Clutch Bag Challenge!

Nothing beats laying down the gauntlet... for yourself!
I saw these online today - these lovelies are by Irregular Choice, and can be anyone's from GBP25:

BUUUUUUUUUT
Since I am not allowed to buy anything - I am going to try and MAKE one!
I may or may not show you the result, depending how cr*p it is...
x
P.S. For those of you who may be thinking I have bitten off more than I can chew; you know me too well. I do recall that I still have an outstanding pencil skirt project. And by outstanding I mean late. Not the adjective describing it's awesomeness. 

Harto & Co

I feel happy and sad at the same time. 
Happy 'cos I just watched all 6 episodes of "My Drunk Kitchen" (http://hartoandco.com/.... thanks Mida Moo) 

but sad at the same time 'cos my days of spending all day doing random sh*t are soon to come to an end. 
Indeed-ee-doo! I have a j-o-b! It starts on the 13th June; and I will be working as a junior buyer for a company that makes nursing bra's and maternity lingerie! I am very excited about working again. The whole "income" thing will be exciting too! My 4 weeks of no shopping was more financially motivated than through my love and care for mother earth. 
BUT - I think that sometimes, even doing something right for the wrong reason, is better than doing something wrong for the wrong reason, right?
Right.

Day 6 - Want vs Need

Hello Chaps - 
I trust you all had a good weekend? I had a loooonnnnngggg one as yesterday was a bank holiday. Like "Freedom Day" except not. Remind me to look up why we had a bank holiday yesterday. It's easier to figure out these things in ZAR - cos we only have 4 free channels and they mostly tell you what's going on. 
I have become ill-informed since moving here; one doesn't generally choose to watch the news when you can watch Jeremy Kyle instead (think: Jerry Springer except with: chavs, DNA tests and/or lie-detector tests, Brit accents and a host called Jeremy Kyle!)
So; the not shopping thing is going well. 6 days. Woo Hoo! It has raised some "Want vs Need" questions though... I don't WANT a brightly coloured skinny belt - I NEED ONE! Otherwise TWO outfits are going to lie idle until I get them. And what if Next sells out of the 2 for GBP7 belts???!!!!???!!! Huh? Huh? What then?????
GOSH! This is frustrating; I wish I never made a stupid assertion not to shop for 4 weeks. 
Annoyed, 
Mandy

Day 1...

The whole "not-shopping" thing is going great. Really. I am fine. No problems. None at all. Coping well... ... ... really well. 
I am going to confidently read the HEAT UK magazine now, and not lust after any of the items advertised on the glistening pages. 
Uh huh - indeed-ee-doo!
Kind regards, 
Mandy
a.k.a Non-Consumer-of-Clothing-And-Other-Fashion-Related-Items-For-At-Least-4-Weeks

Consumerism = Bad

or does it??? I am not even on the fence on this one! Consumerism is excellent! It is what drives the economy and keeps people striving! It's what makes creative people more creative; so that they can create things to induce desire, and the will to consume, in others!
"But what is the cost of this desire?" a tree-hugging greenie may ask; if they manage to stop chewing on tofu for long enough. Being a rhetorical question, they will most likely follow with -
"Well, the cost is ever increasing landfills and the destruction of the environment! Duh!" 
Oh, wait a minute. That's quite a bad thing... I wonder how many of the devoted Oxford St shoppers give a second thought to:
A) Why their T-shirt from Primark only costs GBP0.35
B) Where all the T-shirts they wear twice and throw away end up
C) The wear-per-item vs how-long-it-will-stay-fashionable paradox

I gave this a lot of thought as I came across my People Tree dress, waiting for me on the 3rd dress rail yesterday (it was fate I tell ya!)... Do I really need another dress when I already have more than 5... okay, 50? I gave it evidently less thought as I took it to the check out and purchased it! Woo hoo!


URGH! I have got a problem! A very serious shopping problem! The only way that I am going to feel less guilty about my recent binges on fashion related items is to go on a shopping diet. And apparently, the best way to diet is to tell all your friends and make it public, so that you are less likely to cheat!
Therefore; ladies and gentlemen, for the next 4 weeks, your friend Mandy will not buy a single item of clothing or associated accessories. 
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!! Even though I don't have a matching white bag and green skinny belt to complement my new dress!?!! YES! YES! YES!


*sigh* I know I am going to regret this... 
I am already thinking of exclusions to the rule. For example: If Bear wants to buy me a set of skinny belts from Next and a white bag, yet to be sourced, then that is okay. Surely?
Hmmmm...

If there is any justice in the world...

Dear People Tree Dress, 
I am sorry I left you behind last week. It was a serious oversight on my part. I know you wanted to come home with me and I now see how you would have added so much value to my life. Hindsight is 20/20 they say...
Please forgive me, and meet me tomorrow on the 3rd dress rail on the left side of the store. We will be so happy together...

In addition; I pledge to find a lovely green or yellow waist belt to complement you -

And even a lovely white woven hand bag...

Sometimes its hardest to identify the things we care about even when they are right in front of us. I doubted whether I could afford you in my current circumstances. Oh, if I had only not had those Gingerbread lattes, everything would be different right now. Please give me a second chance. I can't wait to make things up to you!!!

Lots of love, 

Mandy

Things that make you happy,

and sad at the same time!

I love the series Better Off Ted... It is so super funny and cleverly written AND now cancelled in America due to low viewership. 
I would recommend you watch what is left of this brilliant series that often makes me throw my gorgeous blonde (again) hair back in laughter! Even though it will make you sad that it will be over before you know it. 
*hhhhhrrrmmmphhh* <--- sigh of discontent

Things to motivate you this Monday...

Okay. That's in option. Dance in the rain. In the cold, cold rain. I suggest that lying in bed scoffing chucklit, while reading a book and waiting for the storm to pass is a far more practical plan. Less chance of getting ill. And looking like a deranged fool. Perhaps an involvement of some kind of chocolate friendly wine would not be a bad idea either...

I get annoyed with how guilty one feels when all you want to do is feel sorry for yourself! YES! I get it, there are people in the world with far greater problems than my own, and that I should be grateful blah blah... I think this type of advice is dismissive and patronising. Everyone's problem is THEIR greatest problem, and one should rather spend the time getting over whatever seems to be troubling you than comparing it to the suffering of others and realising that one even comes short in THAT arena!

"So, what motivates you then to pull yourself out of a self indulgent funk?" I hear one ask (no, I don't actually hear this, I just pretend to for the sake of this post's progression to the point!).... 

Well! Today, it's this: 

At least I am not part of a Human Centipad as seen on South Park episode 1 of season 15. If that isn't a great motivator not to hate my life, I don't know what is...

P.S. I am not going to explain the above image. Get the episode. Watch it. Regret it. Try to forget it.  

Books Books Books!

Hello Chaps;
Apart from some dubious activities involving copious amounts of wine - I have been reading a lot (and cool hunting of course). 
One book stands out for me, as a completely absorbing read. So absorbing, that one neglected to even reach for a wine glass for a couple of nights!
It is Heavier than Heaven, a biography of Kurt Cobain. Even if one is not a fan of him or the band Nirvana, I would really recommend it. It's written with great care and compassion. It surprises, delights, saddens and most interestingly - provokes some thought which is always good, eh?

Q: What could compete after a book like that?
A: Very little...
For my literary fodder, I often pick up books that win awards. I was not sure if I would have awarded Brooklyn by Colm Toibin, an award. It left me feeling shortchanged. Some things could have been fleshed out a little, especially toward the end. My feelings would have no doubt caused strife had I been on the board of judges of the Costa book award, for which Brooklyn won a prize. I am sure it is a great effort, and I like his picture in the inside of the book jacket. Very Moody <---- note capital M! The book was interesting from the point of view that it looks at the life of an Irish girl who moves to America for work. The fact that I could identify with the lead character, in particular the ups and downs associated with leaving the land of your birth, made me not upset that I had read it. 

The third book is still under review. Those that know me, know that I would win an award for "Most Likely to Be Approached by Strangers" - I must have a look that says "Approach me! I won't be mean to you as I don't have sharply defined features that are often associated with mean people!". As a result, on Sunday, I was approached by the author of a book called Airshow Ilex. Charming lady, who through sheer force of her personality, willed me into buying her book. "A great summer read" she said; and also alluded to some romantic shenanigans contained in the over 1000 word novel, written in the Arial font. 
*Cough*

I wonder what the "B" stands for in her name...


Later 'gator, 
Mandy

'Tis better to have loved a short man...

...than to have never have loved a'tall!

I laughed a little at this photo as I recall all my own make-self-look-shorter-in-photos attempts. While Uma is a graceful 1.82m (just under 6ft); Robert is a less statuesque 1.73m. Jude is rumoured to be 5f11 *cough* although granted that Uma is wearing heels, making him appear a little shorter than that...
I guess what makes shorter men more attractive in a tall lady's presence is that, like Robert, they stand up really straight! Which naturally pushes their chest and shoulders out. And that's kinda hot. 


x

Moo-sic

Hmmmm... I quite like these chaps
http://www.youngthegiant.com/

*using my very intuitive ability for finding super-potentially-awesome-bands-based-on-liking-their-name

Puppies

I miss my puppy Ginger a lot... There's only one thing that could console me; okay, maybe two

Green & Black's

Good for chocolate;

Not so good for prom dresses...

Goodnight, 
*falls into deep chocolate induced coma*

Playing "Dress Up"

Work avoidance technique number #32481: Playing Dress Up
Oh how I love technology! My new favourite website is 
http://www.couturious.com/create

This was my ideal outfit for the sunny weather we had today for shopping in Guildford. Create your own looks by visiting the site; you can choose everything from the model's overall look, to shoes, bags, dresses etc etc... 
Loves it!
x

Colour Blocking

Came across this "pop" of colour from Chezza :-) I love Cheryl Cole's bravery for wearing this. It's a combination that either works or doesn't... I think it worked!

The trousers look a leeeetle long though... I would've preferred a pencil skirt (I know, I am obsessed!), a mini or ankle crop trousers. Arguably, she is short though, and the trousers do add length. Hmmm... Jury's out!

All's I know is I love the turquoise purple combo. Loved it first time round on Blake Lively too... 

CAUTION: I feel a shopping moment coming on! Aaaaaaaaaaaargh! Must. Fight. Urge. But. Need. Turquoise. Jewels!

Pencil Skirts

Super trend alert for Winter 2011/2012 - pencil skirts are making a comeback! YAY! Such a feminine silhouette. I love the classic black pencil skirt:

But I am also keen to play around with other neutral shades this winter..

PROJECT ALERT!!!

In the meantime; while we are having this heatwave of temperatures in excess of 8 degrees C in the UK - I am going to attempt make a floral one. Without a pattern. Hmmm... Holding thumbs <--- but not while I sew of course!

Ciao,
AMandarin

Fashion Myths - Debunked!

There are some silly fashion myths from the 19-voetseks (a.k.a very long ago) that keep popping up, much to my dismay... Though, some are really amusing like:
1. Redheads shouldn't wear pink
2. Black is slimming
And my favourite:
3. Horizontal stripes make you look fat

Well; NO - as it turns out, it's fat that makes you look fat!

If I were President of the World, each town would have a super-stylist like Gok Wan or Jeannie Mai on call FOR FREE! That way; people wouldn't have to subscribe to Badly Formulated Fashion Formulas (BFFF*) and would rather wear what suited them. Ah, a girl can dream. 

Kisses, 

xxx

*Somehow I don't think my acronym is going to take off...

Foo Fighters

The super cool Foo Fighters released their new album last month; and I am really enjoying it!
Sadly, I am struggling to get tickets to their upcoming show in July, but will keep looking... Definitely one of my top 10 acts to see before I am too old to stand. 
Quite the obsessive fan - I am currently reading Dave's biography... It's really interesting to read about arguably the hardest working man in rock. 

Those who earlier dismissed him as "just that drummer from Nirvana" are probably hanging their heads in shame. He is so freaking talented it is annoying. I think the thing that I enjoy about him, is he remains a total fan! His collaboration with metal mega-stars on the self titled album Probot, is testimony to this... I had to post this track though; it reminds me of dodgy times hanging out in Obs in a biker bar wearing a crop top: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Ewd_fpETI&feature=youtu.be


Ha ha ha! In fact; reading the bio brought back lots of crop-top-wearing-high-school-party-headbanging-to-Nirvana memories. Tough times in Mandy's fashion history. Thank goodness there weren't digital cameras in those days! 

Self Portrait - Mac Style

Cool hunting? Perhaps I am the best person for it as I am so underexposed (no pun intended)... Apple computers are the way forward. Why? I hear you ask... WELL!
For the pretty little apple logo that reminds you to have one of your 5-a-day at least once a day;
AND
iPHOTO!!!! All those years of perfecting the self portrait on a digital camera - wasted! I love it...

xxoxo

Another use for wine glasses...

While at All-Bar-One in Guildford today; I fell in love with this chandelier made from wine glasses... They reflected light beautifully! But in a way, I was in two minds. While very, very cool - a chandelier made from wine glasses is a very inefficient use of a wine glass. How does one fill them with wine???

Kisses, 
Amanda

All in a name...

Well. This isn't good news at all. Apparently - not only my sanity, but also the popularity of my name is on a steady decline! ALARMING!

This clearly means that unless I do something impressive and meaningful in the next 10 years; that my name will become akin to Ethel, Beryl or Agatha. 
Time to get cracking, eh?


Kind regards, 
Mandy. Mandy. Mandy*




*Third time lucky




P.S. No offense intended to the Ethel's, Beryl's and Agatha's of the world in associating your name with declining popularity. But no need to beating around the bush either. 
You probably look prettier with make up on too. 
xoxo

NEXT!

Ever the competitor - I like clicking on "next blog" to see what else it out there in the world of blogging. Mostly, I come across people even boarder-rer-er than me. Usually moms. Blogging about how awesome their kids are. 


But this chap deserves all the followers ever:
http://www.fupenguin.com
Whaddaya say? I vote this blog better than mind because:
1. The use of a verboten word in the title. Anarchy, baby! I like it! My mom would totally wash his/her mouth out with soap!
2. Sticking to the point. It's a great big FU to small, cute animals from start to finish, with no deviation. 
3. As above; relevant content. Relevant title. 


So far;
1. My title is shit. It's not cold here. People have been lying. It's capped out at 25 degrees C here most days. It appears the UK weather ain't bad at all. I think the SABC has been colluding with British parliament for years and creating elaborate lies about the cold temperatures in England to keep the chaps from the colonies away!
2. I have been deviating from cool hunting... Amended title should read "Boredom Avoidance in Moderate Climates"
3. Bah Humbug!


Bleh!
:-(


Kind regards, 
Miss. M. Pants

Trend Hunting in Cold Climates?

A mate of mine sent me this link the other day... V. V. cool:
http://www.businessoffashion.com/2011/04/fashion-2-0-the-most-influential-fashion-site-youve-never-heard-of.html#more-21598 


Which is similar to my favourite street style site:
http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/fashion/street-style-photo-blog/2011/04/royal-wedding/sofie-hairdresser, where I came across this:

"BUT WAIT A MINUTE!" I hear you say (of the selected link's street style)! "She is wearing those damned tribal print pants that make normally proportioned gals look like mommies!" Am I suddenly promoting a trend that I so quickly dismissed? NAY!
Indeed. Forewarned is fore-armed, I say. 
When this fashion misfortune hits ZAR's shores this spring (September '11?) - ignore it! Or - stage en mass protests of stores who stock even similar items. They are promoting the glorification of bad taste. Which MUST be avoided at all costs!!! (Unless you are 6f0, size 10 - in which case; these pants will look very lovely on you. And it that case:




Enjoy it while you can. I intend to start exporting HobNobs to Cape Town's sunny shores soonest, and then NO-ONE will be a size 10 anymore!!!... bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!)


Kisses, 
Mandarama

Norman

I've grown quite attached to my little ugly doll, who seems to respond to the name Norman...
Although; I am concerned that he is a little too attached to the gin. I am thinking of moving him to #1's house where he can get a positive influence, especially of someone who doesn't drink at home regularly. 
God help Norman if #1 takes him out though! Heh heh... 

Cheers *hic*
x

The Vintage Inspired Skirt

While such a simple concept that a trained monkey could probably make it in less time - your friend has tirelessly struggled to make and complete a box pleated, vintage inspired skirt (NOTE: without a pattern). Her brain hurts. The box pleat concept took a while to work out. Such was the strain on her tiny, little brain, that is has caused her to write about herself in the 3rd person and Italics. 

With 5 more fashion inspired projects in the works; who knows what her mental state will be by the end of it all.


Sincerely, 
A. Fashion Victim

Very Vintage!

One thing that I think is exceptionally cool about London is, that due to the amount of people concentrated in one area, you can really let your freak flag fly!
No-one looks askance when someone alights the tube wearing a leopard body suit, with emerald satin heels and their grandad's old flight cap. Bad news for attention seekers, good news for experimental fashionistas!
I really love the whole "vintage" vibe. Apart from the whole second-handness of it all! Ha ha ha ha ha ha, but seriously... it is a little icky and all the vintage stores have this *cough* smell. Can't they spray the oldy items with Eau De New Clothes first? 
But I digress! Back to the point then: With Mad Men making waves in Hollywood, there has been a return to the glamour of the 1940's from the catwalks to the red carpet. 

I liked the idea of wearing a full, vintage style skirt with a white shirt or vest! Something similar to this...

This A-line style totally highlights a slimmer waist, while disguising the effects of long term abuse of Sauvignon Blanc!
So; one of my ongoing projects has been to make a similar skirt but with pleats! Without the benefit of a pattern; I admit that the pleats kept my brain working overtime for a while, but it is nearly finished, so will post an update as soon as... 


xxx

Cool ways to recycle!

We all have those moments when we reach the checkout of our local supermarket and realise we have forgotten our really cool reusable bags, often the brightly coloured ones from Woolies, in our car. We humbly nod as the cashier asks if we would like plastic bags, and then silently promise ourselves and the environment not to be so forgetful next time! Until the next time...
What to do with these plastic bags once they have served their purpose? Re-use them for groceries? Unlikely; they are usually so flimsy to aid their biodegradability over say; a million years, that are rendered practically useless after one use. And to be honest - who buys only one bottle of wine when shopping - you need some heavy duty bags for two reasonably priced bottles of Mandy's little helpers. 
What to do, what to do! But wait! I have come up with a solution, and all you need is:
1. A couple of spare hours
2. A bit of fabric (anything less than 1/4 metre is probably gonna be too small)
3. Scrap paper
4. Plastic bags


Step 1:
Fold scrap paper in half and sketch a design of half a weird creature, cut it out and then unfold to get the mirror image.
Place on fabric (fabric folded so 2 pieces are cut) and cut out (I suggest leaving a 1cm seam allowance on the edges)

The above pic is of my little chap's body... He will also have some wings. 


Step 2:
After attaching the wings; sew both sides together of the body together, but remember to leave a gap so that you can turn it the right way around. 
Then stuff with plastic bags. You can use a sewing machine, or sew by hand while watching TV if you are looking for a food avoidance technique!

Step 3:
Once stuffed with old, discarded plastic bags - sew the gap closed, sew on some eyes and a mouth (I used buttons and glued on some artfully cut ribbon for teeth...)

...and let your monster loose to stalk its prey (usually badly behaved Westie puppies...)
OR donate to your local orphanage/hospital - everyone needs a little monster! I just date one ;-) heh heh
No but seriously - the plastic makes a nice *scrunch, scrunch* noise, so would probably be good for babies developmental stuff? Hmmmm... 


Kisses, 
Mananana as sung to Beethoven's 5th (Andrew, I like it. I am not going to lie. It's the drama of it all!)

Hello darkness my old friend...

Well. 
What can I say... There are only so many times you can find pleasure in shopping on a London hight street. Ladies and gentlemen, I am bored out of my wits. I need a job. And fast! 
In order to quell my boredom today (in a manner that doesn't involve making and consuming food) I am going to attempt to make an ugly doll, like this chap:

I hope your long weekend in faring better and finds you quaffing a reasonably priced bottle of South African wine. That would make me jealous, but I would understand.
Totsiens, 
x

On the subject of...

Good morning!
I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday morning... Although; I can imagine it is a bit of a downer to all those who got chocolate easter eggies and bunnies last Sunday. Will Sundays ever be the same without being in a self induced chocolate coma?
It seems my impression of the hats worn to the wedding on Friday isn't shared by all fashionistas... Becks and Eugenie's hats were designed by Milliner to the stars, Philip Treacy and they have been getting rave reviews. I guess for me; they are a bit like harem pants. I can appreciate the fashion statement - but it's not for everyone. Especially if they are printed. 

These printed trousers look fantastic right? Great and lightweight for summer... A perfect compliment to your wedge shoes this summer! Right. But the reality is; not everyone has a stylist at their beck and call, and are more likely to end up looking like this:

I think the rule has to be:
If it suits your body shape - wear it! 
I tried a pair on. They didn't suit me at all. I looked like a "mum"... Unlucky? or a narrow escape... Hmmmm....


Ciao for now *saunters off in the search of chocolate*


x