Rita Ora

"I wanna party and ...."

Yesterday I managed to grab a snippet of Rita Ora's performance on This Morning on ITV and I was really struck by her choice of styling.  Rita was wearing a colourful tartan dress but accessorised with her trademark red lipstick and statement jewellery to give it an edge.  The dress has given me some ideas for how I might style some of my ASOS shoots in the future.  

I then had a quick look on the Internet for some images of Rita Ora and I was inspired by some of the looks she has put together.  I found myself looking at my own collection of vintage clothes and I have a whole collection of bright dresses and shirts and sparkly pieces to upload in the next few weeks ready for party season.  I have also uncovered a huge jewellery box of statement vintage pieces that will be uploaded very soon.  

I like Rita's casual style and the way she effortless carries off her look.  I have uploaded some images of stock from my own ASOS Marketplace collection that could be used to recreate her look.  

Throw on some skinny jeans or shorts and stack up
on gold tone chunky jewellery with this 80's tee.

Team this reworked shirt with a pair of dark jeans,
 studded heels and gold jewellery.

Brighten up an outfit with some
statement jewellery.

Team this bright pink dress with a studded jacket and
black and gold accessories.

Rock a brightly coloured Heart Bracelet by Tallulah Rose

What do you think?

Laura x

Tallulah Rose Range

I am really pleased to announce that I will be stocking a range of jewellery by Tallulah Rose in Mr Bird's Emporium.  I have sold the range of jewellery for a number of years at the vintage and craft fairs I have sold at so I am really excited to stock their new Autumn/Winter range in my shop from October.  

I have already posted some of the range on my ASOS Marketplace and I will be adding more over the next few weeks.  Here are some examples of the new range.  I have also included a few pieces of Tallulah Rose jewellery in my Blog Giveaway so make sure you pop over and enter as I will be picking a winner in a few weeks.  

Knotted Bracelet (Available on ASOS Marketplace)

Shell Heart Bracelet

Heart Trio Bracelet

Peace Charm Bracelet with Semi-Precious stone detail

USA mini state necklaces 

Laura xxx

Passion for Fashion Competition

Today I received an email asking me to enter a fabulous competition ran by MoneySupermarket called Passion for Fashion.

The competition requires entrants to plan 5 outfits for under £200 or less for 5 different occassions, party, casual, outdoor, first date and office wear to create the ultimate autumn/winter wardrobe.  The prize is absolutely fantastic there is a chance to win up to £1000 to spend on the looks and an iPad 3.  

So I set off on to the task, it took me a while but I am really pleased with my finds.  Here are my five looks. 

Party

I love  dressing up for special events so I loved looking for an outfit for this part of the challenge.  I chose the dress because I wanted to add a splash of colour instead of opting for an LBD.  I really like the lace contrast and the shape of the dress.  I added some heels which I saw in New Look the other day and a black blazer.   I accessorised with a studded black clutch, some gold tone jewellery and a headband.  

Get the Look: Skater Dress £39.00 (Miss Selfridge), Studded Slipper Heel £24.99 (Miss Selfridge), Blazer £19.99 (New Look), Black Studded Clutch £15.99 (New Look), Bracelet £8.00 (ASOS), Heart Necklace £15.00 (French Connection via Asos), Ring £5.50 (ASOS Sale), Headband £8.00 (ASOS) TOTAL = £136.47

Casual

Sometimes there is nothing better than chilling out in something casual, I often choose a casual style when working or doing odd jobs like running to the Post Office with orders and going the supermarket.   For this style I chose some Ripped Boyfriend Jeans and teamed them with some Converse and a casual vest and hooded jacket.  

Get the Look: Ripped Vintage Boyfriend Jeans £32.00 (ASOS), Converse £42.99 (Office) NYC Vest £20.00 (Miss Selfridge), Hooded Jacket £14.99 (H&M), BREO Watch £25.00 (Urban Outfitters) Bulldog Shopper Bag £10.00 (Topshop) TOTAL = £144.98

Outdoor

I began this look with the coat as I loved the style of the parka and it looks super warm!  I decided to team it with a classic pair of dark skinny jeans, knee high brown boots and a classic denim shirt.  I like the vintage style of the shirt and I think the different shades of denim would work well together.  I absolutely love the bag I chose from Topshop and I have added this to my ever growing wishlist.  

Get the Look: Zip Through Hooded Parka £60.00 (ASOS), Skinny Black Jeans £20.00 (Boohoo.com), Oversized Denim Shirt £38 (Topshop), Knee High Boots £45 (ASOS), Box Chain Suede Bag £28 (Topshop) TOTAL = £191

First Date

My First outfit is one of my favourites because I have absolutely fallen in love with my first choice, a gorgeous floral blazer from Boohoo.com which is a bargain at £25.00.  I teamed this with a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, some heeled boots a plain black top and some jewellery.  I choose this look because I think it would be pretty versatile for most date situations from the cinema to a few drinks in town.  

Get the Look: Floral Blazer £25.00(Boohoo.com), Lion Head Clutch £18 (Miss Selfridge), Cross Back Top £28 (Miss Selfridge), Goldtone Lion Necklace £8 (Boohoo.com), Tokyo Shoeboots £35 (ASOS), Skinny Jeans £38 (Topshop), River Island Watch £25 (via ASOS), Peace Bracelet £6 (ASOS), Long Slim Ring £12 (ASOS) TOTAL = £195

Office

I chose this floral dress because I really like both the print and the shape of the dress.  I added a plain black blazer and accessorised with some statement jewellery, a pair of studded slippers and a large tote big enough for all the essentials.   

Get the Look: Zip Through Dress £45 (Warehouse), Boyfriend Blazer £45 (Topshop), 50 Denier Tights  £4 (ASOS), Mini Stud Slippers £28 (Topshop), Tote Bag £36 (Warehouse), Gold Snake Chain Necklace £10 (Miss Selfridge), Lilac Stone Ring £10 (Miss Selfridge), Watch £15 (ASOS on Sale) 

TOTAL = £193

What do you think? If you would like to enter you can find all the information here and you can tell people about it on Twitter using #passionforfashion

Laura xxx 

Instagram

I have been using Instagram for a while now and like a lot of technological things it has taken me a while to get used to but now I am hooked! I am constantly uploading pictures to my feed so I thought I would share some of my favourite snaps from this month with you.  

1. Mr Birds my new home from October
2. Lots of stock packaged ready for Mr Birds
3. Heart Tote bags really popular for bag to school and uni

4. V Festival floral Hunter Wellies
5. V Fest fun
6. Charleston Roll + Laura Loves Headband =Perfect festival hair

7. Pretty stamps for my packages
8. More sewing getting new ranges ready
9. Pretty floral fabrics- Dress from Pretty Little Poppet

10. ASOS Marketplace photo shoot
11. Buttons and Florals ready for a workshop
12. NYC memories

If you have Instagram come and follow me my username is lauraloves__ and leave your username below so I can follow you back. 

Laura xxx

P.S. Don't forget to enter my blog followers competition I will be choosing a winner in a few weeks and today is also the very last day you can get FREE postage on my ASOS Marketplace with the code BANKHOLIDAY x

Blog Followers Giveaway

I have been blogging for a few months now and I am really grateful to the people who have taken the time to read my post, comment and follow me.  I thought it was about time I had a giveaway so I have decided to have a giveaway.  Over the last few weeks I have noticed lots of people running giveaways using Rafflecopter so I thought I would give it a try.  

So here is the giveaway.  I will be giving away a selection of jewellery from my own range and a range I am stocking in the shop by Tallulah Rose.  You can enter by following my blog and leaving a comment under this post.  You can gain extra points by following me on Twitter, tweeting about the giveaway and answering a little question that will help me plan my Christmas ranges for Mr Birds Emporium.  

Giveaway

Handmade Button Heart  

Bright drop earrings

Handmade Friendship Bracelets

The competition will end on the 18th September so what are you waiting for? 

Laura xxxx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

KIKO Nail Polish

Whilst on holiday I picked up a few items from cosmetics store KIKO  I picked up some nail varnishes plain and crackle and an eyeshadow that was a very similar colour to one that I have had my eye on for ages in MAC.  I will try and review it over the next few weeks.  

I was really impressed with the nail varnishes that I bought and I have decided to share one of my favourites with you.  

I choose a colour that I think is a type of heather/grey the number on the back does not correspond to the colours on the UK website so I apologise that I cannot tell you the exact colour, I whizzed through the swatches and I think it is number 380 (medium grey).  The nail varnishes were reduced to €1.50 each and they are £1.50 on the website which is very similar to the ELF prices.  Whilst I was in store lots of people were stocking up on the varnishes including one person who spent over €60 and left with a huge bag of colours.  The polish stays chip free for roughly 2-3 days.

The brush is nice and wide and application is very easy.  I applied two coats and found that this was a very good coverage the varnish is quick to dry which is also a plus.  I really like wearing this shade for day to day wear and I have added a coat of the Hed Kandi Models Own polish when going out.  Apologies for the pictures I took them quickly before tidying up the edges of my nails as I was in a rush.  

What do you think of the colour? Have you tried anything from the KIKO range before? I will probably order more of these in the future as I have been really impressed with the quality and when I have looked online I have seen a few colours I love that were not available in store.  

Laura xxxx

p.s. Today is the final day to take advantage of my FREE Delivery code over at ASOS Marketplace, enter the code BANKHOLIDAY to receive your discount xxx

Mini Shopping Haul

Over the last few weeks I have tried to resist going shopping as I have been saving my pennies to spend on new stock and items for the shop.   Also I am waiting for the new collections to arrive in the shops for Autumn and Winter especially as the weather has been so hit and miss over the last few weeks.

The last time I went shopping was when I was in Portugal.  I went to a big shopping centre in Portimao.  It was fantastic all the shops were air conditioned and well spread out and there were a good range of shops.  Whilst I was there I picked up a new clutch bag covered in skulls from a shop called Bershka.  I had never heard of the store before but since I have returned home I have discovered they sell online and have stores in London and Derby.

The bag was a very reasonable €12.99 so worked out just over £10 at the exchange range I received.  It is huge inside and is big enough to fit in all the essentials for a night out!

So today I decided to go and have a quick browse in the shops and I only ended up buying a few things  in Primark.  I haven't been in there for months but I have seen lots of blog posts about the studded slippers they have recently brought out that rival the popular Topshop style.  Unfortunately the one I went into did not have them in my size so I will have to try a larger branch next week.  

New black lace up boots

I did however pick up some small black lace up boots.  I am hoping to team the boots up with skirts and dresses with thick tights thoughout Autumn.  They are really soft and made from a suede type material so I am hoping for less rain than we have been having over the last few weeks otherwise my feet are going to get very wet! They were only £8 which I think is a real bargain.  

Zebra Cardi

I also bought a Zebra cardigan which caught my eye as I was about to join the queue.  As it is cotton it is really soft and I like the black and white Zebra design.  I think this will be quite versatile and I will probably team it up with a black dress or a denim skirt and a plain t-shirt.  

What do you think of my purchases? Have you bought anything recently?  Also, just a quick reminder, I am offering free postage over on my ASOS Marketplace with the discount BANKHOLIDAY until Tuesday so if you want to pick up some vintage clothing, an applique t-shirt or some of my new accessories make sure you take advantage this weekend.  

Laura xxx

Mr Birds Rent a Shelf Scheme

As you all know I am opening my first shop in Mr Birds Emporium in the Custard Factory in Birmingham.  I will be one of 10 independent stores inside Mr Birds and there will be a regular 'Custard Cream' market on Saturdays.  

The organisers have decided to also offer a 'rent a shelf' scheme for a range independent artists, printmakers, illustrators, graphic artists, quirky soft furnishings, jewellery makers and much more.  The main aim of the space is to provide a wide range of items that are not widely available on the high street and are a little bit different.  If you know anyone who would be interested could you please pass the details on to them and as them to email Laura at mrbirdscreativespace@gmail.com  Alternatively if you would like to point me in the direction of any of your favourite designer makers please leave me a link to their websites/twitter/facebook pages so I can take a look and get in touch with them.  

Thank you all in advance, 

Laura xxx

Bank Holiday Weekend

Hi everyone hope you are all well.  I am so happy it is Friday and that it is the bank holiday weekend.  I have got lots planned this weekend, I'm going to meet up with a few friends on Sunday for a catch up and the rest of the time I am going to be working really hard making preparations for the opening of my shop in Mr Birds Emporium.

The wheels really are in motion now for the huge launch even that is taking place on the 13th of October. There will be live music and DJ's and all of the permanent traders will be joined by 30+ stalls for the Custard Cream a weekly market full of independent traders.

Lots of vintage pieces have been added on ASOS Marketplace

You can also find applique t-shirts, accessories and much more...

This week has been fantastic so far I have uploaded lots of new stock to my ASOS Marketplace and started on my new ranges. I have also opened a Facebook like page. If you would like to pop over and join me I am having a giveaway when I reach 500 likes.  

What are you up to this weekend, have you got any plans? I hope you have a good weekend whatever you are up to. Let's hope the sun stays out! 

Laura xx

p.s. I have added a FREE UK Postage discount code on my ASOS Marketplace until Tuesday just enter BANKHOLIDAY when you reach the payment screen xxx

Bodega Birmingham

Last week I decided to treat myself to a meal in Bodega in Birmingham City Centre.  I was introduced to the restaurant by some friends who were trading in the same pop up shop as me at Christmas and it is my favourite eating place in the city centre.  

Bodega specialises in South American inspired cuisine, delicious cocktails, regional bottled beers and South American Wines.  It has a Sugarloaf Bar which is in the basement, which is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  It can also be hired out for private events.  

Upstairs is is vibrant and colourful and a fantastic place to chill out, have a drink and something to eat.  Bodega have a takeaway menu which has a huge range of food including my favourites, burritos and quesadillas.  Whilst you wait for food to be prepared you get a free soft drink or you can order over the phone so your food is ready and waiting when you arrive which I think is a fab idea!

When I visited with a friend we sat down in the restaurant section. I really like the layout and decoration.  Everything is very vibrant and on one wall there is a huge image of Rio's Christ the Redeemer Statue.   The restaurant wasn't packed as we visited around 2pm.  A large group of people were leaving as we entered so I think we had missed the lunchtime rush.  I have been in a number of times and it is often packed, don't be put off if you arrive and have to wait to find a seat it really is worth it.  

The service was fantastic, the waiter was really friendly and helpful and both our drinks and food arrived quickly.  I chose a small portion of Chicken Nachos (£4.60)  and my friend decided on a Chicken Burrito (£5.40).  We also shared a portion of Sweet Potato Batatas Fritas (£3.25).  The food was absolutely delicious, really tasty and the portions are very generous I really recommend it if you are visiting Birmingham.  

Chicken Nachos and Chicken Burrito 

Have you been before? Let me know what you think, 

Laura xxx