Bexpress Yourself

Vintage Romola

2011-08-16T06:07:00.006+01:00

Ever since watching the excellent mini-series The Crimson Petal and the White, I've been a little bit (okay, a lot) obsessed with Romola Garai. She always seems to play interesting characters with impeccable style, and I just think she's just beautiful.

The costume/period drama geek in me is going to take inspiration from Romola's gorgeous styling in Brit thriller Glorious 39.

The hair, the hats, the red lips! It's all perfect.

(Via The Vintage Lassies. Image originally from here.)

Antirats

2011-08-14T07:50:00.003+01:00

To my numero uno blog fan,

I just found this picture from many moons ago and it made me laugh, a LOT. I think this nicely sums up our four years at uni, don't you?

White Space

2011-08-08T13:11:00.008+01:00

I'm moving into an apartment with a lot of white walls soon and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by our lack of art. We left everything in Scotland, you see. ANYWAY, like I need an excuse to drool over prints from Keep Calm Gallery. Here are the latest ones to catch my eye...

Wordy

2011-08-02T06:15:00.001+01:00

I loved this post about the 100 most beautiful words in the English language. A few that stood out for me:

Ailurophile: A cat-lover (meeeeee)
Inglenook: A cosy nook by the hearth
Mellifluous: Sweet sounding

and,

Tintinnabulation: Tinkling

I adore learning new words (it must be the journalist in me). Do you have any favourites?

Adorable picture of a kitty sleeping on a dictionary (because who doesn't love that?) from weheartit.

New York, New York

2011-07-26T08:09:00.005+01:00

These wonderful pictures taken in New York City this weekend gave me goosebumps. Especially the one of the two elderly women - I wonder how long they've waited for this moment? Three cheers for marriage equality!

SO Gut at the Bull

2011-07-24T07:12:00.007+01:00

Some more gorgeous illustrations by my talented sister, Sophie Jamieson. I'm such a proud schwester! I can't wait to see her drawings in children's books someday.

p.s If you live In Edinburgh you can find her work at the new Black Box Boutique in the Grassmarket. I'm trying to get her to set up an Etsy store but apparently she 'hates the technology'...

All the Things

2011-07-24T05:56:00.008+01:00

One of the nicest parts of starting life in another country is that I'm allowed to have 'things'. This might sound quite materialistic - but as someone who's spent the past five years moving around and living out of boxes, it feels so good to finally let myself buy a few possessions. I've gone from deliberately not purchasing anything (apart from clothes - my weakness) to being able to get some of the things I've wanted for so long.

So far I've acquired: an iPhone (hurrah!). A lovely mask and snorkel set. Some stylish second-hand plates. And next on my list? One of these, hopefully...*

*Note: It won't actually be one of these, as I could never afford this in a million years. But hopefully I'll find something similar for a fraction of the price. Universe, do you copy that?

(Via Betty Magazine)

Six things I love about Brisbane

2011-07-14T01:41:00.011+01:00

We've been living in Brisbane for about seven weeks now, and I completely and utterly love it.

It feels very different from most cities in the UK. Brisbane paints itself as a 'new world city' and the council have put many initiatives in place that make living here just feel so... easy.

Here are some of my favourite things about Brissy:

1) Despite being kind of chilly at the moment (it's mid-winter), it seems to be sunny ALL THE TIME.

2) There are drinking fountains all over the place so you don't have to cart a bottle of aqua around with you - or ever pay for water. Great for my (usually terrible) levels of hydration. And my bank balance.

3) There is such a lot going on, culture wise. Markets, live music, theatre, festivals, street performance. You name it, it'll be happening. Actually, it'll probably be happening on the same day as lots of other things. Note - this weekend it's the French Festival at Southbank. Raclette! Tartiflette! Sauvignon Blanc! Count me in.

4) There is an abundance of tres exotic Australian wildlife. Possoms climb onto our balcony at night in search of crackers and fruit, while in the city parks young children chase after Ibis (a giant black and white bird with a long curved beak). I love watching this and laughing. Also, Australia gets ibis and the UK gets pigeons?? Not fair.

5) In many of the city's most beautiful areas there are outdoor electric BBQs that are free to use. You just rock up with your burgers and cooking utensils and get your sizzle on! Brilliant.

6) Did I mention that it's sunny all the time?

Pictures: 1 - the view from one of the many bridges crossing the Brisbane river, 2 - the beautiful area of Southbank, 3 - Saturday exploring in the cultural precinct.

The Wonderful World of Oz

2011-07-11T05:44:00.010+01:00

Oh, yikes, I am a VERY LAZY BLOGGER.

In my defence, I have spent the past few months packing up my entire life (okay, one suitcase) and moving to the other side of the world...

Ross and I always had a secret yearning to move abroad at some point, and we got lucky when he was offered a great job at a university in Brisbane. So here we are in this almost tropical city - jobless (me), homeless (both of us; we're staying with family for now), but, strangely, still happier than we've ever been.

I have a good feeling about this new life of ours.

Image: our leaving party invitation, designed by my clever baby sis.

A Beginning

2011-03-31T23:20:00.009+01:00

My love is moving in with me tomorrow.

It will be the end of five years of to-ing and fro-ing. The end of rushed skype dates and inadequate telephone calls. The end of us being in different countries. The end of magical weekends that pass all too quickly. The end of feeling like the pause button has been pressed on my life.

The end of just me, by myself, and the start of us. I can't wait.

Mixtape

2011-03-31T23:04:00.003+01:00

I CANNOT get over how lovely this little video is. Seriously. I just want to watch it over and over again, and I kind of wish the director would make it into a full-length film.

If you don't recognise the boy in this then you must go and rent the movie 'Son of Rambow' immediately! It's unexpectedly brilliant (unexpected because it's about two boys trying the recreate the 'Rambo' movies - sounds god-awful - but brilliant because it's quirky and fun, with a great soundtrack).

I'm completely exhausted after a horrendous week at work - my lovely comfy bed beckons...

A Thought

2011-03-31T22:48:00.006+01:00

'Enjoy the little things in life,
for someday you will realise they were the big things.'

Photo: weheartit.

Spring at the Cottage

2011-03-08T22:27:00.008Z

My friend Becca and her boyfriend have just moved into THE most amazing fairytale cottage. It's in the middle of the country and is totally gorgeous.

We all went around for a 'spring tea party' on Sunday (i.e. ate loads of amazing homebaked food, chatted and lazed around) and now I have a serious case of living space-envy...

Sailing to the Islands

2011-02-27T14:32:00.006Z

I've just stumbled across these photos from our dreamy sailing trip to the island of Arran last year (which is quite nice as I'd totally thought I'd lost them). It must have been about April - it was the first time my dad had his boat out that year - and it really felt like the first proper day of summer.

We had a gorgeous sail to Arran, then anchored-up and made our way by rowing boat to one of the local pubs, before rowing back and sleeping on the boat. The next day we stopped off at the Holy Isle (where Tibetan Buddhists live) to have a wander in the sunshine. And Ross was brave enough to have a dip in the freezing sea! I didn't join him.

It was perfect. I'm so glad that spring seems to have arrived again.

Gorgeous Rings

2011-02-26T18:57:00.010Z

I've never really been a traditional jewellery kind of gal - my current favourite pieces are my chunky turquoise ring and a necklace made from a piece of lace on a gold chain - so I can't really imagine ever wearing a classic diamond engagement ring (as lovely as they are).

I'm not planning on getting engaged anytime soon, but when I do, I'd love it if my boyfriend popped the question with one of these little beauties...

(Satomi Kawakita, Kate Szabone, Satomi Kawakita, One Garnet Girl)

Seven Things

2011-02-26T17:32:00.013Z

Hurrah - the lovely Rebecca from The Thrifty Chick has tagged me as a Stylish Blogger (thanks, Rebecca!).

I can’t remember how I came across the Thrifty Chick, but I do know that it's quickly become one of my favourite reads. It’s always so nice to come across local bloggers, and Rebecca’s musings on style, culture, and ways to live simply never fail to be entertaining and thought-provoking.

Anyway, the rules of the game are that I have to tell you seven things about me and then pass the award on to some other brilliant bloggers. So here goes...

1) I’m a typical Virgo list-maker. I have lists for almost every aspect of my life: to-do lists, lists documenting the contents of my wardrobe, and lists of my favourite books and films. Sometimes I even get up in the middle of the night to write things down! Ridiculous, I know.

2) I’m obsessed with chickpeas. Chickpea and coconut curry, hummus, chickpea and tomato pasta... YUM. I eat them at least twice a week. I’m worried that I might turn into a chickpea one day.

3) My beautiful red Cambridge satchel comes everywhere with me. My sister got me it for Christmas and it has my initials on it. It’s quite small so it forces me to limit the amount of crap I carry around - which can only be a good thing.

4) I’ve had many jobs in my time, including working in a betting shop in Dundee, a radio station in Edinburgh, a winery in New Zealand and a high school in Vietnam. I ‘m now a writer for a local lifestyle website. Chatting to weird and wonderful people is one of the best parts of my job.

5) Nothing makes me happier than a huuuge bowl of buttery mash.

6) I’m a serial alarm-snoozer - I can’t get up until I’ve snoozed at least four times! This is a dreadful habit that I can’t seem to snap myself out of. It also means that I’m very often running late.

7) I love rum. My boyfriend and I lived in Cornwall for a few wonderful summers while he did his PhD there, and I think breathing in all the sea air converted me. Mount Gay and coke with lots of fresh lime totally reminds me of good times (with good friends) in the tiny seaside town of Falmouth.

And now to pass on the baton... I'd like to give the award to some of my other favourite (mostly Edinburgh-based) bloggers:

Wendy from Red Boots

Emily from One Girl and Her iPod

Zoe from Conversation Pieces

Elizabeth from Rosalilium

Shelly from Pretty See Shell

Cait from She's Got a Passion for Fashion

Annnnd, my lovely flattie Stevie from Sugarplum Dot Fairycake

Adele

2011-02-18T21:05:00.002Z

Ahhhhh, how is it the middle of February already? I'm such a bad (lazy) blogger.

Anyway, I CANNOT get this performance out of my head. So heartbreaking and gorgeous...

Red Lipstick

2011-01-26T23:12:00.004Z

Too true.

(Kate Spade via Matchbook Magazine)

Summer Dianas

2011-01-16T22:53:00.005Z

A few Dianas from our holiday to Lisbon in the summer... unfortunately these are the best of a not-that-great bunch. It's so hard to get the hang of! But worth persevering, I think.

Beehive Inspiration

2011-01-16T22:35:00.005Z

Oh, Gizzi, what a lovely beehive you have...

I just read an interview where she said that this takes just 5 mins to whip up in the morning. That's some crazy beehive skills. Am looking forward to perfecting my own and wearing it at completely inappropriate times and places (i.e to the park, down to Tesco, hanging around the flat on a Sunday, etc).

Rob Ryan Plates

2011-01-05T23:47:00.006Z

I don't even need new plates. But I do have to have these Rob Ryan plates in my life immediately, and this is the reason:

'Moons circle planets
And planets circle stars
Stars and entire galaxies rotate eternally
And you and I circle each other
For you are my universe
And I will be yours.'

(Anything that can make you tear up while standing in a tacky gift shop is worth having, in my opinion...)

Christmas Day

2010-12-28T20:29:00.004Z

Three Jamiesons and a Dwyer. Christmas Eve in the pub catching up with old school friends. Falling asleep under the lights of the tree. Stockings waiting to be opened. Bacon rolls and champagne for breakfast. A walk in the snow to visit family. A beautiful pink sky. One very tasty Christmas goose. Sweet sherry, specially chosen. Full bellies. A family game of poker. Fun with a friendly feline visitor. Curtains on fire (!), then swiftly stamped out in the snow. A foggy drive to Dunblane. A warm welcome from more Dwyers. Lots of wine, stilton and chat. Falling asleep on the floor in a nest of duvets.

Joy.

A Very Kiwi Christmas

2010-12-22T23:41:00.002Z

Adorable.

This nativity video has something of the 'Where the Wild Things Are' movie about it, don't you think? It's making me crave Christmas spent in New Zealand with my family. Fingers crossed for next year...

Charlie & Evelyn's Table

2010-12-12T19:46:00.005Z

Last weekend I paid a visit to Edinburgh's only private supper club, Charlie & Evelyn's Table. It really was a wonderful (and very different) dining experience - I'd highly recommend it to those of you living in the area.

Husband and wife team Rachel and Chris Rowley serve up delicious, exciting food in their cosy Comely Bank flat. And one of the best things about the evening is getting to meet the other curious diners at the table; we met lots of lovely folks and ended up staying til 2 in the morning! Whoops...

Find out more about Charlie & Evelyn's Table by visiting their blog. I also wrote an article for the website I work for - you can read it here if you like.

Photos taken by Chris & Rachel.

Kissing Checklist

2010-11-30T22:45:00.012Z

Sorry for obsessively blogging about things from the Keep Calm Gallery (like I did here and here) but I stumbled across these prints tonight and thought they were rather gorgeous. They're a series by artist Rachel E Foster, and are designed to act as a checklist for places and times to smooch with your love. I need these for my imaginary-house-filled-with-beautiful-things* immediately.

* My real flat is indeed filled with some beautiful things, but not many of them are mine or have been chosen by me. I packed my life into boxes about three years ago and stored it in my dad's attic when I went travelling - somehow I haven't quite escaped that feeling of being transient yet...

I'm looking forward to moving into somewhere and making it feel like mine.

Eerie Kenmore

2010-11-24T21:34:00.010Z

We went up to Kenmore this weekend for some family time. It was so nice to be far away from the city - as much as I love Edinburgh I often find myself getting claustrophobic when I have too many weekends here in a row. Getting away and being surrounded by nature is good for the soul.

p.s How eerie are these pictures? The light was just perfect for some landscape shots.

Welcome Home

2010-11-18T20:17:00.004Z

This video is so good it gives me the shivers. My sister showed it to me the other day, and the end part actually made me cry a bit (don't judge me, I have a long family history of tearful goodbyes in airports).

The best thing about it is that NO instruments were used - they are making all those noises themselves! Amazing.

ASOS Love

2010-11-16T20:42:00.004Z

I'm not usually a fan of buying clothes online (for all the usual reasons - you can't tell if it fits, you can't tell what the quality is like, yada yada yah) but these little beauties from Asos have seriously changed my mind. Love! I know where I'll be going for gorgeous party frocks this festive season.

Never Let Me Go

2010-11-08T19:37:00.003Z

I am WAY too excited about seeing this movie. You can see the trailer here (I've watched it about one million times already). It looks like such a beautiful, creepy, haunting story. And I love the combination of Carey and Keira together.

I'm definitely going to read the book before I go and see it - although I have to confess that I've already wikipedia-ed the plot to see what happens in the end (whyyyyy do I always do that to myself?).

I guess I'm just a big spoil-sport.

Oh, Alexa

2010-11-06T00:07:00.004Z

I have a slight obsession with peter pan collars at the moment. Here is a lovely picture of Alexa rocking one to perfection.

p.s This detachable fur collar is on my wish-list.

The Seamonster

2010-11-05T23:23:00.005Z

I was struck down by a mystery illness last weekend so didn't make it to 1920s night and freaky movie screening. Gutted. But I thought I would at least share a photo of the dress that I'd planned to wear (sorry dress, but I don't see you coming out of my wardrobe anytime soon!).

I bought this for the wedding of one of my closest friends this summer, and while most of the guests seemed to quite like it, I was surprised by the extreme reaction I got from two particular demographics on the day. Firstly, all the small children at the wedding, including the two very cute flower-girls, were going CRAZY for it. They couldn't stop touching it, grabbing it, running their hands through the strands, and making me swirl around on the spot to wild cries of 'seamonster!' (maybe it was the octopus-style tendrils that did it?).

I was also a massive hit with all the old ladies. Many of them made a point of coming up, faces shining with joy, to tell me how it was just like a dress they had when they were my age. It was lovely.

I have literally never been so popular in all my life.

1920s Hair Inspiration

2010-10-27T12:06:00.003+01:00

I need some Halloween hair inspiration for Saturday night’s outfit. We’re heading along to the Usher Hall to watch a creepy screening of the original black and white Jekyll and Hyde film, accompanied by the Usher Hall organ. It sounds rather freaky!

Anyway, the theme for the night is 1920s (amazing), and I am getting ridiculously excited about my outfit. I want to really vamp it up with matt red lips, dark eyes and my moss-green, 20s-inspired flapper dress - but I need to do something great with my hair to pull the look together.

I’ve been trawling the internet for inspiration, and I love the look of the finger waves and huge material headband seen in these pictures.

Ah, Halloween. The perfect excuse to go completely over the top.

The Water

2010-10-27T00:04:00.000+01:00

What can I say about this? So beautiful.

Diana does Portugal (kind of)

2010-10-26T23:43:00.005+01:00

Yes, I have had far too many holidays this summer! I was just making the most of it before I started the descent into full-time employment and four weeks (FOUR WEEKS) holiday a year.

Anyway - this is a cheat post as I haven't actually got around to getting my Portugal Dianas developed yet. Until then here is a picture of her in the Portuguese sunshine, clashing marvellously with my new yellow vintage skirt (a fantastic find from Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair).

Is it time for another holiday yet?

Diana does Corsica

2010-10-26T23:19:00.008+01:00

Oh, Diana - you do take the loveliest pictures...

These were from a recent family holiday to Corsica. I haven't quite got the hang of her yet (all my other pictures cropped people's heads off!), but hopefully I'll get there with a bit more practice.

I'm starting a photography course next week to learn how to use my new Nikon properly (aperture? what's that?), so maybe I'll pick up some handy Diana hints along the way. She does love a blue sky though - not an awful lot of that around at the moment.

Boat of Life

2010-08-25T14:42:00.003+01:00

Ok, I have to be a huge bore and post this one too. LOVE it. Now I know what to get my Dad for his next birthday. Don't you think typography prints make the loveliest gifts?

Aardvark Manifesto

2010-08-25T14:24:00.004+01:00

I saw this a while ago and I absolutely love it. What a great reminder of the important things in life.

Ten Things I Learnt at London Fashion Week

2010-03-13T10:49:00.014Z

1. There is certainly NOT a famine of beauty. Everyone is blooming gorgeous.
2. Red lipstick will make you stand out from the crowd - unless, of course, everyone else is wearing it.
3. Befriend the girls who guard the door to the press lounge. They are your free pass to amazing food, champagne, wifi and somewhere to rest your aching feet.
4. High heels are imperative for seeing over the heads of everyone else at the catwalk shows, but they do have their downsides (see above).
5. A bit of banter with the PR men can help you get into most shows, even without a ticket.
6. Beware of the massive attention seekers.
7. The girls from Vogue magazine dress entirely in black (and look the most chic). Noted.
8. Kate Moss goes to the men's shows...d'uh.
9. Lily Cole throws a mean party.
10. When 19 year old male models try to flirt with you, just say no.

Woman Should Be...Boring?

2010-03-09T15:45:00.011Z

I love 'The Man' campaign by French Connection, but I have to say I'm slightly disappointed by the model they have chosen to front 'The Woman'. In contrast to the wild, bearded, strong-profiled, interesting looking man, the woman looks really quite dull in comparison.

Yes, she's very pretty. But she's also quite plain, with her expressionless face and long, mid-brown hair. It would have been nice to see French Connection take a risk with the female model too, and give us someone edgy and unusual looking, instead of typically attractive. Or maybe they felt it might harm their sales?

Man Should Be Brave

2010-03-09T15:37:00.004Z

I must have a thing for adverts just now...

These ones from French Connection's Spring/Summer 2010 campaign are just brilliant. Love that they've chosen such an unusual looking man.

Genius Advert

2010-03-09T14:54:00.006Z

I absolutely love the new advert for Match.com. Instead of their previous animated adverts, the online dating site has gone for a whimsical duet between two people in a music shop. Not only is it sweet, it's also extremely catchy. I even woke up with the song in my head the other morning - the sign of a damn good advertising campaign...

It works because it captures that 'wow' moment. That feeling that you have when you meet someone who you know will change your life. The look on the girl's face at the end as she turns to face him perfectly conveys a mixture of trepidation and excitement that I'm sure will resonate with many viewers. Beautifully done.

You can watch it here.

The Best Charity Shop in Town

2009-11-20T10:35:00.005Z

Edinburgh is known for its excellent charity and vintage shops - think Newington, Morningside, Stockbridge, Armstrongs and Barnado's Vintage - so it's no surprise that Mary 'Queen of Charity Shops' Portas has chosen here to set up her first permanent stylish charity boutique: Mary's Living and Giving Shop for Save the Children.

The store opens this weekend in Stockbridge, and will sell a mix of designer, vintage, celebrity donations and top-quality high street clothes and accessories.

Mary said that she hopes the store will 'create a real buzz around second hand shopping and make the old fashioned charity shop a thing of the past.'

Doors open at 10am on Saturday 21 November. 34 Raeburn Place, EH4 1HN.

Now form an orderly queue, ladies...

Urban Edinburgh

2009-11-18T15:15:00.011Z

Hooray and praise the lord! Okay, so I'm slightly excited at the prospect of Urban Outfitters opening in our fine city at the end of this month.

Doors open on the 25th November, and we can expect all the usual gorgeous clothing, boutique collections, accesories and homeware.

I'm especially happy as it's opening just in time for some kick-ass christmas gift buying. Here's a few of the things on my wish-list...

For me: Sexy Panasonic headphones, £50

For my Wild-Things-loving sister: A Max Tee, £28

For my boy: a Canvas Trapper hat to keep his ears warm while boarding, £28

Pssst! Visit on Thursday 26th November to receive a 20% discount.

Tim Burton for Harper's Bazaar

2009-10-29T00:21:00.008Z

This Halloween-inspired photoshoot for Harper's Bazaar has Tim Burton's distinctive style written all over it. Creepy, but in a good way.

Moustaches are the New Black

2009-10-27T10:41:00.005Z

The most stylish accessory for your man to be seen in this coming month is... wait for it...

The moustache! Yes, really.

Men all over the country will be joining forces and throwing down their razors in November to raise awareness of men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer. 'Movember' is this month long celebration of all things 'tache related, where the brave men who cultivate some impressive upper lip hair will be sponsored for their efforts.

If any man you know is interested in becoming a Mo Bro then they can find more details about registration and sponsorship on the Movember website.

Stylist

2009-10-14T11:26:00.010+01:00

I'm a complete sucker for a free magazine (I drive my boyfriend crazy by loitering around cafes collecting them), which is why I am delighted to announce the launch of the new must-read mag for women, Stylist.

It is the sister title to the excellent Shortlist, and contains the same inspired features and irreverent humour, but with a few less articles on aftershave and speedboats (which, let's face it, can only be a good thing).

You can pick up your copy of Stylist every Wednesday in various cafes and bars across London, Brighton, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham. But despair not, women of Edinburgh - until it comes to our city we can get it in French Connection stores (I found mine in George Street). And did I mention it was FREE?!
I think I'm in magazine heaven...

Topshop Student Night

2009-09-29T14:16:00.005+01:00

I do realise this is my third Toppers related post in a week (not cool), but I just thought I should let you know about this great discount night. From 6.30 to 9.30pm today and tomorrow Topshop in Edinburgh are giving students 20% off all purchases! So get yourself down there.

I'll be there (I'm technically a student til November, yaaaaas) buying this little beauty, and perhaps this stripy number too.

Burberry London

2009-09-24T20:55:00.002+01:00

Ahhh... look at Emma Watson looking all cute at Burberry's London Fashion Week show! I like the front zip detail of her textured gold dress - seen quite a lot of front-zippage around recently. Tres chic.

Topshop Unique Shark Tee

2009-09-24T02:12:00.007+01:00

How weird-yet-amazing is this shark tee from the Topshop Unique Spring/Summer 2010 collection? Want it.

Sartorial Illustrations

2009-09-23T02:26:00.006+01:00

These are like The Sartorialist (well, kind-of), but the illustrated version. Love 'em.

All by talented Scottish illustrator hellojenuine, via The Coveted magazine.

Christopher Kane for Topshop

2009-09-23T01:39:00.012+01:00

Scottish designer Christopher Kane's much-anticipated collection for Topshop has hit the stores this week. And woweee, what a collection it is! Kane utilises eyelets (lots of eyelets), leather and vivid prints to create a selection of edgy and groundbreaking pieces.

Topshop said 'With punctured and mirrored skin tight dresses, power mesh, killer prints and to die for denim, the wunderkind of British fashion has done it again!'.

See some of my favourite pieces here, here and here. Oh, and I like this one too.

Chained shoulders

2009-09-23T00:49:00.007+01:00

I'm loving the chained shoulder detail of this look by Fannie Schiavoni (as seen on Style Bubble). Just goes to show shoulders don't have to be squared to be sexy...

Jade by Chanel

2009-09-23T00:14:00.009+01:00

One of the most talked about features of the Chanel Fall/Winter 2009-10 collection was the models'... nails? Yep. They flaunted a pale and pretty shade of minty green that had nail polish lovers everywhere turning, umm, green with envy.

The much-coveted colour goes on sale this October, but I'm guessing it won't be cheap. Will your name be on the waiting list?

p.s Also available in a jade rose shade...

Beardlovin'

2009-09-22T23:19:00.006+01:00

This lady makes beards for every possible occasion, and sells them in her Etsy shop. My personal favourites are rainbow beard and sad sea captain beard.

What's not to love?!

Hairspiration

2009-09-22T00:49:00.004+01:00

I think this Kiera Knightly picture might be quite old but it's definitely my hair inspiration of the moment! Love it.

photo via august lovers

Alas I Cannot Swim

2009-09-17T00:54:00.005+01:00

Have a look at this sweet animation of this Laura Marling song...

The same person also does animations to go with lots of other songs - this Kate Nash one is another favourite.

A little bit of Zooey...

2009-09-16T03:33:00.006+01:00

photo: fffound

Burton in Wonderland

2009-09-08T23:40:00.008+01:00

I know I'm behind the times here, but how wonderfully creepy does Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland look? I can't wait to see it!

(Click here for the trailer...)

photos: slashfilm

Rice up your life

2009-09-08T22:47:00.010+01:00

Last week in Falmouth I stumbled across the most adorable little gift and interiors shop. I seriously wanted everything they sold there, but soon noticed that the best things were made by quirky Danish design company Rice.

Rice employs people in both Denmark and Thailand, and its name is taken from the idea that many people in the third world rely on rice as their main food for survival.

It designs a variety of fun, colourful and kitsch items for the home, such as these lovely flowery frames, and cute multi-purpose bowls.

I really need this set of hanging jugs to brighten up my kitchen...

And wouldn't this flower sponge make doing the washing up so much better?

photos: Rice

Ce temps est horrible!

2009-09-03T16:01:00.008+01:00

Image credit: fffound

I heart big fringes

2009-09-02T12:08:00.000+01:00

This picture made me laugh, as this is what I have to do all the time! Who knew big fringes were such high maintenance?

Yawn...

2009-08-28T17:45:00.001+01:00

This is how I feel about my dissertation today. One week to go!

photo: fffound

When dinner and a movie just won't cut it

2009-07-28T15:58:00.000+01:00

Some lovely and quirky ideas for your 1st (or 100th!) date...

Animation crush

2009-07-28T10:54:00.000+01:00

Wow, you must have a look at this truly sweet animation. It's called 'My First Crush', and is based on a series of interviews with people remembering the first person they ever fell for.

I love the simple, illustrated style of the animation, and the unlikely pairings of the animals. Especially the tiny bird and the polar bear! But the bitter-sweet touch ensures that the story's roots are in reality, not fantasy.

Go to www.juliapott.com to see more of her very cool work.

Betty - your new best friend

2009-07-27T18:36:00.000+01:00

Watch out ladies, there's a new magazine in town! And much needed it is too. Sick of other magazines dictating what we should wear and how we should look, the lovely people at Betty decided to take matters into their own hands and set up their own whimsical and pretty mag.

They describe it as 'empowering, witty, intelligent and a jamboree of independent style.'

Go to www.bettymagazine.co.uk to read it online...

When I ran the kissing booth I gave away my lips

2009-07-27T17:53:00.000+01:00

I love this video of Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn. So adorable...