My Christmas wishlist from Notonthehighstreet.com

Hi guys,
I am completely in love with notonthehighstreet.com: Its my go-to website when I'm looking for a present, or something quirky and unusual for myself. It brings together all of those boutique independent brands I love in one convenient, easy-to-search place.

So when I started thinking about a Christmas wishlist for myself, I knew it would be my first stop! Here's what I will be hoping to find in my stocking when the big day arrives. And because I wanted to look at stocking filler prices, everything I've picked costs less than £25:




Rob Ryan initial tote bags for Alphabet Bags, £16, Clicky link
Four teatime cupcakes in jars, G Desserts, £14.40, Clicky link 
Wish I was there make up purse, Rosie's Armoire, £24, Clicky link
Sandcastle bowls - blue, yellow, or white, Caroline McGrath, £25, Clicky link
Personalised leather hoops bracelets, Soremi, £22, Clicky link

Have you started thinking about what you want in your Christmas stocking yet? And the scarier question, have you started your shopping? I've done some of mine but the panic is no doubt going to start shortly: there's not long to go!

Love Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my Christmas giveaway: there is a great selection of little prizes to be won!! 

Five gold rings for the fifth day of Christmas....*

Hi guys,
"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me.....fiiiive goooold riiiiings" (Elongated vowels essential). Yes, more Christmas themed fun but this time relating to a matter close to my heart: costume jewellery, specifically statement rings.

I've written before that I am a costume jewellery addict. I've also mentioned that because of increasing frustration with constantly green fingers, I no longer buy cheap-cheap costume rings from stores that used to be my old faithfuls, such as Topshop or Accessorize. That doesn't mean I can afford thousands of pounds worth of real jewellery though (oh how I wish I could!) Instead I settle for a middle ground: gold or silver plating, semi precious stones, and prices around the £100 mark.

Here are the five gold rings I'd pick for myself this Christmas:

Gold plated crystal snake and enamel ring, Kenneth Jay Lane, £110 
Yves Saint Laurent Arty gold plated glass ring, £180 (clicky link to buy)
Wendy Brandes sterling silver @ sign ring, $115 (clicky link to buy) 
Isharya 18 karat gold plated ring, £75 (clicky link to buy)
Alexander McQueen swarovski crystal double skull ring, £125 

I find that I try to buy more and more quality items, rather than quantity. I certainly think alot more about my purchases before I make them, and the place I see this most is with my jewellery and other accessories. Ultimately I would like a wardrobe full of good quality staple and statement pieces, and to never see the Primark label in my wardrobe again. Well, a girl can dream.....

Have you noticed any changes in your wardrobe over the past year? Are you trying to focus on improving one specific aspect of it, for example, and if so which one? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Tor xx

*NB - Two of the rings are actually silver, but it just didn't work as well with the song!! 

PS - Don't forget to enter my Christmas giveaway: there is a great selection of little prizes to be won!! 

Till Death Do Us Part Is For Quitters

Our good friends recently celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary (yay!) This post is inspired by the wedding card Saira gave them (which is now hanging on their wall) which reads "'Til death do us part' is for quitters". Normally, we wouldn't equate skeletons with romance -- but the sentiment was just so romantic that we felt inspired! Plus, pink peonies and butterflies are certainly not for everyone, and your wedding day should really express your personal style. So if you are a bride who walks on the dark side, enjoys "goth" style, is an osteologist, or is in it for the long run, then a skull and bones wedding is just for you! Believe it or not, a skull and bones wedding can be pretty classy -- think a black and white ball, with some edge! You don't have to go overboard with this style, but throw in a few skeletal details and you'll have yourself a fun and interesting wedding theme that will keep your guests talking. 

1. Simply Entertaining At Home | 2. Tie Bar | 3. Peep My Styles | 4. X-Ray | 5. Savannah Voodoo | 6. Sparkle and Twig | 7. My Blue Tulip Design | 8. York Shop of Horrors

XOXO,

Jen & Saira