Best Bitches x

Remember in the 90's when you shared "best friend" necklaces with the little hearts broken in two (or three)? I loved those. I mean, how many did you have? Honestly? We used to get ours at Claire's in the mall, and I'm sure I got through a few.

I have now found the grown-up version. They're on Etsy and they are completely awesome!!

I came across them completely by accident while browsing Etsy one day. I knew I wanted to get my besties (mwah! Love ya buddies! xxx) and I some matching jewellery, but I was thinking more along the lines of friendship bracelets (we got those as well  at a stall at Farm Festival for my 30th Bday, so it all worked out!) but I wasn't expecting these.

"Best Bitches".

Could not have said it better. I knew they'd be perfect so I ordered them four months in advance of Christmas (no I'm not really that organized, just didn't want to wait!) from "Ouroboros Designs LA" on Etsy (shop here: OroborosDesign'msLA ). 

Tara is the shop owner and she could not have been more kind and obliging if she were Mary freaking Poppins! Especially as I was fussy about the postage and packaging and changed my mind on order dates about three times...she kindly looked past all of that and still provided me with awesome personal service and friendliness! 

She makes all of her pieces by hand, many of which are made to order, and can even make bespoke pieces should you so wish. The prices were reasonable and the quality excellent! I've been wearing mine since New Year's Eve when I bestowed the broken heart upon my best friends. 

Tara also creates beautiful Native American inspired pieces and charming woodland creatures. I like the look of the Art Deco rings and earrings, and the black diamond ankh ring. 

Deco-Tribe earrings

I had a really cool shopping experience with Tara and Ouroboros Designs and I'm loving the necklace like crazy! I feel a huge trend stemming so go and get your best bitches their nametags!

Find Tara at: www.etsy.com/shop/OuroborosDesignsLA

And on Twitter: @OuroborosLA

Amy's Beauty Must-Haves

Amy Hamilton and I met 8 years ago at a Cancer Research UK charity shop which she was managing at the time. She has since opened her own impossibly hip vintage store, Rhubarb Jumble, in Bristol. She's a humanitarian eco-warrior with a deeply awesome sense of personal style. I've always known of her love affair with beauty products so I asked her to share her top picks with Style Surround. Here's what she said:

As Laura knows, I like my products although I'm a lot more frugal these days so I invest wisely.

I'm not too fussy with what I wash my face with, (any face wash that doesn't have microbeads in them as I heard they are bad for the environment because they never break down).

I always use oil of Olay moisturiser- cheap and cheerful! I just love Laura Mercier primer and tinted moisturiser, it lasts for ages and has excellent lightweight coverage, so is worth the investment. I've used it for about 7 years and have never been tempted to stray!
Laura Mercier primer

Max factor do a great imitation 'touché éclat' which is so reasonable and often on 3 for 2 offers! I generally think number 7/ maybeline mascara is great and well priced. I love Benefit blushed in Dandelion, and that's me!
Benefit Dandelion Blush

I really like luxurious shower gels, like Molton brown and l'occitane but don't use them all the time. l'occitane have a range in lemon verbena which is just lovely; fresh citrusy and clean smelling! I have the perfume...shower gel...and body lotion!

l'occitane Lemon Verbana

 I also love Jo Malone perfume in Earl grey and cucumber (it's the only perfume Malx has ever commented on me wearing!)
Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber 

During the summer, I would really recommend Ambre Solaire gradual tanning body lotion, it doesn't smell, moisturises well and gives a really even natural coverage, even for my pasty skin!

My hair is really fine and I've recently discovered l'Oreal fibrology thickening shampoo and conditioner, I think it actually works (although I hate l'Oreal as I'm not impressed with their attitude towards animal testing, so I buy with a bit of guilt).

Hope that's enough..I could go on!

Go and say hi to Amy at Rhubarb Jumble in Bristol; you'll get a face full of vintage fashion and quirky finds in store, plus Amy is just really nice to chat to. xx