Peach perfection

Just a quick post of my new Barry M nail paint in Peach Melba. Very much liking the pastels at the moment - a contrast to the dark autumnal shades we are oh so used to...

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Travel bug

On Return from my weekend break to Cardiff, I decided to have a clear out of the tickets I have accumulated over the past couple of months. One of the best things about going to all these different places, is wondering around the city centres and discovering what gems they have to offer. So far I have not failed to purchase a little something from each place - my Urban Outfitters denim shirt from Bristol has served me well and I am more than excited to showcase my new faux fur cossack hat from Cardiff in the near future. This is not the end though folks, I plan to continue the weekend expeditions in the new year - which can only mean good things (one being that I need a bigger travel bag).

The chop

Embarrassing photos of my new hair cut to prove that I faced my fears and did go through with it, really happy with how it turned out.

Good times for a change

After months of contemplating chopping my locks, I have finally decided to face my hair salon fears and book an appointment, tomorrow precisely. The look I am going for is shoulder length, blunt bob. My inspiration, Fearne Cotton. I've had shorter hair in the past, but I was much younger and didn't really know what to do with it - however I feel like now is the time for a change and to loose some of this excess baggage I seem to be carrying around with me lately. Wish me luck!

How can food look this good?

images courtesy of dietcokeandsmoke.tumblr.com

Latest Purchases

Here are the last couple of items I purchased from Asos.com the other day. I have seen these plain band rings on a couple of people, men mostly, and I've always thought they look really stylish when they are placed next to each other in a row. For £8, they weren't too much of an expense. I bought these along with the sequin skirt which I plan to wear this weekend for my birthday with a plain black vest tucked in and my big Jeffrey Campbell style boots.I can see the overall look in my head, now just the trying on part.

New York Nostalgia

I am slightly concerned about how fast time goes, especially these past two years. It quite scares me actually. This time last year, I was in New York with my Mum and Dad. Reflecting on my time there, I feel like I covered so much ground and conquered many shops, but I still didn't get to properly experience NYC. We were so rushed for time that we spent about half an hour getting to Central Park, to stay there for around 15 minutes. I would really love to go back and take part in all the corny touristy things like catch a taxi from Times Square, or have a horse and carriage ride around Central Park whilst eating a churro. At this time of year, with the build up to Christmas, the city has an incredible vibe about it. In London, passers by seem so wrapped up in their own life, they are robotic. In New York, people are friendly, they don't push you over for the last seat on the Subway.

Chelsea Boots

Considering it is my birthday in the very near future (Thursday to be precise) I think this may be the first time I can buy something and not feel guilty after. I have a pair of Chelsea boots that I purchased from ASOS.com about a year ago, however they have a small heel that is gradually wearing away due to the fact I use them so much. I'd like to have a pair of ankle boots that I could comfortably wear in the day and not feel too over dressed, yet could also pull them off n a night out. I've selected a few that are my favourite - but am yet to decide on one. If I could have them all, I would be very happy, but I don't think I can say the same for my bank balance.

Chelsea Boots by alexnadine featuring bootie boots

Leeds Trip

This weekend I ventured up north for the first time to Leeds to visit my boyfriend. I was so excited to go up, not only to see him but to actually just be in another strange, new and exciting city - I was not disappointed. On the Friday we walked down to Headingley which was about a 20 minute stroll from where his halls are, and we found such a nice little cafe, decked out in vintage pieces of furniture from Antelope skulls to wooden skis. To top it off, breakfast with two lattes came to £3 - absolutely amazing for a student who has basically been living off canned beans. After that we headed into the city centre for a bit where we embraced our Devonshire heritage and had a chilled pint of Magners outside on the decking of Spoons. That evening, we went for some drinks then to a restaurant called Browns which again, didn't disappoint on the food front. The décor in there is amazing - it feels as if you are wining and dining at one of Gatsby's parties. Saturday, we had a more cultural day as we went to the Leeds City Museum, The Henry Moore Foundation and the Leeds Art Gallery. The pictures are all of the museum as the historic clothing particularly took my fancy, oh and the Cher shrine...? After being tourists for the morning, we headed for a shopping area called The Victoria Quarter, which for a student already in debt, isn't the best place to go. However, that didn't stop up from looking, and trying on in some cases. We visited Vivienne Westwood, Reiss, Paul Smith, Harvey Nics, Neal's Yard, Zara and many more to list. That evening, after mingling with his other flat mates, we walked to a place called Bierkeller - a traditional German themed beer bar where you drink in steins and dance on the tables. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and can't wait to explore some more when I go back in November.

First image courtesy of austinsmithlord.com

A Well Overdue London Fashion Weekend 2011 Report

Saturday 24th September, that is how long this post is overdue. I am terrible at this - but this is my motivation to get better and not let this type of slacker behaviour reoccur ever again. So where do I start. I had never been to LFWeekend prior to this year, however I know people who have been and recommended visiting at least once. I went with my flat mate Charlie for the 9.30 opening (unfortunately being my un-organised self, left it too long to get the later, more convenient tickets)and probably left around 11.15. The stalls were all really good and I did enjoy mooching around them, but come on, who REALLY has £950 to spend on a coin purse? After bimbling about for an hour, we headed on down to the show where we were greeted by our goodie bags containing some pretty neat products which, most, have lasted me until now. The catwalk shows were all from A/W 11 - so a season behind the current trends, but that didn't really matter seeing as we are heading into mid October now, so I was taking note. Jaeger was my favourite as it continued to mix in the androgynous, smart look with their A/W wear which I love. Overall thought, I don't think I will go again next year seeing as I think it will still hold the same format as every other year including this. Additionally, most of my friends managed to sneak into LFW for free - I think I will try that next year instead of fishing out £42.

Brogue Purchase

Brogue Purchase by alexnadine featuring oxford shoes

I made a purchase from the ASOS.com sale today, and I am excitedly anticipating their arrival which is hopefully before I go to Leeds this Thursday. I've always loved Brogues, but bought loafers before them because at the time they seemed more practical. I am not ashamed to say that Student Finance have helped me out with these, but what else is it for really?

Military Find

I first layed eyes on this jacket on September 9th. For two weeks after, nothing left my mind. I seem to have a thing for Military, so when I stumbled upon this in Pop Boutique in Covent Garden - I knew my only duty was to make sure it got a suitable home, i.e my wardrobe. It hasn't left my clutch since, it's quite bad really because it is starting to develop an unusual smell but I don't care, I love it. The main thing that makes this Khaki wonder such a brilliant buy, is the fact that it looks great with anything. Whether it be something to throw on over some skinny jeans and a Breton, or to put over a playsuit ready to go party in, it is very versatile and doesn't involve too much thought when combining with other things. This shop had loads of other cool looking buys in, so go check it out.

Alex hearts: Bobs

There's something about the effortlessly cool, consistently stylish and timeless bob which entices more and more people each day to take the plunge and chop off those unwanted extra inches. I for one have always been a fan. However, I've never got to point of actually getting into that chair and having the snip. Don't get me wrong, I've tried - I book the appointment, convince myself I'll carry out with it, but then hours before the big day, I cancel. What is wrong with me? I think it has something to do with the fact I used to have one of those super short 'boyish' cuts when I was younger that just failed to flatter, miserably. I've been scared ever since.
Well these stars are definitely ones to follow by, not me. I've always loved Alexa Chung's messy tresses that somehow always manage to look like she's been styled for hours on end beforehand, but to my disappointment - this is not the case. Although, these days I am LOVING Fearne Cottons latest cut. The 'one length', 'blunt ends' look bodes well for her, and if I was going to fully commit to such a change, I would model my outcome on hers. I'll let you know if I ever get round to it.

Latest Obsession.

On a recent visit to Reiss this weekend, I stumbled upon what can only be one of mans greatest creations, well, in the 'Wash bag' department anyway. How have I never seen this before? They were hidden away on the bottom shelf of one of the window displays, where I only noticed them as I bent down to tie my converse lace that had come loose. 'Wow' is my only word to describe it. Definitely two of the most chic accessories I've seen around lately, and still they maintain the same prestige quality that Reiss always delivers. £39 is probably more than you would expect to pay for a make-up bag, but as said before, you are paying for quality - and these are the items that always last the longest. I do believe in the near future I am going to adopt one of these puppies.

Rainy Day in Devon.

What do you do on a rainy day in Devon? The answer is, not a lot. I had to babysit this morning until about 3, which meant thinking of an idea to entertain two children for six hours - and I tell you something, it's not as easy as it sounds. After some intensive (not) research, I decided on the idea of taking them to the Otters & Butterflies sanctuary in Buckfastleigh. Being a lover of all things cute and cuddly, I actually quite enjoyed myself, and this passed at least two and a half hours before we returned home and watched Harry Potter. After my 'sitting' period had ended, I went up to my boyfriends house to watch my second film of the day, Green Mile. I had heard so much about this film over the past ten years or so, but it was one of those classics that I had never really gotten a chance to just sit down with a cup of tea and watch. I have to say, it was incredibly good and very tear jerking in places. Tom Hanks and the rest of the cast give a very convincing and heartfelt performance - definitely one to watch. Anyway, I have work all day tomorrow and then heading out into the city in the evening so my next post might not be until Sunday, so wish you all an exciting weekend whatever you may be doing.

A/W 11 Wish List...So Far

A/W 11 Wish List...So Far by alexnadine featuring skinny leg jeans

Spectacles.

I had to visit Specsavers today for a check up eye test. I've been meaning to do this for so long as my face these days resembles that of a blind rodent, nice and scrunched up with my eyes squinted - I have been informed that this is not really a good look for me. I was actually quite excited to go in as I've wanted to change my original frames for a long time now as I avoid wearing them like the plague, so I wanted something a little more fashion forward. I have to say, I was really impressed with Specsavers whole range of glasses including the designer brands which they sell there. I tried on a few different styles, but finally settled on a Karen Millen pair (the last image) which are a cross between nerdy 3D glasses you get from the cinema, and cat eye inspired frames from the 60's. I was really happy with my find, so all I have to do now is wait a week for my lenses to be fitted then I can finally show off my glasses, not hide them under my bed.

Images courtesy of Specsaver.com