Guest Blogger: London Shopping from BritGirlBondi

With all the Spring in the air, it is certainly the time when we are all thinking of shopping! And what could be better than traveling and shopping? So I have a guest blogger for you today to bring you the know how of the Brits! Here is some London Shopping pointers straight from the expert BritGirlBondi.

So straight from Notting Hill, Helen of BritGirlBondi...

So, Vintage.

There is a lot of blah around Vintage at the moment. I don’t know what it is like in your town, but London ?! Let’s just say this is a bandwagon everyone (including me, I must say) has jumped on. There is “Vintage” everywhere. Got an old T-shirt?! Vintage. Some 1990’s Topshop?! Vintage. What I’m here to do is it say STOP! Say no to bad vintage.

Because, Mon amis, there is so much GOOD STUFF OUT THERE! And here I am, thanks to the lovely Jessica, to tell you where to find it.

I think, like many people, what I love about vintage clothing is the real history around the items that you wear. I love it when you buy a bag and find a dry cleaning ticket from the 60’s. I love it when you buy a military coat and it has Dieppe the French soldier’s name written into the lining.

I lived in London for the last 8 years; Shoreditch, Oval, Clapham, Dulwich, Hackney….. the list goes on. I now live in Sydney, and trust me, if you are lucky enough to be in London then do go on this fabulous trail because I believe there is no place like it for treasure hunting in the world!

1. Spitalfields Antiques

Address: Brushfield and Commercial Street

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

Online at: visitspitalfields.com

Thursdays at Spitalfields is home to the wondrous antique market. Now, I hear you cry, this is not vintage. On the contrary, I think this is the very best of vintage. Old military wares, scarves, postcards, furniture….. When I move back to the UK the first thing I will buy is a 1800’s Union Jack Flag to frame to hang next to some vintage suitcases filled with books.

2. Absolute Vintage

Address: 15 Hanbury Street

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

Online at: absolutevintage.co.uk

Just around the corner from Spitalfields market is the Topshop of vintage. Seriously, anything you need, you can get here. It was voted one of the 100 best stores in the world, and I would have to agree, it’s pretty awesome! It is slightly overpriced, but if you are need of a vintage hit, like NOW, this place makes it so easy it’s unreal. Weirdly though, the website is rather pants, so no great pics to be shared. Luckily I have this picture of this dress I once got this awesome dress from AV…. for $60. Wow wow wow!

3. Sunday Upmarket

Address: The Old Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

http://www.sundayupmarket.co.uk/index.html

There are many reasons I love Sunday Upmarket. Firstly is because I used to have a stall here, where I basically just put my wardrobe on sale before I moved to Sydney . What I love about this place is because many of the stalls are casual (especially on the higher levels…), there is a huge buzz and excitement about the place. People bring their dogs in, and have their friends to their stalls like it’s a social gathering (Well, I did anyway, see pics below of me and stall friends!). There is a specific vintage section to the market on the upper levels, but don’t let that distract you from the rest of the market, especially the cheaper stalls at the bottom!

Oh, and get your money out before you get there, then go for a curry on the famous Brick Lane after!

4. Rokit

Address: 42 Shelton Street

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden/Leicester Square

Online at: rokit.co.uk

I’m listing this place, basically, because it was the place that started the whole Vintage thing off in London , and started my obsession when I was only a wee 18 year London student. This place has a great central location, right in the midst of Covent Garden . What I always found Rokit best at was the Denim; rows and rows of skirts, jeans, and jackets all very well size labelled means its great for an organisation freak like me. Also I knew the staff in there at one point, they are so darned friendly. They really live and breathe what they do.

5. Portobello Road

Address: Portobello Road

Nearest Tube: Notting Hill gate

Online at: pretaportabello.com

{all photo rights to respective stores, EuropeCloseup and Helen Buchan at BritGirlBondi}

I am quite unfamiliar with Portobello Road , as I must say its rather prim compared to my get down and dirty approach to shopping. Also, I find it a bit cluttered with food stalls, and the usual trappings of a tourist destination. However, the small stores around Portobello are just gorgeous, and, if you are feeling lazy, you can just pop online to pretaportobello.com/shop/vintage.aspx. So you can have the real Portobello experience, minus the tourists, at home with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Mmmmm.

So now you know where to go….. I’ll let you in on some top tips:  

1. Haggle at stalls, you’ll always get a bit of money off if you are just super nice, or buy a few items.
2. If you like a stall, compliment it! It means a lot to the stall holder, they’ve been up since 5am making it beautiful, just for you. And you’ll probably get a discount. And if you want to take a photo, ask first.
3. Remember that most stall holders get their items from EBay. So if you can be patient, or know what you want, take the gamble.
4. Remember that Vintage is NOT NEW! Instead of worry about what is wrong with the item, think about how nice the history of it is. I promise you it will make you appreciate it much more!
5. If you can, travel for the Vintage….. the fur and old military ware of the Parisian Markets of Cliagncourt is to die for (excuse the pun on both accounts…) and apparently South America is amazing (all the old school Americana …).

I cannot wait to visit London again now that I have the local's perspec on shopping! I'll just have to really save up...that British Pound really doesn't mess around! 

Be sure to follow Helen's adventures now that she's in the land down under on her blog BritGirlBondi and on Twitter @Helen_Buchan !!

Choose My Outfit for Fashion Week!

Darlings, the time has come, New York Fashion Week has arrived...and I'm having YOU choose my outfit to rub elbows with the Glamazons of Lincoln Center. After much deliberation, and very creative wardrobe brainstorming (which did not end well for my room) I have all of my looks chosen, say for one! And who better to choose my remaining look than my very fabulous fashionable followers?!

 #1: Don't Step on my Blue Suede Shoes: 

Necktie Knotted D&G Silk Scarf

Accordian Pleated High Waisted Skirt

Blue Long Sleeve Tee

Suit Vest

Blue Suede Ankle Booties

 #2: Furry Frenzy:

French Faux Fur Vest

Aqua Long Sleeve Tee

Dark Skinny Jeans

Heeled Oxfords

#3: Vintage Vixen

1950s Vintage Lace Dress

Burgundy Mary Jane Pumps

Fox Fur Neck Warmer

So what do you fancy? Menswear, Fur, Vintage...I know you'll make a fabulous decision! 

Comment below with your choice!

Voting ends Monday at Midnight NYC Time!




ALSO: Don't forget to be an informed fashionista. 
Brush up on your Fashion Week history HERE!

Things That Inspire Me...

On a not-so-great yesterday, I needed to go in search of things to give me a little inspiration when I was at a total loss for any of my own. These things cheered me up and I hope they lift your spirits and creative energy as well.

 Sometimes, even if you are strong, you need to be reminded of it.

 The endless tangent your mind can take with memories is amazing.

 Everything, no matter what, comes back around.

 Well done hair will always make you look elegant.

 Never underestimate the power in the details.

Flowy, light, and ethereal, evening gowns will always be breathtaking.

NYC Digs: Hidden Treasures

Hands down, one of my favorite things to do is thrift store shopping. I love the thrill of the hunt. Going into some whole in the wall store on a safari for hidden treasures in clothing form. And even better, digging through the mass chaos only to emerge triumphant!

I have many great articles in my closet with a fabulous story behind them. That is the best part, is owning pieces that have a more enthralling hisstory than some factory in China. Like my knee length vintage fur coat. I found it in Austin, Texas but it was made in England and now it has followed me to New York.

On my shopping excursion on Black Friday, I found a fantastic thrift store out in Greenwich Village that you definitely need to check out! Monk Vintage on MacDoogal Street is a great find. Overflowing with designer goods and vintage treasures you are sure to find something fabulous for your wardrobe!

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Lipstick & Loveliness

Eternal beauty. Sophia Loren was one of those iconic women of our time that just exuded beauty from her very core. I happen to love shots of women putting on lipstick, hers as no exception, and for some reason I think it feels old fashioned and lady like. I am definitely a lip stick woman, give me my matte Garnet Laura Mercier anyday over the glossy hair-magnet counterpart.

{merci WeHeartIt!}

Find your inner Sophia Loren today darlings!

Fashionspiration: Be Still my Victorian Heart

Go Victorian by fashiondiva304 featuring Monsoon accessories

Wool Bustier, $130
Lipsy Lace Tutu Skirt, 38 GBP
Victorian Black Beaded Choker Adult, 20 GBP
Vintage Filigree Pearl Cameo Ring (Gold Tone), 9.45 GBP
Sequin Bow Mini Top Hat, 26 GBP
birdcage postcard, $3.99
Great Gears O'Plenty | Steampunk Clothing, Corsets, Costumes, Jewelry,..., $60
Victorian Metal Coasters, $12
Blog of the island of Kahlan - Victorian tubes / flowers -
- Women's Victorian Style -

Go back to the days of corsets and chivalry

this weekend mes cheries!

Fashionspiration: O... First Lady

This week has been crazy busy, there has been lots of visitors to see and spend time with, and it has been lovely. So, I apologize for the slow week of blogging and hope to have plenty of delicious travel photos for you soon on the most recent Italian Adventure of mine. In the meantime, why not channel your inner Jackie O, walk a life of luxury in your pearls and pillbox hat, and swoon all those you pass by.

Jackie O by fashiondiva304 featuring Missoni shoes

PETER JENSEN 10030502*00 BLUE/WHITE SILK DRESS, 167 GBP
Missoni Women's MM10L Slingback Sandal, $374
VALENTINO Bag, 1.930 EUR
Carolee - 8mm Pearl Necklace w/ Toggle (White Pearl) - Jewelry, $46
"Jackie O" Sunglasses, $18
Jacqueline Arm Chair, $519
jackie ♥
jacqueline kennedy photos
Kennedy's Quote....USE!! :)

When is the last time you pulled out

your inner Jackie O?

Where For Art Thou Shakespeare & Company?

Darlings, I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite places in Paris, The 5th Arrondisement. As you wander around the beauty of Notre Dame why not take a stroll across the street? Among a smörgåsbord of diverse cultural cuisine on a bustling fun street, here you will also stumble upon the world famous hole in the wall bookstore, Shakespeare & Company. Now for any bibliophile, like myself, you WILL be in Heaven. Serving as not only a bookstore but also a relaxing place to read, all day if you'd like, it specializes in English Language Literature and has a fascinating history. Now, as you all know I can't resist a unique boutique, but add a complex and fascinating story like this one and you will easily see why I am in love with this shop!

Originally started by Sylvia Beach, and expatriate from New Jersey, S&Co. has been around since 1919. Not always in its originally cozy corner along the Seine, before the last World War it was on the Rue de l'Odeon, and frequented daily by the greats such as, Ernest Hemmingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. S&Co at the time was the center of Anglo-American literary culture and repeatedly housed books that were banned in the UK and America. It closed in 1941 after, allegedly, Beach refused to sell a last copy of a Joyce novel to a German soldier.

But it lives on now, thanks to George Whitman, a Massachusetts boy who merged it with his book shop on left bank after the death of Sylvia Beach in 1951. George calls the bookstore a "socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore". The store also has 13 beds and over the years has housed some 40,000 young writers, called Tumbleweeds, who earn their keep by working in the shop a couple hours a day. George welcomes you to stay as long as you want and prop up your feet upstairs and read everything in the store, the only thing he asks in return is a one page essay about your life, he even provides a typing booth, complete with an old fashioned typewriter for you to tell your story on! At 96 years old, he remains the figure head of the shop but has past the legend onto his daughter, what an incredible legacy to keep alive.

*historic info is thanks to wikipedia and shakespeareandcompany.com*

Pretty amazing isn't it mes cheries?

Tick Tock

Time is running out my darlings, by the end of Sunday this awesome giveaway from Flip & Tumble will be all too soon a thing of the past!

thanks tumblr ;)

Hurry and Comment HERE while you still can!

Beauty of the Vanity

I love beauty products. They make me so happy,

like a little girl playing at her mother's vanity.

I also love vanities, so timeless, so elegant. Truly a snapshot of days gone by.

What is your favorite thing about beauty?

HURRY Today is the LAST day to enter our biggest Giveaway yet!

DevaFuser by DevaCurl a revolution for the Curly Girl!

ENTER HERE

Introducing: Jessica Kelly Photography

Oui mes cheries! I have officially expanded embellished into the photography category! I am so excited for the possibilites. I honestly love photography...as you can tell by my photo heavy blog, pictures inspire me...and I can't wait to have my pieces inspire others. I got so many comments from you all on a regular basis about my work that I was thrilled when it finally pushed me enough for expansion!

So, without further ado, please enjoy the following pieces up for sale now on Embellished.

All Paris in September, but the last is my personal favorite...my Creme de la Creme if you will!

These are all in Lille, where I am residing currently. And the last I am loving...notice a pattern?

No photo studio of mine would be complete without my favorite place in the World!

STAY TUNED because they will continually be more to come! I have a traveling soul that is permanently attached to a camera lens...it makes for an inspiring combination!

What do you think?

Old Soul in a Modern World Giveaway

Vintage ambiance gives such a nice quality to modern pieces, and I personally love incorporating such things in my wardrobe. Naturally, when I found Vey Court Cottage I was smitten with all the eclectic jewelry that made me dream of traveling to a time's past and keeping a souvenir for my modern crazy world! I was even more excited to meet Paula and discuss her shop. She is blessing one lucky Embellished reader with the chance to adorn their own jewelry collection with something rare and handmade and I can't wait to find out who!

1. What made you start crafting as a business?

I have always done crafts and love making things. Its only been in the past year that I have had the time to start making jewelry and selling. I guess it would also be working from home that I love.

2. What are the struggles and rewards you have had so far?

I struggled with photography the most, I had to find the right way to photograph so I could still have a vintage feel. The reward is the feeling of accomplishment when I make a sale and getting emails saying how much a person loves the item.

3. What is your favorite thing about VeyCourtCottage?

Its my ship and I can steer it where ever I want to!

4. If you could have a super power what would it be?

I would want the power to heal.

5. Any extra tidbits?

In my head I've designed hundreds of things I will eventually make, I feel like I have been waiting to do this my whole life. I have boxes of treasures waiting to become a charm necklace or maybe just be dusted off and passed on to someone new to enjoy. Either way I am enjoying the process and learn something new every day!

So here is your chance to win these special earrings above picked out just for you! You have 4 opportunities to enter, but make sure you post a comment below for EACH entry or it won't count when the random number is drawn!

1. Visit the shop and comment below about your favorite item

(make sure I have a way to contact you)

2. Become a follower of The Embellished Life Blog

3. Tweet about this giveaway! (tag @fashiondiva304 so I can keep track)

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Embellished!

This is a 4 day contest so doors close at Midnight, Monday, February 14th, NYC time.

All readers are included. Good luck darlings!

Write Me a Love Letter

Write me a love letter

Sweep me off my feet

Hold open my door

Dance with me in the street

For whatever happened

To the days of waiting

The days when each moment

Was worth saving

So quickly we race

To the finish line

Passing the moments

That are frozen in time

*Taken from a song I've written*

*photo compliments of Dr.R on Flikr*

I cling deeply to the lost art of letter writing, isn't it funny that, that has become a lost art? Think of how often you write a letter, not for a holiday, but just to stay in touch with someone you know. Nothing can replace its value, or the joy it brings someone upon receiving it. I try to send letters out from time to time for this reason. In fact, my oldest friend has lived in Texas since we were 3 and we have written letters back and forth to each other since she moved. Of course at first it was more of a scribble and the help of our moms but we kept it up and now, she is still one of my best friends, and even though we chat regularly on Facebook, on the phone, and take turns visiting each other...we still write each other letters! It is so lovely to get mail, not a bill, but an actual letter that someone took time out of their busy day to pen their sentiments to you. And thank goodness for an official holiday to celebrate the romanticisms of times past.

A love letter is the Trump Card of all forms of communication. Nothing will send butterflies faster into flight then the wording from a special someone expressing their devotion to you. It is an ethereal form of communication, as it is tactile. You can hold the paper in your hand and feel the author's hands holding the same place, you can see where they were when their feelings took form, and nothing quite has the smell of paper put to better use, then that which ignites all our senses and the heart in an uproar of blissful emotion.

*photo compliments of Vas0707 on Flikr*

To write a good love letter, you ought to begin without knowing what you mean to say, and to finish without knowing what you have written. ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

This Valentine's Day, or any random day for that matter, take the time to tell the person on your mind, how you feel in the most intimate way. Write them a love letter.

Have you ever received a love letter?

Don't miss out on a chance at this Inspiring Photography Giveaway by Amelia Kay! It is the Last day to enter!

Also the Mineral Makeup Giveaway from Orglamix is still open, hurry to cash in on a truly amazing makeup line!

Enigma

I love how art, in any form, can very simply leave you speechless.

*photo compliments of flikrista.com*

What moves you?

Its Better Old

So I just had some fun with my photography, I learned how to make my photos look vintage on Photoshop! I love learning new techniques, thank you Veerle's Blog for imparting your wisdom. Enjoy...

Original photos can be found on my shop. The necktie could be the perfect gift for that special someone...Embellished. embrace being unique.

Girlhood Dreams

One of my favorite things to do when I was little (actually I still like it now) was dressing up. I loved going on in adventure in my mother's closet and putting on her hats, heels, dresses, and pearls. It made me feel like such a lady.

Funny how things do not change much over time. I still love to dress up for no reason, put on a hat, gloves, and pearls and channel my inner Audrey Hepburn. I think every woman has her special something in her wardrobe that makes her feel invincible mine are awesome heels, I guess the obsession begins at a pretty young age!

*photos compliments of polyvore.com and susuangels.com*

What is your favorite dress-up item?