Stunned by the *omission -- at number one, surely? -- of our own dear Larkin & Catcher on the Telegraph's list of the 50 Best Boutiques in Britain, we still had the good grace to be happy to see Edinburgh's excellent Boudiche (and their luscious indies) in there. We're all heart, and it's a big heart too.
*an oversight brought-on -- perhaps/allegedly -- by the declining cognitive abilities of the compiler of the list, who may well be suffering from the maladies visited upon the ancient.
Saturday, 28 June 2008
A Life4sale -- and Handbags for Sale
As I'm stuck in front of this damn computer on a Saturday night -- supposedly working -- I thought I'd take a little detour back over to Ebay to see what's happening to the Alife4sale auction (you know -- the auction for a man's 'entire life': house, vehicles, belongings, friends and all). Well, it's now got just over three hours to go and the bidding is standing at AU $1, 399,300,00, with a total of 66 bids and 'Bidder 59' being the current highest bidder (like you really had to know that).
I'm still not that sure just how real this whole thing is --there's definitely a strong whiff of a publicity stunt about it all. And why 66 bids now but there was 99 a few days ago? Anyway, we can read all about it when Ian Usher brings out his book (and it's almost guaranteed that he will).
I'm still not that sure just how real this whole thing is --there's definitely a strong whiff of a publicity stunt about it all. And why 66 bids now but there was 99 a few days ago? Anyway, we can read all about it when Ian Usher brings out his book (and it's almost guaranteed that he will).
********************************
And just a little reminder -- the Handbag and Purse Sale is on over at the store -- ends on midnight on Monday and includes these Totally Fabulous Hell's Belles Bags!
The Hell's Belles Hold Fast Shoulder Bag
The La Cucaracha , my very favourite bag, ever -- and not only because it has an applique of a deceased cockroach 'killed dead on a starry night blue field' on it (you've got to just love the Headmistress). It's not every girl that can carry that kind of thing off, you know (or want to, admittedly).
The Get-Away Travel Bag -- this glamourous rockabilly-style overnight bag adds yet another touch of class to your travels
R.I.P Fifi Bag -- this baby has a skeleton poodle on it -- in memory of the dearly-departed Fifi
Monday, 23 June 2008
The £100 for 100 Words Competition
The first of the £100 for 100 words competitions is now up and running over at Larkin & Catcher -- there's £100 worth of gorgeous gifts and accessories up for grabs and all you have to do is .... get over there and find out.
But here's a hint:
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Steven Shaver Designs
Check out this mixed metal, one-of-a-kind handcrafted bracelet, made from recycled auto crankshaft bearings. This would make a really unique gift -- and it's only $37.00. From Steven Shaver Designs.
Selling Your Life on Ebay -- Ian Usher
A story which is showing up all over the internet just now is that of the man who is selling his life on Ebay. Following the break-up of his marriage, Ian Usher has put his 'entire life' up for auction and intends to walk away from it all and make a fresh start. The winning bidder will get it all: a house in Perth, Australia, complete with all the contents; a car and motorcycle; a jet ski and some parachuting equipment. The offer even includes an introduction to Ian's friends and a trial at his job.

I'm not sure whether or not the whole thing is purely a hoax, a scam or just a pretty clever publicity stunt. But even if it did just start-off a a genuine attempt to make a totally fresh start -- Mr Usher must now realise that it is a great money-making exercise. There's definitely the potential for a book there and it's a good idea for a film. And if he pays it smart, there's room for some money-making follow-ups on his search for a 'new life'.
A while back, someone I know had a very similar idea but chickened-out at an early stage -- maybe he's thinking now that he should have just went for it. I think the idea of leaving everything behind and making a new life is appealing to many of us -- that we could take memories of the good times with us but leave all the unwanted baggage of our former life behind. A second chance, unencumbered with all the mess that we can end-up being surrounded with.
The Ebay auction has just over 6 days to run and now sits at $1,800,300,00 (Austrailan dollars), with 99 bidders. I don't know how real it all is -- but it will be interesting to see how it all turns out. Check out alife4sale for more information.

I'm not sure whether or not the whole thing is purely a hoax, a scam or just a pretty clever publicity stunt. But even if it did just start-off a a genuine attempt to make a totally fresh start -- Mr Usher must now realise that it is a great money-making exercise. There's definitely the potential for a book there and it's a good idea for a film. And if he pays it smart, there's room for some money-making follow-ups on his search for a 'new life'.
A while back, someone I know had a very similar idea but chickened-out at an early stage -- maybe he's thinking now that he should have just went for it. I think the idea of leaving everything behind and making a new life is appealing to many of us -- that we could take memories of the good times with us but leave all the unwanted baggage of our former life behind. A second chance, unencumbered with all the mess that we can end-up being surrounded with.
The Ebay auction has just over 6 days to run and now sits at $1,800,300,00 (Austrailan dollars), with 99 bidders. I don't know how real it all is -- but it will be interesting to see how it all turns out. Check out alife4sale for more information.
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Larimeloom -- Handwoven Italian Treats
There's something pretty unique and fresh about the selection of handcrafted and handwoven items available at Larimeloon's Etsy store. I like these designs a lot.
Water Green Silk and handspun cowl headband ($55.00) A real versatile piece this -- it can be worn in a variety of ways -- and the colour's great.

Rosie Handspun Scarflette ($78.00) Really gorgeous -- I love it.
Black Mini Dress ($120.00) Cute, sweet, different.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Alternative Gifts and Treats
We just love this latest batch of NookArt mirrors and wallets we've just put in the Larkin & Catcher store -- especially the rockabilly and tattoo style artwork. They're great as affordable treats and the fact that they look so gorgeous means that they make fabulous gifts.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
When the Going Gets tought -- the tough shop at Etsy!
During this time of economic turmoil -- I thought I'd put a word in for the lovely people at Etsy. It's a truly great source of wonderful, innovative designs and is choc-a-bloc with young talented independent artists and crafters. I've been amazed at the talent on display there -- and I think that there's something fundamentally right and satisfying about buying from individuals who love their art, who are full of enthusiasm and fresh ideas and who are involved in all aspects of an item's design and production.
It's just healthier all-round -- why spend your hard-earned money on mass-produced generic products which are churned-out by Big Business (on the back of slave labour) when you can tap into some beautifully creative minds and wonderfully life-enhancing ideas?
I should probably add that I don't sell at Etsy (though I do buy there) but I really do believe in the whole philosophy behind the indie craft movement.
It's just healthier all-round -- why spend your hard-earned money on mass-produced generic products which are churned-out by Big Business (on the back of slave labour) when you can tap into some beautifully creative minds and wonderfully life-enhancing ideas?
I should probably add that I don't sell at Etsy (though I do buy there) but I really do believe in the whole philosophy behind the indie craft movement.
If you've really got to have that bag -- Handbag Hire

There are just some times in a girl's life when turning up with a Topshop (God bless them...) handbag is simply not good enough. Enter Handbag Hire. A temporary fix, admittedly -- but then nothing is forever...
Fashion in a Time of Recession

Some views from the Independent's fashion section on how to look stylish when money is tight.
I've another little tip -- shop indie! I would say that, though...
Sales Everywhere!
...including Kurt Geiger -- where there's some pretty hefty reductions going on.

Marc by Marc Jacobs red platform £265.00 -- now £59.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs red platform £265.00 -- now £59.00
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