Saturday, August 28, 2010

I believe in what I'm feeling

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Didn't make an outfit bubble because this outfit is so simple: Uniqlo denim t-shirt dress buttoned up all the way, black tights, thrifted boots and bag.
This is what I wore today. First to sit around in my room doing nothing, and then to check out the Doc Martens sale in Old Spitalfield Market, then come sit in my room some more... didn't really feel like "exploring the city" today. I do love this outfit even though it's remarkably simple for my style. My inspiration/mood for this look comes from a blogger named Japke, who has the most beautifully refined and quiet taste and whom I've loved for ages. Definitely check out her blog, it's so lovely to skim through especially when your feeling quite dreamy and Sunday afternoon-sy.
I also want to let everyone know that I've decided I want to head home early. It's not for some sad reason, it's not an emotional affair: I'm leaving happy! I really just feel like I've done and seen pretty much everything I wanted to when I was here last year, and I just feel like I'm not meant to be here right now. I'm still taking off a semester, and I think I'd rather just find a job at home and chill out for a while. Anyways, if anyone has any places/shops/events you think I should check out before I leave then let me know!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Don't take no mess from nobody

Guess who finally got a flannel
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
The most perfect flannel in all of Camden. I basically live and sleep in it now. Found the same day as the blogger yard sale which you can read about here on Style Bubble (I'm lurking in the crowd in the first pic) and here on I Want You to Know, because I can't be bothered to type up my lesser quality recolection of the day. I bought a crap load of Susie's stuff, will show them over time rather than a "here's everything I bought" kind of post. Still gushing about how cool/funny/real Susie is in person, and the same goes for all the other bloggers there. Was fun times.

Friday, August 20, 2010

I got the pieces of the heart you broke

Image and video hosting by TinyPic This has been me for the past few days. No, not nessesarily kissing my knee, but basically house bound as I'm really trying to NOT to spend any money... que PB&J with instant coffee for every meal! But seriously, if I go for a wander around the city I cannot be held accountable for my actions. I WILL buy something, and that's a fact.
To talk about some of the clothing-related going-ons in my life, I recently fixed one of my favourite pieces I've EVER owned, which was on the verge of death. My amazing Urban Outfitters moto jacket that I scooped on sale for $20 when I was, maybe, fifteen.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
It has served me well, and when I was in denial of the sausage-like snuggness that developed in the arms the most predictable thing happened: it ripped. Right on the elbow. This happened months and months ago, and when I tried to stitch it up it not only looked odd, but didn't last more than 5 minutes. So basically I had two options: either say goodbye to my fav jacket, or take drastic measures. That's right my friends: elbow patches.
I just used some scrap fabric and fusable interfacing, and had to hand sew them on. I started this the NIGHT before I left Canada because I so desperately wanted to bring the jacket with me, but I realized it might take a while to hand sew them both on so I brought the jacket along with some thread and a needle.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Honestly, I'm loving the elbow patch look. And you know if this method doesn't hold up, I can always turn it into a sexy dance.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
As much as I loved the gradient nail look I posted about last (anyone tried it yet?), I think the basecoat I used made a too smooth, slippery surface for the paint to stick to it started chipping pretty much immediately. Not to fear though! I did another design the next day using the paint again and just loaded on the layers of topcoat and it's still staying stong! What was the design you ask? Well I used a little J. Scott for inspiration.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And Jesus. Obviously.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
This was made with acrylic paint and a black sharpie (or as my immitation markers read: shaerpie). Oh wow, you probably think I'm so cheap for using materials like this. Well, you're half right. But really I left all my makeup and polish at home, as you may remember, so I'm working with what I got! But not for long: my brother brought my makeup bags with him as he headed overseas for a trip to Germany. I'm meeting with him tomorrow as he's staying in London a few nights before heading back home. FINALLY I'll have some decent mascara (Revlon 3D Extreme for life!!) and my brushes and everything! Very excited!!
And another plus for this look: I match with my shopping bag.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Oh and you know that stuff I said about leaving the flat? Yeah, well to prove it I did go for a wander in Covent Garden yesterday and JUST LOOK WHAT HAPPENED!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Faux leather panelled leggings, on sale 5 pounds from H&M.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Some button earrings, as well as a grey jersey circle scarf. I'm so bad.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

The night is young, ain't no one gonna know where you been

This post is special for two reasons.
1) The first video EVER on Nice and Shiny
2) My 200th post!

Don't get too excited just yet! The video is very shoddy and unedited, but I wanted to post it as the first of more to come. Now that I have a decent camera that takes good quality video, I've been thinking about making videos for the blog. Also considering how much I LOVE it when other bloggers make them. The thing is... I don't really know what to make the videos of! I'm not a fan of my voice on camera and I'm not particularly chatty, so doing haul/tutorial/chat videos are pretty much out of the question (for now at least). But hey, I'm telling you guys this now so you can give me ideas! Saves me from having to think about it! It might be cool to make some DIY videos, but now that I'm in England and sewing machine-less that idea will have to be put on hold for a while.
Anyways, what I wanted to show you today is my nail design. It doesn't need to be said that nails are just blowing up right now. Which is fine by me as I've always been a fan of the insane, 3-dimensional designs that those Japanese girls come up with. SO COOL, although I don't think diamonds and bows and pom-poms would really suit me (if you haven't noticed, I've pretty much been wearing only black for the past few months).
So I wanted to do something cool with my nails that would actually go along with my current goth obsession. Luckily I found this beauty of an idea in some long lost folder on my computer.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
I've been pretty obsessed with this design since I first saw it, and knew I had to do it for myself. While watching one of Gem Fatale's awesome tutorial videos, she mentioned how when she went to get her nails done that the manicurists were using acrylic paint for the designs, then using a topcoat to seal it. This got me thinking that using acrylic paint could work pretty well for this gradient design.
I went for a wander around Ikea yesterday and found some acrylic paints and cheap brushes in the kid's section by chance. I bought them right away as I doubt I'll be able to find any art supplies in central London that were cheaper than these.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
I'm also going to do some paintings/artwork for my room, I didn't just buy all these paints for this one nail project!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
The before shot. These aren't my real nails by the way. Right before I left Canada I decided I wanted to get gel nails done... don't ask why but I thought it would be a good idea. Turns out they started lifting the very next day! I had to go and get them fixed ON the day I was leaving, but even then they were majorly lifting less than a week later. I found a place in London that fixed them up in no time, and they still look great after 2+ weeks!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
All you need is a good basecoat and topcoat, your acrylic paint, and a paintbrush.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic The cheap paintbush I used has quite stiff bristles, so the it's not a smooth gradient effect but rather a scratchy, dripping kind of look (which I happen to think looks just as rad).
Basically all I did was, after first applying a basecoat, dip the brush in just a little bit of paint. Then paint just the tip of your nails, not going past the white tips. Wipe off the excess paint that's on the brush and carefully do little downward strokes, smearing the paint just a little bit past the white. Then you can put a bit more paint on the brush and dab a bit more on the very tips to get a more solid colour.
Here's the very sketchy video I made, just to show you how I did it. The video setting on my camera doesn't autofocus, you have to do it manually, which is why the middle section of the video is out of focus... you can still make out the general idea, right?

After the paint dries then whack on a few coats of topcoat. I don't think I did enough topcoat layers on mine as they started chipping after just an hour. Oops! Just make sure you have a good topcoat (I used Nails Inc.) and do at least 2 coats!
So that's it! I think they look pretty fierce, no? Don't forget to leave me a comment if you have any video ideas, or just anything you'd like to see on the blog! And of course, thank you so SO much for sticking with me for the past 200 posts! I know other blogs have way more posts, but I try to make each one special and of good quality... I hope it shows. I love you guys!!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Above is without the topcoat... I actually love the matte look that the acrylic paint gives. It would wash off right away though, that's why we need the topcoat!)
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Thursday, August 12, 2010

It doesn't kick like a pill anymore

Good news guys, I haven't bought anything new since the last post! Although the Topshop ban isn't going too well, I had another wander just the next day. HA! What can I say, a sale is a sale. Actually I went in there the other day just before I met up with a London blogger named Corinne, who runs a fab blog called Used and Abused Vintage with her bff Mia. No doubt Corinne will become my official London thrifting tour guide, pointing me in the direction of any and all charity shops and vintage stores around town, maybe even a few carboot sales. We met up in front of Topshop and had a quick peek at Beyond Retro. I really want to go back there as the prices aren't too bad and they had some really amazing things. There was one dress, URG, so gorgeous. I didn't try it on because I knew I wouldn't buy it because I knew that I was broke. Will go back and try it on as soon as I have a source of income.
A few of you were curious to see what the asymmetrical top from the last post looked like on. Well, WAIT NO LONGER!!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
(omg guys my skin matches my top, PALE VICTORY!!)
Well that was anti-climactic. Obviously this isn't the most exciting top but 1) it was on sale, and 2) I liked how dramatically it dipped to one side. I feel like I'm wearing a toga or something when it's on... it's sweet! My younger brother stopped into London the other day on his way to Germany, and when I met him at the train station he took a step back, looked at me up and down, and said "now I know why you like it here so much. Everyone dresses so wierd". Ahaha baby bro, wait till you actually leave the station and THEN tell me what wierd is.
Corinne was looking very granny-chic in her [flipping amazing!] 90's dress and witchy boots. Btw the dress is thrifted and I'm in love with it. The length, the floral print, errrrthang.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
I'm going to buy some toner for my hair to get it as white as hers, it's the most PERFECT shade. White, but not too white it looks scary, if you know what I mean. I'm excited!
Oh and yesterday I moved into my permanent room in the flat. Loving it so far. Fancy a tour?
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
The very best part of my room is on the back of my door.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
BAHAHA! My friend gave me this RPatz calander for Christmas, I just had to bring it with me to England. Tracy, you know me and my schoolgirl obsessions all to well.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Yesterday I heard Heaven was getting full

I'm sitting here thinking "should I post... I should... but I have nothing good to post... but I hate letting old posts get all dusty... I should post." And so I'm posting, if for no other reason than to say HELLO my lovelies, and I miss you all. Even though I've had access to the internet lately I still feel quite detached from you all when I don't post. Alas, I shall bore you with my going-ons because I can't stand to be away from you any longer!

To keep you filled in on my living status right now, I've left my hostel and moved into my new flat just a few days ago. I'm waiting for my room to open up (the guy who's in it now is leaving Wednesday) so in the meantime I'm staying in a smaller room in the flat that just happened to be free. I really just didn't want to stay in a hostel any longer, 12 nights is more than enough!! Not that it was a bad hostel (best I've been to, actually) but it's horrible when you have nowhere to put your things and relax at the end of the day. Plus you have basically zero privacy, and incase you couldn't tell I do enjoy my alone time (blogging is a one person activity)! Anyways, so I've left the hostel and in my temp room in my permanent flat... all that there's left to do is find a job. It's kind of driving me insane, I keep looking and looking and applying any chance I get but no luck yet! Until further notice I'll be on the job hunt and using the rest of my energy to stay far away from Topshop. As you will see, that last pursuit hasn't been going too well:
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Ooooooops.

In my defence, I have visited almost all the Topshops in London and have been to the Oxford street location at least 6 times and this is all I've bought (plus one little 5 pound crop top on sale, but let's just ignore that)!
It actually feels really strange being in all these high street stores, shopping like a normal person as I have been so accustomed to pretty much only thrifting over the past few years... normal shopping just seems too easy, you know? I'm used to digging through piles of junk and sifting through rack after rack to find something good. With regular shopping it's just... there. Sitting there for you, ready to be bought in whatever size you want. IT'S TOO EASY, I tell ya!!
Anyways, excuse me while I finish off this box of tissues from my leaky faucet of a nose. This London air contains no actual air, and I think has given me some kind of throat/nose related illness. I'm hoping Hobnobs and black coffee will make it all better. Mmmmm. See ya!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

I am just another piece of an island

So guess what I did the other day? Here's a clue:
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
What would involve five girls and cupcakes? ...A fashion blogger meet-up, of course!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Superstar blogger Rebecca, aka The Clothes Horse, was in London for a few days so of course surrounding bloggers flocked to meet her, haha! This eclectic group included myself (duh), Selina of Flying Saucer, Winnie of Diamond Canopy, Kristabel of I Want You To Know, and of course Rebecca from The Clothes Horse.
The four of them were already settled in at The Hummingbird Bakery, starting on their cupcakes when I turned up (always late, sowwy!). I don't think I missed much though because we sat there for another two hours just chatting about blogging stuff like comment etiquette, doing promotions for companies, and of course the big "should bloggers get paid" debate.
After the gossip fest we headed over to the Victoria and Albert museum close by to check out a few exhibits. But first... outfit shots, of course!
Everyone was being all coy and hesitant to start posing, so I'm like "someone take a picture of me standing on the fence!! Or the bench!". They all convinced me the bench was less deadly.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Btw, I call this look "The Goth Stephanie Tanner".
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
As you can tell, this summer I've made it my goal to NOT tan... at all. Eff people making me feel bad that I'm no Paris Hilton. I like my fair skin, OKAY?? Moving on...
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Kristabel! Obvi I'm mad jealous of her thin legs (see sidebar). AND HER SHOEEEES! I mean:
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Next is Selina. Ahhh, Selina. Flying Saucer was probably the second blog I ever fell in love with... this was well over two years ago and only now do I FINALLY get to meet her. All expectations were met, she is amazing and sweet and wonderful in every way. Mabes I should stop gushing and get to her outfit....
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Selina is upping her jewelry and nail game BIG TIME. Amazing.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Selina and Winnie are both Birminham bloggers, which means I really need to check out Birmingham now... they churn out some pretty amazing girls over there! Winnie was so sweet and has the best smile ever. It's infectious! Loving her floaty polka dot top as well.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And because I'm dumb and tend to get caught up in the moment, I forgot to get a solo shot of Rebecca's perfect outfit (see: matching shoes and nail polish!). In my defense, I was using her camera to take outfit shots for her. I'm sure a lot of you read The Clothes Horse anyways, so just head over there to see her outfit!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
There was a courtyard within the museum with some gorgeous flowers against a brick wall, so we decided to take a group shot there. Since it was only the five of us we had nobody to take the picture, and didn't really see anyone trustworthy looking to hande our babies (cameras), this can only mean one thing... self timer shots!! I told you, this was a true fashion blogger convention! Self timer shots also mean "blogger pose": pigeon toed, looking down, hand in hair.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Oh well, at least we amuse ourselves.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Followers