Styled by Kimberley: Debenhams SS16

Last month I headed along to the Debenhams SS16 Press Day and it filled me with all the Spring feels. After a winter of polo necks and monochrome, I was so ready to burst out of my cozy clothing into something bright. If only the weather would keep up. I might not yet need *that* Preen/EDITION cold shoulder dress and I definitely won't be wearing the Butterfly by Matthew Williamson jungle swimsuit in Edinburgh but I could find something to brighten up these cold days in a pastel accessory. When I saw this beautiful light blue bag from J by Jasper Conran  I knew it was the one. Okay, admittedly I hovered over the pale pink version for ages (because pink) but I knew the design was the one for me! Obviously it required a pompom of some kind but now it's just perfect.

By coincidence, I had already bought the colourful village print skirt material for making a dress. One I've been intending on making for.. oohhh.. 2 years now. I had a By Hand London Charlotte Skirt sewing pattern kicking around so I decided to dig it out and get stuck in. On a Friday night after some wine and girly gossip. It seemed like a GREAT idea to get out sharp scissors and sew after 10pm. The pattern is for a pencil skirt but I shortened the length, lost the waistband and had it fitted (with the help of my glamorous ginger gossip assistant to pin it) more closely to my shape. Okay, so it's now a totally different skirt but it's a great fit and it doesn't look too hand sewn (read lopsided). Bonus: I didn't lose any fingers. Yay, tipsy me!

The only trouble with this pattern is it doesn't include a vent and my alterations mean it fits me *so* well on the leg that ascending stairs is a tiny bit of an issue. Shuffling ain't glam.
I totally recommend the By Hand London patterns though. As well as the usual instructions they have online tips and sew-a-longs. But please don't drink and sew. And if you do, be supervised by a responsible adult. I recommend a Helen.

And by the way, my hair! If you follow us on instagram or twitter you will know that we are working on a little somthin' somethin' for our 3rd blog birthday. We're actually letting out a little secret about the blog's origins that we haven't disclosed before... (psst it include milkshakes and roller skates).

Anyway, as part of that photo shoot I decided to liven up my hair (because pink isn't ridiculous enough). I was kind of inspired by a Tango Ice Blast, which is a pink and blue mixed slush puppy in exactly my hair colours. And here it is! A pink to blue ombre that I did in 10 whole minutes. Possibly on the same wine fuelled evening as the skirt... It was a pretty happening Friday night.
What do you think? You can be honest, I will just blame Tipsy Kim...

Jacket | Vero Moda
Top | DIY by Helen
Skirt | handmade by me
Shoes | ASOS
Bag | J by Jasper Conran c/o Debenhams
Pompom | gift from my sister
Earrings | gift from Helen
Brooch | Andsmilestudio

Styled by Helen: CARVE

I love jewellery. Looking at it, buying it, wearing it and even occasionally making it. Sometimes I'll plan a whole outfit around one small, shiny accessory. And that's exactly what I did with this ensemble. I'm showing off my creepy side, all inspired by a certain ring that I made with my own fair hands. Last December I was invited along to one of the first CARVE workshops. From the mind of Vanilla Ink founder Kate Pickering and jewellery designer Katie Lees, these pop up experiences provide all you need to carve yourself a little something fabulous. The green wax may not look like much at the end of the class, but in a few short weeks it is transformed into of a silver sensation. I've taken a few different jewellery classes before (including some Vanilla Ink classes) and wax carving is up there as one of my favourites. This class was a great introduction to the process. As a material it's so easy to work with and I was able to quickly create a well fitting ring with plenty of character. My creation was then sent off, cast in silver and finished to my specifications, before it dropped through my letter box ready to wear. It's been sitting in my jewellery dish just looking at me for quite some time and I thought now would be a good opportunity to let it shine, what with CARVE returning to Dundee very soon! 

Say hello to my cute little wonky skull ring!



I was very pleased with how he turned out. I also loved seeing how all the other attendee's finished pieces looked. From the same starting materials, it's always interesting to see how different the end results can be.

Since this whole look was based on my little skull ring, I kept my outfit cute but creepy by sticking to all black. Extra skulls can be found in this headscarf I stole from Kimberley's wardrobe, and extra creepiness was added with my new eye brooch. You know how much I love anything with an eye on it! And I love this piece, I can't believe it's embroidered free hand. For additional finishing touches it only seemed fitting to add extra jewels from some former Vanilla Inkers. The necklace is by Charcot (aka Kirsty Stevens) and the cute key earrings are by Karen Smith, both of whom went through the VI development programme. There sure are a whole bunch of talented jewellers round my neck of the woods.

Tshirt | Dundead
Jacket  and Shorts | H&M
Shoes | Charity Shop
Scarf | Borrowed from Kimberley
Necklace | Charcot
Earrings | c/o Karen Smith
Skull Ring | Made by me at CARVE
Crossbone Ring | Bloody Mary Metal
Brooch | Rosemary Head






With my outfit featuring so many Dundee designers, it's safe to say that  I'm very excited for what's coming up in the city over the next few weeks. It seems like I've spent the last wee while scooting across the country, so I can't wait to spend some quality time closer to home for some fabulous events. Here's a look at what dates I'm adding to my diary:

Dundead | 28th April - 1st May
My tshirt says it all. This is the design from last years horror film festival at the DCA. This year it returns for even more horrific fun. I'll be popping along the the horror film quiz, celebrating some Wes Craven and checking out some preview screenings.

Dundee Design Festival | 25th - 28th May
The inagrual Dundee Design Festival is looking so good! This is where the UNESCO City of Design Dundee programme really kicks off - with a whole host of talks, workshops and exhibitions. It also includes a special CARVE class. An excellent chance to try out your own design skills.

Ignite Dundee | 3rd - 30th May
Encompassing a whole host of exhibitions (including my favourite degree show - DJCAD!), there truly is something for everyone in this programme.  I cannot even start to list all the events I'm looking forward to. It's safe to say this one's got me busy!

Tea Green Concept Atelier | 14th - 29th May
A unique pop up boutique that allows visitors to experience a working creative space. I'm so excited to see some of the exclusive pieces that have been designed for this retail revolution. It looks like there is going to be so much talent under one roof! I'd better start saving my pennies now. 

Festival of Museums | 14th May
A chance to be transported back to the roaring 20s and 30s in the gorgeous McManus Galleries.  I love museum events, especially when you get to visit after hours. I'm looking forward to getting all dressed up and seeing the museum come to life. Bring on the interactive learning!

Got any exciting dates in your diary? Hit me up! An let me know if I'll see you at any of the above.

April Wishlist

1.) Pen Enamel Pin Badge | Rock Cakes
Rock Cakes has come up with another adorable little pin offering. This is a simple but effective take on the 'pen is mightier than the sword' addage and I'm loving the white version.

2.) GRID Scarf | Mimi Hamill
I'm loving Mimi Hamill's new scarf collection. The blend of colours across them is just beautiful. I chose this one as my favourite but I can't actually decide between it and KEY. Okay, I'd be grateful for any... but they're already all sold out! Hopefully she gets more in stock soon.

3.) Pony Hair Sandals | Nine by Savannah Miller
I first saw these sandals at the Debenhams SS16 Press Day and I think every blogger there had a peek at this pair. They are cute and sturdy, and bonus points for pony hair.

4.) Geo Floral Print Dress | ASOS x Chichia
I pretty much always know I'll love the latest ASOS Africa collections. The colours. The prints. The fair trade manufacturer. They are always vibrant and sunny. I especially like the ever-so-slightly different silhouette from normal skater dress of this one. 

5.) Marble Sunglasses | Poppy Lissman x Lazy Oaf
 I'm on the look out for sunglasses. I always think I have a lot of pairs but in fact most of them are broken, scratched or just plain old. This collection is poppy, fun and oversized, which I need for my enormous head. These are the most understated of the lot, if that can even be said!




1.) Fringed Bodysuit | LOM
The days are getting longer and my desire to wear bright and bold clothing is getting stronger (even stronger than normal). Designer Louise O'Mahony seems to be on the same wavelength. So many amazing fashions to choose from. Her collections are so colourful and the fabulous fringing is just the icing on the cake!

2.) Bathing Beauty Sandals | Miss L-Fire
I always seem to spend the whole of summer searching for the perfect sandal. The weeks pass, I don't find anything and I have to panic buy some before I run out of sun. This year is going to be different, because I already spotted these beauties. Bring on the beach days!

3.) Bubbles Silk Scarf | Fiona K Design
I'm sure the day will come when I'm tired of silk scarves but it doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon. I love finding new designers and Fiona K is one of my new favourites. Bright colours and crazy combinations, how could I not love these designs?!

4.) Mirage Lip Stylo | KIKO
Lipstick is one of my favourite pieces of makeup to buy. All the better if the packaging is pretty, like this shiny Kiko number. Plus they say no to animal testing, so I'm even keener to try out their products.

5.) Origami T-Rex Table Lamp | Rosita Lollipop
It may be slightly childish but I love this super fun lamp. It depicts my number one dinosaur, in one of my top colours. And the home is always improved by adding some occasional lamps, right?

Styled by Helen: Chouchou

As you may know, I'm a bit of a crazy cat lady. Clothing featuring cats is always top of my wishlist but clothing that turns me into a cat is even better! Hence why I was super excited to show off the feline side of this Chouchou Hollyhood Kitty Heart. The faux fur look suited Kimberley perfectly, but I wanted to prove that this luxury accessory works just as well for a fun casual look. I opted for comfortable jersey basics alongside some colourful accessories. This Bonnie Bling necklace ties in so well with the heart print of this hood. Nothing cheers up an outfit like a flash of orange here and there. Or is that just me?!

Chouchou hoods have been a favourite of Scottish bloggers for quite some time. Considering Silvia (the lady behind the brand) produces these in Barcelona, it's amazing that she's designed an accessory so suitable for the Scottish climate. Something fun and lightweight, that keeps you warm and protects you from the rain, it's perfect! Even on the day we shot these photos there was brilliant sunshine followed by hailstones. Typical Scottish sring time. While this classic Chouchou hood shape is a favourite, I'm loving the different styles that have been added to the shop over the last few months. Hello to you Carla Hooded Vest and Lucy Cape. But when it comes down to it, kitty ears really are the best!







Hood | c/o Chouchou
Tshirt | River Island
Skirt | Matalan
Jacket | H&M
Shoes | River Island
Necklace | Bonnie Bling
Ring | Bloody Mary Metal

Talking to Silvia it's clear that she adores Scotland and credits the place with providing the inspiration for Chouchou. After visiting Glasgow for the first time back in 2000 she fell in love with the unique look of the architecture, the beautiful design (Hey Mr Mackintosh!) and the super friendly people. She returned many times and in 2009 decided to move and set up her business. With the idea of creating a full on fashion brand, it soon became clear that the Hood design was a unique piece. Since then, that's where Chouchou's focus has been - creating well made, original hoods using fabrics from Scotland and Italy. Each design is made in a limited run (some are even one offs) so you are guaranteed something special and unique.

I always love meeting the designers behind the brands and chatting to Silvia at her Hood Styling event was a special treat. She is so enthusiastic, focused and just all round fabulous! Here's what she had to say about why Scotland's the place to be for creativity:

"I wanted to start Chouchou in Glasgow exactly because I feel that the local creative scene is extremely present and inspiring! I believe creative people need to be surrounded by similar types of being to share and grow together. The Scottish scene is diverse and with a strong identity, whether you are thinking fashion or jewellery. Over the years I have made so many authentic friendships and we keep on supporting and pushing each other forward. I LOVE Scotland!!"

I couldn't agree more! 

So, how would you style up a Chouchou hood? Check out Chouchou on Instagram for loads more inspiration.

Styled by Kimberley: Chouchou

Faux fur. There are few other items that can just lift your mood when you put them on. It hardly even matters what else you are wearing when you add a statement piece and a fun fur always offers that extra zing. Long, short, in pom pom, or in trim, it's just a little touch of luxe that I love. And if that faux fur can also make you look glam in rain you know you're onto a winner- a real must here in Scotland!

So, of course when Helen and I heard that luxury hood makers Chouchou were in town we headed across to Glasgow to get the gossip. We caught up with #GirlBoss Silvia at her Wear Eponymous unveiling of the beautiful new Hollywood Miss West End Girl hood, created in collaboration with our girl Lynsay. The luxurious trim is the bigger faux fur I've seen in her designs and against the acid green jacquard it is glamorous to the max. Meeting the designer is always top of our list and Silvia is a real firecracker- passionate about her brand and all the ladies who buy from her. She knows her customers by name and many dropped by to see her while she was visiting from her base in Barcelona. She's a big voice online but meeting her in person gives you an insight into the work and energy she has put into honing her hoods.

We had a go at styling up some new pieces (swoon!) and when Chouchou challenged us to show the versatility of their reversible Hollywood Kitty hoods we were excited to get started. The hood we're styling this week is the limited edition Hollywood Heart Kitty. I'm sorry to say it's now sold out but there are still eight other beautiful Kittys to choose from (that Hollywood Wild though?). While Helen took on the fun, casual look for day time, I wanted to show off the luxury feel of the faux fur for a more dressed up evening look. I'm a huge fan of the fluffy offerings of the Chouchou Tabarca Magic and the Lucy Cape so I reversed the super cute heart print so it's hidden in my pics (Helen is showing it off in its full glory on Friday).

For now, let's indulge..





I fluffed up the hood to make it bigger and bolder, which makes it so striking as a collar against the classic LBD. I belted it at the waist in the favoured Chouchou hood girls style but also I really like it loose so I can use it like a wrap. It's ideal for this changing weather and who can resist that delicious warm chocolate hue?

Keeping to simple staples I've worn time and again, the hood is really the star of the show and I combined it with my other favourite accessory- my Dione Bowlt earrings. Fluffy popcorns of ceramic with gold trim, these luxury nuggets are from her graduate collection, which showed at New Designers in London 2015. They provide a little pop of fun with this chic Spring look.

Hood | c/o Chouchou
Dress | Dorothy Perkins
Shoes | Clarks
Earrings | Dione Bowlt



Thanks to Chouchou for keeping me cosy in the Edinburgh April showers! It's purrfect...