Fashion haul

So, was in London over the weekend and spent way too much money.

Kind of depresses me how much I spent, but I'll probably get over it. Always do.

Walked up and down Oxford Street, numerous times, 2 days in a row and here were some of my finds: (I apologize in advance for poor lighting / positioning)

H&M

I don't particularly like shopping at H&M because I usually end up never wearing the things I buy. This is probably due to the fact that the material isn't amazing and I realize only after -- which is why I promised myself that I would only buy designer clothing. TOO BAD my college student budget just does not cut it.

Bought this fringed knit poncho for 10£ ($16.00). Seems much cheaper in pounds, so I'll stick with that instead of converting into USD.

I have been OBSESSED with KNITS since I've been in Europe for some reason. I don't care -- I'll wear knits throughout the spring coz I do what I want. Yaheard? Um, okay.

Urban Outfitters

is way pricier in the UK, but what isn't pricier in the UK...?

So, for those of you who know me, my whole wardrobe consists of BLACK, BLACK, and more BLACK. And frankly, I've had enough. I don't want to wear black anymore! (Currently, I'm wearing white, gray, some black, and blue!)

This Kimchi Blue, floral print dress caught my eye because I could see myself prancing around the streets of Italy with the wind blowing through my hair. (Yes, Italy for spring break in 10 days!) 20£. Worth it? Not so sure, to be honest, but at least it adds some color to my wardrobe.

Topshop

My favorite store of all time, aka money stealing scoundrel.

I regret not saving all my money for topshop. It was closed the first day we went shopping due to some riots / strike on Oxford Street so we went back the next day. However, the next day I didn't have enough money to buy a whole lot so just decided to go with this dress.

Goldie London 'Jelie' Dress 30£.

There was actually another dress that I wanted to get -- another floral print one that I could yet again see myself seeing in Italy, on a warm, romantic evening, at a dinner for two next to the river.....but as soon as I tried this one on, I was sold. It's so me -- a juxtaposition of edgy and soft, if that makes sense.

This dress will be the one I float around in.

Primark

Motherboard of all discount shopping.

It was INFESTED with people. It was IMPOSSIBLE to breathe, but we went both days. (Sunday was better than Saturday).

Playsuit. 5£. Yeah, you got that right. Only 5 clams.

The fit isn't perfect, but it'll do. Also, couldn't try it on because everybody and their mother was on the fitting room line.

7£. I don't know why I bought this. The material is not too great, but I guess I needed a brown bag? I don't know. I regret this purchase.

5£. One thing that I don't regret buying from Primark. (Also bought 2 pairs of flats)

I didn't even know these beauts were only 5, I thought they were 10. So imagine my surprise and delight when the cashier rang me up. Also, by this time I was literally down to my last piece of cash.

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Overall, shopping in London was awesome because shopping is always awesome, but I regret buying so much and spending too much. These items are only a few things I bought...Yes, I bought more.

Things I learned (and am still learning):

1) Have to be a smarter shopper -- 20 Pounds does not = 20 USD.

2) Have to budget better.

3) You should try on things before you buy them.

4) Less does not always equal more...

5) It's better to save up for ONE thing of good quality that you love rather than buy a few things of lesser quality that you just like.

And one promise I hope to keep -- No more shopping until I'm back in the states. (Chyeah, right. But I'll try)

Eurotrip

Finally, a much needed update. Haven't updated in nearly 2 months. That is just plain SAD! Bad Christine.
But in my defense, I do have plenty of other sites I update pretty regularly including twitter, tumblr, and xanga.

So, so far Paris has been amazing, awesome, splendid, superb. The weather is also warming up which very pleasant. The other day, went to the Tuileries Gardens and had a picnic next to the fountain while watching cute little kids playing with sail boats. But this update will not be about Paris, but about the trips I've been on within the past months to Brussels/Bruge, Madrid, and London (hence "Eurotrip").

Since I do have a presentation to do, 2 10 page research papers, 1 photo project, french composition, I will try to make this snappy.

1) Brussels/Bruge (photodiary)

Aside from the fact that every other person we walked by said "Ni hao" and other racist remarks, the trip was good overall. Also, that weekend the weather was not too great. Was grey and rainy. To sum up Brussles -- waffles, pomme frites, beer, and shopping. Bruge reminded me of Disneyworld, but in a good way!

Belgian Waffleeee!

The Aftermath.

Hyped-up Mannequin Pis statue. It's TINY.

Very famous bar in Brussels: Delirium Cafe

This is what alcohol does to you. Don't drink and drive kids.


Bruge by train, baby. Sat in first class by accident and was told to move after a little while. Was pretty embarrassing.


Bruge! Very picturesque, no?


Moving on---

2) Madrid (photodiary)

Pictures can probably say it better than I can explain:

what would a trip to Madrid be without CHURROS dipped in HOT CHOCOLATE?


and of COURSE can't forget the paella! my tummy just growled.


suicide bridge. ><



little girl frolicking in the garden


amazing, amazing puppeteers


berry shots in edible chocolate shot glass


tapasss




Side note: My boyfriend asked me to be his girlfriend in Plaza Mayor (awww). Long story short, one skinny Australian dude managed to capture the attention of all the tourists in the square and so a huge crowd gathered around him to see him escape from heavy chains and what not. I was getting bored, so I headed over to another man in a clam suit. I then turned around to see my boyfriend had followed me. He then proceeded to ask me to be his girlfriend (awwwwwh).


3)London (photodiary)

Actually (surprisingly) did not take any photos for myself and relied on my friends because I didn't feel like lugging around my heavy-ass Nikon while on the tour / shopping. And spent WAY TOO MUCH MONEY on stuff...(will do a fashion haul on another post perhaps. pictures of what I bought, reviews, etc.)

Couple shots I stole from them:

We were lucky to have AMAZING weather. London is usually so dreary and grey, which is obviously not the case in this picture.


morning tea.


topshop/topman was closed on saturday due to the strike/riot. made me REALLY sad.


fish&chips baby.




please tell me they DON'T look like Diglet (pokemon lovers out there)


the squirrels were absolutely fearless! this one climbed onto my shoe and probably would have scampered up my leg if i didn't recoil.

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Spring break in 10 days! Milan --> Venice --> Rome --> Naples --> Barcelona --> Back to Paris.

Will most DEFINITELY be taking pictures and documenting my travels.

More blog posts to come within the next few days. I want to share all my purchases made in London.

And going to Marseille this weekend actually. Wow, I travel a lot. Interferes with my studies, but no worries. Haha.

Until next time.