Tag Archives: shopping

Christmas 2012

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This year I was working a ridiculous amount of hours, up to Christmas eve so it was nice to be able to relax for a couple of days, I don’t believe it’s all over already.

This Christmas was a nice family affair as usual but it was the first year in a long time that we stayed at home and I had the opportunity to take pictures. I decided to make a little diary of my day.

4797fbe64ee311e2ab6722000a9e087c_7 My wintery room decorations!c22235d04ee211e29c6822000a1f9688_7At Christmas I always try to make my room look a bit nicer, this year I changed all the drapes to white. 016c14ba4fbd11e2b45222000a1f97b0_7

12273_10151349175345365_1220385515_nChristmas tree!

37065_10151349009385365_381455132_nMistletoe for my parents to kiss under!

154451_10151349012195365_1846923710_nMy stocking!

148693_10151349643220365_309811629_nPresents from my girlie friends <3

557305_10151349055480365_630028588_nMy friend Amy from Am Statik latex sent me this in exchange for one of my key necklaces which I sent her a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t expecting anything in return and this is certainly worth more!

524b8e944ee411e2ad1322000a9e28e6_7Chistmas face! I decided to do a curly updo.

15471_10151348017370365_1715759354_nI wore black and nude because I really love my new flocked leggings and I knew my dress was going to be similar colours.

525148_10151349253170365_1862595796_nShoes! This was probably my favourite present but I bought them for myself so I’m not sure if it counts.

28748_10151349261510365_1026819791_nMy second favourite present was my amazing new waste paper bin. My old bin was red and plastic and gave me a headache every time I looked at it so I was desperate to get rid of it!

61d5841c52f611e28df922000a9f1991_7I ended up wearing a sort of miss matched outfit of what I decided to wear when I got up and loads of new stuff on top of it but I thought it looked OK. I even put my antlers on for Christmas lunch.

d6cf7f6452f311e28e7522000a1fbe50_7Then I helped Scamper open with special doggy chocolate!

164635_10151351699190365_130740489_nNo Christmas is complete without new accessories!

16806_10151349762980365_2010849429_nI also made a start on my new obsession, goldstone, opal and cracked quartz plugs.

Hopefully more nice and peaceful Christmases will follow in future years

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Yard changes!

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I’m a bit behind on these so I’m going to fit two visits into one post, with more interesting pictures of the new products.

Following it’s second birthday, Bird’s yard is undergoing a transformation, with changing the shop around and new permanent tenants moving in. If you live in the north of England and haven’t visited yet you really are missing out.

The current layout is as follows:
Ground floor- vintage tea room and independent designer booths
First floor- Life’s big canvas jewellery, Dora’s gift box toys and gifts, Aurora vintage, wearable vintage clothing.

Second floor: Bird shell couture and exclusive vintage, Belles Bejewelled leather accessories and re-worked t-shirts, urban fox design cushions, and a variety of jewellery designers. Blonde fury hair salon, £10 and printed t-shirt room, including Lovely crayfish.

The basements is also going to be open to the public too, adding even more to the Bird’s yard experience.

New upstairs Bird Shell room! This is where I work on my days at the shop.

Accessories stand!

I especially liked these cushion by Urban fox design, they do some many great prints!

While it was quiet I took the opportunity to design some of the outfits for my show at the Manchester Alternative and Burlesque fair next month.

Then I took some pictures of my outfit as it’s quite hard for me to do at home…

and my accessories for an “accessory moments” post that some of you may have seen on here.

Dictionary jewellery, new at Life’s big canvas!

These aren’t new but I’ve always really liked them. Life’s big canvas again.

They have also recently started stocking this new range or crystal-encrusted jewellery by Me & zena. As you can probably imagine, the majority of it is a bit colourful for my taste but I thought the crystal piece sign and pencil sharpener rings were quite cool!

On the second the day the lighting wasn’t as good so my outfit just looks like a mass of black even though it wasn’t.

This was totally flower headband day! I arrived wearing my new latex one I made for Eustratia.

And then noticed the new ones in Dora’s gift box and had to try one!

These also Have a cute birdie detail on the side.

I ended up modelling some of these in my recent shoot with ENB Photography in Leeds, pictures coming soon!

Blonde fury hair salon is now also up and running at Bird’s yard so I watched Michelle get her hair done. I heard rumors there is going to be a celebrity style offer on here soon so if you’re in Leeds and in need of a hair cut I think you should pay Chloe a visit!

I’ve temporarily taken the Eustratia products out of the shop to rethink and replenish but will be back soon with a new stand and new products!

It’s impossible to include all the designers as there are so many but if you’d like to find out more about what’s on offer at Bird’s yard and any upcoming events, why not add them on facebook or follow them on twitter?

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!

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!

Shopping style boards

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It has been a while since I last had time for a shopping post. I always save images of products I find interesting but at busy times I have to focus on orders. While I’m disappointed I didn’t get to post about some of my finds, however, I think this is a great time for a clothes post as everyone has updated their ranges for spring.

I have complied 3 boards of my favorite spring styles.

A. Tough girl

1. Bordelle belt strap garters £130+VAT http://www.bordelle.co.uk I love these but would never be able to afford that much on garters so am considering making a similar pair.

2. sleeveless stripe shirt £30 Topshop

3. leg harness £16.50 Topshop

4. Infragante leather bodice £120+VAT Bordelle

5. mesh panel leggings £22 Miss selfridge

6. skull jouy vest £35 All saints

7. Studded Lita boot, Jefferey Campbell

8. stud detail bralette £20 Topshop

9. leather biker jacket £165 by boutique at topshop. This isn’t the most amazing leather jacket but I’m struggling to find a nice one that will fit me for a reasonable price and at least this one would be easily customisable.

B. Mystical girl

1. bodycon dress £42 miss selfridge (I may have actually bought the last one of these as I had to go to a pretty obscure branch to find it).

2. lattice bra top £18 miss selfridge

3. vero moda lace biker jacket http://www.usc.co.uk

4. cross front longline cami £22 topshop

5. heelless platform by Jeffery Campbell, I’ve wanted a pair of these for so long!

6. silver cross stretch armcuff £9.37 miss selfridge

7. multi chain vest necklace £50 topshop

8. obsidian tomb ring $260 blood milk

9. sheer split maxi skirt £37 miss selfridge

10. reformed coquette tie die dress £30 urban outfitters

11. rune divination cuff $275 blood milk. I love rune jewellery and have had my rune rings from past times (which has now closed down) for about 10 years!

C. Pastel girl

1. Dior eyeshadow £39.24

2. printed sleeveless shirt with metal tipped collar £32 miss selfridge

3. pastel harness £18 asos

4. Mashmallow bust harness praline (yes that is actually what its called) about £104 www. misencage.com

5. lilac glitter belt £12 topshop

6. fleur cropped jumper £20 Topshop

7. illamasqua nail varnish £13.50

8. turquoise glitter plugs $13.98 hot topic

9. lilac leggings £18 topshop

10. side strap top £18 miss selfridge

11. pastel tie die tights £10 topshop

12. Spikey shoes, Jeffery Campbell

I have bought a few of these things and hope to have a bit more spare cash soon. Having to spend all my money on my business gets depressing some times but with a new casual range coming out soon I have high hopes for the future.

The list

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I always enjoyed making Chistmas lists when I was younger and continue to as an adult. I’ve always been quite specific about what I wanted and my parents didn’t always find it easy getting the exact item I meant so, where possible, I used to include images from magazines/catalogues. Being able to find pretty much anything online makes this so much easier and even saves time on the cutting out.

1. Damask blackberry case, £27 zazzle.co.uk

2/3. faux fur hats, ebay

4. Black chiffon split maxi skirt £37 miss selfridge

5. White sleeveless blouse £35 oasis

6. Stag ring £5 ebay

7. corset belt £35 topshop

8. chain and quartz earrings £40 all saints

9. annmarie skirt by jones and jones at topshop £46

10. grey nail polish

11. 20 hole black patent dr. martens £110

12. winter cocktail truffles £22 hotel chocolate

13. jacquard print skirt £20 miss selfridge

14. shannon collar coat £140 monsoon

15. lindt irish cream truffles £6

16. snowflake and deer leggings £14 ebay

17. pu panel knicker £22 miss selfridge

18. Matt grey dr.martens £80

19. full circle bow tie blouse £85

20. phase eight cotton lace blouse £45

21. Biba satin and sheer stripe blouse £51

I have tried to keep the list as realistic as possible and not ask for extortionately priced designer goods even though I would have liked to. Hopefully I have been good this year and will get some of these, despite having already spent the majority of my xmas money on a not so profitable clothes show live.

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!

TOPSHOP surprise!

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Topshop hasn’t always been at the top of my list of shopping destinations but this season I could probably replenish my whole wardrobe from there. I decided to compile a board of my favourites.

1.Mesh spot wrap bodycon dress £45 (dress up topshop)

2. Stripe lace panel dress £45 (dress up topshop)

3. Petite spot mesh jumper £38

4. Skeleton sweater £28

5. Cage strap halter bodycon dress £40

6. Bird print oversized tee £28

7. Velvet studded leggings £25

8. Ombre skull vest £18

9. Multi spiked ring £8.50

10. Claw ball ring £12.50

11. cage spike studded bangle £18.50

12. Square pyramid ring £10

13. Tape Tia underwire bra and mini set £25

14. Quilted satin bralet £25

15. Jersey PU bodycon skirt £35

16. Vicky dress £65 (Jones and Jones)

17. Four strap buckle belt £50

18. Zip front jersey skirt £25

19. Bow tie spotty sweetheart dress £60 (dress up topshop)

20. Zip front bustier £32

21. Mesh panel embellished leggings £28

22. Studded cage lattice belt £18

23. Satin high waisted knicker £18

24. Velvet harness body £38

25. Black shaped panel corset £35

26. Faux fur ankle socks £7

27. Snow scape ankle sock £3.50

28. Bustle back studded leather dress £150 (Dress up topshop)

 

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