Boutique baby!

I actually ADORE little boutiques. I think there is something about them that just really makes you feel like you have something a little more special than buying something out of somewhere like Topshop maybe. Even from where they are, down little cobbled roads, looking all pretty; they are irresistable, its an undeniable fact. Sadly, living being at uni in Southampton, I rarely get to see any, although to be honest, most of the best ones are in London. Me and my best friend were actually talking yesterday about her setting up her own boutique in a few years and me doing all the publicity for it, and like little girls we got all excited and giggly about it, generally screaming out phrases like, "it's going to be so good", "oh god I am excited!", and "this is going to be amazing", each said with several sequels inbetween. We aren't really sure on location or name or much else really, but we have this really cute idea of having a section at the back filled with gorgeous cupcakes with little french type tables and chairs for hungry shoppers; how amazing would that be! Baring in mind, this will be in many, many years to come, when we actually have a bit of money and are fully clear of our student debt; although right now that really does seem near enough impossible, but you know, it's fine, we still have a brilliant time wishing we could have clothes we can't afford.
Anyways, I was searching today for a dress, (yes, another new dress), for my best friends birthday in a few weeks, but sadly, it seems that I either have most of them or there is just nothing new around at the moment, but I did come across the site for one of my favourite boutiques ever; clearly they have gone a bit more upmarket since I last had a chance to visit. It's called Dahlia, you may or may not have heard of it, but I'm pretty sure it has recently become very popular so you probably have! And even if you have I just want to reinforce how beautiful it is; so vintage, (as a little bit cringe as that word is), but yet so girly!

I saw this dress and now I want it; see it, want it, thats normally how shopping goes with me. I just love the cute little flowers; flowers make me happy. Espeically daisies, and I think these are daisies. Sadly, it's probably a little too causal for my friends birthday but for a summer dress or a garden party I think it is adorable and I will be very jelous of anyone who has it!
But I am still in dire need of a party dress for this birthday, so if you have any, I am open to suggestions...please.
So, yeah, this really is just a blog about my pure love for cute little boutiques, although don't mistake me for not loving Topshop because that would just be a ridiculous and very untrue assumption!

The Love Of My Life.

So, like many girls, I use the phrase, 'that is the love of my life' or similairly 'you are the love of my life' a bit to regularly, as really I have over a thousands loves that complete me, these being shoes, bags, clothes, my blackberry; as you can imagine the list goes on. But also like any other girl, I find room for the love for my friends and family, each of whom i have also called the love of my life at some point in my life; many probably alcohol related statements.
Anyway, the other day, one of my beautiful friends, whined to me that she so desperately wanted to be in one of my blogs. She in fact got so excited at my recent charity shop blog (she is a fan of it) thinking she was going to get a mention, she squealed, "oh, oh, here i come!". Il let you picture her disappointed face. With that in mind, I just felt so terrible at her dismay and clearly how much it means to her to be a part of my blog, so i thought you know what, she can have her own little page. So, here you are Ruth, a whole one dedicated to you, how do you feel?!
I'd say Ruth is a mentalist to be honest. A mentalist, with as much as I hate to admit, great style. So below, I have put some snap shots of the lady herself that I have cheekily stolen from her FaceBook, kindly taken by her sister i think. So, here you have it a sneak peek at Ruth's wonderful collection.

There is a few pieces from what I'd call her vintage wardrobe. Her combination of style and accessories is always perfect. However, Ruth is now sporting a new look and bright sleek red hair, putting a finish to her unique look, pictured below.

You see, Ruth dares to be different. Her stand-out and fabulous style, never fails to her noticed. There has been many occasions where many people have complimented, "Wow, I love your hair!", there has even been an incident involving one boy that stalked this redheaded sweetheart asking everyone for her number, bombarding her with texts calling himself her 'badboy'. It was highly amusing but also proof that her style is electric, even when she does look like this....

She also doesn't go un-noticed by the same sex, she has a few lesbian offers to her list also. I think my personal favourite was definitely the lady tramp. Picture the scene: Ruth is walking, a slight bounce in her step as she walks past the flourishing trees of the park. As she breezes round the corner, heading back to her flat, a slight shock sends her reeling backwards. A old lady is standing infront of her, teeth rotted, those that are left, strewn with black markings. Her hair wasn't much of a sight etheir, all matted with last nights pillows mud and grease. As Ruth tried to continue her journey home, the lady shouted, "Oi love, you've got something on your fanny," Ruth slightly besmused peered down, only to hear the women claim proudly, "My eyes!". Naturally she ran.
Ruth's style is that of a vintage queen, varying from vintage clothes, Topshop and charity shopping; her quirky take on fashion admirable. However, it's not just her clothes that makes me love her, it's also her personality has shines through. Many times she has come out with some pretty special oneliners such as:

* "Fucking hell, i look pregnant, like the next virgin mary." "But your not a virgin?" "Oh yeah"

* "I think this dress kinda of makes me look like a slaggy granny"

Ruth is also known for watching strange programmes on her laptop, her personal favourite being Animal Heros, the tales of the gorilla and pig that saved lives. AMAZING! What an inspiration she is.

And these are the well-established reasons why this girl is other part of the love of my life collection. Now, I am sure she fully regerts moaning at me for her lack of mentions and officially hates me. Oh and also lads, this stunner of a girl is free and single, any numbers required just ask :)

Wang Wonderland.

Today, as its persistantly seems to do so at the moment, it rained. It rained all through the night; the irritable drips keeping me in suspense for the moment of silence, then it rained all through the day, soaking my cream pearled mittens (which by the way are ADORABLE) and now as i look out my window onto the train line, it is once again, raining.
However, amoungst the mist, the chill and water that surrounded me today, i managed to find some relief and a slight ray of hope in the form of Alexander Wang. Now, i love his work. I think the beauty of his designs is hidden in their quirkyness. His designs are always so unusual, with the mix of fabric and colours, but still i absolutely adore them. It's always his collections to me that stand out. I think maybe it's because in general i have a great love for odd, quirky and vintage clothes and I think his collections always have that kind of appeal.
So, while sitting here on the day that hell chose weather, I found myself browsing and as always, being stunned by his spring/summer collection that showcased at New York Fashion Week.

And above are some of my personal favourites. I love the way Wang has made his clothes look so comfortable but yet chic. The combination of the funky sunglasses and slouched clothes makes the perfect summer wardrobe. Sunglasses are always a girls must have; the bigger the better, so i nothing to complain about with Alexander's wonderful designs; big and crazy!
I must also admit, I am an extreme fan of the plait for this season! I have been wearing my hair in the scruffy sideplait as my 'messy, just got out of bed' look for so long and now i feel as though I have a great excuse for doing it as often as I want...Alexander Wang told me so!
To me, Wang has always inspired my style. I suppose to some people, he may not be as well known or as loved as I'd like but i think his slack style always manages to look so sleek with his unforgettable accessorising and volumised hair completing his unique look; something I'm sure is a talent to master. Fashion is also about comfort aswell as looking fabulous and Wang himself even said that this season his collection was inspired by 'American Teen Culture'. Looks like for the comfort side Wang has got it spot on for this season once again!

London, wonderful London.

This weekend, i know many of you will etheir be tucked up with your loved one, out with your friends or on the very verge of throwing yourself out of your apartment window with all the contast reminders that you infact don't have a date this Valentine's Day. I suppose for those that really are lucky enough to be in love, it's a time that makes you feel even more grateful for being so by the sheer amount of people that simply seem so depressed by the thought of Sunday. The way I see it is that maybe Valentines day isn't just about having a date or going for a fancy dinner, but maybe its a day to tell all the people you care about that you love them, whether it's a sisterly, friendly or partner love.

Having said that, I am one of the lucky ones that happens to be in love this year. I have the most wonderful boyfriend whisking me off to the Hilton in London for the weekend and like any girl London is one of my most loved places in the world.

Although my number one is most definitely the glorious Paris or New York, i'd say London takes an extremely close second. I think it's something about the atmosphere. It's a place you can walk down the street wearing whatever daring outfit you can put together, and the highest heels you can find, and you will just look like part of the furniture. The thing is in London everyone's out for fashion, no matter what you wear there will always be someone wearing bigger heels than you, or a more beautiful dress.

It's not only the fashion that makes London stand 0ut, as every other city is just as spectacular for its shopping, its just that London just breathes British. I know this sounds utterly stupid but there is something about London that really screams, "You have found the heart of England." I think it's the quirky apparell that has quilted the city in a thick haze. London is bursting of beautiful vintage shops and boutiques all found off the winding cobbled streets such as Carnaby Street. It's these places that really creates London's unique wonder and makes it an individual fashion icon.

That being said, I am extremely excited for the weekend for two reasons, both equally as marvellous; a weekend with the best boyfriend and a weekend with my beloved London shops...oh how i have missed them!

I know some of you maybe dreading the upcoming days but instead embrace them! Take your friends out, see your family; Valentines day is about showing people you care. I am just extremely lucky I am spending mine with the two loves of my life; shopping and the boyfriend.


I'd also like to add a note to say R.I.P Alexander McQueen, you were an inspiration to many and London Fashion Week won't be the same without you. Thank you for creating many wonderful dresses for me to admire and dream I could wear. xxx

Fabulous Clothes Given Away..And Helping Out!

I think charity shopping is one of the best things i have ever discovered. I remember, probably like alot of people, when the thought of wearing someone elses clothes was the most vulgar idea and how disgusting i found it; but like me, i want everyone to covert to the wonder that is charity shopping.
Honestly, i can understand the reservations, but once you look past that there are so many reasons why charity shopping is magnificent. Vintage clothes, unique peices, cheap prices and most of all contributing to charity while solving your mass shopping obsession.
I kinda of have a problem. I get this feeling bubble up inside me, like a force, thrashing at my body, only to be stopped by a new dress, jumper or bag. This feeling crops up at least once a week, in full strength, pulling me towards a floral vest, or gorgeous ballet pumps, causing me nothing but endless misery and sleepless nights until i have that new outfit. OK, insomnia is slightly dramatic, but seriously i do have a shopping disorder and as you can imagine it can get expensive, and with a student balance, my overdraft can't take the weight of a fabulous new pair of shoes every week. So, thats where charity shopping has been my saviour! Obviously, i still can't resist a Topshop dress every now and then, but when i am in dire need of a money spend, charity shops call my name. I have actually got some of my favourite clothes from there, and not to sound big headed but many a compliment too.
You see, fashion isn't about the labels you wear. Having a pair of Jimmy Choo's or a Chanel bag doesn't make you fashionable (as beautiful as they maybe!). Fashion is about having style, your own style. It doesnt matter if you are wearing a £90 All Saints jumper or a £4 charity shop one, all that matters is which one shows style, and originality. Fashion can mould a person, but it’s the individual style and touches that truly make the outfit, and while some will take this in their stride, others just wrap themselves in endless labels, scared of reaching out further to create their own style, and to me that is not fashion.
Charity shops have provided me with vintage cardigans and bags, all which add the finishing touches and unique style. Im not saying you should buy your entire outfit or wardrobe from a charity shop, I just believe that you can get amazing one off pieces that help you create something new while helping and giving. Now surely that's fashion for thought.