WishWishWish

A Cuppa + Cake

March 30th, 2012

The Vintage Emporium

I’m working on a rather exciting, self-initiated project that involves meeting up with lots of talented ladies – and last week my venue of choice for these meetings was The Vintage Emporium, just off Brick Lane. Who said work wasn’t fun?! It’s very quickly making it’s way to the top of my list for a cake and a cuppa in London. Now, I won’t say who I met up with as I don’t want to give away too much…all will be revealed very soon! But I can share what I chose to indulge in whilst I was there – a slice of Victoria sponge and a big old mug of tea (four sugars, please!).

Whilst the cake wasn’t the best that I’d had, it was more than made up for by the cosy surroundings. I parked up on an armchair, with that hairy little fella above as my neighbour, surrounded by dried flowers and old suitcases – we must have been there for hours!

In other news, it’s bare leg weather once again!! Hooray! My rather pale-looking pins are on show, and I don’t plan on putting them away until at least October. I’ve been waiting to wear this spring-time ensemble for a while – the colour combo reminds me of something that one of my fave bloggers Ashley of Fancy Fine might put together. I’ll be re-wearing this many a time over the next few months, I’m sure of it! x

If you’re visiting London and like the look of the Vintage Emporium, you can find it at 14 Bacon St, Brick Lane.

Cardigan - Licia Florio | Dress - YesStyle.co.uk
Bag - MySuelly via Monnier Freres | Shoes - Le Bunny Bleu

Buying British.

March 25th, 2012

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!

Burgundy

March 19th, 2012

Matchy Matchy

Some of my favourite ever dresses have been the ones found on eBay or Etsy for about £3, and this is one of them. Shortened from almost-ankle-length, this button-up corduroy dress is extremely casual, the kind of thing you can lounge about the house in..and as my housemates will confess, that is one of my favourite activities!

A new go-to for when I don’t know what to wear to uni in the morning. Not bad for under a fiver, eh?! In typical Carrie fashion, I paired it up with everything I could find in my house that was the same colour, from my shiny patent flats, a pair of burgundy faux-glasses, and a leather bow. I clearly have no problem with looking a little ‘matchy matchy’…

There was no special occasion, I had a few errands to run and found myself in East London with Miguel, who was photographing the beautiful old buildings that surround Brick Lane as textures for a film he is making set in the second world war. I don’t even pretend to understand the complexities of turning modern day London in to a bombed-out 1940′s version, but his coming to bed at 4am most nights proves that it’s rather hard work indeed. I’ll keep you updated ; )

I’ve hardly left my computer either – it’s dissertation time at the moment, so time to pop on that burgundy dress and get writing! x

And the winner is…

Before I go..the winner of the Audrey Grace $100 gift card is Emma from Somewhere Else is Better. Congratulations, I’ll be getting in touch!

Dress - eBay | Bag - French & English Confectioners
Tights & Bow - American Apparel | Shoes c/o Le Bunny Bleu
Glasses - Bonlook

The Jewellery Box

March 16th, 2012

‘I Can’t Seem to Get Rid of the Horses’

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know I’m not a jewellery person. I only own a handful of pretty pieces, but often have to remind myself to put them on before I leave the house. Rings are a generally a no-no (I fiddle with them too much!), and I haven’t worn earrings for around 5 years (ditto!). That was until I got these Horse Studs from London-based designer Smith/Grey at Bottica. If I’m going to adorn myself with pieces of metal, they have to be cute pieces of metal, and what could be cuter than a horses rear-end sticking out of your ear lobe..?! Their entire collection is full of horses, but this quirky pair of studs were my favourite piece – I can pretend I’ve got a miniature golden horse jumping through my head!

Another addition to my slowly growing collection is this adorable key bracelet from Benita Blue, and a new pal in the form of this little mouse that grabs on to my little finger – a gift from my best friend Katie who has just opened her own online jewellery shop, Cherry Humbug, where you can find Mr. Mouse for a mere £3.

I’m not ready to start spending any serious dosh on jewellery, but like nail polish, I’m learning to try and appreciate it, which is usually accomplished a lot quicker when said item is animal-themed – next on my wish list is this beauty! x

P.S – I’m totally working on a DIY with all of those pearls! Watch this space…

Earrings - Smith/Grey via Bottica | Bracelet - Benita Blue | Ring - Cherry Humbug
Dress - Family Affairs | Cardigan - Licia Florio