Category Archives: christmas

Dreaming of a Dower & Hall Christmas

16th November 2013
I’ve only really known about jewellery brand Dower & Hall for a mere six months or so but in that time they’ve impressed me hugely. I was lucky enough to win a beautiful bracelet in a Twitter giveaway and since then I have religiously stalked the website drooling over new arrivals.
Of course, with Christmas just around the corner it’s only right I share some favourite pieces in a wishlist/gift guide combined, right?
Initial necklace from the Luscious Letters collection- £120. All 26 letters of  the alphabet are available in various lengths and in gold and silver as well as the rose gold.

18ct Gold Vermeil Amethyst Ring £105

18ct Gold Vermeil Lemon Quartz Nugget Bracelet – £78

Mixed Jewel Twinkle Stack £190- along with the initial necklace this is one of my top pieces.

Rose Gold Vermeil & Labradorite Bead Charm Bracelet – £95

Sévérine Yellow Gold & White Topaz Cut Out Star Drops, £98

Sévérine Yellow Gold Vermeil & White Topaz bracelet, £65 
I’m always amazed at the prices of Dower & Hall jewellery, each piece looks like it costs a lot more than it does- and yes I know it’s not exactly every day affordable but for such high quality craftsmanship I think you’re getting a bargain.
Which is your favourite piece?
xxx

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Cat Lady Christmas Gifts

09th November 2013

How gorgeous are these cat themed goodies from social enterprise ARTHOUSE Meath?
They would make the perfect gift for any cat lady and give something back too.
The cat designs come from a girl named Amy and you can buy them through the online shop. The mug is priced at £8.99, the notebook costs £3.95 and the tea towel is £7.25.
Of course, it’s not just felines on the website, there is a HUGE range of beautifully designed gifts from jewellery to fine art prints. It’s a site I intend to keep firmly at the top of my bookmarks and will be checking regularly for updates.
This brilliant video shows more of what ARTHOUSE Meath does and what an amazing place it is.
What do you think?
xxx

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Good for you Gifting with Re-Uz

06th November 2013
Before I get in to this post allow me to share a little more about the brand, Re-Uz that I’m featuring today…
In 2010 two aspiring designers sought a re-usable carrier that was stylish and not too expensive that would be a great plastic bag replacement.
Putting pen to paper they decided to design their own carriers that are not only environmentally friendly but bang on trend so that doing your bit doesn’t sacrifice any style statement. A keen eye and a lot of hard work built Re-Uz into a successful collection of Re-usable ranges.
The parent company, Josoblu Ltd which also includes sister brands momymoo and ringArose was set up and moved to the current premises in a quiet part of South West London and have since expanded into other areas of the industry. The Re-Uz range includes a wide range of bags in a variety of eye-catching prints and patterns.
Recognised by the travel industry for its practicality and versatility our bags are now stocked by airlines, museums, gift shops as well as department stores in the UK and further afield.
Having recently recieved an e-mail about the brand I decided that they’d be a perfect feature in one of my many gift ideas posts.
I know many of us (myself included) likes to give a gift that does the world some good and hese bags are perfect for that. Additionally the four I am featuring in this post all cost under £25 so
 won’t break the budget either…
Each design comes in a variety of prints making them ideal for all ages both genders. Brilliance.
The carrier bag costs £6.99 and folds away in a handy pouch.

The messenger bag costs £12.99 and can also be folded away.

The backpack costs £14.99, folds away and is my favourite style of the lot. It’d be so handy to have a backpack on hand sometimes!

The purse costs £24.99
I’m yet to decide who I’m buying these for and which print is my favourite but I might have to treat myself to a backpack…all in the name of research, of course!
(Actually, I lied…the kitty cats print is my favourite!)
Take a peek at the website, which style and print would you be wishing for?
xxx

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Pull my Cracker

05th November 2013

Jumper c/o George at Asda’s amazing Christmas Jumpers collection
Shorts: ASOS (ages ago)
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell at Sarenza
Yeah, ok I’m getting a bit carried away with the Christmas themed posts lately but as soon as this knit from George at Asda arrived (actually from the men’s selection, never forget the men’s department for slouchy styles) I had to post straight away.
This year they have an amazing range of Novelty Christmas Jumpers at really good prices which is vital when you’re not going to wear it more than a few times a year.
This outfit doesn’t really work, but I rediscovered these shorts at the back of a drawer and I was already wearing black tights so c’est la vie, I wasn’t going anywhere and  the whole point of this post is the jumper. Oh the jumper. Roll on December the 1st when I can officially wear it without looking toooooo much like an idiot.
Will you be rocking a festive knit?
Take inspiration from Asda
Can I justify another one this year?

Happy Bonfire night as well, any one off to a display? I’m going to indulge my inner child with some sparklers.
xxx

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Christmas Gifting- Grace & Ted

30th October 2013
A more unexpected source of Christmas gift inspiration comes from one of the many second-hand designer retailers offering up big name labels for a fraction of the price.
My current favourite of these boutiques is Grace & Ted whom I’ve been stalking over twitter for some time now. Lately I’ve also been e-mailing with them and between us we’ve compiled our favourites from what they have to offer (maybe not gift material, unless to yourself but there are gift ideas a plenty on the website and in store!)
First, a little bio from the website:
Grace & Ted is Bath’s innovative designer resale boutique. As seen in Vogue’s Best of Bath feature and Glamour’s ‘Beautiful Bath’ we are dedicated to bringing you the best designer labels, without the designer price tag.
Previously The Frock Exchange, with our name change came the introduction of a menswear collection. We have developed a fantastic selection of designer labels including Lanvin, Armani, Gucci & Prada but are continually accepting new stock – so clear out those wardrobes boys!
Our commitment to style, quality and helping you to find your ‘forever pieces’ combines with our passion for affordable, timeless fashion to create a unique and special shopping experience.
Discover the industry’s finest: Chanel, Hermès, Prada, Louboutin, Mulberry & more…..
Fashion evolves but style endures.
Extra services we provide include bespoke hat and fascinators, designed to match any outfit. If the fit isn’t quite right, we also offer a professional alteration service.
So come in and say hello Monday to Saturday, our door is always open or shop online anytime!
And now for the goods…
Charlotte Olymipa Shoes- size 6, £295 (I have tried everything to get this to rotate!)

Russell and Bromley Studded Boots- size 6, £80

Alice Temperley Holdall, £250
Some people may not like the idea of giving second hand as gifts but personally I think it’s great especially if you want to impress someone special without seriously blowing the budget (just a minor explosion). It’s also has a far higher ethical impact than buying brand new and you can pick up some real one off pieces that nobody else will have.
Grace & Ted is located at No.10 Kingsmead Square, Bath, BA1 2AB
and you can browse everything and get in touch via the website
What are you thoughts on gifting pre-loved items? I wouldn’t say no to santa bringing me any of these and I’m looking forward to a visit to the shop the next time I’m in Bath.
xxx

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