What's in my basket...

@ Motel

It's so close to Christmas now that I really can't afford to be buying myself anything. However, that never stops me from having a browse online. I quite like Motel, especially since they've developed as a company and do more than just printed body con dresses like they used to. Here are my top picks from the website

Sale items

Black and White stripe tube skirt: £10

The last month or so I've been veering towards midi and maxi length skirts and dresses- must be because of the cold weather. My knees won't be on show until March at the very earliest! I think this would be a great addition to my largely monochromatic wardrobe, and would look good with boots and the fur stole that never leaves my neck

 

Wine colour lace playsuit: £15

I haven't worn a playsuit for a while, but I love the colour of this one, the pattern of the lace and the frill around the middle. Looks a little short though, which I guess is to be expected from Motel!

Non Sale

Long sleeve wrap crop top: £20

A plain top, but would go great with my vast numbers of high waisted shorts/ skirts and my shiny new American Apparel disco pants!

Cut Out shoulder crop top: £18

Ditto with this top. I must be in a style rut because I seem to only be drawn to black clothing. But I also love the cut out sleeves on this crop top

Short sleeve denim shirt: £40

Think this is a bit expensive, but I love the wash of the shirt and how it looks with the trousers and boots. Would recreate this look with my disco pants and Ant Boots. Basically think I just want to look like this model! Loving the grungey/ glam vibe

NOTD: Christmas nails

With less than a week til Christmas thought it was time for some seasonally appropriate nails. I didn't want them too OTT so just went for a glittery candy cane style with holly accents. Please excuse the burn on my thumb from my curlers :/

With flash

Used red gems for the berries

OPI New collection March 2013: The Great and Powerful OZ

As I was having a casual check of my Facebook saw a post from OPI with a preview of their new collection out in March 2013. The collection is inspired by Disney's 'The Great and Powerful Oz' and when I first saw the colours I thought they were gorgeous, but not necessarily what I would have expected. The colours are pretty muted, with 3 being reminiscent of the New York City Ballet collection, and I would've thought an Oz themed collection would have some crazy bright colours (maybe I'm thinking too much about the original film). However, I love a good nude polish, the glitter's look fabulous and they've included a golden liquid sand, which looks much more interesting than the liquid sand polishes of Mariah Carey's collection.

picture taken from OPI Facebook page

I'm yet to own an OPI shade, as funds are extremely limited following three years at uni and a three month trip around Asia, but I might have to indulge in a few of these- or look out to see if they bring out a miniature collection.

Genius invention for nail polish addicts

I was watching TV with my mother when one of the typical ads came on. You know, the classic JML-style cheesy advert showcasing a new 'must have' gadget. However, with this one both me and my mum went 'Wow, I want one of those!'. High Street TV presents the Nail Buddy; a simple thing that you put between your knees (oo-er) and slot your nail varnish inside 

Image from sixtyplussurfers.co.uk (only place I could find a picture!)

This may seem like a silly invention for some (who are probably thinking, 'why not put the polish bottle on a table?'), but as someone who holds their polish whilst painting and has had too many accidents tipping or dropping the bottle [idiot], this is straight on my Christmas list. 

The Nail Buddy is available at highstreettv.com

New Boots #2: Topshop 'Ant'

What can I say...when the weather starts getting colder and wetter I just can't resist a new pair of boots. Despite my new flat studded boots, I saw these in Topshop and couldn't resist. I don't usually go for silver, but the detailling on the buckles was really pretty and I could see myself wearing these a lot. Using my uniform discount as well meant they were very reasonable, and I think they'll last me the whole winter well into next year

NOTD: Floral wallpaper

Bit of a weird title, but that's what my current manicure reminded me of. I always like how rose designs turn out, and I think adding polka dots makes it even cuter and adds to the vintage feel, especially with the colours chosen. I'm still struggling to move away from Essie Sand Tropez, my favourite nude!

Winter boots, Chloe dupes!

My style is pretty much goth/ rock 'chic' so when I first saw Chloé's studded ankle boots I fell in love. Wasn't loving the £850 price tag however! So I was mighty thankful when Victoria of vipxo featured a great dupe in one of her Ebay posts. I ordered them back in October and yes they did take a month to get here but for £27.99 I didn't mind waiting!

Surprisingly difficult to take pictures of your feet!

I thought as they were so cheap they'd be painful/ bad quality/ break quickly. But I am very impressed and think these will get me through winter :) 

Perfect Parka

I've been after a parka for the last two winters, but never found one I really liked (and couldn't afford the £60+ they usually are). But finally, I found one! And in Primark! It was a bargain £27, the perfect colour, with multiple pockets and lined with lovely soft sheepskin in the hood. I thought as it was so cheap it might not be the best quality, but it kept me lovely and warm on my way to work at 6.30 am 

DIY: deco phone case

When it comes to covers and cases for phones/ iPods/ Kindles, I'm still like a five year old- I want the glitteriest, most extreme and tacky thing I can get my hands on. I saw some amazing decoden phone cases when I was in Bangkok, but they were pretty expensive. I also love making things so thought I may as well have a go myself. And here's how it turned out...

It's becoming easier to get supplies in England- just search for decoden or kawaii on ebay. Here's the two sellers I got my bits from- http://stores.ebay.co.uk/candycrystaldesigns and http://stores.ebay.co.uk/theembellishmentshop