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