Mimi Finerty

Tuesday Tune

2012-02-14T21:55:00.002+02:00

The prefect tune for a Tuesday evening after a long and stressful day at work - you know the sort that makes it feel like Friday but you still have the rest of the week to go....

St Valentine

2012-02-14T21:44:00.004+02:00

So it happens to be valentines day when I stumble across the Emporio Armani Underwear SS12 Campaign for Jeans and Underwear....Mens to be precise. A little bit of eye candy on the day when we celebrate all things L.O.V.E isnt a bad thing huh.

Images from http://ftape.com/media/?p=33195

Victoria

2012-02-12T21:23:00.000+02:00

A fun and cute film from Victoria Beckham to mark the launch of her sister brand, Victoria, Victoria Beckham for 2012.

Victoria, Victoria Beckham - Spring/Summer 2012 from Victoria Beckham on Vimeo.

one for the youth

2012-02-11T18:41:00.000+02:00

For one reason or another, my teenage years were mainly spent at Heatham House, one of London's best youth facilities. Now I may be a bit biased considering I spent many years of my early life here and then subsequently went onto volunteer for this wonderful institution, however, the vast amount of young people from within Richmond borough and the hundreds that have travelled from outside the borough to utilize Heatham over the years, speaks for itself.

Set in a stunning listed building in the heart of Twickenham, Heatham House has beautiful characteristics that no other youth club can compete with. As well as the main house which holds areas to hang out, a cafe, a photography studio and a recording studio, there is a huge garden, football pitch, skatepark and walls for graffiti. Heathams facilities are obviously the main reason it has been a successful youth club for years. However the fantastic staff, who I have had the great pleasure to know and work with, really make it something special.

Unfortunately in times of economic crisis, Richmond council believe Heatham House could be put to better use and are proposing to sell this much loved institution to developers. While they are promising to provide a modern and fully accessible youth facility on the neighboring site of the old post office, many are skeptical about their motives.

As someone who really benefited from the facilities and support of the staff at Heatham House, the idea of selling it is absolutely ridiculous. Its charm and character make it the perfect place for a youth club so why would you replace it with some generic modern box that looks the same as everything else. And to remove such fundamentally important facilities for young people at a time when they need them the most brings the whole issue of selling Heatham House to the forefront. For me it is a no-brainer. Heatham House is NOT for Sale.

back to earth with a bump

2012-02-10T23:50:00.001+02:00

After a week in England, my wishes came true when the snow fell in London on Saturday night. Unfortunately it just meant sitting on the plane for 3 hours in heathrow waiting to be de-iced before we could take off.

I was kind of hoping it would mean not being able to fly full stop, but alas, we flew, along with suitcases packed to the brim with a vast amount of shopping and our bellies full after a week of indulgence including roast dinner, a china town trip and too much tea and cake.

Back to work is always an issue, especially after such an amazing 8 days in London. Thank god its friday. Time to plan the next London escape...

Marni for H&M

2012-02-09T21:15:00.002+02:00

island hopping

2012-01-28T00:14:00.000+02:00

While it's not some exotic adventure, technically we are leaving one island for another. The time has finally come to head home for a holiday and enjoy all things London for 8 days. Im certain 8 days is not long enough and will absolutely fly by and before we know it we will back in *rainy* Cyprus. With my schedule precisely planned minute by minute i'm going to make every second count which means lots of shopping and eating as much roast dinner and chinese as I can possibly consume in 8 days. Should be a challenge but i'm sure i'l survive.

getty images

girls and bags

2012-01-28T00:12:00.003+02:00

The shots from the Spring/Summer 12 Longchamp campaign has such a sleek and fun style, all played out against the backdrop of New York. With unusual posing for a handbag campaign, Longchamp have mixed it up a bit, with exaggerated lines and unusual angles.

images from ftape.com

up to the high end

2012-01-25T22:01:00.001+02:00

H&M may be a high street brand but when the produce lookbooks like this I kinda forget about the affordable fashion I know and love. A combination of great styling, super models and amazing photography seriously wow me everytime I realise it's and H&M lookbook.

images from fashionising.com

after work energiser...

2012-01-25T20:12:00.000+02:00

my song of the week to wake me up after work! excellent video idea too.

moss and mango

2012-01-24T22:34:00.002+02:00

Kate Moss is back as the new face of Mango for spring/summer 12.

MANGO SS12 Campaign starring Kate Moss - Behind-the-Scenes from F.TAPE on Vimeo.

all the way from Athens

2012-01-23T22:34:00.002+02:00

Mary Katrantzou started is a long way from her humble beginnings in Athens. With a British fashion award under her belt for Emerging Talent 2011 and NEWGEN previously sponsoring her for six seasons as well as work experience with Sofia Kokosalaki, she is a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. Her spring summer 12 collection oozes femininity and a fun attitude with colour and pattern galore and a collaboration with Longchamp for spring 2012, designing two special edition bags.

SS12 Collection
London Fashion Week

Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp from F.TAPE on Vimeo.

print love

2012-01-22T22:11:00.001+02:00

Recently my mind has been running wild with the idea of buying lots of beautiful prints to cover the walls our living room. Maybe it has something to do with my boyfriend purchasing numerous graffiti prints and so it seems only correct to bring a it of style into our living room also.

Im in love with Amanda Catherine print designs, with their simple style, block colouring and modern feel. Now I just have to decide which prints from her Etsy shop I want to purchase.

Amanda Catherine Etsy Shop

why i love london

2012-01-20T21:58:00.001+02:00

because the city never ceases to amaze....

Will Pearson

the fashion olympics

2012-01-19T20:51:00.001+02:00

With olympics fever ramping up in London, obviously brands are clambering over each other to get British athletes fronting their product. The girls were the first to be snapped up with Jessica Ennis as the new face of Olay Essentials, Jessica Pendleton fronting Pantene's Smooth and Sleek range while Kerri-Ann Payne is the new face of Max Factor false lash effect mascara.

But its not the girls having a go in the fashion and beauty world. The men are participating with equal force for the new Dunhill Voice campaign for Spring 2012. With rower Sir Matthew Pincent, gymnast Louis Smith and sailer Iain Percy all donning quintessentially English attire for the campaign. Its a far cry from lycra and sweat thats for sure, but the men scrub up well especially in these stunning black and white images shot by David Sims.

Images from Yahoo lifestyle

You can see the full article here.

Art: the modern way

2012-01-16T22:41:00.000+02:00

Graphic art may not be everybody's cup of tea but the skill of combining pattern and colour in such a mesmerizing fashion is something that I could spend hours processing. And the work of Matt W. Moore epitomizes this notion completely. Using a vast array of colours in simple blocks, his work, although flat, has so much depth that both my eyes and mind get lost for hours.

The skill of his work is also clear to see, not only from the canvas's he has produced but the recognition he has achieved, exhibiting all over the world and working with global brands. You can view all his work here.

images from http://mwmgraphics.com/index.html

white tents in the snow

2012-01-15T21:47:00.000+02:00

We all know (or could take a wild guess) that camping is not my cup of tea. And I have never been skiing, which in itself could probably be a dramatic and traumatic learning experience. But something tells me a stay under the stars in one of these white tents in the Swiss Alps could well be worth all the wardrobe dilemmas, tantrums and skiing related injuries. And with a strong emphasis on the eco, the pods do not cause huge impact to the stunning environment and implement a number of measures in an effort to establish a strong eco tourism ethos including the reduction of waste production, the use of renewable energy and reduce water and electricity consumption.

With stunning views, these amazing little pods are decorated to the highest standard and offer a little luxury hideaway. Perfect for a romantic break.

see more here, http://www.whitepod.com/

Sunday Sound: Coldplay Paradise

2012-01-15T17:53:00.001+02:00

Coldplay - Paradise from Piyush on Vimeo.

Art: the resourceful way

2012-01-15T16:08:00.000+02:00

Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang, arent cleaning the beach, they're "curating the beach". What started from their first date, has become an artistic obsession and now Judith and Richard use the beach as a place to collect their materials. Combing the sand and shore for plastic washed up and discarded, the treasures they find on the beach are then washed, sorted and used to create visually exciting and colourful art. The video, "One Plastic Beach follows their passion and gives an insight into their world of plastic.

High in the sky.

2012-01-12T21:48:00.000+02:00

Jason Hawkes is not just any old photography. His work goes beyond the normal photograph, seeking to add a new dimension to our normal view of the world. An aerial photographer since 1991, Jason has honed his talent for showing us the world from a different angle, photography from the skies worldwide.

His photographs capture nature, life, architecture, environment, movement, colour and pattern of everyday goings on across the globe weather its a city skyline at night, a field or transportation. He has published over 40 books on aerial photography and worked for huge global brands including Nike, Coca Cola and Nokia.

His images are both intense in colour and pattern and natural; there is no feeling of force, like something has been purposely placed to make an image, instead the natural and the man made, in all there glory are simply captured from a great height.

You can view his entire portfolio and image library here.

one more time...Versace for H&M

2012-01-11T21:33:00.001+02:00

Versace have teamed up with H&M yet again and later this month, the fashion frenzy will descend on H&M stores. And with the gorgeous Australian Abbey Lee Kershaw fronting the campaign again, im sure Versace dresses will be selling like hot fashion cakes. And I didn't even mention River Viiperi.

images from ftape.com

shake it up

2012-01-10T22:28:00.003+02:00

I don't know if its the dress, the simple back drop or the swishing hair, but I love this image. Taken from Let Them Eat Cake this photograph has had me mesmerized for hours. A models face is a blank canvas, but you can never remove all personality and emotion from it. The fact that you cant see the models face removes the personality from the picture, the image has an ambiguity about it that other images cannot remove.

Chanel SS12

2012-01-09T21:36:00.000+02:00

Whoever had the idea to combine Chanel, models, gymnastics, the sea and black and white photography, into one beautifully shot campaign for Spring/Summer 12 is genius. The intense images set against the simple back drop of the ocean work so well. And my love of black and white photography make these a winner in my eyes regardless.

View all the images at ftape.com

bank holiday

2012-01-08T16:18:00.000+02:00

Friday in Cyprus was another bank holiday, which meant no work and a lazy day of strolling round the old town in Nicosia; one of my favourite activities and something I have blogged about many times before.

When it comes to the character of the old town, I never get bored. No matter how many times I walk round the little windy streets, the buildings never cease to entertain me and I always spot new details, I must have overlooked before.

Introducing

2012-01-08T09:36:00.003+02:00

The BBC Sound of 2012, Michael Kiwanuka definitely deserves his title. With a soothing folk style, influenced by Otis Redding and Bob Dylan, he started as a session guitarist working with Labrinth.

Michael has already performed on Jools Holland's Later show and accompanied Adele on her 2011 tour.

The Sound of 2012, now in its 10th year, was compiled by top UK music critics, industry experts and bloggers. Previous winners have included Jessie J, Adele, Keane and Corinne Bailey Rae. Michael beat US singer Frank Ocean, New York rapper Azealia Banks, DJ Skrillex and Swedish duo Niki and the Dove to the top spot.

Charlotte Taylor revisited

2012-01-08T00:05:00.000+02:00

I have written about Charlotte Taylor twice before; the last time was December 2010 and since then, she has continued to power her way through the frenzied world of fashion and continues to emerge triumphant with collection after collection of cool prints and strong but feminine silhouettes.

I stumbled across her beautifully witty blog, where she documented her journey as an aspiring talent in the big world of fashion. Now her blog is a little less loved than back in the early days of 2009 when I first found it, but with a successful brand, a new website and a diffusion line for Anthropologie, its understandable.

Charlottes penchant for prints is evident from all her playful collections, taking inspiration from grannies, penguins and robots to name but a few. And the spring/summer 12 collection is filled with modern silhouettes, textures and colourful prints.

look book images from http://charlotte-taylor.blogspot.com/

And if that wasnt enough, take a sneaky peek at the beautiful and quirky video for the Spring/Summer 12 collection, here. I know its cliche but Charlotte Taylor is going from strength to strength. Now to guess what the inspiration is for next season?!?!?

Dior

2012-01-07T18:47:00.000+02:00

Mila Kunis and her fresh face, look both elegant and sexy in these shots for Dior Spring/Summer 12. Little bit jealous of those legs too!

a lot can happen in a year

2012-01-06T15:19:00.000+02:00

and as usual my favourite photographic source, Getty, was there to document it all. With some intense images emerging from 2011, this wonderfully collated film highlights the ups and downs of a year that combined royal weddings, sporting achievements, European riots and Arab revolts.

Eve Arnold

2012-01-06T15:04:00.000+02:00

Eve Arnold, a forceful figure in the world of photography has died at the ripe old age of 99. Arnold, an American photographer born in 1912, was the first women to become a member of the Magnum agency in 1957, producing some intense portraits and engaging in photojournalism and fashion photography throughout her long and successful career.

Eve Arnold in 1997

Throughout her career she photographed some key public figures and celebrities including Malcolm X, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. While she was a fierce social critic on apartheid and poverty, she documented the glamourous world of Hollywood and in her later career produced a series of work on life in the Arab states in the 60's and 70's. Arnold was one of the first western photographers to document China and she chanelled her own experiences and issues into her work.

"I have been poor and I wanted to document poverty; I had lost a child and I was obsessed with birth; I was interested in politics and I wanted to know how it affected our lives; I am a woman and I wanted to know about women," Arnold once said according to her 1976 book, "The Unretouched Woman." (Reuters)

Marilyn Monroe 1955

Malcolm X 1961

Marlene Dietrich 1952

Havana 1954

Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor in Shepperton, UK 1963

Dubai 1971

China 1979

Images from the Guardian & BBC websites

Her beautiful images, both strong and natural, effortlessly captured the emotion of her subject and she was heavily praised for her work and widely exhibited throughout her career. She made a huge impact upon the world of photography, influencing the world with her beautiful images.

a beautiful machine

2012-01-05T23:31:00.000+02:00

Florence graces the pages of UK Vogue looking dream like in this ethereal shoot. \http://www.vogue.co.uk/

breakfast is the most important meal of the day

2012-01-04T21:55:00.000+02:00

with that being said, my new years resolution should be to make time for brekkie as I dont think my current routine of coffee and oatcakes at my desk is quite up to par. And to give me food for thought is a wonderful food blog I found, dedicated to the morning meal.

I could spend all day looking at the beautiful photography of food on the BKFST blog which is a collection of breakfasts, found on, as the authors put it "their internet travels".

Each picture links through to the blog or website with the original content, but I never get that far most of the time, usually because im so absorbed by the mouthwatering images of eggs, bacon and pancakes displayed before me.

http://bkfst.tumblr.com/

bright and beautiful

2012-01-04T20:19:00.000+02:00

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/shc-magazine

No yellow brick road, just an Emerald Street

2012-01-03T21:32:00.003+02:00

So christmas is done for another year and it was back to work with an official bang today. A morning of emails, overdues and collating the first of a long line of 2012 to do lists was a struggle, even for a organised individual like myself. But have no fear as escapism is here in the form of Emerald Street. It is my daily pick me up and for a few minutes I throw myself into and email, wishing it will never end.

Living in London offered many things, one of my favourites was the free press. The Metro, The London Paper and Stylist magazine, which i'm not going to lie, I would go out of my way to get my paws on. While I do get the occasional copy sent over along with a bundle of Sunday Times Style and Stella magazines, its just not the same as sitting down on the tube with a fresh copy ready to be devoured.

I love the magazine for one reason....it combines a plethora of quality content to rival any other publication and its free. I mean really. It is just genius. So when I discovered their new brain child, Emerald Street, I was overjoyed. A daily dose of everything Stylist stands for, via email, which for an expat like me is a hallelujah moment.

Mixing fashion, beauty, culture and entertainment perfectly to provide a daily dose when you most need it, it keeps a London girl in Nicosia in the loop. Love it!

Sign up here

All things bridal

2012-01-02T18:12:00.000+02:00

Since my wonderful friend here in Cyprus got engaged and we launched our search for the perfect dress, I have been consumed with all things wedding. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world of wedding blogs, dress designers and venue styling. And while its not my wedding, looking at beautiful white dresses never hurt anyone did it.

Cue my recent designer discovery, Laure De Sagazan, a French designer with a beautifully unique take on the traditional white dress. The Spring/Summer 12 collection offers a delicate and feminine silhouette, with soft detailing and a touch of bohemian bride, challenging the traditional ideas of the wedding dress. And the photography is stunning!

http://www.lauredesagazan.fr/

Jeremy Scott for Adidas SS12

2012-01-02T16:27:00.001+02:00

Jeremy Scott, known for his outrageous and eye-catching designs has produced another collection for Adidas for SS12. With a fun approach to fashion, Jeremy Scott applies this attitude to classic Adidas sportswear; adding pattern, colour and texture and focusing on fashion over function.

in black and white

2012-01-01T22:53:00.001+02:00

When it comes to photography, I love anything in black and white. There is something about the simplicity of a colourless image that really excites my eyes and can leave me staring at the same photograph for hours, soaking up all the details within.

Photography is my favourite art form; I like the power an image can construct while accurately presenting a moment in time and perfectly preserving it, laying it bare for the world to see. Black and white photography combines this idea of power, while hinting at the notion of vulnerability. An image without colour holds a certain simplicity, while allowing you to interact with every single detail captured at the click of a button.

In terms of portraits and fashion, it would seem that colour is an integral part of an image. But at times I think it clouds the real presentation of the subject, detracting from the beauty and emotion of a face and overshadowing the details and structure of clothing, rather than enhancing it.

images from various internet sources

time to reminisce and resolve

2011-12-31T19:31:00.001+02:00

2011 has probably been the quickest year of my life. Moving to another country induced a wave of "firsts" which might have had something to do with the speed at which this year has passed. We moved into our first home together, got our first car, spent our first summer enjoying the benefits of living on a mediterranean island, experienced the first proper waves of homesickness which at points, seemed relentless, bought our first christmas tree together and got our first dog.

It seems impossible that we abandoned the gloomy shores of England, found jobs and settled our lives on the far side of Europe just over a year ago. It would be fair to say 2011 has treated us well.

But as it draws to a close and we take the opportunity to reminisce, its also the best time to set the resolutions in motion for 2012.

1. Save instead of spend
2. Drink less coffee
3. Make more trips home to visit family and friends
4. Set my Greek language learning in motion
5. Read more books
6. Teach the doggy to say I love you.
7. Blog more frequently
8. Write letters instead of emails
9. Be more positive and less negative
10. Learn to cook our favourite Cypriot dishes
11. And be thankful for what we have

feeling festive

2011-12-26T16:08:00.002+02:00

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing day have all flown by without me really realizing and tomorrow I return to the office! YUCKS. But for now its more food, relaxation and the cosy smell of my White Company Cinnamon candle to send me off to a afternoon snooze.

UNICEF

2011-12-26T10:58:00.001+02:00

Every year since 2000, UNICEF Germany and GEO magazine have held the UNICEF photo of the year award, which recognises the outstanding work of photographers around the world who shoot the living conditions, emotions and depict the personalities of children worldwide.

Photojournalists have to be nominated by a renowned photographer to take part in the competition and the award is given on annually on an international basis.

Depicting both the joys and despair of childhood experiences worldwide, the photographs portray the emotion of living an everyday life far from what many of us know.

Crippled Due to Rejection of Vaccines by American Mary F Calvert

Drought, Poverty, Hunger by J M Lopez of Spain

Stranded After the Flood by Luca Tommasini, Italy

The Dictatorship of Scarcity by Jurgen Escher from Germany

The Situation Seems Hopeless by Jan Grarup from Denmark

Waste Export to Africa by Kai Löffelbein from Germany, a photography student at University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hannover

http://www.unicef.de/en/aktionen/unicef-foto-des-jahres/infos-zum-wettbewerb/

ITS CHRISTMAS!!!

2011-12-25T19:12:00.001+02:00

google images

After a very hectic day with the whole family and a christmas feast Cyprus style it definitely has been a very merry christmas. Now to open the ferero rocher and watch something festive in the warmth of our cosy flat with the tree lights illuminating the living room.

Wishing you a all a very Happy Holiday!!

24th december

2011-12-25T00:24:00.001+02:00

Presents are wrapped (except the ones the cyprus post office neglected to deliver on time) ferrero rocher in the cupboard, nails are painted, boyfriends snoring and the dogs sleep barking. Happy CHRISTMAS eve.

bird.

2011-12-18T21:11:00.000+02:00

http://www.christinasaid.blogspot.com/

Turkish Vogue

Getty

Maffashion

Kate Moss Bird print dress

origami-kids.com

MUSE Magazine

2011-12-14T20:54:00.000+02:00

With a sophisticated feel to the styling and a beautifully shot film, MUSE magazines new print and video editorial featuring the stunning Kendra Spears is a huge success.

images from F Tape

MadameX from The Terrible Child on Vimeo.

Nothing says winter....

2011-12-13T22:21:00.003+02:00

......like a great British storm.

picture from the BBC

The power of a John Lewis Advert

2011-12-13T00:30:00.000+02:00

John Lewis is one of those Great British institutions that reminds me of saturday mornings with my mum. It was probably my mum's favourite place (well alongside M&S of course) because for her, it was a one stop shop. Whether it was a birthday card, school tights, a new jumper, a face cream, a tv remote or a tie for my dad, John Lewis was the place to go. And the fact that she could pick up milk, bread and some other weekend necessity while we were at it was the icing on the cake.

John Lewis in England is like nothing else. Ok so its the middle class playground, but when it comes to service and quality, you cant fault it. Which brings me on to their adverts. Another area that you can't fault them on.

The brains behind the John lewis adverts is one very clever person. It's almost fair to say the adverts are more like short films, with the story line narrated throughout and such a strong attention to detail. While the story is important, how they play out the story and all the supplementay features of the advert are equally as vital; the choice of soundtrack, the angles shot at, the actors and actresses and the most important thing....the style. The style is continuous from advert to advert so much so that you know instantly what store your watching.

But for me, its the emotions John Lewis always tap into and portray through their stories. Such a strong feeling of warmth, family values, care, compassion and happiness just resonate from the screen in such a way that I always feel a little release of awwwwwww at the end.

For the love of Burberry

2011-12-12T22:03:00.002+02:00

Burberry is one of those iconic British brands with such a vast history and heritage, that persists in enriching its designs to this day. Since it shrugged off the chav status and regained its rightful place as a high end fashion house, Burberry has gone from strength to strength producing some amazing collections and even more delectable advertising campaigns. And Burberry Porsum AW/12 pre-collection is one to knock the cashmere socks off you.

With beautiful lines and stunning tailoring, the collection oozes autumn with its luxurious and warm colour palette of browns, oranges, greys and navy blue.

Images from http://www.ftape.com/

Petit Bateau online

2011-12-11T10:53:00.001+02:00

I may be slightly biased when it comes to Petit Bateau (having worked there for over a year) but they produce amazing clothes. And not just for little people. While Petit Bateau does amazing stuff for babies and kid with super soft cotton and practical favourites like dungarees in hard wearing material....its obviously the adult collection I had a little more interest in. Every season they produce a capsule collection for women and men and a series of basics - a variety of t shirts and vest in multiple colours and styles to suit everyone. There are two things I love about Petit Bateau.
1. They use amazing cotton and 2. the simplicity of the style makes any piece you buy, a keeper for more than one season. They really tap into their French heritage, produce classically cut items that last year after year and bring the customer coming back for more and more and more. And while their price point may be slightly higher than, say you other high street go to's for basis t shirts and sweaters....the cost per wear exceeds the quality and convenience of any £5 white t shirt you have ever purchased.

And they have now launched their new online boutique in the UK which means you can shop from the comfort of your sofa and exchange or refund in store. Perfect. Now if only they shipped to Cyprus.

http://www.petit-bateau.co.uk/

scenes of life

2011-12-10T23:51:00.001+02:00

A beautiful sequence of images displaying everyday situations in a different light. Shooting from above, the images have a whole different narrative, giving the viewer an alternative look from an angle usually not visited.

This is my favourite.

http://www.lucieandsimon.com/home.html

new shoe update

2011-12-10T23:17:00.001+02:00

I cracked. The pressure was too much and I decided I really liked my new boots and with a slight fear and a lot of hope, I cut the tag. That's it. There is no going back now. I love them I really do; from the super soft black suede to the round toe and the chunky block heel and zip detailing. Now fingers crossed they loosen up and cushion my feet, otherwise i'm in trouble.

seriously excited.

2011-12-10T09:25:00.001+02:00

So today is the first adventure into the world of wedding dresses. My amazing friend Domi is getting married next year and today we start the all important hunt for the dress. Not just any dress. THE DRESS. its safe to say that im totally overthrown with excitement. So its off to Pronovias we go. With their amazing dressess, I dont know how anyone ever just picks one!?!?

if you love words...

2011-12-09T23:59:00.001+02:00

...you will like this. From notebooks to pens, wrapping paper to cards, home stuff to jewellery. The Literary Gift Company has all sorts of word related products, perfect for anyone who likes to read or write. I want everything please.

Notebook £6.50

Mug £9.95

Notebook £ 6.00

Scrabble Wrapping Paper £1.95

http://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/

the look of winter

2011-12-08T22:17:00.001+02:00

if only....

MANGO

weather appropriate

2011-12-08T20:59:00.001+02:00

Is rainy season here? Im not sure. But looking out the window this morning to see huge drops of water smashing onto the concrete was not my idea of a good Thursday morning in Nicosia. Especially when my wardrobe has no rain appropriate clothing tucked inside. Living on a Mediterranean island the need for wellies and a raincoat is not there, well for 80% of the year. But maybe its time to invest in a few key items to save for a rainy day....

Zara

Mango

Bershka

ASOS

Pull & Bear

Mango

http://shop.mango.com/
http://www.asos.com/
http://www.bershka.com/
http://www.zara.com/

Sport Luxe

2011-12-07T21:25:00.001+02:00

Adidas SLVR is the ultimate in stylish sportswear. With creative director Dirk Schönberger overseeing the sport style division of Adidas which also includes the Originals, Y-3 and Porsche Design Sport labels.

With a nude colour palette, tailored garments and edgy knitwear, Adidas SLVR is not your typical sportswear.

http://slvrstore.adidas.com/

lana del ray

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000+02:00

This girl not only has a seriously amazing voice, but a sultry look to make any melt. I first heard her on radio 1 (of course because I listen to nothing else) and I couldnt imagine what sort of face went with such a husky and sullen voice. So I had to google her. With a retro vibe and doe eyes, she has the american pin up and girl next door look all tied up perfectly.

images from the internet

the walk of shame

2011-12-06T22:12:00.001+02:00

Harvey Nichols have used the walk of shame as part of their christmas campaign to great effect. But im not sure if anyone in the world wakes up looking as fresh faced and glowing as the model, especially after a night out!

waning desire

2011-12-06T21:47:00.001+02:00

I have had a small love affair burning away for some time now, well since Friday. Sitting in Mango was what I deemed, the perfect black boots, in suede with the appropriate height heel. Since Friday I have been yearning for them to be propped up against my front door and the dismay I felt when the girl told me there were no size 7 left in Nicosia made me heart break. Luckily for me a pair was found on the other side of the island and since then I have been waiting in anticipation for their arrival.

Today was that day. And somehow, my desire has died. I dont know if, in all the anticipation, I blew their amazing qualities out of proportion, or whether I just dont have the feet for them. But now that they are propped up against my front door, im not entirely sure I want them.

It seems the indecisive streak has struck again. I guess I have a month to decide if these stay with me forever or go back to their Mango home.

christmas Selfridges style

2011-12-05T20:42:00.001+02:00

Selfridges always produce exceptional and amazing christmas windows and this year is no exception. I may not be in London this year but I can still appreciate the displays from afar.

images from Selfridges facebook page

all things white

2011-12-04T00:10:00.001+02:00

I love The White Company and all their little luxurious offerings. And last christmas a fantastic friend in England sent me a box of white ceramic snowflake decorations, perfect for adorning a christmas tree. Unfortunately, last christmas was pretty non-existent for us; having just moved our lives to a new country, a christmas tree was the last thing on our priority list. But this year I made sure it was right up there at the top!

These gorgeous little ceramic snowflakes with their delicate red ribbon are a refreshingly crisp addition to my tree.

And they have this gorgeous smell. The smell of christmas; a mixture of orange and cinnamon which reminds me of christmas markets, mulled wine and christmas cookies.

on the first day of christmas.....

2011-12-01T22:26:00.001+02:00

I want (please santa) Chloe perfume.

I LOVE Nail Polish

2011-11-30T22:09:00.001+02:00

It's quite laughable my love of nail varnish. Especially since my natural nails aren't that fantastic and I have a horrible habit of biting! However, I love nail polish. And I find the whole process of snipping, filing, buffing, moisturising and painting rather relaxing. But my tendency to be indecisive, usually rears it's head when my nails are involved. Im not sure if it is because I dont know what colours suit my hands (I mean not everyone can pull of fluro green) or whether I get bored very easily, but I have been known to change the colour of my nails on a daily basis.

Since moving to Cyprus I have discovered a whole host of brands I never encountered in London. And one of those is Erre Due. A Greek brand which began its life in 1984 with eye pencils, it has since expanded to a full range of make-up and nail treatments and varnish.

And I have well and truly fallen in love with their nail varnish. They have a fantastic range of colours and the consistency of the polish is perfect. And the brush is a brilliant size - a factor that sways my decision when it comes to polish.

They have two ranges, Erre Due last minute and Erre Due Exclusive; both cover well and actually both dry super fast and leave a brilliant glossy sheen. I am in love with the dark cherry black and the slate grey; really wintery shades for any hands.

Now which one to use first?!

Fashion and Russia

2011-11-30T21:49:00.001+02:00

taken from google images

The editor in chief of Interview Magazine Russia, Aliona Doletskaya talks to NOWNESS about her love of jam and the importance of high end fashion in a post-soviet society. She also talks about the new generation of Russians, without memory of the times that came before them, which are interpreting their countries strong culture in a new light and embracing life differently.

A Russian Interview on Nowness.com.

the smell of summer

2011-11-28T21:57:00.001+02:00

This is the picture that will be adorning my fridge for the foreseeable future, or at least until the warmer weather returns. While temperatures in Cyprus plummet, my body and my brain are yearning for the summer months again; lazy saturday afternoons sprawled out on a sunlounger, painted toe nails, flip flops, denim shorts, lemonade, greek salad and hot crispy pitta bread, salt water hair, holidays in fishing villages and of course, a bronzed body. While i dont have any body hang ups to shout about, I want to be this girl in the quicksilver advert, effortlessly wearing a black string bikini and looking out to nothing.

For now its back to the christmas shopping.

Lighting up

2011-11-27T20:53:00.001+02:00

Its safe to say christmas time in Cyprus is somewhat different to what London usually has to offer. Firstly the weather doesn't immediately conjure up ideas of a winter wonderland when the skies blue, the sun shines and closet we get to snow is right at the top of Troodos mountains. Although this year the cold weather thats already hit Cyprus has shocked my senses. Maybe its because my body totally acclimatised to average summer temperatures of 30 degrees well into September, but I feel VERY cold already.

And the christmas decorations around the streets here are a little lack luster for my liking. I wasn't expecting anything like Oxford Street scale decorations, but there is barely a whiff of christmas in the air and just a handful of lights adorning lamp posts.

And the christmas windows are nothing compared to London. I know in England we make a huge fuss about christmas and in some ways it has become all too commercial, but there is something about seeing Harrods in emblazoned with lights, or the creativity that unfolds to unveil Selfridges christmas windows that just screams CHRISTMAS to me. And don't even get me started about the John Lewis christmas adverts [thats for another post]

Just a few ideas for the Nicosia municipality......

Harrods

South Molton Street

Carnaby Street

Oxford Street

[images from google - various internet sites]

Oh how I wish to be in London at this time of year. Given the fact that I will be visiting London in late January, christmas will be a distant dream.....time to start saving the euros for christmas in London 2012.

Jump in

2011-11-23T22:15:00.001+02:00

Winters hit Cyprus in the past few weeks and the temperatures have plummeted. Ok so its still averaging 18 degrees everyday but my body well and truly got used to +30 degrees and while the suns still shining, the air is fresh and cold and the mornings are crispy [almost frosty, but not quite]. And suddenly I realised I am not at all prepared for winter. As a former London girl you would have thought winter was the one month I was ready for when it comes to clothing........But over the past year I have accumulated more summer ware and somehow have nothing weather appropriate for this time of year.

I have never been a big fan of jumpers; i'm not sure if I have never liked them really or just never looked at them properly. Maybe it has something to do with being forced to wear a hideous jumper for school uniform for more than 5 years of my teenage life that has initiated this fear of jumpers into my brain. But that has all changed. All I want to wear recently is a nice warm, cosy jumper. And I have found my favourites....

Topshop

Zara

Mango

Zara

Pull & Bear

Home Time

2011-11-23T21:38:00.001+02:00

in just over 9 weeks time I will be in London! Flights are booked. My mental shopping list has been written and my schedule will not doubt be planned by the minute in order to cram in everyone and everything I want to get done in a week in London. I CANT WAIT.

the big wide world

2011-11-20T21:19:00.001+02:00

I firstly have to give credit to my boyfriend for finding this amazing video on Spray Beast. The whole idea of the universe sort of gives me the heebie jeebies a little bit to be honest; I dont like to think what's out there or more importantly who because it just freaks me out. But this time-lapse video, created by Michael Konig shows the world in a stunning light. Using a low light camera, the crew of the International Space Station took a series of photographs between August and October 2011 and the result is this stunning portrayal of the world we live on!

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.
Time lapse sequences of photographs taken by the crew of expeditions
28 & 29 onboard the International Space Station from August to October,
2011, who to my knowledge shot these pictures at an altitude of around 350 km.
All credit goes to them. I intend to upload a FullHD-version presently.

I need hydration!

2011-11-19T11:24:00.001+02:00

I have always been quite good about looking after my skin - exfoliating and moiturising religiously - mainly because I love moisturisers with a passion and the feeling of clean and cleansed skin makes me feel better. Since moving to Cyprus my routines have altered somewhat to accommodate my new weather conditions and eleviate the stress to my skin.

Summers in Cyprus are HOT and with shaving, sunshine, salty sea water and sand its not surprising my skin got very irritated this year. And now with shift of seasons, my skin is crying out for moisture and hydration as it battles with the sudden cold temperatures. Perfect excuse to find a new moisturiser correct!?

Which is where the Garnier Body Pot comes in.

Garnier was one of my favourite beauty brands when I was in England and I know they do their standard size moisturisers - but when I came across this Garnier ΕΝΤΑΤΙΚΗ ΕΝΥΔΑΤΩΣΗ [intensive hydration] Body Pot in the supermarket, I was a little bit excited. Id never seen it before in the UK and it is the perfect size to pop in my handbag, making this multi purpose cream easily accessible for a moisture top up for both hands and body.

This moisturiser has the perfect texture; thicker than a lotion but not as thick as a body butter and I love the indescribable smell it has [I really can't put my finger on it] that brings a feeling of comfort to my nostrils every time I open the lid.

I love Garnier products in general weather for hair care, face or body, due to their nice formulas, yummy smells and affordable pricetag, and this moisturiser is definitely a winner in my eyes. Lotions and potions come with a hefty price tag in Cyprus so you know what I'l be filling my suitcase with on my next visit to England!

what katie ate....

2011-11-18T20:06:00.000+02:00

Food and photography - two of my favourite things! So when I stumbled across this beautiful blog my eyes immediately lit up. Katie Quinn Davies, originally from Ireland, is a freelance photographer based in Sydney. Her love of photography and food is evident in her images, which also show her expert eye for detail. Her style is "rustic" and the simplicity of her photographs allow the intricate nature of her subjects to emerge effortlessly.

I know I have a thing about food, but seriously, her food photography is stunning, showcasing her talents as a cook and a photographer and depicting food in a way the screams comfort and warmth. There is a homely feeling to her photographs and a familiarity - in the sense that what she is photographing is achievable. The texture and colour of each image invades your eyes and brings the food to life, so much so you can almost smell it. What Katie Ate, and internationally recognised blog is definitely worth a browse if you enjoy food or photography - one word of warning - don't view if your hungry!!

[photographs from whatkatieate.blogspot.com]

bedtime listening

2011-11-16T22:35:00.001+02:00

I had 3 days off so today was always going to be a struggle. After one long, hectic and stressful day, I couldn't think of anything softer on the ears than this.

planning for Spring

2011-11-15T10:36:00.001+02:00

While winter has hit Cyprus in the last few days, I have turned my attention to spring in an effort to get me through the next few months of doom and gloom. And im hoping and praying a little H&M pops up in Nicosia before Spring because I struggling without my weekly fix of affordable fashion. And when I saw these pictures of the Spring/Summer collection for 2012 on Fashionologie, my pining for warm, spring weather heightened.

The collection is beautiful; with an emphasis on simple and structured silhouettes and a fresh colour palette of whites and beige with pops of bright orange, lime green and violet adding zest to the collection.

Now, time to plan a trip home to London to stock up on H&M garments.

[pictures from H&M Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook - from Fashionologie]

i heart florence

2011-11-14T20:48:00.001+02:00

Florence Welch is one unstoppable women with one seriously astounding voice. As i've mentioned before since moving to Cyprus im one [sometimes two] steps behind UK related goings on; but it was only recently I heard a new gem of a song from Florence and the Machine, whilst listening to Radio 1. Obviously, it is another amazing offering from this modern mistress of music, which has been on repeat on my laptop ever since I discovered it.

it runs in the family

2011-11-14T20:26:00.001+02:00

The Moss family is luckier than most when it comes to looks. The fresh faced half-sister of Kate Moss has recently emerged on the modeling scene and stolen the show with her pure skin and shiny locks. From the looks of her first modelling pictures, she will be standing on her own two fashion feet with no assistance from her big sister. But i'm sure having guidance from an industry expert wont hurt!

[photographs from fashionising.com]

McQueen

2011-10-30T13:53:00.001+02:00

This amazing video on nowness.com goes inside the Alexander McQueen studio in Paris with Cathy Horyn, exploring the watery themed collection for ss/12 and discussing both the indsutry and the technical construction of fashion with Creative Director, Sarah Burton.

Diving for McQueen on Nowness.com.

High in the sky...

2011-10-30T13:15:00.001+02:00

[photography: Mimi Finerty]

Natural Beauty

2011-10-30T13:08:00.001+02:00

Living in London you are exposed to a whole heap of fashion and beauty brands, both established and up and coming. The vast amount of choice on offer kind of scares me; there's something about the unknown, especially when it comes to beauty products, that makes me run away and hide. I used to stick to the same brands when I was living in London; tried and tested I knew the products I liked and my regular Boots trips were as easy as 1, 2, 3. But moving to Nicosia [Cyprus], where Debenhams, BeautyLine and Glow reign supreme in the cosmetic stakes I was thrown out of my comfort zone somewhat.

After some months of finding the best places to pick up my favourite lotions and potions, I realise I would have to embrace change also and experiment with other brands. The story has a happy ending though; this is how I discovered Korres, a Greek brand with amazingly cute packaging, a simple style and an eco friendly heart. Set up in Athens in 1996, the brand offers natural and organic lotions and potions, hair care and cosmetics, all using herbal and plant extracts, expertly combined to optimise the benefits of natural ingredients.

I have absolutley fallen head over heals in love with their products and even more so the simple and stylish packaging. My bathroom cabinet will be having a revamp over the next few months.

My favourites:

wild rose face cream

pomegrante face scrub

Vanilla Cinnamon Shower Gel

Japanese Rose Body Milk

Jasmine Lip Butter

[photographs taken from www.korres.com]

Birdy

2011-10-29T11:11:00.001+03:00

I dont know how I missed this girl for so long. Her voice is simply stunning, I could listen to it on repeat all day. Living in Cyprus I always listen to radio1 because it reminds me of living in London. And it was yesterday that I found this little gem. And I did listen to it on repeat all day!

Millie mou

2011-10-24T20:00:00.001+03:00

[mou in Greek is like an affectionate term for my; people usually use it after someone's name, not to show possession but more to indicate affection]

It was Millies second ever beach experience yesterday and first ever swimming lesson. She loved the beach but was a little scared about the swimming bit - I dont blame her, im pretty sure I was petrified on my first swimming lesson.

Now that summers (technically) over here in Cyprus, we are allowed to take Millie to the beach so she can practice her doggy paddle!

mediterranean life

2011-10-23T16:10:00.000+03:00

Since moving to Cyprus I have attempted to maintain a blog about our lives on the other side of Europe, mainly for family and friends back in England to keep track of us, without having to do hundreds of emails and multiple phone calls every week. So over at http://abigfatgreekadventure.blogspot.com/ you can get an insight into our lives on this little island, where the sun shines, the skies are blue and the days revolve around food. Its my perfect place!!!

Graffiti of sorts

2011-10-19T21:26:00.001+03:00

London has been invaded by a new form of graffiti. Less permanent but just as impacting, knitted objects have been cropping up over the capital, adding fun to everyday objects. When I saw this on the guardian website it made me laugh. It is these things that I miss most about London. The random things that crop up in unexpected places. You definitely wouldn't see a knitted spiders web in Nicosia city centre thats for sure.

Food is the way to my heart!

2011-10-19T20:50:00.000+03:00

I am a foodaholic. Everything to do with food I love! And the best way to make me happy is to ply me with cake. And living in Cyprus, this hasn't diminished. If anything my passion for food has increased. Cypriot culture revolves around food. And I have to say they do know how to make good food here, which is probably the reason im steadily getting larger the longer we live here. I joke, but actually i've lost weight since moving to Cyprus, something which im totally shocked about as I have pretty much eaten continuously since we arrived here 12 months ago. I dont know if its the sunshine, the air of the mediterranean freshness of everything, maybe its even the olive oil, but food here just tastes amazing.

As a foodie I wanted to share this little gem I found recently whilst perusing the internet. Its a fantastic food blog called whipped. This lady is a genius and she has the most amazing food photographs, they literally make my mouth water. And she has some amazing recipes, that I could never master, but I enjoy them all the same. Find it at whippedtheblog.com

Delilah

2011-10-17T22:48:00.001+03:00

i LOVE my dog

2011-10-17T22:44:00.002+03:00

I was never a dog person until we got millie. She has stolen my heart and although I'm a little bit biased, she is the smartest and cutest dog in the world. I know I sound like a proud mother but seriously, how can you not fall in love with those big brown eyes....

the sunshine island

2011-10-12T22:28:00.004+03:00

Its nearly a year since we (me and my long suffering boyfriend) packed our bags to the brim, mine with boots products and teach yourself Greek books and moved my life to Cyprus. I cannot believe how quickly the months have passed and how much we have achieved in such a short space of time. Its safe to say life in sunny Cyprus has been a challenge over the past 12 months and enduring both the winter and summer months have been equally tough (yes Cyprus does get a winter of sorts). With marble floors making winter mornings hard to navigate round the flat and summer months reaching the big 4 0 leaving me a melting mess, im pleased to say we've nearly made it to the one year mark. Not only have we both found jobs, but we have a flat, a car and a dog. I have the Greek language floating round my brain and we have an amazing mediterranean lifestyle. While summer may be over and the beach trips are not over, but instead of a bikini it will be a hoodie and a dog lead as we take millie for her first beach experience.

So before winter appears and its time to reminisce

My Favourite

2011-10-09T22:45:00.001+03:00

Beauty for a British girl

2011-10-09T15:15:00.000+03:00

When we decided to move to Cyprus, my boyfriend started planning how to transfer his mammoth photography and graffiti book collection to another country and I started planning how I would cope without Boots in my life. My suitcase was half full with moisturiser, conditioners, lip balms and make up, enough to see me through til the first visitor from England booked their flights and along with flight confirmation was sent a detailed list of products that were essential purchases before travelling to us.

Fast forward nearly one year and I am still receiving frequent packages from friends and family containing my favourite lotions and potions but slowly im adjusting to a life without Boots. And I have even found some new brands to replace my old favourites, which I never noticed before in England. Korres and Kerastases to name just two.

And to make life even easier, I recently discovered a fantastic website who ship free to Europe and have oodles of amazing brands in one place with skincare, haircare, make up and importantly for a girl who now lives in sun nearly 365 days a year, suncare! I think feelunique is my new favourite place.

Sunday sounds

2011-10-09T14:49:00.003+03:00

The perfect song for a sunny Sunday in Cyprus

the sound of sunday

2011-04-17T17:30:00.002+03:00

lifes a beach.

2011-04-17T17:14:00.000+03:00

alice temperley.

2011-02-27T23:08:00.003+02:00

Alice Temperley Turns Ten on Nowness.com.

WOW

2011-02-26T14:53:00.001+02:00

Living in Cyprus means im a bit behind the times when it comes to all things happening in England. And ive only just got a whiff of Adeles Someone Like You. Im a brit at heart and listening to radio1 has kept me sane. And enlightened me about her amazing BRITS performance. I have goosebumps after watching the video!

Sountrack to sunday.

2011-01-09T17:22:00.000+02:00

Speedo

2011-01-09T13:42:00.000+02:00

More than colour

2011-01-09T13:36:00.000+02:00

The 2011 Pantone calender is the work of British graphic designer, Derek Bowers. With contemporary cultural references and with 1440 images forming the moasic, Bowers made sure his design worked on a global scale. See more on Trendland.net.

Images from trendland.net

http://trendland.net/2011/01/06/pantone-calendar-2011/

A piece of Kate

2011-01-09T13:27:00.000+02:00

A mixed media video of the fall/winter 2010/11 Balmain photo shoot with Kate Moss. Find out more about the video and the ideas behind it here.

Back to Reality.

2011-01-08T23:09:00.000+02:00

Lauren Conrad is possibly the epitome of our current culture. A reality TV star, plucked from high school, her journey both personally and professionally was [almost entirely] documented on camera. A young girl with drive, ambition and ultimately a dream, using reality TV as her portal for super stardom. But unlike so many, she has remained grounded and seems to have firm foundations and a sensible head on those bronzed shoulders.

She came to the world's attention in the MTV show, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange Country followed 'LC', and her friends through their final year of high school, with the usual teenage dramas, dilemmas and outfit choices aired for the world to see. The Hills picked up from where Laguna Beach left off and followed Lauren to LA, California where she began interning at Teen Vogue. The Hills followed her love life, her friendships, betrayals and emotional highs and lows, as well as her professional progression from intern at Teen Vogue, to Fashion PR company Peoples Revolution where she worked with Teen Vogue fashion cupboard companion, Whitney Port.

Carving out a steady career in fashion on screen must have ultimately helped her off screen. Since leaving The Hills after 4 seasons, Lauren has gone on to produced her own fashion lines, books and more, she has attempted to distance herself slightly from the reality star stereotype. However it seems she is turning back to her roots one more time with a new reality show to follow her on a more professional level. This article explains it a lot better than I can so I will forward you to it now.

Whatever the future holds for Lauren Conrad, she has the wholesome and humble approach, not to mention the beautiful American girl-next-door looks to wow the world some more im sure.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_02/b4210084504038.htm

What a song...

2011-01-07T19:41:00.000+02:00

Adele

2011-01-01T16:58:00.000+02:00

Challenging Taboo

2011-01-01T16:49:00.000+02:00

The Nowness website is a recent discovery for me and I am thrilled to have found it. A mix of fashion, photography, music, art, culture appeals to all my senses and inclinations. And today, after a New Years Day stroll, I have been trawling the archive where I found this. Photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta - a regular in Indian Vogue - and his images of Lakshmi Menon; partner, muse and one of the most successful models to emerge from southeas Asia. Taking influence from India's sensual past, Dasgupta has challenged modern day taboo's, publishing a book of nudes, in 1996 entitled Women. The images portray their relationship across several geographical locations personal to them.

“It’s very private, but it’s just a part of our lives. It’s something I don’t think about anymore because it comes very naturally to us both." [Menon comments]

http://www.nowness.com/day/2010/3/22/481/from-india-with-love

images from nowness.com

Hello 2011

2011-01-01T12:57:00.000+02:00

gettyimages.com