GiltRidden

"And though she be but little, she is fierce"...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 17:17:00 +0000

Sometimes you see someone wearing something that makes your head turn. Not because it's glaringly obvious or brash, but because it just catches your eye and is subtlety a bit clever. Now I know I pretty much say big is best in most of my posts, but I'm a big fan of subtle when done right, and this is what I mean...

shopneighbour.com

o-o-o-o-o-o-o.com

etsy.com

int.youheshe.com

totokaelo.com

stevenalan.com

The long and short of it

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 21:00:00 +0000

Following on from my last post - a long necklace does wonders for a 5ft 2" gal like me on a frump day. Well I feel like it does anyway - which is all that counts I guess. Someone once told me as long as you feel good you'll exude happiness...

thelane.com

Amanda Fordyce found on bentrovatoblog.com

elenabelmann.de

Herve Van Der Straeten necklace

dovetailchicago.bigcartel.com

tattydevine.com

Distraction

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:47:00 +0000

Its frigging cold. When the weather's like this all I want to do is hermit at home in big baggy clothes, only getting up from the couch to eat. The mirror soon reminds me though that all those nights in with take outs and several bottles of wine weren't such a good idea and I really struggle with what to wear for leaving the house. Between tucking my muffin top into my jeans and contouring the shit out of my face to attempt to hide my prosthetic-like double chins, I always reach for the jewellery cabinet for help.

January means big. Big arms, big arse, big jewellery. I might look a bugger, but I feel better when I've got something heavy, bright or bonkers on me and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.

etsy.com

allyandashley.com

skinnerinc.com

Game of Thrones rings: aristocrazy.com

thissillygirlslife.com

Helpful, no?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:46:00 +0000

I don't think there are rules of what to wear and when, but this certainly is helpful!

Found on texasfarmersdaughter.com

Stealing Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:30:00 +0000

We often have Indian Summers here in the North East. September sees much brighter and warmer weather than August and it reminds me that although Summer may technically be over, we can still make the most of the light nights, single layers and our (fake or otherwise) bronzed skin!

My GOD, how good do silver and gold look on tanned skin...take me back to the beach.

www.shopplanetblue.com

www.sincerelyjules.com

www.luxury-andfashion.com

www.gypsylovinlight.com

visableinterest.com

www.gypsylovinlight.com

This is a big one...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 14:56:00 +0000

Well August 2015 turned out to be just about the best month, ever. After months of nervous waiting, Dave and I bought a very own house together. If that wasn't enough to start the 'Jeez this is exciting and scary all at the same time' brain cogs turning, that lovely boy got down on one knee the second we stepped foot over our very own threshold! My first words were, of course, "I'm gonna puke". Seemingly unsatisfied with this, he asked the question again to which I planted a big smacker on him and shouted "Of course!".

Now. I'd always reassured him that should the day come where the mood took him - we'd go shopping for the ring together. I'm picky. I'm happy with that. He gets sweaty at the just thought of present buying. I'm less happy with that. An engagement ring situation would end badly for both of us if left to him, surely? I'll refer you to a selection of previous 'presents': opaque white nail varnish, a second-hand basket of bath salts, the unauthorised Michael Bublé autobiography, and who could forget my 30th birthday when I received an ASOS voucher and a chess board. Case and point.

So, imagine my horror, once having said yes, as he reaches up at me with a ring box. Shit.

WELLSLAPMYASSAND BLOWMESIDEWAYSHEFUCKINGPULLEDITOUTOFTHEBAG.

Check this out. Dave is the best. And I never doubted him for a second...

The ring is from AC Silver in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne. I've admired it for some time now. It's bursting with beautifully unusual vintage and antique jewellery and the staff are truly lovely. If you have a passion for antique jewellery and you're in the North East, it's a must visit.

This French Art Deco style ring has been crafted in 18 carat yellow gold with a platinum setting. The feature emerald cut diamond is collet set to the centre of the design and flanked with two brilliant round cut diamonds, also colet set in platinum. The subtly elevated ring shoulders blend seamlessly with the plain 18ct yellow gold, hallmarked ring shank. The French owl hallmark (indicating a combination of gold and platinum) struck to the exterior of the ring shank is very clear.

In short - it's an absolute BEAUT and I love, love, love it. I really couldn't have chosen better myself.

Note to self: you can never berate Dave again for being terrible at buying presents. Now what to buy him for his birthday tomorrow...?!

Zoe Alexander UK

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 14:03:00 +0000

Created by Steve and Adriana Walkington, Zoe Alexander also designs fabulous maternity clothes. Be sure a to make a visit to their site, because there's loads to look at - the jewellery is a collection of unique quality gemstones set in 925 sterling silver and bronze, finished exquisitely plated with 22ct gold. From amethyst to zirconium hand selected from all over the world, there are loads of choices to embellish any outfit.

http://www.zoealexanderuk.com/

Ice Ice baby

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 16:00:00 +0000

Buzzfeed has gotten me through many an insomnia-ridden night. It's been my saviour whilst sat at the back of boring meetings and during the majority of the World Cup. I'd say I forget 99% of the stuff I read on there but this one I had to share. I only found it the other day, but it's actually from 2010...Summer, you're welcome.

Presenting the absolutely bizarre and therefore totally worthy of a share: 'Ice Me' 5 minute Chic*:

http://01mathery.tumblr.com/post/780507546

*Originally found via http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/ice-ice-baby

Freedom Found in Topshop

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:30:00 +0000

Did you know that Topshop sells a piece of Freedom jewellery line every two minutes?
Did you know that they've now launched a second line called Freedom Found? Well, here's the news...

This line is all about that moment when someone sees you wearing something fabulous and you have that "Wow, where did you get that?" moment. Taking inspiration from trips to vintage hotspots around the globe, the pieces are entirely modern but definitely have a retro, vintagey feel compared with the Freedom line.

Simplicity is key here. There are only 27 pieces in the range and the collection is limited to 300 of each item, compared with a normal high street run of 30,000.

So grab them while you can!

collar £30

Rhinestone earring £8.50

Green triangle earrings £10

Yes please Ringly!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 10:30:00 +0000

So, I've stumbled across something and I can't decide whether it's total bonkers or absolute genius...but i'm swaying towards the latter. People, meet Ringly.

Yep, there it is. "Wearable technology". You can connect to your phone THROUGH A RING. And get this, the ring in question doesn't look like it's just come out of a kinder egg, the designs are actually really rather hot. I would wear them even if they weren't tiny technological geniuses. Which they are, so double bonus!

Ringly connects to your phone and sends you customized notifications through vibration and light - both of which you can customise with four vibration patterns and five colours. The Fall ring collection (below) is crafted with 18K matte gold 3 micron plating using precious and semi-precious stones.

Prices are $145/£85. Whaddya think? I love them all, here they are:

'Into the Woods' with emerald

'Daydream' with rainbow moonstone

'Stargaze' with Black Onyx

'Wine Bar' with pink sapphire

...and it Get's Better!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:00:00 +0000

Not only do Dear Rae do marvellous pieces for everyday, they also do commissions creating stunning one-of-a-kind engagement rings. You can't tell me these aren't WOW....

(again all of these photos are from https://www.facebook.com/DearRaeJewellery/)

Here is a 9ct yellow gold ring, with a cognac diamond and rope detail:

A baguette cut white diamond set in 9ct yellow gold:

This is a 1.14ct pear shaped black diamond, with a rose gold band:

Here is a 0,80cts white rose cut diamond set in 9ct gold:

Let me tell you about Dear Rae...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 16:30:00 +0000

Cape Town's Dear Rae has got to be my favourite brand of the moment - although I hate to say I don't actually own any of their pieces yet! SOON, promise.

The pieces are made in gold, silver, brass and copper, with the occasional gemstone and are designed to be worn everyday. As their website says, "they celebrate the beauty and ease of simplicity and translate into functional jewellery."

I could buy everything in the collection to be honest, which you can do here: http://dearrae.co.za/

If you're lucky enough to be able to visit the store though, go for it. From the photos on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DearRaeJewellery/) it looks like it would be an absolute treat of a shopping trip.

The photos posted below are all from their Facebook page, as I thought they showcased the pieces a bit better, but have a look on their website and see for yourself!

The big 3-Oh

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 20:00:00 +0000

Having turned 30 last year, I was given some really lovely bits of jewellery. I also, got a chess set, but lets not dwell on that. However, it's been pretty difficult to keep finding unique pieces to buy for friend's thirtieths, especially when there's quite a lot of people to buy for in a relatively short period of time.

With that in mind, I thought I'd share a few alternatives to the small, dainty, keepsakey styles that we often reach for, in favour of something a bit different...

www.catbirdnyc.com Rose gold ballerina collar $380

www.catbirdnyc.com Naked bateau band $300

www.catherinechester.co.uk Lady leg drop earrings £38

www.gilesandbrother.com Graduated Georgian collar $300

www.gilesandbrother.com Tiny initial charm $40

www.longlostjewellery.com Dainty anklet $60

www.longlostjewellery.com Throne lapis necklace $175

http://www.ccskye.com/ Love me knot bangles $150

http://www.ccskye.com/ Rosary bracelet $60

www.bohobocollective.com Ivory triple arrow handpiece $42

www.cabbagewhiteengland.com Silver and gold teaset bangle £150

www.cabbagewhiteengland.com Gold lucky farthing necklace £60

Stoned this Valentines?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 19:00:00 +0000

Want some stones this Valentines, but not ready for them to be on your left ring finger?

Look no further than www.sorujewellery.com. Soru; meaning sisters in Sicilian, showcases unique semi-precious and costume fashion jewellery. The collections don't disappoint, what a choice of bobby dazzlers!

Green Opal Pendant Necklace, Gold, £60.00

Rose Quartz Drop Earrings, Rose Gold, £185.00

Double Labradorite Ring, Gold, ORIGINAL PRICE £120, now £84.00

Stamp Your Style

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:00:00 +0000

A while back I mentioned how much I loved the White Moth brand. Well, the website was up and running for a while and despite now being under construction again, I can show you these beauties. I'd say the necklaces are especially perfect for accessorising any plain or block-coloured outfit, take a gander and watch this space for the site opening for business again!

My personal fave is the Military Stamp ring...

Nail Head Graphic Bar on Antique Silver, 18" $285.00

Medium Shark Tooth Silver on Sterling Silver 24" Chain, $220.00

Horse-bit on Antique Gold Chain, 30", $260.00

Horse-bit Ring Sz 7, $160.00

Military Stamp Ring Small Sz 7, $220.00

"More is more, less is a bore"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 19:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 12:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 19:50:00 +0000

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'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:00:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:22:00 +0000

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!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:29:00 +0000

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

Happy VDay Me, love Me x

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:17:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:28:00 +0000

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

apreski.bigcartel.com

bogomash.com

etsy.com

Street Life

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:49:00 +0000

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

topshop.com

warehouse.co.uk

topshop.com

missselfridge.com

dorothyperkins.com

hm.com

wallisfashion.com

frenchconnection.com

warehouse.co.uk