Style Icons II

I knew I couldn't write a blog without at some point dropping Bruce Springsteen in there. While some may think this post is a bit shoddy and merely an excuse to talk about Bruce (which is partially true), I genuinely believe he is worthy of style icon status. Please do bare with me on this one.

I'm not of course referring to his waistcoat-and-bare-chest Human Touch period (although it is a lovely chest). Look at the cover of The River or Born to Run and you'll see what I mean. It's minimal effort, all-American cool. There's something very sexy about simple jeans, a t shirt or shirt and a leather jacket and it works for women too. Dressed up with boots or dressed down with tennis shoes, it's a classic look that stands the test of time. It's hot and Bruce wears it well.

It's more than likely Bruce Springsteen will come up again at some point during this blog but for now that's it. Promise. I love Bruce.

Go Postal

I love getting post, real post mind you, not statements from your bank or bills. I mean handwritten letters from friends, cards and parcels. One of the best things about online shopping is the anticipation waiting for the postie to walk up the path and ring the doorbell to deliver my new favourite thing. Your bog-standard parcel from Topshop or Barratts is enough to get me excited but when a gorgeous little package like the one pictured above arrives it truly does feel like my birthday. The thought put into a simple little parcel, from the handwritten address card to the spotty tissue paper to the complimentary lollipops, goes to show that the lovely people at Hannah Makes Things really think about their customers. It's not just the quirky jewellery that'll have me returning to Hannah Makes Thing for more, it's the little touches that make all the difference.

Get Lowe

Pearl Lowe is back at Peacocks with a new set of the cutest vintage style dresses you will ever see. My personal favourite is this 40s inspired spotty number with adorable Peter Pan collar. It's fantastic to see designs that are so delicate and feminine and at the same time suitable for curvy girls with their capped sleeves and scooped necklines. I'm utterly delighted that these vintage styles are making a comeback; so flattering and so pretty!

Jewellery for Ladies

I love love love this girl's jewellery! Lindsay McDowall is based in Glasgow and makes her necklaces using vintage brooches strung with gorgeous pearls. Her designs range from opulent statement pieces, like the necklace pictured above, to understated yet chic pieces like the Bambi necklace featured on her website. Picking up one of her unique designs needn't break the bank either as the most expensive piece comes in at a more than reasonable £50. Lindsay's site also features a range of stylish earrings and bracelets.

lindsaymcdowalljewellery.co.uk is only in the early stages so get behind this new talent and you could transform any outfit with one of her elegant designs.

Style Icons part 1

This was promted by a heated discussion I had with my dad last night in which he described Bette Davis as 'right ugly.' To which i replied simpley, 'you're just wrong.' And he is. Most men are in fact. Bette Davis seems to be one of those women who other women carry a torch for but men don't seem to see the attraction. Well I'll tell you what it is, it's effortless elegance. Her style seems so inate that, no matter how glamourous the gown, she wears the clothes, the clothes don't wear her. Equally she makes even the most simple shirt dress look elegant and chic. It's just who she is, so comfortable in her own skin. Bette Davis sums up old Hollywood glamour for me. Beautiful.

Hannah makes lovely lovely things!

The off-beat jewellery website hannahmakesthings.com has been all over the fashion press recently. The Hannah who makes the things is a graduate from St. Martins and her quirky designs are perfect if you're looking for something a bit different for yourself as well as making great presents for the friend who has everything. From jammy-dodgers to gameboys to tree air fresheners to tiny little harmonicas, her necklaces are fun and unique. Also of note are the measuring tape brooches - so cute! The prices won't break the bank either so off you go and snap up a quirky bargain!

I want Linzi's shoes

Shoe's, for me, are what it's all about. Since moving home to the wilds of Scotland the physical act of shopping has been made redundant so the I've turned to the internet to source future purchases. Easy? Yes. Dangerous? Hell yes. Linzishoes.com is based on celebrity style and is particularly brilliant for those on a bit of a budget who are not willing to compromise on style. I've not yet bought the above shoe yet but they are on my list when my next pay packet comes in. They've also got a good selection of basic courts as well as cute shoe-boots. Check them out if you're in need of some inspiration. You're welcome!

J'adore Dior!

What an AMAZING week to start a fashion blogg. I am of course referring to John Galliano's beautiful a/w collection for Dior. The ethos of the collection seems to be although the winter weather is dull the clothes will be bright, bold and dramatic with the floral prints of summer continuing on. The flame-like hair and colourful make-up were just as show stopping as Galliano's fantasy gowns. Sod the summer if this is what winter looks like!