ARK // Wishlist

I've been a little MIA this week but for utterly brilliant reasons... I GOT THE JOB! Yes, that's right, I am now a working girl out every day making my buck! I've tried to keep the blog going but its been a little difficult getting all my uni work done as well as sorting the flat and feeding myself, which somewhat surprisingly I keep forgetting to do... oops. 

Anyway, now onto the gritty business. Black Friday is predominately an American Holiday, but praise the Lord hallelujah... England has finally caught on! Until the 1st December ARK clothing are offering a huge 20% off EVERYTHING in store and online, so get over there and treat yourself to some brand new threads!

Hearts & Bows Rose Print Playsuit - £32.99 // Pink Sheen Cami Top - £7.99 // Gold Swallow Cuff Bracelet - £9.99 // Studded Skeleton Hand Clutch Bag - £16.99 // Leopard Print Tights - £8.99 // Hearts & Bows Chiffon Playsuit - £19.99 // Bronze Satchel Bag - £27.99 // Jacqueline De Yong Wine Coated Jeans - £24.99 // Hearts & Bows Smock Dress - £26.99 // Vero Moda Gold Necklace - £13.99 // Striped Tee - £14.99 // Cream & Burgundy Tunic Dress - £19.99 // Ginger Fizz Floral Embroidered Skater Dress - £49.99 // Tartan Leggings - £9.99 // Bellfeld Denim Parka Jacket - £74.99 // Motel Blue Pinafore Dress - £39.99

I've been so in love with this Motel Pinafore for quite some time now so I'm hoping Santa will drop some hard cash in my stocking this year, I could seriously do with a wardrobe overhaul! One thing I adore about Motel is the fact they make multiple garments from the same print material - this playsuit and jumpsuit are so perfect! The geo print is amazing.

 Apparently I'm quite into the red this season - love it! Plus signature red lips look extra fierce with a dash of the colour in your clothing. The Ginger Fizz embroidered dress is GORGEOUS. At £60 though this is another one I'll need to keep crushin' on for now. Dayum. I do think I'll treat myself to the tartan leggings and tunic dress. It'll look super cute with a high neck tee underneath! 

Let me know about the best Black Friday sales you spot! This holiday is probably the best thing since squeezy ketchup!

Ria xo

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!

Instadiaries // Week 5

My all time favourite meal - Yum! // Chunky link gold charm bracelet - H&M, I love the little monkey face! Too cute! // OOTD - Clashing oversized oranges with red! // Check my afro - naturally gorge. Jk. // Manchester Christmas market's being built - giddy! // Gold & gems // 'Paper Wings' cameo necklace - Ladybug Creations // Christmas Shopping, love this time of year! // Selfie!

Ria xo

Sunday Summary // Week 5

What I'm watching

Christmas fever has taken over my life. My eyes have been fully glued to the TV screen, drinking in all the lovely, sparkly Christmas adverts! 

I love, love, LOVE the brand spanking Magic & Sparkle advert! (... some may say M&S). Helen Bohnam Carters appearance 100% steals the show for me, especially embedded in the Disney themed Christmas-sy magic!

What I'm listening to 

Cliff Richard.

He has magic hips and rock 'n roll vocals. Need I elaborate?

What I'm reading

I'm still on Walking Through Hollywood for this week. I've been a busy old bee getting the website up and running, (there's a hefty discount for my beautiful followers, I spoil you!). 

What I'm craving

A good ol' brew with some soggy Rich Tea's! I made the grand mistake of watching The Alan Tichmarch Show when they were debating to dunk or not to dunk... daytime TV numbs the mind.

What I'm lusting after 

Boots, boots and more boots! This winter chill is getting my tootsies all chill. I have my eye on a couple of styles, lets hope Santa provides this year. ;)

What I'm buying 

Winter sweaters! I had a great trawl through Primark on Wednesday and picked up a great many wooly products! I've also done a little Christmas shopping which consists of goodies from Urban Outfitters and All Saints for my man. And of course, the classic Christmas jammies for my Mummy! 

It's a brilliant family tradition!

What I'm wishing 

I have a job interview on Monday, I really hope I get the job! // That the launch of my shop will be an amazing success! Share and share alike folks, help me reach my targets! // Uni could slow down a little - I'm feeling all bogged down with my final years work, anyone else feeling my pain? // For a perfect first Christmas for me and Nick - It's our first year together and we have the new flat to transform into our own winter heaven! I just hope it's as amazing as I plan for it to be!

So sorry it's late again!

Love you all

Ria xo

Boohoo // Wishlist

The leaves are bare and the beginnings of icy fingers can be seen creeping up the window panes in the early morning mist. Until now I've managed to adapt my fave summer outfit's for the chill with tee's underneath, tights and fluffy socks. But alas, no more. It's about time I do some seasonal shopping! 

Here's my top picks from boohoo.com.

Kia Oversized Fleece Lined Waterfall Jacket // Shelley Tartan PU Check Peplum // Lily Rose Printed Skater Skirt // Kelly Metallic Strappy Maxi Dress // Lulu Monochrome Turn Back Sleeve Dress // Sarah Velvet High Waist Disco Pants // Fiona Spot Oversized Blouse // Hannah Chelsea Ankle Boot // Serena Metallic Long Sleeved Swing Dress // Katie Crop Fluffy Jumper // Elizabeth Rose Print Midi Dress // Anya Suede Insert Lace Up Ankle Boot // Clarissa Double Collar Shirt // Rose Magenta Tartan Mini Skirt

Okay, okay... So it's not the cosiest collection I've seen, but most of the dresses have long sleeves, and the mini skirts can be layered up with thick tights and wooly sweaters! The velvet disco pants are adorable, and the silver dress is just divine, and perfect for Nick's graduation ceremony coming up in December! Plus it will look gorgeous under a fluffy black sweater with leather boots. 

Ria xo

Ladybug Creations // 18.11.13

So by now you guys have heard a lot about Ladybug Creations, and seen a little of the 'behind the scenes' but with five days to go to the grand unveiling I though I'd give you all a little treat!

 Jingle Bells necklace - £11 // Paper Wings necklace - £10 // Painting Roses necklace - £8 // Siren Songs necklace - £13

Each necklace is completely handmade and designed by me. The prices range from £6 to £15. The products are finished to an extremely high quality and each piece is completely individual. Some pieces are one of a kind and you'll find them nowhere else!

I am also available to do custom designs, just drop me an email. 

If you could all share this post I would appreciate it hugely. The shop goes live on the 18.11.13 and I have every limb crossed in hopes that it will be a success. And help you could give me would be amazing!

And finally, for the first month only, everything on the site is 15% off! I really couldn't give you a better excuse to check it out! 

Ria <3

Sunday Summary // Week 4

What I'm watching

This week I watched Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Two Towers for the first time ever! And I'm pleased to announce I loved it! I really don't know why it's taken me so long... I've watched the Hobbit a while back but was going to wait for the second one to come out before  saw the Lord of the Rings films. Anyway, I saw the trailer in the cinema and got way too excited. 

Return of the King - I'm coming for you.

What I'm listening to 

I'm back to Uni this week which means train rides and trecks. The soundtrack for my journeys have been courtesy of We Are The Ocean. My boyfriend doesn't much enjoy them, they aren't really his cup of tea, so the only times I really get to listen and enjoy my post-hardcore is when I'm alone. It's okay though, means I can go ahead and get lost in it - although singing my little heart out on the train is just disturbing for everyone...

What I'm reading

 It's not my usual choice, but I've just began reading Will Self - Walking Through Hollywood. It was one of my set books for uni last year but I never got round to starting it. It probably won't help me much work wise, but most of the books I was set last year were awesome! I've been really lucky with my reading lists so I thought I may as well give it a go. I'm only a couple of chapters in but I'll let you know how it is.

What I'm craving

A lemon and poppy seed muffin from Starbucks.

You know, I heard a story once about a woman who'd ate a poppy seed bagel for breakfast and later on in the day failed a drugs test, testing positive for heroin. Not sure if it's true but that's pretty deep if it is! Poor lady.

What I'm lusting after 

Oh god... There's one hell of a list coming! I've been doing my Christmas list this week so there's many, many goodies I have my eye on. Here's just a few...

Vagabond Leather Lace-up Boots - Urban Outfitters // The Penny Bag - Marc B - Topshop // Polo Shirt Dress - Fred Perry - ARK // Lilah Jumpsuit & Maude Floral Playsuit - Motel - ARK

What I'm buying 

NOTHING :'(

Ish... I've bought some more bits for the jewellery business, I have some cameo cabochons' on their way and some cute little bow shaped connectors as well as a load of beads. I'm super giddy to get designing!

I've also picked up a few small bits for Christmas, but nothing super exciting.

What I'm wishing 

That December would get here already, I want to put up our tree! // For the 18th - I'm super excited to get my website online! // That I had more winter clothes - A shopping trip is definitely due next week // And I'm still waiting for the snow to fall... sigh! 

Golden Days // Haul

Okay, it's probably come apparent to you guys that my shopping addiction has taken a slight turn in the direction of accessories - in particular jewellery. A week and a large chunk of cash later and the collection is building nicely... all I'm craving now is a chunky silver chain and a few cute bracelets. 

Here's the latest haul from H&M.

Set of Silver and Gold Rings - £4.99

Tight Link Chain - £3.99

Floral Bracelet - £5.99

Chunky Link Ring - £3.99

&

Rose Vine Ring - £3.99

Chunky Charm Bracelet - £5.99

I love my new collection! Something I didn't realise until now - the floral ring and bracelet match really well! I can't wait to get layering them up, look out for them in future outfit posts!

Ria <3

Bones 'N Beads

White Shirt - Primark // Denim Skater Skirt - boohoo.com // Spotty Tights - H&M // White Cut-out Oxfords - New Look // Lace Headscarf - Vintage // Cross Design Bib Necklace - Cat Called Esteban Vintage 

On wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the Rianna Phillips' AW13 press event held at 2202NQ, and had the opportunity to view all the awesome designs plus feast my eyes on her amazing mood boards! The venue is a rad basement with the most urban feel to it where for this week only you can find 'A Cat Called Esteban Vintage'. 

A Cat Called Esteban are an online vintage store with the most amazing collection of vibrant wind breakers and 80's shoulder pads! I picked up this necklace for only £18. I fell in love at first sight! The unique rose gold colour of the chain means it differs hugely from most of the brassy golds on the market atm and the bone effect enamel just gives the design a kind of cutesy gothic feel. (Cute and Goth? Really?...) I've been on a mission to build on my jewellery collection this month so doubly pleased with the buy!

Why not get online and check out A Cat Called Esteban for some super buys?! They even offer a 10% discount if you like their page! What's been your best vintage buy? Link me up in the comments box below - I'd love to check them all out!

Ria <3

Ditsy Daisies

Those of you who read this blog regularly may have noticed I have been fooling around with the layout recently. Now don't laugh at me... but I am useless with technology. Honestly, I'm only just getting to grips with twitter - so creating and editing the layout of my own blog from scratch was a hard feat! I genuinely considered hiring someone to do it for me up until now... but as I've developed my blog I've begun to get to grips with the whole blogger platform and how to manipulate it, and I'm quite pleased with the results of my labour! 

The new design is much more crisp and gives off a more sophisticated vibe in my opinion. I haven't changed much apart from the colour scheme and design - it's the same template as before. Where I once had a plain background I've amped it up a little with the vibrant pattern and I have changed the blog's title in sync with this.

What do you think? Seeing as it's you lovely lot who have to look at it I would be so grateful for any comments you could share with me about the new look. 

How do you feel about the sudden change? Do you like the design, loathe it, love it?

I can't wait to hear all your responses!

Ria <3

New Look Mini Haul

Stag Ring  -  £3.99

 String Bracelet Pack - £4.99 

8 Pack Grunge Rings - £9.99

White Cut Out Shoes - £12

Love my new goodies! I've wanted these shoes a while but being a skint student, didn't have the cash until now. Lucky really because to my utter delight they've been reduced in the sale from £22.99 to £12! Yay!

Which are your favourites?

Ria <3