Getting into my stride(s)

Summer shoe fever has struck! I bought a much-coveted pair of turquoise Birkenstock Madrid sandals at lunchtime today from a little boutique on Broughton Street called Bliss. I had my eyes on them last summer, but couldn't justify buying them. Now I can, and my lust has been fulfilled. (I planned to link to them on their website, but they don't seem to offer them online in turquoise anymore. I got them just in time!)

Kate Moss at Topshop

I went into Topshop at lunch today and saw the new Kate Moss collection for the first time. It was underwhelming, to say the least. There was one dress that was quite cute on the hanger (the cream-shot-with-gold muscle back dress), and which I would have worn when I was thinner and a teenager, but which wouldn't flatter me at all now, and when I just looked at the website and saw Kate modelling it, I realised it was horrid even on her. Stink! Other items in the collection included a mustard and black pinstriped fitted waistcoast, matching hotpants, sailor-style hotpants, a waistcoat covered in metal coins, and a variety of plain cotton vests/tank tops. Nice...

However, I did buy a cute pair of brown gladiator sandals for cheaps (outwith the Kate Moss collection) that I foresee myself wearing all summer long. Yay!

The simple girl buys what she's told to buy...

To celebrate receiving my annual bonus this week, I got this haul on Friday at lunchtime. I didn't really mean to buy anything other than a falafel wrap and a Diet Coke, but I had a £5 off voucher to use on any No. 7 product at Boots, so bought some tinted moisturiser. And a lipstick, because Laetitia Casta looked so pretty and fresh on the ad. On my way back to the office, I passed through my favourite department store and, lo, they finally had their Bonus Time offer on Clinique. I needed to stock up on my favourite foundation and mascara, so I chose one of each and got my free gift. However, the saleslady then offered I could get additional gifts if I chose a third item so, being the total sucker I am, I bought a new eyeliner as well. Oh, well. I'm pleased with most of the products, particularly the "freebie" Ruby Glass lipstick from Clinique; it's much more flattering than the one Laetitia convinced me to buy.

The busy girl buys beauty

Chris and I went shopping in Stockbridge yesterday and he (unwisely?) introduced me to my new favourite shop, Galerie Mirages, an enormous showcase of jewellery from around the world. I loved the majority of their collection, but I was very restrained and only got a ring for myself (worn on the model's left hand here) and a gift for someone else. But I've got my eye on a few other things that can wait until after payday...

I also got a lovely pair of silver earrings at The Lucie Fenton Gallery. I love the tiny, delicate black flowers on them, which remind me of Victorian wallpaper.

I'm feeling ill and can't sleep, hence the pre-dawn blogging. Ughhhh... Might try and finish Sizzle before I attempt sleep again.