Nails Inc Bling It On Hologram

This weekend I made a trip to Liverpool with friends and I went to one of their newest stores, Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar.  Whilst I was there one of the Nails Inc staff showed me one of their latest products, a fab glittery nail set for £20.  I have never spent this amount of money on nail varnish but after the demonstration I purchased a set.  

There are a number of kits available and they contain two sets of glitter pots, a sparkly nail brush, a mini top coat, a mini white nail varnish and a small tray to deposit glitter in.   

The kit is really easy to use you can use it on each nail but this time I decided to use it on one nail and paint my other nails a festive bright red.  I painted the nail red and before they dried I rolled them in the glitter.  

I then use the little brush to shake of the excess and tip the remaining glitter from the tray back into the pot.  

After adding a top coat I was ready and raring to go.  The glitter lasted for around a week before I decided to take it off as it was starting to slightly chip.  It came off relatively easy when I soaked the cotton wool pad and held it on the nail for a few moments before rubbing it off.  

Lots of people have asked me about the varnish and a few of my friends have purchased their own sets.  I was really pleased with the results and I can't wait to experiment with it over the next few weeks.  This application hardly made a dent in the glitter pot and there is still a silver glitter for me to use in the kit. 

I have teamed the look up with one of my heart glitter rings.  What do you think? 

Laura xxx

Lucie Whitehead available in Laura Loves Boutique

Hi everyone hope you are all having a fab weekend.  Just a quick post today as I settle down to watch one of my favourite Christmas films, Elf.  I wanted to show you a picture of a new range I now stock in my shop in Mr Birds Emporium by an illustrator called Lucie Whitehead.  

I first saw her work at an exhibition in The Custard Factory a few weeks ago and I was delighted when Lucie agreed to stock her work in my shop.  I have already treated myself to a number of prints for Christmas presents.  This picture is one I selected for my sister as a housewarming gift and she was so happy with it she got it on the wall straight away.  

There are a number of prints available including Amy Winehouse, John Lennon Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix.  

What do you think? 

Laura xxx

Handmade and Independent Companies Gift Ideas

With Christmas fast approaching I thought I would share some handmade gift ideas with you.  This year I am going to try and buy most if not all of my gifts from independent traders so I have been having a look around and I thought I would share some of them with you.

Notebook £7

I love this notebook and most of the things on Melanie Ann Green's Folksy site.  This notebook is £7 so would make a perfect stocking filler or secret santa gift.

Vintage Bus Blinds 

These framed bus blinds are so unique and often the talk of the shop since appearing in Mr Birds.  A really good present with a personal touch!

Tote Bag £15

This tote bag really makes me smile and I think most women (and maybe some men) would relate to it! It provides the perfect excuses for that new pair of shoes, new dress, jewellery, make-up ....

Picture Frames £4  

A great inexpensive stocking filler available in Mr Birds Emporium.  

Beatles Print £4.95

I chose this Beatles print as it is one of my favourite songs and I think it would look great in any household.  

Today is the Day mug £6.95

What better way to start the day than with an inspirational message? this mug does just the job!

Lets Dance Print £20

This fab print is available in Mr Birds and online and it is one of my personal favourites. 

Heart Necklace £7, Laura Loves Boutique

I have decided to include one of my own necklaces in the selection as these have been a best seller over the last few weeks and a lot of people have been picking them up as gifts.  They are also available as rings and brooches.  

What do you think of my selections?  Have you bought anything from an independent business or do you run one?  Post a link below and I will take a look.  

Laura xxx

Clothes Show Live 2012

I can't believe how quickly the last year has gone.  Christmas is only weeks away and it is nearly time for one of the largest fashion events of the year, The Clothes Show Live.  Luckily it is in my hometown so I have had the opportunity to visit a number of times.  I would really recommend it to anyone who has never been before.  The NEC is full of fashion brands and retailers and there are live fashion shows, champagne bars, makeovers and the chance of seeing the odd celebrity or two!

If you are going this year I would like to point out two areas that you must visit this year!  First is the Anita's Vintage Show Area where you will be treated to a variety of different vintage sellers.  Make sure you check out a fellow Mr Birds Emporium shopS Trunk Junkies Vintage and Roxy Valetta.  There vintage collections are fantastic and they have a eclectic mix of vintage and retro clothing and accessories.  You can find out more about them on Facebook.  

The next area that you cannot miss is the Off Beat Boutique.  There are a few traders I would like to recommend in this area.  Both Minimum Mouse and Mad Elizabeth Vintage are perfect for picking up a piece of vintage clothing or something from their jewellery ranges.  

In this area you will also find my Mr Birds Emporium neighbour Bits and Bows Boutique.  Sarah will be bringing a huge mix of items with her from sweet treat jewellery to her handmade clothing.  I am also pleased to tell you that Sarah will also be stocking some of my handmade brooches in her stand so if you are there be sure to pop in and take a look.  

Are you going to the Clothes Show?  What are looking forward to the most? 

Laura xxx

Read all About It ....

In December I will be emailing my newsletter subscribers some exclusive discounts to use online and in store at Mr Birds.  After december the updates with be sent once or twice a month and will include details of new products, competitions and exclusive discounts.  

If you would like to sign up please enter your email address below in the comments box or alternatively email to me lauralovesboutique@hotmail.com 

Thank You, 

Laura xxx

ASOS Marketplace 5 Day 'Get Festive' Sale

Hi everyone, just a quick message to let you know that ASOS Marketplace is currently running a 'Get Festive' sale.  I have some vintage items in the sale offering a 50% reduction.  Remember you only pay postage once so why not grab a few treats xxx

MUA Fairy Dust Nails

Today I would like to share a product view with you.  Last week I was tempted by a fab 3 for 2 offer in my local Superdrug on make-up so I decided to treat myself and add to my ever growing collection of MUA products.  

I had heard a lot of good things about MUA from friends and on blog posts and I first tried the range about 6 months ago and I have become a huge fan ever since.  The products are amazingly cheap and very good quality and I would recommend them to anyone who hasn't tried them yet.

I decided to try the new Fairy Dust nail varnish range.  The range has three shades and I picked up Rose Dust a lovely shade of pink and a gold shade called Wings.  The range is relatively new and it boasts full coverage in one coat.

Overall I was very impressed with the nail varnish. It only cost £2 but with the discount it was much cheaper and it does exactly what it claims to do.  The varnish was very easy to apply and it did indeed only take one coat.  The name Fairy Dust could not be more fitting the varnish looks as though Tinkerbell herself has emptied a sack of fairy dust into this gorgeous pink colour and I think my nails looked as though I had painted them with a much more expensive product.  

I am really looking forward to trying out the gold varnish I chose it especially for the upcoming party season.  I am also going to try teaming the fairy dust up with some block coloured nail varnish as something different.  I also picked up another new range in the glitter varnish called Mystical Glitter Nails. I will post some pics on Instagram in the next few days of the finish. 

I have teamed the Fairy Dust varnish up with one of my candy heart rings. I am making a new set of rings in  next few days and I would love to hear your suggestions of things I could trap in the moulds.  So far glitter is number one on my list!

Have you tried the Fairy Dust range of varnishes? What do you think? 

Charleston Roll

Charleston Roll and Flower Headbands

Hi everyone, I have been waiting to do this blog post for the last few weeks and I have finally got round to taking some photos and video footage of how to style your hair in a Charleston Roll.  I love styling my hair in this way because not only is it easy, but it always creates a perfect curl.  

Curls after the Charleston has been in all day.

The headbands I use to create the headbands are handmade by me and I sell them in a variety of fabrics and accessorise them with buttons so each on is individual.  If you need a custom order get in touch.  In the past I have made custom headbands for special occasions such as weddings and the races.

Some stills from the video.

I have placed a video online and the headbands are available on ASOS Marketplace, in Mr Birds Emporium and in my latest stockists Special Occasions Giftware in Castle Bromwich.  

Lovely customers wearing my headbands.

If you have previously purchased a headband I would love to see your pics, if you have attempted the Charleston Roll I would love to see.  

Laura xxx

Rings and Things

Hi everyone, hope you have had a good week, i thought I would share one of this week's popular items, my heart rings.  

I <3 Rings

I have been making rings for a number of years and these are by far my favourites and it seems that they are becoming a firm favourite with my lovely customers.  Over the last few weeks I have been making my original sweet treat and vintage cog hearts but more recently I have been experimenting with different glitters. 

New Neon Pink Heart

Black Heart 

Lots of people have been picking up the rings as stocking fillers, secret santa gifts or as a treat for the festive season.  The rings are available in store at Mr Birds Emporium and on ASOS Marketplace.  

Let me know what you think or if you have purchased one send me a picture of you wearing it so I can add you to my customer album.  

Laura xxxx

Handmade Christmas

After flicking through the usual high street christmas catalogues to begin my christmas shopping this year, I have to say I am a little bored of looking at the same old things. So I have made the decision I am having a 100% Handmade christmas. I quite often make a lot of christmas gifts for friends and family and they absolutely love the thought and care that goes into each piece I make.

I have to admit I do dart around the high street amongst all the chaos of the christmas shoppers to get the odd few bits and pieces. But I have been inspired this year since opening my shop in Mr Birds Emporium in the custard factory to buy more handmade and vintage. Working alongside so many other creative people daily now has made me realise how much thought and effort goes into each thing that they make and how having customers purchase there work puts a smile on there faces and pennies in their pockets to keep up the good work. 

Over the next few weeks I will be doing a lot of research into affordable handmade and vintage gifts and keeping you posted with unique christmas gift ideas.

I would post my purchases on here to but think I should keep what I buy under wraps I don't ruin the surprise for family and friends but will be posting pictures of them with there happy faces and gifts on christmas day :)

Stocking Fillers/Secret Santa Ideas

Hi everyone, with Christmas fast approaching I thought I would give you a quick update on some ideas for stocking fillers and secret santa gifts from my shop in Mr Birds Emporium.  Most of the items are available online on my website too for those of you who are not Birmingham based.  

Heart Brooches £6 (necklaces also available)

Scrabble Necklace £5

Heart Necklaces £8

Floral Headbands £8 

Friendship Bracelets £3-£5 in store 

Initial Necklaces £4 each
(Lots of initials available)

Laura Loves in Mr Birds Emporium

I have been so busy over the last few weeks that I have just realised that I haven't put any updates up about my shop and new ranges.  I am situated just inside the window, you cant miss the shop as the walls are painted a very bright pink! We are currently open 10:30-5:30 Tuesday-Saturday.  

I have worked hard over the last few months to create new ranges that are available in store now and I am in the process of adding lots to my website www.lauralovesboutique.com.  I have just got a card machine so there is no need to worry about bringing cash to my shop anymore.

Laura Loves at Mr Birds 

Here is a quick 360 view of the shop for those of you who haven't had the chance to pop in.

Jewellery, scarves, gifts, cards vintage clothes and custom t-shirts.

Vintage Clothing, Gifts, Accessories and Jewellery 

My workspace, habadashery, stamp jewellery and bracelets. 

Exclusive Pretty Poppet range.  

I will be uploading some more blogs over the next few weeks on the collections I currently have in store.  If you are looking for some original ideas for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers make sure you follow my blog or sign up to the mailing list on my website as I will be sending emails out with advent offers in December.


Laura xxx

Pretty Little Poppet for Laura Loves

A few weeks ago I announced that I would be having a number of concessions in store so I thought I would give you a quick update on the collection by Pretty Little Poppet.   

The brand is by Birmingham based design Sophie Keegan and she currently sells her ranges through Facebook and at fairs around the country.  I met Sophie a few years ago at the Sutton Vintage Fair we were both trading at and I joined the hundreds of followers she has on Facebook.  Like others I look forward to 'Fabric Tuesdays' and I am always eager to see the latest fabrics she has selected.  Sophie then uses these to make tailor made clothing from a range of styles.  

When I decided to take part in Mr Birds I was very keen to have a range of Pretty Poppet clothing in store.  After a number of meetings we decided that I would stock an exclusive range of her clothing in store and on my website.  All of the items are complete one off pieces so when you purchase an item from the range you know you are not going to see anyone else wearing the same thing!  Sophie also regularly visits the shop and you can arrange an appointment for Sophie to take your measurements so you can order a made to measure garment.  

Here are a few photographs of the exclusive Pretty Poppet at Laura Loves range.  If you would like any further details or you would like to purchase head over to lauralovesboutique.com 

Nicola Skirt £18

Willow Top £25

Floral Kimono £30

Ava Dress £29

Alex Dress £25

Laura xxx