A Dupe For Those Gucci Loafers

For the past month, I've been hunting for a pair of black loafers (as you'll have seen in my last blog post). A few months ago even though I loved the Gucci loafer I was seeing bloggers wear left, right and centre, I wasn't sure they were my thing. Over the past few months, though, I've come to the realisation that my wardrobe had a loafer-shaped hole. The transition out of student life, where trainers are acceptable 99% of the time, to life outside the student bubble made me realise I needed to invest in some new pieces.

I had some specific criteria - real leather, gold hardware, and that gucci-esque look. Now that I'm working I can afford to invest more in the pieces I'm buying and, whilst I can't go mad (my savings account wouldn't be too happy if I got too spend-happy), I'm able to spend a little more and buy better quality now I have a full-time job.

So, I tried some loafers from Office, some from Asos, and a few more but each pair was too narrow and I knew my feet would be ruined in seconds. I nearly gave up hope, thinking that my feet (whilst not the slimmest, they're not wide enough to warrant wide fit shoes) just wouldn't suit this style of shoe. But I kept looking online in every place I could think until I stumbled across these.

They're from Dune - a brand I've known of forever but never actually tried before. They really were what felt like my last option - everything else I found was sold out in my size. As you've already guessed, they are exactly what I was looking for. The leather is great - nice and soft, and they've already worn in nicely after a few weeks, with not a blisters in sight. The gold detail is really nice and doesn't cheapen the shoe as I've seen happen a few times.

An there's even more good news - they're now on sale! This makes my heart break a little, but I'm so happy with them that I don't mind too much. Dune also do a nice backless slider version which I would buy if we weren't well on our way into the winter months.

Keep an eye out for these on my instagram and in future blog posts, because I'm fully expecting to be wearing these for a long time!

- Ruby xo

Dior So Real // The Dupe

Washed Out

Wish List: 15/03/14

Wish List: 15/03/14 by rubysterland 

Here are a few bits and pieces that I would snatch up if money were no object. 

Revlon's Colour Burst Matte Balms- After seeing Suzie's review of these, I knew that I needed to give these a good swatch on my next trip to Boots. I went into Boots today and spent a good while swatching and yep, I still haven't bought one. So many colours, so little decision making skills. 

Celfie Sweater- These sweaters and tees have been all over the internet recently, from Ebay to Etsy. I think they look great with a pair of jeans, nice and simple. (That's my kind of outfit)

D Frame Sunglasses, Warehouse- These past few weeks the Sun has been out in the UK and something inside me is telling me that I need a new pair of sunnies. Of course I do. 

The Breakfast Club, DVD- Since watching this film last week, I can now appreciate all the little references in films like Easy A. ("You mess with the Bull, you get the Horns" baffled me every time.) I now have a lil' John Hughes in my life and I ain't going back.

Nike Mid Grey Suede Blazers- I genuinely have no idea of these sneakers are cool, or really not cool, but I'm bored of my good old Converse, and these look all snug and comfy.

Pug Wash Bag, Catseye London- A Pug, on a wash bag? Hell yes. I don't have a clue why, but Pugs always make me chuckle a little bit.

Jewel Green Beaded Back Maxi Dress, Topshop- Topshop is on point at the minute, and I have my eyes on this piece. I reckon it will be perfect for a summer holiday. Now we just need summer, right?

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #5

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #5 by rubysterland on Polyvore

Great Photos- Shy Girl Loud Voice- Is It Spring Yet? I've been on the hunt for new blogs recently, and Kacie's style caught my eye straight away. I'm definitely partial to her mentality of 'If I want to wear it, I'll wear it'. I can't wait for the time when it's actually warm enough to wear gorgeous, floaty outfits like this. 

Great Beauty- Bon Vivants- The TMI Tag. Here's another discovery- Jessica's YouTube channel, Bon Vivants. I've spent a good while scrolling through her videos and have decided that I love her channel. Watch her TMI Tag video to get to know her a little better. (I can't wait for a chance to pull out that chat-up line...)

Great Writing- Scarphelia- Blogging vs. Real Life. This week's final discovery, thanks to a retweet on twitter. I identified with blogger Scarphelia's most recent post so much. Of course, our blogs only show certain parts of our characters and lives, and that's not something we should feel bad or apologetic about. We all need to keep a little bit of ourselves from the Internet, and props to you for speaking your mind so eloquently, Scarlett. 

Leave me links in the comments of any of your new blog discoveries! I look forward to your recommendations x

October Favourites

Glam Glow Youth Mud Tinglexfoliate Treatment*- what a mouthful! I've had this a few months and have used it a good few times now, and I'm really impressed. There's been quite a bit of internet hype over this stuff and I can see why. It leaves your face tingly, man. (Can you tell I'm no skincare expert?) I like to treat my skin with this when it's feeling a bit sorry for itself because I know it will do the trick. It is pricey, but if you're willing to part with a bit of cash for your skincare, it's really worth it. 

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Temptress- I had a good search through my mum's nail polish a few weeks ago and found this gem (among many others). The colour is the perfect oxblood / wine shade for Autumn, and looks great on toes and fingers. The packaging has been re-designed since and I'm not sure if they still sell this shade, but there'll be plenty of alternatives out there.

Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion & Almond Soothing Facial Oil*- Like I said above, I'm no skincare expert, I just know what works for me. These two make a great duo that I've been using since the start of summer. I know that they'll never strip my skin (it's taken me a while to find a cleanser that won't) and all my makeup comes off, the gentle way.

Southwestern Style Sweater, Forever21- This beauty made it's first appearance earlier this week, which you can see here. It's the cosiest little jumper, and looks great with a pair of jeans and boots. 

Loafers, Clarks- You can rely on Clarks for comfy shoes, and I love these quirky loafers. I had to go to three different store to get these in black, in my size and thank god they're worth it. 

The Carrie Diaries- I've just finished watching the first series and it's great. I guess yeah, it is a typical teen series, but fashion, drama and cute boys is something that I can't resist. 

Jennifer Lawrence- This, I'm sure, sounds like a really random one but c'mon, who doesn't like Jennifer Lawrence? She graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar this month and her interview was great. 

Lately...

I bought this bag at the weekend after my old faithful, goes-with-everything bag broke. I went off to the shops and found this cute satchel for a bargain of £9! (Primark, I heart u x) 

This week has been manic and it's all felt non-stop. I ran my first ever art club with the year 7's and they're so cute! That as well as having a driving lesson where I did some new manoeuvres means that this week has been exciting, guys. Yesterday I hot-footed it up to Newcastle for the uni open day and loved it. Watch this space, there is a chance (however small) that I'll be a northern gal this time next year. 

Everything's been a bit strange at my house recently. It's so quiet because my brother George has moved to university. I mean, it's not like he was a loud person, but it does feel really strange without him. We ring most nights though, and I have to say some of the photos uploaded to Facebook from Fresher's Week have really made me see my brother in a different light, we shall say. Has anyone else had the experience of having an older sibling moving away? I would love to know what your experience was- George is pretty far away so I won't see him very often. Thank God we have the interwebs to keep in touch. 

One last thing- I know I should be saving this for the monthly favourites, but here's a song I can't stop listening to...

Grow Old With Me- Tom Odell

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #2

Great Photos- Classy Girls Wear Pearls- I Like Large Parties. First of all, a great name for a blog. Secondly, always great photos. I especially love these though. From the cute little headbands and Great Gatsby-esque style to the energy captured. These are the kind of parties I need to be going to! 

Great Writing- Kerralina- Escape. Kerry's blog is awesome for making me stop and think. This post was no exception- even though the subject was running. (something I don't have much of a passion for). However I've decided that, even though it'll be an ugly sight, I'm going to go for a run tomorrow morning. Yep, you heard it here first. I guess now it's on the blog I've got to do it. Follow me on twitter to find out how it goes...

Great Beauty- Amelia Beauty- Top 5 Summer Nail Shades. I really should not be allowed to read posts like these because I've recently developed a huge weakness for nail polishes. I have my eyes on that gorgeous lilac by Butter London, because you can never have enough lilacs, right? 

Let me know who's blogs you're all reading this weekend- I always love finding new ones! 

Wish List: 22/07/13

Wish List: 22/07/13 by rubysterland 

 Here are a few beautiful things I wish I owned. (If only my bank account were larger.) Although, maybe that's a good thing, because I'm not sure I would know when to stop if that were the case.

Colour Block Bowler Bag, Topshop- I love pastel colours and the boxy shape of this bag. I'm always drawn to big bags, which probably does my back no good because I manage to pack everything into my handbags. (Things get lost in there)

Color Tattoo, Maybelline (in On and On Bronze)- I've heard so many good things about this range so I don't know why I haven't tried them for myself already. I think the bronze is a really pretty, subtle colour, so that's the one I would go for.

Double Blouse, Zara- I love these delicate v-neck tops, I think they look so simple but really flattering. With all the crazy warm weather in the UK, I think it's light enough to get away with.

Printed Jumpsuit, Zara- This is in the sale so I'm going to have to be quick to get it. I think it looks so comfy, but the silky material means you can dress it up too. It also looks like a pyjama, and if I could I would live in my pyjamas, so this is close enough.

Stuck In Love- I went to see this movie at the cinema and I loooved it. I would definitely recommend that you watch it- it's funny, sad, and full of relationships and also books, because the protagonists are all authors. 

On a Sunny Afternoon

I finally got to spend the day with my gorgeous cousin, and we got to mess about with a camera again. You might remember the last time we did this, way back in January. You can see the results from that day here and here. Luckily this time around it was a heck of a lot warmer. 

I've been listening to- Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros 

Scrap Bookin' #3

You guys might know that I love a bit of scrap-booking, especially sneaking a peek in other peoples' books. Here are some of my most recent additions to my book. I try and categorise pages into different things, whether it's a colour, a trend or how different make-up looks are styled. My favourite pages always change, but right now it's the image above, because I think both images are so darn beautiful. From the hair to the beauty look (quite understated, the way I tend to do my own make up) and the styling. Basically, everything about them. 

To see some other pages in my book, click here and here. 

Outfit Details, London

I spent the past two days in London with school on a trip! (Look out for a photo diary and some street photography posts) I took these before we got the train down. I wanted to keep it really simple because London means lots of walking, and I think these shoes might already be the comfiest I own. 

Jeans and Crochet Top- H&M

Cardigan- Per Una

Grey Top- Zara

Pumps- Gap

Rose Necklace- New Look

Blue Necklace- River Island

Ring- Topshop

Get The Look: Taylor Swift

Get The Look: Taylor Swift by rubysterland