Milan Fashion Week AW13

I like to think I embrace Milan for it's maximalism and kitsch splendour, despite preferring to believe I'm more of a minimalist at heart, but as the beholder of my inclinations and whims, nothing I do fits in a neat box, I like to champion the simplicity as well as the elaborateness, and Milan can do opulence and elaborateness irreproachably.

○ Trussardi

Spiffy pony hair tote accessories

○ Moschino

Red + Black dominated the collection with a round of tartan and plaid. Equestrian chic, charming head-wear and emblem motifs with the leather accessory bags.

○ DSquared2

If I choose a theme for a fancy dress event, this speakeasy Jazz Club scene would be right at the top of my list, a forties fantasy fling, bringing extravagant accessories to the fore. 

○ Gabriele Conlangelo

London Fashion Week AW13 : Details Part 2

○ Simone Rocha

Continuing the transparent-tastic heels.

○ Holly Fulton

Tessellated lipstick prints and geometric art deco shapes. There ain't no party like a Holly Fulton print-party.

Review: The Gob Stopper

Click ‘N’ Mix allows you to fill a traditionally stylish Kilner jar full of the retro sweets you love and get them delivered straight to you.

Pick 'n' mix in my bloom days was like a wonderful bag of tricks, back when penny pick and mix sweets were actually closer to costing pennies, but now I don't have to save pocket money for a week, no more. Yet scouting around I rarely see family run independent businesses who are thriving amongst the big chain supermarkets, displaying their beloved glass sweet jars.

Courtesy of The Gob Stopper I tried the Click ‘N’ Mix, which is an online pick n mix, catering towards your nostalgic sweets buds but you also get to keep the beloved Kilner glass jar too with the delightful nifty clip top. I got to choose three or more specific types of sweet from the long list of favourites and they arrived in a couple of days packaged neatly and securely. 

I chose my faves White Chocolate Mice.. Icy Chocolate Cups & Black Jacks. Opening the jar unleashed the classic retro sweet aroma. My jar is sat in the study and it looks so nice that I almost didn't want to eat the sweets, but that didn't last long! I think it makes for a thoughtful gift sending a jar of memories, from a family run business, rekindling our love affair with retro sweets. 

Thanks for the stroll down memory lane! What is your favorite sweets in a pick and mix ? 

Tuesday Playlist : March On

I'm still donning the breeches, spring looks to be delayed for a tad while here, I've been having plenty of perpendicular lunches lately, but I hope the coming weeks will be more go-as-I-please just like this postponed monthly playlist, image courtesy of Moody & Farrell SS13 campaign. 

I claim no responsibility should you go deaf ; )

TRACKLIST

01 Blake Lewis  – Your Touch
02 Lupe Fiasco  – Light Blue
03 Robin Stjernberg  – You
04 Lemâitre – Cut to Black
05 Major Lazer, Busy Signal, The Flexican, FS Green – Watch Out For This Bumaye
06 AlunaGeorge – Attracting Flies
07 T. Mills – Loud
08 Crywolf & Lanborg – Oceans
09 Lucy Schwartz – Feeling of Being
10 Deluxe – Pony
11 Major Lazer ft. Ezra Koenig Jessica
12 Marteria, Yasha & Miss Platnum – Lila Wolken
13 Skylar Grey – Clear Blue Sky
14 One Republic (Alesso Remix) – If I Lose Myself

Listen 

Tasty Things No 5

Row 1 :

classic white peach watch by AÃRK Collective a new watch company based in Melbourne, Australia

original disposable flask set of three at restoration hardware

Row 2 :

 vintage cameo beanie by silver spoon attire

Pebble Erasers by megawing over at omoi zakka shop

Row 3 :

metal plate crossbody bag by topshop

snug-vase low by snug online

Row 4 :

immortalises some of your favorite tees t-frame t shirt display at umbra

5 ways to hack the rice krispie treat (no baking required) by brit + co

It has been Yonks since I've posted a Tasty Things, Have a Happeee Friday folks...make the best of it and prepare for weekend however you wish to spend it! I'll be doing zilch, just how I want it to be! the couch is calling me after a DIY week.

London Fashion Week AW13 : Details Part 1

London Fashion Week seemed like so looong ago, not helped by my tardiness, of creating Fashion Week posts. Enthusiasm for it can die down a tad quicker once it's over,with having access to live shows and social media at our fingertips. So hence I thought I'll focus on some of the bells and whistles on the runway. It's a good job Autumn + Winter is so long away. Here's part one for now.
 

Medley of accessories that caught my eye

○ Burberry Prorsum

A whole safari of animal prints and mixed media trenches, I beseech the opaque translucent rubber accents.

○ Louise Gray

The aptly named collection 'Hey Crazy', this was fearles statement recycling, the looks scream fun and quirky. One girl’s rubbish is another girl’s treasure.

Link Love : June

I'm lightly powdering some link love to this Monday's post Oscars hangover dregs. I tried to keep awake in the early hours of the morning to view the award ceremony, but conked out once Christoph Waltz deservedly won best supporting actor. Okay so in the same pith, here's the link love nominations for the week, add them to your bookmarks if you fancy. 

Young Hungry Free

Iscrewedyourboyfriend was Young Hungry Free before re-branding, like it's new name the store has bursting forth youthful edgy and contemporary style's and is one of many dandy Singapore eshops! 

Front Row Shop

My favorite of the bunch founded by Designer Ying Wu, most of the items available are directly inspired by the runway and international trends but are further edgier than your average high street. The prices are another bounty bonus. Fast fashion at your finest from the city of Shanghai.     

Anti Anti

Anti-Anti are the official online huckster of handcrafted brands like FALSE, Better Off Dead, Fallacy Of Rome, Black Metal Fixed, For King & Country, Satinism and Anti-Anti. Le Messie and Amanda Scully are the creative brainchild's of FALSE, the successful brand that brought the birth to all the other brands creating a independent fashion free market anarchism, as well as rad designs.  Much kudos to them for being one of the first that wanted to break down, high fascists fashionistas and social bourgeois, before many who have began to take on similar endeavors.

Brandslane 

Brandslane unites all the newsletters emails from hundreds of fashion brands and share's the best of it on their website daily. Creating a nifty resource to discover deals on brands instead of individually signing up to emails and monotonously opening them up one by one. Time is inestimable.

I have a gazette full of bookmark links - it's gargantuan to share them all in the installment of Link Love, so eventually I've decided, I have to create a mini tome, maybe a pdf file for all the delightful global online stores & resources, maybe for my own sanity, once done I'll be sure to share them with you here. Let's start the week off right!!!

New York Fashion Week FW 2013

○ Tanya Taylor

I'm relatively a neophyte to Tanya Taylor's past seasons, but I fancy this collection, wearable as-well as edgy.  

○ Belstaff

○ Milly by Michelle Smith

I have a soft spot for hologram iridescent accents and this collection is brimming with illumination of metallic's and tasty holographic accessories.

○ Miansai by Michael Saiger

Classical nautical inspired jewelry

○ Alexander Wang

The combo of fur and leather always has me wired, furthermore with the element of holographics over wool knit, the tool accordion bag means business, the boxing mitt gloves could be alittle on the ropes, but boy do they look snug!

○ ThreeasFour

The zodiac signs may rule our planets, but I thought the craftsmanship and creativity was a dominating force of this collection, which was inspired by Ophiuchus, the recently discovered 13th zodiac sign. I think the black coat is also pretty wearable and distinguishing. 

○ Outerwear FALL WINTER Looks

Some of the enticing outerwear looks from NYFW for next Fall Winter season. Do you have any faves ?

Review: Chocolate by Genevie

Blighting my harbingers of spring, as it's began to snow once again, I guess it's expected, after-all it is February, the month where chocolates are also very much desired. I don't know about you..but I crave them whenever the opportunity calls for it. So was thrilled to review the valentines box from Chocolate by Genevie. I wasn't sure I'd be in to receive the package, but what was super, that these chocolates are letterbox friendly!

I welcome little cocoa cabins through the letterbox any-day! I liked the variety of chocolate that came in the valentine decorated box, had my fave's with truffles, pralines and pistachio. All the flavors complimented each other well, whilst I was in my chocolate fun maze. I would personally go for the classy black satin box with a heart shaped window outer packaging.

I have to say I'm not a fan of the commercial side of Valentines Day, but Chocolate by Genevie are a small family business and I'm all for championing smaller, local businesses who are dedicated to creating a more personal & warm touch whilst sourcing and supplying chocolate that is second to none, that is one of the advantages of not buying store brought, as well as knowing your other half put some thought in buying you chocolates.

Thursday Playlist : Exhale

Happppy last day of January, everyone! Holy smokes that went by fast! even with having the sniffles & snow fall here in the U.K. All better now... and ready to take on February with some new song tracks. I have a movie marathon month ahead of me to catch up on Oscar-nominated films, so far I've managed to see Django Unchained & Argo, both movies were pretty decent, particularly the actor named Christopher Waltz who's equally engaging to watch, like he was in Inglorious Basterds. 

The film work usually captivates me more so, than who is wearing who on the Oscars red carpet, though Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week just went by and I couldn't help but envision which one-of-a-kind pieces would look stunning for the film awards season and premieres.  –  so how was your January folks ? 

I claim no responsibility should you go deaf ; )

TRACKLIST

01 Jakwob  – Fade feat. Maiday
02 MFBTY  – Sweet Dream
03 MS MR  – Fantasy
04 Bastille – Pompeii
05 Misun – Harlot
06 Leah LaBelle – Lolita
07 Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge – White Noise
08 Cee-Lo Green feat. Lauriana Mae – Only You
09 The Neighbourhood – A Little Death
10 Lion Babe - Treat me like fire

Listen 

Designer Cloning - Spoof Tees & Tops

You know they say, fake it till you make it. I didn't think it can be applied to designer goods and labels, UNLESS maybe they are blatantly ridiculously fake with a spoof take on it! I'm all for a little humor and tongue in cheek and there's quite a few out there, my fave are from the Brian Lichtenberg online store. 

Holographics on the Runway + High Street

Holla holla gram! If I could choose a favorite color, my color would be the spectrum waves off a hologram. Ok, I know your thinking that doesn't count as a color, but holographic's just brings out my inner child, zombie childplay like trance. 

Left to Right: Proenza Schouler + Emma Mulholland + Hugo Boss + 

Fred Butler + Jonathan Saunders + Stella Mccartney + Taylah Hasaballah + Blumarine 

High Street Holograms

1. IIAII purse Mrs Herskin
2. Holographic Sally chain box bag New Look
3. Devian FLASH by Jeffrey Campbell Ashbury Skies 

4. LAYLA Hologram Effect Nail Polish 01 Mercury Twilight Sally Magpies 
5. Somewhere Nowhere Hologram Clutch Bengt Fashion 
6. Rafa black suede leather Wittner

7. Ruby Hologram cuff wide Rubynyz
8. Bullet Platform pump Nasty Gal 
9. Dripped Beanies Jade Clark 

Pamper or Prey : Curved Heel Shoe

WALTER STEIGER SIDE GORE ANKLE  £261  / ALDO AGREDA £62.99

Saint Nicholas has probably put away his big red suit and black boots and decided to shave his beard and let Rudolph and the gang rein free, whilst making plans to lay on a beach to bask in the sun with his flip flops and sun hat on. He'll have no more mention of the 'C' word, until that time of year comes around once again!

Just how I'm feeling right now, that limbo land between the Holidays and New Year! Mind you.. sounds like I'm complaining, but I assure you, I'm feasting on copious amounts of leftovers, whilst wearing super cozy fleece pajamas and socks and watching movie marathons up to my eyeballs. My only course of action is scouring the sales online!      

Footwear and handbags are on my main agenda, I've had my eye on the Aldo Agreda shoe, which has that Walter Steiger's signature curve heel look. Good Luck scouring the SALES everyone!! http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca  

Thank You for being a lurker, follower and a friend. See you all in 2013.

Love always,

Guilty Hyena xx 

{ DIY } Fentimans Candle Holder

I've been drinking up a storm, not the alcohol kind .. just yet! BUT the Fentiman's botanically brewed beverages, I do love a good fizzy drink and you can't beat these fine ol' naturally flavored beverages, they come in delightful old style clear glass bottles, with a screw top lid with delightful vintage packaging. So I decided to use these bottles to create a DIY bottle candle holder. 

I had to shave some of the wax off the bottom of the candles, since the candles I had stored, were a tad little thick to insert into the bottle top. In the end a super easy homemade DIY, that will be placed somewhere as a decorative centerpiece. :)

My final post before plump and jolly Saint Nicholas pays a visit ! "Happy Holidays to all, and to all much love and good-night!" X 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2012 : NOIR

  

01 |  Wall mounted sunglasses mirror 02 |  Triangle notebook 03 |   Chalkboard Door Hanger  

04 |   Classic Rap Pencil Set 

05 |   Nut Cuff Black  06 |   Cat Ear Hat  07 |   Black Beauties Nail Polish 

08 | Peter Bruegger's Moustache Mug 09 | Give Me Liberty or Death Pillow 10 | Black Dip Twig Pencils  

11 | Birds on Wire Paperclip 

The FOUR's Mondaine Collection FW 12/13

You could say 'Three' is the magic number for the Hungarian trio Anett Gálvölgyi, Anna Zsófia Kormos and Márton Miovác who are the young designers behind the relatively new brand The FOUR. These two young women and young man, joined forces whilst attending the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest, and I'm glad they did! whilst peering over their enticing well styled look-book.

the FOUR new collection, Mondaine, incorporates the idea of travel and globalism, cosmopolitan, reconstructed identity

Photography – Balázs Máté 

Styling – Andi Gönczy 

Make-up – Ágnes Horváth 

Hair – Márton Miovác  Models – Julia at VM, Adrienn at FACE

The rich thick fabrics with rich patterns and embroideries seem to be inspired by African and Asian textiles. If I could, I would snap up every outerwear from this collection, a 100 x times faster than the above travelling escalator. 

I will see you later escalator ...

Winter Statement Headwear

I think tomorrow is a say-something-hat day. (Vida Boheme)

I reckon, I am more of a dog person than a cat person, but hey.. they are both beautiful furry creatures. Now I don't own a cat or a dog, hopefully one day, but right now... I do own some cat ear beanies! Which I'm kind of rinsing, in this nippy weather, but they do keep me warm. Though named cat ear beanies, they however remind me of small rabbit ears too.

Thanks to Givenchy, there is a wide range of cat- rabbit ears and devil horned head-wear. I brought mine through a shopping haul on G Market, but Ebay has the works for pretty much dirt cheap. Creating the sporty chic look that suits your fancy.

Comme des Fuckdown beanie at SSUR 

Pewter Spiked beanie at Created by Fortune 

$ick Cap at Sick Studs 

Holiday Snowflakes

Snow Train 1

Buy Eco Friendly Christmas Tree by One Two Tree 

Create DIY Topiary Trees from pretty paper & wine glasses by Madigan Made

Snow Train 2

Giant DIY Christmas Tree Space saver by Curbly

The Whisky Advent Calendar with individual drams of delicious whisky at Firebox 

Snow Train 3

Horrible Holiday Hooligans, a set of troublemaking ornaments on a Christmas Tree by Sebastian Reymers at Etsy

Free Printable Rudolph Holiday Card by Little Monster Baby

Snow Train 4

Holiday Nails at Wonder Forest  by 2012 China Glaze Holiday Joy collection buy at Nail Polish Direct

 : ( Giving Ebeneezer Scrooge a run for his money!! Reindeer Pâté at Harvey Nichols

I would feel absolutely cruel to taste the Reindeer Pâté ! But that's slightly hypocritical of me since I'm not a vegetarian, I eat Turkey, Chicken and Duck at Christmas. This post was supposed to provide me with a festive feeling... but here I am, pondering my carnivore ways. I do try to eat free range when I can afford it ..but who am I kidding! 

Snapshots No.12 Winter Coat of Arms

The Wolf changes it's coat but not it's disposition...

With cups of coco in front of the fire, the best way to brave the nippy cold outdoors is the ability to don on outerwear coats, jackets, boots and hats. I'm a cold-blooded person, not the murderous type of cold-blooded, but the “I'm freezing"! When spring arrives I begin to feel pretty naked without outerwear. But I hate the instant hot flush you get as you walk through the doors of retail stores, the same thing occurs in reverse as you leave the shop!

01//02//03

Biker Coat with Zip - ZARA
Hi-Shine Hem Zip Coat - ASOS 
Dark Khaki Sequin Sleeve Military Parka - SPOILT BRAT 

04//05//06 

Leopard Coat - PULL&BEAR     
Contrast Sleeves Masculine Coat - MANGO    
Coat with Leather Sleeves - ZARA  

07//08//09

Fleece Lined Suede Coat - YESSTYLE    
Double Breasted Trench Coat with Studded Shoulders - SAM EDELMAN    
Biker Coat - ZARA 

I found zilch this Cyber Monday, hope some of you had better luck! :) 

Moodboard 02 Cachepot

This Monday morning was a complete haze, I blame my lucid dreaming and my families voyages abroad. I searched all day for my birth certificate but to no avail, typical! You can never find it when you need it, but its always there when you don't. Tonight I'm going to do nothing else but have some lemongrass tea and catch up on my two favorite shows - Boardwalk Empire & Breaking Bad.  Next week I'm grabbing Monday by the ponytail. 

Maryam Keyhani AW 2012

Maryam Keyhani’s necklaces are self-titled works of art, No, the Tehran-born, Toronto-raised designer was a painter first, brushing her feathered flights of fancy onto the canvas necks of imaginary women. Soon, like Pygmalion, she fell in love with her creations and wanted to give them life; to make them real.

Stunning statement pieces, I'd happily own these. The curved lines, colour's and materials look fantabulous.

{Shoes} Notched Heel Shoes

SPLIT HEEL

Some time back...Alexander Wang notched heel shoes with metallic tone plates, blew me away, I couldn't help but wonder if they would sink when you put your weight on them? Particularly since I center most of my weight from the toes to the heels! Now I'm glad to have stumbled across a few of these heel shoes via Cult Label + The Arrogant Minnie + Choies, which are very much inspired by Alexander Wang but are within my budget!    

Secret Agents I met and Liked Notebook: Giveaway Winners

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to all those who entered the competition to win notebooks celebrating James Bond Skyfall 007, and wrote in to name their bond girl names. So....Giveaway winners! can be seen above, picked by random.org. I have sent out an email to both the winners, I look forward to sending the copies out to you!

I hope to host some more Giveaways ...soon!  xx

Review: Chamilia silver bracelet

Our collection of premium beads and accents, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings celebrates individuality, letting women personalize every design to reflect their own lives and styles. We use only the finest materials to create our expertly designed collections, including 14k gold, .925 sterling silver, crystal Swarovski® Elements, handmade Italian Murano glass, and natural and colored gemstones. 

I have a habit of over washing my hands, hand wash pump dispensers are addictive, but where am I taking this... I tend to spoil most of my rings and bracelets, since they are not made out of real silver and gold. Green skin is not pleasant. I'm making a real effort to invest in some sterling silver and gold. So fittingly I was offered to review a Chamilia sterling silver bracelet. I was also lucky enough to pick out a bead or charm to add to the silver snap bracelet.

I chose the double baguette black and white crystal bead, reminding me of a hexagon industrial nut, you can create a bracelet that is unique to you or your loved one through your choice of charms and bracelets. The delightful bracelet came in a soft pretty pouch and gift bag. I have very small wrists so was pleased to hear they have custom sizes to provide a perfect fit.

This bracelet is a keeper! I plan on adding more beads and charms, If you have a passion for modern charm jewelry I feel this brand is worth checking into, particularly with Christmas around the corner!

Full disclosure: For this review I received this bracelet and charm from http://www.chamilia.com at no charge.

Guy Fawkes Day - 5 NOV 2012

Happy Guy Fawkes Day - One of my favorite times of the year. whose going to any bonfires and fireworks tonight??
I revert back to a child when watching fireworks and I'm all like 'oooooh' and 'aaaahhhh'.
Dig out a creepy V is for Vendetta Fawkes mask and get festive tonight and keep warm and safe! :)

Photo's courtesy of Art Print by Andbloom + Fawkes Bier Schnobbes + Bonfire night cinder toffee cupcakes