Classic Style on a Budget... Inspired by Pearls

We all know some things are timeless, classic and very feminine. To me and most other women, Pearls fall under this category.

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For many years our Style Icons have been seen wearing pearls, take Audrey Hepburn, need I say more?

I am on a journey, transitioning my style into classic and feminine, my aim is to slowly build my capsule wardrobe with key accessories and co-ordinating outfits, yet still keeping some patterned and beautiful colours that show my personality.
Most importantly, on a budget I can afford, hence the need to 'slowly' transition. Lets face it, if I had the money, I would have done it by now.

So I thought I would Share with you my Pearls, which you can see me wearing in my Completed Elisalex Post.

I Got them last Christmas and they are lasting far better than I thought they would.
For the price they are perfect, ideal for anyone, like myself, looking for classic style and beauty on a budget.

Argos 9ct Gold Fresh Water Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings
£16.99 211/9504
CURRENTLY £12.99 (Correct at time of posting)

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In all honesty, Argos need to get better photographs because these do not do them justice at all. Also the ones in the video look silver, So not sure what product they are showing there. (Black background screen shot)
Again, you can see them being worn HERE.
They are the perfect small size, look very elegant and are an expensive creamy looking colour, unlike some cheaper pearls I came across.
They are currently on offer and I think I'm going to snap up another pair at this ridiculously low price.

Completed My Charlotte Skirt

I'm planning on putting together a capsule wardrobe with classic garments that can be mixed and matched to create several different outfits.
If you've read my previous post on replacing my favourite skirt, you'll know that I've been planning on sewing the Charlotte skirt from By Hand London.

Well this past week I am pleased to say I have completed it.

I was planning on sewing the version with the ruffles along the bottom, however, I realised that now I have been blessed with having a child in my life, I will be running around after him and thought it would be more practical for me to go for the plain version.

After measuring, tracing and cutting out the pattern, I started by making a muslin from 1M of cotton fabric (BOMULL) which I purchased from Ikea which was only £2 Per Metre.

I am so glad I did, I haven't sewn for a long time, and this is the first pattern I have ever used and I managed to balls up my muslin when taking it in to be more fitted. So, I didn't waste my £11 Per Metre Fabric I had purchased for the final skirt.





I have also never put in a zipper in my short time of sewing, as you may of guessed, YES, I'm a beginner.
On a trip to John Lewis my mother bought me the Janome zipper foot as a gift to help me along, it's a must and worth every penny. I completed the zip very quickly and was overly impressed, it allows you to get very close to the zip and gives a more professional finish.

 

Here's my little Beauty in action.
I also Unpicked the zip from the muslin to use on my skirt so I didn't waste money. It was well worth practising and I feel so much more confident about inserting the zipper now, although I must say it's not just down to my zipper foot, but the FANTASTIC TUTORIAL on how to insert an invisible zipper from By Hand London.

With my muslin in the past, and my mistakes rectified, I couldn't wait to get started on my final skirt. I used a black cotton canvas from John Lewis to make it, for my first go at sewing a pattern, I'm very pleased with the result, I took 7 inches from the length and added a 4 inch split at the back of the skirt:

 

Please accept my apology for the lack of quality of the photos, I initially had the pics taken outside, but it started raining during posing time (typical British weather for you). 

 

           

 

 

So what do you think? Have you made the Charlotte skirt? I will definitely be making this again, it gets a big thumbs up from me. Hmmm, what to sew next....

 

 

 Please note: All items were purchased by myself to create my new skirt. :)

The Leather Satchel Company Review

Do you need a beautiful quality bag that goes with all of your outfits? Well, I've found it.

A 14" London tan leather satchel, it's perfect, made from such a luxurious smelling leather that even my dog came over from the other side of the garden just to get a better sniff.





I'm currently a SAHM and I normally wouldn't spend this much money on a handbag, however I have now come to the conclusion that you get what you pay for. A leather handbag well looked after will wear lovely and outlive all of my synthetic bags.

It was my birthday this month, so I decided to go for it, I bought myself this fantastic classic vintage style satchel with my birthday money. 
A massive thank you to all my family for contributing, it is greatly appreciated.

The leather satchel company is British and has been running since 1966. I had read several reviews claiming this company made their satchels to an excellent standard, so this is the main reason I purchased from them.
Buying directly from their website makes them cheaper, but also fully customisable. You can choose from their range of colours and also add extra details such as magnetic buckle clasps. Other extras could be adding a shoulder pad and getting your name or initials embossed on the front to give it even more of a personalised look.

The leather satchel company also offers a 5 year craftsmanship guarantee, so don't forget to register your satchel.

I am on a mission to find my capsule wardrobe items and I feel this satchel is an essential. It's such a classic design so can be kept for years to come.  it has a flawless finish and this leather will age well.
After doing the grocery shopping yesterday, it was pouring down with rain and I was so worried my new bag would get water spots on it.  to my surprise it wiped straight off and it looked as perfect as when I first pulled it from its packaging.

overall I am very impressed with the high quality and standard of this satchel, I have been searching eBay and vintage stores in Bath for a long time now, I almost gave up hope of finding one.

I have an old tan leather belt that I 'borrowed' long term from my mum, I think it's actually older than me.
with the mark of quality embossed on the inside of this beauty, I just get the feeling that if well looked after it will last for a very long time, just like that belt.
Who knows, If I ever have a daughter, maybe this is what she will be stealing from me in years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you got a satchel?  Don't forget to leave a comment with what colour you have and where yours is from. Also I especially love the customised ones, so if you have designed your own, please leave a link to your blog so I can see yours too.

Check out The Leather Satchel Company

 

 

 

I am not affiliated with any company and bought this satchel with my own money, these are my own opinions on the product.