Wishlist // On the Fourteenth Day of Christmas...

Urban exclusive label Staring at Stars presents this super-cosy cardigan. Made from a textured fabric for ultimate cosiness.

I kinda feel as though reaching day fourteen might be a step too far considering the general acceptance of there being twelve days but I'm gonna go right ahead and continue anyway... p.s. How dreamy are the models eyes?!

I'm loving me some burgundy at the moment! This Urban Outfitters cardi is £48 and the 3D design is so eye catching! Plus it looks really comfy... I've got a pretty sweet collection of woollies this year but it's lacking in the cardigan department so this little beauty is the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe.

I'd wear it with my lovely Wholesale7, burgundy platform boots and a black shift dress with sheer tights... my wardrobes taken a darker turn recently - the realisation that black goes with everything, (I know right, took me a while to cotton on), has me spending my pennies on clothes a few shades darker than my usual taste. Think grown up gothic! 

Wishlist // On the Eleventh Day of Christmas...

One of our most popular designs, this hat is a luxury update on a timeless classic. Topped with a large fur pom pom and made with Alpaca Wool to ensure warmth and super soft fit.

This hat is just so perfect, I couldn't be happier than if a sheath of 24 carat gold was spun into a yarn and that adorned my ears. This hat makes me want to pick up my skis and hit the slopes, have you ever seen something so beautifully designed for winter?! 

The pom pom adorned hat is from Winter Crown - maybe the most fitting name though of... and costs £60. 

Yeah okay,  it's maybe a little expensive for most purses but I'm willing to bet you couldn't find anything cuter elsewhere! Plus its made right here in Britain.

Giveaway // Ladybug Creations

Christmas is coming and the high street's getting packed!

Do I have a giveaway for you? Hell yeah! Cut out the crowds and win the perfect gift for your bestie here... or you could always just keep it for yourself! I'm giving away this necklace and earring set, perfect for the festive period.

This antique gold set comes from UK jewellery brand Ladybug Creations worth £18. The set is part of the 'Jingle all the Way' collection, tailored for the festive period, so if your looking for that perfect bit of bling to jazz up your outfits this Christmas head on over to the website.

All their jewellery is completely handmade and unique so you won't find it on the high street. 

If you want to be in with a chance of getting your mitts on this beautiful set all you have to do is drop a comment in the box, letting me know why you deserve to win the goodies. You've got until Sunday the 15th to make your statement so don't hesitate! 

You can also enter via twitter, just make sure your following @lb_chronicles and tweet me explaining what makes you my perfect winner!

Wishlist // On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

Radley rose gold bracelet watch featuring large round chronograph dial with Radley signature dog logo and slimline bracelet.

At the start of the month I began working at H Samuel in a Christmas temp position and whilst their I've been spending my spare time scoping out the goodies stood shining in display cabinets. The recent influx of rose gold into the fashion industry was kick started by Michael Kors, and it seems that every other brand has followed suite...

Not that I'm complaining. This Radley watch is my absolute favourite in store. Okay, so I don't have a clue what half of the faces are even for and setting it would be a completely alien concept but I can get someone to do that for me, right? 

Wishlist // On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

If you haven't heard of Dixi jewellery let me fill you in... an online boutique, the brand embodies every girls most magical dreams and momentize them to create gorgeously bohemian, stone filled trinkets. 

Bearing this in mind you'll understand that I couldn't choose just one, right?

Kingdom Amulet Ring // Emelda Thorn & Rose Bracelet // Perigee Mystic Unicorn Tears Ring // Opalite Crystal Ball Necklace // The Mystic One Midi Ring // Mixed Copper Thumb Ring 

Seriously, just how beautiful? Rose Gold is pretty much my new favourite thing... I mean I have always loved it but the recent influx into the fashion industry has set it at the forefront of my mind. The subtle pink tone is the perfect amount of girly, whilst being sophisticated enough for even the classiest ladies! And check those stones... B-E-A-UTIFUL! 

Wishlist // On the Fifth Day of Christmas...

The base of this print originated from photographs of Exotic flowers growing in an East Sussex garden, simply intensified and multiplied in photoshop beyond recognition.

-Rianna Phillips on the design process.

Limited Edition Orphelia Clutch Bag - £72

Rianna Phillips has fast become one of my favourite UK based designers over the past six months, but as a lowly, penniless student I haven't yet been able to pick up one of her gorgeously abstract designs. But that's what Christmas is for, right? 

I've been eyeing up the Habana Clutch Bag but then I spotted this beauty and well, Habana will have to wait.

Please, please, please Santa!

Instadiaries // Week 7

The Christmas countdown begins! // A lovely little church building in Salford - there's so much hidden beauty in this world. // My winter fave! Topshop jumper with velvet leggings... Cosy! // My gorgeous new booties! (I'm still waiting for them to arrive) // I've dropped major hits about this My Little Pony mug from Urban Outfitters! // Wrapped up in my vintage fur to explore the Christmas markets. // A quick snap of my face :) // Christmas in Manchester Arendale. (21 isn't too old to see Santa, right?) // Super chocolatey, mega muffin from the Christmas market... YUM! 

Wishlist // On the First Day of Christmas...

“The word it means a lot of different things, that’s why I chose it. At first it was a nickname that I had for the book and then it just became it. And it was ‘It’…gotta go home and work on ‘It’…It’s gonna be ok… this is IT. I love that word. It’s so small and can mean so much.”

Alexa Chung on her unusual title choice.

Alexa Chung is the fashion industries greatest 'it' girl, and the publication of her first book comes in perfect timing for Christmas! An absolute MUST for fashion and music lovers alike. The model makes her writing debut with an energetic fusion of memoir, scrapbooking and style guidelines. It's pages are littered with photographs of stars such as Winona Rider and Kate Moss. I'm expecting something golden! 

Priced at below £10 from Amazon 'IT' makes the perfect gift for besties, sisters, cousins and even secret santa!

Wholesale 7 // Wishlist

White Lace-up Boots - £15.38 // Burgundy Lace-up Boots - £14.10 // Tan Spiked Heel Boots - £16.66 // White Elastic Detail Boots - £14.10 // Zebra Detail Boots - £15.38 // Floral Detail Boots - £15.38 // White Tassle Flatforms - £14.10 // Black Suede Boots - £15.38

I've been searching for some awesome, purse friendly, chunky boots to keep my tootsies warm through this (predictively) evilly chill winter. Being a student it's sometimes difficult for me to nab the top trends and still afford to eat on a weekly basis but these little bad boys are so cheap I can afford to buy four pairs! 

I'm crushin' over the black leather boots with the tiny flowers over the toe, they're just so sweet! A plain outfit could be jazzed up in an instant and the burgundy boots are a must have for this season.

I can't get over how perfect the styles are either, it's almost like Wholesale 7 took a dive into my mind and made my dreams a reality. I NEED to get my mitts on these! Luckily I've just started my new job so soon enough funds are gonna be plentiful! Eeeeeeee! :D My feet will be pretty before long. 

Ria xo

Instadiaries // Week 6

Dominos feast for the Doctor Who Special // Cosied up for the Christmas Markets! // My Princess mug :') <3 // Selfie - S'all about the curls // Barry M Textured Nails // New boots from ARK - They're just perfect! // Dresses, coats & sweaters - I made the transition to winter wardrobe, really need some more wooly items! // Vintage style oversized clock - If I wasn't so obsessed with clothes I'd probably be an interior designer // Newest tattoo - isn't she just beautiful? 

Sunday Summary // Week 6

What I'm watching

We went to see Gravity on Wednesday at the IMAX and it was insane. It's only the second time I've seen a film on an IMAX screen, (I know... where have I been?) and I reckon for a first timer it was the best choice. The film itself was great, I kinda expected to walk in and watch 90 minutes of Sandra Bullock floating through space but I was surprised by how deep the plot got at points.
On the flip side we saw The Councillor too. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be a little artsy or whatever but seriously, it was mind numbing. The language is too metaphorical and meaningful for you to take it in first time, so by the end I genuinely didn't know what half of it meant, and the plot is just predictable. If your into that kinda thing though Nick and I agreed that perhaps after a couple of viewings there might be this whole deeper meaning which we'd just completely missed.
If anyone fancies explaining it to me please do! 

What I'm listening to 

I don't know what's up with me at the moment, my usual music taste is gone and instead has been replaced by 80's rock stars! Last week I was lindyhopping along with Cliff whilst this week I'm busting my lungs to Meatloaf.
What. A. Guy.
I found a CD in my car and so kindly introduced Nick to him on the way to the Trafford. I think he enjoyed it... my singing not so much.

What I'm reading

Okay so I'm not reading it... but I bought my boyfriend the A Game of Thrones graphic novel for Christmas and it is KILLING me not sitting on my arse and reading the whole thing cover to cover! It is amazing. I'm just sorry that I didn't buy the whole series. I keep picking it up and opening it at random pages as if that's going to help my burning desire for its words. 
It's not.

What I'm craving

Jones' Berry Lemonade Soda. For those of you who haven't heard of it, its this American pop which is just AMAZING. Basically, if the Gods made drink... this would be it. The bottles are decorated with the public's photography and inside the lid there's this little inspirational message which is so awesome. I still have about three in my car! 
They also do a Cream Soda which is so scrummy. If your a Mancunian the sweetie shop in Afflecks Palace sell it or you can buy it offline..

What I'm lusting after 

Princess Socks! (These are insanely cute.) - Studded Petals // Green Floral Jacquard Trouser - Miss Selfridge // Necklace Trim Floral T-Shirt - Miss Selfridge // Chain Trim Flatform Loafers - River Island // Denim Shearling Camping Jacket - Ralph Lauren Vintage // Motel Burgundy Lace-up Boots - Office

What I'm buying 

I've been Christmas shopping and I'm almost all done! I have a few more bits to pick up for Nick, I need to get my sister's dolly a dress and my brother a little something - though he'll probably just want Microsoft points... party on! 
Feeling wonderfully organised for once, I'll be done before December! 

What I'm wishing 

That this hideous cold would just fly away! //  Snow, snow and more snow! C'mon Mother Nature... Provide the white stuff! // The flat would clean itself, cannot be fussed today! // For a giant windfall - Mountains of cash would be brilliant right now // For the willpower to stop smoking - Shout at me, tell me I'll die, work out how much richer I'll be without the ciggys - I need help!

Teddy Boy

 

Black Cardigan - Primark // Acid Wash Tee -H&M // Plaid Trousers - H&M // Grey Socks - H&M // Black Leather Lace-up Boots - ARK // Eagle Necklace - Divided by H&M // Gold Watch - Vintage

I've had these trousers a little while now and have only ever styled them up with shirts and glitzy blouses, I never considered dressing it down like this but I love the effect! The trousers are such a gorgeous fit on me - I usually struggle getting trousers that fit perfectly on both the waist and the legs, especially from H&M, but these are just dreamy. So slimming too!

I've usually quite a feminine style but I love to mix it up a bit and this outfit is the perfect example. It's got me considering the whole sports lux trend in a different light, I might just give it a go! This outfit gives off 50's vibes, I feel like a teddy boy! To carry on the theme I raked up this giant quiff, (Nick was dead jealous... way better than his!), and tied my hair back. 

It's very different to my usual look but I think in a good way. Do you agree?

Ria xo

Beaded Beauties // Wishlist

Over the past couple of years Miss Selfridge has firmly cemented itself in my mind as the perfect high street chain to supply the nation with glitsy and gorgeous, flapper esque dresses and beaded jackets. My rebel phase had me steering clear of the fairy-like fabrics and neutral tones, and as a result the store was wiped from my memory, never to bedazzle again.

Since moving to Manchester however, my peepers are drawn toward the stores whimsical window displays each time I walk down the high street. I've created this cutesy image, of elfin frames in fairy dresses in my mind, so you can imagine just how shocked (and hugely impressed), I was to find a bazaar of quirky brights and trendy patterns too!

I've got to get my hands on these treasures...

Zig-zag Print Sweater - £29 // Red Statement Necklace - £14 // Geo Printed Mini Skirt - £25 // Roll Neck Tapestry Top - £25 // Red Section Hoop Earrings - £7.50 // Byzantine Ring Pack - £8.50 // Check Smock Dress - £38 // Floral Print Sweat - £29 // Pink Jumpsuit - £49 // Coral Crop Shirt - £27 // Animal Print Playsuit - £39 // High Neck Beaded Top - £49 // Cocktail Midi Ring - £6.50 // Pink Lurex Tee - £32 // Necklace Trim Floral Tee - £49 // Floral Jacquard Trousers - £49

 I love, love, love the floral twin set! It's just beautiful and so sparkly, perfect for the Christmas season. This metallic pink crop tee goes great too if you aren't brave enough to go head to toe, or even if you just want to mix it up a little. 

The black and white zig-zag sweater is just awesome for winter. I've ordered my picks in colour gradation and unintentionally managed to make the perfect outfit! How gorgeous are the red skirt, the beaded necklace and the sweater together?! 

Sports lux is one trend which isn't going anywhere and although it's a trend I haven't embraced just yet, Miss Selfridge's blue and pink floral sweater might just change that... watch this space!

Ria xo

Leather Love // Haul

LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL MY NEW BOOTS ARE!

My, oh my... I think I'm in love. Technically I'm not allowed to wear them yet, them being a Christmas prezzie from my Mother dearest, but that doesn't mean I haven't done a few cheeky outfit posts featuring the babies!

I initially had my sights set on this similar pair from Urban Outfitters, but at £100 they're a little steep in my eyes. When I found this pair though, from ARK at £39.99, I fell in love. I even prefer them to the Urban Outfitters pair!

So now I'm just waiting on Christmas day so I can grace the streets with these beautiful soles. 

They're sold out online and this was the last pair in the Manchester store. I feel like one hell of a lucky lady! But you can find similar styles here and here.

Ria xo

"You Look Like a Sexy Dinner Lady..."

 Navy and White Shirt - H&M // Blue and White Tennis Skirt - Vintage Elle - Thrifted // Blue Woollen Socks - H&M // White Cut-out Oxfords - New Look // Silver Rings (Selection) - H&M, New Look & Topshop

The first time I wore this skirt I asked Nick what he though of it, to which he so kindly replied, "You look like a sexy dinner lady." Well, dinner lady patterned or not, I adore this skirt. I picked it up in a charity store toward the end of summer and used to team it with a plain white tee and my JuJu Jellies, but as its gotten colder and my need for tights has become absolute, I've been struggling to style it to perfection. 

This Sweater/Shirt/Hybrid monochrome masterpiece, I think, is gorgeous! I've only worn it a handful of times but its one of those pieces that makes me feel so damn classy! I don't know why I didn't realise it before but the two go so well together. I love how the white acts as an accent throughout the outfit. 

What's your favourite thrift? 

Ria xo