Showing posts with label pretty things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pretty things. Show all posts

Thursday, 29 September 2011

the ultimate coat for winter...




After realising that my old black winter coat was a bit past it when I took it out of my wardrobe a few days ago and one of the seams has split down the front I resigned myself to looking for a replacement. I still have an old brown and cream dog-toothed coat from 5 years ago that is still in pretty good nick only it's a little on the large size. I really wanted to find a warm and classic coat that would last but at the same time I knew this wouldn't be a mean feat. 

I was determined to stay away from black which can be as depressing as winter itself as you leave the house in the pitch black returning only to the same shade in the evening. I had decided on either purple, teal or red but was put off by many of the examples I saw around. There was a beautiful coat in Zara which I was nearly persuaded to buy but I wasn't particularly sold on the double-breast style. 

That was when trawling through the ASOS website I found the most perfect coat that I fell in love with in an instant. You know when you see something and know that you won't find anything else that even matches its beauty. I looked at the price - £90 and thought... here goes nothing... next day delivery... order confirmed. When it arrived in the post the next day I wasn't disappointed. It is described as a lace collar wool princess coat featuring a classic princess shape with covered button closure, pleats from the waist with a flared skirt and an ornate lace collar. It is such a beautiful design in a classic claret colour which I think is a lot more sophisticated than the typical red. I also love the soft red silky lining inside. The coat is made by Darling, a London based designer, who according to their lookbook:

"offer a timeless approach, combining quintessential English design with unique detailing and affordable luxury. Look to lace edging and crochet trims to add a distinct sense of vintage femininity, as intricate pearl beading and sequins embellish pretty blouses, delicate knits and floral print dresses"

Their collection can be bought on their own website or some other products are available at ASOS. I love their vintage inspired look and although they are not as cheap as some other stores their pieces are very well crafted and are really great to invest in. Here are a few of my favourite items ranging from around £55.00-70.00.



I hope you like my new discovery and take a look at all their wonderful pieces. At the moment they are offering at £20 discount for all first orders over £150 so go and treat yourself! Now I may sound crazy but I can't wait for the cold weather to start wearing my coat and feeling like a princess!


Hasta pronto!


Em x

Saturday, 25 June 2011

polka dots...


So if you're like me and love polka dots then I'm sure you'll like these vintage inspired nails which are perfect for Summer now that it's actually sandal weather. This design works well with any two colours as long as they are very different shades (a dark for the base and light for the dots works best). I used Eyeko vintage polish for 'elegant nails' and a cheap white colour from a French Manicure set I've literally had for years. If you've not heard of Eyeko they are a really cool internet brand that sells lots of reasonably priced and good quality make-up. Eyeko means 'love' in Japanese and the company defines itself as "part Brit girl, part Tokyo cutie" and the packaging reflects this. You have to also try their lip pens which come in 3 different classic shades and are extremely long lasting. Ok so here's how to get the polka dot effect nails:

Step 1 - Paint your nails all over with your base colour and make sure to do 2 coats and to let both dry properly before moving on.

Step 2 - Get an old grip/bobby pin and dip the end in your dot colour. Make sure it is covered with enough polish but not too much otherwise it is prone to dripping and making a splodge instead of a dot. Now I know there are tools on the market especially for this job but personally I think it is a little wasteful to spend money on this when a pin does the job just as well!


Step 3 - Randomly dot the light colour on the nail. Make sure they are not too close together so you get a nice even effect.


Step 4 - Continue with all nails and wait to dry. I don't usually put a top coat on and it lasts a good few days before chipping. Hey presto - polka dot nails!


I hope you like these vintage nails!


Hasta pronto!


EJ x