Continuing on the magpie theme.....

Kat 11/24/2012 11 Comments Edit

..... as, like I said the other day, what better excuse to treat yourself to new jewellery than being able to give an old outfit new life. Recycling at it's very best!

Now last time I explored the mega bling at the more cheap and cheerful end of the scale so today, I thought I'd up the ante a bit and look at one of my favourite ranges that are better quality, with more investment pieces - Stella & Dot.

On Thursday night I hosted my first Stella & Dot party so had a chance to see a larger part of the range close up. There's definitely something to be said for having a couple of cheaper bits in your wardrobe but there is a whole world of difference in having something that is of a significantly better quality and that is a much more versatile piece of jewellery.

And handily with Christmas round the corner, I would definitely be putting some of these on my Christmas list. Already over the moon with my Pegasus necklace which I've worn quite a few timesm both casual and for nights out. I also have the Snake Orb pendant necklace which is so useful, as is the Renegade bracelet.

Ok so at this point I should probably fess up and say that I've actually ordered two necklaces. Which I am going to give to The Husband to wrap up for me under the tree. Maybe... (spending ban, to be fair, has been going really well. Bar the M&S scarf. I do honestly think that's it for the last couple of weeks. Oh polish that halo. Have just broken the news to The Husband as he's watching the rugby. Excellent. That went in one ear and out the other but at least I've "told" him. Am v tempted to push my luck and order something else whilst he's otherwise engaged.....)

Firstly the Indira Necklace which I have loved since I first saw it and it was definitely a toss up between the Pegasus and this. But I am clearly "meant" to have this necklace as it's now half price.

I also have snuck in an order for the Infinity charm necklace, which again I've had my eye on for ages. My justification (as if one is needed but it helps appease the buying guilt....sorry - obviously I mean buying my own Christmas present guilt. Obviously) is that I get so much wear out of my Alex Monroe bee and my NW3 by Hobbs pinecones necklace that another gold charm jobbie will get a lot of use.

And she moves swiftly on...

Let's start the vicarious shopping. Things that I would love to have in my jewellery wardrobe (actually I definitely need to think about how to store my jewellery properly. Strewn along the spare bedroom window-sill isn't really cutting it.)

Beginning with more statement necklaces. Can't say which is my favourite as I think all three are just divine. Complete investment pieces that would elevate the simplest of black dresses into a different league.

And here begins the droolathon.

The Tempest Necklace This is fantastic as you can reverse it so have the diamante on one side for a dressier look and then, as the second pic, reverse it for less bling during the day. Two necklaces for the price of one. Would be rude not tom no?!

The Estate Bib Necklace Unashamedly decadent.

And the limited edition Virginia Bib Necklace A veritable work of art

I'm also a huge fan (as mentioned) of a more delicate necklace and Stella & Dot have some fantastic options. Obviously the Infinity Charm Necklace as pictured but my other favourites include:-

The Secret Garden Cluster Necklace This is definitely going on my list. Probably my third favourite thing and would definitely be top of my must haves. So easy to wear during the day as well as adding that extra something for a night out. I'm thinking this would be the perfect necklace to go with a gold or black sequin jacket where you need a necklace of some description but don't want anything too in your face.

Wonderland Charm Necklace This is part of the Alice Temperley Collaboration. It's not the cheapest at £125, but there are so many options to it that if work out how many ways you could wear it, it's not nearly as bad as it first seems.

If you prefer silver as opposed to gold then these two would be my choice

Vallen Pendants A stunning coral shaped necklace. Delicate but substantial at the same time.

Couldn't resist the tiny bit of bling.....

The Clover Key Necklace

I love the idea of making your own personalised necklace with a faceted ball chain (which is now in the sale at £20!) and then adding your own charms

Will be back tomorrow with a round up of my favourite earrings, bracelets and rings.

I also have a fabulous sneaky purchase to report (I know, I know, spending ban, blah blah) This was a crucial addition to my wardrobe. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity. (and not even my version of necessity, which I've learnt is very different from that of The Husband. Go figure) And it was from the supermarket so snuck in under the heading of grocery shopping. Cryptic or what!

Finishing with an incomplete round up of what I was wearing this week. Thursday fell through the cracks. Bonkers day - thought it would be a fantastic idea to take the kids after school to McDonalds and the supermarket to keep them from trashing the house that I'd tidied before my Stella & Dot party. Let's just say I needed a large glass of wine that night. I had forgotten how hideous the supermarket is with three children. What was I thinking?!

And for the record, the posting of these photos has taken me the best part of way too long. Way too long. My technical fecktitude strikes again. I have managed to use up all my storage on some Google blog album and so have had to venture into the realms of Flickr & HTML. I was worried I may never resurface. And the kids have polished off an entire tub of Phish Food whilst I've been using choice language buried in my laptop. I owe my babysitter danger money for tonight.

But I digress.

So Wednesday. Still stricken with cold and so wrapped up against the elements. Was a hideous Armageddon of a day weather wise. Proof however, that I do own a coat. One.

Olive & Bone striped tunic - Toast (not seen)

Indigo Baxters - Topshop

Beige skull scarf - Alexander McQueen

Khaki & fur collar parka - South from Littlewoods

Suede & leather tan pirate boots - ASOS

Chestnut Lily bag - D&G

Avert your eyes for Friday's outfit if you weren't a fan of the drawstring jersey baggies. A day of chores & paperwork. I needed to be comfy and comfy these are!

White vest - Primark

Burnt orange fine knit jumper - Cos

Charcoal jersey drawstring baggies - Toast

Washed black suede jacket - All Saints

Tiger print scarf - Dorothy Perkins

Black Madonna stud wedge trainers - Ash

Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

Off out tonight for a dinner party. I am re-wearing (they have been washed I promise!) the outfit from last Saturday's dinner party. Tis the season to dinner party clearly. I shall be back tomorrow with more sparkle and my cryptic purchase.