Shoe storage, a new semester and whatnot

 If you've read this blog before, you'll know I have a passion for shoes. Having this hobby means I like to collect shoes. Now, my collection is definitely not the biggest or most impressive but I love the shoes I have and also love getting new shoes. I currently have about 340 pairs. And a tiny tiny rented apartment. This leads to a bit of a problem when it comes to shoe storage. hence the picture above (*I also have some shoes stored under the bed). It's not the best solution but given my circumstances, I think it's not so bad. However, my lack of space means that I've been buying less and less shoes as I have literally no place to put them...

 An outfit I wore last week to work. Was very inspired by Jane Bennet from The Lizzie Bennet Diaries when it came to the hair style. (Sweater is from Tezenis and dress is H&M)

I'm on my way to school in a little bit and today is the start of a new semester (still have so so SO much to get done from the last one, ops) but I just had to show you this relaxed piggy. I envy him. (I wish I could stay in bed too!) Well, here's to a great Monday & wish me luck in getting a pass from an essay I'm handing in today. Xo, MsV.

Style Crush: Laura Spencer

This post is now over at my new blog: http://veryveronique.com/2014/04/15/style-crush-laura-spencer/

Post-uni Shopping Day

 As I may have mentioned before, I had an exam yesterday. (Still don't know the results which is infuriating!) And because my uni days haven't been exactly going too smoothly, I decided to treat myself to some post-uni shopping. Hurray!

 I stopped by a Zara store (a different - a furtheraway one - than I usually go to) and bought these two pairs of shoes. The first pair - a cutesy pair of flats with an embroidered mustache - was a tough decision whether to get them or not. They were the last pair - and in my size - and cost only 300 crowns. So I bought them because I was afraid if I hadn't I would regret it. On to the second pair: a lovely pair of wedges. I was thinking about getting them about two weeks ago but then thought they were still too expensive and that I would wait and risk it and of course, they disappeared from my Zara shop (my meaning the closest to my flat). I was sad and thought I'd never get them. But - ha! - they had them over at the Chodov shopping mall and waaaay cheaper too. Good thing I waited!

 Right after my exam and before I went to Zara, I stopped by one of my favorite thrift shops and thought I'd just take a look. I was very lucky and scored not one but two very lovely dresses. I think in a way I was inspired by my new favorite vlog: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I am in love/awe of Jane. She always has such beautiful dresses with the little bows and everything. The two dresses I bought kinda reminded me of her. For the first dress (which is by Dunnes btw) it had to be the button detailing on the back of the dress. Really awesome right?

For the second dress it was the print.I first though it was mushrooms but its probably just circles. It doesn't matter because whatever it is, it's pretty darn cute.

Last but not least I stopped by over at Sephora and bought the Lady Gaga perfume Fame. I have wanted it for ages and now it was on a special Valentine's Day (oh wow, is it already February?!) sale. So I was pretty happy on my way home with all my lute but then I came home and what awaited me? Bloody pig-monster somehow got in the fridge (it has a safety belt on it) and ate everything and made a huge huge huge mess. So, yeah, that kinda sucked. Now I'm not speaking to Dracul and am seriously thinking about a possible solution. He's bored at home and needs more space and I think he will be an outdoor pig soon. But how to solve that??? I really don't know what to do. Something will have to change..

Inspired by..

 The photo above got me thinking. Can you really label a length like this. I don't agree. For one thing, midi lengths are back in style go to call them "old-fashioned" doesn't seem right. Another thing, it all depends on HOW you wear whatever you're wearing and also WHERE you are wearing it to. A swimsuit cover up wouldn't be sluttish or whoreish, now would it? Furthermore, what does "asking-for-it" mean?? Asking for what? Anyways, according to the picture, if I were to accept the length titles, I wear skirts/dresses somewhere between provocative-cheeky-flirty. These are the lengths that I think look best on me. (Most often I'm probably cheeky.) Though I do sometimes go for longer lengths and I own a pair of high waisted very short shorts. And I also wouldn't mind wearing the skirt pictured below:

 And the hat. The look is from Ulyana Sergeenko and though I would wear a different top (something less bra like), I adore both the chicness and seductiveness of this particular outfit. See? Size doesn't matter!

 Next up on my "inspired by" list is the BB cream by L'oreal. I just bought it yesterday so am wearing it today for the first time but I adore it. (I couldn't find the product image anywhere, so the one above is the predecessor to the new bb cream.) What impressed me most when I was deciding to buy it or not was that it comes out white out of the tube and by rubbing it it turns into the skin tone color. I use the color "light" and so far am happy with my purchase.

Last on today's list is this print inspired by Wes Anderson's movie The Royal Tenenbaums. I love Wes Anderson! His magical world never fails in brightening my mood. Boy did it need lifting! I need to rewrite THREE essays and have two major exams ahead plus had to postpone one exam until the summer term. Can you say STRESS? But that's life with it's ups and downs and staying inspired helps make it all better.

Casual Friday?

 A very casual day today. Wearing an oversized tee/tunic/dress from Reserved, H&M tights, Zara boots (which you can't see). It feels like a Friday today. And I've been listening to She & Him all day. But then I found this hilarious video on youtube of Zooey singing with her "band" Muchausen by Proxy from the movie Yes Man. Best video ever. It's been a pretty awesome day...

 Oh and my camera takes really weird photos, like the one below. I look like a ghost!

Files of New: Topshop

 Yesterday I went out to dinner with the boy and while I was waiting for him, I stopped by Topshop and bought these lovely lovely wedges. They're called "Webster" which I find quite endearing. I was eying them up before but now that they were on double sale, I couldn't resist!

They detailing looks a bit silver in this image but it is actually in a shade of gold. I also bought a skirt and some make-up. I was debating another pair of shoes, but what am I, made of money? And I didn't want to lug too much with me to dinner. I'm thinking of returning to Topshop but not before another exam so all the gorgeous shoes will probably be gone, oh well, that's life. I'm just grateful that I got to snap these babes up. Until next time, xo, MsVeve

Role model of the day: Julia Childs!

I've just seen the movie Julie & Julia and have fallen in love with Julia Childs. She and her husband seem like incredible people, I adore their story. I'm thinking of purchasing her book My Life in France and her legendary cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Pictured above is a Valentine's Day card that they had sent to friends. Amazing. *In the movie, Meryl Streep played her so well! I was quite interested in Amy Adams's character as well and looked Julie Powell up and I must say, I'm very disappointed. Instead of the nice, endearing young woman from the film, the real Powell is a self-centered monster. I was shocked to find that her second book is about butchery (eww) and about a love affair she had after publishing her first book and what that did to her marriage. Um, hello?! What that should have done to her marriage was end it! I would never suffer a cheater! Frankly, I don't believe you can cheat on someone you truly love, especially if the affair last two years, common. And I also don't think flaunting something like that to the public is the right thing to do. Not to mention plagiarizing the title of your book. So I'm over Julie Powell. She's left a really bad impression. But contrary to her, I'm all the more in love/awe of Julia Childs,such an awesome lady and an inspiration to us all. Xo, MsV

Last Night's Movie

 The boy & I were lucky enough to go see Django Unchained at the cinema's pre-premiere.

I was skeptical at first and thought I wouldn't like the film, but was actually blown away (mainly by Waltz, he was amazing, and Leo was pretty great too). Definitely recommend seeing it for yourselves!

My So-Called Life

 As you can see it is a winter wonderland (= dreadfully snowing) here in Prague. I would not have ventured out if it were not for my exam. It was a bit nerve wrecking since there was no proper way to prepare for this exam - Reading Medieval Texts. Well I did my best and now onwards to face the rest of my exams.

 This is what I wore btw, I felt very bee-like and it made me think happy thoughts. I went shopping to Reserved last week on Friday and ended up buying loads of things (this sweater that I absolutely adore, this miniskirt and one other, two pairs of tights, two knee-length socks and an over-sized tee/dress). Speaking of things I adore, I love my new phone and the cameras I have downloaded. To make "Buddy Popart" I used the app PicsArt and I have just found the app LINE camera that I started using today and quite like (the first photo was done by using this app).

 I have been posting random photos on Instagram and have been really enjoying it. For instance this is my favorite (and quite simple) eye look. All you need is a steady hand and gel eyeliner. Fellow instagramers, you can find me under msveveve.

 Below: an outfit I wore over the weekend: thick coat and warm shoes. *I have no idea how I'm doing with the shoe challenge since hadn't taken proper photos in ages, but I have finally crossed some old shoes out of my shoe list and I still need to cross out a few more. However, I'm glad that these shoes are "safe".

 Photos taken on Thusday on my way home from work - I love the view from Nuselsky bridge.

 *Almost forgot, I bought a new wallet from Topshop. Being a huge lover of leo print I thought it was perfect for me. And it was on sale...

 And the last of my shopping (yup, I'm broke): these gorgeous Zara flats. I just don't know how to say no to a pair of studded shoes.

 Here's a close-up. Aren't they just lovely??

 To end this random "in my life" post - what I have been wearing almost non-stop: this uber warm Zara winter coat. It's like walking around wearing a duvet. But better. Much better. That's all for now, I have to go and write an essay (deadline today, ops!). Talk soon, xo, Veve

Lanvin 2013

I am in awe of this entire look. The boots are really unique and yet so wearable. And though I wouldn't usually go for mixing animal print, I love the boots matched up with the oversized clutch! The coat is pretty awesome too. Lanvin, job well done.

Style Inspiration: Catwoman

 As an advocate of strong female characters I bring to you one of my all-time favorite comic-book/tv/film characters, whose style is just incredible. Yup, I'm talking about Serene Kyle aka Catwoman. I have liked her in various forms - my favorite being the animated show version but also the Dark Knight Rises version courtesy of Anne Hathaway.

 I felt she portrayed the character very well and have dedicated this post to her via showing various poster photos and other pictures readily available on the internet.

 I adore how she rides that motorcycle. She looks loads better than Batman on it. And she's somehow very cat-like too. Hmm.

 But I also love the look of her without the costume. When trying to flee the city she is so polished and elegant. Love the hat btw.

 But it is also how she interacts with Bruce that is so endearing. Aren't they such a cute couple? *

 Below is perhaps my favorite photo of the two. It's an in-between scenes photo of Hathaway and Bale and they look so comfortable together. Such an "awww" moment.

 Oh and it wouldn't be me not to mention the footwear...

 I'm not much into over-the-knee boots but that heel. My my my, that heel is lush. So dear Catwoman, I send my regards and praise for a job well done.

Maybe it's time to invest in a good all-leather outfit? Maybe I'll just re-watch the film. That's all folks, till next time, cheers.

Life Lately

 The holidays and the start of the new year are always a busy time for me. There's uni exams lurking around the corner. There's the sales. There's instagram (you can find me by searching for msveveve). You get the picture...

 As the photo says, I wore this to the last day of school (yesterday). I absolutely love and totally needed my new coat (a gift from my sis). Below you can see a better picture of it and of my new Zara boots.

 Speaking of new, this is my new phone!!! (both of the pictures above were taken with it)

Because I almost never carry my camera around (too heavy, carrying too much stuff already), a better phone cam was just what I really needed! The boy really surprised me by this gift because a) he had already given me an awesome pair of shoes and b) he had hid the phone amid a package of days-of-the-week socks from H&M (he had kept telling me that I was getting socks for Christmas!) Anyways, I hope you all had enjoyable holidays and have had a good start to the new year, here's to 2013 being totally awesome, cheers!

Instagram!

Guess what guys?! I am FINALLY on Instagram! It's taken me literally ages but since yesterday you can find me on http://instagram.com/msveveve (I was kinda bummed that msveve was already taken but whatever, an extra "ve" ain't that bad..). You'll basically find photos of my pig and loads of shoes. Like the ones below (yesterday's score over at Topshop)

Asos Fail

As I hinted before, I have been having a problem with Asos.com. Well, since the people from their customer service have still not replied me, it's time to get things off my chest here on my blog. I am quite displeased with the situation!!

Here's what happened:

Asos was having a one day discount (20% with the code SAVVY20) and I really wanted to use it, but due to too many people using the code (it was a one day discount) their site was unable to grant everyone the discount. Anyways, I was kind of surprised that this happened but didn't really panic or anything, I just wrote to Asos@care and stated my problem, that I was not able to use their discount even though I should have been.

They replied me back right away that they were having problems and that I will be contacted with a new code. A day or so later I received an email from Asos with a new code (SORRYSAVVY20) that was supposed to work until the 18th of December. I waited until the 16th to use it BUT it didn't work, again! Upon trying to pay for my order it said I had already used the code or that the code wasn't active, both of which were not true. I contacted Asos@care AGAIN to let them know I was having this problem and what should I do.

They wrote me back on the 19th with a new code that was supposed to be valid until the 18th. WTF??! I obviously couldn't use this code. I was also surprised at how late they replied to my issue. I wrote them again saying that although I do thank them for the code, but given that I was replied to on the 19th I couldn't use it and if they could send me a new code which I could actually use. They still (to this day) haven't replied me.

I wrote them again about this issue two more times and in both cases I just got the automatic email that they are working hard and will reply me soon. It has been DAYS and still no reply (to none of my emails).

Thus all I can think as a customer is that 1) their discount codes were FALSE ADVERTIZING, 2) their customer service do not give a shit about their customers and 3) Asos has been lying to me and to any other customers who were unable to use the code and have not been replied to. Which actually would be a case of FRAUD.

I am SO DISSAPOINTED in Asos since I have always been a good customer and have been recommending Asos to all my friends for the past two years. In light of the recent events I can only see this situation as a scam from Asos and I am not one that likes to get duped.

Anyways, it's one day before Christmas so I don't want to go on and on about this situation but I promised to tell what happened, so here it is. If anything should change I will post it asap, though to be honest, I have lost faith in Asos. Time will tell...

Happy Holidays!

Everyone celebrates the holidays differently and for me this upcoming Christmas is all about loved ones, family and friends, the food (best part) and of course the gifts. I feel lucky to have all of my shopping and crafting done and be really able to enjoy the upcoming days.

Things are almost ideal. Well, I am having one issue with Asos.com but I'm still giving them one more day to address and make right the problem that arose from their side. If not, you'll hear all the details here tomorrow. (I will hint that it has to do with false advertizing and non-functioning discount codes and poor customer service.)

Anyway, to keep this on a light and happy holiday note with a bit of an edge, here's

Ana Beatriz Barros

and her naughty Christmas 

No one does naughty like Ana... Ho Ho Ho.

NEW SHOES

A few days ago I was on the prowl for some Christmas gifts and came across these boots - on sale! - the last pair and in my size. It was destiny. So, yeah, I bought them... I am a firm believer that while buying presents you should also buy something for yourself. That's what really gets me into the spirit ;)

* I usually buy myself something smaller, but these boots were really on ridiculous sale and I knew it was a once and only offer right there and then, so I went for it. They aren't perhaps the most wearable shoes - that plexi glass wedge heel is fierce - but I love their kookiness and the levitating effect they have. They are the MMM for H&M leather boots btw.