Fragrantly Fragrant... Alien by Thierry Mugler

Not unlike many other women, I love fragrances. I like the way the smell of a perfume can bring back memories of a certain place or time in your life. I've been through so many different perfumes in my life because I like to change every so often, and explore what else is out there. The past couple of years, Lacoste Touch of Pink has had me hooked. I first started wearing it in my first year of university and the smell has stuck with me throughout. I'm almost certain I'll be getting another bottle of it this Christmas, too, and I can't complain - I won't be ready to break off from it any time soon.

Recently, though, my sister was given a bottle of perfume whilst at work (it's one of the perks of her job!). She didn't like the smell so gave it to me. I loved it. The perfume is Alien by Thierry Mugler. Whilst my Touch of Pink fragrance is fruity, fresh and flirty, Alien is a warm blend of muskiness and sheer femininity. One or two sprays is enough for the smell to stick on me all day, unlike Touch of Pink which I feel wears off after an hour or so, and I feel the scent fits this time of year perfectly. It's the hint of musk that makes it so perfect for winter.

Additionally, I got a free bracelet inside the perfume box - I'm all for free gifts but I'm not entirely sure this one will be worn outside the house. Time will tell!

Whilst Thierry Mugler is one of the less popular perfumes when you compare it to the likes of Gucci or Calvin Klein, I'm glad my sister brought it to my attention because it's one of the best smells I've discovered in years. I'd liken it to Ghost Deep Night and Dior Pure Poison, both of which I've had before. All three are deeply seductive because of the musk, and yet smell fabulously feminine. My rating: 9/10.

- A.T.

Style Spotlight: Bib Necklace

One trend that has successfully transitioned into Autumn/Winter this year is the bib necklace, otherwise known as a 'choker' or 'collar' necklace. Browse any online retailer right now, from Forever 21 to Chanel, and you will find an assortment of necklaces in this style. In summer it was all about the bold African-stylee or floral bib necklaces, but as we head into the darker months it is clear to see how the trend has evolved to fit the season. Cue dozens of choker necklaces hitting stores recently, with thicker features and more metallic colours to match our wardrobes.

A bib/ choker necklace is one thing I felt I needed to enhance my wardrobe this winter. I'm all for the oversized plain jumpers and comfy leggings, but after stumbling upon this piece of jewellery I felt it would add a splash of colour to my outfits. The mix of colours on the necklace and gold exterior make it perfect for this seasons style, and the shapes on the necklace adhere to another trend this season: geometric shapes. Dark silvery greys and golds are in perfect fitting with the metallic revival of this season; 

My necklace:

(Primark, £4)

Designer options:
(from left to right: Lanvin, Chanel, Kenneth Jay Lane, Glossy Queen)

There are a handful of ways to wear the bib necklace, and I'm thankful that it's use isn't constrained to being worn on a night out. To go to class one day this week, I found myself wearing the necklace with a white oversized tee, turned up jeans, loafers and my black duffle. The outfit was warm enough for the weather right now and the necklace added just the right amount of colour that our otherwise dark outfits this time of year need. 

1. Black duffle coat, barbour.co.uk
2. Dark skinny roll-up jeans, hm.com
3. Brown loafers, aldo.com
4. White burnout tee, topshop.co.uk
5. Choker necklace, in Primark stores only

Below are some other outfit suggestions for the bib necklace. Here we have a chameleon trend that I'm confident will continue into next Spring. If you decide to buy one, remember that oversized, statement necklaces work perfectly with plain outfits - sometimes the necklace is all you need to set off the outfit.

           Try teaming a necklace with a knitted jumper

Matching the necklace to the tone of
your top works perfectly, as seen here
at Donna Karan

For a more glamorous look, try a gold bib and
use bronze tones with your makeup

Wearing a white top makes the necklace
more of a statement feature. Think contrast.

Heading out in the cold? Wear the necklace under
a coat, leaving the top buttons undone so it
still shows.

Bib necklaces transition perfectly
into nighttime, too. Try tied back
hair to accentuate the necklace.

There are a handful of trends to be fond of this season - and to thank designers for - from leather, to metallic,  to psychedelic patterns and oversized clothes. Whatever the trend, one characteristic sticks out: boldness. Embrace this whilst you can, and look fit for the season with a statement bib necklace. On a final note,  remember that you don't have to break the bank to get one - I found mine in Primark! 

- A.T.

'This Time Last Year' Syndrome

Since returning to the UK in June from my year abroad in America, I have faced many struggles, and still do; from settling back into home and university culture, dropping the American phrases I picked up - e.g.: "trash can" - and coping with a grieving process due to having left the friends I'd made during the year. I could go on and on. Doing a year abroad and coming home to the life you used to live is a more complicated process than you can imagine.

One particular problem that I don't envisage getting rid of for another 7 months is the 'This Time Last Year' syndrome. Take today, for example. My American friends had their last day of classes for a week and have all gone home for Thanksgiving Break. Realising this, I immediately thought, "oh, this time last year I was in my room packing to go to Daytona Beach for a few days". It's like I'm reliving what's in the past a year later - except I'm not actually reliving it. Whenever I find myself actively submitting to the 'This Time Last Year' syndrome, you'll find me going onto facebook and having a look through pictures, as was the case about half an hour ago when I looked through my Thanksgiving Break photos.

Not only did I go to Daytona Beach for 4 days with two of my friends who came to Illinois with me from Nottingham; I spent the second half of the week with a lovely friend of one of the girls I was with, at her house in Minnesota. It was an amazing 3 days and we got to look round Minneapolis and be huge tourists at the Mall of America, as well as having a real American Thanksgiving dinner! 

To the warm...

(Daytona Beach, FL)

And to the cold...

(Minneapolis, MN)

The whole week was a nice breather and temporary chance to reflect on the amazing 3 months we had spent in Illinois already. And from there, the year flashed by in an instant. The reason I can't see the 'This Time Last Year' syndrome slipping away for another 7 months is because, until next June, it won't have been a year since everything ended; since I flew home, said goodbye to my friends and the life I had built, and returned to the UK to resume life as normal. Except it hasn't been normal again.. Not yet. I've still got all those months left of thinking what I was doing exactly 365 days ago; and even when I eventually pass the year mark, I'm not sure my nostalgia and longing to be back there will have diminished.

One comforting thing is that I'm not alone in having the 'This Time Last Year' syndrome. I'm with a bunch of people here in Nottingham who spent the year in Illinois with me. Whilst it will never be the same, having them here is very lucky and means we can reminisce together, which we do. A lot.

- A.T. 

MadeBySarahMay on Etsy

Just like Pinterest caught on like wildfire earlier this year, Etsy is the newest website taking the internet by storm. Don't be fooled if at first glance you think it's simply another version of Ebay. Etsy is unique in that it is a booming marketplace for handmade items, as well as supplying it's shoppers with art, fabric, cool garden ornaments, jewellery, and much more. The items you will find are unique, and put a vintage-twist on the ordinary 'home-made-goods' store. For the handmade room decor lover: Etsy is perfect for you, and a new shop to add to Etsy's thriving repertoire is MadeBySarahMay, a store which boasts vintage room accessories such as bunting, mobiles and handmade cushion covers amongst other cute gifts. I don't want to ruin the surprise too much for you, though. I interviewed the girl behind the designs, Kimberley...

Q: Your shop on Etsy gives off that classic vintage British vibe. Is that what you were aiming for?

Kim: Yes, definitely. I love the feel of vintage British style and I try to bring this across with my fabrics and items.

Q: It seems that 'British vintage' is having a comeback, especially after this summer. You've timed it nicely!

Kim: Yeah! There is a big revival of vintage and what I call 'shabby chic' - examples would be British flag bunting. I try to follow what is popular and also come up with my own ideas.

Q: So you put your own spin on ideas you like. What inspires you when you are thinking up designs or things to make?

Kim: The classic country cottage - cute furnishings, a warm homely feel, and generally being in the countryside. The countryside in West Yorkshire (where I live) gives me great inspiration for my shop and inspiration for 'homely' gifts.

Q: Are there more works in the pipeline that we should look out for?

Kim: Absolutely. I'm getting very into making cushions covers, using lots of ribbon and organza, and experimenting with texture. Nearer to Christmas I will be bringing out lots of little ornate gifts that will be perfect to give as presents - I'll make sure they are easy on the wallet though! I also want to try screen printing and creating my own fabrics, but that's way ahead in the future.

Q: Sounds good! Taking a step back, what age did you start making things? Has it always been an interest?

Kim: Around the age of 6, when my grandma taught me how to knit and cross stitch. I've always loved it but I didn't realise that people would want to buy it until recently. I originally used to make little felt animals - it's safe to say I've progressed a lot since then!

Q: Definitely. Do you make custom items?

Kim: Yes I do.

Q: What has been your favourite custom item you have made?

Kim: I made some personalised bunting for a christening. Making custom items is something I want to add as a feature in my shop soon. I always try to mix people's ideas with my style so that it feels like my own work and personal to me as well as my customer.

Q: How often do you craft? I'm assuming it's a hobby on the side of what you do day-to-day?

Kim: Unfortunately it is just on the side, but I craft all the time. My bedroom is full of little projects I'm working on - and material! I always have projects on the go - I like to experiment with different patterns and ideas. I love coming up with designs and seeing them turn into something really pretty and unique.

Q: Where would you like your shop on Etsy to lead to?

Kimberley is interested in the holistic way of life

Kim: For now, it's a good base for people to find and contact me for simple gifts. In the future, I want to do more personalised items.

Q: And the dream?

Kim: To have my own little craft shop. But that's way down the line!

Q: Well the best of luck with that! Just so we can get to know you a little better, tell us a bit about yourself.

Kim: Ooh, where to start? I'm a Yorkshire girl
at heart. I love my family and friends, and my two dogs. I'm an archaeologist, and have worked all over the country. I'm also a vegetarian, I love yoga, and am very interested in the holistic way of life. I also love travelling and get away whenever I can.

Q: I'm now going to ask three random questions. #1: where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Kim: Cornwall - it's so rural and beautiful, and I have some family down there. I love the way of life - it's so chilled. I used to live by the sea so I always feel at home when I'm there. It's great.

Q: #2: Favourite type of ice cream?

Kim: Ben and Jerrys half-baked ice-cream.

Q: #3: Favourite band?

Kim: People In Planes/ Coldplay. I can't choose!

Q: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Do you have anything else you want to share before we conclude?

Kim: Thanks for the publicity! Haha. Also if anyone has any ideas, feel free to get in touch with me for a chat, and please check out my shop!

---

With 100% positive feedback under her belt, Kimberley has a lot to be proud of with her online store! Here are my favourite picks of the items that Kimberley is selling at the moment.

Knitted Kindle Sleeve

Pair of Hand Stitched Fabric Hearts

British Flag Bunting

Cosy Knitted Cushion Cover in cream

Sparkly Snowflake Tree Decoration

The link to Kimberley's Etsy site is http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadeBySarahMay. As Christmas draws nearer, I recommend looking here for both decor and cute gifts!

- A.T.