anniegetyourgun

2011 has been a good year for me. I started a blog, which has been a creative outlet for me this year, I've traveled a great deal, and on Monday I start the new year in a new job in a television production company. Working freelance was great in many ways, but I'm more comfortable with a 9-5 job and a steady income.

My first outfit picture on my new blog. I'm wearing a Lanvin for H&M trench, H&M tights and pearls, Mulberry clutch and Christian Louboutin heels. Here are some of my other outfits this year:

I'm wearing a Michael Kors leather jacket, Sonia Rykiel for H&M sweater, S'nob de Noblesse skirt and Topshop leather bag.

I'm wearing a Warehouse silk top, Zara blazer, Chanel bag and silver flower ring from Greece.

I'm wearing a Vero Moda dress, Chanel bag, Bella Belle shoes, Anne Klein watch and Bjørg necklace.

I'm wearing an H&M dress, Love Moschino belt, Din Sko sandals and Ray-Bans.

H&M dress, Mulberry bag and Ray-Bans.

Here I'm wearing an H&M dress, Mulberry bag, Sam Edelman leather flats and Versace sunnies.

I'm wearing a Vila dress, Mulberry bag, New Look leather sandals and Versace sunglasses.

I'm wearing a Diane von Furstenberg dress, Topshop leather bag and gold necklace bought in New York.

Mango blazer, Matthew Williamson for H&M silk top and Chanel bag.

Matthew Williamson for H&M blazer, H&M tank top, Fade to Blue jeans, Bianco leather ankle boots and Burberry bag.

H&M trench cape, Tiger of Sweden jeans, Bianco ankle boots and Prada bag.

H&M coat, homemade scarf, Zara pants, Proenza Schouler bag, Jean Paul Femme leather boots and New Look leather driving gloves.

I went to a photographer and had professional photos taken. Here I'm wearing a Coast silk maxi dress.

I set a new, personal record in traveling this year. In spring I went to Great Britain for a long weekend, and I visited London, Bath (pictured here) and my old home town Guildford.

In early summer, I went to Santorini, Greece, which was one of the most picturesque places I've ever seen.

In late summer, I was lucky enough to get a trip sponsored to California to attend a big, international translators' conference. I visited the lovely San Francisco...

...and Los Angeles.

In October, I went to Africa for almost four weeks to work as as volunteer with wild animals, and for the first time in my life I felt as if I was doing something really meaningful.

I have a lot to be grateful for. I live fairly comfortably, I travel a great deal, I have my health and a job that I like. But most of all I'm grateful for my boyfriend, friends, family and cats, and I hope we'll all stay happy and healthy in the year to come.

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm going out with friends later tonight, but right now I'm chilling with my baby, Tobias, who's World Champion in relaxing. He's a weird cat. He always sleeps on his back.

My favorite looks from Marchesa's 2012 resort collection. I love all the white dresses. They're exquisite.

Norwegian photographer Sølve Sundsbø must have choked on his morning coffee when Rihanna recently released her latest music video, You Da One, directed by Melina Metsoukas. In the video, she writhes around on the ground in a flesh-colored bodysuit as shadows in the shape of dots and stripes produce different patterns on her body. These scenes are almost identical to a photo series that Sølve Sundsbø did for French fashion magazine Numéro back in 2008. Rihanna's new bowl cut is even strikingly similar to the one model Edita Vilkeviciute wore in the photo series.

In October this year, Rihanna and music video director Melina Metsoukas settled out of court for an undisclosed sum with photographer David LaChapelle after plagiarizing his work in the music video S&M. They're also facing another law suit from photographer Philipp Paulus over a scene in the same video. You would think the popstar would have learned her lesson, but from the looks of it, Rihanna might be heading back to court soon.

Points a la Ligne photographed by Sølve Sundsbø in 2008.

Rihanna in her new music video You Da One.

Top, skirt and tights from H&M, shoes from Sam Edelman, watch from Anne Klein and earrings from Argos.

Oh my, I've died and gone to shoe heaven! To put it in Rachel Zoe's words, I would go ba-na-nas if I was allowed into her office. Talk about shoe, bag and clothing overload!

Photos borrowed from one of my favorite blogs, The Coveteur.

My Christmas Eve outfit: an exact, custom-made copy of Roland Mouret's "Pigalle" dress, H&M tights and Sam Edelman leather heels.

Details on my Sam Edelman heels. They're fantastic to look at, but so uncomfortable to walk in.

Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Dita von Teese and Beyoncé Knowles in the popular Roland Mouret "Pigalle" dress.

Time for my last Advent calendar entry. I've always liked melancholic Christmas songs the best, and my absolute favorite Norwegian Christmas song has to be Mitt hjerte alltid vanker (My Heart Always Wanders). This year the Crown Prince couple released a special Christmas album to raise money for disadvantaged young people, and one of the artists contributing to the album was Gunnhild Sundli with her version of Mitt hjerte alltid vanker. I'm a die-hard fan of her folk-rock band Gåte, and I think she has one of the absolute best voices in Norway. I couldn't find a full version of the song on YouTube, but here's a teaser:

Ingebjørg Bratland is another talented folk singer. I never thought a performance on the very cheesy music show Beat for Beat would bring a tear to my eye, but she managed to do so. (Notice the mesmerized audience in the video.) Here's her magical version of the song. Merry Christmas!

Oh Holy Night is one of the most popular Christmas songs around the world, and countless artists have performed their renditions of the song. When I asked my boyfriend who has the best version of Oh Holy Night, you would think he would have answered Andrea Bocelli, Pavarotti or another great tenor. But no, he instantly answered South Park. So here it is!

If you're a die-hard Sex and the City fan such as myself, you will probably remember the episode in season 3 where Carrie misses the Staten Island ferry and yells "Wait! I lost my Choo!" as the boat pulls away from the pier. To celebrate Jimmy Choo's 15th anniversary this year, founder Tamara Mellon put together a 15-piece collection of updated classics, which she has called Icons. Among them is a modern version of Carrie's feathered princess shoes. EUR 1395 at Jimmychoo.com.

The company has also published a lovely coffee table book, Jimmy Choo XV, in honor of their anniversary. So if you need a last-minute Christmas gift for a fashion-crazed friend, sister, mother or girlfriend, this is a good tip. USD 46.30 at Amazon.com.

Time to reveal a new song in my music Advent calendar. U2 did a cover of Darlene Love's Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) back in 1987.

I tingle with impatience when I watch this. I can't wait until next Christmas!

Mariah Carey's gospel version of Joy to the World. Notice her chav 90s bangs and Croydon facelift, haha! But the lady has an impressive set of lungs, I'll give her that. I, however, has not an impressive set of lungs today. I'm home with the flu and has lost my voice completely.

Clockwise from the top left: Hervé Leger sequin dress, USD 2500 at Net-A-Porter; H&M top, NOK 149; Yves Saint Laurent pumps, USD at Net-A-Porter and Pamela Love bangle, USD 505 at Net-A-Porter.

Beyoncé in Giorgio Armani Privé and Blake Lively in Chanel.

River Island cardigan, GBP 35; River Island necklace, GBP 40; Vince Camuto pumps, USD 129; Coast hair clip, GBP 9.

Diane Kruger often uses beautiful hair clips in her hair. Here in Chanel.

Marchesa gown, USD 3500 and Marchesa mini dress, USD 2420 at The Outnet; Anya Hindmarch clutch, USD 550 and Jimmy Choo mini bag, USD 525 at Net-A-Porter.

Cameron Diaz in a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown.

Calvin Klein Collection dress, USD 2450 at Net-A-Porter; Coach bag, USD 428; Christian Louboutin heels, USD 1495 at Net-A-Porter; Tiffany & Co sterling silver bangle, USD 500; Jimmy Choo sandals, USD 495 at Net-A-Porter.

Eva Longoria in a fantastic Marchesa dress.

Robert Rodriguez dress, USD 313 at The Outnet; Louis Vuitton collar, USD 2360 and Dana Kellin for Target drop earrings, USD 13.99.

H&M metallic jeans, NOK 399 and Vila dress, NOK 699.

Noomi Rapace in Givenchy Couture and Hillary Swank in Gucci.

Lanvin wedges, USD 1365; Emilio Pucci cuff, USD 245; Michael Kors clutch, USD 220 and Yves Saint Laurent ring, USD 250, all at Net-A-Porter.

Chuck Berry's rock classic Run Rudolph Run covered by Lemmy Kilmister, Billy F. Gibbons and Dave Grohl. I wish you all a very Metal Christmas and a headbanging New Year;-)

Gucci RTW fall 2011

Karen Millen dresses, GBP 295 and 265.

Karen Millen coat, GBP 325; Asos hat, GBP 10; New Look pussybow blouse, GBP 14.99; Fiorelli leather bag, EUR 69 and Vince Camuto leather boots, USD 210.

Andrea Bocelli's italian version of Silent Night: Astro del Ciel.

Michael Kors leather jacket, H&M scarf and tights, S'nob de Noblesse skirt, Mulberry bag, Jean Paul Femme boots and Argos silver chandelier earrings.

This one's for you, little bro! My little brother does the best impersonation of Morten Harket. Here is a live performance of A Kind of a Christmas Card from the 2008 TV2 Artist Gala.

Dress from the 2012 resort collection, USD 18 000. A bit out of my price range, but a girl's allowed to dream.

The Axum crystallized Lucite wedges, from USD 1140. I love the heels on these. Donna Karan has collaborated with artisans in Venice who work with plastic and wood, usually for the furniture industry. These amazing shoes are the result. Each wedge starts with a solid piece of Lucite, which is handcrafted into the desired silhouette. Acid is then carefully drizzled on the top of that Lucite, which creates the shard-like indentations inside the wedge. The Lucite is hand-polished to shine its clear exterior. A strong epoxy is mixed with colored dye, which is then brushed on the Lucite's surface for the color to seep slowly into the mico-shards. This unusual technique is completely original and exclusive to Donna Karan, and makes each wedge a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Have yourselves a Merry little Christmas.

Turn up the lights in here baby

Extra bright, I want y'all to see this

Turn up the lights in here baby

You know what I need

Want you to see everything

Want you to see all of the lights

- All of the Lights by Kanye West

It's dark when I leave for work in the morning and dark when I get back home, so I've been a little uninspired lately when it comes to outfit pictures. I can't wait for spring!

Yesterday´s outfit: old duffle coat bought in England years ago, Coach bag, H&M scarf and shirt, Guess jeans and Jean Paul Femme leather boots. A friend of mine has knitted the Selbu mittens, and my mother-in-law has knitted my wool stockings.

I'm a kid at heart, and I absolutely love cartoons. So instead of presenting a Christmas song today, I've chosen a Christmas cartoon. How The Grinch Stole Christmas is based on a book written by Dr. Seuss, and it's considered to be a classic in America. I'm not quite sure why it hasn't caught on in Norway, but I love it.

Part 1

Part 2

It's been a month and a half since I returned from Namibia, and I still think about Harnas every day. I found this really cute video from Harnas on YouTube, but it just makes me miss the animals even more.

Sissel Kyrkjebø's rendition of Deilig er jorden.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

Thy candles shine out brightly!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

Thy candles shine out brightly!

Each bough doth hold its tiny light

That makes each toy to sparkle bright

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

Thy candles shine out brightly

I've finally decorated my Christmas tree with clear lights and silver and blue decorations. I usually decorate my tree on December 1, but this year I've had so much to do and I've been so tired that I didn't get around to do it until this week. But now it's up, and I love it!

Brenda Lee's Jingle Bell Rock. Another Christmas classic.

Costume designer of the upcoming movie "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo", Trish Summerville, has designed a capsule collection for H&M that will be in store tomorrow. The collection is inspired by the unique style of the movie's anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander.

Leather jacket, NOK 1499 and leather pants, NOK 999. These are really good buys, as they're made of real leather. But don't wear them together. A head-to-toe leather look is seldom flattering.

Cardigan, NOK 249 and t-shirt, NOK 149. These pieces remind me of the "hobo chic" Balmain collections a few seasons ago.

Leather boots, NOK 499.

Noomi Rapace in the ORIGINAL Girl With Dragon Tattoo movie. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to see the American version with Rooney Mara or if I'm going to boycott it. I think the original is flawless, and I'm a bit upset that Hollywood always have to make their own americanized version of every hit film there is.

Santa Claus is coming to...Madagascar? Happy Santa Lucia day!

I tried on this fabulous Mango dress (NOK 2199) when I was out Christmas shopping this weekend. It could easily have been a look from Balmain's RTW fall collection, but the price difference is a whopping NOK 168 000!

Balmain RTW fall 2011.

This song takes me back to Spanish class. Good times! ¡Feliz navidad!

On my way down to Oslo yesterday. The days are so short now that  I soak up all the daylight I can get. I'm wearing a Michael Kors leather jacket and Louis Vuitton scarf.

Annie Lennox' fantastic version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

I love driving gloves, and these are my latest purchase.

I can't believe I'm admitting this, but I was a die-hard Mariah Carey fan in my early teens. I never listen to her music anymore. Except at Christmas time. Her first Christmas album will always be the ultimate Christmas album to me.

The Muppets ringing in Christmas.

Speaking of the Muppets, the old gang is now out with a new musical movie. However, here in Norway we have to wait patiently until February 17 to see it. In the mean time, why not wear an OPI nailpolish from the special Muppet collection to your Christmas parties this year?

These two spectacular shades are called Fresh Frog of Bel Air and Getting Miss Piggy With It.

Stunning Rachel McAdams in Marchesa at the premiere of Sherlock Holmes 2 yesterday.

H&M coat, homemade scarf, Proenza Schouler bag, New Look leather driving gloves, Zara pants and Jean Paul Femme leather boots.

Andrea Bocelli's beautiful rendition of Ave Maria.

I love this song.

Maria Mena released this beautiful Christmas song last year.

Rammstein is out with their first Best Of album, Made in Germany. In addition to six different covers to choose from, the album comes in three different editions: a one CD Standard Edition, a two CD Special Edition and a Limited Super Deluxe Metal Box, which contains two CDs and three DVDs. All three editions contain their 15 biggest hits plus their new single, Mein Land.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Happy Christmas (War is Over).

I went to a Christmas party last night. I'm wearing an Anne Klein silk chiffon dress (a bargain from Chicago), Zara sequin clutch and Christian Louboutin heels.

Last year Lissie performed an awesome cover of Slade's Merry X-Mas Everybody at Senkveld. I love it!

After almost a month in the scorching hot, African sun (with a group of baboons who pulled out about half of my hair), my hair was thin, dry and sun-damaged. Now it's almost back to normal after using my favorite protein shampoo, conditioner and hair mask from Goldwell. I also soaked my hair in Moroccan argan oil, which brought the shine back to my brittle hair.

I didn't give a toss about what I wore in Africa, and my personal hygiene was questional at times. I cut bloody donkey meat, stuck my hands in buckets of leftovers and got peed and pooed on by the animals almost every day. The shower facilities at Harnas weren't too bad, but the moment I stepped out of the shower room I had sand stuck between my toes again. I constantly walked around with blood under my fingernails, and sunscreen and sand everywhere else. Since I spent all of my time with the animals, my "cream regime" suffered a little. I'm usually very strict about moisturizing, but by the time I got out of the shower after dinner, I just wanted to throw on my sweats, sit around the fire or go straight to bed. No time for beauty treatments. But like they said, Harnas isn't for sissies.

After I got back home, I used my favorite skin products from Ole Henriksen, L'Occitane and Body Shop, and my skin is now back to normal. I can really recommend Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum. I suffer from dry, sensitive skin, and the Truth Serum combined with L'Occitane's Ultra Rich Face Cream has done wonders for my face.

It's December 3 and time for a new Christmas song in my Advent music calendar. I know this isn't technically a Christmas song, but it's one of my favorite classical songs, and I listen to it a lot at Christmas time.

When I was in Africa, I bought several fashion magazines, and I discovered a new gem: South-African designer Collette Dilligan. She's based out of Australia, but shows her collections at Paris Fashion Week. Her designs are super feminine with delicate fabrics, prints and embellishments. She does the soft, subtle colors particularly well.

From the 2012 resort collection.

From the 2011 RTW fall collection.

From the 2011 summer bridal collection.

From the 2011 RTW spring collection.

Good morning! Time for a new Christmas song in my Advent music calendar. Kurt Nilsen released a Christmas album last year, and it's very good. This is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever.

Black Sabbath are coming to Oslo on May 31, and I have tickets! Yay!

Christmas is a magical time of the year. It's the one good thing about winter, and I especially love all the Christmas preparations during Advent. I've had an Advent calendar every year for as long as I can remember, and this year is not going to be any different. I'm going to have an Advent music calendar here on my blog, presenting a new Christmas song every day. Brenda Lee's Rocking Around The Christmas Tree gets me into the Christmas spirit every year.