Miss Cathie

Bookia, Rose Gold + Accessorising…

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Cathie

Have you ever felt so busy, yet you also feel as if you have accomplished very little or nothing?

I have been in that muddled state lately, but the stirrings of life out-of-doors can never fail to cheer me up. I’ve also found myself wearing lesser layers and lighter clothes, and that makes me happy. I push the limit sometimes, too, because I’m lucky that I don’t get cold easily… but I do manage to raise quite a few eyebrows around town. I can’t help thinking that if only I were Scottish, romping around town in skirts and bare legs might be more easily forgiven. *sigh*

Any way! Here’s a quick outfit post with my beautiful Flaska Laverne ‘Bookia’. My man bought it for me as an early Christmas present last year, and I only managed to use it once since I got it because of all the rain we’ve been having. The leather is just so buttery, soft and gorgeous, and to protect it I found myself hiding it awkwardly under my coat from the raindrops. I decided to put it away until dryer weather came along, and a few days ago, I brought it out from its dust bag to bring some fun to my outfit.

Blazer: Talula by Aritzia (2010)

Top: ASOS Top with Peplum and Bow Detail (2012)

Skirt: Juicy Couture (unidentified) via eBay (2012)

Necklace: Swarovski small ’Loveheart’ pendant in Provence Lavender (2011)

Bracelet: Modern Mix Boutique ‘Skyler’ rosegold bracelet (2012)

Ring: Ice.com cubic zirconia sterling silver leaf ring with rose gold plating (2009)

Bag: Flaska Laverne ‘Bookia’ in chocolate (2012)

Shoes: Bloch ‘Arabian’ ballet flats in stone wash (2012)

You don’t see it very well because of the lighting, but the bag stands out so well against navy and black. And of course, the colour is so aptly described as ‘chocolate’… every time I look at it, it reminds me of a half-bitten milk chocolate truffle with a cherry centre. So excited, and hope to use this bag more often… it would look just as beautiful against the lighter colours of Spring fashions, I think!

I’ve been trying to accessorise a lot more, as well… Being a girly tomboy, (isn’t that such a …a paradoxical dichotomy?!) I like pretty things, and I have some pretty jewellery, but I don’t wear them enough because sometimes it can just feel like a hassle, and I worry about scratching or ruining them because I get into scrapes a lot. It’s one of my New Year’s resolutions, though… to not just keep pretty things, but to use them too. That’s the point of having things, after all!

For this outfit, my lavender heart necklace ‘matches’ the navy hues of my outfit, while the rose gold bracelet and ring provide a complementary contrast and looks beautiful and expensive against the bag.

I’ve also decided that I like wearing my arrow bracelet higher up on my arm. I just couldn’t get it to sit snug and tight on my wrist, but pushing it up a little, it fits perfectly and adds interest in a different place. Yay! I have so much fun making my jewellery work for me. :)

Have any of you ever had to learn how to accessorise? Any inspirational ideas to share?

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

A Bit of London Love…

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Cathie

VisitBritain has a fabulous competition –click here for info & to join!– in honour of London Fashion Week and I am just barely squeezing my post in in the nick of time! Thank you for letting me know, Sarah! (If any of you are interested, you must get them in today, and remember that London time is a bit ahead!)

But I just had to join in on the fun because I adore London, fashion, travel and shopping.

I’ve never been to England (yet!) but here’s what I would do and wear and buy…

London style is so diverse, but if anything, it’s cheeky and playful and most of them don’t take their fashion too seriously. Though what with the accents and the history, you can’t help but want to dress in a more ‘posh’ manner.. I’m more of the sweet and girly type, but I have my quirks and tomboyish moments too. So here’s my sartorial ode to this fair city, which I would wear to see the sights and fashion shows, but is still appropriate should the Queen invite me for tea.

LOGUE London ’Bella’ dress

Ted Baker ‘Weldon’ Patent Bow Belt

Mackage ’Leane’ leather jacket – SOLD OUT (Sorry readers! It’s an oldie but goodie from my closet but check out Mackage’s current collection here.)

Salvatore Ferragamo ’Carla’ Patent Bow Pump in new bisque

Kate Spade ’bow terrace bradshaw’ handbag

tieks by Gavrieli ballet flat in romantic blush

Pretty Polly ’Pretty Fly Flutterby’ Tattoo Tights – Butterfly Tights

Moving on to the sights… so many places to see, so little time!

First I’d check into my hotel… and if my wishes were of the sort that came true, I would be staying at the Ritz London, and my room would be the fabulous Berkeley Suite…

[Image credit: Ritz London]

I’d make time for afternoon tea, of course… (their lighting is supposedly all rose-tinted, as it flatters the complexion, and everyone is supposedly more beautiful at the Ritz!) Nibbling scones with clotted cream while people-watching would be fascinating!

I’d slip on my ballet flats (my ‘exploration’ shoes)… and then my adventures would begin.

I’d start in the Marylebone (mar-le-bone) neighbourhood, and visit The Wallace Collection –a national museum in an historic London townhouse that houses 18th century paintings, furniture, porcelain and a world class armoury. How can one say no to all that?

Then I’d stop by Daunt Books which still boasts Edwardian fixtures and fittings. I’ve already cheated and taken a peek using their virtual panoramic tour –click to see for yourself!

Next on the list, I would pay a homage visit to 221B Baker Street, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, in honour of my once-upon-a-time crush for the legendary detective. Perhaps now we could have a private talk about how he escaped his death in the Reichenbach Falls and have a chat about roses and bee-keeping. (And you know you’re a Holmesian of sorts if you can spell ‘Reichenbach’ off the bat… or that’s my yardstick anyway.)

How about a visit to Fortnum & Mason? Sample some of their delectable confectioneries and teas, and buy some goodies to share with my dear ones later on…

[Image credit: Fortnum & Mason website]

…then skip over to Harrod’s to buy some pretty sleepwear. Something like this:

Elle Macpherson Chemise

Because if you thought I was going to sleep at The Ritz wearing ordinary pyjamas, well let me tell you now that you were Gravely Mistaken! *scoff*

It’s time to move on to a new destination, and if I’m particularly adventurous, a ride on one of the trains at King’s Cross Station sounds like fun. I have all the time in the world to go a-wandering!

Once I’m back (and hopefully I haven’t gotten lost at this point with my ‘superior’ sense of direction!) it’s a difficult choice between Buckingham Palace and the Royal Opera House. Royalty or Ballet? The dilemma! But I decide to save the pleasures of the arts for a free and un-constrained evening. Off I toddle to visit Her Majesty… (or at least her ‘house’!)

[Image credit: Official Monarchy Flickr page]

If I don’t get swept away in a magnificent dream of descending the steps of the Grand Staircase in a court gown and tiara, (John Nash is an architectural and artistic genius!) there should be time to thoroughly scare myself at the Tower of London… and if after all that, I still manage to garner an appetite, I’ll stop by their New Armouries Café and order some deep-fried north sea haddock served with chips and mushy peas.

[Image credit: © Nigel Iskander/newsteam/Historic Royal Palaces via Timeout.com]

Feeling quite intellectual and cultured now, I suppose it’s time to join in with the other well-shod fashion show attendees. Time to step into those Ferragamo pumps!

My program for the evening looks something like this:

~~~

***

————————————————

Exploring London just can’t be done in a day, and I don’t even know if it’s possible in a lifetime but I think that this little taste is just enough to keep me both satisfied and wanting more –as it should.

When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London. –Bette Midler

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

P.S. Set the music for my London exploration to Beethoven’s – Symphony No.6 in F major op.68 “Pastorale” – V, Allegretto!

Your Health is in Your Handbag…

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Cathie

The other day, I was skimming through an article on YouBeauty.com, “10 Sneaky Spots Germs are Hiding”, and #7 caught my eye.

“When they aren’t on our shoulders, most purses are resting on the floors of restaurants, restrooms, movie theaters, cars, buses and sidewalks. A joint ABC News and University of Arizona investigation of 50 women’s handbags found that the outside bottom of the purses were teeming with bacteria, including fecal germs and those that can cause skin infections. The researchers found 6.7 million bacteria on one purse alone.”

I’ve never rested my bag/clutch on restroom floors (eww!!), nor in movie theatres, where I hang on to it for dear life because I always feel it would be so easy to steal a handbag in the dark when someone is engrossed in the film. However, I am guilty of placing mine on the floor in restaurants when there isn’t a spare chair, and so thought this was something to be shared.

Whatever the situation, your bag is probably going to end up on the ground at one point or another. So remember to wipe it down with a cleaning solution (leather/vegan materials), or throw it in the wash (fabric). It’s a simple, extra way of minimising the chances of catching a bug while flu season is still going strong.

Some of us already carry around practically our entire lives in our bags; there’s no need to add a swarm of nasties to the weight!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

A Valentine’s Beach Walk…

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Cathie

“The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.” ~Edward Gibbon

Yesterday, A and I took a walk on the beach as a belated Valentine’s activity. I am crazy about experiential activities, and this was the best! I know for some, a beach means hot sun, warm sand, and glassy Mediterranean-blue waters, but I almost feel that grey sand, tiny walls of washed-up seaweed, and splashing silver-grey waves are just as lovely.
I’m quite positive that if I could find that point where sea meets earth and sky, I would find perfect beauty and harmony, and unlock the secrets of the world. I’m not sure what the nature of those secrets are, but they’re sure to be something grand.

Jacket: A Wear hooded puff ball parka via ASOS

Sweater: Simons Twik bustier sweater in pink

Jeans: Denim by Victoria Beckham

Shoes: Keds ‘Skimmer’ canvas flats

I couldn’t resist wearing some pink –and what’s this? I’m wearing jeans!! Being über practical, don’t mind me… And I know that ballet flats aren’t the most practical footwear for standing in water… but these are washable. I wasn’t going to put on my leather ‘granny’ shoes, because there would be some real impracticality then in being so carefree/silly in the water. At any rate, here I am, standing where earth and ocean are touching. It was wonderful. (Any further out, and I would have sunk in the soft sand… do not ask me how I know this. *ahem*)
Did I mention that we even made some artwork in the sand? I thought it would be a masterpiece, (I privately still think it is!) but it might have been more of an impact visually if I’d shaded it all in, instead of simply outlining. Still. Doesn’t this seem like some abstract, sandy form of Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’?

Hope you all have a fantastic Monday!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Happy Valentine’s Day & the World of Make-Believe…

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Cathie

Dear Readers,

Almost every other blogger has been writing about Valentine’s outfits, wishlists, their happy/sad stories and memories, etc. While some of them are interesting, I am feeling a bit over-exposed to the holiday, so I’m going to spare you from any on mine.

I do wish you a very lovely one, though… and sincerely hope that you won’t let those dastardly marketers ruin a holiday for you.

While Valentine’s Day is primarily about celebrating romantic love, it is also about celebrating love itself, in all its many wonderful forms. I’m sure we are all experiencing one form or another, be it from family, friends, a lover, or a puppy –so we can all be grateful and have warm, squishy feelings no matter our ‘couple’ status.

At any rate, enough… because I don’t want to wax on (and on and on…) and because I want to share this quote which is quite simply, one of my very favourites from one of my favourite authors, C.S. Lewis.

Have the most beautiful day! ♥

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Snuggle Up! February 7th is National Sweater Day…

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Cathie

World Wildlife Fund, Canada’s largest international conservation organization, has declared February 7th to be National Sweater Day.

On Feb 7th, lower your heat and put on your favorite sweater to take action against climate change and work towards a sustainable future. Join Canadians across the country fighting climate change by conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If every Canadian lowered the heat by just 2º C this winter, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 Megatons!

So lower the heat, wear that sweater and make the world a better place for your Grandchildren!

The tree-hugger, flower-smeller, all-around-earth-lover in me just had to be a part of this. So here I am, sending lots of love to Mother Earth by turning the heat off completely (Oops, sorry, boyfriend. ) and donning a sweater with hearts all over!

Sweater: Simons TWIK

Pendant: Swarovski ’Lea’ jet hematite pendant (thanks to my belle-famille)

I’m lucky enough to be in relatively mild (if absolutely wet) Vancouver Island, so there’s no need for me to pile on the layers. But for those of you who are suffering from that ‘snowmageddon’… stay warm, and if you can afford to turn the heat down a notch or so, please do so!

Kisses!!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

The ‘Art’ of Lounging…

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Cathie

In moderate doses (just enough to keep you longing for the next time, but not too much that it’s considered Unadulterated Procrastination), there’s nothing more fun than being all languid and lazy in the morning when there’s nothing that needs accomplishing outside of the house. I’ve written articles, made phone calls (not always the social kind), read books, pampered and primped myself –all at a leisurely pace during that glorious time of the morning considered to be quite proper for lounging.

The hours for morning lounging aren’t set in stone, but are usually between 5:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for me. However, there are days when I’ll wake up at 4:00 a.m. just to catch the sunrise… (But this doesn’t happen in the middle of winter, of course!)
Here are some ideas on how to indulge:

♡ Find or make a refuge of your own… either a favourite armchair or a bed will do.

♡ Put a pretty nightie or robe on to swan around in. Shabby, common-place pyjamas will not do! However, there’s no need for every little detail of one’s appearance to be perfect. One simply has to find the fine line between being insouciant and being careless.

♡ Make a pot of tea, and bring it back with you to your refuge. A cup of it is a lovely thing to hold, inhale and drink. (My current favourite is DavidsTea‘s ‘Sweet Strawberry‘)

♡ While you’re at it, take the phone with you as well… answer calls all morning in comfort and luxury!

♡ If it’s still dark out, forgo the electricity and light some tea-light candles. Snuggle deeper into the blankets and drowse peacefully. (Place the candles someplace safe!)

♡ Read a novel, a cookbook, anything! (I’m reading an entertaining guide, ‘Celebrate‘ by Pippa Middleton at the moment –a review coming up later!)

♡ Now is also a good time to write in your journal. If you’re anything like me, you have hastily scribbled notes on scraps of paper about things you want to talk about later crammed into the first few pages. (Psst! I call my journal ‘Kitty’. Do you name your things?)

♡ Put some music on, or revel in the silence. When I’m in the mood for music, something by Vivaldi or anything classical is heavenly. Perhaps Haydn’s ‘The Clock‘ Symphony No. 101, Mov.2/4 –very appropriate, wouldn’t you agree? It is also one of my all-time favourite musical compositions.

♡ Daydream.

♡ Watch a movie, preferably a light-hearted one with a happy ending.

♡ “Be pleasant until ten o’clock in the morning and the rest of the day will take care of itself.” ~Elbert Hubbard

♡ Do absolutely. nothing.

I’m pretty sure I made all these little ‘guidelines’ up just to elevate my laziness to a form of ‘art’, but whatever the reason, they are very important! It’s what makes lounging in the morning such a treat. :)

Morning Robe: Juicy Couture velour robe in ‘Angel’ ($90.00 down to $75.30, & then one final price adjustment to $45.19 –it is possible to be pretty on a budget!)

Headband: Tai via Liv by Au Lit, now Au Lit Fine Linens

Bralette: Wilfred ‘Mystérieux’ silk charmeuse bralette in ‘delicate petale’ (not worn, but shown because it would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, and because I am now officially obsessed with pretty lingerie…)

How do you enjoy your ‘nothing-to-do’ mornings?

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Featured Miss: Vanessa Choot of Modern Mix Boutique…

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Cathie

Readers, as promised in my previous post, here is Vanessa from Modern Mix Boutique to answer some questions I put to her about her shop, Vancouver fashion and style, and how she stays fabulously on time!

The lovely Vanessa…

MMV is all about experiencing Vancouver beyond belugas and totem poles. I am all for that! In one of your posts, you write that Modern Mix Boutique is a complement to your blog –tell us more about that!

I’ve been running Modern Mix Vancouver for 5 years – consistently staying on top of fashion, beauty and lifestyle trends. It was a natural transition for me to start something like Modern Mix Boutique and share with my readers and customers stylish accessories I love and make them available for purchase at an affordable price point.

What inspired you to start MMB?

When I was 16, I had my own handmade jewellery business which I brought to different boutiques in Vancouver for them to place in-stores and sell to their customers. I’ve always had an eye for jewellery trends and colours. I chose to begin with jewellery and accessories on Modern Mix Boutique because it was so simple to put together a beautiful collection of products. My customers don’t have to worry about fit and sizing which is often a concern for shopping online – earrings and bracelets are pretty much one size fits all!

Through MMB, are you bringing (new/diverse) style to Vancouver, or are you bringing Vancouver’s style to people?

I’m bringing new styles to Vancouver. The accessories I have curated for the boutique are inspired by fashion capitals like New York and Los Angeles. I wanted to bring a piece of that style to our city, Vancouver. I’ve received so many encouraging words and compliments on my product selection – there’s no doubt that Vancouverites can easily adapt to these styles!

Speaking of style, do you think Vancouver as a city has broken its fashion reputation/stereotype for wearing sportswear in everyday life?

Because Vancouver is located on the West Coast and is so well known for our proximity to city, sea and sky, stylish (and sometimes not so stylish) sportswear will always be a part of our wardrobes. I think there’s a time and place for every outfit. If you are hiking the Grouse Grind or going to yoga, wear your Lululemons! If you are dining at a trendy Yaletown restaurant, take it as an opportunity to dress up. Being in Vancouver, we also have to dress appropriately to our rainy climate – sometimes that puts limitations on what we can wear, but I have also seen some very stylish rain gear available locally.

What can we expect from MMB in the near future? Do you have any particular trends/themes envisioned?

For now, I’m focusing on gold because I love the way it matches with bright colours and jewel tones. In the future I may bring in necklaces, rings and other accessories.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned through running your own blog, and now boutique?

Be proud of what you do and believe in your ideas! When I started Modern Mix Boutique, the people I told didn’t “get it” until I put everything together, chose the products, took the photos, and launched the boutique. Then they went, “OH, okay, I get it now! Great idea!” Sometimes other people can’t visualize your ideas, so just go out and do something you believe in – don’t worry about winning over others.

On the flip side, I was also overwhelmed with support and encouragement when I first started Modern Mix Boutique – I’ve learned you have to believe in yourself.

Perhaps a question inspired by the New Year… how do you keep on top of your schedule and time in such a stylish fashion? What keeps you motivated?

Do something you love and motivation will come naturally – simple as that.

Any other interesting tidbits you’d like to share?

The jewellery images on Modern Mix Boutique are all taken by me. The backdrop is a calf-hair Clare Vivier clutch that I purchased from ShopBop in the fall. It’s a beautiful colour, but to be honest, I’ve used the clutch more as a jewellery backdrop than for going out! I can’t wait for the weather to get nicer so I can carry it when it’s not raining.

(My bracelet rested on a Clare Vivier clutch!! It’s certainly more posh than its owner… )

**Don’t forget to use ‘MissCathie20‘ at MMB between now and February 28th to treat yourself to a little sparkle!**

Many thanks to Vanessa for sharing her experiences and insights with us — wishing her all the very best with her latest venture… I know it will be splendid!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Navy, Rose Gold & Caramel…

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Cathie

This past Saturday, Little Man and I went to take some pictures… of my new bag, bracelet and boots! :)

Here I am in all my sleepy, puffy-eyed glory, and incidentally, this will be my first outfit post for 2013… I hope this isn’t the start of a trend. Must. Correct. Sleeping. Schedule. !!!

But enough about my dashed eyes… let’s look at the pretty things!

Coat: Soïa & Kyo ‘Lyta’

Top: ASOS Top with Peplum and Bow Detail (2012)

Skirt: JACOB tweed A-line mini skirt (2012)

Tights: Nicole Miller (2012)

Boots: DUO ‘Louvre‘ boots (2013)

Bracelet: Modern Mix Boutique ‘Skyler’ rosegold bracelet (2012)

Bag: ASOS Scallop Front Tab Across Body Bag (c/o Ladbrokes)

I thought an all-black/greyish outfit was a bit drab, so I mixed a pinch of navy in the form of this peplum short-sleeved top. Yes, it is too cold to be wearing it on its own, but with the coat on, that is no problem since I don’t get cold easily. (And yes, I took the coat off for photographic purposes. It was a bit chilly. I won’t be doing that again, and you may stare at my coat from now on. ) I am still trying to decide whether the peplum is for me. It took me long enough to decide to give this trend a try, but I did like the feminine flare to the silhouette. And of course, this top has bows –I can’t say no! Sadly, this particular piece wrinkles easily. Oops.

Oh my word, and the boots!!!!! They are stylish, comfy, easy to walk in, and I’m quite sure every inch oozes quality. It’s also nice to have warm feet again, and not be the only (odd) one wearing ballet flats in the middle of winter and -2° temperatures! And did you know? They came all the way from England to Canada within 5 days! I am now a Devoted Client of DUO. That is all.
Accessories-wise, I am having a lot of fun wearing my rose gold arrow cuff from Modern Mix Boutique, and think it practically glows against navy! I had a childhood fascination with Robin Hood, and so a rose gold arrow adorned with small rhinestones seemed like such a fun way to …err.. add him to my wardrobe? At any rate, it’s not something one sees everyday (at least not where I am!) so I’m having fun getting compliments on it. Tee hee.

As for the bag, I was a bit flummoxed at first… my bags have always been either colourful or just plain black. I wondered if there were any ‘rules’ about pairing a tan bag with anything, but am happy to report that it goes with everything. I might have expected that of a neutral. However, it really pops against navy, red, black, purple and white, from what I’ve seen so far… and so I’ll be keeping those pairings in mind for future reference. And of course, if you have a favourite way of wearing a tan bag, please do share with me!

***

Vanessa of MMB was wonderful enough to make a 20% discount code for MissCathie.com readers!! Use ‘MissCathie20‘ between now and February 28th to treat yourself to a little sparkle! While I’m afraid that (for now) the Skyler cuff is sold out thanks to yours truly, there are other treasures to be found! There’s a stretchable stud bracelet and a pair of delicate gold and turquoise earrings that would be perfect for wearing during warmer weather –or if you happen to be lucky enough to be heading off to a tropical destination!

P.S. Keep an eye out for an upcoming interview with Vanessa! In the meantime, check out her blog, Modern Mix Vancouver.

I hope you are all still enjoying winter! Stay warm and fabulous!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Christmas Goodies…

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Cathie

A dear friend of mine recently wrote to me that it was only a week into the new year, and she already felt behind in everything. Me too! I have so many posts to get out, and so many things I want to share with you all.

Here are some pretties that I got over the holidays that I am especially excited about, from my man, Ladbrokes via a PR company (special thanks to Amy for her prompt replies and support), and myself.

First off, Ladbrokes sent me a parcel of fashion and beauty goodies as a gift. From what I have learned, the company has been around since 1886, although it started out as a commissions agents business for horses with an exclusive clientele drawn from the ranks of aristocracy and the upper classes. It’s interesting to note that Ladbroke’s principal long-time representative for British racecourses was a woman! That was definitely not the norm in the early 1900′s.

I’m not a gamer but I’ve been to a casino once or twice, and will only play a slot machine or two for fun. Please, if you’re interested in checking Ladbrokes out, remember to know your limit, and play within it! ♥

Back to the fun point, here’s what they sent over:

Illamasqua for ASOS Exclusive Dare To Be Different Lashes & Eyeliner - Ok, I had difficulty with this, people!! I don’t use make-up, or fake eyelashes, so I was in a bit of a quandary as to what to do. I didn’t want to ‘waste’ it, and at first thought of a giveaway, but I suppose that’s not very nice to unload something you don’t really like/use to your readers. I’d prefer to only give away things I am crazy about, like that Ballet Beautiful DVD contest I held last spring/summer. So a friend suggested I tack it on to the bag… and that was just brilliant. My bag is all flirty and sassy now. More on the bag later.

ASOS Super Soft Long Gloves – Probably the softest gloves that I have ever touched that are not wool/cashmere/cotton/silk. They are still not as warm, of course, but I like the fact that they are long, and the ruching detail is cute and feminine. They would be wonderful with 3/4 length sleeved sweaters for days that are not too cold but still call for some coziness. I’m giving this to my sister as she is not too picky about the material content. I just can’t help liking natural fabrics more.

Pieces ‘Ellena’ tube scarf in dark coral – Another super soft acrylic accessory, and in one of my favourite hues. This could really bring some colour punch to a black/grey ‘drab’ winter coat/outfit. I may keep this as a bed shawl. Don’t laugh, you’ll be a granny one day too. I think being cozy is always chic.

Cath Kidston Mini Starter Set – Obviously, my set (Kate lovers!) knows Cath Kidston primarily for that carry-on bag that the Duchess of Cambridge brought with her on her wedding tour of Canada. But Cath Kidston has more than just bags, she has accessories for everything under the sun, including a few beauty products! There are three scents, Honeysuckle, Bluebell and Wild Rose. Out of the shower gels, I’d have to say that Blueberry and Honeysuckle are my favourite. For the lotions, I like the Wild Rose and Honeysuckle. These cute little things are 30ml each, perfect for travelling!

ASOS Scallop Front Tab Across Body Bag – Hands down my favouritest of the bunch. I really liked Mulberry’s ‘Cookie’ line, but the prices were too far out of my budget’s reach. This is a great compromise — it’s a mix between a ‘Cookie’ and an Indiana Jones satchel (if he were a girl) in my opinion. Of course, I gave it some attitude. That bow is the softest woolen yarn ever. A bag has got to be as stylish as its owner, wouldn’t you say? I offered it to my sister, who absolutely adores tan bags, but she said to keep it. (Sister, if you are reading this… the offer still stands! Oh, but I am breaking it in for you. )

I really wanted to put together an outfit post featuring the bag, but that isn’t going to happen with the weather being so dreadfully wet. Seems like the heavens are just crying their hearts out. But that’s okay. I do love a rainy day, and I’ll be using the bag a lot either way, so you will see it pop up one of these days! However, here’s a shot of it ‘in action’ taken before it was ‘sassified’ (yes, I am making this a word), just to give a clearer picture:

A’s present for me this Christmas was a lovely pair of boots by DUO. I have not had a pair of boots since 2010 when my suede ones (which were a half size too small for me, at any rate) fell apart. Since then, I’ve weathered rumours that I walked to work barefoot in the snow! Oh, I am a legend. *nods* At any rate, these are the prettiest pair I’ve ever owned, and I thank you very prettily indeed, Mister.

My fancy shmancy ‘Louvre’ DUO boots!!

And lastly, my present to myself… which I got on sale from Things Engraved. (I would share a link, but it is now sold out. ) It is a heart charm bracelet with a swarovski crystal heart ornament on the other end. On one side is engraved ‘Cathie’, and on the other, ‘C’. I debated a bit about putting ‘C’ then ‘Cathie Maud’, or ‘CM’ and ‘Cathie Maud’… but… sometimes, just ‘C’ is enough. I really like the letter C, if you couldn’t tell.

Hope you all are having a fantastic start to 2013!!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

P.S. Because the above items from ASOS were gifts, I have not used affiliate links for any of the links provided. xoxo