Getting Fashionably Older

Yesterday I celebrated my 25th Birthday and though I didn't celebrate in style with a party (too much work, too little time) I did take the time to look back over the past year, especially the past few moths since moving to London, to consider just what a lucky girl I am.

I've had a great year, with fantastic experiences and I've met some lovely friends along the way. Whilst I've managed to capture most of it on film (see below) I still feel as if a lot has slipped me by.

With that said I plan to take more photo's next year and pledge that Instagram will continue be a major part of that. I can't wait to take a look back again next year at all the memories I've stored up from 25 onwards...



Received: one beautiful birthday present

Enjoying the exhibitions at Somerset House

But skating isn't for me...

I heart beautiful sunny days



and huge first of December Christmas trees

But small ones are great too when decorated with love

 

making my own mulled wine

 

relaxing with a brew at Antoni & Alisons tea room

 

attending a beautiful baby shower - not my own I'll add

 

baking ghostly cupcakes for Halloween

Putting on bling to see the crown jewels

then putting on my PJ's for a magazine reading catch up!



Christmas party Dresses: The High Street Edit

Yesterday I listed my top fantasy dresses for the office Christmas party if money was no object and today I am being slightly more realistic in my budget and looking at what the Great British high street has to offer.

My office party is on Thursday this week so it's a subject which has been preying on my mind a lot recently. After much debate the dress I chose to wear is number 5 - a black and gold baroque number from Oasis, as its the perfect length for my short frame whilst still being glamorous enough for the venue.

There are plenty of bargains to be found at the moment (20% dresses at Karen Millen is one many) so if you haven't got your dress yet it's not too late and hopefully something below will inspire you. Happy Shopping! x

 

1. Sheer panel dress, £30, Dorothy Perkins

2. Arples embellished dress, £175, Coast

3. Blue laced pencl dress, £210, Karen Millen

4. VIP beaded embellished peplum dress, £95, Lipsy

5. Baroque Jacquard dress, £67.50 (with current 10% off offer) Oasis

6. Sequins dress, £250, French Connection

7. Power stud body con dress, £95, Topshop

8. Lace printed pleat dress, £175, Karen Millen

9. Baroque sequin body con dress, £38, River Island

Fantasy Christmas Party Dress Shopping

Regular readers will be well aware there is nothing I love more than indulging in a good fantasy shop where money is no object, from fantasy met dress shopping to creating the ultimate christmas wish list.

So in the same spirit I decided to compile a list of the most desirable Christmas party dresses and, as you can see, though I'm a huge fan of an LBD whatever the occasion I couldn't help being seduced by some colour this season alongside plenty of lace, baroque themes and pretty prom ruffles.

Just for balance I've created a list of more affordable high street styles coming up tomorrow. Happy fantasising until then!

 

1.Nina Ricci, £4,690

2.Lanvin,£2,330

3. Moschino, £2,270

4.Lanvin, £5,195

5. Red Valentino, £675

6. Chloe, £1,725

7. Oscar de la renta, £2,950

8. Kaufman Franco, £2,990

9. Alberta Feretti, £2,530

This Little Girl Loves: Second Female S/S 13

Second Female is the diffusion line of Danish label Just Female and specialises in the thing which I desire above all others: Sleek, Chic Scandinavian fashion. What's more the label will make its UK debut shortly with its progressive Spring / Summer 2013 collection, a teaser of which I was treated to at press days last month.

 

I'd seen the label (and this particular collection before) on its home turf at Copenhagen Fashion Week but every time I end up finding a new hidden gem that gets me excited all over again.

 

 



Candy coloured dresses, floral print shorts, and chiffon blouses are mixed effortlessly with heavy duty jackets, over sized knits and sportswear-inspired separates (didn't I say bomber jackets will be huge news this season) to create a bold and coherent look.

Knowing each item would perfectly slot into my wardrobe, allowing me to mix and match, is certainly one of the biggest draws of the brand for me. The second is probably all the crystal embellishment. I just love that this is still hanging around for Spring!
 

 

 

Biography: The inspiration behind each quarterly collection can be traced back to an old industrial harbour in the east end of Copenhagen, where you’ll find a modern and energetic design team who strive to incorporate their surroundings into the identity of the brand. Confirmed UK stockists for S/S 13 include Anthropologie, Mary Portas & West Village, and in the meantime you see more from the brand here.  

 

Pixie Lott for Rock 'N Rose

I have to admit I wasn't expecting to like Pixie Lott's Christmas collection for jewellery brand Rock 'N Rose but I've completely been bowled over - just look at the crackers below.

A little bit girly, a little bit goth the 23 piece collection screams "Yes this will go with my Christmas party dress!" all over from the floral crowns and bow headbands to vintage inspired pearl collars. I'm especially loving the cocktail rings in emerald and ruby red - they'll work perfectly with the baroque trend this winter.

Pixie looks great in the promo pictures as well, check them out and the full range here.

Mary Katrantzou's Christmas Tree

Yesterday it was announced that designer Mary Katrantzou will be designing this year’s Christmas tree for the Design Museum.

The tree incorporates patterns from her Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection, which was inspired by everyday objects and will be a 2D design on the museum's outer wall from now until the 9th January.

Measuring 3m in height the tree will combine Katrantzou’s trademark bold patterns with Christmas sparkle to create this inventive take a classic, but how does it shape up to your decoration efforts at home?

Don't Miss: The Design Museum is hosting a special late night shopping event, 'Sparkle the Dark Up' this Friday the 7th December, running from 6:30 - 10pm.