Loving Shopping Local.

It's been a hectic couple of weeks. HERE COMES THE UNI HAND INS. 

In amongst drowning in books and crying over assessments, my partner in crime Nicole Reekie (who is one helluva photographer may I add) and I hit the Grassmarket area to nosy up some of our favourite wee shops in amongst it.

Proceed with caution, or face ending up with a wish list as long as mine.

Hannah Zakari 

Tucked away on Candlemaker Row, Hannah Zakari is my favourite present shopping spot, for others and myself alike. The wee boutique is bursting with jewellery, art and accessories handcrafted by independent designers with such an impressive range that there is guaranteed to be something you'll fall head over heels for.

This Harris Tweed backpack is my new obsession. Now I'm known to be partial to a wee backpack, ideal for when I'm scooting about on Ryan Gosling (my bike, named after my dream ride obvs), but this is something else. It. Is. Perfect.

Another decided favourite of ours were these necklaces by Margaux Lange, it's like Barbie jewellery for adults! Whether you find them strange or amazing, there is no denying that they're unforgettable statement bits of jewellery.

Pug lovers favourite artist Gemma Correll's Edinburgh postcard ft Greyfriars Bobby! Hannah Zakari has wee sticker versions for just 20p at the till, have a rummage! 

Different meaning entirely in Scottish slang but HOW CUTE.

Find Hannah Zakari online here or go and visit the loooovely Rachel in store.

The Red Door Gallery

Half my bedroom is littered with paintings, drawings and bits and pieces from this unique little gallery on Victoria St. Boasting over 100 artists in their collection, The Red Door Gallery is packed with artists prints, jewellery, diy projects to make yourself, books, zines and everything in between. 

Squeeeeeeeeee. I need this little walrus pal for my jacket.

Hello handsome.

 

I can think of hunners of you who would LOVE these A5 prints by Rich Fairhead. What a good lookin' pair. Keep an eye out for some amazing 90's/00's hip-hop A5 prints that are in the print display, I have two now and I'm aiming to collect the lot.

Find The Red Door Gallery online here but there is nothing better than losing yourself in amongst it all in store.

Black Box

This was my first ever visit to Black Box, why I have never been before is BEYOND ME, as I fell in love with it the second we walked in. Ran by independent jewellery designers Hannah and Sarah, the shop is what I would love my house to look like, with that much art and jewellery included! 

My new home.

 Loving the amount of Nikki McWilliams stocked in Black Box; brooches, cushions, tape, mirrors etc, and all looking good enough to eat.

I'll keep that in mind.

Vast improvement.

Find Black Box online here or on the West Bow of the Grassmarket. 

I'm going to be hitting all three of these equally unique and amazing shops come payday, watch this space! (HARRIS TWEED BACKPACK YOU WILL BE MINE!)

Ciao for now,

Dayna x

Ones To Watch - Runaway Fox

"We lived in Suffolk where nothing ever happens. It's fine if you're 65 and watch Countdown. But we wanted to do something for ourselves.

 So I thought let's quit our jobs, pack up, and let's go."

Runaway Fox is the creative partnership of Luis and Poppy, who make bold statement and handmade jewellery designs guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Recently having celebrated their first "Edinburghsary", marking exactly a year since the pair ran away to Scotland, the Runaway Fox has grown from strength to strength with one collection released and their second "Animal Friendly Taxidermy" eagerly anticipated. I was lucky enough to pop over to their flat for a glass of wine, many a blether and some very interesting cupcake making...

After the success of their first collection "The Originals", Poppy and Luis are set to release their second collection "Animal Friendly Taxidermy" this Friday. And to all you animal lovers, you have nothing to fear, ain't no damage been to done to Bambi or Fantastic Mr Fox. Poppy and Luis ethically make all their pieces using local materials and they are bringing their game face with this collection.

"We've upped it a level. The complexity of it this time is more than painting wood, it's experimenting, it's layering acrylic, using better chains, better woodland themed mounts."

And get your wish lists at the ready, because here's a little sneak preview of what to expect.

You're all going to have to race me for the ducks necklace. And the stag. And the badger. And if we're just putting it all out there I wouldn't say no to the pheasants either. I'm already working my way through the first collection (working at Godiva Boutique and being faced with temptation is not helping) as the jewellery made by Runaway Fox is so original and bold that you cannot wear it without someone asking "oh my god where did you get that?"

"Our year here has just totally accelerated since starting Runaway Fox. We've met some amazing people and it just makes us all the more excited for our next one!" 

And what can we expect in the future from the pair?

L - "World Domination."

P - " We're going to explore making a wider range and move into more than just jewellery. We're going to keep on being adventurous and simply do anything that excites us." 

Like what you see? You can grab Poppy and Luis's first collection "The Originals" here and while you're there, get 20% off by entering THEORIGINAL20 at the check out.

Roll on Friday.

Dayna x

www.runawayfox.co.uk

Follow their adventures on instagram, twitter and facebook.

(Photo credit goes to the lovely Miss Poppy herself.)

OOTD - Zebracornicus Chic.

Last year Godiva Boutique, where I'm lucky enough to work, released their exclusive tenth anniversary silk scarf and they are officially now back in stock in store and online after totally selling out yet again. I have lusted after one for ages now, a beautiful mix of gypsy florals, polkadots and printed with the Godiva Boutique logo/mascot - the Zebracornicus. 100% silk and digitally printed it is absolutely gorgeous and bold enough to brighten up any outfit and large enough to wear in as many ways as you like. Chuffed to finally own one.

There's now even little versions of the scarves so you gents don't feel left out, as they make for a perfect pocket scarf! 

How will you wear your piece of Godiva Boutique?

Dayna x

By Leah Carroll, Henry Holland and a lot of tequila.

For those of you who know me, I work in Godiva Boutique on the Grassmarket here in Edinburgh. This week, after putting out the word we're looking for some new designers, our first arrival of new stock for our independent designer showroom arrived - and oh my daaaaaays - it's just bloomin' lovely. 

So, introducing By Leah Carroll.

Her beautifully handcrafted pieces of jewellery are inspired by childhood daydreams and memories with every piece having been individually and skilfully laser cut, sanded, hand painted and varnished by Leah herself. Made from Japanese ply, bamboo and brass Leah has three collections in Godiva at present and I'm struggling not to collect them all. Even the packaging's gorgeous! 

Need.

Treated myself to these bad boys. Ya beauty.

The designs are simple yet so eye catching and they are all handmade from Leah's studio in Dundee. It's only £17.50/£20 for a pair of Leah's earrings from Godiva, the same price you'd pay for a mass produced high street chain pair, so why spend the money on something that every man and their dug will have when you can buy some good quality, handmade jewellery. The geo range is my favourite, having treated myself to the diamond earrings, although I'm still eyeing up the frost blue triangle ones as well. They'd make for a bangin' Valentines Day gift as well (hint hint hint).

We're still looking for more local designers to stock and update our showroom at Godiva, if you know someone or you make some cracking clothes/jewellery/bits and pieces then geez a shout here or come in for a blether with us Godiva Gals at the shop. 

I hopped on the mega bus from hell through to Glasgow this week for Scot Street Style's 2nd big event, The Gathering 2, at the Hillhead Bookclub, a meeting and social event for Scottish creatives, bloggers, designers, models... you name it! It's a truly amazing community and I've met some extraordinarily talented people, some of whom I'm lucky enough to now call pals. 

I decided to rock my new and already beloved House of Holland full length dress (god bless ya January sales) to the event, even though I had trouble getting up and down stairs and kinda walked like a penguin, and loved it. I felt so glamorous and despite being as tight as it was, it showed none of my lumps and bumps (apart from the one big mega bump that I live with called my ass). The brooch print talked for itself so I teamed it with just my black Dr Martens, keeping all eyes on the bizarre pattern. 

I ended up in the Cathouse. In this. Give the girl a medal. I must've lost about half a stone in sweat/pure tequila.

Cigarette and Martini brooches? Yes please.

Ciao for now,

Dayna x

OOTD ft. Abandon Ship Apparel & the ULTIMATE lipstick.

Tattoo Flash Sweater - Abandon Ship Apparel

Bodycon Skirt - H&M (only £4!)

Hightops - Nike Blazers

 Lipstick - Maybelliene Super Stay Color 24 in Red Passion

 

Sundays mean comfy clothes and endless cups of coffee. Today I'm wearing my beloved ASA Tattoo Flash Sweater that was an early Christmas present... to myself.  I love teaming it with just a simple skirt and kicks but I have also  paired it with a shirt, black skirt and docs before, to give it a smarter but still individual look. 

 

THIS LIPSTICK IS MY HERO. I discovered Maybelliene's Super Stay range a couple of years ago and have quite the collection of them now, but the pillar box colored Red Passion is by far my favourite shade. One application stays on all day,  as long as you occasionally use the moisturising lip balm end to stop it from flaking. It's only around £8 in Superdrug and Boots and with it's lasting power it's well worth the money. I've been known to wake up after konking out after a night out to find my lipstick still set perfectly, with nae smudges on the pillow. Doesn't leave any lipstick prints on your glasses and is pull proof, tried and tested. Evidence free. Tidy.

 

Dayna x