Introducing Otiumberg.

Image from Otiumberg

Daytime jewellery ought to be understated but precious, with a nod to your own personal style. I have a few key, everyday pieces that I feel naked without, but I am constantly on the lookout for beautiful, unusual pieces to add to my collection. Sure, it's nice to buy something cheap and cheerful, but if you fancy something special then look no further than Otiumberg.

Otiumberg is a new London-based e-boutique boasting an expertly tailored selection of accessories from cool new designers from all across the globe. Covering everything from candy-coloured rings by Sabrina Dehoff through to Sunday Somewhere's modern sunglasses, Otiumberg's edit is ideal for young chic-ettes looking for pieces with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Last Chance to Get Personal

 

Alex Monroe  is my go-to for delicate, beautifully crafted jewellery that will work for any occasion. The latest addition to the Alex Monroe collection is the idiosyncratic Enchanted Twig Alphabet Necklace in 18ct gold. At £375, these dainty, elegant necklaces are future classics. You can shop these here, or if you're in London this weekend pop along to the Alex Monroe sample sale which you can find out about here. 

Come Christmas, everybody wants something a little bit special. 

When I begin to think about Christmas shopping, my imagination really does run wild. I have so many great ideas for gifts, but sadly my student budget restricts my delusions of gifting grandeur.

However, to quote my darling Mum, "it's the thought that counts". A thoughtful gift, such as a photo album chock-a-block full of memories, can be every bit as adorable as a pair of Manolo Blahnik BBs... Well, not quite that adorable. Let's not be daft now. 

So if you're look for something special and thoughtful that won't break the bank, then look no further than the latest influx of personalised pieces to delight your darlings on Christmas day.

From ID tag bracelets through to jewel tone suede slippers, there is something for every giftee, no matter how fussy he/she may be. (PS boys yours is to follow so hold your horses.)

With a cool 19 days until you lay out your miniature mince piece for Santa's sustenance (yes, that IS your cue to panic), it is time to get personal and place your orders. 

Here is my edit.

What's Up Stud?

Mmm it's going to be a scorcher this weekend, so I have spent the majority of today trawling the internet looking for all sorts of ludicrously scimpy outfits that I can wear while i'm still young and fun and all that stuff.

It's my new way of convincing myself that it's okay to spend nearly £200 on one Zara spree... After all, girls, this is the best we are going to look, so may as well make the most of it.

While thinking of a nice little post to do today, I had a little browse on Zoe Karssen's website and found a rather apt sweater (here) "Live Fast Cause It Won't Last", which I feel pretty much sums up my warblings. Beside the sweater was this killer tee and I decided to do a post featuring this Suicide Blonde tee with some sexy punky accessories.

If I could afford this outfit (which I can't... just so you know!) I would most certainly be slinging it in my suitcase for my upcoming trip to New York where I shall be visiting the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition at The Met. How chic... How apt!

Hope you like and hope you are all enjoying the sun!

1. New York designer Joomi Lim is pretty much an obsession of mine at the moment, and this London Calling necklace with pearls and mixed metals is just the thing to jazz up this sexy slouchy t-shirt. I adore pieces that marry silver, gold and gunmetal together seamlessly, and this necklace 100% does that. I am such a statement necklace freak, but this one needs to be mine.

2. When I first spotted this Suicide Blonde varsity tee by Zoe Karssen I was a little bit smitten. It's such a relaxed, cool and fresh tee with a gorgeously flattering neckline. It is around €60, but it is worth it for Zoe Karssen tees are such great quality- so fine and soft.

3. I recently did an interview with Katie Canvin, the lovely co-founder of the glorious Austique boutiques in London, and she tipped me off about this amazing jewellery designer she found in NYC. Jacqui Aiche do the most gorgeously delicate body jewellery including this bracelet ring chain, which will hopefully be coming to Austique very soon. Stay tuned London ladies, or keep checking their website if you're no local.

4. Rebecca Minkoff handbags are another NYC staple, and this iconic MAC clutch in basic black with gleaming golden hardware is a great investment. These handbags are such gorgeous quality, and what I really love about them is that not everyone has one. You can grab this gorgeous number at Atelier-To-Go. If you don't, I will, so get them before they all go. 

5. Boticca jewellery is my one-stop-online-shop for quirky, beautiful jewellery at reasonably accessible pricepoints. These shark tooth bangles from UK based designer Beau & Arrow are just edgy enough to add a little punky punch to this über cool look. 

6. This Zara white "skort" is not to everyone's liking, but I love the directional origami-esque front, perfect for smartening up a casual tee. They also come in black and make for a great wardrobe staple with a little fashion-forward touch.

7. Last but not least, the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen... Well, this season at least. These Balenciaga motorcycle wedges are available at Matches for a cool £600 but they are so, so, so, so divine. Is it possible to be attracted to a shoe? 

Sunny Day Sparkles: Swarovski Crystallized by Shourouk

I am a magpie, which you should all know by now. I love absolutely anything sparkly and my latest obsession is Shourouk jewellery (check out my post here)- so much so that it is even my cover photo on Facebook.

It's so twinkling, so bright, so beautifully uplifting! It is everything one could possibly want in a piece of designer costume jewellery, and my "Celiné bag fund" has shifted once again from "The Prada fund" to my "Shourouk jewellery fund."

It's even sold out in Matches and i'm reliably informed that this jewellery label is a huge hit in the middle East... Get it before it all goes ladies, and if you don't feel like getting on the waiting list, stick around a little longer to splurge on Shourouk's collaboration with Swarovski Crystallized, which I first clocked at the lovely TCS press day last week.

Drawing on the motifs and aesthetic from her mainline collections, Shourouk's collection for Swarovski is suitably twinkly with divine fluorescent touches for a fashion-forward edge. I adore the friendship bracelets with jumbo jewels juxtaposed with the starkly modern neon pink rope.

For something rather more classic, which differentiates from the current Spring collection, these emerald green crystal earrings are the perfect statement piece to work through to the party season. They truly are dazzling... You're not in Kansas anymore, sweetie.

Though the collection is not exactly affordable, it need not be when it is so phenomenally beautiful. This dark showstopper with ribbon and gleaming crystals is a perfect piece for all manner of dark and dastardly occasions. I'd pair with a simple white tee (I know- i'm so boring) and velvet L'Agence trousers for the most decadent look imaginable.

For something devilish for evening, I would work this necklace with an incredible leather ruched dress I spotted in the Maje collection for Autumn/Winter. Chic. Chic. CHIC.

These earrings complement the afore mentioned necklace wonderfully, but I must admit that the two together could be a little too much - even for me!

I know that many of you do not share my affinity with chunky, glittering statement necklaces, but for you guys there are gleaming minimalist cuffs and these adorable earrings to pair with a dishevelled up-do and strapless evening gown.

Find out more about Swarovski Crystallized collections here and stay tuned for stockists/ availability.

Fash-fun Friday

1. Lanvin's ingenious Alber Elbaz
2. Does this woman need any introduction- tis the divine Ms Wintour, of course
3. From one Anna to another (anna-other?) the street style snapper's favourite: Ms Anna Dello Russo
4. Karl Who? You know who. Don't be silly.
5. Last but not least is the most iconic, cutting fashion journalist of recent years- Suzy Menkes

It's Fridaaaaaaay ya'll ! I'm so excited for the weekend, especially given as the blue skies are finally out and the temperature is borderline bearable.

For a little Friday fashion fun, I thought i'd share these amazing necklaces I found on Boticca today- how amazing are these little fashion pendants from Défilés from Paris?

It's high time to wear your favourite fashion figure round your neck with these long pendants with everyone from Karl through to the genius Alber Elbaz

Though they are not necessarily my personal style, there is no denying that these pendants are super cute and would make sure a lovely gift for any fashionable girl or guy out there. They are all around the £124 mark and are available here.

My personal pick has to be Anna Wintour and her signature bob/sunglasses combo. I'd pair with my current favourite Urban Outfitters blouse (this one- it's gorgeous on) and super skinny J Brand denim (got my eye on these Atelier-To-Go ones)

Which is your pick?

Jewels du Jour: John & Pearl

I am one of those people who will NEVER have enough jewellery. Despite having two jewellery stands, one of these (a gift from my lovely flatmates) and two vintage jewellery boxes, I still have statement necklaces hanging from doorknobs and bejewelled bangles stacked atop various notebooks.

Every time I "pop" into Topshop, H&M or Zara, my magpie gaze is drawn towards the current assortment of shiny pretty things and I tend to leave £20-£50 lighter. I am simply the sort to dream in Mawi, Shourouk and Dannijo... Oh, and Gosling, always Gosling.

Today as I did the press day rounds (with French Connection, ASOS and IPR posts coming very soon) I was truly blown away by the calibre of the jewellery on offer. Starting with show-stopping pieces at ASOS, emblazoned with gems and accented with shards of flouro perspex, and ending with some glittering investment pieces by Shourouk for Swarovski, today I was certainly in my element.

While i'm all for the bigger brands, I am always looking for exciting new jewellery designers to share, and i've got a good'un here.

I first noticed John & Pearl in the Ledbury Road boutique Wolf & Badger, and have since seen these poppy pieces stocked in a number of elite London boutiques, including the ever-lovely Austique. 

Launched in 2012 by designer Julie Hannay, John & Pearl's first collection "PIGMENT" certainly packs the punch that a debut should do, and I must admit that I am well and truly smitten with the entire collection. Unique, energetic and trend-led, John & Pearl comes in at a lower price-point than most designer jewellery labels, with all pieces sitting around the £100 mark. 

The debut collection, which is all available online here, is truly gorgeous. Offering fresh fluoro shades from violet through to aqua and cerise, the statement jewellery is crafted from tightly woven grosgrain and satin ribbon and glossy chain hardware. With a feminine but bold aesthetic, this is jewellery that adds a trend-led edge to an outfit without being over the top or even remotely garish. 

Standouts for me include the collar necklace marrying silver and gold, which is always a hit for me and the multicoloured spike necklaces which would look incredible with simple neutral pieces for a really fun take on the brights trend for the season ahead. 

I am confident you'll agree that this jewellery is bright, beautiful and worth every penny.  

1. A real favourite of mine, I actually first spotted this one at the phenomenal Urban Outfitters store in Marble Arch at the Beat magazine launch party. This Coco necklace would work with everything from simple blouses through to little dresses, and is available here for £99.

2. Beautifully bold, this mint version of the Lulu necklace is just delightful and would add a pop of colour to any look. It takes two meticulous hours to weave this necklace, and I love the futuristic look. It is £195 here.

3. I love this eye-catching Alyssa mint cuff with gold accenting, which is also available in a number of other colours and metals. The mint is gorgeous with the gold, but I adore the rose shade too. It is £99 here. 

1. The Fifi necklace is such a great price at £82, and this passion pink shade with gold accents would look just glorious with a tan. You can purchase it here.

2. These Lola earrings are just gorgeous to add a pop of colour to a simple halter neck white dress, like this delightful L'Agence number from Atelier-To-Go. These are £99 here and also come in white.

3. This lemon and pewter Alyssa cuff is a little bit more unique, but I love the combination of the light yellow with darker, edgier metal. It is £99 here. 

1. Another lovely piece, this Polly necklace combines a gold plated chain with wisteria blue grosgrain ribbon and white ribbon accenting. Bang on for the marine trend this season, I would wear with my statement monochrome floral jacket (the one i'm wearing here, if you're wondering) and super skinny J Brand white jeans (these are a firm favourite!) This one is £149, available here.

2. This Fifi necklace in mint and gold is just lovely. It is also £82 and is available here.

3. Interwoven with grosgrain ribbon and dotted with golden studs, this Susi bracelet comes in an assortment of colours and look amazing layered up with lots of other bold, punchy bracelets to add an acidic attitude to a simple neutral look. It is a great price also at £69 here. 

Hoppy Easter Monday!

I think i'm addicted to Pinterest- and this image is another of Pinterest's very finest. Wickle bunny foo foo. You can find the original image here if you feel like spending your Monday oooh-ing and aaah-ing  

Happy Easter Monday you gorgeous lot. 

I hope that, like me, you shall spend this morning nursing a chocolate hangover while watching trashy TV... That's what Bank Holiday's are for, you know.

I just thought i'd share with you some lovely Easter treats to keep that chirpy Spring smile on your face! 

First up, I found this adorable (and easy) recipe on Pinterest for Bunny Tails! All you need to do to make PIZZAZZERIE's sweet treats (original recipe here) is whip up a tub of softened Philly, add a teaspoon of Almond Extract- or coconut for a tropical touch- and then add 4-5 "cups" of icing sugar- one by one- to create a thick dough. Once you've got the perfect consistency- think truffles!- roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and roll in desiccated coconut.

Yummy scrummy, as Mary Berry would say. 

If the very thought of more food is making you a little queasy, go for these sweet scented candles from the lovely Yankee. 

Chocolate Bunnies smells, as the name subtly suggests, like creamy milk chocolate bunnies- the very essence of Easter (£19.99 here).

If you've overdone the chocolate this weekend- i'll put my hands up to that one- then opt for the pretty in pink Bunny Cake candle which is a divine marriage of coconut, citrus and vanilla- gimme, gimme, gimme! It's currently out of stock, but keep checking back here to buy it for £19.99. 

1. The glorious Sitting Bunny pendant is available here for £120
2. The Sitting Bunny earrings are an adorable update on the simple gold stud. Buy here for £108
3. My favourite is this Sitting Bunny ring in gold which you can buy here for £180

For something rather more indulgent, put a Spring in your step with these divine little bunny pieces by Alex Monroe.

I've long been a fan of Alex Monroe's dainty fine jewellery and I only wish I could afford to treat myself to these gorgeous golden trinkets!

The bunny pendants, earrings and rings are the perfect Easter Monday treat, if you ask me. How very adorable is the twig ring with diamond detail?

1. Speckle me pink with SCARCE (here £14.50)
2. Speckle me blue with FRAGILE (here £14.50)
3. Speckle me purple with SPECKLE (here £14.50)

Last but not least- a little Easter sweetness for your fingertips from ILLAMASQUA.

Cadbury's sweet pastel Mini Eggs are an Easter tradition and I could (and would) happily eat bag after bag of these tasty morsels!

If you're equally enthusiastic about good old Mini Eggs, you'll be pleased to see these Speckled polishes. They look amazing on (i've had a look at a number of beauty blogs) and i'm particularly fond of the duck-egg blue shade.

Shiny Pretty Things: MAWI S/S 2013

MAWI Princess Necklace £530

MAWI Princess Necklace £610

MAWI Bracelet in Blue (also available in pink) £500

MAWI Pretty in Punk Necklace £570

MAWI Pretty in Punk Necklace £485

MAWI Pretty in Punk necklace £540

MAWI Neon Rocks collar in Pewter and Yellow (also in yellow gold and orange) £405

Happy Good Friday all ! The fact that it's Easter already scares me an awful lot, but I shall console myself by gazing at these wonderful new season pieces from MAWI jewellery. Ooh- aren't they just splendid?!

All pieces will be available from April, both online at www.mawi.co.uk and at the MAWI flagship boutique in Shoreditch at 11 Calvert Avenue, Shoreditch, E2 7JP. If you like you can give them a ring on 02070339853, just so as to know exactly when you can get your hands on these beautiful pieces.

Beautiful seems a bit of an understatement actually, dazzling feels far more apt. Worn with even the simplest of sweaters or dresses, these statement pieces will do all the talking, and all the hard work for you.

Directional pieces with a contemporary injection of femininity, this Spring/Summer MAWI has introduced three new covetable collections which nod to antique opulence while still retaining MAWI's spiky signatures.

PRETTY IN PUNK juxtaposes 'granny-chic' pearls with pewter spikes and gleaming gems for a punk-inspired punch that certainly draws on the designer's affinity with the eclectic streets of East London.

NEON ROCKS is antique jewellery on acid. Inspired by intricate antique brooches, this collection boasts timeless motifs in the most unexpected colour palette of neon brights, gleaming metals and acid pastels.

My favourite collection, though, goes by the name of PRINCESS. Growing up I simply always had to be the princess when playing dress-up, so it is little wonder that this devilishly pretty collection tickles my fancy. With enchanting softer shades of lemon, rose and aquamarine, this collection features majestic pieces dripping in iridescent acrylic stones. With strikingly complex design, these fanciful investment pieces offer a touch of ethereal grandeur.

Well, I don't know about you, but i'm going to start saving right about now!