Fashion Files: Sale of the Day

Garrison Satchel, $128 (originally $178), J.Crew

How perfect would this satchel be as a carry on? While I don't think I can swing it for the flight out to America (two weeks and counting!) as it's a J.Crew, it's very likely to make an appearance on the flight back to London...

Obsession Files: J.Crew's Early Spring Line

I have majorly fallen in love with J.Crew's new arrivals. I'm considering persuading one of my family members to bring my top six over from the US when they come.

P.S. How pretty are J.Crew's models?!

Obsession Files: Abstract Prints

Photograph by Amanda, author of two fab DIYs: earring organiser & J.Crew-inspired belt.

Last spring I bought a watercolour effect dress (from Nordstrom) with splashes of pink, purple, yellow, and gray complete with a cool beaded collar. I first wore it to work at Charleston Fashion Week (above, worn with a gray skinny patent leather belt from J.Crew), and it soon made an appearance at nearly every following event possible: my cousin's wedding, our London wedding reception, and on.

So I was thrilled that WhoWhatWear.com declared abstract prints still in...and for late WINTER! What?! I'm definitely going to experiment with flouncing the top bit more over the belt to shorten it and pairing it with opaque black tights. And don't you think a leather jacket could do the chill-be-gone trick, too? If you haven't already picked up an abstract print, I think you should. Bonus? It'll take you right into spring and summer with ease (just think strappy sandals or even cowboy boots in some cases). Now that's what I call a transitional piece!

Faux Real: Amanda's diy Belt is a Cinch...For Pence!

I have to admit, I have been unwillingly dragged into an outdoor store many times in my life thanks to my uber-athletic brother. Had I been a little more coordinated, I might have had a need for the gear, too—but when your workout is limited to the treadmill and yoga mat, the call for snowboard goggles is slim. Needless to say, when I visited these outdoor sport meccas, my attention was drawn to the bright-as-jewels accessories. In particular: accessory cord. Ever since I first laid eyes on the rainbow selection, I have been trying to find a use. Now, thanks to J.Crew's always clever styling, it's finally in my cart! And at around 30 cents per foot (around £1 per meter for those of you in the UK), this project is wallet friendly. What more could you ask for?

All you need to recreate J.Crew's accessory cord belt (as seen in December 2009's Holiday in Chile catalog) is colorful accessory cord and a lighter.

You will need:
*Accessory cord (suggested thickness of 5-6 millimeters. When you use cord thicker than this, it's less pliable.
*Lighter

Steps:
1. Decide where you want your belt to sit and cut twice the desired length of cord.
2. Using a lighter, carefully single the ends of the cord so it doesn't unravel.
3. After letting the ends cool, fold the cord in half creating a loop.


4. Place the cord around your waist with the looped side on the left hip and singed ends on the right hip.
5. Pull the singed ends of the cord through the looped end and tighten.
6. Pull the ends downward, then circle them back around and under the singed end side of the belt on your right hip.
7. Thread the ends through the middle of the loop you have just created. Voila!

Alternatives: square knot, braid, and two-corded square knot

Want to take the project a step further? Experiment with different kinds of knots and braids. My pick? The easy and stylish square knot. See a how-to video at Boys' Life mag's site. Once you knot the cord, secure it to your waist with a pretty bow in the back.

Tip: Use two pieces of accessory cord for a bigger, more dramatic square knot.

Where to find the cord:
England: Cotswold Outdoor and Active.
USA: Rei.com offers BlueWater or PMI brand cord.

J.Crew Inspired diy on Monday!

If you liked what guest blogger Amanda had to offer last time, then you will adore what she's making for Monday! And just because I can't wait to show, here's a little preview.

Photograph from J.Crew.

See you Monday!

Obsession Files: J.Crew NYC's Striped Loo

The first beauty courtesy of Lonny mag's new issue! This just has to be my future bathroom. I love how sophisticated the stripes are without being OTT. And I mean, if it works for Jenna Lyons it most definitely works for me!

Photograph by Patrick Cline for Lonny mag

Web Roundup: Well Worn's Christmas List

Let's kick off this season of gift guides with a slightly more personal inventory highlighting the two fave spots in my abode.

Photographs courtesy of sellers' websites

Clockwise from top left:

*Letizia Cardigan, £74, www.anthropologie.com

*Tuxedo Jacket in black, $228, www.jcrew.com

*V&A Pattern Box Set, £27, www.vandashop.com

*Wolfgang Letterpress stationery (with my new, married name!), price varies, www.mrboddington.com

*Painted Ceramic Piggy Money Box, £9, www.bombayduck.co.uk

*Black leather CIAK 2010 Daily Organiser, £14-£16, www.thejournalshop.com

*Bronx Linus Boot in Brown Brush, £170 (If you can still find these, you're magic! Luckily I think Santa was able to grab a pair on Piperlime.)

*Toothpick Ankle Cord in dark charcoal and black (not shown), now $60 each, www.jcrew.com

Obsession Files: Bombay Duck

As much as I heart Anthropologie, sometimes their prices are a little too steep for my purse (I operate under a two digit rule for now). Same goes for my fave US retailer, J.Crew. Which is why I practically ripped Bombay Duck's new catalogue from my mother-in-law's hands (sorry, Anna!) when she cracked it open to reveal none other than J.Crew-esque enamel bangles I have been coveting for quite some time. The only difference? These are just £5-£12! And how delicious are these teacups? Even if we all know I'll actually use it as a fancy vessel for my daily cuppa.

  Photographs courtesy of http://www.bombayduck.co.uk/

For those of you familiar with the infamous range of knobs at Anthro, you absolutely must check out the huge selection at Bombay Duck. And that's an order!

 Photographs courtesy of http://www.bombayduck.co.uk/

So whether you're in the market for quirky Christmas pressies or just a treat for yourself, you just have to sift through this site—even if only to ogle the uber-creative styling. Bonus? There's a Facebook page, too!

Happy shopping!

Style: Holiday Looks 101

I'm throwing the first holiday party of the season this Friday (a Mexican Thanksgiving fiesta), so I've been thinking of what to wear. Although my party is a little more laid back, I'm looking forward to donning one or all of the below styles this year...Depending on just how many of those coveted invites I receive!

Here's my ideal, no-fail look (I'm a jeans addict):

Photograph & clothing from www.jcrew.com

But I'm also digging frilly feather skirts a la this black beauty:

ASOS Black Feather Skirt, £65.

Photograph from www.asos.com

... & brave bodycon dresses (Try this one before you dig into myriad Christmas puddings, though! It's not quite as forgiving as the aforementioned outfits.):

Gold Lace Bodycon Dress in black and white, £40.

Photographs from www.topshop.com

What trends will you incorporate to get that festive look this holiday season?