Things that make you go Oooooo (April 2010)

Valley of the Dolls by sophiee's.world.'s

They days are getting brighter, the weather milder and flowers are starting to sprout from the ground, spring is finally here. Spring has to be one of my favorite seasons as everything feels new and fresh, you can open all your windows clear out the house and breathe in something new. This will be one of my last posts before I leave for "Project Panda" in a few days so I'm really excited for the month ahead but it's time to take a look back on everything that has been wonderful in April.

♥ Elephant Twins Born in Thailand - What's cuter than a baby elephant? TWIN baby elephants! Such a rare sight makes me so happy.

♥ Louboutin Your Nails

♥ Art Styles Cup and Saucers - I love these and they would make for some great tea parties, James Jean's design is just stunning.

True Life Princess by marguerite♥petite

♥ Spider Web Eyelashes - I don't normally wear fake eyelashes but I'd make an exception for these.

♥ How Everything Goes to Hell during a Zombie Apocolypse

♥ Modern Relics - Beautiful jewelry beautifuly presented

 BlackandWTF

♥ What You Wear - Oh, French discusses what we wear and what it says about us.

♥ The Owl Box

♥ Stuck in Customs - Some of the most enchating travel photography I've ever seen

♥ Last Minutes with ODEN - Such a beautiful yet sad story, make sure you have tissues!

♥ Crazy Cat Capers 

♥ Animal Pictures of the Week - Ah those blue eyes so beautiful, gorgeous animal shots from around the world.

Modern by Caesar Sebastian

♥ Disneyland Weddings - Ok how beautiful are those dresses, when I get married I want this!

♥ Oh Maiden, Advance with a Sword and a Rose by Arika Takarano

♥ Love Roccoco - Cute drawings and a cute blog

Miss Michelin by Vincent Bourrelly

♥ Dominic Jones - Susie Bubble posted pictures of a few of his new accessories and OMG am I in love, that dino skull arm cuff is pure love!

♥ P.S. I Made This...

♥ It Is Nancy's New Blog - Not only does she put together some fantastic outfits but her illustrations are totally adorable to.

Love by Pink Emmie Bat

♥ 50 Signature Bags - Gorgeous list of must have bags.

♥ 30 Habits that Will Change your Life

♥ Never Date a Writer - There are 2 sides to every story...

Love & Hugs
Cate
xoxo

Spring Fashion: H&M Garden Collection

by Mai Phuong 

 H&M is quickly becoming one of my favourite high street shops, their recent collaborations with Jimmy Choo and Sonia Rykiel have seen them rise masses in popularity with many stores selling out at a record pace their newest collection, The Garden Collection is no different and incorporates some of the most popular spring motifs as seen on the catwalk.

Romantic, exotic, glamorous or abstract: this spring’s floral patterns provide an injection of creativity and a love of fashion into your wardrobe. The floral looks are inspired by chlorophyll-green gardens, sundrenched landscapes and even 70s hippie chic flower-power. The romantic garden collection is made using organic and recycled materials. All the garments have been produced using sustainable materials or using recycled PET bottles or textile waste.  - H&M

I just love that the high street is now searching more eco-friendly ways to produce their garments proving that eco-friendly is not boring and can be available to by at economically sound prices, some of the nicest dresses on offer cost just £29.99 but look as if they're worth at least double that!

Luckily my local H&M still has most of the collection in stock, however some of the more popular items had already sold out at the bigger stores which is unsurprising as this collection is one of the prettiest on the high street at the moment, so I managed to snag myself a couple of items a cream tunic dress and a pink bodycon dress

I haven't had the chance to wear them properly yet and they'll probably go straight in the suitcase because they'll be perfect to wear when I go away in a couple weeks but I did manage to get some pictures of me trying them on in the changing rooms.

I got this tunic dress a couple sizes bigger than what I would usually partly because my normal size was sold out and partly because I think it looked better worn a bit baggy either way it's pretty versatile, I can already think of lots of different ways of dressing this up or down.

This was actually one of the first dresses I picked up out of the collection because I love the rose ruffle sleeves although I didn't actually buy it after my first visit because it was a bodycon dress and I didn't think it suited me. But I went back a second time tried it on again, thought it was too cute to pass up and bought it, although admittedly I'll probably have to invest in a good pair of spanx before I wear it out but I do like it and I'm glad it didn't sell out before I had the chance to go back and get it!

So girls if you haven't already get down to you local H&M and check it out because stores are selling out fast and some pieces are already selling for double even triple on eBay, this collection is not only perfect for spring but a way forward to introducing more eco-friendly and sustainable fashions onto our high streets.

Keeping Safe on the Streets

Lying in Wait by Ally Mac

Quite often I find myself walking home alone at night and even though I know the streets pretty well it's still very important to keep safe as you never know who or what might be around the corner. I know I'm not the only girl who walks home alone and with all the bad news and stories you hear this can make you feel very vulnerable so I thought I'd share a few tips on staying safe.

♥ Make sure someone knows where you are - After a late night out my friends and I always check in to let each other know we're home safely. It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing it's always a good idea to let someone know where you are or where you're going.

♥ Take a defence class - Just in case you're unlucky and get in a bad situation it's always good to have some knowledge of how to defend yourself, it's also a great activity to enjoy with your girl friends but be warned throwing each other on crash mats can lead to a bad case of the giggles!

♥ Stick to busy, bright, well lit areas - Even if it's going to take you slightly longer to get home try to avoid those places which are quiet and dark.

♥ Be aware of your surroundings - That means not listening to your ipod full blast and to keep an eye out for anyone looking suspicious just in case you are being followed.

♥ Get a personal alarm - I personally own one from isa security, I keep it hanging off my handbag at all times and it's really small and discrete, unlike the alarms of the past, but should you need it lets out a very powerful loud sharp shriek like a woman screaming definitely more effective than your regular alarms!

♥ Be confident! - If you're in a new place which is unfamiliar to or even if you're in a place you're familiar with don't look scared, confused or look like a victim try and make yourself look strong and confident even if you're not feeling it inside.

I've been lucky not to have anything happen to me and hopefully I'll never will have anything bad happen to me but it's always important to be prepared and keep yourself safe when you're out especially if you're on your own, I hope this has somewhat helped a few of my readers out there.

Take Care & Keep Safe

Cate

xoxo

Inspirational Quotes #1

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.  - Coco Chanel

D.I.Y. Tutorial: Creative Jewellery Storage

The Batcave (i.e. my bedroom) is in dire need of a style overhaul and as its spring I think it's the perfect excuse to break out the decorating box and try out some fresh new styles. A while ago I saw how someone used a pair of antlers on their wall to store their jewellery and I thought that this was a wonderful statement and gorgeous idea so wanted to try it out for myself.

Unfortunately my thrifting skills have not found me a pair of antlers yet but while I was helping my Nan clear out her spare room I came across this wonderful pair of wooden gazelles and as it seemed such a shame to throw them out I asked her if I could have them.

They were looking a bit worn down and didn't really match my room decor so I decided that I would work my D.I.Y magic on them and turn them into something special so the first thing I did was sand them down and give them a repaint.

I couldn't decide whether to paint them back or white so I settled for one of each but even with a new coat of paint I felt they were missing that extra bit of magic....

A makeover from my mini sparkle kit!

 Admittedly I was tempted to totally bling them out but I resisted temptation and just went for a tiny amount of sparkle seeing as my plan for them was to adorn them with all my beautiful jewellery.

 While decorating them with jewellery it reminded me of the times when I'd go to the temples in Thailand and decorate the holy statues with gold leaf, flowers, cloth and other offerings to bring me good luck and fortune, I almost feel like I have two of my own mystical gods living in my room now.

A Girl Needs More Than 6 Pairs of Shoes!

By Pink Bow

I was watching Oprah the other day, which I haven't done in a long time, although we don't exactly get the most up to date shows over here, in fact I think we're something like a year behind the US! Aside from that I think there was something in the show which was relevant to everyone no matter when you're watching it, the 6 must have shoes every woman must have.

I've been going through a sort of shoe cleanse over the past year as I used to be a total shoe addict and would buy a new pair or two (or three!) almost every week which left me with a big dent in my bank balance and a ton of extremely gorgeous stylish shoes that would probably never get round to wearing. I think my process of cleansing has gone from one extreme to another though with my collection of about 50 pairs being depleted to meagre pair of 8 shoes, yes at the moment there are only 8 pairs of shoes in my closet and half of those are black boots!

Spring is on its way and I really want to get myself some nice new shoes to wear in the warmer weather, even though I love my collection of black boots I have to admit that they're not exactly the most spring friendly shoes made.

According to Oprah our 6 must have shoes are:

1. Black Pump (in a kitten heel)

2. Comfortable Flat

3. Evening shoe (in neutral or gold)

4. Sleek Comfortable Sneaker

5. Tall Boot

6. All Weather Boots

Even though I see what Oprah is saying and I can see those styles getting a lot of use being our shoe staples 1) I hate sneakers and 2) 6 shoes is not going to match up to my wardrobe and my many different outfits! I'm struggling with 8 and I'm getting bored of turning to my old faithful black boots, in fact I'm bored of the black altogether 6 out of my 8 shoes are black!

So I thought screw Oprah as if she's only got 6 shoes in her closet, shoes should be fun so I'm going to create my own list of 6 must have dream shoes:

By Sean Greenberg

The Cowboy Boot

Hate them or love them this is a timeless classic versatile style which is comfy yet practical. Bonus points if they're a) Vintage for that genuine rugged look or b) Bought from an authentic Cowboy boot maker! Next time I'm road tripping in the desert I'll be picking me up some of these boots.

By Kiraling

The Rocking Horse

Being a Vivienne Westwood addict I have to say I love these, I had a pair of knock-off foam ones but nothing matches up to the real wooden ones. I've tried on the genuine article in store and they're surprisingly light considering you've got blocks of wood strapped to your feet!

Alexander McQueen

Everyone needs that wow, jaw dropping, show stopping, insanely expensive, crazy, freakish shoe and for me the only way to go is Alexander McQueen and yes I'll take any shoe from any collection!

Rodarte Light Shoes

While we're on the subject of insane shoes these fierce babies put those light up trainers you had as a kid to shame! I instantly fell in love with these the moment I saw them and they're far too beautiful not to include on the list.

By CherryBlossomGirl

YSL Cage Heels

These have become almost iconic and yes I want in on them to, I foolishly passed up on the chance to buy them on sale at 50% off! I pray to the Shoe Gods everyday please give me a second chance I promise I won't be so foolish again.

By Loaloo

Harrods 70th Anniversary "Wizard of Oz" Dorothy Shoes

Possibly one of the most iconic shoes in cinema and fairytale history bar Cinderella's glass slipper, I'm a girl who loves my fairytales and loves my shoes so these provide the perfect mix for me and did I mention they're sparkly.

I feel like my inner shoe monster is about to emerge after making this list, luckily the shoe shops are closed now so I won't be maxing out my credit card too soon, so to keep my mind off shopping tell me what 6 shoes are on your shopping list?

The Frequent Flyer meets Beauty Blitz: Must Have Travel Products!!

And you search your heart by Savannah Mae

Quite often when you travel your skin seems to suffer, change of climate, loss of routine and a lack of time means you can't give your skin the treatment it deserves. With restrictions on the quantities and liquids you can take on flights now you often end up skipping or missing out on your usual beauty routine entirely but what you don't realise is that in a travelling environment your skin actually needs more extra special attention than usual.

When I travel, especially on long flights, I take this as an opportunity to treat my skin, give myself a break from using heavy products and just let my skin breathe. I try not to wear a full face of make-up when I'm travelling, which I know is hard for make-up lovers like myself, I instead just wear a tinted moisturiser or BB cream, a bit of lip balm and maybe a bit of mascara just to keep my lashes out of my eyes, the rest of my make-up goes in my suitcase so I don't see it until I arrive at my destination.

I know how annoying it can be to find your usual products in travel sizes and how even more annoying it can be to try and transfer them into smaller jars and bottles so the best option is to try out some travel kits and this Suki Balancing Kit has to be one of the best around!

I'm a huge fan of natural organic skincare products and Suki is a brand that is 100% natural, although effective their products can be very expensive but one of these kits will only cost around $25 - $30 which is less than some of their full sized products and despite their small size there is enough product to last you for at least a two week holiday!

There are two kits one for dry mature skin (Nourishing) and the Balancing Kit which is pretty much suited to all skin types, my skin can be really dry and greasy at the same time but this kit regulates that and leaves me with fresh problem free skin.

The great thing in the Balancing Kit which you don't get in the Nourishing Kit is the Suki Transformative Cleansing Clay, if you're on a long flight and fancy a bit of a facial you can use this as a facial mask, it goes on just like a moisturiser and dries hard like a face mask but it's not noticeable on so you won't freak out the other passengers. The Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser is one of the best I've ever used and leaves you with Spa fresh skin everytime, I'm considering investing in the full sized product so my skin feels like its on holiday all the time!

This kit has now become one on my must have travel products and I've already got one ready to go for when I leave for China, I know with this in my bag I no longer have to worry about the effect that travelling will have on my skin and that I'll always reach my destination looking even better than when left.

This and more Suki Products are availible to by from LoveLula.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are my own personal views, I was not paid to write this or compensated in any way. I would not write about something I didn't first try out, wouldn't spend my own money on or believe in..