Very Special Sale Buys

Hello!

Wow, I haven't posted since last year! Last year was only a few weeks ago but still, it's pretty atrocious.

One of my New Year aims (I much prefer this term to 'resolution'- makes it seem less of a big deal if it doesn't work out!) is to kick my blogging up a notch; posting more, enhancing the look of my site and I'd like to do more actual writing.

I started off blogging as an outlet for writing and I think I've developed the notion that to succeed, I need to constantly post pictures of myself posing in new outfits. While personally I LOVE trawling through outfit posts for style inspiration, let's face it, I'm hardly a supermodel like some of my favourite bloggers seem to be! I'll still do outfit posts, but I'm hoping that to enable me to blog more frequently, I'm going to bring you more posts on cool brands I come across or just general musings about what's influencing my style.

Anyway, onto the matter at hand.

It's a New Year and I must say, 2012 has been pretty good to me. I started a new job which pays a good deal more than the last and now that I'm living more comfortably, I don't feel as guilty about treating myself every once in a while.

With that in mind, I'd like to introduce you to a little something I picked up in the sales...

hkkkfgdhjhfsetttq!!! A Vivienne Westwood purse!!!

I've wanted a Vivienne Westwood bag for as long as I can remember and while I'm not quite there yet (maybe next year), I decided to splash out on a little bit of luxury and get myself an amazing purse.

Purse: Vivienne Westwood (Chancery Wallet Grey 4733); Camo Jacket: Army Surplus Shop with DIY spike shoulders by me; Denim Shirt: Oxfam Originals, Manchester; Black Jumper: H&M; Gold Triangle Stacker Rings: Topshop (sale- old)

Those who know me are probably more than aware that I'm a bit of a scruffy individual- check the chipped nail polish and authentic bed hair chic for further evidence- but that's not to say that I don't appreciate nice things.

As I went sales shopping yesterday (only for last reductions, high street cheapy bargains) I thought it might be fun to do a sort of 'bottomless bank account' sale pick feature.

So, if I had the funds, here's what I'd pick up in the Matches Fashion sale:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

1 // Charlotte Olympia Lunatic Bag: I absolutely love this evening bag by Charlotte Olympia, it feels quite 80s- I have in a knitting book (which I bought from a charity shop for the photos) which has a design based on a Matisse painting which it really reminds me of.

2 // 3.1 Phillip Lim Zip Front Leather Skirt: A classic leather skirt never goes out of style. The zip detail on this one gives it a bit of an edge.

3 // Terry de Havilland Zia Lightning Shoes: I'm a sucker for lightning bolts (plan for my next tattoo!) and a good platform shoe. The metallic silver and cobalt colours make these an excellent choice for the new season.

4 // Alexander McQueen Floral Silk Cape: Who doesn't love a bit of McQueen? I loved all the kimono-style capes of AW12 and sheer, oversized layers will still be big for spring.

5 // Acne Mape Stamped-Leather Jacket: Acne is one of my all-time favourite brands (hence two Acne items on my wishlist!). This cropped leather jacket will last forever.

6 // Diane Von Furstenberg Olga Sunglasses: A great bargain to pick up now for the summer holidays; I'm missing some round-frames from my collection!

7 // Mara Hoffman Beaded Swimsuit: Another summer holiday buy. The monochrome graphic beading means it'll be on-trend come summer.

8 // Acne Magenta Long Dress: I love Acne for luxe basics and this black oversized maxi is just perfect.

What would you buy if money was no object?

Love,

Foxy x

She works hard for the money...

Well, not the money, nor the love- just the degree!

As you've probably noticed, I haven't posted on my blog for a while; not because I can't be bothered but because I am literally drowning in a sea of uni work!

As a final year student, it's all getting a bit much at the moment but fortunately, it'll all be over soon- either via a triumphant hand-in, or death by stress.

As I haven't really had time to do anything for myself, I thought I'd give you a little update on my project (a creative fashion magazine- have a look at the blog!)

I've been all-over the place this week, out on location for the magazine's photoshoots (there's some behind-the-scenes posts on the blog)

Today I was in the studio, where we photographed the various fashion DIY's featured in the magazine.

I wanted to show you this one in particular, because I think it turned out really well!

It's my take on the AMAZING McQueen knuckleduster clutches. You'll have to get hold of a magazine for more details, but it was a hell of a lot cheaper than these beauties:

£1,140, Alexandermcqueen.com

£835, Net-a-porter.com

£1,157, zappos.couture.com

I got my makeup done at the shoot for my little 'Editor's' picture in the magazine- first time I've ever had someone else do my makeup! I don't think our MUA was too happy with me; I'm a bit funny with people poking things in my eyes and kept blinking, not to mention the watery eyes!

It was a bit heavier than what I'm used to, though I was assured it would come out lighter in the pictures!

The makeup was heavier than this at the time, I've smeared over it with several tissues and washed the lipstick away with a much-needed brew since!

I also posted this picture as I realised I haven't put one up since I dyed my hair red. And yes, it doesn't look very red in the picture! It's been red a few weeks and inevitably faded quite a bit; I'll be sure to post one as soon as I re-do it!

In other news...


I remembered something interesting I did which wasn't to do with my project- but someone else's!

The fabulous Purple Boot Media are creating a series of 'webisodes' on fashion bloggers and asked to do an interview with little old me! (have a look here). I'm quite nervous to see how it turns out; I hate how I look AND sound on camera (hideous voice, thank god I work with the written word!) so it should make for, erm, interesting viewing!

They've already filmed some awesome bloggers like Jack of Über Brum (a Birmingham street style blog) and one of my personal favourites, Jazmine of Jazzabelle's Diary.

Exciting!


Foxy

x

Something for the boys...

Today's post is something that the males can enjoy- hopefully!

Now, don't be scared fellas, but I'm going to talk about the MANBAG- oh yes.

I'm not talking about some kind of unisex, glorified handbag-esque thing (we've all seen that episode of Friends yeah?). Nah, this variety of bag is one which any diserning male can proudly carry around- the sports holdall.

My lovely boyfriend has recently been the object of my amusement for his reluctancy to get himself a decent bag.

He already owns a messenger/record-style bag which is only really suitable for trips to uni or similar. At the other side of the scale he has a medium-sized suitcase. This means that if he comes to visit me for two or three days, he's lugging a mainly empty suitcase around- not so practical.

Like many men, I'd imagine, he wasn't too keen on the idea of getting a 'bag'. After suggesting a sports holdall, he agreed that this may be an acceptable form of, er, transporting equipment.

(why slapping the word 'sports' on something  makes it okay I'm not quite sure)

This is what he ended up with:

This vintage Puma bag was £12 from Urban Village, Birmingham- which I think is very reasonable.

For around the £15 mark , I reckon you're better off buying the real vintage deal; although the current trend among most of the iconic sports brands is retro reproductions.

Here's my pick of the bunch:

For me, Adidas' Originals range has always led the way in retro-inspired sportswear- takes me back to my classic canary yellow/sky blue silky polyester Adidas tracksuit I cherished in the 90s...

Anyway, this adicolor 'Teambag' is a great bit of retro arm candy. At £55, it's a bit steep but definitely my favourite of the lot. The garish 80s-inspired green colour (or in Adidas' words, 'Fairway') is my favourite but it's also available in Black and Gold for a more subtle look.

 

I've always been a big fan of Fred Perry and the brand's heritage. They do some great retro pieces and this contrast barrel bag is one of several in the range. At £40 it's not too expensive and best of all it's classic, a real investment of a bag. This particular style also comes in an array of colours including blue and orange.

Now let's talk about Fila. In my opinion, they've never really jumped out as being the coolest of brands. Recently though, I've been seeing the brand paraded in various shop windows, looking better than ever before.

It seems that this is down to their launch of the 'Settanta' range earlier this year. The range comprises "the most legendary pieces from the 70's and 80's Fila archive".

While there are no bags in the collection, pieces of interest include this track top:

 

This is Fila at its best. At £65 it's a pretty pricey bit of clothing, but the original versions of this track top have been known to go for up to £600 on ebay! Doesn't seem so expensive now, ey?

Sadly there are no bags in the range; though the regular Fila range seems to have had a bit of a makeover too and as a result isn't looking too shabby either. Here's one of their holdalls:

Some other brands which do good vintage repro bags include Dunlop and, of course, Puma who have their own Originals range alongside other collections including an Alexander McQueen collection- definitely worth checking out!