This Little Girl Loves: Rosita Bonita

Out of all the jewellery brands I spotted at Treasure last month, Rosita Bonita was perhaps the quirkiest and the most up my street if you pardon the phrase. 

The leather pieces - which are made right here in her East London studio - all start life as original illustrations which are then screen printed or foil-embossed giving them that extra 'touchy feely' quality. 

The current collection - Siren - was the first thing to catch my eye at Treasure. Styles are inspired by the ocean and includes shells, seahorses and mermaids - thanks to the designers' fascination with the mermaid carnival exhibits and aqua shows of the early 20th century. Available in a buffet of soft pastel shades, the leather is embossed with shining gold and holographic prints - a continuation of summer's catwalk trend and perfect for catching the light.

The forthcoming Toledo Collection takes its cues from the traditional damascene jewellery of Spain and Japan. Gold is embossed onto lightweight leather in black, on-trend ox-blood (its going to be huge again for A/W 13) and teal paired with gold chains and tassels. I'm In love with the big hoop earrings and fan broach below - it would look fantastic teamed with winter's trend for dark floral, baroque and Art Nouveau prints or pinned to the lapel of an over sized coat.

Selected pieces from each collection form part of the permanent archive range, including the popular Hummingbird necklaces from the debut 'orchard' collection, sacred hearts from the 'amulet' line and my personal favourite - the Art Deco black and gold scarab wing earrings of 'she's my witch'. To see the full range and a list of stockists head over to www.rositabonita.com

Perfect For Petites: Maxi Dress Dilemma

I don't think I've ever blogged about my height before so most people won't be aware I'm only 5ft 1 and therefore have struggled most my life to find clothes that won't trail on the ground or cause me to trip over. Of course, if there is something I really love I'll have it altered but otherwise it's a constant battle! I especially struggle with summer's biggest trend - maxi dresses.

Not any more though - recently I discovered the petite range at Miss Selfridge and it was a revelation. I bought the black jersey maxi dress (left) first, closely followed by the same version in turquoise (right) after wearing it once and loving the fit, not to mention that its the perfect length when worn with flats.

I'm now thinking of ways to style my new buys for the great British summer (read changeable weather) and for my upcoming holiday to Marrakech. I've decided on sticking to my usual summer hippy-boho style and adding a few luxe touches when it comes to jewellery. This Aztec kimono from Topshop is a recent purchase and goes great with both colours, whilst the rhinestone midi rings and Zara necklace are already residing in my jewellery box (see my Instagram account for proof). Alas, I wish I could afford the Mulberry Alexa aztec satchel - it's a great statement piece that would last well into autumn.

1. Gold necklace, Now £3.99, Zara

2. Alexa Aztec Satchel, £1,870, Mulberry

3. Beaded dip dye tassel drop earrings, £25, Topshop

4. Jersey Maxi Dress, £33, Miss Selfridge

5. Aztec Embroidered Kimono, £60, Topshop

6. Strappy Back Maxi Dress, £33, Miss Selfridge

7. Rhinestone midi ring, £5.50, Topshop

8. Gladiator Sandals, £26, Topshop

9. Flower midi ring, £5.50, Topshop

Friday Treat Time: The Bling Ring Homage

This week's Friday treat time is in honour of The Bling Ring. Finally released in the UK today, it feels like I've been waiting forever to see this film after all the initial hype surrounding it at Cannes. From director Sophia Coppola and staring Emma Watson, The Bling Ring is inspired actual events and follows a group of celebrity-obsessed teenagers who rob celebrities cash of jewellery, cash and designer swag.

I'm most intrigued by the poster which identifies the member's of the crime ring by their designer sunglasses. As someone who is obsessed with finding the perfect pair of sunnies (12 pairs and counting) I couldn't resist putting together my own edit of styles, one for every personality you have & every occasion you would wish to attend. Happy shopping! x

1.  Leopard print acetate, £290, Illesteva + Zac Posen at Net a Porter

2. Cat eye frames, £280, Agent Provocateur 55 at Linda Farrow

3. Teashade sunglasses, £449, Linda Farrow

4. Rimmed aviator sunglasses, Prabal Gurung at Linda Farrow

5. Red matte sunglasses, £95, Sheriff & Cherry at Farfetch

6. Tortoiseshell acetate Wayfarer, £120, Ray-Ban

The Bling Ring is released in UK cinemas this Friday the 5th July 2013. The original poster and the official trailer are below.

Having A Moment: Vicky Davies Jewellery

If you have been on the blog recently you may have noticed that my love of jewellery has gone past me simply being a magpie for all things shiny, to a full on obsession that culminated with a trip to Treasure jewellery show at Somerset House last month.

 

Whilst there I spotted some amazing up-and-coming and established jewellery brands which I've already mentioned on the blog. Today's turn belongs to London based contemporary jeweller Vicky Davies.

 

Davies's most recent collection 'Diamond', which was on display at Treasure, features geometric triangles and is inspired by the Art Deco movement. Triangles beads move on fine chains to make diamond shapes, whilst matching drop earrings make great day-to-night pieces.

 

 

One of my favourite styles has to be the Druzy rings. These round sparkly Agate beauties are set in frosted silver, and after trying one on a Treasure its' gone straight to the top of my wish-list. Also on the list are the star twist rings and friendship bracelets - I just can't get enough of friendship bracelets at the moment and there will be no room left on my arm soon!  

 

If these aren't your style there's plenty more to see; delicate pearl collars and pendants are classy and elegant whilst bird motifs, keys, clovers, arrows, hearts and other various charms will make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The 'winking eye' and 'salute the sun' discs are my charms of choice - coming in spinning designs on pendants and bracelets these are great summer holiday buys. Even better, the collection features plenty of rose gold - another current obsession of mine!

 

 

Bio: Vicky Davies jewellery was established over two decades ago with a workshop based in East London. All designs are handmade using sterling and semi-precious stones with diverse inspirations spanning from antique to ethnic jewellery but channelled in a modern way. Davies produces two new collections a year and also offers a bespoke service. You can find the brand at EC1, Fenwick’s, Fortnum & Mason, Columbia Road and online here.

I can't believe its Primark...

Before I start this post I want to make it clear that I have shopped, and do still shop in Primark on a semi-regular basis. I am no label snob! That being said its mostly for basics (tights are my main buy) along with shoes as they are the only brand on the high street who do a small enough size three. It's not often I'll venture into Primark and buy clothes though, and its very rare that I'll go with the mind to buy a whole new outfit.

All that is about to change though for Autumn / Winter 2013 as Primark has just released their campaign imagery for the new season alongside a few product shots of key on-trend pieces and its looking good. Very good.

Let me break my shopping list down for you: I'll be buying Primark’s black duffle coat as a classic investment piece. I threw my old black winter jacket away last season and this is crying out to fill the gap. Its smart enough for everyday but with a touch of old school appeal. Another great wardrobe staple is the black pleated skirt pictured to the left. Although I suspect this particular style will be too long on me its a great 'stealth piece'. No one will realise from Primark, and you don't need to tell them if they can't figure it out...

I enjoy a PU sleeve as much as the next girl and this coat (right) will be coming with me to work to keep me looking sharp. The pink coat (left) is purely for pleasure - it doesn't need to be practical. The new pink tones for autumn are very feminine and should be balanced with structured bags and slim fits. I'll be wearing mine with patterned and / or jacquard trousers. 

I think this tartan Peter Pan dress (right) is a great way to channel the Punk / Grunge trend that's sure to pop up come Autumn with the arrival of the "Club To Catwalk" exhibition at the V&A. I'll be wearing mine with my favourite chunky black cut-out boots from Topshop and the aforementioned 50 denier tights. For the brave amongst you the lacquered pencil skirt and matching crop top - paired with a faux leopard coat no less - will provide a sexy evening look.

What do you think of Primark's new collection? Will you be rushing into stores to buy anything from Autumn / Winter 2013? 

Mascotte partner with PPQ for LFW

Footwear and accessory brand Mascotte has announced a collaboration with PPQ and partnership with London Fashion Week today.

 

Under the collaboration, Mascotte will be an Official Supplier of London Fashion Week SS14 and will be collaborating with London fashion label, PPQ to create limited edition shoes, which will debut in their catwalk show this September. 

 

Anyone who hasn't been to the new Mascotte store in Westfield White City yet, I can highly recommend it for a good bout of shoe-lust. If not you can see more from the bran online at: www.mascotte.org.uk. In the meantime here is a little taster of the limited edition black and gold heels below.

Image credit: Fashion Insight. For more LFW news head to www.londonfashionweek.co.uk.