19/5/12- Paint

I do enjoy seeing a bit of double denim. 

15/9/11- Sewing woes

So after being inspired by Teka's blog post about her skirt, I decided to whip up a skirt of my own. I got inspiration from both this blog, and this fuller version. 

After making a few bags I am feeling more confident about my sewing machine, which is very exciting and slightly addictive. The material I chose was a nice grey color, with a bit of sheen. Because it was a wee bit sheer, I even sewed in a lining. Whoop whoop!  

So this is what the skirt looks like in the end. 

I have mixed feelings about it. It goes just below my knees which I think is a bit too long, so I will have to shorten it. I love that it has a bit more body, as I prefer a more gathered 50's style look. However, at the same time it's the fullness of the skirt that I am unsure about. I think any skirt you make with a elastic waistband has this sorta 'bulgy look', but I am unsure if I may have put too many gathers round the waistband. 

(Oh, and I didn't make the waistband tight enough, so its too big for me!)

For you sewing gurus out there, what do you think? Any suggestions?

Scarf swap & holiday! 8/7/11

At the end of June I participated in a scarf swap with some UK bloggers. I was paired up with lovely Lauren of A Bird in the Hand whom just blogged about my scarf I sent her today.

I thought it was time to mention the scarf she got me- how beautiful! I've not styled it yet, but will do so soon and maybe post a photo. It's a pretty print with some tassels on the end, with a nice light weight. I've worn it twice already, thank you Lauren! x


I'm taking a little blogging holiday now, but keep your eyes peeled for some exciting posts in a few weeks time. Enjoy the first summery weeks of July bloggers & readers. :)

Thrifty! 30/6/11

I can't believe its the last day of June! Already :(

Today I did a little bit of thrifting- I am quite enjoying this now that I have my fave shops to pop in. I found this cute summery dress that reminded me very much of this one showcased on the blog "What I Wore".



My main plan for the morning was to find the perfect scarf for the lovely Lauren Croft of "A Bird in the Hand", for our UK Bloggers scarf swap. We decided to start our own UK bloggers swap, after Jessie of "Concrete Catwalk" started a US/Canadian swap. I was lucky to find a scarf at this great vintage fair in town centre today. Scarves for the swap go in the post tomorrow, and I will be posting when I receive my scarf from Lauren.

In my travels I also checked out this massive vintage/antique shop that is in town here. I've never been in and decided to check it out after a friend mentioned it. It's located in a basement, so I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. What I found was the biggest antique/vintage collection of every good you would ever want in one place! I was so overwhelmed. I also forgot my camera today, so I have no photos to share. However I am sure I will be back there soon, and will share some images with you then. :)

UK Scarf Swap- 21/6/11

So I'm looking forward to some blogger swapping!

Jessie from The Concrete Catwalk has started a fab blogger trade idea called the scarf swap.


Image source: theconcretecatwalk.com


Elle from A Bird in the Handand I have decided to get some UK bloggers involved in a UK based swap. (As Jessies swap is for Canadian/USA bloggers) Want to know more and become involved? Have a read of Elle's blog- everyone loves getting post, and wouldn't a new scarf be fab?!

Candy Striper 14/6/11

I am starting to get very excited about where I plan to take this blog- the transition starts now to the new one, but first a bit of planning and possibly some tutorials of how to jazz it up. I can't wait!

The other day I was reading this post on A Beautiful Mess, about her daily outfit. Just by chance I was at some charity shops today and found a dress that reminded me of her pink one, which I decided to purchase.

A lot of the fashion bloggers I read have "thrifted" much of their clothes, so I am trying to get back into that, finding pieces that I love, or ones that need a quick fix on the sewing machine, and then would be set to wear. It's also a nice change from the high street styles that everyone has these days.

I thought this dress was a fun summer addition- maybe a little candy striper? Nah. Now all we need is some warm weather!

10/6/11

After getting some work done, I decided it was time for some Friday retail therapy in town.

Don't you love it when stores take the time to wrap up your purchase such as this? At Wysteria Lane she also sprays your bag with a small spritz of perfume- so sweet!

My birthday is coming up, and we will be celebrating in style with a city break. Will keep it a secret for now, but I can't wait. I thought a new dress was in order so I picked this one up. This color drip/fade/tie dye (?!) seems to be a new thing these days. So pretty.

7/6/11

Wedges.
Have you bowed to this years fashion trend and purchased a pair?
Wedges are all the rage in England this summer, and I thought it was about time I got myself a pair. Super comfortable, and cute to boot. I am a fan of heels, but enjoy a shoe I can wear all day long without being in pain, and I think wedges are your solution.

Or as a friend here said the other day, "I like to make an effort (for her fiance) but I don't want to try too hard". Well put.

16/4/11

I decided to treat myself to some springy pumps (or flats as we'd call them at home) today. M&S has some cute shoes in this season. Wedges are also quite in this season, and that will be my next purchase. I read so many fashion blogs these days, I thought I'd do a mini fashion post of my own.

M&S shoes are quite comfortable at first wear, and don't need to be broken in like shoes in other stores- thats the worst.

What spring item have you purchased this season for your closet?

I expect responses from this question readers- I know you are out there! Comments are my motivation to post, and its always nice to hear from you :)

Going on a little vacay as of today so looking forward to reading your responses when we are back. Have a good week and happy Easter!

17/2/11

I walk past this on the way to work everyday. It seems once a week they change their window displays with these theatrical, handmade corsets and hats. In the window next to it they create bespoke formal and wedding dresses. It's always a treat to see what they've conjured up. I also love to peek in the window to see the yards and yards of fabrics, laces, and silks they use.

Day 65- 7/12/09

Charity shops are all over towns in England. Basically second hand goods, vintage and donated items with the profits going to a specific charity. The Red Cross shop has the best displays both in the store and in the window. These pretty clutch purses caught my eye today.