Return to the 90s

I would like to share my love of 90s fashion with the world.

My Saturday night was spent applying blue eye shadow, donning a sequinned crop top and sticking on bindis, I felt wonderful. 

I find it quite amusing to think of the 90s as an era in fashion as I was 4 when it all begun. My memory of the 90s involved learning the dance routines if my favourite pop stars and bands, wearing leggings and baggy jumpers (occasionally fleeces) and wishing I had long hair. This weekend I saw the era of my childhood as a melting pot of cultural collision. 

My outfit choice was completely composed of clothing which I have bought recently and wear in my current life, the combination was not one which I would ever have chosen for a Saturday night of hitting Edinburgh's classy and sophisticated bars. 

It begins with the sequinned crop top which I bought from Topshops website in a moment of boredom having browsed the blog shots on Pinterest. I hadn't worn it yet, saving it to peek under a sheer black blouse as an alternative to a simple black bra. 

The second addition was my new tartan treggings, purchased last week also from the reliable topshop. These will also be worn with my sheer black blouse with some nude heeled pumps.

I slouched into my gold and cream Nike high tops, fastened my old baby G style rave watch and twisted my hair back into little butterfly clips. My look was based on Gwen Stefani and her collaboration of ska and pop music and fashion.

The most terrifying prospect of a 90s themed party was having to apply the retro make up. As those of you who know me are aware my make up look is very natural and understated. I do like a bold lip but my fair hair and skin don't really suit dramatic looks and I rarely wear eye make up other than mascara. The blue eye shadow  and drawn on eyebrows which I opted for are not a look which I will be repeating any time soon. I did however love my purple bindi (I originally opted for yellow but it blended into my skin too much) to the point that I have kept it for repeated use. 

I had great fun dressing up and prancing about to 90s pop but did get some very strange looks and double takes when walking along Nicolson Street. I admire 90s fashion for embracing colour, ethnic         

 and cultural diverisy and the trends sparked by a rise in musical genres. 

I have decided to be a little more adventurouse with my clothing combination choices based on the 

excitement I experienced on Saturday night, Rave in friends!

Lovecrumbs

Oh how I love a good cake! As many of you know I'm an enthusitic baker and like nothing more than an outing to a quaint little cafe for a spot of tea and a sugar fix.
My new favourite haunt for such indulgences has to be Lovecrumbs, a refurbished tearoom on West Port between Edinburgh's Grassmarket and Tollcross areas (known to locals as the pubic triangle due to the large number of strip clubs!).
The shop has a bit of a ramshackle vintage feel to it. It is an airy open space with dark walls and turquoise pinted tables. The space has a really current and elegant edge which feels conpletely unique, displaying their cakes and pastries in 60s wardrobes and on wonderfully open, uncluttered windowsills.
If the interiors sound good the cakes were something else, brownies, scones, tarts and sponges with unusual combinations of flavours. I chose to go for a fig and rose layered sponge (it was so so pretty) which had a beautiful light delicate taste when I could finally stop staring at it! The tea was served in pretty vintage china cups with a little chopstick holding a bag of loose tea leaves, I really did feel like I was at a geishas house!
I think it's safe to sat that I will be frequenting lovecrumbs on days off work for a drawn out cake fix so long as the ques don't get too long, what a wonderful and unique find, I can't wait to return!

Sunny days

I am not the most tolerant local when it comes to the Edinburgh festival and tend to stick around my immediate neighbourhood of Causewayside as any further and I would be stuck in muddle of zombified tourists and mental performers and promotors who seem to be on a combination of ecstasy and red bull.... Bearing in mind my movement limitations I decided to explore a venue on my doorstep which I pass everyday, Summerhall (the former Royal Dick vet school). The building itself is beautifully grand and has a real presence about it with a grand facade and beautiful staircase, it has become a centre for the arts with studios and spaces for workshops. Summerhall are currently displaying an exhibition by Jean Pierre Muller, a Belgian artist who has incorporated music and visuals in small beach style huts, colour, musical notes and association were vital to the work and it really brightened the space. I added some colour into ny wardrobe too with a some lemonade pointelle socks with scalloped edges, worn with zip side jeans. I might pop on some tab sandals for drinks later but for the time being flossys will have to do...

Summer colour palette

This is exactly what I would love from a summer wardrobe! It has been difficult to incorporate a great deal of these ice cream shades into outfits, that is until the Edinburgh international arts festival began yesterday.

The weather might not have improved but there is a definite buzz in the air mixed with colourful performers and even more colourful festival workers!

It might be long overdue but it feels as though summer is FINALLY here!

Bit of sunshine on a rainy day!

Waiting for the movie to begin, got our usual sofa!! I love the feel of this original 1950s cinema, they still have a lot of the original features and the building is certainly one of Edinburgh's hidden gems.

http://www.dominioncinemas.net

Yoga drive

Getting back on it! Nice little post work yoga sesh! This involved a few sun salutations followed by some intense finishing poses aka lying down starfished for 1/2 an hour! I have some fabulous Adidas hogs leggings which are so super soft that I would happily wear them to work if grooming and appearance weren't so necessary. I've had A quick browse on comfort fashion faves American apparel and found these little babes of outfit builders, wonder if Edinburgh's yoga scene would be ready for this?

Just need to get the body now!More ideas to follow.....

Pretty pictures!

I really appreciate a pretty card and will always spend a bit of extra time looking off the perfect option for birthdays and occasions. You can imagine my delight when I received this total BABE of a greeting from my Mama!

The card is by Rosie Wonders and the website has loads of alphabet images and pretty quirky occasion cards for weddings and new babies. The typography and handwriting practice lines are quite unique and with Selfridges buying into the brand I'm sure they will soon expand their lines to all sorts of lovely goodies!I love the icey blue and red combination which is beautiful in small scale. I love the idea of using it in other combinations, especially cups and plates. I pinned an image recently of a besutiful front door using these colours, minus the obligatory glitter used on the card.

So having spent the last two weeks of all the spare time which I have had painting I now feel like I have been reunited with my old friend, the blog!! Over the last few weeks I've been a bit obsessed with decorating which means painting clothes so I've been spending quite a few lunch breaks in topshop and planning outfits in my head. I've been really inspired by neon colour integrated with neutrals and have been pinning interiors and outfits on my overflowing pinterest boards! I found these pretty earings in H+M, they're very similar to the type of thing which I would usually choose to wear and look great with a low dishevelled bun!

According to a reliable source these have appeared as Grazia magazines top must have this week, what can I say...

Getting my wires crossed

I walked past this the other day and stopped to ask the engineer if I could take a quick pic.

He explained to me that it is a lot easier to use than it looks and colours work with numbers to connect. He was very enthusiastic about it and I couldn't help wanting to untangle the wires.

 It would make an amazing drawn print and I couldn't find anything similar when I searched for wire prints online.

Another day off, another rainy day! To cure my cravings for some colour in my life I popped into Topshop and picked up this 'fruit salad' inspired top which took me back to my childhood and the excitement of choosing 20 penny sweeties, bought with my pocket money.

The top actually has orange sleeves which you can't really see in the picture. I will probably wear this with my Suki black lace jeans and some very high shoes. The shape of this top is great for making an outfit a little bit more demure for drinks with friends or supper with friends.

My jaunt took me past the new Olympic rings on the mound which do look incredible.It's really nice to have some colour on the mound and an installation in the 'Christmas tree' space.  I missed the Edinburgh link in the torch relay and Emeli Sande performance which I'm a bit gutted about, though there is a lot happening in the city at the moment to keep me occupied.

The Edinburgh International Film festival begins next week and part of the warm up is the outdoor screening of some classic films in St Andrews Square over the weekend. I would love to see breakfast at Tiffanys which is showing tomorrow at lunch time (popcorn for lunch, yes please), lets hope that the weather brightens up a bit. I'm going to have a proper look at the film guide this afternoon and narrow down the options, there are loads of amazing looking film, including international films from Japan, Denmark and Argentina to name a few....

Rain rain go away

It's June, it's grey outside, it's raining. I really need to accept that this is the way Scottish summers are, contrary to the TV adverts encouraging us all to have a staycation and head for the coast (where I'm sure the wind and rain are even worse).

This has not stopped me lusting after espadrilles, summer dresses and outfit building in my head in preparation for the sun's appearance, but in the meantime, I am dressing in woollen tights paired with Breton stripes and light knitwear to give a summery feel to more practical clothing. I obviously had to wear my Noah's ark necklace from topshop to get into the rainy spirit. Printed scarves and simple bags make this an understated daytime look which is lightened by the weight of the scarf (also useful as shelter from the rain so they should be the larger variety). An umbrella is obviously essential and you can't beat a bit of summer aztec to add a pop or two of colour to an outfit! Be warned though, if you are visiting Edinburgh, a hat is a much better idea. Wind is a permanent feature of the city and does effect how I dress, following a few unfortunate moments when wearing floaty skirts and dresses in very busy public areas. My advise is to always look at the trees outside before leaving the house, I base many of my clothing decisions on the branches  outside the windows of my flat!

So having dressed particularly well for the conditions whilst still incorporating summer clothes (I am determined to have a summer) I visited a few of the museums on the Royal Mile. Friday is always a busy day around the city, with half days at schools and tourists arriving for the weekend, so the smaller museums seemed an ideal choice.

I visited the Museum of Edinburgh, which has been recently renovated and has a lot of random artifacts, including greyfriars bobby's bowl and collar and a piece of wood from the witches tree which was in Princes street Garden.  There is a decent amount of information about the central city and particularly the Cannongate where it is based and was interesting from a locals perspective.

After this I crossed the road to the People's museum, to specifically look for some artefact's which were donated from my Great Grandmothers house. There were no records of donation on the items but I have been told that several of her kitchen utensils were there, I wonder how long they will remain there for as they become older.....This museum  tells stories about characters who lived in Edinburgh through the ages but is quite dated, with a real 80s feel. It had more of a social history feel, the clue is in the name.


In other news I made a delicious coconut, banana and cherry loaf from a Nigella Lawson recipe. I sometimes 'accidentally' leave bananas to ripen just so I can make a yummy cake and this one is definitely a new favourite!

The rest of the day will be taken up eating the pictured cake, avoiding Euro 2012 and watching movies.... I guess I do quite enjoy a rainy day, but only occasionally!!

To buy or not to buy....

These topshop shoes are hot stuff and would look fabulous with my bright pink jeans and a stripey breton top.... I've planned my outfits around these already, may as well just click the 'buy' button.... Any thoughts on these?

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5694617&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208542&parent_categoryId=208492&pageSize=200

Le weekend wooooooooooohhhhhh

I'm finishing the jubilee weekend with a big smile on my face, with two more days to go of some British themed fun!

I enjoyed an afternoon of indulgent spending on Friday at the Bebaroque sample sale. Bebaroque is run by Scottish designers Chloe and Mhairi who produce the most incredible luxurious embellished legwear and bodies. The products are all designed and produced in Scotland and are so intricate that they have achieved a worldwide following appearing in high fashion magazines including Vogue UK, Italy and Russia and hipster magazines 'Nylon' and 'Dazed and Confused'. I already own a pair of mustard tights with a huge black feather printed up one leg which have gained a lot of attention when worn as daywear and paired with short dresses and high heels for nights on the razz, so was keen to expand my personal collection! http://bebaroque.com/ - you have got to have a peek at the website.

I knew that this embroidered and embellished 'Rosa' body had to be in my life as soon as I set my eyes on it, it sounds so cheesy but it is everything I could ask for in a piece of clothing! It reminds me of a favourite childhood book 'The twelve dancing princesses' (magical and aspirational, I always wanted to be the one with the green and pink dress accessoried with a cone headdress) crossed with a ballet costume. I love anything with roses on (might have something to do with my name....) and can't beat a bit of embroidery so it is my idea of pretty perfection. I know it's a bit O.T.T but I'm considering pairing it with my embellished All Saints skirt with a low kitten heel, ballerina bun and demure, nearly bare, make up. I might have to host a pretty in pink party.... watch this space!

Further to my jubilee references, I enjoyed more Marks and Spencers jubilee packaged goods. I'm clearly taken in by the illustrations and will be quite sad when they are gone. Here are some of the images from todays lunch.

The images are reminiscent of those by 1960s author and illustrator Miroslav Sasek who produced the book 'This is Edinburgh' and other titles guiding readers around the city in illustration and rhyme. The illustration is really sweet and is having another fashionable moment. I've done a spot of googling and have discovered that Sasek produced other titles using the same model. I love the colour and faded 1950s/60s look that this achieves, it make me want to wear bottle green and burgundy with a beige mac and reptile bag.   The Edinburgh title is lovely to read from a local perspective as many of the landmarks still exist and are familiar in day-to-day life making me smile when I think of it. I particularly like the part about the windy Waverley steps! The colours really tie to the Edinburgh landscape and buildings and seem to have the right kind of conservative/historical feel. I can't wait to read more. http://www.miroslavsasek.com/books/index.html

Good times

Jubi-breakfast

Great start to the weekend!!

This is from a promotional video that my Grandad had from one of his pubs in Leith. This was also one of my favourite videos as a child... amazing that I don't smoke!

an injection of sunshine for a rainy day

http://www.temperleylondon.com/shop/clothing/trousers/jumpsuits/Poppy_Jumpsuit_9690

Alongside

http://www.my-wardrobe.com/see-by-chloe-shoes/platform-t-bar-sandal-768137

with some chunky tarnished gold jewelery!

My biscuit tin

I'm so excited to be the owner of a lovely Marks and Spencer's jubilee biscuit tin courtesy of my Mum!
The images are so sweet and have a 1950s advertising feel to them. The face that Edinburgh is shown as one of the sides makes me even more excited. I love to be able to relate to places and events shown in products and books and I know that this will be a lifetime possession! It's the small things in life...

Pretty summer garden colour Inspiration

Great colours for a summer outfit. I saw this garden on my way home from work!

Hot heat

My 10 day holiday is about to end, on what I think may be the hottest week of the year... what an INCREDIBLE week of weather.

I left the hot city of Edinburgh for Yorkshire which was so incredibly lush and beautiful, such bright colours in the landscape.

I visited Harrogate, Tadcaster, York and Leeds and enjoyed the happy, calm way of life (might have been due to the Sun).

My summer style was restricted to what I took with me but I still found that I was less embellished than usual and didn't really wear my super girly tops, skirts and dresses and accessories.

My studded beige topshop shoes were great for every occassion from lunchtime drinks in Harrogate to a day of sightseeing in York.

I purchased a great little Paul and Joe Sister top from http://www.coggles.com. The elephant print is just enough 'jungle' for my summer, I especially like the little faces, cute, cute, cute! I plan to wear this with a white lace pencil skirt and some green shoes (which I really need in my wardrobe but don't yet own!).

This was all topped off with my new summer lip colour, slightly peachier than my usual colours, MAC's cremesheen glass in 'Richer,Lusher'. It looks great with blues, whites and even works with brighter pieces as it adds a classy, ladylike sheen to a look.

I loved this cider bottle.... would have looked so pretty filled with wild flowers, maybe grab one next time!

Jubi-shortbread #jubilee

Amazing shortbread tin from M+S, great gift but really want one for myself.....

This flower is so beautiful with great soft silky colour... don't know what type it is though :-(

So I've left my blog hanging around waiting for me to nourish and update for a really long time but now I'm back with lots of love to give! I've been inspired by the summertime and all the excitement and colour that it is bringing through nature and society....flowers, fashion, events, people and a general re-awakening of observation.

So here is a summary of the last few days (I could go further back but there would be lots of rambling!)

On Friday 18th of May, I travelled to Dundee in the coldest rain with my duffle coat and hunters (countrified look) to attend the opening of my baby sisters degree show. Sally has literally been working towards her degree show from the age of 7 when she used to constantly make small sculptures from toilet paper and glue, quietly leaving whatever activities the rest of the family were doing. Her final degree show was based on public nudity, illustrated with ceramics of historical streakers and some familiar scenarios. Her website is http://www.sallyhackett.co.uk

I loved the colour combinations used on the columns, pastels and day-glo brights, making the neutral ceramics really stand out.
I didn't have a lot of time to consider options and due to the weather I wore swan print topshop trousers, a black top and some navy wedge heels which I picked up a couple of years ago at TK Max (perfect spring to summer, summer to autumn show).

Our family managed to fuse the colourways together quite nicely considering none of us had any clue as to the others' outfit choices....