Saturday, 18 May 2013

Pop-up Shopping

Pop-up shops seem to be popping up everywhere lately, and I would say it's the most exciting way to shop. You often find out about them through word of mouth or social media as if you're discovering a secret! The venues  are often quite unexpected - from churches to cocktail bars - and for what can be as little as a few hours, you find all sorts of clothing from boutiques and brands that may not normally be so accessible. 

On Thursday, I went to a vintage pop-up shop at a bar in Edinburgh called 99 Hanover Street. Most of the bar was filled with regulars, but at the back there were rails and tables covered in colourful clothing and accessories. Half of them belonged to Vi Nouveau, and the other half to Once Upon A Time. Both of these boutiques are available on ASOS Marketplace, but it was more fun seeing their pretty hand-picked pieces in real life. There were so many items that my friend and I loved, but after splurging too much this month, I allowed myself one stand out piece that made me gasp when I saw it! Take a look for yourself in the bottom picture. 







Do you know of any pop-up shops appearing in your area? Spread the word if you do!

Love from Lou Lou

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Channeling Daisy Buchanan

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you will know that from today, The Great Gatsby has finally hit cinema screens across the country. There are so many reasons why I have been excited about it! The novel is really captivating and there is no one who could make the story come to life better than Baz Luhrman, who produces the most visually stunning films. I am also a big fan of Carey Mulligan so I can't wait to see her play the role of Daisy Buchanan. Possibly what excites me the most however, is the glamour of the 1920's, as it is a period of time that fascinates me. From what I've seen of the pictures, Miuccia Prada and Catherine Martin have done an amazing job designing costumes for the film. I imagine that I will be completely mesmerised by all those beautifully embellished flapper dresses up close on the big screen. 

Although sadly none of us could ever afford to wear one of Prada's lavish dresses from the film, the good old high-street has some alternatives on offer. Take a look at my selection below!



I'm off to see the film on Saturday with my best friend. Let me know what you think if you get the chance to see it this week.

Love from Lou Lou

Thursday, 2 May 2013

Birthday Outfit

Kimono - Topshop
Shirt dress - Urban Outfitters
Sandals - Topshop 

Yesterday I turned 26, which I was dreading a little, however I had such a fun day. It involved shopping for running kit (Mum bought me a magenta and black Adidas outfit); lunch at a stylish pub called The Rose Leaf; walking in the sunshine; popping into a couple of little galleries by the shore; dinner at Jamie Oliver's restaurant and eating lots of birthday cake with my friends and family. It couldn't have been better!

I always feel extra good when I'm wearing a new outfit so I put together my two new Topshop purchases. I love all things oriental therefore when I saw the pattern and cut of this kimono, it had to be mine! It is also the perfect length to wear over three different LBDs I have in my wardrobe. These clog sandals are so perfect to wear from day to night. Ever since I discovered Swedish Hasbeens years ago, I have loved the look of a wooden heel. The way that the sole is curved to the shape of your foot also make these beauties very practical!

Love from Lou Lou 

P.S. Check out the lovely variety of colours my 'nano' sandals come in...

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Preview of Pollyanna McIntosh Shoot

As you may have seen from my instagram feed a couple of months ago, I helped style a shoot for The Scotsman's Spectrum magazine. It took place in three wonderful venues in Edinburgh: The Playhouse theatre, The Balmoral hotel and Hamilton & Inches jewellery shop. These were the perfect surroundings for our model Pollyanna McIntosh who portrayed Elizabeth Taylor for the photos. She did an incredible job, which was partly due to her similar features, and also thanks to her acting talent.  She even seemed to ooze Hollywood glamour when she was off-set! I'm looking forward to seeing her latest role in the screen adaptation of Irvin Welsh's novel Filth, in which she portrays a very different character alongside James MacAvoy. You can see the trailer that has recently been released here.

The shoot will be published fairly soon, so look out for the full collection of pictures on my blog. Until then, here is a little sneek peek!


Pollyanna wears:
Jumpsuit and scarf from Jane Davidson (above)
Dress from Totty Rocks (below)
Jewellery from Hamilton & Inches


Photography by Phil Wilkinson
Styled by Lynne McCrossan, Farah Al Zadjali and myself!

Love from Lou Lou