Showing posts with label designer. Show all posts

Designer Home Style Products From Floately

I'm always looking for the latest stylish homeware and recently a company got in contact with me that offer interesting products. Welcome to Floately.  This is an advertorial.

Floately is a contemporary home brand selling unusual and decorative items, backed by a team of engineers and designers.  They use the latest technology to produce innovation home products for their design-conscious consumers.

Let's have a look at the products Floately sell.  This is an advertorial.

The Volta



The Volta was the first product that Floately developed. This light is unusual because it levitates. Yes, you heard me, it floats in the air. How unusual is that? It also has an energy-saving bulb that is made of anti-shatter glass so it's super safe. If you are looking for an eye-catching light that rotates on the spot then the Volta is for you. 

The Airsai

levitating plant

Have you ever thought you needed a levitating planter? Well, I didn't before now but after seeing the Airsai, I realised I need one in my life. The Airsai levitates in the air for 360 degrees of sunlight exposure, allowing plants to grow straighter and healthier, all while floating mid-air. Powdered by induction technology that makes it spin on the sport, there are 4 unique styles to choose from too, making this a novel gift for anyone who loves plants.

The Luna


If you are looking for something different and are a fan of celestial things then the Luna levitating moon lamp is for you. The 3d technology to make each lamp is amazing, as they use NASA pixel data. The Luna moon can stay in one position or rotate in the air. This levitating moving moon lamp and will be a talking point when you have guests, that is for sure, and will make an unusual gift.


The Nebula


If you are a music lover than the Nebula should be on your radar. This Bluetooth speaker lights up as music plays, putting on a lovely display. It rotates 360 and the HD surround sound music is loud enough to fill a room - how cool is that? Also, it pairs seamlessly with any Bluetooth enabled device and is also easily portable. The Nebula would make a fabulous gift for any music lover out there and people that love technology.

The Gravita

gravita lamp

The last product from Floately is the Gravita, a floating lamp. The Gravita illuminates the way with four interchangeable light bulb options. Touch operated, the lamp is button-free, has multi-charging options and is energy efficient. With built-in Bluetooth speakers too, it's a technologically advanced lamp that is design-led.

As you can see, Floately have a number of cutting edge products perfect for your home. If you love designer items that are practical, stylish and technologically advanced, then I recommend you check out the Floately website, I am sure it will float your boat! Let me know, what do you think of the items Floately sell? Which is your favourite design-led product? Visit www.floately.com and then let me know.

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Interview With A Jewellery Designer - Gem Freeman

I am a great supporter of small businesses and artisans that make unique items. It's really special to receive a gift or buy something for yourself that no one else you know will have.  When I had my own jewellery shop with my husband, we supported these types of businesses, businesses like Gem Freeman Jewellery.

Today on my blog I am interviewing Gem Freeman, the jewellery designer and maker behind the brand Gem Freeman Jewellery, and I will find out what makes her jewellery unique.

Can you tell me about a little about Gem Freeman Jewellery?



Gem Freeman Jewellery was founded in 2005 and is made of several collections inspired by beaches to hearts and most recently natural rocks. The silver and gold jewellery is handmade and crafted by me (Gem) in the New Forest, England. I like nothing better than sitting at my bench making jewellery for people and seeing their delighted reaction to a piece they have entrusted me to design and make. When you love what you do you are truly blessed and I feel honoured to be creating pieces that people love to wear and show off to their friends. I have been registered with the London Assay Office from the start so my pieces are hallmarked and it is important to me that my clients have this mark of English authenticity. 

February 2017 saw the opening of my shop, Gem of England, where my workbench is on show and people can see me at work. It's a great hub of traditional work taking place as the customers can peruse the jewellery collections and see that they are handmade, whilst being able to converse with me and take something of substance home with them when they leave.

What makes your jewellery unique?



My jewellery is substantial and solid, some parts of the collections are made by me in wax and cast from the mould which is unique to me. My latest collection 'A Bit of Rough', is formed around the natural, raw and uncut diamond. So although each piece can be re-created, there will always be differences and the uniqueness of the stones determine the shape of the setting. 

Do you have a favourite design?


My favourite designs are the rings from my collection 'A Bit of Rough'.  They allow me to be my most creative and work with my favourite metal, yellow gold. All the diamonds I use are traceable and are conflict-free. I aim to introduce recycled and fair trade gold very soon as an option. 

What’s your most popular piece? 



My most popular pieces right now contain rough diamonds. It is getting a lot of attention, people are fascinated seeing a diamond uncut and polished. They sparkle in the sun but have the understated quality that a lot of people are trending towards. My other popular pieces are my hearts, the traditional heart and the contemporary heart. These were made by me in wax, moulded and can be cast into silver or gold. They are beautiful pendants and equally the bangles sell out as soon as I put them in my shop.

Can you tell me about your commissioning service?


love to work to commission and get asked to do this often. There is a real appetite to have something bespoke to you and to stand out from the crowd. A lot of my strengths lie with talking to the client and understanding what they want too and there will always be continued support and conversation with them.

Where do you see your brand in the future?




With 'A Bit Of Rough' taking off as it's so strong and unique like the stones themselves, the future is very exciting. The rough diamonds are causing a bit of a stir among my loyal clients and this is very exciting for me!

Let me know what you think of Gem's designs. Do you try and support small businesses?


Gem Freeman
Gem of England Shop, 
4a Garden Road, 
Burley, 
BH24 4EA
gem@gemfreeman.com
https://gemfreeman.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gemfreemanjewellery/

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Win a Designer Jewellery Set From Fei Liu Fine Jewellery Ends 06/02

Fei Liu Fine Jewellery is a designer jewellery brand I came across a few years ago at a jewellery show. The eye-catching, feminine designs were slightly different to everything you saw on the high street but the jewellery was still very wearable and pretty. This was a jewellery brand to watch, I just knew it.


Serenity pendant 18ct rose gold on silver vermeil £115

At the heart of the brand is award-winning jewellery designer Fei Liu. Combining his love for gemstones and art, Liu chose to study a degree at Birmingham’s prestigious School of Jewellery. After completing his BA (Honours) in Jewellery and Silversmithing, he went on to create his own brand called Fei Liu Jewellery.


Shooting star silver blue topaz choker £650

Combining the aesthetics and design of his Eastern heritage with his experience of living in a Western culture, his jewellery is visually creative and unique. A philosophy, which has gained his brand a number of awards including 2016 Finalist Jewellery Designer of the Year and 2015 International Jewellery London Editor’s Choice Awards for Visual Impact.

With luxury fine jewellery at its core, Fei Liu now designs a range of collections in platinum, gold and silver and a bespoke service second to none. 
Snowdrop pearl ring silver with cubic zirconia £90

Today, Fei Liu continues to find success both in China and in Britain. His jewellery is retailed in over 70 boutiques throughout the UK, France and China, along with having had work exhibited in world- famous department stores Liberty and Harrods.






Whispering hollow teardrop pendant in black rhodium with purple amethyst 18ct white gold £1625

His jewellery has also been worn by celebs around the world including X Factor judge and singer Danni Minogue, Girls Aloud singer Kimberly Walsh and Britain's Got Talent judge and actor Amanda Holden. 




Serenity earrings 18ct rose gold on silver vermeil £115

My favourite jewellery pieces from the Fei Liu Fine Jewellery website are shown on this page.

I particularly love the Serenity range. The design has a beautiful flowing organic shape, based on the flow and curves of incense smoke. Incense has been used for centuries to promote a calm and tranquil environment, and Fei Liu has translated this perfectly into the jewellery design.


Cascade mini bracelet in silver rhodium vermeil £125

Another range which is visually stunning is the Cascade range. Cascade is a delicate but intricate design inspired by running water. Each piece from the range is studded with pave set cubic zirconia to imitate the sparkle of water. How gorgeous is this bracelet above? 

But enough talking, let's tell you about a great discount I can offer you just in time for Valentines Day and also about the chance to win the beautiful Serenity rose gold vermeil necklace and earring set featured on this page worth £230.



Firstly, to get an amazing 30% discount on Fei Liu Fine Jewellery enter the code MELLISSA into the checkout when making an order, but be quick, as this offer ends on the 28/02/2018.

Secondly, to win the gorgeous Serenity necklace in rose gold vermeil worth £115 and matching earrings also worth £115, pop over to the Fei Liu Fine Jewellery website to find your favourite item and then enter the competition on the app below. If you love the jewellery as much as me, why not bookmark this page and enter every day on Twitter. 

Good luck!

Win a jewellery set with Fei Liu jewellery

Supporting British Jewellery Designers With The Fine Jewellery Company

For years Britain has been at the forefront of fashion design worldwide. From Mary Quant to Paul Smith, Stella McCartney to Alexander McQueen our fashion designers are well known for their stunning, unique and creative jewellery. Many designers mix vintage designs with modern styles and we are particularly good at incorporating innovation with traditional techniques. 

Our jewellery designers include well-known names such as Vivienne Westwood and Stephen Webster to lesser known names starting out in the business. When I had my own jewellery shop I used to love to support British jewellery designers, as the jewellery was always unique and different. This is why I applaud the Fine Jewellery Company.

The Fine Jewellery company is based in Birmingham and has a range of experienced and skilled gemologists with experience in retail, design, manufacture, diamond testing and grading. They sell a range of stunning gemstones from exquisite diamond rings, stunning sapphire earrings, pretty pearl bracelets and much more. But what I love about the company is their passion and support of British jewellery designers. Here are my top picks from the independent British jewellery designers available on the Fine Jewellery Company website.

Charlotte Lowe



Charlotte Lowe's current collection focuses on those special moments in life. Her jewellery is wearable, personal and current, and it perfect for that keepsake to remember a time, a person, a holiday or even a pet.


This lovely sterling silver and gold vermeil necklace is called 'Walk With Me'. Handmade this necklace celebrates those precious moments shared by mum and dad with their children, from walks in the park to strolls in the British countryside it is a reminder of the time we spend with our loved ones, in our down time.

Clare Hawley


Clare Hawley takes her inspiration from where she is based, the beautiful stunning Sherwood Forest.  Her first collection entitled "Leaves of Sherwood" was made by hand in silver and gold using traditional sheet fabricating techniques. 

She takes leaves from the forest floor and recreates each one in stunning rose and yellow gold vermeil. The result is a beautiful, commercial and ultimately wearable piece of art. This necklace above is made of rose gold vermeil and is the leaf of an oak tree. Her jewellery is exceptionally tactile, her inspiration being her mother who is registered blind. 

Fei Liu 



Born in China but now based in Birmingham, Fei Liu is an internationally recognised jewellery designer. After studying at the Birmingham School of Jewellery he has since gained worldwide acclaim for his glamorous work - a fusion of his eastern heritage and western influences. 
This exquisite sterling silver and black rhodium ring called 'Cascade', is set with blue cubic zirconia. A striking design with smooth curves and sharp lines, this ring is an item of jewellery that will certainly get you noticed. Fei Liu has won several awards including Harper’s Bazaar China Jewellery Designer of the Year and was a finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards. His jewellery can also be seen on the red carpet worn by many of his celebrity fans.

I Love A Lassie


Love A Lassie is a Scottish designer jewellery brand, offering solid silver contemporary designs inspired by life’s little treasures. Arlene Katorza the jewellery designer for I Love A Lassie, has been selling her jewellery for over 20 years in Edinburgh and since the launch of I Love A Lassie in 2013 the range has regularly featured in Elle, Vogue, and Grazia magazine.

Designs are based on precious mementoes, such as a piece of bark discovered on a woodland walk, a fragment of antique lace, or an antique Bawbee coin.

As you can see, we have amazing talent on the UK jewellery scene and if you buy from a British designer you will get craftsmanship, stunning designs and unique jewellery. You can find these items of jewellery featured on the British Designers section of the Fine Jewellery Company website, as well as other jewellery from other emerging and established British jewellers.

Tell me, do you try to buy British products if you can? What do you think of the British jewellery designers featured?


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My Designer Wish list

My wardrobe is mainly high street clothes and accessories although I do love a bit of luxury including designer bags and stunning precious gold and platinum jewellery.

If I had the money I admit I would be a real label junkie. As I said I love luxury but I don't like to waste my hard earned cash so I am a smart buyer. I look for online auction site bargains, and I always check out the charity shops if I am in an affluent area, as you never know what exciting bargains you will find.

There are also companies online that sell pre-owned and second-hand highly desirable items with finance options available so you can spread the cost. One such company is Xupes. Xupes sell a range of luxury goods from beautiful fine art and rare antiques, precious diamond jewellery and vintage watches to designer branded bags from the likes of Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. 


I'm afraid my husband has designer tastes too. In fact, he has no problems spending his money on quality, luxurious well-made items that he wants. Of course we don't have a bottomless pit of money, I wish we did, and he always lives in hope of winning the lottery, so until then here is my designer wish list from Xupes. 




Firstly, I'd pick this gorgeous ceramic IWC watch for the husband. This 'Top Gun' pilot watch would be a perfect gift for my him as he is learning to fly. This pre-owned watch in excellent condition is priced at £9795, a big saving on the RRP of £13,900.






I love the vibrant blue of this Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 pre-owned luxury bag. Made from blue leather with a gold-coloured zip, this bag is priced at £599. A snip at the price and perfect on the arm of any self-respecting fashionista. 


This Cartier Tank Francaise watch in 18ct white gold is in excellent condition, complete with box. Very pretty this gorgeous watch is set with small diamonds and is priced at £13,995. I would love to put this on my Christmas list!


This beautiful classic tennis bracelet has 58 round brilliant cut diamonds mounted in pure rare platinum. A classic design and an investment. Priced at £6995 this 7.54ct bracelet is a real bargain. 


This final piece really is the most exquisite piece of jewellery. A Cartier pear shaped diamond ring of 3.77cts, with a colour grade of D and a quality that is internally flawless. Complete with a GIA certificate, you rarely see a diamond of this quality in your lifetime, and from a designer brand too. Oh, and the price? £425,000.

So this is my designer wish list. What would you put on your wish list if money was no object?

Three Stylish Sunglasses You NEED This Summer

Now that Summer is here and many of you will be jetting off on holiday, you may be looking for some new sunglasses to take on your trip. Here is my pick of the stylish sunglasses that every self-respecting fashionista would want in her life in 2015.


Rayban Aviators

Mirrored Blue Flash Aviator Sunglasses - Rayban

Iconic Rayban aviators are a good choice for those with heart-shaped faces. Worn by stars such as Angelina Jolie, Kate Bosworth and fashion model Cara Delevingne, these classic sunglasses were designed in 1937 for US pilots. If you want an up-to-date twist on this look go for the mirrored lens, as seen on the 2015 catwalk by Balenciaga and Dior. Wear on the beach with waves in your hair and your best swimming cossie.

Chopard Oversized 

 Chopard Sch 110S Sunglasses - Sclo

These beautiful butterfly shape oversized sunglasses by Swiss luxury retailer Chopard have a stylish mauve tint and gold plated detailing on the arms. Chopard is a family run company with a tradition of excellence so if you have chosen these you have chosen well. In a retro old school style, I can imagine a film star such as Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Munroe wearing these lovely sunglasses on the Cannes red carpet. I would wear these whilst people watching in St Mark's Square, or chatting over a Bellini cocktail in Harry's Bar, Venice where the Bellini was invented.

Dior Cats Eyes

Dior Jupon 2 Cats Eye Sunglasses - Sunglasses Shop


Always design-led Dior needs no introduction. These classic 'cats eyes' sunglasses are reminiscent of the 50's and 60's era and are great for those with oval faces. As worn by Grace Kelly, Dita Von Teese and Natalie Portman these feline, feminine sunglasses are 'tres chic'. If you want a slightly softer style go for the more flattering 80's version in a softer colour than black such as navy. The perfect accessory to your trip to the country in an open-top car with a scarf in your hair.

Of course, it's not all style over substance. Sun protection is vitally important too when choosing sunglasses, so pick a design from a brand that is known for their quality and UV protection as well as their cutting edge or classic design. For some great styles check ouMessyWeekend sunglasses

Tell me do you have a favourite pair of sunglasses? What do you think of the designs I have chosen?

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Picking The Perfect Luxury Watch For A Man

You may think choosing a watch is all about choosing one that tells the time and of course in its simplest form it is, but that is like saying a dress is an item of clothing that is made to cover the human body. There are countless variations and decisions to make when buying both items. This post is about picking the perfect luxury watch for a man.


Sinn 917GR - a perfect motorsport watch

There are many variations in the choice of watch and for the majority of men, a watch is one of the only items of jewellery they will wear. Simple watches can cost only a few pounds but what if you want something special that will last forever?

Important considerations in choosing a good quality watch are - style, lifestyle, innovation, and budget.

Style, Lifestyle and Budget

What straps and watch faces do you or the man in your life like? Are you looking for a dress, fashion or sports watch? How will a dress watch or sports watch fit into your life? All these are important questions to consider.

The main types of straps on luxury watches are leather, rubber or a metal bracelet.

Leather is a traditional choice and at first, although the strap can feel stiff they soften over time and feel supremely comfortable on. They can have a luxurious look and feel. Leather straps do wear eventually and you may need to replace the strap over a time period. Rubber straps are a modern alternative and are easy to clean although they do not look as expensive as leather or metal straps. Metal straps are more durable over time and look more expensive, although cheaper metal straps can catch the hairs on your arm, an important consideration for a man! Metal straps can be made from a variety of materials including stainless steel, silver or even gold, with the various cost implications.




Good quality leather straps give a watch a luxury feel 


Dress watches are for those special occasions, such as going out for luxury meals, weddings, parties, the theatre and other events. A smart look and clean lines are often vital style considerations for a dress watch. Dress watches of the more well known, well crafted and expensive brands, have a class and status all of their own. It is important to think, does your lifestyle fit into buying a dress watch? Do you have a busy social life, and go out on a regular basis to special events? Servicing and parts can be pricey, would you be able to take care of a special and more expensive watch?

With fashion watches, the look of the watch, the styling and the brand would be a big consideration. Straps of fashion brands are mainly manufactured in rubber, leather, nylon and stainless steel - cheaper materials, due to the changing nature of fashion. This can often make fashion watches cheaper than their dress watch counterpart. However, if you are going for a high-end fashion brand then these can run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

A sports watch has many features particular to certain sports including a stopwatch, chronograph and tachymeter for example. The features can vary from sport to sport. Water-resistance is essential for a windsurfer, whereas a stopwatch would be more appropriate for a rally driver. Sports watches and fashion watches can overlap in features and styling. The features on a stopwatch may be useful in a variety of situations even if you do not play a sport.  For this reason, I highly recommend Citizen Watches. Check out this Citizen Watches Review for further information.




Metal straps such as stainless steel straps are hard wearing

Regarding budget I have already touched on some points, however, it is worth noting that I personally feel you do get what you pay for in terms of quality and workmanship when buying a watch.

Innovation

Watches and technology go hand in hand these days. 

Apple watches are the leaders in wearable technology that is on-trend. One benefit of an Apple watch is the health benefits, as well as having a heart rate monitor, Apple Fitness + gives you world class workouts as well. You can also access the internet, emails, GPS and more. There is an array of apple watch straps available too when you want to change the look. 

Brands such as Sinn Watches are proud of their technological advances. Founded in 1961 they focus on producing innovative watches that perform under extreme conditions such as the Sinn EZM 3 a mechanical watch made for the toughest diving conditions and the Sinn 103 Ti TESTAF a professional pilot watch.

DIAPAL oil free escapement is one of the features of their technology. With a mechanical watch, the ageing of oil can create long term problems for the movement and service intervals can become more frequent. Sinn has created an oil-free escapement that is so reliable that they offer a five-year guarantee.

Sinn watches also use Ar-Dehumidifying Technology, which means the movement is kept in an environment that is almost completely dry. This reduces ageing and prevents the crystal from fogging when exposed to sudden cold, ensuring reliable functionality and accuracy for a longer period of time.

Of course, many men are fascinated by the advanced technology of these watches, you don't have to be a diver or pilot to want the best technology, and quality, style and reliability are also a premium consideration with Sinn watches and other high-end brands.

So here are a few considerations when choosing a luxury watch.

Do you have a luxury watch? Would you buy one for yourself or the man in your life? What features would you look for when picking a luxury watch?

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