Vintage-Inspired Jewellery at 'Cutie-Pie'

I'm always looking out for interesting trinkets to add to my collection and this week discovered online store 'Cutie-Pie'. Not a name I would expect to uncover such fabulous treasures, but found myself amazed by the extensive choice of unique designs. I found minature ceramic watering cans, tea-pots and cups and saucers on chains, as well as tiny rocking chairs, spoons, postcards and jewelled ice-cream sundaes. Other favourites included vintage-looking flower rings and portrait necklaces. Each piece comes in a gift box and my order was recieved within two days. A very happy customer!
I urge you to check out this site for gifts or guilty treats for yourself! I would love to hear your comments......

Vintage at Goodwood 2010

Last weekend saw the annual gathering of 'Vintage at Goodwood' in Sussex. Unfortunately I couldn't make the event (boo hoo!) and am VERY envious of those of you who did (but would love to hear all the gossip!). The festival showcases the best in vintage fashion from the 30's onwards, alongside music, art and entertainment over 3 days. The genius behind the popular gathering is 'Red or Deads', Wayne Hemmingway and this year Pearl and Daisy Lowe could be seen at Goodwood, as well as a vintage catwalk show on the Sunday.
To cheer myself up from missing out on this important event, I have made a few (6!) purchases this week to compensate! A few charity shop bargains, a fabulous dress and some jewellery trinkets. 
Ahhh- that's better!

Bargain Find: Cape for £1!!!

I had to share with you all my lastest bargain find! The dark green cape (pictured right) was bought at a recent visit to a local bootsale for £1! Not only do I love the colour, popper details and belted style on the military-style garment, but I feel its an on-trend item to up-date my A/W wardrobe this coming season. The shape of the cape really calls for a slim silhouette on the bottom half of the body (something I naturally struggle with!), and so I will be getting my last wears out of the dated skinny jeans and trying straight leg styles. All suggestions welcome- I intend to get as much wear as possible out of my new piece! Check out your local bootsales on lazy Sunday morns and church jumble sales (always a treat if you don't mind frantic rummaging against fellow bargain hunters!)- get there early to bag the best stuff!

Would love to see your finds too, keep them posted.

(as posted on http://www.looksville.com/)

123- Sustainable Fashion Store Opened

A new, sustainable fashion store has arrived in London's Bricklane. Named '123' and situated on the corner of Bethnal Green Road, this new 4-storey store is set to become a popular choice for the fashion follower  and the eco aware. Rose Barry and Michelle Goggi (the duo behind the new concept store), offer couture designs from their in-house label '123', as well an entire floor devoted to 'Dr. Noki's House of Sustainability'. Customers can expect to pick up one-off, custom made items, designer collaborations and clothing incorporating vintage fabrics and rare vintage finds. With a coffee bar due to open in the basement serving locally sourced produce, the store will soon become a one-stop-shop for all sustainable savvy Londoners.    I urge you all to check it out, you will not be disappointed!

http://www.dazeddigital.com/ Photo by: Mogan O'Donovan for Dazed Digital

The Return of 90's Grunge

90's grunge- influenced by such bands as Nirvana, I wore the fashions first time around! Despite this, I look forward to embarking on the trends once again after designers such as Richard Nicoll, Marc Jacobs and Erdem all sent their models down the catwalk wearing long skirts with laid-back baggy knits. The overall look is very relaxed and may include a small-scale, floral print on the skirt with a granny or alpine jumper. Rummage at jumble sales and charity shops where you are sure to find affordable (and environmentally friendly) options to mimic the coming seasons trend.

Grown-Up Glamour

From Louis Vuitton to Dries Van Noten, the A/W 2010 collections saw a shift from the body-con silhouettes of the summer to demure, lady-like styles. Skirts became much fuller and hem lines dropped to mid-calf, as well as heels lowering creating a 'grown-up' look.
To embrace and prepare me for the coming fashions, I am reading Americas Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by Sarah Bradford (Pub by the Penguin Group, 2001). Not only a great insight into the icons life, but the book also refers frequently to Jackie Os amazing sense of timeless style.

Continuing Lace Trend......

Summer saw a huge trend of white and pastel lace dresses from catwalk through to high street. Where ever you went you could be sure of finding someone wearing the fashion- from shopping, to nightclubs, to festivals.
The trend continues for A/W 2010, but with a darker presence of black and navy blues seen on the catwalk in the familiar lace dresses and blouses (Christopher Kane, Burberry Prorsum).
My advice: Dye your summer lace using Dylon dyes, but remember to check the fibres used as this will determine the best methods of colouring your garments. Dylon also offers lots of practical advice (e.g man-made fabrics require cold water dyes etc,)
www.dylon.co.uk

Maison Martin Margiela- Haute Couture A/W 2010

A new season brings new fashions- and with the house of Margiela celebrating their success with a 20 year retrospective at Somerset House (from 3 June to 5 Sept somersethouse.org.uk) named '20', the A/W 2010 collection shows how the original concepts of Maison Martin Margielas designs shook the fashion world up all those years ago!

With designs incorporating pre-made fashion accessories that have been deconstructed and reconstructed to form innovative garments. Such favourites of mine included the 'handbag' jacket, made from lizard, python, crocodile and snake skin disassembled bags- and the 'Cowgirl' outfit that used cowboy boots to create the trouser legs of the forward-thinking design.

The collection- although absent in eye-catching colour, was both exciting and thought-provoking for the fashion follower of couture and for those that seek eco-style. It reminded me of all the wonderful past creations from the designer back in the 90's and early noughties- true nostalgia!

(photos by Dazed and Confused)

www.dazeddigital.co.uk

website currently under construction

wix.com/nicolachalkley/NICOLAANNECHALKLEY

welcome to my blog......................

The aim of my blog is to share with you all the latest fashions, trends, going-ons, art and graphics. I am especially passionate about eco trends- including vintage, retro, reconstructed items and environmentally friendly alternatives to a modern lifestyle.
I welcome all comments and look forward to hearing from others who may know of goings-on (exhibitions, festivals, fashion finds, vintage fairs, retro stores etc) as well as current and future trends.

urbanECOqueen