shop love - church street surplus

Found another gem one cold windy rainy day which made it all the more sweet.

Click below for my latest 'shop love' find...

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skittles

Coat: Zara (thrift shop).  Tangerine clutch: Zara. Green jumper: Zara Mens. Harem jeans: H&M. Boots: All Saints. or get the suede version for Spring here. Ring: New Orleans street vendor. Shades: NY street vendor

Why wear black.  ok yes so it's on my feet but these All Saints are so faded (love that). I'll probably wear them soon with long stuff again like here.

I picked up this mens jumper from Zara's mens department. They had a row of gorge, oversized classic v-necks in primary colours. So perfect with anything because they're soooo basic.  They reminded me of skittles.  I got this kelly green one and a cobalt blue. 

You saw the top knot/clutch combo before in this post.  

my hair routine - at bloody last

Here's my attempt at a beauty post. I have received countless emails asking me to post my hair routine so here goes.  NOTE: These routines work on my hair type which is chemically straightened (it's natural state as a child is very curly).

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satchels in boston

Satchel: (13" standard green) Cambridge Satchel Co. LOVE this red one. WANT!! Or this yellow? Grey outer jumper: H&M Men. Boots: Fryes (love em). Fedora: Trash & Vaudeville. Leopard print dress worn as a skirt: H&M. This is a gorgeous leo dress altnerative.  Ring: Planet Blue. Shades: NY street vendor. Surplus pics on facebook here.

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Boston! Spent this weekend there hanging out with my friend Daria. I layered up in two pairs of leggings and two grey jumpers over my leopard sheer dress (seen before here with wedges). You've seen Daria before in this post taken at Woodstock in the summer last year. Notice that we both love vintage Coach bags and beat up boots.

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I think I just found one of my best bags ever. This bright kelly green leather satchel purchased from the UK over the phone. Let me tell you. This is even more gorgeous in person. Daria let me know if you cave and get the yellow.

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If you lot order one, I find it's faster with a quick phone call to them for some reason. Via the internet is not so quick. Shipping was mega fast too (I upgraded to a larger size and it arrived the next day).

topshop - effing brilliant

Outfit: Topshop. Wedges: Topshop Unique. Indigo's blue dress is here.

Finally posting pictures from the Topshop writing/blogging event held Thursday & Friday to launch their 214 instore magazine.

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Considering I don't do public speaking, I was strangely calm. Fashion columnist Indigo Clarke and I both wore Topshop items we chose. My dress is available in the shop but not (currently) on the website. This one would have been a possible 2nd choice. We sat close to the shop windows where people passing by would pop in to have a listen. The event felt intimate and very personable which was the best environment to encourage dialogue while mini cupcakes were passed around. It was brilliant to be face to face with customers and bloggers alike. The Q&A was the best part at the end since it was a chance to answer the questions that all bloggers have had at some point. The night ended with us having pictures taken and chatting with everyone. (More pics on the WDUGT facebook here).

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On night 2 I wore a floor length tie dye dress with a huge key hole cut out on each side of the waist with the same wedges and a floppy hat.

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A huge thank you to Topshop, Indigo and to everyone who came out. One topic from the event was us sharing any career high points we have had thus far.

Without a doubt, this was most definitely one of them.

comfort

Chinos: Uniqlo. Jumper: H&M (clearance 2010). Boots: Jeffrey Campbell. My girlfriend has this boot version worn with collar up and they're gorge. Jacket: Vintage. Bag: Vintage. Shades: Urban Outfitters. Black onyx ring: YSL. Index finger ring next to it: Anatara (sooooo pretty in real life). Red stone ring & cuff: Vintage.

Took these pics a while ago before the crappy snow/sleet/rain going on outside hit (yes, it's snowing again in New York. Typical). Outside of the harems I like wearing these slouchy chinos are as comfy. Messy cuff optional. I can see me wearing these with old chuck taylors or these brogues.

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Everything else you've seen before like the slouchy fishermen jumper found on clearance last year which confirms why I'll never stop looking in those sections. Just the right amount of sheerness and it feels like suede. The bag was a find via Gyspy Nation. I literally removed it from the seller's shoulders when she answered "yes - it's for sale too" I'll take that thank you very much! LOVE the guitar looking wide strap and how long it hangs!!

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OMG tomorrow (see below post). Time to go try on some stuff....Argghhh!

full circle at topshop

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Guess who's speaking at the Topshop store this Thursday and Friday?

Alongside fashion journalist Indigo Clarke, I will be celebrating the launch of Topshop's new in-store magazine 214. It's also a meet & greet session to hear our thoughts on fashion, style, what inspires us but more importantly, get tips on journalism or on wanting to start or grow your own blog.

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Pop in and say hello if you are in the area. Topshop 478 Broadway & Broome.

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I am beyond honoured to be doing this. Growing up in London I have always known Topshop - who didn't? It's the institution of the British high street. When they finally crossed the pond and opened in the US I could not contain myself and was in there the first day they opened, trying on clothes in the Personal Shopping Lounge, piles of clothes flying left and right. Two years ago and almost to the DAY I posted THIS on my blog before that store opened. I only just noticed the date now as I type this.

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Little did I know that fast forward to that same week but now in March 2011, I would be speaking there: The one high street brand that I have, possibly, known the longest.

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Thanks Topshop and see everyone soon for a chat. Karen x

rebelling with kenneth cole

Relaxing on giant cushions watching Rebel Without A Cause with a bunch of bloggers and Kenneth Cole

Sneak peak of Kenneth Cole F/W 2011. Great cranberry leathers and this pebbled leather satchel

Coat: Etsy (love this seller). Leather leggings: Nicole Miller. Found these similar faux leather leggings. Boots: Frye. I"m thinking of getting these Frye's next. Bag: Thrift (DIY studded). Metallic jumper: H&M.

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On Tuesday evening I got invited to view the F/W 2011 Kenneth Cole collection with a few bloggers. The original plan involved me (plus others) being driven on the back of a motorbike to the event (see our custom helmets in the top pic?). It rained all day so the rides got cancelled but apparently KC are planning a ride on another date. My helmet is ready. Thank you KC!

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I wore the leather leggings (seen before here with heels) with the silver metallic jumper, old Fryes and this giant mongolian faux fur jacket. It's huge, it's mega slouchy and it's being tucked away for next winter and the odd cold night in NY in between.

feathered

Jacket: Vintage. Shirt: Topshop. Cropped skinnies: Zara. Shoes: Vans. Bag: Alexander Wang (black version is here). Shades: Street Vendor on St Marks. Rings: YSL & Planet Blue. (surplus pics on Facebook)

Yesterday I put my fringe back in (translation: bangs). At the salon, my stylist had feather extensions in her hair and I had her put blue ones in mine (completely unplanned). Apparently they last for weeks and can be washed/dried with your hair. Another stylist with purple ones said she'd had hers for two months. They're attached via little tubes to a few strands. I like that you don't really see them unless a gust of wind or fast walking shows the flash of colour. It's a bit of fun and perfect if you fear hair colouring. I can tell you now, for me it's better than spray on colour. Remember the red done here? It rubbed off on clothes. Lovely.

I KNOW I need to do a hair post soon but I'll tell you from now; I get my hair cut at Salon V by Vernelle. It's a relief to find someone that understands how to work with my hair type and it's not just me. Everyone I've recommended to them thus far for cuts/colouring etc have turned into regulars (blondes, brunettes - the spectrum).

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It's sunny out but still chilly, hence the Spring like get up with a furry number on top. Ahhh, give it a few weeks and no more jackets.