Anniversary Presents

In April, it was our 2nd Wedding Anniversary and we are currently away on a wee break.

We said no presents but I still got spoiled - I've been wanting the Nike Air Pegasus '83 in Grey for a while, so my husband surprised me. I love the colours - mint & purple are the sweetest combo and perfect to pair with candy hues that I love to wear in Spring and the retro vibe.

The Modalu Mini Pippa Grab Bag in Lipstic Red is from my mother-in-law. It's gorgeous, love the black details and that it has a shoulder strap. 

I also got the normal Pippa but, depending on the occasion, it can be too big; the mini is just the perfect size and still very roomy. 

My first Jo Malone candle!

You can't help but be impressed by the attention to the packaging and every detail - it also comes with matches and love the big black bow. I can't wait to burn it!

Haul / Handbags

I keep saying no more bags, because I objectively have too many and I'm running out of storage space… but then I inevitably manage to find a good excuse for a new love.

I got these for a discounted price - that's my excuse… ;)

Aubrey Anglesea Metallic Cross Body Bag 

I never heard of this brand - Aubrey - before but Asos seems to stock a good selection of their bags. I fell in love with the gold colour and the black contrast strap. I think the texturised finish and the gold details with the bunny badge make it look quite expensive; well, they are not cheap bags - I got this for less than half price at £22.50

It has a magnetic fastening and it's pretty roomy, considering the size.

Fiorelli Tango In The Night Medium Satchel Bag

I like Fiorelli bags - I think they manage to release contemporary pieces, but still remaining classy. I have a few and they also stand the test of time because they are all still in very good conditions. 

I saw this bag in Debenhams before Christmas, but I waited for the sales to bag myself a bargain.

I like the contrast colour blocking of the neutral shades that gives it a retro feel; I also love the details, like the central turnlock - specially made for this 25th Anniversary Collection.

I just wish the shoulder strap was removable, in case you wanna use it as grab bag.

Fiorelli Tango In The Night Medium Zip Around Purse
I could have gotten the purse to match the bag, but I decided to get the dusky pink/coral version instead. I preferred this colour combo better on the wallet.
I like flat wallets because  they have plenty of slots for (loyalty) cards, but still room for cash and coins; they also don't take must space in your bag.

Christmas Presents

A bit late with a Christmas presents haul but I'm always in two minds when sharing gifts 'cos there's always the risk of people thinking you're bragging; personally, I love reading these posts - I'm noisy like that - and it's a great way to get ideas and find undiscovered gems. :)

Gorgeous DKNY bag - the colour is in between brown/grey - smart looking and I will definitely save it for special occasions.

People know me well and they have been certainly feeding my pugs & owls obsession! :)

Check out these pugs salt&pepper shakers - Awesome or what?!!!

I love watching American Pickers and my husband got me a t-shirt from the States - love the rooster logo!

The frame with the wire is an handmade jewellery holder; the shabby-chic feel is right up my alley and it will look perfect against the purple wall in the bedroom.

Basilur Tea is a tea brand that I discovered few years ago and my mum sent me a new selection book over the holidays; I don't normally like fruity teas but their selection are delicious/yet not too sweet. I'd definitely recommend to check their website http://basilurtea.co.uk if you're a tea junkie - prices are average and their packagings are beautiful too.

Beauty related goodies: Especially Escada Eau de Parfum is a fragrance that I've been liking since it came out few years ago; it's described as joyful and light-hearted and I couldn't agree more - definitely not overpowering.

My sister also got me this Laura Ashley Fig Tree & Cassis Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Gift Set because she knows I love fig scents; this smells like proper fig leaves with a sweet twist and the hand lotion is also very good quality and light. I don't shop in Laura Ashley often enough, they are currently having a massive sale and I will make sure to pop in and check it out.

Finally… Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette! Yes, I couldn't resist and asked Santa for it. I will do a dedicated post with swatches soon. 

My Lomography & I

I noticed a lot of Lomography chat going around and a few giveaways hosted by different blogs, so I decided to share my experience with these cameras.

I have been passionate about photography since I was a child and I've been a Lomography fan for many years, since I bought my first Holga camera in 2005.

 At the time I was studying photography at Cardiff Univesity so it was only natural to branch out and experiment with different means.

I actually did my final colour assignment exclusively using this camera and 2 of my pictures were chosen and hang at an exhibit.

They are definitely great fun but be prepared for frustration - you need to wait to develop the film - and disappointment - for the only 1 shot worth saving from the whole roll. These cameras are also called 'toy cameras' because they look more like a cheap plastic toy than an high technological piece of engineering... but after all, that is all that you need: an hole and a film; it also means that they leak light and, of course, it adds charm but can also ruin a photo.

Both the Holga and the Diana F+ are medium format so they use a larger film size than your typical holiday photos camera; personally, I love medium format and they also come with different frame masks that will let you shoot square or rectangular pictures. 

You can actually also use a 35mm film with a bit of modification, involving some elastic bands and cotton pads. Settings are pretty basic (cloudy, sunny, foreground, background) but I'd recommend to have a minimum of photography knowledge because developing films is getting more and more expensive and you want to maximise every frame. It's probably better to start with Black&White so you can develop and print your own photos in the darkroom.

The pleasure of printing on photographic paper is nearly arousing - most definitely exciting - and I will never rely only on a memory card to preserve my precious memories.

Although digital photography has made huge improvements in quality, I will always be an analog at heart and the darkroom one of my favourite places; sometimes I wish digital was never invented - crazy, I know - but it obliterated what photography is all about for me: 'The Decisive Moment'.

Of course, I rely on digital on a daily basis (like for the blog, for example): it's convenient and fast but it also makes us lazy and breeding worst disciplined photographers. 

I see the world in a frame, I'm constantly scouting for the perfect composition and I own that to my traditional training.

Anyway, if you're not as extreme like me and you're not ready for a full film commitment - but still want to give film a go - I think these cameras are ideal to play with and the fun is endless.

They also offer a great variety of accessories and you can really get creative and obtaining beautiful and remarkable pictures.

... and talking about fashion accessories - my much used and loved bags ;)

Have you ever used a Lomography camera?

Zara Basic Messenger Bag

I found another awesome bag, once again from Zara - I friggggggin' love Zara bags!!! 

Love the pink & red combo and that you need to roll it up like a paper bag to close it - it's pretty cool!

It has some magnets so it won't roll open and it's deceivingly roomy inside too. 

The shoulder strap is also one side red and one side pink, like the bag and it has cute bows.

It also comes in black, brown and green and for £19.99 you can't really go wrong, if you're on the look for a pretty spring bag!

x

Easter Bag / My New Baby

My family sent me this bag as a Easter present - I heart it!!!

The bag is from Zara, ideal to accessorize a cocktail dress and the perfect timeless piece.

It has a fabric printed panel in the front and the leather part has the same embossed pattern as the fabric.

It comes with a shoulder chain strap and it's surprisingly roomy, with 2 slip pockets.

Hehe - my sister confessed that she liked it so much herself that she nearly never sent it over... I'm glad she changed her mind! Thanks sis! :P xxx

Topshop Mighty Boots

Topshop Mighty Boots

ops, I did it again! I said I wouldn't buy any more shoes and went out and bought another pair... well, boots technically.

I have been toying with getting this boots for few months - originally the black version - but never took the plunge.

Then I spotted the burgundy ones reduced to £25 and I decided I NEEDED them! ;)

Actually, I kinda of needed them since I have been looking for some footwear of this burgundy/oxblood colour for a while, since I got my Paul Smith bag - which I adore!!!

Truly love this bag, it's perfection - got it in the sale few years back... oh well, you can see the original blogpost here for more details.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here! :)
xxx

Birthday Presents

Modalu Pippa Grab Handbag

My mother and sister-in-law surprised me with the Pippa bag... I couldnt believe my eyes!!!

 I've been wanting it for a while - It's gorgeous!

I can't wait to showing it off around town ;)

Warehouse Removable Faux Fur Lined Parka

I've been looking for a parka all summer and of course, I only found one that I like now that it's getting colder and colder!

I like this Warehouse one because it's got a zip that let you take the lining off  - for spring - but I can still use it now - in Autumn -  'cause it's warm enough.

I haven't stopped wearing it since I got it - it's versatile and I like how it looks.

My sister is currently visiting me (reason I've been quiet the past few days - family time) and she brought me some Kiko make up from Italy - she knows me well ;P

 Water Eyeshadow in 202 is a gorgeous taupe with some purple in it and gold shimmer - truly a beautiful shade!

Consistency reminds me of the Mac Extra Dimension eyeshadow... creamy to apply and a pleasure to wear.

Magnetic Nail Lacquer in 703

Never tried magnetic polishes before - really like the effect and it was super easy to use.

Pencil Lip Gloss in 08

Probably my favourite of the lot - love this rose shade, easy to wear and creamy on the lips.

Comete Gioielli Romantica Bracelet
My parents also sent me this birthday present.
I'm totally in love - it's so me! :)
The bracelet is made of cultured pearls and silver; the rose is carved from shell pearl and there's also a tiny pink sapphire charm.
I can't believe the craftsmanship on this piece - it's stunning!

Truly been spoiled! :)