Fashion

YRU WishList: Give Me All the Shoes

May 10, 2016 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

I’ve been after a pair of YRU’s for aaaaages. But I really struggle to find UK stockists of the pair I want in size threes! Stupid children’s sized feet!

So for this reason, I’ve put together a wishlist of all the YRU shoes I desperately want. If only I could find them in my teeny tiny size.

As you might have noticed, there’s a bit of a theme going on here… I’m a bit obsessed with moons and stars (so pretty).

Not only are all of YRU’s shoes, boots and sandals beyond flippin’ gorgeous, they don’t use leather. Most people think leather is a hallmark of quality but I’m all about design, pzazz and cruelty free – and YRU ticks all the boxes.

So, here’s how much they are and where in the UK you can get them (where possible):

So, apparently it’s really hard to come across the Raze boot, especially the quilted variety. I only recently got my hands on a pair of the maroon ones. They’re a size too big, but still, cute. I think you might be able to pick these up on ebay if you’re lucky.
The beautiful Craft Moon and Stars Ankle Boot. I need these in my life. I couldn’t find any available to buy in the UK, but you can get them from Dolls Kill. These would well and truly get worn in.
The “24 Hours” shoes. The right shoe is a stitched depiction of daytime, whilst the left is nighttime. I suspect these are from an older collection, which is why they’re quite hard to come by in the U.K. The only site that still has them in stock is the YRU site itself, at 34.81 Euros.
Jem Glitter Boot. These are £87 from NastyGal, but if you shop around you could probably get them cheaper.
I love these beautiful, witchy aura boots. Currently on sale over at asos for £42.00

Have you got any YRU shoes? Are there any others I should add to my wish list? Let me know in the comments.

Here’s To Fair Trade, Organic and Ethical Fashion: Nomads Review

August 27, 2015 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

Whilst I’m incredibly conscious about using cruelty free cosmetics and household goods, I could probably be a little bit better at choosing more ethical fashion pieces. So many of us shop on the high street, nab a bargain in the sales but really the huge mark up on the clothing (even at sale prices) is still a lot more than the minuscule wage someone is paid in a sweat shop.

For this reason, I started to shop more ethically and I now buy a lot of my items from charity shops or from made in Britain fashion houses and designers. But generally it can still be difficult to know where the clothing has come from. And I still get some things from the high street.

Luckily, there’s been an influx of fair trade fashion brands such as Nomads Clothing, who are a British brand with a uncompromising fair trade policy. They ensure all factories are up to their policy’s standard and even pump their profits back into their overseas charities. And the materials they use the most, like cotton, is sustainable fair trade certified which means it has little environmental impact and doesn’t touch a drop of pesticides or chemicals. They know exactly where their clothing has come from, their workers are paid a fair wage and we the consumer know what we’re buying.

Nomads kindly got in touch and offered me the chance to review some of their clothing and as I was off on holiday I chose a couple of pieces from their summer collection. I picked their beautiful maxi peasant style dress from their beautiful fair trade dress collection and a printed waistcoat come scarf to style for a fashion shoot on the blog.

As an independent brand, they’re competitively priced with brands like TopShop and Urban Outfitters, but in my opinion better made. Which is obvious from the quality pf the materials and the way they’re put together.

I took them both with me on holiday and here’s how I styled them.

If you like what you see you can get yourself 20% off at the checkout using the code BLOG20

What did you take on your holidays with you?

I Sunk Your Battleship Signal Beanie Review

May 29, 2015 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

I was pretty excited when the guys over at I Sunk Your Battleship got in touch and asked me to review one of their products. I’ve always admired their old-school designs and brand values so I happily obliged.

I Sunk Your Battleship are an independent menswear brand established in 2013. Based in Newcastle, they specialise in hoodies, t-shirts, headwear and accessories. I love their quirky designs and I think I’ll be purchasing one of the new Life Love and Liberty t-shirts now that payday has (finally!) rolled around.

They may seem like they’re the new kids on the block, but they’re already making a name for themselves in the streetwear scene. Skateboarders, artists and the fash pack are hyped up about the clothing. Just search for #isyb on Instagram and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

So, you might be wondering what the brand name and the flagman mascot is all about?

Well they’re inspired by the rich naval history of the British Isles, and the flagman mascot refers to the Semaphore, which is a system that allows sailors to communicate over long distances using nothing but a pair of square flags and their own two armstrue.

Their homage to Britain and British history also stretches into their brand values; all of their apparel is designed and “built” in Britain – exactly what I like to hear, as it means they work with local craftspeople who are paid a decent wage and the items aren’t shipped hundreds of miles to our shores from a sweat shop.

They work with a large collection of musicians, artists skateboarders and other creatives who are considered “the underdog” but inspire people around them.

They’re current collaborations with designers and creators has culminated in a collection called “Gentlemen of the Sea” which will drop in Spring Summer 2016.

So whilst I haven’t been able to review a piece from their soon to be released collection, I have got my hands on the black signal beanie.

I’m a big hat wearer all year round. But usually in the summer months I opt for peaked caps. However, this black beanie is lightweight enough to wear in the warmer months. Plus, black goes with everything in my warderobe. I’ve been able to style it with pretty much every single piece of clothing I own, so I’m sold.

What would accessorise the beanie with? Let me know in the comments.

Handmade Bow Tie Giveaway!

April 27, 2015 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

With spring in the air and Father’s Day just around the corner, I’ve decided to give my followers a chance to win one of my favourite handmade bow ties.

And seeing as its spring, I’ve opted for this gingham bow tie in a fresh airforce blue colour, which has been a popular item over at my online Etsy store, RagnBow.

This will make the perfect gift for Father’s Day on the Sunday 21st June, or it will make a smart addition to a shirt. I’m convinced that women can pull off bow ties just as well as men, so don’t be shy girls – this competition is also for you!

This is my first ever giveaway of one of my own handmade products so I’m excited to see the reaction.

To tie in with giveaway, I’m also offering 20% off my bow ties at my Etsy store. Simply enter the code SPRING2015 at the checkout. This will be running for one week only until the 4 May 2015 so get your orders in quick!

To be in with a chance of winning this bow tie, simply enter below.

The competition is only open to UK entrants I’m afraid.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck! I’ll be contacting the lucky winner on the 6th May 2015.

Super Awesome Funkita Mermaid Swimming Costume Competition

April 9, 2015 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are in double figures and everyone seems a lot happier now that the sun is shining.

Despite being a whiter shade of corpse, I instantly feel so much better when the sun’s out and I try to make the most of the weather by getting outside. But being pale, I have to make sure I can always find a shady spot so I don’t burn or freckle – safety first n’all guys.

And with summer just around the corner, I’m sure many of you are trying to get in shape for your summer hols.

So once you’ve got your beach bod, what better way to show it off than in this insanely cool Mermaid swimming cossie by Funkita?

It’s so beautiful, am I right?

This Funkita Deep Sea Garden Single Strap swimming costume is the latest imaginative indulgence from the “Swim This City” Collection. The light single strap at the back allows for freedom of movement so it’s perfect for going from the the beach, to the pool and into the night. It’s also chlorine resistant so the flamboyant design won’t fade away.

If you’re already fallen in love with it, I’ve got some good new for you: I’m giving you the chance to win this awesome little number. Courtesy of the kind fellows at SwimShop, who sell women’s swimming costumes online.

To be in with a chance of winning it, simply enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Best of Luck. And see you at the beach. Terms and conditions UK entrants only please. The winner will be contacted via email.