Labels: Alice Takes A Trip, Ear Cuff, eBay, Giveaway, Topshop
All pictures above from Tumblr - follow my inspiration blog HERE.I love ear cuffs, and saw some beautiful ones in Camden when I visited last year, but never got the chance to buy one. Looking in Topshop, I also found some beauties. The tarnished gold ones below, were a Christmas present from my friend Amy - and the other is from eBay. I wanted something a bit plained, something nice and small, and saw the two cross detail ones (with the blue background below) on eBay and thought it would be a great opportunity to buy the set, and give one away on here! I know it's not the best giveaway, or the most exciting, but I wear mine literally every day, and the postage from Hong-Kong is 28 days... so will also save you LOTS of time! Also a great alternative to a new piercing.
To enter...EACH OF BELOW GAINS 1 ENTRY, SO A POSSIBLE 3 ENTRIES! XAll entrants must be a follower via blogspot 1. comment on this post 2. tweet this giveaway to me (@xruthloves) with the link of the this post3. post the link on your latest blog postEach of the above will gain one entry (so you have upto 3 chances per person). Winner will be selected at random by an online generator.Giveaway runs from Friday 10th Feb - Monday 20th Feb 2012The cuff you will receive will be completely unworn and new, the one featured in the photos is my personal own and the other is untouchedPlease leave your email address when commenting so I can get in touch with you if you win! Won't be posting until the 20th with the announcement of the winner, because guess where I'm off to on Monday? NEW YORK BABY. And yes, It's NY Fashion Week when I'm there. Excited! Follow the journey on Twitter. See you soon! XXX
Labels: Alexander McQueen, Gold, haul, Jewellery, Sales, Skull, Topshop
Got some amazing bargains from Topshop today! I have most of Friday off, so finally went and got my hair cut, and my eyebrows threaded, I'll post a picture of what they look like soon! Definitely recommend it though. I've been lusting after a lot of things on the Topshop final cut sale online, but couldn't justify buying any of it. I usually just shop in the regular Topshop, but I walked past Debhanams today and completely forgot there was a Topshop concession in there! The sale was a-mazing. 10x better than what was online, and 1000x better than what's in the regular shop. I think most people forget about it.. and all the die-hard Topshoppers just shop in the normal shop... £75.50 of jewellery for £10.50. Not bad, I guess ;)
It REALLY makes you wonder why anyone pays full price for anything, doesn't it? I know I'm never buying any jewellery from Topshop again full price. Plus, if you take your student card (sixth form/college bus passes work too!) you get an extra 10% off sale items aswell as regular priced items too! Hurrah! All rather McQueen inspired. Even better.Hope your all well and not too cold (it was -5 today, jeez) x
Labels: Charity Shop Finds, DIY, Faux Fur, Fur, Made by Ruth, River Island, Topshop, Vintage
For the past two or three years, I've loved peter pan collars. I've never been a massive fan of faux fur until this year, me and my leopard print coat are literally inseparable! I saw these collars on ASOS (above) when they brought out their new A/W collection a few months back - I really think that they make the whole outfit. All of the outfits would be really boring without the cute collars. I've been looking for a good (but cheap) one for quite a while, saw the perfect one at a vintage fair but it was £45!! I went to St Lukes charity shop today, and found this b-e-a-utiful gem. Only £1. 
I think it was originally part of a coat, it had these handy little elastic holes on it, which I'm guessing attached onto some buttons or something. I love the colour of it, and it's so soft!I picked up some ribbon from eBay (3meters for £1.30), and just threaded it through the holes to tie it, like the ones above from River Island. 
In my sewing box, I found some old plastic pearl bracelets, which I think I bought from Primark a few years ago for about £1, cut the string up and used the pearls to embellish the bottom of the collar 
Also got my hair dyed back brown and cut again, quite a while ago though! A lot cheaper than the vintage £45 one, and you can't even tell the difference!
Just another quick post today, I keep looking at all of the London Fashion Week things and wanting to post it all! This post is on Meadham Kirchoff's S/S2012 collection. As soon as I saw it, I loved it. The candyfloss colours, similar to The House of Holland (below) are really pretty - and wearable, especially for a snowy winter! Labels: LFW, London Fashion Week, Meadham Kirchoff, Topshop
My favourite thing about this collection, is the ultra-feminine vibe. Unlike some designers, pieces of this collection are truly wearable, or you can try and recreate the styles. The gorgeous, winehouse-esque pastel hair is easily copied - buy a pot of directions, and wack it on bleached hair! Mines currently pastel pink, and the best bit is, that it'll only last about three washes!
I'd love to get married in this dress, bottom left, with the veil of bottom right!
And finally, these four looks are my favourite. Schoolgirl meets schoolteacher. Kitsch, colourful, and fun. I've always loved the colour-clash of baby pink and red, so when I saw these red leather gloves mixed with the marshmallow dress, it was a clear winner for me.MEADHAM KIRCHOFF:Designer names: Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff.Origin: Edward is English. Benjamin is from Sete in the South of France.Design background: Edward studied womenswear and Benjamin studied menswear, both at Central Saint Martins. They launched a menswear label, "Benjamin Kirchhoff", after graduating.Design signatures: “We do not to have a signature but rather a handwriting. We like to tell stories in different ways.”How would you describe the Meadham Kirchhoff woman? “Uncompromising, aware and individual.”Trademark pieces: Feminine designs that are considered and executed in an old fashioned manner.What’s next for your brand? “Spring/summer 2012.”Who are your design heroes? “John Soane and Courtney Love.”What are your favourite cultural hotspots in the capital? “Kaos London and the Wallace Collection.”In five years’ time I will be… “Either dead or still doing it.”What encapsulates London fashion for you? “London is such an eclectic and unpredictable place. This is reflected in the way people present themselves and in the broad spectrum of designers that the city produces. London is a really good environment to absorb what inspires you and make of it what you will. Anything goes.”Meadham Kirchhoff won the Emerging Talent - Ready-to-Wear award at the British Fashion Awards 2010.(Images and text from Londonfashionweek.com)Heres how to get the look, at a snippet of the price:
Just a quick one, I will do a more interesting post soon, I promise! Got a few charity shop gems, and a Benefit makeup review to show you! x
Just when we thought we'd finally gotten into summer, the highstreet are releasing their previews of the A/W collections for 2011. In July. Depressing. I'm sure if your on mailing lists for places like ASOS you'll receive emails about any upcoming collections. Here's a sneak preview of the A/W collection for Topshop. 
Key things to look out for:- The masculine cuts of clothing, intricate detailing on collars - Faux fur in a variety of warm colours- Natural makeup is key - with contrasting inky lips- Less is more - keeping jewellery to a minimum but exaggerate features with shoulder pads and embellishments - Chunky black shoes, black brogues and loafers with socks will go down a treatWhat do you think of the collection? I really like the edginess of the sharp coats.. but I can't see myself in shorts without thick tights in Autumn.
Who doesn't love brogues, peter pan collars, tailored shorts and satchels? I'm certainly a massive fan of brogues, I own far too many it's getting a little bit ridiculous. Mulberry, the revival of the satchel have taken storm, and added a feminine twist with pink leopard prints. Not to mention them being named after style icon Alexa Chung, the queen of boy-meets-girl style who embraces the trend beautifully. Labels: Alexa Chung, Marc Jacobs, Masculine, Topshop, Trend
The best place to look for shirts and blazers is in charity shops at vintage fairs. You can pick up old mens shirts which are quite vile, but mixed with a nice belt and some red lipstick, for about £5, just like the shirt below in one of my old posts.What do you think of the masculine trend? Do or don't?
Labels: Accessorize, ASOS, British, Dorothy Perkins, Fancie, Miss Selfridge, Missguided, Office, River Island, Royal Wedding, TopshopI heard somethings happening tomorrow? Someones getting married? Who knows.. I love all of the cheesy royal-wedding merch, toaster bags to condoms (wtf), I think it's all brilliant. I'll be watching the wedding tomorrow - but only to see what Kate's dress is like and who designed it!The whole of the world are going mental about the wedding and Britain, so I felt like I should join in! Instead tomorrow, I'm going to my friend Amy's house to drink Bucks Fizz and eat Trifle and Shortbread! Here's a few of my favourite British-inspired items. 
Are you going all-out-British tomorrow? Tea party? Whatever you do, steer clear of toastie bags and Kate & Wills garden gnomes! (Yes, they're both official merchandise)...Love, Ruth x
Currently listening to:Hey, soul sister - Train Hello! Sorry it's been a week. How've you all been? I've had a pretty good week - got my AS exam papers issued. To anyone whos doing graphics, photography or art, HOW SHIT ARE THE QUESTIONS?! I don't know what I'm going to do.. if i fail.. I'm blaming it on dull questions. Also - there was a huge Topshop sale. It's fair to say I went a little bit crazy after going to Starbucks on Friday. I didn't even know there was a mid-season sale! I guess it's that awkward time between winter and spring. Remember my previous post about Peter Pan collars, and how all my favourites were from Topshop? ALL 4 OF MY FAVOURITES WERE ON SALE! I meant to post about them today, but the weather is so bad at the moment I thought i'd wait for a better time and get some with a bit better lighting! Anyway, with it being that awkward time between seasons, it means all of the new collection for S/S2011 is being previewed! I managed to get these pictures from Look, and you won't believe where they're all from! I couldn't, anyway..
What do you think? I love the 2-in-1 chiffon dress, and the american star jumper just above. It's so similar to Tee and Cake's version from Topshop for £30, which i've been lusting after for a while. Ooh, also the camel and floral 50s style collar dresses, and at £15 each.. I might buy both. It's Primark's S/S 2011 collection, and I absolutely love it. What're your favourites? I do have to say though - Primark's prices are going up each collection, but I guess it's still cheaper than buying things from River Island or Topshop. I promise I'll be posting again soonLove,Ruth xo
Labels: Charity Shop Finds, DIY, TopshopCurrently listening to:Ellie Goulding - This Love Today is.. cold, boring, it's 3.44pm and I'm still in my Pj's. What better is there to do on a Sunday then look at all the things you want, can't afford and would never buy because of the price tag. To be honest - It's what I spend the majority of my time doing, not just Sundays. I came across this gorgeous Topshop Dress for £36.00. Not such a bad price, but compared to £4.40 - I know which I'd rather pick. I went into town with my friend Lily, we had Starbucks and Subway (we do it every Friday after college), and then nipped into Cancer Research. I didn't expect to really find anything, and with only £7.22 on my card, didn't expect to be able to afford anything, either. Until I came across this green polka-dot dress - it's a size 18, incredibly long and very baggy. I really liked the colour green - perfect for this summer (planning a little in advance, I know). It's supposed to be the other way around to the picture, it has a really low-cut neck, but switched around, I liked the shift style square neck. I wanted to adjust it, make it shorter, maybe add a collar. So, I had a shot at it, I'm quite pleased with the outcome.Sorry about the crappy lighting! By the time I'd taken the finished dress it had done dark Before - leftAfter - right
The lace and buttons I used are from a market stall were I live. Bag of 4 buttons - £12m of lace - 50p
Vintage headscarf - £4, LushDenim jacket - £13, PrimarkHorse-studded belt - £3, PrimarkKnee-highs - £1.50 - PrimarkBrogues - £28, TopshopLipstick - £5, Coral Queen by Rimmel 
Sorry about the horrific pictures of me. I couldn't be bothered to put loads of makeup on, so just put a bit of lipstick on. The bag is one I haven't yet shown any of you! My boyfriend bought it me for Christmas, it's a reworked vintage bag by Alice Takes a Trip. I love love love it! I'm really pleased with the dress, what do you think? It's so much cheaper than the Topshop one. Who said you can't get 50's style polka-dot peter pan collar dresses for under a fiver?Love,Ruth xo
Labels: peter pan collars, TopshopQuick Update -New layout - what do you think? I got a bit bored with the old one, I can never make my mind up. Just to let you know - the giveaway below is extended till' February 15th - although one of my new years resolutions was to blog more often; i've had so much work to be getting on with it's been virtually impossible to be inspired and get a good post done! They're over 1st Feb - so I can relax, a bit. Anyway - to the interesting stuff;I've been obsessed with collars for a while now - especially peter pan style collars. The obsession kind of started when Lily Allen released 'The Fear' video; when she wore the gorgeous multi-coloured shift style dress (I think thats what it was.. I can't remember too well) with the statement black collar - but that was a while ago. I've been drooling all over the Topshop website at all of the gorgeous dresses - I couldn't just choose one to buy - i'd want all of them. I picked up a gorgeous gold lurex shift dress from River Island with a laaavley crochet collar - I wore it to my work Christmas party (which seems so long ago..) But never got a chance to show you guys. Everyone seems to be wearing jumpers, dresses and tops with Peter Pan collars, from Agyness Deyn to Diana Vickers - it just goes to show how gorgeous and easy they are to wear.
I particularly love the mustard velvet dress and Nicole Richies whole outfit 
It just so happens to be that all of my favourite items are all from Topshop! They range in price from £ 26 to £32 - I just can't decide which to buy :(
Despite the bitter cold winter mornings and ice-dusted nights, it isn't time to stop wearing heels - or flats for that matter of fact. From Balenciaga to Topshop, Wooden colour blocks to toecaps - colour block heels are the hottest thing right now. Heels have officially gone Haribo on us, in a multitude of colours, shapes and forms! Labels: Balenciaga, Heels, Just Cavalli, Marni, Topshop
Black and nude? Yes please! Perfect for this Christmas.. and with the nude body of the shoes.. elongating legs.. whats to say no to?! If only I could open a pair of Just Cavalli babies on Christmas Day. Now that, would be colourful.
Who DOESN'T love doctor who? I love it. It's hard not to. No, this post isn't about my undying passion for men in bow-ties and the suit-converse combo, it's about the stunning sidekick, Karen Gillan. Labels: Get The Look, Karen Gillan, New Look, River Island, TopshopBille Piper, weird. Freema Agyeman, dull. Catherine Tate, seriously? I think it's about time they got a supercool-vintage-loving-luscious-redhead in there. And i'm glad they did!I mean c'mon, she's not the best of actresses (hence the ever-recent 'shocked-scared' face), but who caaaaares, Matt Smith & A good bitta Tennant are involved, that's enough for meI put together two of my favourite of her outfits - for less, go get em'!
I was so tempted to buy the Peter Pan lace dress. I'm in love with the collars.Love, Ruth xxx
For a start.. Just a massive thank-you to ALL of you guys that read, follow & comment my blog! 14,906 views, and 87 followers, is a huge achievement to me. To all of you anonymous viewers, thankyou too! You can also comment even if your not a blogger - it would mean the world to hear what you think! Labels: Accessorize, TopshopToday I had another trip into town with Lily - in the pissing rain. Literally soaked. All day. It wasn't too fun, but when I stumbled into Accessorize again...
FairIsle knit gloves/mittens - £1, was £12Purse - 50p, was £16Heart, pearls and rose earrings - 50p, was £6.50Material rose earring - 20p, was £6Bow earrings - 10p, was £6Metal rose earring - 10p, was £6Beaded necklace - 50p, was £12Freedom @ Topshop earrings - £1, was £6.50(Below) Bag - £3, was £32
£107 for £6.40? Yes please!!
Last week, the Topshop sale emerged. And we all know what that means, don't we? Crazy women, girls, and men running around the shop like Stacey Slater's mum from Eastenders. I walked in, really rather buzzing, and literally couldn't see the racks. £3, £5, £15 signs everywhere - yet despite Topshop's lovely goodness, couldn't find anything that was decent! There were nice dresses and shorts but the minimum i'd be spending would be like £25. Which if you know me personally, i wasn't quite up for. Until I came across the shoe rack..
Watcha think? Gaaaaaaawjus?Indeed.Especially when I paid a fiver for them. Yes, £5 whole pounds. It's fair to say, I love Topshop sales.
And as if the last time I splurged wasn't enough, i've gone and done it again. And I sound surprised.. I'm not really. Ok ok ok, I don't particularly NEED any of these things.. but I'm selling half my wardrobe on eBay atm, so I'm stocking up on key pieces that I can work in lots of different ways. Sorry if I bore you, I assure you I will do a more fashiony post soon! Labels: Highstreet, HM, New Look, River Island, Topshop
If you didn't already know, I'm a major sale shopper. And when I say major, I mean it. It's practically impossible to walk through town without buying something.. or more than one thing. Take a look at what I picked up..
River Island braclet: £3, was £7.99
River Island earrings: £2, was £4.99
New Look trench coat: £20, was £35.00
Perfect for this winter, it's exactly what I wanted, I'm so glad I found it
River Island military jeans: £15, was £29.99
H&M floral legging: £3, was £7.99
H&M lace-up gladiator sandals: £5, was £12.99
Topshop white leather bag: £10, was £36
H&M hair flower: £1, was £ £3.99
eBay aviator sunglasses: £1.49
I'm in love. The leggings are gorgeous, I think Sophie from Her Magical World may have them too! I adore them, and the coat... Gaah I love it all. That money would have been nice in my purse though.. Nevermind aha!
I've also joined a gym for the summer.. And it's absolutely tiring. Agh. It should pay off though!
Make sure to follow lovely people!
Love, Ruth xo
P.s Kate
P.p.s Hannah
P.p.p.s Amy
P.p.p.p.s Amy
November 2009