Something Old, Something New

Like the rest of Britain, we at Wallpaper Rose are a little excited by William and Kate's wedding!

So much so, I wanted to share with you the Royal Wedding Collection. As most of us won't actually be attending, I thought I would create a range more appropriate to the tea parties and barbecues in the sunshine that I hope you'll be having instead! I've opted for antique bronzes, pearls and blue florals. With these I've put together a few outfits paying homage to British-ness with a relaxed summery twist on the colour pallet - utilising corals, denim blues, floral and lace.

Outfit One:

Floral Shirt Dress - ASOS
Mariella Carriage Necklace - Wallpaper Rose
Perdi Key Necklace - Wallpaper Rose
Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Coral Camellia - Smug
Coral Reef Nail Polish - Models Own

Outfit Two:

Louche Denim Dress - Joy
Bettie Polka Dot Turban - Little Fille
Marta Locket - Wallpaper Rose
Ruby Earrings - Wallpaper Rose
Sandals - Schuh

Outfit Three:

Jen Peter Pan Collar Tee in Navy - Wallpaper Rose
Eleanor Brooch - Wallpaper Rose
Denim Shorts - Hollister
Michelle Two-way Headband - Little Fille

Quite a few people email and ask, so I thought I'd let you know that some of the Jen Peter Pan Collar Tees and the Golden Snitch necklace are back in stock on the website. Also, if you'd like to be the first to hear about Wallpaper Rose news, discounts and events, sign up to our newsletter!

I hope you're all enjoying the many Bank Holidays this week - what have you got planned for the weekend? x

Promises look good on paper, especially from you.

I recently received the loveliest of parcels from one of my favourite people, Sophie of Crown and Glory. It was particularly wonderful, as I was having somewhat of a crap day and as shallow as it may seem, receiving something pretty doesn't half make a shite day seem somewhat better! She gave me these lovely Vintage Button Bobby Pins, which I am yet to wear, but I love the detailed drawings and my much loved clay ribbed jersey turban. I think I've only taken the turban off to go to work I enjoy wearing it so much. As you may have ascertained from reading my blog, I have a head of unnatural proportions, so to find something that fits and I can wear comfortably all day is a true rarity and really quite exciting. Sophie offers all her headwear in two sizes, with the third option of custom, so even those with the fattest of heads can wear her creations! The ribbed jersey is not only a lovely shade, but very soft and without sounding too much like an old lady it really does keep your ears warm... and pins them back, should you have inherited one sticky-out ear from your Great Grandpa...

I also began to think about how I might style my turban - it took all my self restraint not to ask Sophie to bring a polka dot turban in a Louise size when she last came to visit (it's high on my list of desired purchases). I thought I would also factor in the Bitching and Junk Food shorts I won (*still waiting for their arrival) as part of the Deer Brain's birthday competition. I don't ever wear shorts, not from the lack of wanting, I just don't have the legs, however I'm being somewhat preemptive having just purchased myself one of these bad boys and telling myself that I will start jogging again tomorrow.

Crown and Glory - Going Dotty - Polka Dot Turban

Urban Outfitters - Neal Cable Cardigan

Asos - Peter Pan Collar Blouse

Bitching and Junkfood - Remade Levis Shorts

Wallpaper Rose - Tillie Brooch

Topshop - Nail polish in Hunting

Crown and Glory - Clay Ribbed Jersey Turban

EWM - Fisherman's Rib Jumper 

Bitching and Junkfood - Remade Levis Shorts

Wallpaper Rose - Jen Tee in Charcoal Marl

Wallpaper Rose - Perdi Key Pendant

Models Own - Nail Polish in Vintage Pink

It probably seems little strange but I've got a little obsessed with wanting to purchase a fisherman's knit sweater. There are quite a few floating around at the moment in various designs, but I quite want an oversized baggy one. I watched The Life Aquatic for the first time in a really long time last week and I'm now really fighting the desire to buy a navy one and sew on a Z.... I really do want to be part of Team Zissou. Anyway, I've found some in the sale at The Edinburgh Woollen Mill of all places (you probably think I'm 65 rather than 25 right now) and I'm debating which to purchase! Most the time I live in jeans, so I'm not sure if navy is the right move, I really like the burnt orange shade, but I prefer the longer shape of the other ones. Currently I'm leaning towards the bottle green - but then my Mum is still knitting me her own version of the UO green cardigan in the outfit above (yes it was meant to be a birthday present and yes my birthday was in January. It's just how we roll).... I don't know. Any thoughts? I've also realised that I didn't mention, when putting this outfit together that I was really inspired by Gem and her styling of the WR Jen Tee - layering the collar with a round neck jumper brings it into a whole new realm of wearability - especially while the weather is still chilly!

The wonderful Mr Bill Murray/ Steve Zissou

Boots - River Island and So You Shoes.

And just a little aside, or perhaps a call for advice, I love the two pairs of River Island boots pictured above, but can't at the moment justify the price tag. As they're not leather, I'd rather not really pay anymore than £20-£25. I'm trawling ebay at the moment, but does anyone know of any good sites for this kind of boot leaning towards the cheap?

I hope everyone is well. I'm about to start a Jen Tee sewing mission, though my mind keeps getting carried away by the thought of starting my quilt. I would love it if anyone could recommend any online fabric shops or any in London - I'm a little anxious to start sourcing material! Hopefully I should have some new jewellery pieces up on the website in the next couple of weeks too.

x

The Night Sky

Motel Shirley Shirt   Motel Sally Skirt  Motel Celeste Dress  Motel Jenna Dress

Topshop Nail Polish 

Wallpaper Rose Remi Necklace

Today (now yesterday) has been somewhat of a pig of a day, so rather than dwell on it, I thought I would distract myself with things of a pretty nature. As I'm sure you can tell I'm rather enamoured with Motel's new design Night Sky in the dusky grey - it looks so wonderfully soft! I absolutely adore the long sleeved shirt, it ticks all the boxes, though a big part of me wishes it was as long as the sleeveless shirt dress below. Which then starts me pining for the shirt dress. How amazing would it look with some black skinny jeans, brogues, and a big cardigan for the colder weather?? I haven't been particularly bowled over by Motel in recent months, it all got a little bright and geometric for me, but they've won me back whole heartedly with these pieces. I've also included the bodycon Jenna dress, which is great if you have the hips for it! 

Trawling through the Motel website, I've also discovered the rather wonderful black pleated skirt. (Which since yesterday, seems to have disappeared from the site!) I don't know about anyone else, I've been looking for the perfect black pleated skirt for some time, but they always seem to be too short or too long, but this length looks ideal. Saying that, it's definitely the kind of item that needs to be tried on. It's also available in a rather lovely shade of wine, should you be feeling adventurous. 

I think with the Night's Sky range I would be tempted to keep a rather neutral pallet for the rest of the outfit, but inject some colour with a muted nail polish - I love these shade from Topshop. I've then teamed the outfit with WR's Remi necklace. Initially I had in mind sailors using the stars to navigate the seas, but thinking about it now, maybe the Gabriella telescope would have been more appropriate?

Have a good Tuesday (Wednesday) - I hope for your sake you didn't have to crawl around a shop window ledge painting it. I can't wait to get home and have a big bear hug from the boyface and some kind of chocolate. 

However tomorrow (today!) I get to see Sam, Sophie and bake! Could it be any better?

I thought I would also quickly show you the two new shades of Jen tee - Charcoal Marl and Deep Indigo - which have both actually sold out now. The photos are shamefully bad as the light was fading, but when I make the next batch I will put the effort in to photographing them a little more successfully. 

If you follow me on twitter, you'll know I've been having a nightmare of a time trying to source lace collars - I've thankfully managed to order a different style of collar (still peter pan, but the lace is different) from America - I just have to hope that they're nice when they arrive! xx

Time rolls the back wheels of my mind

 

Weekend in Images

I apologise for my absence, this last week has just been hectic busy, but here, essentially is my weekend!

Shall I explain?

On Saturday, Charlie and I drove to deepest, darkest Wales for the Wedding of Sarah Hannah Rodgers and Brendan David Hill! The wedding was lovely, Sarah looked stunning and Brendan was wearing a brown cordroy suit, what more can I say?! I wish I had actual photos to show you, however once we left the church, it absolutely poured down - I'm not sure how everyone else managed to stay looking rather wonderful, but I resembled a drowned rat. (I ran to the car - in heels, increasing my soaked appearance and threw my camera in the boot) The picture above was an outfit test the day before (the lighting was horrible, hence the black and white status- I've realised I'm incapable of true blogging style outfit posts. Not only do I always look awful in photos  and I don't have a large enough blank space anywhere in the house. Hence the rather weird 'sat on bed shot'. I guess I'm not going to be a popular fashion blogger then!)

Sadly this means there are no photos on me wearing the rather wonderful Iron and Wine bobby pin set I was kindly sent by Crown and Glory. (The only way I could try to salvage my appearance after situation: Rain was tie my hair up with an elastic band. Yes, literally an elastic band, it was all I could find) Anyway, the wedding was really Autumnal in feeling - golden leaves were scattered along the reception tables and created centre pieces. Charlie and I had a great, if long day and I can only hope it was thoroughly enjoyed by Brendan and Sarah.

Charlie and I then trekked back to London on Sunday from mine, by the time we got there I was so hungry and desperate to pee we stopped at Ikea and indulge in hot dogs. (50p for a veggie hot dog smothered in Ikea mustard - wonderful!) When we finally got home we crashed out with House and an Indian (after Charlie showed me how to make books! Once I've perfected this, I'll probably blog about it...)

On Monday I went and met a friend I literally haven't seen in nearly three years and it was so unbelievably great to see her. We spent the day catching up while being 'cultural' and visited the Tate Modern and Britain. The Muybridge exhibition is excellent, I thoroughly recommend visiting. It's so vast and the images so beautiful up close. We did conclude that we had actually gone around the exhibition backwards, however this certainly didn't taint our enjoyment of it! (We also went to a great place called Leon's for lunch -  The Sweet Potato Falafel wrap was amazing!)

Then on Tuesday I headed to Covent Garden for a little Christmas shopping, where I rather naughtily purchased myself the lovely lavender Topshop Snood I've coveted for quite some time! (It's been out of stock online for ages, so when I saw it I rather impulsively just bought it.) I also purchased these rather wonderful earrings. I know they lean towards the gaudy, but I love the Art Nouveau-esque shape and the colour combination. I've realised when I make my own jewellery I have a tendency to lean towards shades of the same colour. These earrings have made me realise I should perhaps be a little more adventurous with my colour choices, I may even try to make a necklace to accompany these! (I can't wait to wear them in Paris!) I then headed back to Highgate to meet Charlie from work for Lunch, we went to a great place called Dim T. I've never been before, but it was lovely. (Sorry, this blog post is ridiculously food based! The Sweet Coconut with tofu noodle bar was incredible! I don't think I've ever eaten out so much in one weekend, I need to get back on the running!) Then I caught the train home.

In the last few weeks I've realised that I feel like I haven't experienced Autumn for years. I've been so snowed under with Uni work and the stress I always managed to attach to it, that I don't think I left the house much and if I did, I wasn't paying attention! The landscape is just beautiful at the moment, especially when it's accompanied with crisp, cold weather - I'm starting to think it might be my favourite time of the year. I'm heading back to London this weekend, which Charlie and I fully intend to spent relaxing (last weekend was so hectic!) but hopefully if the weather is nice, we can take Archie for a walk to Kenwood and I'll actually be able to take my camera to capture Autumn (and wear my snood.)

x

All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey

Green Wrap Around Dress - Love Label £38

Black Blazer - Topshop £60

Imogen Necklace - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery £12

Iron and Wine Bobby Pin set - Crown and Glory £6

Golden Drew Drops - Crown and Glory £8

Cherry Pie Nail Polish - Models Own £5

Black Suedette Bow Platforms - Miss Selfridge £45

I'm still internally debating as to whether I'm allow a new new dress for the wedding I'm going to at the end of the month. I know realistically the answer is no, however it doesn't appear to have stopped me looking! I have pretty much given up of the lovely Pearl Lowe dress I showed you in my last post - I don't seem to be able to find a large enough Peacocks anywhere. 

Anyway - technically, I wasn't actually looking for a new dress to become attached to. However, when reading Llymlrs's blog, I found she had created a really lovely outfit with a simple yet classic playsuit. (I still find that the jury is out on playsuits - I like them on other people, but I can't help but feel I would look dreadful in one.) So I followed the link to 'In love with fashion' which I soon realised was a featured brand in Topshop, Love Label. I've looked at many of their items, but I don't think I've ever actually tried anything on. Anyway, low and behold I discovered this beautiful dress. It's a very similar shape to Lily's playsuit, but in dress format. The colour is simply perfect for the time of year, to which I have fully embraced with accessories! (Have you seen Crown and Glory's new pieces?? They've hit the top of my wish list) The berry florals and burnt-orange leaves perfectly compliment the dark sage green of the dress, which I've further enhanced with the Imogen Wallpaper Rose necklace - in varying green tones.

I then teamed this with a blazer, as it's going to be cold and I don't think a baggy cardigan will quite cut it in the elegant/appropriateness stakes. I'm starting to think realistically, I'll probably have to wear a dress I already own (boo) and perhaps invest in a blazer. I only have a grey one from Primark, which fits me quite badly. I don't suppose anyone has suggestions for places to find blazers that are nice, but without the Topshop price tag? I'm having no ebay joy! x

Step in to my office baby

Pearl Lowe Lace Collar Dress - Peacocks - £35
Annabelle Necklace - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery - £13
Head piece - Little Fille - to be released
Bow court heel - New Look - £22.99
Nails in Voltage - Topshop - £5
Nails in Hide and Seek - Topshop - £5

I discovered this wonderful dress via Models Own's twitter feed, I'm a little blown away it from Peacocks - it's their range designed by Pearl Lowe. It's chic tailoring and pretty lace detailing is just lovely. I have a wedding coming up towards the end of the month and I've started to fixate on this as an outfit (not that I have the cash for something new!), however perhaps it's a little too funereal? I'm never really sure as to whether there's some kind of rule against wearing black to a wedding, but the LBD is always so flattering! I also think this would make a great interview outfit ( I'm still planning for when, eventually I might get that special call/email/letter..... perhaps it just seems more reasonable as a potential purchase if it has more than one function)

Anyway, I've teamed it with a headpiece from the to be released Autumn/ Winter collection by Little Fille, bow court heels, the Wallpaper Rose Annabelle necklace - a simple locket on a long length chain would really compliment the peter pan collar and then a choice of nail colour. Either a simple oyster sheen (Hide and Seek) or a dark blue (voltage). As discussed by Sophie at Crown and Glory I can't help but throw caution into the wind and love navy and black as a combination. Having said that, I would and probably have worn black, navy and brown in one outfit - I'm probably the biggest crime against fashion know to humanity, but there we go. I hope you like it.

I'm working on a few new pieces at the moment, so once they're finished I'll post some photos later this week. I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend. I've just had to leave my boyfriend at the train station - saying goodbye always leaves me a little melancholy. However, seeing him was so very lovely. x

Rolling Thunder

Renewal Navy Lace Insert Dress - Urban Outfitters £45
Trilby - Zara £19.99
Kite Girl Brooch - Stolen Thunder £26.50
I Love Tea ring - Stolen Thunder £16.50
Robyn Bracelet - Wallpaper Rose £18
Jade Stone Nail Polish - Models Own £5

I thought I would show you a little more of the rather wonderful Stolen Thunder's collection. (You may or may not remember how utterly thrilled I was when Mr Wallpaper Rose bought me the girl with the umbrella brooch! I literally wear it all the time) At the moment I have a rather massive crush on wooden jewellery and brooches, so Stolen Thunder is one of my most trawled websites. I'm a particular fan of the little girl range. They've also just started using eco friendly bamboo that's both sustainable and renewable making it just that little bit better.

Anyway, if you love quirky, unusual 'costume' jewellery, this is the place for you! In other news, I thought I would show you my favourite new people, Rufus and Indie - the newest addition to our family :) x

Lois Lane

Drape Neck Dress - Zara £19.99

Camera Necklace - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery (coming soon)

Black Lace Bralet - Topshop £22

Trilby - Zara £19.99

Triangle Lock Satchel - Topshop £32

Peach Sherbert and Nude Beige - Models Own £5

I think I was having a bit of Lois Lane moment when creating this outfit - I started styling for a 1940's reporter. I absolutely love the Zara dress, it satisfies my need for a peter pan collar, whilst remaining very affordable! I'll hopefully be getting the camera necklace online a little later today, but I will let you know. 

What has everyone got planned for the weekend? I'm counting down the hours to the arrival of the kittens and then Charlie but 12 hours later! I'm also considering making savory muffins (I haven't ever tried before, does anyone have a good recipe?) and trying to paint something. I haven't painted since I was at college, so I should imagine it will be awful, but ultimately more enjoyable that job hunting! Have a lovely weekend, I'm sure I'll be bombarding you with kitten photos soon. x

So wonderfully, wonderfully, wonderfully, wonderfully pretty

OUTFIT ONE

Coat - Topshop
Snood - Topshop
Purse Locket Necklace - New to Wallpaper Rose (so new, it doesn't have a name yet!)
Olaith Hair Clips - Crown and Glory
Purple Grey Nail Polish - Models Own

OUTFIT TWO

Sweater - Topshop
Pleated Skirt - Topshop
Black Brogues - Topshop
Diving Helmet Necklace - New to Wallpaper Rose (so new, it doesn't have a name yet!)
In The Navy Nail Polish - Models Own 

OUTFIT THREE

Cardigan - Topshop
Grey Tee - American Apparel
Peg-leg Trousers - Urban Outfitters
Moira Necklace - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery
Green Flash Nail Polish - Models Own 

OUTFIT FOUR

Washed Rose Sweater - Topshop
Blue Cords - Topshop
Snood - Topshop
Boots - Topshop
Maud Brooch - Wallpaper Rose
Nude Beige Nail Polish - Models Own 

OUTFIT FIVE

Burnt-out Tee - Topshop
Full Skirt - American Apparel
Ballet Shoes - Topshop
Telescope Necklace - New to Wallpaper Rose (so new, it doesn't have a name yet!)
Nixie Clips - Crown and Glory
Purple Passion Nail Polish - Models Own

As I confessed yesterday, I've been an utterly useless blogger as of late, however my absence does mean that I had a back log of mentally prepared outfits to share with you! I apologise that they are all heavily Topshop based, but having trawled their website recently, there are just so many things I desire! Sad, huh? Anyway, the general linking themes are the transition into Autumnal colours and materials (I don't know about you, but I'm already cold) and also bordering on 'work wear'. I've been thinking recently about if I do ever get an interview for an internship, or even better, an actual paid job of worth, that I have nothing smart enough to wear! The idea of a dull, cheap suit bores me to tears, but I've always wanted the excuse to create some fashionable-smart mix.

Anyway, you may disagree with me entirely, it did dawn on me recently how heinously unfashionable I am - I actually do live in jeans. The introduction of a 'snood' is also a new thing for me. Last year I had a faint disdain for them, but now I'm not convinced my neck will be complete without one! And I absolutely love the dark lavender shade.

In other news, my attention was brought to Zara online fairly recently. Their online shopping function has only just been launched, so I thought I would have a look. Zara isn't somewhere I would normally shop, I always considering it a little out of my price range and maybe a little grown up. (at 24, you would think I should have realised that most places are no longer 'too grown up' for me, other than maybe the Edinburgh Wool Mill....) But having purused their website, I'm now desperate to find a Zara. Not only is their clothing far more affordable than I imagined, but there are great designs and colour schemes... I'm hoping to be able to find one in Bristol later today.

In one final note, tomorrow is the dreaded G Day.
That's right.
Graduation Day.

I know, I know, most people would be excited. But I'm not most people.
I'm the person who's panicking about tripping on the stage and embarrassing myself fully. Ick. Wish me luck on that front. I've got a simple navy blue Motel dress to wear and after much deliberation, I've actually decided I'm going to wear my Grandma's pearls, rather than a Wallpaper Rose special. I know, controversial. I always hoped by the time I graduated that I would be able to achieve elegance (and maybe thinness) but rest assured, neither have been achieved.

Right, I'm rambling, so I'll leave you be - but I hope you like the outfits, I'd love to know your thoughts.

x

Beautiful Bloggers

1. Mari from Little Fille - wearing Sylvie
2. Constance from Constance-Victoria  - wearing Reike
3. Emma from Is This Real Life? - wearing Ruthia

I wanted to introduce you to these beautiful bloggers who have incorporated Wallpaper Rose Jewellery into their outfit posts! (I was very excited to see the photos!) They all create their own really interesting, fashion based blogs, so if you have the time please follow the links and have a look.

I think you'll agree all three ladies look divine!

If you're interested in modeling/ promoting Wallpaper Rose Jewellery, please contact me here. x

Varsity Blues - Wishful Wednesday

Varsity Bomber - Urban Outiftters (£75)
Acid Wash Rose Tee - Topshop (£22)
Celia Necklace - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery (Coming Soon)
Ruthie Bracelet - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery
Fox Fuchsia Nail Polish - Models Own
Magenta Pearl Nail Polish - Models Own

Varsity Blues

Today I'm feeling slouchy, so I've put together a comfortable, casual outfit. Wear it with rolled to the ankle skinny jeans and some brown leather sandals. Perfect for the not quite Summer, not yet Winter weather we appear to be having!

I've always had an attraction to baseball/ varsity style jackets and all of a sudden it seems they're available in shops! I absolutely love the maroon shade of this Urban Outfitters jacket, sadly the price rockets it out of budget, but it doesn't make it any less lovely. I can imagine this outfit looking great, but I'm not sure I've done it justice with the way I've put it together - I promise a better outfit post next week!

I've just received some Compass Charms which I'm very excited to make into jewellery soon... hopefully I'll get some new pieces on here soon. x

To live will be a great adventure - Outfit Wednesday

Pins + Needles Gathered Panel Frock - Urban Outfitters (£58)
Pins & Needles Lace Insert PE Cardigan - Urban Outitters (£9.99)
Audrey Sewing Necklace - Wallpaper Rose Jewellery (£15)
Tooled Frame Bag - Urban Outfitters (£48)
Tan Floral Brogues - Miss Selfridge (£35)
Moody Grey Nail Varnish - Models Own (£5)
Jade Stone Nail Varnish - Models Own (£5)

PETER PAN COLLARS

I'm simply in love with Peter Pan Collars at the moment, so I thought I would share this Urban Outfitters dress with you. This simple a-line dress is just a perfect compliment to the peter pan collar, I've pictured both the grey and cream versions because I couldn't decide which I preferred! (I think they had a green version which would have been my automatic first choice, but sadly it appears to be out of stock.) The dress is a little on the pricey side, especially for something that would probably just be a day dress, but if I had the money, it would be mine! Consequently if anyone knows of anywhere to get a slightly more reasonable priced peter pan collar dress or shirt, please let me know - I might have to go on a Primark/ H&M search soon in hope that they might.

While I was on the Urban Outfitters site I thought I might as well continue adding to the outfit there.

Seeing as Summer seems to be well and truly over I've teamed the dress with this lovely light cardigan with lacy detail. What makes it even more appealing is that in this colour way, it's reduced to £9.99! I've continued with a tooled frame bag with floral detail, it's PVC and not leather but the size is great and I really like its sculpted shape. To compliment the brown bag I've matched it with the Miss Selfridge brown floral brogues I pined for in an earlier post.

With this pretty girly look I've used WRJ's Audrey necklace - as I feel the vintage sewing tones really compliment that feel. I've picked out colours from the necklace and cardigan to choose nail colours, again by Models Own.

The additional picture is because I love her hair and hell, I think that should be thrown into the outfit too! I hope you like it.

I'm absolutely shattered this evening and very much missing the boy. Sadly Mr Wallpaper Rose is pretty much running away to Cyprus as soon as he's back from the Edinburgh Festival.
I have tried to make him remember all the good comedy so that he can re-tell it to me when I next see him!

This morning I received the loveliest gift in the post from the lovely Miss Sophie at Crown and Glory! It was entirely unexpected and my gosh so pretty, I need to take some photos but expect an entire entry dedicated to it soon! I've got a few new pieces on the back burners at the moment, but I'll let you know when they're done. Oh and I had a sale from Denmark last night. I was so stupidly happy, I think that's the furthest any of my jewellery has travelled - I hope they like it.

Night Night - I need a cup of tea x

PS I've realised how desperately I need to read Peter Pan - I never have! It's going on the books I need to purchase list, along with Gulliver's Travels.