Travel Restrictions

Major agg. I'm flying to the States on Sunday and am trying to sort out my hand luggage. The list of what's permissible is fairly clear. And, while I don't mind going without my make-up bag, it's going to be tough leaving my lip balm in the hold. Restrictions will be eased on Tuesday, which hopefully means all my fellow dry skin sufferers will be able to bring their lotions and potions on board.

This is, of course, a small price to pay for security and I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped foil the latest plot. I just get miserable when my lips crack.

Diet Doctors

I watched the diet doctors last night with the bf. It was truly horrific. The foot and mouth section was disgusting. Especially since the culprit in most cases was poor hygiene. Yes, how tedious, but drying between your toes and flossing your chompers does pay off.

The bf was pretty dismissive of the whole thing. He's much smarter than I am and kept questioning the scientific merit of their data. I don't have much to say about that, but I was slightly dubious of mackerel's merits as a cure-all.

New York Fashion Week

While flicking through celeb blogs yesterday, I came across this pic of Victoria Beckham at the Proenza Schouler show. What I love most about this pic, which I've shamelessly ripped off, is the blonde in the background. Although she's got her hand in front of her mouth, you can tell she is laughing her ass off at Vicky's get up. Priceless.

The slutty 12 year old in me loves this outfit, but I think it's one for the dress-up box not for going out. Poor Posh. Why can't we love her? She tries so hard.

Out of the Blue

Do you see me, my love. I am
flagging. Flagging.

I was moved to tears by Rufus Sewell's reading of Simon Armitage's poem. It was brilliant.

Nineties Nostalgia

Flipping through this month's fashion mags was enough to make me believe that Kurt Cobain was still alive, Courtney Love still had some shred of credibility and Billy Corgan might save rock 'n roll. (While the 80's and the 00's were all about fashion for me, the 90's will always be defined by the music.)

I am loving the boyfriend look, feeling slightly bemused to see starlets mixing vintage with billion dollar bags, and wondering if it's possible to do grunge the second time round. I've said no to leggings and sweater dresses, strictly because the memory of my 15 year old self strutting her stuff in footless tights and graphic prints is too painful to resurrect. As a woman of a certain age, I've always maintained it's important to draw a line under certain trends once one has had a go. That said, I don't think I'll be able to resist digging my dad's cardigan out of the closet, although I may not be wearing it with leggings this time round.

Mamasita

Why do I have babies on the brain? Maybe it's the pictures of SJP and son James published in this week's Grazia or the upcoming Suri-spread in Vanity Fair. After work today, I stopped off at my boyfriend's flat. In the courtyard, I ran into one of his neighbour's, a very hot new dad. He was watching his little girl carry a shopping bag in from the car. She was adorable, as was he. I know it's very sad, but I must confess that I've started checking out mums and kids at the shops, trying to gauge the age of the mothers to see if there's still time for me.

The bf let me watch "Supernanny" this evening. He loves it that I cry every damn time the mommy and daddy get their first apology and cuddle from the little hellions.

Tumi

As I am flying home soon, my thoughts have turned to luggage. I so want to upgrade my current set. Tumi is on my wishlist. I took a quick peek on the website at work today and liked what I saw. The women's travel section needs some work, but the technical specs and construction can't be beat.

Although I did plan to make the switch to Clarins last week, I unearthed a stash of Clinique in my closet. So I'll be working my way through that before making any skin care changes.

MAC

While on my way to work, I stumbled upon a new MAC concession, which is even closer to home. Hooray! To celebrate, I bought myself some sultry eyeshadow: Silver Ring. Tried to find a pink but was unsuccessful. The girl was so helpful, but everything looked too pearly or too chalky. I'm looking for a nice creamy pink with a touch of brown in it.

Dylan Hobo from Coach

The new Dylan hobo looks nice. I wish Coach offered better views on its website. I'd love to see the interior design of the bag. Will add this to the shopping list for my next Stateside visit.

Clarins

Big day today. I'm making the switch to Clarins. I've been a Clinique girl for years, but it's no longer right for my skin. I need to switch to something made for the European climate. Not loving the Gucci hobo, pictured, released for the house's 85th. It's a bit of a fashion travesty. Too much, to many references. I do, however, like the furry horsebit tote. And, yes, I know that's wrong.

Skinny Heel Bitch

You Are Skinny Heel Boots

You always look great - from your styled hair to your sleek boots.

What Kind of Boots Are You?

So three seasons ago but oddly sexy. Love the patent, but what can I say? I'm a sucker for reflective surfaces.

Rain

It's bucketing rain at the moment, which reminds me that I really need a new raincoat. Found this washed leather trench on net-a-porter. It's from Burberry Prorsum fall collection, and I like it very much.
Watching rain fall has always been a sensual experience. Strange. Perhaps it comes from a childhood spent in the arid deserts. One of the things I like most about my lovely boyfriend is that he always has a big umbrella close to hand on days like this. It makes the most delicious 'pop' when opened.

Pret

Lunch today is brought to us by the fine folks at Pret. Was feeling very 90's so I opted for the sushi. Also feeling greedy so I picked up a slice of their yummy carrot cake as well. Just visible in the background is my beloved leather tote, found in the States at ll bean of all places. It's perfect for weekends and casual days. Not only that, this capacious bag means I can take all my pieces with me wherever I go.

Speaking of bags, I've noticed a lot of people re-using 'prestige' carrier bags. For example, on my way to lunch today, I saw an orange and nasty girl, carrying a Chloe knockoff, also clutching an obviously battered orange and nasty Selfridges bag. And on the train platform last week, a corporate blonde was carrying an Asprey bag absolutely jammed with files. What is up with this? I'll admit that in the hinterland from whence the Shy Princess came it was a not uncommon to see women carrying their 'indoor' shoes in used plastic bags, admittedly from Wal-Mart, but I expected more from the men and women of London. Who cares that you once bought something on or near Bond Street. Get over it. And get your luggage under control.

Don't you just love my grotty desk. It's absolutely disgusting. Corporate headquarters is in a building that's not so much listed as listing. Character's nice, but I yearn for the clean comforts of a new build.

MHD

Taking a mental health day. Spent the morning trying on shoes. Feel restored.

Negotiations are underway for a trip to Venice. This is very good news. Venice rates much higher than Paris in terms of personal significance.

In other news, I have found the shoe for fall. Slightly kinky, ever so proper, yet wickedly sexy. All this for only £185 at Russel & Bromley. The boyfriend likes them too; however, he and I have different ideas about how they should be accessorized.

Lovely rainy day. Think we'll stay in and watch DVD's.

I want to get married. Up until 18 hours ago, I believed that my bastard of a boyfriend was planning to propose. It all started about a month ago when he asked me what apparently actually were a series of random questions about marriage and engagements. Then he suggested we go to Paris for the long weekend. Not incredibly sigificant in and of itself, but the wedding we were at this weekend began with a proposal in Paris.

Now everything is off. Paris is a no-go. Instead we're going to be spending the weekend with his sister and her family.

I am so mad I could cry.

I am in an absolutely foul mood. My feet are still in tatters after the weekend. We went to a wedding, which meant silly shoes. Unfortunately, I had to walk absolutely everywhere. Many nasty little bites on my legs. I'm not sure what devil insects breed in the swamps of Cambridge, but they're evil. Did a necessity shop at Tesco but couldn't find any anti-itch ointment.

The Times2 Fashion feature gladdened my heart this morning: lots of yummy products laid out in the centre spread. I went around, ticking off all the things I had or used. Luckily there's also a competition, so I may be able to lay my hands on everything! Much joy. I have never entered a draw, but I seem to remember there's a trick to it. Funny postcards and vibrant coloured ink are meant to be the key to success.

What I'd like most is the extra-large Mason Pearson hair brush. I have the small one, but I can't quite justify spending £61 on another hairbrush even if it is fabulous. Even my boyfriend likes to use it. In fact, he jokes about moving in together so he can use it whenever he wants!

Went for the chop earlier this week, now see that la Beckham has as well. I'm loving the short bob. It's much better in this heat.

Drank two full sugar cokes today and yesterday. Must stop. I'm turning into a Coca-Whale.