Birmingham and Edinburgh purchases

As I mentioned in my Orient Express blog post yesterday, I would blog about the little goodies I got from both Birmingham and Edinburgh. I didn't go crazy and blow 'x' amount of money as 1) I couldn't be bothered to carry bag after bag after bag, and 2) I am trying to save a bit of cash for Clotheshow Live 2011 (OMG I am so excited!). 

First stop - Bullring! Whenever I visit Birmingham, guaranteed I head straight for the Bullring; I just love the place, especially at Christmas. Anyway I first popped into Jane Norman, which I know can at times be hit and miss. But since about September, I have had my eye on this 'Jewelled telephone Box' vest top, don't know why. For some unknown reason I am just drawn to it, and just find it very quirky, different. Originally priced at £25.00, I managed to get this top for just under £20.00 - tad pricey? But £5-6.00 saving, can't be bad. 

 (Apologies for the poor picture quality, and creases)

(Jane Norman - Jewelled Telephone Box Vest Top - £25.00 - currently 25% off)

I then toodled off to Forever21, and had a good look around. I visited the branch on Oxford St. a few months ago, and I didn't like the store. Maybe because it was packed, I couldn't browse properly? But I thought I would try again in Birmingham, and this time I loved it. Forever21 is no stranger to me, after visiting the Delaware, US branch last year, and the hugeeee one in Times Square (if you ever go to NYC, go there - clothes fanatic = paradise!). Anyway I headed for the accessories department, as I forgot to bring a change of earrings for the train. Due to my craze for butterflies, I found a lovely pair of 'Rhinestone butterfly earrings', which I thought were really cute. I usually don't wear earrings which aren't 9ct gold, fearing that I'd have an allergic reaction, but I thought I'd take a risk and see, and luckily I had no reaction. At £1.50 I thought these are pretty reasonable; cute, and the backs are pretty sturdy (I always lose the backs of earrings -,-), and they are available in gold and black.

Forever21 - Rhinestone Butterfly Earrings - £1.50

Ever since I was young, well had any concept of understanding where places were in the UK, Scotland in my mind is always known for being wet and cold. This of course impacted upon what clothes to wear the following day. The ding bat that I am though, I forgot my gloves and fearing it was going to be mighty bitter, I picked up a pair of 'Soft Knit' gloves. These gloves are mega mega soft and so warm, and at £3.25 - bargain I thought!

Forever21 - Soft Knit Gloves 'Hot Pink' - £3.25

Whilst in Edinburgh, I picked up a few little things. Again I tried not to go crazy and spend too much, but it was hard not to.

• Family surname tartan - I am very proud of my surname, and have just recently started complying a family tree. So when I saw this, I had to get it. However it wasn't cheap at £15.00, but I think it's one of those scarfs which I'd only wear every so often, or may just have it as a 'keep sake'?
• Surname history book - Again, currently researching and tracing my family history, and of course I came across this little book which fills in a few gaps of what I am trying to find out. Of course it doesn't detail everything, but helps me fill in the blanks for my family tree. At £2.50, it's not a bad price.
• Royal Yacht Britannia 'Rock' - Haha I saw it and picked it up - love minty rock. And I love the union jack flag which has been set into the rock itself. Although this was a little on the pricey side at £3.00 (I think).
• Royal Yacht Britannia Pen - I have a habit of picking up pens from gift shops, and I was instantly sold when I saw the little teddy bear dangling at the end of it. Again another pricey item at £2.95 (I think).

As a memento to remember my time spent travelling the Orient Express, I purchased an Orient Express 'Steward' Bear. Out of all the items in the gift boutique, this was the item which I really liked and was reasonable on my bank balance, at £25.00. There are 2 other bears in the collection; Head Chef and Engine Driver.

Orient Express 'Steward' Bear - £25.00

That was all my purchases from my Birmingham/Edinburgh weekend.

(Hope I didn't bore you all too much)