Thankful

Sometimes you are having a bad day and it is dragging and suddenly someone sends you an email, and all the negativity of the day is gone and you are just really thankful. Yesterday, Betty thought I should receive The Versatile Blogger award. So here it is, in its full green glory - very cute. I have been thinking lately a lot about the blog, should I carry on, is it worth it? Does anyone care? And then an award given by a fellow blogger suddenly makes it all worth it.




With this award comes a couple of rules, including sharing 7 things about me. I already did the HUNDRED post, and there are quite a few bits and pieces about me there, but I thought it would be fun to talk about my 7 addictions.

1. I am a yarn and fabric addict. My hobby room is getting really full. But I love it.. One day, all of this stash will be making fabulous projects. Time is what I need - anyone has found out how to make days longer (48 hours would suit me).

2. I am a books addict. I have just signed up to our loval library, because I cannot actually have more books in the house.

3. I am crime TV series addict - I already referred to my Hercule Poirot obsession (not in any weird way), but I could add Midsommer murders, Lewis, Luther, Spooks, 24.. Perfect for knitting.

4. I am a sleep and food addict. It is quite simple I am in a real foul mood if I have not slept or had no food. I go quiet and cannot concentrate on anything else, and I get quite angry - basically you don't want to meet me when I am like that.

5. I am a skiing addict. I love it. Since I am 3, I only missed ONE skiing season. I have had a major accident 15 years ago, and it has not changed anything.

6. I am an email/internet/facebook/social network addict. I have friends in different countries, and this is the greatest way to keep in touch with them - or 'meet' like-minded people (through the blog for instance).

7. I am a chocolate addict. BUT not a fan of chocolate cake. I don't like it - don't know why. Currently in my drawer are awaiting some Lindt chocolate, dark chocolate and Chunky KitKat... Hmmm..

So I promised last week an outfit post. This has clearly not happened. There is a couple of VERY good reasons for this. First of all, we were super late for the party, and could not take picture before and then, well I was in no state to have my picture taken. Secondly, I am doing an interior design course (8. I am a learning addict) and module 4 was due today, I had to finish the drawings yesterday.

So will there or will not be any post about the outfit? There will be at some point this week. M needs to help out (ie take pictures), but for the time being here are the different bits and bobs composing the outfit.

Dress for Coast; Bag from Topshop;

Bangle from Oasis;

Scarf/Shawl by me -

jardin des plantes pattern La Droguerie

I LOVE the scarf. I am quite honest about the successes of some of my projects, and this one is a clear success. I was slightly peeved when I realised that PurlBee had a very similar pattern as the one from La Droguerie (for free) but then I would not have had that amazing yarn. More on the project to come this week.

So the next step is to spread the Versatile Blogger word - I am able in turn to award it to 15 of my favourite blogs... Expect some email to come guys!

{Spikes and Studs - Buy it or Make it?} Noas' Libellule obsession

No guys, I am not turning into a goth ... but I am really liking the spikes and/or studs trend. I am really into new texture and different ways to upcycle clothes and other objects. Spikes and studs are actually really versatile.

My {Buy It} selction is not your usual spikes and studs. It is not really punk - but clearly inspired by the punk/goth movement - and it goes beyond clothing.

1. I love this bowl made by 42pots available at Etsy; 2. Spiked stretchy ring, F21; 3. Stephen Webster silver stud cuff, Asos; 4. Kenneth Jay Lane Sodalite Necklace, Net-a-Porter; 5. La Mer watch, Asos; 6. Bottega Veneta clutch, Net-a-Porter; 7. Spikes on disc drop earrings, Topshop; 8. Louboutin shoes, Net-a-Porter.

How to make it? C'est classique explains it all, with their great tutorial. To be honest, I think this is the tutorial that can be used for all other projects - it has it all: how to place the studs, how to make the holes etc. All you need is the material, I think that should be easily available from Ebay.

So how can use that tutorial? Here are some ideas...

Revamp your handbag...

Pimp your black boots...

Or my favourite, bling up your jacket..

So what do you reckon, thumbs up or down for this trend? Will you be buying it or making it? have you seen other projects, share them ... I always love to hear from you guys...

{Pouches and clutches - Buy it or Make it?} Noas' Libellule obsession

Hiya guys! Another Buy it or Make it feature.. And this one is very exciting. I am obsessed with bags, really. My 30th birthday present was... a bag (a Celine one, beautiful). When I got my first real job I bought myself a bag (a Gucci one)... This is the ultimate purchase that always makes me feel better..

Anyway there are many different types of bags, and today I am on the hunt for pouches and clutches. Personally I am not a fan of clutches because my HUGE purse does not fit in them. Pouches seem to be good compromise. Here is a collection of big and small pouches you could get out there ...

1. Carry-All Pouch, American Apparel; 2. Huxley stingray-trimmed leather clutch, Anya Hindmarch; 3. Grey Lazer Cut Suede clutch, Topshop; 4. Rose Wow Envelope Clutch, Accesorize; 5. Medium Animal-print calf hair pouch, Newbark; 6. Sloan oversized leather clutch, Michael Kros; 7. Feather Clutch bag, Asos; 8. Tan Leather Karma Embossed Clutch bag, Topshop; 9. Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch, Asos.

I am loving this selection, and that Topshop clutch bag will be mine - it is only a matter of time!

It may be hard to convince you to make your own, but you should check out the three DIY projects I lined up for you. There are seriously inspiring.

Firstly, that feather clutch from Asos. Forget about buying it, you should go and check out the very instructive blog of Anne at WobiSobi. She made hers from a feather duster (I knew they were useful for something), hot glue and a discarded bag she had, absolutely awesome!

I am sure you have come across this DIY project or others inspired by this one. Brooke at JustBBlog made this amazing pouch out of the American Apparel Carry-All and acrylic paint. She was inspired by a Celine pouch in a similar colour scheme. It should be on everyone's to-do-list. Go and check out how she did it on her blog.

Finally, I love this final project because it is an upcycling one. It uses those plastic bags we all tend to collect in our kitchens to make the most useful pouches. Lilly happens to have found a plastic bag with a really funky pattern on it - I want to know where she shops. My Sainsbury's ones are definitely not that cool (note to self, only shop where cool plastic bags are given). I can see me using the method of fusing plastic bags and making alternative fabric out of them. Just brilliant!

Did I buy it or make it? Well, I have not bought it... just yet but I will. Then again, I made this 'amazing' (M words not mine) pouch... and the tutorial is coming out tomorrow (available now)... So stay tune guys!

PS: Thanks again to all the bloggers who let me post their DIY projects! Guys you are awesome. And contact me if you have an obsession you want me to look at!