Make Something Good with The Handmade Alliance

Handmade Alliance is a social enterprise training prisoners to produce high quality hand-finished textile products for British designers. 

They also provided training and employment to ex-offenders, with the aim to dramatically improve their chance to reintegrate successfully into society. 

Handmade Alliance are currently in the process of launching their debut homeware range and will be running a few half-day sessions to enlist help for the cause, like crowd funding. This is crowd 'helping out', having fun learning something new or helping to share your own knowledge as a maker/crafts pioneer.

You will be making strings of hearts and moons, and alternative tinsel (from recycled fabrics). 

All work and donated time will benefit Handmade Alliance and its work with the community.

Don't be shy if you're not a crafts-person or sewing expert. There's teaching if you need it, and you will be able to take home a decoration of your own ready for your tree. So smiles all round!

These sessions will be taking place afternoons (with teaching for keen stitchers) on Wednesday the 4th and 11th of September from 1-6pm and Saturday 7th and 14th September from 1-6pm.

If you think this is something you or someone you know would like to do please send your name and availability to training@handmadealliance.org

Spread the word!

www.handmadealliance.org

Rik Lee and the Nightcall Collection

Australian artist Rik Lee is best known for his tattoo inspired images and has worked with big name clients such as Puma, Nylon and Lee Jeans in the past. Rik has recently launched his own clothing line Nightcall to showcase his designs in a men and womenswear collection.

His 'Hood Girls'

I love anything relating to tattoos and love the images as pieces of their own art; so when Nightcall popped up on my Tumblr page I was blown away by the strong, exotic girl with a leopard on her head. Rik's collection is still growing, but currently consists of a men's line offering printed t-shirts and sweatshirts and a women's line including swimsuits and vests. There's also a number of accessories you can own, with phone cases, skateboards and wrist cuffs for sale. The strong images of women in their war-like attire makes for a stand out outfit, with the bright colours helping to maintain femininity.

Kitty halter swimsuit

This leopard tee grabbed my initial attention

Men's grey Wolfgirl Tee

Iphone cases

I look forward to see what else comes from this brand, as I know Rik is already expanding into new characters and accessories such as bandanna's.

See more here www.nightcallbrand.com

Gwen Stefani's Vintage Inspired Style

Her band No Doubt, may have their roots based on the 1970s Punk movement; but lead singer Gwen Stefani can often be seen sporting vintage looks which span the 20th Century including the 1920s and 1940s.  With her platinum blonde hair and striking red lips, Gwen's style echoes former Hollywood pin ups Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe. Here are some of my favourite Stefani vintage inspired looks throughout the years.

The humble pencil skirt

Recently I've fallen in love with pencil skirts. I really like how they can be dressed down for work, as well as dressed up for a night out. I also love the fact that they can be worn with so many different kinds of tops too. 

In the past few months I've purchased at least 5 including a leopard print, one with stripes and a lovely wine coloured one which I've worn the most. I think the pencil skirt is definitely a wardrobe staple which will always stay in fashion depending on the way you accessorise it.

Take a look at some of these examples below to see exactly what I mean.

£18 Asos

Probably out of most of our price ranges, but this print is gorgeous!

£599 StyleBop

£60.50 Overstock

£25 Jane Norman

£12 Asos

£22 Miss Selfridge