Category Archives: wish list

Brand Love: Yoshi

24th July 2017
I feel like this post is LONG overdue as I’ve been admiring Yoshi and their amazing array of accessories for a very long time now. I believe it was the queen of quirky, Char who first put me on their scent and ever since then I’ve obsessively stalked their instagram and website seeking out the latest arrivals.
But what makes this brand stand out within such a saturated market? I’ll start off with a visual example of why I love them so much…
Cats, biscuits, books, flowers and dogs are just a few of the cute characters you’ll find splashed across Yoshi pieces. With everything from handbags to glasses cases and key rings to coin purses this is one of the first sites I hit up when I’m looking for a gift with the personal touch for someone I care about, or to create massive wish lists of pieces I want for myself.

Yoshi is a small family business that has over 50 years experience in working with leather. With their timeless values of quality, craft and workmanship it’s clear that they truly care about what they do and this shines through in the accessories they produce.

It was an absolute privilege when Yoshi got in touch with me on instagram asking if they could pop a couple of cat themed pieces in the post to me. Just because, no obligations. The pieces came beautifully packaged in gorgeous printed dust bags and the attention to detail is just spot on. This is exactly why I love to support small businesses- you get that extra something that you just can’t replicate with mass produced goods.

There is definitely something for everyone in Yoshi’s work and I can hands down say you can buy from them with confidence. The key rings are a personal favourite of mine for gift giving purposes, and once I know I can trust him not to lose it I might well treat my boyfriend to one of their men’s wallets.

What’s your favourite piece on the Yoshi Website? I’m kinda feeling that owning a Jammy Biscuit bag is bordering on essential right now!

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Posted in accessories, brands I love, craft, fashion, shopping, wish list

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Fair Trade Gifting with Paper High

12th June 2017
One of my favourite shops in Bristol, back when The Galleries was the main shopping zone was a quirky little store called Evolution. It sold all manner of quirky gifts and everything was fair trade and really unique. I was devastated when the shop closed it’s doors- it was a main haunt of mine when it came to gift shopping and up until now there has been nothing to take it’s place in my life. That was until I was introduced to Paper High– an online gift shop that sells handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts that are both fair trade and eco friendly. Everything is sourced from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and by shopping with Paper High you are also giving a gift back by supporting these crafts-people.
On the website you’ll find a whole range of great gift ideas- from leather journals to light shades and the above is just a small selection of some of my very favourite pieces. I was also very kindly sent a beautiful leather journal* myself which is really just stunning. I’m a real stationery and notebook fiend and have quite a vast collection but nothing within that stash compares to the detail and craftsmanship of this piece.
To ensure that each and every product sold on Paper High is indeed fair trade and ethical they only work with small, family run businesses, community incentives, accredited charities and fair trade organisations. I absolutely love shops like this, both for the chance to pick up a really quirky present and for the fact that whilst buying a gift you’re also giving a gift.

Have a look for yourself and let me know what’s caught your eye. Do you have any old favourite shops that have since disappeared?

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Posted in gifts, lifestyle, review, shopping, wish list

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Home of Juniper wish list and discount

09th June 2017
My homewares radar was triggered again recently with the discovery of yet another online emporium to browse- Home of Juniper. Focusing on “conscientious consumerism” Home of Juniper sells a wide range of products including kitchenware, stationery, home decor, jewellery and gifts. They are proud to support both British producers and ethical craftsmanship from further afield bringing us a beautifully curated site full of unusual and quirky treasures.
Being the way I am, I couldn’t not put together a wish list to share with you- I also (being the giving person that I am) have a discount code to share which will give you 10% off and free shipping on any purchase until the end of June- details at the end of this post.
As you can see, I’ve fallen hard for the kitchenware. I love the rustic look of the tea set and espresso cups whilst the coaster (so true) and shakespeare quote banner were just lovely finishing touches I couldn’t help but include.
As promised, you can get 10% off and free shipping on your order until the end of June by using the code daisychain at the checkout. Do report back with what takes your fancy and let me know what you’re treating yourself to.

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Posted in brands I love, interiors, lifestyle, wish list

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Summer Nights

02nd June 2017
I actually featured the dress in this post last month in a post where I really wasn’t happy with how things turned out. Thankfully, with the recent bout of glorious weather I had a second chance to grab some photos and I’m much happier with the result.
It’s one of those dresses I bought with a dual purpose in mind, easy to dress down as I attempted to show in my April blog post, and also one that can lend itself to being a bit more formal…and that’s what I’ve tried to capture today.

Dress: Monki | Ankle Boots: New Look

It might be summer (in name at least) but I’m still not ready to let those ankle boots go. I’m still on the search for the perfect, semi-dressy and comfortable sandals- I own plenty of pairs that match one of the criteria but am yet to find the holy grail that meets all three. Please enlighten me on where I might find the perfect pair!
And whilst I’m looking back on my April post, how is that inner critic silencing going? Well, it’s certainly been tested lately as things haven’t 100% gone to plan- not that life ever does, it would be boring if that were the case but I am noticing that I am much better equipped to deal with these hiccups right now. Less likely to internalise and take it out on myself, more likely to let off steam in a healthy manner with a good, old fashioned rant.

It’s not always the case, of course. Sometimes those critical gremlins win out, but given that most areas of my life are vastly improved these days it’s getting easier to rise up again when I get knocked down.

Back to the outfit and this is definitely one I have marked for date nights over the summer. I’ve become quite the fan of slip dresses lately and Monki has a huge selection putting temptation in my path (this one and this one especially). Thinking about it, I’m yet to try Monki for shoes and they have some really awesome looking pairs online- can anyone vouch for the comfort and quality? I feel I’m going to have to try a few pairs on when I’m next in store, hopefully in the next couple of weeks…a shopping trip is long overdue and I’ve been saving hard. Who’s counting pairs of sandals owned anyway?

Incidentally this the first set of outfit photos I took on my new camera- remember how I was asking for advice? I went for the Canon EOS M10 compact system camera in the end and so far I’m impressed!

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Posted in brands I love, dresses, fashion, life stuff, outfits, personal style, shoes, shopping, wish list

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Spring/Summer transitional style wish list*

09th May 2017

This time of year can be really tricky to dress for. Despite the fact it’s May it hasn’t exactly been the weather for bringing out the little sun dresses and yet wearing knits and ankle boots really doesn’t appeal.

There’s also the matter of under-pinnings. In spring and summer, we often wear lighter fabrics that can show up every lump, especially bra straps and hooks. Invest in a front fastening bra: not only are they easier to take off, but it gives a more seamless look from the back. With no hooks digging in either, they’re a much more comfortable option for warmer days.

I haven’t been inspired enough to start shopping for my Summer wardrobe yet- it’s hard to imagine myself wearing the camisoles and strappy dresses I’m coveting when I’m yet to shed my winter coat but nevertheless I’ve been browsing like a trooper and have popped together a little wish list of some (in my eyes) perfect transitional pieces from two of my favourite retailers.

Tee, Hoodie, Skirt and Camisole Dress: Monki | Loafers and Denim Jacket: ASOS

Layering is a life saver at this time of year and it’s something I’m trying to embrace myself. I’m absolutely loving camisole dresses at the moment and despite their flimsy appearance, with the addition of a t-shirt, denim jacket or even the humble hoodie you have the perfect way to wear it even when the chill in the air catches you off guard.

Midi skirts are also great at this time of year! I pop a pair of tights on with mine to keep off the chill- there is no way I’m braving bare legs right now (in fact, I rarely ever do). If the weather does suddenly hot up then you have a swishy, cool and laid back outfit ready to roll. Perfect with both a fine knit top or a pretty camisole and offering more coverage than the ever-popular mini skirt, for me the midi is a wardrobe staple.

Shoe wise I always struggle at this time of year. I’m sick of my beloved ankle boots by this point and not anywhere near brave enough for sandals. Loafers and trainers are good transitional shoes. Neither look too heavy but offer some toe protection against frostbite! Given that I’m a huge fan of the embroidery trend it’s no surprise that this ASOS loafers made it on to my wish list.

How do you combat the mixed weather at this time of year? It’s hard work when one day you have 20 degree sunshine and the first tan line of the year…and yet the next day it’s back to shivering and wondering why on earth you didn’t think to pack a jacket!

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Posted in fashion, inspiration, outfits, personal style, shopping, wish list

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