"Such stuff as dreams are made on"; Ovate & Bloodmilk's Mare Frigoris/Sea Witch, by Ellen Rogers.

A few favourites from the recent Mare Frigoris/Sea Witch shoot for Ovate & Bloodmilk jewels, by the amazing Ellen Rogers.

This collaboration is - to keep up with J.L. Schnabel's Shakespeare inspiration - "such stuff as dreams are made on." See more here. 

Beware of Young Girls.

Some screenshots of the recently released video lookbook by Wren, starring Tavi Gevinson.

The sixties styling and melancholy atmosphere appeal to me. My favourite shots are of her walking in the wind, with her blonde hair coming up in a cloud.

Beware of young girls, too often they crave

To cry at a wedding,

Dance on a grave.

Style Inspiration: Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Long hair, little braids, stonewashed sweaters, collared shirts, exposed midriff, coloured camo tanks, tube tops and chokers...

Maybe it's because I too enjoy feminist prose and angry girl music of the indie rock persuasion (and Thai food, for that matter). But I think Kat Stratford can always claim a place among my favourite movie characters. And as for Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona, his shoulders oh my god his leather trousers in the club scene are pretty much unforgivable, but I'd still make out with him covered in paint want him to want me oh whatever, his smile just makes me uncharacteristically simper.

Lingering Long Hair; Audrey Kawasaki.

Linger

oil & graphite on canvas, 2008

A while ago I mentioned I was growing my hair out (although I'm not brave enough to have it blue, like Dan May's beauties). I'm not sure why this is something I've noticed so much; maybe, as I mentioned before, it's beacause I am generally so low-maintenance when it comes to my locks.

Despite a quick trim this morning, I'm leaving the length as it is....

Although it's far from being like that of the lovely, lazily gazing lady above, by Audrey Kawasaki.

Wednesday Wishlist #6 - More mixed; creature comforts.

Eye Chart Silk Screened Cotton Canvas Pillow by Utilitarian Franchise, Anatomy of a Disappearance by Hisham Matar, Adjustable Hand Woven Criss-Cross Bracelet by Dear Dotty, Rainforest Radiance Shampoo by The Body Shop, Pomergranate Noir Home Candle by Jo Malone.

This weeks picks are a bit more varied. Maybe reflecting my slightly stressed state and a need for some creature comforts?

Wednesday Wishlist #5 - Some serious spikes.

Friendship bracelets with spikes (made to order) by My Little Fisheye, Prick Me Til I Bleed... Porcupine Quill Necklace by My Salvation, Spike Row Necklace by Morea Seal.

What I'm really wishing for this afternoon in the library is another pair of hands and more hours in the day... But I'd also settle for some sick spikes with which to decorate my person.

Insta-London.

Sunshine on a Saturday morning in Marylebone.

In Lantana's, awaiting an amazing brunch (disposable camera preview).

Note my raw garnet necklace from Et Respice Finem sneaking into the shot.

I wished for them, and finally made them mine.

Pistachio, rose, and salted caramel macaroons from Ladurée.

(So expensive you might as well roll up a fiver and eat it? But that wouldn't taste like heaven).

Assorted shots from a weekend of spoiling ourselves.

Wednesday Wishlist #4 - I want... New Dear oh Dear, CAMP and QUARRY and Et Respice Finem.

Dusty Rose - Rhodonite and Chain Collar Necklace by Dear oh Deer.

Glacier Blue - Amazonite & Chain Collar Necklace by Dear oh Deer.

Prehnite Raw Green Crystal Large Chunky Nugget Necklace by CAMP and QUARRY.

Purple Amethyst Crystal Skull Necklace by CAMP and QUARRY.

Triad // Trio of Silver Rings by Et Respice Finem.

Pillars of Creation // Purple Quartz Necklace by Et Respice Finem.

These are just a few wonders from the absolute wealth of jewelry some of my favourite etsy sellers have listed over the past couple of weeks: Dianne of Dear oh Dear, Sarah of CAMP and QUARRY and Lauren of Et Respice Finem.

All images are taken from the listings, linked to below each item.

I reckon I'll treat myself to a new jewel once I get rid of some of the work I keep going on about.

The main challenge will be choosing...

Wednesday Wishlist #3.

Beardmore Glacier blue lace agate stone necklace by Dear Oh Deer. Hand-marbled letter writing set by Over and Out Paper. Splash dyed hand painted tshirt by Two String Jane. Black patent Doctor Marten boots. Whale cotton tote bag by Rustic Country Crafts.

Haven't done one of these in a long while.

Happy first of February to you all - we can now definitively bid goodbye to the January blues; although these picks are still following a rather blue trend, I feel.

Currently craving... CAMP and QUARRY.

One of my favourite etsy shops, Sadie Designs, has very recently rebranded for 2012 to become CAMP and QUARRY.

All of the above are from Sarah's supremely beautiful selection over on etsy - looking back a few posts reveals what a big fan I am of her mixed mineral creations, but there's such a vast array of amazing jewels to choose from.

Visit the CAMP and QUARRY blog here to peruse the inspirations behind all the beautiful creations, and you can become a facebook fan, too.

Morale Boosting Moment.

While I was away, my free Frozen Planet poster of the Polar Regions arrived. It's awesome. They have now run out, but you can still learn more here. (Nerd).

As of Christmas, I am the proud owner of a pair of traditional brushed-cotton pyjamas - and honestly, there is nothing in the world as comfortable or as cosy. Long sleeves and a collar and everything. Which is important now I have returned to colder climes.

This band exists.

Enough procrastination. For now, every day is essay day.

Long Blue Locks; Dan May.

The Departure.

Contemplation of Jupiter Rose.

Where Time Beckons The Wicked.

My hair is the longest it has been in a long while.

At just past my shoulders, it actually isn't all that long, but being one for low-maintenance hair the difference is marked. However, I am considering allowing it to get longer still.

These incredible images by Illinois artist Dan May are painted with acrylic on wood panels. This evening, I am finding his milk-skinned, blue-haired beauties to be particularly inspiring... Following white rabbits into tangles of teal hair.

The above images are from Dan's facebook, which you can visit here.

Jewelry Junkie: Rose Gold & Jet Ring.

(Apologies for my ugly little bitten-down nails. It's a horrible habit I hope to break... I've been trying for years. New Year's Resolution: keep nails painted, as it dissuades me from devouring them).

Remember back in October, when I went to Whitby and wandered around the shops wishing I could afford the wonderful jet jewelry?

What a surprise it was to receive this rose gold & jet ring from my love for Christmas (who had subtly and swiftly purchased it on the same day - after I had been trying on rings and had amused a shop assistant with how small my hands are).

I love jet; it has such an amazing depth to it, and pairs perfectly with rose gold. I always thought I preferred it with silver, but somehow rose gold brings out warm tones in it... And I also enjoy the way this ring looks like an eye.

Whitby jet is actually fossilised monkey-puzzle tree, found in the cliffs and on the moors around the town. It first became popular during the mid 19th century after being favoured by Queen Victoria as a material for mourning jewelry.

This example from here shows how incredibly intricate jet jewelry could be - the interlinked letters on this brooch (c.1850) are highlighted here to show how the pattern actually spells out Victoria.

Next time I visit Whitby, I absolutely want to go to the last remaining Victorian jet workshop in the town.

Jewelry Junkie: South African Market Stalls...

While I was primarily in Cape Town for work, I did manage to pick up a couple of additions to my ever-growing jewelry collection.

From Green Point Market, Cape Town.

Green Point Market is a wealth of wonders.

This was "chosen for me" by the lady running the stall, and I simply couldn't refuse. Loved the fang-like shape and soft feel of it.

From a stall in a square just off Long Street in the centre of Cape Town.

I fell head over heels for this necklace as soon as I set my eyes on it; a friend had bought one with turquoise rather than coral, and with her instructions I sought out the stall as soon as I had a chance. This was handmade by a very friendly and incredibly talented Ethiopian man called Daniel. Lightly waxed and beautifully braided brown cord, with clusters of coral and little gold beads. I had never seen anything like it, and absolutely adore it.

Jewelry Junkie: Dear Oh Deer's Wonderful Wish Bracelets.

(Work edging in on pleasure in the corner there...)

Dodgy webcam photos will have to be excused while I struggle to contain my excitement - look at all this beautifulness that was waiting for me when I got in today!

On Sunday morning I ordered this pretty pair from the lovely Dianne over at Dear Oh Deer, and they already made it up here lightening fast from London, wonderfully wrapped (with a sweet surprise chunk of rose quartz, too).

Before you think I'm just greedy, the Pink & White with Botswana Agate one is a Christmas present for my little sister; I can't wait to share the work of one my favourite etsy sellers with her. However, the Lavender & White with Bostwana Agate will remain round my own wrist for the foreseeable future.

I cannot overstate how lovely these little bracelets are. They're made with vintage Chadwicks wool from the 1930s, and are supremely soft and delicate - the care and skill that's gone into making them is unmistakable. The fact that they're made of wool means that one size really does fit all - so even though I have stupidly small wrists, all I had to do was loop the catch into a lose knot to have it fit perfectly. The stones are so glossy and gorgeous, and the tiny silver shooting stars just set the whole thing off.

For a better look than my PhotoBooth pictures can offer, here are Dianne's own photos of the wish bracelets, from their listings on etsy.

Pink & White with Bostwana Agate Wish Bracelet

Lavender & White with Bostwana Agate Wish Bracelet

Just look at all that delicate detail! I have no doubt many etsians will be wishing for wish bracelets this Christmas.

Getting your Christmas gifts from etsy is awesome - you know you're giving someone you care about something really unique.

Do take a look at Dianne's delightful blog for inspiration behind Dear Oh Deer, and head over to the shop to choose your favourite from all the pretties on offer. Or, if you're lucky enough to live near London, you can visit the Dear oh Deer stall at The Wonderhill Market next weekend. Get a gift for someone special... Or yourself.