Wednesday 16 May 2012

Keep it Zipped

As part of Adult Education Week I went along to a free jewellery making workshop today - but this wasn't just any old jewellery, it was upcycled eco fashion at its very best!

As if by magic, we were shown how an old zip could be transformed in to a chic corsage in an instant (well, an hour or so).

I've seen zip jewellery like this before - usually being sold in posh gift shops with an expensive price tag to match - but I'd never realised how easy a corsage would be to make.


Simply take a 50cm zip and separate it in to 2 halves. Cut 6 pieces measuring 7cm and 6 pieces measuring 6cm and keep what's left for later. To make a petal, take a section of zip, overlap the ends and secure in place with a stitch. Sew the 6 larger petals around the outer edge of a round of felt, then sew the 6 smaller petals inside. Take the left over section you saved earlier and twist is into a spiral to be stab stitched into the centre of the flower. Cover any messy stitching on the back with a second round of felt, sew on a brooch back to complete your corsage and voila - you've got a versatile new accessory to add to your collection!

What's great is that you can use the same corsage design to make any revamp anything you like - attach it to a cuff or a how about a hair clip? I'm hooked!

Saturday 5 May 2012

Jenny Packham No.1

What have I got in common with Jennifer Aniston, Keira Knightley and the Duchess of Cambridge? Not a lot - but we are all big fans of Jenny Packham's romantic designs. That's why I was so excited to see the latest Designer at Debenhams...

The Jenny Packham No.1 occasionwear collection features everything you need for that summer wedding or a day at the races. Alongside the dresses, there are shoes, clutch bags, feather fascinators and of course some glittering Jenny Packham jewellery to complete the look.

Jenny Packham No.1, Brooch £25
Jenny Packham No.1, Necklace £35 












A total magpie when it comes to anything shiny, my eyes lit up with delight when I saw the latest additions at the Debenhams jewellery counter. The only problem was choosing what to buy. In the end (apologies to the very patient sales assistant) I settled on a necklace and a brooch.

Luckily my Mum was with me so I could give her some very clear hints as to birthday presents.

Thursday 3 May 2012

Anna Dello Russo for H&M

After all the excitement of Versace and then Marni for H&M, we now know who's next. Bring on Accessories by Anna Dello Russo - a collection of jewellery, bags, sunglasses and shoes plucked from the unbridled imagination of Japanese Vogue's Editor at Large herself...



Who else wants Anna's apartment? Wow! But I suppose I'll settle for some bling when the collection hits selected H&M stores in October 2012.

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Are the April Showers Over?

Hooray for May! The month of Bank Holidays and, hopefully, some sunshine - but just in case the drip. drip, drop of April showers isn't quite over yet, it's definitely worth investing in a stylish brolly. I love this Lulu Guinness bird cage umbrella (£32). It's almost enough to make you wish for rain so you get to show it off! You know what they say, every cloud and all that...

Just one point... please don't walk around holding your umbrella like a jousting pole. The number of near misses I've had! Last week I was very nearly tripped over by a girl on the tube who decided to block the carriage off with her enormous brolly, holding it out in front of her like it was a hurdle she expected everyone to leap over.

Rant over.