Osborn shoes first look book

Osborn shoes first look book

19/12/2010

15 comments

One of my first posts on this blog was about Osborn shoes. I love their individuality and quirkiness and I was so excited to see their new look book for winter/spring 2010/2011. What is also great is these shoes are hand-made in a time honoured old-world totally sweat-shop free environment and each shoe is signed by the maker as a testament to the sense of pride for the maker, as well as its wearer. The materials are also fairly traded and locally sourced, so not only are they super fashionable but also good for everyone involved. I love the whimsical images in this look book and the little behind the scenes film is inspiring.

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Paris with Love

Paris with Love

17/12/2010

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Looking forward to the new year and talks of a city break to Paris keep coming up. I hope to go in Feb for a much-needed break. I lived in the South of France for a few months in 2009, in hope that I would pick up french, alas I did not, as surprisingly a lot of people spoke English there and that wasn't helped by the fact that I was working with other English speakers. Anyway one of my great hopes is to spend at least 6months in Paris, it could be now or when I'm sixty, it doesn't matter, as the city is eternally stylish and these images from the talented The Sartorialist, I have both of his books, simply cement the idea to me more and more. How I dream of light airy evenings spent dancing through the streets of sweet Parie

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Outfit and beautiful little things

Outfit and beautiful little things

14/12/2010

7 comments

So I thought it was finally time to do a outfit post,this is my first one since giving birth.
So just lovin the bike indie look at the moment.

Quick run down - Shoes - River Island, Jeggings - H and M, Vest - Firetrap, Jacket - Gifted


My favourite part of Christmas is not the big presents but the little ones...and here are a few gifts I would love to have under the tree

I am in love with these rings but Scottish designer Holly Wilcox. She creates such beautiful pieces and is such a talented designer. I stumbled across her work while looking through some blogs. Her inspiration comes from natural surroundings, drawings and photography. I strongly recommend you check her blog out.

Don't know why I like this statement necklace so much but I do. I find the sharp angles and straight lines interesting and eye catching. You can pick this up for only £16 from Urban Outfitters.

I had to put this little feathered head-piece up as my bargain Christmas buy from H and M, it's on sale and is only £1.99!!!!

And for the home I really want this Love word lettering, only £10 from Next

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Beautiful books for kids

Beautiful books for kids

08/12/2010

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Mr A loves story time 

The wonderful world of reading is a great joy to give to your children. From a very small age, children can learn to appreciate a good book. With babies and toddlers, you can introduce picture books and short reads so that child can begin to learn about reading and how to use the imagination. Once a child begins grade school, they can begin to learn how to read and use their skills to enjoy the most beautiful books. There are several classic reads that you can introduce to your child so they can learn the magic of reading and build a healthy love of learning.

We introduced books and stories to Mr A from a young age

Introducing Your Child to Beautiful Books

As your child begins to learn how to read, you can begin to introduce new and exciting books. Take your child on an exciting adventure in their mind with magical books featuring amazing children, monsters, fantasy and more. Below are a few examples of classic books your child will love.

James and the Giant Peach is one of my favourite Roald Dahl books (image)

James and the Giant Peach

In this book, follow James as he goes on an adventure with several creatures inside a gigantic peach! The book was written by Roald Dahl and was first published in 1961. 

I loved reading Charlottes Web with my mother when I was younger (image)

Charlotte’s Web

Writing by E.B. White, this classic tale of friendship is a heartening book every child should read. Follow charlotte as she learns about life with the help of a few barnyard animals.

Stuart Little

A favorite since 1945, Stuart Little follows the life of a small mouse that is taken in by a loving family. Read along as Stuart enjoys adventure after adventure. 

The secret garden is another one of my favourite classics (image)

The Secret Garden

With this book, Frances Hodgson Burnett takes the reader on a quiet adventure in an unlikely place. Learn about the secret garden and what lies behind the hidden door of the old estate on the moor.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Another great by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will take you on a sweet adventure. Follow Charlie and the rest of the children who tour the chocolate factory and learn about Wonka’s crazy treats

Harry Potter

One of the more popular books that has is newer but still considered a classic is Harry Potter. The Harry Potter books are written by J.K. Rowling and take the reader on an amazing adventure in the Wonderful Wizarding World of Hogwarts.

These are just a few books that you can introduce to your child to be able to gain a love of reading. Take into considering your child’s interests to find the best book to inspire your child to continue to read more each and every day.

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It's Christmas!!!

It's Christmas!!!

04/12/2010

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Even though it's winter when I came across these vintage sunglasses I needed to get them, my Russian look is now completed.

 Hey so longtime no write, basically I decided to take the first few weeks with the new arrival (baby Arthur) out to cope with the sleep deprivation, but now he is sleeping through the night things are falling into place well. Also SideStreetStyle is going to become a Unisex blog, yey, with my partner who is in love with his clothes and blog is going to be posting, starting this coming week (full intro will follow). So December is finally here, shopping, snow, chocolate and mince pies. Also Urban Outfitters has finally opened in Cardiff, and has that wonderful "new" smell about it. In other Cardiff news, there is a bloggers meet at at Pica Pica on the 7th December, hopefully I will be able to make it.

So Christmas can also mean, so bad but so good novelty jumpers,which ofcourse is a must get, well for me anyway. Big fur coats (not real fur though) and all wonderful and warm things. I came across these little goodies in the most recent Next Winter collection, affordable, warm and wonderfully festival. Sometimes it can be easy to forget about these high street stores, or overlook them, so I was pleasantly surprised with this Next collection.

Winter luxury - Faux Fur Coat £75, Jeans £28

I love novelty xmas jumpers -  £30

Fairisle Knit Hood £50

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Urban Christmas delight

Urban Christmas delight

27/10/2010

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Well I have had my two week "holiday" and now back to blogging....sooooo I didn't win the Wales Blog Awards in the lifestyle category but I am still very happy that I made it to the final 8 out of over 200 entries...not bad if I say so myself. It was a good night at Chapter in Cardiff, lots of bloggers and some good speakers. It always amazes me how busy Chapter gets, it was packed, on a Thursday night! But it does have all the makings of a great hang out, well in my mind anyway, but I am easily pleased, good wine and healthy tasty food is all I need and the falafel, salad and homemade tomato salsa went down a treat. It's one of those multi-use venues that all cities need and is the kind of place I seek when exploring a new city.

Talking about new, I have never been so excited about the arrival of a new store to Cardiff. Finally Urban Outfitters is coming....and just in time for Christmas (opens 2nd Dec). I love Urban Outfitters, it's one of my favourite high street store, simply because it offers quality and fashion forward style but with the individuality of a boutique and is always on trend with the indie youth of today while also making pieces suitable not only for teenagers but also 20 and 30 somethings. They also happen to be using one of my style crush artists at the moment - I blame Coco. To me she seems to capture the look of today.

 

Here are my top 6 picks from their current collection

 Shearling detailed backpack £48

 APC Madras Wool Fleck Cape £182

 Pins and Needles tapered pant £55

Fur trim boot £38

 Renewal Wildlife Sweatshirt £28

 O&O bow dress £48

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Baby, books and blogs :)

Baby, books and blogs :)

14/10/2010

9 comments

Sooooo I know I have been super quiet of late, but with good reason, I have just given birth to my first child, Arthur, on the 21st of Sept. I didn't really mention the pregnancy on the blog because I wanted to keep one thing baby-free, and I wanted to keep my blog about fashion, photography etc.....luckily though I exercised and kept healthy during the pregnancy and 10 days after giving birth I was back in my levi skinny jeans - yeay :). So here is the little mini-me

Besides that news I have also made the shortlist of Wales Blog Awards - yey :)
The awards is happening tonight at Chapter Arts in Canton, Cardiff....hmmm what to wear? Can't wait to meet other bloggers and have a much needed glass of wine (after 9 months of none!)

So other things that are taking my fancy at the moment, one is looking forward to buying a new winter wardrobe yeah!! Another is expanding my little book collection. My partner just ordered an amazing book called Take Ivy, which is a sixties documentary style book of Ivy league fashion and lifestyle taken by Japanese photographer T.Hayashida. If your into preppy style and want to see where is came from this is a great book for you.

My book of choice for this week though is an art book called Hg2| A Hedonist’s guide to Art, which officially comes out today (14th). It's a seminal collection of essays from international artists, writers, gallery owners and art collectors who reveal their hidden lives, the lives of others and slightly appealing secrets of people in the industry.It's published in association with Artica which has a great art blog full of inspiration, check it out here. They are having their launch night in London today....wish I could of been there, but I am sure it's going to be a great creative filled night.

Anyway I have loads of fashion, style, photography posts coming....and lots of exciting news. Three words - Urban Outfitters Cardiff!

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Weekend Adventures

Weekend Adventures

28/09/2010

4 comments

So lately I have had a major need to spend each weekend finding new and cool places to eat, have coffee, talk about music, fashion and such things. I don't live in the biggest of cities but that's almost what makes it fun - going and finding new places. Here are a few images from successful missions over the past summer.

John in the "book" room, 10 Feet Tall. I ended up having a really nice bruchetta with chorizo and chicken with salad and herby chips with Lycee juice...yum yum

A little outing to Cardiff Arts Institute, which has a really interesting interior full of nooks and crannies, paintings and random art, reminds me of the Mad Hatters Tea Party.

Preppy Fashion in Penarth Park

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Autumn is here! New season and giveaway

Autumn is here! New season and giveaway

18/09/2010

9 comments

So I went for walk in a nearby park, I love this time of the year when the seasons change, just like the colours in nature fade from bright new greens to yellows and browns, so do the themes and colour trends in fashion. I am really excited about the new season as I love vintage prep in the form of Satchel bags, leathers and brogues. Also camel and greys, big knits and all wonderful warm things :).

 I love autumn colours...and blackberries...so when I saw these I had to take a photo.
So if price was not an option this is what would be on my autumn season shopping list....

 Acne Olga Shearling Hat £295

 Alexander McQueen Lace Knuckleduster clutch £1285

Chloe Bird Print silk blouse £755

Burberry Prorsum knitted slim fit jacket £695

 Diane Von Furstenberg Ceila Dress £318

 Grafia Leather Satchel

 Pringle laser cut top £795

 Stella McCarthney, Linda McCarthney photograph top £115
Nearly all of these items can be found on my new fave site - Matches, I literally want ALL there clothes.

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