FROM NORWAY WITH LOVE

This time last week I was arriving home from an amazing weekend in Oslo after the boy sent my best friend and myself as a surprise 26th birthday treat!
The city was beautiful and the pair of us arrived with all the best intentions to see some art and visit some museums but ended up doing what we do best...shop. And drink coffee. I'd advise anyone to go if given the chance but be prepared kids, it's hands down, the most expensive place I've ever been so my bag didn't come back as filled with goodies as I'd hoped but here's what I did return with.

I met a friend for lunch agessssss ago and she was wearing this skirt in a magenta shade and I had instant skirt envy. As someone who pretty much wears only black this is incredibly bold for me but I have a massive thing for midi skirts and as I bought it from the Salvation Army shop it worked out at about a fiver! Good work.

Being the magpie that I am, I'm forever attracted to something shiny, especially when it involves a massive rock on my finger. I don't usually buy costume jewellery as I can't be bothered with green fingers but I couldn't resist this beauty. I even got given some money off because it was my birthday and thankfully, no green digits yet. 

On the night of arrival, Rache Rabbit and I stumbled across a brilliant but very tiny Americana style bar. We quickly made friends with some locals who pointed us in the direction of some amazing vintage shops and I'm crazy glad they did....BECAUSE I FOUND THIS! I have been after a Girls Girls Girls Motley Crue t-shirt for as long as I can remember. I didn't want a re-print, nor did I want a fitted one. Oslo delivered.

Norway, I think I love you.

JANUARY BLUES

Thankfully, I don't suffer with the January blues and I put this totally down to the January sales and my love of finding a bargin. Here's my January treats:

Sheer striped shirt - Urban Outfitters

Kimono - Urban Outfitters

Drape dress - Cos

Wool and satin top - Cos

Metallic oversized tee - Urban Outfitters

Studded boots - Urban Outfitters

I always make an effort to go to Cos whenever I go for shopping trips to Brighton while at home as we don't have one in Leeds. The wool and satin top is an amazing alternative to an oversized tee with a drop hem and button detail that goes the entire way down the back. The dress isn't done justice on a hanger at all. The beautiful draping lends a feel of Vivienne Westwood luxury without the price tag.

And, as always, I just couldn't help myself with treats at work. Getting discount on top of sale prices it's almost rude to buy things.

What did you buy in the January sales?

M A L I C E

It's no lie, I'm a bit obsessed with nails. I love painting mine, hate having them chipped and could spend hours re-shaping them. When it comes to having acrylics, well, the possiblities are endless. With nail varnish, I only use 2 brands. If I have to tighten the purse strings a little then it's Barry M all the way. Considering how cheap the varnish is, it's great for not chipping. When I fancy a splurge, anyone who knows me will know I just can't resist those double C's.

I'm a complete sucker for anything Chanel but the make up and nail varnish is something else. The varnish goes on so smoothly and you could get away with only one coat if you were stuck for time. I got bought this gorgeous limited edition shade, Malice, for Christmas and it hasn't been off my nails since! A deep, dark red that offers the same drama as black but brings an unexpected change when seen up close or in the light.

This week I also stumbled across the Instagram of a nail artist in New York called Naomi Yasuda who does a number of celebrities nails as well as a lot of editorial work for major fashion magazines. The work she does is just incredible and it was really hard to pick a favourite image until I saw these!

Who wouldn't want ice-cream nails? Especially during those summer months? Which I'm so ready for now. You can follow Naomi and her amazing work on her Instagram, just look for naominailsnyc, or on her Tumblr here.

Ta Ta 2012

So last night we celebrated moving forward from one year into another. While some parts of 2012 were amazing, it's safe to say I'm glad that year is over. Bring on 2013 I say! I have a good feeling about this year, new places to travel to, new people to meet and a new start on this blog. So starting as I mean to go on, here's an outfit post of what I wore to the festivities last night.

Cream leather jacket - Hide x Urban Outfitters, Vest top - All Saints, Leggings - Abandon,
Boots - Jeffrey Campbell