The Staples: 2013

As 2013 is drawing to a close at midnight, I thought I'd have a little look back over the things I've found myself wearing again and again this year - some are more than twelves months old, some are newer purchases, and some in the above picture are a variation of the version I actually own, but the idea is still there! I've tried to vaguely organise it into categories so let's give it a go.

Trousers - This one is easy - it's generally been Topshop Leighs (in various shades) which are in my opinion, perfect. They're quite thin which means they're incredibly comfortable, but don't go baggy around the knees or fall down - never a good look and one I find myself battling with on many an occasion. I'm all about the separates for an evening out and when it's not my black Leighs, it's some form of leather look trouser/coated jean. Unfortunately my favourite pair from River Island met a less than ideal end involving my knee and the pavement, but they have since been replaced and balance has been restored in the world!

Skirt - No surprise - leather. It's definitely replaced my love of the black bodycon in Uni days and if you want to hear more of my obsession then see this post. No dresses will be being mentioned because unless it's a particular occasion, I always opt for separates...I'm just very fussy when it comes to picking the perfect one. Wish me luck on my annual work party hunt!

Tops - I had to include a standard vest top as I wear these a lot in summer and most days in winter under jumpers. In terms of evening wear, again no surprise, it's been all about a cami - this greyish purple Topshop number has to be my favourite, but I also picked it up in a few different colours (I have a problem).  In the warmer months I tend to go for a slouchy tee and as soon as it gets a bit more chilly I live in knitwear - I could have filled a whole board with my favourite jumpers but I reigned it in and went for this grey mohair New Look knit which has been a firm favourite throughout winter.

Coats & jackets - I have worn this black blazer to death. It's my go-to going out jacket and I also have it in a cream colour which is lovely in spring and summer. I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to being cold so this is good because it's nice and light and not a massive pain to carry if I get a bit too toasty when I inevitably get into my 'I am Beyoncé' state of mind. A leather jacket has been a staple in my wardrobe for quite some time and gets plenty of lovin' throughout the year. In terms of winter coats I've chosen two more recent purchases - I love the biker shape of this black coat from Dorothy Perkins and it's totally in my comfort zone, but I also couldn't resist the unique colour of the Zara duffel. It's so unlike anything else I have but I've really been enjoying wearing it to add a bit of a variation to my outfit as I usually stay within the territory of neutrals and monochrome!

Bags - Again, this was easy. My everyday bag has usually been a standard black handbag and my evening bag is a variation of this black shoulder bag from Next (mine is just plain leather rather than two-tone). They are such a nice size and easy to chuck on over your shoulder rather than having to bother carrying it around - I'm lazy, ok? And again, I may have repurchased in a nice light cream shade (just watch the sticky drink spillages with that one...).

Shoes - Boots, heels, flat sandals and occasionally ballet flats. I can't get enough of heeled boots - for shorties like me it's an added bonus that you can gain a bit of height and add some length to your legs! I've chosen this charcoal suede pair from M&S and a recent addition to my wardrobe - a super tall black pair which are good for smart/casual occasions. In terms of heels, I usually opt for a huge platform to save my poor, dying feet and again, make me look a bit taller than a twelve-year-old. Talking about dead feet, something I didn't include in the image above is my battered converse, which also get cracked out when I'm giving my toes a little rest.

Jewellery - This gold mini Casio has not left my wrist all year and a standard chunky, gold chain has been a favourite for jazzing up a simple jumper of t-shirt. Again, no prizes for guessing that a statement necklace would be making an appearance - I've loved throwing on something with a bit of colour or embellishment to brighten up what tends to be an all black/grey/neutral ensemble, and this Accessorize necklace is my new fave. Finally, I've chucked in a couple of midi rings because it's a trend I've been totally on board with - these ones from River Island were only two quid too so why the hell not, eh?

This little rundown has been a helpful exercise for a couple of reasons: it's made me have a think about some things which I could definitely send to a charity shop seeing as they haven't made an appearance in the last twelve months and it's also made me think I should probably make an effort to wear a bit more colour and crack out a dress more than 3 times a year...let's see how that fares in 2014. Happy New Year!

A Late Christmas Present

So, there we have it, Christmas is well and truly over. We watched Home Alone, we played board games and we ate...boy did we eat. 2014 is just around the corner - we're working our way through the leftovers and making preparations for the New Year. Chances are you're received all your presents (unless you count those bought by yourself, for yourself...sales are dangerous), but, from me to you, one last piece of festive magic: a beautiful live session from Justin Vernon and Sean Carey of Bon Iver. With just two grand pianos (and one majestic pink hoodie), they create five unique and soul-numbingly perfect interpretations. Get ready to have yo' mind blown.

You're welcome - and don't say I never get you anything. 

Christmas Cookies

I've been promising to make some kind of tasty treat for my team at work ever since they bought me a wonderful selection of baking goodies for my birthday in September. It's taken a couple of months but I've finally got around to it (woops...bad friend, sorry!) - I did consider the cupcake option, but we're a team of cookie lovers so when I saw this post on Anna's blog, I couldn't resist attempting mini Christmas puds of my own. They're just too cute.

I actually used her original chocolate cookie recipe and then went a bit cray with the decoration - I may have been mildly possessed by some kind of obsessive icing perfectionist. After they'd been half-dipped in white chocolate (because there definitely isn't enough chocolate in them already...), I cut some holly leaves out of ready-made green icing and popped them on whilst the chocolate was still setting to create something which half resembled a little pudding. I then piped on a few red berries using some of those little icing tubes you can buy at the supermarket and this was the finished result! 

One thing I would say is if you wanted to use this kind of green icing too, try to keep it fairly cool when you're working with it - I was cutting the leaves out free hand and by the end, a couple of them were starting to tear and stretch a bit as the icing warmed up and became softer, which was really annoying. The obsessive icing perfectionist in me was not a happy bunny and this may have resulted in some unnecessary carnage when the unsuccessful attempts were squashed into a ball of failure and ended up in the bin, but I suppose that's just the way the cookie crumbles (no pun intended). In fact, if I were you, I'd find some kind of holly-leaf shaped cutter to save your frustration - either that or just don't stress if it's not expertly done, they're only gonna end up being scoffed down in about 2 minutes flat anyway. 

Having sampled one or two cookies myself (gotta check they're not going to poison anyone right?), I can vouch for their classic 'crunchy on the outside, gooey in the middle' texture. I have to say, they taste pretty damn good and it seems that everyone else agreed - they went down a storm! A really quick and easy biscuit recipe (props to Anna) and perfect as a festive treat or whipped up minus the decoration any time you find yourself with a cookie craving.

Merry Christmas!

Festive Fingertips

I'm a big fan of the whole 'accent nail' thing - not only does it look really effective but it also means that you can try something a bit different without having to do it on every single fingernail, which is good if it's slightly tricky or ends up looking a bit rubbish and requires a speedy removal. For this combination I used Essie's Wicked (which I actually picked up as a possible replacement for my favourite Accessorize polish mentioned in this post - I just can't find it in store anymore!) and then some sliver glitter which is part of this Andrea Fulerton set. I was given the set as a present by a friend who is well aware of my polish obsession and really enjoy using it - it's perfect for a bit of festive sparkle at this time of year. It's also very easy to use - just paint on the clear polish, hold the little tube of your desired colour above your nail and give it a little squeeze to release the glitter. I then like to press the glitter really gently to make sure it's sticking to the polish, leave it for a couple of seconds, tap off the excess and paint over it again with the clear polish to seal. A quick tip - I tend to just paint over the very end of the nail where the glitter is otherwise I find it can end up being smudged all over my nail so it looks more like a top coat - I'm yet to master the full on graduated effect thing!

I've had the glitter on for over a week now and it's yet to budge so I'm hoping it will stick around until Christmas day without me having to touch it up - pretty good going when the ends of my nails are usually starting to chip after about 3 days. If you fancy something a little bit special for the festive season but want to keep it low maintenance, this sort of thing is an ideal option.

The Kindle Reading List

I have a really bad habit of starting to read books and not finishing them. I always have about three on the go at once and this isn't really helped by having a Kindle. Don't get me wrong, I do love it, but the ease of buying a book whilst you're sat at home and having it instantly at your fingertips just adds fuel to the fire! I definitely don't need any more books in my life, I've got enough to last me for years already but I can't resist a wander into Waterstones to see what takes my fancy and having a Kindle is like having a 24hr bookshop on your doorstep.

At any one time I'm usually working my way through a couple of books picked off my shelves as well as at least one on my paperwhite. Unfortunately, I can neglect the Kindle at times - it tends to get more of my attention when I'm travelling somewhere or when I want to buy a book for a bit less than the physical copy! However, having just made an impulse buy of John Williams' Stoner after hearing about it on Estée's vlog and then reading a shedload of rave reviews, I thought now would be a good time to go back through a few of the purchases on my Kindle and give it a bit of Christmas lovin'.

A Game of Thrones - George R.R. Martin - An obvious choice and one which doesn't really need any explanation. If you enjoy the TV show but haven't read the first book then you definitely should! I'm part way through the second one at the moment but got really into the programme and watched the whole of season 2 in about a week so unfortunately, A Clash of Kings is another which has inadvertently fallen into the 'started but not finished' category! I'm terrible.

The Shining - Stephen King - This was one which was on some kind of super cheap deal on Amazon - they're so good for feeding my addiction! I've never really read a horror novel before but I'm a big fan of the film so I thought this was a good place to start. Some of the changes to the plot were a bit of a shock, but I find that always tends to happen when you see a film before you read the book and you can understand why they did change some aspects for the screen version. I think you definitely get more of an insight into the characters of Jack's wife and son in the book and the way the tension builds and builds until the culmination at the end is brilliantly done. It really is a good old fashioned page-turner.

Les Misérables - Victor Hugo - I grew up loving the musical and used to sit and re-watch the tenth anniversary concert (featuring a very sweaty Michael Ball...nice) over and over again when I was younger. When the film came out last year it was the final straw which spurred me on to read the book - the paper copy is intimidatingly huge so I thought I could cheat myself into it by getting the digital version...unfortunately this is another I haven't got around to reading BUT I will one day. Promise.

Boulle's Jewels: The Business of Life - Francis Boulle - Yes, that's Francis off Made in Chelsea. Bit worrying when one of the only books on my Kindle which I've got through start to finish is a little book of boulleisms. I can't help it, I just love me some MIC (and before you say anything I know it isn't real but neither's Harry Potter so who cares). Francis hasn't really been in it so much for the past couple of series but when it started, he was very much portrayed as a business man to rival Lord Sugar and this is a tongue in cheek look at how he became the 'entrepreneur' he is today. This is good bit of light relief which is super quick to read and perfect to whizz through on your Christmas break! All I need now is Mark Francis to bring out a book of memoirs and I'll be satisfied. 

So it seems that the A Song of Ice and Fire series, Les Mis and my new purchase Stoner all deserve a bit of attention over the Christmas period when I'm zonked out on the sofa and the thought of moving for anything other than the last mince pie is inconceivable...but that's alongside any new books I get for Christmas and the five million that are strewn on my bedside table too. I think I can take two things from this: 1) I need to try and limit myself to one book at a time to have any hope of finishing them before I get distracted and 2) I should probably reconsider where MIC sits in my life priorities...

Clutch Copy

When it comes to a good clutch, I don't think you can get much better than Whistles. They do a wide range of of colours, textures and sizes and the simplicity of the design is right up my street. I always think they would look so stylish for a night out - they're literally just a regular pouch with a zip top and little Whistles logo. On a recent shopping trip, I walked past the Whistles shop (which I usually bypass because it always looks intimidatingly quiet/fancy) and thought why not, I'll pop in and have a look at what they have on offer...what's the worst that could happen? Well, I was instantly drawn to this little black number - a shiny croc print rectangle of beauty with small gold lettering. What I wasn't quite prepared for was the sixty quid price tag. Now I know they are real leather and you're paying for the quality and all that, but, and maybe this is just me being boringly practical, there's not even a zip-up pocket inside. I don't know about you, but I like that little bit of extra security when I'm probably going to end up slightly less cautious with the bag's contents than usual after a few drinks! Safe to say I picked my jaw up off the floor, exited the shop with a heavy heart and heavy purse, dreaming of the day when I would be sophisticated and rich enough to justify purchasing a Whistles clutch. 

I then strolled into Forever 21 not really expecting to find anything and, low and behold, I stumbled across the bag pictured above. Now I know it's not a carbon copy but it's not totally dissimilar to the Whistles alternative - gold zip top: check, size match: check, pouch style with minimal decoration: check! And guess what, you've even got yourself an inside pocket. The best bit is the price - at just short of £9 you could get it in every colour and still have 30 quid left at the end of it. It might not be real leather, but it will probably end up covered in sugary cocktail goodness anyway so being able to wipe it clean is a plus for me! I don't fancy paying £51 for a brand logo, especially when 9 times out of 10, I'm lazy and opt for a bag with a strap on a night out anyway. This little steal is absolutely perfect to have on hand when I fancy going strap free and its status as one of my slightly roomier offerings means that the 'fugly purse' usually reserved for evenings out can be replaced by my everyday option should I so desire. Forever 21, you have excelled yourself!

The Final Cut #2: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Next to face the final cut is all round nice guy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I remember watching him in Third Rock From the Sun back in the day and never would I have predicted that, fast forward 17 years (yes it's been SEVENTEEN YEARS since it started), he'd be featuring as one of my favourite actors. You know how these child star stories tend to go: one way (cough...Lohan) or another ('whatever happened to...?'), but old JGL hasn't fallen to the wayside yet and won't be any time soon! Now before we start I have to get one confession out of the way - call me controversial but 10 Things I Hate About You isn't going to feature in my top 5. Don't get me wrong, I do like it, but just not enough. We're talking JGL of the last four years or so - let's get started...

5. 50/50 (2011) - Be prepared - you'll laugh, but you will definitely cry too. This is a tear-jerker. Make sure you don't do what I did and watch this on your own (bad move) otherwise you may find yourself an inconsolable, sobbing mess, but it's only because JGL's performance is SO good. He plays a young guy who's diagnosed with cancer with a 50% chance of survival - a serious topic treated with care and touches of humour in all the right places. And did I mention his lovely little friendship with Seth Rogan? Can you deal with that combination?! It's almost too much. I vote they re-make Knocked Up and replace Katherine Heigl with JGL.

4. Inception (2010) - I know, I know, that old chestnut. Sorry to repeat myself but it had to be done. After my love of 500 Days of Summer had been firmly cemented (more of that later), this was the film that showed me that JGL could be versatile, and boy do I love me some action-packed Levitt. Bringing us on to...

3. Looper (2012) -  Again, a film boasting a wonderful combination, this time JGL alongside Bruce Willis. Here he plays an assassin hired to kill people who are sent back in time. Again, like Inception, we're talking layers and it definitely took me a bit of time to wrap my mind around it, but I like a good brain teaser. Here's a tip: press pause, take a minute to get over the makeup intended to make him resemble a young Brucey (Willis, not Forsyth), press play and concentrate. It's not one to watch when you're about to fall asleep on the sofa, but definitely worth your attention. 

2. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) -  First thing's first: let's talk about Tom Hardy’s bizarre and somewhat comedic voice. It's weird, you can’t deny it - he sounds a bit like Brian Blessed…everything is very pantomime villain. But give it a few minutes and you're used to it. The film has a great balance between visually stunning, fast-paced action and aspects of the story line focussed around Bruce Wayne’s personal life but for me, the twists were the icing on the cake. I just did not see them coming. Maybe I’m a bit slow, but nonetheless I made an actual noise of surprise. Add JGL to the mix as a young police officer with more than loose links to Batman and you've got yourself a winner! Basically, you get my drift, it's brilliant. 

1. 500 Days of Summer (2009) - This is not only in my top 5 JGL films, but definitely gets a spot in my top 5 of all time. I've seen it on more occasions than I care to admit and could probably recite most of the script, if that was ever a skill that would come in handy. It's a love story, but not your usual soppy romance where you can predict everything that's going to happen. It's melancholic and painful but at the same time genuinely really funny and don't even get me started on the soundtrack! This is where my adoration of Gordon-Levitt all started and is probably the reason behind my somewhat irrational dislike of Zoey Deschanel - no-one breaks JGL's heart and gets away with it (can you tell I have trouble separating actors from their characters?).  

So that's it, my rundown of films featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt - we go from time-travelling hit man to love-sick romantic and all with impeccable acting skills. JGL, I salute you!

Vamped-up Lips & Fingertips

Accessorize is not necessarily a brand that automatically springs to mind when I'm having one of my five daily daydreams about beauty items. Bags and jewellery, yes, and fair isle knit gloves, definitely, but make up not so much. I imagine this is the case for a lot of people, but having said that, I do consider them a bit of an unsung hero of the nail colour world. The quality is excellent and at four quid a pop, they're very reasonably priced. This nail polish in Blackberry is my absolute favourite to wear in autumn and winter, and when you consider it in the of context my disgustingly extensive collection, that fact speaks for itself. It's the most flawless deep, rich burgundy shade which teeters on the edge of black in some lights and leaves a glossy, sleek finish - my go-to option when I'm donning dark tips and the only polish I've ever set my sights on repurchasing.

A dark lip is also a favourite at this time of year and Revlon's Black Cherry is nothing short of perfection! One swipe of this lipstick instantly adds a moody, gothic twist to your makeup and it's a really simple way to take you from day to night for those post-office Christmas events. The only thing with these sorts of darker lip colours is that I do find myself a bit wary of smudging them around my mouth and looking like I've face-planted a black forrest gateau, but luckily that's never been a problem so far. This lipstick is easy to wear blotted on as a more sheer stain or built up to create a full on vintage vixen effect.

This pairing goes together like mulled wine and mince pies AND their names rhyme too (kinda)....coincidence? I think not. This is a duo made to complement one another and achieves the ultimate vamped-up combo.

The Perfect Albums for Winter

The real title of this post should probably be something like 'Albums I like to listen to in the winter...or actually any time of the year (especially ma boi, Ben)', but that doesn't really have the same ring to it. Off we go:

1. Every Kingdom - Ben Howard - I'd go so far as to say this is the only album I have consistently listened to since its release. I’m cursed with a short attention span and usually go through bursts of playing things to death before I get bored and move on to the next, but there’s something about this record that just keeps me coming back. I absolutely, wholeheartedly love it - so much so that I spent a magical evening with the man himself in a Blackpool ballroom (unfortunately, it didn't consist of a one-on-one rehearsal of the Argentine tango). He was amazingly good live, plus he seems like if you took him home to your mum for a cuppa and a custard cream, it would take about fifteen minutes before she'd love him more than she loves you. I know that’s not one of the traditional criteria for assessing musical worth, but still, it helps. I'll stop talking about him now, promise. 

2. Early in the Morning - James Vincent McMorrow - Things I love about JVM: 1) He's incredibly talented, 2) he has an impressive beard, 3) he's Irish. This is the perfect album to listen to when it's one of those frosty but sunny days and you fancy freezing your butt off on a bit of a wander through some kind of field/woodland area. Is it just me that plans a soundtrack for every occasion...? 

3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver - If you read this post about their show I went to last year, you will know all about my love of Bon Iver. Again, this is something I listen to no matter what season we're in, but I just feel like it lends itself to winter particularly well - I dunno if it's just me, but it makes me think of snow, log cabins and Scandinavia. Weird, but true. Oh, and of course Justin Vernon is a man whose power stems from his facial hair, much like another bearded fellow who pops up all over the place at this time of the year rocking an incredibly pimped-up red velvet suit. 

So if there's one thing you can deduce from this little list it's that beard + guitar = good wintery music (unless you're Ben, in which case the beard isn't necessary).  

The Staples #3: Embellished Knit

Topshop jumper / Zara coat / Topshop jacquard skirt / H&M leather look skirt / Topshop jeans / Office leather boots / Office heels / Asos bag / Accessorize box clutch / Daniel Wellington watch / H&M ribbed knit hat

As with all the items I'd file under the 'staples' category, the great thing about a piece of knitwear with a bit of embellishment lies in its flexibility -  dress it down with causal boots and a beanie for a stylish daytime look or dress it up for festive drinks by pairing it with a chic skirt in a contrasting fabric. We all know that extra layer of warmth is going to be much appreciated now that we're heading towards sub-zero temperatures and on evenings when you're fed up of relying on a beer jacket (or Amaretto anorak as I like to call it), a jumper with added sparkle is key for keeping toasty. The deep plum shade of this Topshop number is very seasonal and the crystal stud neckline adds a little somethin' somethin' whilst keeping things simple, subtle & elegant. On a scale of solitary sequin to Kim K's rock, this particular jumper plants itself firmly on middle ground and is the perfect way to ease yourself in to the tinsel-filled party season!

The Travel Edit

At the moment, the weather has been pretty uninspiring. We've had a dreary week or so - that awkward in between stage where it's not quite crisp and frosty, not particularly sunny and all in all, a bit on the damp side. I for one have been wishing I could do a Made in Chelsea, hop on a (private) plane and jet off to some new surroundings. If you're lucky enough to have a December break planned, I thought I'd share a practical recommendation for a useful set of guides, but if not, I've come across another book to give you an opportunity to escape without losing your job (if like me you have zero holiday days left) and/or forking out too much dolla'.

The practical: Lonely Planet Pocket Paris & Lonely Planet Discover Barcelona - I'm sure everyone knows this already, but when it comes to travel guides, the Lonely Planet cannot be beaten. Here I've got a pocket guide and full-sized option - the pocket guide is great for carrying around with you, it covers all the top sights, offers day plans and is crammed full of insider tips. The fatter option is essentially the same but just in more detail, perfect if you've got time to do some in depth research before you go. They both have plenty of maps and local information as well as picking out highlights and 'best ofs', but are set out in a slightly different way and on a different scale. What's brilliant about these books is that you can be sure any of their recommendations will live up to expectations, which is especially useful when it comes to food (my favourite bit...).

The slightly less practical: Paris by Julian Green - I picked this up on a whim last month partly because I'm building up a good collection of the Penguin modern classics and partly because I was feeling nostalgic for my trip to Paris (and the macaroons). The bit that really sold me was its description as a 'meditation on getting lost and wasting time' because a) my sense of direction is shocking and b) I'm pretty good at procrastinating and would be even better at it in Paris. I thought it would be nice way to re-live some aspects of my visit and more than anything, interesting to see how some of the sights I saw were described by someone who really knew the city and walked its streets decades ago. I also really liked that you have the original text as well as the English translation written on opposite pages, just in case, yano, I ever decide to dust off my GCSE and somehow become miraculously fluent in French. It's written in a very lyrical way, with shed loads of imagery, poetic flair and all that jazz - the perfect way to place yourself on the streets of Paris without having to fork out for a plane ticket.

Festive Dupes

Nail sets are a gift much appreciated by any digit decorator when it comes to Christmas time and this Mariah Carey for O.P.I 'The Look' trio is no exception. With a deep, blackberry shade, shimmery gold and full on, sparkling all over the shop, holographic glitter, it covers all the bases for the festive season. Now we all know that December is Mariah's month and once you hear the opening bars of All I Want For Christmas, it's impossible not to become a wailing banshee, suddenly possessed by the woman herself. Normally, I would be a bit disturbed by old Mazza smiling back at me from a box of nail varnish, but not at Christmas.

It retails at £23 full price, but currently has 13% off at ASOS...winner. However, if you're wanting to give (or receive!) something similar for fewer pennies, I've scoped out some alternatives which are readily available on the high street and could be packaged together to create a unique, hand-picked present - Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish in Forbidden, Revlon Nail Enamel in Rich and Barry M Hologram Hexograms. Not exact copies, but they're pretty close and coming in at a grand total just short of £16, it saves a few quid to spend on other gifts (or in January when they're selling off the selection boxes...)

The Final Cut #1: Leonardo DiCaprio

Today is the first of a series in which I plan on doing a bit of a 'spotlight on...' thang, giving my rundown of my top film picks starring a certain actor/tress. Up first: Mr DiCaprio.

My love of Leo has not always been what it's blossomed into today and that all stems from a certain film set on a certain ship. I'm in the relatively small minority of people who never has and never will shed a tear at Titanic, because to be honest, I find it all a bit...wet. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for the odd soppy romance story (*cough* The Notebook), but there was something about this that just did not sit well with my pre-teen self. It tainted my view of Leo for a while - all I could see was the floppy-haired wet lettuce that wasn't supposed to let go, but did. Slightly harsh I know, but I just was not keen. Fast forward a few years and I'm a fully-fledged fan thanks to the following:

5. Romeo + Juliet (1996) - Now I know what you're thinking - he's still a bit soft and definitely still rocking the floppy hair BUT there are so many things I love about this film that I can excuse it. It's the ultimate tragic love story retold in Baz Luhrmann's unique style, featuring a pre-Homeland Clare Danes and Michael from Lost in drag. Not to mention the soundtrack is great - I still wack on Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) when I fancy a bit of a pep talk from a disembodied voice, and anyone who claims they haven't had a Des'ree-related lump in their throat at least once is only lying to themselves.

4. Django Unchained (2012) - Having an older brother means that I've been immune to gore from the age of about six, something which comes in pretty handy when watching Django. This time, Leo's about as far from Jack Dawson as you could possibly get, playing a psychopathic plantation owner with some very dodgy teeth. DiCaprio's performance is top notch and anything Tarantino touches is always a winner in my book, so this is a well-deserved number four. Just be prepared for buckets full of blood and guts.

3. Catch Me If You Can (2002) - Probably not on a lot of people's list but Catch Me If You Can is genuinely one of my favourite films. Set in the swinging '60s and based on a true story so fantastic it's almost impossible to believe, this was the real turning point in my Leo lovin'. With an impressive set of co-stars including Christopher Walken and Tom Hanks, it has a bit of everything - drama, suspense, comedy and a real-life cat and mouse chase. I'm a big fan.

2. Inception (2010) -  I don't think I really need to say much here - chances are you've seen it and know why deserves to be a close second. The buzz surrounding the release was insane and for a lot of people, it was one of the best pictures of the year. It's one of those rare films which actually gets better the more times you see it - maybe I'm just a bit slow, but I needed to give it a couple of viewings to get my head around the whole dream/reality thing. I think this was the point when I really began to appreciate DiCaprio's skill as an actor, as well as his face. I don't know why the 'slightly unstable tortured soul with slick-backed hair' look would be more attractive to me than his classic hearthrob younger days, but to me he just gets better with age (case in point - see below).

1. The Great Gatsby (2013) - I'll try not to get carried away and bang on about this too much, but seriously, this is my favourite film of this year and I love everything about it. Luhrmann is back in business - the film oozes 20s glamour and treats us to phenomenal wardrobes all topped off with a soundtrack boasting a bit of Kanye & Jay-Z. And not to forget that smile...oh my. Based on one of my favourite books, it could have been a major let down, but I'm happy to say it lived up to my expectations and more. I'm at the peak of my adoration of the man in question and it's all thanks to this little gem.

Leonardo DiCaprio has an ability to turn his hand to pretty much any role and has starred in loads of acclaimed films - next on my list to watch are The Departed and Gangs of New York which I've somehow managed to miss. I know, I call myself a fan hey! Maybe my list will change after I've seen them, but for now, these are my top 5 Leo flicks. Give me Jay Gatsby over Jack Dawson any day of the week.

The Trend #1: Sheer Stripes

Zara black sweater / Topshop black t shirt / Whistles Leather jacket / Topshop skinny jeans / Matalan skirt/ ASOS grey boots / Office black boots / Zara handbag / Whistles clutchbag / Zara scarf / H&M patterned jacket

A classic striped top is one of my favourite items of clothing - it's synonymous with Parisian chic and effortless cool. Let's face it, wearing stripes is just about as close as I'll ever get to being a French style icon, and anything which makes me feel slightly more like Clemence Poesy is a winner in my book.  Just give me some Ladurée macaroons and I'm one bite away from the Champs-Élysées...

Having said that, if wearing Breton makes you feel more Hamburgler than Audrey Tatou, there are so many pieces around at the moment which incorporate sheer stripes - a trend I'm definitely on board with! This Topshop number is the starting point for a flawless smart-casual outfit: a simple t-shirt silhouette with an added detail which gives it a bit of an edge, teamed with some coated jeans or leather-look trousers. Whistles really do bring it when it comes to hand-held perfection and this stylish leather clutch is definitely on my wish list! I'm a big fan of these light grey ASOS boots to add some (slight) variation in tone to what is a black on black look, and whilst this H&M jacket doesn't stray from the monochrome theme, its geometric pattern adds a bit of something different.  Top it all off with a bold red lip and you're good to go!

Moving on to a day look, this Zara knitted jumper is a perfect piece for this time of year when layered with a timeless leather jacket and accessorised with a simple shoulder bag.  It would look equally good with jeans but for me, teaming it with another item which is trending at the moment, the skort (yes, that's a 'skirt' and 'shorts' hybrid) creates a unique daytime outfit.  I also love the gold details on these ankle boots from Office - I live in boots at the time of year and something a little lower on the heel front is brilliant for times when you want that extra lift but without the aching feet! Mixing stripes and checks might be a big no for some people, but this huge, cosy, tartan-style scarf from Zara isn't too in your face and is in keeping with the muted colour palette. What can I say? I just love me some monochrome.

So, here's the question, would you stick with the traditional or up your game and go translucent?

Winter Warmers

(L-R: Revlon CustomEyes in Naturally Glamorous, Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Metallic Pomegranate & On and On Bronze, MAC All That Glitters & Soba)

I'm all for a bold lip colour but when it comes to eyes, I don't tend to stray far from the neutral spectrum.  Most of the shades pictured above are well-loved all year round, however I do think that they're especially apt at the moment.  As the weather gets colder and the nights close in, I find myself going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark - suffice to say my vitamin D intake is not currently at its best!  So, I use any opportunity to add a bit of colour to my paler than pale complexion.  I find that a tinge of warmth on the eye can really help and these are my top tones for doing just that. 

1. Revlon CustomEyes in Naturally Glamorous - This little palette is really affordable and brilliant for travelling as it holds everything a neutral eye lover needs - a few different brown options, a black and a champagne colour.  The only thing it's lacking is a matte shade, but then again who's going to say no to a bit of shimmer as the countdown to Christmas approaches?  My most-used shades are the pearlescent highlight and the deep reddish-brown.  I find that the latter is ideal when paired with...

2. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Metallic Pomegranate - You might remember a few posts ago I mentioned how I was having a bit of a love-from-afar thing going on with MAC Cranberry eyeshadow. The problem was, I just couldn't justify the price tag as a) I would only use it in the colder months and b) I was concerned that, due to my cack-handed application, I might end up looking like I was harbouring some sort of unfortunate eye infection.  Instead, I decided to save my pennies and plumped for this little beauty at a fraction of the price - the perfect wine-coloured cream shadow to create a dark, more dramatic autumnal eye.  I knew I was a fan of the formula already as I previously purchased...   

3. Maybelline Color Tattoo and On Bronze - A beautiful, burnished bronze shade which is as wearable in the day as it is at night - use it as a light wash across the lid or build it up into a strong smoky eye for an evening look.  These Color Tattoos stay put for ages, especially if you're using them as a base for powder.  Their buttery texture means that they're extremely blendable and simple to pop on with your finger if you feel like giving the brushes a rest.  I really don't see myself buying other cream shadows any time soon, which says something because I like shopping.  A lot.

4. MAC All That Glitters - A great every day option, this lies somewhere between a beige, a pink and a gold.  It does wonders to wake up tired eyes and creates a natural, pretty look without any effort whatsoever.  My kinda (lazy) make up.

5. MAC Soba - On Anna's recommendation, I picked this up due to its wonderful quality of adding definition where you need it and somehow giving the illusion that you've spent ages perfectly blending different shades to create a subtle, smoldering eye when in fact, you've slapped it on in about 5 seconds with one peeper still clinging on to the land of nod.   

You may have noticed a running theme here in that when I'm up early and contemplating the day ahead, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in front of the mirror looking at my fatigued face and piling it on with a trowel to try and convince the world that I didn't spend hours watching Breaking Bad when I should have been catching up on sleep.  I find that all of these shadows are a great option for a fool-proof eye look if you want to feel a bit more Kardashian than Worzel Gummidge, but stick to a 5 minute application window and also add a bit of warmth for winter.

The Coffee Table Stack #2: Food

I'd estimate I spend around 75% of my time thinking about food.  A girl's gotta eat and all that, but I'm definitely not one of those people who sees it solely as fuel or a source of energy.  I reckon you always eat with your eyes first and love pouring over recipe books crammed with pictures (see the multiple post-its marking my favourite pages to drool over...just call me pig of the year 2K13), scouring Jamie Oliver's Instagram for his latest tasty snapshots as well as tuning in to a good cookery programme.  Part of me definitely maintains a pipe dream that Michel Roux Jr. will adopt me as his protégé and teach me the ways of a cordon bleu chef, but it's time to face the music - it just ain't gonna happen sunshine.

For this reason, the Leon series of books features highly in my coffee table edit.  They're colourful and eye-catching, full of drawn illustrations as well as photographs of their offerings.  My top pick is their baking and puddings book - I have an inexcusably sweet tooth and every turn of the page is accompanied by Homer Simpson style 'mmm...' It's a heavy-set bible of baked goods brimming with technical tips and more tantalising treats than you can shake a stick at.  Just make sure anything snack-based is safely locked away at the time of reading, otherwise you might find yourself awakening from a hunger-induced stupor, surrounded by empty packets of HobNobs.

Changing Textures

Whistles cocktail dress / ASOS heeled sandals / Accessorize necklace / Clinique lip care / Nars nail varnish / Boohoo Perspex Box Clutch

I think we can officially say winter is coming here in the UK (no Games of Thrones reference intended...)  By my book, when it starts getting dark before five and temperatures begin to drop, it means I pull out my warmest pieces of clothing.  At the weekend, my outfit of choice was the fluffiest, cosiest jumper I own, paired with a leather skirt (see this post), and this got me thinking about textures.

This Whistles dress is a beautiful, iridescent jacquard fabric which would be perfect for the upcoming Christmas party season.  The peekaboo detail of the wrap around skirt is right up my street and under normal circumstances, if I were to wear this I'd probably go with a standard leather clutch and monochrome heels - the safe option.  However,  I love these velvet-look sandals when you're trying to play around with textures.  The deep fuscia colour is really festive and cuts a bold statement against the pearl-toned dress.  I'm not often one for going matchy matchy with lips and nails, but here I think it really works to make the colour pop even more.  

I also really love the look of these clear perspex clutches, even though I do think they're horrifically impractical...advertising the contents of my bag to the world is not something I particularly want to do, but then again maybe I'm the only one who carries a specific purse I like to call the 'fugly purse' on an evening out because it's smaller, less precious than my day offering.  It is however really, really garish...not something I'm mega bothered about showing off.  And what about when you need to carry a bit of loo roll in case of poorly-stocked club toilet emergencies?  That would not look ideal.  But hey, for the purposes of this outfit anyway, having a hard cased bag would add yet another layer of texture and I have to admit, they look really stylish provided you have the right items on display.

To top it off, predictably, I'd choose a huge bejewelled necklace, but can we just take a moment to appreciate this Accessorize offering?!  The teal stones are eye-catching without being too bright and I can't help but be drawn to any jewellery with a '20s style to it.  You might not be attending a decadent, Gatsby level soiree, but injecting a bit of art deco glamour to your look never goes amiss.

So for me it seems that chucking on a load of textures can look more sophisticated than bag lady as long as there's some thought gone into it and a bit of a theme with the colours.  Why not challenge yourself to step outside of your (perspex, fugly purse-filled) box and mix it up a bit? 

        

'80s Throwback

I grew up at a time when life revolved around caring for your Tamagotchi, Sabrina the Teenage Witch was queen and it was every girl's dream to be the sixth Spice Girl - enter: the '90s.  However, I've got a thing for a certain genre of '80s films - those teen coming-of-age, comedy with a bit of drama, American high school schticks.  Four films written by John Hughes, three starring Molly Ringwald, two featuring Anthony Michael Hall ( hereinafter 'AMH') and one with a young Matthew Broderick cracking out some serious moves.  Here's my top four '80s edit.

4. Sixteen Candles (1984) - Your classic teen romantic comedy about a girl, her birthday and her painfully attractive crush.  Featuring AMH and John Cusack as part of a geeky crew and a Chinese exchange student called 'Long Duck Dong'...what's not to love?

3. Pretty in Pink (1986) - The title comes from the dress old Mols customises after her dad buys it at a thrift shop (cue Macklemore...)  Again, she has a love interest from a different social group but this time, your comedic foil comes in the shape of Duckie, her best friend.  My favourite scene is his rendition of Otis Redding's Try a Little Tenderness - even if you don't want to watch the whole thing, watch that.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985) - This follows five high school students who are forced to spend time together at a weekend detention session and does actually have some serious undertones - stereotypes are questioned, cliques are dispelled and you get a real insight into the characters' struggles.  Reasons why I love this film: the endless quotes ('does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?'), Charlie Sheen's brother in general, AMH sticking a pencil up his nose and the use of Simple Minds' Don't You Forget About Me.

1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - In at number one we have the best film about bunking off school ever made.  It's got it all - laughs, a fancy car and miming to The Beatles at a parade.  Bueller is every teenager's icon - he was actually 24 when it was released but hey, older people playing youngsters is nothing new!  You spend the whole film rooting for him and just hoping he can continue to outsmart everyone else.  If you only watch one of these, watch this one!

So if you fancy dipping your toe into some '80s classics, I highly recommend any of these.  Note: best enjoyed whilst wearing lycra and leg warmers.

The Coffee Table Stack #1: Art

I love going into bookshops and flicking through those over-sized, heavy and in some ways cumbersome reads studded with photographs - art books, cookery books, anything which can provide a snapshot of something different to peruse.

These visual books are my kind of coffee table read.  I don't drink coffee (unless it's laced with a calorific flavoured syrup...or alcohol) but there's something about the image of thumbing through the pages of a hefty tome whilst sipping on a hot cuppa Joe which I love.  I doubt real coffee drinkers ever call it 'Joe' but a mug of hot Ribena doesn't have quite the same effect...

I'm hoping to make this into a series of posts and talk about a few different books which fall into this category of picture-filled volumes.  First up is my art pick - Art: The Whole Story by Stephen Farthing.

It's an understatement to say this one is a bit of a beast, but that's completely justified once you realise just how much stuff it covers.  It really is the whole shebang - from prehistoric art to the present day and every movement in between.  It's bursting with photographs, paintings, sculpture and diagrams, but also has a good bit of text to get your teeth into.  It highlights key works, those 'I've definitely seen that somewhere before' pieces, and puts them into context which is really good if you are trying to broaden your knowledge a bit.  When I bought it, I was convinced I was going to read it cover to cover (no. 25 on the list of unrealistic tasks I set myself...) Obviously that didn't happen, but hey, the nature of a good coffee table book is that you can dip in and out as you please!

So, for those lazy afternoons when you want to escape the glare of the laptop screen, look at some pictures which aren't followed by six thousand hashtags and persuade yourself you'd be right at home hanging out with cultural artistic giants like Neil Buchannan and Mark Francis from MIC, I recommend checking this out.

Rose Tinted

Rosy-toned pinks are lovely to wear all year round, but I find myself reaching for them even more once Spring is over.  I usually tend to reserve orange peaches and coral hues for the warmer months as I find them more flattering when the sunshine has given me a (very limited!) bit of colour, but a good blushed rose shade works wonders to brighten up even the palest complexion.

I wear a couple of these products most days - the MAC blusher in Mocha is described as a 'plum-pink' but on my fair skin tone it transfers an incredibly natural rosy glow which is a perfect everyday colour. The Seventeen Mirror Shine Lipstick in Belle (which I must have repurchased at least 3 times) is also my go-to when I'm looking to add a subtle hint of colour to the lips.  The formula of the lipstick is very sheer and glossy meaning that it feels extremely light and moisturising - perfect when the change in temperature can cause mine to resemble a shrivelled prune if I don't look after them.  It's very close to my own lip colour so it's ideal to just throw on without having to worry about being neat or patchiness as it wears off - a foolproof option on days when you just can't be bothered.

The other blush pictured above is one that I've spoken about before, the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink.  It's perfect for adding a natural flush to your cheeks and giving you the whole 'I've been on a brisk country walk' look minus the sweat and without having to move off the sofa.  Nice.

The top shade of the eyeshadow trio is another long time favourite of mine - a pinky tone with a hint of gold shimmer.  It's part of a palette called Pretty Posey which I think must be one of the old versions of the No7 Stay Perfect eyeshadow trios - I've had it for ages and it doesn't look to be in production anymore, which is a shame because it's really lovely!  It reminds me of MAC All that Glitters, but with a bit more colour to it -  a really easy shade to wear in the daytime when you just want a wash of something simple to brighten up your eyes. 

Finally, in keeping with the whole floral theme, I wanted to mention the Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder which has that old-fashioned, slightly Grandma-ish rose scent to it.  Don't get me wrong, it's not like you'll smell as though you've been doused in Eau de Ethel or anything, it just has a really comforting fragrance.  The product is a revival of the historical best seller and the packaging has heaps of vintage charm.  The powder itself is a delicate, illuminating highlight which I've really been enjoying to add a bit of radiance to the skin in just a few sweeps of the brush.

Now, the 'super rouged-up lady of the night, throw everything pink you've ever owned all over your face at once' look is never attractive, but it's pretty impossible to go overboard with any of these products.  A natural rose pink is as classic as it gets and never fails to provide a fresh-faced finish.

The Staples #2: Patterned Trousers

Zara floral trousers / Monki top / Topshop cami / Mango leather ankle boots / Mango ankle strap sandals / ASOS black earrings / Next flower statement necklace

I'm a big fan of wearing one statement piece and keeping everything else nice and simple.  Patterned trousers can look great in the summer, but I've had my eye out for some that I could wear in Autumn and Winter for a while - something not too garish and minus those pockets which stick out and give me a Nicki Minaj hip/thigh area (in a really bad way).  I finally found this pair of Zara floral print trousers at the weekend and I'm so happy with them.  The muted colours mean that they won't be too over the top for the colder months and I love the tapestry feel of the print.  They're a heavyweight cotton material so should keep me fairly toasty too.

Again, the reason why I think patterned trousers are a bit of a wardrobe staple is that you can wear them however you want.  For the daytime I'd go for a plain jumper and necklace in keeping with the colour scheme - I actually bought this one from Next in bright blue around 6 months ago and I wear it loads!  I find that it's so useful for adding a bit of something extra to an outfit and at £10 it's not a bad price at all.  I also live in ankle boots at this time of year and a classic black pair would finish off the look nicely.

For the evening, cami tops are everywhere at the moment and I can understand why.  They're flattering and so simple to throw on when you're having a 'I hate everything in my wardrobe and have NOTHING TO WEAR!' stress before an evening out.  You could opt for a slight tuck-in at the front just to keep a bit of shape to the silhouette, but again, keep it simple with some strappy black heels.  Anyone who knows me knows I love a statement necklace but big, costume jewellery-style earrings are another great option for dressing up a basic outfit.

So, if you're looking for an alternative to your average pair of jeans or plain tailored trouser but don't want to risk looking like you're rocking a bermuda print in November, a more subtle pattern provides a world of opportunities!

  

Ideal for Autumn

If it isn't obvious enough from the products pictured above, I'll confess I'm addicted to beauty blogs. It's difficult not to get caught up in the hype surrounding those products everyone seems to talk about, especially when they're opinions I trust - people like Anna, Lily, Estée and Kate. If something really takes my eye, I jot it down in my phone - a never-ending list of things I could never justify buying, let alone afford, but like to keep there just in case, y'know, I win the lottery or something.

In an ideal world where I do my weekly shop at Selfridges beauty hall and Space NK, here's what I'd pick for Autumn:

1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - Starting off with a foot slightly in reality, this is one thing I do actually own.  After researching, sampling and trial testing this foundation over the space of 6 or more months, I bit the bullet and bought it.  I'd ummed and arred about parting with my cash as I wouldn't usually spend that much on a foundation, but it was by no means an impulse purchase and I'm so glad I did buy it.  It sounds stupid, but it's an investment! I tend to reserve it for evenings out and special occasions, favouring a cheaper alternative for my everyday foundation, but if I could justify slathering it all over my face 7 days a week, I would.  Number 5 is my perfect colour match, it's great coverage without being cakey and, as the name suggests, luminous but without being too shiny.  Light enough for Summer and hydrating enough to carry you into the colder months, this foundation will continue to be a firm favourite.

2. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light - Now this is where my user knowledge ends!  All I can say is that the reviews of this powder are amazing, the idea being that the different shades have different effects.  I'd go for Diffused Light as it supposedly blurs pores, imperfections and all the other nasties you want to hide whilst reducing redness and imparting a natural glow.  Don't mind if I do.

3. Kevin Aucoin Sculpting Powder - because in my head, if I used this, I'd give myself cheekbones to rival Keira Knightley.  Not physically possible, but maybe the best chance I'd have would be to team it with...

4. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush - Charlotte launched her own make up range a few months ago and since then, the praise has been unanimous - unsurprising considering she is one of the world's most sought-after make up artists.  Here's hoping this brush could impart some serious Tilbury skill upon its user.

5. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - Dark circles are notoriously troublesome and I'm always on the lookout for a product which does the job of covering them up without breaking the bank.  At the moment, I'm using the L'Oréal Paris True Match Touche Magique, but were money no object, I'd be snapping up that Nars Concealer everyone seems to love in a flash.  My expectations are almost certainly unrealistic but, with its hydrating and brightening properties, I'm imagining one sweep of this would leave me looking like I'd slept for a week.

6. Bobbi Brown Blush in Berry - For the last base product, I've been seriously drawn to this deep berry-pink blush.  In the same way that the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush gives you a lovely, healthy flush, this tone would be a beautiful matte choice for the colder seasons.

7. MAC Cranberry & 8. By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Velvet Orchid - Normally, I'm all about neutrals on the eyes.  I usually go for something with minimal effort, a cream or powder which can be swept all across the lid or built up to create a smokey effect.  For Autumn though, I'd love to be a bit more adventurous and try one of these red or purple-toned shades for a smudgy, effortless eye look...but chances are I'd actually end up looking like I'd faced 3 rounds with Mike Tyson.

9. Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir & 10. Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Dare - A dark burgundy nail or lip colour is perfect for this time of year.  I don't think you need to be extravagant when buying nail varnishes as brands like Rimmel and Revlon really bring it on the high street, but I couldn't talk nails without mentioning the cult Chanel Rouge Noir - it really is the perfect Autumn shade!  Finally, I wanted to end on something which is budget-friendly but still great quality - this vampy lip colour by Sleek screams sophistication and I can definitely vouch for the formula.  Sleek lipsticks are incredibly long lasting and pigmented and, at the fraction of the price of all the other products mentioned, what's not to love?  This, I may just have to purchase!

So, that's it, my unbridled spree into Autumn beauty.  Looks like I'm gonna have to get picking those lottery numbers...