Category Archives: vintage

Visiting the yard

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I walked into Bird’s yard to find that things had changed less that I expected. The rooms hadn’t been switched around yet but the third floor was being renovated and machines were so loud you could hardly hear what anyone was saying. There were plenty of staff on as we had expected the new jewellery room to be open so the work pace was quite chilled out.

After cleaning and reorganising my booth I decided to have a look round and take some pictures.

The first thing I noticed was that lovely crayfish had moved some new stuff in. I especially love the day of the dead T-Rex skeleton print, as well as the rounded corner moo cards (of which I have run out).

Pretty much immediately after this I noticed the large mirror and decided I had to seize this opportunity to get a picture of my whole outfit.

I was then asked to look through some magazines and find some interesting images for a collage. I really love this job because it reminds me of the non-stressful part of being at uni.

While looking through the magazines I came across “Fiyah!” a leeds mag I hadn’t seen before.

There was a feature on Bird’s yard inside and the Eustratia booth was visible in the picture.

I don’t think they mentioned individual designers but it was still nice to see.

The lady I was working with that day runs Urban fox. A label that makes the most adorable cushions. She also customises and re-upholsters furniture, there is a specific chain downstairs at Bird’s yard I’ve had my eye on since I first walked into the shop.

I have mentioned Belles Bejewelled on here before but I’d never tried on one of these strand necklaces. I decided to give one a go. It looked kind of cool and messy from the front but I preferred it worn over the shoulder.

One on each shoulder was a definitely strong look with maximum editorial potential. I’d love to wear these for a shoot.

It was Jubilee weekend so I decided it would be entertaining to try on Cloe’s inflatable crown and hold a diamond. I’m not usually the humorous type but this shop obviously inspires!

To finish off the nonsense, after re-pricing all the dresses on one side of the room I decided to try on a vintage wedding dress.

The top part didn’t really suit me but I love the layers of ruffles!

Iphone case top picks

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Since getting my iphone I’ve constantly been on the lookout for cool cases and as I’ve heard a few people asking for recommendations recently, I thought I’d share some of my finds.

I’ve gone more for design that functionality with these as there are other blog posts that are probably better suited to that.

1. Malady Charlotina “Serpent” from izozzi.com $34.95

2. Black and white damask £29.20 from http://www.zazzle.co.uk

3. Arnsdorf SS11 crystal pattern by RoandCo

4. Victorian bride £29.95 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

5. Steampunk cogs and gears printer nylon case $75.00 C Westbrook design on etsy.

6. Blue country toile £26.50 from http://www.zazzle.co.uk

7. Totally non-fuctional but awesome Omniscient Siri case by SaGa design. $90.00 on etsy

8. Victorian anatomy skull case £24.95 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

9. Galaxy case £25.60 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

10. Vintage butterfly £24.95 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

11. Studded case €16.00 by Crision on etsy.

12. Steampunk doll £22.75 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

13. Stripey fluer de lis case £22.75 http://www.zazzle.co.uk14. 3d Baroque inspired case $80.00 SaGa design on etsy.

15. Speck geometric case £29.99 via http://www.switched.com

16. Dragonfly case £28.10 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

17. Casetargam case- decorate a case using your pictures from instagram $34.95 http://www.casetagram.com and for a limited time only they offer free international shipping.

18. Cameo case £28.10 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

19. Studded cross case $12.99 by studsrevolution on etsy.

20. Octopus case £26.70 http://www.zazzle.co.uk

I’ve included a variety of themes that I’m interested in so hopefully there will be something for everyone who might read this blog :) . I’m also toying with the idea of having some cases made featuring my own art or custom decorating plain ones with some of my perspex designs…

 

Bird’s yard update.

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As some of you already know Bird’s yard is currently my only stockist and I work there once a month so I’m available to answer questions or take people’s measurements for custom orders. I feel privileged to be part of such a unique shop that brings together so many talented designers.

While I’m there I usually work in the boutique room featuring lovely vintage by Bird Shell and dramatic leather accessories by Belles Bejeweled and quirky jewellery by red paper house.

Last week I decided to try on some accessories while it was quiet.

pastel feather earring by belles bejewelled

feather headband!

furry beret that matched my hair colour.

In these photos you can also see me sporting my amazing fake fringe of happiness. I love things that allow me to change my appearance so easily.

My favourite products in the store are probably these necklaces by Belles bejewelled. I haven’t bought one yet as I already own a lot of oversized accessories but I’m sure I will at some point.

I also love Life’s big canvas (where I got my hanging spike earrings from). They always have new quirky pieces in.

I wasn’t really planning on buying anything for myself but I spotted this hairy shrug in the £10 room (yes there is a room full of items for £10 and a lot of them are worth more). This isn’t the sort of item I would usually go for, I picked it up purely because of the colour and tried it on for fun while consulting some customers. After walking around in it for a while and realising it was the perfect addition to my outfit however, I decided I had to have it.

The ground floor has recently been turned into a tea room, adding yet an other great element to the Bird’s yard experience. The downside is that the smell of food can be tempting, even when you’re not hungry.

They do make amazing toasties though!

At the end of the day we had a meeting in the tea room to discuss the future of the store and changes that are being made. The upper floors are all being rearranged and the basement is opening with more art, furniture and boys stuff! We are also planning competitions, parties and a fashion show so keep an eye out for updates!

VAU VAU fashion show

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I’ve recently started planning for my next fashion show which is going to take place on the 27th of this month, in Leeds. The show has been organised by the amazing Toria Brightside and is being held in and amazing church which you can check out here. I always thought a church would be a great venue for a fashion show and what’s more is, all the proceeds go to charity! Tickets also go on sale today so if anyone would like to come please contact Toria or post a comment here.

I also designed the logo for this which was quite fun as I usually only do graphics for my own label and artwork. They wanted something simple that would work in both black and pale pink so this is what it ended up like.Then Amber turned it into an amazing ticket.

The facebook events page is here- http://www.facebook.com/events/141271342651753/  so check it out and come along if you’re in the are. There will be fashions shows by a variety of different designers, cash only market where you can find work by independent designers and artists, including one off pieces.

The models involved in the show are all stunning, a mixture of new faces and big names that are sure to do the show justice and I will also be stepping in for the finale!

I have named my part of the show “Faeries and Demons” and it will feature music and visuals by Dave Abbott. He also did the last piece for my TG show, which I got lots of compliments for.

More info regarding my show in particular, coming soon!

Stocking at Bird’s yard

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Today I spent my afternoon in Leeds sorting out my new booth at Bird’s yard. They stock a wide range of products from independent designers, vintage sellers and jewellery makers and I’m intrigued to see how my products do next to all these. I have always liked the feel and concept of the store since I first visited last month (read about it here) and feel excited to be part of it.

whole booth

top shelf: latex accessories

Middle shelf: jewellery

Rail

I am reasonably pleased with the way the booth looks considering I had no idea how I was going to lay everything out before I got there but it definitely still needs some work. The items on the top shelf are hardly visible to anyone shorter than 5’10″ and would definitely benefit from some small perspex stairs to sit on and the back wall might look nicer covered in the Eustratia wallpaper pattern. I also need to get my brand name on the sign ASAP so people know what they’re looking at. Hopefully there will be more pictures of the improvements to come soon!

Trend: Brogues

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In the past I’ve always considered brogues or similar styles of footwear something very style-specific that is not easy for a female to wear but I’ve seen so many creative takes on them around this season I’m seriously considering getting some. With androgynous styles ranging from classic to eccentric, girly flats, a whole range of different heels and chunky platforms there is bound to be something for everyone. I have included some of my personal favourites in this collage.

1. Asos Mr dogtooth brogue £32.00 http://www.asos.com

2. Next black patent trim wedge shoe boots. £55.00 http://www.next.co.uk

3. TK Maxx £32.00

4. Pilot high heel lace up brogue shoe £35.00 http://www.pilotfashion.com

5. Platform wedge brogues by Japanese brand R&E Rosessence http://rosessence.jp/ I’d really love to buy these but can’t actually find them on the site so if anyone has seen them or similar ones around please let me know!

6. Melissa Joy and Alexander white brogues £60.00 http://www.zalando.co.uk

7. Bank grey heeled brogues £30.00 http://www.bankfashion.co.uk

8. Melessa x J Markey Crystal ‘Joy’ Brogues. These are a bit older so not sure if they are available to purchase any more

9. Dorothy perkins Black mega platform town shoes £49.00 also available in burgundy http://www.dorothyperkins.com

10. Melissa Joy and Alexander Herchcovitch lii black glitter brogue £59.50

11. Alexandre Herchcovitch X Melissa Patent Troupe Wedge Brogue on sale at asos.com for £58.00

12. Pewter brogues on sale at miss selfridge for £12.00

13. Glitter girly flat brgues veganshoeaddict.com

14. Melissa Kissing lace up ankle boots £75.00 (also available in black) http://www.zalando.co.uk

Bird’s yard and Alt fashion shoot preview

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On Sunday we shot the editorial for the “Eustratia” feature in Alt fashion magazine. The weather turned out to be more rainy than initially anticipated, (not really a surprise in this part of the country) so we ended up in a bit of a predicament regarding the most appropriate shoot location. Toria was promoting an event at Bird’s yard later in the day and the owner was nice enough to let us shoot in the courtyard at the back of the shop as it had a covered section to minimise the rain-damage. With its old Chesterfield sofa, fake grass carpet and multiple degenerated urban backdrops it proved to be the perfect location! So far I am really pleased with what I’ve seen of the images, the magazine has to be published before we release any of them but here are some behind the scenes shots taken with my camera to give you an idea of the styling.

Lovely models and non-acknowledging photographer Left to right: Beth, Victoria, Amber, myself and Toria

I especially love the chainmail components pf these outfits which are made by Richard Ayres.

Portfolio links: http://www.modelmayhem.com/1025602, http://www.modelmayhem.com/170631, http://www.modelmayhem.com/726821, http://www.modelmayhem.com/1592461

I would also like to say a huge thanks to Beth for getting up and being part of the shoot at such short notice!

After the shoot we headed back to Toria’s to pack up and then back to Bird’s yard for the party. I first heard about the shop at a charity fashion show that was also organised by Toria a few weeks ago in Chester. We paired their vintage clothes with my latex accessories for the show.

image 1,3and 5 by Fluke photography 2 and 4 by fireball photography

I also had a stall…

stall

…and Amber wore a pink dress that would have made any fairy tale princess green with envy.

Amber, her pink dress and I

Anyway, non of this had suggested anything more than that Bird’s yard was a vintage shop in Leeds. When we got there I realised that it was actually an amazing concept store/indoor market hybrid with all kinds of treasure dotted around several different shops. They also feature independent designers who can choose between renting a shelf or a booth to display a selection of their products. This sounds like a really interesting opportunity to me, particularly as each designer spends one day a month working in the shop. I would hate to have a job as a shop-assistant but having a “meet the designer” day at a shop where my products are stocked and getting a change to interact with and get feedback from customers actually appeals on so many levels. More news about this when I have time to sort it out properly.

The rest of the party involved free food and drink, discovering new designers and silliness.

If you’d like to know more about Bird’s yard, check out their site! http://www.birdsyard.co.uk/

Amber and pretty things

custom upholstry

Independent designer booths

stair art

slut and slag

what I wore