Black To Basics - Fun Wardobe Workout With Sharon!

This morning post was inspired by a recent trip to buy a new winter mac, I chose a minature hounds tooth pattern in the end, which I love, as it looks sooo sharp! I have as I have said in previous post, at times had a bit of a love hate relationship with black, purely from a Stylists point of view, it can easily drain all the colour from your face if your not careful. It can cheapen any colour that you are wearing, it can  look hard and unyielding, it can even cheapen the look of black fabric and conjur up images of polyester rather than cotton or silk or wool. 

However alot of women derive comfort from having vast quatities of the stuff in their wardrobes, which I usually encourage them very gently of course, to let go of and to start intoducing a colour palette that will energise their wardrobe and work for their skin tone.Of course it can be quite scary to reduce the number of black clothing items that we consider to be fail safe neutrals in our wardrobe.We are often tempted to remain faithful to black, due to what we perceive to be the magical slimming properties that black clothing has to offer plus our blind sweet belief that black clothing goes with practicaly anything! Its a little bit like saying, a staple pantry food like baked beans goes with everything, they probably do, but this does not mean they necessairly enhance the other elements of food on our plate. Ok that was a little gloomy, but hopefully food for thought, if not useful. Now for the good stuff,where black really comes into its own in my opinion is in the detailing of an outfit. It is literally like taking the control for your television and playing with the contrast button till you have that satifying crispness and clarity to the image in front of you.If you think about my hounds tooth coat, the back sharpens the white and the injection of pattern means the overall effect is crisp,but without looking hard, pure genuis!

Of course I do appreciate that the hard, masculine and edgy are all huge trends this A/W, but the trick here is still to bring in plenty of feminine elements to your outfit and grooming, such as soft full hair or a slouchy bag and to use varying textures of back or tonal shades, such as silver, pewter or slate.We all have that adorable fail safe black dress in our wardrobe, why and when does this piece work well? 1) You have olive or yellow tones in your skin, 2) you have young plump pale skin, with no dark shadows under the eyes! 3) You can wear the neckline low, exposing your skin, which means you are not wearing black directly next to your face.4) Cheat!! Tan your face olive rather than orange with a good quality bronzer! My absolute favourite at the moment that comes in a divinely packaged gold and black box, which would make a gorgeous and very useful gift, for any pale friends you might have and helps recreate that expensive glow, is enhance by makebelieve, sunbeam bronzer and blush.There is the option to buy the whole system,which includes concealer, tinted moisturiser,which has been great for my open pores and I would not be with out, now autumn has set in, a highlighter and a nude lip gloss.

Long live black in its rightful kingdom!

S x          

My Passport To Style- Guest Interview With Ruby Rouge

Hi and Welcome to all my Fabulous Followers, for those of you who have not yet been exposed to the charms of Sarah Bratley from Ruby Rouge you are in for a huge sweet sticky ice-cream sundae, everything on it, all the toppings you could ever wish for treat!! Her jewellery, takes inspiration from mythical and fairy tale sources such as Alice in Wonderland and Pirates and has a vintage feel. She revels in  making jewellery that truly reflects the imagination and wonder of children (with the use of colourful buttons and fantasy images), whilst providing us jewellery starved ladies with a healthy dose of escapism! The quality of her pieces are superb. Hooray for Sarah for giving us an opportunity to be playful with our Style! I hope you enjoy my interview with her as much as I did. Sx

Q1.How did you become a jewellery designer?

A-This is a bit of a long story! Ready? I finished University last September after completing an MA in American Literature and Culture. At the time I thought I’d fall into editing or journalism but the recession had just hit and there were no jobs - ANYWHERE! I started volunteering at a couple of museums – I love history - to try and get a bit of experience and see if I liked the world of Curating. I soon realised that it wasn’t really quenching my creative thirst. One day after I’d finished volunteering I was walking through town and walked past a bead shop. I walked in and got a few bits to make some jewellery with. I’ve always had a need to make things, but had never really properly tried making jewellery before. I’d strung beads on a string, but I had never really progressed any further than that. I started making necklaces as soon as I got home and was really pleased with the results. I gave them to my best friends who seemed equally happy with them and it suddenly dawned on me that jewellery designing was what I should be doing. By November I had started buying supplies and making pieces I wanted to wear but could never find in shops. Then I set up an etsy shop and went to as many craft fairs as possible and Ruby Rouge Jewellery was born. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be a self-employed jewellery designer I wouldn’t have believed them, but I am so glad I am! The recession has actually benefited me in a positive way and allowed me to do something I love.

Q2.How would you describe your collection?
A-My collection is really varied and there’s not really one word that can be used to sum it up as a whole. My pieces range from the romantic and elegant to the cute and kitsch. Some are whimsical, some contain elements of fantasy or nostalgia, some are more modern and others are vintage in style. It’s such a mix, there’s definitely something for everyone!
 
Q3 Who or what do you draw your inspiration from?
A-I’m inspired by Alice in Wonderland, afternoon tea, the past, France, pirates, literature, children’s stories, all things nautical, nature and fantasy. One of the most amazing sources of inspiration for me was Sophia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette. The pastel colour palate she used was stunning and I fell in love with the romance and extravagance of everything. I often try to make my jewellery reflect the aesthetics of Marie Antoinette and when it does it makes me smile.

4.How does the designing process usually start for you?
I find this a really hard question to answer because it happens in so many different ways. Sometimes I’ll be thinking about jewellery designs and something will come to me and I’ll make it. Other times I’ll start with one thing I know I’d like to use and add components until I feel it works as a piece.







 
   
  




 








 







 

 



















 














    

Sew Stylish- Interview with Daisie Davies Designs

Hi everyone, Im soooo excited today to be interviewing Alex from Daisie Davies Designs, I love her really original, Stylish and practical pieces for mum and daughter. I hope you enjoy finding out more about the woman behind the talent. Please pay her a visit.My favourites are her gorgeous aprons, I love the cheese grater apron in pink, which is actually for younger girls and the unusual printed yummy mummy apron is so funky. The princess T is so melt in the mouth, she does another in this range featuring a girl on a swing with the wind blowing in her hair! Sharon x

Visit Alex at Daisie Davies Designs

Interview with Alex from Daisie Davies designs

Q1 -What inspired you to start making your unique designs?

A-Alex- I just really like to create, I sew, I make cards and other paper goods and I knit. I have always made cards and gifts for friends and family but recently have been making more and more. I am a stay at home Mummy who likes to make things and my poor hubby demanded that I sell some stuff as with three (soon to be four) children we are running out of space in our house!!



Q2.Is there any one or who inspires you to make the pieces you do?

A- Alex- Usually I am inspired by the materials I can find to work with. Like the princess t-shirts came about because of a small piece of damaged fabric. I really liked the images but the piece wasn't really big enough to make anything with so I chopped it up and hey presto; funky girl's t-shirts!



Q3.Whats been your most rewarding project?

A-Alex- I like to make things for my own children and friend's children as then you can really see how much they are loved. I have made a felt dinosaur for my son's second birthday that has already been loved to death (almost), I have knitted a pink horse for one of my daughters who was desperate for something pink and fluffy and made a custom fit shoulder bag for my elder daughter who is turning into a 'big girl'. I find it all rewarding and a pleasure to do and that's what keeps me creating!



Q4.What gives you the most satisfaction about creating individual designs?

A-Alex- I always hated it when we arrived at a party to find another little girl wearing the same outfit as my own. I think individuality is very important even from a young age. I know that when my children wear something I have made for them there is no other child anywhere wearing the same!



Q5.Proudest moment?

A-Alex-Most of the proudest moments I remember are to do with my children and family life but talking about making and selling the best memory I have is of a lovely lady who came to my stall at a fair several times to admire and try on the same bag. After a few visits she bought the bag. It really suited her. She then came back in and out and every time she passed me she did a quick twirl in her bag and smiled the biggest smile!





Q6.Any hot tip for aspiring crafters or dressmakers?



A-Alex-I think you have to make what makes you happy. Things that inspire you are easier than things that you think you should make.



Q7-How would you describe your attitude to sewing?

.A-Alex- I am very slap-dash, I have probably only followed a dress or knitting pattern a few times, I like to make things my own, and I don't like being told what to do ;-) None of my items are ever the same even though they may be similar, all my bags and clothes turn out differently because I like to chop and sew!



Q8-Funniest time?

A- Alex-Not related to sewing at all! My husband and I had been laying speaker cable under the floor with the help of our daughters, we taped the cable to a metal measuring tape to pass it under the floor more easily. When we had finished my husband asked our younger daughter to cut the tape from the end. She just cut the end two inches from the tape measure which then whirred round and round inside the case much to her shock. I think we would have been cross had it not been so very funny! You can read my blog post about it here http://daisiedavies.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-we-laughed.html



Q9-Favourite blogs?

.A-Alex- I really love Jennyflowerblue; http://jennyflowerblue.blogspot.com// we have lots in common and I always feel we are on the same wavelength!!

I am good 'real life' friends with Swirly; .chttp://swirlyarts.blogspotom/ who shares my passion for recycling.

Jackie is an amazing lady who make the most wonderful creations with felt and velvet; http://dogdaisychains.blogspot.com/

And Emma is a good read and inspiration too; http://emma-bagladee.blogspot.com/

I read many blogs but if I listed everyone we'd be here all day!!



Q10.Whats your current best selling item?

A- Bags! I sell most of them at fairs though, I think people like to try on and feel fabrics and see the fit for themselves. Oh and buttons! I have a huge stash of french reclaimed buttons that are great for all kinds of crafting projects (and stroking) that I sell in 100g grab bags.



Q11-Favourite food

A-. Marmite soldiers!

Join Me For A Mystical Encounter Of The Best Kind!

Hi everyone, sometimes I think perhaps I am a bit of a Style Aura, commonly known as Trend spotter. I thought I might have a bit of fun sharing some trends with you that I was rocking, and even designing three years ago, that are now here on the highstreet! At number one, see this gorgeous leather dress, we all have diffent names for the colour, some of us call it toffee, some pumpkin and some including me, call it rust, a huge colour this fall. I was sniggered at by friends, for taking a shine to this colour two seasons ago. I fell in love with how classy it looks with ivory, black and slate blue, it also looks fab with yellow!! At number two, my second Style/Eco prediction, which I began designing and trying to secure a patent for (I kid you not!!!) was a fashionable shopping basket on roller blade wheels. Made out of waterproof fabric and printed in limited edition prints and bright colours.My mission to create a shopping bag on wheels, every woman of every age would be proud to sport around town, saving the planet and keeping them fit at the same time! Now M&S are producing them and other high street names. At number three, wearing a necklace over your winter coat, a really unique trend with regal tendencies, set to be big this A/W. I decided to play around with wearing necklaces outside my coat, last A/ W and eased my way in,  by wearing a large black pompom necklace that I created, over a colbalt blue coat, modeled here by Burberry for this A/W and looking very chic. Finally, at number four, I very nearly entered a competition to design an item of denium for a huge jean company some three years ago, unfortunately I ran out of time and had to abandon my entry! My design was a two piece denim suit that looked like a one piece denium jump suit, practical and chic. Detailing included, puff sleeves and collar, cut to represent broaderie anglaise fabric, underlaid with lemon fabric, so you got a feminine denim and yellow lace effect. A broad sash with rivet detailing all over it, that tied in a huge bow at the back of the suit, to make it a little sassy! A fitted bodice with side zipper a full trouser, tapering at the ankle, suggested acessories, baseball boots or fifties style pumps.I could kick myself that I didn't manage to get my entry in, given how huge the jumpsuit is at present!!! If you have had any style predictions that have become hot trends this year, I would love to hear about them. Sx     

Itch and Stitch award, how lucky am I !

Hi there, I just had to give a little bit of blog love up for the wonderful Suzie at itch2stitch , who presented me with this adorable award, she is soooo clever, she designed this herself.If you are in the slightest bit crafty or enjoy cross stitch or embroidery or getting creative you will enjoy a visit to her site!  

Sharon xx

The Thrill Of Improvisation

Hi there, sometimes we want an accessory that allows us to be playful and creative with our Style. British company Whistles, accessories reflect this mood perfectly, allowing us to rediscover the simplicity of childhood objects and recreating the same wonder and curiosity we felt as young children, by transforming the every day, in unexpected ways. A silver pencil sharpener becomes a ring, golden nuts become a bracelet. But, I love the fact that their accessories also invite you to adapt them in other ways, their clever black and white checked and striped scarf can be worn as a headscarf, checked side round, or as a edgy scarf. I have a feeling Maria Conifer of Lulu Letty would fall in love with its black and white charms.My favourite piece from Whistles accessory collection, is the black enamelled rollerboot key ring, complete with gold pegasus wings, a beautiful fantasy take on the old style scateboot.The magic of this piece, is in it ability to morph seamlessly from a key ring, pendant for a long neck chain, to a bag charm and how about a zip pull on a chunky zip.Finally if you fancy recreating this years edgy hardwear for just a few pounds, get down to your local hard wear store, need I say more. S x 

visit Whistles to check out the new A/W seasons  hottest looks!
  

Add Some Sparkle To Your Life....

Hi there, my latest post was part inspired by a new hobby I'm due to start, glamorous female Australian Icons and the huge trend for wearing sequins this Autumn/Winter!My new hobby, which I am soon to begin thanks to a chance conversation with a friend is Tap Dancing. Me being me, I was soon propelled into the heady world of which style of tap shoes I might wear, glitzy, Cuban heels, with velvet ribbons? One thing led to another and before I knew it I was imagining glamour beyond belief, but the key feature here, apart from the Joy of Sequins, was of course lashing of sequins, perhaps a few feathers here and there and a sprinkle of lime sparkly eye shadow and of course those Ruby slippers, sorry Ive gone off track again!! I mean of course those all important dance shoes!

When I finally calmed down a little, I thought perhaps on balance that my more is more approach, should really be confined to my tap dancing classes and not my day to day wardrobe. In other words even us Style Consultants, get side tracked in the name of glamour!

So here is my take on this Autumn/Winters sequintastic trend, current looks this season working this hot trend are, punk, biker chic, theatre and disco. There are lots of shift dresses and Ts embellished with sequins,but these can be unflattering around the midriff area, as they reflect light and anything which reflects light generally make us look bigger. However a sequined hat or scarf, throws light onto the face, always flattering, and allows us to do day time sequins with ease. If you are going for sequins as a shift dress and want to keep this look daytime, accessorise with muted colours and steer away from satin, if you decide to pair your shift with a blazer. Keep jewelery minimal or go without. A pair of Jazz flats, pumps, or a low flat ankle boot, will help keep the look wearable.Save the full on disco bling for the evening or a tap class if I have tempted you. S x

The My Passport To Style Blog Awards-The 4 winners are.....

Hi there, lovely blogging community and welcome to the My Passport to Style, blog awards, today I am tagging the following fabulous bloggers to receive the Irresistible Blog Award, I have chosen them because they are original, entertaining, very sweet and have great ethics. Having quite alot in common with blogger, Shes Got A Passion For Fashion, in that I love beautiful clothing, baking and entertaining.I decided to invite the 4 nominated bloggers to play a little stylish game with us.I have chosen 4 of my favourite vintage finds that relate to Stylish entertaining in some way, an art deco wall vase, a mosaic cake cover, pineapple beaded drinks cover and the adorable rosebud tea set for two. I am inviting them to select one object that reflects their personal Style of entertaining best and let us know why. S xx

Shes Got A Passion For Fashion

Lulu Letty

Plush Palate

Marvelous Kiddo

Welsh Style File - Lots of Welsh Rare-bits!

Hi great to be back! Thank-you for all the lovely comments you left me, it was a great welcome!I thought you might appreciate my pick up of all things Welsh and Stylish,which includes a picture of the area I stayed in, in Abersoch, as well as my favourite really Stylish and inspirational actors and singers, including some men for a change! Some of you wont be surprised I picked the gorgeous Anthony Hopkins, I love his confidence in wearing simple clothing well. His charisma is electric! Rhys Ifans, may seem a unlikely Style Icon, his style when he is not acting alternates between scruffy chic, to country gentleman, but I love his care free attitude and how he seems so at home in his own skin. This shot of him from the film, The Boat That Rocked, is awesome! I totally heart his Style, bang on trend this winter season by the way.Which just goes to show that true Style, needs a sprinkle of attitude and confidence along with a well cut Wardrobe! Those of you who adored Rhys Ifans clad in his underpants in the film Notting Hill will know exactly what I mean when I say its his imperfections that make him sooo perfect! Duffy had to be in with my pick of Wesh Style Icons, being as I love the substance that vintage can lend to a gals wardrobe, usually because clothes were generally much better tailored in bygone years.She embodies a simpler time and is truly inspirational! My Welsh Style file would not be complete without Welsh designer Julienne McDonald, his Autumn/Winter collection is so creative, he understands how to dress women. I thought you might appreciate this stunning piece from Julienne McDonald's Autumn/Winter collection, it really speaks of his Style elegant, flamboyant and just a little sexy! I couldn't resist throwing in some gorgeous handmade Welsh shoes for good measure, brogues are huge for women this Autumn/Winter, for women wanting to Chanel the androgynous trend and it doesn't get much better than these vintage inspired handmade Mary Jane shoes. The creative design/detailing (note the scalloped edges) is breath taking. Oh and I had to bring back this chic woven tweed clutch, with sky blue, silk lining. Tweed is big news this season, but Welsh tweed in particular is pretty special!

Sharon x