'Granny please knit me an embarrassing Christmas jumper...'

I never had the joy of being knitted a, perhaps sometimes cringe-worthy, Christmas jumper.  However I don't need to because they are flocking the high street.  There are so many christmassy jumpers both high street and designer-wise. Here are a few I have picked out:

Joules|£69.95

This is one of many from the same style of jumper. There's the pheasant, a jack russell/beagle (not entirely sure which because to me it looks like a jack russell and to others a beagle) ducks, a bunny and a corgi. So cute go check them out. Not entirely christmassy, but tick the box for a cosy winter knit including something cute for an animal person. They are quite pricey but it's the wool mix you're paying for.

Topshop|£50

This one, if I had to pick out of the penguin or reindeer that are also available would be the one. I just love a snowman.  I do however think it's quite pricey for the quality of wool being 99% acrylic (compared to joules for not much more being cotton, lambswool and angora).  Still very cute and sparks lots of Christmas cheer.

Jil Sander | £1,040

I could actually criticise this jumper to the bitter end. For a measley £1,040 what an UGLY jumper.  It just makes my eyes go all funny and brings on an instant migraine. If anyone, which I'm sure a few pretentious and far too rich for their own good types, buy this I would instantly question their overall sanity. Attention to detail is down to a tee with the ribbed trims and mid-weight cashmere (also being 100% cashmere, but's it's Jil Sander, of course it's 100% cashmere.) I just judge the lack of co-ordination with the colours. I know it's all about the colour-blocking for this label this season but it's just over-powering. Apart from the amazing quality of the garment, which is expected anyway, I have nothing good to say about this jumper.

Andrea :)

Happy 1st of December!

I can never get into the Christmas mood in November.  I can also never get into the Christmas mood when I have a list of things to do up to my eardrums (involving coursework and other busy factors in my life) to get through first.  So, opening my very childish yet very nostalgic Thomas the Tank Engine advent calander this morning sparked a glitch of Christmas Cheer.

So being the first of December and being Thursday late night shopping, the high street has taken it by storm.  There is lots happening in stores all around Aberdeen tonight giving away goodie bags and discounts galore.  I happen to know one particular store that is going out of their way this evening with discount.  Possibly because I work there. White Stuff have a 20% off night tonight serving glasses of wine and champagne along with nibbles and some sort of pankake flipping/sweetie in a jar counting competition too.

I happen to know that those two ladies are the longest working seamstresses for White Stuff.  And still do it! They're in their late 80's and apparently lovely ladies.

Union Square and Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centre are also open until late and there will be deals on and goodies given away in particular stores.

Andrea :)



Scarf Collection

So I absolutely LOVE scarfs...

I love pashminas. If you have known me for a long time you will know that I tend to wear pashmina scarves a lot. I think they work as a winter scarf to keep you cosy instead of a wooly one occasionally. I mainly shop for them at european/continental markets as they give you a huge variety (I find it so hard to limit my choices). They also give you good deals e.g. buy two for £10.00 etc.  They are definitely one of my key everyday accessories.

This is just a tiny collection of the many pashminas around my house, me and Mum tend to share them :), however finding a specific one is such a hassle! 

Some of these scarfs below have been fished out of my mums Mary Poppin's style box of scarfs! This is from her time of 90's office attire where she would wear a fancy neck scarf along with her suit! She doesn't do that anymore (thank god) so they're mine! I did find the original Biba scarf however in Copenhagen this past summer from a vintage boutique.

I also adore a good quality wool scarf.  Especially when you know its been made here in the UK.  I just love my Highland Tweeds scarfs and if I remember correctly they were really good price-wise.  I also love my furry scarf, however I have been told very severely to NOT wear it with my new, similar in colour, fur coat. As if I would?

Andrea :)

1920's Beauty

After seeing the final episode of Made in Chelsea's season 2 tonight, I was speechless with the beautful theme, 1920's.  Watching and wishing I was stepping out of an old fashioned car in a beaded/embellished gown and fabulous vintage accessories...  

Except I wasn't, just an admirer sitting on the couch at home in the most unlikely of places to come across a party of such extravagance.   

So, I decided to do a bit of investigating for garments along the trend of the 1920's.  I have already noticed that there is quite a lot of fashion today depicting that era.  Here are some images of high street brands and retailers who are including this style and trend in their ranges.  

French Connection | Dorothy Perkins | Tophsop 

Items I feel the 'need' for...

Mulberry | Small Bayswater Satchel. KG Kurt Geiger | Chuck. Stella McCartney | Falabella woven faux leather iPad case.  Fendi | Fendi Palazzo Perfume. 

So clearly these items won't break the bank? Pahaha. This is more what 'not-so-grounded' me 'needs'. Sometimes keeping your fashion sense 'grounded' means you have to remind yourself of what you may one day afford (hopefully). Or what target you can set to save for.

I did actually get a £20.00 voucher for Kurt Geiger from Elle December 2011 (go buy it NOW, no petty aggravating terms and conditions, just plain and simple credit!) So I might purchase the Chuck boots, since they're on sale now too... Also Fendi | Fendi Palazzo Perfume will probably be on my list to Santa. It smells so good! Mr iPad will just have to find a cheaper wardrobe choice.

Andrea :)

...that mulberry bag would be perfect for London fashion week.

Burberry Winter Accessories Wrapped Up

I absolutely love the Burberry take on the festive season.  

They have wrapped up each category of items whether its Bags or Mens Accessories.  There are some 'presents' wrapped up which are available to be unwrapped in December.  A little surprise for the shoppers.  I love the christmas experience they're giving the website users. 

Along with this they use reds, yellows, browns and blacks.  Bringing festive charm to show their accessories.

Andrea :)

http://uk.burberry.com/store/experiences/festive/#/products

Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Freja Beha Erichsen  

is one of my absolute faves.

Karl Lagerfeld has used her lots, she has the ultimate Chanel face and frame. The shots are theatrical and remind me of someone acting in a scene. The theme is quite mystical. It's portraying double lives within a character.  Someone playing different roles and portraying different emotions. There is senses of fun, tradgedy, glamour, reservation... 

Make of it what you may.

Andrea :)