Love Letter to Zara

Dear Zara,


My obsession with your clothes has become something of a condition. I visit your site regularly, just browsing through (not in a stalking kind of way). I walk past your window on the weekends, staring admirably and lovingly at the beautifully dressed models in your window. 


I am completely in love with you, and most importantly, the stock that you hold. Your 'Fantasy Fabric Blazer' has caught my eye and the 'Printed Trousers' which I saw swinging over your rails are whispering in my ears everytime I walk past you.


I recently snapped up your 'I Basic Sandal' and now we cannot be apart for an evening, meanwhile the 'Printed Dress' that caught my eye this morning is now on its way to my closet - I just cannot wait for it to arrive.


It's unlikely that this love affair will end anytime soon - I just had to share my little secret with you.


All my love, 
Marcella.

Fantasy Fabric Blazer

Printed Trouser

I Basic Sandal

Printed Dress

HELLO New Purchases

Searching for the perfect pair of jeans is super difficult. I know it, you know it. For me, they always sit slightly too low on my hips for my liking meaning that I am constantly pulling them up, getting more and more annoyed.

So, to my delight on Saturday I stumbled across the perfect pair - that does all the things I ask of a skinny jean. They sit in exactly the right position and have enough stretch (but not too much that they sag around the knees).

The pair in question? Silence + Noise High Rise Ankle Cigarette Jean from Urban Outfitters. 

They are, quite literally, a dream to wear. With what I hear you ask? Well, with this a-m-a-z-i-n-g BDG Oxford Stripe Shirt, also from UO and my classic Zara jacket.

And these, as I call them, 'dolly' shoes from Topshop. Real name? KERB2 Leather T-Bar Shoes.

Sunshine Jeans

Unless you live in a hole, you will probably have recognised that over the last couple of days, the sun put its hat on. And how glorious and well received it was. Twitter was washed with people basking (slight exaggeration) in the rays after what feels like years, and years and years of cold and rain (second exaggeration).

It just makes everything feel better doesn't it? And so, away went the black jeans and hello to my latest purchase, which just screams "IT'S SPRING!"


Check out these beautiful skinnies. The colour is oh-so-Spring and the fit? Oh-so-perfect. I have never bought my jeans from anywhere else, other than Topshop - mainly because of budget, which, right now won't stretch to a designer pair - but also, because of the fit and the proliferation of choice. Right now, they have every colour under the rainbow imaginable - want to shock in a pair of bright skinnies? Then you know where to go.

Anyway, I'm off to find my bikini (final exaggeration).

Topshop

Congratulations

Last night was one of those fabulous, we'll-remember-it-for-a-long-time evenings. The wonderful Fashion Bloodhound - to which I am part of the 'fashion family' - won a Bath Life Award for 'Best New Business.' And if we're honest, we couldn't agree more.

Dolling up for a classy night out is so worth the effort - there is nothing like popping on your beautiful outfit, shoes and jewellery for a night in a beautiful location, with perfect company.

And so, congratulations to Fashion Bloodhound - sorry to all the people on the closest tables (they may now be deaf due to our screams of excitement.) Pop over to their homepage now to see, well, me holding the award.

Here's to another fantastic twelve months, Fashion Bloodhound!

Lippie Fab

Picking the right lippie is often rather tricky (see what I did there?). The top three attributes on my list? The right pigmentation, durability and price. Price comes last because if I'm honest, if it's going to last quite a few hours, then it may well be worth the extra few quid.

I love lipstick - lip gloss also - but smacking on a lippie is like no other. And so I thought I'd let you in on my favourite make-up brand, it isn't fancy or expensive, it's Revlon.

To me, nobody produces a lippie quite like them. Their durability outshines all the rest on the pharmacy and high-end counters. So, next time you're in Boots, pick up a few - trust me, they'll give you a good surprise.

                Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Mink 671

                                                                                                             

                      Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Fire & Ice 720

My, My

Well, lookie lookie what arrived a couple of days ago. Swoon.

Yes, don't be too jealous, but I was officially, and proudly, the very last person who snapped up these oh so gorgeous 'Laced Sandal' platform heels from Zara. 

Zara

Zara

Yes, that's right - they are so hot. I cannot wait to wear them with my Aqua by Aqua dress which is on the delivery van as we speak. Eek. I'm in love.

Aqua by Aqua

I am completely in love with the panelled detail. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news that the shoes are officially sold out (smug face).

Have a lovely weekend.

Help Me Out A Little...

When it comes to picking outfits, and putting pieces together, I am usually pretty decisive. When trying on clothes in a changing room I don't toy over "is it long enough?" "Does it go?" "Is it right?" I have one simple motto, if I love it, I buy it - if I can't imagine leaving the shop or website without it, I pop it in my bag (both literally and virtually), and walk away feeling pretty happy. If I'm not too bothered whether I see it again - ever - then it's not for me and is sent back to the 'reject rail'.

However, I have an event coming up which requires a new dress (obviously) and I am having a bit of trouble picking something. I've strolled through the high street and found absolutely nothing. So, I took to the virtual shops in the hope that with a nice cuppa, chocolate and crisps (don't judge) I could settle back and find something perfect. I've picked out a few of my favourites and now I'm asking you a bit of a favour - lend a hand, leave a comment and let me know which one you think will impress the most.

So the dress code? Classy, 'cocktail' dresses.
My personal dress code? Something not 'too conventional.' Something a little, well, different to the 'usual cocktail dress.' Whichever one I eventually pick I will accessorise with masses of clashing jewellery and chunky block heels - so imagine that when you're picking.

Okay, here are the contestants:

No 1 ASOS

No 2 ASOS

No 3 ASOS

No 4 ASOS

No 5 Zara

No 6 Zara

No 7 Aqua By Aqua

Drop me a comment below and let me know your favourite - I'll show you an image of the one I eventually settle for.

Hello, Spring

So, the weatherman is predicting another harsh fall of snow tonight. But walking through the shops - both literally, and virtually - it's anything but snowy and chilly to the bones. It's a flower, pastel and spring feast - pretty inconvenient because it's about minus threezillion right now, but nonetheless, it really is lovely to look at, and think about, and buy.....(damn it, wasn't meant to give that one away.)

I'm sure you've noticed the so romantic, so beautiful and ultimately, so pretty clothes which are set for spring. I mean, who can miss them? They are idyllic, feminine and utterly gorgeous. I can't get enough of the sheer materials, net-overlays, embellished tops, patterned trousers and sweet as pie lace dresses.
    

ASOS Salon

ASOS Salon

Zara

Zara

Asos

ASOS Salon

ASOS Salon

My mind still can't quite get over how beautifully embellished the ASOS Salon dress is. My. God. The beading looks sublime and is currently in the sale for an astonishing £54. Yes, £54 - B.A.R.G.A.I.N for such a creation.

So, there it is. Spring in 5 minutes - I'm off to make a daisy-chain and drink lemonade (in reality I'm making a snowman and drinking tea.) *Turns up the heating*

How To: Paint a Beautiful Nail - The Basics

"You paint your nails more than you do anything" said my sister just this week, and although, perhaps, a slight  exaggeration, there is some truth in her words - and when I saw somebody's pained tweet about struggling to paint their nails well, I decided I would put together a little step by step guide to painting your nails in a way that doesn't cause frustration. 

So, here we go. I don't claim to be an expert, but I have come across certain techniques which work and certain, which definitely don't. Give it a go - let me know.

Prep - Not preparing your nails is a fool's mistake. Don't be a fool. Make the effort - you'll be glad you did.

1. File your nail to the desired shape - you don't need much guidance here. The 'pros' advise to just file one way - I have never stuck to this and my nails are super-strong - despite, mass-battering. Then, buff. This is crucial, buff, buff, buff - ensure you buff the edge where you have filed. 

2. Push back your cuticles using Body Shop's Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment. Be pretty hard-handed, you really want to get those bad-boys back.

3. Buy yourself a cuticle trimmer - easy peasy, pop into Boots and it will transform your nail-painting process. Snip around your cuticles - and also around the entire nail if there is any excess, loose, dry skin.

4. Now, apply Body Shop's Wild Rose Targeted Hand Oil around the edges of the nail - try not to get it over the actual nail, just around the edges. 

  

5. Bottom clear coat. Apply a thin layer, purely to speed up the process. A bottom coat will keep your nails from turning yellow and also provide a smooth layer for the polish. Don't think you need an expensive all singing, all dancing number for this. Literally, any clear bottom coat is perfect. 

6. Now for the actual polish. Try and buy polishes with a square bottomed brush - a round one makes it very difficult to get a smooth line around the cuticle. Apply a thin first layer - keep this mainly near the centre of the nail. Do not attempt to go right towards the edges - this is a massive mistake.

7. Allow to dry for approximately a minute. If they are not perfectly dry - that's okay. Now for the second and most difficult coat. Have O.P.I's Corrector Pen to hand - this is the most crucial instrument you will use throughout this entire process - allowing you to clear up any small mistakes. Now, apply a thicker second layer - this time you want to get closer to the nail edge, but still leaving approximately 2-3mm's. Use the pen to clear-up any mistakes. This pen will transform how you paint your nails. 

8. Hopefully step 7 wasn't too tricky. After they are touch-dry, apply Revlon's Top Coat. I have tried many, many top coats and this one is definitely the best one available.  

And voilà, you should have a a perfect (hopefully) set of nails. It is all about practice. So, give it a go.  

Tonight I decided to apply Nails Inc's Magnetic Polish - one of the best and most fun polishes I have ever tried. Good luck, show me the results on Twitter - @MarcellaLPinto

New Girl

Every once in a while a new girl pops onto the scene leaving many wondering where the hell she has been hiding all these years. Where did she come from? What did she actually do before she joined the fashion elite and what will she do next?

The girl on everybody's lips right now? Rooney Mara - the brooding, slightly-annoyed-she's-famous-woman who seems to strike it right in the fashion leagues every time - with a look that says 'so what? Back off.' She's the girl that has all fashion editor's intrigued, the girl who simply slips back her hair and effortlessly manages to crawl her way onto the majority of the best dressed lists during 2012's progressing awards season.

An ethereal beauty indeed, Rooney is a monochrome girl turned to the bright side - with rare but surprising glimpses of some of Spring's most popular shades. Obviously a fan of Louis Vuitton (and right now, who isn't?) Rooney is the newest and most exciting woman to watch - and so, bring on the Academy Awards - it's going to be one hell of an exciting fashion evening. 

March Covers

Hello to the March editions, and my God, aren't they looking fabulous? One word that comes to mind when you see these? Spring. 

Despite the plummeting temperatures outside, when you're flicking through these pages, it's anything but cold - but rather a nirvana of warm, soft, sheer and romantic trends - which will have every woman weak at the knees. The beautifully soft pinks, blues and yellows make you yearn for sun on your face and daffodils on the dresser, while the lavish amounts of broderie anglaise take you right back to 2011's Paris Fashion Week. 

While Liv Tyler's eyes pierce through your soul, Alexa does what she does best in what Elle coins the 'new feminine.' It's quite clear that Louis Vuitton has transformed the upcoming months, and I for one, cannot wait. Bring on the lace, bring on the sorbet-colours and bring on the yearning for clothes which will have my bank balance crying. But let's be honest, it's so worth it. 

Sun, it's time to put your hat on. 

V, VB - My Verdict

And yet another fashion dispute erupted this morning, surrounding Victoria Beckham's latest diffusion range - the debate in question? Is the Victoria Victoria Range range a bit, well, young? Or should we celebrate the vibrancy and energy of a fun, new collection?

V, VB

V, VB

V, VB

Harvey Nichol's - London

Ofcourse, there is always a little disagreement and sometimes controversy when a designer showcases a collection - whether that be diffusion of not - which was fairly evident when Jean Paul Gaultier's collection graced the catwalk recently. And it seems that disagreement has not bypassed VB's latest creations - but why do these people want to put the cat out? Grab the milk, I say. 

And so for my verdict? Well, it's simply love at first sight. Yes I'm certainly not oblivious and it's clear that this collection was not created for the older generations - but the cuts and tailoring (particularly of the simple, white long-sleeved crepe dress) are sublime and I am obsessed with the cat pattern and theme. The fabrics are adorable - hello to the silk and crepe - and for the love of God, ever heard of fun, people? Afterall, it is simply impossible to please everybody, and I for one am always a fan of the diffusion ranges, which allows the designer a little more scope than their main collection permits. 

But for me it seems, it may be a little late to get my hands on a cat-number as a waiting list is already growing and so for now I'll sit, and wait - whilst keeping my eye on Fashion Bloodhound for when somebody decides they want to sell their V, VB dress.

I'll see you there. 

Here Comes the Couture Bride

"OH MY"

Gossip Girl, how I love thee. It may not have aired in the UK yet (speed it up ITV2), but my excitement over the small-screen's biggest, and best wedding is already at fever pitch.

Okay, okay so we already know the outcome (damn you GG writers) but it's not really about that right now is it? No it's not. It's about the oh-so-beautiful gowns which are sure to delight many a Gossip Girl fan. 

Well done to Vera Wang for creating a bridal gown that nearly rivals the other fairytale wedding dress (surely you know who?) and an array of beautiful bridesmaid gowns - my God - is it fair to say that this wedding rivals the actual royal wedding? I think we already know the answer to that one - yes!

Anyway, I don't want to ruin the outcome for any UK viewers, but trust me - it's one hell of a good'un - if you have any sense, you'll tune in. Be sure to grab a glass of champagne for the occasion - although you may be throwing it at the wall out of sheer anger come the end.

Oh and that other fairytale gown I mentioned? Carrie's, obviously. 

More More More

There are some things in life that I just cannot get enough of. Top of my list right now? Collared necklaces, Space Invader crisps (don't ask - mild obsession) and scarves. Probably not a massive shock because of the ridiculous chill that lingers outside of your warm duvet right now (yes, it's 5pm, get out of the duvet - you know who you are).

Anyway, it has become somewhat of a habit - I enter a shop, look around and almost every time - leave with a new scarf (no it's not a choice, I just can't quite help it). My latest purchase came in the form of this beautiful porcelain printed number from Topshop:

Topshop

Yes, it's quite a beauty isn't it? And trust me it looks even more sublime with my dark blue, leather collared blazer I just bought from Topshop. I'm not even going to say that I accidently purchased that one - I just flat out bought it. There, I said it.

And it seems that this slight scarf obsession may be getting slightly out of control. Because I've stepped up a few gears (you'll see). But the thing is? I just don't really care, because I just love them all far too much to stop. So I put a few of my favs together for you to have a little look at.

Yes, you did spy a couple of McQueen's in there (I told you I'd stepped up in the scarf stakes). I don't usually play favourites with my scarves, but if my bedroom was burning? I'd grab them. There is something about a McQueen scarf, the way it sits, the beautiful stitching, and the insatiable prints. I adore them - probably the brown one slightly more (sorry Greenie). 

There are some beautiful silk scarves out there right now - just waiting for you to pick them up and take them home - Topshop probably have the best selection, so I'd start there. Their versatility will make them one of your top wardrobe staples - I just pray for your sake, you don't develop my obsession.

"My name is Marcella and I have a McQueen scarf obsession."

Round of Applause

Well done, you did good, go girl...

Well done to the sensational and ultimately hilarious (yes, I'm still laughing at Bridesmaids) Rose Bryne who dared to wear a jumpsuit for the SAGS, 2012. Dressed in Elie Saab, with Chanel jewellery and a Lena Erziak clutch, I just couldn't help but applaud when she stepped out of the trail of black cars, with a fabulous new 'do to boot. An experiment it may have been, but it seems that the results were astonishing. Step aside red-carpet long-length gowns - there's a new trend in town. And I for one, am a huge fan.

Everywhere I Look

And so it seems there is one trend that is literally, everywhere I look. Walking around Warehouse - BAM, there they are. Walking around Topshop - BAM there they are. Walking around River Island - BAM there they are. Okay, okay, you get where this is going.

Anyway, the trend in question? Printed jeans. And so to prove that they are everywhere - like people's failed diets at the moment - I took pictures to prove it.

Topshop

Warehouse

Urban Outfitters

River Island

River Island

Okay, so I think I've made my point that there really is no getting away from  printed jeans. Everywhere you look - they are staring you in the face, in all of our high-street stores. At first it took a little convincing - was I initially 100% in love with them? No.  But over-exposure has convinced me slightly more. And my favourites? These pretty little heart-patterned numbers from River Island:

River Island

SJP

And so I turned to a woman who probably knows how to work this trend better than anyone. And to be honest, if you looked like this in them - why wouldn't you fall head over skinny for this trend?