Marcos and Trump

Each day in London brings its own emotions, discoveries and adventures. This weekend has been a tough one but yesterday was awesome as my sister took me to witness the beauty that is Columbia Road Flower Market. It’s insane how many flowers are available but what I found even more insane was how many people were there! It was packed!

After buying some lilies, the sis and I took a wander down the road looking at all the cute shops along the side of the road. Which is how we come to discover the awesomeness that is Marcos and Trump.

I ripped this photo off the net because there is no way that I would have been able to get a clear shot of it yesterday. Too many blooming people! (har har – get it?)

Girls, if you are in the London area this is a must visit and if you are lucky enough to be visiting the UK soon, be sure to swing by. You wont be disappointed!

The jewellery is beautiful! My sister and I went absolutely crazy, trying everything on. I managed to snap a few pictures of pieces that I want to go back for when I am earning pounds!

How much do you love these? I don’t even know what they are called so will have to find out and do a separate blog post on it – but these are officially my next obsession!

This necklace is stunning. I didn’t manage to get a price but I thought I would just show you the gorgeousness.

We then got chatting to the very friendly shop assistant and the photo taking took a bit of a back seat but I took some images off their Facebook page so you can have a look.

There were gorgeous button bib necklaces that I find generally look a little DIY, but not these! These I would actually wear..

Love this necklace! One way to make a statement!

Their jewellery is beautifully displayed and even includes deer antlers on which jewellery is hung.

If you want to pay them a visit, their address is 146 Columbia Rd, Shoreditch, London otherwise like their Facebook page here for some eye candy.

Current Obsession – Midi Rings

Girls, I must apologize. I have taken a little time off this past week but I should have let you know. I have been taking my time settling into the London vibe and while so far I am having a jam, the big move really set in this past week. But I’m back and ready to continue to post about beautiful things! My current obsession is midi rings. I see them EVERYWHERE on Twitter but alas could never find any in Cape Town (as I was leaving for London soon my mind was elsewhere though).

How much do you love these rings? [source]

I went to Brick Lane market the other day and found midi rings so was so excited I bought two! Look, they not the most comfortable things to wear as they feel like they are going to fall off so my tip would be to buy one that fit really snugly (obvs not cutting off the blood circulation to your finger) so that you don’t have to stress about losing them.

The trick is to find simple and delicate rings so that they show off your manicure or, if you like me, just want to wear more rings! [source]

Love all of these rings but particularly the one on her ring finger. Gorgeous!

Psst, I’ll just casually hold my Starbucks.. Looking all trendy and stuff.

So what do you think? A trend you going to wear? Let me know!

Jewel Eye

Part of the whole London experience is definitely exploring the markets that seem to crop up on every street and round every corner. On Saturday we went to explore the brick lane market and although I couldn’t buy anything (I am stretching my rands to last me as long as possible!), I had the most amazing time just looking at everything and everyone.

Guys, the jewellery. As soon as I am earning pounds I am going to have a problem. I can see it now. I saw the most beautiful jewellery brand and thought I have to share it with you! It’s called Jewel Eye and I’m not going to tell you too much, but rather let you see for yourselves!

A gorgeous multi stone necklace. Each necklace is made individually as all the stones differ so when you buy on it is really one of a kind piece.

This bracelet is perfect for stacking or for wearing on it’s own.

The rings are my absolute favourite! The gold plated brass just offsets the stone so perfectly.

Hows this for a unique statement ring?

Turquoise stones in the gold brass setting.

These stones are my favourite and will look amazing on people with blue eyes.

If you want something a little more chunky then this is the ring for you!

This is going to be my first purchase when I start earning pounds. This bracelet is just too dam beautiful!

Told you they were gorgeous! All the images can be found here.

Great Gatsby Jewellery by Tiffany & Co.

If you are a Great Gatsby fan and can’t wait for the film to come out in May, you may have already seen the trailer. The below clip gives you a sneak peek as well as explaining the design and inspiration of the jewellery.

How great does it look? But, most importantly, how amazing are those jewels? Makes me want to go back into the 1920’s, even if it’s just to wear a jewelled headband!

Yes, this baby. I could definitely walk around London with it on right? And for only $200 000.00 I could buy two.. Pffft.

As heard in the clip above, Jewellers Tiffany & Co. collaborated with the Great Gatsby costume designer, Catherine Martin, to create a twenties inspired collection called Ziegfeld.

“The jewelry we created for this momentous production of [F. Scott] Fitzgerald’s famous novel and our designs for the Ziegfeld Collection reveal the style of the period and Tiffany as its premier jeweler,” said John King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. “Tiffany was certainly part of this era. The brand was at the center of the parties of the rich and famous.”

Enough about that, let’s see the pieces!

This hairclip is my best and probably costs a pretty penny. But how gorgeous to add sparkle to an outfit?

This heart locket necklace on a ribbon is another one of my favourites. The level of detail in the heart makes it a piece I want in my jewellery box. $800 for the locket.

One of the many rings that Carey Mullingan wears in the film. The black Onyx is offset by the pearls beautifully and is $475.

What would the 1920’s be without strings of pearls? I like hoe they have made these unique by using different sizes of pearls and regular intervals so that the simple beauty of the pearls don’t get lost in one solid string. $1000.

Luckily I’m not on that set. I would pull a Lindsay Lohan with this ring let me tell you. It’s a Praseolite ring and will set you back $975.

And there you have it! Now you can wear all these jewels, dress to the part, find a hunky man with lots of money and you could look like the below!

Oh, and dye your hair blonde but that’s a minor sacrifice to look this gorgeous.. [Source: here]

There is plenty more in the Ziegfeld collection so go and have a peek here. All images from here. 

Emirates High Street

So as you all know, I am now in London Town! It took 24 hours of travelling, crying babies and free breakfasts of fish (don’t ask) but here I am! I flew on Emirates Airlines and, being the traveller virgin I am, I didn’t realise that they would come around with trolley of lovely goods that are all duty free! Because I am currently (f)unemployed in a city that is R14 to a pound I didn’t spend anything but it didn’t stop me from having a good look..

I quite liked this gold-plated necklace with embedded crystals. However for 65 dollars (the prices were all in dollars) it was just nice to look at.

Loved these and they come as a pair! They are Aigner Leather Bracelets and cost 66 dollars for the set.

These babies are Swarovski and for 71 dollars could have been mine. But alas, I didn’t have 71 dollars.

A favourite of mine was this Swarovski Slake Bracelet. I love that the leather and the subtle jewels work so well together.

Not crazy about this bracelet but I liked the colours.. It is a Tateossian Luce Bracelet and is 69 dollars.

I don’t know if I would wear the necklace but the bracelet is darn nice! It’s a Victoria Lawson Golden Rays Necklace and Bracelet Set for 99 dollars.

So now you know that if you travelling on Emirates and have money to blow, this is the best way to do it! Then you can hop off the plane looking all glam.

All images from here.

Ken and Dana Design

I am a big fan of procrastination. So when the procrastination gods sat down and created Pinterest, I cheered and joined as soon as I was made aware of just how fantastic it is (Thanks Briony!). Amid the numerous weight loss remedies and ‘motivational’ pins (look like this now with an annoying picture of a perfect set of abs), there are some real treasures and, excuse the pun, gems to be found.

I saw a BEAUTIFUL engagement ring on my feed the other day and repinned it, only to have about 20 people repin the pin and a bunch more ‘like’ it. Because it was so popular I took a closer look at the designers and decided I had to share their awesome pieces.

This is the baby. How amazingly different?

The company responsible are Ken and Dana Designs, from New York City. They describe their search for inspiration in everything that surrounds them,

We make engagement rings and wedding bands that are inspired by sculpture, architecture, organic shapes, and most of all, the personal stories we hear from our clients every day. We recognize that no two relationships are the same, and only by engaging you throughout the creation process are we able to craft a truly unique product that you can call your own.

Each engagement ring is named after the person it was designed for and is absolutely gorgeous. There are so many beautiful pieces on their site so I chose the most unique and different engagement rings to show you girls;

This is called The Daya. It is described as combining the art of sculpture with a classic solitaire in a choice of recycled metal. I describe it as gorgeous.

The Aurora is the Ken and Dana Design’s sculptural take on a traditional engagement ring. The pear cut diamond might just be one of my favourite cuts.

I love the story behind this ring. The guy wanted his soon-to-be fiance’s passions exhibited some how in the ring. The designers came up with the idea of incorporating a double helix because she is a genetic scientist -VOILA! Called Mandy, it is such a unique piece!

The Pari features a cluster of round brilliant diamonds flanked by six gold prongs. I’m not a great fan of gold but this, with six diamonds, I would definitely wear!

The Sundara is bold and sculptural. What I love about this piece features Ken and Dana’s signature split shank (the part going around your finger), symbolizing the merging of two paths into one.

The Devi is inspired by the essence of a delicate rose bud, complete with organic flourishes. I’m not great fan of this ring but, I’m sure you can agree, it’s a very different take on the engagement ring.

And there you go. Have you been drooling over these as much as I did? If so, visit the Ken and Dana website here, like their Facebook page here, follow them on Twitter @KDDdesign and on Pinterest here.

Coachella 2013 Jewellery

So I’m sure many of you are aware that Coachella took place this past weekend and all the celebs and lucky buggers who got to go were out in full fashion force. This is not just a music festival y’all, but a full on fashion parade with lots of side eyes as to who wore what. I was more interested to see the jewellery side of it and whether people would totally glam it up or keep it relaxed and casual.

This is Alessandra Ambrosio’s first day outfit. Sheesh, this girl has legs huh?

Love that she played up the Coachella armband and used it as one of her stacking bracelets. Love this festival style.

Kate Bosworth looked cute in an all white ensemble.

But it was her leaf bracelet that I loved!

Katy Perry looked really cute wearing an on-trend crucifix and cuff.

The necklace reminds me of the Dolce and Gabbanna runway show (here).

Sophia Bush made the statement necklace work for her, taking a lovely (if not ordinary) dress and dressing it up.

This bib necklace is very on trend and looks amazing on her!

All above images can be found here. But celebs weren’t the only ones rocking out with their fest style;

If you ever needed evidence that stacking is trend, here you go..

Some people went all out. I don’t know if I could have survived a festival with this on to be honest.

Statement necklaces were in abundance.. As was plenty of skin.

How much do you love this silver bib necklace?

Coachella, I think we may have to meet one day. One day soon.

Images from here and here.

Off to London I goooo!

So most of you who know me, know that I am leaving the sunny shores of Cape Town, South Africa (a place that I have called home for 25 years) and am on my way to London. In a week. *Cue hysterical screams of excitement and pure terror*

As of today I am unemployed, homeless and, with nothing more than a few pounds (and I mean few. This exchange rate is horrible) and a one way ticket to the UK, I am embarking on my next big adventure.

Might need to buy one of these blingola’s to remind me where I am. Then again, this is a little hideous. So maybe not. [source]

Good news is that I am still going to continue blogging and am going to try and keep featuring Cape Town and South African jewellery designers because I just love their style. BUT the exciting aspect is that I can also blog about jewellery from one of the most fashion forward cities in the world!

This is not as kitch as the above ring. In fact, I could def pull this off! [source]

To celebrate I thought I would show you a few union jack pieces that are not too bad. Well kinda.

These are.. cute. I would wear them if I was given it as a present. Maybe. [source]

Not this is nice. Perfect for all the coast I am going to need to buy to try and stay warm. [source]

Everyone knows that people drink lots of tea in London. I’m more of a coffee girl but bring on the scones! [source]

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Quite sweet. [source]Ok, I’m off to pack my life into a suitcase. Have an awesome weekend almal!

2013 Academy of Country Music Awards

The Academy of Country Music Awards took place on the 7 April. Not that I care much for Country Music to be honest but where there is a award show, there are ladies wearing awesome jewellery. So I’m not complaining.

What I do think is quite sweet is that Taylor Swift arranged to take a cancer survivor (and fan) to be her date for the evening. Now I don’t follow celeb gossip too closely but from what I have heard is that old Swifty is quite the heartbreaker. So I hope this guy was prepared. Although apparently he was starstruck by her beauty. Sigh. Another one bites the dust.

But, enough with gossip – let’s see what the country music stars wore.

Carrie Underwood looked really pretty with pink chandelier earrings by David Yurman.

How much do you love the crystal tear drop earrings that Beth Behrs from Two Broke Girls is wearing?

Now I had no idea who Kaley Cuoco was, but then again I don’t watch the Big Bang Theory so that would explain it! She wore these amazing earrings (Cresta Bledsoe) that just draws the attention to the jewels. Love these.

Have no clue who Sunny Sweeney is I’m afraid. I could take a wild guess and say a country music singer but that would just be silly. Anyway, I love the statement necklace.

And Swifty made a statement with the dress so wore very simple and understated earrings which I wouldn’t mind in my jewellery box thank you very much!

 There wasn’t much else to be honest. It was more fancy dresses and small earrings and the odd statement necklace here and there. Proves that sometimes small and pretty does the job perfectly.

[Images credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America]

Dear Rae Jewellery

It’s one of my favourite things to be tipped off about an awesome jewellery designer – only to realise that she comes from good old Cape Town! I have liked very similar jewellery on Pinterest so imagine my excitement to find out that I can purchase my own gorgeous pieces right down the road.

Yes, i know. Bask in the prettiness.

Dear Rae Jewellery was started in 2012 by Karin Rae Matthee, who has a BA Fine Art from Stellenbosch University (my Alma Mater too!). She says on her website that,

In 2008 she completed a semester at the Pforzheim Hochschule in Germany. This exchange was a very significant experience in Karin’s studies, it refined her skills and inspired her to start Dear Rae.

How much do you love the rings?

Well I’m pretty glad that she did start this gorgeous brand as I could happily spend next months entire salary on her pieces! The jewellery is made up of natural lines and simplistic forms and are available in gold, silver, brass and copper. These precious pieces are designed to be worn everyday and celebrate the beauty and ease of simplicity and translate into functional jewellery.

She has the most interesting pendant necklaces;

All pendants come with a sterling silver chain and you can order 40cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm or 60cm chain length.

The bracelets are also beautiful and are perfect for the stacking trend at the moment!

A bangle that will last you for a very long time..

Although these are all in brass, they can be made in silver to order.

A few of these bangles together my wrist would just be so at home.

Now you all know I’m a sucker for rings.. How cute are these babies below?

So you can buy one in every colour, to match every outfit.

How lovely is the little cut out heart?

The little heart will look awesome when on your finger

And then, for some added pizzaz, she also throws in a few gemstones to keep things beautiful;

The uniqueness of this ring just makes me want to get my own!

This is the kind of ring that people notcie within it being too overstated.

How simple yet stunning is this deep blue stone?

If you have now fallen as head over heels for Dear Rae Jewellery as I now have, you can visit their website here, like their Facebook page here and follow her on Twitter @Dearrae. My favourite part of the whole website is the cleaning instructions – “the best way to keep your jewellery clean is to wear it”. Now with a motto like that, you know these pieces are made to last!

Thanks @Claire_Hills for directing me to this awesome find!