Saturday 23 February 2013

A Night in Edinburgh

(Excuse the poor quality of photos from my iPhone, sometimes you just don't want to carry around your DSLR)

My Mr.'s birthday was last week so I went to celebrate with him, my cousin and a few friends. It was a fun weekend. One day in Edinburgh then we flew into London to spend the remainder of his birthday with friends in London. I hope he had as much fun as I did, and it wasn't even my birthday!!!!

Three things I learned or (re-learned)this weekend:
1. Don't wear your good suede shoes to a lounge, people will spill drinks on your Suede Carven's or his Ferragamo Loafers.
2. You cannot 'get down' in an Ankara dress, you are restricted to which dance moves you can do.
3. My Mr. can dance MUCH better than me, sigh. I don't know what on earth I am going to do on our wedding day. I need to go and learn some new dance moves quickly......

Have a great weekend!!! And I'll be updating the Etsy Shop will new merchandise shortly. 

Thursday 21 February 2013

Caroline Issa + LK Bennett SS2013



Caroline Issa and LK Bennett have teamed up to create a fabulous capsule collection. Issa states her collection was inspired by a recent trip to Thailand; however, the embroidery and pompoms to me seemed to be of Mexican or Southern American influence . Nevertheless, it's safe to say the collection is a great fusion of bright colors and great shoe structure. Caroline Issa told the Telegraph: 'My style philosophy has always been about letting your shoes do [all] the talking. So I tend to dress with shoes as the starting point.' These shoes definitely shout look at me and would be a fabulous addition to any shoe addicts collection. What are your thoughts on the collection? 



Monday 18 February 2013

Miu Miu's Opulent SS2013 Collection

Miu Miu never ceases to amaze me with their collections. Season after season, they produce opulent footwear that leave fashionistas drooling. The first pair of designer flats that I bought were Miu Miu, I didn't even plan on buying anything that day. I was simply walking past the window and saw a pair of black embellished flats that were calling my name: "Ag, Ag buy me," lol. This spring Miu Miu has done it again with embellished, opulent and elegant footwear that has definitely won over my heart! 









Thursday 14 February 2013

Mustard Seed

Since I was a teenager around the age of 13 if not earlier, I have always been drawn to accessories. Lately, I have been adding new items to my etsy Shop, and I am always on the lookout for new accessories and accessories designers to share with you on the Blog. I was recently called an 'international accessories blogger' on Twitter, which made me smile. Thinking wow someone is taking notice of my obsession with jewelry.  In 2013, I am making a conscience effort to actually wear all the beautiful accessories I have collected over the years. Necklaces, Earrings, Rings, Bracelets, and Brooches. In short, what's the point of having all these beautiful finds and never wearing them. Granted they make my dresser look amazing in the crystal bowls..but they'll look better on. I hope you enjoy accessories as much as I do!

Today's Outfit I wore: TopShop Dress (soldout), COS Coat (soldout), Pearl +Gold Bangles(NewYork 31st Street), Black + Rhinestone Tiger Bracelet (old), with a Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Bag and YSL PomPom Pumps (Old).

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

Monday 11 February 2013

Orange Spice

The trend for mixing prints isn't going anywhere! Thank God, because I love prints, not to mention  the upcoming stripped, checkered and monochrome trend happening this Spring. Monochrome items go perfectly with almost any print, don't believe me try it for yourself, I'm sure you'll thank me later. Also try adding some spice to your outfit with colors like Orange, Blue, Yellow and Green make it pop!



Topshop Monochrome Sweater (here), Kenzo Print Slacks (here), Mason by Michelle Mason Coat (here), Segio Rossi Blue Pumps (here), Kenneth Jay Lane Bracelet Giraffe (here), Kenneth Jay Lane Fish Lion Head Bracelet (here), Fendi Big Momma Tote (here), + Max&Chloe Earrings (here). 

Saturday 9 February 2013

Animal Kingdom

The trend of lion, tigers, elephants, snakes and other animals in jewelry has definitely stayed consistent for the last couple of seasons, in regards to jewelry. Beautiful animal bracelets, necklaces, and bangles can take a simple + minimal ensemble up ten notches, instantly! Animals tend to have symbolic meanings behind them. Lions for example are thought to exemplify: courage, royalty, power, dignity, authority, dominion, justice, wisdom and ferocity. Thus, it's no wonder jewelry designers have continuously used animals to create wonderful pieces over the years. Here are some animal pieces that have caught my eye. Welcome to the Animal Kingdom.


J.crew Frog Bracelet (here), River Island Lions Head Bangle Panja (here), AnneKlien Choker (here), Kenneth Jay Lane Butting Head Ram Braceket (here), Kenneth Jay Lane Lion Fish Coral Bracelet (here), ASOS Lion Stud Earrings (here), Kenneth Jay Lane Zebra Bracelet (here), Kenneth Jay Lane Elephant Enamel Bracelet (here), Coral + Crystal Ram Pendant Necklace on sale (here), + Bill Skinner Leotard Bangle (here

Thursday 7 February 2013

Budgeted Shopping

How much do you spend a year on clothing? You don't know? Well now is the time to start figuring it out! I am a recovering shop-a-holic. Yup I said it. I say recovering because I have noticed that I have a problem. You see this weekend I was unpacking and arranging my clothing, shoes, and etc. and noticed I have over 100 pairs of shoes. I thought I downsized a few months ago but for some odd reason the numbers have increased again, because I have been shopping, unconsciously. Thus, I am on the verge once again of doing yet another closet clear-out and working on making smarter purchases.

To help cut back on my spending habits, I have laid off Ebay. I am not buying every pair of Vintage Shoes or dress that I fancy, these days. I have also only bought items in the past few months that I LOVE. I am not ashamed to admit that I have a problem, because the first step to resolving an issue is admitting you have one. Another thing that made me open my eyes was my mother and her telling me about wedding expenses and how it's actually easy to save, each month. She taught me as a child to tithe 10% and save 10% every month, from your paychecks so I am getting back into that. Now, every time I want to buy something, I hear my mother in the back of my mind saying "Ghogho do you need it? And if you do, do you need it now?" that has helped me so much. You'd be amazed at what you won't buy when you say those words to yourself. Not to mention she calls my fiance every week or so telling him to tell me to cut my spending and save more. So I have two loved ones whispering money advice into my ear consistently, which definitely helps!!!

So to help me 'cut my coat according to my size' I have a budget. Last year I was reading Elle I believe, and one of the fashion editors said, she only spends £2,500.00 a season or a year on clothing. And I thought to myself this is someone with sense! If you calculate everything you have bought over the last year, I can almost guarantee you that it is more than that (if you are a shopaholic or loves clothes). So I told myself this year I am only spending a certain amount on clothing. I have a list of what I want to buy this season on my phone, looking at it before I make a purchase.

If you are trying to save, downsize or just want to cut a bad shopping habit I would definitely recommend setting a budget for yourself in regards to shopping and sticking to it. If at any point you exceed that budget, don't buy anything until you sell something in your closet to make yourself break even. As much as we all want to look good, we don't have to break the bank or spend money we don't have (credit cards) trying to look 'fly.' I don't buy clothing on Credit Cards and try as much as possible to not overspend now. I love designer shoes, clothing and accessories more than the next person (tis why I blog), but I work hard for my money and now make more planned purchases. No sales attendant can swoon me into a purchase, and I always think about my 'big and even small' purchases now. Money is money. £100 or 1p it's all money. So if your interested join me this year in learning to spend wisely.

I am also, going to start a blog post every now and again called "Guess that Price." The first person that guesses the right price of my ensemble will get a vintage item of my choice. That way you can see what I generally spend on my clothing (it is also indirectly helping me as well) and how you can look fabulous without always breaking the bank. Granted I do spend a great deal on my shoes from time to time a pair of YSL pumps or Christian Louboutin Pumps here and there won't hurt, but if you don't need it, don't buy it! This year if I am about to surpass my budget, I will close my eyes walk away and buy something within my budget or buy nothing at all. 2013 is the year when I will buy what really want whilst spending wisely!!! I hope you plan to do the same!



Wednesday 6 February 2013

Reptile Clash

Outfit Details: Blouse Vintage, Gap Cropped Slacks (here), La Fenice Venzia Pumps (here), Vintage Earrings similar (here), and Salvatore Ferragamo Bag similar (here) or (here).

When I wore this Vintage Reptile Blouse with my new La Fenice Venzia Pumps, I didn't purposely put them together. You see I have this thing that I MUST look at myself in the mirror several times before I leave the house. My friends and my Fiance hate it, but I just have too. If I am wearing an outfit and my mind is telling me something is off. I will run to grab another pair of shoes and look in the mirror again. The same goes with my accessories. If I am wearing a fabulous pair of earrings, but when I put them on they don't 'go' with my envisioned ensemble, then I start over. That includes Coats, Bags, and Sunglasses as well. Ultimately leaving my room in a mess before I leave. 

However, with time you start to learn what goes together quite well instinctively as you are learning about your own personal style. So when I saw this reptile Vintage Blouse that I scored for $5.00 and threw them on with these pumps, I didn't even realize they both had snake print (reptile) designs on them. I was just comfortable and loved how the they went together. SO are you like me and consistently change items about your outfit or are you a planned dresser? 

Monday 4 February 2013

Street Smart



Kenzo Sweatshirts sell out like hot cakes. It's hard to find one anywhere, of course there is Ebay, but the prices are ridiculous and I am not taking a chance on buying a Chinese duplicate for twice the price! Thankfully you can get one soon via Net-a-Porter as they are due to come back in stock shortly!! I pray that I can get my hands on one!

Kenzo Sweatshirt (here), Topshop Skater Skirt (here), Baltazhar Chain Bracelet (here), Kenneth Jay Zebra Bracelet (here), Cambridge Satchel (here), House of Harlow Claw Studs (here), Kamalikulture CatEyeGlasses (here), Scott Wilson for Aqua Collar Necklace (here), + Jimmy Choo Caged Sandals (here).


Saturday 2 February 2013

D.I.Y. Ankara Bag Winner

Good Morning Everyone!! The Ankara Bag winner is: The theisokogirl on Instagram! You are the lucky winner!!!! I will be emailing you shortly on how you will receive your bag! Thanks to everyone who entered more giveaways to come in the near future this year so stay tuned!!! I will always announce future giveaways via Instagram, so if you aren't following me on Instagram...what are you waiting for? @ZeldanFestus - Instagram