Bits and pieces...

Here's a post of things that I either forgot to share at the time or just didn't get round to.

Waaaaaay back in December, my lovely uni girls and I had a fun 'secret Santa' exchange/boozy lunch (you can watch the video of the excitement here- on my friend Jess' awesome YouTube channel).

I was very happy to discover that my beautiful friend Louise was my Santa- I love her style!

She got me this gorgeous vintage-style locket.

(WARNING: Photos are not great. Haven't yet fathomed out how to take pictures of small shiny objects with my new camera! Any tips?)

Jewellery box (possibly)- charity shop

I photographed it by some of my other jewellery (even though the camera wouldn't focus on the bloody thing) so you can see how nice and big it is. Big, gold jewellery? Yes please.

It's not very clear in the pictures, but the rose cameo is really intricate and pretty. My boyfriend was having a good inspection of it the other night and said, "I bet some bloody work went into that!". Well, I think it's more likely to be made by some kind of machine than hand-crafted by Native American Indians- but beautiful nonetheless!

She also got me this cute vintage bag.

The leather is really buttery soft and I love the little gold details at the top. It's quite small so I've been using it as an evening bag.

I think the brooch I mentioned in the last post would look really nice on it, though I can't get it through the leather- might have to enlist a man to do it!

And...

Whilst at uni a week or so ago, I found myself with a bit of time before my train home so decided to quickly pop to bodycare to get some mouthwash, but me being me, fannied about a bit too long and missed it! With another half an hour to wait, I decided to pop into the Perry Barr Age Concern by the station.

And glad I did!

I managed to get myself another tartan scarf- 50p.

And an aran knit jumper for £3.

70s looking I thought, what do you reckon? I don't personally like the style (the neck and shape mostly) but thought I could sell it on. The ones on ebay don't seem to be making much at the moment and wondered whether I might try ASOS Marketplace- anyone had any experience with selling on there? Would love to hear!

And to those with a critical eye who may have noticed that I always use my bedcover as a background (if you haven't, I've just announced my lame secret), I apologise. It's just there and, well, better than the floor ey?

Foxy
x

A chain reaction

I've recently started a bit of a love affair with gold chains...

I've become some kind of gold-obsessed magpie for all things bling, but unfortunately for skint little old me, I can't afford the real stuff.

However, my penchant for junk jewellery is as strong as ever and being the bargain hunter that I am, I'm still getting my style fix with the shrapnel found in the bottom of my purse.

I bought this great extra-long chain necklace the other day from my local Age Concern for only £1.50.



It's a double-chained necklace with one distinctive long-plated chain which gives it some extra character.

I've been layering it with this other short rope style chain (pictured) which I picked up at a car boot sale last week.

As much as I try though, I can't help but lust after the amazing vintage Chanel chains available out there.

Awhile back, ASOS launched its 'Vintage Designer Jewellery' section- providing more than enough unattainable treasure to drool over (on my measly student budget anyway!).

I recently came accross a few more of these Chanel chains on Matches whilst doing a bit of Windows shopping (see what I did there?!).

I particularly like this classic, quilted 'double C' chain- but at £1095, it's just not happening is it?



I also like this one with embedded diamantes (only £850 this time. 'Only'?!)



Diamantes, for me, usually conjure up images of gem-encrusted tat found on the sale rail at River Island, but if anyone can do them right it's Chanel.

The second chain also reminded me of a necklace I bought at one of Birmingham's vintage fairs, so I was prompted to dig it out.



In the process, I also found this great chunky gold bracelet from H&M- a piece of jewellery sure to quench my bling thirst!

New room furnishings

As I've mentioned, I'm also moving flat which means redecorating! I've been rooting though old draws and cupboards to find old bits of stuff which may get an airing at the new place.

I just wanted to share this great old jewellery box I found which I was given as a child- perfect for cramming in all the jewels I've been buying!



It did play a tune but the music box doesn't seem to wind up. The ballerina inside has also gone and disgraced herself by losing her tutu. But I reckon she now looks like a much cooler 50s pin-up girl in a gold bathing suit! What do you think?



It will look great in my new room, which I anticipate to be decked out in creams and florals. I'll post some pictures once it's finished.

A spot of charity Shopping around Birmingham

As Birmingham town centre is, quite frankly, crap for charity shopping, I decided to travel a little further afield to see what I could find...

First stop was Moseley. Now I presumed that as the area is quite cosmopolitan and cool, there would be a few well-stocked charity shops- but no.

All I could find was Oxfam (both the regular and music/book variety) and I could uncover no treasures from either. Maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough; anyone know any more in Moseley?

Next stop was Kings Heath which is more or less ‘down the road’. Let me tell you girls, Kings Heath is the charity shop motherload!

These aren’t hidden away either. I didn’t stray from the main road and spotted around ten! Some of these were brilliant and had plenty of stuff to rummage through.

However I didn’t buy any clothes or accessories on my trip (probably a blessing as they’re all I’ve blogged about thus far!); I did buy a few household bits though.

First up was this great old wooden jewellery box which I found in PDSA for £2.99! The slightly battered and marked wood gives it a definite shabby chic feel!



I’m not so fond of the tapestry-style landscape scene which adorns the lid or the garish orange interior, but I think it looks good now all my jewels are displayed in it.



I also picked up these little ceramic pots which have a floral design painted on them. Perfect for my small bits of jewellery and only 80p each, bargain!



I can’t for the life of me think which charity shop these were from but it was near the bottom of the main road near Sainsbury’s.

I also spotted another charity shop that was closed whilst I was in the area- St. Mary’s Hospice. Cheekily peered through the window and it looked promising so may have to make another trip back to Kings Heath soon.

Anyone know any more areas of Birmingham particularly good for charity shopping? I’m also hoping to get down to a carboot sale soon so watch this space!