Alison Rose is a name which for me takes me back to the day where the world of crafting and the modern day craft markets became a reality. My eyes were truly opened to the world of alt crafting when I went along to the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago in 2004. I stumbled across the fair (and subsequently Alison Rose and whole host of amazing crafters) completely by accident and from that day have been hooked.

I love following Alison Rose and seeing all the great new items and designs in the past 4 years since that fair and this season’s new items are no exception. Hop on over and check out the new designs now.

Posted: October 4th, 2008 under Fashion, Inspiration.
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I have been swithering about the need for a veil for my wedding. I have always been firmly in the ‘no veil’ camp but lots of people say that it’s the veil that really adds the bride factor to the dress. I must admit that my initial decision to go for a non-traditional long simple art deco type gown has already gone out the window to be replaced with a bizarre desire to have a more wedding dress like wedding dress. So, will my veil feelings suffer a similar about-turn? Who knows!

All I do know is that I’m really loving the idea of something along the lines of this Deco inspired headband from Etsy seller Dori & Viv, the added bonus being they’re currently offering a free gift to their first 11 customers.

Posted: September 24th, 2008 under Fashion, Inspiration.
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The Telegraph currently have a great free PDF available to download featuring 5 vintage knitting patterns that, while too complicated for lil ole me, would be great for any keen knitters out there. All designs are very wearable (ie. you wouldn’t look like you borrowed them off your gran) and my personal favourite has got to be this chunky jacket with frog fastners, just what you need for a Glasgow winter (and summer!).

Posted: September 3rd, 2008 under Fashion, Knitting/Crochet.
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Time is running out for me to grab a shoe bargain for the wedding as the shops are filling up with browns and boots and lovely cosy dark footwear for the ever-approaching winter. I can’t wear heels (I end up walking like I’ve had one to many vodkas). I don’t want open toe (1. It’ll be March 2. I hate my toes) and they (most importantly) have to be comfortable. Enter Zazzle…. this great little site allows you to design a pair of custom canvas pumps and was brought to my attention by Abbey Hendrickson of Aesthetic Outburst who designed this beautiful fawn pair. It sure would be great to have a pair of shoes I can wear after the wedding – did I mention they also do skateboards?

Posted: September 2nd, 2008 under Fashion.
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So it seems I’m not the only one out there experiencing some apron love at the moment. The explosion of crafting and home-making has upped the desire for beautiful aprons. Apron*ology is a new publication which is currently seeking submissions (click on image for further details). The deadline for submissions is September 15th and they’re not just looking for great new aprons but creative ways to repurpose vintage ones and whole bunch of other apron ideas.

Posted: July 24th, 2008 under Fashion.
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The ever-inspiring Meggiecat gave me an unexpected blast from the past this morning with her link to a site on decorative shoe-lacing. I swear I used to think I was super cool with my fat laces tied in a checkerboard lacing. When teamed with dungarees/overalls I was positively chic! (no I will not tell you how recently this was!) 

Posted: July 23rd, 2008 under Fashion, Tutorials.
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H&M´s designers have created a beautiful collection with Marimekko’s popular patterns from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s for the summer 2008. The collection of some 50 products will be sold in H&M´s stores from TODAY!

The collection, which has a graphic overall look, will comprise airy summer favourites such as wide 70s dresses, tunics, skirts and shorts for women. For men there will be classic summer shirts and shorts. There will be some items for children as well and all comes with accessories to match.

Marimekko is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design company that was established in 1951. The company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality clothing, interior design textiles, bags and other accessories under the Marimekko brand, both in Finland and abroad. www.marimekko.com

Limited availability on all garments in selected stores only.
Please call 020 7323 2211 for nearest stockists.

Posted: April 10th, 2008 under Fashion.
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Walking past the Art School on my lunch yesterday (getting my dose of arty eye candy), I noticed a girl wearing what looked like that bright orange webbing used in roadworks being photographed in the middle of the street. It was then I remembered reading my friend Shona’s piece the other day.

The car-crash catwalk creation was no doubt part of the Glasgow School of Art Annual Fashion show which takes place next week. This year’s theme is Avant Garde and you can read more about it here.

The shows will take place on March 4th and 5th and will take place at 7pm and 9pm.  Tickets, priced at £7.50 (£5 concession), are available from Ticket Scotland or the Vic Bar on 0141 353 4530. For more information on the show visit their myspace.

Posted: February 29th, 2008 under Events, Fashion.
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It has been absolutely freezing here in Glasgow of late and to add insult to injury I have recently lost two pairs of gloves. Gloves are an essential accessory to me thanks to having terrible circulation in my hands and feet.

So, with frequently blue hands and a compulsive need to colour co-ordinate, I knew I’d have to set out on a search to replace the missing gloves. However, I also recently promised not to spend any more money this month so imagine my delight when I stumbled across these beauties on Etsy.

Gaye Abandon’s recycling of old jumpers into handware provided me with the perfect solution as I unwittingly shrunk two (I don’t do things by halves!) of Him Indoors favourite wool  jumpers last weekend. So, given we don’t know any time bandits or kids with a passion for knitwear, the ruined items were packed away to try and keep the peace.

Ruined no more I say! Two pairs of rather expensive arm warmers on the way I think. Waste not, want not, after all.

Posted: January 6th, 2008 under Fashion.
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