ASOS Sale Picks.

Hey everyone,

So Christmas is over as quickly as it came, but we're still reeling from it in my household: still living on leftover party food and biscuit selection boxes.
Can't complain though!

I've also been having a bit of a rummage through the online sales.
There's no way I could ever go to the shops during this time - I can't even shop on a busy Saturday, let alone now!

Dorothy Perkins was a bit of a let-down, and Accessorize had almost no stock online.

Also, I put loads of stuff from River Island in my basket, but when I went to the checkout the entire site went down, and by the time it was back up most of the things I had chosen had sold out! It wasn't worth paying for a top that was around the same price as the postage! (Le sigh...)

Rant over!
But as always ASOS' sale is very good, and I've found myself some lovely little bargains:




I also bought the Beth Ditto heart cardigan from Evans that I've wanted ever since the collection was launched, but hadn't been able to justify paying nearly £40 for it.


Also, you know how at the end of every entry I like to post a little about what I've been up to? I really love doing this, and giving you a little insight as to what I'm up to outside the blogosphere.

I liked how the three-picturs at the end looked in my last post, so I'm going to try my best to make this a regular feature.
It'll also give me a opportunity to use my lovely new camera more and more.
I'm still working my way around all the settings, so it'll all be good practice.

So the last few days...

1. Oh, there's nothing more satisfying than a new lipstick is there?
I got two new ones for Christmas: Maneater by Illamasqua and Stormy Pink by Revlon.

2. Last night was the annual get-together me and my friends from school have every year.
This is the gorgeous Sarah telling a very rude joke. Her new years' resolution is to start her makeup blog up again, so please check it out!

3. I was rummaging through an old cupboard and found my old Game Boy, so wasted an hour on Tetris.


Speaking of resolutions, I haven't really given them a thought this year.
In the past I've made a list of ten things to improve, then given up mid-Feburary.

But last year my only resolution was to teach myself to cook and bake.
Honestly last January I couldn't even boil an egg properly - now it's December I've made lots of yummy meals and have found a new passion and hobby.

Hmmm, as for 2011 I'll have to get back to you come the first...

Do you guys have any plans for New Years?
Usually ours are very quiet - I stay home with the family, watch Jools' Annual Hootenanny, (kind of like the UK's version of Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve) eat nibbles and wait for Big Ben to stike twelve.
But this year there may be a fun party to go to which will be a nice change!

Hootenanny! Hootenanny!

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Sparkly Christmas Jumper.

Hey everyone,

So yesterday was Christmas, I don't know if you'd heard?
I had a lovely day, full of eating and lazing about - which is what the holiday season is all about for me and my family.

This is what I wore:

JUMPER: Topshop.
DRESS: New Look.
NECKLACE: Lipsy.
RINGS: Accessorize and Miss Selfridge.
SHOES: Office.

POINT OF FASHION: Sparkly and festive!



Santa was kind enough to leave the jumper and shoes under the tree for me!
I've always wanted a snazzy, cuddly jumper - and it's just perfect. And VERY stretchy too, so if you're a few sizes bigger, the 16 should fit you fine!

I was very spoilt by the big man in the red suit (aka: Italian Catholic Mother and dad):

"He" also brought me some Illamasqua makeup, baking stuff (including a pinny and mold to make GIANT cupcakes), a clutch shaped like lips to match my shoes, Bill Bailey's new DVD, and lots of chocolate.
My sister paid attention to my hinting and got me this clutch I've wanted for AGES from Accessorize.
My uncle was also very kind also got me some Vivienne Westwood purfume and the QI annual.

And a few more pictures from yesterday:

1. Every Christmas Eve, we get a new pair of pyjamas. I LOVE these with a gingerbread men design from Primark.

2. Our collective alcohol-related presents. "Merry" Christmas, indeed.

3. As a silly little gift in my stocking, Italian Catholic Mother bought me 'monkey.' If you're not from the UK, he's the face of PG Tips tea.


If you celebrated, I hope you had a wonderful day.
And if you didn't - I hope you enjoyed a nice peaceful Saturday!


Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

Hey everyone,

What? What's this? An OUTFIT POST?!!
I'm so sorry this is my first outfit post in forever - but honestly, with the weather lately you'd just see a lots of pictures of me looking grumpy in my polka dot coat.

Also, the sun has been setting earlier and earlier (It started going dark at 2pm on Tuesday!), so it's tricky to take decent photos without a glaring flash (ooh-err!).

But I actually was out the house at a decent hour today, so here is my outfit:

DRESS: New Look.
CARDIGAN: Primark.
HAT: River Island.
HAT PIN: Vintage.
BELT: New Look.
NECKLACE: Lipsy.
TIGHTS: We Love Colors and Asda.
LEG WARMERS: Primark.
BOOTS: Borrowed from my sister.
POINT OF FASHION: Braving the snow...

I promise I did wear my coat as well! Teehee.
Yes, those boots are my sister's as I never did get around to buying a decent pair this season - I'm going to try and snap some up in the sales.

She's two sizes bigger than me in shoes, so I had to wear two pairs of tights, socks and legwarmers to make them fit!

The week leading up to Christmas is one of my favourites, as I get hang out with my friends and do fun, festive things.
So far I've had milkshakes and swapped presents with Hattie and Sam, had a tea date with Megan, and tomorrow I'm seeing Daniel for yet more exchangin' of presents!

Hattie and her white chocolate cocoa.

The takeaway containers held some of my presents to Hattie - as well as a Twinings mug, I made her some rocky road and cookies as she loves my baking!

Both were amaaaaazing if I do say so myself, and there's not many of the leftovers left in my fridge...

As well as seeing Daniel tomorrow, I've also got to bake my contribution to Christmas dinner on Saturday: Sticky toffee pudding!

I posted the recipe and pictures a few months ago as part of my Cupcake Week series, and it's actually not as divorced from Christmas as you'd think: apparently the recipe is not too different to that of figgy pudding!

So as this is going to be my last post before Christmas, I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone has a fabulous day, and Santa visits you all after a detour to the shops...

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Hurry Up, 2011...

Hey everyone,

Another year is drawing to a close, and I'm really looking forward to 2011.

Not that 2010 has been too bad to me - I've done some things I would have never dreamed of doing before.
Most of the things surrounding this blog, and the lovely people like you who read it!

I know we haven't even hit Christmas yet, but this is what am I looking forward to in 2011...

1) Spring/Summer 2011:

I'm hoping S/S 2011 sees a welcome return to girly pastels like like year, however tailored peices are making the trend a lot more ladylike this time.
I'm raising a glass to lots of dresses with swooping swing skirts and nipped in waists.


2) The Vines: Album Number 5:

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know I have a lot of love for Craig, Ryan, Brad and Hamish - four shaggy haired boys from Australia.

I've been a fan of The Vines since I was a shy thirteen-year-old and I cut my hair to match lead singer Craig Nicholls. (I also left it pretty much unwashed to get the full effect...)

And as a band who've had their fair share of ups and downs, I'm SUPER excited for album number five (their last was Melodia in 2008).

Mind you, if the album was Craig simply reading the phonebook to the sounds of an acoustic guitar, birdsong and occasional screaming I'd still think it was a work of genius.


3) My London, London Bridge wanna go down...

(Yes, yes I know this is Tower Bridge. Shh! ;))

With lots of the lovely opportunites that I've been lucky enough to attend since starting this long, I spent a lot of 2010 travelling to and from London.
It's my favourite city in the world, so I hope to be back plenty more in the new year.

In January I'm going to the opening night of The Children's Hour with my dear friend, Megan.
We're both complete theatre nerds, so we're really excited!
But one of our favourite actresses Keira Knightley is the lead role, so we're going to have to keep our fangirlish squee-ing to an absolute minimum!

Also of course on Feburary 5th is the Plus London Blogger Meetup.
There's now 35 people officially attending - and I can't WAIT to meet you all.

Remember to RSVP to the Facebook event if you'd like to attend (EVERYONE is welcome!) so we have a vague idea about number, and also follow the Tumblr page, which Lauren is updating.


4) 2011: The Year of the Nicola:

Being a Geordie has always made me rather loyal to Cheryl Cole as my favourite member of Girls Aloud, but I've always had a soft spot for Nicola Roberts.

Constantly made fun of in the Media in the past for being the "ugly one" of the band, she's risen amongst the ranks and become a style icon in her own right - including running her successful makeup line.

But Nicola has announced that she's releasing her solo material next year, which I'm very interested in hearing.
I'm hoping it's very electropoppy, along the lines of Sophie Ellis Bextor and Robyn.

Also, FYI - during Popstars: The Rivals, I actually voted for Nicola!


5) A Blank Canvas:

While 2010 has treated me very kindly, there's been some things about it I'm not so fond of. The main one being that I've been out of a job since October, and it feels like a lot longer.

Beth of Anchor of Roses (a BRILLIANT blog by the way - follow follow!) did a brillaint post a few weeks ago about how hard it is for graduates to find work - and how some ignorant so-and-so's simply think we're being lazy or not trying hard enough.

However I'm trying to (as always) look on the bright side of things.
No job, also means there's nothing to hold me back.

There's plenty of things I can be doing:
I recently discovered a journalism internship in Australia (!!!) that sounds very appealing, and/or I'd also maybe like to go back to America next year to visit my friends on the East Coast again. (My American friends don't know this yet, teehee...)

I need to think of this time off as a time for reflection and opportunity, rather than a hindrance.

So peeps, what are YOU looking forward to in 2011?


Oh, and before I forget - thank you thank you to the darling Couture Caramelle who drew this darling chibi of me! I love that she even remembered my Hufflepuff scarf:




Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Peter Pan Collars

Hey everyone,

Sorry for neglecting this blog a little lately. Once again I've been a bit under the weather, but normal service will resume shortly - I promise! *salutes*

Even though I'm a bit low on funds at the moment (ahh jobhunting is so much fun!) I treat myself to an ASOS Peter Pan collared dress I've been coveting since I saw it on Lily's blog.



LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Also, some of you may remember a little while ago I did a post all about my favourite name necklaces?

Well the lovely people at MyNameNecklace.co.uk sent me one of their Carrie Bradshaw-esque name necklaces to review:

It's very cute and dainty - and makes a refreshing change as I do wear a lot of chunky gold jewerelly.
This one is the "Small Sterling Silver "Carrie" Style Name Necklace" retailing at just £19.95.

Although there are more expensive variations available, such as in gold or sparkling diamond-cut.
There are a lot of websites online selling Carrie necklaces, but the necklace arrived within a week of ordering and came with a free gift box. Their customer service is also second to none.

In other news, I've been sending a lot of emails around about the Plus London Blogger Meet, and have had some brilliant responses from companies I deeply admire.

We've also had a lot of RSVP's - waaay more than we anticipated. But the whole idea of this event is to keep it open, and everyone is welcome to attend.
I'm so excited and can't WAIT to meet you guys!


Otherwise, it's been that time of year again when Christmas is creeping ever closer, and there's lots of eating, drinking and being (very) merry!

The highlight was defintely the Pride Radio North East party on Wednesday.
We went for an Italian meal, then to see the Christmas show at Boulevard - which is now my favourite venue in Newcastle!

I thought it was going to be another gay bar, but OH it's so much more than that!

Since we'd been for a meal, we missed most of the earlier shows, but we caught Betty Legs Diamond and some very scrummy boys in tiny, shiny shorts dancing to 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' - and then for the finalé, a drag version of Cinderella.



My co-host and BFF Daniel and some of the Pride Radio lovelies.


I know pantomime is camp already, but Boulevard takes it to a WHOLE new level!

So yeah an absolutely fabulous night - I'm trying to get tickets to see it again before Christmas!

If you're local, I completely recommend checking it out.

Anyhoo I hope you're all good.
I promise I'll be back soon - I've missed you all!

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Plus London Blogger Meet

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to give you all a heads-up about the Plus London Blogger Meet that Lauren from Pocket Rocket Fashion is organising.


(Credit)

The initial idea includes:

• Lunch and mingling.
• The daytime event will either be shopping or sightseeing, depending on how many people will be coming.
• A cocktail and canape party on the evening.
  

I think it's important to point out that EVERYONE is very much welcome, no matter what size you are and it's going to be on Feburary 5th 2011!

You don't even have to be a blogger to come along, we'd love to meet you!
Simply RSVP to the event on Facebook so we can get an idea of numbers.
(Even if you're a 'maybe')


How You Can Help:

• Mention this event in a blog post, and link back to the Facebook event.
  We'll hopefully have a snazzy graphic soon, and I'll update as soon as we have something!
  
• Follow the official Tumblr page PlusLondon - it's looking a bit threadbare at the moment because of the Tumblr crash this weekend, but there's going to be lots of content soon.
  
• If you'd like to help out with the organizing in any way, please drop Lauren a line so she can keep you in the know.
  
• We're also on the lookout for companies to sponsor the event - from helping with funding the venue/s, to donating items for goodie bags.
  No matter how big or small - if you'd like more information simply let me or Lauren know!
  

The date is definite, so if you're having to travel (I'm coming from Newcastle), I suggest you book sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, please RSVP if you'd like to come along - and if you need any more information, just tweet, comment or email me!

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

(Updated) Red Hair: How To & Upkeep!

Hey everyone,

If you follow me on Twitter and YouTube, you'll know that I re-dyed my hair bright red.

It was nice enough before, but wasn't as bright and vibrant as I wanted. So I decided to start all over again and get the candy apple/cherry red colour I've always wanted.

So instead of making this a reallyyyyy long post, I've made two videos on how I did my hair.

The first is all about choosing the right shade of red, and of course how I dyed my hair and which products I used:

And the second has lots of information on keeping red hair really bright and vibrant:

My blog gets a lot of hits from people Googling for red hair tips, and a lot of emails and comments asking what I use - so hopefully this will be of some help.

I'll be adding this to my original red hair entry from back in May.

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.