Yes I went wading in the paddling pool in my jeans, didn't you?

Whilst Style Bubble thinks these Topshop jeans are going to be easy and ubiquitious, I think they are brilliant and fantastic. Okay, so black is universally thinning, but wet-look adds a zillion pounds, so I'm sure they won't be flattering on my shape (maybe any shape that isn't Kate Moss-esque twig legs), but so what? Fashion can't always be pretty, can it? And this season, according to The Times, we should all be warrior women anyway...

Right now I'm trawling the net for a picture of New Look's PVC dress - that is one warrior woman item that I don't want to miss.

New Season Most Wanted

Even though I'm going away for my favourite shopping month, that doesn't mean I don't have my eye on a couple of key purchases for this season.

1. A leather jacket. Miss Selfridge have this one which I think is v Mike + Chris styled - am thinking a great birthday pressie. Team with with my new dress from Topshop, tights, and boots. Perfect Saturday chilling.

2. Schboots. Black, patent, cool, and bound to be impossible to walk in. Great for with shorts and mini-dresses. Yes, I'm not giving up mini-dresses. These aren't patent but are from topshop.

3. Double strap shoes. Yup, these are going to be big. I'm also thinking black patent, though pale colours with dark tights will also look fab. Think those fab pink satin Miu Mius for inspiration. Though my budget is a little less flexible!! These ones from Topshop are also not exactly budget at £75.

4. Ribbed tights. Warm, wooly, and leg lengthening. A pair in black and a pair in grey please.

5. Chunky wooly, well, thing. Yes, some sort of knitted item that will keep me warm. I'd like it to be rather shapeless please, and then I can belt it at the waist with my minis/shorts etc. Contrast of volumes etc. In fact, I had the perfect shapeless knitted item two seasons ago, but when I moved house, it seemed to disappear unfortunately.

6. Flat leather boots. This pair from Topshop are perfect. Am begging for them for my birthday pressie.

7. Oversized white shirt. I have a billion white shirts, but another one is definitely required. Ironically, I actually found the perfect oversized white shirt on Saturday in Primark of all places, but since I was shopping for Africa (yes, the whole continent), I ignored it. How unwise.

8. Grey skinnies. Like all jean trends, I'm late again. I just got my black skinnies. And they have an annoying "creep" habit (meaning they creep down from being low-rise to being way too ultra-low rise and I might flash), but I still really want them - just maybe not Topshop B's. Tuck them into my either knee high flat leathers, or some cute ankle boots.

9. Ultra-short Uggs. This is just a weather thing. I live in Scotland. It gets cold and miserable. Being able to put your feet in warm furry boots is a good thing. And ultra-short ones are good for tucking your skinny jeans into. Either chocolate brown or black please.

10. Oversized woolly hat. Like those floppy big ones that Keira Knightley wears. I haven't been able to find one yet that I like, but I'm on the look out. Instant "scruff-chic".

Wayfarers Galore!!

They're like buses - two come along at once. I bought my fabulous black wayfarers yesterday from www.shadestation.com after much humming and hawing over whether I should drop £85 on them. Finally decided that it would be a good thing and went ahead. And then, my little sister finds Dad's lost original, bought in the 80s wayfarers (tortoiseshell, not black) in her car, and gives them to me (she has aviators, and no desire to switch). So now, I have two. I officially prefer the black, but the tortoiseshell are free. It's a difficult choice. That, and I can never wear them round my dad, as that would really be stealing. Decisions tonight.

stylin in the summer

Every summer has its fantastic trends - crazy things that we will wonder why on earth we were doing them. Well, basically, like any fashion season. I stole these ones from the Observer Woman magazine and added my own thoughts. Better start making a list of things I quite simply must buy.

Brazil
I wish. Have always wanted to go there, think it will be quite some time before work and bank manager agree that it is a good idea. Keep dreaming.

Luggage on Wheels
They say its all about Marc Jacobs making the wheelie-suitcase cool, I say its all about the fact that you have to check in bags now, so you might as well take as much as you possibly can. Though really, no one should be flying anymore, and we should all be taking the train to France, the boat to the Netherlands, or heading up to Scotland or down to Devon.

No Passport Covers
I always thought these were a waste of time, and am pleased that everyone else has caught up with my authentically battered passport. Mine even has weird stickers all over it from various visas/flights/etc. It seems as soon as one person sticks a sticker on your passport, everyone else thinks its a free for all.

CSS' Sao Paulo Style
Follow in the Brazilian band's footsteps with weird fringes and skin tight denim dungarees. Kinda reminds me of the nu-rave stuff we have already going on, which is pretty unforgiving on anyone who isn't size 6. Ie, really anyone.

Ray Ban Wayfarers
Oh please, we all knew this was going to be big. Still, am fully supportive and have been hunting on ebay for some working with my budget. My dad has a pair from the first time around, but he is surprisingly keen to hold onto them. Maybe its the first time he has officially been in style for a while...

Bikinis are OUT
And bring in the bizarre cut out swimsuit things. No no no. Nothing can make my curvy stomach look worse than additional muffin tops. Stay away unless you are truly toned. And fancy weird suntan lines.

Slogan T Shirts
See, Observer Woman thinks they are in. Fashionista is obsessed with House of Holland. And I just think blah. Can't say I'll be getting involved.

No more "Faux Ethnic Chiffon Cover-ups with Beading
According to OW, its far too Liz Hurley. So so so agree - for me it looks way to Marks and Spencer meets Maldives, and not in a good way. They say get a t-shirt dress, I say head to American Apparel quick smart lady-girls.

Say No to Convincing Tans
I thoroughly support the fake look, only because I'm not going away this summer at all. A real one looks better, but we don't want to resemble Rachel Zoe in years to come, do we?

Airport Novels
They reference something called First Among Sequels, which I aint never heard off. Can't say I love love airport novels - the closest my brain gets to switching off in Marian Keyes. But I do have to say nothing quite tops a great summer read. Personal favourites recently? In the Country of Men, by Hisham Matar, Half of A Yellow Sun, by Chimamamanda Ngozi Adichie, and This Book Will Change Your Life, by A. M. Homes.

City Pools
Now this one I so agree with. I would love access to a city pool, or even if Edinburgh had one, but I just don't think it does. (Cue a google on it later tonight). They namecheck a couple in London, New York and LA, but that doesn't really help me, does it?

Kareoke
Basically because they want it to. I second that. But really, what everyone loves in summer is beer gardens with jugs of Pimms. Drunk on a Tuesday? Oops.

Badminton is the New Tennis
Eh? But you can't play it outside. And its not exactly hardcore to hit a shuttlecock. I mean, it's called a shuttlecock! Not en accord ici.

Daniel Craig's Bulge is Not A Good Thing
Because of the unwanted imitators. Not that I should see many men in tight blue shorts this far north.

Ibiza's Over
And has been for years. Get with the programme people!

Parasols
Apparently Kirtie Allsopp likes them. Great for her. For me, I can't even handle an umbrella without gouging several holes in my head and others losing eyes around me. I'll pass.

Shelter Island
Never heard of it, but apparently the "New Hamptons". Great for them, irrelevant for me.

Cornettos
I've been saying this for years!!! Strawberry is the best flavour. Will most likely always be my favourite summer ice cream, though a magnum certainly has a sense of decadence to it.

Diet Coke Isn't Going to Hit the Spot
They say because the new guys in the ad isn't that hot, and San Pellegrino Limonata is much fancier. Agree the second, couldn't care less about the first, and will still continue to drink DC, even if it is eating away my enamel and causing me to lose bone density etc etc etc.

Bra Wars
Apparently we should all be flashing our fancy coloured bras. Since I posted on neon underwear a few weeks ago, I'm feeling all smug. And will definitely be getting with this trend. Nothing cooler than a bright white tank, some denim and a flash of colour. Plus, it's an easy way to handle nu-rave.

Blogging Is Out
We shouldn't be indoors being snarky. I have to agree. My posts do drop dramatically when the sun is out and barbeques are to be had. Not a full-blown stop, but definitely a cutback. Like a diet.

Magazine Freebie Beach Bags Suck
Agreed. Didn't really warrant an post, did it?

Popeye Tattoos
Apparently a good thing, thanks to Amy Winehouse. People, a tattoo is for life, not just for 07!!!

Bottle Water is so Wrong
Agreed. This will get you Reduce and Reuse points people!

Jelly Sandals
Primark are selling out of their £3 number, Topshop have them in stacks, and fashionista was debating them last week. Personally, they remind me of being 3 and look like they'll give horrible blisters, but you know, if that's what you want to do, feel free. I just know I won't.

Heatworld.com
From the makers of Heat. Rivalry to Perez.

Liquid Sunshine
Clinque's Up-lighting Liquid. Apparently way better than bronzer. Personally, I'm going to go for something from Stila. I tend to not be so good with anything shiny and liquid.

Lurid Nails
Oh, I'm so on-trend with this. They recommend Barry M, I'm wearing a Barry M candy pink I posted about last week. Love this trend as long as you ladies stay away from green. That somehow makes me queasy.



So there you have it - a failsafe guide for being coo-el this summer. And not a mention of high-waisted jeans in sight.

In honour of my fabulous pink nails mentioned earlier today, check out this fantastic pants! If you don't want to commit whole-heartedly to the neon trend, then check out the underwear line from topshop. If you're feeling really daring, a pink or green bra poking out under a white wife-beater will look pretty damn cool.

bizarre stylin

This skirt is from Topshop, and you can buy it from my local shop. It looks ghastly. However, I saw it in a magazine recently being styled so cool that it actually made me lust after it. However, my head doesn't hold that sort of image in my head so long, so now I can't remember how to make it cool. I'm guessing another skirt might need to go on top of it. And definitely no leggings. Some brown leather heels maybe to tone it down. And none of those 80s slogan t-shirts. People keep trying to sell them, but I've actually yet to see anyone wear one. Thank goodness.

(Though I did hear of one that said "who's to thank for socialite rank?" that tempted me a little.)

work distractions

Oooops. Sometimes work gets a little dull. And when that happens, I might wander along to somewhere to flex my credit. This dress is the key piece of the warehouse campaign this season, and the lovely Mischa Barton has also been spotted in it. I also saw it on a girl in town on Saturday, but it didn't look so hot on her, possibly because she wasn't the tallest of girls. Most clothes loook absolutely fabulous on petite chicas, but this dress relies on being long of limb, so hopefully my 5'8" of legs will work with this dress. And if not, it's selling well on ebay, since its sold out of shops.

crisp clean white shirts

The Gap, that long-purveyer of the classic white shirt, has teamed up with Vogue favourites Thakoon, Doo-Ri, and Rodarte, to create these shirts. Although the last Gap collaboration with Roland Mouret was not that hot in my opinion, (though I saw one girl really rocking her red shirt dress), this collaboration looks really cool. I am loving the shirt on the right. Can't wait for them to hit the UK.

kate moss blue jeans!!

Dump the overdyed denim. Bring out the kiddies blues! Kate Moss is on the cover of Dazed and Confused this month in a pair of Topshop blue denims (they look like straight legs from the angle). Ditch the black, the grey, the overdyed - its back to blue baby.

summer trends

Ah, its so great to finally feel the sun on my skin! Edinburgh had a mini-heatwave this weekend, and it was great to finally see some (very pale) flesh. Naturally, it made me think about what I'm dying to wear this summer. A list of some upcoming purchases (credihttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gift card withstanding!) below:
waistcoat (vests for you Americans) - in a stoney/grey colour
white jeans? strangely tempting, but can do terrible things to your bum!
black jeans - okay, so I'm just plain late on this trend
loose silver/gold striped lurex vest (tank top) with a racerback
dresses!! just lots of dresses. I've seen some great silk ones from warehouse that even Mischa Barton has been spotted in. Dresses are going to be bright, short and flirty
denim hot pants - I've tried on so many pairs so far, and yet to find the perfect pair, but it will be done!
loose white vest to go with my waistcoat
brown gladiator sandals to go with my plethora of dresses
maxi dress if I don't end up looking shapeless and dumpy

And what I won't be buying
anything involving dungarees just not a good look in my eyes
wedges yes, I know, I'm wrong in this, but I just don't love the shape
anything plaid ew ew ew.
high waisted denim even with my long legs this looks too, well, fashion victimy.

Let's see how long my credit lasts before my bank manager forcibly removes my credit card from my sweaty palms.

layered necklaces

Glam.com have a feature on layered necklaces, which is so where I am right now. Being known for being generally crap at accessories, I am working the layered necklaces look okay at the moment. I'm currently wearing two rather tacky trinkety necklaces from Primark - one is a little bird on a chain, and the other is a fake diamante key, as well as my standard Tiffanys coffee bean. Am loving the necklace overload.

nekkidness is good

Coquette has managed to find the most beautiful nudes pieces, which are all to die for. Romantic, luxurious, flattering. Tres heavenly.

winter woolies!!!

My, it is cold in Edinburgh right now. I love November cold; it's exciting and cosy. March cold, in contrast, is just plain boring because you have worn every single cosy item of clothing that you have about 20 zillion times over the last five months.

Anyway, my current keep myself warm and hip move: grey knee high socks worn over grey ribbed tights with black souchy boots and a mini-dress. I saw a tres chic girl in New York doing this, and I just had to copy. Yeh!

black black and more black

I managed to go shopping today - always a lovely way to spend a Sunday. I was on the hunt for a dress to go to a charity gala in - something cocktaily with character. Unfortunately, I didn't managed to actually get that, although I found a nice one in monsoon that was black sating with a wide red ribbon below the bust that was promising. I always have the fear that wearing a dress from monsoon runs far too high a risk that someone else will also be wearing it; the market for event dresses is just a little bit too small, particularly at the lower end of the budget scale. When I grow up I'll be able to avoid this risk, but at the moment, the pay check just isn't going that far!

So, I didn't manage to get a dress. Naturally I didn't come home empty handed. Instead of sticking with this season's grey, I bought a lot of black. This is extremely out of character; normally I can't stand black clothes, because I wear them a lot for work (no, I'm not working in a funeral parlour, but financial technology isn't far behind it). I got a black dress from Miss Selfridge with fabulous balloon sleeves and a roll neck - it is jersey and ends just below the knee. Very gorgeous. I'm planning on wearing it with either tights or leggings and either my black patent peep-toes, or my silver sparkly heels. Fabulous. Continuing on in Miss Selfridge, I also got a sensible black v neck sleeveless top with a sequinned collar/shoulder straps. It's quite loose, and has a fabulously functional little pocket as well. Brilliant. I got a brown cardigan that I can only describe as funkily shaped - baggy, voluminous. Tres on trend.

I also picked up a pair of leggings from Oasis, and a grey top. Oasis manage to produce plenty of what I call "sensible" tops; not sensible in the way of, ooooh, you can wear that with anything, but more, oh, I know I'll wear that a lot of I can't think of anything to wear.

I did spend some quality time in Topshop as well, but I just have to say that Topshop has lost its way for the moment. I know that structure and shape are very big this season, but it seems that Topshop is marching to the beat of its own drum. Something that I would normally commend, but this season, I am just feeling uninspired by it. Confusingly, I just saw a nice editorial in the Observer magazine that was almost entirely Topshop - all about grunge, which is right up my scruffy street - why are these clothes not in the stores? Why are we having weird blue tartans inflicted upon us?

The Measure

Time for a review of The Guardian's Measure this week.

Going Up
Sunday Nights Against all oddes, this is now the best TV night ever with Entourage, The Office: An American Workplace, and Arrested Development. About flipping time, eh?
Me: They mentioned Arrested Development last week, so at least they still think it's good. Sunday nights are all about tv for me. Right now I'm supposed to be going to the gym, but it just ain't going to happen tonight, is it?
Facials Darling, it's the only way to cope with the coming winter. Go to Bliss for efficiency, Jo Malone for indulgence, or Vaishaly for both.
French Connection Sto the presses! FC is totally brilliant this season! Out goes the crap advertising schtick, in come amazing tunic and jumper dresses
Me: Totally amazing is a bit far. They do have a great grey parka and a fab navy with gold sequined mini dress, though.
Hoods Cosy and tres, tres in
Me: No argument from me
Roddy Doyle's Paula Spencer Not as good as the first, but a damned sight better than most things out there
Me: Eh? no clue about this at all. Am guessing a book, but beyond that, no idea. Can't be too cool then, can it?
Phoenix's It's Never Been Like That We literally cannot stop dancing to this
Me: Oh no, I'm once again out of it on the music front. I am so unhip!!

Going Down
High street prices £130 for a dress? As Gary Coleman would say, wotchootawkin' bout?
Me: Ohmigod, I so agree. More to come on this later, as I'm currently looking for a cute sparkly number for Christmas parties. Oh, and I have no idea who Gary Coleman is.
Ankle boots Girlfriend, you ain't Debbie Gibson. Give it up
Me: Oh dear oh dear. Just last week The Measure was telling us ankle boots were the shoes of the season. How fickle they are, how ficke the are.
Side partings Sooooo Wag. Go for a model-tastic centre parting, ok?
Pussy-bow blouses Every autumn we give them a go. And every autumn we give them right back up
Trinny and Susannah not going too well, this career move, is it, honeys?
Me: Is that that the cackle of schadenfraude I'm hearing?

So there you go. I can tell you that this week I'll mostly be wearing my hair in a centre parting whilst watching tv and making my facial appointments - until next Saturday when it will be all change again.

leggings and me

I'm conflicted. Tis true. It's about leggings.

Leggings and me do not get along. Not that I really know this, because I have never actually tried a pair of leggings on. Ever. Not even when I was a small child. Everyone else is wearing them though, and, well, sometimes, they look good. Sometimes. My problem is the sheer ubiquity of them. It used to be a couple of years ago you would see a cute London girl with her denim mini and her black leggings, and it would be exciting; now just about every girl aged 14 and up (and up!) is wearing them with ballet flats and minis. And maybe since my eye is now "in", I vaguely think it is cute, but really, it is all just annoying; does everyone have to wear the same??? (Yes, it is fashion, that is what happens, I am just being naive!)

But this begs the further question; am I just denying myself the opportunity to look cute because I refuse to buy myself some leggings and rock the look? Is my petulance and stubborn streak stopping me from being cute? But if I capitulate and get me some, am compromising my fashion beliefs? Oh the moral quandary.