26.12.2011- Monday Must-haves: Sale Steals Special

We're just one day after Christmas, and it can't have escaped your notice that the sales are already well underway. Call me a traditionalist, but I'm a firm believer that Boxing Day should be reserved for seeing family, tucking into turkey sandwiches and devouring a selection box of chocolate, and after working in retail at Christmas over the last two years, I can think of nothing worse than battling my way to the bargains currently on offer on the high street. However, I've been browsing online and have come across some amazing finds, so thought I'd share the cream of the sales crop in a special Monday Must-haves post:

The Mulberry sale kicked off online on Christmas Eve, and there are still some bargains available. I've long admired the Tillie from afar (even my Mum's a fan!) and can't quite get over how good the reduction is on this style- I might just give in and treat myself. I adore Alex Monroe's jewellery, and this heart design ring has been on my wish list for ages. At virtually half price, it really is a bargain that has to be snapped up (especially as I've still got a £50 Net-a-Porter voucher to use!) This blouse from Boutique by Jaegar is a beauty, and a real investment buy as it looks like collars are going to continue to be big fashion news as we move in to 2012. Paul & Joe's lipsticks are lovely, and I really like this vibrant pink shade- the perfect injection of colour for a gloomy January. You might remember I featured this lace blouse from Warehouse in a post back in September, and since then I've been waiting for it to be reduced- I eagerly ordered it in blue and pink as soon as I saw it was on sale! I adore this Mavala nail varnish trio from Debenhams, and at under £10 for three shades you really can't go wrong. Finally, this Michael Van der Ham design for Topshop is stunning, and ideal if you're looking to treat yourself to a designer item at high street prices- the sorbet pink is perfect for SS12 too.

Have you treated yourself to anything in the sales? And did you brave your local shopping centre today?

(Image credit: Mulberry, Net-a-Porter, House of Fraser, ASOS, Warehouse, Debenhams and Topshop.)

19.12.2011- Monday Must-haves: The Christmas Countdown

With less than a week to get those last minute pressies, this final installment of my Christmas themed Monday Must-haves focuses on gifts which are at the more luxurious end of the spectrum. Extra special presents for extra special people, if you will (or indeed if you're feeling guilty about leaving everything so late!)

Mulberry's book, created to celebrate their 40th anniversary is the perfect present for a fan of the label, and is a great coffee table title. This clutch bag from ASOS is a lovely shade of Christmas cranberry, and the ideal gift to complete any festive outfit. I adore this wall light from Habitat, and it's a really unusual present- if you're buying for someone who has just moved into a new house or flat, it'd be fantastic. Alternatively, I think it's a great option for someone who wants to redecorate or add that special touch to a room. Patrick Demarchelier's recently released book, Dior Couture, showcases some stunning images, and would be a dream present for anyone looking for some fashion inspiration. I've only just come across this amazing Christmas gift set from Liz Earle, and with the cold weather here to stay it's a really lovely treat to pamper someone with- it's certainly one of the items I'm hoping to find under the tree on Christmas morning! This Sonia Rykiel scarf is an instant classic, and the star print keeps it feeling festive. I've included the Westfield gift card as it would make a brilliant stress-free last minute present- they can be ordered and delivered up until Christmas Eve, and can carry any amount you choose. I was lucky enough to win one myself after entering the Westfield Style Notes Blogger Competition, and it can be used across the majority of luxury and high street stores in any Westfield shopping centre, so is perfect for someone who wants a splurge in Topshop or who might be saving up for a luxury treat. Finally, this gorgeous star ring by Swarovski is a stunning keepsake, and I think it's a really special present to give someone who deserves to wake up to a bit of sparkle on Christmas morning.

(Image credit: Mulberry, ASOS, Habitat, Amazon, Liz Earle, Net-a-Porter, Westfield and Swarovski.)

12.12.11- Monday Must-haves: The Christmas Countdown

My pick of Must-have Christmas gifts this week focuses on presents which fall under a £50 price tag. Whilst this array of gifts may be a touch more expensive than the under £20 picks I posted last week, I've tried to choose a selection of things which will last and which I think make for really special presents:

Whilst this lovely little lot might appear more than a little make-up heavy, Christmas always feels like the perfect occasion to invest in some appropriately festive cosmetics! This gift set from Nails Inc. consists of three beautifully glittering shades, and at £25 is pretty good value considering that their individual varnishes retail at £11 each. The Chanel eyeshadow has become a really coveted product, and I think this shimmering white shade is gorgeous- the perfect luxury treat for a make-up obsessive or someone who needs spoiling this Christmas. This set of eyeshadows from MAC is another really great value item as the six shades which are included are really versatile- it's also perfect for throwing in your handbag for emergency en-route make-up application, so I think it would really suit someone who's always in a rush. After spending the last six weeks entranced by Frozen Planet, I can think of nothing better than re-living the series again, and this book and DVD gift set (which is exclusive to Amazon) is amazing value- surely the perfect present for the infamous 'difficult to buy for' relative. This adorable set of cake tins from Cath Kidston are a fantastically practical present, and are ideal for someone who wants to develop their skills in the kitchen in 2012. Alternatively, this collection of Luxe City Guides is a great gift for someone resolving to broaden their horizons next year, encompassing top tips on a range of global cities including New York, Paris, Dubai and Sydney. I'm tempted to buy it for myself and work through a book per year! This stunning wall art from Urban Outfitters would make a really unusual present, and again is something which would last for ages. Finally, these Marc by Marc Jacobs earrings are amazing value at only £30- perfect for any fashion conscious friend.

Would you pick up any of these presents? And are you looking forward to Christmas?

(Image credit: Nails Inc., Amazon, Chanel, Cath Kidston, MAC, Urban Outfitters and my-wardrobe.com.)

05.12.11- Monday Must-haves: The Christmas Countdown

With less than three weeks to go until Christmas Day, it seems fitting that the Must-haves posts which I'm putting together for December should have a festive theme. I'm winning the war against my Christmas shopping at the moment, with only a few more things to pick up before I can sit down and enjoy a mince pie (or three!) However, as I've been browsing the shops over the last few weeks, I've been feeling quite uninspired by what I've seen and have found that the pennies don't seem to be stretching as far as I'd like them to. So, with this in mind, I've put together a little gift guide- this week featuring a whole hosts of items which come in at £20 or under- to offer a bit of thrifty present inspiration:

These cupcake moulds may just be my ideal present, combining two of my greatest loves in life: tea and cake. Perfect for a baking aficionado or a happy amateur (like me!), and a really cute present. I think this ring from Urban Outfitters is lovely too- it's a really great way to give a personalised gift without breaking the bank. I included this beautiful notebook from Topshop as I think it's a perfectly practical gift, whether it's for someone who loves making lists or who has a long list of resolutions which they intend to conquer in 2012. My Week with Marilyn (the book by Colin Clark upon which the recently released film is based) would be a brilliant present for any Marilyn fan, or for anyone who has had their curiosity sparked after seeing the film. This ring from Accessorize is beautifully ornate, and would be a lovely finishing touch to any festive outfit (and perfect for a jewellery magpie like me!) Again, no party season would be complete without the perfect red lipstick, and this offering from Paul and Joe is the perfect shade of Christmas cranberry. Speaking practically once again, this adorable jewellery holder from Forever 21 is an ideal gift, which I'm sure would prove invaluable all year round. This Whittard cup and saucer set is a beautifully ornate present for any tea obsessive- although I almost think it's too pretty to use! Finally, this Yves Saint Laurent colouring book is a steal at under £5, and is the perfect way to incorporate a touch of (affordable!) high fashion magic into Christmas.

How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping? And what do you think of my under £20 picks?

(Image credit: Amazon, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Accessorize, Paul & Joe, Forever 21 and Whittard.)

14.11.2011- Monday Must-haves

Monday again! I really can't get my head around how quickly this year has flown by- and, with only a few weeks until my 22nd birthday (aaah!), this week's Must-haves post is dedicated to lots of lovely things I wouldn't mind receiving as pressies!

I was browsing ASOS over the weekend (whilst cheekily snapping up some lovely pieces as part of their special 10% off promotion!), and came across this beautiful blouse by Sister Jane. I adore how simple it is, and the embellished collar detail is the perfect touch of sparkle now we're heading into 'party season'. This ring from Accessorize is so cute, and the shopper from Warehouse is just about big enough to fit all of my essentials in- I love the metallic touches too. I spied this jumper in Zara last week, and fell in love as soon as I tried it on- the photo really doesn't do it justice. The only thing which put me off snapping it up on the spot was the 'wash factor'- I think one blast in the machine at 30 degrees and it'd be finished. I'm happy to be proved wrong though, so if you've bought one and it's survived a spin in the wash then please do let me know! These ballet pumps from H&M are very reminiscent of Chanel, and a complete steal at £12.99. Finally, this beautiful burnt red beret was another item I spotted in Zara last week, and I think it's the perfect festive touch as we head into December.

Have you bought anything in the last week? And what items are on your wish list at the moment?

(Image credit: ASOS, Accessorize, Warehouse, Zara and H&M.)

07.11.2011- Monday Must-haves

This week's Must-haves post is uncharacteristically co-ordinated, but, as we head deeper into winter, I'm finding myself being drawn to darker colours and pieces I know I'll be able to rely upon as the weather worsens:

As soon as I saw this dress, it rocketed straight to the top of my shopping list. I adore this style of clothing- relaxed, comfortable and classically stylish. I've picked up a few pieces from Vaudeville and Burlesque at Urban Outfitters before and have been really impressed with the quality and fit, and the versatility of this smock dress means that it works out as quite affordable (and much less of a guilty splurge!) if we look at it on a cost-per-wear basis. This horse print top from H&M is charming- I adore the photo print, and it's perfect for teaming with a pair of jeans and a chunky cardigan for the winter. I've also been drawn to hats quite a lot over the last few weeks, which has resulted in some mixed fortunes. Embarrassingly enough, I seem to possess an abnormally large head, which means as a rule I normally have to buy hats from the menswear section. Bad times. However, this hat from Miss Selfridge could be the one to break the curse- I just love how simple it is and it would be perfect for the colder weather. This ring from Whistles is so cute, and instantly reminded me of Christmas- I'm thinking of buying it just to remind me that I must start my present buying sooner rather than later! These River Island boots are also ideal for negotiating puddles/snow/soggy leaves, and look to be the perfect halfway house between the ultra-trendy Chelsea style and a more traditional design. Finally, this gorgeous black blouse from Monki is the perfect take on florals for the chillier months, and is another really versatile find.

What do you think of my picks for this week? And have you picked up any winter essentials yet?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Miss Selfridge, Whistles, River Island and Monki.)

24.10.2011- Monday Must-haves: Warehouse Special

Believe it or not, this month the fabulous Warehouse is celebrating its 35th birthday (looking good, no?) I've always loved their sophisticated approach to style, and the quality of the designs they produce is second to none on the high street. So, with this special anniversary in mind, this week's Must-haves is dedicated to a selection of Warehouse's lovely offerings for this season:

I spied this coat whilst having a cheeky browse in store with Sarah last week, and have been contemplating buying it ever since. I think there's something really classic about it (excellent cost-per-wear justification!) and it taps into the androgynous trend perfectly. Warehouse always create the most beautiful blouses, and the three I've included here are no exception- I'll be looking to snap each one up in the January sales. I've always loved their bags too (I own a good armful as it is!) and I've been debating adding to my collection ever since seeing this patent number online a few months back. Finally, I mentioned in this post that they have some lovely jewellery in stock at the moment- these earrings and this friendship bracelet have shot straight to the top of my wishlist.

Warehouse are running a range of special events and competitions to celebrate their 35th birthday, and you can find out more on their website.

Also, if you've picked up a copy of ELLE this month, then there's a lovely 25% off voucher on page 368 which is redeemable both online and in Warehouse stores nationwide. I know I'll be putting mine to good use before it expires!

(Image credit: Warehouse.)

17.10.2011- Monday Must-haves

This week's Must-haves is a bit of an odd, uncoordinated selection, but I've seen so many lovely pieces over the last week that this seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to gather everything in one place to form a sort of 'wishful thinking' shopping list:

I've had my eye on this jumper from River Island for ages, but was reluctant to spend a whopping £38 on it. When I saw today that it had been reduced in the sale, I added it straight to this post. I love the burnt red colour and think it would be a welcome addition to my wardrobe now that the colder weather is well and truly upon us! I fell in love with this New Look blouse as soon as I saw it- a floral print and peter pan collar? I'm sold. I adore the colour of these jazz shoes from Office, and after buying a gold pair a few years back I know that they'd be really comfy (as old as that sentence makes me sound!) Monki is a label I've read a lot about recently, and, after receiving a catalogue in the post last week I had a quick browse of their website- needless to say I had to restrain myself from adding everything in sight to my basket! I love this dress as it is so simple and the deep blue colour is gorgeous- it would also look amazing dressed up with this embellished collar from Miss Selfridge. Finally, after buying a beautiful deep berry lip marker from Topshop last winter, I was hoping they'd add to their range with some new colours- and suffice it to say they've come up trumps again with this new addition to their make up collection. Now I just need to win the lottery...

What do you think of my picks for this week? And what have you bought recently?

(Image credit: River Island, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Monki, Office and New Look.)

10.10.2011- Monday Must-haves

Another week has flown by, and I hope you all had lovely weekends. It seems like I say the same thing every Monday, but I really can't believe how quickly the weeks are flying by...before we know it Christmas will be upon us! With this in mind, this week's Monday Must-haves features some suitably festive items...

As soon as I saw these shoes from very.co.uk, I fell in love with them! They really remind me of a Miu Miu pair, but at £38 are a fraction of the price. The chunky heel is the perfect antidote to falling over and looking like a wally, which, if you're anything like me, you'll be very thankful for (especially at a Christmas/New Year party!) This Pins & Needles Blouse from Urban Outfitters really caught my eye as I love the colour, and I think it'd be perfect for layering as the weather turns chillier. Although some might say featuring two blouses with a bow detail in one post is overkill, after I spied this New Look top on Sarah's blog, I couldn't resist including it...it's so cute and I love the scalloped edges on the collar and cuffs. The sudden change in weather over the last week has also made me realise that I need to stock up on jumpers, and this vibrant pink number from River Island would be a beautiful bright addition to my wardrobe over the winter. I adore this vintage tea dress from Rokit- the floral print is stunning, the style is so flattering and the peter-pan collar is perfectly on trend, plus you know it's the kind of piece that would never really date. Finally, these earrings from H&M are amazing value for £3.99 (there's something a little Mulberry about them too, don't you think?), and I've been after a ring similar to this one from Accessorize for ages- an early Christmas to myself present perhaps?

Have you bought anything over the last week? And what do you think of my choices?

(Image credit: Rokit, New Look, H&M, very.co.uk, Urban Outfitters, River Island and Accessorize.)

03.10.2011- Monday Must-haves: Breast Cancer Care Special Edition

Can you believe it's October already? The year has absolutely flown by! This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it seems fitting to dedicate Monday Must-haves this week to the lovely selection of special items which you can buy and show your support for Breast Cancer Care.

Each of these special pink products has been specially created for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a percentage of the proceeds from every item sold is donated to Breast Cancer Care. The donation varies from item to item, so it's worth checking the website to see the whole range of products. I love the Le Creuset Strawberry Tea collection, and think the Morphy Richards kettle compliments the set perfectly. This lace top from Warehouse is a beautiful colour, and the Dorothy Perkins wristband is a great way to show your support for the campaign (wearing your support on your sleeve if you like!) Crabtree & Evelyn have also created this lovely bright pink printed tote bag, and this pendant from QVC adds the perfect touch of glamour to an outfit especially if, like me, you are a hazard in high heel and can't wear the real things! 

You can view the whole range of products at the Breast Cancer Care website. Stylist have also created a special 'Style List' themed around the campaign, so be sure to have a look at some of the other lovely items you can buy throughout October to show your support.

Will you be buying anything to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

(Image credit: Breast Cancer Care and Stylist.)

26.09.2011- Monday Must-haves

Monday again! I hope you all had great weekends. I had a very busy day yesterday which involved being bombarded by sales staff left, right and centre at London Fashion Weekend, an impromptu picnic in St. James' Park and finally visiting the Glamour of the Gods exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery which I posted about back in July. You must go if you get the chance, it's wonderful, and every inch as glamorous as you'd expect (think Veronica Lake, Gary Cooper, Clara Bow and Cary Grant to name but a few). Anyway, back to business- my Must-haves for this week:

This week's selection is quite an odd mixture, but when I saw the bargain prices of some of the items I've had my eye on for a while I couldn't resist including them. I love this ring from Oasis as it really reminds me of the YSL Arty range, and at a mere £8 is a fraction of the price. I spied this Olivia Rubin top during London Fashion Weekend yesterday (their sales staff were lovely!) and really regret not buying it then and there. I've admired Olivia's work for a long time, and the print on this design is just beautiful and unlike anything I've seen anywhere else...thank heavens for online shopping! These boots from Office were at the top of my wish list this time last year, but as you can imagine I was reluctant to shell out nearly £100 for them. Now they've been reduced to £55 in the sale just in time for winter, so it would be rude not to snap them up! Talking of winter, how adorable is this jumper from Topshop??! I am thinking of getting it just to confuse my cats (and trust me, they are easily confused!) These Giles & Brother earrings are beautiful, and with the £50 Net-A-Porter voucher I got at Fashion's Night Out, would only be £15. Finally, this lace top from Warehouse is perfectly pretty- I adore the deep blue shade and doesn't it match the ring perfectly? Anyone would think I plan these posts!

What do you think of my choices for this week? And did you have a good weekend?

(Image credit: Warehouse, Oasis, Olivia Rubin, Office, Topshop and Net-A-Porter.)

19.09.2011- Monday Must-haves: ASOS special

Hello! Hope you all had a lovely weekend- I spent mine catching up on all of the action from London Fashion Week, and am already struggling to whittle down my favourite collections. In celebration of all things LFW, ASOS are running a special promotion- just enter the code 'HAPPYLFW' at the checkout for 20% off all full-price items (offer runs for a limited time only). With this amazing promotion in mind, it would be rude not to dedicate this weeks Must-haves post to my current pick of the ASOS crop:

I've loved this cream swing dress since I spied it as a possible back up graduation dress (I hate last minute outfit panics!), and the detailing is beautiful. This faux-fur collar is the perfect way to update last season's coat for this winter, and the ribbon tie is so cute. I've chosen this pleated maxi skirt as I'm desperate to find one which suits me- the colour of this one is lovely and perfect for autumn (although I'm not too sure it would withstand the blustery weather so well!) I adore this ladylike blouse, and again the colour is gorgeous. Finally, I never really take much notice of ASOS jewellery, but this necklace and ring are really different and unlike anything I've seen in the shops, so I might just take the plunge and purchase!

What do you think of my picks for this week? Has anything caught your eye recently?

(Image credit: ASOS.)

05.09.2011- Monday Must-haves: Winter Coat edition

Hello my lovelies! Hope you all had wonderful weekends. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I honestly can't believe it's September already- the year has really flown by. Whilst I'm not really looking forward to the winter (dark mornings are the creation of the devil), one thing I am excited about is shopping for some new season essentials. So, with that in mind, this week's Must-haves post is appropriately winter themed, and features my pick of the best new season coats I've seen so far:

I have to confess, I'm a bit of a coat addict. Every year I vow not to cave in and buy myself a new one, and every year, without fail, I fail! I love this mustard yellow swing coat from Topshop, the bright colour would be the perfect boost during the gloomy winter months and the 60s inspired shape is bang on trend. I've yet to be convinced by capes (the idea of being exposed to a draught is one which makes me flinch!) but this gorgeous brown version from ASOS might just convert me- it certainly looks lovely and cosy. The classic camel coat will be forever stylish, and the belt detail on this one from Diana Vickers' collection for Very creates the perfect cinched in shape, and the colour is heavenly. I love the aviator style collar on this Pins & Needles trench from Urban Outfitters, and the muted neutral tones make it a really versatile piece. Finally, I think this Darling coat may just be the perfect addition to any wardrobe for AW11; it incorporates three trends in one- the collar detail, princess shape and deep burgundy colour. Decisions, decisions...

Have you picked up your winter coat yet? And what do you make of my choices for this week?

(Image credit: Topshop, ASOS, very.co.uk and Urban Outfitters.)

29.08.2011- (Bank Holiday) Monday Must-haves

Hello lovelies! Hope you've all had a lovely, relaxing Bank Holiday Monday. My productive morning slid into a very lazy afternoon, as I fell asleep watching The Incredibles (how rock and roll of me!)...but if you can't indulge in a mid-afternoon nap at the Bank Holiday than when can you? Luckily, I'm now wide awake and here with my must-haves for this week:

This week's 'Must-haves' is a bit of a dress fest, but as autumn fast approaches I'm going to be stocking up on versatile styles which I can team with tights, boots and woolly jumpers to keep the cold at bay! This swing dress from ASOS is at the top of my 'winter dresses' list, I love the shape and the lace detailing, plus the turn-down collar is oh-so trendy. I saw this leopard print drop-waisted dress in Zara at the weekend, and instantly fell in love with the colours...perfectly autumnal. As a rule I'm not a big fan of leopard print (I always think there's a fine line between looking stylish and channelling the first lady of leopard, HRH Bet Lynch) but I love that this print isn't too gaudy. I also picked this failsafe floral number from New Look, as I think it would look perfect with a chunky knit and is a definite keeper for the summer months too. I was really drawn to the muted colours of this top from Oasis, and love the cut too. I fell in love with this ring from Whistles after spying it on Vicky's blog a while ago, and am including it here as a reminder to myself to buy it soon...simply too cute. Finally, I got a little bit too excited when Topshop dropped their new season make-up online last week, as I'm a massive fan of their lipsticks (they have amazing staying power). This baby pink shade is perfect, and I've been after a similar colour for ages (can you tell I'm trying to justify adding to my rapidly expanding collection?!)

What bits and pieces have you got your eye on at the moment? And what do you think of my picks for this week?

(Image credit: ASOS, Oasis, Topshop, Zara, New Look and Whistles.)

22.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Hello lovelies! I've just about gathered myself after my earlier post! Hope you're all having a beautiful start to the week. Here's my round up of everything I'm currently coveting (and trying to make space for in my wardrobe!)

I've posted about these paperbag style skirts from New Look before, and, after picking up the dusty pink version for a bargain price of £15 in the sale, I've now got my eye on these other colours- the deep red one is edging ahead at the moment. Another coat from Oasis after last week's post (sorry for being so predictable!) but when I saw this gorgeous 60s style mac I couldn't resist including it. I've posted before about my hunt for the perfect Breton top, and after a few unsuccessful purchases, I stumbled across this one from French Connection, which I've got very high hopes for! Inkeeping with the rather Parisian flavour, I've included these pale pink French Sole ballet pumps...a girl can dream, right? And after seeing this beautiful ring over at the Temporary:Secretary store, I had to feature it- so cute. Finally, this Tesco tote is too much of a bargain to refuse and this lovely lace top from Urban Outfitters has been on my 'to buy' list for ages.

Did you have a good weekend? And what items are you coveting at the moment?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters, Temporary:Secretary, New Look, Oasis, French Connection, French Sole and Tesco.)

15.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a lovely weekend. Here we are again at the start of another week, so once again I've put together my wishlist. To be honest, I'm in a bit of a style rut at the moment, but I put that down to the time of the year- jeans are becoming my 'go to' option in this ever changing climate of ours! Nevertheless, I've picked out a few pieces I've got my eye on:

A few months ago I picked up the blue version of this Topshop dress after hunting high and low for it- it's now fast become a favourite in my wardrobe and is really versatile. When I saw the pink version online last week, I was very tempted to order it but I think it's one of those pieces you need to see in store before buying. Every winter I'm always tempted by a new coat and over the last few years have accumulated a fair few. This camel number from Oasis is already a firm favourite; I love the cut, colour and the cute fur collar. Another few pieces from Topshop in the form of this lovely sequin tee (I love the contrast between the blue and gold) and these boots, which I love but am fairly sure would make my feet look even more enormous than they already are (I'm a UK 8!) This jumper from Warehouse is also really versatile and I can see it lasting from the start of autumn right through the winter, and the touch of sparkle is adorable. I'm also really tempted to invest in a denim shirt after seeing Michelle's post on how they can be styled, and these earrings from Urban Outfitters were too cute to resist.

Before signing off, I just want to say something about the terrible riots, looting and arson which hit the UK last week. Croydon is my local town and it was heartbreaking to see places that I know and love destroyed, and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. I realise it might seem a bit frivolous posting about shopping when there are far bigger things going on right now, but I'm a great believer in the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' mentality, so thought it best to post as normal. Just thought it couldn't go unacknowledged, and again massive love to anyone who has been affected ♥.

(Image credit: Topshop, Warehouse, Urban Outfitters, New Look and Oasis.)

08.08.2011- Monday Must-haves: tba edition

I was all set to put together a 'Must-haves' post for today, but as soon as I saw these lookbook images for tba's AW11 collection, my planned post went out of the window! Back in April I blogged about having a sneaky press day preview of the collection, and have since been waiting with baited breath for the lookbook showcasing the full range of designs for AW11. I fear like I'm starting to sound a bit like a broken record where my love for this label is concerned, but I can't help but adore every collection they produce. So, with this in mind, this week's 'Monday Must-haves' post is dedicated to these gorgeous pieces which have firmly cemented themselves at the top of my wishlist for the new season:

Eva Dress

Gemma Dress

Ivana Blouse

Katya Dress

Yina Dress

Aimee Coat

So cute, right? You can have a look at the whole collection on tba's facebook page. I'm off to start saving my pennies!

What do you think of tba's AW11 looks? Are you a fan of the label?

(Image credit: tba.)

01.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Pinch punch! Can you believe it's August already? I hope you're having a lovely start to the month (isn't the weather fantastic?!), mine has been rather eventful so far, with a horrible journey home thanks to a burst water main- cue chaos at every train station between London and the south coast, emergency replacement bus kerfuffle and me nearly exploding when barricaded onto said bus by a mountain of suitcases! Anyway, I'm home now and here with some Monday Must-haves to cheer myself up:

I fell in love with these Dune pumps as soon as I saw them- they are just too cute and the pastel pink colour is adorable. If you're a regular reader then you'll know I'm obsessed with floral prints, so couldn't resist including this dress from Miss Selfridge- the black background makes it perfect for the transition between seasons. I've admired this beautiful perfume bottle from Urban Outfitters from afar for ages, and, now that it's been reduced in the sale, it would be rude not to snap it up as a mini-vase for my bedroom. I spied this metallic shopper from Zara in store last week and it's already rocketed up my wish list- it's such a classic shape and colour that I don't think it would ever date (and as an added bonus it's big enough to fit all of my junk handbag essentials in!) This bracelet caught my eye as I think it's quite unusual and I've been meaning to pick up some new pieces like it for a while. Finally, although it might seem like I'm tempting fate by including an umbrella, I couldn't resist the print- it may also come in very handy should any water mains decide to explode/implode/cause general mayhem in the future!

How has your Monday been? And what do you make of my picks for this week?

(Image credit: Topshop, Miss Selfridge, John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, River Island and Zara.)

25.07.2011- Monday Must-haves

Typical. The moment I come up with a knitwear themed post, we experience what feels like a mini-heatwave. I suppose it just serves me right for being uber-organised, eh? Anyway, this week's must-haves post features some of the gorgeous jumpers which are already making their way into the shops in preparation for winter:

A few years ago I bought some gorgeous jumpers which are now either a) too big for me or b) too small for me (having been shrunk in the wash). Whenever it's freezing cold in the winter, I go to reach for a cosy jumper only to discover pretty poor selection, some of which would even look small on Thumbelina! I've adored this River Island jumper for ages, and think it's a really versatile piece- it would look great with jeans or over a cute tea dress. I love the vibrant colours of these knits from Oasis, so refreshing to see something for winter that's not black or grey! This adorable pink number from Rokit has just shot straight to the top of my wishlist, it's a stunning colour and incorporates a big trend for the coming season- the collar. You can't go wrong with an oversize cardigan from Topshop, and I adore the chunky buttons on this mohair version. And whilst this embroidered jumper from Monsoon is a touch on the expensive side, I think it would look fabulous teamed with a blood red pleated midi skirt (dare I utter the phrase Christmas party outfit?!)

I'm off to evaluate my knitwear collection make space for some more clothes in my wardrobe.

Do you think it's too early to be looking at winter clothes in July? And what are your thoughts on my picks for this week?

(Image credit: River Island, Oasis, Rokit, Topshop and Monsoon.)

18.07.2011- Monday Must-haves

After a little break, 'Monday Must-haves' is back with a rather autumnal feel (which seems oddly appropriate given the awful weather!)

I stumbled across these loafers from Tesco whilst having a browse on their website over the weekend, and was amazed at how much of a bargain they are! They're a perfect caramel colour for the autumn, and I adore the patent effect. And for £14 you can't really go wrong can you?! I love this blouse from Miss Selfridge, and the ankle boots are a must-have for any winter wardrobe, especially if (and not wishing to tempt fate at all!) we have a repeat of last year's horrible snow. I've been after some stag earrings for ages (which I put down to a childhood obsession with The Animals of Farthing Wood!)- these beauties from New Look are lovely and such good value at under £3. The Topshop website has also steadily been updated over the last week with some pieces from their AW11 collection, and this beret caught my eye as it's so cute and very reminiscent of a Chanel-esque elegance. Finally, I included this scarf from Warehouse as I love the vibrant colours and it's a much more affordable alternative to some similar styles from the Mulberry SS11 range.

Have you bought anything recently? And is there anything you've seen recently which you're currently coveting?

(Image credit: Tesco, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Warehouse and New Look.)