I am addicted (american apparel)

I know that I blog a lot about Topshop, but my actual obsession is with american apparel. Maybe it's because we don't have one in Scotland, maybe it's my love of anything American, maybe its my approval of a "vertically integrated" manufacturing, or maybe it is just blind infatuation, but I love it. I must have been to 10 different stores when I was in New York (hell, they are as ubiquitious as starbucks), and I got a range of t-shirts, sweat pants, stuff. Amateur A-squared. The real cool stuff is the edgy - how did a t-shirt company manage to become to "clubland", so edgy, so gay, so lame, so fashion? I'm sure that using a "youthful" cut has helped - my sizing with them ranges from M in girls t shirts, to xl in shorts - definitely not one for ego-hugging. Plus, their grubby porn advertising is just fabulous, although very not safe for work. I want I want I want. Their UK ordering is shit and over-priced - I'm actually going to order and have it posted to Israel and then here. Random or what. But just check out the dresses, the pants, the hoodies. Personal fave? The silver dress with the blue hoodie over it. Black eyeliner, tons of attitude, and I am set.

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.

topshop for charity

Topshop are advocating we all hold charity fashion sales to raise money for the national domestic violence hotlines across the UK. Get together with some friends and sell your clothes, raise money for charity, and get 20% off in Topshop. And if you can't arrange your own, they are holding market events in York, London, Manchester, and Brighton. Shame there aren't any Scottish events, but maybe I'll get together with some friends and see if we can make this happen.

Ugly Betty Lovin

As Ugly Betty draws to a close in the UK, I have to admit my favourite character by far is the wonderful fag hag Amanda. So chic, so carb-addicted, so bitchy, so brill. And Catwalk Queen have a great piece on how us mere mortals can dress in her super skinny dresses and sky high heels. We too can be over-glamourous receptionists.

nu-rave nails

I saw a great beauty spread in last month's glamour of the perfect pink nail varnish - not fuschia, not baby pink, but a perfect, almost candy-flouro colour. Very neon, nu-rave on trend, and I fell in love instantly. Come on, I can't exactly go putting lime green eye shadow on my eyes, can I? Anyway, the colour popped up again on a Fashionista Street Style piece, and yesterday I trailed high and low in Edinburgh to find me the perfect colour. Most were either too fuschia or too coral, but I finally found the perfect one - Barry M's 279. I'll try and get a pic up later to demonstrate the true perfection of this colour. Oh, and my boyfriend hates it. A sure sign of a fashion victory.

fit me up

Like most young women, I have a love-hate relationship with exercise. I love the effect (hello toned stomach), but hate the effort/pain/boredom that is associated with it. I've also had a complicated relationship with exercise since I can be terminally lazy (I am currently going to my $100/month gym about once a month), but was extremely fit as a teenager (30 hours of sports will do that for ya), and have done crazy ass fitness things, like trekking to base camp Everest. So it is a highs and lows relationship, and since I've tasted the highs, I am too lazy to work back up to get them, and want instant instant results. And what fools us into giving us instant results? Technology. Hence the reason why I'm thinking about ordering me a pair of FitFlops, the MBT-esque fit flop that claims to tone your calves, thighs and bum as you walk. They are currently sold out across the UK, but can be back ordered via sweaty betty and other fine online sports establishments. Even more tempting is the whole iPod/Nike workout pack, which combines my need for a new trainer with a need for a new iPod. I first came across this in New York last September, but was put off back the fact that the running tops were those second skin ones (ew, no thanks. It's bad enough being beetroot and sweaty whilst I run, never mind showing off my "curves"), but an armband will solve that problem. The only is that I live in Edinburgh, the land of the hill, and running outside is a helluva an effort, and I usually stick to the gym (which is itself a nice walk uphill!). Still, a fresh air run is much better for you, and being spurred on by your "power song" might be worth it.

do your bit for charidee

Everyone loves a bit of charity, and I've already mentioned Project Red today, but even more reason to, since Gap and Converse have created a pair of Project Red shoes to wear with your pretty summer dresses or skinny jeans. Go on, get a pair at Gap.com. Thanks to style bakery for the tip.

styletastic

Last week I took my sister on a trip to the Topshop Style Adviser in Glasgow. Topshop Style Advisers are professionally trained stylists (mine had a degree in fashion and had worked in buying before becoming a style adviser) who serve as a professional shopper for you. It is such a great service! The girls were highly excitable and lots of fun - we were offered water, tea, or champagne before we started, before wandering around and picking up random stuff to try on. You have a small room with a sofa and a couple of huge changing rooms to try things on in, and then, once you are all shopped out (an hour and a half of pure fashion craziness), you finish your champagne whilst everything is gift wrapped and you don't even have to queue. And guess what? The service is completely free! Kate and I were looking for what to do with high-waisted silliness, and were convinced that high waisted jeans with cute tops were a good idea, and that high waisted shorts would also work as well. Having got home, I'm not necessarily convinced (or as Kate said, she has too many novelty jeans with her white ones and her red ones as well), and felt a bit like I had just stepped out of the seventies, so took the jeans back, safe in the knowledge that if a style adviser couldn't convince me they were a good idea, they really weren't. My high waisted shorts are still in the bag - I'm just not sure I'm brave enough to wear them. They do give waist and flatten my stomach, but they are still a little weird on the eye. The funky draped dress is just good for being different, though being strapless, it does give me that weird muffin top around the boobs (how does one get rid of that with strapless tops?). It'll be good for going out and drinking weird cocktails at Tigerlily. As for the shoes, although I think they are slightly orthaedic, they are genius and brilliant as well. Gorgeous. And although I returned the jeans, it was a fabulous day's shopping, and everyone should give it a go. Even my mum's convinced.

out of africa

I'm sure it is the high level of attention that Africa has been receiving in the media recently - Last King of Scotland, Blood Diamond, memoirs of boy soldiers from Dave Eggers and others, the heightened awareness of the conflict in the Sudan - but I've noticed that http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.giffashion has also been taking on African influence. Since I'm off to Ghana later this year to volunteer, I can't help but love this look. And yes, I don't know how to put fashion and the so frequent stories of misery that we hear from the many conflict, arid, drought-riven countries of the sub-continent, apart from Project Red, but I just can't help but notice the synergy. Today I read two amazing stories in The Observer coming out of Africa - one about the corruption of US aid that serves to do more for farmers in Iowa than it does for the citizens of Malawi, and another about a group of Nigerian women who are immune to HIV. And if that doesn't fascinate you, then just feast your eyes on this fabulous dresses from Topshop's Zanzibar collection. I actually got the longer sleeved one, since the sleeveless dress is actually a touch too long for my legs. Tights and ballet flats until the weather gets good, and then gladiator sandals and chunky bracelets. Topshop have a fabulous guide to their Zanzibar collection that is really worth checking out as well, if you need a little inspiration.

on a break

Just to say that there won't be any posts for about a week or so, since I'm off to Barcelona for a work thang. All very last minute, and should be a lot of fun. Cheery bye in my absense!

its arrived!!

My 100th post, and it's nothing to do with fashion. The Toyota Prius has arrived in the UK. No excuse people, let's get green.

stylin advisin

Over the last couple of years, personal shoppers on the high street have proliferated. Making fashion and style accessible to everyone is a good thing (hey, I support democracy!), and this weekend, I'm actually getting to try it out. I'm taking lil sis to topshop for an hour of personal shopping to celebrate her finishing university. For all we know, we'll end up with nothing, but at least we'll know if it's a good service.

summer is fun

How I wish I had access to Forever 21. I constantly try and plan how I might get access to their too cheap for words dresess. However, since I haven't ever tried anything on there, I'm not even sure of sizes. Anyways, for those on the other side of the water, isn't this dress cute? Slouch it down with some minnetonkas, a la Kate Moss.

young doctors get a helping hand from the strangest of places

My little sister has just finished her medical finals. Trying to learn how to save zillions of lives is a stressful ordeal, but luckily for wee sis, she had a helping hand in the form of the cozy relationship her credit card developed with online shop asos. Lil Sis firmly believes that money spent during exams online quite simply isn't real money, hence the fairly regular packages getting delivered to her door. And quite frankly, if she passes her exams, having a fab wardrobe and hellish credit card bill is worth it!

See below for my choice picks from the fab asos.


This blue dress is just so cute.



How to be Lindsay Lohan? Though why she's snogging Callum Best, Ireland's favourite playboy is beyond me.



I love this bag!! Mischa Barton does too. What's not to love?

everyone loves rachel b

Especially me. And who wouldn't want to steal her shoes? Luckily we can, thanks to this great pair from asos. And best yet? They are just 40 quid!

mind the gap

Style Bubble has picked up the most interesting story of the week for me: European Gap and US Gap are basically going to be separate beasts from now on, with their clothes not crossing over. Euro-Gap will be more fashion forward (think those cute summer dresses that are in store right now - I have one in grey), and the US will, well, continue on in the same vein. I know that Gap's been in trouble for a while, but surely sticking to what it knows hasn't worked out well for it in recent years, and with the most profitable section of the company being Banana Republic, which has a lot more in common with Euro-Gap, surely it would make sense to use some of the great pieces there in the US? There are only so many blue jeans, white t shirts, grey hoodies and chinos middle america can buy.

public service and all that...

I checked my blog stats this morning, and saw that they had gone out of control. Why were so many suddenly checking out this little no-name blog? Well, I left a comment on the wonderful Fashionista saying if people wanted to look at a real-life person wearing Kate Moss Topshop clothes, they could. Basically, a demonstration of how fat and un-modelesque I am. I can say it was in the name of public service, but now I wonder if it was just humiliation... Anyway, thanks to everyone for dropping by, and hopefully some of you will come back.

is this too fashion for me?

I got this dress from topshop yesterday after lusting after it for a week. It's just so fun and light to wear. However, it is sooooo fashiontastic and potentially unflattering I just can't decide. Do I throw caution to the wind, and go with my instinct of loving this?

socialite rank r.i.p

Thanks to teen fashionista for alerting me to the fact that socialite rank is no more. Although I wasn't an avid reader, I know it will be missed in the style and rank spotters online. End of an era. Will we ever know who it was?

last ever kate moss topshop post, I promise

I promise, no more posts about Kate Moss after this one. But I have been trawling the blogs a little, and no one has put up anything about how the clothes look on real life peeps. Because that is a little disturbing. I may have mentioned before that I think Ms Moss might have a little pot belly, because of the mad gaping round the stomach on all her dresses. Actually, I've realised its because of her rather small chest, and if the space in the chest increases, then the waist does as well. Makes sense, but if you start too small, then things go awry.

I've also realised something else about models in general. It is a skill to make something bad look good. I have much greater admiration for Ms Moss et al after putting on her dresses - badly designed, but how does she make them look good?? In the essence of public service, I've posted comparison pics of her and me in the same dresses. Eek. Don't say I'm not good to you.

i heart rachel bilson too

Okay, I have a few celebrity crushes: Kirsten Dunst, Keira Knightley, Scarlett Johannsen, and Rachel Bilson. All of these girls (with the exception of Scarlett), I not only adore how they look, style, and the random rubbish they spout in interviews, but I can imagine have a silly time with drunken cocktails. Yes, I know that is random. But you know, when you're lying in your bed with period cramps, random thoughts do some out. Anyways, if you do feel like stylin yourself a la the super cute Rachel, FabSugar can tell you how to do it. Oh, and digging those aviators.

i heart kirsten dunst

I do. I've loyally stuck by her, drawn to the fact we're the same age adn have the same slightly drunk eyes and small mouth - she somehow manages to look beautiful and sexy, I'm more piggy and tired. I adore her sometimes grungy, sometimes glam style, and understand that showering is sometimes a pain in the ass (especially on Sundays). Don't know why she's no longer with the fabulous Jake Gyllenhall, and is now with Johnny Razorlight (whom I couldn't point out in a lineup, worryingly. I used to care about music). So, in honour of the lovely and random Kiki, and the fact she's all over the media at the moment with Spiderman 3, I've put together some random links to help you get your fix.

Get Kirsten's pale face, red lips look over at Steal the Style. Breakfast At Tiffanys have made her their Fashionista Du Jour thanks to her uber-stylish picks for her Spidey 3 appearances. Stylish Thought have put together a nice montage of her recent outfits, where our pictures came from today, and finally, Fashion Indie has some clothes inspired by Mary Jane. Just a few somethings to keep you occupied on a Sunday.

transatlantic imports

I've mentioned the Gap white shirts before, from Rodarte, Thakoon, and Doo.Ri. What I didn't know, is that they are already available in the UK. Thanks to Catwalk Queen for the tip-off. I have to admit to not actually going into Gap very often, because I get so disappointed by their clothes. I also, for some reason, expected much more of a campaign around these fabulous shirts, but they haven't even made it to the window of my Gap. Maybe worth a trip into town tomorrow to check it out.

teenage kicks

I saw a very stylish teenager wearing this dress from Topshop the other day, and I really want it. However, a couple of things are holding me back, and not just my bank balance.

1. She was a size 8; I am a size 12. Something tells me that will make a difference between "fun" and "pregnant".
2. She teamed it with white jeans and a cute grey, antiquey cardigan. Effortless. Me and white jeans are never going to happen.
3. Teenagers just have great style. I don't think I'll be able to get back to that.

Having said all that, I keep thinking maybe I can team it with the grey jeans I don't own, or my big brown belt, and get away with it. It just looks so much fun!! Please?

kate moss topshop.com further problems

First, I receive an email that my order is not being fulfilled. Then, I visit the website and I see that the stuff I ordered is available. Confused? Just a little. Not sure what is going on with the technical team, but I know I'm not the only one this is happening too. I haven't ordered again, unsurprisingly.

I'm news!!!

I dropped the lovely Faran at Fashionista.com a note about my topshop woes, and she made me into a post. I'm almost famous!

Will these non-apology emails from topshop drive up ebay prices further? Most likely, despite most shops saying stock will be flying back in again.

topshop.com falls apart under pressure

After encouraging shoppers to use topshop.com as alternative to braving the stores for the new Kate Moss collection, the website completely fell apart under pressure from shoppers at 4am this morning. Whilst I was using it, the site crashed an innumerable number of times, although this was relieved when new shoppers were banned from loading it up. However, much more annoyingly, the orders that my flatmate and I put through have just come up as cancelled, due to "factors beyond the control" of the administrators of topshop.com. Just how is not being able to match up warehousing and shopping baskets beyond the control of the online shopping team? The team behind topshop.com are going to have some serious questions to answer as this demonstrates that quite simply, their technology solution was not up to customer demand. If I was Philip Green, I'd be pissed. Because, quite frankly, he's going to have a lot of pissed off people on his hands.

kate middleblah

So, Kate Middleton is rumoured to be heading off to New York to do something with Tom Ford. I wish I could be happy for her, I really do. I mean, it must suck to have given up your dreams for your bloke, and then breaking up with him, but it just doesn't seem right that someone so dull should get such a job. Then again, maybe she does love fashion, she was just not allowed to have any character as princess in waiting.

fantastically 20s

Thanks to The Fashion-y Blog for pointing out this beautiful headband availably from Etsy. Absolutely divine. I'll have to think about what to do with my crap hair (I have the worst, much rubbish hair ever, worthy of its own, "how bad is my hair" post), before making the purchase.

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.)

topshop sale

The Edinburgh Topshop had a "3 days to go sign" in the window, counting down to Kate Moss day. Inside though, everything's on sale. I'm guessing they are going to dump the sale stuff for the 3hrs that Moss-ness will be on sale. It's all available on the website, so check out some good 2-for-1 bargains. I have to admit that I just am horrendous at sale shopping. It just isn't in me - the lack of patience at riffling through racks, the sense of "everyone else's rejects", and the sheer dubious-ness of most of the stuff. Which all should contribute to an extreme sense of achievement when you find a gem, but frankly, I have rarely had that. It's the same reason that I don't get along well with H&M.

How Sassy Changed My Life | FabSugar

FabSugar have a review of a new book, "How Sassy Changed My Life", which is a behind the scenes look at how the magazine was created and developed. I remember being about 14, and it was the first time I had been to the US, and I picked up a copy of Sassy magazine. It was a complete adoration, and straightaway I bullied my dad into getting me an overpriced American subscription. Actually, he was very game about it; maybe he was impressed by the feminist approach and the lack of "how to kiss your boyfriend better" articles. I've actually just bought a subscription to Jane magazine as I figured that it would be cheaper than getting to train to Borders in Glasgow to pick it up, since its the only place which stocks it. My favourite things? The random asides that accompany the photos in fashion shoots. A little irreverence never hurt anybody.

dress me a dozen ways

StyleBakery has a post on a dress worn by Jordin Sparks on American Idol (ok, being British, I have no idea who she is). The dress is fabulous - draped and flattering, and even better, multifunctional. It happily switches from a halter dress to strapless, and apparently a dozen other ways. Check it out at Benny and Shaw.

decorate your arms

Bracelets, I'm sure are going to be big this season. I have a feeling. That, and I've seen some gorgeous ones. Normally, I just wear myself a beautiful Links of London sweetie bracelet, but I may have to temporarily ditch it for some of these beauties. All these are from Accessorize.

i wish i was more stylish

I wrote a post a few days ago about not being stylish or cool. Amber at Painfully Hip has written an ode to style and picked up some great people and sites online where the participants are genuinely, wonderfully truly stylish. These people wouldn't care about the Kate Moss Topshop collection. And you know? I really wish I didn't. I really wish I didn't read style magazines and instead I spent my days wandering around charity shops and vintage places with my great eye and my ability to accesorise (because baby, it is all in the accessories), but unfortunately, I can't. It's just not in me, I'm just too influenced, too blah. It's why, although my love for clothes and style is undending, I doubt that I'll ever be able to actually work in fashion. It's disappointing, but at some point, we all have to give up on our dreams. And at least I can keep earning enough to keep getting my clothing fix on a fairly regular basis. As a wise young man once told me, it's compromises that keeps the world going along.

topshop hype

As if Topshop wasn't hyping its Kate Moss collection enough, today it issued guidelines for queueing and shopping come 1st May. "Security will be on hand" etc etc. Other points of note is that hardcore queuers will get water and snacks to keep them going. Aw, too kind! Fashionista picked up on a rumour that Kate herself is going to model the collection in the window of the Oxford Circus. Frankly, its all getting a bit much and I'm feeling a bit jaded. Although I've promised to get up at stupid o'clock to get my sister a leather jacket as a reward for her medicine finals.

coming to terms to not being cool

Catwalk Queen, a new personal favourite, has a nice little post by Gemma Cartwritihg about not being cool. I can empathise. Sometimes I try. When I do, I look crap. Luckily Gemma has gotten over trying and just wears stuff that looks nice on her. At some point, I hope I will reach this point. In the meantime, I'm trying to convince myself that playsuits are a good idea.

Also, check out the cherry sundress look the girls over there put together. Lush.

Top 50 Fashion Blogs i

Fashion IQ has put together a list of the top 50 fashion blogs in the us based on traffic. This time next year, I'll be there! (That's my goal anyway. Everyone's gotta dream.)

hipcandy

I have a new fave read - HipCandy. Unfortunately, I have to read the site on an rss reader, because everytime I go there, my poor ancient ibook crashes. However, Chanel puts up great posts including new trends (hello wide legged denim), and celeb style. I'm not the only one who thinks HipCandy's great - its just been voted into the top 50 US Fashion Blogs. Congratulations!

makeup wishlist

I'm not the greatest at wearing makeup, being far too lazy to actually remember to put it on. I am getting older (25 and counting!), so I had better start soon. I have been thinking about it more and more, and so have put together my ultimate beauty wishlist for the moment. Hopefully I'll be able to come back and check it off.

1. Stila Shimmer Powder in silver shade as highlighter - highlighter is the hidden saviour of making a gal look fab
2. Nars Blush in Orgasm - blush makes everyone look fantastic
3. MAC lipstick in Sandy B - a gorgeous peachy shade
4. Stila lipstick in Louise - slight glossy, natural shade
5. Nars eyeshadow in Night I think - okay, not sure on the exact name of the shade, but the black one with a slight shimmer for doing ultimate sexy smokey eye.

Sooo, with it being two-for-one on the dollar, and it be a crime not to fly to New York straight away and spend spend spend, I need to find an American beauty sight that ships internationally. I've not got my fingers crossed.

biatchy post

I hate Avril Lavigne. There are few people that I genuinely cannot stand, but she is one. It's her general "like me, because I'm Canadian", to her "don't like me, I'm a teenager", and "I'm just real, sweet, me" fakeness. And she's dull!! She was on the wonderful Charlotte Church Show, which everyone goes on to swear and be funny, and all she did was hug her knee, look vulnerable, and giggle. Please!!! Show some personality. And now Go Fug Yourself: The Best Damn Fug highlights just how awful and stuck in a time warp that Avril is. And it made me feel good.

The Measure catches up

I am an avid reader of The Guardian, and I'm not sure I'd be able to make it through a Saturday without reading The Measure, the fashion team's round-up on what's hot and what's not. Of course, it's hilariously contradictory, slating celeb fashion ranges whilst featuring Kate Moss's collection on a previous page, and things that were hot last week are frequently not this week. Anyway, I was both delighted and disappointed to see that they had noticed Kirsten Dunst's horrendous mustard tights, only about three weeks after I wrote about it via Go Fug Yourself. Keep up people!

gorgeous bicycle print

I've been in my flat for 9 months now, and still have nothing on the walls, which might actually be a crime. However, I absolutely adore this bicycle print from nydampress at Etsy. Etsy for me is a total addiction, but I've not yet bought anything. I'd love to start making cards and selling them there. The only thing is, I do wonder about the sales potential - I sometimes think that it is a site for crafters, by crafters, and if I can craft, why would I buy it? But people do.

spring cleanin

I'm feeling a bit hungover today, which is not helping my productivity. On top of that, I'm cleaning out my wardrobe and putting stuff on ebay for the first time ever. I'm not that hopeful of making a heap of cash, but you never know. Clearing out my wardrobe is really hard for me, because (a) I find lots of stuff I love, and I want to wear everything again, and (b) I can instantly imagine lots of reasons why I should keep something, even if I haven't worn it for 4 years. I'm trying to be strong this time around. I think that if I had one of those fabulous walk in wardrobes (a purchase for my lottery millions), I wouldn't have these problems. But no such luck as yet. So I know have a huge bag to try and list on ebay. And sure, if I lose interest, I can always just take it to the charity shop.

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.

burned by forever 21

I finally decided to abuse my transatlantic friends and send some forever 21 purchases to them. Alas! Too late. The dress I was raving about is no longer on sale, either because it was far too like the designer it was ripped off from, or because, with Fashionista's tip off, everyone wanted a swishing maxi dress.

spend to save

The world that is. Howies is one of my absolutely favourite sites for browsing. Cool t-shirts, nice shapes, funky stuff, and ethically sound. What's stopping you?

this is not a plastic bag

Everyone in Britain went crazy for Anya Hindmarch's £5 "I'm Not a Plastic Bag, which the last 20,000 will be in Sainsburys stores next week. Queue elbows being wielded across Britain, but it does mean they are less likely to reach the heady heights of £400 on ebay. "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" comes from the team behindWe Are What We Do, and their fabulous site makes other great suggestions for saving the world, including using a biro from start to finish, sharing your lunch, and shutting down your computer properly. Check out the site, and track your own do-gooding actions. It's the little things that add up, people!

nothing creates a diet more than ...

... wearing a huge belt around your waist all day. I got this fabulous belt a few weeks ago from topshop to wear with a fabulous cream wool minidress. I've since teamed it with my playsuit (hello 50s pin up!), and today, a very old turquoise shirt dress to wear to work. Grown up, but cheeky. And definitely put me off eating anything all day, since (a) it digs into my stomach and (b) my little pot belly pokes out underneath, reminding me that I shouldn't have that second chocolate bar!

fab random fashion find

Despite my lamenting the fact that I don't live in the US and therefore can't order Forever 21, really it's probably a good thing. Because if I did I would also be able to spend lots atThe Fusion Boutique. Don't you love the random fashion finds that turn up on the web. Fashion Boutique is thanks to Amber at Painfully Hip, and she's managed to arrange for her readers to get a 10% discount. If I was able to take part in this, I'd get this lovely creamy top, team it with some denim hotpants and brown gladiator sandals. Love it.

update on those fab shirts

After blogging about those fab Gap shirts yesterday, they've gone and shown up on the May cover of US Vogue, looking absolutely fabulous. Thanks to Fashionista and Confessions of a Casting Director.

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.

forever 21 envy

Recently I have had such strong Forever 21 envy that I even considered setting up a US mailing address, but then I did some research, and it looks like it will be pretty costly (though I could get super cheap US magazine subscriptions as well, which is tempting). I thought I had gotten over it, but now Coquette has gone and posted a whole load of cute flowery stuff they have, all for less than $20. No fair!!

my current dream shoes

I've been looking for the dream nude pumps for a while. I think it was coquette who blogged about them first, but I remember writing about them eve a couple of months ago, when that chick who's dating Mick Jagger (LeWren something or other) who swears by them for making your legs look longer. Whilst I was in New York, I did get into Nine West shoes, since they are so cheap there compared to here (think same number, different currency), and these are just perfect. I saw them the other day, but Jennine at THE COVETED spotted them firs. Great shape, great colour, great heel. They also come in black. Me want them both.

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.

fashion I'm most definitely not excited about

Fashionista.com has picked up on the fact that Daisy Lowe is creating a fashion capsule collection. Thankfully, this isn't coming to a Topshop/New Look/Gap near us; it is instead through her mother's line. This is a girl who is really known for having vaguely famous parents, and going to a lot of parties. I don't deny she doesn't look absolutely gorgeous (eyes, skin, mouth, hair - all luscious), but at 18, what on earth can she bring to a clothing collection? And besides, all she does is dress cute goth. Puhlease.

Scarlett has sexiest body

After yesterday's "Scarlett" moment following Lost in Translation, I remember that the gorgeous Ms Johansson was recently voted "sexiest body" by Glamour magazine. The pictures of her were gorgeous - curvy, voluptuous, challenging, and beautiful. But so different from the delicate, winsomeness that made her so effective in Lost in Translation. I am not saying that people shouldn't change, and don't for one second dream that I am knocking Scarlett. Please, I'd chew my own leg off to look even a bit like her, if you were drunk, and only looking through one eye. She's just moved on so much from that vulnerability that was on display in Lost in Translation. I'm not sure we would believe her today if she were to play the same role. Maybe because she seems so sure of herself in her own skin. Which is sexy as hell, I'm sure we can all agree.

to be an ingenue...

Just finished watching the wonderful "Lost in Translation", and feel all dreamy and inspired to be more, well, quiet and unsaid.

tunes to make you run

Strictly speaking, this isn't a fashion post, but let's face it, working up a sweat every so often is an unfortunate necessity in order to pour ourselves into some unforgiving jeans without creating a muffin top. Sometimes, I do actually enjoy exercise, but that's usually when the sun is shining and I'm wandering along a mountain ridge enjoying some fabulous views. Less so when I'm pounding the treadmill wishing that I wasn't beetroot and having an asthma attack. That's when the joy of the iPod playlist kicks in, and Fit Sugar have a rather funky "playlist of the week" section to inpsire you when you get bored of hiting "My Top Rated". Sweet.

knocked down knock offs

I have set up Fashionista.com as one of my RSS feeds to my google reader so I can check it out at work. Amazingly, it even streams in the pictures (lots of my RSS feeds have their pics removed for fear of them being NSFW, but fashion seems to get around the financial IT wizards, thankfully). Anyways, Fashionista's been doing a great line in how Forever 21 are knocking off high class designer pieces. And this dress is pretty gorgeous. The one on the left is some fancy designer (can't remeber who, but strangely Paris Hilton wore it on tv and looked grown up), and the one of the right is Freover 21. Two problems ensue: (1) Forever 21 don't ship to the UK. (2) Even if they did, I have no idea what size I would be. Grr.

Gloss.com Bites the Dust

L.A Story has picked up on Gloss.com ceasing operations. A case of not making enough profit. Being UK based, I've never used Gloss.com, but I do remember it from the crazy high rolling days of the dotcom bubble. As for online beauty, I have to admit to never having bought any makeup etc online - so much is about texture and light, that I just can't bring myself to do it. Although, maybe if there were amazon-esque discounts on REN skincare, I might change my mind. For those who do want to get into the online beauty scene, the biggest by far in the uk is HQ Hair. I will so go there when I finally get around to buying me some GHDs. Yes, I must be the last woman in the UK not to have a set.

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.

ouch ouch ouch

I am currently nursing some stratospheric blisters on the soles of my feet. This is on account of two things - the fabulous summer weather that has finally hit Edinburgh (it is unlikely to last long) inspired me to take the playsuit public. Now, a playsuit, in my opinion (though Kate Moss's is likely to be different) only works with heels, otherwise it is far too lesbian with a wrench (nothing against lesbians with wrenches, but its not the 50s pin up look I'm going for). So, I took the playsuit out for its first outing yesterday, accompanied by a rather fine brown belt to give me a waist, and some fabulous brown chunky leather t-bar peep toe heels that I picked up last week from Topshop. Coupled with some fantastic men's sunglasses that I found, I was looking stylin, but after some quality time wandering round Edinburgh (and some great french toast thanks to Urban Angel, I also had some rather nasty blisters on the top of my feet where the t-bar was meeting the toe. Grr. Today was no better, since I tried to get into training for the Edinburgh Moonwalk, which is a walking marathon. Whilst I used to be quite fit, and able to walk forever, I'm not convinced I'm in shape, so I went for a wander along the canal. However, silver ballet flats and 9 miles of wandering don't make for happy feet, so as well as blisters on the top of my foot, I've also managed to get them on the bottom. Clever girl. So now I'm hopping around the flat like a loon.