Lady Noree's Blog

In the school for ladies and gents of the aristocracy, heraldry is a base study. Your coat of arms is your 'genetic business card'. There are so many blazons in the world, that it would take a lifetime to learn them all, but as a good little lady that I am, I have started with those closest to me. For example, the crowned porcupine visible above the doors of the Gothic Facade of Chateau de Blois, a symbol of Louis XII.  

Retro Embossed Satchel by PersunMall, Striped Shirt by Tommy Hilfiger, Black Velvet Dress by La Redoute, Pumps by Caprice

 

And to go with my good schoolgirl school-lady outfit, PersunMall have sent me this lovely satchel with a coat of arms of its own. The best thing about it - it has as many pockets to hide things in as does Catherine de Medici's Cabinet des Poisons (which can also be visited at Chateau de Blois). And the extra point - it also fits my camera! That is a true lady's bag of wonders - also available in claret red, light blue, orange and cream-khaki! 

And don't forget about the giveaway!

I can't say that I was ever a big fan of V's Day. If you love someone, there shouldn't be required a special day to show it and do nice things together. And with my hectic schedule carrying me across 3 countries in a cyclic rhythm, it's hard to always be together during society imposed holidays. This is why this year I 'celebrated' with a DIY project. I have embellished a new pair of wedges to make them nicer. And here's a quick tutorial to show you how to do it as well! 

You will need:

1. I chose these ankle strap purple suede wedges that I received from Wholesale-Orders. The suede is nice and soft so it was perfect for sewing through. You can chose any style of shoe for your project as long as it has ankle straps to apply embellishment to. But I do recommend that you have a look at Wholesale-Orders, they have an amazing range of shoes to chose from. They are light on the feet and well shaped. My only suggestion is that you chose one size bigger than your normal as I've found they run a bit small. Otherwise, I am extremely happy with them! 

2. I had these swarovski crystals and a few tiny pearls sitting around and they proved to be ideal, if a bit small in number. But they compliment the shoes very well. Of course, you can choose and kind of embellishments you have/want. It can be all beads (a tribal pattern perhaps?) of multiple colors and shapes, small metal or fabric flowers and butterflies, or buttons... The possibilities are there for you to get creative. Also, mine were sew-on. If you choose glue-on instead, adjust materials accordingly and be more careful while gluing not to get everything dirty! And the more ambitious could even try embellishing the rim/heel of the shoes.

3. Make sure you have the proper needle and thread. Needle should be thin enough to go through the holes of the crystal mount but thick enough to go through the shoe fabric/leather. For thread, don't choose something very thin, as it increases chance of breakage. You don't want your pretty work ruined and the tiny bits lost, do you?

4. Make an arrangement on a flat surface before sewing the bits. Or sew them by hazard if you prefer. It doesn't have to be symmetrical, but if you want it to be, make sure you mirror the pattern when sewing the second strap. Then sew your crystals/pearls/beads with care, reinforcing all knots and making sure nothing is loose. Since shoe fabric is quite thick, it can be quite painful to sew without a thimble, so if you have one, use it (I sadly still don't own one...). 

And that's it!! Really simple! An hour after the embellishing was done, I took my new shoes for a walk in the park.

Wholesale-Orders wedges, Tommy Hilfiger Shirt, H&M tulip dress, Asos bag, H&M tights and oversized bow headband, Forever 21 art nouveau necklace, Michal Negrin ring, Dorothy Perkins earrings

I believe I have told you before how I despise rain and how it depresses me. Frozen rain a.k.a snow is beautiful and joyful, but pure rain is spiteful and hates your hair! I guess I turn into a cat when it rains, looking out the window and smirking, then turning to some coconut-coated-chocolate-biscuits for comfort. 

But this post is not about rain, but about that glorious day that sometimes shows up between weeks of murkiness, lighting up the sky and your spirit at the same time. A sunny day, a glowing day that invites you out of the house and begs you to wear your best clothes! 

Lachatterie skirt, Promod bow cardigan, H&M Belt, Forever21 necklace, Primark bracelet

I must say, I love this Lachatterie skirt! The nice fabric, the lush pattern and its girly look mean a very happy me! I am also happy to have shot other great pieces by the brand for an AW12/13 preview, so in case you haven't seen them yet, check them out on my photography page!

And you too could be very happy with a new giveaway from Romwe and Street Belle Fashion!

It's been 3 years since I last saw snow. And now, having come to Romania for a month, I got to remember my childhood of skipping through the now, sliding and making angels. I adore snow and snow covered landscapes. Regardless of the fact that society comes to a halt, the hazy whiteness of everything is fantastical and dream-worthy! 

 

Calvin Klein bag, Internacionale shorts, Primark top, Corder London gloves, Accessorize necklace, New Look ring

I got these lovely gifts from the sales before leaving and I have already been wearing them abusively. Especially the gloves, they are great for the winter and feel so soft!

In my last week in UK, before the exam session, my fiance has taken me to Bath. Words can not explain how amazing the city is! The limestone buildings and opulent decor make you feel like you've just stepped back in the Empire era. Not even the unstable weather managed to take away the city's beauty! And after a walk around the center, popping into the shops to do a little sale shopping, we went to have lunch at The Pump Room, a place where the best of society would gather in the past centuries. 

Primark dress, Primark necklace and ring, Next belt, Promod bag, Lafayette earrings, Texto shoes 

The restaurant was lovely, I couldn't recommend The Pump Room more! Great service and atmosphere and some of the tastiest food I have ever eaten. There was a lady playing the piano at the end of the salon, the spa water fountain calmly flowing behind us and a marvelous view to the cathedral square on one side and the roman hot spring baths on the other. Nothing can beat the rich history of the place!

It is reassuring to have a casual day out now and then, got have a pizza, see a movie and just not care about problems for a day. And so I did, I went to see The Hobbit, which was unexpectedly long but worth it. It was a fun night, a real treat before going back to work!

What would you do for a casual escape?

Mademoiselle la Comtesse

I have a collector personality, I like to collect things. Earrings, shoes, headbands, bows, dried flowers, candles, vases... Tights are also one of the things I have a craze for. There are so manny patterns available, they keep your legs warm in the winter and protected from the sun in the summer. And they look great on!

I also love any period inspired trend (elisabethan, rococo, victorian...) and the baroque trend is quite big now. But I'm not the biggest fan of gold, so the best thing to do is switch it for silver. And I adore these tights with a design by Emilio Cavallini, they are unique and will compliment any outfit. They have a sheen that makes that easy to dress up for a party, but they can also look sweet and innocent with a pastel dress. They are so comfortable and easy to put on, no struggle to stretch them all the way up and the pattern doesn't deform while wearing them. I also went ice skating in them this morning and not a single run despite me taking a tumble, they are that resistant! And if you would prefer a different design, head over to MyTights where you can find loads more trendy designs!

The Shiny Medallions Tights by Emilio Cavallini can be found at MyTights.com

Collecting might be a primal instinct, but it makes us proud to watch our collection grow and it enriches our spirit. What do you like collecting?

Mademoiselle la Comtesse

I was hoping to see some snow this year, but no luck so far. I usually get really excited for holidays, but this year it has felt so... different. It was the first year I spent Christmas away from my parents. And despite the nice gifts I got (I am guilty of also giving in to buying some for myself), there was a constant melancholy and stress following me. Leaving the nest is not easy when the nest is so comfy and welcoming. But we do what we gotta do....

Vintage fur coat and skirt, Kate Sylvester cardigan, Miss Selfridge top, Atmosphere belt and bracelets, Carvela boots, Forever 21 earrings, Dorothy Perkins ring

I am not a nationalist, but I do believe in recognizing the values of every nation. Sadly, others don't share my views, but think one country better than another. It is pretty much the issue of the West vs. the East. Although I wasn't a given choice of where I want to be born and although I can't complain about my childhood and education I got at home, I have been bumping into problems since moving away. Problems like beaurocracy and discrimination and distorted views created by the media. Problems that made me look back to my origins and see that we have plenty of treasure, it only needs to be dug out of the dirt others have thrown on it.