Seasonal Style For Him

I think guys get a hard rap when it comes to clothing, where girls have trousers, skirts, dresses, shirts, tee's, suits, play-suits and shorts to choose from, guys pretty much get trousers and a top.....obviously it's more varied then that, but you get my meaning. Where we have a mass of colours, cuts and styles to wear, it's not so for the gents.

So with that in mind, we thought we'd suggest a few places to take a look at for him, and hopefully broaden his style ideas and places to shop.

So first off is Tarantula at Ozone, USA based Tarantula offer guys and girls wear and I love their style, authentic cuts and colours which always feel like they have a bad girl/boy twist, there's a sort of B-movie edge which makes me think of 'Them' 'It Came From Beneath The Sea' 'Kiss Me Deadly' without being pushed in to the horror punk/psycho end of things. This guys jacket comes in a range of colour options and patten/finishes and it's supreme! They also did a fantastic guys knit top a while back, yellow and black stripe, but I can't find it at  Ozone, or on their own web site,  however Ozone have a great selection of their jackets and trousers.

Also good for jackets is Morellos, I'm not as keen on their styles, but that's just becuase we're talking Wish List here, fictional shopping with no budget! Anyway, back to Morellos and they should definitely get a look in for trousers, they have these 50's cut high waist style in pretty much every colour you can think of and are great for a smarter look.

If you're after more casual styles Roundup Records do great men's jeans (as well as jackets, tee's, hats and just about all sorts), as do Rumble 59.

Back to the smarter ensembles, Johnsons Shoes make some beautiful shoes, (the girls range is stunning as well!), the couple behind it are extremely lovely, and not only do they make a fantastic range they also have a selection of bespoke styles.

Perhaps better known for their shoes Rocket Originals do girls and guys clothing too, from shirts to trousers and knits. Their men's shirts come in some fantastic fabrics right now. (If you're looking for stocking filler presents, they also do a range of socks in lovely colours with an Argyll pattern)

In fact I think the four of these would make a great outfit.....the belt on the trousers above is Rocket Originals too (unisex sizing on the belts).

For a great selection of guys rockin' tee's, we've already given a nod to Bow & Crossbones and we recently found Boston Arms ebay store with this little gem.

So a host of places to shop for him! I hope it's added a few new places to look for presents and possibly some new styles for the guys.

Seasonal Style For Her

So in the last blog we gave you some great options on hair and make-up help for Christmas and New Years. And here as promised are some Christmas style tips.

First off, yes their here and we love them! The lurex styles have arrived in perfect time for you to add some sparkle to your winter wardrobe.

Bernie and She's Not So Dumb, we've told you about them before here. Now they arrived, it's a pleasure to say they're just what we wanted! If you want to add an extra authentic touch, go for a bullet style bra like this one from Stockings & Romance. Because the dresses are made from a knitted fabric, we'd recommend wearing a slip underneath, and if you're going to wear a slip, why not go for something which helps give you that extra wow to your figure? We love this shaper from What Katie Did stocked by The March Hare, it's also available in black so perfect for both dresses.

On our wish list this year is this Stop Staring dress from Deadly Is The Female not for the faint hearted, it'll leave your wallet light (it's a little over £200), but I don't think you'd be short of offers for dinner or drinks being lined up for the rest of the month.

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If you fancy feeling dressy without having to bare your legs? We think our Rosie trousers fit the bill, wear with a sheer blouse or tight sweater and a pair of sparkly heels to look festively special whilst beating the cold.

If you have time to browse we recommend keeping a close eye on Bernie Dexters ebay store. Not only does she sell her brand of clothing, she also has a multitude of fantastic vintage items. A selection from her own collection and her picks, so your guaranteed to find something you love even if you can't quite squeeze into her impressive measurements.  

Curvier girls out there should head over to Big Girls Blouse, Julie is fantastic lovely and definitely someone who I'm keen to be in the same field as next camping show, she had everything you could possibly need! Plus she makes awesome clothing like this - and hair accessories like this feathered wonder.

Still looking at accessories, Betty Flowers has everything you could need to top off your out fit, from cute and kitsch, to sophisticated roses. Bow & Crossbones have some new bow necklaces which feel perfectly festive.

Shoes to complete the outfit! So we love Miss L Fire like these Goddess shoe, Evening Lady has these fantastic black Preen Bordello heels £49.95. Personally I've found Marks & Spencer's offers over the last few years pretty good and while I normally try to keep this blog small indie UK companies, I love these fake snake dolly shoes for £49.50

Of course you can also check out our sale section for some great party dresses too. Next time, guys style which is really hard to find good stuff, but we think we have a few interesting names to take a look at.

Out By The Light Of The Moon.....

....the stars twinkle and so should you! It's Christmas very soon, which means presents, parties, probably eating and drinking too much. Hopefully all with people you love, possibly with work folks. Whatever the situation or occasion, no doubt, you'll want to look your best so before your event creeps up on you, here is our pick of some fantastic people to help beautify you....

Bethany Jane Davies - Is fantastic, after sharing a challay with her at the Riot last year, not only can she dance all night, but she knows all of the tricks to make sure that you'll look fantastic the next morning! Based in Manchester, Bethany travels to you, can be booked for appointments for make-up and hair, and also runs courses and offers tutorial sessions. Plus becuase she's so awesome she's offering Lady K Loves readers 15% discount on make up and hair services between now and Christmas. T&Cs....This does not include bridal make up or lessons and seminars. Regular travel costs apply. Book through the website with the code 'LadyKLovesChristmas'. Below are a few examples of her work.

    
Flamingo Amy - The very talented Amy trained at Nina's in London, and is based up in Norwich, she often works out of Flint hair in the the Bridewell area of the city and is a true jem! I seem to remember seeing something on her facebook recently about spaces for NYE filling up already so act fast as this girl gets very busy!

Lucille's Locks - Over Nottingham way you have the sweet as pie Lucille, I was first introduced to her via a blog she did on Lady K Loves jeans! Her hair tutorials on her blog are a great place for advice and inspiration, particularly good if you're looking for a distraction on Christmas day. But she also offers a full styling service for those who aren't confident to try them selves or what to go for something far more advanced for a special occasion.

The Vanity Box - Some of you may well have already met Verity and Gemma of The Vanity Box, they are regularly attending shows and weekenders, with their beauty pop-up studio, have worked with some of the best brands in the business and can be regularly found on the dance floor! Take a look at their facebook for a true idea of what they can offer.

 

Betty Flowers - If you haven't heard of her you haven't been reading the blog that often! Based in Hastings, lover of sweet tea and fan of all sorts of critters, Betty can, indeed make you blush! She's worked on most of the LKL photo shoots this year and specialises in peachy perfect skin.

 

Tattooed Beauty - After something a little more permanent? Madam Butterfly offers make-up and beauty tattooing. Eyebrows that don't smudge, lip liner that doesn't bleed or disappear when you eat or drink, eye liner perfect every day! It's like heaven. Prices start at £ and you do need to leave time for healing so get in touch with Madam B now to book your appointment.

Next time, fantastic frocks, heavenly heels and hair accessories to die for for all shapes and sizes.

Under The Tree.....

If like me you're starting to feel the cold damp sweat of panic at the idea of Christmas creeping in, fear not. I'm not one to be celebrating having the shopping done and finished by October, I find the fact that the adverts start so early puts me off...and of course I then spend so much time insisting that it's not Christmas yet I forget to plan presents.......hence the cold sweat!

Over the next couple of weeks we'll be running a series of blogs covering ideas for presents, where to find great help for hair and make-up and styles for the party season. So get your self a coffee, sit back and make some notes on what to get for who.

Roundup Records - Specialising in music and with a fantastic range of denim apparel, Roundup Records are regularly at shows and weekenders in the UK and parts of Europe. There's a wide range of hair grooming and pomades, but for the day's where you do just wont do they have the perfect newsboy hats, 3 colours and 3 sizes there a fantastic present. 

Bow & Crossbones - Best known for their jewellery and accessories, Bow & Crossbones also stock some great guys wear like this El Paso Speedway tee for £17

Miss Tiki Designs - Run by the lovely Elaine, Miss Tiki, evolved via a love of painting, with an strong influence of Polynesia and tropical, think fruit, tiki and even some charming animals when it comes to hair flowers. We love the Moai, great on hair clips too! 

Exotic Tramp - Keeping it with the tiki feel Exotic Tramp is an emporium of luau goodies. Among our favourites are the chocolates, from traditional shapes, to chilli volcano's and even a tiki or two (prices starting at £3.50), the beautifully beaded Lei's (prices from £10) and the fabulous coconut handbags

Dolly Cool -  Dolly Cool's Candy Cool range (£7 with free postage) is just out and prefect for Christmas, exclusive designs on a 1" wooden tile base. Dolly prides herself on items being hand made so always unique with fantastic quality and a keen eye for design.

Alternatots - Something for the little ones, Alternatots is amazing! I didn't even know what to pick! Toy's changing bags and mats, outfits from tini tiny to toddling, Christmas is for kids and now they can look as cool as you! We love this Swallow tee for £16

Shanty Tramp - Beautiful hand made jewellery, custom made to your length, everything is made to order so make sure you get order soon. We love this sea-side necklace (£19), and the hibiscus set, and the daisy's and we're had to stop looking so we don't just buy us lots of presents! 

Deadly Is The Female - We're not sure if this is for him or you...but there's nothing better than some well fitting lingerie (see our previous post on bra fittings and perhaps head to She Said if you're near Brighton), pert of a range of corsets, pants, pantihose and petticoats.

Lady K Loves - Yes we do lots of beautiful clothes (we're so modest), and some wonderful accessories (have you seen the RockOptika frames we stock?) But we also have a selection of books picked out from Amazon. Cocktails, picture books of cars and girls, how to on hair and make-up and some social history.

We hope that's given you a little inspiration and somewhere to start with your shopping....

LKL x

Long Over Due Some Cocktail Fun

Another cocktail post is long over due, and this time I’ve gone for a traditional prohibition drink, Long Island Iced Tea. It’s got an mix of pretty much every sprit, and is from a point in time where firstly drink was illegal (in the States), which lead many people to brew their own. (This is highly dangerous! Making your own beer, wine, ect in this country is perfectly legal, mostly because it’s safe. Spirits on the other hand have a dangerous distilling process which unless done properly can result in explosions, blowing up your house, garage, factory ect is not advised! The other side affect of bootlegged booze is that it can send you blind among other things!)

The aim of the drink is to get a perfect balance of all of the sprits, creating a sweet and sour flavour, which you don’t even realise has alcohol in it (going back to the illegality of drinking and the rotten powerful stuff used). You can buy what you need at your local supermarket……..

You will need –

Glasses

Ice

Lemon – cut in half’s

Limes – cut in 8^th’s in slivers

Straws

Stirrers and any other decoration

Vodka

White rum

Gin

Tequila

Triple sec

Coke-a-cola (any brand, skinny or fat are all fine)

Take your glass and fill with ice,

Squeeze all of the juice from one half of lemon in to the glass, follow this with the juice from 2 segments of lime.

If you can free pour (which I’m not likely to write about you can the basics about it here, I use a count of 4 per 25ml), pour a count of 1 of Vodka, Gin, White Rum and Tequila, this is approximately 6.25ml, add to this a count of 2, or 12.5ml of the Triple Sec.

Top with coke, give a quick stir and taste. It will take some practice, particularly as it can be really easy to go over board on the tequila, but once you’ve got the knack this is a great tasty classic cocktail. 

Dolly Cool

Last year the the London Lowbrow Kustum Kristmas, I was lucky enough to have my little stand next to Clare from Dolly Cool, not only was she lovely it was great being able to have a bit of a chat about shop and talk strategies (kind of dull I know, but it becomes much more interesting when your lively hood and ability to buy the shoes you've got your eye on is directly linked to how much money your business has made.)

It's becuase of our conversations that I looked at sorting a new web site system, (along with other people like Retro Chick and my mum who had both given me excellent idea's and suggestions about what to do), looked at setting up a news page which then developed into this blog, and finally she was definitely an energising force when it came to arranging the Jessie Orbits shoot back in march.

So I wanted to give her a little shout out as she's not only super sweet but also a regular Lady K Loves customer and I wanted to give something back....so here are some of my favourite bits from her current range, and her is her blog, and facebook go take a look!

 Trash Leopard Earrings

 3D heart necklace 'Doll'

 New Rosary Collection rose necklace modelled by the lovely La Dama

Large Rose Necklace

London Lowbrow & Kustom Ko-op

Last year we had a stand at the London Lowbrow & Kustom Ko-op's Kustom Kristmas, it was a hoot, however being out late the night before and not really being from London meant the travelling to get there took it out of my before I even got there.....

That said it's back this year and if you're someone who would consider your self a Kustom Krafter (Lady K isn't so crafty any more as we get everything made in the UK) and want a stall you can get in touch with them via facebook. Or if you're after some interesting Christmas presents, some fantastic home-made cake or just want to have a fun day out and hear some good music in the evening head down to this years event.