Handbags and Gladrags

I spent Saturday morning doing a bit of pampering with my 6 year old daughter.  We both had our nails done, went to Costa for coffee/hot chocolate and cake and then we did a bit of shopping.  It was just lovely!

The highlight of the trip was coming across a shop in Edinburgh that I had heard of before but didn't know where it was.  It is called Handbag Exchange and they sell handbags, shoes and accessories which are gently used.  The brands range from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chloe, Christian Louboutin to River Island, Accessorise and Next.  They also have a small range of vintage.  Basically something to suit any budget.

I managed to come away with two handbags - both vintage.  One is a small brown leather bag, and the other is darker brown and pony skin.  I can't wait to use them.

Here is a peek at them just now, but they will look more glamourous in action, filled with all of my goodies, phone, purse, etc etc.

I will definitely be returning to that little treasure trove - if you are ever in Edinburgh, I suggest you do the same.  You will love it!

MSMxx

Orla Kiely Transformation

I just love Orla Kiely fabrics and when I bought some second hand chairs for my dining table, her fabrics sprung to mind when I thought about re-covering them.

I managed to get the fabric that I wanted on e-Bay and set about re-covering them yesterday.  That kind of job takes longer than you would expect - and a thousand staples later, here is the result.

Before...

After...

I am just delighted with them.  I re-stained the wood first and covered using a layer of fabric underneath the Orla Kiely piece, then put a backing fabric on the base to ensure that none of the fabric will fray.

The only thing to do now is wait and see how long they will stay clean!  With two children about I doubt that will be long!

MSMxx

Local Loveliness: Hannah Zakari

I love supporting local businesses and this one is a cracker!

Hannah Zakari

I have followed the progress of this shop, from when it began as an online shop to the current day where in 2010 they also opened a bricks and mortar shop in Edinburgh. They stock all sorts of loveliness from bags, to art and jewellery to soft furnishing......

Image courtesy of Hannah Zakari

Owned by Rachael Lamb, Hannah Zakari opened it's virtual doors in 2004 and has represented work from around 150 independent designers and artists from the both the UK and overseas.  The ethos behind this store is fantastic, giving local and other independent designers/makers an opportunity to showcase their work.


If you live in or near Edinburgh then please do try and stop by, even just for a look, as you will come out feeling happy!  If you are not near why not check out their website - they have just launched this new website and are currently offering free world-wide shipping - bliss!


Happy shopping!


MSMxx

Hello October

I am sure that you are all aware of the fantastic website etsy.com.  It is a fantastic website that showcases items to buy that are either handmade or vintage.  I have bought many things from etsy over the years and also have a small shop there myself (called Olive Mac where I have some illustrations that I have drawn and then digitally coloured).  The only problem I find with having a shop there is that it gets lost amongst all the other thousands of shops there too - it is in my opinion etsy is a buyers market.

Do take some time to stop by and have a look at all of the loveliness that lives on etsy and perhaps support these talented artists/makers buy buying a thing or two - remember Christmas is only 80 days away - yikes!!

And, if anyone can tell me what etsy stands for I would be eternally grateful!  It appears to be the world's best kept secret!

MSMxx