Review - Rockaflower

Floral hair pieces, fascinators and accessories

I was delighted when a package arrived from Rockaflower for me to review - look at these beautiful flowers and accessories!

My package of beautiful accessories from Rockaflower

One of the reasons that I love supporting small businesses is that I like hearing the stories of the people who create them. Why did they start? Where did the idea came from? What motivates them? Knowing WHO made them makes wearing anything handmade much more personal, especially when it's obvious that a lot of thought, time and love went into making every piece. 

Lesley Hughes started making floral hair pieces and fascinators as a creative outlet and to allow her some calm time while suffering from severe postnatal depression. Lesley talks openly about having PND and as it is a subject close to my own heart, I absolutely admire her openness and honesty, it's like a breath of fresh air. 

What started as a hobby recently turned into a business and Rockaflower will soon have its own Etsy shop. Lesley's stunning accessories are stocked at Vintage Victory Rollers salon in Swindon. Lesley will also be bringing her creations to Wed Fest in Bath next month as well as various other festivals and events - check out Rockaflower's Facebook page for up-to-date info.

https://www.facebook.com/Rockaflower/

So - onto the accessories. They were all individually packaged in little bags, filled with colourful stars!

First, I took this pretty little mermaid for a test drive! This sparkling, shimmering beauty is just perfect. She's very glittery, a great size and beautifully made. The mermaid brooch retails at £5 which is a ridiculously cheap price for something so pretty! I really love this brooch!

Mermaid Brooch

Next up are the cutest, sweetest little rose earrings. They're a lovely peach colour with lots of glitter. The little petals are so intricate, these really are lovely little delicate earrings. They're very comfortable to wear and are priced at only £3! 

Glittery rose earrings

Wearing the fascinator and earrings - feeling like Spring!

This fascinator is absolutely perfect for Spring. It has one of my favourite flowers on - a big yellow daffodil. There are actually eleven flowers on this fascinator, the detail is incredible! Although it's big, it's comfortable to wear and stays in place with just one alligator clip. It will be in my hair A LOT during Spring and Summer. It's the perfect piece for weddings, although if you have a wedding coming up and fancy something different, Lesley makes bespoke pieces - "Small or large, subtle or loud, contact me to bring your ideas to life!"  This one retails at £7, prices vary between £4 - £25 depending on size, combinations, etc.

Lots of detail, sooo many flowers!

Lastly we have this stunning orchid hair piece with a pearl at the centre. This is so light and easy to wear. This orchid looks very delicate but it's so well made and can withstand even the windy Edinburgh weather! This beauty costs only £4 - an absolute steal!

Orchid hair clip with pearl in the centre

Until the Rockaflower Etsy shop opens, you can contact Lesley on her Facebook page (link above) and also follow her on Instagram http://www.pictaram.com/user/rockaflower_lesleyhughes/4035986602

I am a huge fan of Rockaflower and will definately order a bespoke fascinator or two and maybe more flower earrings. And a mermaid in another colour. And did I see cupcake brooches...????

And as someone who is openly and honestly sharing the story of her struggle with postnatal depression, raising awareness and fighting back against the stigma that surrounds mental health issues - I'm a pretty big fan of Lesley's too. 

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review: Crafta La Vista Colouring In T-Shirt

Creative, inspiring and Fun! 

I really really like Crafta La Vista. This company stands out to me amidst the sea of pastel hues and uninspired slogans that seem to dominate a lot of children's wear. 

I'm always looking out for interesting designs and unique clothing for my children and of course, I'm on my quest to steer clear of the High Street and buy from small businesses. So when I met Nicole, the creator of Crafta La Vista at an event last month, I was excited to see her range of kids clothing and knew instantly that I'd found something special. 

Nursery Rhyme T-shirt & Movement with Music card

After having a baby in 2015, Nicole was inspired to start Crafta La Vista and make children's clothing that was "more creative, more inspiring and just more FUN!" She's incredibly passionate about her designs, pouring lots of love into every one - each t-shirt and baby grow has been made with a vision of how whole families can enjoy the clothing, from customising baby grows together, to using baby massage techniques while reciting the nursery rhymes on the t-shirts.

There are three separate collections - Nursery Rhyme T-shirts, Colouring in Baby Grows and Colouring in T-shirts.

The designs are bold, mostly monochrome and all screen printed by Nicole onto 100% cotton t-shirts.

The Nursery Rhyme t-shirts are adorable. There are currently four to choose from - and not your basic nursery rhymes! I think my favourite from this collection is Sleeping Bunnies as that is a popular song in this house! "We have so many nursery rhymes that have originated from the UK (especially Scotland) which children adore singing." Nicole says. 

Wee Willie Winkie Nursery Rhyme T-shirt

Each Nursery Rhyme t-shirt comes with a guide of movements that Nicole devised with her daughter - simple massage-style techniques for each rhyme in the range. 

Click here for the fabulous Nursery Rhyme collection:

https://www.craftalavista.com/buy

The Colour In Baby Grows are such a great idea. "I wanted to design a piece of clothing that would make an older sibling excited for the new baby coming and would fill them with a sense of pride when they see their little brother or sister wearing it." Says Nicole. "This then developed into an idea that anyone in the family could colour in these items."

The Colour In Baby Grows come in either a jigsaw heart design (this would be perfect for a baby shower - each guest colouring in a piece of the heart) or a 'fill in the blanks' design to customise with your own words and colours. 

Colour In Baby Grow

Check them out here:https://www.craftalavista.com/buy

Now, onto the product that my little boy and I got to test drive! The Superhero Colour In T-shirt!

Cute packaging

Ooh exciting! Can't wait to customise this little super hero!

It arrived in a cute little box, perfectly letter-box sized (so no annoying trips to the depot!) with six chunky fabric pens and a card with clear, easy-to-read instructiuons.

"I wanted to make a fun range for older children as well as babies." Says Nicole.

We certainly had fun - as you can see! 

My son is three and a half and very into arts and crafts at the moment, so this project was right up his street. 

The bold design was very appealing as there was nothing 'fiddly' or difficult to colour and he chatted about the superhero's hands ("They're not mittens, Mummy! Superheroes don't wear mittens!") and what kind of super powers he might possess - the scribble coming out of his head is not actually a scribble - he can shoot out fire! 

Because the design was bold, large and simple, it wasn't too time-consuming for my boy who can get bored and want to move onto the next project pretty quickly. 

He's very proud of the end result and told me that all his friends at nursery will say "Wow! I want that t-shirt!" 

The soft, soft cotton is very comfortable and we got the size 4-5 years to allow a bit of room (I prefer a baggier t-shirt to keep him cool now that the weather is getting warmer).

Nicole told me "I love seeing the photos come in of how different these t-shirts end up being, showing that kids all have their own personality and if you let them express it now, it will help them express themselves so much more in the future."

Colour In T-shirts here: https://www.craftalavista.com/buy

I would 100% recommend this fantastic little company to anyone who likes kids clothing with something a bit....extra. Extra arty. Extra experimental. Extra special.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftalavista/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftalavista/

Website:https://www.craftalavista.com/home

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review - Cribstar: Skulls Harem Leggings

100% cotton leggings for (very cool) kids

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm trying to steer clear of the high street and buy clothes for myself and my kids from smaller independent businesses. 

I've always favoured unique clothing for my children, sourcing little rock t-shirts and fun and funky designs online. My three-year-old son has a wardrobe full of cool wee tops and t-shirts as there's such a huge variety. But I'd mainly stuck to teaming them with boring jeans - until now.

Like most toddlers, my little boy is very active - he's constantly climbing, jumping, running around... and watching him do these activities in his restrictive jeans made me think:  'Not. Very. Comfy.'  So I decided to find alternatives. 

Which led me to these:

Cribstar skulls harem leggings

They are 100% cotton harem leggings by London-based independent clothing and accessories brand Cribstar. 

Cribstar have been around since 2015, creating unique clothing and accessories for kids up to the age of six years old. 

They use bold, edgy, minimalistic designs - lots of wonderful monochrome pieces, perfect for mixing and matching. 

In their 'About Us' section, they state that their clothes are 'good quality and comfortable' so they ticked all the boxes for me and my boy and I ordered our first pair.

My little man is rocking his skull harem leggings! 

 

The dropped crotch and soft cotton makes them so comfortable. They have the perfect amount of stretch and are a great length on him (I contacted Cribstar via their Instagram, as my son is either an age 2-3 years or 3-4 years depending on the brand. Cribstar got back to me right away with measurements, great customer service).

He's already worn them numerous times - they are a favourite for nursery - they wash well and they don't need to be ironed! Yay!

I am so pleased that I found Cribstar and these leggings in particular and I will definitely be buying more. 

Check out their Easter range!!! Bunny leggings! I need them! I mean, my son needs them. Obviously...

Website: https://www.cribstar.co.uk/collections/harem-leggings/products/skulls-harem-leggings?variant=27799485062

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cribstar_official/?hl=en

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review - Atomic Mollie Glitter Hoop Earrings

The most sparkly, spangly, glittery earrings I've found!

Dare I say it - I'm a bit bored of buying clothes! 

So I went on a little accessories splurge and found these absolute gems. 

As some of you know, I'm trying to 'shop small' and buy most of my clothes, accessories and my kid's clothes from small independent businesses. I love wearing unique handmade items, and hearing the stories of their designers and creators. And as I also run my own small business (it's called Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties. Shameless Plug! Shameless Plug!) I want to support others in the same boat as me, being all creative and making things with care and love. 

I decided that I needed big, sparkly earrings to go with my more Rockabilly outfits (I do love a tea dress and pearls but I'm also a sucker for a wiggle skirt and a bit of bling). I'd bought a gorgeous pinup girl brooch from Atomic Mollie for my best friend's Christmas and I was really pleased with the quality and service, so I had a wee look. And found these bad boys.

Atomic Mollie started making beautiful hair flowers and jewellery in January last year.

The confidence that wearing clothes from the 50s gave her, she says "Was much more than any main high street store could give me." 

Struggling to find accessories to compliment her new vintage wardrobe, Mollie began making them herself, and with encouragement from her husband, she started selling her creations at vintage fairs and festivals - aloha Atomic Mollie!

I ordered the black pair first  (I had to pre-order them and they turned up really quickly, less than a fortnight) and then I went back a few days later and bought myself a red pair too.

They are absolutely gorgeous. The amount of glitter is perfect, they look amazing when they catch the light. 

They're so comfortable to wear too (I don't do danglies very often). They compliment so many outfits and really 'make' an outfit, they're a real statement piece. 

The service from Atomic Mollie was great too, I was kept up to date on my pre-order status and was sent a discount code for my next order. 

Mollie says "What I love most of all is seeing people wearing my products. To see an item that I've made and put a lot of thought into put a smile on someone's face makes all the late nights gluing bits together and finalising designs worth it!"

These earrings come in SEVEN different colours (and I won't stop until I have the lot!) 

They are truly beautiful.

Atomic Mollie's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/atomicmollie/

Website: http://atomicmollie.tictail.com/

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/atomicmollie/

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review - Brooches by Dork Disco

Hand-drawn brooches inspired by the world of TV, music and film

First of all, I have to say how much I absolutely LOVE these amazing brooches. I squealed when I opened the package and found a Kurt Cobain and a Jarvis Cocker staring back at me.

I do love a brooch and I'd never seen anything like these ones before.

They are made in London by the wonderfully talented Lee Bamsey. Lee creates the brooches using printable shrink-plastic on her own unique hand-drawn celebrity-inspired designs.

Her Etsy shop is a treasure trove of familiar faces from the world of TV, music and film - there's quite an eclectic mix - Paul Weller, Amy Winehouse, Morrissey (with a cat on his head!)...there's even a Dot Cotton (Ooh, I say!) plus many, many others.

Lee also makes custom orders, so if there are any icons you'd particularly like to wear on your lapel - or even a mini you OR a brooch of your partner (Lee recently customized a brooch version of a customer's boyfriend!) send Lee a message and a picture, she only charges £15 for custom orders!

I honestly can't recommend Dork Disco enough - they're fantastic. As well as my Kurt and Jarvis, I also asked Lee to make a custom order for my friend's Christmas which is just as fabulous (I can't add a picture of it in case my friend reads this, but believe me, it's amazing!)

The prices are so reasonable starting at approx £8.00 - so if you're looking for a quirky, unique piece of jewellery please go and check out Dork Disco - you will not be disappointed (but be warned - they're addictive. Every time you think of another of your idols, you'll think "I wonder if Lee can make a brooch of him/her....?")

Follow Lee on Instagram: @leebamsey

Visit Dork Disco's Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DorkDisco?ref=shop_sugg

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties

My budding little empire!

I've wanted to start my own business for a very long time. I've had all sorts of ideas, but nothing has ever felt exactly right.

Until late last year, when I came up with the idea of a business which combines all of my favourite things, ideas and skills I've picked up over the years. 

I - of course - love vintage fashion and vintage style (I work freelance as a vintage stylist). I enjoy making things and getting creative. I am a qualified Holistic Massage Therapist. I love rummaging in charity shops, car boot sales and flea markets. I love delicious beauty products that make you feel fabulous. 

And parties. I really, really enjoy parties.

So when I added all of these ingredients together and added some sugar - Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties was born!

How does it work?

Well, I make a lot of lovely products - natural moisturising creams, lip balms and body scrubs that use only natural ingredients and make your skin glow. Delicious chocolatey treats. Jewellery made from vintage toys and game pieces. Vintage teacup candles using only Eco Soya wax and pure essential oils. 

Natural Moisturising Cream

Vintage Teacup Candles

Delicious Chocolate Treats

Jewellery made from vintage children's toys

I bring everything to your home or venue of your choice - for FREE! 

And then I spend the evening (or afternoon) pampering you and your guests with massage treatments and vintage styling - Bettie Bangs anyone? Or a Victory roll or two???

A gorgeous Rockabilly updo

Lovely Victory Rolls

Another glamorous and happy lady!

You and your guests get to look through my suitcase of goodies and buy some of the lovely products on offer. 

Table set up for a party - in your home or venue of your choice

And nothing at Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties costs more than £6.50! That includes styling and massage!

Kind to your skin, kind to the environment AND kind to your purse strings is how we roll at Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties!

My business is still very new and I'll be working on the promotional side over the next few months. I've been accepted as a trader at the UK's biggest Vintage Fair - Lou Lou's - so I'm looking forward to having a stall there and bringing Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties to the masses!

Until then I'm happily pampering, styling, crafting, rummaging for treasure and having parties!

Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties is based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

If you'd like to order any products/book a party or make an enquiry, please check out my facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/dollycupcakevintageparties or email me at dollycupcakevintageparties@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks for reading :-)

Review - Bow Hoe Brighton

Handcrafted bows and accessories using vintage fabrics

I was really excited when this beautiful parcel arrived:

Bow Hoe Brighton sent me two of their gorgeous handmade bows to review. They were packaged beautifully with logos on the packaging and stickers and a cute pink badge too.

Bow Hoe Brighton make their bows and accessories from vintage and unusual fabrics. Each of their bows has a history which is something I love in my clothing and accessories and why I will always opt for vintage over new. Bow Hoe transform old unused dresses, curtains etc into something new and beautiful, whilst retaining the history of the garment. Each bow comes with a label telling you what it used to be.

They were much bigger than I expected! I thought they'd be around the size of the type of bows you see on hair clips but I got a pleasant surprise when I opened the package and saw that the bows were much bigger than that - definitely statement hair accessories!

The first one I wore was this lovely grey floral-patterned bow that was once a curtain! 

The pink and grey colour combination on this bow is beautiful and feminine. I'm wary with florals and don't often like flowery patterns, but I fell in love with this bow immediately and wore it right away. It's funny to think that years ago it was hanging up at a window!

The other bow in the package is this stunning nautical creation, made from a 1960's sundress and a vintage button. 

I love all things nautical so I had a little squeal when I found out that I was going to be reviewing this little number. 

I have lots of outfits that will be topped off beautifully by this amazingly eye-catching bow. And knowing that someone wore it as a dress in the 60's makes it even more special. This will look lovely with many of my Summer dresses, but for now it is creating a colour pop with my Hell Bunny Winter coat.

As you can see, it's a great big beauty so definitely a statement piece which will top off any hairdo nicely and make even really bad hair days (like the one I'm having here) pretty!

I am delighted with my beautiful bows from Bow Hoe Brighton (and I also LOVE that name!) 

Most of the bows range from only £4.00 to around £8.00 depending on the fabric, style and size (Bow Hoe do mini bows too).

I definitely recommend checking out their other stunning bows and accessories (they also make 90's scrunchies!) on their Facebook page and Etsy shop. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter too to get the first look at their new items.

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BowHoeBrighton?ref=l2-shop-info-name

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bow-Hoe-Brighton/1529041574004804

Instagram: bowhoebrighton

Twitter: @bowhoebrighton

Lots of love and bows,

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx