Scoop-neck dress from Charlotte Russe for $5. Leggings from TJMaxx for $5.95. Boots from TJMaxx for $30. Belt from Charlotte Russe for $6.50. Earrings from Heartbreaker for $2.
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| This is what they call "homework" here. Basically I get to make a bunch of collages. |
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| Tons of man-food for just 1.25 pounds per sandwhich. |
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| On my walk. |
Have a fantastic week!!! Check back for more updates :)
XOXO,
Dyl Maureen
Ello poppits! No classes today! I decided to pair some favorite summer pieces (Banana Republic Tank Top and Aerie Cardigan) with more wintery pieces like (T.J. Maxx thigh high boots, Target leggings, and a Forever21 button skirt). After yesterday's blistery 2 hour walking tour in the cold heart of London I was starting to miss all things "summer" like...
1. All of my favorite clothes (winter clothes seem dull to me)
2. The softness of the materials (think of your softest jersey cotton camisole)
3. The whimsy in the patterns (florals say flirty.... argyle says anal retentive)
4. The billowy shapes that encourage you to eat more ice cream (Dairy Queen, Cold Stone, McDonalds, Chikfila, Pinkberry, Baskin Robbins, Ben & Jerry's, or Maggie Moos? What's your favorite?)
Hope you're excited for these summer days too!
Advice from my Dad: Always, always have something you are looking forward to.
If you read my blog, I'm sure you already know what I'm looking forward to.
So I won't keep blabbing about it ;) Hint: Starts with a "J" and ends with an "esse"
XOXO,
Dyl
I'm in love with the gorgeous collection from Miu Miu for SS11 (Spring/Summer 2011). Today, when visiting the Barbican Centre in London I saw this whimsical pink bicycle leaning against a black rod iron fence that had spring moss peeking out at the bottom. It reminded me of Miu Miu SS11 so much. Here are photos of their window displays, just so you can get the idea :)
Have a Dolly Day,
Dyl Maureen
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| $109 Anne Klein Ankle Booties on sale for $33 at Von Maur. |
My comfy black Keds didn't exactly fit the image of "luxury shoe designer." I knew I had to wear the one pair of heels I brought to London. That is when all hell broke loose in the world of Dylan. I found myself trucking down Oxford street atop a skinny 3.5" platform heel. Mobs of people were pushing. Cars seemed to be playing a game called, "Hit the Pedestrian." Creepy foreign men selling scarves were pulling you in for business ... and your phone number. Did I mention it was raining?
Anyways... 1) The interview went great, 2) I'm getting better at walking in heels, and 3) Georgina Goodman has some AMAZING shoes. I put my favorites below. Check more out here.
Have a Dolly Day,
Dylan
This wonderwoman keeps getting younger and younger. Honestly, what other 40+ year old can wear white skinny jeans without her legs looking like a stack of lumpy white cotton balls? Not too many, that's for sure. You may think, "Hold on now, Dylan. I refuse to subsist on fat-free rice cakes and shots of puke-green wheat grass." If that is you, then PLEASE, do not fear, because there are some simple, FREE, non-starvation methods that can help you age beautifully:
1. Too old for SPF? Do you feel like it's already too late? The damage is done? The crows feet are not going to fly away on their own? Well, let me tell you, it's never too late to prevent further damage. So slap on that SPF 30 around your eyes, mouth, neck, and boobs. Yes, your boobs. 2. NATURAL MATTE LIPSTICK. This trick will hide the fact that your lips are fading into the same dull gray color as your hair. A matte lipstick is the perfect illusion. My favorite is Revlon's line of Matte finish lipsticks. Trick: Apply chapstick before the lipstick, and it will last twice as long.
3. Play MORE with TEXTURE and LESS with PATTERN. No matter what the pattern is, polka dots or paisley, leopard print or florals, it will make you look older. It's inevitable. We all know those old grannys who wear leopard print.... and, yes, they still look like grannys. The best way to look younger instantly is to play with different textures: chiffon/knit, leather/chiffon, feathers/fringe, satin/spandex.... well, maybe not the spandex.
4. NO rule says, "You are 40, therefore you must chop off your hair." BUT, you also don't want to look like one of those old ladies with a scruffy gray rat-tail. A good rule of thumb: Keep the length above your chest.
5. Never hide your waist... even if it's hiding from you. Even over lots of layers, make sure to cinch yourself in with a belt of some sort. Super thin belts will simply cut into you like a rubber band. Instead opt for a wider, non-stretchy belt that will hold its structure.
6. Your shoes can add/subtract 10 years. Trust me, I understand that "it's important to be comfortable." My mom would rather wear comfy hiking boots than stilettos any day. Today, however, modern technology allows footwear to combine comfort AND style. Imagine that? No more excuses for you. Brands I'd Recommend: Clarks, Ecco, Anne Klein, Sofft, and Born.
Have a dolly day!
Dylan
39 days...
While wandering around the Huntarian Museum, I found myself surrounded by grotesque carcasses preserved in a mucus-like substance, but it was the iridescent lavender butterfly seemingly trapped behind a glass case that tickled my fancy.
Perhaps it was how the shade of metallic lilac resembled my favorite Wet N’ Wild nail polish. Or maybe it was how the white swirls matched the tea set my mother gave me. Or perhaps it was the way in which the milky brown antennas fell limp just like my boyfriend’s hair. Whatever it was, this butterfly made my heart flutter with lovely memories.
I can picture where this butterfly had been, hundreds of years ago. She, too, had many warm memories of her own. This little lady had been a welcomed guest at many Old English Tea Parties.
She always dressed herself in lavender silk, complete with a strand of round, white pearls. Her dewy skin caught each ray of sun, reflecting a rainbow of color as she fluttered about her friends. She was quiet, but her radiant presence never went unnoticed.
Although lady butterfly has now passed on, she has left her shimmering fashions behind to inspire all who visit her. She even brings a *sparkle* of whimsy to the museum of dead carcasses.
Although lady butterfly has now passed on, she has left her shimmering fashions behind to inspire all who visit her. She even brings a *sparkle* of whimsy to the museum of dead carcasses.
Hope you enjoyed!
XOXO, Dylan
Heads Up: Butterflies and other little love bugs are going to be BIG in fashion this Spring/Summer 2011.
Butterfly Top by Forever21 ($22.80)
This U.K. store is amazing. They have lovely clothes, but I'm more keen towards their accessories and home ware. Check out my favorites.
1. Simple Pleasures: Little Things That Make Life Worth Living. It's an adorable book with writings about different "simple pleasures" in life that often go unnoticed. For example, mowing the lawn or buying school supplies. 7.99 pounds.
2. Peanut Butter Cupcake Lip Balm. It's currently out of stock, but if any of you could get your hands on this I would HIGHLY recommend this. 2.75 pounds.
3. Butterfly Earrings. Just a heads up, butterflies and bees and little bugs are going to be a BIG ticket item for spring fashion. Catch some up before the flutter away! 6 pounds.
4. Glitter Butterfly Floating Candles. Candles are already romantic, but these ones will give you extra butterflies. Haha, so corny but I don't care. 3.95 pounds.
5. Pip Studio Floral Tea Pot. I've been getting really into tea lately. It's starting to even replace Diet Coke! Imagine that!? 32 pounds.
6. Pip Studio Large Floral Jug. So cute. Use it to serve lemonade or sweet tea in the summertime. Or use it as a vase when your sweetheart brings you flowers. 19.50 pounds.
7. Pip Studio Early Bird Mug. Now who wouldn't wake up early to drink out of this little mug of cuteness? I think I would even carry this around town with me. 8 pounds.
8. Mother of Pearl Flower Knob. Adorable knobs are the best way to transform your $15 Ikea dresser into a unique piece of furniture. For a more eclectic look, try mixing and matching knobs from all different places! 5 pounds.
9. Butterfly Votive Candle. Have you noticed that butterflies are a big theme? 3 pounds.
"Keep Calm and Carry On Shopping" mug.
"Keep Glam and Rock On" mug.
"When in Doubt, Brew Up" mug.
And my favorite, "Cake is for Life, Not Just for Christmas" mug. For 6.50 pounds each, these would be a fun set to have around the house. How unique, and what great sayings.
11. Frozen Smiles. Ice cubes that look like dentures floating in water- now who wouldn't want to get their hands one these? Maybe it's because I'm a dentist's daughter. 5 pounds.
12. Iska Blue Anchor Dress. Only because I know several ladies in Delta Gamma (Shout out to Morgan Faulkner and Emma Merrill!), I had to include this awesome tunic dress. How perfect would this be for a sorority event? And for only 10 pounds!!! What a steal :)
Hope you are enjoying Oliver Bonas as much as I am! It's such a haven amidst the busy city of London. Check out their site for many more goodies. You're bound to find some things that you absolutely fancy :)
"Keep Calm and Carry On Shopping" mug.
"Keep Glam and Rock On" mug.
"When in Doubt, Brew Up" mug.
And my favorite, "Cake is for Life, Not Just for Christmas" mug. For 6.50 pounds each, these would be a fun set to have around the house. How unique, and what great sayings.
Hope you are enjoying Oliver Bonas as much as I am! It's such a haven amidst the busy city of London. Check out their site for many more goodies. You're bound to find some things that you absolutely fancy :)
Have a Dolly Day!
Dylan
2. Tight pants are not only for the emo kids. That's right, many of London's fashionable men are pulling off the snug fit. Also, I've noticed that American men, for the most part, seem to have smaller bums. Maybe it's just my imagination.
3. Apparently I look like I know what I'm doing. I've been asked for directions by British people several times! Today a british teenage girl approached me... "Ello, do you happen to knoooowww where thuh KFCeeeee is?"
4. People are super friendly... if you put on a big smile and talk to them.
5. Personal hygiene is not so personal. So far I have seen a woman plucking her eyebrows on the tube, a woman applying mascara while standing in line, and a pastor of a church changing his contact lenses during worship... while standing at the alter. Ah! If only I had taken pictures....
6. Kit Kats are a big deal. Apparently they're better here too.
9. Londoners don't wear their sunglasses at night. Or hardly ever, really. Maybe because of the rainy season...
8. Tip for crossing the street: If someone else crosses the street, cross it with them! In the U.K. people tend to dart in front of cars to cross the street. When the first brave soul leaps onto a busy street, it's usually safe to follow close behind.
10. Someone sneezes. Your response: "God bless you." Their response: *silence...no eye contact* I've concluded that saying,"God bless you" post-sneeze isn't protocol in the U.K.
12. London bakeries are more like art galleries. They have beautiful sweets and cakes. I'm obsessed with all of the swirly ones.
13. Sketchy side streets have the cutest shops. I found this cute shop full of scarves from India for only 5 pounds each!
14. American cereal is cheaper here! Fancy that! I might even fly home with a suitcase full of Frosted Flakes.
15. Pay to pee. That's right. If you have to use the "loo" it's best to wait until you reach your final destination. Public restrooms in London are NOT always free. It might cost you twenty pence to take a twinkle.
Have a dolly day!
Dylan
Store: Habitat
Link: Jetter Travelcard Holder.
More shopping hauls to come, I promise.
Have a dolly day.
(It's my new saying. You like?)
XOXO, Dyl Maureen
Keep posted on my youtube channel!
It's called, AGirlNamedDylan.
XOXO, Your London Girl
P.S. Here are a few photos. I plan to put up more pictures after tomorrow. I will be walking a lot. So I'll try to snap some pics of the "mad" fashions people have going on here, as well as some of the more wearable looks that scream "I'm an adorable London girl."
P.S. Here are a few photos. I plan to put up more pictures after tomorrow. I will be walking a lot. So I'll try to snap some pics of the "mad" fashions people have going on here, as well as some of the more wearable looks that scream "I'm an adorable London girl."
Teeth brushing on my first day in London... just for my mom. She's a dentist.
All ready in leopard print for day 1. Oh, and there is the toilet of where I'm staying. Random, but they have the toilet and the shower in separate bathrooms.
London College of Fashion!
Lunch at the cafe with new friends, Brian, Hattie, Emily, Kristina, and Dina. .
Outside my place of residency. Amazing.
New friends on a stroll after going to the pub for dinner :)
