Vintage Make-up and Handbags galore with Bernie's Bags this Christmas

Have you ever walk into a shop and thought WOW!, my friend would love this? Or OH MY GOD!, my mam would really love this piece. Well that happened to me recently when I went to the home of Bernies Bags. Bernies bags is a vintage shop owned by a lady in Co Meath. She sells vintage items through her Facebook page and also attends vintage and craft fairs regularly in the area. She also does repairs and hires out a number of her really special pieces.

She has some absolute gorgeous pieces and an unreal amount of vintage make-up I thought you might all be interested in. The fact that I got to see and hold theses pieces was a real delight for me. Just think about who owned them previously and the sights they might have seen.

 Irish Made sandalwood Leather Beverly Bag from the 1970's

Bernie has a small number of Beverly bags in her collection. Beverly was very populary in the 60's and 70's around the world for making handmade leather bags right here in Ireland. Fans at the time included Grace Kelly and Jackie O. If you are lucky enough you might be able to grab yourself one from Bernies Bags, the company went out of business in the 90's which is a real shame. The quality of their work is very hard to come by today.

I love this quirky clutch bag she also had in her collection when I went to visit, I've never seen an opening like that before. And the beading is gorgeous. Her pieces are in really great condition and deserve to be loved again!

Bernie's bags also has a wonderful collection of vintage make-up which includes compacts and lipsticks with the original make-up still contained. She also has vintage manicure sets which might appeal to collectors and any ladies who are interested in nails.

I really would recommend checking out Bernie's Bags out, you are sure to find a real gem for yourself or a friend this Christmas.

Check out her Facebook page for photos and you can contact her through her page also. She is currently show casing her pieces at the Christmas Craft fair in The Central Pub in Navan, Co Meath on Trimgate street. You can also contact her by email at handbagsforhire@hotmail.com.

Let me know what you think in the comments below. Are you a fan of vintage? 

Love,

Sarah

Buy Irish this Christmas - Addiebeads Jewellery

It's that time of year again, some find it a joy and some dread it. Finding that perfect gift for your loved ones gets harder each year. Over the next few days I'm going to make it a little bit easier for you to find something special by sharing some of my favourite Irish businesses with you. Why not get your loved ones something unique and support Irish businesses at the same time. Today I'm introducing you to Addiebeads, a handmade beaded jewellery on-line shop owned by Mary Drea in Co Dublin.

Marys Mission
To supply top quality glass beads and findings in vintage bohemian and classic styles at affordable prices. With this in mind Addiesbeads ships free within Ireland and only charges a flat rate of €2 to the UK. You can check out her website for other postal information.

Mary makes wonderful pieces that you will only find in her on-line store. She's also great at updating her Facebook page with new pieces and information on craft fairs where you can find her Addiebeads creations. I bought a lovely pair of Christmas earrings from her last year and have received lots of compliments on them. I'm really happy with the quality and she uses really gorgeous glass beads in her pieces to boot.

Mary started out focusing on selling beads but her pieces have become so popular now she has decided to focus on that just as much coming into the new year. Mary has told me that in the new year she will be "developing a full range of addibeads 'staples'.  Long chain necklaces made to order using crystals and semi precious stones.  Bracelets that will co ordinate, mix and can be layered with either the customers own pieces or mine. It will be an ecclectic mix made with top quality components, all nickel free and tarnish free. Chains will feature and lots of rosary style hand looped and hand wired beads will be the main focus." 

She describes her jewellery style as "very relaxed" with an "earthy twist on bling" and I would have to agree. I think her pieces would suit ladies of all ages and would make the perfect gift for someone special this Christmas. You can peruse her on-line shop and choose a piece with your loved ones favourite colour in mind. She really has something for everyone. I personally love her use of colours and beading designs. 

Addiebeads Links

Like her Facebook page

Visit her Website

Follow her Blog

Follow her on Twitter

Check out her work and let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you know anyone who would be thrilled with an Addiebeads creation this Christmas?

Love,

Sarah

Festive Nails With Barry M Nail Paint

(left to right) Textured 'Lady', Limited Edition for Christmas Nail Paint 336 and Red Wine.

I picked up these polishes in Boots recently because I thought they would be perfect for the Christmas party season. The Textured white 'Lady' polish with it's shimmering glittering texture caught my attention immediatly and I had to buy it. Boots are also doing 3 for 2 on Barry M products at the moment so I had to pick up two other polishes naturally! The limited edition nail paint in 336 reminded me of Christmas tinsel so I wanted to give that a go and you can never go wrong with classic red at Christmas.





I'm absolutely in love with Lady, it's gorgeous and perfect for Christmas. It made my nails look and feel luxurious. In the pictures I have two coats on and I have to say I was surprised how pigmented it turned out to be. It applied very nicely and didn't have that glupy consistency that usually comes with most glitter polishes. I loved wearing it on it's own and also trying it with different shades to create different looks.

I have to say I wasn't fond of the Limited Edition Christmas polish in 336. I just wasn't happy with the over all look. It applied fine and dried with no problems. The colours are perfect for Christmas but I just didn't like the effect itself. It looked kind of messy to me and I had to take it off not long after wearing it!

What polishes would you recommend for this Christmas season, I'm on the hunt for more! MOOOOOORE!

Love,

Sarah