Handmade and the high street: get ready for the party season



Today, I'm launching a new fashion feature on the blog. It's to highlight how well handmade and the high street (in this case, the virtual high street) sit together.


 I've chosen to start with my new
'gothic revival' necklace and earrings.  I think they are real party or occassion pieces, and a bit different to my usual creations, so I've picked some stunning fashion pieces from major retailers to feature alongside.

Both the necklace and the earrings using deep red Czech glass diamond shaped beads and smokey grey bicone crystals.  The necklace also has dark grey hematite semi precious cubes and teardrop crystals.  I think the necklace has a bit of a Gothic look to it, and also reminds me of the sort of style popular in Edwardian times.




Maybe one of you is looking for a real statement outfit for the Christmas celebrations - you couldn't do better than to keep up with the season's trends.  Grey (or gray, if you prefer!) is the new black, and a splash of red just adds to the mix nicely.  Of course, grey is nearly silver, so that's perfect to go with this jewellery set, available in both Folksy and Etsy shops this week.



This satin crepe evening dress in grey from John Lewis has just the right dramatic cowl neckline to support a statement necklace like Gothic Revivial.

john lewis emily dressMonsoon evening sandalsDebenhams bag



You'll need some 'knock-their-socks-off shoes' too. These pewter sandals from Monsoon are just right. Maybe if it's snowing, you take them in a bag to change into!

And taking a purse, mobile and keys is no problem with this stunning ruffle bag from Ben de Lisi at Debenhams. How red is that?

Put them all together and you have a real statement outfit!

Let me know what you think of this feature, won't you?

Many thanks to John Lewis, Monsoon and Debenhams for granting permission to use their images in this post.