Thursday 31 May 2018

Erstwilder South American Socialites Brooches


It was only last week that I was raving about Erstwilder's Australiana brooch collection, and now I have another new jewellery collection to show you that is so good it almost puts the last one to shame- The South American Socialites collection!



Designed for Erstwilder by graphic designer Lorri McPherson, the South American Socialites collection features twelve stunning handmade resin pieces including ten brooches, one mini brooch duo, and a necklace, in the design of some of South America's most iconic animals. There are macaws, capybaras, alpacas, sloths, and even my favourite animal- the tapir! The collection is amazing, and showcases so many cute and unusual animals you don't often see made in to jewellery, with plenty of bold, bright colours, heaps of pink, and so much glitter! It has to be my favourite Erstwilder collection yet.


Being a brooch addict and a huge animal lover, I instantly fell in love with the entire collection, and may have gotten a little carried away and treated myself to six of the brooches. Yep, half of the range... That's what happens when you let yourself shop at 7am, minutes after waking, with a rebate burning a hole in your pocket. There were so many fantastic designs that I was powerless to resist them and I knew I had to have these six in my brooch collection. It was impossible to say "no" to brooches of some of my favourite animals that you rarely, if ever, come across in jewellery form,

If you're a novelty brooch lover, you'll understand by the time this post is through.

Keep reading for close up photos and reviews of each of the six brooches I bought...


First up is Chaz the Chinchilla; one of my favourites from the collection, and undeniably one of the cutest. Chaz is a matte purple chinchilla with pale pink ears, hands and feet, and a glittery pink tail. He's a cheerful looking chinny and eager to get the party started with a little green star-print party hat crowning his head. He's absolutely adorable, and also one of the largest in the Socialites collection at 7.5cm tall, so he's a really great statement piece. He'll be particularly perfect for wearing on birthdays and other special occasions. I'll definitely be pinning him to my outfit on my birthday in July.


Next we have Rita the Anteater, who's just dying to meet ya. Rita is a glittery pink anteater (and one of my favourite animals!), and she has to be the prettiest, glitteriest anteater I've ever seen. In fact, the only parts of her that don't glitter are her tongue and inner ears, which are matte. She has a glittery salmon-pink body, salmon and hot-pink legs, and a coral-pink head with her cute purple tongue poking out. She's also fashionably accessorized with aquamarine cat-eye glasses over her closed long-lashed eyes, so she's an anteater after my own heart. I love the choice of colours, and the way the glitter glistens like a diamond mine in the sunlight; she's so beautiful, and definitely one of my favourites. I think she'll look amazing worn with pastels for Spring and brights for Summer.


If you love Rita, you might also like Sara the Capybara, the world's largest (and pinkest!) semi-aquatic rodent. Sara is a matte, pale pink capybara with a hint of lilac, with long black eye lashes, and a happy pink smile on her little face. She's dressed for a cold, rainy day with a cosy pink scarf around her neck, and glittery yellow and turquoise rain boots on her feet so she can splash in some puddles without getting her feet wet. I personally would have preferred her without the wellies, or at least with pink or purple ones instead of yellow, as I think they're a little bright for her pastel-colouring, but she's so darn cute her choice of footwear isn't important. I adore capybaras so I just couldn't resist her, rain boots or no rain boots.


Another of my favourite South American animals has to be the colourful blue and yellow macaw, so I was thrilled to discover Erstwilder had included one in the collection. (I've always loved macaws, and when I was seventeen, I got to do work experience with some in the bird gardens at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park for a week. I even got to hold a couple, which was an amazing experience, and it's one of the reasons I chose this brooch). Let me introduce you to Corey the Macaw! Corey is a stunning, vibrantly-coloured little dude, with a glittery bright yellow body, and a bold turquoise head and wings. He has matte navy tail feathers, a little white face and a black beak, just like a real macaw, which help to make those bright colours pop even more. With his navy, red, and white high-top sneakers, and matching baseball cap, Corey is the coolest parrot in the Amazon- and he knows it. Who's a pretty boy then? Corey is! He's another of the larger pieces in the collection at 7.5cm tall (about the height of my ring finger), so he's definitely designed to be seen, and will make a statement pinned to any outfit. 


One of the smallest and most unusual creatures in the collection has to be Alex the Axolotl. If you're not familiar with axolotls, they're an adorable species of salamander that, unlike most amphibians, don't go through metamorphosis so remain fully aquatic in to adulthood. They also have the ability to regenerate limbs, so they're pretty awesome little guys. When I was studying animal care at college, we had a couple of them to care for in our animal units, and I've found them fascinating ever since, so I had to have this adorable brooch in my life. He is the cutest amphibian on four legs. Alex is made from ruby red resin, with a matte face and dorsal fin, and a glittery body and legs that sparkle like Dorothy's slippers. I'm impressed by how precisely his tiny little feet have been cut in to shape; that must have taken some skill. The cutest thing about Alex is he is rocking a pair of chunky navy glasses over his sweet little eyes, with a little smile on his face. He's so precious I can't take it!


And finally, we have my favourite from the collection, Tabitha the Tapir. Tapirs are one of my most favourite animals, so I could not believe my eyes when I laid eyes on this brooch in the collection. I actually squealed out loud with excitement! I've wanted a tapir brooch for as long as I can remember, and now, thanks to Erstwilder, all my brooch dreams have come true. I could not check out fast enough. Tabitha is a beautiful black, grey, and white tapir, and I fell in love with her instantly. She has a marbled black and grey body with a subtle glitter, two matte light grey legs at the back, and a stunning white pearlescent saddle that shimmers blue, green, and pink in the light. (Sadly, my photos haven't picked that up well). If this tapir brooch wasn't pretty enough already, she's also stylishly accessorised with a string of pearls around her neck, and a matching bow beside her ear. She even has her toe nails painted! Could she be any more glamorous?! She's absolutely perfect, although, there is one teeny mistake I think Erstwilder failed to recognise- she's been modelled on the black and white Malayan tapir which are only found in Asia. The three species of tapir that are native to South America are all solid brown in colour and don't have the white saddle markings of their larger Asian cousins. I'm not sure if it was an innocent mistake or whether they just preferred the markings of the Malayan tapir from a design point of view. Maybe Tabitha was born and raised in South American by migrant parents, or became a South American socialite by marriage? Who knows? Even if Tabitha is an impostor masquerading as a South American socialite, who cares? I won't tell if you won't! The important thing is she's so beautiful, and I finally have the tapir brooch of my dreams. Thank you, Erstwilder!



I'm completely smitten with all six brooches and I'm so happy to have added such weird and wonderful animals to my brooch zoo. The designs are all amazing, and the quality and attention to detail to each piece is incredible. They're so perfectly made it's almost hard to believe each one has been made by hand, but just like all Erstwilder jewellery, they sure have.

Erstwilder have designed some fantastic collections over the years, but The South American Socialites collection has got to be my favourite one yet. I love the designs so much, I'm tempted to go back for more. I'd love to get my hands on Alan the Alpaca and Francie the Flamingo

I purchased all but one of these brooches from UK stockist Glitterally, and then tracked down Alex the Axolotl from Lottie and Lu, which was sold out from Glitterally at the time. You can also find available pieces from the range from Erstwilder, and other UK stockists Daisy Park, Kitty Kat Accessories, and The Midget Gem. Most of the pieces are still available, so snap your favourites up while you can!

I can't wait to see what Erstwilder come up with next! I'm already looking forward to the Africa collection they're promising later in the year, although, I doubt anything will ever beat this amazing South American Socialite collection!

Which brooch is your favourite? Have you purchased anything from The South American Socialites collection?

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Erstwilder Australiana Brooches
Wild & Wolf Folklore Bear and Deer Necklaces
Cath Kidston Little Flower Buds Owl Brooch
My Quirky Brooch Collection 2016
My Brooch Collection 2014
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Wednesday 30 May 2018

Wednesday Wish List


Here are a few things I've been coveting this week...



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Spanish jewellery brand La Vidriola have launched a limited edition Harry Potter collection, and each piece of the laser-cut acrylic jewellery range is absolutely amazing. I think my favourites have to be the Luna and Howler brooches, along with all of the statement battle necklaces.


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I love these summery vehicle print swing dresses from Collectif. They'd both be perfect for holidays in the sun by the coast. Something I sadly won't be getting this year. Sob!



I placed a big Cath Kidston Alice in Wonderland order on Thursday night when the collection launched, and spent far more than I should have, but I'd still like to get my hands on this awesome Alice Hearts Minilite Umbrella. I love the red heart handle, and the Alice heart print fabric, but it is a little steep at £30, so I'm holding off for now. It might be a little too frivolous considering I rarely get to leave the house...


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These tropical palm leaf statement necklaces from Tatty Devine are so gorgeous. I love the little hummingbirds that are hanging out amongst the flowers.


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Lady Vintage's summer Lyra dresses are all rather pretty, especially the Summer Blue. (#1). These dresses cater to sizes 14-30/32.



I still haven't got a fox brooch in my collection, but I'm quite taken with this sweet acrylic one from Glitter Bomb UK. Isn't it lovely?


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I'd love to get my hands on this gorgeous macaw print dress and playsuit, and seahorse and blue swimmers print skirts from Lindy Bop for my summer wardrobe. All of those prints are so perfect.


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OT Sisters Design have so many beautiful laser-cut acrylic brooches to choose from in their Etsy shop. I think the lobster has to be my favourite, although, the tiger is pretty wonderful, too.


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I doubt these gorgeous Miss L Fire rainbow shoes would fit my wide feet, but I can't help lusting after them, anyway. Just look at how pretty they are!



And last but not least, this laser-cut acrylic squirrel brooch from Oh So Flamingo is adorable. I need him in my brooch zoo.

If you'd like to see more of the fashion pieces on my wish list, check out my style wish list boards on Pinterest. You can also find all previous Wednesday Wish List posts here.

Which pieces do you like best?
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Sunday 27 May 2018

Sunday Favourites #329


Here's some Sunday Favourites to get your day started.


Jazmina Daniel (@missjazminad) has created the most amazing lip art of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day.


These enamel sloth pins from Shop Zoki are too cute for words.


The Sprinkle Factory's swirly rainbow cake looks too pretty to eat.


I love these little cacti planters from Things By Bea.


These colourful terrarium pudding cups from Aww Sam are so cool!


These fun DIY gold accented flower vases from A Kailo Chic Life.


How about adding a pop of colour to your kitchen with these DIY dip-dye typography kitchen towels from Lovely Indeed?


I'm loving this DIY Matisse-inspired cut paper garland from Oh So Beautiful Paper.


Would you look at these adorable greetings cards from Stiped Cat Studio?! Dogs and cats in party hats!!


Beautiful art created using tea and coffee by Giulia Bernardelli.


I'm loving this colourful little display from A Beautiful Mess' office tour.


I want to make some of Studio DIY's fruit-inspired storage baskets.


These DIY pom pom sandals by Say Yes would be fun to make and wear for festival season.


The House That Lars Built's Scandinavian-inspired DIY Dala horses look so pretty.

Jenine Shereos floral installations are so beautiful.

Lovely Links

♥ A Girl Obsessed has written a helpful post with tips on how to take blog photos on your phone.


♥ Kirsty Leanne wrote an interesting post entitled: plus size bloggers and press trips: are we represented?

♥ This video of a turtle embryo being incubated without its egg shell is amazing. There are more videos of it at different stages of development at the source, so check those out, too.







♥ These teens secretly trolled themselves online. It's called 'digital self-harm.'


If you'd like to see more stuff like this, check out my Pinterest and Tumblr. You can also find all previous Sunday Favourites posts here.

Which part was your favourite this week?
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Thursday 24 May 2018

Cath Kidston X Disney Alice in Wonderland Complete Collection Preview



The wait is almost over for the highly anticipated Cath Kidston Disney Alice in Wonderland collection, and I'm so nervous and excited, you'd think I was waiting for gig tickets to go on sale! I've been sat here with butterflies in my stomach all afternoon impatiently waiting for the presale to begin, worrying I won't get my hands on the pieces I have my heart set on. Apparently that's what happens when two of your favourite brands join forces, and you haven't got a life! 

A couple of weeks ago I featured preview photos of the Alice in Wonderland collection on the blog (here), and today I've got images of the entire sixty-eight piece collection to show you in better detail before the collection goes live. The collection includes fashion, bags and accessories, homeware, and children's ware, and if you love Cath Kidston and Alice in Wonderland, trust me, you're going to want to see these. They're sure to send your hearts all aflutter.

Below the images, I've also included the advertised prices of each item to help you plan ahead if you're hoping to shop the new collection tonight / tomorrow, because you won't have long to decide once it goes live; the best pieces from the Cath Kidston Disney collections always sell out in minutes, and products in your basket won't be reserved. You'll have to move fast if you want to get your hands on your favourite pieces, so planning ahead is recommended.

You can check out the full collection in all its glory below.

Fashion


1. Alice's Meadow Cotton Sateen Dress £90 // 2. Alice's Meadow Skirt £65 // 3. Alice's Words Cotton Shirt Dress £80 // 4. Painting the Roses Embroidered Jacket £75


1. Disappearing Cheshire Cat T-Shirt £38 // 2. Disappearing Cheshire Cat Disney Jumper £55 // 3. Painting the Roses Disney Print Jumper £55. // 4. Falling Alice Square Shawl £45

Bags and Accessories


1. Alice Meadow Applique Tote £65 // 2. Falling Alice Reversible Backpack £45 // 3. Alice and Friends Leather Lozenge Cross Body Bag £115 // 4. Falling Alice Reversible Cross Body Bag £45 // 5. Painting The Roses Disney Tab Saddle Bag £45 // 6. Painting The Roses Disney Shoulder Tote £48 // 7. Alice Words Buckle Backpack £60 // 8. Cheshire Cat Perforated Cross Body Bag £100.


1. Alice Meadow Continental Wallet £40 // 2. Painting the Roses Disney Small Continental Wallet £30 // 3. Disappearing Cheshire Cat Leather Wallet £65. // 4. Set of Two Alice and Friends Pouches £15 // 5. Painting the Roses Disney Washbag £24 // 6. Painting the Roses Disney Cosmetic Bag £18


Cheshire Cat Coin Purse With Wrist Strap £18


1. Alice Words Mini I.D. Tag £8 // 2. Falling Alice Lanyard £4.50 // 3. Alice Hearts Minilite Umbrella £30 // 4. Falling Alice Moving iPhone 6/7 Case £22

Homeware


1. Alice Hearts Double Oven Gloves £16 // 2. Falling Alice Apron £24 // 3. Set of Two Falling Alice Tea Towels £15 // 4. Alice Hearts Foldaway Shopper £10


1. Alice Words Bedding Set From £65 // 2. Set of Two Alice Words Pillow Cases £30


Alice Meadow 40 x 40cm Cushion £25


1. Alice Meadow A5 Hard Back Notebook £10 // 2. Alice Meadow Chunky Pen £7


1. Falling Alice Lanyard Drinking Bottle £15 // 2. Alice Meadow Boxed Gift Mug £12


1. Alice Words Cake Stand £30 // 2. Alice Words Tea For Two £35 // 3. Alice Words Jug Vase £14 // 4. Playing Cards Salt and Pepper Shakers £20




1. Set of Two Alice Words Tumblers £22 // 2. Alice and Friends Set of Four Coasters £24 // 3. Alice and Friends Bowl £10 // 4. Alice and Friends Plate £10 // 5. Alice and Friends Mug £10 // 6. Alice and Friends Cheshire Cat Mug £10 // 7. Alice and Friends Mad Hatter Mug £10 // 8. Alice and Friends Rabbit Mug £10 // 9. Alice and Friends Tea Cup and Saucer £18 // 10. Alice and Friends Teapot £38

Babies and Kids


1. Alice and Friends Beaker £6.50 // 2. Alice and Friends Beaker £6.50 // 3. Alice Heart Drinking Bottle £8 // 4. Late For Tea Drinking Bottle £8


1. Alice Heart Medium Kids Backpack £30 // 2. Alice Heart Shaped Handbag £18 // 3. Alice Hearts Double Zip Pencil Case £11


1. Late For Tea Mini Backpack £22 // 2. Late For Tea Kids Backpack £36 // 3. Disney Novelty Medium Backpack £30 // 4. Disney Novelty Medium Backpack £30


Alice Words Tote Changing Bag £90


1. Alice Kids T-Shirt £18 // 2. Disney Novelty Cheshire Cat Kids T-Shirt £18 // 3. Alice Words Mini Sleeveless Dress £30 // 4. Alice Words Mini Baby Eleanor Heart Dress £26

I'm particularly hoping to get my hands on the duvet set, salt and pepper shakers, jug vase, Alice Daisy tote, the matching wallet, and the White Rabbit mug, but I could happily buy one of everything; they're all gorgeous!

The collection launches with a pre-sale online and in 19 selected stores at 7pm tonight, ahead of its general release nationwide tomorrow morning. If you haven't already signed up for the presale, you won't be able to access it online, but you can find a list of all the stores taking part in the pre-sale tonight here. You can find all the other information you need to know over on the website, including tips for shopping the pre-sale with the best chance of success.

If you'd like to learn more about the collection, you can do so here.

Are you hoping to shop the Cath Kidston Disney Alice in Wonderland collection? Which pieces have you got your eye on?

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