Tagged: Christmas

Guest Post – Nova Jewellery

I like guest posts, it gives me an idea of what people are into and helps me meet some lovely new people! Keeley, aka SparkledPixie on Twitter, has her own blog at Phatcupcake and offered to write a piece for me…so enjoy!

The Manchester Markets at Christmas are always a sight to behold, rammed full of people in the festive spirit eating and drinking the fabulous European wares. But how many would think to stop here for fashion accessories? If you needed a beautiful statement necklace to go with that Christmas party dress or a matching pair of earrings you are more likely to hit the regular high street stores but we have found somewhere else for you to try…

Nova Jewellery are currently occupying a prime spot on the Albert Square section of the markets (first stall on the left hand side if entering the market from Princess Street) and have standard faux fur scarves and head bands. They are pretty if that is what you are looking for. But what is different about this stall is where the goods are from.

The owner of Nova is Moroccan, travelling throughout Europe looking for unique, good quality, affordable  pieces. The beautiful multi-coloured stone fashion ring was out of stock in the size I needed (damn my small fingers) and I was advised it had been sourced from Paris. There were also some small beaded bags from India that were lovely for teenagers and many were buying these as well as single strand friendship bracelets. The most popular item on sale was a scarf, not your regular scarf though. One adorned with giant charms making it into more of a necklace and statement piece. Ever since I first saw these at the Nova stall I have seen women wearing them everywhere, the best example being at the Bridgewater Hall where a lady was wearing it with a simple black vest and pair of jeans. Very striking indeed.

I love the quirky owl necklace and earring sets but, not having pierced ears myself, they were a bit wasted on me. I did, however, invest in a pretty silver necklace featuring a large sparkly ball. At £9.50 I found this a bargain especially on a market where a hot dog will set you back £4.50!

The staff are friendly, don’t be fooled by the mannequin head with diamante eyes. They don’t really follow you around the market ;)

If you don’t get chance to pop by before the markets close, never fear. You can catch them online too. Their stock changes regularly to keep up to date with latest trends so you can always find something not just affordable but fashionable. Give them a go next time you are after a unique gift for a female friend or relative.

Spinningfields Festive Village

Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. It always has been and I hope it always will be. Since moving to Manchester, we look forward each year to the opening of the Christmas Markets, making sure we have a day together to spend wandering around and sampling all the goodies. I know it is tradition for many people of the North West.

As they get bigger every year, new things come along to amaze and revitalise the experience and a couple of years ago Spinningfields introduced their own Festive Village to join in on the Christmas festivities. We were lucky enough to  be invited to this year’s launch by our friends from Penelope’s Kitchen. So wrapped up in our best Christmas jumpers and wandered down The Avenue!

We’d already been lucky enough to visit the village the week before for a preview, which had lead to a first-ever (and enjoyed) apple crumble, so we had seen a work-in progress of stalls being built. We entered the busy village and scouted around to see what we could try first!

When you first enter the festive village, you’ll be greeted by the happy welcoming faces of the guys at Penelopes Kitchen. I cannot say enough good things about them and their fantastic food. They have tasty hotpot with tasty, tangy red cabbage (again my first),  warm and hearty apple crumble, and one of the biggest and best ranges of hot chocolates I’ve ever seen. This is my Mint-Choc Chip one, Mrs B had a Ferrero Rocher one and they were both amazing. You need to visit the village just to sample these, then the food will keep you there! Talk to them on Twitter, they are a real friendly bunch. Tell them I said to say hi, I might get a free hot chocolate! (not really)

If you want something else, there are a dozen stalls offering everything from Jack Daniels or  Jagermeister glazed sausages from the Kaiserwurst stall, to pasta bowls, giant filled yorkshire puddings, and pancakes.

We were also lucky enough to sample some drink, I’m not one for mulled wine, but what we had from the bar by the ice rink was pretty good! Pancake Corner is the place you need to go if you don’t want a hot drink, we had Skittles and chocolate orange flavours of milkshakes. You can find them on Twitter, I’ll be going back soon to try their pancakes too!

The launch was headed by a great ice-skating demo on the rink, you can see all the pictures in the gallery at the bottom, skaters of all ages and abilities, including professionals from Dancing on Ice. Despite the night getting colder, we all enjoyed it and was impressed by the routines. Topped off with a fireworks display, the village was open for all to enjoy and whittle away those cold Winter nights.

The Christmas markets get better every year, with food to match and the Spinningfields Festive Village is proof of this. I have heard mutterings from some corners of the price of food, but it’s good hearty grub and I’m appalled at the queues in fast food places when you can have something this good. I’m a Gregg’s fan myself, but while these markets are on I certainly know where my money will be spent. Make the little trip across Deansgate to Spinningfields this Christmas and you won’t be dissappointed.

StokieSimon's Spinningfields Festive Village album on Photobucket

Sparkle This Christmas!

As Christmas approaches, so does the inevitability of the party season. This brings a fear and horrible memories for some, but for me and many others like me, it is the promise and joy of looking and wearing that special outfit.

This year for me it’s all about sparkles. Shine and sequins can make the difference to an outfit and make you feel, as well as look, a million dollars. The glitz and glamour of a classy Christmas party can only be topped by the little addition to a sequin on your outfit. Now I am not suggesting you fill your outfit with sequins and glitz from head to toe, but by having one piece of clothing or having your accessories shine then you’ll turn the eye of everybody in the room and feel good to boot.

While perusing the internet for more inspiration, I needed to go no further of all places than Next. They are also embracing the sense of sparkle this year and I’ve found a few items that I think can really change a normal outfit into a glitzy, glamorous one.

What could grab the attention of your party better than this Silver Sequin Jacket, £85, perfect to match with skinny jeans and some similar shiny shoes and understated clutch bag. Glitz at head and toe, and minimalist solid colours in between. I love mixing a tiny bit of glitz with some decent, solid, dark colours.

The flip side of this jacket is this Sequin Wrap Skirt, £28, which can be used as a negative to the previous outfit. Slick black heels, a deep coloured or black skinny top. A great skirt flattering your curves and bringing attention to your legs.

As mentioned earlier, the other way to bring some glitz and glamour to your outfit is with accessories. Shiny handbag, shoes or jewellery are perfect ways of making an otherwise ‘safe’ outfit into something with a bit of sparkle. Make them all shine, or just one or two items. Having your accessories stand out will again turn heads and put a matching sparkling smile on your face.

This Glass Bead Clutch, £35, again from Next is perfect for this, but can also be worn alongside the skirt of jacket from before. Match this with a sparkly pair of heels and you can’t go wrong. I’ll be recommending this all Winter for something that little bit special.

Christmas is all about putting some sparkle into our lives, what could be better than starting with your Christmas party and having some glitz in your outfit when you step onto the dancefloor.

If you need help looking for that special outfit for your Christmas party, get in touch and let’s see how we can help you!