Stella & Dot

Since it was my birthday, of course I had to treat myself.  This came in the form of an impulse buy at last months Girls Day Out at Glasgow's SECC.

US brand Stella & Dot had a stall at the event, showcasing their jewellery of which, I am now a massive fan.  I didn't know of Stella & Dot until the show but they sell well designed, beautiful accessories and jewellery at really reasonable prices.  Obviously a little pricier than the likes of Topshop but pricing is consistent with it's quality in my opinion.

My gift to myself was the gold renegade cluster bracelet as seen on Katy Perry ... so there you go ;)  At £45 it was pricey enough to feel like a treat but not too expensive that I couldn't justify the cost.  I adore this bracelet with it's mix of spikes and diamante and it has certainly fuelled my desire for more Stella & Dot creations.  I literally have a massive 'want' list!

Is anyone else a fan of Stella & Dot?  What do you recommend from their range? I think I am going to go for some chunky statement necklaces next :) 

x

Leather and Lace

It's nearly the end of my holiday so I didn't want to waste my last few precious days off work lazing around ... as I have done for nearly 2 weeks now!!  It was time to leave the couch and the dvd's behind and meet some friends for lunch and drinks.

Sweater Top with lace detail: Topshop
Faux leather skirt: H&M
Footless tights: Boots
Platform Boots: New Look

An action shot ... !

Everyone and their mother now owns this skirt but that's because it's such a brilliant find.  It has an exposed zipper detail at the back and is so easy to dress up or down.  If you are thinking about buying I would size up in it.  H&M are always hit and miss with their clothing and this is one of those rubbish items you need to go a size bigger in :( 

I actually bought the top because I loved the lace shoulder detail.  I love any detailing on shoulders ... I seem to be drawn to anything like this.  I picked it up in the Topshop sale and was paying for it before I realised it was from their Maternity range! Yikes, that's not an announcement by the way!! It actually makes the sweater really comfy as there is a bit more give in it without it looking baggy and mis-shaped.

As you can see I am still really struggling with posing! Try as hard as I can to lark about in front of the camera, I still look like a bit of a dork and can't really pull off the 'fashionista' look but hey, I'm only here to share my ideas and inspiration.  I now have another issue besides posing and that's how to re-size my photos and present them better.  One step at a time though.  

Gold & silver link chain: Topshop
Silver diamante link chain: Primark
Watch: Vintage seiko
friendship bracelets: Topshop

I also stole my husbands vintage Seiko watch for the day.  I have decided it suits me better ... wonder if he will let me keep it ;)

I go back to work tomorrow and the thought literally fills me with dread.  Back to the grind so they say ... it's going to be a long 3 days until Friday!!

Who else is struggling with being back at work?

x

Mixing Metal

Following on from my last post I said I would post what I was wearing since I had taken some photos.  As always, nothing groundbreaking but was a cosy outfit for a day of doing not a lot.

My biggest problem with posting outfit photos is I just do not know how to pose and can't get over that whole stiff as cardboard look.  I am literally scared to smile, move or breathe when someone is taking my photo.  Of course, ply me with drink or get me among a group of friends and tensions ease but when it's just me and the Mr ... I just look a bit ... speshul!

Denim Shirt - H&M
Navy sweater - COS
Faux Leather/pvc jeans - New Look
Platform Boots - New Look
Chain Necklace - Topshop

Now, I know what you're thinking ... why is she wearing THOSE trousers?? Well, ya know, I just wanted to give them a go.

I have concluded my legs are definitely not skinny enough to pull them off stylishly but they have some 'give' which avoids me looking like an obese dominatrix/heavy metal enthusiast ... just!  They work better with longer tops but I like wearing them juxtaposed with a casual sweater.

I have got into the habit of wearing gold and silver jewellery together.  Something I have always done but I would usually mix them on a night out.  Faux pas!  ... many of you might say but they work together wonderfully and gets over the stress of having to go matchy matchy.  That's why I loved this necklace, it's a ready made excuse to mix your metals.  With a silver linked links adjoining two gold bars that fasten at the back.

What do you think about mixing your metals?  Would you dare?

x

Initial Jewellery

Ever since way back in the days of Carrie in Sex and the City where the obsession for name necklaces grew - the trend has continued and evolved in different forms.

Instead of full names emblazoned on our decolletage, the minimalist approach has been introduced, reducing it to just an initial.

From scrabble jewellery to dainty necklaces, there is always a new and unique way to combine our accessories with our identity.

Scrabble ring sourced from Folksy

sourced from Etsy

Sourced from Urban Outfitters

For me this has come in the form of these cute little rings from Urban Outfitters.
Despite the fact they turn my finger green (nothing that can't be fixed with some clear nail polish), at £8 each they look lovely stacked and worn alongside bigger rings.

Do you wear initial or named jewellery/accessories?  How do you wear yours?

x

Shoulder to Shoulder

I am a big fan of shoulder embellishment - always have been.  Hence my feathered cape, fur cape, plethora of crystal shouldered tees and love for shoulder pads... I love the arrogance, the glam and the confidence that comes with strong shoulders, harking back to the days of the 'power suit'.

Images like this simply encourage my love of the shoulder embellishment and take it to a new level in the form of an ornamental decoration or costume jewellery.  I believe this is called Epaulettes but if anyone would like to correct me feel free.

Natalie Portman looking fierce

I have seen a few celebrities sporting the look from Natalie Portman to Gaga but I was completely sold after seeing a truly exquisite pair at the Scottish Fashion Awards.

My jaw literally dropped in awe of the breathtaking adornment gracing the ever so chic shoulders of Swarovski Creative Director, Nathalie Colin at this years Awards.  Laden with swarovski crystal naturally, the beautiful work of art cupped Natalie's shoulders connecting with sparkling chains garnishing the decolletage.

You can just about see Nathalie's shoulder decoration pictured here at the Scottish Fashion Awards 2011.

So this really brings me onto - how can I find me some of this shoulder bling?  I have toyed with making my own but can't work out the best materials to use.  The wonders of Etsy has led me to stumble across some absolutely stunning epaullettes but at sky high prices.  Is it worth it?

Absolutely stunning and ever so Gaga, I love the juxtaposition of the spikes and crystal while an array of chains drape the body.  You can find this for sale on Esty here.

Another stunning pair found at the same Etsy store have a more military feel.

I love how these ornamental creations can be worn over clothing or on bare shoulders.  It beats a statement pair of earrings anyday.  They can so easily transform the simplest of outfits into something quite spectacular and certainly attention grabbing.

 I am pondering over whether they are really worth the cost or if I can find a cheaper supplier elsewhere.  I have got to get me a pair of these one way or another so the search will continue until I exhaust every avenue.

Has anyone else come across these delights and can recommend a retailer?  Even better - any DIY tips?

x