I'm Back!!!

OMG finals are over. My life, four years, at University is now over. I can finally enter the real, non-student, world and start to climb my way up the ladder of the fashion industry. I have felt so disconnected from stylish living since the last month and longer has been spent 9 am to 6/7 pm working in the library, non stop poring over books and revision notes.
So, what to do with myself now??
This week is my official chill out week. I need to take a break from books and watch films, GO SHOPPING, sort out my gradball dress and shoes (Reiss dusty pink prom dress I think...) and organize the multiple piles of magazines under my bed.
Shopping wise I am on a mission to buy a few new pieces to update my wardrobe, bringing it firmly into a more summery aesthetic. I am looking for:

• white leather converse or similar plain white pumps.
• a pair of shorts- either floral or utility style.
• a brown leather belt- I already have a plaited leather one but I am looking for a smooth one with a vintage-esque big buckle.
• possibly a new playsuit to make up for the one I ripped last summer... long story.
• a new denim shirt as the one I already have is too pale.

I am sure I will pick up a multitude of other, non-essential, items. I am going tomorrow so I will update you on my finds!

So, what after my week of relaxation?

I will start applying to jobs and arranging the dates for my work experience this summer. I need to go house hunting with some of my university friends for a flat/house in Clapham in London. Hopefully I will be living in the city from September/October!! (Well, that's the dream plan anyway!!)

Then on the bank holiday weekend at the end of May I am off to Paris for a long weekend with my family. I want to make another visit to the eighteenth-century sculpture gallery in the Louvre, I want to stroll through the Tuilleries gardens and the Jardin de Luxembourg, I want to strut down the Champs Elysees and most importantly, make a visit to Chanel.

Exciting times ahead!!

17 days and counting...

SATC2 fever has officially hit! My housemates and I are gearing up to purchase our tickets in advance, book dinner for before hand and several rounds of cosmos before and after!

If you are as fashion obsessed as I am then I'm sure you will have purchased the companion guide for the first film which, although only in incredibly small format and with very few details, documented all of the outfits worn. Well, if you were hoping for a more comprehensive fashion guide to the second instalment then you are in luck! Amazon is taking pre-orders for the second movie guide which is published on the 27th May. Featuring details of the storylines, settings and most importantly a page by page breakdown of every outfit, this is a must for any fashionista and SATC addict!!

Shades of pink and pretty...

As Spring is coming and as pastels are the only colours likely to raise my spirits until finals are officially over on Saturday I thought I would share a few of my candy coloured girly delights!

Laser-cut peep-toe shoe boots-ASOS- April catalogue

Vintage Chanel tote bag- ASOS- April catalogue.

If you check out the asos website there is a new section of vintage including some Chanel, Dior and Westwood bags. VERY exciting!!

How I get through my revision....multiple timelines of dates, events and paintings plus cupcakes.

A special delivery of revision treats.

Minus the one I ate straight away....

Half of my outfit for tonight (going to see Flight of the Conchords!!).

Floral shirt- Silence & Noise (at Urban Outfitters)

Dusky pink waterfall front waistcoat- Topshop

A little pick me up...

SO, I'm one exam down, two to go. Only five days left of uni life and revision!
I needed a little post-exam pick me up, so bring on the sneak preview of the video of The Pretty Reckless' song from the Kick Ass soundtrack, 'Make me wanna die'.

TTFN...

Apologies to all Handful of Dust followers and fans I shall be AWOL for most of the next 9 days as I have finals!!!! AARRRRRGGHHHHH!!! Major stress and sleep deprivation but in just over a weeks time I shall have endured three exams, countless hours of revision and four years of university life!!
But do not fear, I shall be reinvigorated and ready with plenty of posts on fashion, art, film and general stylish living from the 16th onwards!!!
Bye for now!
Xx

Just like a prayer...

Is Madonna courting controversy once more? The shocking contrast of sexuality and religion is always sure to stir up debate....

Walking on a cloud...

I have found, as I'm sure most women have, that in moments of self doubt and melancholy an instant pick me up can be found in a new pair of shoes. The higher and more extravagantly girly, the better. It's that fantasy element related to childhood memories of Cinderella, her glass slipper and the happy ever after ending that comes from finding your Prince Charming, or better still having him find you.

In one of my mid-revision internet breaks I came across a shot on bryanboy of Henry Holland's collaboration with Charlotte Olympia:

The extreme (up to 6 inches) wedge heel makes these heels extraordinarily impractical but I love the graphic contrast of the monochrome pair. I can imagine how fantastic they would look with black skinny jeans or leggings, or come Summer with a graphic print playsuit or denim short dungarees.

I progressed from this picture to a broad search through the web for other Charlotte Olympia designs and came across these beauteous pairs of heels:

Margo leather pumps with hidden platform- the peppermint colour of these reminds me of macaroons from Laduree.

Margo python pumps (I'm hoping these aren't real python)- seriously super luxe but still a lot of fun.

Suede and nappa pumps. I love the two-tone colour pop of these pumps. Bright and fun but still in a classic style.

Dolly leather platform pumps- the classic leopard print reworked with  a slight sheen, a wave heel and block front-platform.

Ziggy leather ankle boots- I have been lusting after these for months now! Even though they are reduced in the net-a-porter sale they are still far beyond my price range!!

Eve ankle boots- I love the maple leaf laser cut out of this design, although I think the high stiletto heel would make them extremely painful to walk in. For seated dinner dates only!