Limited time offer

I didn't want to waste precious suitcase space on paperbacks to read while I'm over here. So instead, I've been buying up magazines to flip through during my down time.

As I was perusing the newsstand, I noticed that most of the major magazines come packaged with free stuff. Novels, lip gloss, chocolates, body lotion, tote bags, even Benefit mascara! The kind of stuff you would ordinarily get [a crappier version of] with your ordered subscription in the States. But over here, they lure you in right at the stand.

Is this how the UK is saving the printed publication? Is the US doing it too, I'm just not noticing? Granted, I'm subscribed to enough magazines at home that I haven't been to Barnes + Noble in awhile to buy new ones. (I wait until the September issues come out for that.) If they aren't, maybe they should try it out. Sales obviously need a boost and, after all, who doesn't like free stuff?

Swiney

Terrifying: A bunch of Topshop employees at the Oxford Circus location (the real big one) tested positive for the Swine Flu. While the store is staying open for now, I'm thinking the quilted purse and turquoise sunglasses I wanted to buy can wait until they've cleared everyone. I can hear my wallet (and immune system) breathing a sigh of relief...

Head over heels

Meet Nacho Figueras, my latest crush. I fell for the Ralph Lauren model a few weeks ago while watching him in action at Polo in the Park.

Imagine my envy when I read this interview that the Elle News London correspondent got to do while he was in town for the match.

So, so jealous.

Aux Naturalle

"When I was a child, my mother always told me that you could wake up in the middle of the night and be deathly sick, so you always have to be impeccable. I laugh about it now, but I think everyone should go to bed like they have a date at the door."

-Karl Lagerfeld, chatting with model Sigrid Agren for Interview

As much as I wish I went to bed looking gorgeously radiant, I do not. I have blond eyelashes that make me look like an alien when not doused with 18 coats of mascara. When I first had roommates, it took me months to build up the courage to take my eye makeup off each night--I was too petrified to let anyone see me in a natural state. (Ultimately, I decided I'd prefer looking like crap after 10pm than deal with the side effects of sleeping in cosmetics.)

Lately, there are many [see: Katie Holmes] far braver than I--opting to head outdoors with a bare face. CoedUgly blogger, Kristine, did a great post about this a couple weeks ago. To these confidant souls, I applaud you.

Minor Celebrity

So I went to Brick Lane today, and passed this guy crooning away amongst the market chaos. Then, I was scrolling through FaceHunter, and saw him photographed! How much of a loser am I when I admit that this excites me?