What I Wore: Leeds Xmas Meet

Dress: Noelle Snowflake by Hell Bunny

Hair accessory: By Sink or Swim

Necklace: Vintage

Gloves: Vintage

Bag: By Banned Clothing (here in red and black)

A couple of weeks ago Rhianna organised a fabulous event in Leeds that gave Yorkshire bloggers a chance to meet up before the busy Christmas season.  At that point I had just found out that there was a chance I was going to be moving to London shortly, and as it was a large event, it meant I got a chance to see all my amazing blogger friends from in and around Leeds I’d met over the last year.  Without getting too cheesy on the subject, this is exactly what I needed.  I have always struggled to make friends and a year ago I was left rather upset by a blogging event where I knew no one and ended up on my own throughout.  I won’t go into it, but there was something of a popularity vote involved and let’s just say I was dead last!

This did put me in a bit of a slump and I was actually scared of going to events for a while.  However since then I’ve met some amazing people.  I look forward to seeing them whenever I come to Leeds so it is one of the reasons I am upset about moving away.

Obviously, the meet had a Christmas theme and I wanted to make an effort, so I used this as an excuse to buy this dress from Hell Bunny.  I am a sucker for a novelty print every now and then and I can think of no better time than Christmas!  This dress comes in a shortened version like a lot of Hell Bunny designs but I opted for the longer version as usual.  I love how the blue fades into the white as the snow flakes fall down the dress, completed with the foxes, deer and candy canes.  Plus with a sweetheart neckline and capped sleeves, it’s practically perfect!   I decided to do something I barely ever do and pair this with my cheap and scratchy, but perfectly shaped petticoat.  I think this was really the detail that gave this a little something extra, and I’ve never had so many compliments in my life.  Even strangers in the street were making comments as they passed, something that would normally make me very paranoid but for once, felt rather nice.  I even met a woman in full 40s gear in the train station who I ended up chatting to for over half an hour!  Due to the seasonal walm weather I paired this with nude tights, which I never wear and felt a little daring.  It felt nice to be out of my comfort zone for once, even in a little way.

Now let’s talk gloves.  These gloves are the new love of my life!  They are a vintage 50s pair I picked up in Lincoln recently.  The detail on them is amazing with a little floral pattern and scalopped edges.  The condition is basically perfect and more amazingy, they actually fit!  I have tiny hands so this was a real find.

Then there is the bag!  I first spotted this bag on Cici Marie way back in February at London Edge.  She had it in red (I believe) but Banned had a mint green one on show that was due out in the new season.  Well since then I have hunted high and low trying to find it, I’d emailed the company and stockists, but no one had it.  Then Cici came to the rescue after spotting it on Audrey Stars Boutique (sadly no longer in stock) and not only that, it was on sale too!  Again this had so many compliments as people thought it was genuine vintage – I adore it.  It even has a removable shoulder strap if you need something a bit more hands-free.

The event itself was so lovely, really relaxed and open.  People could get involved with the craft section or not as they chose, so there was plenty of time to mingle.  There was a raffle where I managed to win an amazing Carnival Light from Rocket and Rye and a great goody-bag to boot.  I got some pics but I was so busy enjoying myself that I didn’t take many, which is the sign of a great day!

Once again a massive thank you to Rhianna for organising such a great event, and thanks to all my lovely Leeds bloggers for making me feel welcome, I sure will miss you guys!