Filed under: Charity, Gift Ideas, Hearts, Valentine | Tags: Doctors Without Borders, Donate, Etsy, Haiti, Hearts For Haiti
You all know how much I adore Etsy as a fantastic place to shop for all manner of fabulousness. Now I have even more reason for shopping there.
A number of sellers on Etsy have banded together and formed Hearts for Haiti in order to raise more much needed money for Doctors Without Borders to continue the good work they are already doing.
If you are shopping for a Valentine present (for a loved one or just treating yourself!) you could do a lot worse than browse through the huge array of items on offer. There really is something for pretty much everyone, and every budget.
Spleen and Glamour Dress by Steam Machine, for Hearts for Haiti: $250
I absolutely adore this dress, it looks as though it should be a lot more expensive and purchased in some terribly posh boutique. If you’d told me Alice Temperley had designed it I’d believe you. Only it’s it’s a hellavalot cheaper! It looks like something Helena Bonham Carter could rock up to an awards ceremony (or popping down to the supermarket) in, looking effortlessly sexy and slightly undone.
It’s all darkly flapperish and it has a spooky dolls head on the front of the beautiful applique. What’s not to love? Just look at the exquisite beading and the amount of work put into the dress:
Spleen and Glamour Dress by Steam Machine, for Hearts for Haiti: $250
Oh yes. If it were my size I would snap it up immediately. Somebody buy this before I resolve to have a breast reduction merely so I can fit my cleavage into it!
Hearts for Haiti describe themselves as…
…an Etsy collective of donated items from hundreds of Etsy shops to raise money to rebuild Haiti. 100% of the proceeds from this shop (minus Etsy fees and Paypal fees) go directly to DoctorsWithoutBorders (http://doctorswithoutborders.org ). This shop has permission to use the DoctorsWithoutBorders name and a separate bank account and Paypal account have been opened to maintain the integrity of this shop.
Love Art Print by Paula Mills, for Hearts for Haiti: $18
Items have been donated from many individual shops; each shop has included their particulars ( country, shipping time) in each listing. All items include seller-donated free shipping (most worldwide, see individual listing). Because the need is SO great, we want you to buy and help support Etsians helping Haiti. The theme for the next few weeks is heart items but we have more than just that. Please browse our sections to the right and know that your purchase in this shop not only gets you a great Etsy item but it also helps alleviate the needs in Haiti through donations to DoctorsWithoutBorders (MédeçinsSansFrontières).
Love Heart Coral Bracelet by Morning Sky Jewelry, for Hearts for Haiti: $25.95
Certainly not just for Valentines, any one of these beautiful pieces could be given as Birthday, anniversary or “just because” gifts.
How about this charming box of hand-crocheted cranberry coloured roses in a heart-shaped gift box? An ideal Mother’s Day present I’m thinking, or something unique and thoughtful to give a craft-loving friend.
Hand Crocheted Roses by Willo, for Hearts for Haiti: $30
Do have a good look – there are some very talented designers donating to this cause.
Until next time, sweethearts,
Miss Nightingale,
x
Filed under: Alexander McQueen, Alice in Wonderland, Decadence, Etsy, Fairytales, Fashion, Fripperies, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp, Modern Nostalgic, OPI, Sue Wong, Tim Burton, Trinkets, Victorian
Tim Burton was the obvious choice for the latest Alice in Wonderland adaptation. Quirky, dark, unsettling whimsy? Burton’s your go-to guy!
Ooh, it does look rather good, doesn’t it?
The Burtonesque version of the story begins with a hoity toity party in Victorian England, at which the now 17 year old Alice (the “virtual unknown” Mia Wasikowska) is about to be proposed to in front of the hideously toffee-nosed guests.
She falls down the rabbit hole (again) and is plunged headfirst into the crazy, mixed-up world of Wonderland.
A world populated by Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat (oh, rapture!), Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen of Hearts,
Matt Lucas as Tweedledum and Tweedledee (utterly terrifying, but great casting!)
Of course a Burton film must have a Johnny Depp in it, and this time he’s the Mad Hatter. One wonders if he’ll basically be reprising his role as Willy Wonka in Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
I do hope not. In fact, I pray that very little will ever resemble anything from that particular film, as I thought it was a complete disaster. But I digress…
Anne Hathaway’s costume looks lovely. And great lipstick, by the way. I want that lipstick!
So, Alice is back in Wonderland, but this time she’s all grown up. Of course, she’s going to need a few trinkets and fripperies to see her through…
When the film’s released, expect to see a plethora of Wonderland madness all over the place.
One of my favourite vintage-style designers, Sue Wong, has developed a niche collection inspired by Burton’s Wonderland, and utterly beautiful dresses they are, too. I would expect nothing less, her pieces always look as though they could be displayed in the V&A. Incredibly lust-worthy.
Ultra-chic Parisian department store Printemps have asked a number of their favourite designers to furnish the windows with bespoke, Alice-inspired pieces.
As Vogue reported, “Some of the fashion world’s best known names – including Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Manish Arora, Maison Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, Bernhard Willhelm and Haider Ackermann – have been asked to create a one-off dress for Alice, which will then be displayed in the window of the Parisian department store during Paris Fashion Week.”
Urban Decay have been busy, too, developing an authorised”Book of Shadows” to tie-in with the film, in utterly delectable packaging.
I fear they may already have sold out, though! It’s a “…very limited release” (“limited” being a very movable feast whenever beauty manufacturers are involved, so I’ve found. Limited to what? 50? 500? 5,000?).
To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t get that hot under the collar about the shadows anyway. I’m more of a lips gal, truth be told. I’m a sucker for a well-packaged product, though!
Probably more of interest to me is the news that O.P.I have also put together a collection of Wonderland-inspired colours.
Though I have to agree with the review at All Laquered Up - I think two reds were overkill in this collection, and Off With Her Red is terribly boring. With such a pool of inspiration to draw from, surely they could have gone with something a little more spectacular than plain ol’ tomato red? I love the suggestion (in the article linked above) of a white glitter with tiny heart-shaped confetti pieces in it!
And now to furnish my little corner of Wonderland…
How about this Tea Time vinyl wall decoration, for your very own Mad-Hatter’s tea party? I think it turns what could otherwise have been a drab wallpaper into a witty take on traditional design. Love it!
Tea Time Decal by Say It With Style: $35
To go to tea, Alice must have a wonderful dress, of course. This beautiful vintage number seems very much in keeping with the film’s style.
Tulle 50's Strapless Dress by Land of 1000 Dresses: $250
For something a little more everyday (but still fabulous), I’ve plumped for Abi Bansal’s midnight blue ‘Coachella’ dress. I can see a modern-day in this, can’t you?
Coachella Dress by Abi Bansal Designs: $160
A inspired by Suzie Chaney’s limited edition ‘The Queen’s Croquet’ print:
The Queen's Croquet Limited Edition Print by Suzie Chaney: $23
…I would team the Coachella dress with these great candy striped stockings by Poppy’s Wicked Garden:
Cutie Pie Candy Striped Stockings by Poppy's Wicked Garden: $25
…and these absolutely perfect vintage Mary Jane style shoes from Dear Golden Vintage:
Vintage Mary Janes by Dear Golden Vintage: $37
For the Red Queen, I think this corset would be just the thing. The detailing is wonderful, as are all the pieces at Boom Boom Baby Boutique.
Queen of Hearts Corset by Boom Boom Baby Boutique: $225
These “Drink Me” sticks would be perfect to decorate the cocktails at a Mad Hatter’s Teaparty themed wedding reception! Or any party at all. They’re from the talented Pink Cherry Momma, who also does a splendid set of “Eat Me’s” too (shown in my Etsy treasury style collection further down the page). I adore them!
12 Drink Me Party Picks by Pink Cherry Momma: $10.95
Well, I could go on and on with this theme, but suppose I should stop somewhere. 
Do have fun browsing through this gallery of temptations I put together for a future Etsy Treasury selection. Have a sneak peek at my choices…
Direct links to items shown, left to right:
1st Row: 1) Abi Bansal Design, 2) Cosmic Firefly, 3) Ju Ju Too
2nd Row: 1) Pink Cherry Momma, 2) Untamed Menagerie, 3) Five Sisterz
3rd Row: 1) Boom Boom Baby Boutique, 2) Suzie Chaney, 3) Amber Alexander
4th Row: 1) Nickel Design, 2) Les Delicieux, 3) Land of 1000 Dresses
Yours curiously….
Miss Nightingale
x
… LML from Modern Marie wins the beautiful Let Them Eat Cake print by Blu Lima in a colour of her choice.
(LML – Just click on the picture below to be taken to the page, then click on “contact” and let Sharon know which colour you wanted and your address, and she’ll get it sent off to you. 
)
Let Them Eat Cake by Blu Lima
I randomly select winners of my giveaways using random.org and numbering comments left in chronological order. Seems the best way.
But how fitting that the writer of a lovely blog, who calls herself a “modern Marie Antoinette” should win! I do hope you enjoy the print, my dear. And many thanks again to the wonderfully generous Sharon from Blu Lima from donating this prize!
I’m cooking Jambalaya again, so am off to do some stirring. Smells good so far *licks lips*
Until next time, dear hearts,
Miss Nightingale
x
Filed under: 18th Century, Competions, Marie Antoinette, Pictures | Tags: Antoinette, Blu Lima, fun, portraits, prints, prize, win
Hurry, hurry, hurry!
Roll-up, roll-up, roll-up!
That’s right, you saucy minxes, it’s the very last chance for you to enter the fabulous Marie Antoinette competition! I shall pick a winner by the end of the day (Monday 18th January).
All you have to do is go to THIS POST of mine and leave a comment saying which colour Let Them Eat Cake print you’d like.
That’s it.
And now, have some lovely pictures… (slightly) altered by yours truly.
Filed under: Competions, Decadence, Etsy, Marie Antoinette, cakes | Tags: competition, free, giveaway, let them eat cake, Print, prize
In case you missed it (it was a last-minute update) I’m running a great giveaway, thanks to Blu Lima offering one of her gorgeous Let Them Eat Cake prints as a competition prize for my readers!
Just go to yesterday’s Marie Antoinette post and leave a comment, saying which is your favourite colour of the print. You can see the other colour options here.
Entries close on Monday 18th January 2010 so go and leave your comment asap!
Let Them Eat Cake print by Blu Lima
Good luck
Filed under: 18th Century, 2010, Accessories, Competions, Cupcakes, Decadence, Domestic Sluttery, Etsy, Fairytales, Fashion, Fripperies, Marie Antoinette, Modern Nostalgic, Style, Trinkets | Tags: Art, cake, competition, free, French, giveaway, historical, ice cream, let them eat cake, Marie Antoinette, Modern, pastel, pink, Print, prize, Queen of France, sugar, yellow
[UPDATE] The amazingly generous Blu Lima has offered one of her Let Them Eat Cake prints as a give-away prize for readers of my blog! Scroll down to see how to enter (you just have to leave a comment on this post, nothing complicated!)
What would Marie Antoinette wear if she were around today?
When I’m not pondering the great mysteries of the universe or musing on the latest developments in space travel, such are the questions that tickle my fancy. Also, it’s rather cold and depressing, lately, what with The Great Snow Débâcle and everyone and their dog on diets and seemingly mooching around all grumpy with faces like wet weekends. How utterly miserable and boring!
Let’s cheer ourselves up with frills and furbelows…
The first piece that caught my eye – and in fact the inspiration for this entire post, is the be-ruffled extravaganza that is this stunning handmade top by the ultra talented Steam Machine. The designer poses the question of what Marie would dress like today…
“This awesome top reminds me of Marie Antoinette but in a modern way. What would she dress like if she lived today? I think she would love the ruffles and the soft, stretchy cotton in peach.”
Let Them Eat Cake Ruffled Top by Steam Machine: $95
I absolutely love it. It is made to order and takes up to 14 days to complete, using vintage fabrics, so will be completely unique. I would absolutely wear it with jeans and riding boots (or the Woland and Moon boots featured in a little while!) but Marie may have preferred something a little dressier.
To each their own. However you wear it, it’s one of those classic with a twist pieces you just know you’d hang on to forever.
Let Them Eat Cake Ruffled Top by Steam Machine: $95
I think a bit of self-referential style wouldn’t go amiss, and I’m sure she’d love the colours of this t-shirt by 2 Girls Plastic.
Marie Antoinette T-shirt by 2 Girls Plastic: $19.95
I think she would be a huge fan of the sugary, beautiful little works of art that are Macarons, and would thus like to saunter around the house in pyjama bottoms and the J’aime Le Macaron t-shirt by A Table for Two.
I have to say, this t-shirt would also surely be perfect for Carol Gillott of the wonderful blog, Paris Breakfasts. She is often to be found waxing lyrical about Macarons – indeed, macarons are almost a religion in and of themselves!
I Love Macaron with Feet T-shirt by A Table for Two: $27
In case you are wondering about the curious “avec les pieds”, the designer assures us that “J’aime les macaron avec les pieds” – is the French way to express how much you love macaron… with feet, literally.”
Oh yes, these boots are undeniably more expensive than a simple high-street purchase, but they are entirely handmade for each customer using the finest leather and Venetian silk with an antique floral print, so hardly unjustified!
Antoinette Boots by Woland and Moon: $700
I think Marie would have quite liked stomping around in these when she tired of elaborate heels and wanted to give her tootsies a rest. Woland and Moon have one of the most unusual ranges of chunky, kick-ass yet incredibly feminine ranges of footwear I’ve ever seen.
On more delicate days, she could slip on these gorgeous vintage couture shoes being sold by A-Hem Vintage. Beautiful fabric, and I love the huge pom-pom rosettes on the front!
50's/60's Couture Shoes, A-Hem Vintage: $36
These couture quality painstakingly hand-embroidered cuffs by La Camelot are just breathtakingly beautiful and could be a future heirloom.
Marie Antoinette Embroidered Cuffs by La Camelot: $800
Incredibly cheering, this Let Them Eat Cake print by Blu Lima would be perfect in a kitchen.I particularly like the yellow version.
You can win your very own copy of this print simply by leaving a comment on this post, letting me know which is your favourite colour, and where you would hang your print.
Go and browse Blu Lima’s other colour options (and have a gander at the other lovely prints she’s selling) and leave that comment now to be in with a chance of winning!
I will close entries at the end of Monday 18th January 2010. Good luck!
Many thanks to the lovely Sharon for offering this fabulous prize.
Let Them Eat Cake print by Blu Lima: $5
If you were to have one of the Marie Antoinette themed tea-parties I wrote about previously, you would absolutely need these cute chandelier print bags to fill with goodies for your guests to take home, don’t you think? Perhaps a mini cupcake, a feather plume hair clip, some pretty vintage ribbons and homemade chocolates?
Shabby Chic French Chandelier Gift Bags (10) by Parlene: $5
I like this updated cage panier hooped skirt very much, though I think you’d have to be a pretty young slip of a gal to get away with it in every day wear.
Cage Panier Skirt by Youth Diaspora: $250
The tarnished crown charm is rather appropriate on this Bouquet for Marie bracelet. I have always loved this combination of colours, too. Says the designer:
“I’ve been feeling overwhelmingly inspired by Marie lately, or maybe the cinematography and costumes in the movie have gone to my head! Either way, it has made for some pretty and interesting creations depicting the lavishness, opulence, and bold fashion that Marie was known for. It is my hope to create a sort of enchanted, slightly excessive, yet whimisical dream world that will have you basking in the glory of your own little empire (but you get to skip the French Revolution and keep your head)!”
A Bouquet for Marie Bracelet by Eclectic Orchid: $26.50
These little hand-stamped notecards are so sweet – who wouldn’t be happy to receive one of these through the post instead of the usual dreary dross we are delivered? Indeed, just about everything in The French Nest Co’s shop would have been appropriate to this Marie Antoinette theme. If you like unusual French inspired shabby chic items, you’ll be in Heaven!
Set of 4 Love Letters from Marie Antoinette by The French Nest Co: $5
“Bold and brilliant yet so delicate and charming” is an excellent description of this upcycled vintage necklace. I would wear it with something quite casual for everyday, and it would turn a little black dress into a showstopping outfit – especially if it was a low-cut one that showed the necklace to its best advantage. Love it!
Her Royal Highness Vintage Assemblage Necklace by Jealous Cat: $149
And here they are all gathered together for your delectation – cheering to the soul, I think you’ll agree!
I DO want to show a few more items not in the selection due to lack of space, but which are equally lust-after-able and very suited to Marie Antoinette 2010, I hope you’ll agree… Scroll down for further eye-candy.
Sorry for this image-heavy post, but I just couldn’t resist showing you these ones, too!
More chandelier goodness in the form of a cushion, this time. I like the fact the image is an old-fashioned idea of decor, yet the colour and the bold printing method bring this bang up to date. The juxtaposition of old and new is one of my favourite looks in interior design.
Chandelier Pillow by Pillow Palllooza: $78
There are many females of my close acquaintance who would be delighted to wear this whimsical custom-made cupcake print dress. I think you’d have to toughen it up a bit with leggings or thick tights and my go-to suggestion of stompy boots or chunky-heeled shoes (to avoid it looking too cutesy) but I imagine the gals at Domestic Sluttery might also coo after this one.
Custom Cupcakes Smocked Dress by Anayna DF: $62
Cake and Ice cream, a match made in Heaven… this print is part of the “You & Me” 2009 Valentine series, in which the artist has “…picked iconic couplings that I hope people and their partners will identify with.” I can certainly identify with this! I think it would look just darling when teamed with the Let Them Eat Cake print show earlier in this post.
Cake and Ice Cream framed print by Bishop Art: $15
I’m sure Marie Antoinette would appreciate the coupling, too. She’d definitely have this in her kitchen. Well, if she wouldn’t, I certainly would!
I do hope you have enjoyed this rather rambling and giddy post, my dears; and that it has gladdened your hearts or made you feel a little sunnier, wherever you are.
Until next time,
Miss Nightingale
x
Filed under: Books, Fripperies, Trinkets, Victorian, Victoriana | Tags: Etsy, Fashion, film, movie, Sherlock Holmes, Style
I haven’t seen this yet (our nearest cinema is a nightmare to get to unless you drive, which we don’t) so may have to wait for the DVD again, but ooooh I am looking forward to it.
I wasn’t, to tell the truth, because I dislike Jude Law really quite intensely and it all seemed a bit tawdry, and not in a good way.
However, many of my friends have given this film excellent reviews and the trailer does make me want to watch it.
Ah, seedy Victorian underworlds, my favourite.
Inspired by all things Holmes-y, I put together a little selection of trinkets & fripperies available from the ever-delectable Etsy sellers.
Just how ridiculously adorable Sherlock Holmes gal (knitting pattern)? I may have actually squealed slightly…
Sherlock Holmes Doll Pattern, by Hand Made Awards: $4.50
I wish I could knit, I want one! She looks really sassy and slightly mischievous, doesn’t she?
In fact, I would like all of these things. Maybe not to wear all together. There’s a fine line between “rocking a look” and “fancy dress”.
I do hope you enjoy – and let me know what you thought of the film if you have seen it already!
Direct links to items shown, left to right:
1st Row: 1) Spoonful of Chocolate, 2) Hand Made Awards, 3) Art Find
2nd Row: 1) Big Bad, 2) Foowahu, 3) Dirty City Vintage
3rd Row: 1) Clayshion, 2) Eclectic Circle, 3) The Stapelias Company
4th Row: 1) Little Squidgeon, 2) Dragon Cat, 3) The Honey Press
I’m delighted that this selection is also a current Etsy Treasury. Yay! (Expires Wednesday 3:50am)
[EDIT: Aww, the Sherlock Holmes book bag has already sold! Still, do have a look around the rest of Spoonful of Chocolate - lots more book bags to choose from. I love them, so unusual].
Yours tweedily,
Miss Nightingale,
x
Filed under: Home Sweet Home, Pantiles | Tags: 2010, Kent, Pantiles, Photos, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Snow, Winter
Hullo dearhearts,
I thought I’d share with you a few of the photos (very hastily taken on my phone as it was blizzard conditions and my hands were so cold out of my leather gloves!) from my walk home from work last night.
Very pretty it was, crunching my way through the snow in The Pantiles with the twinkling blue lights scattered in the trees and the rapidly darkening blue of the sky, the welcoming warm glows emanating from cosy cafes and steamy-windowed pubs.
However pretty, I was still very pleased to get out of the snow.
It was so cold that, by the time I got home, I had large clumps of ice in my hair!
Baby, it’s cold outside…
Until next time, wrap up warm darlings!
Miss Nightingale
x
Filed under: Etsy | Tags: competition, makeup, Mineral Eye Shadows, Pink Quartz Minerals, prize
Amy Kalinchuk!
Amy Kalinchuk is the winner of FIVE Pink Quartz Mineral eyeshadow colours of her choice! Lucky gal.
Amy, I have contacted Doree from Pink Quartz Minerals and told her to expect an Etsy Conversation with you soon – just let her know your choice of colours for your own personal slection to be winging their way to you!
Congratulations again, and many thanks to the wonderful Doree and her generosity in supplying this great prize!
Until next times, sweethearts,
Miss Nightingale
x
Filed under: Etsy | Tags: competition, eyeshadow, free, freebies, giveaway, makeup, mineral, Pink Quartz Minerals, prize
Ooooh, I’m so excited – the first ever giveaway on my blog!
First things first. Let me explain why I love this range so much.
Last night I placed another order for a must-have product of mine: Posy Glow Bronzer by Pink Quartz Minerals (shown third from the right on the bottom row)…
It’s a miracle worker, a real hero of the makeup bag. This will be my second full-size pot, having plumped for a trial-sized version at first (utterly unconvinced that a bronzer could work – and NOT be ORANGE – on my pasty goth reformed-goth face.
Reader, my dearest. You know how some reviews of beauty items mention that a co-worker or friend asked if the reviewer had been on holiday or had a weekend at a spa or been on a detox diet, how else to account for their flawless, glowing with health complexion? I assumed all such reviews were a load of old, um, codswallop. To put it politely.
Until my great beauty apocalypse.*dramatic drum roll*
Oh my goodness, I can wear bronzer without looking like a terrible accident in a tanning booth!
I received more compliments on my complexion that day than I ever had before. People said I looked “really healthy” (HA!) and I began to wonder if people thought I usually looked half-dead (probably) or like I couldn’t be bothered (which is entirely true most days).
Anyway, it works. It ISN”T ORANGE. It’s a candlelight glow in a pot, it lasts for an absolute age and is so gentle on my ultra-sensitive skin.
Pink Quartz Minerals Light Concealer
Since then I’ve been delighted to try a number of other products in the Pink Quartz Minerals range – the translucent veil is another staple of my makeup bag, the eyeshadows are utterly glorious and the latest item winging its way to me is the pot of light concealer I also ordered last night, which I shall of course report back on.
COMPETITION:
I am delighted to tell you that Pink Quartz Minerals are giving one lucky reader of my blog an amazing eyeshadow kit worth $20- YOU get to pick ANY FIVE mineral eyeshadow colours you like, from the multitude available… just look at the incredible choice, below! [Click on the pictures to go to the listing, where you can zoom-in for a better view of the colours...
It's like a patchwork quilt of gorgeousness!
HOW TO ENTER: Go to Pink Quartz Minerals and browse through their array of desirable products, then leave a comment on this blog post telling me which other items of theirs you like best - what would you be tempted by?
TWEET about it (linking to this post) OR link here from your blog, facebook or other website for a free EXTRA ENTRY.
You can copy & paste this short link if you don't have much space - especially useful for Twitter: http://wp.me/pB13M-bD
One mention only, I don't want you spamming people, darlings.
Don't forget to leave your Twitter name (mine is beyondpale) or link to the place you have mentioned this competition in your comment, or I wont be able count your extra entry!
Once you have commented, make sure you check back to see if you have won! (Leave your email address or a link back to where you can be contacted!)
The closing date/time is this coming Sunday (10th Jaunary 2009) at 12pm (GMT - check here for current local time in the UK. I will be randomly selecting a winner from those who have commented.
When I contact the winner by email, I will direct them to Pink Quartz Minerals where they select their FIVE favourite eyeshadow colours and await their fabulous prize.
Good luck, duckies!
Now, for your delectation, and to whet your appetite, here are a few more pictures of the sumptuous looks available from Pink Quartz Minerals eyeshadows. Remember, they can be used dry, wet for bolder colour and are even gentle enough to use as eyeliners...
Dragon
Velvet, Fairy Wing and Black Steel combination
Aronia & Ghost combination
Black Steel & Night Dust combination
I wish you all the very best of luck, again, dear hearts!
Until next time,
Miss Nightingale
x
