Labrinth feat. Emeli Sandé - Beneath Your Beautiful

Love, love, loving this beautiful track at the moment. Thought-provoking lyrics and perfectly executed, as expected of the wonderful Emeli Sande. Hit play, close your eyes and relax.

Photo of the day: 18/02/2013

I spent this weekend back in my old stomping ground, York, and one of the highlight's was catching up with the lovely Rhi. Although our charity shop crawl was unsuccessful, we stopped off at a craft market in the shadow of the Minster, and she managed to sneak off and buy me this gift without my knowledge. It now has pride of place on my bedroom wall!

Photo of the day: 17/02/2013

A little sugary snack I picked up for my train journey back from York, from Candy Avenue, a new American sweet shop in York.

Photo of the day: 16/02/2013

Returning to York for the weekend, it was reassuring to notice that not a lot had changed. However, what I did discover was a new cupcake shop, nestled in the shadow of the Minster. Situated next-door-but-one to the already existing Vanilla Cafe (who must have been more than miffed when the new place opened), Crumbs Cupcakery is the perfect place to refuel after a morning shopping. Obviously, it will never compare to my beloved Sooty's - for a start the cakes were nowhere near as nice- but the kitsch teapots made for a nice photo!

Photo of the day: 14/02/2013

Photo of the day: 10/02/2013

Today's photo comes courtesy of the macarons I picked up in Borough Market, London, yesterday. It seems that this sweet treat is taking over as the cupcake of this decade. Admittedly this presentation does little to rival the elegance and grandeur of a Ladurée box, bought with love (and lots of money) from Fortnum & Mason, and the journey they took around London in the bottom of my handbag did nothing to enhance their image. Still tasted great though! 

Comptoir Gourmand, Borough Market

Photo of the day: 09/02/2013

Yesterday's photo is this landscape of London; specifically, the view from the newly opened Shard building in London. Unfortunately we chose a foggy day, so the view was somewhat restricted - we couldn't even see Crystal Palace! The views to the East were the most impressive, with views of the sweeping Thames flanked by Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf in the distance.

A naughty extravagance

I did something really naughty recently - something which I almost never do. An extravagance in which I should not have indulged. In my defence, Mother Goose thought it was a good idea and she really, really never does this.

 I bought the same dress in two different colours.

In my defence, it's quite a versatile little number, as seen below. It can be worn casually, for a trip to the seaside (it conjures up images of deckchairs and lashings of ginger beer), and in my head is a classic British piece. However, it is not from Boden or Whistles, but from our trusty friend *hushed tones* Primark.

It can also be dressed up for office wear, or a more formal occasion, with a blazer. With belt, without belt, flat shoes, wedges.....the possibilities are endless. And at only £13 each, how could I not?!

I also indulged and bought the jumper which I was harping on about in my weekly wishlist a couple of weeks ago. Although a bit of a splurge at £38, I knew I'd regret it if I resisted.

That's my funds exhausted for a couple of months!

My weekly wishlist 02/02/2013

I'm feeling quite monochromous (monochromy? Either way I just invented a new word) this week. Fashion seems to be at one end of the colour scale or the other at the moment with spring pastels fighting an ongoing battle with black and white.

Untitled #2 by scribbling-lau featuring leather hats

This sixties style dress is an absolute bargain from Peacocks (£22), and would be a great addition to any work wear wardrobe. Although it may seem a bit premature to be looking for light summery dresses, the heavy fabric ensures that it can be worn all year round, and the versatile colour scheme lends itself well to a marriage with black tights, until the summer is really here.

Peter Pan style collars are everywhere at the moment, and fortunately this is one trend that doesn't require an expensive wardrobe revamp. Most high street stores are selling stand-alone collars, allowing you to jazz up your pre-existing clobber. From pearls to lace, dainty to chunky, there is something for every style, but my personal favourite is the pearl beaded collar from New Look (£7.99).

Sticking with the monochrome theme, I've had a hankering for a wide brim black fedora hat all winter - a side effect from an autumnal overdose of Made in Chelsea, I believe- and although this beauty from Topshop is my ideal purchase, it'll be a while before I can justify spending £32 on a hat.

Last but by no means least is the gorgeous Eiffel Tower, an absolute bargain at £3.10 from Forever 21, my new favourite store, It doesn't work too well with the monochrome backdrop, but a girl needs a little colour in her life, and with Valentine's Day fast approaching, what could be cuter?