A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight.

Cliché post title aside, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland certainly was what it claimed to be. On par with Birmingham's effort, the London Christmas Market to rival all competitors took over the entire east side of Hyde Park, transforming it from greenland to a little corner of Germany, offering everything from waffeln (So. Good.) to glühwein. My friends Amy and Danielle accompanied me wobbling onto the ice rink where, fortunately, no cameras were allowed, but you'll be pleased to hear that I escaped unbruised, and managed to do a few laps around the bandstand without ending up on my bum! If you can get to the west end, I'd really recommend you popping in for a look as it's completely free to wander around the stalls, and feel thoroughly festive for a few hours. I'd like to say thank you to bgo for reminding me that ice skating isn't just a Friday night "ice disco" in Essex, but actually quite an enjoyable pastime.

I hope you have a merry Christmas, with the people you love.

xxx

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The blazing sunset in your eyes.

"R" Initial Pendant: c/o Grace Face Boutique. Pink silky collar tee: £12.50, American Apparel via ebay. Cardigan: mum's. Oversized blazer: c/o Glamorous. Jeans: £13.50, Topshop. Boots: Stylistpick.

If all goes to plan, this'll be published whilst I'm across the channel in my friend's Versailles-esque halls of residence and we're feasting on macarons. Right now (time is wibbly wobbly, so just go with it) I'm sat in my leavers hoody painting my nails in Barry M's "Bright Red" and listening to The Last Shadow Puppets live at the Electric Proms circa 3am - who needs sleep, eh? Speaking of, these photos were taken by Georgia (founding member of team brie) as we had a Cuthbert's to sort us out the morning (who am I kidding? Afternoon!) after our Christmas ball. Tutti frutti cocktails and tequila all round. And round. And round. Well, I had just submitted my last essay of the year!

In a slightly more demure setting, we had a little chat about last night and the last term in general. The consensus was complete disbelief as to how quickly time has passed. In the past three months I've read more books than I'd care to total, ended up going on a night out with the cast of Desperate Scousewives, published issue six of Ellipsis magazine as design co-ordinator/InDesign extraordinaire, dressed as Anne Frank (yeah, no outfit post there, sorry about that), worked at the mobos and its afterparty, became fashion co-editor of The Tab Liverpool, and I've met even more rad people in the process.

On a completely unrelated note (or more related, depending on to what extent you consider this to be a "fashion blog"), I'd like to point out my necklace. Emma from Grace Face Boutique surprised me with an email a couple of weeks ago, and I spent a good while flicking through her etsy store, wishing I had pierced ears so that I could justify getting these shield earrings. I do love how the pieces are run in limited editions and handmade in the UK, especially after reading Lucy's article in Wish magazine highlighting the importance of buying locally. Trust me, while I'm in Paris I'll be making the most of the local pastries - à bientôt!

xxx

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Turning twenty-one.

Sequinned dress: c/o Oh My Love. Oxblood bag: c/o Marc B. Adder Boots: £36, Topshop. Skull bracelet: £11, Made via ebay. "R" necklace: gift, Urban Outfitters.

If it were acceptable to wear sequins all year round, I'd be looking like a piece of tinsel 24/7. Ever since glitter hair spray for dancing shows (yes, I was one of those girls), I've never been able to resist a little sparkle. When asked if I'd like to choose something from Oh My Love's Christmas collection, I avoided the obvious choice, and thought I'd select something a little more special for the big Two One. Seeing as I tend to avoid bodycon, sleeveless and "boob-y" pieces, my flatmate was quite surprised when I unwrapped this little beauty, but it got the thumbs up when tried on. I'm still a little conscious of my arms being on show (everyone has their hang ups), but I don't think anyone noticed! And, of course, you can't go out without a bag. This Marc B number is in my current favourite colour, and happily fits a scarf, point-and-shoot camera, and stash bottle in; anyone want a "what's in my bag" post?

In short, after all the worries I had, my birthday really was one of the best nights, days, weeks of my life, and I can only put it down to my friends who made the biggest effort to ensure I had a wonderful time: you guys!

xxx

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