Big bright flowers and an Easter beasting

Evening. Don't be alarmed. When I say 'beasting' I'm being over dramatic. Easter has kicked me clean off the healthy wagon and I am huffing and puffing behind it, trying desperately to get back on. But I figure, whilst I'm off that wagon and hiding indoors stuffing my face with Celebrations and tea, I might as well hop on the blogging wagon. Make good use of my time and whatnot.

To catch you up: I joined Weight Watchers a couple of months back and am doing so-so with it. It's dead easy and actually makes good sense and seems to be encouraging a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating, as opposed to some unsustainable ideal. However, what I wish to do, is incorporate said healthiness into my actual life in a way that lets me have... an actual life. I'm never going to be the chick that won't go partying or have a nice gin because she's "on a diet" or who won't go out for tea or cake for fear of what'll happen to the waistline. Equally, I don't want to be fat and unhappy but claiming to be 'enjoying' myself because I eat and drink what I like. There's more to life than the eating and drinking after all and I know, when I feel overweight and bloated it makes me unhappy. So I'm doing weight watchers. And the weight's coming off slower than it might if I stuck rigid but...see above. Plus, I have been gyming it dead diligently of late. I'm going to a big mix of classes and trying new stuff and mainly liking it. I've started (with the notable exception of the last few days) to look forward to my classes, whether it's sweating on a bike or knocking seven shades of imaginary shit out of whoever's pissing me off, at Bodycombat. But Easter. Man, Easter has knocked me flat in terms of both exercise and eating well! However, I've decided not to let it bother me too much, to have this few days blow out and to climb BACK on the wagon before the weekend. And, frankly (and smugly), I'm plenty fit enough these days to catch it...

So today, in an attempt to convince myself that I should be getting back on the aforementioned four wheeled, horse drawn vehicle, I decided to wear a pencil skirt. Cause they're all sooky and unforgiving, like.

OK, so this one's stretchy, which makes it a wee bit more sympathetic but, silhouette-wise, it is not forgiving! I breathed in a lot today when standing! Haha! You try getting a non bespoke pencil skirt to fit proportions like mine. I love this skirt though. I got it recently in H&M. They've done about a hundred million things in the print (I've seen a shirt, t-shirt, another skirt, a dress, trousers - there may be more) so normally I'd steer clear but I just loved the big bright florals so I nabbed it anyway. I actually tried the trousers too. Step too far for the pear. Ah well, gawd loves a trier. In a sly attempt to cover le belly du chocolate, I wore it with a nice baggy leopard jumper:

Jumper: Primark

S'cuse the smug arse face. I have no idea what that's all about. But, look! I stood somewhere new for a change. Yup, ALL my pictures are usually in the hall because there's a nail on the bathroom door that allows me to hang the camera at a height that works for pictures and to get far enough back to get my full length. You see, the only person who's ever in when I do my pics is my lovely and awesome husband. But - 1) he takes crap pictures, 2) I feel like a giant twat posing, so I prefer to just DI-My and use the nail. But, I realised today that there's a pic in the bedroom with a nail at an OK height. Woop. Don't I just tell the BEST stories? Here's a close up of my stinking awesome £1.50ish Primark sale necklace.

And it's only right that we finish up with some shoe perving, non? These shoes are bloody awesome. One of my best pairs for sure. Amazing. They never fail to bag compliments and why should they? I nearly broke my ankle at the front door this evening. But that's by the by. If I had, at least my feet would've looked good...

Doing a happy dance

I'm not sure why, truth be told, but I look purdy happy and dancey here, right? Maybe it's cause I'm wearing pink leopard print shoes and that shizzle just makes me wanna dance! They're shoes #66 in my challenge to wear ALL of my shoes (ridic sized collection) in a year.

Now, about the challenge. I really must get a wriggle on and see what I've not worn yet because if I don't use it, I lose it! Well, sell it or give it to charity. The things is, over the last year, my shoe collection has changed a lot. Part way through the year, I realised there were some pairs I was never going to wear so I just got rid of them. I've bought goodness knows how many extra pairs (it's a habit). There have also been a few 'deaths' in the shoe collection. It's certainly been an interesting year in the shoe-drobe. Anyway, I shall endeavour to pull out some kind of summary in the very close future in preparation for it all coming to an end!

Here are this post's shoes in slightly closer up glory. If you look closely at the toe next to my big toe on my left foot, you can just about make out the plaster I have airbrushed off. I also airbrushed some nasty cuts on my right foot - I'm not that vain but I didn't want to subject you to the yuk of it! These pics are in fact ones I took ages ago and, if I remember correctly, my feet took a beating in my first flip-flop outing of the year. Much rubbing happened and, voila, the skin was gone! Bloody flip flops - so weird how you can have pairs you wear all the time and they're grand then one day, a much loved and worn pair just takes the skin off ya! Ouch!

Shoes: Primark - about £4

One thing that hasn't injured me (but has dyed my finger bright green - cheap metal) is my awesome owl ring, which you can nearly make out in the outfit shot - here he is in all his awesome glory. I friggin' love this ring!

Have a lovely Tuesday evening!

Yes, it's another pair of leopard print shoes.

It's like Pringles say: once you pop, you can't stop. Or in the case or leopard print, maybe 'once you spot, you can't stop'. Which in many ways is actually better than Pringles' chat because it contains an anagram and who doesn't love shit like that? Ah, word play. The wise owl likes it.

Owl ring: Claire's

 Look - he's smiling. These owls like wordplay too. They're most fervently fond of fancy alliteration. If only it was called falliteration. That would be perfect.

Owl necklace: Claire's

And back to the matter in hand. Yes, we're talking shoes people. Just for a change. Last month, I made mention of a pair of leopard print Red or Dead shoes I was having fancy feelings for. And so I took the plunge and got a pair (from Schuh)! Look how lovely they are!

Red or Dead 'Paloma' heels: Schuh

They're pair #63 in my 'wear all my shoes' challenge (I REALLY must re-count and see who still needs worn!). I, of course, am hugely supportive of the fact that they're leopard print: my go-to neutral. I'm also a fan of their hairiness, their platform and the soft suede on said platform and heel. Plus, I like the wonky extended toe and can't help thinking that they've got a definite air of exaggerated YSL Tribute about them. Minus the exaggerated designer price tag.

Owls: Claire's, Cardi and Belt: H&M, Shoes: Red or Dead @ Schuh, Dress: I made it.

Me, the owls and the hairy printed beasts. I like the leopardiness with purple. That's all from me for the evening. I spent this weekend at Oxegen in Ireland (post to come) and am shattered! So it's goodnight from me (*night*) and goodnight from yet another pair of awesome shoes (*goodnight*). Yes, I'm so sleepy I'm making the shoes talk to you. Crazy lady.

Night!

Perpetual Mullet.

Yes, I have decided (for now) to grow out my hair and, at the moment, am in a state of perpetual mullet. What's a girl to do? I'm no good with hair anyway - I never know what to do with it, what products to use or anything.  Literally, these days I am shampoo only and, if I go for a particularly high quiff, a squirt of hairspray. My hair's so short it doesn't even need conditioner. That'll be back in the regime as soon as I have a bit more length though. So, at the moment, the 'do' is in a not-properly-short-but-not-yet-bob-length-either state and the bit that seems to grow fastest is ALWAYS the back of it. I bring this topic up purely because you can see the mullet flicks in the picture below:

Shoes: Schuh, Dress: Urban Outfitter, Shirt and Belt: H&M

I was interviewing at work today so thought I best keep to a slightly neater version of me. Don't worry - there's still ALWAYS a way to work leopard print into any look. Phew! And some accessory awesomeness! The little owl ring is new (duty free when I was at an airport waaaaaaaaaay early. Duty Free is lethal when there's lots of time to kill) and I L-O-V-E him. He's so cute! I feel I will be wearing him a lot. I think we've met the other jewels before.

And so to the shoes. Everyone knows that, if you're going to work 'smart', you need a nice pair of shoes. And I happen to think mine are particularly nice! I've wanted to get a pair of brogues for ages but wasn't sure my legs could, er, work them. Last winter I got my brogue boots which are currently awaiting re-heeling because they were worn so much (off topic, but does anyone have any vague interest whatsoever in shoe repairing? I have about 10 pairs to have mended and can't decide if shoe resurrection equals a remotely worthwhile blog post!). So, I decided that I didn't much care if people liked how they looked on me and went for it anyway.

Pair #62 in the shoe wearing challenge! Look. Aren't I gentlemanly? In a girlie pink sorta way. The brogues are from Schuh and are a gorgeous soft leather and they feel just lovely on. Plus, they smell proper leathery too - I love that. In fact I was chatting to someone today (hello!) who says she regularly offers people a sniff of her Mulberry bag. I totally get that. I'll be honest, I kind of wanted to smell it too! And, on that note, I bid you all a good evening.

Toe so pretty! (See what I did there?)

Fuck yeah, sunshine!

Firstly, apologies to those of a sensitive nature and the easily offended. I just REALLY felt like dropping a big fat swear word in there. So I did it. Uh-huh. Look, I don't smoke, so swearing is my big, cool and clever thing to do. Plus, did you also note that I dropped the 's' bomb (sunshine people - keep up). I live in Scotland. Ordinarily, it is chilly, sometimes wet, often grey and nondescript. So, when the sun shines and it's actually warm, I drop the 'f' bomb, neds and chavs lose their tops and blind the innocent with their pasty spotty torsos and skanky chicks of all ages whip out their corn beef thighs and saggy babs and erode the innocence of the pure. (Don't get me wrong, I'm all for 'if you've got it flaunt it' and a good dose of body confidence but, if you're rough as sin, cover it up a wee bit). Evidence presented m'lud, I think you'll find my offence by far the last, well, offensive of all. Hear, hear!

So, it is the age old dilemma - what should one wear when the sun shines? A girl on the radio this morning summed it up nicely: "when the sun shines, I get out my summer wardrobe. I wear a t-shirt with my jeans instead of a jumper". Good lass. But, seriously, as one with 'big legs' and a tendency to break sweat in the heat, (you so want to meet me in real life right now, dontcha?) I find summer dressing really quite tricky and it does often consist of swapping boots and closed shoes for sandals and flip flops and losing a layer somewhere. So gawd bless the maxi dress...

Dress: H&M, Belt: Primark, Sunnies: Urban Outfitter

Here's one I picked up last year in H&M. I frigging love it. Leopard print? Yes please. Plus there's millions of fabric in it so you're afforded the ability to waft around like a veritable safari goddess. However, I didn't realise during my coveting of it that it was intended as beach wear and is completely and totally see through. A wee slip dress underneath has seen to that problem though. Because the dress isn't leopardy enough on its own, I wore leopard print sunglasses with it.

And a leopard print belt. Bite me.

No need for a necklace with bejazzling detail like this on the neck line.

And the shoes? Number 57 in the shoe wearing challenge. What could be better on a sunny day, with a cool maxi dress, than a lovely gold pair of Havaianas? I managed to curb my rabid Havaianas habit last year - I realised that people don't just say things like "there's only so many pairs of shoes you can wear" for shits and giggles. Nope, I did some Scottish weather maths, discounted the "only so many shoes you can wear" theory (you want a fight?) but realised that the sensible investment wasn't in millions of pairs of flip flops I can wear about 4 and a half days a year and I was far better investing in heels I can't walk in. Duh. Still, I am a sucker for a cute pair of Havaianas and these gold ones are as much of an every day staple in summer for me as leopard print is the year round. This is the closest you're getting to my feet right now. They don't smell (on the contrary, Lush's Vanilla Puff Power keeps them sweet enough to eat), they're just NOT summer ready yet. Look - there's another pair of Havis...

Flip flops - Havaianas @ Schuh

Kreative Blogger Award. Kreative spelling more like...

I must be honest, I'm not entirely sure what the Kreative Blogger award is all about! However, when Abbie tagged me with one, I figured it would be a fun thing to do and a good way of discovering and recommending great blogs. Plus, no-one's ever tagged me with anything or given me a blog award so I must admit I was dead flattered and a wee bit excited!

So, apparently the shizzle with this thing is that you share ten facts about yourself (buckle up and settle down folks) and then tag 10 bloggers you want to pass the award onto. Here goes...

1. I won a karaoke competition at T in the Park. I LOVE karaoke. LOVE it. I can’t sing to save myself (truly, I’m pretty awful) but I make up for it in sheer volume and enthusiasm. In case you’re interested, I sang the Arctic Monkeys ‘I bet you look good on the dance floor’ for the first round (you got RANDOMLY allocated a song – how cruel!) and my prize at the end was a thermo-cup full of Cadbury’s Roses – winner!

This is actually me karaoke-ing at my birthday party. They don't sing Whitters at "T".

2. I HATE cheese but used to work on a cheese counter. I already hated it before I started working there. No joke – even thinking about it for too long makes me gag a bit. And no, I don’t want to try a pizza with cheese on or a little bit of something mild. Cheese = NO! Weirdly, I liked it as a little kid and no-one remembers when I stopped liking it. I think I must have suffered some kind of suppressed cheese trauma.

Pure gies me the boke.

3. I’ve done a marathon. The Moonwalk. It’s a sponsored marathon walk that starts at midnight so, as if a marathon isn’t bad enough, your body clock is, pardon my language, completely fucked too. It was SO hard but I’m super proud I did it.

Me (in the middle) and my marathon beatches at 13 miles and sun rise.

4. I’m obsessed with leopard print. I can’t even explain why, but dresses, shoes, cardigans, bags, accessories, whatever – I don’t care, just make me a version in leopard print. Bet Lynch was SO onto a good thing.

Not slutty, frumpy or tacky - just awesome.

5. I danced with Rudolph Nureyev. He’s a, like, well famous male ballerina of yester-year. That’s right folks, as a young ‘un, I lived the dream and was a tiny dancer. *Breaks off for an Elton John-tastic rendition of tiny dancer*. A ballerina. And I was fortunate enough to share the stage with Nureyev (in Coppelia) before his death, aged only 54. My own ballet career died a death when I was 11 when I finally convinced my parents to stop sending me for lessons – I didn’t really have an aspirations towards being a dancer and my impending pear shape would certainly have bashed it on the head as an option in the year or two following anyway.

Left: Me in my Coppelia costume. Right: Nureyev being an amazing dancer.

6. I didn’t go to university. I never knew what I wanted to do (and am still fumbling somewhat blindly) and, although I was intelligent and did well at school when I applied myself (yes, I was one of those – “needs to talk less and work more” kids), I didn’t see the point in going to uni for the sake of it. A decision affirmed over the following couple of years when I saw more and more people drop out of or mess up degrees they hated or just didn’t care about. Don’t get me wrong, I think uni is AWESOME when the opportunity is grasped and appreciated and it’s done for the right reasons. Sometimes I wish I’d gone and done something and then got some swanky job. Other times I remember that I’ve had good times and I’m in an awesome job that I got over some great graduates anyway. Whatever works for you, non?

 There's no picture to go with this.

7. I’m a total 90s indie chick. Blur, Oasis, The Charlatans, Shed Seven, Ocean Colour Scene, Supergrass, Suede, Ash. I could go on. Those were the glory days…

 

Damon Albarn - swoon!

8. I’m an old married one. It’s not something I define myself by – it’s just one thing I happen to be. I wore (what some people might think were) silly shoes and a silly necklace on my wedding day, we wrote our own vows, we were as chilled as we could be about the whole thing and we walked along the road to the hotel afterwards in our wedding finery and had the best day. Since then it’s been pretty decent too. And that's the important thing.

9. I’m a sucker for a sunset. I really am. I always come back from warm holidays with reams and reams (well I would if they weren’t on a digital camera and if photos were printed in reams. I have digital reams) of sunset pictures. There’s just something about the amazing and ever changing colour combinations burning pink, red, yellow and orange, and cooled with blue, purple, lilac and inky black that entrances me. I find sunsets so joyful and so peaceful. I’m almost never happier than sat on a beach at sunset, ideally with a refreshing cocktail in hand.

"Get me back to shore! That married, indie loving, marathon walking, leopard print loving, cheese hating girl's drinking my cocktail!"

10. I was born on Friday the 13^th. Spooky.

1. Wow! So Sparkly.

2. T*rexes and tiaras

3. Odd socks and pretty frocks

4. Misfits vintage

5. Helga Von Trollop

6. A Million Dresses

7. Foof and Faff

8. I accidentally spent my wages in Topshop

9. Sweethearts Hold Hands

10. Vintage Vixen

I'll drop y'all a little line - many apologies in advance if you've already done this or don't fancy it. At least you bagged a wee mention though, eh? Means I think you're fabulouso!

In these shoes? I doubt you'd survive...

Let's make love on a mountain top! No, I'm not propositioning you - it's also a line from the song (In these shoes by the late Kirsty MacColl) . That song makes me chuckle. And it's SO appropriate because there's bugger all I can do in these shoes. They're SO high, I can barely walk in them and they're pretty much guaranteed to turn my feet completely numb. Add to that the fact that they're nigh on impossible to get on, even with a shoe horn. They're the perfect little madam. But they're soooooooooooooo pretty!

Right? Look at that platform, the beautiful almond shaped toe, The vibrant colour, the sturdy yet gorgeous heel and the glorious hairy upper! *she weeps a little*

No joke though, they were an utter beatch to get into. I'm talking 5 solid minutes (they're supposed to be a slip on), one shoe horn, two pairs of socks and a sweaty wrestling match. I started with pink socks (you couldn't see them most of the time) but I could not get the left foot on. I switched to trying the right foot which I eventually beat - one shoe on - yesss! Buoyed by that success, I set about the left foot again, brandishing my shoe horn like the vicious weapon I thought it was. Uh-uh - the boot merely laughed at me. All I could do was switch the sock for a thin slidy pop sock and, after much ramming, wriggling, jabbing and stomping, the boot finally went on. Phew! If you look closely here, you can definitely see the odd socks.

Dress and leggings: Uniqlo, Cardi: Topshop, Boots: Senso at Solestruck

I figured the boots were so show stopping in there own right that they needed to go with a simple outfit. Comments the day I wore them included, "fuck me" (er, no thanks pal), "wow, they're visible" and general "wow, they're amazing"'s and "you're tall"'s. Well, put a slightly above average height girl in a pair of giant heels and whaddya expect?

See me rock ma fearsome jewels. Well as fearsome as a cameo and some roses can be. Er...

Cameo ring: Primark, middle ring: gift from Mr S, Flower ring: Accessorize

Necklace: Primark

Are you wondering how I've managed to get this far without mentioning the sheer leopard print-y-ness of the boots. I am.

They're pair #53 in my shoe wearing challenge and they're from US website Solestruck, by a brand called Senso.

Blue Monday? Mine was red, black and leopardy!

Blue Monday, schmue Monday! My day was alright, ta v much. How was yours? I've actually been doing a cracking job on the exercise and haven't been eating TOO badly and I had a lovely weekend so, really, there's owt to shout about. Plus, despite a cheeky wee spot, I had one of those days where your outfit comes together nicely and you just feel, well, good. Gotta love that, right?

Also, I managed to sneak in pair of shoes # 46, these little flats by Irregular Choice from Schuh.

They're proper old skool Irregular Choice from back in 2002/3ish. I don't wear them that often so they haven't died. I imagine if I wore them loads, they'd have packed in long ago as they're the most gorgeous, delicate Chinese looking silk/satin. And I love the old Irregular Choice 'bum toe' - I know they really divide people (like they divide my toes - they don't really), but I'm a fan. Split the toe full on like on a Nike Rift though and you lose me - that's just weird!

Leopardy:

Dress: New Look, Cardi: Warehouse, Hairband: Primark, Necklace: Topshop, Belt: H&M, leggings: ASOS, Shoes: Irregular Choice @ Schuh.

 I got this little dress last week in New Look - I couldn't resist the cute leopard print collar! I've already worn it a couple of times so I think it is going to have been a wise investment. Especially as I now plan to TRY to cut back on the shopping this year in favour of saving for holidays. Plus, it's nicer not to be frittering the cash on disposable fashion, isn't it.

Some other cheeky wee bargains here! The necklace I've had for ages (hence the missing stone!), the belt I got free, sort of - it was a gift card purchase, the heart ring was £2.40 as part of a set of three in the Accessorize, and the gorgeous owl was £2.10 also from Accessorize! I got another amazing ring there the same day for £2.40 so that was £6.90 in total AND I had a £5 gift voucher too. I must say, I'm an absolute sucker for a bargain and it's even better when it's something I'd planned to buy anyway - I'd admired the owl ring a few times but vetoed it based on price. It's amazing what 70% off will do to a girl...

Saved by the hearty socks.

Bit of a public service type announcement for you before this one kicks off - this is not a particularly exciting outfit. There are elements of the enjoyable in there but, overall, it's more of a 'I can't go out naked, pass me the clothes' sort of an ensemble. I'm really selling it aren't I? However, there are shoes involved in the look that haven't been previously documented and, on account of my 'wear all my shoes in a year' challenge, I feel it would be rude not to let these little guys get their 15 seconds of fame...

They're shoe #37 and they're schuh Cherie Ballerina. They're still online (yes, for once I'm not wearing something I got ages ago!) and, I think, a bit of a bargain at £19.99. And while they may not be the most exciting and glamorous shoes ever to have lived, they're shiny and leopardy and have a nice little bow on them. Ordinarily, I am NOT a fan of leopard satin shoes (they're for hookers, innit?) but on a flat shoe it's kinda cute. Plus they didn't take the skin off my ankles/dig into the front of my feet/hurt me in any other way - always a winner.

Anyway, here's the whole shebang:

Top and jeans (I almost never wear jeans now. I used to almost never not wear jeans): New Look

Cardi - either my Topshop or Primark one...

Belt - H&M I think. You can't really see (and I could not get a decent picture) but it's white with tiny gold palm trees on it. I enjoy a good palm tree. Ideally I'd enjoy it from underneath, with a cocktail in my hand. The cocktail will be in a coconut shell. There will be a good looking man fanning me with an enormous leaf. Possibly Fabrizio from the Strokes. Definitely Fabrizio.

Another dodgy picture alert! It's just so you can actually see the cute ruffled front. It's pretty sweet (I like dots and ruffles so combining them is good) and the little buttons are like flowers too - girlie-licious.

Whilst the shoes haven't previously featured on the blog, the socks have. They're fame whores. They're like Jordan without the orange, Peter Andre without Jordan, Kerry Katona without the drugs (or prawn ring) or anyone off the Hills without the inane 'issues'. Only far prettier. They're from ASOS.

Ooh, shiny lining! Let's hope Mr Scribbler doesn't notice that I've been shooting shoes on the bed sheets... 

Lady Luck Rules OK. OK!?

Yay! The sun shone today and it didn't rain at all! (well, it's not yet 6pm so there's still time) And I headed up town for a talk by Lady Luck Rules OK's Leona Baker at the Hannah Zakari shop on Candlemaker Row. 

For such an exciting event, only gold lurex, leopard print and a silly 'ooh' face would possibly doodle-doo. Plus, holy-mary-mutha-of-tha-baby-jebus it's got freakin' cold of late and so today was finally the day that I re-busted out my ye-olde-faithful frilly bosom-ed knitted gold lurex dress. Much like leopard print, I believe gold lurex to be a staple wardrobe neutral and this dress is warm, comfy, sparkly and hides absolutely every degree of bloating. Plus, it has ruffles! If anyone knows anyone out there who has the black version and wants shot of it, I'll buy it (it's from H&M)! For anyone who hasn't had them rammed down their throat already (sorry), the boots are Clarks from schuh.

So, back to the day's events! For anyone who didn't come across Lady Luck Rules OK while it was still going, firstly, you can read about the company here, secondly, sad times for you! The brand brought us some of the cutest and kookiest pieces of the, er, noughties (sorry, forgive my momentary twat-sounding-ness there - I hate the phrase noughties.) and some of my absolute favourite pieces of jewellery came from the site. In fact, I'm geeked up enough that I got married in an awesome personalised LLROK necklace, so there's a bit of smooshy sentimental value in the brand for me too. Aw! (Brace yourselves, you're about to get a wee swatch [that's a Scottish word for 'look' BTW. As in "Geez a swatch ae yer new dress" which means "Ooh, may I please have a look at your new dress? Splendid"] of Mr Scribbler)

Picture by Nick Mailer www.fotonick.co.uk

Ooh, look at the pretty necklace!

Sadly, having decided she wasn't feeling the love for her subject anymore, Leona (who started the LLROK after success selling re-worked vintage pieces at London's Portobello market and, amazingly, didn't have a design, jewellery or business background pre market selling.) made the brave decision, late in 2009, to bring Lady Luck Rules OK to an end (it closed up after Valentine's day 2010). Here's a coupla sheets of some of their early designs:

Forgive the picture quality. Being the toppermost awesome blogger amateur that I am my camera battery was dead this morning so the pics are from my phone. Hopefully you get the gist of their early designs, which were bold and colourful and, at the risk of sounding twee, just a bit 'different' from other things out there at the time. Something I think remained true of the brand throughout it's time, in spite of the imitators.

So, being the apparent LLROK geek that I am, when I heard about Leona's talks I decided to go along for a few reasons. Firstly, out of sheer nosiness! I was curious to know what went into one of my favourite brands - more about how it came about, how it grew and why it ended. Secondly, for inspiration. Like many people, the idea of building a business by myself for myself has always appealed - I'm, er, just waiting for the right inspiration to strike. Hmm - we'll see. But I figured the talk really might throw up some valuable info and it did - there were loads of helpful tips and tidbits (what Leona feels she did right and wrong, advice on copyright and legals, trade fairs, PR and much more) in there for anyone looking to start up any kind of business, not just something craft based. Thirdly, I've dabbled in the odd crafty thing here and there (just for myself and friends) and I was really curious to understand a bit more of the 'making' side of the business and that aspect of the talk was fantastically interesting. I'm not gonna give away all the tips and secrets but it was really amazing to hear about how the various items were sourced and made and it was a great reminder that, in business, you can never overestimate the value of a bit of lateral thinking! Another thing I really took from today was a sense of possibility. The fact that Leona developed such a successful business without having any kind of background in the field just goes to show that with a bit of determination and imagination, you can do whatever you want. Unless you're a tone deaf weirdy type and your ambition is to win the X Factor. Reality check peeps.

Here's a wee bit more of the back-catalogue (the owl is one of my absolute favourite pieces!) and, excitingly, a picture of our hands making our own necklaces! Ooh!

And the finished article:

So all that remains to be said is that today was well worthwhile - interesting, entertaining and really, really informative too. I'm just excited to see what Leona does next. Whatever it is, I don't doubt she'll make a success of it.