Christmas Is A Comin'

Hello everyone, and hello December! Haven't these past months flown, it seems barely any time since I was thinking about a transitional wardrobe! Since I last blogged, I have had what can only be described as a vintage siesta. It turns out that moving house is as exhausting as I remember, but will soon have some pictures to share of my new flat. I have felt quite uninspired vintage-wise, so decided to compile a Christmas wish list to get myself back on track!

 

I believe that Christmas is about finding unique and one off gifts, rather than items from well known brands. Where better to turn than Etsy; home to some of the best handmade, reasonably priced and vintage inspired brands.

 

A firm favourite of mine is Rosie Alia Designs. She has recently stocked up her store with an array of festive treats; I particularly love this Christmassy hair clip.

 

Another accessories go-to store comes from Newcastle based Luxulite. Her unique take on classic sweetheart brooches are absolutely adorable and really kitsch. What a great way to do a modern take on a classic piece of the vintage wardrobe.

 

 

Other Etsy favourites include '1940's Style For You', 'Naked Without One' and 'In Grips We Trust'.

 

More browsing on Etsy quickly came up with more gems...

 

Bakelite Bangle Set

 

Pendleton '49er Jacket

 

Lucite handled handbag perfection

 

 

You can't forget some classics from some of the best reproduction brands out there, with Freddies of Pinewood full of amazing stock, any of the Vivien of Holloway pencil skirts nor Dollydagger dresses!

 

Oh how I dream of endless budgets, Christmas' and birthday's...

 

What is on your wishlist? I would love to hear who are your favourite Etsy sellers, or what you are particularly lusting for.

 

Until next time,

 

Hannah xxx

Day Six! A cheap and chic Christmas present idea!

Hello everyone!

So I have just rushed back from a very fun Lindy Hop lesson and just going to do a quick post for this evening. Tonight we put together all of the steps that we have learnt so far, and it actually felt brilliant and I was pleased that I can do it! Next week we are learning how to add some fun moves into the steps which will be fun and really make us look like we know what we are doing!

I received quite a few parcels in the post today (yay I love parcels!) for Christmas presents that I am planning. To encorporate a bit of my recent thrify ventures, I have decided to make some of these...

 

My plan is to go to a few local Charity shops and purchase some gorgeous china cups and saucers, and then make candles in them to give a very kitsch and cheap present! I managed to find a candle making set on Ebay, from seller 'randallscandles' who sells a set that makes 4 teacup candles, with your choice of scented and coloured wax for £6!Here the package is before I begin making...

Really great, detailed instructions are also included so on Saturday I plan to get making! I will tweet my end results so keep your eyes peeled @ABrightonBelle_!

 

 

To finish off my indulgent present I have decided to include some sweet treats alongside the teacup candles that adds to the pampering that this present can give...

 

 

Whilst these may look like delicious treats, perfect alongside a cup of tea, they are in fact soaps to pamper yourself with in the bath.  I got these for 95p each from Ditzy Doll, who have an online store. They are scented with a range of luxurious smells, such as Oat and Honey, Strawberry and Dark Chocolate. I am planning on putting on or two on the side of my teacup candle, so an afternoon tea can turn into a relaxing bathtime...what is better than that in winter, I don't know!

 

 

I will keep you all posted on Twitter with my making process on Saturday, which is where this plan could all go wrong and things go slightly pear shaped. Fingers crossed it all goes well!

 

With lots of love,

 

Hannah xxx

Christmas Is Coming!

 

 

...And this blog is going to become very very Christmassy!

 

Over the next twelve days I am going to do a blog post every day for the next 12 days, Brighton's very own 12 Days of Christmas!

 

I have written a few ideas down but please let me know if there is anything in particular that you would like to me post about! You can comment at the bottom of this post, or Tweet me @ABrightonBelle_

 

I can't wait to blog every day and hope that you all enjoy reading them. My posts will take a definite Christmassy direction, however may also give you a few ideas for any lovely gifts or ways to get into the Christmas spirit!

 

I look forward to my first post tomorrow,

 

Lots of Love,

 

Hannah xxx

What's On Your Christmas List?!

Hello everyone!

The nights are drawing in, Christmas songs are playing in the shops and I have seen the Coca-Cola advert...its official, Christmas is on its way!

I find this time of year very exciting, even just for the delicious food! Christmas is a time perfect for spending with your nearest and dearest, and this is simply a wishlist that I have compiled from recent online lusting...it is sure to grow and grow as we get nearer to the big day!

Here are my finds that will be on my list this year!

My beloved Topshop brogues are on their last legs so I need a new pair of everyday shoes/boots for winter and I think these Clarks Originals Desert Boots would fit the bill...look how comfy and snug they look! I think the grey will wear nicely and go darker to give a beaten look that looks perfect with jeans on a dressing down day.

A slightly more indulgent option now... Dig for Victory is a Brighton based shop specialising in quality, handmade, beautiful dresses. You can even arrange to have a dress handmade from scratch especially for you! I am well and truly spoilt for choice in here...

 

 

 

 

Gahh pleaseeee Santa!! Aren't they gorgeous?!

 

Another amazing treat would be a Jo Malone fragrance. Whilst very pricy, I love the natural base to all perfumes which gives them a wonderful long lastingness. I currently use a body lotion that gives a very strong, longlasting scent and it would be lovely to have the actual perfume to go alongside this. A new store has just opened in Brighton, opposite the MAC store, so I will soon be checking it out to find my favourite! I would also be incredibly grateful for a new bottle of my Chanel Mademoiselle perfume. Two years on of very regular use and I am just about to run out...I think that is great value for money!

 

 

 

Finally a few smaller stocking fillers will be on my list...

 

A 5x5 photo album for my 120mm pictures...these seem to be impossible to find-please help me out if you know of anywhere to get these!

 

A new purse (mine was stolen :( boo )

 

A bike (yes, a small stocking filler!)

 

And finally Santa, a choice of two options...

 

A pug that I will call Gary (I think this picture is amazing!)

 

 

Or a Lakeland terrier...

 

 

Oh how I would love a dog...damn our non existant garden!

 

As much as I would absolutely love everything on this list, this is most definitely a wish list! I am a true animal lover and would love a dog one day when the time is right, and we can treat it with the love and care it deserves.

 

Have any of you lovelies spotted anything you would like from Santa this year? I can't wait for Christmas party season...keep your eyes peeled and ear plugs in if you spot me in a local kareoke bar!

 

Lots of love,

 

Hannah xxx