Looking ahead to spring

This time of year is usually all about the sales, but in my experience these are usually best avoided. Most of the things that are actually worth getting either never made it to sale, or are not reduced by very much anyway. In the past I've succumbed, and I did manage to get a pair of Viktor and Rolf heels at a fairly reasonable discount - but it was still a massive splurge. Unless you have something really specific in mind that you know has gone to sale, I always think it's more fulfilling to look forward to the next season rather than the dregs of Autumn/Winter.

The grey dress from ASOS is a nice little transitional piece - it's not overly summery so will do well with a jacket and tights in the colder months, then with bare legs when the mercury shoots up a bit. The clutch would actually also be great now, in the party season - neon is tricky but the cut-out pattern is an impressive piece from a high street retailer.

The monochrome aspect of the second image wasn't intentional, but I like it, and clearly my concession to springtime involves no colour but rather a switch from white to black. Those snakeskin heels tick the 'height-you-might-actually-be-able-to-walk-in' box, and the splash of python also makes them a bit less prim than they would otherwise be. The midi-skirt on the right would be a great springtime purchase teamed with a grey t-shirt. (All Topshop).

Christmas presents for me

In the mad seasonal gift-buying scrum, I still have to steel myself to shop for others and not myself. This year, my resolve has been weak, and I found myself bagging two clutch bags and a t-shirt from H&M, and a pair of shoes I've been after ever since I saw them in an Another magazine editorial (they're from Aldo, who have been stepping up their game recently). I think when handing over my card to purchases items for myself rather than my nearest and dearest, I justified it by reasoning that of course, I do need something new to wear for New Year's Eve, conveniently forgetting that as of posting this, I still have NO PLANS for the night of the 31st December. At this stage, it's looking quite likely that it'll just be me and the cat at home together watching the fireworks on TV and then Jools Holland.

Aborted haircut idea.

Whilst watching the Wong Kar Wai film Fallen Angels the other day, I decided that I should get a 90s haircut in the style of the partner in the film. Remember when fringes were choppy and really long, hanging over the eyes so that you couldn't see? Oh yeah...that's probably why I shouldn't get a 90s haircut like that- I really need to be able to see. But Michelle Reis does look kind of cool when she's smoking and has to tip her head back to see under her fringe. Ah, forget it, I hate whispy bits of hair in my eyes more than anything. And I certianly don't want to have to revert to clipping it back like she does in the film because that looks rubbish. Abort.

B is for Bathtime.

We actually finished 'B is for Bathtime' over a month ago, I just never posted it. We struggled with lighting when taking the photos because it was nearing the end of the day and there just wasn't enough natural light. So it all looks a bit dark and too moody for a cutesy, 50s style bathroom. I still like it though. Lauren put way more work into this than I did so she should get most of the credit. Isn't that floss just SO SWEET! 'C is for...' coming soon!