Harley Grant

For sale: Jeffrey Campbell Busted wedges!

2012-01-28T22:47:00.002Z

Hello!

I figured I'd post this on here in an effort to get a few more watchers on eBay. I'm selling a pair of the oh-so-fine Jeffrey Campbell Busted boots as a US seller advised me to buy the wrong size and I stupidly thought I could just wear a 7 instead of a 6 and everything would be all right. Sigh. Luckily for you size sevens out there, I have a pair of brand new JC creeper-inspired lovelies for sale on eBay! I just want to make my money back on them really, so hopefully one of you will fall as much in love as I did.

Aren't they awesome? You can find the listing here.

I will do some sartorial updates in the near future – I've picked up some lovely things lately, including a cardigan with dancing skeletons on it, and a dominatrix belt. I probably scare my boyfriend way too much.

2011 Sale Picks

2011-12-26T13:50:00.001Z

On a (refreshingly) lighter note, the sales have started and I've done all my shopping online. Here are this year's much-deliberated purchases.

I hope you all had the merriest of Christmases. xxx

A Score

2011-12-14T10:46:00.004Z

Yesterday, I turned twenty years old.

I haven't felt like a 'teenager' since I moved to London when I was seventeen, so I'm really quite glad to be able to say "I'm in my twenties". It's nice. I'm now in the same age bracket as the majority of my friends.

After having a birthday lunch in Glasgow, we went to visit my grandfather in hospital. He was awake and trying to speak, but all the drugs he's been given (mixed with the fact that he is a 76-year-old man with a weak heart undergoing dialysis) meant he could barely get his words together. It was horrible to see, though unsurprising given the ordeal his body is going through. I managed to hold it together, but I am so worried about him.

After we had dropped my gran at home, I found out a friend of mine had been hit by a car and killed. I won't go into detail as it really is tragic and deeply upsetting, but all of my love goes out to his family and our mutual friends.

I spent the rest of my birthday with a heavy heart, but I was surrounded by my loved ones which helped immeasurably. It was a strange and sad day.

See No Evil

2011-11-28T21:39:00.004Z

(Topshop, Butler and Wilson)

Lately I've been picking up jewellery featuring eyes and hands. It's cool how these pieces manage to hark at the 1920's and feel really fresh at the same time ... kind of like long hemlines, only much easier to incorporate as you leave the house. The eyes always remind me of the original artwork for The Great Gatsby (which has been printed on a T-shirt I fully intend to purchase).

It's too cold outside for angels to fly.

2011-11-27T18:17:00.004Z

(Aldo Roder wedge, Thomas Sabo Wolpertinger pendant, Office Noble and Minky Linky boots, Topshop blouse, AllSaints Damisi Hair boot, Topshop cardigan)

Recent acquisitions/Birthday and Christmas wishlist. Can't decide between the ponyskin and black leather in the AllSaints boots, but I'm sure it'll come to me in a dream.

ETA: Sadly, the Aldo wedges put my foot at a really uncomfortable angle, so I went for the Jeffrey Campbell 'Busted' boot instead. I'd say that metal-cuffed tassels for double-buckled joy is a fair swap.

Happenstance

2011-11-08T19:21:00.003Z

Okay, I'll be honest: the recent dearth of blog posts has been purely because I haven't really had the time or inclination to write anything. Lately I've been having 'off-days', where I find it really hard to muster enthusiasm for the things I used to enjoy, and blogging has definitely suffered as a result. I apologise, little blog. Here's the scoop:

My grandfather has been very ill recently, and was taken into hospital around three or four weeks ago (it's hard to remember – the past few months have been blurry at best). This has of course been really difficult for my mum and I, as I spent a lot of time with my gran and papa as a child and thus they're more like second and third parents to me. It turns out he has been suffering from renal failure, caused by hardening of the arteries which has plagued him throughout his life – he's had a triple bypass and aneurysm surgery, you see – and the doctors are reluctant to administer many more drugs as he already takes an alarming amount of tablets every day. However, he got to go back home yesterday and social services have put various arrangements in place so that he and my grandmother can go on living comfortably. I'm going to be staying with them tomorrow for a week or so, to help them both settle back in.

University is going a little bit better, although I have already dropped a class. I was really struggling in my French class and the French tutors refused to let me move down to the beginners' class, a decision which I felt was highly unfair. Their reason for this was that it would be unfair on those in the class who were "actually beginners", but I fail to see how this can be valid when they allow native French speakers to study amongst people who got their Higher three years ago. Unfortunately, I am going to have to take four modules next term as opposed to three, but right now I feel so much better about things and my two English subjects aren't suffering any more. I have to admit that I'm still not feeling a real passion for my studies, but I am really enjoying English language as a subject. We'll see how next term goes.

I've been finding it difficult to be positive lately, but a few good things have been happening. I've booked my driving test for next month and I finally feel ready for it. I bought myself a decidedly awesome plaid coat in T.K. Maxx (for just £40, too). And of course, Starbucks and Costa have their tasty Christmas coffees out now. I recommend the peppermint hot chocolates and praline flavouring in anything you desire.

I really hope things start to pick up soon. I feel like I deserve it.

Trying not to wonder where you are.

2011-10-02T11:38:00.002+01:00

I have just finished my second week at university and I don't know if I'm enjoying it or not. Of course, I have only been there two weeks so uncertainty is to be expected, but really I'm only there because I'm too scared not to be. This is particularly galling knowledge and it's all I've really been thinking about lately.

Someone told me the other day that I'm going to end up "one of those people who's been to university three times and doesn't have any qualifications". It wasn't the most pleasant thing to hear, but the more I think about it, the more I am all right with it. If things don't work out this time, I tried. I gave it a chance. It's not my fault that circumstances meant I couldn't continue on the course I loved; perhaps I'm just not cut out for university.

I like to think that I am academically capable: I can write essays and pass things. What really bothers me is that I'm going to be there for two to four years, working towards a qualification that I don't really need. I feel like I'd much rather be in a full-time job, earning money and trying to get into publishing, than putting constant work into a diploma or degree that will be forgotten about as soon as I graduate.

I am terrified of making mistakes. I am overly cautious in essentially every aspect of my life: I'm scared of getting hurt, I'm scared of being upset, and I'm scared of regretting things. But being scared is not a good reason for going to university.

The funny thing is, I'm saying all this and yet I might have to drop out anyway, as my funding still hasn't been confirmed and I can't get through to SAAS - when you phone them, you get an automated message that hangs up on you, and when you e-mail them, they don't respond. Useful.

I feel like a bit of a failure right now.

In Between

2011-09-20T20:06:00.003+01:00

I had my first poetry lecture today, as part of English Literature, and in it my lecturer said something that I rather enjoyed:

"You never know what you think until you write it down."

This, I think, sums up why so many people love to write: it allows one to explore one's own mind. When you present a thought to someone – whether a lecturer, friend, parent, employer, or indeed anyone who will listen – you are opening it to analysis, debate, and criticism. It's a good thing. And, when you write a one-hundred-and-forty-characters-or-less opinion, share your views on a forum, or write an essay on a subject, you start to analyse yourself. You wonder how you got to this view; why do you feel this way? What has influenced you? It's really rather an effective way of getting to know yourself.

However, I like to do things slightly differently. I keep a little, secret blog that no one knows about (well, until now) that's completely private and unreadable, and every few months, or merely however often I'm feeling strongly about something, I will sit down at my computer and clatter out a thought. It's often trivial, seldom succinct, but always passionate; I find I feel much better afterwards, knowing that my feelings are in some way out there.

I doubt I will ever allow another set of eyes to skim the pages of garbled, melancholy paragraphs, but I'll keep writing them. I strongly suggest you give it a try.

Blank Page

2011-09-18T10:36:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow is my first official day at university, where I will hopefully learn things and forge a social life. I have already managed to get myself unspeakably lost several times, as the campus is large and I am fairly small and uncoordinated – am I the only person who feels like that word looks misspelt? – but I remain optimistic.

My first lecture is a French one, for non-beginners, and I am quite nervous about it. This is partially due to my having done Higher French three years ago, but mostly because the person I happened to sit next to was, well, French. The subjunctive seems to be beyond my comprehension so I won't be surprised if I am swiftly moved to the beginners' class. J'ai oublié la plupart de mon français.

Straight after that, I have an English Literature lecture. We have four of these per week. I am once again apprehensive as I haven't read many 'classics' but "Emma" is on the reading list, so I can remedy that at least. I'm looking forward to doing some close reading again.

A few hours later I'll be in an English Language lecture, which is my main degree subject. I had an awkward moment in the campus book shop when a young man disdainfully asked me if I had been "forced to take English Language as well", and English Literature students have to take it in order to earn a literary degree. There is a good possibility that I am the only person who actually opted for the course. Alas. I get to learn Old English grammar.

It sounds like I shall have quite the exciting day tomorrow. Currently I am a festering incubus of disease, but I remain in hope that my head cold will clear up by this evening. I must get all my stationery sorted out (it is from a Japanese stationery shop called "Artbox" and it is adorable) and perhaps formulate an outfit that will withstand our apocalyptic weather conditions.

Wish me luck.

Loitering

2011-09-11T18:38:00.002+01:00

I've been playing this for the last few days and am currently getting destroyed by some bitch named Tiamat. I'm not a huge fan of fantasy games, but I chose 'Normal' as I figured I could handle it, and am struggling as a result. There's no option for me to wimp out and revert to 'Easy' in the menu, so I'm going to have to live with it for now. Being stuck at a boss is one of the worst things ever as there is nothing you can really do except repeatedly die until you get it right, or give up. Thankfully, I have someone playing along with me to help me out as I really am a bit useless at times.

Last night, I realised that I get way too 'into' games. I have a weird stress-related habit of clenching my teeth throughout the day, and it intensifies as soon as I have a controller in my hand. I also stare really, really hard at the screen and concentrate to the point of headaches. I think they call that "freakish". I definitely need to chill out more.

On a much more pleasant note, I got some new shoes today (dark green velvet boots, and some leather and leopard print ponyskin heels - both perfection) and they have made me feel better -- but I'm still pissed off at this bat queen so I'm off to try and slay her. ¬_¬

Jar of Hearts

2011-08-26T18:40:00.004+01:00

A few of my favourite things all hanging out together. The Butler & Wilson skeleton necklace is one of those pieces that I can't believe I own and I'm actually a little bit scared to wear it.

Tonight I'm staying in as I don't have any money to go out with, no form of transport to get home in, and no desire to wake up at 7 o' clock tomorrow morning with anything less than eight hours' sleep behind me. It's a shame really as it is a rare occasion that I actually have a party to go to - I've been a bit of a recluse since moving back in January as leaving a place for a year and a half means not having many friends when you return. Hopefully university, wages and a full driver's licence will remedy this somewhat.

Right now I'm a weird position whereby I'm waiting for a new start to hurry up and arrive. It feels like I'm in my little yellow car and there's a massive ticket barrier in front of me, or something more poetic. This is my third time around. I hope it's lucky.

Currently Reading...

2011-08-24T18:44:00.003+01:00

I have two new favourite blogs.

The first one is "James Ward: I Like Boring Things" and it appeals to me because it came up when I was searching Google for pen reviews. He makes me laugh.

The second is called "Little Ericaceae" and I can't pronounce it but nevertheless adore the taste of its author, probably as it reminds me of my own. She fills me with fashion lust.

You should go and read them if you too like boring things, and flyyy bitches wearing nice clothing. Meanwhile, I'm off to tidy my room and do my Jillian Michaels DVD as I tried on cigarette trousers today and I looked bovine-esque.

The Summer of Dance

2011-08-22T12:28:00.003+01:00

I just had a radio advert tell me that this summer is "all about dance". I am not particularly interested in or good at dancing, and have little desire to be, but in the same advert a young man said that when he is "street dancing, nothing is impossible". This sparked my interest slightly. I would really like to be able to teleport, as it would save me a lot of money. It would also eradicate the inconvenience of forgetting things such as my student card, and I would almost never be late for things. It's a shame I didn't know that this was to be the summer of dance back in May, as perhaps I would be teleporting by now.

Boys becoming men, men becoming wolves.

2011-08-17T20:24:00.003+01:00

I wanted to share my ultimate, unadulterated, need-never-shop-again Jeffrey Campbell wish list as I've been clicking around the internet looking for a new pair of brothel creepers, and obviously procrastinated. I think that if I owned all of these shoes I would spend at least one day per week sitting amongst them and cackling. I am fully aware that I've included not one, but four different interpretations of the Tardy boot, but when your eBay account is set to e-mail you whenever a new listing matching 'Chloé Doc' is up, you tend to get a bit over-excited at the prospect of replicas.

Oh Yeah

2011-08-17T20:11:00.002+01:00

Hello! ^_^

Well, someone had one of the best holidays EVER. I can honestly say that I'm mad diggin' on my boyfriend even more now that we've found out we can spend a fortnight together without getting sick of each other. Speaking in a "scary story voice" for three days (with worryingly little break from it) helps. Saw several lovely places, picked up some cool things, rediscovered my love for ice cream sandwiches and cheesecake, and just had a brilliant time doing everything and nothing.

A lot of awesome things have happened lately, including me FINALLY GETTING A JOB. So unbelievably relieved. I've also picked my modules for starting university in September, and am on track to getting my tuition fees funded - despite never having paid them before, SAAS have made me jump through hoops since May. Thankfully, I think I have one more letter to send and then everything should be in place. Oh, and my phone now has bunny ears. That in itself is exciting.

I am feeling positive for the first time in ages and it's really quite nice.

He'll probably outlive me; he's a smart bird.

2011-07-27T15:54:00.004+01:00

I'm an eBay girl at heart, but when my hopeful search for a couple of Clover web/slave bracelet knock-offs proved totally devoid of silver options, I turned (tentatively) to Etsy. After a few minutes of thoroughly intrigued clicking, I've fallen in love with dozens of stores, and pieces I can't really believe people have made by hand. Here are some of my favourites that I would gladly adorn my body and/or walls with...

Adorapop

Beat Up Creations

Heron Adornment

Jesophi

Midwest Alchemy

Persephone Plus

Victorian Lowbrow

The Little Things

2011-07-25T16:15:00.005+01:00

After yesterday's more substantial and quasi-meaningful post, I wanted to do something a bit lighter that verges on inane. You know I love my lists.

I'm currently wearing a t-shirt dress I was absent-mindedly planning to sell on eBay before realising it looked much better with tights than with jeans. I consider this a small victory.

My interview at Jaeger went insanely well and I'll hear by Friday whether or not I have the job. I'm trying not to get my hopes up as the last time a manager hinted that I'd been successful, I was unceremoniously turned down with a mail merge e-mail. Please, please, please let this be it.

I got the last of my holiday alterations done today and I'm stupidly excited that I can wear my long, smoke print dress again.

My boyfriend is doing stand-up tomorrow night, and it'll be the first time I've seen him do it live. All kinds of nervous and excited for him. :)

I undercharged a Canadian eBay customer of mine £5 on postage and I am kicking myself.

I just peeled off a whole nail's worth of polish in one sheet and am simultaneously imressed with and annoyed at myself.

My driving instructor has been on holiday for the last few weeks but I've been driving my mum everywhere, and feel more confident than ever behind the wheel.

I'm loving these bullet points.

We're leaving soon and I can't wait to forget about all the bad things for two blissful weeks.

My mum bought chocolate soymilk from the Chinese supermarket and I am obsessed with both the packaging, and the product.

Collective Catastrophe

2011-07-24T23:56:00.005+01:00

I'm not normally one to share my views on any major news topic readily, especially via this blog where I barely know most of those who will be reading it. This is probably due to a combination of a lack of confidence in my own writing abilities to properly articulate how I feel, and the indisputable fact that any opinion will offend someone. However, it's been a rather tragic week and I feel like I need to say something about it.

Firstly, I really can't stand hearing all these swathes of people say they believe that because Amy Winehouse had a drug problem, her death shouldn't be in any way mourned as a loss. I will readily admit that I was never a huge fan of her music – purely as I listen to mostly alternative and rock – but I along with almost everyone I know have always said that she was a talented but troubled young woman. We all hoped she would get better. The abrupt ending of any young life is tragic and should be treated as such. How can anyone argue with that?

Then of course, there are those who say that no one should care about Amy Winehouse's death as the tragedy in Oslo is much more important. Whilst it must be admitted that those horrible events affected people on a much larger scale, it is possible to empathise with two things at once. My words are quite useless when it comes to describing the exact level of tragedy the people of Norway are dealing with. As The Independent put it:

"The loss of 93 people is a tragedy wherever it happens. But in a country of just 4.9 million, it is a collective catastrophe."

My heart goes out to the people of Norway and all those affected by what can only be described as a massacre, as well as the family and friends of Amy Winehouse. The past week has been a sad one indeed, and I'm not about to let anyone berate me for my condolences.

Friday Dreaming

2011-07-22T14:11:00.003+01:00

Looking through the Topshop website when you have a small wad of saved-up holiday money probably isn't a good idea. Thankfully I have the willpower (and sense) to make Polyvore collages instead of purchases. In love with that 3.1 Phillip Lim jacket replica, the scallop-edged ponyskin boots (in two colourways), the snaffle boots that make me giggle at the word "snaffle", and those stunning navy blue wedges that will be mine, somehow. Why is it so hard to choose between leopard and zebra prints?

I'm a bit obsessed with ponyskin at the moment, after learning that it is not in fact made of ponies, and my collection currently sits at two satchels, a change purse, an evening jacket and two pairs of mid-heeled stilettos. Excessive? Yes, but so worth it.

My Jaeger interview is in a couple of hours, so please send lucky vibes my way! :)

ETA: The navy beauties are out of stock in my size, and only 100 pairs were made. :'(

Jaeger

2011-07-09T23:09:00.002+01:00

In a couple of weeks I have a job interview for Jaeger. My mum – who is now a tailor – learnt to sew in their factory when she was my age, making sample garments, so we both have quite a strong emotional connection to the brand. Every season they bring out timeless and beautiful pieces with luxurious twists and perfect detailing, and when a customer hands a Jaeger garment into the alteration tailor's, we lust over it. They're a real bastion of British fashion and I'm very excited about the chance to become part of their team.

On the phone I was told that their boutique range, which is slightly more fashion-forward and aimed at younger consumers, is coming to Glasgow. I keep up to date with the new collections, but thought I'd have a look at their Autumn/Winter preview to see what garments I would be working with if I got the job. As always the garments were beautiful, so here are my favourites that are currently available on the website - note the grungey mohair jumper, perfect grey blazer, and the best women's tuxedo I've seen in ages.

One, Two, Three

2011-07-06T20:26:00.004+01:00

1. I recently bought this Topshop Day of the Dead dress on eBay. I've wanted it since it came out for S/S 2009 and I am very pleased with myself. There are teeny skulls on it!

2. I have become obsessed with Big Wardrobe. It is a clothes swapping website, and I've already arranged some great trades. Everyone is absolutely lovely on there! I suggest you join if you have a lot of unworn clothes but don't fancy selling them on eBay for a couple of pounds each (and if you decide to upgrade your membership, tell them 'harlar' sent you so I get vouchers!). ;)

3. I will shortly be holidaying and I am SO EXCITED I MAY BURST.

Come Winter

2011-07-05T08:58:00.002+01:00

This morning I was using the Topshop website to guage the speed of my lacklustre rural internet. Normally it’s a URL I try my best to avoid as it gives me lusty wrong feelings, but it has lots of pictures - and my broadband has taken it upon itself to cease functioning and flash its pesky little lights at me - so I thought it would be a good indicator. It managed to load the page, shortly before dying on me again (my mum is currently on the phone to AOL’s retention department) and I was greeted with the annually much anticipated Autumn/Winter preview.

I haven’t even been on holiday yet.

Still, despite feeling like it has come much earlier than usual, I am a bit besotted with this in the way I always am with Topshop's cold weather clothing. I only just managed to wear a summer dress with bare legs the other day, and now I'm fantasising about a squirrel jumper. And tights. Oh, and if Topshop are bringing brothel creepers back, I am totally giving my white ones new neighbours.

Come sail away with me.

2011-06-30T10:07:00.005+01:00

I feel so summery today, which is weird as I am normally a summertime Scrooge (I think it's because I was born in December). I am wearing rolled-up jeans! Counting down the days until my wonderful and long-awaited holiday, and dreaming of tiny dresses and poolside milkshakes with the most amazing boyfriend in the world.

I am going to make it through this year if it kills me.

2011-06-23T22:11:00.003+01:00

I got rejected from that Topshop job today, which was horrible as I thought I did really well in the interview. I was so frustrated and disappointed that I cried; I'm really beginning to doubt I'll ever find another job. :( Luckily my boyfriend was just a phone-call away and he comforted me by detailing the torturous mind games he is currently subjecting his Sims to.

I have been quite sad lately, and don't feel much like myself. I'm getting really bad mood swings and seem to be irritated eighty-five per cent of the time. I think it's the toxic cocktail of everything I've had to deal with since last April coming back on me – like acid reflux, only mental and worse.

Into Dust

2011-06-17T18:36:00.004+01:00

This is just a quick follow-up on my post about the MUA cosmetics. These have been quite widely reviewed, so I thought I'd mention them as they're such good value for money. Thus far I've used three of their pressed powder eye shadows, and one of their loose eye dusts, and I've been really impressed with them! They eye dust in particular is lovely (there is a dorky photograph of me wearing 'Shade 1' on my Dailybooth) and I have worn it all muggy, rainy day without any creasing, and that is without a bespoke eyelid primer! I just have some Eyeko cream underneath. The only thing these are missing is a sifter; their sticker-covered-hole approach could get quite messy if you're not careful (and even if you are). Overall I think they're a brilliant find, for the money especially. Very pleased. :) I wouldn't recommend their glitter eye liners though, as the particle pay-off is rather sparse. I'm going to stick to Collection 2000 for those.

9-5

2011-06-15T11:40:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow, I have a job interview for the Topshop near where I live. I have wanted to work there since I was about fourteen, so this is quite exciting. However, I am certain that I will not get the job because I really want it.

I have been looking for a job since January 18th of this year. Thus far, I'd say I have hit the hundred mark on applications only to have garnered two seemingly successful interviews that ended up in rejection. It is soul-destroying, and I can only imagine how difficult it is for people who are trying to support themselves, or indeed a family, independently.

The most difficult thing is the fact that the majority of employers don't respond to applications. For each new job I apply for, I write a new cover letter and tailor my CV. This can take up to half an hour depending on what I need to re-write, so it's understandable that I feel I've wasted my time when I don't even get a 30-second phone call to say I won't be getting an interview.

On the subject of interviews, I have been royally cheated. I had a group interview for a call centre where I performed the best in the computer competency tests, did well in the role-playing exercises, and had a good rapport with my interviewer - not to mention being one of the only people with all the correct documents to hand. I left feeling really confident, but did I get it? Of course not. And I didn't get any feedback despite trying to phone and ask for it.

My latest interview was for an occasion wear company in a department store. In this one, the interview went so well that the manager essentially said to me that she would like to hire me, but had to see other people first. Needless to say I got a (mail-merged) rejection e-mail the next day.

Which brings me to my horrible morning spent in the job centre yesterday, where after telling my shiny new advisor of those interview experiences, she responded with "So, you're confident with your interview skills?"

I may sound incredibly sardonic and pessimistic, but I'm not. I'm just a pleasant and upbeat person who has had to deal with a lot of rejection, and it has knocked my confidence drastically. I used to think I came across as a polite and friendly individual with good retail experience and solid references, but now I'm beginning to think that I am doomed to forever be jobless and depressed about it.

Wish me luck tomorrow. I'd appreciate it.

The sun peeks in, like a killer through the curtain.

2011-06-04T17:46:00.005+01:00

Today I visited Kilmarnock's European market, a four-day event that ends tomorrow and features stalls from all over the continent as well as some home grown ventures. With "The Scheme" lending the town an even worse reputation, I think this is just what we needed.

I bought some lovely jewellery from a woman named Elizabeth Elessar, who I have decided is my lady soul mate as she loves skulls, Alice in Wonderland, and the joy of esoteric objects strung onto a chain. Her website is currently under construction, but I'll update when it's fully functional.

I also bought some make-up from Make-Up Academy in Superdrug whilst I was in getting a Beautycard. Panacea81 did a great eyeshadow review on YouTube, so I decided to try some. I already use their dark brown shadow as brow powder and it works well, but even if they turn out to be a bit useless, they are only one pound each.

(Glitter Liner in shade 6, Eyeshadows in shades 9, 14 and 13, Eye Dust in shade 1.)

The dust was hard to photograph well, but it looks silvery and pretty. I only have one loose eyeshadow by ID Minerals, and have always meant to invest in some Dazzle Dust by Barry M, so I was sold on it. A lot of people have said that they were disappointed to find that the colours were left unnamed, and because I agree with this, I'm going to call this one 'Stardust' as an homage to the wonderful Neil Gaiman.

I really liked these colours as I always lean towards a really dark eye, especially at night as you can make them so dramatic. My mum and I had to swatch the first one (as you can tell) because it's a gorgeous iridescent purple that shines blue in the light. There is a better photograph of it on Lipglossiping. It reminds me of a mermaid's tail. I'm going to call that one 'Lagoon', shade 14 'Venom', and shade 13 'Tincture'.

My mum wasn't sold on this one, but I thought it was so cool! There doesn't seem to be pigment behind the glitter meaning you'll need to load the brush quite a few times in order to get an opaque line, but the sparkles are really bright. I'm going to call it "Faerie", for obvious reasons.

I haven't had the chance to use any of them yet, and won't until next week as I am doing the Race for Life tomorrow as a last minute stand-in for a friend, but I will review them when I can.

Bone Idol

2011-05-29T14:46:00.002+01:00

The other night, during one of those in-depth 1AM phone conversations about things that actually matter, I came to realise something that has really bothered me ever since it sprang into my consciousness: I find it hard to think of a single famous woman I really look up to.

The danger of all these American-inspired scripted reality programmes that are spreading over our channels like a particularly unsightly rash has been well-documented. The overly made-up, wealthy and often unfathomably dull girls set a terrible example, and give many young women this false sense of entitlement whereby they expect nice things without having to work hard for them. Alongside the already worrying idolisation of celebrity culture that this nation is particularly notorious for, we are faced with a truly sorry state of affairs.

I don’t fit in with most girls my age: I don’t dress in a particularly “girly” fashion, for example. I very seldom listen to, and rarely enjoy, chart music. I hate clubs, and stiletto heels, and will always choose pallor over persimmon. I don’t have many female friends. I’d like to see women who are individual, and quirky, and generally pleasant in my magazines, but instead I see the glossy, groomed ideals that I’m supposed to want to be.

What I am clumsily trying to say here is that I’m really, really bored of having hardly anyone to look up to.

Weathered

2011-05-29T12:24:00.003+01:00

(Topshop coat, Moto at Topshop shorts, Tee & Cake at Topshop t-shirt)

This probably sums up Scottish weather rather well: it is nearly June and I've just bought a winter coat alongside shorts and a t-shirt. We had two lovely weeks of sunshine which was quite abruptly followed by biblical rain which has lasted around a month. I'm not too bothered as I much prefer Autumn and Winter, but it would be nice to give the sunglasses and cotton dresses a whirl.

This coat was probably my best bargain ever: it was the last one, in my size, and I got it for £24. Thank you, Topshop gods! Thank you!

Fashionology

2011-05-15T21:03:00.003+01:00

(All pictures via Fashionology.)

I am an incredibly fussy person. I don't like flat lace-up boots that have zips, but sometimes I do like flat lace-up boots that have zips (when they're by Dr. Marten and come up to my knees, if you wondered). I don't like mixing gold and silver, but I do like bi-metal things. I like Victoriana, alternative anything, flowers, and wearing loafers with glittery socks. In short, I tend to dislike most things and have a weird but incredibly specific taste.

So, it's rare that I go on a fashion-based website and like almost everything I see. It only usually happens with AllSaints and Butler & Wilson. But, I was very pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon Dutch jewellery company Fashionology's website. They have skulls, claws, antlers, crucifixes, dreamcatcher earrings, and even rings made with real fossils(!!!). Add to that cuffs for your ears and upper arms alongside rings that sit above your knuckle, and you have me on a massive spending ban so I can hopefully afford a few pieces for going on holiday this summer. After all, they are very reasonably priced. ;)

Sugar Skulls

2011-05-06T20:29:00.002+01:00

Today I received these awesome pieces in the post. They're from Kitty Pink on eBay and I absolutely love them! I'm really into Day of the Dead decorations on skulls and skeletons and the colours are so vibrant. :) Needless to say she's gone straight into my favourite sellers list.

First Haul

2011-04-26T21:25:00.004+01:00

I don't think I've ever done a "haul" post, so to speak, but I've been reading Flying Saucer and have decided to give it a try. It may further my buyer's remorse, but we won't talk about that.

I decided to try the new shatter colours by Barry M - I left the blue for now, but decided the pink and white were solid purchases. I also bought the Red Glitter shade (#150) as I have been meaning to buy it for quite a while, and Boots is doing a 3 for 2 on makeup so I saw that as a sign. They didn't have the white shatter in though – I think Boots have only got the black and pink ones in thus far – so I had to get that one from Superdrug.

I've only just mastered the art of being able to paint my nails with my left hand, so these could go disastrously wrong – but I couldn't resist all the little skulls! They're 'nail tattoos' by Andrea Fulerton and they were only £2.03 (why the three pence?) so if I ruin the whole packet, it won't be at much cost. If I were really adventurous I'd try perhaps layering them over a black and white shatter but I don't think I can pull off anything overly fancy on my nails as I have rather uncannily large hands.

I had heard good things about Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection concealer, so I got it along with a Max Factor lip tint to try them out. I have very dark circles under my eyes (hereditary) so I'm always open to suggestions for that area that aren't Touche Éclat. The 17 eyeliner is in Carbon Black/Green and it's a lovely dark emerald colour, much like one they do in Topshop. The glitter eyeliner is also by Collection 2000 – I have Urban Decay's Heavy Metal liner which is fantastic, but I think these work just as well and the range of colours is great.

I followed Selina's advice and picked up Sanctuary's Hot Cloth Cleanser with the Boots £5 skincare voucher (a godsend) and I'm looking forward to using it tonight – probably after this post, actually. I may also steam my face with this dorky facial sauna my mum has had since she was about my age, as it helps clear up my complexion. The hold-ups are from Primark, and they're my favourites out of all the brands that I've tried as they don't seem to snag easily and have a really wide lace top. I much prefer hold-ups under longer skirts and dresses as they are so much more comfortable, and if you snag them you only need to get rid of one leg! They're £2, so try them if you haven't already. I recommend going for the large if you have long legs like I do as you can pull them up high on your leg; I think there's nothing worse than seeing the top of someone's stockings or hold-ups!

I bought this blouse in the navy a few months ago and wanted to get the cream but they had sold out in my size, so I was really pleased to happen upon it in Primark today when I was returning a top for my mum! It looks really lovely on and there is so much fabric in the sleeves that £12 is a bargain price.

According to Look magazine there is a pin-up style swimsuit version of this bikini with a frill around the waist, but unfortunately the one in Glasgow doesn't seem to have it in stock. I thought the bikini was really nice too, so I decided to buy it just now and keep looking, and return it if I ever manage to find the one-piece. Fingers crossed.

I got this cool Beatles t-shirt in H&M - it's a little bit shorter than most, but longer than most cropped t-shirts so I decided to go for it. I love the Beatles! I also picked up a black version of this grey cobwebby scarf I have that I wear all the time, and a couple of teddies for sleeping in. I must put up more eBay listings to justify my expenditure...

New Vintage

2011-04-18T12:10:00.003+01:00

I've had to cut down my spending a lot recently, which has been good for me as I've discovered the wonders of eBay selling. I sell a lot of my and my mum's old clothes and shoes and in turn have found a lot of little cheap gems from people doing the same. It's almost like clothes swapping. At the weekend there, I ended up purchasing this little vintage jacket (from gorgeous eBay store Princes Vintage - lovely model too), and a genuine WRAF jacket from the 1940's!

My friend Karys has had a WRAF jacket for a couple of years now and I've always been quite envious, so I can't wait for it to arrive. I got an e-mail today saying it had been posted so hopefully it will be here tomorrow or Wednesday. My only concern is that I'm not sure whether it will fit me or not - I have a feeling it might be too big, but I was too scared to buy the smaller-sized one in case it was too tight! Oh, dilemmas. Thankfully my mum will be able to take it in. It ended up costing me £11 so I can't complain. :)

Fresh Bread

2011-04-12T22:05:00.002+01:00

My mum bought a bread maker today! Our first loaf wasn't the prettiest of loaves, but it was really tasty! :) Looking forward to experimenting.

Happenings

2011-04-11T14:48:00.003+01:00

This has been a hectic year so far. Some really horrible things have happened to my mother and I, hence my absence from the blog, and indeed from my various groups of friends whom I dearly miss. I suppose I just want to update this little online diary of mine.

As sad as the circumstances under which I had to return home were (my grandmother, who helped raise me on a huge scale, was diagnosed with cancer) I have to say that there is honestly nowhere else I would rather be than here with my mum, my grandparents, and my friends. The hardest part about leaving London has to be leaving uni along with it, but a last week I officially accepted an unconditional offer to study English Language at the University of Glasgow. This will be my third round of first year, which is inconvenient to say the least, but "needs must". I can't wait to get back into studying.

Finding a job has been much, much harder than I had anticipated. I loved my little job in Huttons back in London, so having to quit was really gutting. However after nearly four months of searching, I finally have a job interview tomorrow evening! I'm nervous as I really need it, so wish me luck. :)

The gloom is slowly fading away now. My gran is on chemotherapy after a successful operation to remove her tumor and her doctors say there is a decent enough chance that the cancer won't return. Honestly, you'd never know she had been so ill: the main reason I moved home was to help take care of her and she doesn't let me do a thing! Crazy lady. It's amazing how strong my mother and grandmother are. The weather is improving, I have lost quite a bit of weight (always nice), and I have a lovely boyfriend who makes me smile all the time.

Things are looking up.

High Sreet / High End

2011-04-09T21:01:00.005+01:00

(Prodigy Red & Topshop)

This is the worst kind of Polyvore wish list as everything is vaguely attainable if you were to just stay inside for two weeks eating your back stock of canned goods. That satin tuxedo-come-romper shouldn't work.

(AllSaints, Rag & Bone, Jeffrey Campbell)

That's better.

Moderately dead, moderately loved, or moderately free.

2011-03-25T20:39:00.002Z

(Jewellery by Freedom at Topshop, Diva at Miss Selfridge, and Matalan.)

Airplane

2011-03-21T08:30:00.002Z

For the last few years I don't think I've gone without nail polish for longer than a couple of days. Yesterday I finally got around to trying out Topshop's range and I have to say the colours are awesome, so here's hoping it wears well. The girl at the cash desk told me their make up is made for them by Mac, apparently, so I'm now tempted to invest in more as it's an affordable alternative to the high-end stuff I like, plus it comes in really dark, dramatic shades. Not sure how into coloured mascara I am, though. Might be best left to Claire's Accessories.

Obsessed

2011-03-18T20:35:00.000Z

Absentee

2011-03-11T19:34:00.002Z

I don't really know what I want to write about any more, but I'm sure the words will come eventually.

Nervous tick, nervous tock.

2011-01-25T17:10:00.003Z

Today I got this silver gauntlet resized so that it finally fits my finger and I can't stop delightedly staring at it. The last few weeks have been hectic and unpredictable on a huge scale; my time has been spent seeing friends old and new, reading Neil Gaiman, and trying to make sense of things that surpass any clumsy logic I attempt to apply.

Killhouettes

2011-01-13T14:47:00.002Z

Although my name usually overrides everything else and incites Facebook adverts for leathers and riding boots, the other day Zuckerberg really delivered when I got an ad for 'Killhouettes' - fantastic Victorian-style silhouettes with macabre images. As an Edward Gorey fan, I was immediately fascinated by them and ended up ordering these beauties:

The artist, John Fair, was incredibly helpful and his international postage rates are the most reasonable I've seen. They come framed and embossed for authenticity, and I can't wait to hang them in my room. Do have a look at his site – you won't be disappointed.

Two Dead Men.

2011-01-07T13:13:00.003Z

One fine day in the middle of the night,

Two dead men got up to fight.

Back to back, they faced each other,

Drew their swords, and shot each other.

One was blind and the other couldn't see,

So they chose a dummy as a referee.

A blind man went to see fair play,

A dumb man went to shout "hooray!"

A paralysed donkey passing by,

Kicked the blind man in the eye,

Knocked him through a nine-inch wall,

Into a dry ditch and drowned them all.

A deaf policeman heard the noise,

And came to arrest the two dead boys.

If you don't believe this story's true,

Ask the blind man; he saw it too.

You look like you've seen a ghost.

2010-12-31T15:50:00.004Z

(Clockwise-ish from left: Levi's jeans, AllSaints Amikiri dress, Jeffrey Campbell Climber boots, Thomas Sabo raven necklace, Topshop jacket, AllSaints Brandon hi-top, Altair dress, Dead Flowers t-shirt and Lost Game top, Zara coat, Converse hi-tops, Office Wet Weekend wedges, Bronx Manic Stud boots, Rooster Teeth 'Shiny Future' t-shirt, Topshop Wisteria wedges, Converse leather 2-strap hi-tops, AllSaints Immortal dress.)

New acquisitions via Christmas/birthday gifts, sale shopping, and clothes swapping. One of the benefits of working extra hours in December is a disposable income to splurge with. Planning a massive clear-out to make room for all this so my eBay should be pretty full in the near future. I can't recommend those AllSaints trainers enough and for the record, their sale is phenomenal as it makes things a reasonable price for a change. ;) Also, I have wanted this necklace for a year now and I was thrilled that my mother paid homage to my love for Edgar Allen Poe in such a beautiful way.

I had a pleasant (if a little bit surreal) Christmas spent with family, and tonight I'm going to the pub with a few friends for a relaxing evening – wearing the blue dress & Office wedges. Yay! I hope your Christmas was merry, and your new year's eve is wholly irresponsible.

This is morning.

2010-12-01T07:49:00.002Z

Suddenly there is no more tempting an offer than remaining resolutely in my bed with my three blankets (and a Dawson's Creek boxset, I won't lie). Heading north tomorrow to visit home and hopefully relax for my pre-birthday weekend. It's hard to make sense of the fact that next week will be the last of the first term, and even scarier to imagine how quickly the holidays will undoubtedly go.

Like a row of captured ghosts over old, dead grass.

2010-11-19T15:34:00.002Z

My current life is shorthand, occasional essays, lectures, eBay and working.

No ifs, no buts.

2010-11-15T15:25:00.006Z

Last week I put on two pairs of tights, belted my coat, and went off to shout abuse at the government.

The first vote I was ever able to cast was wasted on a spineless liar so desperate for a shred of power, he formed a coalition with the polar opposite of his own party. The Liberal Democrats promised to oppose any proposal to raise university tuition fees, hence the reason a lot of young people chose to vote for them, but one hung parliament later the chance to go to university has been taken away from thousands of young people as David Cameron has decided to triple the fees cap instead. Nice one Nick Clegg, you pathetic Tory rent boy.

So, we marched from the Fourth Plinth to Millbank. Windows were smashed, grounds were trashed, and everything from paper towels to a fire extinguisher was lobbed off the roof of the Conservative party headquarters. It was a beautiful autumn's day and some 50,000+ people protested peacefully and passionately against the rise in fees and the education cuts, but that is of course not what you see on the news. I did not take part in, nor did I condone the violence, but it was truly a spectacle and needless to say the media was all over it – like pigeons jockeying for an empty Greggs bag strewn upon a damp pavement.

The publicity raised has been invaluable, but I'm not holding my breath. In our democratic society we vote on a leader and he or she is allowed to do as they please. All Nick Clegg has done is shown the gaping holes that democracy leaves unsolved. Shame on you for turning blue.

You are an icicle.

2010-11-14T17:39:00.001Z

I'm currently debating this dress in my head for the millionth time.

You know it when you wake up, put on your shirt, and go out.

2010-11-08T10:15:00.002Z

On Friday I went to Anthropologie for the first time ever. :)

SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-10-27T20:30:00.002+01:00

The blog will be out of action for a few days whilst I do some redesigning. The stark white and midnight blue just don't feel like me. I'd like to do something darkly twee, so it'll sum the things I like up a bit better. Fingers crossed.

This is going to involve resizing all the images I have posted, so my archives are going to look atrocious for a little while. Please do not judge me on this if you decide to visit them. :)

Part Deux

2010-10-11T21:35:00.002+01:00

More shots from a slightly more camera-esque device: the Casio Exilim I bought on eBay for around £15. I took far too many photographs in that cemetery - it's just a shame we never made it to the Catacombs, really. Next time.

Parisian Skies

2010-10-10T15:40:00.003+01:00

Un-posted shots from Paris all taken with my iPhone. I love the ethereal look of the Hipstamatic app - this is how the city is in my head when I look back on our trip. Pictured: ancient views, Père Lachaise cemetery, my kiss on Oscar Wilde's grave, Starbucks en français, La Durée, and an evening cruise along the Seine to round off the stay.

Comatose Joy

2010-10-04T20:42:00.002+01:00

It was the first day of term today - yes, we have just started. As I have undoubtedly said previously, this is what happens when you ask arty-types to run an institution: everything is late, and little things such as timetables and enrollment requirements are omitted from the to-organise list.

On the plus side, my course - incidentally one of the most academic in the university: hello shiny, accurate handbooks, how I've missed you - sounds fantastic and I'm very, very eager to get started. I have my first lecture on Monday(!) and beforehand, a screening on Wednesday which sounds rather pleasant. I did have a situation reminiscent of the Mean Girls cafeteria scene when I realised I didn't know anyone and thus had nobody to sit with at lunch, but this was resolved after a few minutes. This is what happens when you get chatting to Harley whilst enrolling.

In other news, I am considering selling my DSLR on eBay and downsizing to a Canon Powershot or Olympus Pen. The lugging is just too much to warrant daily use.

Raised by Wolves

2010-09-30T23:04:00.004+01:00

Behold, the reason I woke up at 8AM this morning despite not starting my shift until one. When I saw this hat on teh internets I deemed it to be EASILY the best winter accessory I have ever seen. When I then got paid, I deemed it a purchase that would solve all my headwear problems. When I returned to the website to follow the purchase through, it was gone, and not just the infamous 'out of stock' gone: nowhere to be seen.

And so I made a decision - a decision to wake up at a (contextually) awful hour in order to obtain this magical woodland chapeau. Handy hint? Topshop Oxford Street is a wonderful place in the first few hours of a midweek trading day.

Ten days after his furniture.

2010-09-28T23:27:00.002+01:00

Lately I have been both busy, and completely out of ideas as to how I can occupy myself. The former has resulted in me earning a rather pleasant wage by working in an almost indecently adorable place. The latter has me reading 300 strips of Questionable Content in two days. I'm suddenly fixated on a new quest of obtaining some wonderfully obscure t-shirts and possibly a Pintsize hoodie, and have begun to sense gaping holes in my iTunes library that need filling. Preferably with some subversive rock music.

University starts next week and I am crazily excited to get started. I've absolutely adored our recommended reading (David Randall's The Universal Journalist) and consequently am keen to start learning how to write well. A major plus is that the contents of my dearest blog will undoubtedly be much improved as a result. Wizard.

Offal

2010-09-20T18:47:00.004+01:00

Bad blogger alert.

I am now a few bookshelves and eight different drawer handles away from my perfect bedroom, and I've managed to find a job after an arduous and often less-than-enthusiastic search of over four months. It's in quite possibly the most adorable shop on Earth, and I can already envision spending my wages on stock.

Anyway, this has been irritating me for a few days now, and thus I feel that I need to set my opinion free, to roam about within the confines of my little online pseudo-diary if nothing else. I won't go into rant-mode - I'm just going to say this:

1983

2010

Seen it.

.ziuQuiz.

2010-09-03T16:05:00.002+01:00

I haven't been able to post much due to decorating, etc. (pictures to come!) but here is a quiz I stole off of Karys in the meantime...

Your mobile phone? iPhone 3Gs.
Your hair? Newly cut and still long.
Your favourite food? Oriental.
Your dream last night? I was too tired to dream.
Your favourite drink? Milk.
Your dream/goal? Writer. A good one.
What room are you in? My new dining room.
Your hobby? Writing, photography, fashion, doodling.
Your fear? Spiders. Insects. Heights. Failure.
Where do you see yourself in six years? Hopefully in the office of a newspaper supplement or fashion magazine.
Where were you last night? In my new house, getting things done.
Something that you aren’t? Nasty.
Wish List item? A flying jacket so I can be Amelia Earhart.
Last thing you did? Filled my toiletry stand.
What are you wearing? Levi's indigo wash skinny jeans, black motorcycle boots, and a Harley-Davidson t-shirt.
Your life? Moving forward.
Missing someone? Always.
Vehicle? My well-shod feet.
Your favourite colour? Navy blue.
When was the last time you laughed? Earlier on.
Could you go a day without eating? No, thanks.
Who was the last boy other than family you said 'I love you' to? I said it to a carpet salesman.
Whats your favourite TV show? Probably Friends or Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Would you rather go to Tokyo or Paris? Tokyo, as I've been to Paris.
Have you seen someone today you didn’t want to? Yes, actually.
Good or bad day? Good!
Ever kissed anyone whose name starts with a L? My mum is called Lorna.
Who is the last person you talk to before you go to sleep? Usually Nick.
Do you prefer warm or cold weather? Cold. :)
Do you eat a lot of fast food? No.
Were you happy when you woke up today? I was alright.
Have you ever driven without a license? I've never driven.
Know people that do drugs? Who doesn't?
Have you ever had a best friend who was of the opposite sex? My best friend is of the opposite sex.
What’s something you need to do? Decorate my bedroom.
If you could be with anyone right now who would it be? There are loads, and I want them all to be here at once.
Are your nails always painted? Almost always.
If you could move somewhere else, would you? No!
Are you single/taken/heartbroken/confused? Taken.

BOLD the truth:
You’re at least a little bit cold right now.
The last person you called knows your parents.
Your best friend is in love.
There is food in your room right now.
Your friends like your current bf/gf/crush.
You always forget to put your seatbelt on.
You text the person you like.
Your birthday is the 10th of its month.
You’ve had a bf/gf forget your birthday.
Chicken soup really does make you feel better when you’re sick.
Your best friend has had their heart broken recently.
You usually eat dinner with your family.
You’ve fallen for a friends’ bf/gf before.
You’d rather eat fries over salad.
You’re a really good gift buyer.
You’ve had a cat/dog who had kittens/puppies.
You accept every friend request whether you know them or not.
You can’t sleep without a blanket.
You need very particular conditions to sleep.
You’d be comfortable going to the last person you kissed in sweats with no makeup and your hair a mess.
You bought what you wore today in the past couple of weeks.
You’d be able to name all of Santa’s reindeer.
You’ve spent HOURS getting prettied up for someone.
It takes you forever to pick out outfits for dates or outings with friends.
You’ve been friends with someone who moved to a different country.
Cafeteria food really is gross.
You’ve given someone a hickey before.
If you could, you’d start your life over right now.
You’ve cried in front of the person you have feelings for.
There is someone who makes you smile just thinking about them.
You’ve found a friends mom/dad very good looking before.
You’d rather live without TV than without makeup.
Someone has once told you you’re the most important person in their life.
You’ve worn a matching Halloween costume with someone before.
Your hair is in need of a wash right now.
You know that someone has feelings for you right now.
There were other people there during your last kiss.
You’ve kissed someone right after they smoked pot.
You’ve fallen for a bf/gf’s friend before.
You’ve dated someone at work school, broke up, and had VERY awkward times there...
You’ve been set up on a HORRIBLE blind date before.
The last person you hugged is single.
Someone has mistaken you for the opposite sex.
You’ve seen the last person you texted drunk.
You wouldn’t date someone younger than you.
The last person you laughed with is in love.

Knocking at my chamber door.

2010-08-30T20:04:00.002+01:00

I'm moving back to London on Wednesday night, arriving early on Thursday, and I can't wait to get my room looking exactly how I want it. I'll be able to take some home comforts as I'll have more room, but I'm also looking to buy a few more bits and pieces to create something special. I've been trawling through Tumblr to find some of the best bedroom inspiration. Here are a few of my favourites.

(Most images via here)

Waste Not: ASOS and their 'Protective' Packaging

2010-08-25T18:51:00.003+01:00

Hello! It's lovely to be back. Have you missed me?

The cruise was sublime: all sunshine, food, and a massive group of friends whom I miss already! I'll share the photos of it soon.

And now, to ease back into my little blog, a spot of annoyance. As I was packing I realised I had no shoes to go with my navy blue flapper dress, and so in a rush I ordered some grey suede heels from ASOS. I did this on the Monday night and paid the extra £5 for nominated day delivery. Obviously Tuesday was unavailable, so I opted for Wednesday. However, when they arrived (on Thursday), I was absolutely appalled. See for yourself:

Yes, that much packaging. I couldn't believe it. The white shoebox in itself was too large for the shoes, and paired with a string of air-filled plastic bags and a huge box measuring roughly a foot and a half long, it made for a ridiculously wasteful display. Surely, I thought, a company as forward-thinking in terms of fashion as ASOS should implement the same ingenuity when it comes to economically-friendly packaging?

And so this is more or less exactly what I sent them as feedback. I got a reply an hour or so later:

Hello Harley,

Thank you for your email and for your feedback.

I can confirm that as you placed your order after 7pm on the 02/08/2010 this is passed the cut off date for the shoes to be delivered the Next Working Day therefore these would be sent out the following day.

I have also passed on your feedback about our packaging, it is in our best interests for your items to arrive to you in the best quality possible and I am sorry if there was too much packaging with your shoes but I have been in touch with out packing department about this.

If there is anything else I can help you with please let me know :)

Kind Regards,

K____

I'm sure it's apparent that I wasn't satisfied with this. It just seemed so complacent. A smaller box with perhaps a spot of bubble wrap would have done fine in terms of protection, and even then that seems extreme! But I suppose it doesn't matter as long as a company is making money. Alas. Still, I couldn't help but love this little snippet at the bottom of the message:

P ASOS.com is a CarbonNeutral® company -- do you really need to print this email?

Spring means nothing.

2010-08-03T15:27:00.004+01:00

(Topshop eyelet scallop pussybow blouse and knitted diamond cutout jumper, AllSaints Cavalry t-shirt dress, New Look suede faux fur cuff boot)

It may charge you an extra tenner for a blouse than New Look would, but Topshop is a glorious place, and for some reason anything I buy from there still seems to be in regular rotation years later. The cut of the jumper is beautiful and it's so, so soft - a welcome change from my bulky, itchy Arran knit that barely clears my elbows. Descriptions are linked to the actual items, in case you're tempted. I'm considering buying an eyelet gun to stylishly puncture things with. As you can see, I'm well into Autumnal dressing right now - a tad problematic as we're leaving on the night train to Dover on Friday for a cruise around the Mediterranean. Holiday packing? Hard.

Trinkets

2010-08-01T20:07:00.001+01:00

(All images via Thomas Sabo)

I'm currently getting so sick of all my cheap rings from Topshop and H&M tarnishing after a couple of wears, and consequently turning my fingers an embarrassing shade of green. This, combined with Thomas Sabo's utterly beautiful silver, has me seeing jewellery in a new, coveted light. I think I'll be asking for the raven for Christmas as a tribute to my beloved Edgar Allan Poe.

Hazy Day

2010-08-01T17:52:00.005+01:00

(H&M half-sleeved t-shirt, Topshop denim leggings and necklace, River Island boots)

These jeans - okay, denim leggings, but that's all you're getting - are one of my go-to pieces as for some reason grey and mauve floral goes with a lot of different things. I never thought I'd buy into the whole ultra-elasticated denim thing (not how I refuse to use the J-word) but these are as thick as a pair of jeans and they have actual pockets, so there isn't a sheer patch in sight.

There's something about the plasticky little iSight lens that makes low sunshine look beautiful. I think I only appreciate this as I'm a major fan of lo-fi photography, but whatever. Pretty.

Happy birthday to my beautiful mother!

Next A/W 2010

2010-07-28T21:40:00.003+01:00

Hello blog. :)

As we are a British working-class family, my mum gets the Next directory every Spring and Autumn. If you've never seen it, it's a truly massive hardback catalogue - two, if you count the home-ware one. Normally I'd get some plain t-shirts and perhaps a pair of slippers, but this week I can't stop poring over its glossy pages and lusting after a select few really, really nice things. The only thing I couldn't find an image of is a black faux leather kilt which has gotten me far too excited. Here are my picks:

The Monster with Green Eyes

2010-07-17T08:51:00.003+01:00

When I got the e-mail for R29's post 'Five Fashion Bloggers to Watch' I didn't check it out for a while. I think I was on the bus at the time, or something, and I have a 500Mb 3G data limit which I'm a little bit terrified of going over. However, I'm in Paris right now (!!!!!) and my friend Ross is in the bunk bed above me, still asleep, so I went on for a little browse. Finding the bloggers post, I decided to have a look - and oh my god, the animosity on that page!

The five girls were your typical bloggers: thin, pretty, and trendy. I can't say I was inspired, but I find catalogues of people's personal style innately interesting. However, scroll down to the comments and you've got your thirty-plus women saying all the young girls are narcissistic idiots, and your 16-29's saying the slightly older ladies are just jealous and/or fat. It's horrible! Where did all of this anger come from?

I'll admit to the fact that it seems you have to be frighteningly thin and dripping in cult labels in order to have some sort of mass following does piss me off. I'll also say that I have some serious body issues due in part to the girls from the big blogs you all know about (and thus I shan't name). But I don't think this is a reason to literally hate. It's amazing how quickly women are to despise other women - whether one has something the other doesn't, or someone is just attractive. I couldn't begin to count the number of times I've heard someone state that a beautiful, slender woman in a magazine is a 'cow' based purely on the fact that she is beautiful and slender. And, I'm ashamed to admit that I do it sometimes as well.

I suppose we all have to realise that jealously isn't a good colour on anyone.

You may be a sinner but your innocence is mine.

2010-07-13T13:33:00.006+01:00

(Secondhand shirt, cardigan, and necklace, New Look jeans, Casata bag and Libé shoes via TK Maxx, Skullcandy headphones)

The coolest thing about the outfit is that the only things that weren't a gift/second hand are the inexpensive jeans and sunglasses. I love it when the cheapest clothes end up being the most wearable. Shame posting pictures of myself makes me feel like a bit of an asshole.

I think the reason I've missed out on seeing so many classic films (Jaws, ET, Star Wars...) is because when I find something I like, I tend to watch it over and over. Right now I'm watching my entire Buffy box-set from start to finish - again. Rather unprecedentedly I've been loving the wardrobe, which probably explains the crucifix necklace and cardigan half of a twinset. The nineties have been a huge influence on what I'm buying and wearing since the beginning of the year: it's all full-length skirts, chunky-heeled footwear and sheer blouses right now. I think I need to watch Clueless again tonight.

If my echoes could reach your ears...

2010-07-11T18:08:00.003+01:00

(H&M t-shirt and gloves, Lux at Urban Outfitters skirt, Isabella de Pedro jacket, Topshop necklace, Envy boots, Marc B bag, River Island hat)

It was cold and windy today, so the panda hat had its first outing alongside the grey ankle boots. They are surprisingly vertiginous. Spent the day wandering around Troon with my mother and her best friend, eating far too much and trying not to fall over. How awesome is it that the hat doubles up as a balaclava? They call me the Bamboo Bandit.

See the sun in winter time.

2010-07-10T19:18:00.006+01:00

(AllSaints shirt & boots, Levi's jeans)

The best thing about this shirt is that you're only a few buttons away from looking as though you took time getting dressed when in fact you slept in. Useful. I should be suffering from seasonal affective disorder with all this July rain, but I love autumnal weather far too much. I was really cold today. It was lovely! Picked up a couple of cool belts and a swimsuit for our holiday in August, alongside a knitted panda hat I've wanted for an age. It even has eye holes so I can pull it down and pretend I'm a bear. Raaaaaaaar.

Come up screaming.

2010-07-06T17:27:00.005+01:00

This pair of shoes is one of the best TK Maxx finds I've ever had – weirdly enough I was just thinking this morning that I'd love a grey heeled desert boot. I'm completely obsessed with Topshop's A/W look-book I posted a few days ago, so say hello to the shoes I'll be wearing all autumn.

Finger Gloves

2010-07-05T22:50:00.002+01:00

OMG they're liekkk, gloves without hands! IN AWE. Eveniftheywere£12.

PS: I look insane here. And not in the good way.

We'll try not to smile.

2010-07-03T21:15:00.003+01:00

I've somehow managed to go from the mouth of the real-estate forest to an oasis of calm in a clearing known as Clapham - yes, dear reader(s?), I think I have found housing.

To cut the saga short, I was supposed to live with friends and they decided to screw me over big time, so other friends offered to have me live with them, but promptly decided to also screw me over, and so I was homeless and sad. I must state that these friends are normally very nice people and it was just an awkward situation and blah blah. BUT. A little Facebook event invitation led me to the discovery of a house a girl I know was moving out of, and it looks like I might just have found somewhere to house my shoes and perhaps self! Joy to the world.

I will share more when everything is official 'n' stuff, but for now, YAYAYAYAY!

Before I go, I've become a wee bit transfixed with Park & Cube, a blog I stumbled upon via TFS. I like to think of its lovely writer Shini as being very similiar to myself only leaps and bounds better. Neat.

This country is my canvas; I'll leave paint trails as I go.

2010-07-01T20:29:00.002+01:00

I know these are probably all over the blogosphere like a sex scandal on The Sun, but I'm really into Topshop's new Autumn 2010 look-book I found on R29. It has confirmed my suspicions that shearling is what must fill the gaping hole in my winter wardrobe (and has thus broken my heart that eBay seems to have nothing to offer since I let the most beautiful chocolate leather aviator jacket slip away a couple of weeks ago). The most prolific thought in my head upon viewing? "OMGWTF SPIKED KNITWEAR." Seriously. And all the textures are delicious. I think after the financial wounds of Paris heal (and some intense eBay selling to raise funds) my shopping(wish) list will include some flat chalky boots, metal spikes to DIY everything in sight, the aforementioned shearling, some chunky knitwear, a leather backpack, a hat or two, and maybe even a coat. Picks:

On standby.

2010-06-18T15:10:00.003+01:00

I haven't posted a picture of what I'm wearing in an age. I know this doesn't count as it was taken on Photo Booth (and that I really shouldn't post pictures of my naked face on the internet) but I'm waiting for Nick's exam to finish and I really, really love my lace-up trousers.

Most of all, I will not grow up.

2010-06-17T21:25:00.003+01:00

(Sassy magazine from Style Rookie)

Yesterday I stumbled upon the past existence of a 90's teen magazine called 'Sassy' which has been heavily featured in Style Rookie. I had never heard of it, but all of a sudden I've been hit with a real sadness that it's no longer with us. I have been able to read only three or four articles from scans and photographs, but I can already tell that I would have adored it. It dealt with political issues, made fun of mainstream magazines, and even mocked the (admittedly, rather alternative) celebrities that would adorn the front cover.

The only teen magazines I can ever remember slightly relating to were UK CosmoGirl! which folded in 2007, and America's Teen Vogue, which I can seldom find but still enjoy perusing scans. Even still, I only liked CG! for its cool editorials. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's the only reason I enjoy Teen Vogue. Hardly relating, really.

I suppose what I'm clumsily attempting to say is that I want another Sassy. Or, rather more ambitiously, I want to create another Sassy. I'm going to be studying journalism, so why not aim high? Those who can relate to the superficial teen magazines we have kicking around today (Sugar, Bliss, etc.) aren't reflective of our whole generation. The alt-folks need something too, and right now I don't know of anything that fits the bill - but if you're reading this, and you do, please let me know.

This is the first; now it's the last.

2010-06-15T08:56:00.004+01:00

At the moment, I have the most intense feelings of lust for a leather skirt. I think I am either a) a terrible person, b) an insane person, c) a terribly insane person, d) an insanely terrible person, or e) all of the above.

Went to the doctor's and they gave me not one, but TWO special shampoos (though the little pharmacy was out of one of them, as always) that both cite I use them twice weekly. Yes, my hair needs medical treatments. Plural. Considering I only wash my hair twice weekly anyway, I'd deem this a gross misdiagnosis on my GP's part. Also received enough medication to open up my very own pharmacy. I will put some tubes of Carmex next to the till and make people wait up to twenty minutes for a new inhaler.

On a more cheerful note, I am going to Loughborough today, and will THEN be reunited with all my wondrous possessions on Friday! I'm stupidly excited to see all my socks again.

Currently...

2010-06-11T09:06:00.002+01:00

Obsessed with my black and yellow floral Doc Martens I got when I was thirteen or so.
On the lookout for new fashion blogs (though somehow suspect no one will have as similiar a taste to me as Rumi of Fashiontoast).
Loving H&M's basics and how they've stepped it up a fair few notches on jewellery.
Re-loving TK Maxx after a period of disappointment. Silk taupe printed with Roman warrior helmets? Oh, yes.
Tired of swimwear editorials.
Having to make do with a tiny wardrobe, by my standards.
Anxious to get my hair cut - any more than an inch or two off and I may cry.
Enjoying Diana Vickers' debut album and its surprising electronic style.
Fixated with the notion of a beautifully organised and functional wardrobe.
Dreading the move.

Heavy Petal

2010-06-08T20:48:00.005+01:00

(via Net-à-Porter)

I must be the only person in Scotland who is kind of glad to bid a (hopefully temporary) farewell to the sun in favour of grey skies and light rain. Why? Because I get to play with A/W style ideas. I'm obsessing over full-length dresses and skirts and anything sheer - a kind of nineties throwback. However, I also bought a pale pink tutu so it's safe to assume that femininity will still shine through. I'm spending tonight sitting in my living room in my prettiest nightdress, watching Gok's Fashion Fix and lusting after every item of clothing. I may spend this summer customising as I really fancy some severely studded and/or spiked footwear.

There's beauty in the breakdown.

2010-06-06T16:05:00.003+01:00

Thirteen. by harleygrant.

The smell of you in every single dream I dream.

2010-06-06T11:44:00.002+01:00

(Inspiration from Jak & Jil and Knight Cat)

Just kids in the eye of the storm.

2010-06-03T18:19:00.002+01:00

(Vogue Nippon via Fashion Gone Rogue)

I saw these images and was suddenly reminded that I'm bidding on a pair of brothel creepers on eBay. They're somehow currently the only shoes I want to be wearing on my feet - I just wish I didn't have to wait 'til the nineteenth to get my lacy ankle socks from London.

She was a quiet one, she was a shy one.

2010-06-02T09:31:00.004+01:00

Broke these in last night with black knee-high socks and what can only be described as a cream-puff of a dress. It kinds of thrills me how they looked like killer boots. For five-inchers they were surprisingly alright until the insane trek between Tube stations: Bank and Monument, why aren't you closer together? Oh, and I might've tripped on some uneven pavement whilst on the phone and skinned my knee.

I'll get there.

Like art could save a wretch like me.

2010-06-01T18:24:00.004+01:00

After a hopeless morning and miniature distress call home, I've decided to head back tomorrow morning; impromptu, yes, but it will be heavenly. It's crazy to think that it's been a whole year since I got into Saint Martins and I can't even begin to describe the way I'm feeling.

It's been all about new places, names and faces, small rooms with generic furniture, English accents, fire alarms, too many shoes, dabbling in drink, a thousand card games, break-ups, breakdowns, girly vs. goth, a smaller waist, clutter that spreads, reorganisation, changing directions, job rejections, university acceptance, the right path, a new someone, week-long trips, traveling for hours, online auctions, betrayal and letdowns, misery, elation, and Chinese food. I have learnt so much this year, but I'm kind of glad to be moving on.

Just kids in the eye of the storm.

2010-05-30T14:39:00.004+01:00

My inner mall-goth (Thursday, as we call her) just squealed in delight: HOT TOPIC HAVE A UK SITE! How did I not know about this?! All that gothic wonder and low shipping costs? I am in heaven. Particularly loving the alternative-type models and surprisingly small prices. I am now salivating over these:

I'm thinking that hoodie would be perfect over a gauzy dress, and the unexpectedly ornate little jacket could be just the thing for making it look like you made some sort of effort when really, you dressed in approximately half a minute. As for the jumper, I think my search for a Kurt Cobain-inspired knit is over. Rumi Neely swears by their jeans, too - and how amazing are the bag and earring?! I promise I'm saving up for Paris, Ross. Promise.

Mascara running through my bloodstream.

2010-05-28T13:17:00.008+01:00

It feels like change is in the air right now, starting firstly with a little redesign of the blog. Something about the "lefty" template just feels like it makes sense, probably because it reminds me of a book, with the sidebar as the spine. Spent a good hour or so fumbling around my coding with but rudimentary HTML skills for guidance. Setting the header margin was a feat. It feels a lot less fussy now that it's without all the different text colours - you'll note that I opted for navy blue as opposed to black. I seldom wear it, but it's my favourite colour.

However, there are more life alterations afoot. I'm moving home for the summer on June 20th and couldn't be more excited, though I can't help but think ahead to leaving all over again in September. It's so tempting to just stay in Scotland but if I hadn't come to London I wouldn't have my name in Lula magazine, or perhaps even have realised that journalism is what I want to do in the first place.

And lastly, I've felt myself reverting back to my kind of gothic mishmash mode of dressing. For a while I was getting really into pretty, pretty clothes, but I always felt it a bit too saccharine. I think I've done one too many eBay searches for 'goth boots', and am now seriously considering buying a pair of those massive buckled platform boots that border on fetish wear. How incredibly awesome would they look with my cream coloured tutu? Or a little pink cardigan with pearl beads all over it? It's more than a little tempting to whack on some black lipstick and go down the Intrepid Fox. Darling meets dark.

Inspiration:

Pictures from Buzznet, TFS, Fashiontoast & Wicked-Halo

I'll get a coffee and the paper, have my own conversations.

2010-05-25T16:56:00.006+01:00

I am trying to fathom Bloglovin', so this post will serve as a tester, as well as allowing me to post some photographs I've taken over the last week. For some reason the site thinks I have three followers, post once a week (it's surely more than that?), and refuses to accept that I have my own domain name. Silly internet.

1. A rose in the shape of a star on my kitchen table.

2. The least blurry shot of Georgie you'll get.

3. Rebus being obedient.

4. The most perfect hot chocolate I have ever tasted.

5. A very friendly bird I named Leonard.

6. Thomas Sabo ring, a daisy, and a replacement black rose ring.

7. Boules in Loughborough.

8. The park tower.

9. Strawberry Ribena and my favourite glasses.

10. I can't remember what I was mending.

We are the jockeys, the jockeys are we.

2010-05-24T23:43:00.006+01:00

For quite some time now, I have been meaning to do a post on a wonderful human being by the name of Ross Semple. As sensual as he is quick-witted, he has been my friend for many years now and I must say, I've grown quite partial to his face. So, as a tribute, here are some facts you may not have known about Sempler.

1. His favourite eatery is the Apple Biscuit Café.

2. He conceals shoplifted items in, his, leggings.

3. He does not allow elderly ladies to "come too" when he goes on drives.

4. He enjoys Pecan Sandies.

5. He hails from the town of Krabbe... ville.

6. He is a happy walking girl.

7. He believes that everyone needs to drive - even the very tall.

8. He takes a hot dog, stuffs it with some jack cheese, flips it in a pizza, and ends up with Cheesy Blasters.

9. He enjoys drinking beverages from their corresponding mugs.

10. He probably doesn't like you.

Give me refuge in your dignity.

2010-05-24T23:20:00.004+01:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin'.

It feels like an age since I last posted - probably because it has been over a week. The delay was due to visiting much loved people, so let's condone it just this once.

I'm getting the hang of eBay and have now sold three dresses and two bags - and I've bought some cheap shoes:

I also have my eye on these:

LOVE the last two knock-off pairs. I think we can thus assume that Harley should not have been allowed to venture into the world of online auctions.

Just as a child at ten might act, but you're far too old.

2010-05-15T22:47:00.005+01:00

The last couple of days have been all about discounted denim, being a size smaller, spectacles, childish antics, and much better food than I would ever make for myself. Somehow managed to acquire over £100 worth of lower-body apparel for far less than the marked price, along with this questionable little knitted jacket that I, of course, adore. I also made my first ever eBay sale, and am well on my way to wardrobe satisfaction. Check out the massive zip on the leg of the white pair. The best part is there is not one, but two on each side.

As I was trawling through my wardrobe for things to sell, I came across a floor-length black chiffon gown I got for £5 last year. It was always too small (the tag was wrong) but I kept it anyway; I don't know whether it was the price, or the style, or the fabulous combination of both, but I do know that I'm an inch away from fitting into it perfectly and my new aim is to wear it out during the day with a black denim jacket, sunglasses, and some form of chunky heeled shoe.

Pledging allegiance.

2010-05-12T20:37:00.002+01:00

I've just started eBaying and I couldn't be more excited about passing on garments that are in much need of love. You'd think it'd be blissful to have so many clothes, but in all honesty the alterations are a nightmare. It's weird to see how much my style has changed, too. For the better, I'd say. :)

I wrote this a few days ago, but the bag post took priority:

I am sitting in a Wetherspoon's of all places, having just had a delightfully cheap and unhealthy breakfast, and a surprisingly delicious coffee. One of the things I love most about this downtime I'm getting much too used to is the fact that I'm discovering good places to have coffee in London, and indeed anywhere I find myself wandering. Have you ever tried McDonald's coffee? It's delicious. No really, it is a little bitter and completely satisfying; and, there are stickers on the to-go cups that you peel off and stick onto a little card, and work towards your seventh cup, which will be free.

That's another thing I've been finding myself procuring in silly amounts: loyalty cards. I have a Boots advantage card that lets me accumulate points and buy things with them, like most young British women. I have an HMV card that will give me the occasional £2 off voucher. I have a loyalty card for every coffee chain that offers one, and physically rejoiced when the Costa Coffee Club card went national and was accepted at all their stores, not just some. My Starbucks card I have never used: I picked it up purely because it had Big Ben on it and 'LONDON' emblazoned across it in red and blue ransom letters. There is an almost elegant black and gold card for an overpriced, family-run photographer's in Kilmarnock, and I even have one for a custom milkshake bar in Suffolk that I have visited, and will visit, a grand total of once.

I could justify this by observing that I am a student and thus not only want, but need to seek out bargains: half thrift, half badge of honour. But truthfully I kind of like having cards. My mum always had roughly four thousand in her gargantuan purses when I was younger, and paired with the thrilling fake credit cards I would find in brand new wallets, they excited me. When I have cards, I feel a little bit important.

I could speculate more, but I need to go sulk: they didn't give me another stamp on my new Wetherspoon's coffee card when I bought my second mocha.

And you are alive.

2010-05-11T10:08:00.001+01:00

For a few years now, I have been fascinated by analog photography as a means of shunning the digital age: strange, really, as I also love all things hi-tech. So, when I stumbled upon an App that could recreate the erratic, unpredictable nature of toy camera photography on digital form, I was intrigued. £1.19 later, I was excitedly taking a picture of some Prince of Wales checked plimsolls to see what came out.

Both tragically and happily, the image turned out to be beautiful. Tragic, because I have never been able to get such a great photo by traditional means, and happy because I hadn't wasted my money on a redundant little program. But it got me thinking: am I actually in support of such a niche photographic style becoming so accessible?

With the aid of Wi-Fi (still waiting on the SIM card, Orange...) the App, 'Hipstamatic', was delivered to my iPhone in under half a minute, making the total time between its discovery and the "development" of my first photo about three minutes in total. Take the same image on my Diana F+, and you're looking at a minimum of two days' waiting, inclusive of about an hour negotiating with my temperamental negative scanner. Convenient, yes, but somehow it doesn't seem to be worth anything. With the physicality of film I can experiment with everything from flash gels to internal hacks, whereas this program offers a couple of lenses and flashes but ultimately processes your image at random. The only real skill is finding something to shoot and making an attempt at framing the subject, which are rudimentary at best.

So, I suppose my real question goes a little deeper than analog versus digital; it transcends shooting style. What I am really wondering is whether the true meaning of photgraphy lies in the resulting image, or the process in which you get there. What is more important: a lovely image or an interesting approach?

For a romantic old soul like me, I'd have to say that photographs, regardless of where they came from or how they were taken, are about memories. Years from now, when stories of wrinkles are etched across our faces, are we really going to remember what brand of slide film we used and where we went to get it cross-processed? This fledgeling writer thinks not. Instead, we will remember how beautiful that smile we captured was, how we basked in that warm sun's glow, how much we wore that dress. We will remember names and faces, times and places, and all with that ethereal, dreamlike quality nostalgia brings. In short, it doesn't matter that some of my Lomographic images were actually shot on a phone, because the memory is, and will always remain, ultimately and perfectly the same.

Stars hide your fires.

2010-05-03T10:35:00.004+01:00

On Saturday we went on a walk over to Borough Market, where you’re instantly hit by the smell of cinnamon as soon as you walk into the court. I can’t stand the taste, but the smell is something divine. You can find food from all over the world, too. I’m seriously considering buying all my fresh produce there from now on: their meat counters and fruit and vegetable stalls are truly fantastic. I had an amazing steak sandwich with mushrooms, rocket and a fried egg (though I removed most of the rocket as I can only handle a few leaves). I also bought a slice of this chocolate tart which has to be one of the most delicious things ever to have passed my lips, and a massive chorizo sausage for the Spanish-style omelettes I cook on a regular basis. It all made me way too happy.

I'd already met you.

2010-04-30T20:58:00.002+01:00

Whilst my absence from this blog over the last few days has been mainly due to a major upheaval at home, it has to be said that a large part of it was also due to the fact that i acquired an iPhone and haven’t been able to put the thing down.

Since my BlackBerry (which has now been given to someone in dire need of a new phone, bless him) was a lowly 2G model, I have to wait until next week to get my new 3G SIM card in the post, which is pretty excruciating. Still, the App store is definitely keeping me amused. I’ve become obsessed with naming all fifty states on Sporcle, alongside the 100 most common words in the English language: much harder than you’d think, as suddenly you forget how to speak. I won't even begin to talk about Doodle Jump.

The red in the rose.

2010-04-13T10:23:00.007+01:00

More pictures from Rome!

ROMA/AMOR

2010-03-30T18:57:00.005+01:00

As I find myself fast approaching my 100th post (for the second time, following a deletion of my most atrocious efforts), I thought I'd go back to basics with an outfit post(!). And to think, it started off as 'Nicola, take a picture of me on that ancient Roman column'. Did I mention I'm in Rome? I like it. :)

Primark top & skirt, Topshop tux jacket, Kurt Geiger shoes, random goth-shop socks, Edina Ronay bag.

Through all of the devilish things we do.

2010-03-22T13:06:00.005Z

A girl can dream.

All images from Glamour magazine.

Legal Tender

2010-03-10T11:33:00.004Z

I'm going to get political for a minute; as a Scot, I am officially annoyed.

Whenever I go back home to the hills and glen, back to Wallace country where we told the English where to go in 1314, my family always give me some money. And, they always make sure it's in English notes. Why? Because it seems that almost every cashier I come across is insufferably petty over them. Here's how it goes:

Cashier: That's £xx.xx altogether.

Harley: [hands over £xx.xx in Scottish money]

C: [examines note front & back, holds it up to the light, thoroughly caresses the paper, marks it with a little pen, etc.]

H: It's Scottish.

C: Yeah, I don't know if we accept these.

H: It's exactly the same.

C: I just need to go and get a manager.

[queue builds up behind Harley, with people muttering irritatedly; enter: Manager]

Manager: Yeah, it's fine. Sorry about that.

Harley: It's fine. Thanks.

[exit: Harley, embarrassed and annoyed]

Where is the need for that? Do I look like a counterfeit artist? Is a watermark, hologram and fraud-detection pen not enough? Surely, with the amount of money the whiskey and North Sea oil trades bring into this country, our notes should be accepted everywhere without hesitation.

Next time this happens and I get handed back an English note as change, I'm totally giving it the same treatment.

Phonetography

2010-03-04T14:55:00.011Z

I think that camera phones are one of the best things that's happened to photography since digitalisation. The ability to immediately capture an image with a device that's already so local to us means we can record so much more information - my phone is always the easiest thing for me to reach, and I'm sure most people have the same set-up.

I got my first ever camera phone when I was 13 or so, and since then I've always kept a record of things I like when I don't have my camera with me. Hence, I give you some of my favourite images from as long ago as 2006. I'd use them as my phone backgrounds and MSN display pictures (and, er, still do). The quality may be poor, the subjects tired, and the meaning lost, but I kind of like them anyway.

Famous Blue Raincoat

2010-02-25T15:19:00.003Z

Leonard Cohen is the perfect soundtrack to glorious dull, rainy days...

It's four in the morning, the end of December,
I'm writing you now just to see if you're better.
New York is cold, but I like where I'm living:
There's music on Clinton Street all through the evening.

I hear that you're building your little house

Deep in the desert.
You're living for nothing now;

I hope you're keeping some kind of record.

Yes, and Jane came by with a lock of your hair.
She said that you gave it to her
That night that you planned to go clear.
Did you ever go clear?

Ah, the last time we saw you you looked so much older,
Your famous blue raincoat was torn at the shoulder.
You'd been to the station to meet every train,
And you came home without Lili Marlene.

And you treated my woman to a flake of your life,
And when she came back she was nobody's wife.

Well I see you there with the rose in your teeth,
One more thin gypsy thief,
Well I see Jane's awake --

She sends her regards.
And what can I tell you my brother, my killer,
What can I possibly say?
I guess that I miss you, I guess I forgive you;
I'm glad you stood in my way.

If you ever come by here, for Jane or for me,
Your enemy is sleeping, and his woman is free.

Yes, and thanks for the trouble you took from her eyes:
I thought it was there for good, so I never tried.

And Jane came by with a lock of your hair.
She said that you gave it to her
That night that you planned to go clear.

Sincerely, L. Cohen

I'll be the platform shoes, undo what heredity's done to you.

2010-02-15T12:57:00.002Z

After my now third-from-last post and a few emotional hiccoughs, the theme of a personal arsenal never seemed more apt. The things we use to defend ourselves against the various obstacles, and indeed horrors, of modern life are interesting me more and more. I'd bestow upon these posts the moniker of a 'series' and attempt to entitle it 'Harley's Guide to Life' if I weren't technically an unemployed university drop-out who has toast at least daily. So, to continue this motif, here are the (essentially material) possessions that I'd never want to be without.

My Filofax

A flick through these pages will reveal a frightening amount of things about me - my organisational obsession, all the undone to-do's - even what clothes I'm currently on the lookout for. My fear of losing it verges on irrational as I'd be completely lost - literally, as there are London street and tube maps at the back.

Skullcandy headphones

After wearing out three pairs of Sony ones, my parents took pity on me and bought me two pairs of Skullcandy headphones for Christmas. The black fur Ti's are my winter saviours - think earmuffs that secrete good tunes - and the white Hesh ones will be great in the summer. Excellent sound quality that drowns out all the noise of horrific commutes, and they look really cool. What's not to love?

Long-line bras

If you, like me, have absolutely no chest, then these are probably the best things ever to have been invented. Not only do they suit small busts the best, but they make you feel so pretty even if they're the only nice thing you're wearing.

Beauty Secrets' Hardener

This stuff gives even the cheapest Asda nail polish staying power. It gives nice, high-gloss finish, and dries really quickly. I know I can skimp on the price of polish due to this huge, £5-per-bottle topcoat.

Gisèle Scanlon's The Goddess Guide

A gorgeous little tome inside and out. Looking to rescue some abused suede? Or, want to know the best things to do in Dublin? This book has everything - and there's a cheaper paperback edition.

Feathered hairbands

I have long, thick hair. It's naturally straight due to the sheer weight of it, and because of this I'm much too lazy to bother with straighteners, curling irons, or pretty much any other form of styling. But if I need to look like I've made more effort than I have with my hair, feathered hairbands are the answer. And once again... So, so pretty!

Aldi's Lacura moisturiser

It makes your skin soft as silk, and smells like apricots. Oh, and did I mention it's £2 a bottle? This stuff is so good, it isn't even reserved for skint moments. I'd attempt to muster up something witty about how similiar 'skin' and 'skint' are, but I'm trying not to to be lame. Yeah, I don't see it lasting long, either.

Jacket potatoes that verge on "too big"

They might cost £1 each, but you just shove them in the microwave for 15-20 minutes and they're a meal. I like to have mine with garlic butter or leftover Bolognese sauce. Nom.

iTunes' Free Single of the Week

If I hadn't signed up for an iTunes account purely to receive these, I wouldn't have discovered some of my favourite songs: Loney, Dear's I Am John, Okkervil River's Lost Coastlines, and that song from all those game adverts, Dominoes by The 88. I wouldn't have become a Frank Turner fan had they not given me the first track from his undeniably brilliant album, Love, Ire & Song. Cheers.

Lee Alexander - God Save McQueen

2010-02-12T15:04:00.004Z

I was looking at the alumni wall at CSM just the other day, reading his section and thinking about just what an amazing designer he was.

RIP, McQueen.

You can get off the conveyor.

2010-02-09T11:55:00.008Z

Every internet user, no matter how prolific, has a list of favourite websites. Whether it's the bookmark bar at the top of your browser or just the history you keep going back to, we all have this veritable arsenal of online tools to amuse, inspire, and assist. Thus, after being spurred by this post, here are my own invaluable websites and applications of choice:

Evernote

Evernote is basically an archiving tool for anything that inspires or intrigues you. You can clip entire web pages to it as well as writing small passages and attaching images. It also works on a few BlackBerrys (though not mine, tragically), the iPhone, and now the Android. A brilliant program, though not one I can afford the subscription to - but the free version is really quite good. Thoroughly recommend, even if purely for the little elephant logo at the top of your browser.

Poladroid

As the name may suggest, Poladroid is an image modifier whereby you can turn photos into digital polaroids. They look great, and are really useful for web-based images, like layouts and display pictures.

Last.fm

I have a weird statistic fetish, much like the blogger I linked to in my introduction to this post. Therefore, Last.fm thrills me as it lets me see my own listening habits, and recommends new things to me. I've stumbled across some really great tunes via their radio function. I also love the little widgets that let me see what other people are listening to; not-so-subtly alluding to my own on the right, here.

Spotify

Okay, so not the most original application, but isn't it just nifty? I'd been trying to download it for months but to no avail, then all of a sudden they decide to make the free version invitation-only! Outrageous. Thankfully, a lovely person on TSR sent me an invite. Forum signatures begging for them really work! Another option would be to get a group of 'Spotify' friends to take turns paying for it, so you can all enjoy the gloriously free music.

Temptalia

This website is my go-to place for anything to do with make-up. Christine Mielke from San Francisco Bay has really turned her blog into something amazing - namely a massive archive of make-up looks, and how to achieve them. Check out her tutorials for the perfect smoky eye.

The Student Room

It may be full of liberals with straight A's, but I have a lot of love for TSR. I've met some really lovely people, including my favorite Tomcat! Great for advice on uni life, personal statement and UCAS help, and general chit-chat. You can subscribe, but it's really not necessary. Just don't feed the trolls.

DeviantART

I've been a member of this community for years, but recently started a new self-titled account. It's brimming with beautiful artwork (and also with soft furrie pr0n) and you can subscribe to your favourite artists. Again, the free accounts don't lack much - it's a cornucopia of inspiring pieces.

Lifehack

Directly stolen from Aman's post, but this website is awesome! It had some really useful information on writing as well as pornography for the notebook enthusiast. All the articles I've come across are well-written and the comments are usually just as good.

43 Things

A really useful website on which you post your goals, and share them with others. You can read 'How I Did It' stories to spur you on, and cheer the efforts of other members. I like having all my accomplishments and goals in one place, and this most definitely ticks that box - plus, it's free to join.

Sporcle

The ultimate in procrastination, Sporcle will drive you insane. I'm currently trying to name all 50 states, purely because I couldn't in the allotted 10-minute period (I'm on 43). Trust me, click on the link and you'll be hooked.

So, that's it - my favourite websites. There are more, obviously, but these are what I consider the real gems of my bookmark bar. I hope you love them as much as me.

Oh, and if you're like me and could never figure out how to sync your Hotmail with the Macintosh Mail client, read this and enjoy the gloriously local and user-friendly interface.