Autumn Additions: The Black Ravens - Gothic Jewellery Review

Hey Bloggers!

Long time no speak. First off, let me start by saying you have permission to slap me on the wrist for the distinct lack of content lately. Since my last post, a tortoise could have crossed the finish line by now, haha! ;) The good news? After my recent hiatus, the time away has inspired me with lots of exciting new post ideas to share with you all in the coming months - so watch this space, guys and gals.

Now that we've caught up, let's get into the zone about today's post shall we? It's a doozy and involves reviewing some GORGEOUS Gothic jewellery which I've added to my #autumn collection. 

I've recently had the pleasure of getting acquainted with an emerging brand that has since become my go-to for all things goth, punk and alternative, and I'm particularly fond of their amazing accessories. 

Let's start by introducing their brand name - I mean how cool does The Black Ravens sound? Pretty damn cool by my reckoning. Whether you're looking for a few spooky additions ready for #Halloween or you're in need of some affordable fashion buys to darken up your Autumn/Winter '18 Edit, The Black Ravens are the holy grail of online alt. retailers.

So without further adieu, here are the jewellery pieces I'm raving about this season (see what I did there?)

Black Triangle Choker Necklace 

Somewhere between a necklace-choker hybrid, this statement edition would definitely be my 'desert island' necklace. If I could only bring one jewellery item with me, this would be the main attraction. Not only does it come with a striking gem-embellished design that guarantees to collect compliments day or night, it also has a strong black rope which serves as the chain. Since I've always been a fan of black coloured jewellery, this piece offers a comfortable fit, a look that's aesthetically pleasing for any occasion, AND a triangular pendant that's 100% unique. So in terms of statement accessories, The Black Ravens have ticked all the right boxes while appealing to my inner goth chic.

Rose Gold and Black Single Band Ring

Next on my autumnal list of must-haves is this two-tone men's ring. Let's just address the sheer frustration of shopping for anything fashion related when you're a curvy gal! The majority of today's high street accessory brands don't offer XL-sized rings, so this minimalist piece is definitely a conversation starter for me. Sure, this is technically a guy's ring, but with the elegant rose gold band, who can tell, right? I find there's bucket-loads more variety once you branch out into the unisex (or men's) departments. What I LOVE about this ring - apart from its alternative look - is the fact that it's crafted from an authentic + solid Tungsten metal that stays scratch-free and won't tarnish. Anyone who knows me will know I never leave home without a fistful of rings to show off, and this single band will forever be ranked among my fave middle finger rings. There's no stacking required either as it's attractive enough to rock without other rings to distract the eye. 

Rose Gold Plated + Diamond Skull Stud Earrings

Image Credit: The Black Ravens

Three is the magic number, and these adorable skull earrings make a glistening gift for Halloween or Christmas! If you're after a pair of studs that are A) Not too small and B) Have instant Gothic appeal while still remaining pretty, these rose gold gems belong in your collection. I'm not one to follow the crowd when it comes to style, but unless you've been living under a rock you'll have noticed rose gold is EVERYWHERE right now: On our Instagram feeds, on the street style blogger round-up, at this year's #FashionWeek, and of course - emerging in full force on the high street at every opportunity. Love it or hate it, I personally cannot get enough of everything rose gold, so naturally, these earrings offer a luxe finishing touch that's right up my street. They also make the perfect fuss-free choice for those windy 'out and about' days while hustling from A to B.  



So there you have it: 3 key pieces from The Black Ravens which I can personally vouch for in terms of unique Gothic design, quality craftsmanship and affordability. Check out their website for up and coming pieces, then go and bag an accessories haul for yourself - you won't be disappointed! 


Thanks for reading, lovelies. ^^

Until next time,

Dawn xx  
  

Kit Harington for Jimmy Choo Autumn/Winter 2014 Campaign

Luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo recently unveiled an exciting Autumn/Winter 2014 campaign starring British Game of Thrones actor, Kit Harington.

Immaculately photographed by Peter Lindbergh in Los Angeles, the campaign images were carefully captured at a private home designed by the late American architect, John Lautner. Known for his progressive engineering and space-age creative flair, there really couldn’t have been a more appropriate setting for Jimmy Choo’s latest luxury effort.

Now I must admit, I'm a huge fan of a celebrity fashion campaign or two, so when I heard the news that Kit Harington would be starring, naturally I was stoked. Kit, who is most famous for his role as Jon Snow in HBO’s critically acclaimed Game of Thrones series, models a series of fresh designer products, including eyewear, footwear and accessories. I love the fact that actors like to elude their talent on projects of all nature, and who better to have starring in a global campaign than a man who has it all. Kit is somebody who can act as well as look the part, both of which are certainly portrayed throughout his dramatic advertorial imagery.

This slick new campaign tells a story of the British actor and a female model in a love affair, with a modern backdrop intertwined with luxurious fashion pieces. Both the campaign video and striking images showcase the new men’s Autumn/Winter collection in an edgy light, as well as introducing Kit as the new face of Jimmy Choo’s first fragrance for men, Jimmy Choo MAN. And if that wasn’t enough to appeal to your senses, the Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses capsule collection is also highlighted.

Lindbergh’s imagery captures the electric atmosphere of some intense romantic emotions, while Kit’s masculinity and sensuality seduce throughout.

Sandra Choi, Creative Director at Jimmy Choo expressed her thoughts on the outcome of her latest fashion campaign:

“Kit was the perfect choice for the campaign – he has an innate confidence and projects a playfully rebellious nature. He has an overtly masculine style that feels effortlessly cool and a great sense of humour. Beneath that intensity he is a true gentleman. Peter Lindbergh perfectly captured the spirit of the Jimmy Choo man.”

Set to appear in September issues of high fashion publications across the globe, the Autumn/Winter campaign is accompanied by an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Kit Harington himself. This can be viewed on Youtube here.

Note: All images not taken by me.

Purple Rain...

Hey Bloggers!

Long time no see ;) Hope you've all been keeping as busy as I have lately? This morning's post is inspired by two things: 1. One of the new season's most uplifting shades, Purple. 2. The legend that is of course, Prince.

For those who are wondering how the 2 link together and who may not be huge Prince fans, it was actually revealed at last week's BRIT Awards that he would be performing a 'secret' gig in Manchester. I was so gutted that I couldn't go! But needless to say, his classic hit 'Purple Rain' along with my new American Apparel 'Violet Panache' Nail Polish are making up for that fact whilst keeping me inspired.

I always get super excited when the new season's fashion and beauty colours arrive. In this case I'm all about purple tones at the moment. Not only are darker hues a sultry alternative to black, but if worn in pastel, this is about as Spring-friendly as it gets. Take my American Apparel Nail Polish for example. This is a rich, metallic shade with subtle hints of glitter thrown in for good measure. So if you don't have time for nail art, this is a great alternative as you're getting colour, gloss and glitter all from one polish. :) Take a look at the colour below and let me know your thoughts? Also, what are your must-have colours for Spring 2014?

Midi Rings: Accessorize, Nail Polish: American Apparel Metallic Polish in 'Violet Panache'.

Note: All images taken by Myself (Dawn)

The Shoe Queen: SJP Launches Her Own Shoe Collection

Yes, you heard it here first. The lovely Sarah Jessica Parker is finally launching what Sex and the City fans have been wanting since the show first became popular in the 90's... a fashionable range of shoes designed by Carrie Bradshaw herself! ;)  I have always been a huge S.A.T.C fan along with my two sisters who I cannot wait to enlighten with the exciting news.

SJP is a celebrity who is synonymous for her passion for expensive shoes, in particular, anything Manolo Blahnik. So it was only a matter of time before she would be teaming up with this luxury footwear brand to create a spectacular new collection.

Sarah quoted in a recent Daily Mail article that "there's nothing sexy about not being able to walk." A statement I and I'm sure many other ladies can appreciate. This is why she wanted her range to be stylish but wearable. Sex and the City fans along with serial fashion lovers can look forward to seeing pumps, flats, booties and t-straps in a collection that promises to be timeless.

The exclusive 'SJP Collection' will debut on February 28th and will be sold in Nordstrom stores all across the U.S. as well as online. (Good news for those who don't live in America!) I for one cannot wait to scour the net to see her first shoe line for myself.

Festive Spirit

Here are a selection of images I took during the last few days of 2013. As you can see I have treated myself to lots of niceties here ;)

Gothic-Glam

Green with Envy

Sparkly Crucifix bracelet I bought whilst on a hiking trip in Kendal

M&S Treats courtesy of my Xmas Gift Card (Love you sis!)

Adorable Momiji Perfume I found in M&S - love the quirky packaging!!

"She believed she could. So she did."

Parisian Chic 

Christmas Cheer

Music is Passion

Two of my Hand Bag Essentials: Solid White Musk Perfume from The Body Shop and a copy of the latest Glamour Mag

Cute little Bunny light-up night light

Kiss me Quick

Autumn Treats

Hey Bloggers!

I hope you're all enjoying the festive autumn period so far, even if it is absolutely freezing!! But as I've always said, autumn really is the BEST season for fashion, chocolates, decor and well, just about everything else in the lifestyle sector.

Here are a few of the things I have been loving at the moment for Autumn...

Donut Buns! The rose hair accessory I picked up in a charity shop ;)

Mint Chocolates! These are a rather large box of Thorntons bought by my beloved for me on our anniversary :)

Magazine Freebies - As you can see, Elle magazine had some Benefit lip glosses on offer which I just had to have!

Experimenting with Autumnal make-up looks. Smokey eye with a red liner gives a modern update to the more traditional smokey eye look.

Costa's cute Christmas take-out cups! :) There are 4 designs in total to try.

Fingerless Mittens are great for keeping hands warm and can be buttoned back when you need to scramble for your coffee/train money like I do! ;) These cross design mittens are from Primark and are a winter bargain.

Berry coloured accessories are an Autumn must-have. I've always wanted a pair of M&S 'Autograph' shoes and managed to pick these up for about a quarter of the price they would have originally costed, yay! ;)

Starbucks Red take-out coffee cups are iconic and pleasing to the eye! :)

Melon coloured statement lips. I'm loving this lippy shade at the moment as I tend to wear a lot of black clothing, so it mixes things up with a nice pop of colour. :)

What things have you been treating yourselves to this Autumn?

Note: All images are taken by myself (Dawn)

Ear Candy!

Patriotic Novelty Earring assortment

Nude and Gold Rose Earrings with Diamontes

Stencil-effect Silver Heart Earrings

Genuine Sterling Silver Heart Earring set

Note: All images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Latest Fashion Buys!

Hey Bloggers!

I hope you've all had a great week and that you celebrated the first day of Summer (yesterday) in style. There's definitely hints to it being Summer what with the constant humid weather, coffee shops bringing out iced drinks and retailers stocking lots of different brightly coloured beachwear items! For me Summer is not my favourite season but it does have its advantages, such as; being able to get away with wearing less make-up, leaving the house without a jacket and generally feeling happier with the smile-inducing weather :) So whether you're off on your jollies soon or like me, looking to start a new career path, Summer is all about general merriment and enjoying all of those little pleasures in life.

Speaking of little pleasures, I had a little nose around a foreign food market that Preston had on earlier today which was nice as they don't come here very often. I sampled some of Italy's finest delicacies and they were out of this world! I also had a browse around Topshop where I spotted lots of yummy looking jewellery items in the sale - here's what I bought...

A Taste of Italian Culture - An Assortment of Cakes, Croissants and Biscuits that were rich in flavour and worth every penny ;)

...With a side of Caramel Costa Light ;)

Sales Finds: White Leather Bow Hair Accessory, Lime Fragrance Travel Wipes and Lilac-Glittery Ankle Socks.

Sale Finds: Floral Fabric Charm Bracelets, Metallic Skull Nail Ring, Metallic Studded Bangle and Gold Costume Cross Earrings.

Sale Finds: Earring and Ear Cuff Assortment, lots of cute little Mustache Earrings and 'D' Initial Earrings :)

Sale Find: Large Gold Cross Necklace.

My Favourite Purchase of today!

Obligatory Manicure Shot ;) Barry M 'Peach Melba' Nail Paint with Barry M 'Lychee' Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint. Rimmel 'Rock Your Colour' Glitter Top Coat in 'Gold Disco' painted over fourth nail.

Neon and White Leopard Print Shoes I bought a few weeks ago in the H&M sales, worn with Jonathan Aston Lace Anklets.

Note: All images are taken by Myself (Dawn).

Pretty in Punk! Vogue Editorial

I've always had a strong love affair with fashion editorials. Whether I find them in Vogue, Elle, Tank or Pop, the excitement of buying my favourite fashion magazines each month brings a feeling of joy and reminds me just how versatile trends really are.

Even when I used to plan and co-ordinate styling photo shoots whilst I was studying at uni, it was always a pleasure to see the progression of how an initial idea develops into a finished promotional campaign - I suppose this is how creative teams feel when they are out on location shooting for the world's leading fashion magazines.

In that spirit, whilst flicking through the glossy pages of last month's Vogue, I stumbled across an extremely creative editorial with a strong emphasis on PUNK. So naturally, as Punk is one of my all time favourite sub-cultures especially in terms of styling, I have included the full editorial spread from the last issue on my blog... enjoy!

Note: All images courtesy of Vogue May 2013 Issue.