Let's Go to the Mall! Today.

When I left dear ol' America, I was worried that I might not have all the creature comforts of home: barbecue ribs, the Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Masque, The Real Housewives of Atlanta (thank you, internet), and mega-giga-tetra-size malls. I had heard mention of Westfield in Stratford from some of my favorite English beauty bloggers (Sam from Beauty Crush and Shirley from Meek and Mild) and when Miriam confirmed the location and breadth of the consumerist haven, the boy and I giddied up and ventured to it! The weather was suitably bipolar -- perfect for a day at the mall.

(Coat - Tokyo store,  Spiked Sweater - Forever 21, Black Skinnies - Topshop, Suede Ankle Boots -  Sam Edelman)

(Spiked sweater - Forever 21, Cross earring - Asos)

And we arrived! We ate Turkish food and Japanese food and browsed through pretty much every retail store I love. There were quite few sales and most stores had purchase lines with a 15 minute or more wait, which deterred a couple of purchases. The best sale by far was at Zara, where I found love at first sight with some spiked loafers. I think my eyes genuinely sparkled when I saw them.

We unknowningly stayed at the mall pretty much all day -- the time warp of windowless buildings is disturbing. Our ride home was a little bit eery. 

And here we have the spoils of war! Not a huge haul, but I was feeling particularly particular that day. I can't wait to rock those frilly socks with some ankle boots. The night sky top is flowy and cropped; it will be great for summer. I was shocked that it was only 5 pounds in the sale! 

(Night sky print top - Bershka, Crystal Ring - Topshop)

(Frilly socks - Topshop, Plaid spike shoes - Zara)

Ode to a Nightingale...called Norman

Bird-cage ring by Buddug. 

This is Norman, perhaps the greatest piece of jewellery to have ever been created. He was adopted (not bought - that's far too vulgar) from a lovely little boutique in Newcastle (now online at http://www.skirtboutique.co.uk) around 4 years ago. In his short life he has journeyed in and around Eurasia and then back again to England, all the while serving as a reminder of the importance of freedom. Perhaps he looks a little careworn now, his beautiful plume less lustrous, yet he still receives admiring (?) glances wherever he goes and is a firm favourite among friends!