My Wishlist...does the credit card need an airing?!!

It's the perennial problem...when I have no money, lots of fripperies catch my eye! I am too magpie like for my own good! So to ease my tension and stress over my lack of funds, I have decided to compile a small wish list to exorcise my woe! (Click on above picture to enlarge)

1. Cheap Monday dark, used-wash, skinny jeans from Urban Outifitters.
They do exactly what is says on the tin - they are cheap (£40) and have a great skinny fit.
2. Oversized navy patent clutch from Topshop.
I have been seeking an extra-large clutch for a few weeks now and this one fits the bill perfectly.
3. Exaggerated art-deco pendant from Urban Outfitters.
A complete bargain at only £4 and suits my colour mood of black and gold.
4. Vintage tulip tube dress, also by Urban Outfitters.
I adore the colour, azure blue suits my skin-tone beautifully (transparent alabaster at this time of year...mmm, not so attractive!)
5. Thin gold plait belt, also by Urban Outfitters.
Great for making a loose black dress into an empire line wonder.
6. Ball clip, cross-body bag from Topshop.
Cross body is the new clutch (can't believe I just wrote that!!), plus it would be a great accompaniment to the azure blue dress.

All together we are looking at £150ish...which I think is pretty good for such a versatile bag of goodies. My bank balance however, would not agree! I know £150 isn't exorbitant, especially compared to a designer bag but Christmas and the new year have hurt my chip-and-pin and it would like a rest. Does an old, unused, credit card deserve and airing? We'll have to wait and see!

Stella McCartney moves into underwear.

V Magazine has just published some of the first photos of Stella McCartney's forthcoming lingerie collection. Stella has teamed up with Bendon, New Zealand's premiere lingerie manufacturer for her first range in undergarments. The Sunday Times Style Magazine has even put the launch of the range on their "Going Up" list. There is an incredible amount of hype surrounding this launch but it is difficult to see the true quality through these ads. I am loving the mix and match, bra/knicker combinations and the cute keyhole racer-back bras. I have a funny feeling that I won't get the opportunity to see the collection any time soon, as I'm sure they will fly out of the stores and straight on to eBay within a few hours. If I do however, get lucky and sneak-a-peek, I will let you know the truth behind the hype.

Prada's Fairy Bag - It has sucked me into a world of fantasy, where maybe I could even afford it!

I make a conscious effort to not get taken in by extreme hype and over-priced goods but Prada's art-deco inspired fairy bag is truly and unfortunately enchanting. I believe we are looking at a price-tag of £1,800! So...I shall never own one but I can appreciate it's absolute beauty and fantasy value!

Bangles by Jessica Ka - true objects of desire.

I have no information on Jessica Ka but I do know that I love these bangles. My favourite has to be the iconic Supercalifragilistic, etched lovingly in black. Both are available from Browns. Any details on the elusive Jessica Ka would be much appreciated.

Marithe + Francois Girbaud - So cool, it hurts!

French brand Marithe + Francois Girbaud have their finger firmly pressed on the style button. Their Fall '07 collection is a voluminous feast of edgy fashion. There are pockets galore, superfluous layering...it doesn't get much better! The only downside, the lack of MFG stores in the U.K. You can buy their jeans but a trip to France is in order to purchase these delights. Their website is also an aesthetic dream, that simply has to be clicked on.

3.1 Phillip Lim Chiffon Blouse - OooohhH

There is nothing to say, other than I am completely enchanted by it. Make up your own mind here.

Luella - Graphic Genius

Talking about graphic tees...here are a few of my favourites by Luella. The Geek tee epitomises all that I am, essentially a major dweeb but unfortunately everywhere I have looked, this t-shirt is out of stock. I have no way of displaying my social status! Check them out on Luella's website and Net-a-Porter.

Should I love this dress...or can you be too patriotic?

Every time I see this Union Jack print dress by Paul Smith, I become more and more enchanted by it. It feels very wrong though...should I be enthralled by what is essentially a flag print dress? The only thing that prevents me buying it, the price tag. At £600 I'd prefer to make my own toga style dress but I cannot help the spell that this dress casts; each time I look at it, I love it more. Check out Paul Smith's website for more Union Jack inspired fashion and Sarah Coggles for this particular dress.

The "Search" is over....

...for the little white dress; I've found it in Zara. This angelic, puff-sleeve, pin-tuck dress is heavenly as it also has fantastic low pockets - a fashion favourite of mine. I tried it on in Knightsbridge's Zara on Friday but unfortunately the lone dress in my size had been tried on by a very over-exuberant shopper. It was ripped across the chest, covered in make-up and fake tan. I was going to buy it anyway but stupidly thought I could pick one up in another branch. I'll have to wait until I go shopping tomorrow to see if I can buy one (knowing my shopping luck, this will be a fruitless expedition - but I can still have hope!). So the search is over...but the actual dress still eludes me. Another reason it's the one...the fantastic image on the right from the Facehunter. Seeing it on someone else brings on the shopping envy!

...P.S. Sorry I've been away for so long. I popped to visit some friends in London for a few days. After the sunny days and clean air of Northampton, I needed a bit of smog to balance me out!

The great white dress...truly elusive!

The search for the great white dress is proving more difficult than I thought. I've found two very pretty dresses at Miss. Selfridge but they lack that little bit of originality I'm looking for - the bell/puff sleeve, volume? I like the simpicity of the shimmer dress, left and the more laid-back look of the smock dress, right. So...the search continues. If you have any suggestions as to where I can get an affordable, yet original white dress, please let me know. Will my search be fruitless?....I'll keep you informed.

I waited with anticipation but...

...when the Celine dress I'd expressed an interest in arrived in stock at Net-a-Porter, it was of course £1,000 out of my price-range (at £1,050)! I should have realised this before adding it to my "let me know when they're in stock" list. I could have easily avoided a major bout of poor-person-itus (an official disease)! Go to Celine's website and look at more beautiful stuff that I can't afford - or if the whim takes you, purchase at Net-a-Porter.

Antipodium - I'm blown away!

I'm simply in awe of Antipodium. A completely unique, yet relatively affordable range of clothing. It is both fashion forward and classic in its design. I adore the simple lines and buttoned shirt styles, including the stunning high-waisted, voluminous skirts - amazing.

Launched during London Fashion Week in September 2003, its aim was to introduce an eclectic mix of world class antipodean and international fashion to the UK market. The response to the first Antipodium boutique, based in Shoreditch, was overwhelming and the brand soon became much-admired for its unique concept and creative ethos.

I am totally in love with this purple dress, inspirationally named, the Baby's Got Back Dress! An amazing design with the quirky collar - I can see myself in it now with skinny jeans and pumps! A stunning stand out colour, great back detail...the complete package. Antipodium's range is available from their own on-line store - my dream dress, from My Wardrobe at £120 (currently they have a 20% off discount - enter ONE in the checkout area. Offer ends today. £96 is much nicer!).