Sale Shoe Shopping - New Look , Topshop and Primark

Hi guys

I hope you have all had a fabulous Christmas and haven't stuffed yourself with too much turkey. I had a good day but my favourite bit of Christmas is definitely Boxing day where you can hit the sales , enjoy the left overs and relax that everything is almost done until next year.

This post is here to show you my most recent shoe purchases. Some of these were bought last week on my trip to the Manchester and the others have been purchased in the last couple of days.

My first pair were purchased in New Look during their Shoe Sale.

 

Suede Booties with elasticated side panel

Sz 7

Was £14.99  Now £10

 

These are great everyday shoes that go with everything. I really like the fact that they are slightly pointed and have a small (about an inch) heel which means you can wear them on a night out with out feeling silly wearing flats.

Next pair were also from New Look and were my shoes of the week on 23/12/12.

 

Black Leather Studded Ankle Boots

Sz 7/8

Was £69.99  Now £35

 

My third pair were from Primark in their sale section.

 

 

Blue Velvet Chelsea Boots

Sz 8

Were £13 Now £5

 

I have had my eyes on these for a while but didn't feel like I would wear them enough to spend £13 on them. I spotted these on sale in the Manchester Primark and picked them up without second thought. They have already been on a night out and are really comfy and warm.

 

I also picked up this pair in Primark.

 

 

Navy Nautical Pumps

Sz 8

£8

 

Whilst they were not on sale I fell in love with these straight away. I  really love the nautical theme for spring and have many things to mix and match. At £8 these are a bargain.

 

 

The latest pair I have picked up are Dr Martens from Topshop.

 

 

Carrie Cut Out Floral Dr Marten Shoes

Sz 7

Was £80 Now £40

 



These have been in my local Topshop for ages. I would go in and pick them up, comment on how lovely they were and put them back. On Boxing day I rose early to hit the sales and eventually made it around to the store and found these on the sale rack. After much umming and ahhing I put them back because £40 was still a lot to spend.

 

However as I was at the till paying for some other bits I remembered you could use your student card to get 10% off even in the sales. This meant these lovelies were just £36. Needless to say I headed back to the shoe section to try and find them in my size. Luck was in hand and I walked out with another bag (and box) in hands.

 

A close up of the print

 

 

 

I think this takes my Dr Marten count up to 7. I blame my Dad for ever introducing me to them.

 

 

So 5 pairs so far but no doubt they number will continue to rise into the New Year. I hope you are all enjoying the holidays and I will be back soon.

 

 

GoodyTwoShoes x

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoes Of The Week - 23/12/12 New Look Limited Black Studded Boots

Hi guys

It's been another busy week this week as I have returned home to see friends and family for the Christmas break. So far no work has been done (Oops ?!) but I have managed to attend a lot of social events.

On Wednesday I went with my family to see the Manchester Christmas Markets and have a nosy around the shops to do some last minute crimbo shopping. The markets were spread quite far and held loads of interesting bits to give as presents. From here we headed to the Arndale and to Primark.

It was here I met my downfall as Newlook Shoe Sale had started and the Manchester branch has a larger selection than most. I headed to the back to see what was available in the size 7/8 section and was not dissapointed. Within 5 minutes I had 8 pairs of shoes and heels I wanted to try on.

I whittled these down to 4 pairs as the others were either too small or too high/uncomfortable to walk in. Knowing my budget couldn't stretch to 4 I comprimised and walked out with 2 pairs.

Sadly I can only find one pair online so these are my shoes of the week. I will take a picture of the other pair I bought and post them on twitter later.

In Primark I also picked up 2 more pairs at the bargain price of £5 and £8. Both pairs will again be photographed and posted later on.

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My shoes of the week are New Look Limited black leather studded boots

These chunky black boots fit perfectly with my winter wardrobe.

Featuring gold buckles and studs in a star formation around the toes on supple leather these boots are designed to mould to your feet after a few wears. They have concealed zips to make them go on and off easily and a small block heel which makes them comfortable enough for every day wear.

Originally £69.99 these boots are reduced to £35.00.

I tried these on in a size 7 but these were too small. The only other pair I could find were also in a size 7 but the insides of the shoes were labled as a size 8. Luckily these fitted perfectly.

I intend to wear these with my leggings and dresses to give a harder edge to my outfit. They are really comfortable and will definitely be coming with me to uni in the new year.



I'll be back soon but in the mean time Merry Christmas !


GoodyTwoShoes x

Ah Ah Ah Ah Staying Alive !

Hi guys

This is just a quick post to let you know in blog land that I'm still alive and well (I apologise for the punny title).

Last week went a bit crazy as I tried to complete all my assignments, pack up all my stuff, complete Christmas shopping and go for a few goodbye drinks. Luckily I managed to achieve all of these and make it back home in one piece.

Somehow the 3 bags I went with had turned into 6 (I blame Oxford St) so the train journey back was also full of excitement. My wardrobe is full of goodies which I hope to share with you in the next few weeks that I'm at home.

This week is one of my busiest as I take a trip to the Manchester Christmas markets, go to an awards evening, meet up with friends and work a pyjama party.

I will be back later this week with some fabulous shoes just in time for your Christmas list.

Speak Soon

GoodyTwoShoes x

Shoes of the Week - 05/12/12 Julian Hakes Mojito High Heels

Hi guys

Are you feeling Christmassy yet ? I'm not. Not in a scrooge way but in a "I want to be at home by the fire with my family" way. I haven't even got an advent calender this year !

However I'm sure all of this will change in a few weeks when I actually get to go home for a whole month. I'm getting quite excited to see all of my friends/family and go out with them (not looking forward to finding party outfits though). This years Christmas and New Year is set to be one of my busiest but hopefully all will be well.

Things in London have been going alright. The cold weather has certainly set in with rumours of snow to come this week. My course teachers also seem to be preparing for the coming holidays as they once again drop piles of work on us with seemingly impossible deadlines. However, I will push through !

My scheduling for posting is going to be a bit all over the place for a while but you will get at least one a week (I Promise).

This weeks shoes are once again from Schuh. I spotted these the other day when checking out the latest additions to the sale and couldn't believe they were actually meant to be worn.

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My shoes of the week are Julian Hakes Mojito Heels

 

I would describe these more as art for the foot rather than shoes to be worn but aren't they brilliant ! Designed to wrap around your foot they offer support for your ankle and covering for your soles so you may as well be walking on air.

 

To prevent them being uncomfortable these shoes offer a memory foam leather padded lining so you can look cool and be comfy in style. The modest heel (9cm/ 3.5") also stops these being a trip hazard.

 

Have a look at someone wearing them...

 

 

 

If you don't like the cobalt blue / bright pink combination then they are also available in black/bronze, red/bronze, white/orange , silver/pink (shown above) and black/green.

 

At £155 this design certainly comes with a price tag to match but I feel they certainly earn this for being thoroughly different in a market with such limited designs.

 

Overall I give 7.5/ 10 - mostly because I would want to put them on display rather than attempt to walk in them.

 

 

I'll be back soon


GoodyTwoShoes x

Party Look - Compitition Entry

As a newish blogger I have spent ages looking around the internet  trying to find other bloggers who offer new perspectives on fashion and styling for larger women. One of these is the lovely Hanna at http://thewardrobechallenge.co.uk . She always has great outfits and makes me smile on a bad day.

Recently she posted about a giveaway, courtesy of Evans,  for your favourite party outift taken from the Evans Collection range. I couldn't resist the chance to enter so here is my outfit ...

Collection Boucle Navy Jacket  - Collection Blue Two Tone Jeans - Collection Ivory Embellished Blouse - Bead Chain Earrings - Collection Mink Beaded Ballerina Pumps

 Evans Quilted Shopper Bag

 

 

This outfit is designed to take me from posh do's to nights out in the pub with friends. Glitz and glam but still practical, warm and comfortable (essential for after that turkey dinner). This will cover a multitude of events over the christmas season coming up , even better for a busy girl like moi. My favourite bit is the jacket which looks smart and effortless.

 

Check out the Evans Collection at http://www.evans.co.uk/

 

I'll be back later this week with my normal posts. If you haven't been onto Hannas blog or want to enter the compitition too check it out here .

 

Speak Soon

 

GoodyTwoShoes x

Shoes of the Week - 25/11/12 Fearne Cotton Stud Heel Boots

Hi guys

My shoes for this week are taken from Fearne Cottons Range available at Very and Littlewoods online.

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My shoes of the week are Fearne Cotton stud heel ankle boots

I love Fearne Cotton's range of clothing and I love the fact that she normally gives 2 to 4 new shoe designs which you can mix and match with her range. I have had both clothes and shoes from her range before which I adore although, due to the prices, I normally wait for the sale or go bargain hunting on eBay.

I have had my eyes on these since the a/w 2012 catalogue was released but I still can't justify them because I know I can get similar for half the price which will be worn the same amount. However I still think these are one of the better versions available because they will add a punky edge to even the blandest of outfits.

Featuring a hidden platform at the front and stacked heel covered in silver studs at the back these are not shoes to be messed with. The lacing at the front makes them easy to adjust to fit and gives more stability for when you've had a few on a night out. The 4.5" heel gives an instant wow factor as well as helping you tower over all the rest. In a classic black finish you can mix and match these with a whole load of outfits making them great investment pieces just in time for Christmas.

These cost £60 which, when compared to the likes of Jeffery Campbell's designs, is an affordable price to pay for a similar style of shoe. Very also offer the chance to split this over 3 payments with no interest (even better !).

Looking at the reviews online it is easy to see how many people have fallen in love with these shoes but they are not without fault. A few report studs going missing after a few wears and some have stated that the heel is not as secure as it first seems. So I would think twice if buying these and make sure you give them a good walk around the house before deciding if you are going to keep them.

Overall I give 6/10 - great design but has a few faults.

See you all soon


GoodyTwoShoes x

Baby It's Cold Outside (Photo heavy post )

Hey everyone

This post is a slight deviation from the one I had planned but I promise my shoes of the week will be posted on Sunday night. Instead I bring you winter warmers in the forms of hats, gloves scarfs and a combination of all of these.

With the temperature in the UK steadily dropping to freezing I thought it was about time I invested in a proper set of hat/scarf and gloves. Normally I don't really bother with buying matching items as I always end up co-ordinating various pieces anyway but this year I made a real effort to try and find a matching set because I wanted them to match (or at least compliment) my newish winter coat.(Can be found here ).

I only brought 3 coats with me to uni. One is my trusty leather jacket (found here f+f Asymmetric Biker Jacket) , a black blazer from Primark for keeping me warm on nights out or to look business like and my winter coat (link above).  This made trying to find a set quite easy as they are all dark and require similar colours to bring the style out.

I also brought a few winter items from home to cover the winter weather so here's a few pics of me modelling them ...

  

From the top :

Wolf/leopard print hood/scarf/glove all in one with ears - Christmas Present 2011

Grey scarf - Birthday Present 2 years ago

Grey Animal Glove (Left Hand) - Primark 2011 (Similar ones available now)

Grey striped fingerless glove - Primark 2010 approx £3

Cream bear hat - Christmas Present 2011 ( Hancock & Woods £8 approx)

Blue Beanie - Primark Men's Section £2 (February 2012)

 

 

As you can see I have quite a head for hats but don't have any proper matching sets. In retrospect this is probably because I always get given some for my birthday and/or Christmas as presents so never really feel the need to buy any.

 

However I had set myself this mission and have spent the last 3 weeks on the hunt for cosy wear to wrap up in. After scouring the depths of London's best and worst , extensive online searches and high street store raids I eventually came across 2 sets I wanted from Primark.

 

I wouldn't say that I am particularly fussy when it came to these things but I was being picky about price and colour (student budget and wanted a burgundy/red wine colour).

 

On a drizzly Sunday afternoon I made my way to Primark on Tottenham Court Rd as I had seen them put out new stock the Friday before but had not had the chance to call in. With in 10 minutes of being there I had picked up one set which met my criteria before coming across another, albeit wild card, set.

 

I ended up buying both as the total price was still less than what I had expected to pay in somewhere such as Accessorise for all 3 items.

 

Here they are :

 

 

Hat £2

Scarf £6

Mittens £2

 

The wild card set was cream with gold flecks in. The big selling point to me was the hat - it is lined with soft faux fur and has faux fur pom poms at the end (also on the end of the scarf). The mittens also have this fur as an added detail around the cuff so they just feel lovely, soft and cosy.

 

 

Hat £8

Scarf £6

Gloves £4

 

I have worn both these sets this week and have found them to do exactly what they say on the tin. However a warning for anyone thinking about purchasing the cream set - Whilst the faux fur is lovely it tends to malt on your clothes so be aware if you are going to be wearing black trousers with them (you will end up picking hair off your clothes).

 

All in all though, I am very happy with my purchases and look forward to wrapping up in them in the future cold spells.

 

I'll be back on Sunday with my shoes of the week.

 

 

GoodyTwoShoes x

 

 



 

Shoes of the Week 17/11/12 - Vans Hello Kitty SK8 -Hi

Hi all

This week has seen me on a lot of train journeys and travelling around the UK.

Last weekend I took a trip back home to see my family and catch up on sleep / eat proper food. Both of these were accomplished and it felt really good to be home (even if it was just for 2 days).

On Wednesday I also took a trip. This time to see one of my friends who is studying at the University of Warwick, based in Coventry. I booked tickets through London Midland as they were cheaper but this also meant a longer journey than it would have been if travelling through Virgin. We had a wander through Coventry and a nosey in a few of the shops before taking a bus to the Uni campus.

Warwick Campus is huge and in the middle of nowhere. After a tour I realised how glad I was that I am in the centre of a city with a Tesco 5 mins away. I met the flatmates and spent the afternoon catching up over coffee before heading to the pub for a proper tea. It was good to see a friendly face after being away for so long and to get out into the country (even if I'm a city girl at heart).

This weeks shoes have been picked simply because I bought them last weekend whilst I was at home. I have a slight affection for hello kitty and this is the second pair of shoes inspired by that cat that I now own.

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My shoes of the week are Hello Kitty Vans Sk8 Hi Slim

 

If you have read some of my previous posts you will know that I find Vans as one of the comfiest pairs of shoes a person can own. They are originally designed for skateboarding so offer great cushioning the the soles of your feet and the high tops give great ankle support.

 

I came across this design a while ago but felt that at a full price of  £55 they had the designer price tag to match the, albeit, cute design. However, these are currently in the sale for £30 and I managed to get student discount on top making the beauties worth splashing my student loan on.

 

They feature white hello kitty outlines along the back and side of the shoe with the front and tab made from a suedette material. The laces contrast nicely in white and they come with a big red detachable bow which can be place anywhere along the laces or removed depending on your preference.

 

They hit just above the ankle (similar to hi top converse) but have extra padding along the backs so they do not rub or blister your feet. The lining is bright red and they have the traditional Vans waffle sole.

 

I got these in a size 7 as this was the largest size they had at that time but I have had both sz 7 and 8s in the past from vans which have fitted well. I think this mostly depends on the style of the shoe. The 7s fit comfortably and I can walk around easily without fear of putting my toes through the front.

 

I think this is a great partnership and this pair is not the only design available from Hello Kitty so if you fancy a cute comfy pair of trainers I suggest you take a look online or in your local Schuh store.

 

Overall I give an 8 / 10 - Great shoes, great design and great comfort.

 

See you next week

 

 

GoodyTwoShoes x



Shoes of the Week - 08/11/12 Deichmann Heeled Chelsea Boot

Hi all

This week has been quite busy so far (and we are only on thursday).

On Monday it was Bonfire Night as well as the start of the light switch ons across London. Oxford Street was the main event to go to as Lawton , Leona Lewis and Robbie Williams all performed a few songs before hitting the plunger to light our way back. The event was supposed to start at 5pm and I got there at 5.30 after my class was cancelled meaning I still got to see most of the action. Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton hosted and we were all done by 6.30pm.

 I then went on a group trip up to Primrose Hill at 8pm to watch the fireworks that were going on across the rest of London. It's a really great spot as you can see every main landmark for miles around and it was really beautiful as all the building were lit up with fireworks behind them.

The rest of this week has been spent doing work and assignments that are due in next week. Im trying to get a bit ahead of myself because I am going home for the weekend ! This was not my original plan but due to changes in people coming to visit me and timings for train tickets it made more sense for me to go back for a few days.

However, it seems I couldn't have picked a worse week as this week is generally known as "Hell" week around LSE. Basically every module or course you take give you exam work or essays to complete on top of the normal work load with a 1 week turn around. But still ... I get to go home :)

This has meant a few late nights so far but I know it will be worth it in the long run.

For this weeks shoes I looked at some of the more obscure shoe suppliers to see what new designs were surfacing. I think you will agree I found a great pair at a great price.

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My shoes of the week are Deichmann Heeled Chelsea Boot

These boots are ideal for the holiday season coming up. Adding a bit of glamour to an outfit with glitter covered backs and a stacked heel they also have the added comfort that comes from the chelsea boot style.

These boots are definitely going to give you an edge when walking around town. The simplistic design gives them an understated edge suitable to be worn day and night. An approximate 3 inch heel allows your legs to be shown off but without the pressure on the balls of your feet and the elasticated panel allows them to be taken on and off easily.

These will look great worn with leggings , cropped trousers , tights ... The list is endless.

I think one of the main selling factors for me is the current price - £12.49 ! reduced from £24.99.
You can't even get a decent pair of trainers for that price let alone boots that can be worn again and again. They also come in a wide range of sizes (3-8).

For Deichmann I think this is one of their best designs currently on sale but as I was browsing I also came across several other pairs I would have in a heartbeat. I reccommend having a nosy on the website because I think you will be surprised at what you find.

Overall I give 7 / 10 - Great boots for christmas but unlikely to be worn after 2012.



I'll be back soon with another post


GoodyTwoShoes x

A Series of Birthday Events

Hi all

I feel like all I'm doing at the moment is apologising for not posting when I say I will. However I do endeavour to post at least once a week and I have managed to do this so far.

I do have a good reason why I haven't posted for a while though- it was Halloween on Wednesday and  my 19th birthday on Thursday. This meant lots of nights out and very little sleep causing a huge pile up of work.

We actually celebrated Halloween on Tuesday as my halls threw a big party in the basement bar. This meant free drinks and lots of games. I dressed up as a skeleton (Pic below).

 

Top - Topshop £20 , Dress (worn under as a skirt) - New Look Sale £5 ?

Tights - Dorothy Perkins £5

 

The make up was done using Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Black , Fearne Cotton Eyeshadow Palette 2010 Version from Boots - Using black and pearl shimmer and Lip tint by Urban Decay in Greedy.

 

The headband is one from a pack of 3 from Primark costing £2.50 for the set.

 

 

 

For actual Halloween I actually went to go and see the new bond film , Skyfall , at Tottenham Court Odeon. We got orange Wednesdays making it a more reasonable price instead of paying £11.95 (student) for one of us. The film was so good ! I'm not a huge fan of bond films but as this one is based in London it was a must see, just to look at the screen and say "I've been there!". I really recommend going to see it if you haven't yet.

 

Then on Thursday I turned 19 ! It was strange not to be at home with my family but I got loads of cards off friends and family and a few presents to open in the morning before lectures. I had planned a trip to the local pub for a few of us in the night and somehow ended up with a posse of 40+ people ?! I had a great night but sadly didn't think to take my camera with me so no photos as evidence (I'm sure some of the residents in halls are thankful for this). I also got half the pub slurring 'Happy Birthday' at me at some point during the night which was hilarious but kind of touching at the same time.

 

Then on Friday, after almost missing my 9am lecture, I planned to go out with some friends from home who are also studying in and around London. We ended up eating at Pizza Express on Chancery Lane which was lovely and fairly quiet for a Friday night in London but the service was a bit lacking. After this we headed for a walk down to the river and the southbank. This is fastly becoming one of my favourite places to walk along at night in London as all the main buildings are lit up and the view is stunning. We then sat outside Giraffe on the Southbank , around a heater , drinking their fresh lemonade with mint. It is delicious and refreshing and made a nice alternative to alcohol.

 

Safe to say that this weekend has been catching up with work and sleep as well as trying to organise my time better.

 

I am having a really enjoyable time here at Uni but homesickness has been plaguing me this week so I can't wait to visit home soon.

 

Hopefully this week will be less action packed and more work will be done leaving me time to do the things I actually want to do. With that said I am not doing any shoes of the week for this week as I have not had the time or the energy to search through my normal sources but pleased stay tuned as I WILL have a fabulous pair picked for next Wednesday.

 

Speak to you soon

 

 

GoodyTwoShoes x

 

 

 



Shoes of the Week - 27/10/12 Next Mono T bar Courts

Hi guys

I know I promised this post yesterday but real life keeps getting in my way so apologies for it being a day late.

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My shoes of the week are these Mono T Bar Courts from Next.

The style reminds me of the early 1920s and films such as Bugsy Malone. Combining that jazz style  with a classic brogue and an elegant heel, these shoes are by no means boring. Harking from a vintage era they are bound to give your modern day look a bit of old school style.

 

As far as wearing them - the T-Bar strap fits nicely along the top of the foot without digging in or cutting off circulation and they offer "impact absorbing cushioning" under foot, allowing you to wear them all day without causing discomfort. At a heel height of 3" (7.5 cm) they are also suitable for going from day to night without much effort.

 

Next always offer top quality shoes and I have had quite a few pairs from them in the past. At a cost of £45 these are at the higher end for what I would class as true work shoes. However the detail and comfort provided means that the money isn't wasted.

 

Looking at the reviews online it is important to mention that this pair run on the smaller size so it is recommended that you size up 1.

 

I think these would look good with a LBD and blazer or wide leg trousers and a smart white shirt.

 

Overall I give 8/10 - great shoes with tonnes of personality

 

 

Speak to you soon

 

GoodyTwoShoes x

Mid Week Catch Up & My New Hair

Hi all

Sorry my posting has been so limited these past few weeks. I'm still trying to find that work/life/sleep balance whilst at uni and even the best intentions have left some of the less , but still, important things postponed.

This weekend saw me hit 1 month in the capital city. I suppose that makes me an official resident now. It still doesn't feel real that I live here but yet it feels so ordinary now , almost as if London has lost some of that sparkle instilled when I was growing up.  However I am still completing as many touristy things as possible whilst I'm here. Recent adventures include The British Museum , The Museum of London and Shepherd's Bush Market /  Westfields shopping city.

I also managed to complete my first Uni assignment this week ! Although I never had a problem with this before it still felt good to get the first one over and done with.

Today I also had the pleasure (or rather experience) of getting my hair cut in the city. I walked in at 9am and eventually walked out at 2:30 pm . To be fair - I was one of 6 hair models in an academy teaching new students and they did do a beautiful job. The best bit was the price ... Free ! Even though I had a full head of colour and flashes put in.

Here is the best "before" photo I can find :

You also get to see my face - Hi there , this is what I actually look like (or did until this morning). The colour was a mid orange/red tone which had been on since late September and cut in a bob/ taped crop to my face.







And after :

This is what I look like now. They re-dyed all of my hair !
The back and sides are a mid chestnut/chocolate brown which is a bit darker than my natural colour. The fringe is made up of 4 layers of colour - brown , magenta , brown and then a dark charcoal grey. They cut the back really short so that it sits close to my head and follows the natural line , the sides were thinned and just softened slightly. The top is the thickest bit with loads of layers and "pointing" put in so it is really choppy and textured.

I think you will agree that they did a great job and as a student on a budget a free haircut was more than what I bargained for.


If you are wondering how I ended up being a hair model this is the story ...

Basically, in Topshop last week I was approached by a woman from a company called "SACO". At first I thought she was going to ask me where I had gotten a top from but she explained that she was a 'model scout' . Cue suspicion and weary looks. However she said she was after hair models and had noticed my root re-growth and thought that I may be interested in getting my hair cut soon.

As it turned out I was actually considering getting my hair cut because I walk past the Toni & Guy Academy everyday who are always after models and will give them a cut for free (dying costs extra).

She gave me her business card and we exchanged numbers - I figured I could always ignore the call if , after investigation , they were dodgy. I then went back to halls and looked up the company. I had a nosey around the website and googled the address. The London premises were 10 mins walk away from me so I also went for a wander to see if it was an official business. It turned out that there was a salon there under the "SACO" name and everything checked out.

The next day I received a voice mail asking me to call them back to try and arrange an appointment. I did and was offered the next Wednesday (today) at 9. I also confirmed the address and the charge - I didn't want to walk in thinking I was getting a free cut only to leave with a bill for £50 + .

This was the last I heard until yesterday (Tuesday) I received another phone call confirming my appointment and that they would like to take a few more details when I arrived at the salon.

So that was that until today ...

I arrived today at 9am promptly and signed in at reception. Here I found out that the other details they were after was my email address. I was then ushered into the salon and sat for the next hour whilst the students figured out which model they would be using and how we (the models) would like our hair cut. The biggest problem for this part was that all the models were english or french and the students only spoke portuguese. This meant an interpreter had to give all the directions from the head hairdresser before any cutting got to be done.

At 10.30 I was shampooed and conditioned. First cut was made at 11, mostly cut by 12 and dried by 12.30. At this point the dye went on and I was left for 30 mins before being shampooed and dried off again. (I had a small heart attack at this point as they had bleached my fringe blonde! I have never and will never want blonde hair in my life). Luckily an english speaking student explained that they were re-dying that bit a dark grey/black so the blonde would disappear. The next lot of dye was applied and left for 20 mins before being washed again. A third blow dry and finishing touches to the front and back left me with the hair I have now. I was then photographed from all sides and left to go at 2.25 pm.

Admittedly I would not have picked this style out of a magazine but it has grown on me and the stylists were really proud of  their work. I have no idea how long the colour will last in the fringe but fingers crossed it won't all come out in the first wash.

Anyway, I know this is generally my shoes of the week post but I thought I would share with you my haircut adventure and then this post is really long so my regular post will be up on Friday. I have a great pair lined up for you which I can't wait for you to see.

Speak to you soon


GoodyTwoShoes x

Shoes of the Week - 17/10/12 Dr Martens 1460 Boot (Black Smooth)

Hi all

This weeks been pretty busy for me as I have finally started classes and my proper timetable. This means lots of reading , assignments, time spent in the library and time wasted wishing I was in bed. This term is going to be one of the better timetables as 2 modules (courses) of my degree don't start until after Christmas so here's looking forward to that !

However one of the perks of LSE is that all students get Wednesday afternoons off and since I don't have any lectures or classes on a Wednesday this means I get a day off. Admittedly this is probably the best time to do work and catch up with coursework etc - not go to the Topshop sale like I did. . .

Whoops ?!

Well, with the flagship store on my doorstep I could hardly not (That's my story and I'm sticking to it). By the time I searched from top to toe and combed through the rails I had about £200 worth in my hand. Upon realising my student budget this was cut down to £40 for 3 tops (2 in the sale and 1 not). Photos of these will probably follow in a couple of posts as I aim to do a London Haul of all the clothes and stuff I have picked up since getting here.

For the rest of the day I met up with a friend from home who is also studying in London at QMUL. We had dinner out and then went for a wander around the Museum of London before parting so we could both get some work done.
 
I have chosen this weeks shoes as they are from a brand I love and a pair of classics.

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My shoes of the week are Dr Martens 1460 Boot

Taken from the Dr Marten Originals collection these boots are a pair of British classics. Worn since 1947 by housewives and punks alike you can agree that this is a pair of shoes that will go with anything. This particular design was created in 1960 and the trademark "Air Wair" soles and yellow stitching around the rubber soon became a big hit.

I picked this style as these were my first pair of DMs which I wore as school shoes in 2006. They take some getting used to and, as any wearer of Dr Martens will know, take a lot of time/effort to break in. However once this process has finished  you are left with boots that are moulded exactly to your feet and give you all the support you need whilst offering comfort over long distances.

Since my first pair in 2006 I have expanded my collection to reach 6 pairs. These range from wellies to my more recent purchases at the dr-martens-manchester-store-opening.

These boots and brand have also increased in popularity over the last few years leading to cheap knock offs being found in Primark and prices rocketing to deal with the demand.

From the official Dr Martens website - www.drmartens.co.uk - the above pair cost £100 but if you search on eBay or around your local area you are bound to find a registered trader who offers slightly cheaper prices. This pair are in the "Black Smooth" version but the style of boot (1460) also comes in a variety of colours (purple, pink , cherry red, etc)  or,  if these aren't your cup of tea, have a nosey around as DMs come in over 100 different varieties.

If you are thinking about buying a pair of winter boots this year which are both practical and stylish then I would definitely recommend these. Although they don't look like much the variety of outfits and change they can bring to an outfit is outstanding.

As I feel these are a pair of shoe classics I am not going to rate them just say that everyone should have a pair of Dr Martens in their closet.

Speak to you soon


GoodyTwoShoes x


*A quick word of warning - these boots take time to break in before you feel the love from them. Stick at it for a while and you will never want to part with them. *

Shoes of the week - 10/10/12 ASOS Applause Chelsea boots

Hi all

Due to my new timetable for uni I am going to be moving my regular "Shoe of the Week" slot to be posted on a Wednesday rather than a Tuesday. This is just so I can guarantee it will go up on time and I will have chance to post.

Life in London is going well. I started my first lectures this week which were interesting but after 4 months of not doing any maths I quickly realised I needed a refresher before attempting the homework.

I have also manage to explore quite a bit :- Camden market , Covent garden , Oxford street and Harrods have all been visited but, there are plenty more things to see and do with plenty of time to do them.

This weeks shoes come from ASOS.com and can be found below ...

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My shoes of the week are ASOS APPLAUSE Chelsea Ankle Boots

 

These boots remind me of Dr Martens but without the price tag. In a typical Chelsea boot style with the elasticated side inserts and tabs to pull on these boots won't be a trouble getting on and off.

 

The pattern is incredibly detailed meaning very little is needed with these shoes to make an outfit stand out. The colours used (mixing reds and greys on a burgundy/oxblood background) are all hot for A/W this year.

 

 



As far as winter boots go , these babies seem ideal with wider and thicker treads not normally seen on boots at the cheaper end of the scale. The rubber soles will keep you gripping in the rain and snow from October to February without wearing down too much.

At £35 I feel you are getting a real bargain for your money. Whilst the uppers are not leather the textile detail and design gives these boots their character. The floral pattern is not overwhelming and these boots can be worn in many ways and as part of many styles.

I would wear these fabulous Chelsea boots with black tights and a burgundy skater dress to show them off or with peg leg trousers and a tucked in shirt to rock the androgynous look.


Overall I give 7 / 10 for these. Brilliant boots but not made to last for more than one season.

Speak to you soon,

GoodyTwoShoes x

Freshers Week 2012 A Tradition Too Far ?

Hi all

This post is on a slightly different tangent than previous posts but I feel that this topic is something that needs to be discussed.
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As every new university student finds out "Freshers" is what you may know as your first week away from home. Unfortunately, this week (sometimes weeks) is not a nice introduction to your fellow flatmates and course buddies over a cuppa and some biscuits, rather an intense binge drink and hungover cycle many find hard to break or say "No" to due to peer pressure.

Most university's will encourage people to go out to various events laid on and have a good time. However, not everyone will stick to their previous limits. For many students this is the first time they have truly been free from their parents and away from home for a long period of time.

Faced with a new environment , living with strangers and encouraged to socialise most new students hit freshers week hard. Seven days of partying all night and barely staying awake in the first few lectures ( if they make them) does allow you the opportunity to meet your new friends in an intoxicated state making bonding as a group easier. But at what costs ?

For some its just the constant hangover , for others it can be much more serious. In one case a freshers student at UCL collapsed and later died (Fresher student collapses ).

Some may believe that this culture would be easy to say 'No' to. As a girl who likes to go out but not drink I know from experience how pressurised you are and the expectations held by your fellow freshers.

My halls put on a night out to various clubs every night last week. Predrinking would begin at 8 and most nights go on til 10.30 when you would make your way to the club of choice , undoubtedly to buy another drink before stumbling back to halls around 3 - 4 am. Every night at dinner I would get asked the same set of questions - "Are you going out tonight?" "...No" "Oh." and then nine times out of ten the person would ignore me.

By the 4th night I eventually said yes and agreed to go out on the Friday to one of the biggest events here at LSE - "The Crush". By this point it seemed people had began to bond over tales of the night before or shared hangover woes. I felt left out and isolated in my choice to abstain and buckle down to work for a very intense degree.

So I got ready and headed to "pre-drink" in the common room which is where I hit my first problem. I had not gone out yet , I did not know anyone properly enough to go and sit with them and everyone was in groups. I ended up sitting on the couch with a drink , watching TV, hoping that someone I knew a bit better would appear. Luckily a guy from my floor came over and we chatted for a while before he had to go. Shortly after I found another girl who I knew from a brief encounter in the lift and we created our own group to head off.

The night itself was fun and action packed which definitely gave me something to talk about in the morning. I did meet some new people but I also ended up with a huge bump on the head , losing one of the people I went with, getting soaked on the way back and had to evacuate the building due to the fire alarm being set off.

Interestingly though, when I asked my peers if they would talk to their drunk friends when they were both sober the majority said no. This suggests that there is definitely other ways to introduce yourself and break down the barriers between new people.

When it comes to freshers it is a hard line to walk. Yes you want to celebrate getting to uni and surviving on your own but how much is too much?

My advice to freshers next year is be prepared to party but know your limits. Don't be afraid to say "No" some of the time and don't worry about meeting new people. Freshers is just one week out of many and there will be more opportunities along in the future.

As for me I have made more friends through mornings cooking breakfast in the shared kitchen, saying hello to other people on my course and knocking on doors on my corridor. I still talk quite frequently to the people I went out with but some will be better as drinking buddies than study groupies.



Other interesting articles relating to freshers :

http://london.tab.co.uk/2012/09/28/there-was-pigs-blood-everywhere/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9456328/Cambridge-students-warned-they-could-be-attacked-if-they-wear-academic-gowns.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/09/18/freshers-week-2012-facebook-friendly-students-fraud_n_1892667.html

http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2012-10-06/video-warning-on-binge-drinking/




GoodyTwoShoes x

Shoes of the Week - 04/10/12 Kurt Geiger Sale "Pickle"

Evening all,

I'm sorry this post is a couple of days late but between moving to London , freshers week and no Internet access for the last 3 days due to problems in the halls I've not really had much time to think.

However I do have this post and another lined up for the next couple of days so I can hopefully get back on track and get back into my routine.

One thing I have found out about living in London - it's not the cost that makes it expensive, it's the amount of temptation around. A good example of this are the shoes selected for this post.

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My shoes of the week are the Kurt Geiger "Pickle" studded sandals

Luckily for me the LSE is about 5 minutes walk from Covent Garden. After a few bits to do this morning I had the afternoon free so thought I would take a walk over. The weather down here is dry but getting colder and tourist season is letting up before Christmas making the overall walk quite pleasant.

Unintentionally, my first stop ended up being Kurt Geiger. They had a sale sign in the window and the latest collection at the front of the store making it impossible for me not to have a look.  I have always loved the KG brand but due to pricing being way out of my league I constantly check whats on sale in every store I pass.

The Covent Garden shop had a wide range of designs in the sale but most pairs were in limited sizes. I spotted the above pair because of the stud detail and because they looked quite big (therefore might fit).

I was in luck ! the last pair were a EU 41 or a UK 8.

Needless to say they were quickly tried on and walked around the shop.

They feel rather comfortable to walk in both with and without socks on (I doubt I will ever wear these with socks) and the design doesn't rub against my toes or ankle. The low to mid heel (7cm) also gives great comfort making them feel easy to wear without having to worry about falling off or out of them. They also have real leather uppers which will mold to your feet after a couple of wears.

The design of the shoe itself isn't one I would normally go for because I feel my feet look strange in sandals and I associate them with older ladies but these actually looked really stylish on.

The best part was the price. On the website these are listed at a RRP of £95 reduced to £29 but in store they were knocked down a further £4 making them just £25.

They are now quite happy as part of my ever growing shoe collection and I look forward to wearing them out and about London.

Overall - an 8/10. Not the most desirable shoes but practical, durable and easy to mix and match with my wardrobe.

For those who have yet to visit Covent Garden I do recommend going as it's full of great brand name and specialist shops/stalls.

Speak soon

GoodyTwoShoes x

Shoes Of The Week 25/09/12 - Office Stitch Up

Hello again

I hope you have all checked out my last post showing off what I bought in the New Look sale.

Things are really getting busy round here as I make sure everything is in order before I zoom off on saturday. My bags are now packed (sadly only room for 8 pairs of my extensive shoe collection) and train tickets are booked. It really has seemed a long time coming now so I can't wait to meet new people and discover the capital.

I am also currently composing a "London Bucket List". Things I want to see and do whilst I live and study in London so if you habe any suggestions feel free to comment or tweet me at @MissGoody2s.

This weeks shoes are from Office and look fabulous !

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My shoes of the week are these Office Stitch Up Red Suede Shoes

 

 

Aren't they adorable ?! I imagine if snow white needed shoes then these would be the ones for her.

 

With a large bow detail to the front they draw the eye to your feet and add a bit of girly fun to an outfit. The small heel is enough to give a bit of added height and the cut out finishes them off nicely.

 

If red isn't the colour for you then they also come in black which makes them great for the office or for matching with a multitude of clothing.

 

They also go up to a UK size 9 which is even better for larger footed ladies (like me) who can sometimes struggle to find good heels , let alone shoes.

 

At £65 for leather uppers and lining these are great value for money. The only downside I can find is that you have to slip these on rather than fasten them to fit making them slightly troublesome for wider feet as the band may not expand enough to fit in the size you need.

 

I will certainly keep my eye out for these the next time I'm instore so I can find my size and buy these beauties.

Overall I give an 8 / 10


GoodyTwoShoes x

New Look Sale Stuff (Small Haul)

Hi guys

This is just a quick post to show off what I have bought in the New Look Sale. I regularly shop in New Look so the sale is a must shop opportunity. This was perfect for me as it has fallen just before I head off to Uni.

I didn't pick up as much as I would do normally because I'm trying to save some money for shopping in London next week but I still picked up 5 items.

The first item is this Blue and Black Striped Peplum Style top.

This is was previously put in work/office range area of my local store but I really liked the collar and peplum style combined. As a curvy lady the peplum hides a multitude of sins whilst the collar gives it a bit of quirk.                                                                                                    Normal Price : £16.99     Sale Price : £9

 

The Next Item I picked up were these Leather Panelled Leggings.

 

 I bought a pair similar to these in the Next Sale at the beginning of summer and LOVE them so when I saw these in my size I had to pick them up.                          Normal Price: £12.99       Sale Price: £6

 

I also picked up this Body Con Zip Front Dress.

 

This dress looks great on and will go with a multitude of shoes. I intend to be rocking this during freshers week when I want a quick going out outfit.

 

Normal Price: £12.99      Sale Price: £6

 

The last piece of clothing I picked up was a Khaki Skull Printed Oversized T-shirt.

 

Khaki green isn't a colour I would normally go for but I really liked the skull design and it is everywhere at the minute so I thought I'd give it a try.

 

Normal Price : £12.99     Sale Price: £5



 

The last item I picked up was a pair of shoes. Normally I don't really pick up trainer type shoes in New Look as I have found them to be narrow and short on the sizes but I went out on a limb for these and was pleased to discover they fit nicely.

 

Tartan Fabric Baseball Style Hi Top Trainers.

 

 

Normal Price : £12.99  Sale Price: £6

 

My lovely purchases have now been packed ready to go on Saturday morning. I look forward to styling these in the next few weeks and may even consider posting outfits if I can find a helpful camera person in my halls.

 

Hope you are all enjoying your Monday and I'll be back tomorrow with my chosen shoes.

 

 

 

GoodyTwoShoes x 

Shoes Of The Week 18/09/12 - Iron Fist All Star Wedges

Hi guys

Once again I'm back with a fabulous pair of shoes to show to you.

This past week has been eventful with my leaving meal at work on Wednesday, saying goodbye to a few friends as they embark on the journey to Uni and actually beginning to get all of my stuff together before I move on the 29th.

I can't believe the time is almost here when 1 month ago I had no idea where I would be or what I would be doing. You also don't realise how much stuff you need just to carry on as normal in another location (hair dryer, toaster, shoes, hats, mum... etc) until you begin to get your stuff together for Uni.

The hardest bit about leaving will probably trying to fit everything in just 3 holdalls and saying goodbye to my parents after they have helped me unpack. However I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life, especially in London.

The shoes I have picked this week are a pair I have wanted for about 9 months now but still refuse to pay the RRP for them.

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My shoes of the week are these Iron Fist All Star Platform Wedges.

Channelling the American vibe with stars and stripes you wont feel out of place in the USA. Featuring a wide red and white stripe wedge heel and platform, star print upper and additional buckle straps and studs these boots certainly give the "Wow" factor.

The lace up front gives a tight fit to your foot, the platform front balances the high wedge nicely and the buckles give more of a decorative than functional design. The wedge itself isn't too heavy making these boots ready to wear after only a few minutes in them.

At a RRP of £110 they don't come cheap but with a clever search on the Internet or bargain hunting on eBay you may be able to get them for about half price.

Typical Iron Fist shoes do come up a little small in the UK sizing as they are mainly manufactured in the USA but are standardised across the range so I would recommend trying on before you bid or buy.

The only problem I can see with owning these fabulous boots is finding an outfit to complement them but I'm sure with these on your feet nobody will care about the rest of your clothes.

Overall I give a 9 / 10

Speak Soon

GoodyTwoShoes x