23

Pretty soon I will be turning 23. I'm not entirely sure how I got this far and I'm still wholly convinced that I shouldn't be this old yet. As you get older birthdays change, but they're always an excuse to do something fun. For this one I'm planning a birthday meal with my housemates at a swanky restaurant, a reunion with my old housemates which will no doubt involve lots of vodka and giggles, and a day with my parents who have shelved their reservations and agreed to visit me at university.

 So here's a little wishlist of the things that I would like the most for my 23rd. If anyone is able to arrange it, I would also like £10 million, a holiday to Croatia and Chris Pine.

1. Biker Jacket by River Island 2. Raffia Boucle Skirt by Topshop
3. Bambi Candy Sunset bikini by Triangl 4. Mineralize Foundation by Mac
5. Rose Gold Bracelet Watch by Olivia Burton 6. Wrap Front Sandals by River Island
7. March Birthstone Ring by Pandora 8. Belt Plate Clutch by Topshop 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

In a bah humbug spirit akin to that of Ebenezer Scrooge, I have been ignoring the impending Christmas season with as much determination as I can. However when it hits December, the temperatures drop into the minus and radio stations bombard us nonstop with Mariah and The Pogues, I don't mind getting into the spirit. Plus, what sort of person doesn't enjoy a chocolate fix at 7am?

Inevitably at this time, we all get the 'what do you want for Christmas?' question from friends and family (and Santa himself of course). Usually I'm one of those irritating people who respond with an 'I don't know' but this year I have a fully formed list of lovely things that I would like. On top of these things I'm hoping for a nice relaxing Christmas break as the last few months have been hectic!

On my wish list this year is:

1. A parka. The only coats I own are hyper-formal so I'm after a casual addition to my wardrobe. Parka from Topshop (£60)

2 & 3. This outfit. Perfect combination of Christmas sparkle and my ever-present black/white essentials. That skirt appeals to my innate magpie instinct more than anything else I've seen this season.
Top from River Island (£15) and Skirt from Topshop (£60)

4 & 6. Pandora Jewellery. I'm not usually much of a jewellery person but I'm after some essentials. These earrings and stackable rings are perfectly minimal.
Earrings (£35) and Rings (£30) from Pandora

5 & 7. Make Up Basics. Christmas is the time when I top up on all the make up that I always convince myself is too expensive. My make-up attitude is strictly investment piece; it might be expensive but it is the best.
Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (£36) and Clinique Moisturiser (£34) both from John Lewis

8. Heeled Boots. My ultimate winter essential; my much loved Office pair have reached the point of no return so I need to replace them.
Alexander Wang Chelsea Boots (£495) from Lane Crawford

9. Red Handbag. I've been fixated on this colour for months but haven't managed to locate one. This Givenchy one is perfect in every vein bar the price tag.
Givenchy Pandora Bag (£1,205) from Selfridges

NYFW

River Island

So I've never really been the biggest River Island fan - I liked their shoes and bags but the clothes always seemed a little tacky. But I went in there the other day, and I have to admit, they've got an absolutely amazing Spring collection, and I am in love. There are some really great tropical-print pieces, as well as some great new season jackets. Get yourselves on to Elle.com or RiverIsland.com now - there's a chance to win some of the new collection!















Loes x