Let's Go to the Mall! Today.

When I left dear ol' America, I was worried that I might not have all the creature comforts of home: barbecue ribs, the Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Masque, The Real Housewives of Atlanta (thank you, internet), and mega-giga-tetra-size malls. I had heard mention of Westfield in Stratford from some of my favorite English beauty bloggers (Sam from Beauty Crush and Shirley from Meek and Mild) and when Miriam confirmed the location and breadth of the consumerist haven, the boy and I giddied up and ventured to it! The weather was suitably bipolar -- perfect for a day at the mall.

(Coat - Tokyo store,  Spiked Sweater - Forever 21, Black Skinnies - Topshop, Suede Ankle Boots -  Sam Edelman)

(Spiked sweater - Forever 21, Cross earring - Asos)

And we arrived! We ate Turkish food and Japanese food and browsed through pretty much every retail store I love. There were quite few sales and most stores had purchase lines with a 15 minute or more wait, which deterred a couple of purchases. The best sale by far was at Zara, where I found love at first sight with some spiked loafers. I think my eyes genuinely sparkled when I saw them.

We unknowningly stayed at the mall pretty much all day -- the time warp of windowless buildings is disturbing. Our ride home was a little bit eery. 

And here we have the spoils of war! Not a huge haul, but I was feeling particularly particular that day. I can't wait to rock those frilly socks with some ankle boots. The night sky top is flowy and cropped; it will be great for summer. I was shocked that it was only 5 pounds in the sale! 

(Night sky print top - Bershka, Crystal Ring - Topshop)

(Frilly socks - Topshop, Plaid spike shoes - Zara)

Heathers

During a wholesome weekend away in the Borders, beauty was found not only in nature but in fashion too...

Fabulous friends Katie and Lizzie always look amazing.

Lizzie's Clutch is by ASOS and her envy inciting jewellery is by Gavin Shelley (silver charm bangle) and 

Fi Fie Fo Fum (pink topaz ring)

 Contrast Sleeve Textured top is by Dahlia.

Katie's Floral Tee is from H&M and the Silver Necklace is an excellent Accessorize find.

Silver Toe-capped Ankle Boots are Kurt Geiger. Love!

For Lovers

Gentlemen, STOP! Before you part with your hard-earned cash (well, earned cash) for a rank teddy-bear holding a misshapen heart emblazoned with the sort of sentimental nonsense sure to make your beloved retch, please see below. We have waded through the mountains of tat sure to grace a landfill with its presence to bring you this, a selection of the least repulsive Valentine's gifts. You're welcome.

Clockwise from top: Personalised Lollipop (£1.45 each - Notonthehighstreet.com), Lovebirds Blusher (£18 - ASOS), Love heart Ring (£13.50 - Meandzena.com), The Bronte Sisters' Three Novels (£16 - All good bookshops!), Annina Vogel Mizpah Victorian Brooch Conversion Necklace (£450 - Liberty), Mix Tape (A little bit of time), Tudor Underwear (£25 - Notthehighstreet.com), Charm Broach (£750 - atworkgallery.co.uk), Heart-glitter Nail Varnish (£1.78 Forever 21), Claddagh Earrings (£39 - Tatty Divine), I Love Everything Scarf (£135 - Silken Favours at Liberty)

The Emerald City

(Gabby Sequin Dress - Motel Rocks, Lace Bra & Knickers - Topshop, 

Dancing Queen Mirrorball Lacquer - Model's Own, Lace Crop Tee - Topshop, 

Envelope Clutch - American Apparel, Sweater - Acne,

 Bonnie Crop Top - Motel Rocks, Midi-Dress - Asos)

Ring the knell, gather round children and get ready for some visual stimulation -- Pantone has announced that the color of the year for 2013 is 'Emerald'! I know we are used to this shade being reserved for St. Patty's Day, but free your mind and the rest will follow. Emerald is also about elegance with an energetic and playful undertone. Because of these dimensions, you can really alter the color to suit your OOTD. To be elegant with emerald, pair it with blacks of all different textures (tweed, leather, suede). Beautiful costume jewelry goes very well with this look. To be playful with emerald, colorblock it with fuchsia, cobalt, or tangerine. And for an energetic emerald, pair it with heather greys and sport-casual items. Above are some of Remotely Fashion's top picks for emerald fashion items!

Reunited in Fashion

Finally reunited, after almost a whole year apart, we learnt that time and distance are not nearly enough to diminish the psychic bond that exists between fashion twins. Pewter and chambray is apparently our shared go-to colour combination when planning a day of prancing. Wow, Fantastic Baby.

Siobhan's Outfit: Beanie (Topshop), parka (Nasty Gal), chambray (Madewell), pewter pleated skater skirt (Forever 21), t-shirt (Topshop), scarf (Ann Taylor), ankle boots (Ankle Boots)

Miriam's Outfit: Pewter Cardie (H&M), vegan leather skater skirt (ASOS), blouse (Whistles), chambray (Forever 21), chelsea boots (Topshop), circle scarf (market stall in Seoul), bag (Promod)

Siobhan's lace nail transfers are by Impress Nails, Miriam's rings are from Whistles and the skull knuckle ring was part of a set from Topshop

Satchel by Proenza Schouler 

My heart is yearning but Paris is burning

A weekend spent in the capital of chic proved to be far too cold to look cute. However, this photo was quickly snapped of Little Sis' Topshop obsession (before she promptly buried that heavenly collar beneath at least two scarves).