My wierdo beardo phase

So, I'm going through a total beard / facial hair appreciation phase at the moment.

A while back I lusted over men in spectacles, but now.... it's fuzz.

I do not know why.

These things just seem to happen.

But I have found five very good reasons why....

You a beard fan?

Facial Hair...... phwoar or faux pas?!!!

Votes welcome...

xx

(image)

I Heart Art

Do you have a favourite painting?

For me, this is a difficult question - like asking 'what's your favourite film? or song?' - impossible to pick just one.

But one portrait that always springs to my mind is 'The Dancer Anita Berber,' 1925 by German painter Otto Dix.

Who was she?

Anita Berber was immensely famous in 1920s Berlin - for none of the right reasons.....

She danced nude in nightclubs

seduced both male and females

appeared in soft porn silent films,

drank one bottle of cognac per day,

married three times,

was addicted to cocaine and opium,

was never seen in public without heavy make-up,

talked incessantly,

....and, predictably, died at an early age.

She sounds like some of our modern celebrities spilling out of the tabloid papers, no?!

Incredibly, given her notoriety, almost no one in the present day would have heard of Anita Berber were it not for this Otto Dix portrait.

Maybe that's why I like it.

A dark life, a hidden character, a public disgrace - brought to life with this vibrant portrait.

For an artist who celebrated the beauty in ugly behaviour, and rarely painted with the colour red, it stands out to me in a way I cannot quite describe.

What would Buffy do?

Serious crazy fan moment is creeping over me..... I grew up LOVING Buffy The Vampire Slayer series on television.

So much so, often throughout my teens years when faced with angst and peril, I would think to myself the all important question...

What would Buffy do? !!

Blonde school girl, divorced parents, falling in love with all the wrong men, fighting the evil in the world whilst trying to finish homework.

I could, like, totally relate, you know?!!

I often dig out old episodes to watch, like a sort of TV safety blanket, and get lost amidst the witty script, sexy men, pretty girls, kick ass fight scenes and funky soundtrack.

Did you know.....?

Series creator Joss Whedon said the idea for Buffy came from all the horror movies he had seen featuring a helpless young blonde who would almost always be the first to die. He felt she needed a better image.

Blog high five to any other B fans out there!!!

"No, Angel, it's not you. You're the one freaky thing in my freaky world that still makes sense to me." ~ Buffy Summers, Season 2

Time flies

Um....where did January go?

I seem to have misplaced it.

My my how time flies.

Is it just me?!

xx

(image credit)

Have a happy weekend

I'm having a long weekend, to visit my bestest girls in London town.

It feels like forever since we talked, laughed, danced.

Whatever you do this weekend, I hope it's a wonderful one for you.

xx

(image credit)

Today I am mostly loving.....

Dandelion wall sticker from here

Papaya Inspirational Post Cards Tin from here

Saucy Riding Boots Mr. Darcy Pride and Prejudice Locket Charm Necklace from here

Double-Edged on Lookbook. ah-maz-inggg.

You gotta share the love people!

x o x

Calling all Hen experts!!

My darling sister gets hitched this summer...(*begin impromptu Chandler Bing dance).

As bridesmaid I am organising my first ever Hen do (eek!)

So far so good....Friday night is 'Italian' night (wine, pizza, tiramisu, wine, old movies, wine)

Saturday is spa day (wine, massage, pedi, mani, wine) followed by a nice meal and cocktails in an elegant bar to dance the night away.

No 'L' plates, fairy wings, strippers or feather boas in sight!! (the only rules she laid down)

So you any other ideas, cute gifts, fun games? Have you organised a hen night/weekend before?

And more importantly, how do you (like Ron Burgundy) stay classy??!!

(Image from here)

We all need to be a bit Marilyn sometimes.

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

~ Marilyn Monroe

Happiness is.....A cup of T.

Instructions on the box of tea found buried in my cupboard:

1.Put the kettle on to boil. 2.Warm your favourite teapot. 3. Add one teaspoon of tea for each person. 4. Pour in boiling water and allow to brew for ten minutes, while you do one or more of the following:

Lie on the sofa like a great big slug.

Hug somebody.

Dance like you danced when you were five years old.

Rest.

Take off your shoes and wiggle your toes.

Sing like Pavarotti.

Shake like Elvis.

Help yourself to a huge slice of chocolate cake.

Call a friend.

Listen.

Remember the last time you laughed out loud.

Tickle somebody.

Sit where you can feel the sun on your face.

Smile.

Look out a window and drink in the world.

Run a hot bath.

Wrap yourself in a duvet.

Think about someone you love.

Light a candle.

Be still.

Be present.

Just be.

5. Stir and pour. 6. Enjoy.

Yup, I'll have a big cup of 'Happiness Tea' please!

(Nab yourself some from here) (Images from here)

Sometimes the best films only need a one word title.

I saw the new movie musical Nine last night.

It made me wanna transport back to the 1960's.

It made we wanna be a film star.

It made me wanna to dance, sing and drink cocktails.

It made me wanna be Italian.

Definitely one to add to my fashionable films list.

You seen it yet? You like it?

Liliane La Fleur ~ "You're a world class liar, darling. Go out there and lie for Italy. Lie for Italia"

Saraghina ~ " Be... Italian. Take a chance and try to steal a fiery kiss!
Be Italian, when you hold me, don't just hold me, but hold this...
Be a singer, be a lover,
pick the flower now before the chance is past.
Be Italian, be Italian...
live today as if it may... become... your last! "

(images: some from imdb)

It's that Sunny Sunday habit

My favourite thing to do on a Sunday is find a giant flea market, or antique and collectors fair - and wonder round looking at the amazing - and often random - selection of things people are selling.

From potion bottles to photography albums of the 1940's - I love the way every single item you see has its own story to tell. Its own secrets.

I am forced to restrain myself from getting carried away - and buying musketeer swords, old Beatles vinyl records and a dozen Victorian armchairs on a regular basis - or my house would literally be FILLED with utter nonsense!

What's your favourite Sunday habit?

Symbol of a new year - my love affair with cherries

New year..... meet my new tattoo!

I'm determined to make 2010 an inspiring, hard working, fun, free, lovely year after two years of feeling like I'm on a roller coaster!

So what better way to embark on this new start with me than my favourite symbol ever - cherries??!

Cherries have always been a symbol that made me happy. I'm not sure why.

They are the cheeky chapstick in a Katy Perry song.

The dusting on a 1950's retro diner milkshake.

They are 'pretty please with a cherry on top'?

The cute decoration on a yummy cupcake.

The name of my vintage boutique and this blog!

This is my 200th post and I'm so happy to have connected with all the fantastic people in blogland.

So, a big thank you to anyone who reads my blog, comments, follows, or simply smiles if they visit.

I find you all so positive, creative, kind, funny and I keep learning from you along the way.

So....I'd love to know....what is your lucky symbol??!!

xx

Now where in the world..?

So, 2008 - I saw Paris for the first time (beautiful).

2009 - I saw Portugal, LA and Brussels (awesome).

Where in the world shall my eyes rest upon in 2010?

I love to travel.

Too often 'real life', finances and time goes against you and you simply end up having an ever growing list of places to see at least once in your lifetime!

I wish I could call a 'time out', pause my life and travel the world before settling back in and pressing play again!

So tell me dear readers, are you visiting distant shores this year?

I want to go somewhere I have never been. I'm currently leaning towards....

NeW YoRk

JaPaN

CaNaDa

(images here, here & here)

Call me crazy but....

Do you ever wish you could go back to school?

I do, all the time.

Here is why......

Life is simpler.

You get to learn, everyday. Whether it's a lesson, or a lesson in love.

A bell rings, and you know it's time to eat. A bell rings, and you know it's time to go home.

Every morning, when you rub tired eyes and stretch lazily in front of your wardrobe, you simply reach out and put on the same uniform without thinking what will will suit the weather, if the colour makes you look pale, or what bag will match.

This uniform is stretched in the right places (cuffs - to cover the black nail polish you are not supposed to wear) and smells of home, just a little bit.

You see your best mates every day.

You admire some teachers. You despise others. You make fun of the eccentric ones but secretly respect them. You remember the best teachers for years to come.

You can gaze out the window mid-assembly and wonder who you are going to become in the big, wide world.

The girls toilets actually look better with graffiti in the back of the door.

Exams. I'm odd - I love exams.

You can have totally unexplainable, inappropriate crushes on boys you hardly know, and it is perfectly acceptable to daydream about them during math.

Oh yes, I miss school, all the time.

(images :teen vogue, we heart it)

should you require some comedy today...

By now I'm sure you have heard of Awkward Family Photos - a hilarious blog featuring the most bizarre, funny, embarrassing selection of awkward photos.

If you haven't yet - check it out anytime you require an instant, and somewhat inappropriate giggle.

Some personal faves....

Do you know Plumo?

Ever heard of gorgeous online boutique Plumo?

I'm in love with their snuggly socks, beautiful homeware and cute accessories.

Some cherry picked faves....

Isn't their stuff just adorable?

(http://www.plumo.com/)

The Year Ahead

So every year I make 'resolutions' and tend to stray from them or 'fail' in the first 3 months. Or 3 days!!

This year I am making a list of things I want to do more of this year, instead of feeling like I have 'broken' the promises I made to myself.

I hope 2010 is a year for....

Getting healthy once and for all

Filling empty photo frames

Painting. Like I did as a child.

Loving myself more

Do you make 'resolutions' at New Years?

(Images my own / weheartit)

Party preparations

It's NEW YEAR'S EVE!!

Tonight's festivities include alot of champagne and a fancy dress party with an 'underwater' theme, so I'm taking inspiration from these gorgeous images.

Whatever you are doing for New Years - I hope you all have a good one!!

Much love xx

Fashionable Films

Fashion and Film.

ah - Two of my favourite things!

After seeing 'Easy Virtue' and The New 'Sherlock Holmes' film over the Christmas holidays I have been once more inspired by the abundence of amazing period costumes which seem to feature in most of my favourite films.

Not a coincidence I'm sure!!

Which film do you love for the fashion?

Only 2 more sleeps to go...!

Presents wrapped,

Carols sung,

snow has fallen,

Festive CD played on repeat.

Yup....
I'm ready for Christmas.

Are you?!

x

(photos from we heart it / we heart it / notonthehighstreet)

It's a crazy world, and these are crazy times.

What sad, sad news today.

Brittany was way too young to leave us yet.

I adored her films, and her fun spirit.

In fact, I suddenly recalled as a student, I painted Brittany for a portrait project study years ago because I found her so beautiful and inspiring.

I'm sorry my artistic endeavours don't do you enough justice Brittany.

Rest in peace sweet lady.

x

Oh, Sarah McLachlan, I love you so.

Dear Sarah,

I'll be honest - you have got me through some tough times.

Your music is meaningful, beautiful and brilliant.

I have shed many a tear to your lyrics, and I never tire of listening to your magical melodies.

Thank you.

'I feel just like I'm sinking

And I claw for solid ground

I'm pulled down by the undertow

I never thought I could feel so low

Oh darkness I feel like letting go

If all of the strength and all of the courage

Come and lift me from this place

I know I could love you much better than this

Full of grace'

~ 'Full of Grace' Lyrics

Who is your lyrical saviour?

The Cherry Closet Christmas Giveaway!

We are feeling very festive at The Cherry Closet Vintage boutique - so in the true spirit of giving, we are offering a lovely reader our first ever exclusive giveaway!!

Just read the rules below and you could win three items from our vintage collection, (which would retail at over £40.00) Good luck!

The gift you'll unwrap....

* Super girly white 50's style gloves, with delicate crochet lining on the fingers and glove edging.

* A gorgeous gold 1960's sparkly mini evening bag, perfect for the Christmas party, or your New Years Eve Soiree. Gold snap shut clasp, cream silky lining and cute gold chain.

* Vintage gold 1950's chain with small diamante detailing, amber jewels and adjustable clasp.

The way to enter.....

* Simply visit our vintage boutique online at thecherrycloset.com and leave a comment below telling us what's your favourite vintage item on the site for the party season? - whether it's one of our frocks, shoes or hats.

* This giveaway is open to the UK and beyond (though please note, entrants outside the UK will receive this prize a little later than more local folk! )

The results....

* A comment will be selected at random on Friday 18th December at 6.30 pm (UK time)

* We will contact you straight away for your address and pop your Christmas Vintage goodies in the post !!

(p.s - The baubles in the photos are not included in the prize. they were just used to look cute. xx)

Guilty food confession

There is a comfort food which has gotten me though many a hangover and broke night in at University.

This top secret dish provides a general quick fix when I get that 'I'm hungry but don't know what to eat' feeling.

Though it's a little shameful to admit.... it is not the most elegant of culinary masterpieces.

Ingredients:

4oz Pasta.
Bottle of Ketchup.

A LOT of grated cheese.

Recipe:

Cook pasta til it's squidgy.

Pour on generous helping of Heinz Ketchup Sauce.

Sprinkle over grated cheese.

Stir.

Eat.

No judging please people - I know you all have a guilty recipe hiding in your cupboards somewhere, eh?!

xx

(Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth)

Would you rather......

This scenario has my friends, family and colleagues split down the middle with their decision making abilities....

Would you rather.....

Right now, at this moment, be transported to live your life 1000 years in the past, ............ or 1000 years in the future?!

hmmmmmm.

(photo credit)

Rain Rain go away, come again another day.

Here in the Piddle Valley, UK, It has rained every day for almost a month. But it feels like four.

It's dark when you go to work, and dark when you go home.

I can only recall one day when I woke up to the sun peeping onto the floorboards.

I'm ashamed to say, it makes me dull. And frustrated. And moody. And uninspired.

Anyone else get affected by the weather?

xxx

(Beautiful photo from here)

A Very Vintage weekend

Yes people, it's finally friday!

What are you plans for the weekend?

As for me, I shall be

~ Visiting friends for yummy dinners ~
~ Enjoying bubble baths and wine ~
~ Sourcing Vintage for the boutique ~
~ Appearing at a Vintage Pop-up Fair on Sunday ~

So, If you are in London this coming Sunday, swing by Hanbury Hall near Brick Lane between 10am-4pm and say hi, I'd love to see you!!

These are some of the photos of our Autumn / Winter 09 stock in The Cherry Closet as a taster!

Whatever you do this weekend, hope it's a good one!

Much love
xx

"I don't think I will ever get tired of wearing pink" ~ Emma bunton

I read lots of gorgeous interior design blogs which often focus on one colour theme in a home.

Looking round my own, it was obvious what palette was subtly splashed around my living space.

Pink.

Sneaking in here, there and everywhere.

Guess that makes me a total girl right?

What's your colour crush?

Bloggers meet Brussels

The weekend brought with it a 5am wake up call, lots of coffee, and a wonderful experience.

I was lucky enough to join a group of fabulous bloggers on a complimentary day trip to Brussels, on behalf of Eurostar and the 'Little Break, Big Difference' campaign.

So what did my 'little break' entail? Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

A trip to learn about all things choco-related at Planete Chocolat.....

.... followed by a swanky lunch at famous restaurant The Belga Queen...

....walking around La Grand-Place admiring the architecture ....

.... ogling the confectionery and cuter than cute sweet shops amidst the cobbled streets ......

.... and then on to the atmospheric Christmas Market, with sparkling lanterns, mulled wine and vintage carousels.

My little break in Brussels was exactly what I needed.

Ah go on, organise your very own little Christmas break - I bet you deserve it! x

Mad about Movember

Are you a supporter of Movember?

Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache.

During the month of November, men (or Mo Bro's as they are commonly known) around the globe take on the challenge of growing and grooming a moustache.

To date, Movember has raised over £30 million globally for the fight against prostate cancer and depression in men and will continue to work towards helping to change established habits and attitudes and make men aware of the risks they face, thereby increasing early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.

If that was not enough reason to support this fantastic campaign, here are five reasons why moustaches should rock your world....

1. Johnny Depp has one.

2. Diversity. Us girls get to experiment with our hair style, length, colour, cut, fringe, bangs, and texture. It's time for the boys to bring some creativity to their faces!

3. These Mugs by Peteri Bruegger. In bone china. awesome.

4. Party Favours. Perfect for a wedding too!

5. My name is Earl. 'cos it's funny.

“A man without a moustache is like a cup of tea without sugar”
~ English Proverb

(images from here, here and here)

Listen to the colour of your dreams.

This lyric is one of my all time favourites.

It is a simple instruction that can simply change everything. It tells me exactly what I need to do.

You see, my dreams are fantastical, epic adventures that I often cannot bear to tear myself away from as the alarm sounds.

My dreams have always told me what I really want, and how I truly feel - even when I can't fathom such things in my ordinary days.

My dreams tell me when my loved ones need me, when I'm lying to myself and they bring back memories I thought had been buried deep.

I dream in colours that don't even seem to exist, and I need to start paying them more attention.

Do you hear what your dreams are telling you?

xx

(images we heart it)

Confessions of a Christmas Enthusiast

Is it ever too early to put up your Christmas decorations?

My Answer?

No. Not when they are this cute.

Is anyone else like me, itching to put up their decorations like, right now?!

x