Inferior Inspiration #14: Hello, Holidays edition!

Source: here

Hello, Holidays is the name of a (fairly brief) blog post series I've decided to start in the run up to an imminent and very exciting trip to the USA.  Craig and I leave for New York City one week on Wednesday (eek!) and will stay there for a week before driving to Boston, via Centralia and Scranton in Pennsylvania because we are massive nerds.  

In honour of this trip, my first Hello, Holidays post is a travel clothes and accessory wishlist with a few dream must haves for my upcoming adventure.

1. Of course, sensible shoes should be high on any traveller's shopping list.  I've actually already treated myself to a pair of these patent Dr Martens 1461 shoes (a purchase made even sweeter by a cheeky 25% off voucher during their £3 sale a few weeks ago) in anticipation of both our USA trip and the impending winter months.  They remind me of shiny new school shoes, but with a punky edge.  Hopefully the investment will pay off and these will be brilliant for traipsing the length and breadth of Manhattan and beyond over the next few years! (£80)

2. Whilst buying my Doc Martens, I also spied their tiny but gorgeous 7 inch leather satchels on a shelf and it was love at first sight.  I'm a big fan of satchels, and - although there is a special place in my heart for huge, cavernous handbags - a smaller bag is easier to carry around and keep a watchful eye over whilst sightseeing.  Sadly my bank balance wouldn't stretch to one of these beauties, but maybe one day!  I've seen a few dupes for this style in Primark, so I might settle for one of those in the mean time. (£45)

3. As a Scottish native, I'm always prepared for unexpected rain showers and I will be packing my trusty parka.  On a recent flight to France, I spotted a fellow passenger wearing this yellow lace, plastic raincoat which, frankly, looked amazing in person.  I very excitedly tried to source one for myself, only to find out that it was a Topshop piece that (devastatingly) is now sold out and unavailable, apart from the odd size 8 on eBay.  At a push, I might settle for something like this more traditional yellow rain mac from Asos (£90), but I'm determined to stay on the hunt for something more unique. (was £48)

4. Again, I actually already own this exact insulated travel cup in a blue floral pattern by Paperchase.  It was a birthday present from my sweet friend Nicola, and I think it's amazing.  Our NYC hotel room reportedly comes with its own Nespresso coffee maker and (yes, just to repeat, because I am a massive nerd) my plan is to fill my travel mug there in the morning to save some dollars on takeaway coffees.  The downside to this plan is that I will then have to carry the mug around with me for the rest of the day, but it's small enough that I don't think I'll have too much of a problem! (£6)

5. I've always been an advocate for keeping a travel journal, and I've done this on and off since I was a kid.  My accounts of family trips as a 7 year old are hilarious to read now, but they are also a good way to bring back fond holiday memories, filling in the gaps between and stories behind photos.  There are plenty of lovely journals and notebooks out there to choose from, of course, but I think this cartography journal and pen from John Lewis is particularly nice.  It would definitely make a good gift for someone about to head off travelling. (£14.95)

Do you have any holidays coming up, or any recommendations for NYC and Boston?  Let me know!

Winter woollies 2013:

Full blown winter weather is nearly here again, and I'm sure you've all heard the rumours that we're in for a cold, wet and snowy time from now on!  You might remember my winter fashion wishlist from last year (and Craig's boy version), and I've decided to keep up the tradition.  It's highly unlikely I'll be able to afford many new clothes this winter, thanks to my new measly student budget, but a girl can dream!  

1. Khaki Fur Hood Parka (New Look): I've actually already bought this parka, as I was in desperate need of a warm, casual coat.  Despite being mercilessly teased by my Dad (apparently parkas aren't cool) and looking a little bit like a long lost member of Oasis wearing it, I'm really enjoying my first parka.  I've also spotted quite a few girls wearing them, so they must be on trend this autumn and winter!  This one is quilted on the inside, which makes it so cosy, and the furry hood is nice on a cold, rainy day. (£49.99)

2. Tan Quilted Tassel Satchel (River Island): I haven't bought a classic handbag for ages - instead I'm completely obsessed with satchels.  This tan coloured satchel is pretty as well as practical, and although they aren't for everyone, personally I really like the tassels! (£35)

3. Grey Contrast Sleeve Shrunken Knitted Jumper (New Look): I'm sure I said this in last year's post, but you can't beat a nice woolly jumper on a chilly day.  The grey front panel with black sleeves makes this one look a bit like a baseball tshirt, which is a style I'm really fond of. (£14.99)

4. Brushed Checked Shirt (Miss Selfridge): I adore the ultimate and ever versatile grunge staple that is the plaid shirt.  This one is a beautiful soft blue colour (my favourite), and would look great worn on its own, or with other layers. (£29)

5. Converse All Star Hi Leather Brown Shearling Exclusive (Office): I've had my heart set on a pair of fleece lined Converse high tops for years now, but I don't know if I'll ever really be able to justify springing for them!  This leather pair look sturdier than their standard canvas counterparts, so they would have a better chance of lasting through the Scottish winter!

6. Knitted Skater Dress (Miss Selfridge): Although I live in skinny jeans, I love wearing nice casual dresses sometimes.  This monochrome knitted skater dress looks like it could be dressed up or down very easily, depending on the occasion.  It also looks like it would be nice and cosy!

Winter Woollies - Boy Edition!

Seeing as my last post was quite girlie, I thought it was only fair to include any male readers I might have and get Craig to make his own autumn and winter clothes wishlist.  He is a fussy shopper, so this was quite hard work for him, but he did well in the end.  Bless!

1. Charcoal Wool Patch Peacoat by Topman - Me: 'What do you like about this jacket?'  Craig: 'What do I like about it?  [Looks panic stricken.]  It's... it's a jacket?'

2. Navy and Grey Knitted Bobble Hat by New Look - 'I just like it!  It reminds me of Home Alone.'

3. Brown Aztec Print Sweater by New Look - 'I like the print and the autumnal/wintery colour.'

4. Frampton Full Zip Hoody by Animal - 'I've always liked Animal clothing.  I think they have strong designs and the clothes are always good quality.  This isn't the kind of colour I'd normally go for, but oddly it suits the design the best.  I prefer zip up hoodies to pull over ones!'

5. Brown Poste Vibe Hiker Boots by Office - 'I like that these are boots, but look like hi-tops.'

6. Red Black Wool Skinny Peacoat by Topman - 'Wild card!  I just like this coat because it's different.  Red and black are also my favourite colours to wear.'

7. Charcoal Fairisle Knit Mitten Gloves by New Look - 'Gloves is gloves is gloves.  But I do like the design of these ones!'  (I like these too, and would probably pinch them! - Alex)

Winter Woollies:

I don't know what the weather's like where you are, but it has suddenly gotten very cold (and now rainy) around these parts.  As a result, I have been pretty much living in this woolly Primark cardigan.  I had my eye on it for a while before it actually got cold enough to justify buying it, and I love that it is a slightly alternative/punk rock take on the same old knitwear you see in the shops every autumn.  I'm hoping this is just the first of many cosy clothes purchases this season (bank balance allowing...), so here are some of ideas of what I'd like to get my hands on next!

1. Burgundy Tipped Formal Coat by George at Asda - Personally, as cringey as some people may find this revelation, I've always really liked the clothes at Asda.  Lately, I've noticed they've become a little more expensive, but the quality seems to have improved a lot as well.  I already have a shorter winter jacket that I love, but this year I'd like something that will cover me up a little more, like this smart maroon coat.

2. Sugar Red Origami Abstract Print Boots by New Look - I used to have some boots in a similar style to these, but in white (which quickly turned into a horrible muddy brown...).  It would be nice to have some comfy flat boots in a more practical colour, and I think this design would cheer up the winter months.

3. Aztec Chunky Knit Hat by George at Asda - I love the idea of woolly hats and usually end up buying them but never wearing them.  I just have too much hair to make them work!  Still, I saw this one in Asda the other day, and thought it was cute.

4. Aztec Neon Mittens by Topshop - If you haven't noticed, Aztec prints seem to still be very much in fashion this autumn and winter!  Although some of them are a little much for me, I especially like the black and white prints, and I think these mittens on a string (very practical!) are great.  There is also a matching beanie hat, if you are a successful hat wearer, unlike myself.

5. Burgundy Jumper by H&M - Sometimes you just can't beat a good cable knit jumper.

6. Dark Blue Cardigan by H&M - This is probably as loud as I would go in terms of Aztec prints, but this longer cardi looks cosy, and even has pockets for chilly hands.  The only downside is its lack of buttons.  We really need buttons on our cardigans in Scotland, H&M!

7. Arty Tan Leather Fur Cuff Boot by Miss Selfridge - I wonder where they come up with some of these product names...  Again, I had some similar boots to these a couple of years ago and I wore them to death.  Miss Selfridge seems to be the only shop still selling them in a similar style anymore, but please let me know if you have seen something like this anywhere else!

8. Patterned Jeans by H&M - Black and white Aztec patterned jeans!  To match my mittens, of course.  Skinny jeans are a staple in my wardrobe, and it would be nice to have a change from just black or blue denim.  To me, this print is a little bit Christmassy, so very winter appropriate.

9. Heart Earmuffs by Topshop - I'm debating whether or not to try out earmuffs as an alternative to hats.  I usually wear my hair up to work, and my ears have been getting pretty chilly at the bus stop!

10. Navy Military Coat by George at Asda - A slightly different style, but still a nice winter coat that would protect more of me from the cold.  The only thing putting me off this coat is the colour.  Are there still rules about wearing black and navy together, or am I just being old fashioned?

Birthday wishlist:

1. Converse low tops: Office
2. Diesel Loverdose perfume: Superdrug
3. H&M dress: H&M
4. H&M clutch bag: H&M
5. Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook: Amazon
6. Vans: Office

My birthday is coming up, and every year I find it harder and harder to think of things to ask for.  The shoe theme this year is as a result of me finally wearing through the soles of my very first pair of Converse that my poor, long-suffering Mum had to fork out for when I went into 4th year of high school (7 years ago!  Oh dear...).

A real live bed:

I have a bed!  A real live bed!  I am indescribably happy about it, too.  Smug smiles all round, and better lumbar support as well.

After admittedly giving Argos a bit of a slagging off in my last post, I should tell you that this bed frame is from there and I'm very pleased with it.  Unlike the drawers and wardrobe we bought previously, the bed frame feels very solid and was easy to put together, with minimal tools required.  I also really like the colour of the wood, and it matches my chest of drawers quite well.  If you're interested, the frame is called the Manisha double bed, although I notice that it is now being advertised at £749.99, and I certainly didn't pay that much for it!  We paid under £150, and that was including a delivery charge.  Here it is in all its glory:

I've chosen gold as an accent colour in our bedroom, which I think will go well with the creams and browns that make up the majority of the rest of the colour scheme.  Obviously there is a lot more still to do in terms of wall art and knick knacks. I have a few frames and ornaments that I'm going to repurpose by spray painting them gold, but there are still a couple of things that I'd like to buy.

1. These GARNITYR storage boxes from IKEA come in loads of different shapes and sizes, and I'd like to get two or three to use as under bed storage.  Because our bed is quite high, you can see what we've got under there, so ideally it should be both neat and pretty!

2. I have a mirror similar to this one hanging in my room at my parents' house, which I'm going to steal back and hang in our room here.  (Picture found on Google Images.)

3. Ideally, I'd like to have transparent glass lamp bases with gold or beige coloured shades on them for bedside lamps, but after some research I've realised that those are quite pricey!  I think this IKEA KNUBBIG table lamp would be an excellent (and much cheaper) alternative.

I'll update you all soon on how the spray painting goes (I'll hopefully be getting it done on Friday without too much mess...!) and I'll post some photos of the results!  Also, if anyone has seen any nice, yet affordable gold cushions anywhere lately, please let me know!