Wallpaper Rose

...

2012-02-03T17:52:00.000Z

And

The winners of the pocket mirrors were Vicky, Phara and Dayner!

A massive thank you to ever one who took the time to enter. There will of course be more giveaways in the coming year, so keep an eye out! x

La Belle Juliette

2012-01-28T21:44:00.001Z

I thought you guys might like to see a few photos from our whirlwind trip to Paris! We made the rookie mistake of not photographing the hotel room before we threw our stuff all over it, but it was utterly incredible. I had such a good birthday, I cannot tell you!

To quickly sum up, Charlie, Sam and I went to the Breakfast Club for an epic breakfast, then after madly packing we traveled to St. Pancras. Sam went home to Birmingham and Charlie and I boarded the Euro Star. We arrived about 7.30ish in the evening and headed straight to our hotel, La Belle Juliette - which for the record is the fanciest place I have ever been! In the next 24 hours we dined on souffles, pastries and bread (we had a particularly good pistachio swirl type thing) we visited Merci (sadly it doesn't have it's own website), Le Bon Mache, the Pompidou, the Musee d'art et metier, with a lot of exploring and walking in-between.

It was a little drizzle-y, but still beautiful. Though I'm still mildly terrified of a) getting trapped in the Metro door and/or b) being run over, their road rules make no sense to me! I'm afraid the photos don't do it justice (most are of the phone variety) but you can see a few images from my last trip here. It really was the most insanely generous birthday gift, I still can't really believe that we went.

You can also still enter my birthday giveaway, it ends on Tuesday.

T w e n t y S i x - GIVEAWAY

2012-01-24T12:26:00.001Z

It's that time of year again when I feel terribly old. Mainly because my best friend and man-friend make jokes about it being my 89th birthday, rather than celebrating my twenty-sixth year on the planet. Still, before I become senile and entirely decrepit, I wanted to run a little giveaway to say a massive thank you to all of you for being such lovely readers. Up for grabs are a Zooey collar and a Violet Baudelaire necklace, the choice is yours! Additionally three people will be chosen to win a button mirror of their choice. (See below)

I actually wrote the majority of this post yesterday and have since been given a present - a surprise trip to PARIS!! We're leaving at 4pm today and are back tomorrow evening - I can't tell you how excited I am. I have such a wonderful, if somewhat sneaky boyfriend! As a little Birthday extra, you can also get 15% off all orders today, using the discount code TWENTYSIX - it ends at midnight, tonight.

TO ENTER:

- Follow Wallpaper Rose via GFC.
- Leave a comment with your name, a contact email address and whether you would like to be entered to win the Zooey Collar or the Violet Baudelaire telescope necklace.
- A further three people will be picked at random to win a button mirror of their choice! (See above)
- The Giveaway closes at Midnight on Tuesday 31st January 2012.
- It is open worldwide, so get entering!

In other news, did anyone else see the gorgeous Gem on Super Scrimpers on Channel 4 last night? I literally squealed with excitement to see her wearing one of my original Jen Tees. So much so I was crouching in front of the television trying to take bad photos on my phone. And then I called my Mum. I know, it required a 'Mum be proud of me' phone call! T-shirts aside, Gem was brilliant at presenting, I'm not really one for nail art, but I might try her leopard print tips later today. For anyone interested, I am working on new Jen Tees - I have new collars! (Ooooh) They'll be available in Burgundy Marl, Grey Marl, Navy and Black. The next few weeks are going to be pretty full on with work, but I will be sewing at every available free moment and will of course let you know when they're back in stock.

I'm sure they won't ever read this, but Happy Birthday Tom and Ed - It's lucky we talk, rather than communicate via blogs xx

Rather Lovely Things

2012-01-11T21:31:00.000Z

1. Enamel Pear 2. Tiny Acorn Necklace 3. Vintage Tiny Scissors 4. Spitfire Necklace 5. Miniature Spitfire 6. Triangle Earrings 7. Hex Earrings 8. Hex Necklace 9. Vega Cuff

I'm currently dying (slight over reaction) of a stomach bug that has had me confined to my bed and the sofa for the last few days. I've been painfully unproductive. Other than feeling awful and quite sorry for myself, I've filled the rest of the time aimlessly cruised the internet searching for attractive things.

I think sometimes people assume that I won't like other jewellery because I make my own (though it is true that I rarely let myself buy it because of that fact), but I make jewellery because I love it and I have a huge appreciation for other jewellery! How could anyone not desire the pieces above?! (On a side note, how beautifully shot is the Rust jewellery?! I'm very envious.)

My staple pieces of jewellery always used to be earrings, I didn't leave the house without a pair, but I haven't worn any for months, I just haven't been inspired by any that I own. I am, however, completely drawn to the simplicity of the Hex earrings and the triangles. They're subtly statemented and it would appear, exactly what I'm craving in a pair of earrings. I'm debating whether to treat myself to the Hex's for my birthday towards the end of the month, but then I'd probably have quite a hard time not purchasing the matching necklace (I don't think I actually own any matching jewellery?!) and the Vega cuff as well and that would be bad...

1. Roberts Radio 2. Hilary Grant Circle Scarf 3. Frankie Diary 4. Wander Print 5. Luva Huva Cami
6. Menagerie 7. Etienne Bag 8&9 Boot

These are a few of my current wants, if you follow me on pinterest, you'll know there are an alarming number of them. (And that I rarely buy any of them) I really love the large geometric scarves around at the moment. The colour and design of this circle scarf is just perfect. (Any suggestions of where to find others?) I'm still in hibernation mode and would really like a large over-size scarf to cosy up in. I'm one of those awful people who wears a scarf all the time rather than just outside like a normal person. Alas I've missed out on the Frankie diary again (I've entered so many giveaways to try and win one) so I think I'm going to have to get myself a moleskine soon - I'm rubbish as diary management on my phone calendar. I saw this Mischa Barton bag featured as part of a WishWishWish giveaway, and have been a little obsessed with it ever since. I love it's small boxy shape and that's it's called a camera bag - I'm pretty sure my Bronica or digital wouldn't fit, but it would be perfect for carrying around my Holga.

1. Dress 2. Cardigan 3. Boots

These are a few of my most recent pins - I'm a little obsessed with the cardigan, it's so sweet - though very much out of my price range! Also a friend of mine has just got it in nude - I have such cardigan envy, she also owns this one too. Best cardigan in the world? Most probably.

1. Scallop Blouse 2. Knit 3. Brooch

I'm very lucky to have a wonderful boyfriend who bought me this amazing brooch for Christmas. If you haven't seen The Gently Unfurling Sneak's website, you definitely should, the brooches are amazing. I'll just have to work on getting the blouse and sweater to wear with it!

Do any of you have pinterest? If you do, please send me links, I'd love to see the exciting treasures you're hording there - plus it will give me something to do while I'm wallowing in self pity and looking a bit gross.

Reads of 2011

2012-01-10T14:32:00.001Z

I wanted to share with you my favourite blog reads of the last year, do check them out if you have a moment:

Wayward Daughter - WishWishWish - Little Fille - Mademoiselle Robot - Harriet Gray Illustration - Holly Exley Illustrations - Nadinoo - Cellardoor Magazine - Foxtail + Fern - Temporary Secretary - Crown & Glory - I Am Neither An Eggman or a Walrus - What Katie Found - Swift Somethings - Attempted Illustration - Betty - Louise Z Pomeroy -J O U R S - See Me Everywhere - Lulu Letty - A Thought Is The Blossom - Being Little - Ohh Deer - Teasemade - Ellieand - The Stylish Heart - Cold Knees - Sitting Pretty - Gem Fatale - Ever So Juliet - Super Duper Things - Sweet Monday - What Olivia Did - Frassy - A Little Bird Told Me - Alexander Ponting - Hummingbird Girls - The Tea Drinking English Rose - The Clothes Horse - Strutt - LLYMLRS - Jazzabelle's Diary - Laughing With Broken Eyes - Rosedl - Tilly and the Buttons - Colour Me Nana - Les Yeux Sans Visage - Peardrops & Polkadots - I Covet Thee - Hero & Cape - Cuppa Tea and Cake - Charlotte Kaye Art - Oh Knit - Where the Wild Roses Grow - Calivintage - Night Lights - Me and My Polar Bear - Made By My Rabbit - Louder Than Silence - Night Owl - Oh My Clumsy Heart - Uber Brum - Annarack - Milkteef

(Sorry if I've missed anyone out!...I knew I would)

What are your favourite reads? I'm always looking for new and exciting blogs to follow!

Fortune Favours the Brave

2012-01-06T00:15:00.000Z

(Or so my fortune cookie said. Maybe I should have put the numbers below on the lottery...)

ahem.... HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you've all had a wonderfully festive holiday. It was really lovely to be able to go home and see my family and hang out with my cats for a few days. I think I rather shamefully spent most of my time in my pajamas watching Christmas films but it would be rude to say no to Jingle All The Way and Scrooged...

Above is essentially my day, but compacted into a small space on my living room floor. Perhaps not the most productive use of my time, but there you have it. For Christmas, my Mum handmade my brother a hot water bottle cover made out of Super Mario Bros fabric, which I highly coveted. Consequently I began my day attempting, perhaps in vain, to make a pair for myself and Charlie. It has, however, finally provided the much wanted opportunity to purchase the Tom's Jets fabric from Liberty; I will keep you posted on their progress. Another project for 2012, set as a vague new year's resolution, is to start reading through the BBC's list of top 100 books, I am starting with Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Sadly I didn't quite manage to capture the bizarre apocalyptic weather we seem to be having. On my way to lunch I narrowly missed being hit by the acrylic signage of a kebab shop falling off a shop front on the Essex Road. I was then greeted at home by my neighbour's window box and its content on the steps. The poor plants didn't stand a chance. True to form, my boyfriend is now mentally designing something unnecessarily elaborate (much like a cartoon evil genius) to secure our box to the window. I just feel a little cheated of snow. It's as if we've carelessly bypassed it and skipped straight to it's irritating younger cousin, heavy rain. It's saddening to think we might actually have to wait an entire year for the mild possibility of snow. (Take me somewhere cold?)

Highlights of today included an amazing noodle bowl and green tea, seeing Sara Cox at lunch with a million children, escaping the rain (and kebab shop sign death) on the walk home, celebrating Char's birthday while simultaneously spying (quite unsuccessfully) on Chris Moyles scowling in a pub.

Winter Sale

2012-01-02T19:11:00.000Z

LAST LAST LAST Shipping Dates!

2011-12-16T08:43:00.000Z

Also....

And don't forget that you get a FREE button mirror when you spend over £20! x

Packaging!

2011-11-22T13:00:00.000Z

Mirror Mirror on the wall...

2011-11-21T20:15:00.000Z

New Button Mirrors are now available and when you spend £20, you get one free! I hope you like them.

CHRISTMAS SHIPPING

2011-11-20T18:00:00.001Z

I know it's a little dull, but it is fairly essential - these are my last Christmas shipping dates.

Monday 28^th November 2011 - South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand.

Friday 2^nd December 2011 - Eastern Europe, USA and Canada

Monday 5^th December 2011 - Western Europe (excluding UK)

Thursday 15^th December 2011 – UK

PLEASE NOTE – I will continue to carry on posting orders right up until the 24^th December (Post Office permitting!) I just can’t guarantee it will arrive in time for Christmas after the above dates, so please bear this in mind when ordering.

The Secret Garden

2011-11-16T17:15:00.003Z

LENNOX

CRAVEN

SOWERBY

MEDLOCK

WEATHERSTAFF

"The Secret Garden was what Mary called it when she was thinking of it. She liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was. It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place."

Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden collect - vintage keys, hung on sterling silver chains. Each key is unique, so once it's gone, it can't be repeated. I hope you like.

Oh you pretty things

2011-11-15T20:01:00.001Z

For the last week Wallpaper Rose has been under maintenance, it's been a long battle with html and css - neither of which I understand (really, it's a complex code of gobbledegook and I'm in awe of anyone who can understand it properly) but the site went live yesterday afternoon and this is the new look. The screen shots are a bit crappy, but it does look better in person.

There are still a few changes I want to make, but the site being down for a week seemed quite long enough, so I'll make those as I go (if I even can) when I have the time. I wanted something that seemed a bit cleaner, more elegant and a little less cute-sy.

Hopefully I've achieved that - I'm really pleased with the way that it looks, which is such a relief as at one point I really thought I was going to have to give up and revert back to the old design it was going that badly! I guess the next step is to attack this blog to make them match.

FEATURED: Little Fille

2011-11-15T16:06:00.000Z

Cosette

As per usual I have grand plans about blogging, I have an idea, mentally plan it and then never write it. A perfect example would be Little Fille's new Winter 2011 collection. I saw photos some time ago via Mari's facebook, then started further coveting when she released her online publication (an amazing contraption) and it's taken until now for me to share it with you. These are a few of my favourites.

Belle

Rayanne

Ruby

Eloise

Mathilde

And low and behold, when I didn't think it could get any better Mari makes peter pan collars. (Possibly my most favourite thing - after polar bear cubs and peanut butter and jam sandwiches...) It's something I had a go at a few months ago and failed miserably - trust me, you should see the prototypes.

If you're not familiar with Little Fille or just want to see the entire collection take a look here. Coveting too?

Lola - Navy

Little Fille are running a Giveaway to win a Lola headwrap (well, four to be precise) just head over to Mari's blog and follow the instructions!

The Baudelaires

2011-11-09T20:41:00.000Z

Meet the Baudelaires

"If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book. In this book, not only is there no happy ending, there is no happy beginning and very few happy things in the middle. This is because not very many happy things happened in the lives of the three Baudelaire youngsters."

Violet Baudelaire

"Anyone who knew Violet well could tell she was thinking hard, because her long hair was tied up in a ribbon to keep it out of her eyes. Violet had a real knack for inventing and building strange devices, so her brain was often filled with images of pulleys, levers, and gears, and she never wanted to be distracted by something as trivial as her hair."

Klaus Baudelaire

"The Baudelaire parents had an enormous library in their mansion, a room filled with thousands of books on nearly every subject. Being only twelve, Klaus of course had not read all of the books in the Baudelaire library, but he had read a great many of them and had retained a lot of the information from his readings. He knew how to tell an alligator from a crocodile. He knew who killed Julius Caesar. And he knew much about the tiny, slimy animals found at Briny Beach, which he was examining now."

(You can see Sonny Baudelaire in the first photo - I just haven't photographed her properly yet!)

SMUG Pop Up Print Shop

2011-11-06T22:24:00.000Z

I should probably warn you this post is image heavy. Heavy.

At SMUG we've recently launched a Pop Up Print Shop. The upper floor is jam-packed with old school desks and tables to showcase an array of illustrative prints, enabling you to rifle through like a record shop. The prints range from £6-£85 and include exclusives, screen prints, letter pressed work and giclee prints to name but a few. It's a project we've been working on for quite some time at Smug, and the amount of work Lizzie (Smug's owner and owl lover) has put in to make it all happen has been phenomenal. It's been a fantastic thing/entity/project (?!) to be a part of, it's been really exciting meeting with illustrators, discussing their work and developing ideas for exclusives with them. It has also made me increasingly envious of people with drawing skills.

So without further ado, I present to you - the Pop Up Print Shop.

Illustrators include (and I apologise profusely if I miss anyone out) Stacie Swift, Harriet Gray, Holly Exley, Linus Kraemer, Me & Sahar, James Brown, Hanna Melin, Sam Wingate, Isobel Kho, Victoria Whincup, Donna Wilson, Thornback and Peel and Kay van-Bellen.

There's so much variety, it's unreal, but these are a few of my favorites...

Harriet Gray - Heidi Bear (Never have I seen a prouder bear - to say I need him for my wall is an understatement)

Holly Exley - PugPug (he's such a cute fatty!)

Isobel Kho - Pug

James Brown - Viking

Linus Kraemer - Cylinders

Victoria Whincup

Stacie Swift - Owl Triangle (SMUG Exclusive)

Me & Sahar - House On Stilts (A few years ago I went to Svalbard and this just brings back some incredible memories)

The Pop Up Print Shop runs until the end of January, includes a range of exclusives and as if you needed any further enticement, when you purchase three prints you get a free (yes FREE) Smug tote bag.

The design on the back is nearly as exciting as the Guinea Pig.

If you get the opportunity, the show really is worth coming and having a look - plus you'll probably make my day if you say hi!

(In other news, I just watched E.T and feel emotionally ruined. It truly is wonderful.)

This is Halloween (Halloween, HALLOWEEN)

2011-10-31T10:58:00.000Z

Happy happy Halloween ladies and gentleman!

Last night when I got off the tube, the sky was full of fast moving, orange-tinged clouds against a black back drop - it probably/definitely was London pollution but it looked incredible and reminded me of how much I love this time of year. Cold, crisp, dry and with Autumn leaves in abundance, it's my favourite season.

I also particularly enjoy Halloween, so to celebrate this all hallows eve you can get a 15% discount on your entire Wallpaper Rose order today using the discount code 'LOCKSHOCKANDBARREL' (Nightmare Before Christmas is the only film for me at this time of year) - valid until midnight, tonight.

Above is an illustration from one of my favourite children's book - The Thorn Witch, I always wanted the spider costume for Halloween - maybe if I actually have plans next year I'll try to make it. (In an aside, when trying to locate that image I discovered the illustrators blog, which is wildly exciting. I will be all over that once I've finished writing this)

And to conclude, my annual Halloween photo - kindly photoshopped for me too many years ago to count, I've not ever had a costume to rival it, so each year it worms it's way into public view.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Pssst...

2011-09-29T21:45:00.000+01:00

The Golden Snitch Necklace is back in stock x

Peach, Pear, Plum

2011-09-15T12:08:00.000+01:00

Jen Camel

Jen Plum

New Jen Tees! The classic black, navy and grey marl are all back in stock too, with limited availability.

As a little aside, I've seen on a few blogs a suggestion that the Golden Snitch necklace is never in stock - quite simply, it is. It just sells out incredibly quickly. It's normally only ever a maxium of a few weeks when it isn't in stock and that's because the components aren't available in the UK so I have to wait for shipping. And unfortunately with the Golden Snitch, it would seem that things are always a little doomed. At the moment the chain I use is no longer available and the lockets are taking forever to arrive from America, but I promise they will be back in stock as soon as possible.

I always promote the Snitch on both my Facebook page and Twitter when it is back in stock, reply to emails regarding it's re-stocking and even take details to put them aside for people when they are back in stock, so if you are still waiting for one, either follow Wallpaper Rose's Facebook and/or Twitter or email me. I hope that helps!

Exclusively for SMUG

2011-09-11T14:25:00.000+01:00

Far a long, long way to run - £20

La a note to follow sew - £14

Sew a needle pulling thread - £20

Ray a drop of golden sun - £14

I have a new stockist! I say new, it's my first since Motel, back in 2010 which is really exciting.

I've made these pieces exclusively in collaboration with Lizzie for SMUG, so please do go and have a look!

I would love to know what you think.

Twit - Twoo - ooh

2011-09-08T22:20:00.003+01:00

Archimedes Pocket Watch

I started writing this post last time Archimedes was back in stock, but it sold out before I got the chance to post it! Owls are incredibly popular at the moment - I love their graphic quality, so to celebrate Archimedes return, I wanted to share with you my favourite parliament of owls.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

If you know of anything else wonderfully owlish I should see, please let me know.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn - Little Fille Giveaway

2011-09-04T16:30:00.002+01:00

Sorry for my complete absence recently, I've just moved flat and we're still pretty much internet-less. Once we've sorted a few more boxes, hopefully I'll be able to show you a few photos!

I did however want to quickly tell you about the rather incredible giveaway occurring on Little Fille's blog. Mari is rather staggeringly giving away one of EVERY piece from her Summer collection and a special selection of her soon to be released Autumn/ Winter collection to celebrate her new stockists - Urban Outfitters in North America and Anthropologie in London! Little Fille is set on world domination, one hair bow at a time. I am so incredibly pleased for her. I simply can't wait to see the entirety of the new collection. Autumn/ Winter trends have a tendency to be my favourite, I just love the subtle colours that start to re-surface after a Summer of brights.

(You can see the video on a larger scale on Mari's blog. How lovely is her dress?!)

One of the means of entering Mari's giveaway is to blog about the competition and I'm afraid I had but one idea.

As someone who makes accessories, there's only one thing we all truly want and that my friends, is to see Zooey Deschanel modelling our work. So without further ado, Mari, I give you Zooey for Little Fille!

OUT TAKE

(Umm, opse?)

I'm not really sure who I owe a bigger apology to - Mari, for ruining her products, or to Zooey - for ruining her face. I might just blame poor image quality...

But regardless of my PhotoShop misdemeanours, this is probably one of the best blog competitions I've ever seen. If you like hair accessories (and you really should) the Little Fille giveaway ends on Wednesday so get entering - you can blog, tweet or comment on her page, just take a look here. x

Daily Planet

2011-08-20T13:52:00.001+01:00

Lois Lane by wallpaperrose featuring wool hats

Why? Well Motel were running a competition on their facebook page - suffice to say I didn't win and probably should have done something more productive with my time. However I'm just so enamored with this outfit, I thought I would share it. This chambray dress has quickly worked it's way into my mental most wanted list, it's just such a lovely shape. And as for the Swedish Hasbeens, I really didn't think I liked them... Until I saw a green pair...If I could, I would own the entire outfit, but for now I think I'll just have to make do with a Polyvore collage!

Night Owl

2011-08-05T14:09:00.000+01:00

"Night Owl is an ecclectic homewares company run by Jessica Rose Lennox. Upcycling reclaimed wood and vintage crockery with her hand drawn illustrations of British wildlife."

Night Owl is the brainchild of Jessica Rose Lennox, who creates wonderful wildlife home ware with delicate hand drawn transfers. Jessica has very kindly donated one of her Barn Owl Mugs (above left) to our current giveaway. I was so flummoxed over which colour to choose ( I like them all, the black is classic, the brown owlish and the green is such a lovely shade) that instead she kindly said that the winner can choose whichever colour they like! (You can enter the giveaway here.)

I've been pining over her mugs and tea cups for some time, I can't help but feel a squirrel, (look at that face!) badger or owl mug would perfectly befit a cup of Earl Grey tea. Sadly I think I'm going to have to wait until I move. And have money.

I would have loved to photograph a piece for the giveaway, but it made more sense for Jessica to post it directly. You can see a lovely little feature on Night Owl by Temporary Secretary here. Also, I'm not sure it's still running, but Jessica did have a rather exciting blog competition in which you could choose the vintage piece she would put her gorgeous hare design on to. Do go and check out her new website, Night Owl, when you have a chance.

Tatty Devine

2011-08-03T18:01:00.001+01:00

Last Tuesday marked the last day of my Internship with Tatty Devine. I've been there part time for the last six week and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. A big part of me wanted to stay longer, however I'm in the process of moving and I'm also covering for my Manager while she's on holiday (which resulted in 10 days straight last week!) so to be honest it was getting a bit stressful and impractical.

If I'm honest, I didn't really learn a lot as such, it really is just basic construction (which doing all day, non stop, is pretty tiring) but it was really exciting to work on the new Autumn/ Winter collection and to put together samples for the coming Spring/Summer collection. The Tatty Devine team are lovely, they always provided a pretty stella Vegetarian lunch (I've not heard of an internship providing lunch, let alone one I could eat) and there was some incredible cakes to be had.

I baked some peanut butter and chocolate cookies to take in. I had rather grander plans for an epic carrot cake, but was informed rather late in the day that it was my boyfriend's Mum's birthday.... So we were going for dinner which resulted in all thoughts of a carrot cake being lost. However dinner was really good, and we had the loveliest news of an engagement in the family!

As a thank you they make all interns their own name necklace. I'm not massively taken by my own name, so true to crazy cat lady form, I opted for my two favourite ~~people~~ cats, Rufus and Indie. Rufus and Indie are undoubtedly tortoise shell, anchor kind of cats and I can't wait to show them. True to cat form, they will probably try to maul it.

(Said little people in question. I haven't taken any new photos of Rufus and Indie in such a long time - I need to rectify this soon.)

And as an extra gift, I was given the rather wonderful wooden moustache necklace which I like to wear with pride and a peter pan collar.

As I'm still unable to share with you the pieces I actually worked on, I thought I would show you a few of my favourites from current and past collections:

The dinosaur skeleton necklace is without doubt, my ultimate in Tatty Devine and if they ever decided to produce it in wood, I would probably have to sell all my possessions to own it.

In other news, I've had the worst customer service know to man from a small online shop. It's really upset me on many levels, a month after ordering I still haven't received the item, a refund, or a single word from the shop. I'm chasing it up via paypal, but it's just so disappointing, I've always had amazing service from small online shops and owning one myself, I just can't quite believe the service, or lack there of. I won't bore you with the details like poor Sophie but I can't but help feel it makes us all look bad when a small shop behaves like that. Maybe I've just been really unfortunate.

As I mentioned earlier I'm also in the process of moving, if you follow me on Twitter you will have seen the absurd photos of the chaos in our flat. The removals men came this morning (at 8am) so the great clean will commence this evening.

Also if you hadn't seen, I'm running a giveaway with three different prizes to celebrate Wallpaper Rose's second Birthday! (Including Max C London, Little Fille, Crown and Glory and Night Owl, as well as Wallpaper Rose.) You can enter here.

Two

2011-07-31T16:00:00.001+01:00

As per usual the last few weeks have been hectic busy, so busy in fact, I missed Wallpaper Rose's Birthday! I know, awful. Wallpaper Rose is now a troublesome toddler at the grand old age of two. Quite frankly I can't believe how fast the last two years have flown by, I still remember my first order and I don't get any less excited by it now!

Befitting to our age, we intend to continue making a wild rupus, with new and exciting products and a website revamp which will hopefully start occurring in the next few week. (Now that we're two, we definitely don't want to be seen wearing the same clothes that a one year old Wallpaper Rose wore)

Anyway, seeing as we missed having a tea party in the garden, with jelly and games, to celebrate out Two-ness I'm having another giveaway for you. There are three prizes up for grabs:

GREEN Prize provided by:

Max C London SHOP FACEBOOK BLOG

Crown and Glory SHOP FACEBOOK BLOG

and Wallpaper Rose

CORAL Prize provided by:

Little Fille SHOP FACEBOOK BLOG

and Wallpaper Rose

WHITE Prize provided by:

Night Owl SHOP FACEBOOK BLOG

and Wallpaper Rose

To be in with a chance of winning one of these lovely prizes, you need to:

- 'Like' MaxCLondon's facebook page and then leave a comment on their wall with your favourite bag on their website and why (excluding the Pippa bag in the giveaway. Also mention that you're from the Wallpaper Rose giveaway!)

- Follow these blogs: Little Fille, Night Owl, Crown and Glory and Wallpaper Rose.

- Then comment below with contact details and your preferred prize - Green, Coral or White.

The competition closes on the 7th August at 12pm.

Winner will be drawn on the following Monday.

Winners will be picked at random, if your first choice of prize has already gone, you will get one of the other two.

A huge thank you to Mari, Jessica, Sophie and Lis for their donations.

And as an extra special thank you to all you Wallpaper Rose fans, you can get 15% off all Wallpaper Rose orders placed this week while the giveaway is active. Just use 'PearCrumble' at the checkout.

Good luck!

PS Crown and Glory are also celebrating their birthday with a rather wonderful giveaway too, check it out here.

Max C London

2011-07-24T15:11:00.000+01:00

If you hadn't heard of them before, I wanted to introduce you to Max C London, an online boutique stocked in various independent shops and larger franchises across the globe. They have very kindly agreed to donate something rather lovely to our next giveaway which should (hopefully) be launching next week!

Max C London, established in 2007 is known for it's original prints and innovative cuts across both their clothing and accessory lines. These are a few of my current favourites.

Pippa Clutch - Available in black, blue and green

Spotted long sleeve chiffon dress - Also available in black

Heart Cardigan - Also available in coral

Polka-dot playsuit - Also available in cream

Stripey shoulder dress

Max C is regularly featured on the fashion pages of glossy magazines, worn by a host of celebrities including The Saturdays and Sophie Ellis-Bextor and has enjoyed huge success throughout the blogging community. The site is also having a rather large sale at the moment, so make sure you take a look.

These are unquestionably my most coveted Max C pieces, sadly no longer available to buy, but I frequently check ebay just in case they make an appearance....

You can follow Max C on both Facebook and Twitter.

Running on Empty

2011-07-07T23:19:00.000+01:00

Sorry to have been MIA again, things continue to be hectic.

However if you were waiting with baited breath, two lovely ladies have been chosen as winners for the Blog Birthday Giveaway. Lisa of Mathilde ♥ Manech won first prize and Amy of Amy Valentine won the runner's up gift - they've both already written posts about the giveaway, so do go and have a look. If you didn't win, never fear, Wallpaper Rose is turning two in a few weeks and they'll be another giveaway to celebrate. Again, I would like to say a massive thank you to the ladies who contributed to such a special prize - Sophie, Lavinia, Isobel, Katie, Jess, Lyzi, Emily and Sophie.

In other news, I started a new internship a few weeks ago doing jewellery production for Tatty Devine. It's pretty inspiring, if not incredibly tiring! Sadly I can't actually tell you about anything I've made, as it's all part of the new Autumn/Winter collection, but I'll probably do a post on my favourite classic Tatty pieces in the not too distant future. Though it does now mean Thursday is my only day off and alas I spent most of today tidying the flat - joy. It also means I start most sentences with "I'm really tired" - I've become such an old person/ bore, I'm pretty lucky anyone talks to me at all.

This week also marks the second birthday of Smug. We had a press event yesterday evening as a means of launching the host of exclusives that have been created with Smug to celebrate being two. It went really well and was all terribly exciting, mainly because there were canapes, a lady from Vogue and I got to meet Donna Wilson! (Little things and little minds spring to well, mind) Lizzie who owns Smug worked so damn hard and really made the whole evening happen. (I never know what to wear to things like this, at heart I'm awfully inelegant, but I opted for a black shift dress, with my Nancy lace bib necklace. I had heels, but they quietly remained behind the counter for the entire evening) As everyone loves a party, we're continuing the celebrations on Saturday, when we'll properly unveil the new exclusives (keep your eyes peeled on our window display!) with Thornback and Peel tea towel deals and cake in the yard. So if you're in the Angel/Islington area you should definitely come and see us!

And finally, I have a photograph in the Islington Arts Factory Summer Salon! Unfortunately I don't think I'm going to be able to make the private view tomorrow evening, but if you fancy taking a look, here are the details:

An if you want to see the photo, look for umbrellas, lots of umbrellas....

WR Blog's First Birthday GIVEAWAY

2011-06-17T08:08:00.002+01:00

The Wallpaper Rose Blog is ONE today! And as a little Happy Birthday from me, I'm launching the largest Giveaway I've ever done. To help celebrate I asked my favourite makers and creators with blogs if they would donate a little something to the prize, so get ready for a handmade extravaganza. (They've also all provided discount codes for their online shops!)

First Prize:

Crown and Glory - has given this super stylish dusky mint ribbed jersey headband. (Sophie has also very kindly donated to the Runner's Up prize too!)

SHOP BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER ETSY

Discount to use in Sophie's Shop: wallpaperrose15 (to get 15% off your order in both her shops)

Lavina's Tea Party - has given one of her adorable broken china circular brooches and a set of postcards.

SHOP BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER

Discount to use in Lavina's Shop: June2011 (to get 10% off your order)

Isobel Kho Illustrations - has given us a lovely screen printed bear tote and pug greeting card - I'm a little bit in love with his face!

SHOP BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER

Discount to use in Isobel's Shop: PugPug (to get 15% off your order)

What Katie Found - has given us one of her wonderfully vintage map puzzle badges.

SHOP BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER

Discount to use in Katie's Shop: WALLPAPERROSE (to get 10% off your order)

Cuppa Tea And Cake - have given this darling wooden wool brooch.

SHOP BLOG TWITTER

Discount to use in Jess's Shop: ROSEWALLPAPER (to get 10% off your order)

Being Little - has given this very cute floral kitten.

BLOG TWITTER

Hand Made By Emily - has donated these lovely green and white striped buttons and her new forth-coming larger buttons in tan polka dot.

SHOP BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER

Discount to use in Emily's Shop: WALLPAPERROSE0611 (to get 10% off your order - valid until 30th June - Midnight)

Oh My Clumsy Heart - has given this wonderful Dachshund Brooch.

SHOP BLOG TWITTER

Discount to use in Sophie's Shop: WALLPAPERROSE (To get 10% off your order)

And it wouldn't be a Wallpaper Rose Giveaway without a little Wallpaper Rose... I have a Golden Snitch necklace and a Frances tea necklace to give away.

SHOP BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER ETSY

Discount to use for Wallpaper Rose: GOLDENSNITCH (to get 10% off your order)

Never fear, there's a Runner's Up Prize too:

A Wallpaper Rose Nancy Lacy Bib necklace.

And

And an Inky Marl Ribbed Jersey Headband, donated by the lovely

Sophie of Crown and Glory.

Both winners will also receive a Wallpaper Rose Olivia button mirror and pin badge.

A really MASSIVE thank you to all the lovely creative people who have taken the time to donate such great items to make this a really exciting giveaway. (Sophie, Lavinia, Isobel, Katie, Jess, Lyzi, Emily and Sophie x)

I'm sure by now you're wondering what you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this bountiful prize - it's perfectly simple, you just need to follow each blog that has donated to the giveaway! (including Wallpaper Rose) - not exactly a hardship, when the blogs are as exciting as the shops they keep. Here's a little reminder of the blogs you need to follow (click for links):

Wallpaper Rose

Crown and Glory

Lavinia's Tea Party

Isobel Kho Illustrations

Once you're following all of these blogs (and I will be checking!) comment below with your name and a contact email address.The competition closes on the 24th June, the winner and runner-up will be chosen at random.

Good luck! x

As I stand on the edge of my embattled illusions

2011-06-09T20:14:00.000+01:00

I've recently rediscovered my love for my sewing machine - it's weird how you don't realise how much you miss something. Anyway, I've had great fun making some bunting, which I hope you like. Both are now available online, I keep planning more, but maybe I shouldn't get too carried away!

While I had the machine out, I had a go at making a headband - I've been meaning to try for ages, but there are so many lovely ones around at the moment, this seems a little lacklustre in comparison - I love the fabric though. I've also just ordered myself a pattern to make a blouse too, which I'm really excited about starting.

(Sorry about the photos, my camera lens is messing around like crazy at the moment and not focusing, which is a really pain in the ass! Also my face wasn't enjoying being photographed, so you'll have to imagine how it looks on!)

These are few new pieces now available

And a few new custom pieces...

I apologise, my brain seems to have momentarily stopped function, and nothing I type seems to make sense, so I'll stop! Have a lovely evening all x

High Summer - Little Fille

2011-06-02T15:10:00.000+01:00

I'm sure if you read my blog, even just on the odd occasion, you'll have picked up on my rather huge love of Little Fille. So it will come as no surprise that I was hugely excited to hear about the launch of the new High Summer Collection. (Bows in colour co-ordinated piles - who could ask for more?!)

Little Fille is the creation of the rather wonderful Mari Santos, who's multi-functional headpieces can now be found gracing the walls of Topshop's Flagship store on Oxford Street. It's always inspiring to have contact with someone like Mari, who with hard work and great idea has managed to transcend the small online shop and reach the mass market with her creativity. And like a little bow of recognistion, two of her head pieces were featured in last Sunday's Style Magazine in this summer-vintage inspired shoot.

Mari really kindly sent me two pieces from her most recent collection, Bettie - a two-way, polka dot turban and Emma - a fresh water pearl headband with detachable bow. (Though I have a green version, which isn't available online!) Bettie is perfect for day wear, but the fresh water pearls of Emma make it ideal for dressing up an outfit on a night out. I've always wanted to rock a head bow like Zooey Deschanel in 300 Days of Summer (I'm pretty sure Sophie and I discussed this in great depths about a year ago) and now I do... well, try is more accurate.

(I would like to take the time to apologise, this post features more of my face than I would ever care to show, but I wanted to demonstrate the loveliness of my headbands. Also, for a photography graduate, my ability to take self portraits is shocking, hence the joy of photobooth.)

This is my Emma bow and my Betty headband from the Winter collection - I still adore the cord knot detailing, a strike of genius on Mari's part, in my opinion!

And if the new collection in all it's colour bright and floral loveliness isn't appealing enough, Mari is offering either a free bow clip (yes FREE and not available to buy!) or 50% off your favourite headband online, when you purchase a headband from Topshop Oxford Circus and scan in the receipt and email her! (She's a complete doll)

Surely there couldn't be a better reason to take a trip to Topshop?!

For further information, events, competitions and general wonderment, follow Little Fille on Facebook, Twitter and Mari's Blog.

Boy, why are you crying?

2011-05-25T16:33:00.001+01:00

New tees x

Flash Flash Flash Flash SALE

2011-05-23T13:07:00.000+01:00

I'm having a FLASH SALE! For 24 hours, while stocks last! Please do go and have a look. x

So the story goes

2011-05-11T15:17:00.000+01:00

These are some custom Bridesmaid's bracelets I've been working on recently for the lovely Amy. They're created with the idea of a vintage secret garden party in mind.

x

Nancy and Violet

2011-05-09T17:23:00.000+01:00

Nancy and Violet floral lace bib necklaces - coming soon.

What do you think?? x

Something Old, Something New

2011-04-27T17:46:00.000+01:00

Like the rest of Britain, we at Wallpaper Rose are a little excited by William and Kate's wedding!

So much so, I wanted to share with you the Royal Wedding Collection. As most of us won't actually be attending, I thought I would create a range more appropriate to the tea parties and barbecues in the sunshine that I hope you'll be having instead! I've opted for antique bronzes, pearls and blue florals. With these I've put together a few outfits paying homage to British-ness with a relaxed summery twist on the colour pallet - utilising corals, denim blues, floral and lace.

Outfit One:

Floral Shirt Dress - ASOS
Mariella Carriage Necklace - Wallpaper Rose
Perdi Key Necklace - Wallpaper Rose
Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Coral Camellia - Smug
Coral Reef Nail Polish - Models Own

Outfit Two:

Louche Denim Dress - Joy
Bettie Polka Dot Turban - Little Fille
Marta Locket - Wallpaper Rose
Ruby Earrings - Wallpaper Rose
Sandals - Schuh

Outfit Three:

Jen Peter Pan Collar Tee in Navy - Wallpaper Rose
Eleanor Brooch - Wallpaper Rose
Denim Shorts - Hollister
Michelle Two-way Headband - Little Fille

Quite a few people email and ask, so I thought I'd let you know that some of the Jen Peter Pan Collar Tees and the Golden Snitch necklace are back in stock on the website. Also, if you'd like to be the first to hear about Wallpaper Rose news, discounts and events, sign up to our newsletter!

I hope you're all enjoying the many Bank Holidays this week - what have you got planned for the weekend? x

HAPPY EASTER EGG DAY!

2011-04-24T17:13:00.000+01:00

Easter egg hunt anyone?

Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend - is anyone doing anything special??
I'm going to see the original Alice in Wonderland animation at the cinema tomorrow! x

Oh you pretty things

2011-04-05T19:36:00.000+01:00

I know I've somewhat neglected my blog as of late, so I thought I had better do a quick round up! Firstly, new pieces. Though perhaps not so new.... a clear reminder of how long I've actually been working on this post! Also the new Jen Tees - I hope the new lace collars are liked as much as the old ones were - I actually think I prefer these, but we'll see how it goes. My t-shirt supplier also seems to be phasing out the t-shirts I use, which is a massive shame, I don't seem to be able to get either of the burgundy shades now.

In other news, today was the last day of my three month internship, so I'm now back trawling through websites looking for new opportunities. I've also started working in the loveliest of shops, SMUG! (Expect regular Smug updates - as I already have a ridiculous internal shopping list.) Smug is a wonderfully quirky lifestyle shop in Camden Passage, Islington that sells an array of new and vintage homeware, furniture, accessories and apparel. The shop is also beautifully designed if you needed any further incentive to visit.

You can also follow SMUG of facebook and twitter.

Images courtesy of Smug.

At the end of February I was lucky enough to win the Deer Brains Birthday competition and I've finally (nearly) received all of the prizes! A ridiculous bounty I know. I'm particularly taken with my new friend, Vincent. He currently resides on my bed, but has been known to hang out on the sofa.

Again, another massive thank you to the Deer Brains team.

I'm not usually someone lucky enough to win anything, so was quite confused to also be chosen at random (huzzah for coincidence) to win Dixi's facebook competition. I received this rather lovely Dorothy Perkins satchel. Dixi sells a range of modern and vintage women's apparel - I'm particularly enamoured with their Freya Peter Pan Collar dress.

To celebrate the opening of their new building and photography at the University of wales, Newport, they selected a variety of work, predominantly by ex-students, to adorn the glass walls. I was lucky enough to have one of my images selected. Sadly I haven't had the chance to get back to Newport to see it, but I'm pleased none the less! The image used is the one below:

'Fable' copyright of Louise Nowelle Gibbs.

Please do not use without my permission.

For one of my best friend's birthday, I made him an infamous sock monkey.

I have made three sock monkeys in my life time and I have learnt the following:

1. Never use mens socks. You will be stuffing for eternity.

2. They make a rather lovely present, particularly for boys, as you cannot give them jewellery.

3. Ears and mouths are not my strong point.

4. No matter how many mistakes you make, or how bad they look, you can dismiss it all with the word 'handmade'.

This is Sam's monkey, who I still believe is nameless (!!!) with Alan. Alan is the rather dashing monkey on the left, the first I made and the only one that will ever be made out of men's socks. He belongs to my beloved and is naturally named after Alan Rickman. The best ~~Alan~~ Man there will ever be. (If you don't agree, you clearly haven't watched Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves or Truly madly Deeply.)

I've rather foolishly got emotionally attached to the Neal by Neal Sperling cable cardigan at Urban Outfitters, again. This time in rust. It's taking the majority of my will power not to buy it and truthfully I cannot promise I won't cave. My mum is still in the process of knitting my bottle green version - apparently every time she sits down to knit she ends up with a cat on her lap.

Given the choice of knitting or Rufus and Indie, I'd choose Rufus and Indie every time.

I've also realised from this photograph that with my badly DIY'd fringe and my eyebrows, I look like Spock.

There is no way this can be interpreted positively.

Sadly I didn't get to see my Mum on Mother's Day as I was working and not really in the right part of the country. So I just wanted to share a little appreciation here for being fortunate enough to have her. To bastardise Tina Turner's lyrics, she's simply the best.

And while I was showing embarrassing photos, I thought I would share the precursor to Reservoir Dogs.

Over and Out x

Sigma

2011-03-18T11:00:00.000Z

I was recently sent this rather wonderful Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki make up brush by the lovely people at Sigma Beauty.

"This exclusive flat top synthetic kabuki was designed to deliver a flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation. The long handle adds comfort to your makeup application. The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned. Made of Synthetic Sigmax HD filament."

Now at the risk of sounding like a philistine, until receiving this brush, I've always used my fingers to apply my liquid foundation, I don't really know why, I just have - ease? laziness? Who knows. Anyway, I was a little perturbed by the size of the brush when I first saw it, when considering putting foundation on my eye lids (the brush is bigger than my eye!) however the kabuki is brilliant. It really does provide even coverage, blends well and I haven't stabbed my eyes like I feared! I haven't stopped using it since I received it and quite frankly I wonder how I have ever managed to apply foundation without owning a brush.

Sigma offer a huge range of make up brushes and accessories at affordable prices. They're an American company, so don't expect next day delivery, but my brush still arrived fairly promptly. You're able to shop by function (eyebrow, highlights, liner, foundation, etc) which is particularly useful if you're not au fait with the world of make brushes. I'm rather enamored with their brush kits, though if I had the money, I'm not sure I would be able to decide which colour kit to go for! Purple, Aqua or classic Black.

It's a little like stationary, there's something lovely about a matching set.

Barnacled Warship - NEW

2011-03-10T09:05:00.000Z

New to Wallpaper Rose x

Promises look good on paper, especially from you.

2011-03-09T13:50:00.001Z

I recently received the loveliest of parcels from one of my favourite people, Sophie of Crown and Glory. It was particularly wonderful, as I was having somewhat of a crap day and as shallow as it may seem, receiving something pretty doesn't half make a shite day seem somewhat better! She gave me these lovely Vintage Button Bobby Pins, which I am yet to wear, but I love the detailed drawings and my much loved clay ribbed jersey turban. I think I've only taken the turban off to go to work I enjoy wearing it so much. As you may have ascertained from reading my blog, I have a head of unnatural proportions, so to find something that fits and I can wear comfortably all day is a true rarity and really quite exciting. Sophie offers all her headwear in two sizes, with the third option of custom, so even those with the fattest of heads can wear her creations! The ribbed jersey is not only a lovely shade, but very soft and without sounding too much like an old lady it really does keep your ears warm... and pins them back, should you have inherited one sticky-out ear from your Great Grandpa...

I also began to think about how I might style my turban - it took all my self restraint not to ask Sophie to bring a polka dot turban in a Louise size when she last came to visit (it's high on my list of desired purchases). I thought I would also factor in the Bitching and Junk Food shorts I won (*still waiting for their arrival) as part of the Deer Brain's birthday competition. I don't ever wear shorts, not from the lack of wanting, I just don't have the legs, however I'm being somewhat preemptive having just purchased myself one of these bad boys and telling myself that I will start jogging again tomorrow.

Crown and Glory - Going Dotty - Polka Dot Turban

Urban Outfitters - Neal Cable Cardigan

Asos - Peter Pan Collar Blouse

Bitching and Junkfood - Remade Levis Shorts

Wallpaper Rose - Tillie Brooch

Topshop - Nail polish in Hunting

Crown and Glory - Clay Ribbed Jersey Turban

EWM - Fisherman's Rib Jumper

Bitching and Junkfood - Remade Levis Shorts

Wallpaper Rose - Jen Tee in Charcoal Marl

Wallpaper Rose - Perdi Key Pendant

Models Own - Nail Polish in Vintage Pink

It probably seems little strange but I've got a little obsessed with wanting to purchase a fisherman's knit sweater. There are quite a few floating around at the moment in various designs, but I quite want an oversized baggy one. I watched The Life Aquatic for the first time in a really long time last week and I'm now really fighting the desire to buy a navy one and sew on a Z.... I really do want to be part of Team Zissou. Anyway, I've found some in the sale at The Edinburgh Woollen Mill of all places (you probably think I'm 65 rather than 25 right now) and I'm debating which to purchase! Most the time I live in jeans, so I'm not sure if navy is the right move, I really like the burnt orange shade, but I prefer the longer shape of the other ones. Currently I'm leaning towards the bottle green - but then my Mum is still knitting me her own version of the UO green cardigan in the outfit above (yes it was meant to be a birthday present and yes my birthday was in January. It's just how we roll).... I don't know. Any thoughts? I've also realised that I didn't mention, when putting this outfit together that I was really inspired by Gem and her styling of the WR Jen Tee - layering the collar with a round neck jumper brings it into a whole new realm of wearability - especially while the weather is still chilly!

The wonderful Mr Bill Murray/ Steve Zissou

Boots - River Island and So You Shoes.

And just a little aside, or perhaps a call for advice, I love the two pairs of River Island boots pictured above, but can't at the moment justify the price tag. As they're not leather, I'd rather not really pay anymore than £20-£25. I'm trawling ebay at the moment, but does anyone know of any good sites for this kind of boot leaning towards the cheap?

I hope everyone is well. I'm about to start a Jen Tee sewing mission, though my mind keeps getting carried away by the thought of starting my quilt. I would love it if anyone could recommend any online fabric shops or any in London - I'm a little anxious to start sourcing material! Hopefully I should have some new jewellery pieces up on the website in the next couple of weeks too.

x

The Night Sky

2011-03-02T11:38:00.001Z

Motel Shirley Shirt Motel Sally Skirt Motel Celeste Dress Motel Jenna Dress

Topshop Nail Polish

Wallpaper Rose Remi Necklace

Today (now yesterday) has been somewhat of a pig of a day, so rather than dwell on it, I thought I would distract myself with things of a pretty nature. As I'm sure you can tell I'm rather enamoured with Motel's new design Night Sky in the dusky grey - it looks so wonderfully soft! I absolutely adore the long sleeved shirt, it ticks all the boxes, though a big part of me wishes it was as long as the sleeveless shirt dress below. Which then starts me pining for the shirt dress. How amazing would it look with some black skinny jeans, brogues, and a big cardigan for the colder weather?? I haven't been particularly bowled over by Motel in recent months, it all got a little bright and geometric for me, but they've won me back whole heartedly with these pieces. I've also included the bodycon Jenna dress, which is great if you have the hips for it!

Trawling through the Motel website, I've also discovered the rather wonderful black pleated skirt. (Which since yesterday, seems to have disappeared from the site!) I don't know about anyone else, I've been looking for the perfect black pleated skirt for some time, but they always seem to be too short or too long, but this length looks ideal. Saying that, it's definitely the kind of item that needs to be tried on. It's also available in a rather lovely shade of wine, should you be feeling adventurous.

I think with the Night's Sky range I would be tempted to keep a rather neutral pallet for the rest of the outfit, but inject some colour with a muted nail polish - I love these shade from Topshop. I've then teamed the outfit with WR's Remi necklace. Initially I had in mind sailors using the stars to navigate the seas, but thinking about it now, maybe the Gabriella telescope would have been more appropriate?

Have a good Tuesday (Wednesday) - I hope for your sake you didn't have to crawl around a shop window ledge painting it. I can't wait to get home and have a big bear hug from the boyface and some kind of chocolate.

However tomorrow (today!) I get to see Sam, Sophie and bake! Could it be any better?

I thought I would also quickly show you the two new shades of Jen tee - Charcoal Marl and Deep Indigo - which have both actually sold out now. The photos are shamefully bad as the light was fading, but when I make the next batch I will put the effort in to photographing them a little more successfully.

If you follow me on twitter, you'll know I've been having a nightmare of a time trying to source lace collars - I've thankfully managed to order a different style of collar (still peter pan, but the lace is different) from America - I just have to hope that they're nice when they arrive! xx

Surprise Surprise

2011-02-26T14:06:00.000Z

About two or perhaps three Friday's ago now (yes, that is how long I've been writing this post) I had the most wonderful surprise of walking into my living room to be greeted by two of my favourite people, Sophie and Sam!

Somewhat ashamedly there was probably an amount of squealing and a few tears on my part - ever the embarrassment as I hadn't seen Sam since before Christmas and Sophie since Graduation back in September! I would like to add, both had lied to me a few days previously, when I tried to arrange to get them both to come and visit our new flat, they had hit me with a barrage of refusals because of time and money! It transpired it had been arranged as a surprise since we hadn't been able to do anything for my birthday back in January and my god what a surprise it was!

They even had code names.

We literally had the best weekend! It mainly consisted of eating fine foods (above Wagamama's, below Belgo!) drinking copious amounts - alas I have no photographic evidence of the jager bombs and generally an all round good time! Sam had also knitted us the most amazing cushion (yes cushion!) and a bobble hat, which I promise to photograph soon and Sophie gave us the most lovely cake stand, which you can just about see in a photo further down, which I can't wait to photograph jewellery on! Though I can tell you the only thing prettier than he cake stand, is the cake stand covered in Millie's cookies. Which it was. And truth be told I think I probably ate 75% of them.

Monday Monday - Valentine's Day Souffle

Charlie and I aren't especially 'Valentine's' people, we're both strongly of the mind set that we don't need someone to tell us when we should express our love for each other, especially with a god awful card and some cliche roses, so it's rare that we will do something of a valentine's nature. However Charlie did cook me dinner, which was utterly lovely. When we went to Paris at the end of last year we went to the most amazing Souffle restaurant (I say amazing, I hadn't ever had souffle before, so didn't have anything to compare it to, though I would say it's possibly the best meal I've ever had out!) and since then we've been vowing to learn how to cook souffles. Anyway, on the Monday after a long trek up and down Islington after work looking for ramekins, Charlie cooked us the finest of cheese souffles which we will undoubtably be cooking again!

NEW to Wallpaper Rose - everything has been a bit hectic (as per usual it seems) so I haven't had much of a chance to sit down and make some new pieces - which I'm absolutely desperate to do soon, but here are a couple of pieces I made when I managed to steal a couple of hours to myself!

Rainy Days -Last weekend it absolutely poured down all Saturday,so everything we had intended to do, failed somewhat. So instead the boy and I decided to embrace a 'home day', remaining in pajamas and baking! Below are some photos of the lovely carrot cake and savory muffins we made. Both are recipes from the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook - a really good investment if you have a jonesing for carrot cake as it turned out really well.

In other news, I found out in the same wonderful weekend when my friends were down that I had won the DEERBRAINS first birthday giveaway! (They ran a separate competition for the guys) Which was absolutely insane - so a massive thank you to them! So far I've received these lovely mittens and necklace from Lazy oaf. I'm particularly excited by the Models Own nail polish and the Remade Levi Bitchy shorts, I can't wait for those to arrive in the post. I'll keep you updated as things arrive.

Lazy Oaf are actually having a sale at the moment and I am a little bit in love with this sweater but alas even with 25% off it's still well out of my price range, but do go and check them out!

And that brings me pretty much up to date! I hope everyone is having a rather lovely weekend- I think I'm about to be roped into some kind of DIY... wish me luck x

Cattens

2011-02-15T19:25:00.002Z

As stupid as this may appear, I am missing my kittens ridiculously!

So I'm afraid this is a little bit of a crazy cat lady ode to them. (I promise to blog properly soon, but for now, I give you - Rufus and Indie! My favourite munchkins xx)

Birthday Giveaway WINNER!

2011-02-01T19:07:00.000Z

And the winner of the Wallpaper Rose Jewellery Giveaway (featuring Crown and Glory) is......

KATIE STYLES

Congratulation!!

Thank you so so much to everyone who entered - you all left such lovely messaged, thank you! I've also since realised in the photo of me in my last post, my collar bone looks scarily like a crows foot - word to the wise, think about what your collar bone is doing when you're trying to take a photo in photo booth! I hope everyone is well. I have so much to blog about, but things are just hectic at the moment! Hopefully I'll get back to some kind of blogging pattern soon. xx

Birthday GIVEAWAY

2011-01-24T18:33:00.000Z

Today is, alas, my birthday.

And as a means of trying to make myself feel a little better about how heinously old I am, I thought I would get you all in on the celebrations by launching a new giveaway today!

To make it just that little bit more special, the wonderful Sophie of Crown & Glory is gifting one of her new beautiful velvet turbans to the prize! Sophie has gone a little creating-mad recently, so do check out her site as it is full to the brim of pretty new pieces!

The Giveaway Prize Includes:

- WRJ Beatrice Necklace

- WRJ Cassie Hair Slides in coral

- WRJ Olivia floral Button Mirror

- 2x WRJ pin buttons (one in each of the current designs - not pictured)

- Crown and Glory Dr Black Velvet Turban Headband

To Enter:

- You must be a follower of this blog (please state whether you're following via Google Connect or Bloglovin')

- Please follow the lovely Crown and Glory who have so generously donated to the giveaway! (again please state how you are following them - Google Connect or Bloglovin')

- Please leave your email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner.

The Giveway closes on Tuesday 1st February at 5pm.

The winner will be drawn at random - either through random.org or from a teapot!

I'm afraid I'm looking a little rough city central this evening, I slept awfully last night - but this is me rocking the slouchy Birthday look and a few of the lovely things I was given this morning before I left for work - I'm a very lucky lady.

Good luck everyone and have a rather splendid evening x

And roll around like marbles on the floor.

2011-01-19T19:44:00.001Z

I apologise for my complete disappearance (yet again!) things have been so hectic recently, I just don't know where the time has gone. I started this post, well sometime near Christmas as I wanted to show you some of the beautiful things I received. Unfortunately, I was trying to do it quickly and took a bunch of really shite photos and haven't had the chance to re-shoot it. So I'm afraid I've stolen a few images to give you a better idea!

I just wanted to make a quick mention of this lovely book my boyfriend's parents gave me - 'The Gentle Art of Quilt making'.

Now I can't say quilting has ever held a particular interest for me, but this book is so beautifully shot and inspiring, I actually cannot wait to start making one! I've decided it's going to be my first project when we move into our new place, I'm really excited about sourcing materials. I've already warned the boyface that it will be 100% floral-y! I will do a more in depth post about the book, and about my progress when I start making it.

In other news, my Mum is knitting me a cardigan for my birthday! Admittedly I'm not convinced it will be finished by next week, but after realising my love for the Urban Outfitters cardigan that I keep harping on about, she started finding lot of different cardigan patterns to try and make me one in a very similar style - she really is wonderful! I still haven't shown you my awful attempt at knitting my boyfriend a stocking for Christmas. I was pretty bad at it, but I really did enjoy knitting. I think I'm going to try and get myself some sock patterns to attempt. I'm currently planning to launching another giveaway on my birthday, it just seemed appropriate, so please do keep an eye out for that.

Snow Started Falling

2011-01-05T15:49:00.000Z

I'm sorry I've be somewhat absent as of late - I have so much to catch up on, I'm not really sure where to begin! So as a starting exercise I thought I would post my somewhat late wish list I started making long before Christmas. It wasn't ever really aimed at Christmas, it was more a - 'If I had a ridiculous amount of money to throw around right now, I would buy...' kind of a list. It's also a little tailored as I'm starting an internship next week (and yes, I do have the fear) so need to smarten my wardrobe. This is harder than you might think as I do essentially live in jeans and a t-shirt - but apparently this isn't a smart combination? Anyway, as a little aside - does anyone know a New Look where you can still purchase the high-waisted a-line bow skirt from?? I spent an age looking for it in the wrong shop, only to discover they had sold out!

I will do a 'focused' Christmas and New Year post, but I thought I'd leave you with a few pieces new to Wallpaper Rose.

I hope everyone has had a really lovely festive season - isn't it sad it's basically all over??

Christmas Giveaway WINNER!

2010-12-20T20:47:00.000Z

Drum roll.......

The lovely Rose Davidson Leech was plucked from the tea pot! The locket and earrings will be in the post to you asap!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered and a big hello to all my new followers!

I hope everyone is having a lovely evening - is everyone excited for Saturday?

x

But everything looks perfect from far away

2010-12-19T10:28:00.000Z

The loveliest of packages arrived through my door earlier this week. I don't know about anyone else, but for the last couple of months I've only received presents I've ordered for Christmas and jewellery supplies - so this gold encased parcel was more than a sight for sore eyes! It was from Little Fille.

Mari and I had decided upon swapping some of our wares a little while ago, but I had to wait for supplies to arrive before I could make her pieces. However her parcel was so much more than generous, I had asked for the Betty head piece, but she sent me Marilyn as well! It puts my parcel to shame - a situation I intend to rectify!

Little Fille - Betty

The Betty piece is a two way bow head band, the rope knot, perfectly sophisticated and the bow side creates a "doll-like daintiness". The bow is removable, so when you want to reveal the knot side you don't have to have the bulky bow below your hair. I adore the colour, navy blue is certainly a favourite of mine, I simply love it. My only issue - and this is by no means a reflection on Little Fille, is that I'm having to try and stretch it a little. The head band is not small (so please don't read that as a criticism) I just suffer from 'TheMostHumungousHeadInTheWorld' syndrome. It really is a sad state of affairs, I have a big head and big hair, so it's rare hats, head bands or hoods fit me. But hopefully it will loosen a little as I have every intention of wearing this on Christmas day... Actually I have every intention of wearing this when I go to London on tuesday after work. (weather permitting!)

Little Fille - Marilyn

Marilyn is a slightly daintier piece, the cream cord and gold chain is such a luxurious combination. It also ties on (which is just perfect for people with fat heads) with a lovely velvet bow, which can be worn for a simpler, chic look. I love this piece on as it really reminds me of a more elaborate version of the turban head bands that are around at the moment. I tried to wear one, but it was so small, I could barely get it on my head, it showed no interest in being stretched either, so sadly I had to part with it.

I'm blown away by the quality of the pieces and their simple beauty, so if you haven't already do take a look at Little Fille's website. I also got to pay a little visit to their stand in the Oxford Street Topshop - which looks brilliant! Unfortunately I didn't stay long, I was in a foul mood. Fighting streams of people that close to Christmas, whilst carry a huge weekend bag is not fun. I had mentally prepared an angry blog post while I was out, but felt it was better not to share!

I know I seem to do this on a regular basis, but I want to apologise profusely for the images. I didn't get home from work in time to capture natural light- my images always seem to be a bit bollocks when taken in artificial lighting (sadly I've never been good with flash) but the situation will be rectified, perhaps tomorrow, time permitting.

I had also intended to include some head shots, however I've had the most disasterous hair massacre known to man kind this week. (Perhaps a slight exaggeration.) I truly haven't had a hair cut this awful in some time. It was tear inducing. (Actually probably about an hour of tear streaming when I got home, having tried my hardest not to burst into tears and run out of place.)

I'm not really sure if I've shown posts of my hair before - probably not, as that does seem a little weird. I've have asymmetric hair for years - talk about being behind the times. I've had many variations on a theme, but most recently I've had a heavy fringe, the left side of my hair has been long (about boob length!) the right side has been a couple of inches shorter and it was shorter than that at the back. So I suppose like a longer, more extreme version of a graduated bob. I'm not really sure why, I guess i liked having slightly different hair and it was only really obvious when I straightened it.

Anyway, it's been looking a bit of a nothingness as of late, so I thought I would shell out for a hair cut. (Something I can rarely afford.) I had been torn for a while as I really want and have been trying to grown my hair long, but I get so bored I did consider cutting it all off into a short bob. I came across this photo of Zooey Deschanel which I simply adore. (A slight aside, but I love Zooey. I'm not big on being influenced by stars, or caring how they look or what they wear, but Zooey's different. I love her and want to be her. And own her wardrobe. Sad? Yes. True also.) Now I full appreciated that my hair was no way as long as this and that my hair was of many lengths, but I quite wanted to achieve this shape, if possible.

The second image was just an example of her fringe, as I wanted mine to start a little further back then it did, to maximise thickness. I'd decide that despite the picture, I still wanted to keep my long section of hair, it was after all what made my hair look long.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I felt bullied/ tricked into having the long part of my hair cut off. I only wanted the ends cut to retain length, but she cut off over an inch on the short side. She's basically cut me a short triangle and my fringe is above my eyebrows.

It looks so so dreadful. I know there are bigger things in the world to worry about and it probably sounds horribly vain to go into such detail about my hair. But I really am devastated. I can't do anything with it. It looks awful tided up too because there isn't much length to play with and the fringe is so damn ridiculous. Zooey Deschanel it is not.

Hopefully I will be able to take some head shots of my Little Fille pieces, but I might have to wait six months or six years until my hair looks less retarded. My boyfriend really sweetly suggested maybe we found somewhere else for me to go, to get a better cut, but I really just don't want anything further cut off. I don't know - any hair saving suggestions?

As sad as it is, I felt so distressed by the whole thing and somewhat sorry for myself that I nearly bought a cardigan out of sympathy. I still might. Though I'm still not sure I can justify it's hefty price tag.

NEAL By Neal Sperling Cable Cardigan - £65

(Urban Outfitters - In Green and Wine)

But my hair does look fucking awful. So maybe I can.

I had no idea this was going to be such a long post when I started typing!

However, in jewellery related new.... These are a couple of new pieces soon to be on the website.

I've also been a little over whelmed by the popularity of the Golden Snitch necklace, quite a few people seem a little sad that it's out of stock! I am, however ordering more wings as I type, they do take a little while to arrive (it can be up to a month) but the Golden Snitch will be back in stock in the new year - so never fear!

If you haven't entered already, I'm running a little Christmas Giveaway here. There's a Lorna locket and Esme earrings up for grabs, the competition closes on Monday at 6pm so do take a look.

And to conclude, a few to follow:

Cait at She's Got A Passion For Fashion
Laetitia at Mademoiselle Robot
Lyzi at Being Little
Isobel at Attempted Illustration.

x

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

2010-12-14T16:12:00.006Z

"It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
I wish I had a river
I could skate away on"
Joni Mitchell - River

This is the Wallpaper Rose Jewellery CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!
Enter for the chance to win Lorna, a large floral purse locket, with tea and love letter charms and a lovely pair of dark indigo Esme earrings - new to Wallpaper Rose!

To enter:

- You must be a follower of this blog.
- Please leave your email address so that I can contact you.
- Any tweeting will be massively appreciated, but won't provide extra entries.
- And I'd love to know which piece of WRJ you would like to see in your stocking!
- A winner will be chosen at random - possibly by random.org, but more than likely a name will be picked from a tea pot - it's just more enjoyable!
- The draw will close on the 20th December - good luck!

Come on skinny love just last the year

2010-12-09T12:14:00.000Z

The lovely Mari of Little Fille is running yet another wonderful blog competition! This friday Little Fille will be giving away your choice of either an Audrey or Marilyn headpiece. (See below) All you have to do is follow the blog, comment which piece you would like to win and what you would wear it with. I was feeling particularly cold when I entered, so put together a casual, snug outfit. (I'm a little in love with the Topshop blouse!)

.... Also you don't have to produce a visual, I've only just discovered Polyvore and got a little obsessed...

Creating this suddenly reminded me that I hadn't reviewed my Eyeko products!

I tried to photograph my nails to show you the polish in action, but my hand looked creepy as hell! (It really did nothing for the product.) The Posh Polish is a lovely nude shade, perfect for Autumn/Winter trends and goes on really well with two coats. I felt it looked a little thin with just one, but that's fairly standard and for only £3.50 it's become a firm favourite of mine - I may even wear it this weekend!

The second product is Eyeko's Toffee Fatbalm. I was particularly intrigued by it's multi functional purpose, as both lip balm and blush. As drawn as I was to this idea, I was somewhat dubious of putting something designed for your lips on your cheeks - I couldn't help but feel something of that consistency would just lead my face into having some kind of huge break out. (It doesn't take much to convince it.) But for years I've wanted to try the Ruby and Millie Face Gloss but have never been able to justify the price tag, so felt this was a cheaper alternative to explore. And MY am I happy with the results! I wore the Fatbalm on my cheeks constantly while in Paris and have done since I've returned and my cheeks have stayed blemish free - with a lovely dewy glow. The Toffee shade is perfect for me as I'm somewhat of a 'Pale Janet' (as Sue White would say) but I would love to try some of the other shades.

If you haven't tried Eyeko before, or are already a fan use the code E12372 at the checkout to receive a free gift on any purchases over £10/$15/€10. Eyeko are also currently offering half price Surprise Party Sets, perfect for Christmas.

While I was on the subject of giveaways, I thought I would quickly suggest you take a look at Stolen Thunder's Facebook page. They're simultaneously running two, one to win a Personalised piece of your choice and the second to win £75 of Stolen Thunder Jewellery. I've been meaning to blog about their personalised pieces for some time as I'm really drawn to the idea, however I wasn't entirely sure what I would choose to have inscribed.

Immediately I thought 'I love Marty McFly' would be a good start as it is factually accurate. However, I started to fear it may be construed as I love McFly, which could not be more untrue.

I've since decided I would much rather emblazon some of my favourite lyrics and wear them around my neck. As Bon Iver and Johnny Flynn still capture my heart lyrically, it would either be 'Snow started falling' or 'Marbles on the floor'.

And yet I'm still torn. I'm still not sure I would choose a custom piece over their already existing pieces. I'm still captivated by the kite necklace - the proportions are just wonderful.

I just don't know.

Given three rows of text, each up to nine characters long, what would you choose to inscribe?

Where do you go to my lovely

2010-12-06T18:50:00.000Z

I apologise I've been a little AWOL since I returned from Paris - so much has happened, I don't even know where to beginning! I already have about three other half written posts. And even now, I have to love you and leave you as I need to go and sew some tees. However I thought it was about time I shared with you a few photos from Paris. I've still got a few films to get developed (it's a pain no longer have access to facilities!) however these are a few digital images.

Paris was beautiful, Paris Photo was immense, the whole weekend was just lovely. When I eventually get the time, I'll try to tell you more. In the mean time, enjoy my boy's moustache - I'm sure he'd like me to clarify it was grown for Movember...

I hope everyone is well xx

Come on skinny love just last the year

2010-11-25T10:41:00.000Z

I apologise that's it's been all quiet on the western front as of late. Things have been non stop since I returned from Paris and I have so much I want to blog about, but don't have the time! I'm hoping the beginning of next week will be quieter - not only to catch you up, but to restock the website! My little shop is looking so sad and empty - not a good look for Christmas! Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is something out of stock that you desire, I'll put it to the top of my 'need to desperately restock' list.

Anyway, I thought I'd just do a quick little post to show you a few more of Wallpaper Rose's recent blog features. I've been meaning to say a massive thank you to everyone, I've had such lovely responses from blogs, emails and twitter recently, it's a little over whelming. I'm never sure with small shops like Wallpaper Rose if it's realised that frequently it is just a one person operation. I can't speak for other people, but for me it really does means a lot to know that what I make is appreciated.

So thank you!

Anyway, an even bigger thank you to the ladies above for their lovely posts!

Lyzi from Being Little
Kim from Sweet Monday
Milly from Pearls and Poodles
Shibani from Sweet Silhouette

(Again, there are many discount codes running around, most valid until 14th December. So do check out the features!!)

x

You say the most beautiful things

2010-11-17T18:57:00.000Z

Just a quick little post to show you a few more Wallpaper Rose features! A massive thank you to these beautiful ladies rocking their outfits with WRJ.

If you haven't seen their blogs before make sure you take a look. With thanks to

Jazmine from Jazzabelle's Diary
Jen from A Little Bird Told Me
Victoria from VIPXO
Gem from Gem Fatale
Sophie from Crown and Glory
SJ from Cowbiscuits

(There are also quite a few discount codes running around on various blogs at the moment, or will be in the next week or so, so do take a look!)
.... This turned into a much larger post than I had anticipated - I need to start packing!!
x

Little Fille lauches in Topshop

2010-11-16T16:14:00.002Z

Little Fille is launching in Topshop!!!

This is massively exciting!

(I do apologise for the tiny picture, but the information reads:)

"Little Fille is delighted to invite you to our first ever pop-up shop at Topshop Oxford Circus on 19th November 2010. We'd be thrilled if you's join us, but if you can't make it to London, not to worry. Place your order online at www.littlefille.com."

Sadly I can't make it on the opening, however Little Fille are in Topshop until the 16th January so I will definitely be making the trip to check out these beautiful head pieces in person!

And as if that wasn't exciting enough, to celebrate the launch, Mari of Little Fille is giving away a headband of your choice - one on her blog, the other on twitter! Just visit her blog to see what to do!

No one else will have me, only you

2010-11-14T12:44:00.000Z

It's only really just occurred to me how envious I am of everyone going to the Jimmy Eat World tour. I was offered tickets, but living in the outsticks and having little money made it a no go. So anyone who's lucky enough to see them tonight in Bristol have an amazing time! And maybe request a song for me?! Perhaps ...

- No Sensitivity
- For me this is Heaven
- 23
- Work
- The most beautiful things
- Blister
- 10
- Over
- Pain

...... I could keep going?? Have a wonderful time x

All children, except one, grow up.

2010-11-13T14:17:00.000Z

I've jumped on my own Peter Pan band wagon (did I mention I'm reading the book? I did start reading it before I got a little obsessed with his fashion counterpart) and have hand embellished some tees. The Jen Over-sized Peter Pan Collar tees have white lace collars and turned up sleeves. They're currently available in grey and navy, black will be back in stock soon. A marl denim blue and the burgundy shade I'm wearing will soon be available too. If you would like a specific colour/size combination that isn't available online please don't hesitate to contact me! The style is designed to be oversized, so looks great tucked into high-waisted skirts/jeans/shorts or even pulled in with a belt.

This is a new venture for me, so I hope you like them. (I guess if people don't, I just have quite few new t-shirts....) x

Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning - Pick of the Peter Pan's.

2010-11-13T14:03:00.000Z

L-R
1. Pins + Needles Gathered Panel Frock - Urban Outfitters £58 (No longer online but might be in store!)
2. Pearl Lowe Lace Collar Dress - Peacocks - £35 (No longer online, however can be sought for a ridiculous price on ebay!)
3. Darling Peter Pan Collar Blouse - ASOS - £45
4. Flowery Dress with Crochet Neckline - Zara - £22.99
5. Camel Corneli Coat - Miss Selfridge - £80
6. Kimchi & Blue Pleat Bodice House Dress - Urban Outfitters - £52
7. Peterpan Collar Jersey Dress - ASOS - £24
8. Tiered Peter Pan Collar Blouse - Topshop - £32
9. Stripe Collar Dress - MaxC London - £25
10. Crochet Trim Blouse - ASOS - £32
11. Lace Peter Pan Collar Blouse - ASOS - £28
12. Darling Embellished Peter Pan Collar Cardigan - ASOS - £55
13. Zara Dress - No longer available online
14. Long Sleeved Peter Pan Tunic - Topshop - £28

Firstly I'm going to go ahead an apologise for this huge white space. Essentially I buggered up formatting I suppose... it was the only way I could fit the image in width ways without loosing part of it. My bad.

Anyway.

My love of the Peter Pan Collar is no secret, so I thought I would share with you a few of favouite pieces currently available on the high street. I've previously blogged about a few of the dresses, so I won't go into too much detail! I've been after a vintage-feel cream/white blouse for quite some time to wear with jeans and having spent a little time on ASOS have finally found my ideal! I absolutely love the Darling Peter Pan Collar blouse and if I had £45 to spend on a shirt, I would purchase it immediately! I really wanted something like this for my trip to Paris this week (excited!!) but alas my bank account is saying no.

I felt the Zara dress (next to the blouse) and I were meant to be, it looked absolutely perfect. However when I went to try it on, they only had a medium and a large. This is rarely a problem for me, but it was just too big for me around my ribs. I know I could use a belt to pull it in (which I would have done) however, this sizing issue shattered my illusion of it's perfection. (I did however find another similar style dress but without the collar and the medium fitted perfectly - I really had to fight with myself mentally not to buy it and then sew on my own collar... yes, I'm still considering it.)

I discovered the ASOS black Peter Pan Collar dress on the lovely Milkteef's (Emma's) blog and now I've become a little desperate to own it. I always manage to become fixated with lots of clothing when I literally have no money. It's a really bad self torturous habit.

I'd love to know if you've found any other great peter pan collar pieces. x

Eyeko Pretty

2010-11-11T18:53:00.000Z

Eyeko (LOVE in Japanese) was created in 2000 by the beauty creatives Max and Nina Leykind. The very pretty make-up range hails from London and has a star studded following including the likes of Sophie Dahl. Not only pretty and coveted, this range is rather wonderfully affordable - Only £3.50 for nail polish! And to make it just that little more appealing, UK shipping is entirely free!

These are a few of my favourites:

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these Fat Balms! This balm adds a hint of colour and shine, and also doubles as a touch of blush when dabbed on the cheeks! It's multifunctional nature is really appealing and I love the chunky packaging. They're £6 each, or available to buy as a set of three at £13.

Their nail polish is currently available in 14 contemporary shades, though as far as I can tell they're all limited edition, which would suggest new colours are continually added. I'm particularly a fan of the Posh Polish, I've wanted a nude/taupe shade for quite some time and so far I've only heard rave reviews as to how well it Eyeko nail polish applies.

The Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen is also firmly on my list of desired items. I frequently use liquid liner and am really intrigued to try one reminiscent of a felt tip! The pen is designed for ease of control whether you wish to create thick or thin lines, smudge proof and long lasting, what more could you ask for? They're £5 each (the black and navy have my vote) but the three can be purchased for a mere £10.

If you are considering ordering from Eyeko, use my code and you'll also receive a free gift with your order - exciting! (Only applicable to orders over £10)

Max C London

2010-11-09T19:05:00.000Z

Floral Skater Dress in Cream

Tie Back Strappy Dress in Black

THANK YOU to the lovely Gem Fatale!! I recently won one of her Third Year Bloggiversary giveaway week prizes! She ran the most amazing week of giving away a different prize each day, including a free Wah Nails manicure, Bertie Boots, Me and Zena jewellery, Tabio footwear (amazing!), a No 7 range and two Max C London dresses! I've been so very lucky to be one of three people to win two Max C London dresses as pictured above.

(I hadn't realised the postman had left them next door with my neighbours, so was thoroughly excited to open the parcel when I got home from London yesterday evening.)

The first is a floral skater dress, I've never been sure if I can really pull off light colour dresses as I'm rather large in the derriere, however this dress is the perfect shape for me, fitted in the top and flaring out from the waist. (A good hip hider) It's super soft and a made of a much thicker cotton jersey than I thought, making it ideal for the colder weather - I can't wait to team it with thick tights, chunky boots and a big cardigan.

The second is a rather lovely LBD. It has a great 1950's prom dress feel to it! So again, a massive thank to Gem, I can't wait to wear them! If you haven't already, make sure you take a look at Gem Fatale's blog.

Rose Print Dress

Stripe Collar Dress

I hadn't really been aware of the MaxC London brand until my recent foray into the blogging community and having won these dresses, I felt it was about time to take a better look. The above two dresses are my favourite on their website, I've seen the rose print dress featured on numerous blogs. The floral pattern is just so lovely, the subtle colours ideal for Autumn and again, like my skater dress, a very flattering shape. The stripe collar dress is for want of a better word, so 'cute'! I think it would look great teamed with a blazer for an interview. (Yes. I'm still hoping someone will eventually want to interview me.) Again, it's not a colour I naturally lean towards and yet I find the dress utterly appealing.

Collar Dress

Rose Skater Dress

MaxC create a variety of dresses, skirts, knitwear, tops and accessories that aren't your standard high street fashion, making their website worth a look. Or two. x

Don't say in a letter what you can't in my ear

2010-11-09T14:36:00.000Z

Wedgewood Polka Dot Tea Story

Royal Albert Polka Dot Rose 1930 three piece set.

Royal Albert English Chintz 1940 three piece set.

Royal Albert Hartington Lane 1990 three piece set.

John Lewis Polly's Pantry cup and saucer set.

Urban Outfitters Floral Thermos

Urban Outfitters Map Flask

The last two weekends I've been up to London, and while killing time waiting for trains or for Charlie to finish work, I decided to start the dreaded Christmas shopping. Well, I say dreaded, normally it is, however this year I actually have ideas for presents which is making the entire process far more enjoyable! Anyway, this led me to explore shops such as Selfridges - it's not somewhere I had ever really considered going, let alone buying anything from, but I was fairly surprised to discover the entire place isn't soley consumed with things out of my price range!

Anyway, while exploring the store I came across the kitchen area (I guess?) and sadly now I have fallen in love with cups and saucers.

Many cups and saucers.

This naturally doesn't help situation: Christmas however I felt they were all too pretty not to share! (I've also thrown in a few Urban Outfitter's treats for good measure.) The Wedgewood Polka Dot Tea Story range is just so wonderfully pretty and I also very much desireth the Royal Albert Polka Dot Rose 1930 three piece set. I always see these things as multi-function, not only can they be used as intended (exciting tea vessel) but as a means of creating a background for photographing jewellery! I know, I need to get out more. I'm nearly as much of a sucker for pretty china as I am for stationary and packaging.

What do you think? Have you discovered any lovely china... perhaps something a little less harsh on the bank account? I start to worry if I owned something so lovely I would be terrified to use it as it would be so mortifying if you accidentally broke it!!

I have so many things I need to blog about, I have one other post half done and about two others partly mentally prepared! Expect to be bombarded in the next week or so.... x

Time rolls the back wheels of my mind

2010-11-04T18:20:00.000Z

Weekend in Images

I apologise for my absence, this last week has just been hectic busy, but here, essentially is my weekend!

Shall I explain?

On Saturday, Charlie and I drove to deepest, darkest Wales for the Wedding of Sarah Hannah Rodgers and Brendan David Hill! The wedding was lovely, Sarah looked stunning and Brendan was wearing a brown cordroy suit, what more can I say?! I wish I had actual photos to show you, however once we left the church, it absolutely poured down - I'm not sure how everyone else managed to stay looking rather wonderful, but I resembled a drowned rat. (I ran to the car - in heels, increasing my soaked appearance and threw my camera in the boot) The picture above was an outfit test the day before (the lighting was horrible, hence the black and white status- I've realised I'm incapable of true blogging style outfit posts. Not only do I always look awful in photos and I don't have a large enough blank space anywhere in the house. Hence the rather weird 'sat on bed shot'. I guess I'm not going to be a popular fashion blogger then!)

Sadly this means there are no photos on me wearing the rather wonderful Iron and Wine bobby pin set I was kindly sent by Crown and Glory. (The only way I could try to salvage my appearance after situation: Rain was tie my hair up with an elastic band. Yes, literally an elastic band, it was all I could find) Anyway, the wedding was really Autumnal in feeling - golden leaves were scattered along the reception tables and created centre pieces. Charlie and I had a great, if long day and I can only hope it was thoroughly enjoyed by Brendan and Sarah.

Charlie and I then trekked back to London on Sunday from mine, by the time we got there I was so hungry and desperate to pee we stopped at Ikea and indulge in hot dogs. (50p for a veggie hot dog smothered in Ikea mustard - wonderful!) When we finally got home we crashed out with House and an Indian (after Charlie showed me how to make books! Once I've perfected this, I'll probably blog about it...)

On Monday I went and met a friend I literally haven't seen in nearly three years and it was so unbelievably great to see her. We spent the day catching up while being 'cultural' and visited the Tate Modern and Britain. The Muybridge exhibition is excellent, I thoroughly recommend visiting. It's so vast and the images so beautiful up close. We did conclude that we had actually gone around the exhibition backwards, however this certainly didn't taint our enjoyment of it! (We also went to a great place called Leon's for lunch - The Sweet Potato Falafel wrap was amazing!)

Then on Tuesday I headed to Covent Garden for a little Christmas shopping, where I rather naughtily purchased myself the lovely lavender Topshop Snood I've coveted for quite some time! (It's been out of stock online for ages, so when I saw it I rather impulsively just bought it.) I also purchased these rather wonderful earrings. I know they lean towards the gaudy, but I love the Art Nouveau-esque shape and the colour combination. I've realised when I make my own jewellery I have a tendency to lean towards shades of the same colour. These earrings have made me realise I should perhaps be a little more adventurous with my colour choices, I may even try to make a necklace to accompany these! (I can't wait to wear them in Paris!) I then headed back to Highgate to meet Charlie from work for Lunch, we went to a great place called Dim T. I've never been before, but it was lovely. (Sorry, this blog post is ridiculously food based! The Sweet Coconut with tofu noodle bar was incredible! I don't think I've ever eaten out so much in one weekend, I need to get back on the running!) Then I caught the train home.

In the last few weeks I've realised that I feel like I haven't experienced Autumn for years. I've been so snowed under with Uni work and the stress I always managed to attach to it, that I don't think I left the house much and if I did, I wasn't paying attention! The landscape is just beautiful at the moment, especially when it's accompanied with crisp, cold weather - I'm starting to think it might be my favourite time of the year. I'm heading back to London this weekend, which Charlie and I fully intend to spent relaxing (last weekend was so hectic!) but hopefully if the weather is nice, we can take Archie for a walk to Kenwood and I'll actually be able to take my camera to capture Autumn (and wear my snood.)

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet

2010-10-25T13:30:00.000+01:00

New Esme earrings, now available online. Hopefully I'll introduce a few new colour ways as well. x

Rosy faced

2010-10-22T21:46:00.001+01:00

I've been a little slow getting this together, but a little while back my boyfriends wonderful sister, Tiff went through my CV (she works in HR) to make it more appealing and hopefully make me more employable. I've never been all that good at selling myself, so I really appreciate the time she's put into making it look good. So as a little present I've made her a customised version of Olive and combined it with Crown and Glory's Pocket Full Of Posies bobby pin set - she absolutely loves pink, so I really hope she likes it! (Tiff and her husband also have a pet rabbit - Peanut - he's adorable, which is why I felt the necklace was appropriate.) I'm posting it tomorrow, so I guess I'll find out if it goes down well.

I had planned on photographing the hair slides myself, however I couldn't bring myself to undo C&G's wonderful packaging! As you may or may not know I'm a sucker for packaging, hence why I've photographed it for you. I'm also starting to think maybe I need to step up my own packaging for Wallpaper Rose. I love that Crown and Glory really has it's own visual identity as a brand, I think I perhaps need to work on my own!

I'll hopefully have few new pieces to show you this weekend, but I hope everyone has a lovely one, what are your plans?

This evening has just disappeared, I don't think I've done anything useful! x

All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey

2010-10-19T11:53:00.000+01:00

Green Wrap Around Dress - Love Label £38

Black Blazer - Topshop £60

Imogen Necklace - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery £12

Iron and Wine Bobby Pin set - Crown and Glory £6

Golden Drew Drops - Crown and Glory £8

Cherry Pie Nail Polish - Models Own £5

Black Suedette Bow Platforms - Miss Selfridge £45

I'm still internally debating as to whether I'm allow a new new dress for the wedding I'm going to at the end of the month. I know realistically the answer is no, however it doesn't appear to have stopped me looking! I have pretty much given up of the lovely Pearl Lowe dress I showed you in my last post - I don't seem to be able to find a large enough Peacocks anywhere.

Anyway - technically, I wasn't actually looking for a new dress to become attached to. However, when reading Llymlrs's blog, I found she had created a really lovely outfit with a simple yet classic playsuit. (I still find that the jury is out on playsuits - I like them on other people, but I can't help but feel I would look dreadful in one.) So I followed the link to 'In love with fashion' which I soon realised was a featured brand in Topshop, Love Label. I've looked at many of their items, but I don't think I've ever actually tried anything on. Anyway, low and behold I discovered this beautiful dress. It's a very similar shape to Lily's playsuit, but in dress format. The colour is simply perfect for the time of year, to which I have fully embraced with accessories! (Have you seen Crown and Glory's new pieces?? They've hit the top of my wish list) The berry florals and burnt-orange leaves perfectly compliment the dark sage green of the dress, which I've further enhanced with the Imogen Wallpaper Rose necklace - in varying green tones.

I then teamed this with a blazer, as it's going to be cold and I don't think a baggy cardigan will quite cut it in the elegant/appropriateness stakes. I'm starting to think realistically, I'll probably have to wear a dress I already own (boo) and perhaps invest in a blazer. I only have a grey one from Primark, which fits me quite badly. I don't suppose anyone has suggestions for places to find blazers that are nice, but without the Topshop price tag? I'm having no ebay joy! x

Pushin' in the pin, well I know I know

2010-10-14T13:17:00.000+01:00

Finally my Wallpaper Rose Pins have arrived!! Being a service I hadn't used before, I was a little concerned they might not be the best quality, but they're actually lovely, I'm so pleased! Hopefully I'll do another two designs in the not too distant future. The plan is to give away a pin with every order, and when I have four designs, to make a pin set to sell on the website. I hope you like them as much as I do, I'd love to hear your feedback! x

Ricochet 14

2010-10-12T14:46:00.000+01:00

This is an extract from a photo book I made a year or so ago, Ricochet. x