Merry Christmas

I wanted to show you this year's new Christmas tree collection that I have been making for the last few monthly craft club gathering.  The larger tree is decorated with tiny wool hats, embroidery thread wrapped spools and button stacked tree shapes, all made by my own fair hands. The two amazing button trees are made by pinning buttons on a styrofoam cone shape sitting on a thread spool. They do look impressive, but boy do they require plenty of buttons.

The Christmas week is always hectic for me.  Our tradition for many years now has been to volunteer with the amazing charity Crisis, and this year is no different. A few days into time with Crisis at Christmas and I would like to wish you a warm, dry, safe and wonderful Christmas.

Christmas Candlelight Carols

I am a bit of a sucker for Christmas and all the amazing 'tacky' decorations, lights and fun stuff that is involved.  Today it is certainly one of my favourite parts of the season as I am heading into St Pauls, the Actors Church in Covent Garden for a candlelight carol service.

Outfit
Hat: BHS
Coat: Handmade by my own fair hands
Handbag: Wallis
Boots: Matalan

Brick Lane Fun

It was a last minute decision to check out what is new and exciting on Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market before the madness of Christmas shopping begins.  I found a perfect tiny (5cm) St George statue for my little (25cm) 'England' tree.  Bring on December so I can put out my Christmas decorations.

Outfit
Hat: T.K Maxx
Scarf: Found in a little shop next to a tube concourse (can't remember which one)
Coat: Aquascutum
Skirt: Vintage
Boots: Old Gringo found on Neil Street, Covent Garden 

Open House London

If you haven't ever taken in Open House London, you really must get it in the diary for next year. It is the most amazing opportunity to get inside some of the most amazing buildings in London. My favorite area is the 'City of London' and all the Roman goodies that are to see, so I think this year I will see what else it has to offer.

Outfit
Cape: T.K Maxx
Dress: H&M
Trousers: H&M
Boots: Clarks

Happy 40th

At the end of the month a very special friend turns (40) and today she is hosting a themed party. The official theme is Cowboy & Indians, unsurprisingly I have interpreted the theme in my own special way.

Outfit
Hat: Accessorize
Necklace: Vintage
Sari: Bought at a charity shop in Southall.
Handbag: Primark
Cat: The neighbours

Swan Lake

It is going to be a great weekend, I am heading down to Kent to watch a friend's daughter perform in Swan Lake with the English Youth Ballet.  It has motivated me to dust off my own point shoes.

Outfit
Cardigan: New Look
Dress: Komodo
Skirt: Brunns Bazaar 
Handbag: Camden Market
Sandals: Merrall

New Creation

This outfit is the result of being bit by the creative bug last week. I have been saving the 1920's bathing suit clad fabric for something and this dress pattern shows it off nicely.

Outfit
Long Top: Handmade. McCall's M6556  tweaked slightly by adding a short sleeve and moving the darts to better suite my shape
Necklace: Vintage belt
Skirt: Handmade, freestyle
Handbag: A great shop under London Bridge station, that moved once the renovations started.
Sandals: T.K. Maxx

Theatre-land Walking Tour

After all these years and 100's of plays, I thought it was time to find out about the ins and outs of  Theatre-land and booked myself on a tour of the West End.  The sun is out so it will be a great day.

Outfit
Jacket: Handmade from a vintage dress
Dress: Top Shop
Skirt: T.K.Maxx
Hand Bag: Gharani Stork
Sandals: La Redoute

Afternoon Tea

Being a bit crazy for Afternoon Tea, I continue on my quest to visit every tea location in London.  OK that might not happen this time we are heading east for an Asian influenced experience.

Outfit

Scarf: Coast

Cardigan: T.K. Maxx

Blouse: Clements Ribeiro

Handbag: Marina Balantt

Skirt: Vintage

Boots: Bertie

Dinner At Little Bay

It is going to be a great day. I am free as a bird and one of my besties is on holiday, so we are meeting up for lunch at Little Bay. One of the best little restaurants around.

Outfit
Jacket: Zara
Waistcoat: Primark
Blouse: Primark
Skirt: Laden Showroom
Boots: Spitalfields Market

Cat Sitting

Friends have gone on a long overdue holiday and I am on cat babysitting duty for the next 3 weeks.  It is a bit mind blowing how much food 4 cats go through, I might need to replenish the supply.

Outfit
Sunglasses: T K Maxx
Necklace: East
T-Shirt: Primark
Cardigan: Primark
Handbag: Wallis
Skirt: Komodo
Sandals: Miista

Pretty Purple Bike

Very exciting day, the day I bought a purple bike.  The final straw after months of struggling with my previous wounded bike came when the gears snapped.  After checking out several local shops the one that jumped out was the Apollo Jewel from Halfords.  Can't wait to hit the pavement.

Outfit
Dress: Phase Eight
Cardigan: Le Chateau
Tights: Pretty Polly
Boots: Train station in Switzerland
Bike: Halfords

Bank Holiday Fun

I can't think of a better way to spend a bank holiday, than to do a bit of shopping and meet up with friends for lunch.

Outfit
Scarf: Marks and Spencer
Dress: Monsoon
Handbag: Camden Market
Trousers: River Island
Sandals: Dick Boons from T K Maxx

Some Like It Hip Hop

 

May has been a great month so far and the fun continues.  Tonight I am off to see 'Some like it Hip Hop'.  The reviews are 5 star, so I can't wait to see it. 

 

Outfit

Cardigan: Highly Confidential from T K Maxx

Top: BooHoo

Skirt: Bought long ago in Brighton

Handbag: Marina Galanti

Sandals: Primark

 

The CandleLight Club

After weeks of preparation, from sourcing a 1920's vintage dress pattern to lucking out when I found this fabric in the Brixton Market.  The moment is finally here to wear my outfit to the simply amazing 'The CandleLight Club'.  I thought the outfit came together quite well, especially when my Japanese friends gave me a perfectly matching Haori (Kimono Jacket) the week before.  It turned out that others thought it look good as well when I ended up winning best dressed girl at the event.

Outfit
Headpiece: Hand made with bits found at Shepherds Bush Market
Haori: Vintage from Japan
Dress Pattern: Reconstructing History
Fabric: Brixton Market
Handbag: Peacocks
Shoes: Clarks

Charity Ball

After power folding 75 origami flowers to decorate the goodie bags, we are heading off to the Cancer Research charity ball.  This is the first outing of my amazing 1960's influenced ASOS skirt and another version of in my opinion is also amazing...my hand made vintage brooch encrusted Necklace/bib.  Once I master the felt base, I will be creating versions of this necklace in many different colour options.  I will let you know when they are available to purchase.


Outfit
Necklace: My own amazing creation
Lace top: T K Maxx
Skirt: ASOS
Shoes: LK Bennett

 

Web Work

I have gained an exciting new client who wants me to update and maintain their website.  First task is to upload 600 photos and description text for new products.  Happily I can do this work from home and is flexible enough that it fits in and around my work with other clients.

Outfit
Necklace: East
T-Shirt: H&M
Handbag: Camden Market
Skirt: Gudrun Sjoden
Leggings: H&M
Sandals:Dick Bloons from T.K Maxx


 

A Day At Wrest Park

That was one amazing day out Celebrating St George's day at Wrest Park.  There was a Medieval Village set up and plenty of entertainment in the main arena, topped of with the mighty St George slaying the dragon. 

Outfit
Snug: Walmart
T-Shirt: Hennes, personalised with lace
Necklace: Vintage belt
Skirt/Trousers: Primark jumpsuit upcycled into trousers and a skirt

The Thrill of Love

 

It had been too long since I have had had a good night out at the theatre.  So this evening I am off to see the storry of Ruth Ellis in 'The Thrill of Love' at St James Theatre. 

Outfit
Necklace:
Scarf: Charity Shop
Jacket: Clements Ribeiro
Skirt: Warehouse, personalised with lace
Handbag: Gharani Stork
Boots: Spitalfields Market

A Crafty Weekend

I am not sure I can squeeze anymore craft into my weekend. Yesteday was spent on the hunt for something new and exciting at the Creative Stitches & Hobbycraft Show taking place at Excel.  It was the first time I had been back to Excel since attending events during the Paralympics.  The place had a different feel and I was slight sad that I wasn't going to see any amazing sport. Today it is all about our monthly Craft Club and Paper Mache.  Looking forward to letting my creative juices flow.

Outfit
Hat: J Jasper Conran
Scarf: Mink
Coat: Warehouse
Skirt: Camden Market
Tights:
Boots: Levis

Vintage In South Kensington

There is no better way to spend a Saturday than a bit of vintage shopping with friends.  We are heading to South Kensington to check out the Charity shops in the hunk of a 1940's jacket my friend spotted the week before. 

Outfit
Necklace: Vintage
Lace Top and Skirt:  River Island Dress.  To better suit my shape I picked apart the dress and created a pretty little lace top and a very useful long skirt
T-Shirt: Zara
Coat: Vintage, bought in Canada
Handbag: Sears
Boots: Fly London

 

Lunch With Friends

The cold wintery weather is not going to hold us back from our plans to meet friends for lunch.   All that is required are more layers and I am never one shy of layering up.  Also I was promised Vietnamese food for lunch and nothing keeps me away from a good Vietnamese meal.

Outfit
Hat: BHS
Scarf: Bought in India
Coat: Wallis
Dress: East
 

Winter's Second Coming

Seriously what is going on with the weather.  Just last week I was thinking about packing away my bulky coats and this week I needed to wear my snow boots.  I have to admit that I don't mind cold weather as I have a great love for scarfs and hats, but still snow in March is a bit much.

Outfit
Hat: East
Coat: Vintage
Bag: Primark
Tights: My Tights
Shoes: Carvela

A Day With Gene

I am completely over the moon as I head to the Royal Albert Hall for a special viewing of 'Singin' in the Rain' accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.  It has been 60 years since the movie was released and the love of the film is still the same (or is it just me).

Outfit
Hat: TK Maxx
Jacket: Primark
Scarf: TK Maxx
Dress: TK Maxx
Trousers: Matalan
Bag: Oxford Street
Boots: Bought in Thailand

Game Day

It is going to be a chilled day relaxing with friends, eating Sunday lunch and then an afternoon of high competition board games.

Outfit
Scarf: Tie Rack
Jacket: Primark personalised with button
Skirt:  My latest creation using up scrap fabric
Boots: Clarks
 

Qipao Tea Party

It may have been Chinese New Year last Sunday, but a few of us decided to head out today and celebrate anyway. The perfect location for such a party was Camillia's Tea House in Kingly Court just off Carnaby Street.  It is a great little place and the second time I have visited it in the last month, so I am now a regular.

Outfit
Scarf: Charity Shop
Top: Made from a Qipao dress I was given
Skirt: Bought in Indonesia to be used as a tablecloth, but after a  few darts were sewn in the top it worked perfectly for today.

Valentines Lunch With The Girls

It is not that we ever need an excuse to get together, but we scheduled a Valentines lunch with just the girls at one of the most amazing restaurants in Croydon of all places.  If you want good food, great prices and individual décor than Little Bay is the place for you.

Outfit
Jacket:  Bought in Northern Thailand
T-Shirts: Zara
Necklace: By combining 2 I didn't like, I created one that I seem to were all the time
Skirt: H&M
Trousers: Matalan
Boots: Skechers

The Way Of The Tea

Today I headed off to the British Museum for there yearly Japanese Tea Ceremony called 'The way of the Tea'.  For me it is always a must see event and this year it was taken to a whole new level when I volunteered to be the 'second guest' in the demonstration.  I loved every moment, my only worry was that after sitting in the traditional style I wasn't sure I would every be able to walk again as my legs had fallen a sleep.

Outfit
Hat: East
Scarf: TKMaxx
Jacket: Vintage
T-Shirt: Primark
Skirt: St-Martins
Boots: Fly London

Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Well the snow was promised for a week and when it finally showed up, it fell on Canadian levels.  It may not be good for business as London grinds to a halt, but makes everything look so pretty.

Outfit
Ushanka Hat: Bought in St. Petersburg shortly after the curtain fell.
Shawl: Bought in a little shop by Old Street tube station
Coat: Camden Market
Trousers: Made by combining two pairs of combat trousers bought from Oxfam my favourite on-line charity shop

Bring On Lunch

We are heading over to Chiswick to have lunch with friends.  There is a new chill in the air, so wrapping up warm and wearing cords are certainly on the cards.

Outfit
Beret: Matalan
Snug: ASOS
Coat: Primark
Skirt: Handmade
Trousers: TopShop

Attack Of The Killer Tree

Our friends from Japan arrive today and I have been running around the house for a final clean and polish.  Just enough time to pop out for a quick photo and being taken over by the tree.

Outfit
Jacket: Vintage
Scarf: From Canada
Dress: Mantaray
Trousers: Matalan
Boots: Primark

New Years Day

We are heading off to friends down the road for a quite and civilised New Years party. Happy 2013 everyone.

Outfit
Facinator: Primark
Top: Test run of a Issey Miyake Vogue pattern (2572)
Brooches: Vintage
Skirt on top: House of Fraser
Skirt underneath: Dorothy Perkins dress turned into a skirt
Boots: TopShop