"More is more, less is a bore"

If I don't look like this when I'm older, I will have failed in life.

This is Iris Apfel. She's 91. And awesome. That is all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leopard into Autumn

Thin, fat, short, or tall: remember, leopard print is your friend. You just have to know how to incorporate it wisely.

I mostly adhere to the 'big is best' philosophy of accessorising and unsurprisingly, this doesn't end with print. Being 5ft 2.5" (all you shorties will know how important that half inch is....wow, that sounds ALOT like a line from a 90s rap song...), I like to think that a bit of print goes a long way in keeping me from getting lost in a crowd.

Leopard print is perfect to ease you into being that little bit bolder if that is, you're a print-virgin. Totally versatile, use against bright pieces in S/S or to make A/W outfits that bit more exciting. Here's a few examples (all from the loveliness that is Pinterest)  to give you some ideas this Autumn...

 

 

Shoes: Flats are perfect if you've got a big night out that's sure to last until the wee hours and don't want to be crippled by a pair of heels. The splash of print keeps the outfit smart and on trend:

 

Print heels are perfect with an outfit that's otherwise block coloured or monochrome:

Accessorise: Don't think that because you've got a loud print on that you cant accessorise, big. Same goes for teaming it with bight colours  - looks a treat:

Neck: If I have one piece of advice, it's go out a buy a leopard print scarf. Right now. You can throw it on with almost anything and can style up otherwise seemingly 'boring' outfits:

Eyes: Whether you need them for sun, reading or wondering if 'that blur over there in the distance' is your husband, leopard frames are ruddy awesome:

Warmth: Print coats and jackets aren't just for Steven Tyler, oh no. Slim fitted blazers like this one, when teamed with casual daywear look effortlessly cool. Note the layered necklaces to give an edge:

Storage: Statement bags are no new thing, the one below makes the chic work wardrobe that bit more fun:

Shirts/blouses: wear under a jumper with a statement necklace or just with skinny jeans for a casual look that you can take from day to night, with just the swipe of a bright lippy:

 

Elva do

 

 

So I'm at a wedding recently (my third this year) and it suddenly dawned on me: I'm officially an adult.

 

Now I realise I should have realised this sooner, but there's nothing like a wedding, of one of your peers, who's younger than you, to make you start evaluating yourself.  No longer is it relevant to assume that the lady in question must be up the duff. No longer is it an acceptable response to say 'Congratulations!, What's the rush?' (in hindsight I'm not sure that it ever was actually...whoops). It is in fact, entirely peculiar for the first thought in my head to be: 'Shit, what's her dad going to say?!' (note: this is my same response whenever I hear a friend is pregnant). And yet I still think like that, I still think like a 17 year old.

 

Until recently that is. Whilst eagerly awaiting the bride's entrance at a wedding over the Summer I thought, for the first time: I wonder what I'd wear? Surprising really, seeing as just moments earlier I'd been the butt of (another) one of my boyf's inappropriate japes. As Best Man, he'd been given responsibility for the rings. I was stood chatting with a few pals, in the middle of about 50 other wedding guests - whom I'd never met, most of whom had never met boyf and of whom about a third started to gasp and point behind me. Turning to see what the commotion was about, I see boyf, ON ONE KNEE in front of me, holding out a ring box. AT SOMEONE ELSE'S WEDDING. Now, I did what every girl would do in that situation - swore. Loud and fast. And a lot. A sort of convulsion ensued...

 

What seemed like an hour passed, in fact was about 2.5 seconds, after which boyf laughed and said "Can you put this box in your handbag, it's too bulky to carry around in my suit pocket".

 

Yep. That's my world.

 

Now this isn't an attempt to make you feel sorry for me, it's more of an illustration of the miracle that was my thought that afternoon, whilst expectantly looking down the aisle...

 

I couldn't help but wonder, what would I go for? Well, I'm a gal who doesn't subscribe to the 'I'm getting married so I must grow my hair long, ringlet it to within an inch of it's life and wear white satin shoes'. Just think about that for a second, in what realm would anyone in real life wear white satin shoes and think that that's ok? I don't care if they're designer, they're SATIN SHOES. Ok, ok, moving on...

 

...just imagine my delight then when I stumbled across these Elva Fields delights from designer Emily Wheat Maynard. She began the range after her own wedding,  when she designed most of the jewellery worn by guests. Made in her Taylorsville, KY studio, Elva Fields teams vintage with modern colour pops and each design is just sublime. Fabulously, Emily also works with brides to incorporate family heirlooms into the pieces. Have a gander at some picks below, from current and past collections - I definitely know who I'm calling when I get the ring and not just the box!

 

These were all found at http://shop.elvafields.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add caption

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer lovin'

 

 

Jeez, where did the Summer go?? Let's see, there was my 30th birthday, an Italian wedding, a graduation, campervanning in the Scottish highlands, a long weekend in Krakow, the otherhalves' 30th...i'm knackered!

 

Lot's seen and done, and most excellently, lots of stories and treasures gained along the way! First things first, I thought I'd share some pieces I've acquired in the last few months...

 

 

Firstly, a custom-made ring from my parents for my 30th. A chunky but everyday ring that I absolutely love:



 

 

 

Now for something I treated myself with. I love a statement necklace and American label JCrew come up trumps. I saw this and just had to have it. For a 'highstreet' store they ain't cheap but the products speak for themselves. Let it be said that I'm not normally a bling type of gal but this is too good to be true. I've worn it teamed with a plain, block coloured shift dress and also to spangle up a high neck t-shirt, jeans and heels. J'adore...

 

 

 

Here's another 30th bday pressie. Now, I admit I did choose this myself but mainly because I wanted something that I knew I would LOVE seeing as I'd be wearing it everyday. I have teeny tiny wrists and the majority of the watches out on the market right now, well, basically look the same. Mahoosive round faces, big on branding. Not for me thanks. French watch label Nixon are fabulously me. Their numerous collections really stand out from the crowd. Simple, classic, and 'champagne' coloured...what's not to love?

 



 

 

A belated present from the boyf next, bought in the north of Italy whilst we were there attending a friend's wedding. OK, so it's obvious that I'm not a dainty accessoriser, but no one wants to look OTT. I absolutely adore this sterling silver and blue stone ring. It's big, yet beautifully delicate and detailed because of the filigree sides and multifaceted shape of the stone. I had to get it resized back in the UK but so worth it:

 

 

 

 

Finally, an absolutely stunning 1920's antique, mother of pearl centred pendant. This was given to me by six of my best girlfriends for my birthday, along with flowers, balloons, the works. The day itself didn't exactly go as planned (more on that later) so receiving this just blew me away. I wear it most days on a long chain and receive no end of compliments and questions about it. My friends are like my family and looking at this pendant makes me smile every time. Gotta love your girls!

 



 

 

 

 

I've Binn expecting you!

 

So Spring has sprung, no, wait, has it? Yes. No, not quite...damn UK weather! Whenever I get ready for a night out it's pretty much a given that I'll have a paddy in front of the wardrobe shouting 'I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!' and the LB will sigh loudly - knowing it may be some time until we leave the house...so imagine my excitement when I found Tom Binns latest collections. Sure to liven up any outfit, I've picked out a few necklaces from his site: http://www.tombinnsdesign.com, I want them all!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White moth = YES!!

I LOVE WHITE MOTH!!! There I said it.

Whilst browsing this afternoon, I came across White Moth, a jewellery line designed by Tracey Heineman in NYC. Finding beauty in the unexpected, the pieces are influenced from architecture and industrial design. You know when you see something and immediately you want every single piece ever made, ever?? Well, White Moth is that brand for me. The website is currently under construction, but keep checking because if the sneaky peek at the Spring 2013 collection is anything to go by, it's going to be worth the wait! http://www.whitemothjewelry.com/

Take a peek at Geek Chic

Afternoon all!

So, I've been away for a while - weekends away, work and house renovations are to blame! But I'm back now and have loads to show off.  First up are a few pieces from a marvellous brand: Geek Chic. They are one of a kind jewellery designs using vintage and recycled objects, all influenced by Lewis Carroll, Jane Austen, Tolkien, Tim Burton, Serj Tankian, Steampunk, the Pre-Raphaelites, Art Nouveau, to name but a few. I think you'll agree they're utterly beautiful and a real conversation starter! best of all, you'll never see anyone else with the same piece as you...




geekchic.webs.com

geekchic.webs.com

geekchic.webs.com
 

geekchic.webs.com





Happy VDay Me, love Me x

So, it's Valentines Day tomorrow. I love my boyfriend but he'd fully admit that present buying is certainly not his strong point. Let's see...Christmas 2011 - a pack of nail varnishes, 3 different shades of black, 3 different shades of opaque off-white. A (clearly used and already returned) basket of smelly toiletries - given to me no less than a week after a good ten minute conversation we had about how useless said tiny toiletries are whilst i was throwing about twenty of them into our bin. Michael Bublé's (unofficial) biography. When I asked where he'd found all these treats, he proudly told me TK MAXX. (For those reading this in the US - think Walmart). Followed closely by "They're all popular Christmas presents, they were all on the one stand right next to the door!". Boy, was i glad i'd bought him a weekend away...

 

Now, in our relationship present giving has kind of turned rather amusing...in that he gets sweaty palms just at the thought of it and I get so nervous of the outcome that i basically just tell him what i want. To be fair, he's come a long way since that Christmas, and he's a gem so it's all good. My advice - to myself and to you - is go pick yourself out something pretty and enjoy whatever comes your way from your loved one because no matter what it is, it's the thought that counts. What am i saying? Just ask for reciepts!

 

Here's some beauties that have caught my eye, covering a range of costs, and including a right bobby dazzler at the end should you want that extra special Valentines this year...!

 



Pendant from pranella.com



lauraleejewellery.com



Bracelet from http://www.zoealexanderuk.com/



 

houseofharlow1960.com








bethlauren.com



Cuff from anndraneen.com



Personalised necklace from lisastewartonline.com




Antique ring, picture from sottovocelondon.com/

 

Where for Art Thou Deco?

Whilst fashion themes change each year from season to season, there are styles that endure the test of time. One of my favourites is Art Deco. Think twenties, think Miami, think simple, striking shapes. What's not to love? Here's a few fabulous examples...



easyfashion.blogspot.com.es







etsy.com

etsy.com



apreski.bigcartel.com



bogomash.com



etsy.com

Street Life

There is some amazing costume jewellery on the highstreet at the moment. Whilst i'd much rather wear more unique accessories, i'm also a sucker for bargain finds - IF i'm convinced that not everyone and their dog will be wearing them. Plus it keeps the Lovely Boyf much happier - when i'm not spending!




urbanoutfitters.co.uk

urbanoutfitters.co.uk

topshop.com




warehouse.co.uk



topshop.com

 

topshop.com

topshop.com



topshop.com



missselfridge.com




dorothyperkins.com

dorothyperkins.com

hm.com

wallisfashion.com



frenchconnection.com

 

warehouse.co.uk