The Velvet Underground

Hello beauties, how're you all this morning? 

After a beautiful day yesterday consisting of Christmas Shopping (a.k.a buying for ourselves under the guise of hunting for others) with the lovely Laura, who now more than likely despairs of ever beleiving I'd be a good tour guide, followed by lovely outdoor food and stall browsing with my boyfriend - very romantic until your hands freeze solid - I'm feeling full of festive good will and happiness. 

Ah the cheesiness overwhelms.

Today I have for you another little peek into the land of luxury with an insight into one of the most fancy fabrics around:

Velvet

The fabric of long-ago Kings and Queens - Velvet possesses that instant ability to create a look that resonates luxury with the most minimal of efforts.

Thankfully, nowadays the beauty of a velvet frock is no longer restricted to monarchy and word would have it that it's availabilty has now even reached the high-street:

Topshop £46.00
H&M £7.99
Topshop £30.00 

 Aldo £20.00

New Look £27.99
Dorothy Perkins £42.00

 

Enjoy a little regal glamour.
<3

Sparkly Stocking Fillers

Hello lovelies, hope you're all well on this utterly freezing Thursday! The chill in the air definitely serves as a sharp reminder that Winter is right around the corner and we all know, that with Winter comes... Christmas!

Oh yes, that festive time of year is fast approaching and with it the frantic frenzy of hunting down those all important stocking fillers for your loved ones.

Fear not though, over the next month (cannot beleive it is just a month till the big day) I'll be showcasing some gorgeous gift ideas for you all to get ordering.

Today, we're having a peek at the beautiful independent jewellery range 'Vintage Princess Jewellery'

Now, if you're anything like me even the name of this gorgeous brand will have got you excited! Let's find out a little more about it from the lovely Laura - the lady in charge herself :

Hi Laura, big thanks for agreeing to showcase your gorgeous sparkles on fashionismyh2o can you give us a brief introduction to Vintage Princess Jewellery? 

Hi lovely! You’re very welcome, thank you for having me!  

I’m Laura and I set up Vintage Princess Jewellery in May 2010. It’s a world of prettiness and girlyness! I make jewellery that is limited edition or one of a kind, through reworking broken, unused and unwanted jewellery with new materials- to make it extra special and unique, just like those who wear it. 

Where can we find your gorgeous goodies? Do you have a shop we can visit? 

I do have a shop! It’s in the centre of Durham, upstairs in the gorgeous home ware shop City Attic which is on North Road. I hope you can visit- it’s my ‘haven of gorgeousness’! If you can’t get to Durham though I do have a website with lots of gorgeous jewels on for sale! It’s www.vintageprincessjewellery.co.uk. Vintage Princess Jewellery is also for sale in other selected boutiques too, you can find them all listed on my website. 

How did you get into making jewellery? Have you always been crafty or is it something that suddenly appealed? 

I’ve always been arty and crafty and I’ve been making jewellery for a while, but only for me really. After university I decided to start making jewellery again, I put a bit on Facebook for people to see and people started buying it! Making jewellery is just so much fun, I really love it! 

What would you say is your current favourite piece of jewellery in the shop? (So sorry to make you choose between your babies!)  

Haha, you meanie! Well, the Swarovski set I’ve made really stands out. It’s a simply gorgeous, elegant jewellery set made of Sterling silver and Swarovski crystal that glistens and catches the light just beautifully!  

Oh but I do love the pieces I made for the Constance Peach photoshoot collection too! With all the feathers, pearls, ribbons and crystals!

Photos Taken by the fabulous Katelizabeth who you can find
Here And Here

Why would you say a piece of Vintage Princess Jewellery would be perfect for a Christmas gift? 

Ooooh, because it would be a gorgeous piece of girly sparkle in your stocking! It would be a unique gift, making it extra special- if you get my one of a kind pieces no one else in the whole world will have the same piece of jewellery as you! 

What would you like to find in your stocking this year? 

Well I would really like a unicorn! Or if that’s not possible, unicorn related gifts will do! Hehe.  

What are your plans for the New Year? Both for Vintage Princess Jewellery and on a personal level. Anything super exciting planned? 

My plans are to make Vintage Princess Jewellery bigger and better than ever! As well as keeping my shop looking beautiful and my website up to date, I’ll be working on more gorgeous new collections, collaborations, I also support Samaritans so I’m planning to raise lots of money for the charity, oh and lots and lots more!

Big Big thanks to the lovely Laura! I'm sure you're all dying to see some more pieces and I'll be more than happy to oblige you :

1. 2. 3. 4

Absolutely stunning right? And with prices starting from jus £2.00 (yes - Really!) I'd hurry on over there right away and get stocking those stockings!

Monday Must Have 21/11/11

Hi dolls, how're we all feeling? I hate Mondays but today I've tried to be a bit more pro-active - all my work is out the way before 10:30 am - not bad right? Hope you are all well and not feeling too maudalin, if you are though fear not...

Because following on from yesterdays Autumnal toned theme I have some gorgeous outfit builds for you, based around this utter beauty:

 

 River Island £28.00

The perfect antidote to a bitter and bleak midwinter landscape, no? I feel warmer just looking at it.

Here's how you could style it:

Outfit One

 

 Outfit One definitely screams 'fall fashion' to me. You have the colour scheme for one - the mix of the rich leaf life reds and browns make this the perfect autumn time ensemble. Then the layers, the soft chiffony style skirt, drapey floral top and thick fur vest - you never know quite what you're going to get with Autumn, but this outfit has it all covered anyway. Then the  luxe gold jewellery adds a little glam touch, brightening like a ray of winter sunlight. Oh. And I'm obsessed~ with the boots.

Outfit Two

 Outfit Two is again very 'fall friendly' burnt oranges, golds and deep reds - what other colours could possibly come to mind when you plan your perfect Autumn outfit? The luxe layering of this outfit ensures it is cosy yet oh so effortlessy chic, this ensemble could take you from shopping, to cosy pub lunch via a very glamorous stroll in the park. Stick to the paths though, wouldn't want to get any mud on those beautts boots!

Outfit Three

 Outfit Three reminds me of something you might see on an Olsen. It's incredibly casual yet somehow manages to look quite expensive (it's not - the pieces are ALL high-st).The Bretton style long sleeved tee teamed with he slouchy teal scarf create somewhat of a delicious mash up between prep and grunge. I might call it 'Prunge' for the purpose of this elaboration. Taking gorgeous pieces and 'throwing' them together with more than a hint of the rock n roll side of life is a passion of mine and I'd quite like this outft in my life. 

Thankyouplease.

Outfit Four

 Lastly, we have the complete juxtoposition to Outfit Three. Outfit Four is something that just grew out of nowhere. I get a massive Carrie Bradshaw vibe from this - the slight sugariness teamed with the more spicy clash of colours? And then, the very 'Sex and the city' style heels - delish or what? All you need to go along with this outfit is a cocktail, a splash of lippy and either your best best friends or a wildly unsuitable man.
Your choice ladies. Either way - enjoy.

As per usual, all items are high-st priced and if you'd like to get your hands on any just tweet or leave a comment and I shall find you a link.

Happy Monday babydolls
<3

Sunday Snapshots 20/11/11

Hello my loves, how're you all today? Thankfully I managed to avert the dreaded sickness bug I feared I was coming down with yesterday and am feeling much brighter now. Appologies for yesterdays mini post - I could barely keep my eyes open.

To make up for it, allow me to lavish you with an array of delicious images that have brightened up my week:

Happy Sunday.
<3

 

Cinderella Shoes

Hello girlies, currently feeling a very sickly girl indeed (nothing to do with naughty cocktails either -boo!) worried I've come down with a delightful sickness bug that's been doing the rounds - yum!

As a result of this, short and sweet post for you today - A little bit of sparkle injected into your saturdays.

Here's to feeling like a princess on the dancefloor :

All items Missguided

1. 2. 3. 4

Enjoy
<3

What I Wore Wednesday - AX Paris edition

Hello chicks! (I was going to add the male version of chicks as well but then realised it was far too rude for a respectable blog like this -coughs-) How're we all doing? I've had a manic day at work followed by a 'lovely' couple of hours completing night-school work - very sleepy girly now!

Before I do my best impression of sleeping beauty though, I have an amazing treat to showcase with you all. I was recently offered the chance to share with you lovelies an item of clothing from the fabulous website AX Paris.

AX Paris are a gorgeous clothing brand that sell a range of gorgeous goodies at good ole high-st prices! A must visit this season with their incredible party dresses (THIS and THIS are my top favourites) AX Paris look set to be right up there with the best this festive season.

For my own little treat I wanted something that would be versatile enough to style casually for shopping, socialising and other festive missions, but smart enough to wear to the office or out for drinks should the mood arise. I think the item I chose really fits my brief, let's have a look :

 And the bundled up in a leather jacket - perfect for the cold eddition :

I'm in love with it.
Big thankyou to AX Paris required!

I found that in terms of fit the clothes run true to size. I'm a generally more of a 6 than and 8 and the 8 on me was slightly loose which I did expect and actually prefer as I think it looks much more flattering than a squeezed in look.
In terms of comfort and wearability I cannot fault this dress, it's one of those rare meetings between style and comfort. My only advice would be that if you're planning on wearing this in the day - layer up! It's lovely lightweight material is definitely goosebump friendly ;)

Get your hands on your very own HERE for just £25.00

Also, keep your eyes peeled ;) I have a VERY exciting AX Paris oppurtunity coming your way soon ;)
Happy midweek!
<3

Luxury Lives On

Hello beauties. 

As the nights draw in and the mercury hovers perilously close to freezing, the search for winter warmth reaches pivotal priority.
No more, does a simple cup of cocoa suffice.
Thoughts, musings and dreams all turn to something, anything, that can bring a little light, a little warmth, a little joy into those frozen winter hearts of ours.

A little... Luxury.

 

From Velvet to Lace.Sequins to Stoles. Faux fur to Chauffers. Daisy's to Pearls. Elagance to Grace. Luxury needs a place ... in all of our hearts this Winter.

Here's how you can get your fur-lined-gloved hands on a little luxury this Winter. For a snippet of the price you may expect:

1. Pearl Lowe for Peacocks £80.00
2. Miss Selfridge £55.00
3. River Island £45.00 

And

1. H&M £29.99
2. Topshop £32.00
3. Matalan £25.00
4. Florence and Fred at Tesco £20.00

Then...

To top it all off - well you wouldn't dream on under accessorising, right?

 

1. Miss Selfridge £7.50

2. Miss Selfridge £29.00

3. Peacocks £3.50

4. Peacocks £10.00

5. New Look £7.99
6. Boohoo £25.00

7. Peacocks £5.00

8. New Look £9.09

9. Boohoo £30.00

Head to toe luxury. Curtesy of the Great British High-Street.
Forget bringing sexy back.

This Winter we're bringing stylish back.
Enjoy

<3

Monday Must Have - Chunky Knit Edition

Hi lovelies, how're we all doing today? I know it's moody Monday and all that but I hope you have at least somewhat of a smile on your faces. I'm currently coming up with a 'Must do right the f*ck now' list - because lets face it, everything gets neglected at weekends and I've got a pile of requirements that need to be attended to!

One of which was this little post, requested by the lovely Lisa (check out her blog here) who is mighty keen on getting her hands on a new chunky knit in the near future, but was struggling with ideas for ways to style it.

To sort out Lisa's little problem I first hunted down this utterly gorgeous chunky knit :

 Which is available at Dorothy Perkins £35.00
and utterly perfect for layering over a variety of Autumn/Winter outfits, as shown here:

Outfit One

 Showing that a comfy knit does not have to equal slobby chic, Outfit One embodies the effortless elegance of a layered and textured Autumn/Winter outfit. The divine silky printed dress placed under the warm cardigan lets you rejoice in the fact that your summer frocks do not have to be condemmed to six months of storage and can continue to shine throughout the colder months. The cute shoes add a cosy feel, as of course, does the hat, whilst the pop of colour from the clutch bag and the element of luxury from the divine peacock style cuff round of the outfit and give it a real luxe edge.

Outfit Two

 Outfit Two is perhaps the most 'Typical' in terms of how one would imagine styling a chunky knit cardigan. Casual yet achingly chic this outfit could be thrown together in minutes and yet looks structured, stylish and not at all sloppy. The rich tone of the top teamed with the divine foppy hat warm the outfit up just as much as the knit itself would do literally, and keep the colour pallet from looking bland. The gorgeous boots would work over anything and most importantly allow you to coat your tootsies in many layers of socks underneath and keep that Winter chill at bay.

Outfit Three

 Outfit Three was clearly influenced by the fact I am going through somewhat of a Nirvana renaissance for the second time in my life. Grunge glamour is high on my list of priorities right now and this set truly embodies this. From the rich burgundy toned skirt to the classic yet not so classc take on Dc Marten boots, this set has more than a whiff of Teen Spirit about it. The slouchy beany and loud and proud rock chick top combine to lace the set with attitude and the hardwearing cuff snarls 'Dont mess with me I'm angsty~ and I'm stylish!'

Outfit Four

Lastly, Outfit Four kind of embodies to me the type of clothes I love to lounge around in at home. Comfy, cosy yet not to scruffy. A little bit of structure helps to reassure your mind that yes, whilst you might not acctualllly have done much today - you at least got up, got dressed and appeared semi-presentable for your lazing. The stripey top is definitely what I'd call a 'classic' as I can think of 150 things off the top of my head that it would work with. The scarf is just perfect for nestling down into and the bracelets are the lazy girls way to inject a little bit of glam into her slumberous style.

There we are then loves, as usual if you've spotted any particular item that you're deperate to get your hands on just leave a comment or tweet me and I'll get back to you with a link.

Also as a quick favour I'd love it if you could all check out my first official blog for Boohoo.co.uk! I'm absolutely thrilled and honoured to be guest blogging for them and it would meen the world if you could have a look. You can do so right HERE.

Thankyou! Happy Monday guys!
<3

Sunday Snapshots 13/11/11

Morning beauties, how're we all doing today? Currently my house is awash with winter sunlight which makes a pleasant change from the misley miserable mist that seemed to descend and linger over the last week.

Today I have for you the snapshots that have inspired me upon stumbling across them in the gloom.

Enjoy your Sunday sweeties.
<3

 

What I wore Wednesday - Frank and Doll edition

Hi honey's how're we all doing today? I'm so dissapointed to tell you all that my bug hunt got cancelled yesterday because of the rain - booo!

Ha-ha on to more impressive and glamorous news now ;) a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to win a piece of clothing from a fabulous clothing line named Frank and Doll.

Frank and Doll are a fabulous London based boutique who combine classic chic styling with a real rock n roll edge. Their selection of goodies includes incredible winter knits and fierce slogan tee's. In short - everything I love in a brand! Check out their goodies HERE. I warn you though, your bank account may feel a little empty afterwards.

And now let's have a look at the gorgeous winter warmer that I was lucky enough to get my hands on:

The ultime winter knit I'm sure you'll all agree?! You can order your own version HERE. A little warning - they do come up quite large which I personally love but if you prefer your knits a little more fitted it'd perhaps be better to go down a size (always a nice feeling right?) I'm wearing the extra small as you can see it's still fairly oversized.

I teamed mine with

Leather Leggings - H&M
Suede Wedges - H&M
Beanie Hat - Curtesy of my daddy ;)

Big big thanks to Frank and Doll and I'd advise you all to go and check them out! You wont be dissapointed
<3