Lady, you look fab - Shirley Manson

I recently had the pleasure of catching gastroenteritis, hence my lack of posting. I've not exactly been wearing clothes these past few days (just pjs and duvets, nothing you want to see), but I do have an outfit post coming up as I took photos just before I got ill.

For now though, I shall leave you with one hell of a red-carpet appearance. Shirley Manson wore my favourite gown from the Marchesa SS10 collection recently, at the MOCA New 30th Anniversary Gala. I had hoped either Eva Green or Dita Von Teese would wear this gown, as they are both fabulous ladies who aren't afraid of a bit of gothic drama, nonetheless Shirley looks beautiful in the gown with her flaming red hair. I'm just glad a deserving lady of merit got to the dress first, rather than one of these awful 'rock-chick' (eww I hate that term) wannabe girls like Ashley Simpson or Taylor Momson*.

* no offence intended

images from here and here

Hi, I'm exceptionally beautiful.

All images/garments from the respective Ruby Lane members:

Unforgettable Vintage

Maire McLeod

Simon Millard FGA of Bath

Nicole La Bay

Maire McLeod

Escape to Elegance

Neo-Victorian

Whilst in Scotland recently, I had the pleasure of going around one of my favourite antiques centres. It's really close to where I stay, and is absolutely huge; I can easily spend hours in there. It's like a department store, but full of antiques. It was a struggle, but I was a very good girl this time and only came away with a few postcards, and this black lace collar.

The collar is a lovely example of Victorian tape lace, with only minimal damage. I pinned the collar to my dress using a newish brooch (which doubles up as a necklace), and wore purple lipstick to avoid looking too old-fashioned. Ooh and finally, my heels are recent additions to the shoe family. They're so gold and shiny, I can't stop looking at them. Yay!

Vintage dress, skirt (Topshop), antique lace collar, shoe (French Connection)

Burnt Orange

I love how its finally getting cold enough to layer up your clothes. I remember when I first started blogging, at the height of Winter last year, I took so many photos per outfit because I had so many layers on. Well, its happening all over again...starting with this picture heavy post.

The scarf is my mums, after I convinced her to buy it in the sale (my motive being that I can borrow it). The design is basically a couple of peacocks, printed on velvet, with loads of beading and tasselled ends. It sure is pretty, and very seasonal! The blouse is rather surprisingly from Marks and Spencer. It's made of the softest, most gorgeous copper coloured silk, with pleating and beading to the front.

Coat (Topshop), scarf (River Island), shoes (Biba), cardigan (H&M), blouse (Marks and Spencer), trousers (H&M)

^ Look, I'm almost smiling!

Make-up: copper liquid liner (from Body Shop), with golden eye shadow and a dark red glossy lip. It was quite weird having sticky lips, I'm so used to my matte lipsticks.

Gold nail varnish over red glitter nail varnish = wonderful sparkly copper nails