16 April 2010

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

11 April 2010

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.

08 April 2010

A Girl Needs More Than 6 Pairs of Shoes!


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:

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.

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.

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?