Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Look Of The Day: Little Yellow Dress & Next's A/W Press Picks! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all,
My day thus far has consisted of tip-tapping away at my Fash Pack School Dissertation Proposal due in tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. As in very very soon!
Fortunately I seem to have a relatively legible piece of work in my grips and so with a tweak here and there I am keeping my fingers crossed that I wont make any lecturers recoil and shout (and here I quote the genius Bridget Jones) "Monica (/Bridget) you are ridiculous!"
In amongst the coffee, choc and diet coke which got me through today's studies, I managed a little peek at my adventures from the other day which took me to a meeting with the fab girls from RewardStyle and Ella of superblog Cocosteaparty, as well as a little peruse through Next's A/W'12 collection.
Dress: Bought In NY, Turquoise Belt: Vintage, Sequinned Clutch: H&M, Gold Ballet Pumps: Pretty Ballerinas, Turquoise Watch: Swatch, Bracelets: H&M and Bought in Menorca, Sunglasses H&M, Silver Hoops: Claire's Accessories
This yellow dress is one of my favourite items in my wardrobe, ever. I bought it when on a trip to NY with my lovely beau almost four years ago (I can't believe it has been that long!) As soon as I saw it's tiered hems, eyelet detailing and summer hue I knew it had to be mine. And it just happened to be on sale. One ecstatic shopper! Given that I was attending meetings all day I had originally paired it with some of my favourite heels, nude snakeskin with a heel height that is just so (you can see them here) however just as I was half way to the tube I felt a considerable drop in the tread of my right foot and low and behold my heel was a good ten paces behind me! Sob! Thank the heavens that a London gal knows to carry a spare pair of flats ; )!!
I was lucky enough last week to be invited along to Next's A/W'12 preview. Having worked with Next on their Aussie/UK blogger style off, I have already been privy to somewhat of a reinvention for this brand which I used to think was strictly Mum's or work-wear only; not only have I begun to lust after so many of their current S/S items but having attended the A/W preview I can tell you that we are all in for something of a treat come the chillier months! Just have a peep at these beauts....!!
MB's Next A/W'12 Picks
And so with that little dose of pre-season lusting I must bid you all a lovely evening as I have myself some Dissertation Proposal re-drafting to do!
Have a super night all!
Love,
MB x
Testing the 'swooshing' ability of my dress. Vital.
See my 'swooshy' tie-dye maxi skirt here too!
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Look Of The Day: Boyfriend Chinos and A Tangerine T! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Tuesday to you all,
This weekend I managed to wrangle a full two days back home with my nearest and dearest - such a treat! Living in London is a dream, however a city is a city and sometimes a good dose of countryside is just what you need to dilute the hustle&bustle!
In amongst seeing my beau, family, friends and puppy (I'm in denial - Barney is actually two!) I
successfully burnt my legs in a manner which resembles pinky-toned atlas's, consumed many a pub lunch and BBQ and just generally laughed and chatted til my sides ached. It.was.perfect.
Orange T: Twist&Tango (THE comfiest T-Shirt ever!) - thank you Good Results PR! Trousers: American Apparel via the boyfriend shhh!, Bejewelled Sandals: River Island, Bag: Gift from my beau, Jewellery: Collection from Menorca, Silver Hoops: Claire's Accessories
My fail-safe attire for warm Summer days (when we have them!) tends to involve a light weight dress, however, like the true grown up that I am I took the opportunity of the UK heat to participate in a water-fight, or rather four. Summer dresses truly soaked, I rustled through my beau's wardrobe to unearth a borrow-able item - et voila! I found these fab cotton chinos with pinstripe detailing. Now if I am honest I have wanted to steal these American Apparel beauts since my beau first bought them on our travels in the States, however like the good thief that I am, I bode my time until the opportune moment came! I promised to give them back. Thieves are very honest arn't they ; )?!
TIP: The flowers in my hands were for some new friends' of the beau and I, Tesco's has some gorgeous (and reasonable!) flowers, however the packaging tends to leave a lot to be desired, SO, with a little baking paper and plain string we consolidated two bunches in to a rustic-esque bouquet! Nifty : )!!
Style NB: A turn up at the ankle of slightly baggy trousers does wanders for making a boyfriend-y look seem more elegant. See my article for Marie Claire with Jessica Alba doing just that! Also French women always seem to wear the most perfect combo of boyfriend jeans + ballet flats; if the French babes are doing it, then Lord only knows we should be doing it too!!
Other bits and pieces which made me smile:
L-R Top-Bottom
1. The view over the lake in my beau's home town/village. The local pub's garden spills out on to the lake's edges, the most beautiful way to spend an evening's drink.
2 & 3: The way pure sunshine hits flowers and leaves is magical.
4: My gorgeous new bag given to me my my beau, a steal he found in a local Charity shop!! I am in L-O-V-E!
And so my lovely readers, my legs recovering slightly (moisturiser is my NBFF!), my limbs a little weary from water bombs but my mind more rested, I must now turn my attentions to my impending Fash Pack dissertation proposal - I know - a tad frightening!!
Have a super Tuesday all, and enjoy what ever it may be that you are up to!
Love,
MB x
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
New Post on Marie Claire! Steal Her Style: Diane Kruger at the Cannes Film Festival! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Tuesday to you all!
The sun shone with surprising force today in London - a very welcome long lost friend indeed - please feel free to stay as long as you like!
I am so excited to share with you my third post for Marie Claire online featuring one Miss Diane Kruger in just one of her many gorgeous Cannes Film Festival looks!
Diane Kruger at the Cannes Film Festival in Jason Wu
On that note of Kruger beauty (and hopefully a good 'nab' of her style genius too!) I shall bid you all a very lovely evening!
Love,
MB x
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Look Of The Day: Peach, Yellow & Cobalt Blue! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Sunday to you all,
Today I was lucky enough to spend some time with my beautiful baby sis and accompany her to the Allergy & Free From Show (I know - sexy title!) Despite a title which perhaps does not get pulses racing, for people who have lived with allergies, intolerances or who just want to know a little more about balanced living it was actually really informative with plenty of yum samples! My baby sis is a budding dietician so it was right up her street and I was more than happy to participate by, well, getting a massage ; )!!
Today the clouds hung like little puffs of pigeon-grey feathers, however on a whole it was pleasant and in pure celebration of no rain - a rarity in itself! - I opted for a ladylike silhouette (have a peep at my 1950's style article for Marie Claire here) in Fruit Salad Sweet shades (Note: Sweets makes for wonderful sartorial inspiration - smarties colour blocking anyone?!)
Peach Skirt & Turquoise Belt & Sunglasses: Vintage, Yellow Cardigan: H&M, Cobalt Blue Vest: TopShop (given to me by my lovely flatmate), Necklace: Anthropologie, Silver Shoes: Zara, Cobalt Mini-Clutch: H&M, Watch: Swatch, Bracelets: Bought in Menorca
Righto, in a bid to save a little energy for a full dose of Fash Pack School homework tomorrow, I am going to take my fruit salad bum to bed!
I hope you all had an equally lovely Sunday!
Love,
MB x
P.S. I also saw Johnny Depp's new film today 'Dark Shadows' and it was a dream!! Recommended!
P.P.S In case you needed proof: ref these yummy confectionary goods>>>>!!
Friday, 18 May 2012
Shoe Pinch! TX Maxx Shoe Basement Launch! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
This week has been somewhat crazy, juggling schedules of Fash Pack School, studio time (just returned from episode 7!) and all that falls in between I have to admit that I am feeling just a little bit pooped! Lucky then that I have a number of things in my near vicinty cheering me up no end - a card waiting on my door step from my lovely beau (thank you!) and a brand spanking new pair of mega-wedges courtesy of TX Maxx, which I picked up at their event this week in aid of their ahhhmazing new shoe basement in their Charing Cross branch!
Wedges (in hands): via TX Maxx (thank you!), Tangerine Jacket and Sequinned Clutch (seen below): H&M, Jeans: Topshop, Shirt: Vintage, Necklace: Anthropologie, Watch: Swatch, Bangles: Menorca Finds, Silver Heels: Zara
In amongst perusing the in-cre-dible selection of shoes on offer (definitely definitely worth a visit!) I was also treated to a special 'foot reading' by celebrity foot reader Jane Sheehan! If it sounds a little kooky you should have sat in the chair whilst Jane oggled my tootsies! However despite my apprehensions it was a tonne of fun (and frighteningly accurate!)
That's right I am having a foot reading ; )!!
Ahh shoe bliss! Discounts and hot shoes!!
Righto! On that note of discount shoe gorgeousness I must now hop foot it (pun pun!!)
to my evenings' engagements!
Have a super Friday evening all!
Love,
MB x
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Post 2 For Marie Claire! Steal Her Style: Jessica Alba in NY! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Tuesday to you all,
I hope that you have all had a wonderful beginning to your weeks? As you will recall from this little number here I recently began my new 'Steal Her Style' column on Marie Claire online! Wahoo!
Today my 2nd post went live and will hopefully guide you on how you can (legally!) steal Miss Jessica Alba's gorgeous tonal ensemble - and all at a purse-friendly price!
Take a little stroll over to Marie Claire online now and have a read for your lovely selves!
Steal Steal Steal!
On that note of Alba stylishness I shall bid you all a super evening!!
Love,
MB x
Friday, 11 May 2012
Look Of The Day: Stripes, Coral & Camel! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all! Woohoo the weekend is here!
Back to London for me today and I was lucky enough to be working along side my great friend Charlotte at our internship for the fantastic new fashion television series I am SO desperate to tell you guys about! Thankfully I will be able to reveal all in the next couple of months!
Given that the sun so kindly showed itself, I opted to don my new favourite coral denim jacket (which you will remember from my time in Barcelona here), and topped it off with a my snug-as-a-bug Camel coat. The double collar look has become a bit of a fashion favourite of mine of late, I am sure in part due to fantastic inspiration from one Miss Blair of Atlantic Pacific - if you have not checked out this blog before you need to now - the ultimate lesson in Upper East Side/Prepster styling!
T-Shirt: Found in a Sailor's Shop in Menorca, Bag&Belt: Mulberry, High-Waisted Jeans: H&M, Coral Denim Jacket: Forever 21, Camel Coat: John Lewis Collection (also seen here and here) Glitter Boots & Sunglasses: H&M, Watch: Swatch, Bangles: Menorca & H&M
I just L-O-V-E me some Charlotte time!
Necklace: H&M Fashion Against Aids Collection
OH and a final note to say that I am OB-SESSED with H&M's new 'Fashion Against Aids' collection! Charitable AND Stylish? Sounds like a pretty darn great combo to me!
Check out the full collection here. The necklace above has been a favourite addition to my recent wardrobe ensembles!
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
Monday, 7 May 2012
Look Of The Day: Marni for H&M Pyjama Shorts! Menorca Day 5! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Monday evening to you all!
Fly by post as we are due to depart super duper early tomorrow morning for a day in Barcelona before heading back to the UK!
I can say nothing but wonderful things about our time on this beautiful island, these fuchsia shorts from Marni for H&M felt appropriately cheerful for our final day in the Menorcian rays!
Fuchsia Shorts: Marni for H&M, Hat: An H&M Oldie!, Sunglasses: M&S, Silk Blouse: Jigsaw (gift from my lovely beau x), Belt & Silver Bag: Vintage, Pumps: Russell&Bromley, Watch: Swatch, Necklace: Accessorize, Scarf: Gift from the beau!
3 of my favourite things when in Menorca: Painting my nails, reading Spanish style mags and an ice cool tipple to accompany both ; )!!
And off to bed I go!
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Model Diversity Launch - Paint My World Colourful! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Sunday morning to you all!
I hope that you are all beginning your Sundays in a befittingly lazy manner - namely lie-ins and biiiig brekkies!
Two Sundays ago I was lucky enough to attend the launch of beauty diversity campaign 'Paint My World Colourful' at Soho's infamous Illamasqua Makeup store.
I was introduced to the campaign's founder, stylist and photographer Bethany Norman (check out her FB page here), by my great friend, model Rachel Heather, who you will remember from here. Rachel, having modelled for Bethany and having been introduced to the campaign already, explained the ethos of promoting a variety of different ethnicities, shapes and looks on the catwalk and in fashion imagery.
L-R Yours Truly wearing one of the fab PMWC T-Shirts, Bethany Norman Founder of Paint My World Colourful
Top Image L-R: Illamasqua's Spob, Bethany Norman, the fantastic models, and Illamasqua's events manager Josephine
Given Bethany's strong persuasion to promoting model diversity amongst the fashion industry I was delighted to hear that Caryn Franklin, founder of AllWalks, had expressed interest in Bethany's mission.
For those of you who have not previously been introduced to AllWalks, head on over to their site and have a peruse through all of the amazing initiatives they work on, and all of the incredible figures who are involved, including Giles Deacon, Erin O'Connor and Rankin!
Inspired by a guest lecture, given by Franklin herself at Bethany's University - Southampton Solent - Bethany opted to concentrate her final year project on "making fashion accessible to every one" In Bethany's own words "fashion is for every one but it is not actually put out there for every one".
Via the medium of gorgeous editorials (and of course the wonderful Illamasqua event!), photographed and styled by Bethany and a team of trusted collaborators, Bethany chose to provide a platform for models which represented a diversity of looks rarely seen in traditional fashion spreads.
The event itself showcased these images on plasma screens, and had visitors stopping and staring at the gorgeous looks on-screen which were then translated on to real-life models who were bedecked in top-to-toe makeup and wild styling!
Bethany herself wore a befittingly colourful ensemble, working the room of FashPack insiders, champagne glass in hand and proud smile firmly on her lips! Bethany's parents and best girlfriends were also in attendance and were equally beaming with pride!
Have a look at the fantastic video from the event for an even greater feel of Paint My World Colourful! Click here to view.
Video by Jay Wennington
A BIG congratulations to Bethany for such a super event, your initiative to show all types of beauty is a thing to be admired and just as Caryn inspired you, I am sure many others will fall in love with Paint My World Colourful too!
And with that I am off to celebrate Papa MB's Birthday in true colourful Menorcan style ; )!
Have a super Sunday all!
Love,
MB x
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Menorca Day 3 - Boutique Findings! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Saturday evening to you all!
Menorca Day 3! My family have often visited Menorca over the past seven years and each year my Sister and I (and more recently some of my girlfriends too!) have delighted in pottering about the many winding butter-hued stone streets, unearthing some gorgeous individual boutiques. I am so happy to be able to share with you my new finding - Indra boutique at Plaza del Principe, 21, Mahon.
This lovely boutique first caught my eye for it's crisp optimistic interiors, white-washed so as to allow the neapolitan-hued array of clothing to 'pop'! In amongst amongst a rather stop-and-start exchange of compliments with Idra's beautiful owner Judith, (my 'Spanglishtalian' is really quite something!) I came to understand that the boutique has been in existence for the past two years, and stocks an array of soft and elegant blouses, dresses and skirts as well a whole range of gorgeous hand-made millinery pieces which of course my inner millinery fanatic just L-O-V-E'd!!
Take a peep inside...
Some of the wonderful interiors and clothes - bedroom inspiration?!
Top Left: Indra's beautiful owner Judith
If you do happen to visit Menorca, pop via Judith's boutique and experience all the sugary beauty for yourself! (Pssst the dresses are ahhmazing value too! An average of 40 Euros!)
And SO following a wonderful peruse through Indra's stock, my sister and I headed out for a coffee and chat!
Having made stead-fast friends with my tie-dye skirts and denim jackets in the past two days, today I opted for a decidedly more nautical look - befitting of our port side strolls!
Shorts: Vintage Levi's Found in Menorca, Belt: Warehouse (borrowed from my wonderful Sis!), Suede Moccasins: Primark, T-Shirt & Hat: Bought in Menorca, Watch: Swatch, Silver Bag: Vintage, Bracelets: From Menorca & H&M
A few other bits and pieces that made me happy today:
1: Good coffee + the new issue of Marie Claire + my Sis's company
2: Lovely potted flowers
3: Just about the cutest dog ever! We named him Diego.
And so on a final note of incredible canine cuteness I will bid you all a very good night!
Love,
MB x
P.S. Tomorrow is Papa MB's Birthday! Wooo yeah!
Friday, 4 May 2012
Look Of The Day: Tie Dye Maxi Skirt + Denim Shirt! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
I do hope that you are all very much looking forward to your looong weekends!
Day two of the MB family Menorcan excursion! My lovely beau and I visited Menorca at the same time last year and I have to say that May is a truly lovely month to visit the island; pleasantly warm, filled with lush vegetation and blissfully quiet!
Having foolishly talked myself out of buying a oh-so-gorgeous Haute Hippie tie-dye maxi dress when on a visit to NY a few years ago I couldn't let this fantastic burnt orange tie-dye number escape my grasp when I saw it in Forever 21 a few days ago! Tie dye and denim apparently being my fabrics of choice at present (see yesterday's tie dye and denim focused post here) I opted to implement my favourite denim shirt as a makeshift jacket.
Dress Worn as Skirt: Forever 21, White T-Shirt: GAP, Jacket: Vintage, Pumps: Russell&Bromley, Sunglasses: H&M, Gold Necklace: Accessorize, Woven Bag: Bought in Menorca, Watch: Swatch, Bangles: Found on Travels, Enamel Green and Pink Bracelet: H&M, Silver Hoops: Claire's Accessories
Alongside spending some quality time with my wonderful family, here are some of the things which have made me smile in Menorca today....
Clockwise L-R
1. The 'swoosh' of my new skirt!
2. My fab new bargain dress purchased in one of the Menorcian boutiques.
3. The gorgeous lemon trees heaving with fruit.
4. One of the boats harboured in Fornells
Clockwise L-R
5. The view of Fornells harbour
6. One of the safety rings in a lovely apricot colour (safety + great colour = happy MB!)
7: The outside of the boutique I bought my dress in - yes it has a hammock!
Righto I think I may just go and join my Sis and Pa for a little birra!
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Look Of The Day: From London - Barcelona - Mahon! Go Go Go! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Thursday evening to you all!
Following a manic few months I am deeelighted to have jumped the UK-ship and headed over to sunnier isles with my gorgeous sis, Ma and Pa for a few precious days away.
In a bid to get some actual rest I will keep tonight's post short and sweet - using the medium of a few first day snapshots to fill you in on today's deets!
My look for the first evening in Menorca - I found this amazing tie dye jumper in H&M and couldn't quite make my mind up on which side of the ugly/beautiful border it sat. Either way I fell in love (and love is sometimes blind!) and felt it appropriate for a sunny islander look.
Jumper: H&M, Vest Top (Just Seen) & Enamel Bangle: H&M, Jeans: Leigh Style at Topshop, Suede Moccasins: Primark, Scarf: Becksondergaard, Silver Hoop Earrings: Claire's Accessories, Bangles: Menorca Finds (hoping to buy some more!), Silver Mini Bag: Vintage
Given that Menorca is a relatively small island direct flights tend to be a thing of high Summer tourist season only; this in turn meant that we had to fly via Barcelona - not such a bad deal! We were even lucky enough to have a few hours in the Barcelona centre - a City which I have never visited before. Incredible architecture aside (I hope to see much more on our return journey!) my Sister and I made a beeline for one of my favourite international shops - Sephora - which was so cruelly taken away from the UK a few years back (petition potential?!)! Now whenever I have the opportunity to head to this cosmetic mecca - which will from now on be known as 'cosmecca' - my heart goes aflutter and may the good Man above bless any one who tries to drag me away before I am finished browsing!!
Top - Bottom, The inner piazza at Barcelona Airport - sooo swish! Sephora nail colours - lust lust!! One of the many gorgeous apartment blocks in the town centre.
When I travel I, like most, like to feel comfortable. My outfit choice today therefore incorporated my new favourite glitter boots and also an awesome coral denim jacket I picked up in Forever 21 a mere 24 hours ago! By wearing heavier items I free up space for more summer clothes in my suitcase! (Note: This is a completely made-up theory, by yours truly, used to trick myself in to feeling better about consistently overpacking!) Either way this ensemble made me smile, not only because a few months ago the beau and I were in GAP smirking away at the 'Triple Denim' look they were championing! "Triple denim?!" we scoffed..."that'll never catch on!!"....hmmm how wrong we were (blushes at sartorial misjudgement)!!
In Barcelona Centre. Triple Denim?! Coral Denim Jacket: Forever 21, Denim Shirt: Vintage, Jeans: Leigh at Topshop, Glitter Boots: H&M, Silver Mini-Bag: Vintage, Scarf: Gift from The Beau, Sunglasses: H&M, Watch: Swatch, Ring: H&M, Jewellery: Menorca Finds and H&M
En route reading the new ELLE which is SO good!! Highly recommend a peruse - especially the tropical editorial towards the back!
Some of the ahhhhmazingly yum food we ate at our pre-4a.m. wakeup at our hotel - The Sofitel - last night!
And on a final note of delicious cuisine I shal bid you all a very good evening!
More Menorca updates coming oh-so-soon!
Love,
MB x
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
My VERY First Post For Marie Claire! 'Steal Her Style - Dree Hemingway at Coachella'X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Tuesday afternoon to you all!
Today marks the very first day of my new column 'Steal Her Style' for Marie Claire online. This column is dedicated to hunting down purse-friendly interpretations of incredible celebrity ensembles week-on-week!
I am so delighted to be able to announce that the first selected celeb is the oh-so-gorgeous Dree Hemingway decked out in a fab-u-lous Dolce&Gabbana two-piece at Coachella Festival!
Head on over to Marie Claire online here to read the post with your very own eyes!
Head on over to Marie Claire online here to read the post with your very own eyes!
Steal her style!!
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
P.S. I am always open to suggestions - if you see a celeb whose outfit you think is just TOO amazing - let me know! I'll try and find a high street version ; )! x
P.S. I am always open to suggestions - if you see a celeb whose outfit you think is just TOO amazing - let me know! I'll try and find a high street version ; )! x
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