A little update...

 

Well gosh, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted on here! I’m not really sure how it happened, but I guess once again real life took over!
 

It’s certainly been a busy few months since before Christmas. The main focus of my attention has been on Hampshire Bridal Boot Sale, which I run with my awesome co-founder Sarah. After a hugely successful first event last October, the pressure is on to make the next one even better. Which I am confident it will be. We’re holding our next event at Hill Place this Sunday (3 February), and are currently looking for a more permanent home for our next events, so if you are a local venue who’d like to join up with us then do get in touch!
 

I’m also delighted to be a contributor to the newly re-launched This is Your Kingdom. This is a site I’m hugely enthusiastic about, as it celebrates lovely local things. I’m being joined as a Hampshire contributor by the super talented Rachel Drewer, and co-founder of TiYK Rebecca, so stay tuned for more details of what we’ve been up to!

 

 

In between all of that, I’ve managed to do a little updating to the site. As well as a little redesign, I’m going through the process of tagging my posts into sections…Eat, Drink, Stay, Shop, See, Inspire. Everything I post about seems to fit nicely into those categories, and my aim is to bring you my highlights in those areas from across Hampshire…and a little further out, as I seem to spend a lot of time hopping over the border into Dorset and Wiltshire, and I’m sure you’d like to hear my tips for a great day out too!


I've been out doing a lot of exploring recently, and have some great new finds to share with you so stay tuned!
 

 

The biggest update is that I’ve finally moved to my own domain (I am not sure what kept me from doing it sooner to be honest!!) You can now come directly to me at www.hampshirestyle.com

K xx

Clouded Yellow

I first stumbled across Clouded Yellow on Not on the High Street, and was delighted when I saw that they were based in Hampshire (I love it when that happens!!)

Based in Farnborough Justine Weyman is the designer and maker behind Clouded Yellow, making such a lovely range of bags and cases for your gadgets.
Inspired by the vibrant colours found in nature, Justine uses beautiful silks and velvets, quality felts and cottons, including pieces embellished with braids and handmade felt and silk flowers. Her range of iPod and iPad cases are beautifully made in leather and felts. Everything is designed and handmade my Justine, in her Farnborough studio. 

Clouded Yellow offers a range of bags to purchase via NOTHS and also specialises in bespoke bags...if you have a special occasion, then Justine can make a bag to match the fabric of your outfit.

Here are some of my favourite products from the Clouded Yellow range. They'd make great Christmas gifts. If you order before 11am on 18 December, then you can still get them before Christmas!

Felt iPod Case, £29

Leather and felt Kindle case, £32

Passport Case, £33



Salisbury Christmas Market

I paid a visit to Salisbury on Saturday, to finish of some last minute Christmas gifts, and also to visit their Christmas Market.

Taking over Guildhall Square, it's the first time Salisbury has held a Christmas Market, and I must say, I hope it's something they continue with! We were there quite early, before it got really busy, so it was great to browse all of the different huts, and look for some unique gifts! What I really liked is that there was something for everyone you need to buy for...from children, to grandparents, and even good ideas for Secret Santa pressies!

It's only on until Sunday (16th December) so you'll have to be quick if you want to visit! Thurs, Fri and Sat are late nights until 7pm.

K xx

Buying local online

So yesterday was the busiest online shopping day of the year online! Phew! Were you busy shopping online? I was putting the tree up instead, but will probably indulge in a few bits this evening!!

Sometimes it's just easier to buy online isn't it, rather than battle the crowds out there in real shops (I keep seeing tweets about how ridiculously busy everywhere is!) But what happens if you want to buy nice local gifts, and support local sellers instead of the big corporates?

I've been scouring the internet to find some great local places to buy things online...meaning you can support local Hampshire makers and sellers...but also not have to battle with the masses if that's not your thing! Perfect hey??

Here are a few of my favourites:


Sophia Victoria Joy

I've been following this lovely lady on Twitter for a while, and lusting after pretty much everything she posts, and I can't think of a better place to start for Christmas gifts. Not only are her gifts beautiful and really unique (I want everything!), her Not on the High Street shop also includes trillions of gift wrapping items...beautiful paper, gift tags, cards...it is literally a one stop shop for beautiful gifts! People will never know you didn't leave the house to carefully source all of it!! Now which pieces to add to my Christmas list!!!



Sophia Victoria Joy personalised iPad cover, £79

Love from Hetty and Dave

I first met the lovely Zoe at Hampshire Bridal Boot Sale, and adore her lovely brand. Selling leather jewellery and accessories, everything she makes is totally gift worthy. From statement necklaces to home accessories (slightly obsessed with the giant slug draft excluder!!) you should definitely visit her site and I'm certain you'll find a special gift for someone!

The Hambledon



Whenever I go on about The Hambledon (which is all the time, I know!) people often tell me they can't get to Winchester, so their online shop is perfect! If you want that gift that is a little bit different, or that you might head to the internet for anyway, then make your first stop The Hambledon. It's always lovely to support a local shop...even if you're buying a big brand like Lomography. Plus their decorations win hand down on everything I have seen!



I'll be doing more of these guides to local sellers in the coming days so if you know anyone I should be including, then please get in touch!!

K xx



It's already the weekend!

Yay! I'm so super busy at work at the minute weekends come flying around! Which is no bad thing at all! Here are some fabulous things to make the most of this one...

Head to Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard to really get in to the mood for Christmas...Victorian Style! This sounds completely magical, and a real day out for the whole family! Visitors will be magically transported into a Dickensian-style bygone era of real snowy white streets for the rich and poor, with seasonal carols, the ever raucous Fagin’s Tavern, and unique Christmas gift market. Hampshire Fare will be trading, and there promises to be lots of amazing opportunities to buy local handmade gifts! Sounds fab! It runs for the whole of this weekend, so find out more and buy tickets here.

Hampshire Style favourite Hepwrights Vintage is holding a really special event on Sunday, Hep:Live. There is so much going on at this event at the RE:SO shop (which is upstairs in the Marlands): join in a live fashion shoot, live styling, how to start your own vintage fashion business...! It promises to be a really unique experience, and best of all, it is all FREE!! Find out more here!

If your off Christmas shopping this weekend, they check out my post from last week, which is all about the local Christmas markets!

It is also the Collectibles market in Winchester this Sunday. I ALWAYS find loads of really amazing things there, that would be great gifts...so this weekend is definitely the time to visit it!

What do you have planned for the weekend?

K xx

It's officially the weekend!!

Today is Black Friday. I'm not sure when this "trend" came across the pond from America, but the day following Thanksgiving is seen as the start of Christmas shopping proper...hence the HUGE discounts in almost every store an online retailer. Selfridges has 20 per cent off of a lot of things (even selected Mulberry handbags...! The temptation!) and Apple have reduced prices on some items today!!

So with all of this in mind, I thought I'd focus on some great places to pick up Christmas gifts this weekend!!

First up has to be Winchester Christmas Market. Set in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, with an ice skating rink taking centre stage, the pretty wooden chalets feature some amazing exhibitors, perfect for finding unique gifts. The arrival of the Christmas Market is the sign Christmas is coming for me. I love going along at dusk, getting a mug of mulled wine, and enjoying all of the pretty lights, sights and smells. Perfect!

If you fancy a little trip out, the Salisbury is holding it's first event Christmas Market this year. I love Salisbury, and I imagine this market will really get you feeling all Christmassy! The Salisbury Christmas Market website even has a list of all of the exhibitors which sound fab...presents for little ones, artisan bakers, arts and crafts, Christmas wreaths, I cannot wait to visit this!!

Over in Portsmouth, Aspex Gallery is hosting a Christmas Craft Market from this weekend, right through until Christmas. This promises to be full of great things from local artists and makers, so there is no excuse not to give the perfect gift made in the local area!

And of course, if you want to head to the high street, Dining at West Quay opened this week and is well worth a look. Read all about it in my post here.

What are you doing this weekend? Do you have any top tips on where to find unique gifts?

K xx

Dining at West Quay

I am so excited about this! I've always said, despite my huge love for West Quay, what it really lacks is nice restaurants...where you can stop for lunch mid shopping trip, and really make a day of it.

Well it would appear those West Quay angels have listened to my prayers, and this Thursday sees the opening of the brand new Dining at West Quay! Which I'm thrilled to announce has some amazing restaurants moving in - Wagamama, Cafe Rouge, Ed's Diner, and Pizza Express to name a few!

I am a HUGE fan of Ed's! It's probably a bad thing for me they are moving into West Quay!!

On Thursday (22 November 2012), West Quay officially launch their new dining offering, so if you are around then make sure you head down and check out all the fun taking place! Chef Aldo Zilli will be there doing cookery demonstrations throughout the day, as will chefs from some of West Quay's new restaurants, including Wagamama!

There will also be food to sample, discounts, and a whole lot of fun going on!

And you can slip in some shopping too!! Perfect afternoon!

K xx