when taking boobs into consideration, but I remain hopeful!

Neale Top

I can't tell whether I like this in black or white better... the white would pop nicely (especially if I can tan up!) but the black has a slightly more Bond girl vibe...

Lemon Liftoff Blouse

Ah! So cute! Also, my school logo was the owl, so I have a real soft spot for them. Owls plus my favourite colour, how could it possibly go wrong?

Tangerine Flicker Dress

Whilst the initial reviews aren't necessarily encouraging (apparently it's v. sheer in the top) I can't get over the fantastic orange colour. There was a poem we had to study in school which had the line: "They sent me a salwar kameez, peacock blue and another, glistening like an orange split open" and the latter description reminds me of this dress.

Dalian Dress

I'm not usually a fan of these empire line dresses, but something about the Grecian simplicity of this dress is just really appealing.

Lepidoptera Dress

Yes, I chose the picture of the dress without the sash for a reason. Does anyone else prefer it sans sash? This is basically what I wanted the Butterfly Net Dress to be, but classier (doesn't it look like it could be an ensemble dress for My Fair Lady?).

Cloak of Quills Dress

This is one of Anthro's quirkier offerings at the moment - but that's exactly what I want! I miss quirky Anthro a lot of the time. Now, this might end up looking like a potato sack on me, but I hope not, as I just love the details on this thing. A fascinator piece.

Tupelo Dress

Every time I have to write this dress name out, I always want to write "Tupelo Honey". Sigh. That aside, this is cute and I'm hoping the great cut out in the back won't expose my bra.

Persian Floral Dress

Whilst the price point is suitable epic to scare me off at the moment (second cut, anyone?), I'm dying to see what this dress looks like on, and by 'on' I mean on someone with boobs, sorry Anthro model.

Bolshoi Cardigan

This cardigan ticks the taupe box and the cute feminine details top. I can't help but miss the cardigans that Anthro used to do. Didn't we use to always have at least one weird, wonderful and cute cardigan every season? We had Tick-Tock Cardigan, Climbing Trellis Cardigan, Cartography Cardigan, etc, and now nothing quite like them...

Longwing Pullover

This is one of those pieces which I will probably never actually wear, but always wish I would be the kind of long legged fairy creature who wears these kinds of neutral flowy things. You know what I mean?

Peppering Skirt

Whilst I actually probably need to cease and desist adding to my enormous collection of pencil skirts, I can't help but coo over this. Mixed prints! All done neatly for you!

Map of the World Skirt

What I love about this skirt: print and material. What I don't love: price and the fact that it sounds as though it runs uber tiny. The eight year old girl in me, who is convinced that a good outfit means matching! is screaming at me to wear this with the Cartography Cardigan. Must. Resists. Mapgasm.

Whew. That was a long list! Just give me more time, though, and I could always come up with more!

I was planning on going into London today or yesterday but it doesn't seem like a good time at the moment, needless to say. The shops on the Kings Road were all closed yesterday, I've heard. Weird times. Regardless, I'll probably be going up next week now, instead. To give my father peace of mind, if nothing else. I have a couple of reviews left in my pocket so I'll post those up in the next few days. 

Thanks for bearing with me!

Read more...

London's Burning

It feels like there are no words to describe what I, and others, are feeling about the riots in London. Actually, that's a lie. I know what I feel: rage. The kind of trembling rage that makes it hard for me to even talk about this without working myself up into a state.

I finished my last internship on Friday, which is in Islington, East London. We heard that there had been a shooting, which is almost unheard of in the UK. Town was a bit quiet that night but we had no idea what was about to come. 

I was out of the loop on Saturday and it was only on Sunday that I realise how bad things were getting. I just keep thinking: how is this happening in London, in our city, our capital?

I don't know what the coverage has been like outside the UK, I'd be interested to know. But, do not be fooled: this is no longer about the shooting of Mark Duggan. Those who were demonstrating his death did so peacefully on Saturday. This is petty criminals and lowlifes seizing the opportunity to thieve, vandalise and burn our beautiful city. 

The police, who have been condemned for their harsh methods before, were praised over the weekend for their 'softly, softly' approach - but this time has passed. I know many of my friends who live in London have called for the military to be deployed. Londoners will side with the Met now, let the batons come out.

Pray for London.

Read more...