What I've been up to // Honesty Post

Let me first start off by saying I'm soooo sorry for not being consistent with my blog posts- I'm still struggling to keep the balance of running my own business and working full time. I work about 42-47 hours a week and because of the kind of job I do, I get so tired after every shift because of the distance, and also, I eat so unhealthily all the time, my energy and motivation levels are way low at the moment. 

Every day I push myself to try and do everything, and it's so hard! I honestly wonder how everyone else does it, because I honestly am not one that can do it all, at least not right now- I'm my own post woman, designer, accountant, photographer and blogger, and up to now, I haven't been taking into consideration of how much easier things could be if I asked for help, or if I just had the right balance, or even just worked smarter!

The next couple of months are going to be all about re-organising the shop and refocusing it a lot more, so there's going to see A LOT of change... :).

Anyway, here's what I've been up to:

I've been making myself some new clothes, and I'm considering making more clothes that are made from scratch :). 

 

I've also been shopping a lot in Croydon, spending time with the loved ones, especially my best friend. I hadn't seen much of him lately, so we went shopping, ate some Chinese food, made some christmas presents, and dyed each other's hair!

 

I got a streak in my hair, only because my hair is so prone to breaking, and I'd never used dye that wasn't for black people, so this was just a test dye! I think I may keep the streak for the rest of winter and if I have no problems, I'll go crazy and dye the whole of my hair rainbow colours :).

That is all! I'll be updating the shop tomorrow, for anyone who wants a last minute shop before christmas!

Lots of love

Much Love Mondays: Bits and Bows

I have admired this lovely lady's shop for the past year or so, and i'm still in love with her lovely designs. I really think Sarah's entrepreneurial spirit is amazing, and is so inspirational to me; she makes me wanna keep pushing my business forward :).

Reading her previous post has reminded me so much of what I need to do with my clothing and jewellery.

Here are a few pieces that I love:











All her lovely designs can be seen on Asos Marketplace, Facebook and the Bits and Bows website!

Stocking Stuffers for Christmas: Sandra Dieckmann

I recently got involved in this 'Secret Santa' thing that my colleagues created at work, and I got the most hardest person to buy for! So, I've trawled the internet to see what I can find! I like to buy lots of little things for people so they know I've thought about them in every little way I chose this shop, because I had bought a lovely tote bag from Sandra's shop a few months back, and  it was much loved- so here are some ideas for under £10:

 

Tmrw Bear//Pocket Mirror

White Bison Tote Bag

 

Young Treasure A4 Print

 

Pattern A5 Print

 

Wolf A4 Print

I hear that Sandra, along with a few of my favourite designers, will be showcasing at the Crafty Fox Market, but I won't be able to make it, because of work but I think I will be trawling her shop and snapping up a few pieces while I'm still awake!

A Friendly Reminder: FINAL DELIVERY DATES

Hey-

Just wanted to remind you of the last delivery dates, to ensure you receive your  gifts/pieces before christmas!

If you want to know the dates, please refer to my previous blog post :).

What I've been up to: Lookbook pictures

 I've been wanting to get my creations in more boutiques, so I've been compiling a lookbook to send to them, so they'll know how great my jewellery would look with different outfits, whether or not they are dressed up, or down. I'd like to do more of this each season, because I really enjoyed dressing up and expressing myself! :).

Gifts for the hostess

Every hostess of any party or occasion should have a statement making accessory or garment, especially if it's something to celebrate! Any of that could be done with these pieces:

Purple Applique Jumper

Pink Lips Silver Ring

Silver Feather Charm Earrings

Wooden Style Recycled Earrings

Blue Monochrome Stripe Heart Jumper

White Recycled Forest Print Halterneck Top

Teal Recycled Tank Top

Gifts for the boss/co-worker

Well, not everyone I work with are fans of my quirky style, BUT if I could make anything for some of them, these would be what I'd make:

Teapot ring

Giraffe Animal Ear Studs

Silver Peace Sign Charm Earrings

Pale Pink and Grey Upcycled Jumper

White, Grey and Brown Striped Sleeveless Hoodie

Navy and Pink Recycled Vest Top

Denim Blue Yarn Wrapped Bangle

Gifts for the best friend

My best friend has the same quirky and slightly eccentric dress sense as me, and he can really pull off any outfit! The pieces of clothing and jewellery that I've made in the shop are things that I think would really suit him/I think he'd like.

Black Upcycled Tank Top

I can imagine him wearing this with a hoodie and some baggy jeans. This is a really a no-effort-required kind of garment.

Gorilla Animal Ear Studs.

You don't have to be a woman to wear these kind of earrings! Men can wear this too, and this would totally complete the whole outfit.

Gold Tiger Necklace.

My Bestie loves my gold animal jewellery, and I will make him one, ONE DAY... :). This makes any outfit that extra quirky and unique, which is what I'm looking for!

Buying or making anything for my bestie is so easy because of the fact we bounce off each other with ideas, and fashion sense, and he is definitely my rock. He's also supported my business from day one, so it makes it so easy to think up menswear ideas because I think of him, whenever I need new ideas. 

New in the shop: Goody bags

So I've been making some lovely new goody bags for the shop, in order to get rid of some jewellery supplies  that have been hanging around in the studio for AGES. These would make lovely stocking fillers, a treat to yourself, or even as small individual gifts to loved ones!

All of them come in lovely handmade paper gift bags as well, so they are 100% made with love through and through. They are limited though, and once they are gone, they are gone!

Gifts for her

So, if you're looking for a useful present for the ladies, these selections are bound to be useful...


White and Pink Bunny Ring, £3. It's cute, would look great to wear on your hand for sure!


Navy Floral Print Button Necklace, £5. Compliments the lovely basic dresses for any occasion. I would say this would look good for a new years party ;)



White Patchwork Coin purse, £4. The perfect thing for storing make up, change and keys!

It's always good to have cute, or even practical gifts!