Live Laugh Love

Just a quick heads up on a fabulous website I came across very recently, who have made me one happy bunny! Live Laugh Love are a family business who have for the last 7 or so years taken their business further afield towards an online audience. They specialise in shabby chic vintage homewares and accessories, with an ever growing range at such affordable prices. Many of the items are also designed and hand finished by the company too which gives a nice feeling to homemade crafts. As a Textiles student I really appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these products, and it's so good to see the DIY trend growing further!

Here are a few of my favourite items...

Hanging Heart Photo Frames- £9.95

Chalkboard Organiser- £44.95

Floral Teddy Doorstop- £14.95

Vintage Floral Suitcases (Set Of 3)- £22

Porcelain Hanging Bird- £4.95

Birdcage Wall Holder- £19.95

You can check Live Laugh Love out on:
Web
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Long Time No See!

I have finally finished uni for Summer! Aside from getting my Semester B project grade back and beginning research for my dreaded dissertation, I can finally plan some exciting things and get back to blogging on here for the next 4 months. It feels crazy that it's that amount of time I have spare before all the even harder work begins. It's even crazier that because I did my Foundation Degree as well as a BA too, I would have graduated from education this year alongside most of my friends!  Anyway now that I'm back after a little hiatus, it's back to making sure I blog here more often! 

So after remembering what my password was for this site, I thought I'd let you all know what I've been buying in my absence and what I'm lusting after for Summer...

Most of my student loan goes on a large amount of materials I need for my course, one of the slight downsides of being a creative arts student. But I've still been able to buy a few pieces here and there recently!

Asda Home Riviera Floral Duvet Set- 

It's so hard to find a double duvet for my room where I don't have to spend an absolute fortune on. I've been scouring George's home catalogue after recently picking one up and I have to say I'm so impressed with the kinds of products they are selling as of late. I love that a supermarket is working with up and coming interior designers, it's even inspired my own work in terms of where I hope to be designing for commercial businesses after graduation. I can't dare say to my tutors that Asda has inspired me as it would be completely frowned upon! Anyway I snapped up this lovely floral one for just £12 and it even has a reverse polka dot pattern. Bargain!

Asda Planter Pots-

I also picked up these handy and cute pastel coloured planter pots. At £3 I couldn't resist and thought they would look nice in my room for storage. They are quite compact and sit really well on shelving or desks. The colour is bang on trend for this time of the year and I think they look much nicer for interior storage instead of being left outside in the garden! I have so many things in my room which could be stored and tidied away, a great addition to any room!

Topshop Knitted Lace Hem Crop Jumper-

I went to Oxford Street with some of my friends after fabric shopping in Shepherds Bush and picked up this cute jumper for £34! It doesn't actually look very cropped on me but it looks lovely teamed with a pencil skirt. They also do the jumper in Petite and in a coral and pastel baby blue colour, though this one appealed to me more due to its contrast of the navy and white. I haven't made any garments in a while now since I graduated from my fashion degree but buying this has encouraged me this Summer to buy some crochet lace and make a few tops like this myself. With a sewing machine anyone can do it and it saves so much money!

Pandora Triple Daisy Flower Ring-

Since receiving a Pandora ring for my 21st from two of my friends, I have become in love with some of the things in Pandora. It's nice to be able to invest in something so nice that can be kept forever, so I was so overwhelmed when my mum treated me to this daisy ring. I'm obsessed with anything daisy printed at the moment so it will definitely go with any outfit I wear. 

New Look Blue Floral T-Shirt-

My mum also bought me this New Look top which is absolutely beautiful and is the exact copy of a similar Topshop one but for half the price at £12.99! I definitely need to return a favour as soon as possible!

Topshop Small Leaf Metal Necklace- £12.50
Filofax Blossom Organiser- £23
New Look Black Neon Floral Print Crepe Kimono- £19.99
Topshop Nation Two Part Chunky Sandals- £40
ASOS Daisy Chain Watch- £18
Sam Smith- In The Lonely Hour
dotcomgiftshop La Petite Rose Flask And Cup- £12.95
Bank Fashion Ribbon Floral Print Jumpsuit- £25

Do It Yourself!

Being a fashion and textiles student plus a HUGE follower of DIY fashion, it's so nice to see dressmaking providing an innovative platform for anybody, of any level. There is so much inspiration around as of late, from a range of accessible sources and you don't even need to leave the house to get creative. Make do and mend is an attitude that I definitely consider and encourage within my own wardrobe. 

Having the satisfaction of saying that you were able to fix or create something yourself is such a feeling and even if you aren't skilled in the technical side of dressmaking, there are so many tutorials out there on YouTube and other fashion blogs that can help you begin and ultimately develop. The throwaway culture within the fashion industry mainly accounts for the disposal of old and unworn clothing, which are replaced with more innovative styles. Though instead of throwing away all unworn clothing, we can take designer/high street inspiration by customising and creating new pieces from such clothing, yet something that can also be turned into an item that becomes totally original. 

Scouring social media for research is something I'm always inputting into my degree work and I've been inspired by the creativity and uniqueness of those who take part in DIY fashion. The one thing I really admire is how different and creative every person is. There is obvious inspiration from current industry trends and that's why I love picking up on this and turning already owned items into innovative pieces. I was going to share some of my favourite DIY focused blogs but there are just too many to choose from! However, P.S.- I made this... is probably my favourite. Some of the projects are so simple yet effective and on trend, with the added bonus of video tutorials providing an extra walkthrough whilst you carry out the project. Pinterest is also a great source of inspiration which brings up a multitude of DIY results from fashion, textiles/craft and homeware.

Below are some ideas from P.S.- I made this... and other inspiration from across the Internet. 

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I'm hoping to try out a DIY sunglasses project as I'm currently living in a beautiful heatwave so I'll post a tutorial sometime soon! xo