Hi, my name's Laura and I have a problem...

My problem started about 7 years ago and is probably best illustrated in pictorial form:

 That's right, I'm addicted to Bete Noire!

I've included her jewellery in a previous post or two, but that doesn't really show the full extent of the collection I've acquired over the years. I also know for a fact that one necklace is packed away with my Christmas bits and have a nagging feeling that I'm missing a couple of necklaces but we've been slowly packing up the flat and I wouldn't know where to begin!

The addiction started about 7 years ago, at Newport tattoo convention, when Kim bought me a red, glittery necklace which read 'True Love'; at that point the company was known as Clutterfly. Soon after, I bought the Tea Cake necklace (pictured above) at another tattoo convention. I was heart broken when my True Love necklace broke from being worn too much (both literally and figuratively I guess!) and more so when I tried to replace it and found that the company was no more.

A few years passed and I continued to (very carefully) wear the Tea Cake necklace, but the True Love one had meant a lot as it was a gift from Kim. I was absolutely thrilled when Bete Noire somehow popped up on my news feed and I went to the website with the purpose of replacing the broken hearts. Clearly, since then I have overcompensated! I live in these necklaces. You don't have to go far to find pictures of me wearing them.

(True Love in Pink Glitter, Misery Chick (discontinued? and now a little green thanks to zombie make up!), Cara Mia)

 There are quite a few reasons why I love these necklaces so much. Firstly, the options are pretty much endless - they make the most amazing custom pieces which I find myself coveting and wishing I'd had the idea first; they add a bit of fun to any outfit; they always get commented on and I have no problem sending anyone Beth's way; I love to support little companies who put their hearts into their work; Beth (the owner) is a sweetheart; they are really good quality...I could go on and on.

My most recent two arrived yesterday with the sweet little bonus of a chocolate brooch (now pinned to my leather jacket). I have a little in common with Beth as she seems to have a bit of a soft spot for all things goff too. I'd been after the Adam's Family inspired Cara Mia necklace since she first posted it on Instagram so it was inevitably going to join the rest soon, and how better to decorate a Cat Heart than with Jack off Jill lyrics? Both beautifully glittery and on black chains. I can't get over the little hand made rose. So perfect!

The moons are probably the most frequently worn as I can get away with them for work. The girls in my year 10 class regularly tell me that they think they're lovely. I also bought them in 'Blue Agate' for my bridesmaids because they were so cute and I love to see that they still wear them too <3

The necklaces themselves range between about £9 and £18, which I think is a bit of a bargain considering they are all hand made and hand painted. The amount of time and work that she puts in is phenomenal.

So although I would say that my Bete Noire love has turned into something of an addiction, I won't be seeking any help. In fact, I would go as far as to suggest that other people develop the addiction as well!

Lollipop Loves...Weddings

Wedding season is upon us! I seriously love weddings, with my wedding day being the happiest day of my life (I plan on doing a proper post about it at some point but below is a taster of our big day - the biggest smile imaginable plastered on my face!)

We don't have that many to go to this year, but my husband and I were invited to see two of his uni friends Alex and Clare) tie the knot yesterday so I thought I'd write a little post about the day and my outfit (Clare's - the bride - was obviously better than mine but I have no details about that so mine will have to do!) The wedding was in Stow-on-the-Wold, a lovely little place in the Cotswolds. We stayed a few miles down the road in Burford, a picture perfect little market town. I wish we'd had time to explore further but we plan on going back for a little getaway soon.

(One of the lovely houses along Burford High Street)

The barn venue was stunning and the ceremony took place in the grounds, so we were surrounded by stunning views of the countryside. It was a lovely little ceremony, with really cute readings - Guess How Much I Love you. So sweet! The ceremony was followed by Pimms, a selection of music that was very reminiscent of Cardiff uni days and a lovely meal that fit in with the setting. In the evening there was cèilidh dancing and Totoro cake. All in all, an incredible day.

(Seriously, how cute is this cake?)

I picked my outfit based on the fact there was cèilidh dancing: the Pinup Girl clothing Jenny Dress in lilac (no longer available in that colour but they have an incredible selection of prints and plain here for $142), the black petticoat from Vivien of Holloway (£59 from here), polka dot seamed stockings from What Katie Did (similar from collectif for £8.50) and my pink, glitter, True Love necklace from the wonderful Bete Noire (£14 from here. I asked for pink but you can get different colours, prints, chains, etc. I will be writing a post all about her lovely jewellery - I have a rather extensive collection and wear them all the time.)

(Pre wedding photo with my hair looking how it was supposed to and Kim looking dapper in his suit and Vivienne Westwood tie)

Let's start with the Jenny Dress. I own a couple of these dresses and a couple of the skirts. They are genuinely the most comfortable and versatile dresses out there. The stretch sateen looks so luxe but is incredibly comfortable (definitely good for a 3 course wedding breakfast!) and the amount of fabric in the skirt is unbelievable. The bodice is boned for structure but stretches at the back and has adjustable straps. I have a slightly curvier top half, so it means that I feel supported but comfortable. I had compliment after compliment about the dress and it felt really special to wear. Vivien of Holloway petticoats are the only ones I will buy now. I have had my fair share of cheaper petticoats but they have always felt too flat, too bulky, have stuck to my legs, etc, etc. I was always a bit wary of spending a lot on a petticoat because I thought I would never wear them enough but eventually sprung for one last year (in dusky pink). I found that because it was perfect, I started wearing outfits specifically so I could wear it and treated myself to a black one with birthday money. They are so soft and lightweight, so it doesn't feel like you're wearing a big petticoat, but they give so much volume. I found myself wanting to spend the whole night on the dance floor! The True Love necklace added the touch of fun I felt the outfit needed. Who doesn't love pink glitter? And the design is definitely fitting for weddings. I wear these necklaces so often for a cute, kitsch touch and will recommend time and time again. Beth, who makes them, is such a sweetie, and everything is lovingly hand made. Again, lots of compliments, so it was the right choice for the occasion.

(A slightly tipsy selfie, after getting completely windswept and a turn or few around the dance floor - check out the volume in that skirt though!)

Now, this isn't one of my more budget friendly (although my shoes were £25 from M&S and the cardi was cheapy-cheap Primarni.) but weddings are such special occasions and if you can't wear your more expensive outfits then, when can you? I build up my more expensive clothes over time, looking out for sales (PUG regularly has amazing sales) and using birthday money. This outfit was just the right combination of special and fun for an incredible day. I wish the happy couple a lifetime of happiness!

Laura xx