Export Import

Who would have thought the excitement over the opening of the first European Anthropologie in London could be paralleled? Well, with the news that Coach is opening its first London store in Spring 2011, that level of excitement is being challenged! With Topshop on Broadway and Anthropologie on the Kings Road, I am personally very glad that stores have started hopping the pond! Bring on the next!

Until then, I’ll be saving up for this! Pretty!

Lexington Elongated Strap Watch $358.00

Shear Perfection

We’ve all seen the Burberry shearling leather jacket printed here there and everywhere. I just love it. The dramatic collar, the cosy-factor alongside the high fashion-factor.

Yesterday I tried on the Topshop version, which comes in about £2,000 cheaper than the Burberry original – it’s pretty wonderful. Unfortunately, it’s still £325… So, it won’t be arriving in my closet any time soon! But those looking for a cheaper alternative to the glorious Burberry shearling, should look no further.

Style.com / Topshop

Confessions of a Make Up Junkie

Since I gave up Mizz for Vogue and slogan-tees for jersey basics, I have believed that make up had to be expensive to be good. In fact, for recent years, I have bought make up loyally and exclusively from MAC. Why did I believe it was better? Well, I'm an average consumer. I'm a sucker for packaging. And mostly, I have ridiculously erratic skin, and thought that expensive products would be more sensitive skin-friendly. This turned out to be misguided.

A few days ago, Friday in fact, I left the PR company where I was an intern, and was given a very generous goody bag. One of their clients, MaxFactor contributed to it, among others. As soon as I started to explore them (as soon as I got home - naturally!) I realised that this was not junk. This stuff is fanTASTIC!

The Masterpiece Glide & Define Liquid Eyeliner (£6.99 at Boots) and the Lash Extension Effect Extreme Lengthening Mascara (£10.99 at Boots) are really something. The liquid liner, not for those looking for a subtle line, is the best of its kind. On two separate occasions I bought the MAC version, largely because the felt-tip nib appealed to me. They both dried up extremely quickly, whereas the MaxFactor - which appeared to be dead after two applications - needs to be shaken and then it glides beautifully as before. The mascara is fabulous too. What I look for in a mascara is as much drama as possible, and this delivers like nothing I've tried before. I've been using a Chanel until now, which, again, I assumed was better for its price tag, but which pales in comparison to its high street brethren.

Also, after blogging about Topshop's make up line on its arrival in stores in May, I finally bought a bunch of it to try it out. I don't recommend the Skin Tint (£10) which I was really excited about, but which is more greasy than dewy. I do, however, recommend the Brighten pen (£7.00, called, a little overdramatically, Moonlight). I never did buy the Touche Eclat that every body raved about, but this actually IS a great product. I also really like Brighton Rock, which I bought largely because Eminé Ali Rushton claimed it was the ideal "candy-pink-geranium-infused-coral-fuchsia". I’m not sure I would go that far, but it IS fun… If you’re looking for a pale pink (I mean a really pale, four-hour-old-corpse look) then check out Barry M’s 101 (£4.25).

Lastly, as slightly in contradiction to what I’ve just said about expensive make up, I bought my first Bobbi Brown product. The SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer (£26) is everything I was hoping for. The word ‘dewy’ appears in every summer beauty editorial and, it seems, is impossible to actually achieve. However, this tinted moisturizer business is a total revelation. What I don’t like about foundation is that it is too much coverage, but this, THIS is perfect, and perfectly dewy. It is beautifully soft on the skin and exactly the right amount of coverage to feel as if you’re not wearing ten tons of crap on your face. Hooray!

Many Clouds, One has a Silver Lining...

I'm absolutely dreading the fall. I mean, this heat is ridiculous, but it's so much better than the freezing winds of the fall in Edinburgh. Going into my final year of university, I know it's the last time I'll have to live through a Scottish winter, so I should try to see the romantic side of the ice-cold climate. Well, that might be easier to do in the new fall lines! Gorgeous. I love the layers, and will certainly be looking into a flying jacket, ribbed knit tights, capes and curve hemmed hoodies! LOVE!

Topshop A/W'10

H&M A/W'10

Another Reason to go to Topshop...

Topshop is doing make up now! I am, in general, an enormous fan of all things Topshop, so I’m curious about the quality of their new line. The palette is wonderfully springy, I can’t wait to try some of it out!

Flats Are Back? My Feet Thank You!

I've only just started to wear heels during the day. Yes, it means I'm always overdressed in the sea of sweats-clad students, but as a dear friend says, "always be overdressed and underprepared".

Now, however, flats are back! So, I no longer need to worry about having bus fare! Even the Paris Vogue team was spotted in flats!

Photo from Jak&Jil

I'm a die-hard loyalist to French Soles. They've become my signature. I decided it was worth investing in leather shoes which won't fall apart after two wears, unlike their flimsy Topshop counterparts.

I would become a shoe-heretic, though, for a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo's flats... Swoon!