Show Your Sparkle

For the last 8 years Pauline Clifford has been dedicating her time to making people shine. With fabulous footwear, that is.

Pauline set up StarSparkles after finding that her very own customised converse were a hit with customers in the Glasgow shoe-shop where she worked. The shoes were each hand customised with beautiful Swarovski crystals. When she started to offer a customizing service to customers, quickly Pauline found the demand for her shoes was increasing and her company was officially launched in 2006.

Since then Pauline has come a long way, StarSparkles is going from strength to strength, with plans to expand into customised hoodies.

Starsparkles is no stranger to celebrity fans, being worn by the likes of Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams.

Most recently, Pauline customized a pair of bespoke StarSparkles for singer Paloma Faith. Paloma adored her Sparkles and wore them on stage at her concert in Glasgow on 17th March 2010. These one off Sparkles were created using thousands of swarovski crystals that were placed individually by hand on shoes provided by Evening Lady

‘Since then StarSparkles has featured in many publications, and won many awards including, BT Scotland Young Entrepreneur Most Visionary Business, Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur UK finalist, ROCCO award Most Promising Soletrader and also a nomination for Accessory Designer Of The Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards. StarSparkles have been sold in prestigious shops such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and can be found on the feet of many celebrities including Pharrell Williams, Fergie,Justin Timberlake, Audrey Kitching and Jeffree Star.’

Pauline is truly a shining star, and one to watch out for. A pair of shoes from StarSparkles is definitely something to put on your list for Santa this year. You can purchase them online directly at StarSparkles.

All images provided by and posted with permission of Pauline Clifford at SparSparkles

Say No to Plastic Vintage

 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead

This is the tagline, and indeed the mantra for Heather Suttie’s website Say No To Plastic.

The movement was set up by Suttie in October 2007 to encourage us all to stop using plastic or poly bags
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The group believe that if we all said no to plastic just once a day, we'd all be doing our bit for the environment.

The organisation works in many ways - one if which is by promoting sales of second hand and vintage goods. You can join them for an afternoon of shopping and meandering round stalls selling beautiful vintage & designer and recycled wares - clothing, accessories, bric a brac, second hand DVDs & books, gorgeous gifts, cards and loads more including mini fashion shows and the luxury lucky dip.

Promoting the reduce, reuse, recycle message, it's also a great opportunity to get ready for Christmas for yourself, gifts for others or just something sparkly and lovely to purchase for no reason on a Sunday afternoon.

The bar is also open so you can enjoy a cuppa or a cocktail too. The event also supports The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.

Say No to Plastic Vintage is on this Sunday at Oran Mor on Byres Road, Glasgow. From 1pm.
　
　
 Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist

Winter's-a-Comin'

Over the last week, it would seem that the temperature has seriously dropped! This leaves me longing for a few things: the warmth of my cosy feather pillows and duvet, a mug of hot chocolate.. but most of all it leaves me with a burning desire to go shopping for winter clothing.

For me, the best thing about winter is the clothes! There's nothing better than chunky knits, leather boots and luxurious coats.

I spent a while on the asos and topshop websites, picking out items I liked, but I just kept coming back to chunky knitted sweaters!

As mentioned in my previous post, I recently paid a visit to Edinburgh's Grassmarket. This was mainly in pursuit of some seriously old fashioned knitted sweaters - which I have become rather obssessed with of late. Trying to avoid Topshop's range of knitwear, and at the risk of walking through uni and spotting everyone wearing the same jumper - I opted to go vintage.

So, after roughly 10 minutes in Armstrong's I walked out with 2 (what I think are) great finds. The first item I picked up was a lovely little cream lambswool sweater adorned with cream sequins, for a complete bargain price of £24, and then this massive oversized blue chunky knit sweater from the 80's, priced at £14. I absolutely love them both - I'm glad I went vintage :-)

Fabhatrix, Edinburgh

The other day I was perusing Edinburgh's Grassmarket on my way to Armstrong's Vintage Shop when I came across the most delightful independent hat shop.

Fabhatrix is located at 13 Cowgatehead, Edinburgh. Established in 2002, it attracts hatlovers from around the world with its innovative design and eclectic mix. It has a wide and varied collection of classics, mixed in with extraordinary one off designs.

Walking through the little store was like being in an Aladdin's cave - with over 300 men and women's hats in stocks, Fabahatrix promotes the work of both local designers and the wider hat trade.

I spoke briefly with the owner who advised me that they individually make hats as well as sell many classic styles. This shop is a must-see in Edinburgh's vibrant Grassmarket area where you should expect to find the unexpected. The Grassmarket area is a few minutes walk from the Royal Mile with its many independently run designer shops.