the joy of John Lewis

I haven't been shopping just for the sake of it for a long time. I don't spend much time at all in actual shops to be honest, because I'm always at work during the week and I despise the crazed mania that is shopping on a weekend. I usually have something specific in mind when I do venture into a shop, and don't spend that much time browsing. It's rather a shame really because I used to love wondering up and down the high street or around the shopping mall with nothing in particular in mind, just the desire for something new and exciting. 

Yesterday I was reminded both of why I stopped that aimless and self indulgent wandering, and why I miss it -- We went to view an apartment near Newcastle (which was horrible, so nothing exciting to report there), and while we were so close to the city decided to do a little shopping and have lunch. Because I shop online so much now, I really miss Primark - their crew neck t-shirts in particular - so I made a point of going there first. Big mistake: Primark on a Saturday is like some crazy post apocalyptic free for all. There's stuff all over the floor, there are tons of people everywhere (screaming babies, slow elderly people, you know the drill) and you can't think straight. Don't even consider trying anything on, because the queue for the fitting rooms is ten minutes long and by the time you've waited in it you'll be withered to a melty lump in the stifling heat. I can't help but think that this is the way Primark want the experience of shopping in their stores to be; If you feel harassed then you're much more likely to make a rash and unconsidered purchase (and ignore any shabby quality or craftsmanship). This being said, I did walk away with two of the aforementioned crew neck t-shirts, unfortunately they just came with an added, stress induced, 'sour mood'.

The next place we went was John Lewis and, oh my, what a difference! It was like an oasis; clean, calm, cool and not as busy as primark. I browsed, I picked up three items which caught my eye, and I took them into the fitting room. Wow the fitting room... none of those cramped, hot, musty smelling cubicles oh no no! Instead, I was led into a beautiful room with a large circular green leather sofa in the middle, surrounded by changing cubicles hidden behind heavy green curtains. The fitting cubicle itself was lovely; cool, well lit, good mirrors, a call button... I think it's safe to say I was delighted. They even had some green leather couches outside the fitting room entrance, much to the relief of many weary husbands and boyfriends.

I fell head over heels in love with a Liberty print shirt from John Lewis Collection but wanted more time to mull it over before paying. But hey, no problem! I just left it with the fitting room assistants for an hour while Bob and I went for a coffee in the John Lewis espresso bar! By this point, I was pretty much just "OH MY GOD, I NEVER WANT TO SHOP ANYWHERE ELSE EVER AGAIN". I felt like I'd been transported into an episode of Mad Men, it was so bloody classy. The coffee was delicious - surprise surprise - and by the time I'd finished it I felt totally cool, calm and collected, and 100% sure that I was making the right decision in buying the shirt. 

The garment itself is perfection. I needed an outfit to wear to a work conference I'm going to this month, and as I'm going to be travelling for a few hours before actually getting to there I wanted something which I could wear with comfortable trousers, a crew neck and ballet pumps, and which would transition easily from train seat to conference hall. I think this will do nicely, smartening up a pair of indigo denim skinny jeans. The Liberty print is both old fashioned and modern, and simultaneously reminds me of my grandmother and the juicy citrus colour palette which is so in vogue right now. I don't even want to think about the price tag, I think Bob's mouth literally fell wide open as the sales assistant said "that'll be £59 please"... 

* * * * * *

Wow, a long post! Thanks if you stuck with it until the end! Writing this got me thinking about that magical, mythical 'shopping experience' that keeps getting talked about. That wondrous thing that will save a high street shop, giving it the personal edge over an internet shopping experience. Well folks, I think this is it. I probably wouldn't shop in John Lewis every week (I haven't got the money, for one thing) but I would definitely go there if I was seeking something a little special, and wanted to have a good browse as opposed to seeking out something online first. I actually can't wait to go back!

So, tell me, what shops have you been in which offer this magical shopping experience? What kind of stores offer that really great physical customer service rather than via email or telephone? 

capsule closet: a hint of pink grapefruit

long sleeved t-shirts / belt / lip balm / jeans / sunglasses / basket tote / pouch / sneakers

moisturiser / body wash / backpack / top / sandals / denim jacket / shorts 

Yet another neon accented capsule closet: After purchasing the Neutrogena pink grapefruit skincare range, and the new pink grapefruit Burt's Bees refreshing lip balm, I have become a little obsessed with this scent/flavour/colour. It's kind of like a 'citrus pink', if that's possible? It's not sweet candy pink, soft baby pink, or a Barbie hot pink; pink grapefruit is punchy and fresh and delicious. It looks crisp and clean teamed with white, navy or grey marl. The perfect zesty accent colour for summer (which made a brief reappearance today, please stay!). 

MHL x Houyhnnm

See the rest of the collection here.

I've already spied this on several blogs, so I don't want to trample over already well trodden ground, but -- I'm so in love with absolutely everything about this collaboration. The clothes, the styling and the photo settings. Howell always manages to create near perfect collections, from which I want to wear every piece. I especially love the white sneakers and and slouchy (but not sloppy) fit to all of these pieces. The colour palette is wonderful as always, and would slot seamlessly into a wardrobe filled with Howell's previous creations. 

capsule closet: neon + naturals

one: sunglasses / notebook / sandals / handbag / top / trousers   two: scarf / top / trousers / sandals / basket / watch / barrette

I love this surprising combination of nudes and naturals with a hint of citrus neon, it's so fresh, clean and summery. I can imagine strolling the streets of Paris (I wish) wearing one of these juicy ensembles. Unfortunately the amazing 'citrus kiwi' coloured long sleeve from J Crew has sold out so I won't be able to get my paws on one (boo), there is however a 'pink grapefruit' coloured version of the same style which I may consider instead.

The weather has been atrocious here this week. We had a month's worth of rain in one day, and the drizzle still has not let up. I've been stuck in jeans/tweeds, jumpers and wellies all week, rendering airy summer dressing seemingly unthinkable right now. I'm still dreaming though. Sunshine, please come back? 

missing in action

Bonjour all, I apologise for my MIA status over the past few weeks - I've been beavering away learning the ropes and getting into the swing of things at my new job, and in the process just haven't found the time/energy with which to blog. Thank you so much for all of the messages of good luck and encouragement I have received over the past few weeks, they've honestly cheered and inspired me to no end :) At any rate, I'm getting much more used to my new routine and I should be back to blogging here regularly very soon. For now, shall we catch up? Here's a little run down of some of the things I've wanted to share and discuss over the past few weeks: 

 Amazing marbled prints at Stella McCartney - I remember making pretty paper like this in school.

The perfect no fuss bag for working and travelling - Baggu's cotton canvas duck bag. But which colour!? 

Currently dreaming of a new flat and a new work space - image via tumblr. 

Awesome man repelling bleach patterned jeans from Asos, I need to wear these with a grey crew neck tee.

Converse's all white sneakers, and these rad speckled wool socks. 

I also watched the amazing film Tyrannosaur, starring the excellent Olivia Coleman (who - bafflingly - did not receive an Oscar nod for this). It was a difficult watch; truly horrifying and deeply disturbing. 'Enjoyed' would be entirely the wrong word to describe how I felt about it, but it was really really great. I think it said a lot of things that desperately need to be said more often. Have you seen it? I would love to hear your thoughts.

What's been grabbing your attention during these past few weeks? Oh, and for those of you who are on tumblr, you can find me here (I post a lot of things there that don't make it onto Foxtrot Echo November, I also post a lot more frequently) - send me an 'ask' or leave a comment here so that I can find you too :)

camouflage blues

basket tote / perfume / crew neck / watch / sunglasses / skirt (Oasis via Ebay) / sneakers 

I had a mad moment and purchased a blue camouflaged patterned denim skirt on Ebay. It's not what I was looking for AT ALL (I was actually on the hunt for a vintage Levi's maxi) but I just couldn't resist. It's deliciously (or dangerously?) Spice Girly with just the right amount of Jenna Lyons style quirkyness thrown in for good measure. Risky indeed, but at a mere £3, it's risk I'm willing to take. Next up? Acid wash denim jeans.

I can't decide whether or not to count this as one of my 'twelve things'? Only £3, but still... 

small mercies: rescue me

Drive DVD / Neutrogena pink grapefruit facial wash / Neutrogena pink grapefruit moisturiser / créme brúlée Vaseline pot

Lately I feel like I've kind of been having 'puberty: round two'; my hair is lank and dull, my skin is all blotchy/spotty and I've got eczema on my elbows and hands. All stuff I dealt with briefly when I was around 14 but thought I'd manage to largely escape. But no, unfortunately all of these ailments seem to be back with a vengeance, something which I am definitely not enjoying. To make matters worse I am currently suffering with crippling neck pains, leaving me as cranky and moody as I was in my tweenage years (well, maybe half as cranky). 

In an effort to combat these unexpected woes, and to 'rescue' myself from this repeat match with puberty, I embarked on a mini shopping trip with the aim of purchasing some new skincare products and even a few 'feel better' treats. I'd heard so many great reviews of the Neutrogena 'pink grapefruit' selection online, so decided I would start there in terms of formulating a fresh skincare routine. I chose the facial wash and the oil free moisturiser, and after having used them for the past two days I can happily report that I really like them! They smell is amazing and both the wash and the moisturiser leave skin feeling tingly and fresh, plus they're the most dazzling shade of pink. I impulsively picked up a créme brúlée Vaseline pot during the same purchase in Boots (it was near the till, they always get me!) which I'll be saving for this winter (such a delightfully Christmassy smell, don't you think?). In terms of my depressing hair situation, I have been alternating between Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo and John Frieda's 'go blonder' range shampoo and conditioner (both cripplingly expensive, my hair threatens to bankrupt me). 

I also treated myself to a few new DVDs on said shopping expedition, and - in true teen style - tried to forget my troubles with a movie night and some treats. Robin and I watched the truly astounding Drive with Ryan Gosling (love) and feasted on cheese cake. I'm totally in love with this movie, and will be writing a 'fashion in film' post on it very soon, so keep your peepers peeled. It also makes me desperately want to watch The Notebook again, although I'm not sure I want to deal with all the sobbing which will inevitably ensue...

Tell me, has puberty snuck back up on any of you when you thought it was gone for good? And have you seen Drive? 

twelve things: april

images via tumblr & Stockholm Streetstyle

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink." - The Plastics, Mean Girls 

I saw the top image above and my heart started to burst with an immediate and all consuming desire to own something in that delicious pink shade. Is it fuchsia, hot pink, candy, fluorescent, neon!? Who knows, all I know is that it's nice and that I want it. This Céline pouch bag would be an ideal addition to my wardrobe, but failing that (damn, being poor sucks) I'll settle for one of these delightfully cute pink pom poms (pygmy puff anyone!?) - am I the only person who wishes someone would reinvent the flip phone? and the only one mourning the loss of those little holes that phone charms go in? I'm totally gutted I can't put one of these on my Blackberry :( 

Ever since I made this post a few months ago, I've been keeping my eyes peeled for something in a yummy candy shade. To tell the truth I thought when I finally found that something it would be in accessory form, but yesterday I made a wonderful and life changing discovery, in the form of some perfect pink chinos from Sainsbury's of all places. I actually went out to try on these dusky pink jeans in Next because I really liked the look of them on the website. Alas though, I was disappointed with them in real life as the quality of the pink denim wasn't great and the sizing (especially the length of the leg) was really off. I quickly perked up whilst browsing the TU clothing line in Sainsbury's though, as they are currently stocking an amazing collection of chinos in an array of beautiful colours. And this leads me on nicely to April's 'twelve things' purchase... 

Now, forgive me for sounding a bit doe eyed and mushy here, but I am so genuinely surprised and delighted to have found something so nice in a supermarket. The quality of the trousers' fabric is really really good. I'm  accustomed to shopping for chinos which are double the price (and then some) and they aren't even half as well made as the pair I bought from TU. The range of colours they offered was also really good: from what I can remember there was beige, khaki, mint, navy blue and the bright pink that I chose. I was actually a little tempted by a few of the other colours, but managed to rein myself in. At £16 per pair they're hardly going to break the bank, and the style is so transitional and easy to wear that I predict getting a lot of use out of them. The style of the trouser is a straight leg, which is slim without being too skinny, and they have none of that horrible rouching or pleating around the waistband so often added to chinos (which I hate). The only thing to look out for is the leg length - a short was way too short for me, although that's what I would usually get. 

t-shirt x2 / cardigan / sunglasses / pumps / basket

If you're looking at this image and thinking "hey, those pink pants look a little suspicious, and she hasn't put a source link!" you aren't going mad, and I'm not becoming forgetful. I actually couldn't find an image anywhere on the web of my new fuchsia pink chinos (TU don't have a website), or anything quite like them, so I knocked these babies up in photoshop (which explains why they look a little bizarre). I think if someone had asked me in January what the last thing I'd picture myself wearing was, I may have said bright pink trousers; I'm a little worried about the state of my mental health to be quite honest. 

I plan to wear these with a grey marl crew neck t-shirt, white sneakers and a basket bag for a daytime look. And maybe I'll go crazy and get some of these amazing glitter ballet pumps (I wanted some of these when I was 10) and a grey cashmere cardigan for a more evening friendly ensemble. I'm very eager to wear them at any rate, for a colour-phobe like me this is a real milestone! Maybe all this has something to do with the Elle Woods style inspiration post I made the other day? I've definitely been feeling the pink fluffy sparkles ever since... 

sunday inspiration

image made by me with photographs via tumblr & google

I begin my new job tomorrow - I am incredibly nervous and excited. Today has been all about tying up loose ends as much as possible, so that I can concentrate solely on easing myself into a new routine during the next few weeks. I have several blog posts written and saved up, along with several Mills & Boon reviews, so hopefully nothing with stagnate for too long without any updates. This afternoon I'm going to enjoy a cup of tea and a packet of Hob Nobs (yes a whole packet, what of it?) and possibly watch another 90s chick flick, before getting an early night.

I'm finding myself quite inspired by a 90s aesthetic recently, ever since watching Legally Blonde again. It's not merely the 90s revisited though, rather the 90s re-mediated through the eyes of today's teenagers (think Rookie Mag, which is totally excellent by the way). It seems to be 90s America that I find enticing - non of the ugly Brit pop era we suffered through here. I'm eager to watch Twin Peaks, Seinfeld and Friends again, and since seeing this post on Capture the Castle I've been yearning for a viewing of You've Got Mail (although I don't think I'm going to convince Robin to join me on that one). Sartorially speaking it's all about mom jeans, sneakers, white Calvin Klein crew necks (a la Kate Moss), and California blonde highlights. Must resist the urge to tie a sweater around my waist... It's everywhere, though: take this ensemble from Oasis for example (which I kind of love in a really wrong way), it would look right at home on the set of Saved by the Bell or Fresh Prince of Bel Air, no? 

Don't worry, I'm not about to break out the belly tops and fluffy hair bobbles, I just find it interesting is all :)

la mariniére: dreaming of a seaside getaway

breton top / jeans / jacket / swimming costume / sunglasses / sneakers / radio / basket 

Pretty self explanatory - I'm currently dreaming of getting away to the seaside for a weekend. I'd indulge my breton stripe obsession by spending the entire time in a sailor worthy ensemble (complete with nautical style raincoat), eating chips from paper cones, and listening to the shipping forecast on bbc radio4 every night. I'd also fish out some seaside themed Mills & Boon novels to keep me company during long walks on the beach. In the style of a true Brit, I would hopefully pack a swimming costume, but there's probably no way it'd get an outing unless our accommodation came equipped with a hot tub. 

The weather here is completely bizarre at the moment; Robin woke me up at 7am this morning because there was a blizzard going on outside, but by the time 10am rolled around the sun was shining and all evidence of the earlier snow had been erased. It feels insane to be wearing shorts, sandals and a t-shirt one week and then to be back in a massive coat and boots the next. I'm getting rather tired of the erratic changes to be honest (damn you global warming), I'd like it just to stay as summer for a while, even a gloomy drizzle filled British summer would be fine... 

Oh I will also take this opportunity to once again direct you to Louise's amazing tumblr La Mariniére, which provides me with much inspiration and joy on a daily basis. 

rejoining the rat race & formulating a working wardrobe

vintage print advertisements from here, via Pennyweight

Today I have some rather excellent news to share with you - I have a job! Not just any job either, one that I really really wanted. I never in a million years thought I would get it, but I applied for it anyway, and I did! I start next week and I am so excited. I'll be working in a beautiful old building in Durham City (swapping my hour and a half commutes for a ten minute bus ride! yipee!) for a design and marketing co-operative, as an editorial and marketing assistant. After eight weeks of applying for every job in sight and trying to survive on freelance scraps, I can't quite believe that I'll finally be going back to work. It's so strange that in this current climate of  mass unemployment, getting a job actually feels like winning the lottery, it's amazing. I'm still waiting for it to sink in.

Amongst all of the usual anxieties that surround beginning a new job, I keep thinking "what am I going to wear?!"... I am going to allow myself one month of slightly selfish spending in which to gather a core working wardrobe, before resigning myself to a total spending ban in order to save for our new apartment. Work clothing is something I've managed to avoid buying much of; I've either been given a uniform at work, or worked in places which called for a jeans + jumper ensemble. But I think it's finally time for a proper work capsule closet (and any excuse for new clothes, right?).

scarf / cardigan / trousers / breton vest / pumps / tote bag / canvas bag / vests x2 / Blackberry / watch / hair clip

The obvious work wardrobe essential is the white shirt, but alas, I always seem to find that the white shirt + smart pants combination leaves me looking rather like a schoolchild (the perils of looking sixteen when you're actually twenty-two). I usually go for a crew neck t-shirt/vest-top and a cardigan, or a crew neck sweater, paired with smart trousers. In terms of jewelry and accessories I like to keep it minimal, sticking to a simple watch and pair of stud earrings and slinging a patterned scarf around my neck. Fortunately I still have two pairs of very good skinny fit smart black trousers from Zara Woman, which I was given as uniform by Zara whilst working there; I only wore them for a month or two so they look brand new. They also gave me a pair of very good black leather brogues, which - after an initial week or so of agony when I first got them - are incredibly comfortable and perfect for everyday wear, especially when the weather is a little too chilly for pumps. I have a good black cardigan which I bought for my graduation ceremony, a pair of grey/brown tweed trousers from River Island Man, and a black/cream wool Chanel-style cardigan from Zara, all of which will be suitable for work. 

On my 'to buy' list is a grey crew neck cashmere cardigan, a new silk scarf (the patterned ones from the V&A are perfection), and some new plain t-shirts/vest tops to replace my current rather tatty looking ones. Do you have any advice regarding smart casual dressing for the workplace? What do you feel most comfortable in at work? 

fashion in film: Vivian

Thank you so much to every one who left lovely comments on my Elle Woods style inspiration post yesterday, I was so glad to hear that so many people love that movie as much as I do! If you haven't seen it, I implore you to get it on Netflix or somewhere asap :)

As promised, here are the screen shots I took of Selma Blair's character in Legally Blonde, Vivian. Sartorially speaking, Vivian actually has a much more similar dress sense to me in real life, although I like to think that I'm not a (to paraphrase Elle) "frigid bitch who looks constipated", haha. Although their relationship has a shaky start, Vivian and Elle end up best friends, which I just love - girl power! I think one of the greatest strengths of this movie lies in the fact that Elle's romantic resolution takes a back seat; the focus is definitely on her career, and the strong friendships she shares with her female counterparts. It's super refreshing to see a predominantly positive representation of female interaction in a mainstream Hollywood film. 

Vivian has an awesome wardrobe consisting of an array of coloured cashmere crew necks and vests, paired with patterned smart shirts and a string of ever present ivory pearls. She also has a super cute long bob hairstyle, which actually looks very modern despite this movie being over ten years old. When she's not rocking the jumper/shirt look, Vivian is working a look which I like to call 'the Seinfeld': that jumper tied over shoulders or around waist trick which people in the 90s couldn't get enough of (it was also mega popular on Friends). In short, Vivian is a cool preppy princess, and I love her. More screen shots after the jump...