Tropical Fever

My life has been a little more exciting than I am used to as I have dedicated the past few weeks to acquiring new experiences. From going to standup comedy gigs to attending a makeover photoshoot to broadening my culinary horizons, I've been enjoying the onset of my three month holiday to the fullest. Yesterday I took part in the shoot of a music video for Room 94, a British four-piece pop/rock band, for their popular single "Chasing the Summer", which was perhaps the most novel experience of them all. I really enjoyed myself, although after several hours in the pool I was frozen to the bone and shivering all over. Luckily the other extras were extremely nice, which made the entire experience an absolute pleasure. 

My outfit started off with a demure LBD, but I obviously had to add a little wacky twist to it to make it feel more "me". So out came my beloved neon accessories, reflective sunglasses and sparkly heels. Ah, life is so much fun right now. As is yours - because you might just be the winner of my circle lens giveaway! Congratulations to Sia, this contest's winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you bummed out that you haven't won? Well, fear not! I will be hosting a brand new giveaway, starting next Monday! This one will be in cooperation with Firmoo, and you can win a pair of beautiful sunglasses of your choice :) So stay tuned!

blazer: zara; dress: topshop; heels & clutch: h&m; socks, sunglasses & jewellery: primark

Chinatown Doll

Yesterday my friend Steph and I ended up taking a spontaneous stroll through central London after what should have been a short lunch in Yo Sushi. Somehow we ended up wandering around the inner district of our beautiful capital with bags full of bok choi and chrysanthemum tea for four hours. It's hard to stop yourself when you're surrounded by such amazing sights - London is so full of surprises. Leicester Square with its casinos is right next to the busy streets of Chinatown, creating a surreal mix of cultures and architecture. Dudes, London is really damn great. 

I haven't worn my insane comic print leggings in ages now and it was so refreshing to dust them off and take to the streets looking like a deranged bird-of-paradise. It's funny how people react to you differently when your outfit is a little bit on the crazy side. Some people are really wary - to them, the fact that my legs are covered in gigantic speech bubbles seems to signify that I will want to steal their purse - while others smile at you and point in your direction on the streets. As a huge people-lover and an exhibitionist, I certainly prefer the latter reaction. How about you? Does wearing crazy clothes make you feel awkward or do you find it fun or even empowering? 

faux fur jacket: zara; leopard sweater: guess; leggings: romwe; handbag: miss sixty; rings: swarovski and others; shoes: new look

DIY Caviar Nails with Microbeads Tutorial

I have been lusting after a caviar manicure for a while now - the trend is booming in the blogosphere and it screams stylish without looking overly contrived. I finally got my hands on a colourful set of microbeads and decided to give caviar nails a shot. Sadly they are in a bit of a state at the moment - I recently got rid of my gel manicure and all I am left with are brittle excuses of nails. But patience is not a virtue I possess so here is my first try! It was simple enough to do while watching Colin Farrell, aka Alexander the Great, gallop around on his horse looking sexier than necessary, so you shouldn't find it difficult.

1. Buy microbeads

I got mine from Romwe, for $10.99. You can get the same set here. In the UK, you can buy them in Superdrug, and I know Ciate and Nails Inc released a range of caviar nail art. But unsurprisinglt they are ridiculously overpriced. Instead, you can get cheap microbeads in art supply and craft stores - for example in the US, you can get them from the scrapbooking section of Michaels.  If all else fails, you can always find them on eBay. 

2. Paint your nails

Cover your nails with one coat of nail polish of your choice and let it dry. I used NYC nail polish in 320 Blue Sky and Barry M in Xmas Limited Edition 2012-A.

3. Embellish your nails

Now paint your nails with a second layer of nail varnish. Dip your nail in a pot of microbeads while they're still wet, to ensure they stick properly. Press down on your nail a little after applying the microbeads to shake off any loose particles. It is best to do your nails one by one to prevent the nail varnish from drying before you get a chance to apply the beads. 

4. Enjoy!

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British Born and Bred?

♫ Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble

My exams are finally over & my four months of holidays have just begun! I will be spending the entire summer in London, which is both exciting and terrifying. Exciting because I'll get to spend more time with my fabulous flatmates before flying off to Moscow, but terrifying because for the first time in my life - awful, I know - I really need a proper paid job. I am planning on spending the next week in sweet oblivion, but soon thereafter the blissful period of denial will inevitably end & I will begin my search for a real adult job. Adult?! Job?! Ugh, I know. But those outrageous cocktail nights are not going to pay for themselves. 

I spend my first day of freedom in Camden with my amazing flatmates. We had some shisha, almost witnessed our waitress getting fired and after that enjoyed cheap drinks in Fifty Five Bar. If you ever find yourself in Camden, you should check it out - their concoctions are really delicious & they serve 2-4-1 cocktails 6-8 pm every day. Purrfect. I opted for a fairly toned-down ensemble today, mainly because I did not want to frighten my examiners. My British flag clutch is probably my favourite accessory at the moment - everywhere I go I seem to get compliments for it, mainly because Britons seem to truly enjoy this unspoken homage to their beloved homeland. I got this Alexander McQueen-esque clutch from 2AM Styles & at $49.99 it feels like kind of a bargain. And that's coming from someone who still doesn't have a job...

blazer & skirt: zara; sweater: ravi famous; clutch: c/o 2am styles; boots: cate grey

Lights That Stop Me

♫ Ellie Goulding - Lights (Bassnectar Remix) 

Spring has finally decided to grace the English capital with its presence and everything looks, well, beautiful! Whenever I look outside my window, I'm shocked by how colourful the world has become. I was so thrilled by this sudden change that I even bought some seeds to plant in the garden next to our house and got to work. Sadly my gardening mission was prematurely aborted when a big red spider began nonchalantly crawling toward my hand and I shrieked like a maniac and ran to safety. But, you know, I tried.

When the sun first came out, I was tempted to transform myself into a human rainbow and frolic around the streets of central London like a frenzied puppy, but that felt like too big a cliche. Instead I went all grey & sparkly, a curious juxtaposition of the bleak and the extraordinary sides of everyday life. I am getting a chunk of my hair chopped off tomorrow, so I spent a good part of the day just marveling at how long it is and growing alarmingly attached to it. But life is change and I'm learning to embrace that, so let's take a moment and wave my locks au revoir!

blazer & jeans: zara; sweater: miss sixty; bag: guess; rings & necklace: swarovski