H&M Collaborations and Me

I have been a fan of the H&M collaborations since they first started in 2004. The combination of high street prices for designer items and the limited production was too much to ignore. In the early days as long as you wandered in to an H&M a few days after the collections hit stores, you could probably pick up a few choice pieces. However, many bargain hunters caught on to this great offering. Before you knew it, mum I would be getting up at silly o'clock on a cold November morning; camping out in front of our nearest H&M anxious and nauseous waiting for our wristband that would be our ticket to unique and coveted items. We would stumble out, laden with bags, delighted with our overspend and swearing to wear them all for a lifetime. To be fair, my wardrobe is still punctuated with pieces from Matthew Williamson ('09), Marni ('12), Alexander Wang ('14) and more. 
I still love and cherish these unique buys and hope the next collection will bring me such additions...

I was lucky enough to preview the H&M x Kenzo collaboration this week and I was not disappointed. The collection is stunning, as a lover of colour and print I couldn't get over the mix of patterns and designs. It's certainly not for everyone, some pieces I would rather enjoy them hanging on my wall than on my body. But as usual there are a few affordable, collectable trinkets like the key ring, purses and sunglasses. There are always sunglasses.  There is a real Japanese influence with a beautiful kimono coat and jacket including flip flops, based on the Japanese Geta sandals... 

Here are some pics to whet your appetite...

The Sunglasses, £39.99

Bangles, also available in orange £39.99

Flip Flops, £79.99

Purse, £49.99

Kimono Coat, £249.99

Reversible Kimono Jacket, £199.99

Gloves, £49.99

Jacket, £129.99

Blouse, £49.99

What are your favourites? Have you ever queued at the crack of dawn for clothing before? 

Will you be purchasing anything on the 3rd November?

Wish me luck! I'll report back with my purchases, and maybe some snaps of pieces from my archives...

Ear Party

Short hair means my ears are always on parade, this gives me the perfect opportunity to indulge my passion for jewellery. I have a few piercings, so depending on my mood and outfit i can go simple or all out... I really like to mix metals, anything goes with an ear party, here are my latest favourite looks...

This half moons earring is one of a pair by Cos, they are silver and gold and have worn brilliantly for costume jewellery

Simple diamond & white gold studs and a pearl & gold stud.
The gold plated hexagon earrings are by one of the UKs top jewellery designers, Scarlett Cohen French (Bought at my recent visit to the Goldsmith's Fair)

 

This simple look consists of a small pyramid stud by Stella & Dot, small rose gold studs and a hammered stud also Stella & Dot

 This is the other ear, ear climber by Stella & Dot. 

Gold and ruby studded playing card and gold poison arrow earrings from Maria Nilsdotter,  (Found on a trip to Stockholm last Christmas. Maria's a big deal. Beyonce once bought an entire range from her and Madonna is also a huge fan).
Gold plated bar stud by Whistles

The other ear, gold modern primitive chain earring from Rachel Entwistle

 Ear cuff by Stella & Dot

Gold plated hoops all by Stella & Dot

Which are your favourites? Are there any other fab earring designers out there I should be checking out?

p.s I am not affiliated with Stella & Dot or any other brands, I just really like their jewellery and find it excellent quality for the price.

Jewellery Paradise

I was lucky enough to visit the Goldsmiths Fair recently. It is an annual event which showcases the very best contemporary designer craftsmen working in gold and silver 
(Go next autumn if you get a chance www.goldsmithsfair.co.uk) 

Prices vary from £40-£40,000(ish). Getting a chance to view these beautiful pieces of art, and try a few on, is a wonderful experience. You get to chat to the people behind the designs finding out the story of each piece.

My mum treated herself to this beautiful Ametrine ring by award winning designer Beth Gilmour

My sisters favourite piece was this stunning ring by Marie Walshe

Mine was this statement 18ct gold and aquamarine ring, which was also selected by guest curator Erin O'Connor. Designed by Shivani Patel

I purchased these gold plated hexagon beauties by one of the UKs top jewellery designers, Scarlett Cohen French. They are also available in silver and solid gold