girl-e glasgow

Go go girl-e obsessions

2011-05-11T16:58:00.006+01:00

I have to admit, I was running out of steam, so I took a break from girl-e to rethink the format. I'm really a lists girl in my heart, so I've come back to the blog and re-imagined it as a bunch of lists of what's on my mind or in my heart.

Right now it's:

Sugarloaf pineapple at Waitrose

Krups Pixie Nespresso machine

Dear Catastrophe Waitress re-released on vinyl

Peonies (my all time favourite flower)

Smythson Panama notebooks

Justified (best TV show ever)

Lanvin ballet flats online at Lanvin's e-store, and in person at House of Fraser, Glasgow

Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra necklace

Films by Hal Ashby (Harold and Maude, Being There, Bound for Glory, Shampoo)

My husband with a drawn on moustache

Jas MB anvas and leather shopper at Liberty

Not enough shoes!

2011-02-24T19:25:00.002Z

Yes, I bought the same shoes twice in different colours. In my defence, they were on sale.

I have a sickness.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

February wish list

2011-02-22T15:55:00.010Z

My day job has been keeping me so busy lately, I haven't even had time to post a February wish list until now. This is a shocking state of affairs, as the wish list post is usually my favourite one to write.

With all the news on the Autumn/Winter 2011 shows, it's hard to focus on the fact that it's now almost Spring, and all those clothes I was seeing on the runway pics last year are now trickling into the stores.

Marks & Spencer silk blouse

One of the looks that I absolutely love, and can be worn right away, is the silk blouse. Equipment has been doing a lot of these, but my budget is more comfortable with the Marks & Spencer version. No bright colours yet though, I'm afraid, just beige and pink. But still very nice. Pairing it will a grey cardigan and a midi skirt, and you've got a total Mary Beth Lacey look. That may be just in my mind though, since I'm watching old episodes of Cagney and Lacey at the moment.

Long Tall Sally combat trousers

I do also like the cargo comeback, especially since they've morphed into skinny trousers this time around. Because of my ridiculous inseam length, I'll be getting my from Long Tall Sally (pictured) but J Brand has a great pair available at Net-a-Porter, and the Gap has a great pair in beige or black for a measly £36.

Jimmy Choo snake-effect ballerina flats

I read Tom Ford quoted in Vogue as saying he was sick of seeing women in flat shoes. Can someone remind me of why the way women dress has been largely left to men to decide? I love the way super high heels look, but being flat of foot means I'm far happier in trainers or flats. Sue me.

Forget Me Not Chione V silk scarf

Scarves are such an easy way to add interest and colour to an outfit, no? Not content with the scarves that I already own, I really feel that I must buy one of Forget Me Not's giant silk ones with their fascinating and intricate illustrations.

Azzaro rose gold love heart bracelet

Rose gold is virtually everywhere at the moment, which makes me happy because it's so pretty, and it suits my super pale complexion much better than yellow gold. This bracelet by Azzaro at Matches is so simple but really gorgeous.

Spring beauty buys

2011-02-12T15:49:00.005Z

One thing I've done with my extra cash since going back to work full time is to buy all the beauty products and cosmetics I couldn't afford when my pay was cut down by a third.

The other reason I've been buy lots of beauty products is that, now that there is a wee bit more daylight in the mornings, I feel a invigorated and want to get into a spring vibe. It's too cold to wear spring/summer clothing, but I can give my medicine cabinet a good spring cleaning.

My favourite beauty outlets are Space NK (of course - it's the Net-a-Porter of beauty, and now even better with their N.centive programme), Cult Beauty (a recent discovery for me) and Zuneta.

Space NK

I'll always have a special fondness for Space NK because there's an actual, physical shop in Glasgow. And now the N.centive programme is very exciting to me, as ever since I started buying more and more products there, I've lamented the impact it's had on my Boots Advantage Card balance. I signed up when the programme started last year, and now have a free full sized Kiss Mix (one of my favourite lip balms - a birthday gift from Space NK) and a £10 voucher to show for it.

My favourite products:

Caudelie Vinosource quenching creme sorbet
Why? Because it's skin quenching but light, with a great texture.Kiehl's ultimate strength hand salve
Why? Because it lasts - your hands are soft, even after you wash them.Zuneta

Zuneta is truly making the most of online shopping by providing instructional videos on every product page. This is fantastic because it's like having your own beauty expert explain how to use the product you're considering. I'm not a natural when it comes to using make-up (I started very late, and still don't wear it much) so I find this feature very useful.

My favourite products:

INA Crystals white gold radiant skin tonic
Why? Because it's refreshing and smells lovely Becca sheer lip tint in Alina
Why? Because it's a perfect balance of striking colour with subtle sheernessCult Beauty

As the name suggests, Cult Beauty specialises in hit beauty products, some of which you can't find anywhere else. One great feature of the site is the fact that product descriptions include reasons for their cult status. One thing I don't like about online shopping is when there isn't enough info to go with the product. When I can't use all my senses when browsing, I need more information to convince me. Cult Beauty has it covered.

My favourite products:

KaplanMD lip 20 moisture therapy with SPF in Sheer Nude Shine
Why? Because the tingly moisturising feeling is totally addictive
Lucas' papaw ointment
Why? Because you can put it anywhere for any skin complaint

All I want for Valentine's day

2011-01-31T16:38:00.005Z

Dear Husband,

I am a woman of simple needs, simple tastes, and I am very easy to please. All I want for Valentine's day this year is a fabulous meal at the Blythswood Square Hotel (though not on Valentine's day, as I don't want to order from some bogus special menu, especially as I'm a vegetarian, and those special menus tend to offer fewer veggie choices).

And because I'm a woman of such simple needs, all I need is a bottle of Veuve Clicquot rosé, which I am happy to say, is now available online through Selfridge's website.

Am because I'm not fussy, I would be happy with this simple rose gold plated ring by Dominic Jones, from the Outnet. You'll be happy to know that it is 60% off.

And because I'm so laid back and easy to shop for, I would also be happy with a simple box of chocolates from Lucky's, purveyors of amazingly rich cake/truffle hybrids in a mouth watering array of flavours.

And that's it! I am working hard to make this upcoming holiday easier for you, with the enclosed web links, and I am here to answer any questions you may have.

Your loving wife,

Girl-e Glasgow

It's time for bold fashion in Glasgow

2011-01-26T16:06:00.003Z

Bold Souls, 'Glasgow's monthly fashion network' has just been brought to my attention. Bold Souls offers monthly events where designers, retailers, bloggers, and fashionistas can get together and play dress up. Les Garcons de Glasgow also make an appearance to photograph the stylish results.

This is how Bold Souls describes itself on Facebook:

Bold Souls is a unique pop-up fashion and styling event in Glasgow, aiming to promote independent design throughout Glasgow and connect creatives working throughout the city. Bold Souls aims to nurse the fashion community within Glasgow. With so much talent within the city we feel the best way to show it is by inviting some of our favourite designers to come showcase under one roof – giving you the opportunity to buy direct from the designer (sans shop overheads) and learn more about the creative pool we have in Glasgow at the moment. Bold offers designers the opportunity to network with like-minded folk within the city, to help build up on collaborations. Bold Souls brings everything you need under one roof – designers, models, photographers, bloggers and stylists.

I'm sold. With the demise of Che Camille, I was looking for some good fashion news. The next Bold Souls event takes place on 29 January from 1 to 8pm at the Subclub. Tickets £2 in advance, £3 on the door.

Tickets can be purchased from http://boldsouls.bigcartel.com
Visit Bold Souls on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/boldsouls-fb

New Years Resolutions

2011-01-07T14:32:00.007Z

I know resolutions are normally empty promises we make to ourselves, that we then later use to flog ourselves during the many hangovers we have for the rest of the year. Or is that just me? Anyway, I make them year after year regardless. Here are mine for 2011:

Cut back on coffee

I really think I must be an addict. At one point I was drinking so many cups a day, the caffeine was making me light headed, and my heart race. Lately I've been more moderate with it, but I still drink more than I should, so I'm moving to tea. I don't really like black tea, despite how truly ubiquitous it is in every household and office across the UK. So, as with anything, I've used this as an excuse to go shopping! My sister gave me a gorgeous little tea pot that makes about two large cups of tea, and comes with its own strainer, so I can use the loose leaf variety. In addition to my beloved Fortnum and Mason teas (Moroccan mint, elderflower and white tea with peppermint), I've discovered the delicious varieties and blends form Tea Forte. They come in lovely double lidded tins. My favourite flavours are African Solstice and White Ginger Pear.

Buy quality over quantity

I was working part time for the second half of last year, and as a result, my clothing budget shrank dramatically. During that period I was selling quite a bit on eBay, and it helped me notice how much wastage there was in my wardrobe. I bought things that I hardly wore, never wore, had no occasion to wear, or I wore until they wore out. If I had back all the money I spent on bad purchases, I could buy several nice, well considered items. So, I've decided to focus more on those forever items of clothing and shoes that will see me through many many years of wear.

Drink more champagne

I know this sounds like an odd one, but this is really the drink version of 'buy quality over quantity'. My husband and I get in this terrible habit of drinking a bottle of wine with dinner most nights, and it stopped being a treat. I want to only drink fine wine and lots of lovely champagne occasionally, rather than supermarket swill frequently.

Invest in myself

I plan to funnel some of the extra funds from going back to full time into taking better care of myself. That means eye appointments, hair appointments (James Dun's is helping this one by offering 50% off colour treatments in January and February), flotations, massage, and finding exercise that is fun, even it means dancing around to Cheap Trick in my flat. No sense in looking at exercise as punishment.

Travel more

A family trip to Arizona over Christmas has whet my appetite for more travel (despite being stuck there for an extra 5 days because of the East Coast blizzard). I used to travel all the time, but I haven't really been doing much of that of late. I've joined Voyage Prive, a private shopping club devoted to luxury holidays, to help me with this resolution, and perhaps spark my imagination. (to join, just fill out your details and use my email where it asks for the friend who recommended you: rhindarabbit@gmail.com)

Enjoy Glasgow more

I love Glasgow, but despite how it may appear from this blog, I do tend to take it for granted a bit. This year I'm resolving to buy the List regularly and actually go out and do things, not just write about them!

Elinor Voytal

2010-12-19T12:58:00.004Z

Jewellery designer Elinor Voytal finally has an online shop. Well, she's more like a textile and jewellery designer magician. That may be a more apt title. She makes lovely creations out of woven and folded and digitally printed fabric. The pieces are truly unique.

Another early sale

2010-12-17T11:17:00.005Z

ASOS is offering up to 50% off shoes. Yay! Here are my favourites:

See by Chloe - was £275, now £165 ASOS - was £80, now £44 Aldo - was £90, now £54 ASOS - was £54, now £25 Finsk - was £445, now £267 Minimarket - was £250, now £150 NW3 by Hobbs - was £169, now £100 Kron by Kron Kron - was £245, now £196

On your marks!

2010-12-07T15:37:00.003Z

The after Christmas sales start earlier and earlier every year, and now they actually start before Christmas. The first one on my radar is shoes - Bertie and Pied a Terre, that is. The sale starts 16 December and there will be substantial discounts. Just a few examples:

Pied a Terre
Oliver: was £225 - £90 during the sale
Angellis: was £120 - £48 during the sale
Bertie
Madison: was £135 - £67.50 during the sale
Kooky: was £85 - £42.50 during the sale

All I want for my birthday...

2010-12-05T13:31:00.007Z

...is a pair of cashmere track pants. I told my husband this and he laughed at me. Then he asked me if I was a Russian gangster who was celebrating a particularly good year.

So it's doubtful that this is what I'll be receiving from him.

In Seinfeld, George Costanza says "I would drape myself in velvet if it were socially acceptable." I feel this way about cashmere, specifically in the shape of a cashmere track suit. George was never afraid of sporting a track suit. I'm getting my sartorial inspiration from George Costanza. Somebody help me please.

Not that I won't find what I'm looking for with a designer label attached. The sheer volume of designer track pants available through the likes of Net-a-Porter and My-Wardrobe is a bit mind boggling. Just a few examples:
net-a-porter.com
my-wardrobe.com
cocoacashmere.com
meandem.com

Bebaroqe sample sale - update

2010-12-02T15:30:00.004Z

Due to the mega snow we're having here in Scotland, the Bebaroque sample sale has been cancelled. Well, it's actually just been moved online , so you can visit the sale in your pyjamas.

Here are the deets:

Flash: One day sale

11:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday 4 December

bebaroque.co.uk

Gifts for boys: Christmas shopping list number two

2010-12-01T16:06:00.015Z

This one is for the boys. Infinitely more difficult than the girls' Christmas list. Maybe it's because I'm not a boy, or maybe it's because men are just really hard to shop for. Hopefully lists like this make it a bit easier for all of us.

Under £50

Graze snack boxes
If the man in your life is anything like my husband, then he may need a little help finding healthy snacks during his working day. My husband runs out to Greg's when he doesn't have his usual cheese sandwich, and that really isn't the best choice. Graze changes all that by delivering healthy and delicious snacks to your office door. And you are in control of what comes by rating items on the website. If you get something you don't like, 'bin' it, and they'll never deliver it again.

Use code 2PXKL5LL to get your first box for free.Howick felt mule slippers (£24)
Cosy, warm and classic. If you know his shoe size, these slippers would suit just about any man.Simon Carter black and white octagon cuff links (£40)
These cuff links are very elegant. Just make sure he has at least one shirt with French cuffs, or they are pretty much just decoration for the top of his dresser.IDAPT charging station (£40)
This is one of those gifts that also gives to the people who live with the receiver, as using this charging station means no more cords everywhere.Under £100

Timex calculator watch (£75)
Cool and retro-tastic. And it's a calculator. What's not to love?Polaroid instant camera (£80)
Speaking of retro - did you know you can still get instant cameras? I'm assuming that means you can get instant camera film too, but you'll probably want to make sure before you buy this. It's just so cool though.
Nixon nomadic headphones (£80)
Big headphones are back in of course. Maybe we all just got sick of putting bits of rubber inside our ears.Under £200

Comme des Garcons wallet (£165)
This sleek, stylish wallet actually has a coin section, which you don't always find in wallets for men. What I want to know is, if you don't have a coin section, where do you keep your coins?
Aspinal of London black croc iPad case (£195)
Let him dress up his iPad in style.
Bose SoundDock digital music system for iPod and iPhone (£199)
The great thing about Bose is all that big sound that comes out of relatively small bits of equipment.Over £200

Aspinal of London Boston travel bag (£450)
Aspinal travel bags make me think of riding one of those glamorous, art deco trains like in the Chanel No 5 adverts. The only way to travel.H by Harris quilted leather rucksack (£545)
This last suggestion really is a wild card. Wildly expensive, and just kind of...wild. But it's too cool not to include. For the man who has everything.

Gifts for girls: Christmas shopping list number one

2010-11-28T12:45:00.010Z

Anyone looking out the window in Glasgow today could be under no other impression than it is winter and Christmas is on it's way. Watching the snow swirling around outside has given me the feeling of living inside a snow globe. It's lovely and atmospheric and has me thinking about Christmas shopping. I've been pulling ideas for a gift list blog posting but I didn't want to publish this before Thanksgiving, because, as an American, discussing Christmas before the last Thursday in November seems to be going against the natural order of these things.

So, as I eat some leftover pumpkin bread, I publish my first Christmas gift list of the year. Something for the girls:

Under £50

Liberty knot cards for scarves (£15)
These will help any girl remain scarf-tastic through to Spring.Zippo hand warmer (£20)
One of these is looking mighty attractive to me today.
Argent of London friendship bracelets (£24)
These are cheap enough to get more than one and stack them together.White Company cosy slippers (£28)
Perfect for keeping warm on Christmas morning.Grand Marnier ruby edition (£32)
Perfect for keeping warm on Christmas afternoon and evening.
Under £100

Topshop mongolian sheepskin cape (£60)
One of the less expensive ways of tapping into the sheepskin trend.Aspinal cuffs (£79)
These elegent cuffs come in many colours and widths. Gorgeous.Mulberry Edie bracelet (£90)
This adorable bracelet is sold out online, but might still be available in the stores. In Glasgow you can get Mulberry accessories at the store on Ingram Street as well as in House of Fraser and John Lewis.Uniqlo (+J) wool wrap jacket (£99 at the moment, usually £129)
This jacket is very chic, and captures this season's minimalism beautifully.Under £200

Knomo Florence weekender duffle bag (£135)
I love Knomo bags because they look great, but they're also as durable as you would like a travel bag to be.Mulberry rose gold Tillie bracelet (£165)
If you can't find the adorable Edie bracelet anywhere, this Tillie bracelet would be a very nice consolation prize.By Terry rose coffret (£170)
This special edition coffret contains three of the brand's best selling rose products: Serenite de Rose, a fondant mask; Gelee de Rose, an intensely hydrating moisturiser; and Baume de Rose, the cult lip balm that made Terry famous.Me&Em cashmere travel wrap (with free eye mask) (£198)
Whether you travel to your Christmas destination by car, train, plane, or slippered feet that take you from the bedroom to the sofa, this travel set is essential.Over £200

Pure cashemere cape (£219)
Part of Pure's limited edition range, this cape is 100% sumptuous cashmere. And, as a bonus, it comes in one size, so you can't get size wrong if you're buying it as a gift.Fiona Paxton flex tube necklace (£245)
A fantastic alternative to bling for Christmas party dressing.Swash snakes and ladders scarf (£285)
This whimsical silk scarf by Swash is a massive 135 cm by 135 cm. And, if the price makes you feel a bit faint, there's a smaller version for £70.Tory Burch clutch (£300)
Wear it with the shoulder strap or without, this clutch would be perfect for any occasion.

Glasgow's new TK Maxx

2010-11-24T21:52:00.004Z

If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you know I heart TK Maxx. And, if you live in Glasgow, then you are no doubt aware that the old Tesco on Argyle Street has now been transformed into Scotland's largest TK Maxx store. I was lucky enough to get a preview this afternoon, and as I was expecting, it's a shopper's paradise.

For some people, TK Maxx may have become synonymous with having a rummage. I personally love a rummage, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. This new TK Maxx changes all that. It's spread across three floors, so everything has plenty of space. There are also large, distinctive areas for Mod Box, which is TK Maxx's take on 'fast fashion' (inexpensive and trendy), and the hugely anticipated Gold label.

With brands like Rick Owens, McQ by Alexander Queen, Giambattista Valli, Stella McCartney, Manoush, D&G and Versace, the Gold label is definitely the highlight. I also found the skin care section exciting, with brands like Declor, Chanel, Malin+Goetz, and Philosophy.

Be sure to check it out tomorrow. And if you go, go early, because the first 1000 customers through the door get a £10 gift card.

Bebaroque sample sale

2010-11-23T21:28:00.004Z

The Scottish design duo who have taken the tights world by storm, whose designs are found in just about every fashion mag there is, will be holding a sample sale in Edinburgh. They're promising fantastic discounts and price cuts on all sale stock and original sample stock.

Though it's tights they're known for, they also produce a fab line of scarves and glittering body suits.

The sale is lasting for one day only. Just in time to start thinking about Christmas.

Date: Saturday 4th December
Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm
Venue: Unit 6 Albion Business Centre, 78 Albion Road, Edinburgh EH7 5QZ

www.bebaroque.co.uk

Spec-tastic

2010-11-20T13:55:00.006Z

It's a good time to be short sighted. Glasses are so very in, don't you know? Having worn glasses since I was about 12, the minute I get a whiff of a spec trend, I grab hold for dear life. This season it's the adorable 70s nerd look, with big lenses and skinny...legs? Temples? Arms? Whatever the bits that holds the whole apparatus on the head are called.I'd love to update my glasses look, but I'm a bit strapped for cash, so I chummed my friend Rhona around town to give her the benefit of my opinion as she tried different pairs at House of Fraser, Niche Optical Tailor, and Spec Savers. Everyone is entitled to my opinion, right?

House of Fraser has a large selection of designer frames, and is a good option if you don't want to spend a fortune but you don't want the frustration of going to Boots (I've had some bad experiences in Boots Opticians). Spec Savers is very reasonable, but I didn't see a single pair that stood out to me, and probably wouldn't go back. My favourite pairs were at Niche, and the customer service there is phenomenal, but you will end up spending about £100 or £200 more than at House of Fraser.

We discovered that not everyone suits that big lenses skinny legs look. Rhona has a narrow face, and felt that style wasn't for her. I tried on a few, but I have the opposite problem - my face is too wide. Oh well. There were still plenty of chic options, especially at Niche in the Merchant City. They stock brands you won't see anywhere else, including one that is hand made with care by a French woman and her family.

Rhona was very patient and kindly let me photograph her with different styles on. It actually might prove helpful for her later because she can go back and look at the pics and remind herself of which pairs she likes. This is another way in which Niche sets itself apart though, because they'll actually start a file for you and take a note of which styles you like so you can shop around and come back later.

So, now the pics:

House of Fraser

Niche Optical Tailor

New Outnet

2010-11-17T20:24:00.007Z

Outnet...new site...mobile...Alexander Wang.

Okay, breathe. Now complete sentences. The Outnet is celebrating the launch of their new-look website tomorrow by having a special Alexander Wang sale. Oh yeah. The new site will include a wish list capability (as if - as soon as I see something I like on the site, it sells out) and 'more product categories' which are currently shrouded in mystery, but will be announced next year.

On 30th November there will be a new version of the site designed to be viewed on your mobile. Judging by the mobile site already in use at Net-a-Porter, it will be way easier to use on devices like the iPhone. What else would you expect from the people that basically brought designer shopping into the digital age?

Okay, back to what we really care about - Mr Wang. I'm dying for these shoes:And this bag:And this top:Sigh.

November wish list

2010-11-09T13:13:00.006Z

Oh, November. I love autumn and I hate it at the same time. I love when the seasons change, the the leaves change colour, and I can start getting my cashmere out. But the gradual slide into near perpetual darkness does get me down, I have to admit.

So, I'm falling back on that old 'retail therapy' chestnut. Here's a wish list to cheer me up:

Gap cashmere wrap cardigan

Did someone just say cashmere? Oh yes, that was me. This cardigan from Gap gives you a lot of cashmere for a pretty reasonable price. And it's the colour that everyone loves this season.

ASOS soft military shirt

I love this style. My-wardrobe has versions by Equipment and Splendid, but why pay a-hundred-and-something for it when ASOS has one for £26? Seriously.

By Malene Birger Auver studded jersey t-shirt

Being a hopeless magpie, I love anything that sparkles. Like this fab party shirt by Malene Birger at Net-a-Porter.

Long Tall Sally Larch trousers

With a 35 to 36" inseam, my trouser options are somewhat limited. Long Tall Sally are good for basics that won't go out of style in a hurry. I love the check pattern on these.

Shearling trim flat boot

Traditionally, I do not like shearling on my shoes. I think it's because I tend to associate it with Uggs, which I hate with a passion. But with all the shearling around this season, designers seemed determined on reinvention. I do quite like these boots from Jaeger, without even a whiff of Ugg-ness about them.

Toscana tippet

If you love all the sheepskin that's saturating the designer and high street stores at the moment, but reluctant to go for the bulk or expense of a fully lined sheepskin coat, a shrug or scarf could be the answer. There was a Karl Donoghue shrug at the Outnet for about 5 minutes before it sold out, so I did a search and found Designer Leathercraft, run by Carol, a UK based designer who makes hand crafted shearling shrugs, scarves and tippets (in addition to coats and jackets). I bought an ivory shrug from her, which is beautiful and so soft. Her site is a bit confusing, but if you contact her she'll let you know what's available. She'll also make designs to order. Made to order pieces are more expensive, but her prices are very reasonable.

Filthy Gorgeous pit-stop

2010-11-02T13:37:00.005Z

House of Fraser isn't the only Glasgow department store that has undergone a major overhaul - the cosmetics hall Debenham's Argyle street store has also been totally revamped, with new additions like Illamasqua and Smash Box making the store a real beauty destination for me.

Filthy Gorgeous will also be luring me back again and again. It's a full 'beauty service apothecary and retail emporium' located in the Debenham's cosmetics hall. Aside from their menu of gorgeous services - manis, pedis, brow shaping, make-up, hair styling - the concession sells make-up and accessories you won't find anywhere else. The products that most impressed me were the pigment pots by Naked Cosmetics. These amazing, all natural multi-taskers can be used as anything from lipgloss to nail varnish, eye shadow to highlighters. Just the kind of products that make you want to calculate cost per use ratios.

You will also find jewellery, hair pieces, candles, hair products…the list goes on and on. And the menu of services is amazing - you can get anything from a £10 manicure that, at 10 minutes could easily fit in during your lunch break, to a full on 60 minute Rock star overhaul that includes their 3 week gel manicure, pedicure, brow shape, eyelashes, hair styling, and make-up. I think I'll try the Minx nail art when I go back (as seen in just about every fashion mag everywhere).

enquiries@filthygorgeous.com

October wish list

2010-10-26T11:41:00.006+01:00

Once again, I've waited so long to do my monthly wishlist, that it's practically November. So, without further ado, here it is:

Maison Martin Margiela (Untitled)

Several months ago, there was a flurry of blogger activity surrounding the release of the first scent from this beloved, avant garde fashion house. It wasn't until I was at House of Fraser last Wednesday that I finally got a chance to smell it. It was love at first sniff. I'm smitten. As soon as payday rolls around, It's mine.

Okay - ubiquitous scent description: "boxwood, galbanum, bitter orange and incense, along with jasmine, cedar and musk". If that doesn't conjure up enough for you, I find it woody yet sweet, with hints of citrus. But seriously, when I read perfume descriptions, I can never really anticipate what the real thing is going to smell like. If you haven't tried it already, you'll just have to go down to House of Fraser and try it yourself.

Maison Martin Margiela ankle boots

Speaking of Maison Martin Margiela, did you realise that the fashion house has an online shop? I'm totally in love with these boots, so the calculations have started in my head - what can I sell on eBay that will add up to £425…

Anya Hindmarch Fergus tote

The other thing I discovered when I went into House of Fraser, is that they've totally rearranged it again, and have added some very exciting labels. The one I'm most excited about is Anya Hindmarch, easily one of my favourite designer bag brands. It would be hard to pick out just one, but if I had to, I would say the large Fergus bag in black or light grey. It's big enough to carry absolutely everything, but still manages to look sophisticated and lady-like. I love the woven texture, the tassel, well, pretty much everything about it.

Rose gold sparrow and branch necklace

Lady-like really is one of the words de-jour. A hyphenate can be considered one word, right? This sweet little rose gold sparrow and branch necklace with its tiny black diamond eyes will have you feeling like a delicate flower. EC one is offering 20% off until 1 November if you use the code OCT20.

ASOS White leather belt cardigan

The ASOS White collection continues to be fabulous. The item that's currently saved in my shopping basket is this leather belt cardigan. I love the elbow patches. It actually reminds me of a sweater of my dad's that I saved from the charity shop pile back in the early 90s when we all wanted to dress like granddads.

I've been charmed

2010-10-22T14:07:00.005+01:00

Apparently designer jewellery website So Charming has been around since 2004. Why did I not know about this? And it does what it says on the tin. The site is packed with charming sparkly goodies and is well worth checking out.

And if you need more incentive, the lovely people at So Charming are offering Girl-e Glasgow readers 10% off purchases. Just use discount code: charm10

Here are some goodies on my wish list:

David Aubrey black glass earrings
Robindira Unsworth black garnet eternity ring Catherine Weitzman 18k gold vermeil and sapphire bracelet Kirstin Ash bicycle tales cuff Dogeared rose gold dipped textured hoop earrings

Woolly capers

2010-10-18T13:11:00.006+01:00

My office is so cold at the moment, it has me dreaming of capes. Not capes like this:

(Andy Kubert for DC Comics)

Maybe slightly more like this:

Well, really these:

Cooper & Stollbrand for ASOS checked cape

Pringle 1815 houndstooth wool-blend cape

Lounge Lover nub long-sleeved wrap

Zara mohair poncho

Zara studio woollen cape

ASOS hooded military cape

Paul & Joe Sister

The nights are drawing in...

2010-10-11T13:09:00.004+01:00

...and only the promise of champagne and Harvey Nichols could have lured me out of the flat this weekend. The champagne was at the Grand Central Hotel, with its pristine new art deco decor - it's all marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and silver geometric ceiling tiles. The Harvey Nichols was in the form of the new pop-up shop in St Enoch Centre.

The pop-up shop, with it's Christmas theme, was advertised as being full of foodie treats and luxury gifts. The foodie treats were definitely there, though I struggled to identify any luxury gifts. Though shop is disappointingly small (I guess that's to be expected with a pop-up), there were still plenty of treats that will make excellent hostess gifts during the holiday season. Here's my top 5 list:

Chase Marmalade Vodka

This vodka is made in limited numbers, and with its tangy orange flavour, would taste amazing in any number of Christmas (or should I say, Halloween?) cocktails.

Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

I haven't yet tried this combination of pomegranates, vodka and tequila, but I'm dying to.

The big yum chocolate covered pretzels

There is just something about the combination of chocolate and pretzels. For the unconverted - I don't know how to explain this, other than the sweetness of the chocolate and the saltiness of the pretzel just work. Trust me.

St Germain Elderflower Liqueur with cocktail carafe

I absolutely love this liqueur, and though I think of it as more of a summer drink, I'm never really going to turn it down.

Truly scrumptious cake stand

This adorable cardboard cake stand would make me feel like I was having tea in a dollhouse.

More iconic shoes at the Outnet

2010-10-11T12:41:00.003+01:00

The Outnet is having another spectacular pop-up sale, this time featuring footwear by fashion legend, Azzedine Alaia.

The sale starts tomorrow, and though it is meant to last a full week, there's no doubt these gorgeous babies will be sold out well before the weekend.

There will be more than 95 styles - here are some highlights: