Shore Projects

My watch collection is growing at quite an alarming rate as I am lucky enough, as a blogger to have been sent some really gorgeous designs. My latest addition is probably my favourite to date and comes via the folk at Shore Projects who specialise in British Seaside inspired watches that feature an awesome customisable strap feature meaning you can mix and match to suit your mood.

Dress: Primark | Shoes c/o Yull | Necklace c/o SuShilla | Watch c/o Shore Projects

I picked the Portland watch face (£85) for the base of my watch which comes with an already lovely mint green strap. I then picked one of the polka dot straps (£25) also in mint green so I could test out the concept for myself. Switching the straps is so simple to do thanks to a handy little clip and I love that with a classic face you have the basis for having a new watch whenever you please. I’m going to be adding to my strap collection in the future, I’m thinking a timeless brown leather one for an instantly chic look.
This outfit is what I wore the weekend before last for a day catching up with my best friend. The dress was a mere fiver in Primark and is an item I’ve been after all Summer- I’m so glad I didn’t see it until after it was reduced! The shoes are one of my all time favourite pairs that Sarah at Yull has sent me (she’s such a sweetheart) and I thought the colours in this outfit complimented each other nicely. The necklace is another favourite piece of mine and it was the perfect finishing touch.
If you’re in the market for a new watch then I highly recommend checking out Shore Projects- here’s the link to their lookbook so you can get a better idea of what they do…let me know what combination you’d go for below.

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A make for Mae and Giveaway with HobbyCraft

I envy those who can sew, really I do. I struggle to make even the most basic of stitches look neat and I actually got banned from using the machines during year 9 textiles lessons due to my track record of breaking them. Still, I wasn’t going to let that put me off when Hobbycraft got in touch and offered to send me a mini sewing machine to make something to show on the blog with, especially as with that challenge came a second machine to give away to one of my readers!
My Mum is super handy on a sewing machine so I picked her brains for ideas. We settled for making a simple heart template, which we (and by this I mean she) stitched most of the way around before I stuffed it with an old pair of tights and some catnip. The gap was hand stitched closed and Mae was presented with her brand new toy.

I know, I could have made something for myself- a skirt or a little purse perhaps, but being the cat lady that I am I couldn’t resisting making something for my mad moggy first. Watching Mum doing the sewing made me realise that actually, it’s not as hard as I once thought and I have dedicated myself to learning to make some simple things (I am somewhat calmer these days and better at focusing after all) which I will be sure to show on the blog. In the mean time, here are some photos of our exploits and your chance to win below.

(If you have any ideas of things I could make then do feel free to leave them below- being a mini machine I know options are limited but this is so easy to set up and use so it’s perfect for a beginner like me, or for any one who wants to make little gifts without setting up a big machine).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to UK residents only, good luck!

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Go For The Old

When it comes to vintage jewels I have never felt the need of looking at the cost. As a teenager I always found myself more drawn to beautiful lustrous pieces made up of rhinestones and pearls and I have always found myself awe of their age and beauty. As I grew up, I found myself more inclined towards exclusive and exquisite jewels of all shapes and sizes.

When it comes to buying online ensure you have a picture of what you are going to invest in. If the picture isn’t clear, ask for another picture but don’t settle for a blurry one because you have no inkling what you may pick in the bargain. Remember you are shelling precious pounds to make your jewellery collection look chic and fashionable so vigilance is key.

all images from here

Don’t expect your vintage jewellery to look fresh and new. It would hardly be vintage if it look brand new!. At the same time also ensure that it’s not worn out completely. Don’t invest in something that would need extensive (and expensive) repair. If you think that any erosion and metal underneath would not be visible to the naked eye you may want to take a gamble, but I advise otherwise.

Try befriending a vintage advisor because an expert’s advice is far superior to any reviews you may find online. Before you start trading in wholesale, get the hand and eye of the product to ensure that you know the difference between original and reproduced piece. Signed pieces from Trifari, Sphinx or Coro may be a good bet if you are a beginner. You may want to have quick view here to know what deals are on offer.

Clean antique pieces extremely carefully. Some already worn out pieces may suffer fatal damage if you just wash them with any jewellery cleaner. Don’t try to repair a piece without expert advice, it pays to get the repairs done from a professional. It is always better to emptier pockets than to lose a piece you love and have invested in.

You may think that you can have a vintage jewellery collection just by buying some pretty pieces, however we suggest that you invest your time in preserving and maintaining them as well. After all, these are pieces that have survived the test of time.

Looking ahead to Autumn

Hello folks, and Happy Saturday! How good does a long weekend feel? We might not have the best of the Summer weather but it makes looking ahead to next season feel like the right thing to do. I’ve compiled my pick of the trends ahead over on Riddle. Give it a share if you like what you see.

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An old wives tail

I was blessed/cursed with super thick and naturally frizzy hair- thanks Mum! Over the years I have spent a fortune on products and tools to try and tame it to no avail. On a standard day I’ll just wash it and scrunch some mousse through it, give it a blast with the hair dryer then spritz with a sea-salt spray and call it styled. Embracing my natural waves, and having the bulk cut out of it every time I book in for a trim (rarely, oops!) means I now have some element of control over how my hair looks but the one thing I’ve never managed to achieve without the help of my smooth hair obsessive mother is silky and frizz free straightened hair.
I was recently contacted by Old Wives Tail who sell a selection of hair oils and treatments to cure all hair nightmares. They offered to send me one of their oil treatments to review which was kind of perfect timing, as having recently had my hair stripped and recoloured on top of my usual frizz battles I was in need of a helping hand!
I chose the Organic Clove & Jojoba Oil treatment (£13.99 for 100ml) which promises to provide hydration for dull, thinning, brittle or broken hair. Having very dry hair plays a massive role in my taming troubles so this sounded perfect, and despite having only used it once I am suitably impressed.
This was sat around for a while in my room before I got a chance to use it (hence why it’s a little split in photos) as it requires at least an hour on your head to really work, before washing as normal. Having an entire hour to do nothing much is a rare luxury these days but in the name of blogging I set some time aside and got testing.

First up this treatment smells amazing! I love the spicy scent of clove and enjoyed the somewhat calming smell of this the whole time it was sat on my head- and for a day or more after too. I had reservations about using something that is literally oil on my hair, especially as it sits around for so long, but by the time you come to shampooing this out it slips away easily leaving no greasy residue behind.

I can’t remember the last time my hair felt so silky soft and I’m determined to set aside more time to use this on a regular basis as the whole experience was lovely. The 100ml pot is going to last quite some time too as I found I didn’t need to use much, so it’s a bit of a bargain for such a luxurious feeling treat. With no animal testing, and being suitable for vegetarians and vegans this is a product that everyone can enjoy and I highly recommend checking out the entire range on the website. The next time I have some spare cash for treats I’m going to be picking up the Coco Loco organic Coconut Oil Hair Mask (£14.99 for 150ml) and I’ll be sure to report back

Have you tried any products from Old Wives Tail yet? I’d love to know what you’re loving.

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