Black and White and Cashmere All Over | Spring 2015

Spring Favourites 2014

Beauty: I first tried La Roche-Posay a couple of years ago and have loved it ever since. Since it is quite pricey I haven't bought it regularly, but this month I treated myself to both the moisturiser (green to counteract redness) and the face wash. This French brand still doesn't disappoint!

Reads: This month I have been reading Neil MacGregor and absolutely adore his style. MacGregor is a historian who writes books based around historical objects. I'm currently reading Shakespeare's Restless World, which focuses on Shakespearean/Elizabethan London, and am looking forward to the epicly named A History of the World in 100 Objects.

Eats: In a vain attempt at eating a healthier, vegan-centered diet I have been trying different Nakd bars. They are compressed fruit/nut snack bars and are 100% vegan and additive free.

Entertainment: Who doesn't like a good 90's rom-com? Okay, so a fair few people, but I'm one to admit that I find them a great tonic to a difficult day. With a 90's soundtrack, 90's clothes, and an American high school romance based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew (sticking with the Shakespearean theme here), starring HEATH LEDGER of course, 10 Things I Hate About You is on my Amazon wish list!

Carpe Diem xx

Spring Into Saturday, A Photo Blog

For more please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/claremcm

Carpe Diem xx

Vintage Spring Style: Natalie Wood

Welcome back to blog! I've been going through my wardrobe, making a few purchases and getting inspiration for the spring/summer fashion season from vintage photos. Classic film stars of the 20th century are extremely useful when taking a elegant, vintage style and updating it with a 2014 twist. 

Born Natalia Zacharenko in 1938 San Francisco, the film star died an untimely death in 1981, at the age of 43. Her death is still shrouded in mystery - she was found drowned in deep water - and her star is largely outshone by the likes of Marilyn and Audrey, but her style is timeless. The 5'2 actress has a lot to give in terms of outfit inspiration, so whether its Natalie or other stars of the 40s, 50s, 60s, get out the vintage clobber and work it.

Happy Weekend!

Carpe Diem xx

Spring 2014: A Book Haul

In celebration of the beginning of spring in the UK, here are four books that I have acquired recently; two at the new year and two last week. 

Ian Fleming - Octopussy and the Living Daylights (Vintage):

At a mere 123 pages I don't think this one will take long, so I hope to get to it soon. Part of the James Bond vintage collection that I treated myself to at the beginning of the year. It contains four short stories based on James Bond's time in New York.

Ian Fleming - Casino Royale (Vintage):

The first of Fleming's 007 novels, Casino Royale is also part of the James Bond vintage collection. In this adventure Bond is desperate during his last chance to bring down SMERSH agent Le Chiffre. As this is the story behind the 2006 film of the same name, which made me fall in love with Daniel Craig, I'm putting this one high on my priority list.

John Williams - Stoner (Vintage):

Originally dismissed when it was first published in 1965, Stoner was so-called 'rediscovered' by the art and literature academia and republished in 2012. Stoner tells the story of quiet teacher William Stoner, through whose life the 'conflicts, defeats and victories of the human race that pass unrecorded' are recognised. As a trainee teacher and recent graduate with a passion for classics, this is a must read.

Hannah Kent - Burial Rites (Picador):

A thrilling crime novel, Kent's debut. A page turner composed of the plot of the last execution in Iceland. I've been eyeing this one for a while, so I can't wait to get started!

Carpe Diem xx

Spring Into Summer

The infamous sun has been spotted behind the clouds, I have a new fedora, and the Easter chocolate has been eaten, so there's no better time than to start the post-uni health kick!

Here are some ideas for nutricious and delicious dinners:

Halloumi, aubergine, and sweet potato salad with tomato sauce

Homemade carrot, mushroom, cabbage and egg ramen with rice

Carpe diem xx

Style Essentials: Top 5 Spring/Summer Jacket Essentials

 

The Leather Jacket: biker, Topshop Petite

The Denim Jacket: Per Una at Marks and Spencer

The Military Jacket: Warehouse

The Trench Coat: cropped trench, Debenhams Petite Collection

The Blazer: navy blue, H and M

Spring and autumn can have changeable weather. You need a jacket or coat but not that heavy winter one. Never fear, all your problems can be solved by just investing in a few staple jackets that are versatile to work in whatever situation they might be needed. These are my faves - bear in mind I live in England where it is cold enough for me to wear these jackets most of the year without boiling :)

What are your favourite styles?

Carpe diem xx