Raw rocks and stones collection + illustrations

Warning: this post is very photo heavy.

This is something a bit different for my blog. I was inspired to make this post after seeing the wonderful collection of semi precious stones on Annarack's blog. My collection is mostly made up of quartz, with a few pyrite rocks, amethyst and some tumbled rocks (I used to have a rock tumbler). Unfortunately I can't find my bigger rocks, I had a huge, gorgeous red agate slice, a huge lump of pyrite and some purple and blue geode. I've also been inspired to draw some of the stones in my Moleskine using watercolour paints and fine liner pen.

Tentative Decisions Jewellery

I'm back! And I'm finally on my Easter holiday which should really be for revision but I've missed blogging so much that I'm sure I'll find some spare time. I also have plenty of ideas for posts!
I wanted to introduce you to a jewellery brand called Tentative Decisions, which hand makes beautiful raw crystal jewellery. I was lucky enough to win one of their Twitter giveaways in which I won this amazing crystal bullet necklace! 
What also makes this brand extra special is the attention to detail, for example how lovely is the packaging? I'm sure everyone likes a little parcel tied up with string!

Check out Tentative Decisions' Etsy page here, and below are some of their wonderful creations.

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Pssst, don't forget that I would be extremely grateful if you voted for me in the Company Style Blogger Award, you just need to click here. Thank you! x

Sweet Treats For Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all you mummies out there. This year I made an extra effort to make this day special for my mum. She was up out early this morning so no chance of breakfast in bed, instead my dad, youngest sister and I prepared a lovely lunch for when she got home. The table was laden with pink and purple flowers in jars and vases, a bottle of bubbly, an enormous Toblerone (mum's favourite), a golden platter of homemade blueberry muffins I'd made the night before, a plate of delicious macaroons from M&S (I saw them on Megan's blog and knew I had to hunt them down!) and a handmade card made by my youngest sister, with me being the "artistic director".

Mum arrived home shivering from the cold and the almost-snow. She was really surprised by the spread we'd set up, and after a lovely lunch of soup and rolls, we dinned on the sugary treats and champagne. My grandparents also came to visit, so we had a sleepy Sunday sitting by the fire and chatting. We had a lovely and relaxing day and I'm sure a few of us may have nodded off, why is it so tiring doing nothing?

Please Vote For Me

Hi all, I'm sure you've all heard of the Company Style Blogger Award and right now it's nomination time. I'm still relatively new to blogging, but I'm really happy with how I'm getting along and I am thoroughly enjoying every blog post I write. This award sounds extremely exciting and I would be over the moon if you nominated me for an award, perhaps the Best Personal Style Blog Newcomer as my blog is under one year old (started in July 2012). It would mean so much to me, and if you would like to nominate me, you can do so here.

Ways To Wear: Blue H&M Dress #3

For my final look I thought I'd keep it quite simple. To show just how versatile this dress is, this look is based around a date night / night out. As the blue is quite bold, I have kept everything else plain and black, with a tiny hint of gold from the collar necklace. I'm really liking the combination of the vibrant blue with the rich gold! I didn't think a belt was necessary because the jacket added shape, and without a belt it seems more 'night out'. I think this outfit is perfect for a date night because I'd feel quite confident in the bright blue, and then the dainty golden collar necklace softens the outfit.

Look 3 - Date Night

 

Gold collar necklace - Primark / Black denim jacket - Oasis / Long socks - Topshop / Brogues - Clarks

View my first look "Studs and Collars" here, and my second look "Flirty Florals" here. Which is your favourite?

Ways To Wear: Blue H&M Dress #2

For my second look, I decided to go really girly which works really well with the lightweight, floaty fabric of the dress. The peter pan collar is actually a top underneath, I just pulled the collar over, pretty handy huh? I feel like this dress needs a belt as it's not too fitted around the waist, so I used this cute woven plait belt, it's great in the summer. And what outfit wouldn't be complete without a Crown & Glory headpiece? I bought this one a while ago, and it's perfect for adding a pretty, girly touch to any outfit. I simply love wearing any sort of flowers in my hair!

Look 2 - Flirty Florals

Floral crown - Crown & Glory / Top (worn as collar) - River Island / Belt - New Look

View my first look "Studs and Collars" here, which do you prefer?

Ways To Wear: Blue H&M Dress #1

I bought this dress from H&M when I was in London dropping off my portfolio at Central Saint Martins (fingers crossed!) I thought the colour was quite daring and a little bit different for me, but I've been on the lookout for a long sleeve skater dress, and as it was in the sale I decided to go for it, even if the dip hem isn't the most flattering for my short legs. Another thing I liked about it was how versatile it is, which is why I'm going to be doing a few posts on different ways to wear this dress.

Look 1 - Studs and Collars

Grey beanie - River Island / Studded shirt - Ever Ours / Studded belt - New Look / Black brogues - Clarks / Deer and owl rings - Internacionale / Love ring - Dorothy Perkins / Scrabble ring - Ebay

This look is quite edgy, and I probably should have worn heels. I'm not sure about the hat, it would have been better without the pompom! I'll be posting some more looks pretty soon, so watch out :)