How to... rip or fray jeans, Part 2!

So, after I (very kindly, I thought!) wrote the post on "how to rip jeans", Hannah finally did her pair! The results can be seen below. I think she did a very good job too.

She told me earlier, "I used a grater as sand paper wasn't strong enough. I am very happy with the results! I didn't do them too much as I know they'll get worse the more I wear and wash them!"

Thanks for letting us know how you go on, Han!

LUST LIST: Top 10 PARTY earrings

1.

Topshop Shoulder Duster Earrings, £25

(these come in six different colours!)

2.

Topshop Stone Pearl Chandeliars, £20

3.

Topshop Disco Ball Earrings, £10

4.

Dorothy Perkins Crystal tear drop earrings, £12

AND all Dorothy Perkins jewellery has 25% off at the moment, in store and on line!

5.

Dorothy Perkins Huge gem chandelier, £10

6.

Dorothy Perkins Chandelier earring, £8

7.

ASOS Statement Colourful Bead And Stone Chandelier Drop Earrings, £12

8.

ASOS Enamelled Fan Drop Earrings, £8

9.

ASOS Statement Vintage Style Metal And Pearl Tassel Earrings, £15

10.

Accessorize Noir Chunky Chain Tear Drop Earrings, £12

And one more for luck!

11.

Accessorize Vintage Gem Chandelier Earrings, £10

LAST DAY!!!

If you haven't voted yet - please do vote for me for Blog of the Month - every single vote counts and today is the last day.

10 things I like... from my winter wardrobe!

I decided this morning to write this post as I stood in front of my wardrobe trying to find something that didn't feel tired and old. The problem with my shopping ban is that because it started in the summer I have not bought any new winter clothes since last year now. So here are the top ten things I have been wearing and learning to love (again) from my wardrobe so far this winter:


1. My over-the-knee boots. Not actually old and tired at all but a gift from the boyf. I am literally living in these. Love love LOVE!


2. Leggings. A little warmer than tights and so versatile. They are the perfect summer-to-autumn-to-winter cross over piece!


3. Jumper dresses. I have two H&M rollneck jumper dresses and have been living in them.


4. My cape. I loved this when I bought it in the sales but had little chance to wear it until this autumn. It dresses up an outfit perfectly.


5. Tights tights tights. My love for them is still alive!


6. Knee high socks. Great under jeans or over leggings with knee high or over the knee boots! Good winter warmer.


7. Arm warmers. Colourful. Warm. Funky. What more could you ask for?!


8. Knitted beret. I bought a cream knitted beret for my trip to New York last January and have brought it out of its summer hiding place.


9. Scarves. Always look chic. I think they are great for pulling an outfit together. Have a lovely black one with silver running through it from the "in laws" a couple of years ago. Wear it constantly.


10. Vests. Not the sort that old men wear or that my mum used to make me wear when I was little. But it is now cold enough to put a cute little vest under my clothes and I love it.


More soon. Love, SG

BARGAIN HUNTER: Beautiful bargain arm warmers!

Check out these gorgeous babies! £3 from Matalan and with wool and angora they are so warm!


Spent all day yesterday working on a stall at a Christmas craft market with my sister, selling cushions she'd made. It was freezing. These arm warmers were perfect for keeping me warm. Thank you mum!

Waffles, politics, six and a little boy peeing

There is a smell wafting through the open office window at the moment that smells just like a waffle stand in Brussels. Amazing.


Did I mention before that I lived in Brussels for three months a few years ago when I was doing an internship at the European Parliament?


I learned to love Brussels in that time. I'm not sure it is a city that you immediately fall for, like Paris or Rome but it certainly grows on you. Indeed it is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, it is famous for beer and the city's "mascot" is a little boy peeing and on the other, it is home to the European Parliament and European Commission offices. It is also home to French Belgians and those from Flanders which makes it a clash of cultures. Of course, it also houses an international population, from the African quarter to those in Brussels who work in one of the international institutions. The clashes and contrasts make for an exciting and interesting place to live and as I got to know the city better, so I learned to like it and finally, love it.


Belgium is not a very big country and, as I have found whenever I have travelled in continental Europe, rail travel is relatively cheap. So during my three months I endeavoured to see a little more of the country. One Sunday afternoon I found myself in Antwerp. Again, like most places in continental Europe, much of the city was closed for Sunday but it was a cool place to wander around. Since visiting I have read up more about it and really want to go back. Antwerp is the breading ground of a many a fashion designer, most famously the "Antwerp Six", Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten, Dirk van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee. These six - with a seventh in tow (Martin Margiela) - graduated from the Belgian Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the city at the beginning of the 1980s and travelled to London and Paris together, showcasing their unique avant-garde style of fashion.

The city is home to MoMu - ModeMuseum - the popular fashion museum. The building (above) is also home to The Academy of Fashion and the Flanders Fashion Institute. If you are ever in Antwerp, check it out - I intend to!


Whilst researching the city and finding photos, etc, I came across this blog - Antwerp Fashion Observer. I think this demonstrates how Antwerp has produced such amazing designers and will continue to do so.


Hope you've enjoyed this. More soon. Love, SG

Lovely blogger readers...

PLEASE Follow my blog with bloglovin

Blog of the Month - quick reminder and plea and THANK YOU!

V quick post to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has already voted for me. To anyone who hasn't yet but was intending to vote for me, please please do!! The poll closes on Sunday. You can vote here. And check out the British Style Bloggers site while you're at it. Including my weekly guest column; this week's can be found here.

How to... Dress for work in the winter

Does anyone else have the same problem I do in winter, when dressing for work in the mornings? I walk to work and therefore need to be wrapped up warmly but often get quite warm whilst walking and then when I get to work, the office is often quite hot.


I have put together my top ten tips for dressing for work in the cold weather:


1. The most important item of clothing you will buy for winter is a warm coat. For work this should be smart (obviously!) and preferably knee length, I think. This length will work with trousers and skirts alike. Colour is also important, I think a camel, black or navy blue works best.


2. In my opinion, you can be more imaginative with your accessories, hat, gloves and scarf. Maybe try a nice bright colour that will make you feel better about heading out into the cold on those dark winter mornings. I am lusting after a fuschia pink scarf at the moment.


3. You don't have to forget skirts or dresses just because it is winter. Go for a warmer material, maybe a wool mix suit skirt, with black opaque tights and classic knee-high boots.


4. Boots are key to a winter work wardrobe. A classic black leather knee-high boot with a small heel (2 and a half inches or less). They will pair perfectly with a skirt or dress and will also fit under trousers to add extra warmth when necessary.


5. If you do not want to wear boots to work every day, I tend to pull on a pair of comfy boots to walk to work in and change once at work into my heels.


6. Layers seem to be the obvious answer but for work wear I often find that they bulk me out and make me feel frumpy. If you find you need to layer up for extra warmth, try a thin thermal vest. M&S do some very pretty vests which do not look too old fashioned.


7. Keep a spare cardigan in the office. My office is usually very warm and I therefore often wear a dress with only a scarf and coat which is fine for my walk to work but when the temperature drops in the office later in the day, I find I need an extra layer.


8. Just because it is dark outside doesn't mean that your clothes have to reflect this. The shops are filled with colourful winter clothing, use this to buoy your mood and that of others!


9. Arm warmers are very "of-the-moment". If, like me, you wear a lot of three quarter length sleeves, these are the perfect solution for braving the cold outside the office. Leg warmers (which tend to be cheaper) work on your arms too!


10. Send me your tips for number ten and I'll add the best one to this list!!


As ever, more soon. Love, SG

Art of the Trench

Burberry's site, Art of the Trench, launched last month. I completely forgot all about it until this morning. I am now addicted to it!


My only complaint is that only people wearing a Burberry trench are featured. I know that the site is run by Burberry but I would have liked it to be a celebration of the trench in general, which has obviously been inspired by the Burberry classic. Maybe that is an idea for a photo project for me...


Below are a couple of examples from the site - courtesy of The Sartorialist.

How trendy are these two little boys?!! I love their trenches! So cool.

More soon. Love, SG

Pink Flamingo Day

This is my necklace from Sunday Girl Accessories. I love it! :)

The Initial Necklaces for the girls are lovely too. Thank you Sunday Girl!

Art and Photography: Week 7

Photo information: Nikon D40; 38 mm focal length; F/5; 1/60 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 18 mm focal length; F/5; 1/60 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 28 mm focal length; F/5; 1/60 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 55 mm focal length; F/5.6; 1/60 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 31 mm focal length; F/5; 1/60 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 38 mm focal length; F/13; 3 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 32 mm focal length; F/13; 2 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 30 mm focal length; F/13; 2 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 30 mm focal length; F/13; 2 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 30 mm focal length; F/13; 2 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 30 mm focal length; F/13; 2 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 30 mm focal length; F/13; 2 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Art and Photography: Week 6

I have been a little slack in posting the photos from the course and have just realised that I have not put up week 6 or week 7 photos. So here are some from week 6.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 55 mm focal length; F/6.3; 1/50 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 52 mm focal length; F/6.3; 1/50 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 55 mm focal length; F/6.3; 1/50 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Photo information: Nikon D40; 55 mm focal length; F/6.3; 1/50 sec exposure; ISO-400.

Monday morning pic-me-up

Monday lunchtime, really, I suppose! A pretty rainbow - if you can see it!

AFTER: when I became Delia!

This is the finished cake! How yummy does it look?! It smells pretty good too! Can't wait to taste it but unfortunately I'm still all full up from licking the bowl!

BEFORE: when I became Delia!

This is the cake I am baking this afternoon BEFORE it went in the oven. I now have to wait an hour until it is cooked to see if it is ok!

It's an Apple and Cinnamon Cake. My mum gave me the recipe and it is delicious, when it works! I haven't made one for ages as the last time I did it was a little too moist.

Dinner and curls

Last night I had dinner with some old uni friends in Bristol. This is what I wore. A Zara LBD, earrings from Dorothy Perkins and New Look Mary Janes. I curled my hair and pinned it up for the ocassion.

LUST LIST: Carvela Mary Janes

I spotted these gorgeous patent Mary Janes this afternoon. On sale, from £100 to £59! Bargain. Either in black or purple.


They would be PERFECT for work. Practical and beautiful.

PS!!

Check out Laura's post about Sunday Girl Accessories on her blog, Sideshow Scrapbook, here.

Christmas shopping

There is a lot of debate over when the best time to do your Christmas shopping is. Some people in my office had already finished their Christmas shopping before the beginning of November whilst I'm sure others will leave it until late on Christmas Eve.


I sit somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. Most years I have finished my Christmas shopping at least a week before Christmas and have usually started it before the end of November.


I haven't started it just yet. Although I have started to put the feelers out there.


This year, due to the shopping ban and "credit crunch" I am trying to be a little more thrifty than usual. I have also decided to try to find more quirky and individual presents that might look as if I have put some special thought into the gifts. Which, naturally, I have!


Yesterday I stumbled upon Sunday Girl Accessories. Sunday Girl Accessories offers customised brightly coloured acrylic accessories. I have chosen the initial necklaces for my girlfriends for Christmas. I think they are cute and personal and I love the colours they come in! I am also in love with the pink flamingo but as I don't wear brooches, it might not be so useful.


I can't wait for them to arrive. Of course, I will let you know!

Girls in Tights

You all know by now of my obsession with legwear! I love tights. I love tights. I LOVE TIGHTS! They are - in my humble opinion - fashion's gift to women! And yesterday the Telegraph's fashion director, Hilary Alexander, was in agreement in her article Girls in Tights. According to Alexander,


"Tattoos, tartan, flowers, spots and dots, lace, ribbons, crystals, beading, embroidery, graphics... there is no end to the prints and embellishment available to decorate your legs this season."


And look, Fearne Cotton, Diane Kruger and Jasmine Guinness are jumping on the wagon too!


I love the sheer dotty tights, although I think I'll be sticking my M&S £5 ones rather than the Wolford 'Hot Dots', for £27, or sequin version, 'Loella', at £64 in the article.


Again - to recap - tights are a God-send, I swear! Not only do they slim legs and keep you warm - particularly important on cold winter nights out (now I sound like my mother!) - but they are also a fabulous style accessory which can make any LBD party perfect.


Tell me about your tights of choice for the party season!

Shopping ban update

After being stuck in bed for four days last week with the dreaded lurgy I unfortunately couldn't make the Jimmy Choo for H&M launch in London last Friday. Was most disappointed. It did, of course, mean that I didn't break the shopping ban.


Tonight however I have had to "sort of" break the ban. I'm sure everyone reading this blog will understand how weight is always an issue for us women. Mine seems to fluctuate so much. Well after putting weight on and having to buy the appropriate skinny jeans a year ago I have now lost that weight and both pairs of skinny jeans are now baggy jeans. So tonight, out of necessity (and therefore not an official break) I bought a new pair of smaller sized skinny jeans from H&M.


It is quite dangerous though as I can feel myself being bitten by the shopping bug and am now lusting after two other things I saw tonight. Not so good. So I now want:

1. A lovely faux fur jacket in black (left).


2. A black jumper dress with detailing on the sleeves.


I shall have to be good. I have come this far. Only another 6 and a half weeks to go!


More soon. Love, SG

Street Style

I love street style and British street style in particular. I think some of the best stylists out there are the girls and women dressing themselves every day. Every week, when I get my Grazia magazine, I always flick straight to the Style Hunter pages first to check out the outfits.


My first experience of street style was Scott Schuman's blog The Sartorialist. I love the photographs of genuinely stylish people in their natural setting, so to speak! I think I can also credit his blog as my inspiration to take up a camera and start taking photographs. Even if I haven't yet got up the courage to take my camera into the city centre and ask the stylish people of Cardiff if I might photograph them!?


Another constant inspiration for me is lookbook.nu. This collective of self portraits is constantly changing and the photographs are always so personal and intimate. I love that quality about them that they have. It is like looking in the mirror with that person.


One of my favourites from lookbook.nu, Chiara has recently started her own blog, The Blonde Salad. Check it out. Her style is lovely :)


I am very tempted to load my camera with another black and white film at the weekend and head to St David's 2 and take photographs of the people around me. But let me ask you first, if you were approached by someone asking if they could take your photograph, 1. because you look stylish and 2. for a college project, would you say yes?


More soon. Love, SG

Art and Photography: Cardiff Bay: all my own work!!!

At last night's Art and Photography course we were using the darkroom at college. This is the first time that I had ever done this. I managed to run off a black and white film in my lunch hour yesterday, just out and about in the Bay. The developing takes quite a while so I only managed to print two photos but I plan to go back into college later this week to play a bit more.


Here are the two that I did print:

Style Challenge: Day 6

Tonight is dinner with the "in laws". Hannah had this beautiful red Limited Collection M&S dress in her wardrobe, still with the tags on! I love the colour and think it looks gorgeous on Han. Hope you like it too and have enjoyed my style challenge.

Style Challenge: Day 5

This is Hannah's off duty weekend gear (day off). Doesn't she look lovely and chilled in her Jack Wills trousers, Bronx boots, Primark vests and New Look cardigan? Vg.

Style Challenge: Day 4 Part 2

On Thursday night Hannah had dinner with friends. She asked me to put together an outfit which would be on trend but also relaxed for a night in. She is wearing, New Look skinny jeans, M&S wedges, a long sleeve white top and our favourite item, a military-inspired waistcoat which Hannah found in the kids section of George at Asda. Again, the waistcoat was an item that Hannah had bought and loved but had never know what to put it with. I LOVE it!