CREATIVES 02 - ICED RAINBOW

It's time for the next installement of my 'Creatives' interview series, where I feature the independent brands and artists that deserve some extra recognition. This time round, it is quirky, handmade accessories label, Iced Rainbow, founded by the lovely Tom, who was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Where did it all begin for Iced Rainbow?
It all stems from being a keen creative when I was growing up - always drawing and I loved art, cooking, music and woodwork at school.

What is the story behind your unusual brand name?
Well... we all like a bit of sparkle and colour right? So.... my name comes from the meaning 'anything iced in all colours of the rainbow'. I work with sparkle and colourful pieces every day. It also means I'm a colourful person, bright and bubbly, and I try to show that in all my designs.

What challenges do you face being a small brand?
Honestly.... like every business it doesn't come without its challenges, so I'd have to say its exposure and just making your brand/designs stand out.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspirations come from many things: nature, experiences, holidays and that my mind sees things in a different way to others, like all creatives really.

I love your Majestic Hare pieces, do you have a personal favourite?

Thank you those are actually a story in themselves, as for having any favourites well I couldn't possibly pick one but.... if I had to choose it has to be my new colour pop, monochrome and floral rings because they add a bit of quirky fun and style to any outfit.

You have an amazing range of jewellery, plenty of which is unisex. Do you have a particular person in mind when you design?

I wanted to appeal to men and women of all ages, so I based most of my designs on both. As for having anyone in mind when I make anything - except for what I think people would love - I just let the creativity flow, take note of what others want, or suggest, as well as taking note of current trends.

Your designs have been worn by the likes of Beverly Knight an Nicole Scherzinger. Who else would you love to rock some Iced Rainbow beauts?

I can't say that I've thought about it much but if I had to pick it'd have to be Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Kodaline, and Mumford and Sons maybe, just to name a few.

What is next for Iced Rainbow?

Just to expand my product range more, as most of my designs are limited edition.

So, next time you're thinking about picking up some quirky accessories, why not check out Iced Rainbow. Here are some of my personal favourites...

1.) Wings of an Angel Charm Necklace.
2.) Magestic Hare Charm Necklace.
3.) Fields of Gold Barley Charm Necklace.
4.) Men's Osiris Double Leater Bracelet.

Dont forget to follow Iced Rainbow on Facebook and Twitter, to get all the up-to-date news and releases.

What are your faves from Iced Rainbow?

 Stay tuned for the next installment in 'Creatives' coming soon...

Gems x

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY - DOROTHY PERKINS CLUTCH AND NECKLACE

It was my birthday yesterday - I turned 31 and I honestly don't know how that happened, I was 19 just yesterday, I'm sure of it - and I was really spoiled, especially by the boyfriend, who took me on a shopping spree and even bought me a couple of things to giveaway on my blog. Did I hit the jackpot or what? And he is younger (not much younger at 29, but I am still counting him as my delicious toy boy).

Amongst the lovely things he bought me that day, included a lovely smock dress from the Dorothy Perkins that was a bargain £7 in the sale. Whilst in there I saw a lovely clutch bag and thought it would be great as a giveaway to my readers because it was a gorgeous colour and perfect for summer. I wanted something a little bit extra to help you lovely people celebrate my birthday with me, so I picked up this matching necklace.

So I'm giving away these two lovely accessories to add a pop of colour to any outfit. The competition is open to international entries and will close on the 22nd of July at 10pm. If you want to win, grab yourself some multiple entries below with the rafflecopter widget...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A winner be chosen at random and will be announced and contacted on the 23rd of July and must respond within 48 hours otherwise another winner will be selected. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Good luck everyone

Gems x

SPACE NAILS

Sorry for a little bit of an absence over the last week, I have just been absolutely snowed under with work and things to do, I haven't had any spare time to sit down and blog, which sucks. That is one of the hard things about being a freelancer, if you don't work, you don't get paid, so you don't get a lot of time to yourself. On the other hand, it does make you more appreciative of your evenings relaxing and long Sunday afternoon snoozes (no one can snooze like me).

So with some of my precious time to myself, I decided to mess about with my nails and try a little something different. Inspired by Channel $'s recent 'Space' season (how amazing was the live lap around the planet, courtesy of the International Space Station), I went for sparkly black and silver together. The pictures were taking after I removed the nail varnish from all over my hand...seriously it was everywhere, I'm the twitchiest, shakiest person I know.

 

So If you haven't already guessed, I'm a total space nerd, what brings out you're inner nerd?

Gems x

LITTLE GEM ON THE PRAIRIE

  When the lovely Stephanie of Praiire Charms asked me if I was interested in taking part in her Project Blogger, I first went along to the website to see what it was all about. Well first I can tell you that Prairie Charms is a handmade bracelet brand with a big heart. Sourcing gems and charms from all over the world, they make sure that each piece is limited edition and this is isn't just wonderful for the weather, it also does something wonderful for someone else.

You see Prairie Charms donates 10% of profits to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, 'Kiss it Better', which aims to raise money for the research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancer - now isn't that something worth dipping your pockets into for.

As part of their Project Blogger, a whopping 50% discount is given on an item of your choice, which is not only a right little bargain, but it also means that Prairie Charms can still donate to their super charity of choice. So with my mega discount I splashed out and went for the bracelet set imaginatively entitled, 'All Imaginable Futures Are Not Equally Possible' and included two gorgeous wooden bead bracelets with bow and feather vintage-style charms.

 Keeping in with the spirit of charity I wore them with the super wooden rings I picked up last week at a event at Newcastle Cathedral, where all the proceeds went to various good causes. The black and cream wooden beads are surprisingly glossy, which contrasts well with the tarnished gold of the charms. Also hurray for elastic, which means they wont be slipping off my teeny tiny wrists when I'm walking around.

I think what Prairie Charms is doing is wonderful, so I'm going to GIVE AWAY one of the bracelets to one of you lucky readers. You don't have do anything to win, all you have to do is leave a comment below with your email address and which colour you would prefer. It's open internationally and closes midnight 12th August.

I will ask you one thing though, since we are talking charity, is to consider donating a pound or two to brave the Jamie Inglis Appeal - a really brave little boy suffering from neuroblastoma, who's best chance of survival is with treatment in Germany, following a relapse in his condition, but since the NHS will not pay his family is desperately trying to raise the £250,000 required. I saw his story on the news and my heart just broke and I went straight to his Just Giving page, and if you take the time to visit you may just want to help too, no matter how small it all counts.

Oh and if you want to take part in the Prairie Charms Project Blogger, visit this page to find out all the necessary info.

Have any of you guys visited Prairie Charms yet? My stunning bracelet set has sold out unfortunately, but their 'To the Moon and Back' piece is just as pretty.

Gems x

BIRTHDAY HAUL 1 - AWESOME ACCESSORIES!

As you probably already know, it was my birthday last week, so the spending ban has ended an I have been treating myself to a few little bits and bobs (as well as being totally spoiled by others too). So the first in my birthday haul posts is the accessories I have purchased - it is amazing how some well chosen jewellery, or colour pop of nail varnish, can really change an outfit, so I stocked up. Expect to see them popping up in outfit posts really soon!

My boyfriend was kind enough to buy me the silver sunnies (if there is no sun I will wear those bad boys in the rain!) and the pink studded bracelet, which was really kind of him - it is the little gestures that mean the most I find.

Multi-layer Spike Bracelet, Gold by Giles Nail Varnish, Spiked Ear Cuff and Cross Earrings - All New Look.
Pink Spiked Bracelet and Silver Framed Sunglasses - H&M.

Silver Collar Necklace and Glitter Polish, H&M
No.7 Nail Polishes, Boots

 

 I am loving accessories at the minute, especially anything studded or spiked - it's my inner punk coming out! I even bought the ripped jeans from New Look I was lusting after last week.

So what have you guys been treating yourself too recently? Because doesn't everyone deserve a treat every now and then, don't they?

Gems x

ACCESSORISING APRIL

Throughout April I have been trying to curb my spending since it is a big birthday month - we have had my fabulous sister's 30th, my hero Granda Dava's 80th Birthday and in the first week of May it's Mr Well Done's birthday (how bloody selfish of him), so I've been watching the wallet making sure I can get them the wonderful gifts that they deserve.

Of course, Sods Law dictates that when you can't spend money, you can't stop seeing things that you want to spend money on. But, I was good and instead of buying new outfits that I definitely didn't need, I bought reasonably priced accessories that would change the look of garments that I already had, giving them a fresh feel.

1. Silver Envelope Clutch,H&M
2. NYC Spring Street polish; Collection 2000 Love Your Lips in Passion; Collection 2000, Sherbert Lemon.
3. Snakeskin Woven Straw Clutch, H&M
4. Striped Cotton Scarf, H&M
5.Barry M Mint Green Polish; Rimmel Lasting Polish in Your Majesty.

6. Vintage Beaded Collar

7.) Silver Buckle Bracelet, H&M
8.) Silver Rings, H&M

Also this month I was lucky enough to win a competition this month on Facebook from one of my favourite new bands Clement Marfo & The Frontline, winning a signed T-shirt. It came in the post a few weeks ago, and I can't decide if I should wear it, or keep it safe until they are huge - an investment so to speak. Check out their hit, Mayhem ft Kano - it is one hell of a tune.

So what have you guys been spending your hard earned money on this month?
Hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Gems x