This is Halloween..

Halloween has been and gone again, that time of year when you can get away with dressing like ghosts, ghouls and monsters - and everything inbetween ;).

I saw some very funky costumes this weekend and some not so funky.

One guy was the Rabbit from Donnie Darko (spooky) various zombies and Dracula (naturally), that's what Halloween is all about, dressing up as a scary character..... or so I thought.

So when I see girls in tiny black dresses with a bit of fake blood down their chests and arms I find it confusing. I don't want to go all Charlie Brooker on your ass but why would you dress like this for Halloween? What are you? A dead tart? An injured slapper? I even saw a couple of private school girls - seriously - so that's scary why now?

Basically some girls dress as misguidedly as they would on any other night on the town but with fake blood smothered on their bum cheeks and boobs. Result.

OK, so after the rant, I have to fess up - I didn't get to dress up as a scary monster or a witch's cat this year! It was one of my friend's birthday that weekend so instead of a Halloween party it was a fancy dress birthday party and the theme was.... Old People.


I know what you're thinking...Really? I thought the same to be honest, I had no idea what I was going to wear. For weeks, the boyf and I were thinking of costumes that would make us look old - trying and failing to think of a funny or clever variation on the theme.....

On the day of the party the boyf and I went to Deptford, London - there's a market there every Saturday, which is very good! We found a great, genuine, Charity Shop and I found the best twin set - kind of like a pale blue, old person's version of a Chanel suit! I was very excited as it was only £4.50. I also found some old lady shoes for 50p and a white blouse for £1 - that's how good the market is!

All I had to do now was make my hair grey and get some wrinkles on my face. Turns out it this bit wasn't as hard as I thought it would be - it was actually rather easy. I used Johnsons baby powder on my hair, and a brown blusher to make wrinkles, and I actually looked pretty old! It was scary.

The twin set was fantastic, I didn't expect to like it and enjoy wearing it so much, I felt strangely glamorous!

The party was great fun, everyone made a real effort to look old, turning up with grey hair and wrinkles! Obviously, we all complained about how loud the music was and had to go home for an early night, back to our furry slippers and mugs of Horlicks....

So I've got 365 days to plan next year's outfit - having checked out loads of Facebook Halloween galleries, I think I will go as an orange-faced, pig-tailed, mini-skirted, schoolgirl - seems to be the general consensus! ;)

Amy xx

The fiX Factor

Ok, so this post isn't entirely about me shopping for bargains, but I just had to get this off my chest (I don't think the boyf appreciates me ranting at him about it)

I don't usually get into the X Factor, I've always thought it was a load of rubbish and I always knew who was going to win! But this year I've actually got into it for some reason, I'll never know why, maybe it's because there's some real talent on it this year.

I think Simon and Louis made the best choices for their final 3.

Simon has the groups, he put through the 2 groups they put together at boot camp because "they were too talented to throw away" and he made the right decision there, they're both so good! Way better than the other groups.

Belle Amie, made up of 4 very attractive young girls who sound and look great and just click as a group. And can I add, they have a really cool dress sense, all of them!

(The other girl group - Hustle, looked like a bunch of weird chavs... or just wannabe Pussycat Dolls (couldn't work out what hey were aiming for..), trying to be different but actually look like something from a spoof.)

One direction - 5 very cute boys who also sound amazing, girls will go crazy for them.

And of course he put through the dancing group FYD who, to be honest were the only other group capable of winning the competition.

There was another boy band...what was their name, Princes and Rogues. ha, what a bunch of dorks they were, did they honestly think they looked cool. They "redefined" themselves as 'geek chic' really? Why would you do that? I know, the look is rather big at the moment, but did you see them, taking it over the edge just a wee bit? I did! and they didn't work it well.

Louis Walsh had the over 28s, and chose to put through Storm Lee (who I think is a bit of an idiot - in fact quite a lot of an idiot - in fact, he's like an idiot doing an impression of an idiot), but he has a unbelievable singing voice - you just need to have your eyes closed or put a bag on his head.
Mary Bryne - the boyf and I love her - she's a mum and you know it, she makes you feel all warm inside when you see her (kinda like eating chocolate brownies)
And John Adeleye, who again is a decent singer.

I can't moan about their choices because I genuinely like them all.

BUT

Dannii Minogue! D - A - double N - double I - freaking - Minogue! She chose:
Italian "diva" Nicolo Festa?? I don't get him and really don't think many other people will get him at all.... he's an OK singer but nothing special to be brutally honest. I will not be voting for him, although I'm sure he would vote for himself, if only he could stop fellating himself for long enough.
Decorator, Matt Cardle who is one of my personal favourites, he seems genuine, he hasn't gone in pretending to be someone he's not..and his voice, Oh my god! Words just can't describe..
Last, she chose Aiden Grimshaw, who is also great and looks great, the girls will love him.

But, she didn't put through Paije!!!! why? I will never know, he was someone you could almost relate to, he works in a cinema, cleaning popcorn off floors. And he was fun and had such a great singing voice and had genuine presence and, and, and......anyway, as you can tell - I wanted him to go through over Nicola. Grrrrrr.

Oh, I've also forgot to mention, what's with these 'hammer time' trousers that (for some unknown reason) the guys kept wearing. They look ridiculous. Some things were just not meant to come back into fashion.


But this is when my big rant starts. Brace yourselves.

Cheryl's choices...
First she chose Rebecca Ferguson, a single mum from Liverpool who has an incredible voice, it's gentle and makes my hair stand on end (seriously), she definitely deserves to be there.
Second and Third, she chose Katie Waissel and Cher Lloyd, both couldn't finish there songs. But still got through over Gamu who was amazing! She never done anything wrong, she didn't act like an arrogant big headed idiot on stage and then in front of Will.I.am at Cheryl's house.

I'm not talking about Cher, I can almost understand why she put her through, she could turn out to be interesting, she's at least different and I did love her first audition.

But Katie, who is supposed to already have a record deal in the states really doesn't deserve to be there. I'm genuinely angry about this, why have the X Factor still allowed her to get through to the finals, what are they playing at???

In her first audition, she couldn't even remember the lines to the Queen hit - We Are The Champions' and they're meant to be her favourite band, and she does it again at Cheryl's house, only this time she has a few tears, get a grip!

And she keeps going on about being a legend, what makes you think you'll be a legend acting the way you have been on the show. She will only be a legend for being a massive twat (pardon my French).

I've been reading about this pretty much all morning (damn, I wish I hadn't decided to watch the X Factor now). And apparently she was selected by the shows bosses to go through to the live shows, whether she forgot her lines or not (or even performed well or not).

Like some websites have pointed out, there are now many X Factor conspiracy theories doing the rounds.

So is it fixed for ratings over talent? Next you'll be telling me they landed on the moon!

Amy xx

trying to pick up a friendly bargain

My sister recently went shopping in Camden, London and bought some really cute tops from a charity shop, but she now doesn't like them. So she gave them to me! She also gave me a pair of her old Levi's that didn't fit her anymore, how happy am I? Very!

My mum also gave me some cool jumper dresses that are going to be fab for this cold weather with some jeans or wooly tights!

I also did some charity shop shopping while I was away, I didn't find any clothes, which was a bit gutting...I find it baffling that charity shops are getting quite expensive, I remember when you could go in and pick up second hand clothes for £1 but not anymore, theres even a rail for all designer pieces.

Charity shops are so popular because you're getting some really ace clothes for very little but that bit of money you've spent goes to charity and so many people go in them and spend money now (even young trendy people love them).

I did end up buying a bow brooch for £2 and a necklace for £1, now that's what I call a bargain!

Next thing I really want are some Dr Martens! They look so cool, with anything. I'm not going to start dressing like a punk though. Just give me the boots and I'll be very happy, and my feet will be warm (I hope).

Amy xx

Leaves are falling, all around us..

I know, I know! But I couldn't resist myself. It was just there in front of me. And to be honest everyone needs an Autumn jacket! Especially a Mac, they're the best things ever created. They look so fab, and go with everything. And they're not heavy so if you get too hot with it on you can always take it off and carry it.

I got mine a couple of weeks ago (sorry I haven't told you about it yet) at a vintage market in Greenwich, London.

It's great and one of my best finds this year, I LOVE IT! I can't get enough of it, I want to wear it all the time, even when the sun is shining.

I've also never owned something that has got so many compliments (well, that and my new bag)

Did I tell you it was only £20? Yes, that's another reason I couldn't resist.

I also got some very cute pumps the other day from Tesco, they were only £4, ahh I do love Tesco sometimes.

Amy xx

The sky is a hazy shade of winter..

The cold months are upon us, and it's time to get the winter wardrobe in order.

Dressing for the winter months can be such a drag, feels like you're wearing the same thing over and over again...just finding a coat is hard work, if you're like me and only buy one winter coat!

What I used to try and do was layer a lot and just wear a blazer, but realised I looked ridiculous.

So now, I buy one decent coat that I know will last! Well I hope.

Here are a few coats that look good and will keep you toasty.




1. This Topshop Wool Swing Coat! I'm loving the sailor feel to this one. At £85 (I know, I thought the same thing, but it's so lovely!) it's worth it, this coat will no doubt last you a few years, so if you think like me, you're saving yourself the hassle of looking for a new coat next year and you're saving yourself a few quid. Lovely jubbly.

2. This great Vintage Red coat from Vintage Kingdom (www.vintagekingdom.com)
I love the colour of this, bright and vibrant, everyone will notice you! Not only will it look great and keep you warm, it's only £52!! Fancy that?

3. Last but not least, this fab leopard print coat from New Look. We all know animal prints have come back round, and what better way to show your love?
You'll definitely look the part. And of course it will keep you warm, and at £39.99 everyone is a winner.

Amy xx

The Anticipated Arrival

I finally received my satchel in the post yesterday, woohoo! You can only imagine how excited I was.

Here are a few pictures of the new love in my life.

As you can see it has many secret pockets (though they aren't that secret anymore) for my phone, oyster card etc. And it's gorgeous, isn't it?






I also got a very cute message from the seller!


I love it!

Amy xx

C'mon deliver the parcel, the sooner the better, Mr Postman

I wrote about Ebay in a post a while ago and here's a little update on my recent Ebay shenanigans.

I ordered a few things from it, and have been waiting for a bag for almost 20 days, 20 days!!!!! I know, it's coming from China, but seriously. I NEED it. I was trying to explain to the boyf what it's like for a girl to get a new bag….

He loves gadgets and stuff! I love bags. When he orders a new camera, he get's all excited about playing with it… trying out all the different exposures, and different lenses. Well, I'm like that when I order stuff off the internet, I get very excited about receiving it - especially when it's a new gorgeous bag!

I just want to get everything out of my old bag and transfer it all (even old receipts, as you can imagine I don't keep my bag spotless) into my new bag. It must sound sad to a guy, but to us girls it feels amazing, I want to see how many secret pockets it has… if it has a pocket for my phone, another pocket for my Oyster Card, and…well, you get my drift.

So, I've been waiting 20 days for my new bag to arrive, and everytime I go check the post and it's not there I just get angrier and angrier and start resenting my old bag even more, it must really hate me. Oh well, it wouldn't understand, it is a bag after all ;).

I also ordered 2 dresses, a plain grey one which was really lovely and fitted perfectly and looks fab….

And, a black and grey dress with a skull print on the front (very cool) BUT when it arrived it looked tiny. And it is! It's like a tank top, a very tight tank top. In the description it said "one size fits all" really? One size fits who exactly? The girl in the picture was quite small to be fair, but the dress looked a little on the big side, so why doesn't it fit me? It's not even a dress on me! To be honest it's hardly a top. Gutted because it's ace!

As you can see, it's a tight tank top on me, and a dress on her. Blah!

I'm not trying to put you off Ebay because it's great and I love it! As my mum used to say, have fun but be careful.

Toodles

Amy xx

Allo, Allo, Allo

I went to the Markets on and around Brick Lane (London) yesterday. I wasn't expecting it to be so big!! I nearly had a shopping swoon.


I picked up a few bargains, a cute red owl print dress for just £3, and a pink checked western (chickabilly) shirt for £2. I know… bargain or what? I just wish I'd had more money - I could have bought something on every stall.

In my last blog I spoke about going vintage with military jackets, well I found loads yesterday, and they're cheap, so get down there and get one!

We came across some great vintage police jackets. The BF got a 1960's police inspector's tailored jacket - like new for £35. Cue the taunting ' pig, rozzer, gavver' etc. BF loved it, natch.


The stall holders themselves are good for a laugh, looking like they'd just jumped out of an episode of Nathan Barley. Seriously, if you walk around wearing a pink and green Lacoste shell suit jacket and jeans with one leg rolled up revealing your PacMan tattoo, you really need to have a word with yourself.

The stalls are really varied, some people are selling handmade jewelery, hair accessories, paintings and artwork…. others are selling vintage and new clothes, shoes and bags!

And there's even little jumble bits, so you can pick up an old lens for your camera or some 1970's vinyl.

If you get there early enough, Brick Lane is lined with people selling stuff out of their suitcases, whether it's handmade stuff or just stuff they've found at the back of the their wardrobes. Generally, there is lots of stuff. Did I mention the stuff?


Amy's guide to a Sunday shopping fix….

Orange Star - Cheshire Street. Great little market, stalls of random bits - 5 lighters for 10p, Duracell batteries etc - you know the thing, but there's also some great stuff to be found and it is lined with fab little boutiques.

Blue Star - Vintage shop Rokit. One word, amazing. Check it out.

Pink Star - market just along from 93 Feet East that is like a TARDIS - go in - it's massive and got some really cute stalls in this one, you can get yourself a real bargain (it's where I got my sub £5 pieces).

Green Star - Upstairs Vintage market! It's seriously big, so give yourself a while to check this bad boy out.

Yellow Star - Old Spitalfields market, again this is huge and packed so brace yourself. It's a bit more touristy and got more hand made designery stalls, but it is worth a visit just for the atmosphere.

Oh yeah - and it's Brick Lane, so you're never more than a sniff away from the tantalising smell of food, with stalls everywhere selling anything from Bangladeshi curries to Mexican grilled steak sandwiches and pretty much everything in between.

Amy xx

SIR, YES SIR!

Military boots have been on the scene for a while now, and I still don't own a pair!

STOP MOANING CORPORAL AND GIVE ME 10!!!!!

Jeez.. I only mentioned it! Anyway, they are going to be huge this Autumn and Winter so grab yourself a decent pair for the cold months ahead.

And whilst your at it, pair them up with a military jacket! You can buy them from everywhere at the moment.... Asos, Topshop, etc. are selling them, and it seems many girls are buying them brand new because you can get them in funky colours.

But, hey... get some balls and go vintage!

I was in a vintage store the other day and they have some ace ones, proper military. You can also find them in markets, and on ebay.














Like Liam Gallager.


I know, they come in quite boring colours, but we can make them look girly.... wear a bright coloured scarf or put a little cute brooch on it.

Come on girls, we can definitely pull them off!

STOP WRITING AND GET MARCHING CORPORAL!!! 1-2-3-4!!!

Life on the frontline of shopping is tough!

Amy xx

Bidding my life away.

I've only recently discovered the joys of Ebay and it has very quickly become a big part of my life.

I really enjoy going on and picking up a last minute bargain (who doesn't?), and I love the fact that you can do all this in your pyjamas at 3 in the morning, if that's your thing.

Talking of whether or not it is 'your thing', I was on last night, looking at shoes when I came across a pair of ballet pumps described specifically as 'old and smelly'. I was intrigued, so had to find out more... CLICK...












They did indeed look trashed, but they had 3 bids on them! It got me thinking... who would bid or even want to spend money on someone's old smelly shoes?

So I did a search... CLICK... and found loads! Must be a foot fetish thing, well each to their own, I won't be buying someone else's trashed smelly shoes.

Unexpected upshot of this bit of curiosity is that Ebay now thinks I'm some kind of weirdo and keeps recommending similar stinky listings.

Seriously though, Ebay is great for fashion if you're on a budget or not (just don't get into a bidding war) and the vintage selection is just to die for.

You can even pick up some fab designer pieces for pennies!

Amy's Ebay tips:
Read the listing carefully.
If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a fake.
Beware second hand listings that use catalogue images - what are they hiding?
If you are worried or suspicious about the listing, check out the seller's feedback - anything less than 95% positive is generally a no-no for me.
Check the postage! A 99p dress is not such a bargain when you add on £6.99 postage and packing.

Amazing.

Amy xx

Chickabilly

I've noticed the rockabilly style is still going strong! Even I've started to put a bit into my outfits.

You don't have to be covered in tattoos or have wild hair to pull it off. All you need is some jeans, a headband, a shirt and you're on your way.

Roll your jeans up so they sit around your ankles (and so you can see your new anklet, of course)

Get a vintage embroidered western style shirt, wear it down or tie it around your waist. There's loads of them on Ebay, in vintage stores or even on the Oxfam website.

Get a handkerchief and wrap it around your head and tie it in a bow.


Right, now shoes are always hard to finish off any outfit, you can just wear some canvas pumps, but to make it a little more rock n roll try working your new style with some brogues, or Dr Martens and Bob's your mother's brother.

Aygness Deyn working the Chickabilly look


Amy xx

The Anklet Saga

Yes, you're probably wondering what I mean. Well let me explain, I was recently on holiday and every little shop I went into sold anklets! (even food stores). Anklets are ace, I'd never really thought about buying one before, but the sun was shining and my legs were out so I decided to try one out.

After many hours of deliberation my boyfriend and I came to a decision (imagine the romantic scene... ME: "I can't decide which one I like the best, they are all so cute!" BF: "Seriously, they all look the same and it is 35 degrees centigrade in the shade, choose one or I will shoot myself in the face.") I ended up choosing a very cute red woven beaded one. I put it on there & then and haven't taken it off since!















Cute hey? And only 3 euros! At that price I wish I had bought 10 in different colours! But no, I assumed they would be sold everywhere in London, or on the Internet. I still haven't found one.

Silly me.

Cigarettes and cocktails were cheap too, a girl's gotta have her priorities ;)

Amy xx