Wedding Season

Via Ruffled Blog

I have two weddings to look forward to this year (both include hog roasts at the reception – oh my) therefore the dress hunt has begun. I have three options – working with what I already have (I do have a trip to Australia to save for), borrow from an obliging friend, or purchase a new dress (I have no shame and will happily wear the same dress at both weddings – accessorise darling!). If it is the latter, I’m going to raid my wardrobe to see what I can sell to fund a new one. Conscience-free shopping is the best.

When I’m on the hunt for something new I use a super website called ShopStyle, a little App I have on my iPod Touch. The website is fine of course but I find the App much easier to navigate. ShopStyle basically curates all the shops you love in one place. You want a red dress? Type it in, refine your search, and it will bring up all the red dresses you desire from a large variety of stores/brands. Find one you absolutely love? Simply add it to your favourites and/or click the £ button and if the item is put on sale (lets face it, most items are in the end) it will let you know. I’ve bought various things at half the price because of this super website and it includes homewares too – what more can I say?

So anyhoo, here are a few dresses that I have my eye on – it’s all about patience!

Via Warehouse

Via Dorothy Perkins

Via ASOS

Via French Connection

Via Dorothy Perkins

Via Orla Kiely for People Tree

I feel an eBay clear out coming on…

♥

Bookmarked: Red Hat No Knickers

I came across this vintage/secondhand clothing store via a quick perusal of the very delightful, Mollie Makes. Red Hat No Knickers (ace name!) have sourced really beautiful pieces (clothing and accessories) and selling them to us lucky lot for very reasonable prices (considering the work involved in sourcing the gems, let alone styling and getting them online). Some of my favourites have unfortunately ‘sold out’ but I have a feeling the shop is updated frequently for budding bargainistas like moi! Joy of joys.

Blue Stripey Maxi Dress//Leather Duck Bag//Cream and Gold Cable Knit Cardigan

Green Wax Jacket//Teal Buttoned Skirt//Black Angora Astro Jumper

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Weekend highlights

Lots of delightful things have kept me smiling this weekend. Let’s begin with a spot of stationery browsing:

• This Assorted Banner Set via Brown Paper is simply delightful. Pop them in your drawer ready for impromptu thank you’s, birthdays and those ‘just because’ moments. *Adds to wish list*

• Listening to Jeff Buckley on the way to work and pottering around town has kept me in check (what would I do without music?). That beautiful man was from another world, I swear. Luckily, my friend has lent me My Sweetheart The Drunk to continue my obsession.

• I have blabbered on before about how much I love Oh Comely magazine, I’m sure. However, while I am waiting for the next issue to pop through my letterbox, I’ve been catching up on old issues whilst cat sitting at my friend’s house. Oh Comely thank you for enriching my life.

• Be still my beating heart! I’ve been on the prowl for a new tea caddy as ours is looking a tad worse for wear. This Twinings Diamond Jubilee Tea Caddy would be a lovely addition to welcome in our British Summer.

• Unfortunately I don’t think this Black With Ivory Mini Dot Dress via Goldie London will suit my shape but I do like it so I do.

• I was gifted a True Grace candle last week and I was impressed how long the scent lingers (good ol’ essential oils). A nice change from lighting  tea lights every night.

• There’s nothing better on a Sunday morning but to research DIY tutorials with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. But this Coffee Syrups Tutorial via A Beautiful Mess has me pining for the beany wonderment that is coffee. I’m gonna give it a go at some stage me thinks.

• Whilst we were having computer issues, I was thankful for one thing – our Xbox 360. We’ve had it for years but has turned out to be a great investment using it not only to play games (the OH) but watch DVDs and download Iplayer, 4od, Last FM and access our LoveFilm library (and there are loads more aps too). So I spent Friday night laughing my head off at Moss from the IT Crowd.

Happy Monday!

♥

Victoria

It was a fine coincidence last weekend that I found myself baking Victoria Sponge, watching The Young Victoria and painting my nails a purty shade of Nails Inc Victoria. So I thought I’d go the whole hog and see what else I could stumble upon with Victoria in mind…

Delectable Victoria Sponge //The Young Victoria//Victoria polish

V&A Lavender Soap//Vintage Victorian Petticoat //Amethyst Victorian Starburst Ring

Zam-Buk Herbal Bath Salts//Gentlemen Tote

Victoria DAB & FM Radio//Victorian Sweetheart Earrings

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Bookmarked: Buddug Wyn Humphreys

I’m very much in love with the work of Buddug Wyn Humphreys discovered via Frank. Buddug specialises in designing jewellery and homewares using enamel fused with metal. By now, you’ll understand I’m partial to any teacup design but this Teacup Brooch with its brass pin and enamel cup really is a cheery so and so, don’t you think?

Buddug is originally from Snowdonia, North Wales but she now lives in East London, after graduating at London Metropolitan University.

This bird brooch has a little place in my heart too.

You can see more of Buddug’s work here and read her joint blog (collaborating with Jessie Chorley) here

♥