Sandra Van Der Wildt, homecomings and apologies

I have returned from my US travels back to the gloomy grey skies of England, I will do a dedicated post (or seven) about my amazing trip but at the moment I'm too emotionally and physically drained to think about it, I have returned minus a boyfriend, to a broken Macbook and massively jet lagged...

But, enough about me and my whining, what's nicer than indulging in a little jewellery perving? These lovely pieces were designed by Sandra Van Der Wildt, for her new collection of shiny beauties, entitled 'Raggio'. I love the odd curves, unusual detailing and contrasting finishes which all band together to create something a little bit special.

For more info, visit Sandra'a website or treat yourself to one from Designer Market.

Vintage Style Jewellery - Clocks, Carousels, Owls and Cuckoos!

On my recent escapades in the lovely city of Brighton I bought myself a few pretty things, it's the summer after all and come the next academic year I won't be able to afford to! I bought two polka dot dresses (which will no doubt feature in my next blog) and these two gorgeous necklaces! The white heart necklace has a cute fully functioning clock too...

The pink rose locket for £3 and pearl heart watch pendant for £5 both from New Look

My lovely buys made me think of the beautiful jewellery available on Little Deer's website I love the vintage style and quirkiness of every piece! There are some truly lovely vintage dresses on their site for sale too, which I recommend you check out!

"What's the Time" clock pendant - £12

"Cuckoo Cuckoo" necklace - £12

"Cute Carousel" necklace - £11

"Big Owl" necklace - £12

Microbes and Germs and Viruses, Oh My!

A few nights ago I switched on my laptop only to be bombarded with pop-ups and fake anti-virus software trying to take my money. I couldn't do a single thing on my laptop, other than close the horrible little pop-ups as they appeared every few seconds. The nasty viruses had completely blocked all of my existing anti-virus software and I was scared that I was going to lose everything on my harddrive. I don't remember doing anything out of the ordinary before my laptop got infected, I didn't click on any dodgy links or open any suspicious emails, so god knows where this horrible virus originated. It upsets me that there are people out there that spread these things around causing stress and irritation to others for their own gain. Luckily my dear old dad managed to get rid of the virus without me having to lose any of my photos, documents and music. But enough of all that... here are some cuter little microbes, germs, amoebas and viruses for you all to enjoy!

I love these cute little plushie microbes, featuring the sweet Psuedomonas, cute Chlamydia and adorable Anthrax and E-coli! Available from Scientific Culture's Etsy shop for $7 (£4.55)

Love these little felt amoeba and paramecium fridge magnets. Available from What No Mints Etsy shop for $12 (£7.79).

Cholera microscope slide necklace. I love this little necklace made from an upcycled scrabble tile and cholera microscope image from a vintage French medical book. Available from SpiffyCool's Etsy shop for $5.95 (£3.86)

Senor Salmanella fleece plushie. Available from Sublime Dzign's Etsy shop for $10 (£6.49).

Viruses embroidery patterns, part of the Science in Stitches series. Featuring such delights as HIV and Ebola! nice... available from The Floss Box's Etsy shop for $3.60 (£2.34)

She Draws - Cute and Quirky Jewellery

Laura Figiel, AKA She Draws, is someone I have recently discovered on Twitter, and I'm so very glad I did! After visiting her She Draws Etsy Shop I have fallen in love with her creations. She makes stationary, t-shirts, and accessories, but above all I love her jewellery. I genuinely want every piece! It's really cute, quirky and distinctive.

Vintage Phone Charm Pendant

Tea Set Charm Pendant

British Biscuit Earring Studs

Tea Set Earring Studs

Cupcake Earring Studs

Polaroid Cities Charm Necklace

Travel Charm Necklace

Tea Party Charm Necklace

I Love Sewing Charm Necklace

Tea Party Brooch

It's Etsy My Dear Watson: Sherlock Holmes delights!

I, like over 7 million others, tuned into the BBC's new drama, Sherlock Holmes adaptations with a modern twist. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the famous Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman takes on the role of Dr Watson. Yes, there were somewhat over-emphasised use of i-phones, computers and the like (to highlight the fact that this is a modern take on the Victorian classics). But Overall I think the Beeb have done marvellously with it, well acted, sprinklings of humour and great chemistry between the characters. Needless to say I will be tuning in for the next instalments!

I decided to have a little search for some Sherlock Holmes related delights on Etsy and here's what I found...

A vintage Sherlock Holmes book - $24

Published in 1955 including 8 of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories

Brass Victorian Sherlock Holmes Locket - $34

"Elementary My Dear Watson" Moustachioed Notebook $25

I just love this notebook, simply decorated and very cute.

Sherlock Holmes Charm Bracelet - £69

There are seven silver plated charms on this bracelet, the Baker Street sign, book covers, and Sherlock's famous silhouette.

Sherlock Holmes Vinyl Apple Macbook Decal - $12

Coming full circle with this one, the integration of Sherlock and modern technology. Show your love for the Victorian detective by decorating your Macbook.

Saskia Diez

I barely ever wear jewellery, I'm just not that good at accessorising, I end up thinking I look a bit silly...

But I recently found Saskia Diez's subtle and beautiful designs, which wouldn't take much styling, they would look a little bit amaze paired with just a black tee or white dress.

Simplicity is the key!

For more info and to buy her pieces, visit this website.

Gemma Lister Jewellery

Now, you all know how much I like beautiful, shiny things right? Well, these pieces of jewellery are no exception!

I found Gemma Lister through Catwalk Genius, a site where you can buy a share in a designers' next collection to help support the fashion industry from inside (if you haven't heard of it go and have a look!). She sent me over some images and I fell instantly in love with them. The only problem I have is choosing a favourite...

For more info and to swoon over jewellery, visit Gemma's website.

You can buy Gemma's gorgeous jewellery from Catwalk Genius at very reasonable prices ranging from £25 - £50, check them out here.

Cocotte

I thought it was high time I got some pretty, pretty dresses on to this here blog. I can't help but post millions of pictures of things more appropriate for A/W than S/S at the moment because that's what I'm looking forwards to, the fashion industry is so topsy turvy...

But anyway, here are some lovely, wearable, summery yet still beautifully designed dresses that I can imagine myself stomping around a festival in these and a pair of muddy wellies and half a shaved head.

Cocotte have also teamed up with uber feminine jewellery designer Lucie Saint-Leu to create a diffusion jewellery line to accompany their dresses. There are gorgeous enamel body chains, dainty necklaces and beetle inspired designs, one of which you can see in the images above but I definitely recommend going to the Cocotte website for a closer look because they are a bit special.

For more info, images and to shop visit the website.

Aoi Kotsuhiroi

I love a little bit of slightly creepy yet distinctly beautiful jewellery and Aoi Kotsuhiroi's accessories firmly sit in that category.

Pretty gems and rocks are contrasted with skulls, strapped up and binded with constrictive thread on rings and necklaces alike. The styling of the lookbook has probably swayed me a little, the ruby talons and bloodlike staining makes everything seem a little more 'dark' right?

I love the idea of a skull collar and would rather like to pretty it right up!

For more info and to snap up some for yourself, visit the website.