Step into Renate store

At lunchtime today I decided to take a break from my desk and explore some of the hidden treasures of Cardiff by taking a little wander down the captivating Royal arcade.

Just off The Hayes in the city centre, the Royal Arcades is overflowing with character and charm, and is filled with an abundance of quaint little eateries and cafes, as well as delightful independent and unique clothing boutiques.

I purposely meandered down the Royal Arcade today in search of a new clothing store I had heard opened at the end of 2014 called Renate. The store is owned and run by Cardiff born and bred fashion graduate, Stephanie Roderick, who wanted to open a unique boutique that could offer young, creative women who have a love for fashion with a collection of modern and eye-catching designs. 

The store is overflowing with chic and simple daytime pieces that are easy to wear and effortlessly stylish, all at affordable price tags. All items are sourced from a selection of Danish, Australian and British designers.

There were a number of simple t-shirt dresses made from high-quality silks and cottons that particularly caught my eye and if it wasn't for the fact that I am seven and half months pregnant, I would have snapped them up. 

All items in the collection are made from the finest premium fabrics, meaning not only are you getting an exceptionally unique item that not everyone else on the high-street will be wearing, you are also purchasing a garment that will last.

Stephanie informed me that she is anticipating the arrival of the new Spring collection in the next few weeks which will be overflowing with eye-catching, brightly coloured garments. She will also be holding a special invite-only fashion show next month to showcase the new pieces. I for one, can't wait to check them out, and to get my hands on them (once I have had the baby in April).

To check out the store for yourself simply take a detour off The Hayes and step into one of Cardiff's many enchanting arcades, The Royal Arcade. You will also find an exquisite little cafe called The Plan which is the perfect place to rest your weary feet and enjoy a relaxing coffee, sandwich or piece of homemade cake. 

Join the store on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/renatestoreuk 
Follow them on Twitter @Renate_store
Follow them on instagram at renate_store

Here is a taste of what you can expect in store right now.

Happy shopping :) 

 

Distinctive and kitsch Jewellery

As someone who always has a beady eye on all things shiny and can never resist the opportunity to purchase another piece of neck armour to add to my ever-growing collection. I have just come across another unique jewellery website that offers a fantastic selection of bespoke pieces.

Distinctive Silver has a eclectic mix of kitsch but eye-catching items that would help complete any outfit. 

Rather than bold, bright and statement necklaces, like I am used to adorning, the website offers more delicate, subtle items that can be worn everyday. And at extremely affordable price tags, you can snap up a variety of pieces that take your fancy without breaking the bank. 

Here are some of my favourite items.

Double heart necklace - £17.99Heart pendant - £19.99Connected heart pendant - £17.99Sparkly Love necklace - £19.99Vintage looking pendant - £29.99Moon mirror ring - £14.99Ripple reflection ring - £12.99To check out more of the collection visit http://distinctivesilver.com/ 
Follow them on Twitter @distinctsilver
Like them on Facebook at Distinctive Silver

And....Happy Shopping :) 

Anna Lou of London personlised jewellery

I recently came across an exquisite new jewellery website baed in London which offer jewellery lovers the chance to create a selection of bespoke and personalised pieces for their trinket box. 

Whether you have always envied the kitsch little name necklace that Carrie always adorned in every episode of Sex & the City or whether you want to create a unique item for a loved one there is an eclectic mix of beautiful items to choose from in your favourite metal. 

As someone who always has an eye for something sparkly and is particularly partial to shiny neck armour, I am hoping to get my hands on one of the personalised silver or rose gold name necklaces, as well as one of the 'Love' necklaces. I already have one from a high-street retailer that I regularly wear but as a cheaper version it is slowly losing its silver colour so I am desperate for a replacement. Maybe I need to hint to my husband a little more and leave this blog post open for him ahead of our forthcoming Wedding anniversary.

Gift vouchers are also available and 24 hour standard delivery costs just £5 (which is a steal).

Check out some of the collection below but to view more of their beautiful handcrafted pieces visit http://www.annalouoflondon.com/home 

Also follow them on Twitter @annalouoflondon 

Like them on Facebook at Anna Lou of London

Name necklaces: £62

Sparkling name necklace: £73

Name bracelet: £67.50

Alphabet letter necklace: £67.50

Love necklace: £54

Name ring: £95

Initial disc necklace: £54

Engraved disc bracelet: 54

Monogram locket: £114

Hand-written necklace: £89

Name disc necklace: 67.50

Pearl Love bracelet: £18

To check out more of the collection visit http://www.annalouoflondon.com/home 

Also follow them on Twitter @annalouoflondon 
Like them on Facebook at Anna Lou of London