Like a Magpie

I love collecting shiny, beautiful things. More than anywhere else this is obvious in the jewellery i wear and i am lucky enough to have inherited and been gifted the most beautiful pieces.

This is my late grandmothers cameo broach, the face of the lady is especially beautiful. I use it to fasten cardigans instead of using buttons. My grandparents are no longer with us but small pieces like this bring back such happy memories and i know they would be pleased to see them still being worn.

This is a piece i bought for myself from Pia Jewellers. I have a real thing for big statement rings and this is my current favourite. It's an unfolding flower which makes me mindful of the new seasons unfolding as i sit here desperate for Spring to bring in her warmth and renewal. 

http://www.piajewellery.com

My Aunty Viv gave me this knecklace, it has the most wonderful colours that change from black to purple depending on how the light catches it. I don't actually know what the stone is but it looks great with really simple cut black dresses. The chain is shaped in a heart because my Aunty has a very special place in mine.

A gift from my mother. This is such a beautifully crafted locket. The front is open so you can see to the charm inside. The charm is a small daisy that hangs and moves with your movement. The really special thing about this locket is the Welsh Gold. We Dyche's are very proud of our Welsh heritage and this piece reminds me of the summers spent as a small child walking the Black Mountains side by side with the wild ponies. The locket is from CLOGAU Gold. Thank you Mum x

http://www.clogau.co.uk

Another gift from a friend with the biggest heart. I was gifted these Pia earings for my 35th birthday and they make a regular appearance. They are so delicate and pretty they never fail to get me a compliment.

I wonder what pieces of jewellery hold special meaning for you? I would love to know

New Paintings

I have wanted some Bull Horns above my bed for as long as i can remember. Not being able to get my hands on the real thing i decided to paint some. The photos not the best (i can't eliminate glare at the moment when photographing inside) but you'll get the idea. I wanted the background plain to start off with but changed my mind after painting the horns. Instead i've tried to capture the dust and dirt of the PBR.

 

This second piece i started today (you can see it's still wet). Eventually the blue will go, being replaced by a darker colour. I'm pleased with the way its going so hopefully i'll keep it on track!

The Style Edit (2)

Thank you to everyone that gave me feedback on the last style edit. Here's my take on some other looks.

1) Dressed Down Chic (because it reminds me of Paris)

What to do with stripes? I adore stripes as many of you will know and i have a wardrobe littered with them.  I tend to incorporate stripes through t-shirts as they tend to be more forgiving placed away from legs (thighs in particular). Here's an example of how i would pull together a laid back outfit

Step 1: If i'm going to wear flats i would stick to a skinny or straight leg jean/ trouser. It also helps to keep everything looking in proportion (basically your torso will only look as wide as the dark jeans not as wide as the t-shirt).

Step 2: Layering. I make my own t-shirts at home because i struggle to find ones that are long enough on the high street. You can pick up a simple pattern for around £5 or make your own.

It doesn't look much at this stage but you have to remember that you will only see a certain part of it once the outfit has been finished. Often tops that i use for layering look awful on their own, you have to remember to see past it.

Step 3: Add the stripes. This is a really soft cotton t-shirt with great tailoring detail. The stripes are also a charcoal so not as harsh as black on white. You can adjust the layering t-shirt until you're happy with it.

Of course if you're not a fan of the layering look you can do without the long t-shirt

Step 4: Shoes. Ahhhhh the shoes. I love ballet pumps as much as i love my sky scraper heels. If you have muted colours you can avoid the obvious and give the outfit an extra twist. These are rose gold pumps (so again soft in tone) which i think look great against the dark colours.

Step 5: Jewellery. If you can pick up on one of the accent colours. With the stripes being so busy I always opt for something simple but bold. This yellow glass necklace picks up the gold on the shoes and works well with the charcoal, adding just enough interest.

If you wanted to add extra detail you could go for a wrap belt......

Step 6: Extra Layers. I try to avoid covering up with layers that are too long when i have a short t-shirt on as it gets a bit messy.

Short layers tend to work better (especially as i'm so short!)

2) Easy Beach

I'm not great with the whole beach thing. I hate feeling like a trip to the seaside needs a whole spare bag of clothes so last year i decided to try and wear something that would work on and off the beach when on holiday.

1) Swimwear: I now wear bikini tops and bottoms with small shorts when i'm on holiday. It means i can swim or paddle whenever and wherever the mood takes me without having that awful 'change in a towel tent' nightmare because they double as under garments during the day.

2) The Dress: Maxi dresses are a god send, they suit every body type and are normally quite cheap which means I don't feel guilty when they get covered in sand and suntan lotion. I try to find ones with an empire line as they sit over the bikini top, making it look structured and part of the outfit.

3) The Cover-Up: I burn quite easily so i always have a wrap handy to cover-up when i feel the sun is getting too much. This is one time when long layers work really well because they work with the length of the dress rather than against it.

It also means i have a top for when the evening comes. Long jersey tops double as excellent wraps by just tying them around the waist. Best of all the layering of the material will hide a swollen stomach (in my case usually down to too much ice-cream)!

If there are any particular styles or looks you want to see let me know, hopefully i've hit the mark for some of you!