Vintage Clothes Meet Vintage Decor

Southampton is not known to have that many vintage shops and it is a shame that even those few haven't differentiated themselves from charity shops. I first discovered Hepwright's a couple of years back but never made a fuss about it until few weeks ago when I noticed how the owner put an effort to make the shop look different. Catherine has opted to be original, giving us an absolute vintage experience.

I like the way she displayed the furniture and few touches around the shop.





















This lamp/cocktail cabinet is an absolute vintage! 

 


















And this home office furniture also used as a wardrobe - could be perfect if you are tight for space at home.

I like these ancient suitcases by the entrance - they'll look fab in the bedroom/sitting room too.











Being an interior designer and image consultant, this is one place I could not pass without making a fuss about.




Click here to visit Hepwright's website.

Went So FAST - Versace for H&M

The collection was sold out by mid day! A lot of people complained the launch missed them as they were on their desks working and the online shop was overwhelmed.

The world we live in is so unfair; here are some of the celebrities who got their hands on the collection before everyone else and didn't even have to queue.

Donatella Versace and Nicki Minaj

 Jessica Alba

Mark Robonson


















Emma Roberts


















Jennifer Hudson 

Selma Blair

Cloe Moretz

The hit jacket - it should be reproduced 

Are you one of the lucky people who had to queue to snap them? We would like to hear your comments and see a picture of you wearing your purchase.

The SO NOW fashion accessory - Shamballa

I met up with my friend for a girly afternoon last Tuesday. As I sat there flashing my new buy, shamballa, it suddenly became a topic of conversation. She said I'm the third person she has seen wearing them, and that the other two are guys. It is a clearly that this is a trend which has been picked equally by men and women.














Shamballa was originally a legend of hidden kingdom that is mentioned in various ancient texts. Shamballa gradually came to be seen as a pure land, a fabulous kingdom whose reality is visionary or spiritual as much as physical or geographical. Today, Shamballa is regarded as a place of “peace, tranquility, and happiness”. Some Tibetan medical texts those are believed to have come from this kingdom of Samballa describing human anatomy and physiology, sophisticated theories and methods of diagnosis, and ways to prevent and cure serious diseases. It is also said that Shamballa is the dharma chakra, located in the heart of all living beings. It is the symbol for the mind, completing the trinity of body, speech, and mind.

The shamballa/ shambhala/ sambhala bracelet is originally a religious charm inspired by ancient traditions of Buddhism and Tibetan,  with spiritual philosophy of meditation, yoga and holistic medicine. They are believed to encourage spiritual healing, peace, tranquility and happiness. Shamballa bracelets are traditionally made from hemp cord, leather or nylon straps which are then embellished with beautiful stones or beads. The typical shamballa bracelet will have 5 to 7 beads or stones set within the bracelet which woven together with symmetrical braids. Each bead or stone used in the shamballa bracelet is said to symbolize a particular belief or philosophy such as peace, harmony, enlightenment or spirituality.

Mads Kornerup is believed to be behind this movement of shamballa to become fashion pieces and now the likes of Nialaya, Tresor Paris, Jada Styles, Utopia and more are designing and stoking them - from high end shops such as Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus and Harrods to high street shops such as Essential. They come in a variety of styles (bracelets/ neclases), colours, materials and bling. Their price ranges from around £2 right up to £3k, well if you can afford real diamonds. 

And if you didn't know, right now they are  the newest must have accessory craze, and they have become the new height of cool. HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway,HRH Princess Kasia al Tahani of Kuwait; hip hop and R&B Moguls Jay-Z, Kanye, Lil-Wayne, Busta Rymes,Usher and Ciara; actors Ashton Kutcher and Daniel Day Lewis; actresses Helena Christensen, Joy Bryant, Lindsay Lohan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary Kate Olsen and Demi Moore; basketball legend Michael Jordan; basketball players Lamar Odom and LeBron James; tennis Legend Boris Becker; singers Rihanna, Beyonce and Toby Keith; stand-up comedienne, television host and actress Ellen DeGeneres; football players Mesut Özil and Wender Bremen; Italian model and socialite Bianca Brandolini and  well.... ME are just some who like to wear Shamballa.

What not to like about them?
They are so eye catching and discretely CHIC!