Monogrammed

If you’d have told me a few years ago that one day I’d own a monogrammed Louis Vuitton bag, I’d have never believed you. I hated the things, fed up with seeing fakes on market stalls everywhere, and the cheap associations that went alongside that. But as time has passed, so have those connotations, and Louis Vuitton has become a brand that I completely covet rather than turn my nose up at. This is mostly thanks to their beautiful pastel-hued campaigns and a few visits to their famous stores to get a real feel for their classic designs, in some of my most-worn colours.

Now, how on earth did I come to afford a Speedy, I hear you ask. Not through buying it in one of their stores, that’s for certain! Vestiaire Collective got in touch to tell me about their luxury resale store, which I immediately spent the next hour browsing. Most of my designer finds have been through eBay – I’m not afraid of a scratch here and there and have no problem with other people’s hand-me-downs – so I couldn’t have been more thrilled to find a way to hunt down my favourite pieces from seasons-gone-by. What’s better is, after you’ve made your purchase, the team at Vestiare Collective check your item for you before it’s shipped out. Old Speedy here has a few bumps and bruises, but nothing that I wouldn’t have created on my own in a few years. I’m sorry I ever doubted you, LV!

Now I’m stalking the Miu Miu and Chloe pages for things within my price range..and you should be too as I’m hosting a competition along with a few pals to win prizes totalling £1000 to spend on the site – all you have to do is sign up for the community via this link – easy peasy.

Now…to find that elusive bow satchel…wish me luck ; ) x

Bicester Village

As you may have been able to tell from my sporadic posts, the final year of university is taking it’s toll – the next month and half may be a little quieter than normal around here because I’m slaving away on a special project that I can’t wait to share with you very soon. Not to mention that pesky dissertation that I should really start..oops!

But I strongly believe that when things get stressful, you need to remember to take time off for fun (or perhaps retail therapy in this case!), which is exactly what I did last Wednesday when the British Designers Collective opened at Bicester Village, a designer shopping outlet an hour outside of London. Any excuse to visit somewhere I’d heard so many good things about…

British Designers Collective

I’m very much about buying British when possible, or if not, independent designers from across the pond, but unfortunately and understandably, this comes at a price. Which is why I think the British Designers Collective, a pop-up store selling British design talent for discounted prices, is a great initiative. I arrived at the launch greeted by the usual champagne and canapes (at 9.30am? No ta!), perused the rails of the likes of Markus Lupfur, Emma Cook and YMC (quite a few under £100 bargains spotted!) before I saw a leggy brunette enter the fabulously designed space. Host, Alexa Chung, one of the reasons I couldn’t say no to the invite – any chance to ogle that near-perfect being.

On the number of occasions I’ve bumped into her, I’m always taken-aback by how beautiful she is..I know, I sound like I’m in love or something, but this girl could wear a sack and still look amazing. unsurprisingly, is wasn’t a sack she chose to wore to open the store, but a charming ‘Gainsbourg is God’ jumper by designer Bella Freud, also stocked. Want!

I didn’t part with my cash for anything in the store this time, but thought I’d take a look around the rest of the village…

Oops..

…and guess what? I made a cheeky purchase! My overdraft is severely dented, but I managed to get my hands on something I’ve been longing after for a while at well over half the original price. Any guesses? I’ll give you a hint: a Charlotte Olympia shop has just opened at Bicester too ; ) No more shopping for me for a while..and I definitely can’t return to Bicester until I have a job..it’s shopping heaven.

I wore a Nadinoo dress to the event, with tights and a beret, which seems almost crazy after the sunny weekend we’re having. I’m hoping to shelve berets and tights ASAP! x

P.S – I’m heading to Antwerp on a “school” trip tomorrow, have any of you visited?! I’d love to hear your tips!

Better late than never…

A few weeks ago I asked on Twitter if anybody had posted a Christmas Wishlist post, and to my delight I had a lot to snoop at! There is something I love about a bunch of pretty items grouped together, well, that and I’m nosey. I didn’t think I’d be posting one this year, I’ve been at such a loss for things to ask for, as I’m perfectly very happy with everything I have. But I gave in – I’ve been coming across so many cute things that I thought perhaps they could inspire your gift buying..or with only 2 weeks left until Christmas, maybe what you buy with your Christmas money ; )

Now it would be all too easy to pop on the Topshop website and link to practically everything, but I thought I’d share things that you might not have come across previously from independent designers. Enjoy!

1. My poor phone gets thrown around all over the place, but imagine how careful I’d be if I had this leather beauty covering it. By bRainbow, the handmade case comes all the way from Australia, so make sure to get in contact about shipping dates, as it may be too late, depending on where you live. They do other designs too!

2. Designer Licia Florio got in touch with me just a few days ago and I’ve had her designs and AW colour palette on my mind ever since. She not only products ultra wearable clothing in save-uppable-for(?!) prices, but a gorgeous selection of coloured unisex oxfords. My favourite combo is the brown and pink. I have a pair of minty coloured pop socks that would look perfect with them!

3. Why don’t I ever tie my scarf like that?! Such a beautiful colour as well. By Oh Leander.

4. If you haven’t already, I urge you to take a look at the ‘Office & Personal Organisers” section over at YesStyle.co.uk. Stationary heaven. This little diary is one of the many things I have my eye on. Just a note that shipping from YesStyle can take some time, as it may need to be ordered in from across the world (I’ve bought far too much from there so know the ins an outs!)

5. I first came across Alice Gabb‘s toys and stationary at Gabberdashery, the fun selection of market stalls you can find at Gabby Young‘s gigs. I was fawning over her work for a good ten minutes or more. She has a selection available online too, I’m particularly in love with Mr King George, the bear.

6. You all know Hannah Metz, right? Have you seen her lingerie designs? Want. So. Bad. They are a million miles away from the ‘days of the week’ knickers I’ve become accustomed to lately. I’d love to wear something special like that underneath my dresses.

P.S - Christmas came early when Gem posted about PuglyPixel, a website with lots of cute downloadable graphics for bloggers, I’ve used some of the scalloped labels in this post. Have fun playing with them! x