Vionnet Colour Block Heels

I'm a sucker for a statement shoe and these Vionnet pumps would look amazing with a smar or more casual look. They are a great way of introducing the neon trend into your wardrobe without being too full-on, but would equally look amazing with just a black dress and coloured clutch for a event.

Diet Biscuits by Fonderia

We are now into Lent and am sure, like me, most of you will have overdosed on pancakes yesterday in 'celebration'!

For most people, this spells the beginning of a period of giving up vices - therefore these biscuits from Fonderia may provide the discouragement from sweet treats you are looking for.......



Courtesy of http://fonderia.tumblr.com/

Cambridge Satchel Company Bags

Yesterday I celebrated my 30th birthday - tragic I know, but a big bonus of such a feat was the awesome presents I received, my favourite of which was a Cambridge Satchel Company Music Bag from my little brother therefore I have made this post all about my new bag.....thank you Gareth!

Sweetpea & Willow 'Sweet Amberley' Sleigh Bed

So I've recently become obsessed with home decorating programmes, to such an extent that I now worship at the alter that is Sarah Beeny, but a healthy second love has developed for finding amazing design and furnishing ideas on the net - this bed from Sweetpea & Willow (www.sweetpeaandwillow.com) is now on my 'must have' list.

It reminds me of the amazing bed Belle had in her flat in the second series of ITV2's 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', although in being in the sleigh shape rather than the Louis style she had. I adore the pink blush velvet fabric of the bed - much more flattering than a cream on our skin tones, lovelies!

Personal Trainer Business Card

Recently a friend of mine has started her own business and has been tirelessly working on marketing and advertising strategies - this made me go on the web hunt for new or original methods being used to promote a brand or service, which is where I found this fantastic piece of advertising from a personal trainer.....the stretchy business card!

Eggs Benedict

The most fabulous Sunday breakfast in my opinions is Eggs Benedict - a dish consisting of a halved English muffin, topped with ham or bacon (I prefer thick cut smoked back bacon), poached eggs and smothered in Hollandaise sauce. There are several variations to this recipe, including Eggs Florentine substituting the ham for spinach or Eggs Royale with smoked salmon instead of ham, but I prefer the piggy version. This is the perfect breakfast if you have spent a night on the sauce, filling the stomach but not too greasy and in an ideal world would come with a side order of hash browns.......hungry now!

Azzedine Alaia Full Skirt Coat

Alaia is well known for pieces that focus on perfectly fitted fabrics that embrace the body and expose the chic and sensuality of his customers, a trait this coat highlights perfectly. As winter has been given it's second steam, more down south than here in Scotland surprisingly, this coat shows that warm and functional does not have to mean drab and bulky.....now to work on getting a waistline that shows the pieces to perfection!

Strada Custom Bike

Seems like Central Scotland is the only place not been it with snow over the past few days and on a crisp day like today, I love to go for walks just to get out the house and clear the cobwebs. However, I feel my attempts at a health kick would become much easier with a custom built Strada bike!

With bikes built to your specifications in a variety of available colour, including being able to chose the colour of the grips, chains and crank, the end rsult will be a unique and exciting piece. Check out http://www.stradacustoms.com/ and play about your own colour combinations on the 'build + buy' section!

Avtovo Station, St Petersburg

Everyone has a list of places they want to visit and I am not exception - top of my list is Russia and in particular Saint Petersburg. Often described as the most Western city in Russia, Saint Petersburg is home to the amazing Hermitage Museum, which I would visit to see the Golden Peacock Clock alone:

My main photo is from Avtovo Metro Station which features highly ornate feature columns covered in ornamental glass. Although glass was originally supposed to be used on all of the columns in the station, white marble was substituted on some due to time constraints. This marble was supposed to be temporary, but it has never been replaced. The beauty of the station is a great testiment to the opulent history of the city and puts the public transport stations of other cities to shame - I think the only comparible is that of City Hall in New York City, a now unused station but here's a tip......if ever in New York, go on the 6 train and stay on as it loops on its return journey. Passengers used to have to get off the train at the Brooklyn Bridge stop and hop on the adjoining platform, but if you stay on, you can view this amazing station as it turns around.

City Hall Subway Station, New York

'Cut This Way' Necklace

Now, I don't often wear jewellery but I make the exception on the odd occasion if something different comes along - which is why I like to check out pieces being sold on Etsy* (www.etsy.com) for the quirky and unusually, leading me to the above necklace. I love the concept of how the piece has been put together and it is definitely a talking point!

Not sure I'd take it as far as the zombie stitch version below, tho:

*Etsy is a great site which focuses on handmade or vintage items, as well as art and craft supplies. These items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, edibles, bath & beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks and toys. Many individuals also sell craft supplies like beads, wire, and jewellery-making tools.

Lace Dress by Givenchy

The drama of the styling of this dress made this a clear winner in a sea of lace options from different designers this past, in my eyes. Givenchy has had inconsistent seasons following the appointment of Riccardo Tisci in 2005, but I feel the designs are at their strongest when Tisci lets his apparent fascination with gothic touches run riot!

Below I have posted a few other gorgeous lace pieces I've spotted on the web, but it is definately all about the dress :)



Dolce & Gabbana



Charlotte Rouge





Arfango Firenze heels

I first became aware of the Arfango brand on my travels around Italy, after seeing a style of shoe by the brand in their store window in Florence. Imagine my delight in turning the shoe over to see a inspiring quote on the sole - beautiful shoes and top tips to boot!

The brand was founded in 1902 and named after a white owl - as a symbol of good luck, the logo is on every shoe, whether it be the sole or the leather insert. Check out their amazing driving loafers also; more pretty that Tod's in my opinion. And if you need anymore convincing, the shoes don't come in a box, but in a CAN :)