Bargain Arty

Here's my newest designer imitation bargain. Meet the YSL Arty ring (if you haven't already). I spied it again on a blog the other day and while browzing online saw a version of it on the highstreet. So you can imagine my joy at bagging the last one on the shelf today! You can pay up to £270.00 for these babies, and mine was only £3.99. It's now also sold out online, so I'm not the only one to spot this great designer look a like bargain! 

YSL Arty n' color ring £270

YSL Arty Oval ring £180

Ring : New Look £3.99

I'm selling my artwork on Society 6

Shake It Up!

Stargazer Glitter Shaker in Multi £1.99

I've been searching for a varnish so pretty that will finally stop me from picking my nail varnish off and biting my nails to the quick during the process. This glitter shaker from Stargazer, seems to be the answer to my prayers. I've not been tempted to pick or bite it off since I applied it yesterday evening. It's still early says, but it is just too pretty to ruin.

To get this look:

1) Apply clear varnish to the nail
2) Use your index finger to tap the glitter out of the shaker so it falls evenly over the entire nail
3) Wait for varnish to dry, then shake of the excess glitter.
4) Finish with a top coat of clear to seal and Violá. Beautiful, glamourous nails to put a smile on your face.

Peach Snaps

I've been in Preston this weekend at Jon's parent's place, part cat-sitting, part relaxing change of scene. Yesterday was a busy day- jon was busy at their old house mowing the lawns and cleaning his car out, while I took advantage of the large private garden to do some long-awaited exercise, inspired by Women's Health mag's '15 minutes to a flat stomach' workout. It sprung me into action though and I did a good full on work out, even bringing out some old yoga moves and jogging around until I was almost in tears. Desperate for some new clothes/outfits, I took myself shopping last week and fell for this Peach cardigan from New Look. Here it is at the centre of a very Summery outfit.

We went to a jumble sale on Saturday morning and seriously the place was bussing with oddbods. It was like there were no shops and the entire population of the world depended upon people throwing out their old clothes for it's wardrobe. I got a few nice things. All in good condition and dirt cheap.

Miss Selfridge Pairie top- £1 Goosnargh Village jumble sale.

& this very 80s Wallis jacket. I love that it's based on a mac but it's very feminine. There was no mirror so I'm still a bit picky about the batwing arms, but I had to get it just for the amazing pleats in the back.

Blue Tuesday

Just watched 'Easter Parade'. The 1948 musical has been sitting on my shelf for over a year, unwatched, waiting for an Easter viewing. Today, the words 'Happiest musical ever made' finally persuaded me to give it a whirl, and I'm glad I did. It warms the cockles of your heart, it does. Judy Garland is stunning in it, she and Fred Astaire can't help but brighten your day with some classy scenes. Don (Astaire), is a guy who is down on his luck after losing his dancing partner Nadine (Miller) to a different show. He picks up Hannah (Garland), a singer at a local bar and teaches her her left foot from her right. Unbelievably, it's actually only the second Judy film I've seen, after The Wizard of Oz. She is a full grown woman in this production and she really has a face of an angel. And so much character, you can't help but love her. You should try watch it if you can, the costumes are wonderful and the hair is even better!

It also introduced me to another star. Here is co-star Ann Miller (Nadine) in one of the best numbers in the film.



I really do wish I was in the time of hats & spats.

Project Mirror

My boyfriend bought me this vintage dressing table from ebay when we moved into our first flat together in November. I didn't actually own any mirrors in my first flat a few years ago- I was surviving with just my compact mirror for quite a few months until I eventually got some stick on mirrors for my bathroom from Ikea & a cheap make-up one from Asda. Believe it or not, it was actually quite liberating going without mirrors for a while; it really did make you just get up and go and not worry too much about what you looked like, but inevitably enough, it did start to get very annoying- I had to hold the make-up mirror up high, do a stupid little dance as I struggled to fit the whole of me into it when I wanted to see what shoes went with my outfit, so eventually, I had to cave in and get myself a full length mirror.

cute drawer underneath the table

I've not had a dressing table since my teens, so you can imagine how much I love this one now. It's original vintage from Wrighton, we assumed it was from the 70s from the strong block like design. It's a fundamental piece of my furniture now; I'd definitely miss it if I had to sell it. I'm thinking of stripping it to paint it white at some point, just because I love white and think it will look a bit more chic with some colour. Maybe just the draws in white, to keep with the retro feel. A bit like this 50s Wrighton drinks cabinet. Beautiful isn't it. The wood is described as 'walnut vaneered' and it is almost identical to mine so I'm guessing that is what mine is too. I do have a project on my hands though as I stupidly put a hot plate down on the wood and it left a big white ring (if you look closely at the image above you will see it). I am confident it can be fixed by stripping the wood down and a re-varnish, if not then I will just paint the top white too!

www.iantiqueonline.ning.com

All I need now is a lovely little stool to match. Ebay is great for vintage furniture so hopefully I will find one there!

Because This Is Really It!

Thanks Robert


xox

Chairlift: Something - Album Preview on KCRW

Currently listening to Guillemots Through the windowpane. It soothes my brain, body & soul. The uplifting songs are great. I've been busy reading up on a few things I needed to check out, and I have booked an eye test for tomorrow. It's definitely been way over two years since I last had them tested (can't remember the last one, except for that I cried during it, which didn't help much)!

I also have my first driving lesson tomorrow!!

Up next on my listen list is this. Remember them?!

Chairlift: Something - Album Preview on KCRW

Discovered

I have just discovered the work of British Graphic Designer & Illustrator Alan Fletcher. One of the most influencial designers in history, he was a pioneer of British Post-War Graphic Design. He designed the V&A Museum logo and was a master at using simplicity and wit within his designs. There is a book he released in 2001 called 'The Art of Looking Sideways' that I can't wait to have a look at. He passed away in 2006 and there were exhibitions dedicated to his work. I've been looking at blogs from then to get an idea of what they were like and finding out more about his life & work here.

Oh Land & Lana

Was just listening to a few Lana Del Ray tracks on youtube. I first saw her on Jools Holland and I still think she sounds like Placebo. I know a lot of people are likening her to Cat Power. But I've grown tired of comparisons over the last few years. Probably because that's all I ever used to do. I heard the single 'Video Games' in the car over Christmas and it really got to me, so yes, I approve. I also love her hair. Roses feature heavily in her styling and promo too. A girl after my own heart. Her real name is Lizzie Grant and apparently her dad thought Lana Del Ray would sell more records. If you haven't already, you should definitely check out the official video for 'Born To Die'. You can find both on her site. http://lanadelrey.com/

Anyways, found this on my travels and it is the raison d'etre for my post today because it made me smile. From another talented lady, the Danish singer-songwriter, Nanna Øland Fabricius, better known by her stage name, 'Oh Land'.



http://www.ohlandmusic.com/

Happy Talk

I haven't written a post in months but I'm back. I'm thinking of publishing some of my poems and
general rants but part of me thinks that stuff is in the past, so I will just talk about other stuff, like Music! But I have good news too. This year is all about staying mentally and physically fit and positive. Remaining on an even keel. etc. I am no longer riding through the choppy ocean of stormy weather that was the last couple of years. I've braved the worst and come out on top, with only a few battle scars, but they are being healed as I write. Writing always makes me feel better.

I'm now 27 and it's 2012 and I'm still alive! I moved house in November; and I am so happy to say that I now live somewhere that is completely habitable with a lovely housemate and everything I could ever need or want.

I want to introduce you to a great Musical. It's called South Pacific (Rodgers & Hammerstein) and I've been aware of it for years. I have recently started getting flashbacks about my childhood, and things I used to like and do. I used to listen to this soundtrack when I was very small, probably around nine or ten. My mum's room was like heaven; she had a record player and quite a good collection, including West Side Story and Abba. And South Pacific. So I used to listen and sing a long. I knew all the words to Abba's songs when I happened to see a tribute act one summer.

Anyway listen to this song. Whether musicals are your thing or not- nobody can not like this...

I'm looking into finding the original South Pacific on DVD. Until then I think I'm long overdue a watch of Singin' In The Rain...

This is such a good feel good track. It always makes me feel better.

Happy Talk

<3