Recent Acquirements

I had a bit of birthday money left over from March, and wanted to spend it on a few particularly nice things!

 

The Master and Margarita Illustrated Book - The Folio Society

I actually saw The Folio Society advertised on the tube, and had been drooling over the books for a while.

I love the feel of books, the smell, everything. I will never read a book on a screen, and I love looking at old books with elaborate hardback covers. The Folio Society caters to people that also love books, creating absolutely beautiful hardbacks with illustrated panels. 

For my first purchase from them, I just HAD to pick one of my biggest inspirations, The Master and Margarita. When the book arrived it was even better than I imagined, and I've kept it on display because it's just too good to sit on a shelf.

 

Photo by Scott ChalmersMinty Mix Black/Gold Wig

I've kinda been avoiding the split wig craze (well, I do have a red and white split wig, but I needed it to match my Amore de Mori headpiece!) because most of the wigs seem to be too cutesy or fake-looking. I'm steering my wig purchases more towards realistic colours and styles, but this gold and black split wig caught my eye. 

I'd actually say that this is one of the better quality wigs I've purchased. Including shipping it almost came to £40, however I'd say that it's unique and good quality enough to be worth it. It's rare you will find a good quality wig for £20 (most of my wigs are roughly £30 - anything below that should ring alarm bells!).

I'd love to see more colours from Minty Mix, such as Red and Gold!

 

Bioshock Infinite art by Paul Roman Martinez Bioshock Infinite

I don't tend to play games (and for the record, I despise the term "girl gamer"), but I am obsessed with Bioshock. The first game, set in an underwater city known as Rapture was as beautiful as it was rich with narrative. And in August 2010, Bioshock Infinite was announced. 

After waiting for so long, with the game's release date pushed back again and again, it's finally been released, and it's as good, if not better than the first game. I won't go into detail, but you should experience it yourself. 

 

Top Lingerie Picks for AW13

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Despite the high street brands spreading floral and pastel joy in preparation for the Spring we are apparently embarking upon, I'm already looking forward to the next season, where things inevitably head back into the shadows. 

The AW13 lingerie collections have already begun to be teased, as most of the brands are finally able to show what they have been working on for the past 6 months (I should know, I've been sitting on Playful Promises' AW13 collection images for a good few months now). 

Next season's intimates trends include plenty of things I enjoy: Metallics, Decadence, "fetish"-chic, dark reds, art nouveau and embellishments. So, I thought I'd pick a few of my favourite pieces from the released look books so far!

I.D. Sarrieri - Innamorata Bodysuit

I don't think I'd turn down anything from I.D. Sarrieri, to be honest. That would be crazy. While I'm not quite sure why they shot some of their AW13 look book in black and white (should we assume that all the lingerie in those shots is monochrome? Doubtful), they are still doing wonders with lace.
  

A new Berlin-based brand, that have begun with a SS13 collection. I love the shape of this girdle's panels; the only thing is that I prefer thicker suspender straps. 

 

E.Lai - Lexington Dress

 

 I've seen so many blogs talking about Eva Lai's recent collection, and the launch of her brand, E. Lai. She was one of three winners of the Playful Promises design competition; her design currently in production, available in late May. Her own brand has a gorgeous equestrian feel, mixing in tanned leathers and sheer chiffon in black, blue and brown. I love the Lexington Dress and the stunning gowns.

 

 Made by Niki - String Skirt

The first time I saw their coral string skirt, I wanted it. Even though it is pink. I even bought the matching bra (although I wouldn't say it's particularly flattering on me). Unfortunately I never was able to afford the skirt, but that doesn't stop me drooling over the steel black version arriving in AW13. 

 

Something Wicked

Two words: Sheer and Burgundy. Together, it becomes my kryptonite.  

Marlies Dekkers

Not only is the look book AMAZING but if my eyes are not deceiving me, that's a burgundy set with some fancy embellished detail going on. Be still my beating heart.

 

 

I'm looking forward to see what Lascivious has to offer (who have apparently teamed up with Bebaroque and jewellery designer Carol Wiseman, hinting at embellishments and glitter) as well as Felice Art Couture. 

 

Karolina Laskowska Lingerie

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It was roughly late 2011 that I first started seeing Karolina Laskowska's work popping up, and I was instantly intrigued by her lingerie style. In Jan 2012 I had the chance to shoot some of her pieces on Miss Miranda (see above and below), and loved seeing the lingerie up close!

Although still completing her Contour Fashion degree at De Montfort, Karolina has already built her brand and quite a following. Her designs are luxurious, with more than a touch of bondage inspiration. At the moment she sells frame bras, strappy playsuits (including the bad-ass Pentagram playsuit) and harnesses, but I love watching her one-offs and design processes via her facebook.

 

 

Unfortunately I only have one piece from Karolina (so far!), which was a sample frame bra, with gorgeous gold lace.  I don't really wear enough lingerie as outerwear, but I definitely have my eye on the Kordelia Harness!

 

 

Wearing the bra as outerwear, on my way to the UK Lingerie Awards!

Also, Karolina is currently running a competition to win a £100 voucher or a one-off piece of lingerie - check out her blog for details! 

This Month In Pictures

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What I've been up to during february, via my instagram @swiczeniuk!



Top Left - Lovely Miss Miranda and her boyfriend Anthony bought me some amazing boxed gin for my birthday. I really love gin, just in case you wondered ;)

Top Right - I had a small gathering on Saturday, and my boyfriend organised lots of lovely early hollywood themed treats, including a camera-shaped pinata! Look at these Charlie Chaplin napkins!!!

Bottom Left - Shooting my new headdress from Reinka!

Bottom Right - The Burning Beat's stage manager/mcee, Jon, is teaching me how to sword fight! The swords may have come out once the club was over and we were a bit drunk...... 



Top Left - One of my old university housemates, Katie, moved to Japan to teach! To send her off we had a lovely gathering, which included doing purikura.

Top Right - Shooting a beautiful size 14 model for Playful Promises, I'll post the photos soon!

Bottom Left - The location I scouted for the shoot. I adore the way it was decorated.

Bottom Right - Some of you may know I'm a Game of Thrones fangirl (I'm just about to finish the last available book). So when Kit Harrington (a.k.a Jon Snow) turned up for a night out at The Burning Beat, I had to have a slightly embarrassing conversation with him and force him to take a photo with me. He was so nice, and said he was really enjoying our music - hooray!



Top Left and Top Right - Outfit shots! Slight change to my red and gold, this time I went for red, silver and black.

Bottom Left - My boyfriend makes amazing breakfasts!

Bottom Right - This headdress was lurking unused in my closet, so I gave it a spruce and added embellishments.