Kingdom Of Style

Something Precious

My friend at work, James, told me about a label/shop his lovely girlfriend is involved in, called Johari. The label, run by Ruth and Laura, is about sustainable, ethical fashion:

Every item in handmade in Kenya by Johari Designs which is a social enterprise, and all profits go to the Johari Foundation’s Miale programmes which supports children and young adults towards a better future by helping with education, vocational, social and basic needs.

Fashion which also helps and aids some of the most vulnerable people on the planet, can only be a good thing, even better when the clothes are actually really cute. The illustrative prints especially caught my eye.

I believe Johari will be making their way to T in the Park this year to sell their lovely clothes.

Queen Michelle

Dreamlike State

I'm currently trying to blog sans Photoshop, which is surprisingly difficult.

I'm still having fun with my lovely new lens and have been gathering up lots of inspirational photographs where I like the colours of the photo, or the background, or the composition to try and emulate the same effects. Obviously in some instances the effects are due to a camera filter, but I make do with Photoshop to get the colours I like. Curently, my favourite trick is to drop the percentage of black and make it blue toned. It gives a photo a nice washed out feel.

We were contacted by photographer Sabina Tabakovic, who is based in Sweden. The self taught artist says:
"I believe in dreams and goodness. I love memories they often inspire me when I photograph".

Her photos, often of friends, neighbours, family or herself, are so charming in their simplicity. She has captured both a dreamlike quality and a certain kind of vulnerability within her subjects.

Queen Michelle

Neck Fabric

A girl can never have too many neck adornments. Well, that's the rule Queen Marie and certainly seem to live by.

But there a lot of truth in old adage that accessories make the outfit. Whether it's pretty scarves - Queen Marie's accessory of choice - or necklaces, headpieces, bangles or anything else that can be piled on in a fabulously haphazard fashion, accessories are certainly the easiest way to inject interest into simple outfits.

I am currently wearing a few simple quartz necklaces every day, but there are always times when I need something a little extra.

When an email landed in the Kindgom inbox alerting us to Inka, I was loving the fabric creations immediately.

Interestingly, Inka is studying classical singing at the Royal Academy of Music in Århus.

Queen Michelle

Bashful As A Tribal Dance

When doing the trends talk at Topshop, the other item I chose to wear - to wear with the fringed jacket - was these printed shorts. I really wasn't sure about them as I believe my days of wearing small, tight shorts are more or less over, however they were the only other thing I quite liked and they did go well with the jacket.

I was really fond of the print, which is why I chose them. On Sunday I put them on with my UNIF Jesus Saves tee and teamed it with my lovely, warm blanket cape with a similar print. I also dug out my hand made feather earring, Owlita earring, Jungle Tribe bag and various beaded items for a suitably hippy ensemble.

If I were 10 years younger and 10lbs lighter I might even consider wearing them lots but, sadly, I'm none of those things so they will assigned to the 'never to be worn again' pile.

Queen Michelle

Into the wilderness...

Working with silver, gold and semi- precious stones, the London based Jewellery Designer Jacey Withers has created the 'Wilderness' collection inspired by the wild and the spirit of North American legends.

Click here and you can see them in captivity...

Racoon Necklace £190.00

 

Large Foxhead Pendant £112.00

 

Rabbit Necklace £165.00

 

I am of course especially charmed by the little rabbit...

 

Queen Marie

She's a mother, she understands...

 This is the face of an understanding and accepting mother.

Over the last few months due to weather and an exciting upcoming project she has had to stand and watch as her grotto was allowed to run wild

She understands, that sometimes you have to let something go, to achieve a greater good. So yesterday she watched quietly as Empress Gillian and I dug up all the plants and the weeds from her grotto corner

I was sad but I was also excited. Very excited.

Excited because I am clearing the ground to make way for some very special arrivals. Hopefully they will be here tomorrow and I can share the story with everyone next weekend.

As for my eagerly awaited visitors, you will just need to wait to see who is coming to The Royal Garden but until next weekend here is a clue...

Queen Marie

x

happy happy...

This is the "Happy Happy" bow designed by Stephen Johnston.

Made of mirror polish alluminium and measuring over 70cm across,  this wall hanging decoration is 

 a product designed to make you happy... and it's as simple as that!

 

 

It does make me happy happy

But the price makes me sad sad.

£1800 for single bow!!!!!!!!!!!

Available from here

Bah...

 

Queen Marie

x

Feeling lucky?

You won't need the help of this guy to get lucky at the Bank Holiday Tatty Devine Mega Sale.

Between this morning and Monday there are treasures galore to be scooped, online and at 236 Brick Lane.

Treasures like this this cute cat bangle for only £10 reduced from £30.00

If you can't decide what to buy, maybe you should take a chance and pick a Lucky Dip Jewellery Box.

A big Lucky Dip Jewellery Box will contain their pick of five pieces of jewellery. Every box is different, and they make sure to include a good selection of exciting pieces even in the small box which will contain 3 pieces.  You never know what might be in there. But you know it will be good.

Big Box £25.00     Small Box £10.00

I'm tempted to try my luck with a big box.

A girl can  never have too much Tatty Devine!

 

Queen Marie

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what a way to go...

 

'She Died Of Kisses' Natural Tote by She Died of Beauty £20.00 at Young British Designers

 

I can't think of a better way to go...

 

Queen Marie

xxx

xxx

xxx

hail, sleet and sunglasses

 In a week that has seen The Kingdom lashed with 100 mile per hour winds, rain, hailstone and sleet, I have of course, have spent the entire week thinking about new sunglasses...

 

 Yes I know I have more glasses than most people have had hot dinners, but don't blame me, blame those wicked people over at LN-CC.

They keep finding new things that are sent to tempt me and drive me almost mad.

This time it is a collaboration between Dries van Noten and  Linda Farrow.  Specifically these ones...

 The frame is made of khaki acetate and the lenses are coloured in a grey-khaki shade.

They may be calling it khaki but to Queen Michelle and I it is "techno green"

Khaki Acetate Glasses £230.00

Tortoiseshell £210.00

Dark Grey £210.00

 I need these glasses on my face.

Now!

 

Queen Marie

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