fancy friday

Hurrah, it’s a sunny start to the weekend, I love it. This weekend I’m heading up to Yorkshire to attend the wedding of someone I’ve known since the age dot, and I can’t wait to spend time with my family and friends. The wedding is taking place on a farm, so we’re talking barn dancing, hog roasts and probably a bit of a festival atmosphere. I’m just praying that the sun continues to shine, because mud and my nude Zara peep-toes just won’t do! Do you have any plans for this weekend?
Now, I spend an inordinate amount of time on Pinterest. It’s an addiction, but a healthy one in terms of creativity. I can honestly spend hours just scrolling through the thousands of images – all the while being inspired, noting down ideas, drooling and repinning. I’ve created a number of boards (see here), but I’m sure many more will spring up with time; lately I’ve been inspired by chic neutral ensembles, fresh turquoise palettes, soft feminine interiors, breath-taking destinations, and a little bit of sparkle. With that in mind, here are some of my recent pins:

{images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16}
What do you think of my choices?
My look of the week goes to a newcomer who is starring in The Inbetweeners movie (definitely on the list to see), Laura Haddock. She’s far more glamorous than her name suggests, and at the recent premiere for the film she stole the show in sheer D&G. The gaggle of Z-listers in their shiny, showy gowns didn’t stand a chance. If this effort is anything to go by, we can expect big things from her red carpets appearances. For my room of the week, this kitchen really does it for me… the double doors to the garden, the rustic bench, the slightly industrial feel, all combine perfectly to create a space that would certainly be the heart of a home:

{images via prphotos & Elle Decor}
I hope you have a superb weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

homage to hermès

Since I don’t have the means to dress designer from head to toe (the nearest I usually get to designer is the ‘Spotlight’ range at Warehouse), sometimes one accessory will make you feel like you’re one of them. Y’know, those fancy ladies who lunch on the Kings Road and re-model their numerous properties in lieu of a job. I own a Mulberry (adopted from eBay), two pairs of Jimmy Choos (one pair eBay-adopted, the other “borrowed” from my mum) and a Chanel 2.55 (adopted from China by my best friend… but unless you actually worked for Chanel you would never tell, it’s amazing), and whenever I don any of those items they have some kind of magical power to make me feel a little bit special. Now, if a Hermès Birkin didn’t cost the equivalent to 10 months rent, then I’m sure one of those beauties would have the same effect. I’ve been noticing Hermès everywhere lately, like some kind of subliminal message that I should be buying investing in one of their products. Sadly I don’t think my bank manager nor landlady would agree. Here are my top 4 dream Hermès purchases:

{images via pinterest}
The blanket retails at £850. I know. That’s one expensive Snuggie. BUT if I did win the lottery, I would definitely get one, just because I could. Speaking of ‘could’, the bottom two items are what my money will be most likely be spent on to indulge my weakness for Hermès:

{Emmakisstina Hermès print / Vanilla Paris Bertie bag}

emerald city

Autumn, fall, whatever you want to call it, is on its way along with the countless new trends that are filtering down into our high streets right now. One of them is a look that we saw a lot of on the Gucci catwalk: emerald. Next season it’s all about the LGD and greens that flatter all skintones – opt for satins or silks and the pieces will look super-luxe. However if you don’t think it’s easy being green all over, then just dabble with the trend using accessories or emerald nails. What do you think, dear readers? Will you be going green?

{images via Fashionologie, etsy, 100 Layer Cake, Martha Stewart & Pinterest}

{1. Warehouse drape back tunic – £28 / 2. ASOS contrast bag – £15 / 3. Moto skinny jeans – £38 / 4. Dorothy Perkins metal edge bangle – £8.50 / 5. Essie Pretty Edgy – £9.95 / 6. Oasis pussy bow blouse – £40 / 7. ASOS envelope clutch – £20 / 8. Topshop shift dress – £46 / 9. Dune raffia court shoe – £51 / 10. ASOS leaf stud earrings – £5}

fancy friday

Happy Friday, friends! Hope you’ve all had a good week, and are looking forward to a bit of R&R this weekend. I don’t know about you, but I’m relieved to get back to a bit of peace and normality after the shocking events earlier this week (see here). I very much hope that the amazing police officers on duty get some extremely well-deserved down-time after their incredible efforts. I’m happy to say that I officially have zero plans for the next two days, since the following five weekends go something like this: wedding, wedding, holiday, holiday, my mum’s 60th birthday. Phew! Looking forward to every single one, though. Especially the holiday part, I have to say… the South of France is calling!
I don’t know if you’ve heard about ‘The Notebook Doodles’ or not, but allow me to introduce you. If you’re a frequent pinner on Pinterest then you’ll often come across the likes of the stunning and inspirational quotes below. The photographs, the handwriting and often some of the quotes are all created by the blogger behind this site (who is something of an enigma… they reveal no personal details besides the fact they’re in their early 20s), and as well as the doodles that they release on their blog, they’re also available for commissions. Erm, how talented are they?! These thoughts are really succinct and motivating, and so beautifully presented. Take a look at the website when you get a sec, you’ll be hooked. When you have one of those weeks when you find it hard to stay focussed and keep your goal in mind, sometimes a rousing pick-me-up (the first quote in particular) is just what you we need:

{images via the notebook doodles}
For my look of the week it was a bit of a no-brainer – the award goes to Jordana Brewster (actress from the Fast & the Furious movies, went out with that Yankees player, aaand that’s all I got) who kills it with some of my favourite trends: mint (see here for past gushings), pleats (see here), shoes with scalloped edges (see here) and just her subtle and relaxed styling in general. I mean, she looked far better than Kruger at the InStyle Summer Soiree… this is serious stuff*. As for my room of the week, yes yes, I know I’m cheating, but this sunny outside space was so appealing I had to share it with you. That table is ridiculous. It makes me want to get all ‘Kirstie Allsopp’ with mosaicking.
*relatively speaking, obv.

{images via prphotos & Elle Decor}
I hope you have a fabulous weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

new style crush

Sorry for the rather sombre tone yesterday – I just wouldn’t have been true to myself had I been all perky about polka dots. Anyway, I’m feeling a lot more positive today after the amazing community spirit that manifested after the horrific night of violence on Monday in my local area. Truly heart-warming, and all faith in humanity is restored. So today I’m bringing you a new style crush of mine: Zanna Roberts Rassi. Not only is her name awesome, but she also has a sense of style that I would give my right arm for. She’s British and works as Senior Fashion Editor at US Marie Claire in NYC (ergo no scary Anna Wintour, although I don’t imagine Joanna Coles is a walk in the park). Dream job, dream wardrobe. She kinda reminds me of a prettier Uma Thurman, and is queen of using neutrals to achieve a classic yet edgy look when paired with statement prints or a leather jacket. She manages to make harem pants look good, for crying out loud! And it’s so effortless, à la Palermo and Kruger, always ensuring she’s wearing the clothes, not the other way around. She also channels that look that only ‘ladies in fashion’ can pull off… it’s what I like to call, “oh, this old thing?”:

{images via Garance Doré, Fashionologie and Citizen Couture}
Ooh and I found wedding pictures *squeals with excitement*… true to form, Zanna didn’t go for the style of dress that the world and his wife go for, oh no no no. Check it out. It’s Marchesa (LOVE… actually my favourite designer) and is the perfect look for a chic city wedding. Amaze.

{images via 100 Layer Cake}
Hot, intimidating fashion girls roam in packs. Fact. Zanna is no different, as she’s seen strutting along (“Strut? Do I strut? Am I a strutter?” – sorry, couldn’t resist) with fellow pack members in tow. Man, do I wanna be in her gang.

{images via pinterest}
What are your thoughts on Zanna’s style? Crush-worthy?